bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Change in Visual Acuity in Albinism in the Early School Years
Authors: Dijkstal Johanna M. , Cooley San-San , Holleschau Ann M. , King Richard A. , Summers C. Gail
Published: July 2011

Purpose:

To determine whether binocular best-corrected visual acuity (B-BCVA) improves in the early school years in patients with albinism and whether this is related to type of albinism, ocular pigment, or appearance of the macula.

Methods:

Patients with albinism seen between 5.5 and 9 years (Visit A) and 9.5 and 14 years of age (Visit B), with visits separated by at least 2.5 years, were included. Type of albinism, B-BCVA, glasses wear, iris pigment and macular transparency grade, and presence or absence of an annular reflex and melanin in the macula were recorded.

Results:

Mean B-BCVA was 20/84 at Visit A and 20/61 at Visit B (
P
< .001). B-BCVA improved in 80%. Improvement in B-BCVA and glasses wear, iris grade, macular grade, macular melanin, and annular reflex were weakly correlated. However, a moderate correlation was found between measured B-BCVA and iris grade at Visit A (r = 0.485,
P
< .001) and Visit B (r = 0.467,
P
< .001), and the presence of macular melanin at Visit A (r = 0.436,
P
< .001) and Visit B (r = 0.482,
P
< .001).

Conclusions:

B-BCVA often improves in albinism in the early school years and this observation should be included in counseling. The etiology is unknown but may be related to change in nystagmus, use of precise null point, developmental maturation, and/or some of the ocular characteristics evaluated in this study.
Aspheric Wavefront-guided LASIK to Treat Hyperopic Presbyopia: 12-Month Results With the VISX Platform
Authors: Jackson W. Bruce , Tuan Kuang-mon Ashley , Mintsioulis George
Published: July 2011

PURPOSE:

To evaluate an aspheric ablation profile to improve near vision in presbyopic patients with hyperopia and to outline the key factors of success.

METHODS:

A prospective, nonrandomized, clinical trial of 66 eyes of 33 hyperopic patients who underwent customized bilateral refractive surgery, which included an aspheric presbyopia treatment shape and wavefront-driven hyperopic treatment, was studied. Surgeries were performed using the VISX STAR S4 or STAR S4 IR excimer laser system (Abbott Medical Optics). Mean preoperative refractive error was +1.77±0.56 diopters (D) sphere (range: 0.75 to 3.50 D) with 0.41±0.34 D cylinder (range: 0.00 to 1.50 D). All patients received full distance refractive correction. No patients received monovision or were intentionally left with residual myopia. Patient satisfaction results were evaluated using a questionnaire with a 5-point scale.

RESULTS:

Sixty eyes completed 6-month and 50 eyes completed 12-month postoperative follow-up. At 6 months, mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 20/20±1 line (range: 20/25 to 20/10). Mean gain in distance-corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA) was 2.7±1.7 lines with a maximum of 6 lines of near. Spectacle dependence for tasks, such as reading and computer use, was reduced. At 12 months, 100% of patients had achieved binocular simultaneous uncorrected vision of 20/25 or better and J3. Refraction was stable over 12 months. Contrast sensitivity reduction was clinically insignificant (1 step or 0.15 logCS). Negative spherical aberration highly correlated with postoperative improvement of DCNVA. Patients who had a larger amount of preoperative hyperopia or a greater decrease of preoperative DCNVA were more likely to have overall satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS:

The aspheric ablation designed to expand near functional vision was effective and stable over 12 months. The wavefront-customized hyperopic treatment significantly reduced spectacle dependence.
Photorefractive Keratectomy After Late Traumatic LASIK Flap Loss
Authors: Motwani Manoj , Lizano Guillermo J. , Yam Kenneth , English Carter
Published: July 2011

PURPOSE:

To present a case of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) after late traumatic LASIK flap loss.

METHODS:

The initial LASIK procedure was performed in 2003 with a Moria M2 microkeratome and NIDEK EC-5000 excimer laser using a 5.0/9.0-mm aspheric ablation pattern, resulting in 20/20
+
uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and plano refraction. Traumatic flap loss of the right eye occurred in 2007. The patient was treated for the trauma, and PRK for −5.00 −1.25 × 090° was performed 2 months later.

RESULTS:

Posttraumatic flap loss UDVA was 20/200 in the right eye, with corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of 20/25
+2
. After PRK with mitomycin C (MMC), UDVA was 20/15 2 months postoperatively and was maintained through the last postoperative follow-up in 2010 (approximately 3 years after PRK).

CONCLUSIONS:

Treating a patient with traumatic LASIK flap loss can be done by careful, conservative treatment of the abrasion followed by correction of the refractive error using PRK with MMC.
La ocupación paleolítica del Alentejo meridional: investigación en la cuenca del río Sado
Authors: Burke Ariane , Meignen Liliane , Bisson Michael , Pimentel Nuno , Henriques Virginia , Andrade César , Da Conceição Freitas Maria , Kageyama Masa , Fletcher William , Parslow Carla , Guiducci Dario
Published: July 2011

El proyecto de prospección de la cuenca del río Sado (SRDS), llevado a cabo entre el 2004 y el 2008, se diseñó para suplir la carencia de información concerniente al conocimiento actual de la Prehistoria de Portugal. Aunque la cuenca del río Sado conforma casi un tercio de la superficie continental de Portugal, aún no había recibido la debida atención para el Paleolítico. Antes de este proyecto, prácticamente nada se conocía acerca de la Prehistoria de dicha cuenca, incluyendo la llanura de Alentejo. Nuestros resultados indican una baja densidad de población durante el Paleolítico Medio, rastro de ocupaciones del Paleolítico Inferior y casi ninguna evidencia de ocupaciones asociadas al Paleolítico Reciente. A partir de los datos obtenidos, se desprende un modelo en el que se evidencia que, hacia finales del Paleolítico Medio, hubo una discontinuidad en la ocupación, probablemente asociada a cambios climáticos o del uso del territorio.
Aproximación al aprovisionamiento de materias primas líticas en el yacimiento del Paleolítico medio del Abrigo de la Quebrada (Chelva, Valencia)
Authors: Eixea Aleix , Villaverde Valentín , Zilhão João
Published: July 2011

El objetivo de este trabajo es ofrecer una primera caracterización de las materias primas líticas documentadas en los niveles I al III del yacimiento del Paleolítico medio del Abrigo de la Quebrada. Estos materiales, excavados en las campañas del 2004 y 2007, han sido objeto de una primera caracterización tecnológica (Villaverde et al. 2008) y su análisis ha estado precedido de una campaña de prospección para la localización de las fuentes de aprovisionamiento local, realizada el 2008. Mediante un estudio macroscópico, presentamos las diferentes unidades de materias primas identificadas y sus variantes dentro del contexto regional, así como los diversos afloramientos reconocidos de la zona. Con los datos extraídos se efectúa una primera aproximación a las áreas de captación de recursos de los grupos humanos que utilizaron el abrigo y a las pautas de movilidad que de los datos se infieren.
El Complexo Arqueológico dos Perdigões (Reguengos de Monsaraz, Portugal). Prospecciones Geofísicas - Campañas 2008-09
Authors: Márquez Romero José Enrique , Valera António Carlos , Becker Helmut , Jiménez Jáimez Víctor , Suárez Padilla José
Published: July 2011

En 1997, bajo la coordinación de Era-Arqueología, se efectuaron fotografías aéreas, prospecciones superficiales y sondeos arqueológicos en el yacimiento neolítico-calcolítico de Perdigões (Reguengos de Monsaraz, Portugal), donde, durante más de diez años, se han venido articulando las distintas actuaciones hasta disponer de un esbozo bastante aproximado de su planta. En 2006, se abrió un programa de colaboración entre diversas instituciones internacionales públicas y privadas para impulsar la investigación en Perdigões, en el seno del cual se integra un equipo de la Universidad de Málaga. Como primera aportación concreta de la cooperación hispano-lusa, las prospecciones geofísicas llevadas a cabo en 2008 y 2009 han acrecentado el conocimiento de la traza del sitio. Muestra Perdigões como la yuxtaposición de múltiples recintos de foso subcirculares, que se articulan con un área de necrópolis y un crómlech.
Métaphores du beau et signes visuels dans la pensée de Calvin
Authors: Cottin Jérôme
Published: July 2011

La lutte contre les idoles a masqué un élément important de la théologie de Calvin : elle est ouverte à l’esthétique, à l’heure où l’image passe du statut d’objet de culte à celui d’œuvre d’art. Sa pensée de Dieu revendique constamment la beauté et l’œuvre d’art, cités en tant que métaphores. Cette esthétique s’exprime dans sa théologie de la création et dans celle des sacrements. Elle est supportée par une pensée différenciée des signes, éléments à la fois linguistiques et plastiques, et elle apparaît de ce fait étonnamment moderne.
Le psautier des églises réformées au xvie siècle
Authors: Noailly Jean-Michel
Published: July 2011

Issu des psaumes de Strasbourg de 1539, le psautier de Genève se constitue de 1541 à 1561 avec des traductions de Marot, puis de Bèze, alors que d’autres poètes avaient également traduits les psaumes. Trois musiciens (Franc, Bourgeois, Davantès) ont composé les mélodies. Le psautier a été souvent traduit et a été révisé plusieurs fois, mais sans que l’on touche aux mélodies. Des harmonisations polyphoniques ont été réalisées pour le culte privé. A partir du XVIIIe siècle, des cantiques de plus en plus nombreux s’ajoutent aux psaumes.
Les temples protestants français, XVIe-XVIIe siècles
Authors: Krumenacker Yves
Published: July 2011

Les temples protestants se démarquent des églises catholiques et se caractérisent généralement par un plan centré. L’extérieur, souvent simple, peut être somptueux dans les communautés les plus riches, avec des décors très modernes. L’intérieur, assez sobre, montre cependant une vraie science de l’espace et de l’acoustique. Ainsi a pu se constituer une architecture protestante particulière.
La poésie religieuse des protestants français à l’âge classique
Authors: Goeury Julien
Published: July 2011

Les poètes de confession protestante sont assez nombreux sous le régime de l'édit de Nantes, mais il est plus difficile de définir une poésie protestante. Elle peut se manifester par des manifestations d'identité confessionnelle, mais de plus en plus rares au cours du siècle. Elle peut également se manifester par une dissimulation confessionnelle. Il s'agit dans cet article d'expliquer cette pratique de la dissimulation en la rapportant d'une part à la situation socio-historique des protestants français et d'autre part à un processus d'intégration dans un espace littéraire qui tend à imposer un discours chrétien conforme.
Las armas de los Limia y sus derivaciones (siglos XIII-XV)
Authors: PARDO DE GUEVARA Y VALDÉS Eduardo
Published: July 2011

En los primeros tiempos del fenómeno emblemático-heráldico, la adopción de unas armerías no respondía a un proceso reflexivo, tal y como ahora parecería natural, sino a unos impulsos espontáneos, en los que predominaba el simple gusto o capricho, cuando no la directa imitación o aceptación de modelos ya existentes, con independencia de la significación o valor social que se les reconociera. Un buen testimonio de ello lo ofrecen las armas traídas ya antes de mediar el siglo XIII por el linaje renombrado Limia, cuyo análisis ofrece lecturas interesantes para comprender el sentido y alcance de estos procedimientos habituales. Como se trata aquí, los palos y palados de los Limia fueron traídos después por los Valcárcel y, más tarde, por un pequeño número de linajes de ellos derivados, aunque las modificaciones introducidas parecen ocultar este origen: las varillas de los Varela, las correas de los Isorna, las lanzas parlantes de los Lanzós -o Lanzones- o las estacas de los Quiroga, así como la losa de los Losada y las fórmulas fusionadas de palos y calderas, cuyo inicio pudo estar en los Biedma y que no tardaría en identificar también al grupo de los Taboada y Noguerol.
Methionine-35 of Aβ(1–42): Importance for Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Butterfield D. Allan , Sultana Rukhsana
Published: July 2011

Alzheimer disease (AD) is an age-related progressive neurodegenerative disorder. This devastating disease is characterized by the presence of senile plaques (SP), neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), and loss of synapses. Amyloid beta-peptide 1–42 (Aβ(1–42)) is the main component of SP and is pivotal to AD pathogenesis. Brain of subjects with AD and arguably its earliest manifestation, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), demonstrate increased levels of oxidative stress markers. Our laboratory combined these two aspects of AD and MCI and proposed the Aβ(1–42)-associated free radical oxidative stress hypothesis to explain oxidative stress under which the MCI and AD brain exist and the loss of synapses in both disorders. A large number ofin vitroandin vivostudies showed that Aβcauses protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species formation, and cell death in neuronal and synaptosomal systems. Methionine located at residue 35 of Aβ(1–42) is an important contributor to the oxidative stress associated with this neurotoxic peptide. In this paper, we summarize studies involving Met-35 of Aβ(1–42). Understanding the role of the single methionine residue of Aβ(1–42) may help in understanding underlying disease mechanisms in AD and MCI.
Use of Percutaneous Ethanol Injection Therapy for Recurrent Secondary Hyperparathyroidism after Subtotal Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Douthat Walter G. , Cardozo Gabriela , Garay Gabriela , Orozco Santiago , Chiurchiu Carlos , de la Fuente Jorge , de Arteaga Javier , Massari Pablo U.
Published: July 2011

We evaluated the efficacy of percutaneous ethanol injection therapy (PEIT) as a therapeutic option for recurrence of secondary hyperparathyroidism after subtotal parathyroidectomy in ESRD patients. Six patients underwent PEIT. A mean of 1.3 ± 0.8 ethanol injections was performed. Nodular volume was 1.5 ± 1.7 cm3, and 2.8 ± 2.8 cm3of ethanol was injected per patient. After ethanol injection PTH decreased significantly (1897 ± 754 to 549 ± 863 pg/mL (P<.01)). There was also a reduction in serum calcium, phosphorus and calcium-phosphorus product. A positive and significant correlation was found between nodular volume with ethanol injected and time from parathyroidectomy. Only one patient required hospitalization due to severe hypocalcaemia. In other two cases, local discomfort and temporary mild dysphonia were registered. PEIT is an effective treatment to control recurrences of secondary hyperparathyroidism postsubtotal parathyroidectomy.
Sleep-Wake Patterns during the Acute Phase after First-Ever Stroke
Authors: Bakken Linda N. , Lee Kathryn A. , Kim Hesook Suzie , Finset Arnstein , Lerdal Anners
Published: July 2011

This study describes the pattern of day and night sleep and explores relationships between these patterns and sociodemographic and clinical factors as well as sleep environmental context and the patient's subjective sleep quality. Data from 110 patients with first-ever stroke was collected by structured interview surveys, medical record, and objective estimated sleep data from wrist actigraphy. The variability in estimated sleep is large. Half the patients slept either <6 hours or >8 hours per night, and 78% had more than nine awakenings per night. Men slept less than women, and patients sleeping at home had fewer awakenings than those who slept in hospital. It was estimated sleep during daytime in all, except 4, patients. Longer stay in hospital was related to more daytime sleep, and the subjective sleep quality correlated with estimated sleep time, wake time, and wake percentage.
Évolution de l’inventaire de contours de Fo chez deux enfants français de 10 à 12 mois : l’importance du contexte pour décrire le stade pré-linguistique
Authors: Dodane Christelle , Martel Karine
Published: July 2011

Résumé Cette étude se concentre sur la description des productions de deux enfants, au stade prélinguistique, de l’âge de 10 à 12 mois et notamment sur la description des différents types de contours de fo (fréquence fondamentale) employés par chacun des enfants. Cette période représente une période critique dans le développement du langage et les contours d’intonation, une ressource indispensable pour que l’enfant puisse interagir avec son entourage, l’enfant ne pouvant pas encore s’exprimer avec des mots. La répartition des différents types de contours de f o devrait se modifier en fonction du contexte d’interaction (productions adressées à l’entourage vs. productions non adressées à l’entourage). Les résultats montrent que le contexte affecte différemment les productions des deux enfants. Alors que le premier utilise un répertoire de contours de f o largement indifférencié selon le contexte d’interaction, le deuxième différencie nettement ses productions en situation adressée, avec l’utilisation d’un répertoire de contours de f o riche et varié, et en situation non adressée, avec un répertoire de contours très restreint. Il semble donc indispensable de tenir compte du contexte lorsque l’on veut décrire les productions prélinguistiques.
Multimodality in infancy: vocal-motor and speech-gesture coordinations in typical and atypical development
Authors: Iverson Jana M.
Published: July 2011

Résumé Dès le début de la vie, le comportement expressif est multimodal ; il se compose de coordinations comportementales précoces qui vont s’affiner et se renforcer avec le temps de façon à être utilisées pour la communication de sens. Parmi ces coordinations communicatives, celles qui impliquent les gestes et le langage sont certainement celles qui ont reçu la plus grande attention empirique, mais on sait peu de chose sur les origines développementales des liens entre gestes et langage. Une des possibilités réside dans le fait que les origines des coordinations gestes-langage reposent sur les relations entre la main et la bouche observées dans les activités sensorimotrices de tous les jours des très jeunes enfants qui n’utilisent pas encore la main ou la bouche pour communiquer du sens. Dans cet article, je passe en revue des preuves qui suggèrent que l’étude des liens entre gestes et langage et les couplages développementalement précoces entre des systèmes vocaux et moteurs dans la petite enfance peuvent fournir un aperçu précieux sur un certain nombre de développements ultérieurs qui reflètent l’interdépendance cognitive entre gestes et langage. Ceci comprend des aspects liés au développement du langage et à des retards dans cette acquisition, les origines infantiles du système gestes/langage que l’on retrouve chez l’adulte et les signes précoces des troubles autistiques. L’implication de ces résultats quant à l’étude du développement de la communication multimodale est envisagée.
Une réconciliation germano-polonaise fragilisée par le débat sur les expulsions ?
Authors: Niewiedzial Agnieszka
Published: July 2011

S’appuyant sur la distinction entre « mémoire historique » et « mémoire commune », l’auteur analyse les réactions contrastées des élites polonaises et des habitants des régions anciennement allemandes aux projets du Centre contre les expulsions et aux initiatives de la Société prussienne. L’étude des entreprises mémorielles dans les localités de la commune de Korfantów en Haute-Silésie, repeuplées après l’expatriation de leurs habitants allemands par les rapatriés polonais de l’Est, révèle la pluralité des ressources et des acteurs mobilisés dans le réexamen du passé. La perspective de la sociologie de la mémoire adoptée ici invite à reconsidérer la part qu’occupe la « concurrence des victimes » dans la dynamique mémorielle autour des « passés douloureux ».
The Scrotal Elevator: A Novel Scrotal Retractor for Perineal Approach Surgery
Authors: Nash Guy
Published: July 2011

Thorough examination under anaesthetic of the rectum and anus demands an adequate view of the perineum [...]
On the scattering problem in Ryckman's class of Jacobi matrices
Authors: Golinskii Leonid B. , Kheifets Alexander , Yuditskii Peter
Published: July 2011

We give a complete solution of the scattering problem for Jacobi matrices from a class which was recently introduced by E. Ryckman. We characterize the scattering data for this class and illustrate the inverse scattering on some examples.
Non-random perturbations of the Anderson Hamiltonian
Authors: Molchanov Stanislav , Vainberg Boris
Published: July 2011

The Anderson Hamiltonian

H_0=-\Delta+V(x,\omega)

is considered, where

V

is a random potential of Bernoulli type. The operator

H_0

is perturbed by a non-random, continuous potential

-v(x) \leq 0

, decaying at infinity. It will be shown that the borderline between finitely, and infinitely many negative eigenvalues of the perturbed operator, is achieved with a decay of the potential

-v(x)

as

O(\ln^{-2/d} |x|)

.
Categorification of level two representations of quantum $sl_n$ via generalized arc rings
Authors: Chen Yanfeng
Published: July 2011

In this paper we construct an extension of the arc ring

H^n

introduced by Khovanov (2002), and use it to categorify level two representations of

U_q(sl_N)

. These rings also induce invariants of tangle
The embedding theorem for finite depth subfactor planar algebras
Authors: Jones Vaughan F. R. , Penneys David
Published: July 2011

We define a canonical planar *-algebra from a strongly Markov inclusion of finite von Neumann algebras. In the case of a connected unital inclusion of finite dimensional C*-algebras with the Markov trace, we show this planar algebra is isomorphic to the bipartite graph planar algebra of the Bratteli diagram of the inclusion. Finally, we show that a finite depth subfactor planar algebra is a planar subalgebra of the bipartite graph planar algebra of its principal graph.
Serologic Evidence of Arboviral Infections among Humans in Kenya
Authors: Sutherland Laura J. , Cash Ayla A. , Huang Yan-Jang Scott , Sang Rosemary C. , Malhotra Indu , Moormann Ann M. , King Christopher L. , Weaver Scott C. , King Charles H. , LaBeaud A. Desiree
Published: July 2011

Outbreaks of arthropod-borne viral infections occur periodically across Kenya. However, limited surveillance takes place during interepidemic periods. Using serum samples obtained from asymptomatic persons across Kenya in 2000–2004, we assessed (by indirect immunofluorescent assay) prevalence of IgG against yellow fever virus (YFV), West Nile virus (WNV), tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), dengue virus serotypes 1–4 (DENV1-4), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Older persons on the Indian Ocean coast were more likely to be seropositive than children inland: YFV = 42% versus 6%, WNV = 29% versus 6%, TBEV = 16% versus 6%, DENV-1 = 63% versus 9%, DENV-2 = 67% versus 7%, DENV-3 = 55% versus 6%, DENV-4 = 44% versus 8%, and CHIKV = 37% versus 20%. Among inland samples, children in lowlands were more likely to be seropositive for CHIKV (42% versus 0%) than children in highlands. In Kenya, transmission of arboviral infection continues between known epidemics and remains common across the country.
Atypical Lesions as a Sign of Cutaneous Dissemination of Visceral Leishmaniasis in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Positive Patient Simultaneously Infected by Two Viscerotropic Leishmania Species
Authors: Santos-Oliveira Joanna R. , Da-Cruz Alda M. , Pires Lucy H. S. , Cupolillo Elisa , Kuhls Katrin , Giacoia-Gripp Carmem B. W. , Oliveira-Neto Manoel P.
Published: July 2011

Leishmaniasis is considered an emerging opportunistic disease in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected patients who have considerably variable clinical presentation. We report a patient with visceral leishmaniasis who had unexpected clinical aspects (atypical cutaneous lesions appearing after long-term evidence of visceral parasites). The patient had hepatoesplenomegaly in the absence of fever, but was otherwise generally healthy. The HIV viral load was low despite severe immunossupression (low lymphocyte proliferation and low level of interferon-γ, concomitant with a high lymphocyte activation status). Surprisingly, two Leishmania strains were isolated from his bone marrow (typical L. infantum sequence MON-1, type A) and skin (L. donovani MON-2 sequence); this second strain had not been previously identified in Brazil. The association of visceral leishmaniasis and HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a largely unknown disease, particularly in areas in which leishmaniasis is not endemic. Such atypical cases indicate that this disease can be undiagnosed in clinical settings.
Insect-Specific Flaviviruses from Culex Mosquitoes in Colorado, with Evidence of Vertical Transmission
Authors: Bolling Bethany G. , Eisen Lars , Moore Chester G. , Blair Carol D.
Published: July 2011

Mosquitoes were collected in Colorado during 2006 and 2007 to examine spatial and seasonal patterns of risk for exposure to Culex vectors and West Nile virus. We used universal flavivirus primers to test pools of Culex mosquitoes for viral RNA. This led to the detection and subsequent isolation of two insect-specific flaviviruses: Culex flavivirus (CxFV), which was first described from Japan, and a novel insect flavivirus, designated Calbertado virus (CLBOV), which has also been detected in California and Canada. We recorded both viruses in Cx. tarsalis and Cx. pipiens from Colorado. Furthermore, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) revealed the presence of CxFV RNA in Cx. pipiens eggs and larvae from a laboratory colony established in 2005 and naturally infected with CxFV, suggesting vertical transmission as a means of viral maintenance in natural Culex populations. Finally, we present phylogenetic analyses of the relationships between insect-specific flaviviruses and other selected flaviviruses.
Assessment of the Epidemiology and Burden of Measles in Southern Mozambique
Authors: Mandomando Inácio , Naniche Denise , Pasetti Marcela F. , Cuberos Lilian , Sanz Sergi , Vallès Xavier , Sigauque Betuel , Macete Eusébio , Nhalungo Delino , Kotloff Karen L. , Levine Myron M. , Alonso Pedro L.
Published: July 2011

Measles has been a major killer among vaccine-preventable diseases in children < 5 years of age in developing countries. Despite progress in global efforts to reduce mortality, measles remains a public health problem. Hospital-based measles surveillance was conducted in Manhica, Mozambique (July 2001–September 2004). Suspected cases and community-based controls were enrolled, and blood was collected for immunoglobulin M (IgM) confirmation. Two hundred fifty-three suspected cases and 477 controls were enrolled, with 85% (216 of 253) cases reported during a measles outbreak. Measles-IgM confirmation was 30% among suspected cases and 5% in controls. Fifty-eight percent (14 of 24) of laboratory-confirmed cases had records indicating previous measles vaccination. Mortality was 3% (8 of 246) among cases and 1% among controls (6 of 426). Forty-five percent (33 of 74) of cases were < 24 months of age and 22% occurred in infants < 9 months of age and were associated with a high case-fatality rate (25%). Our data suggest that improved diagnostics, new tools to protect infants < 9 months of age, and a supplemental dose of measles vaccine could assist measles control.
Molecular Epidemiology of Malaria in Cameroon. XXX. Sequence Analysis of Plasmodium falciparum ATPase 6, Dihydrofolate Reductase, and Dihydropteroate Synthase Resistance Markers in Clinical Isolates from Children Treated with an Artesunate-Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine Combination
Authors: Menemedengue Virginie , Sahnouni Khalifa , Basco Leonardo , Tahar Rachida
Published: July 2011

Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (dhps) genes are reliable molecular markers for antifolate resistance. The P. falciparum ATPase 6 (pfatp6) gene has been proposed to be a potential marker for artemisinin resistance. In our previous clinical study, we showed that artesunate-sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is highly effective against uncomplicated malaria in Yaoundé, Cameroon. In the present study, dhfr, dhps, and pfatp6 mutations in P. falciparum isolates obtained from children treated with artesunate-sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine were determined. All 61 isolates had wild-type Pfatp6 263, 623, and 769 alleles, and 11 (18%) had a single E431K substitution. Three additional mutations, E643Q, E432K, and E641Q, were detected. The results did not indicate any warning signal of serious concern (i.e., no parasites were seen with quintuple dhfr-dhps, DHFR Ile164Leu, or pfatp6 mutations), as confirmed by the high clinical efficacy of artesunate-sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Further studies are required to identify a molecular marker that reliably predicts artemisinin resistance.
Human Schistosomiasis Resistance to Praziquantel in China: Should We Be Worried?
Authors: Seto Edmund Y. W. , Wong Betty K. , Lu Ding , Zhong Bo
Published: July 2011

The efficacy of praziquantel for the treatment of Schistosoma japonicum in humans is reported from a cross-sectional survey conducted in 33 villages in Sichuan Province. Infection prevalence was found to be 5.7% (185 infected of 3,269 tested) in a region where 44–73% prevalence was found 9 years before. Collected miracidia were subjected to an in vitro test of praziquantel susceptibility. An effective concentration of praziquantel associated with 50% of miracidia changing shape was found between 10−8 and 10−7 M and 10−7 and 10−6 M for 10 and 5 minutes of exposure, respectively. After treating infected persons two times with 40-mg/kg doses of praziquantel, only one remained infected. Findings are reported from a 60-household questionnaire on attitudes and behaviors that may be associated with development of drug resistance. The low number of treatment failures and good compliance with treatment despite side effects and repeated annual treatments suggest that, in the near term, praziquantel remains effective in treating human S. japonicum infection in China.
Malaria Caused by Plasmodium vivax Complicated by Acalculous Cholecystitis
Authors: Curley Justin M. , Mody Rupal M. , Gasser Robert A.
Published: July 2011

We report the first adult cases of acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) exclusively caused by infections with Plasmodium vivax. We reviewed the previous cases of AAC occurring during malaria, compared and contrasted the variables of previously reported cases with the cases reported here, examined the pathogenic link between malaria and AAC, and considered the diagnostic pitfalls and treatment implications as they applied to clinical outcomes in patients with this serious and potentially underrecognized illness.
Challenges in Recognition and Diagnosis of Yaws in Children in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Mitjà Oriol , Hays Russell , Lelngei Francis , Laban Nedley , Ipai Anthony , Pakarui Slim , Bassat Quique
Published: July 2011

A global resurgence of yaws in developing countries highlights the need for reliable diagnostic criteria for this neglected infection. We conducted a clinical and serologic survey of 233 children less than 15 years of age who had clinically suspected yaws. A total of 138 (59%) cases were confirmed serologically, and 10 of 12 primary stage cases showed positive results for Treponema pallidum by a polymerase chain reaction assay that has not yet been validated for identification of yaws. A high proportion of cases (46%) were in the secondary stage; 92% of them had osteoarticular involvement, and only 24% had a Venereal Disease Research Laboratory titer greater than 1:32.
Heightened Measures of Immune Complex and Complement Function and Immune Complex–Mediated Granulocyte Activation in Human Lymphatic Filariasis
Authors: Senbagavalli Prakash , Anuradha Rajamanickam , Ramanathan Vadakkuppattu D. , Kumaraswami Vasanthapuram , Nutman Thomas B. , Babu Subash
Published: July 2011

The presence of circulating immune complexes (CICs) is a characteristic feature of human lymphatic filariasis. However, the role of CICs in modulating granulocyte function and complement functional activity in filarial infection is unknown. The levels of CICs in association with complement activation in clinically asymptomatic, filarial-infected patients (INF); filarial-infected patients with overt lymphatic pathologic changes (CPDT); and uninfected controls (EN) were examined. Significantly increased levels of CICs and enhanced functional efficiency of the classical and mannose-binding lectin pathways of the complement system was observed in INF compared with CPDT and EN. Polyethylene glycol–precipitated CICs from INF and CPDT induced significantly increased granulocyte activation compared with those from EN, determined by the increased production of neutrophil granular proteins and a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, CIC-mediated enhanced granulocyte activation and modulation of complement function are important features of filarial infection and disease.
Reference Intervals for Common Laboratory Tests in Melanesian Children
Authors: Manning Laurens , Laman Moses , Townsend Mary Anne , Chubb Stephen P. , Siba Peter M. , Mueller Ivo , Davis Timothy M. E.
Published: July 2011

Pediatric reference intervals for biochemical tests are often derived from studies in Western countries and may not be applicable to the developing world. No such intervals exist for Melanesian populations. The aim of this study was to provide specific reference intervals for children from Papua New Guinea (PNG). We assayed plasma from 327 healthy Melanesian children living in Madang Province for common biochemical and hematological analytes. We used well-validated commercially available assay methodology. Compared with reference intervals from children from Western countries and/or African children, there were substantial differences in hemoglobin, soluble transferrin receptor, ferritin, calcium, phosphate, and C-reactive protein. Differences in the upper limits of reference intervals for bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase were also observed. Available reference intervals from Western and African countries may be inappropriate in PNG and other Melanesian countries. This has implications for clinical care and safety monitoring in pharmaceutical intervention trials and vaccine studies.
Susceptibility of Vaccinia Virus to Chemical Disinfectants
Authors: de Oliveira Tércia Moreira Ludolfo , Rehfeld Izabelle Silva , Coelho Guedes Maria Isabel Maldonado , Ferreira Jaqueline Maria Siqueira , Kroon Erna Geessien , Lobato Zélia Inês Portela
Published: July 2011

Vaccinia virus (VACV) is the cause of bovine vaccinia (BV), an emerging zoonotic disease that affects dairy cows and milkers. Some chemical disinfectants have been used on farms affected by BV to disinfect cow teats and milkers' hands. To date, there is no information about the efficacy of disinfectants against VACV. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the virucidal activity of some active disinfectants commonly used in the field. Sodium hypochlorite, quaternary ammonium combined with chlorhexidine, and quaternary ammonium combined with glutaraldehyde were effective in inactivating the virus at all concentrations tested. Iodine and quaternary ammonium as the only active component were partially effective. The presence of bovine feces as organic matter and light decreased the effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite. These results show that an appropriated disinfection and asepsis of teats and hands may be helpful in the control and prevention of BV and other infections with VACV.
Ivermectin Mass Drug Administration to Humans Disrupts Malaria Parasite Transmission in Senegalese Villages
Authors: Kobylinski Kevin C. , Sylla Massamba , Chapman Phillip L. , Sarr Moussa D. , Foy Brian D.
Published: July 2011

Ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA) to humans is used to control onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. Recent field studies have shown an added killing effect of ivermectin MDA against malaria vectors. We report that ivermectin MDA reduced the proportion of Plasmodium falciparum infectious Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) in treated villages in southeastern Senegal. Ivermectin MDA is a different delivery method and has a different mode of action from current malaria control agents. It could be a powerful and synergistic new tool to reduce malaria transmission in regions with epidemic or seasonal malaria transmission, and the prevalence and intensity of neglected tropical diseases.
Molecular Characterization of Clinical Burkholderia pseudomallei Isolates from India
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay , Kaestli Mirjam , Vandana Kalwaje Eshwara , Sushma Krishna , Mayo Mark , Richardson Leisha , Tuanyok Apichai , Keim Paul , Godoy Daniel , Spratt Brian G. , Currie Bart J.
Published: July 2011

Multilocus sequence typing of seven isolates of Burkholderia pseudomallei from India showed considerable diversity, with six different sequence types. Possible dissemination of melioidosis by historical trading routes is supported by links to strains from Southeast Asia, China, and Africa and the presence of the Burkholderia mallei allele of the bimA gene.
What Affects Clinicians’ Usage of Health Information Exchange?
Authors: Volk L. , Simon S. , Bates D. , Rudin R.
Published: July 2011

Background: The ability to electronically exchange health information among healthcare providers holds enormous promise to improve care coordination and reduce costs. Provider-to-provider data exchange is an explicit goal of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and may be essential for the long-term success of the Affordable Care Act of 2010. However, little is known about what factors affect clinicians’ usage of health information exchange (HIE) functionality.

Objective: To identify factors that affect clinicians’ HIE usage - in terms of frequency of contributing data to and accessing data from aggregate patient records - and suggest policies for fostering its usage.

Methods: We performed a qualitative study using grounded theory by interviewing clinician-users and HIE staff of one operational HIE which supported aggregate patient record functionality. Fifteen clinicians were interviewed for one hour each about what factors affect their HIE usage. Five HIE staff were asked about technology and training issues to provide context. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed. Recruitment excluded clinicians with little or no familiarity with the HIE and was restricted to one community and a small number of specialties.

Results: Clinicians were motivated to access the HIE by perceived improvements in care quality and time savings, but their motivation was moderated by an extensive list of factors including gaps in data, workflow issues and usability issues. HIE access intensities varied widely by clinician. Data contribution intensities to the HIE also varied widely and were affected by billing concerns and time constraints.

Conclusions: Clinicians, EHR and HIE product vendors and trainers should work toward integrating HIE into clinical workflows. Policies should create incentives for HIE organizations to assist clinicians in using HIE, develop measures of HIE contributions and accesses, and create incentives for clinicians to contribute data to HIEs.
Parental influence over mate choice in a post-industrial context
Authors: Apostolou Menelaos
Published: July 2011

Conflicting interests over mating underpin parental attempts to control the mating behaviour of their children. In post-industrial societies, certain constraints prevent parents from enforcing direct control, however, this paper hypothesises that parents maintain a considerable interest in influencing their offspring’s mate choices. It is further hypothesised that wealthy parents are more interested in influencing their children’s mating behaviour than less wealthy ones, and that parents are more interested in influencing the mate choices of their daughters than of their sons. Finally, the hypothesis is tested that mothers and fathers have an equal interest in the mating behaviour of their offspring. Evidence from a sample of 340 parents provides support for the first three hypotheses, but it indicates that mothers are more interested in influencing their children’s mate choices than fathers.
Impacts of 2006 Indonesian fires on tropical upper tropospheric carbon monoxide and ozone
Authors: Zhang L. , Li Q. , Jin J. , Liu H. , Livesey N. , Jiang J. , Mao Y. , Chen D. , Luo M.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. We investigate the relative impacts of biomass burning emissions and dynamics on tropical upper tropospheric carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone (O3) over western and central Indonesia during the August-November 2006 fires in equatorial Asia by using a global three-dimensional model of tropospheric chemistry (GEOS-Chem) and by comparing model results with Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) observations of upper tropospheric CO and O3. GEOS-Chem CO and O3 reproduce MLS observed enhancements from convective lifting of fire emissions. In the tropical upper troposphere (UT), fire effluents from equatorial Asia are primarily transported southwestward to the eastern tropical Indian Ocean, driven by the high-pressure systems along 10° N–15° N and 10° S–15° S latitudes, and northeastward to southeast Asia and beyond, driven by the western North Pacific subtropical high. A characteristic feature of these CO enhancements is that they lag behind biomass burning emissions (by 2–3 weeks) at the three pressure levels from 215 hPa to 100 hPa, resulting form the decreasing influence of deep convective lifting with altitude in the UT. We estimate the fire influences by contrasting one model simulation with year-specific and another with climatological biomass burning emissions. Biomass burning accounts for about 50–150 ppbv of CO and 5–20 ppbv of O3 in the tropical UT below 100 hPa during October and November, with temporal variations driven by biomass burning and deep convection. We estimate the dynamic impacts by examining the difference between a model simulation for 2006 (El Niño) and another for 2005 (neutral). The dynamic impacts are far more complex and account for up to 100 ppb of CO and 30 ppb of O3 in the tropical UT below 100 hPa. The temporal variation of the dynamic impact on CO is driven by deep convection. The variation of the dynamic impact on O3 not only depends on deep convection but also reflects the non-linearity of O3 chemistry.
Formation of 3-methyl-1,2,3-butanetricarboxylic acid via gas phase oxidation of pinonic acid – a mass spectrometric study of SOA aging
Authors: Müller L. , Reinnig M. C. , Naumann K. H. , Saathoff H. , Mentel T. F. , Donahue N. M. , Hoffmann T.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. This paper presents the results of mass spectrometric investigations of the OH-initiated oxidative aging of α-pinene SOA under simulated tropospheric conditions at the large aerosol chamber facility AIDA, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. In particular, the OH-initiated oxidation of pure pinic and pinonic acid, two well-known oxidation products of α-pinene, was investigated. Two complementary analytical techniques were used, on-line atmospheric pressure chemical ionization/mass spectrometry (APCI/MS) and filter sampling followed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS). The results show that 3-methyl-1,2,3-butanetricarboxylic acid (MBTCA), a known and very low volatile α-pinene SOA product, is formed from the oxidation of pinonic acid and that this oxidation takes place in the gas phase. This finding is confirmed by temperature-dependent aging experiments on whole SOA formed from α-pinene, in which the yield of MBTCA scales with the pinonic acid fraction in the gas phase. Based on the results, several feasible gas-phase radical mechanisms are discussed to explain the formation of MBTCA from OH-initiated pinonic acid oxidation.
Interferences of commercial NO2 instruments in the urban atmosphere and in a smog chamber
Authors: Villena G. , Bejan I. , Kurtenbach R. , Wiesen P. , Kleffmann J.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Reliable measurements of atmospheric trace gases are necessary for both, a better understanding of the chemical processes occurring in the atmosphere, and for the validation of model predictions. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a toxic gas and is thus a regulated air pollutant. Besides, it is of major importance for the oxidation capacity of the atmosphere and plays a pivotal role in the formation of ozone and acid precipitation. Detection of NO2 is a difficult task since many of the different commercial techniques used are affected by interferences. The chemiluminescence instruments that are used for indirect NO2 detection in monitoring networks and smog chambers use either molybdenum or photolytic converters and are affected by either positive (NOy) or negative interferences (radical formation in the photolytic converter). Erroneous conclusions on NO2 can be drawn if these interferences are not taken into consideration. In the present study, NO2 measurements in the urban atmosphere, in a road traffic tunnel and in a smog-chamber using different commercial techniques, i.e. chemiluminescence instruments with molybdenum or photolytic converters, a Luminol based instrument and a new NO2-LOPAP, were compared with spectroscopic techniques, i.e. DOAS and FTIR. Interferences of the different instruments observed during atmospheric measurements were partly characterised in more detail in the smog chamber experiments. Whereas all the commercial instruments showed strong interferences, excellent agreement was obtained between a new NO2-LOPAP instrument and the FTIR technique for the measurements performed in the smog chamber.
Water table height and microtopography control biogeochemical cycling in an Arctic coastal tundra ecosystem
Authors: Lipson D. A. , Zona D. , Raab T. K. , Bozzolo F. , Mauritz M. , Oechel W. C.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Drained thaw lake basins (DTLB) are the dominant land form of the Arctic coastal plain in northern Alaska. The presence of continuous permafrost prevents drainage and so water tables generally remain close to the soil surface, creating saturated, suboxic soil conditions. However, ice wedge polygons produce microtopographic variation in these landscapes, with raised areas such as polygon rims creating more oxic microenvironments. The peat soils in this ecosystem store large amounts of organic carbon which is vulnerable to loss as arctic regions continue to rapidly warm, and so there is great motivation to understand the controls over microbial activity in these complex landscapes. Here we report the effects of experimental flooding, along with seasonal and spatial variation in soil chemistry and microbial activity in a DTLB. The flooding treatment generally mirrored the effects of natural landscape variation in water table height due to microtopography. Areas in the flooded areas had lower dissolved oxygen, lower oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and higher pH, as did lower elevation areas of the landscape. Similarly, soil pore water concentrations of dissolved ferric iron (Fe III), organic carbon, and aromatic compounds were higher in flooded and low elevation areas. Dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) concentrations were higher in low elevation areas. In anaerobic laboratory incubations, more CH4 was produced by soils from low and flooded areas, whereas anaerobic CO2 production only responded to flooding in high elevation areas. Seasonal changes in the oxidation state of solid phase Fe minerals showed that significant dissimilatory Fe reduction occurred, especially in topographically low areas. This suite of results can all be attributed to the effect of water table on oxygen availability: flooded conditions promote anoxia, stimulating anaerobic processes, methanogenesis and Fe(III) reduction. Flooding also increased soil temperature, which might account for the higher N mineralization rates and dissolved P concentrations observed in flooded areas, though the latter could also have resulted from solubilization of Fe-P minerals under more reducing conditions. Overall, the results indicate that the microbial community is well-adapted for anaerobic respiration, in particular, dissimilatory Fe(III) reduction, and could have implications for some high Arctic areas where warming and flooding are likely consequences of climate change.