bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerating failure rate of the ASR total hip replacement
Authors: Langton D. J. , Jameson S. S. , Joyce T. J. , Gandhi J. N. , Sidaginamale R. , Mereddy P. , Lord J. , Nargol A. V. F.
Published: July 2011

There is widespread concern regarding the incidence of adverse soft-tissue reactions after metal-on-metal (MoM) hip replacement. Recent National Joint Registry data have shown clear differences in the rates of failure of different designs of hip resurfacing. Our aim was to update the failure rates related to metal debris for the Articular Surface Replacement (ASR). A total of 505 of these were implanted.

Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a failure rate of 25% at six years for the ASR resurfacing and of 48.8% for the ASR total hip replacement (THR). Of 257 patients with a minimum follow-up of two years, 67 (26.1%) had a serum cobalt concentration which was greater than 7 μg/l. Co-ordinate measuring machine analysis of revised components showed that all patients suffering adverse tissue reactions in the resurfacing group had abnormal wear of the bearing surfaces. Six THR patients had relatively low rates of articular wear, but were found to have considerable damage at the trunion-taper interface. Our results suggest that wear at the modular junction is an important factor in the development of adverse tissue reactions after implantation of a large-diameter MoM THR.
Does chronic medial collateral ligament laxity influence the outcome of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction?
Authors: Zaffagnini S. , Bonanzinga T. , Muccioli G. M. Marcheggiani , Giordano G. , Bruni D. , Bignozzi S. , Lopomo N. , Marcacci M.
Published: July 2011

We have shown in a previous study that patients with combined lesions of the anterior cruciate (ACL) and medial collateral ligaments (MCL) had similar anteroposterior (AP) but greater valgus laxity at 30° after reconstruction of the ACL when compared with patients who had undergone reconstruction of an isolated ACL injury. The present study investigated the same cohort of patients after a minimum of three years to evaluate whether the residual valgus laxity led to a poorer clinical outcome.

Each patient had undergone an arthroscopic double-bundle ACL reconstruction using a semitendinosus-gracilis graft. In the combined ACL/MCL injury group, the grade II medial collateral ligament injury was not treated. At follow-up, AP laxity was measured using a KT-2000 arthrometer, while valgus laxity was evaluated with Telos valgus stress radiographs and compared with the uninjured knee. We evaluated clinical outcome scores, muscle girth and time to return to activities for the two groups.

Valgus stress radiographs showed statistically significant greater mean medial joint opening in the reconstructed compared with the uninjured knees (1.7 mm (sd 0.9) versus 0.9 mm (sd 0.7), respectively, p = 0.013), while no statistically significant difference was found between the AP laxity and the other clinical parameters. Our results show that the residual valgus laxity does not affect AP laxity significantly at a minimum follow up of three years, suggesting that no additional surgical procedure is needed for the medial collateral ligament in combined lesions.
Angular deformity of the ankle with sparing of the distal fibula following meningococcal septicaemia
Authors: Monsell F. P. , McBride A. R. T. , Barnes J. R. , Kirubanandan R.
Published: July 2011

Progressive angular deformity of an extremity due to differential physeal arrest is the most common late orthopaedic sequela following meningococcal septicaemia in childhood. A total of ten patients (14 ankles) with distal tibial physeal arrest as a consequence of meningococcal septicaemia have been reviewed. Radiological analysis of their ankles has demonstrated a distinct pattern of deformity. In 13 of 14 cases the distal fibular physis was unaffected and continued distal fibular growth contributed to a varus deformity. We recommend that surgical management should take account of this consistent finding during the correction of these deformities.
Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation of bone
Authors: Berber O. , Dawson-Bowling S. , Jalgaonkar A. , Miles J. , Pollock R. C. , Skinner J. A. , Aston W. J. S. , Briggs T. W. R.
Published: July 2011

We describe 22 cases of bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation, or Nora’s lesion. These are surface-based osteocartilaginous lesions typically affecting the hands and feet. All patients were identified from the records of a regional bone tumour unit and were treated between 1985 and 2009. Nine lesions involved the metacarpals, seven the metatarsals, one originated from a sesamoid bone of the foot and five from long bones (radius, ulna, tibia, and femur in two). The mean age of the patients was 31.8 years (6 to 66), with 14 men and eight women. Diagnosis was based on the radiological and histological features. The initial surgical treatment was excision in 21 cases and amputation of a toe in one. The mean follow-up was for 32 months (12 to 162). Recurrence occurred in six patients (27.3%), with a mean time to recurrence of 49 months (10 to 120). Two of the eight patients with complete resection margins developed a recurrence (25.0%), compared with four of 14 with a marginal or incomplete resection (28.6%).

Given the potential surgical morbidity inherent in resection, our data suggest that there may be a role for a relatively tissue-conserving approach to the excision of these lesions.
Early to mid-term results of ceramic-on-ceramic total hip replacement
Authors: Stafford G. H. , Islam S. Ul , Witt J. D.
Published: July 2011

Ceramic-on-ceramic bearings in hip replacement have low rates of wear and are increasingly being used in young adults. Our aim was to determine the incidence of audible phenomena or other bearing-related complications.

We retrospectively analysed 250 ceramic-on-ceramic hip replacements in 224 patients which had been implanted between April 2000 and December 2007. The mean age of the patients at operation was 44 years (14 to 83) and all the operations were performed using the same surgical technique at a single centre.

At a mean follow-up of 59 months (24 to 94), the mean Oxford hip score was 40.89 (11 to 48). There were six revisions, three of which were for impingement-related complications. No patient reported squeaking, but six described grinding or clicking, which was usually associated with deep flexion. No radiological evidence of osteolysis or migration of the components was observed in any hip.

The early to mid-term results of contemporary ceramic-on-ceramic hip replacement show promising results with few concerns in terms of noise and squeaking. Positioning of the acetabular component remains critical in regard to the reduction of other impingement-related complications.
A randomised, controlled trial of circumpatellar electrocautery in total knee replacement without patellar resurfacing
Authors: van Jonbergen H. P. W. , Scholtes V. A. B. , van Kampen A. , Poolman R. W.
Published: July 2011

The efficacy of circumpatellar electrocautery in reducing the incidence of post-operative anterior knee pain is unknown. We conducted a single-centre, outcome-assessor and patient-blinded, parallel-group, randomised, controlled trial to compare circumpatellar electrocautery with no electrocautery in total knee replacement in the absence of patellar resurfacing. Patients requiring knee replacement for primary osteoarthritis were randomly assigned circumpatellar electrocautery (intervention group) or no electrocautery (control group). The primary outcome measure was the incidence of anterior knee pain. A secondary measure was the standardised clinical and patient-reported outcomes determined by the American Knee Society scores and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis index. A total of 131 knees received circumpatellar electrocautery and 131 had no electrocautery.

The overall incidence of anterior knee pain at follow-up at one year was 26% (20% to 31%), with 19% (12% to 26%) in the intervention group and 32% (24% to 40%) in the control group (p = 0.02). The relative risk reduction from electrocautery was 40% (9% to 61%) and the number needed to treat was 7.7 (4.3 to 41.4). The intervention group had a better mean total WOMAC score at follow-up at one year compared with the control group (16.3 (0 to 77.7) versus 21.6 (0 to 76.7), p = 0.04). The mean post-operative American Knee Society knee scores and function scores were similar in the intervention and control groups (knee score: 92.4 (55 to 100) versus 90.4 (51 to 100), respectively (p = 0.14); function score: 86.5 (15 to 100) versus 84.5 (30 to 100), respectively (p = 0.49)).

Our study suggests that in the absence of patellar resurfacing electrocautery around the margin of the patella improves the outcome of total knee replacement.
Inflammation related to synovectomy during total knee replacement in patients with primary osteoarthritis
Authors: Tanavalee A. , Honsawek S. , Rojpornpradit T. , Sakdinakiattikoon M. , Ngarmukos S.
Published: July 2011

We compared inflammation in the knee after total knee replacement (TKR) for primary osteoarthritis between two groups of patients undergoing joint replacement with and without synovectomy. A total of 67 patients who underwent unilateral TKR were randomly divided into group I, TKR without synovectomy, and group II, TKR with synovectomy. Clinical outcomes, serial serum inflammatory markers (including interleukin-6 (IL-6), CRP and ESR) and the difference in temperature of the skin of the knee, compared with the contralateral side, were sequentially evaluated until 26 weeks after surgery.

Pre-operatively, there were no statistically different clinical parameters between groups I and II. At the 26-week follow-up, both groups had a similarly significantly improved American Knee Society clinical score (p < 0.001) and functional score (p < 0.001) with no differences between the groups. Similar changes in serial inflammatory markers were found in both groups, including mean peak levels of IL-6 (189 pg/ml (sd 53.4) versus 201 pg/ml (sd 49.4) for groups I and II, respectively) and CRP (91 mg/L (sd 24.1) versus 88 mg/L (sd 23.4), respectively) on the first post-operative day, returning to pre-operative values at two and six weeks, respectively. The mean peak level of ESR for the respective two groups was 46 mm/hr versus 48 mm/hr at two weeks, which had still not returned to its pre-operative mean value at 26 weeks. The elevation in the skin temperature appeared to mirror the peak elevation of the ESR, with a range of 2.5° C to 4.5° C with some reduction at 26 weeks but still exceeding the pre-operative value.

We concluded that synovectomy at the time of TKR does not provide any benefit to the clinical outcome or shorten the duration of the inflammatory response after surgery.
The treatment of refractory atlanto-axial rotatory fixation using a halo vest
Authors: Tauchi R. , Imagama S. , Kanemura T. , Yoshihara H. , Sato K. , Deguchi M. , Kamiya M. , Ishiguro N.
Published: July 2011

We reviewed seven children with torticollis due to refractory atlanto-axial rotatory fixation who were treated in a halo vest. Pre-operative three-dimensional CT and sagittal CT imaging showed deformity of the superior articular process of C2 in all patients. The mean duration of halo vest treatment was 67 days (46 to 91). The mean follow-up was 34 months (8 to 73); at the latest review six patients demonstrated remodelling of the deformed articular process. The other child, who had a more severe deformity, required C1-2 fusion.

We suggest that patients with atlanto-axial rotatory fixation who do not respond to conservative treatment and who have deformity of the superior articular process of C2 should undergo manipulative reduction and halo-vest fixation for two to three months to induce remodelling of the deformed superior articular process before C1-2 fusion is considered.
Impaction bone grafting
Authors: Putzer D. , Mayr E. , Haid C. , Reinthaler A. , Nogler M.
Published: July 2011

In revision total hip replacement, bone loss can be managed by impacting porous bone chips. In order to guarantee sufficient mechanical strength, the bone chips have to be compacted. The aim of this study was to determine in an in vitro simulation whether the use of a pneumatic hammer leads to higher primary stability than manual impaction. Bone mass characteristics were measured by force and distance variation of a penetrating punch, which was lowered into a plastic cup filled with bone chips. From these measurements bulk density, contact stiffness, impaction hardness and penetration resistance were calculated for different durations of impaction.

We found that the pneumatic method reached higher values of impaction hardness, contact stiffness and bulk density suggesting an increase in stability of the implant. No significant differences were found between the two different methods concerning the penetration resistance. The pneumatic method might reduce the risk of fracture in vivo, as force peaks are smaller and applied for a shorter period. Results from manual impaction showed higher variability and depend much on the experience of the surgeon. The pneumatic hammer is a suitable tool to standardise the impaction process.
Bioengineering reasons for the failure of metal-on-metal hip prostheses
Authors: Fisher J.
Published: July 2011

Bioengineering reasons for increased wear and failure of metal-on-metal (MoM) bearings in hip prostheses have been described. Low wear occurs in MoM hips when the centre of the femoral head is concentric with the centre of the acetabular component and the implants are correctly positioned. Translational or rotational malpositioning of the components can lead to the contact-patch of the femoral component being displaced to the rim of the acetabular component, resulting in a ten- to 100-fold increase in wear and metal ion levels. This may cause adverse tissue reactions, loosening of components and failure of the prosthesis.
Total hip replacement and hemiarthroplasty in mobile, independent patients with a displaced intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck
Authors: Avery P. P. , Baker R. P. , Walton M. J. , Rooker J. C. , Squires B. , Gargan M. F. , Bannister G. C.
Published: July 2011

We reviewed the seven- to ten-year results of our previously reported prospective randomised controlled trial comparing total hip replacement and hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of displaced intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck. Of our original study group of 81 patients, 47 were still alive.

After a mean follow up of nine years (7 to 10) overall mortality was 32.5% and 51.2% after total hip replacement and hemiarthroplasty, respectively (p = 0.09). At 100 months postoperatively a significantly greater proportion of hemiarthroplasty patients had died (p = 0.026). Three hips dislocated following total hip replacement and none after hemiarthroplasty. In both the total hip replacement and hemiarthroplasty groups a deterioration had occurred in walking distance (p = 0.02 and p < 0.001, respectively). One total hip replacement required revision compared with four hemiarthroplasties which were revised to total hip replacements. All surviving patients with a total hip replacement demonstrated wear of the cemented polyethylene component and all hemiarthroplasties had produced acetabular erosion.

There was lower mortality (p = 0.013) and a trend towards superior function in patients with a total hip replacement in the medium term.
Characterization of human septin interactions
Authors: Sandrock Kirstin , Bartsch Ingrid , Bläser Susanne , Busse Anja , Busse Eileen , Zieger Barbara
Published: July 2011

Septins constitute a group of GTP binding proteins that assemble into homo- and hetero-oligomeric complexes and filaments. These higher order septin structures are thought to function like scaffolds and/or diffusion barriers serving as spatial localizers for many proteins with key roles in cell polarity and cell cycle progression. In this study, we extensively characterized septin interaction partners using yeast two-hybrid and three-hybrid systems in addition to precipitation analyses in platelets. As a result, we identified human hetero-trimeric septin complexes on a large scale, which had been only postulated in the past. In addition, we illustrated roles of SEPT9 that might contribute to hetero-trimeric septin complex formation. SEPT9 can substitute for septins of the SEPT2 group and partially for SEPT7. Mutagenic analyses revealed that mutation of a potential phosphorylation site in SEPT7 (Y318) regulates the interaction with other septins. We identified several septin-septin interactions in platelets suggesting a regulatory role of diverse septin complexes in platelet function.
Diagnosis and genotyping of Plasmodium falciparum by a DNA biosensor based on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM)
Authors: Potipitak Tiparat , Ngrenngarmlert Warunee , Promptmas Chamras , Chomean Sirinart , Ittarat Wanida
Published: July 2011

Background: Malaria infection with Plasmodium falciparum is an important basic health problem in the tropical and sub-tropical countries. The standard diagnostic method is blood film examination to visualize parasite morphology. However, in cases of low parasitemia or mixed infection with very low cryptic species, microscopy is not sensitive enough. Therefore, molecular techniques have been widely employed.

Methods: A label-free DNA biosensor based on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) to diagnose and genotype P. falciparum was developed. Avidin-biotin interaction was used to coat the specific biotinylated probe on the gold surface of QCM. The gene encoding merozoite surface protein 2 (msp2) was amplified and the PCR products were then cut with restriction enzyme (MwoI). Enzymatic cutting made the PCR products suitable for QCM development. Hybridization between probe and enzymatic cutting DNA fragments resulted in frequency changes of the QCM.

Results: The newly developed QCM was tested for its diagnosis ability using both malaria laboratory strains and clinical isolates. The biosensor was sensitive at the sub-nanogram level, specific for only P. falciparum detection, no cross-reaction with P. vivax, and stable at room temperature for up to 6 months. Selection of msp2 as a target gene and a geno-typing marker made the QCM potentially useful for falciparum diagnosis simultaneously with genotyping. Potency was tested by genotyping two allelic families of P. falciparum, FC27 and IC1, using malaria laboratory strains, K1 and 3D7, respectively.

Conclusions: The dual function QCM was successfully developed with high sensitivity and specificity, and was cost-effective, stable and field adaptable.
Influence of the adhesive formulation on the mechanical properties and bonding performance of polyurethane prepolymers
Authors: Clauß Sebastian , Gabriel Joseph , Karbach Alexander , Matner Mathias , Niemz Peter
Published: July 2011

Only small amounts of additives are needed to formulate one-component polyurethane (1C PUR) adhesives for various applications. The current study illuminates the effects of the formulation on the mechanical properties of pure adhesives, on the one hand, and their performance in bonded wood joints on the other. Tensile shear tests on bonded wood joints, tensile tests on adhesive films, and nanoindentation measurements in the interphase region of the bond were performed. Analyses by means of infrared, atomic force, and electron microscopy provided the explanatory basis for the results obtained. Additionally to laboratory made 1C PUR, unmodified commercial 1C PUR, melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF), and phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde (PRF) were tested for comparison. The results obtained confirm that the mechanical properties of 1C PUR adhesives are significantly affected by their prepolymer composition. The adhesive formulation by means of additives, on the other hand, does not affect the mechanical properties but is to a large extent responsible for the bonding performance.
The effect of fiber dimensions on fiber network activation and tensile strength
Authors: Pulkkinen Iiro , Alopaeus Ville
Published: July 2011

The objective of this work was to check the fiber network activation parameter developed earlier by the authors for eucalypt pulp fibers to predict technical properties of paper. The fiber size analyses were performed with an optical fiber analyzer that applies 2D image analysis techniques on single fibers. The effects of fiber length, fiber width, fiber wall thickness, and fiber curl distributions on the quality potential of eucalypt fibers were evaluated. Fiber curl and fiber wall thickness based parameters were found to have a high potential for evaluation of eucalypt fiber quality. The variations in technical properties of paper were explained with differences in fiber wall thickness and fiber curl distributions. When the model was tested against industrial long fiber pulps, a further modification for fiber length was needed. The Page tensile strength model and the shear-lag theory were applied for comparison of the results obtained by the network activation model. With the approach presented in this article, the strength characteristics of hardwood and softwood pulps can be easily evaluated based on fiber geometry and water retention value.
Synthesis and properties of resol-type phenol-formaldehyde resins prepared from H2SO4- and HCl-catalyzed phenol-liquefied Cryptomeria japonica wood
Authors: Lee Wen-Jau , Kang Chen-Ling , Chang Kuo-Chun , Chen Yi-Chun
Published: July 2011

Wood of Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar) was liquefied in phenol with H2SO4 or HCl as catalysts and used as raw materials to prepare phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins. The curing behavior and adhesion properties of resins prepared were investigated. Wood liquefied with H2SO4 as a catalyst had better liquefaction effect than that with HCl; however, the reaction of resin synthesis was hard to control due to its quickly increasing viscosity. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis shows that PF resins prepared from HCl-catalyzed liquefied wood had higher reactivity than those of H2SO4-catalyzed wood. These PF resins were employed for manufacturing three-layer plywood. The wet bonding strength of plywood prepared with resins from HCl-catalyzed liquefied wood exceeded 0.7 MPa and fulfilled the requirement of the CNS 1349 standard.
Potential role of estradiol and progesterone in insulin resistance through constitutive androstane receptor
Authors: Masuyama Hisashi , Hiramatsu Yuji
Published: July 2011

Normal pregnancy is characterized by insulin resistance, which contributes to the development of gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia by incompletely understood mechanisms. The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) may participate in insulin resistance in pregnancy, and sex steroids, estradiol (E2) and progesterone, may also be involved. We applied glucose and insulin tolerance tests and measured the expression of gluconeogenic and lipogenic genes in the livers of oophorectomized mice treated with E2and progesterone with or without CAR ligands. We also investigated how E2and progesterone affected CAR-mediated signaling and the activity of transcription factors in gluconeogenesisin vitro. Mice with the concentrations of E2and progesterone within normal physiological range during pregnancy exhibited increased insulin resistance along with increased expression of gluconeogenic and lipogenic genes, and CAR activation rescued the abnormal glucose metabolism. In HepG2 cells, CAR ligands suppressed the gluconeogenic and lipogenic gene expression in the presence of E2and/or progesterone. DNA affinity immunoblotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay revealed that CAR ligand enhanced the recruitment of the gluconeogenic transcription factors, forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α), but sex steroids suppressed these recruitments on the CAR responsive element. Moreover, CAR ligand suppressed the recruitment of FOXO1 and HNF4α on their responsive element in gluconeogenic gene promoters and E2and progesterone augmented these recruitments on their responsive element. Taken together, these findings suggest that the activation of CAR-mediated signaling may ameliorate insulin resistance under relatively high concentrations of E2and progesterone, which were compatible with pregnancy via decreased activities of transcription factors in gluconeogenesis in combination with CAR.
Aromatase expression in Xenopus oocytes: a three cell-type model for the ovarian estradiol synthesis
Authors: Gohin M , Bodinier P , Fostier A , Bobe J , Chesnel F
Published: July 2011

In contrast to the classical model describing the synthesis of androgens and estrogens as restricted to somatic cells, a previous study demonstrated thatXenopus laevisoocytes participate in androgen synthesis. The objective of our study was to determine whetherXenopusoocytes are also involved in estrogen synthesis. More precisely, we analyzed aromatase expression byin situhybridization and RT-QPCR and measured aromatase activity. Aromatase, the enzyme responsible for estrogen synthesis, appears to be expressed and active not only in the follicular cells but also in the vitellogenic oocytes. During late oogenesis, aromatase oocyte expression and activity decreased concomitantly with the trend observed in surrounding follicular layers. In order to investigate the role of estradiol-17β (E2), we studied its effect on oocyte meiotic resumption. It appears that, as inRana pipiens, E2inhibited the follicle-enclosed maturation ofXenopusoocytes, likely through inhibition of LH-induced maturation-inducing steroid synthesis. In addition, E2exerted a slight enhancing action on denuded oocyte maturation whose biological significance remains unclear. Together, our results demonstrate thatXenopusoocyte significantly participates in ovarian E2synthesis and this may be a common feature of vitellogenic vertebrates.
Well-Being of Children With Neurologic Impairment After Fundoplication and Gastrojejunostomy Tube Feeding
Authors: Mahant Sanjay , Pastor Aimee C. , DeOliveira Laurie , Nicholas David B. , Langer Jacob C.
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND:

There is limited understanding on the impact of fundoplication or gastrojejunostomy tube (GJT) feeding in children with neurologic impairment who have swallowing dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and/or dysmotility.

OBJECTIVE:

To explore and understand the well-being of families and their children with neurologic impairment who had either a fundoplication or GJT.

METHODS:

This was a qualitative study using in-depth, individual interviews with parents of children with severe neurologic impairment who had either a fundoplication with gastrostomy or GJT. Parents' perceptions of daily life and QoL were explored in the context of the interventions. Interviews were transcribed, and data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS:

Children and their parents are profoundly impacted by the health condition of the children. QoL effects were similar across spheres of individual and family experience and well-being. Themes related to QoL were: physical health of the child and the future, intense caregiving needs, social isolation and stigma, pervasive impact on the family, financial strain, and the process of finding meaning. Fundoplication and GJT affected feeding tolerance and times, caregiving, and health care utilization. Parents identified how changes in these factors influenced child, parental, and family QoL.

CONCLUSIONS:

The diverse influences of the underlying condition and the interventions should be addressed in the delivery of health services. Future studies of the effectiveness of fundoplication and GJT feeding should address the well-being of the child and family, the impact on family caregiving, and health care utilization.
Impact of Sepsis on Neurodevelopmental Outcome in a Swiss National Cohort of Extremely Premature Infants
Authors: Schlapbach Luregn J. , Aebischer Maude , Adams Mark , Natalucci Giancarlo , Bonhoeffer Jan , Latzin Philipp , Nelle Mathias , Bucher Hans Ulrich , Latal Beatrice ,   the Swiss Neonatal Network and Follow-Up Group
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Neonatal sepsis causes high mortality and morbidity in preterm infants, but less is known regarding the long-term outcome after sepsis. This study aimed to determine the impact of sepsis on neurodevelopment at 2 years' corrected age in extremely preterm infants.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

This was a multicenter Swiss cohort study on infants born between 2000 and 2007 at 2407 to 2767 weeks' gestational age. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development–II. Neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) was defined as a Mental or Psychomotor Developmental Index lower than 70, cerebral palsy (CP), or visual or auditory impairment.

RESULTS:

Of 541 infants, 136 (25%) had proven sepsis, 169 (31%) had suspected sepsis, and 236 (44%) had no signs of infection. CP occurred in 14 of 136 (10%) infants with proven sepsis compared with 10 of 236 (4%) uninfected infants (odds ratio [OR]: 2.90 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–6.89]; P = .016). NDI occurred in 46 of 134 (34%) infants with proven sepsis compared with 55 of 235 (23%) uninfected infants (OR: 1.85 [95% CI: 1.12–3.05]; P = .016). Multivariable analysis confirmed that proven sepsis independently increased the risk of CP (OR: 3.23 [95% CI: 1.23–8.48]; P = .017) and NDI (OR: 1.69 [95% CI: 0.96–2.98]; P = .067). In contrast, suspected sepsis was not associated with neurodevelopmental outcome (P > .05). The presence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, pathologic brain ultrasonography, retinopathy, and sepsis predicted the risk of NDI (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Proven sepsis significantly contributes to NDI in extremely preterm infants, independent of other risk factors. Better strategies aimed at reducing the incidence of sepsis in this highly vulnerable population are needed.
Effectiveness of Pentavalent Rotavirus Vaccine Against Severe Disease
Authors: Staat Mary Allen , Payne Daniel C. , Donauer Stephanie , Weinberg Geoffrey A. , Edwards Kathryn M. , Szilagyi Peter G. , Griffin Marie R. , Hall Caroline B. , Curns Aaron T. , Gentsch Jon R. , Salisbury Shelia , Fairbrother Gerry , Parashar Umesh D. ,   the New Vaccine Surveillance Network (NVSN)
Published: July 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of complete and partial vaccination with the pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV5) in the prevention of rotavirus acute gastroenteritis (AGE) hospitalizations and emergency department visits during the first 3 rotavirus seasons after vaccine introduction.

METHODS:

Active, prospective population-based surveillance for AGE and acute respiratory infection (ARIs) in inpatient and emergency department settings provided subjects for a case-control evaluation of VE in 3 US counties from January 2006 through June 2009. Children with laboratory-confirmed rotavirus AGE (cases) were matched according to date of birth and onset of illness to 2 sets of controls: children with rotavirus-negative AGE and children with ARI. The main outcome measure was VE with complete (3 doses) or partial (1 or 2 doses) RV5 vaccination.

RESULTS:

Of age-eligible children enrolled, 18% of cases, 54% of AGE controls, and 54% of ARI controls received ≥1 dose of RV5. The VE of RV5 for 1, 2, and 3 doses against all rotavirus genotypes with the use of rotavirus-negative AGE controls was 74% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 37%–90%), 88% (95% CI: 66%–96%), and 87% (95% CI: 71%–94%), respectively, and with the use of ARI controls was 73% (95% CI: 43%–88%), 88% (95% CI: 68%–95%), and 85% (95% CI: 72%–91%), respectively. The overall VE estimates were comparable during the first and second years of life and against AGE caused by different rotavirus strains.

CONCLUSION:

RV5 was highly effective in preventing severe rotavirus disease, even after a partial series, with protection persisting throughout the second year of life.
Developmental and Behavioral Disorders Through the Life Span
Authors: Stein David S. , Blum Nathan J. , Barbaresi William J.
Published: July 2011

Developmental and behavioral disorders including intellectual disability, learning disabilities, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are highly prevalent, chronic health conditions. Despite being versed in caring for children with these conditions, pediatricians might be less prepared for challenging questions from families about the long-term course of these conditions and what can be done to improve outcomes. Through this state-of-the-art review, we provide clinicians with an understanding of the course of these conditions and adult outcomes in several areas including vocational, social, and health domains. We also provide a review of the most current research examining factors that predict or mediate adult outcomes for people with intellectual disability, learning disabilities, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. On the basis of the current literature, we offer practice recommendations aimed at optimizing adult outcomes for those with these disorders.
Additional Ultrastructural Observations of the First Segments of Malpighian Tubules in Cenocorixa bifida (Hemiptera: Corixidae) in Relation to Reabsorption of Solutes
Authors: Jarial Mohinder S , Kelly-Worden Marie
Published: July 2011

The ultrastructure of the first segment of the four-segmented Malpighian tubules of Cenocorixa bifida Hungerford (Hemiptera: Corixidae) is described. The first segment of each of the four tubules empties proximally into the midgut—hindgut junction. Its squamous epithelium is composed of a single layer of binucleated cells containing two types of mitochondria. The cells rest on a prominent basal lamina and possess short, shallow, widely spaced basal plasma membrane infoldings closely associated with large mitochondria and a few short blunt microvilli devoid of mitochondria projecting into the lumen. In sharp contrast, the fourth segment cells that are secretory in function, display numerous, long basal membrane infoldings that penetrate deeply into the cytoplasm and numerous long microvilli at the luminal border. The cytoplasm of the first segment cells contains dense bodies, small mitochondria, microtubules, vesicles, and vacuoles and is rich in smooth endoplasmic reticulum, giving rise to clear vacuoles, but rough endoplasmic reticula and Golgi apparati are sparse. The apical plasma membrane is covered with glycocalyx and displays coated pits pinching off coated vesicles. The apical cytoplasm displays numerous vesicles containing fine granular material, smooth vesicles, dense tubules, large vacuoles, primary lysosomes, and multivesicular bodies. The lateral plasma membranes are linked by extensive junctional complexes each composed of an apical smooth septate junction, intercalated gap junctions, and a basal heterocellular scalariform junction. The contrast in ultrastructural features between of the first segment and fourth segment cells suggests that the first segment is involved in reabsorption than secretion of inorganic and organic solutes.
Bioluminescent Fat Body of Larval Aspisoma lineatum (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) Firefly: Ontogenic Precursor of Lantern's Photogenic Tissue
Authors: Tonolli Paulo N , Okawachi Fernanda M , Abdalla Fábio C , Viviani Vadim R
Published: July 2011

Previously, we found that the fat body of Aspisoma lineatum Gyll (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) firefly larvae is weakly bioluminescent. This tissue is very different from that of other insect larvae. It is macroscopically distinguished by its color (pinkish and whitish), morphology, and the absence of oenocytes. It is composed of trophocytes that are arranged in groups of globular units covered by a layer of basal lamina. The cytochemistry indicated that the trophocytes have glycoproteins, which are produced by a well-developed rough endoplasm reticulum (RER). Expanded RER cisterns indicated intense protein synthesis by the trophocytes. Lipid droplets are also present in the trophocytes. Charge-coupled device imaging showed that the fat body produces a continuous bioluminescence whose intensity is 2–3 orders of magnitude lower than that of the lanterns, a result that is explained by the lower contents of luciferin and luciferase in the fat body compared with the lanterns. Expression of different luciferase isozymes in the fat body and lanterns is confirmed by bioluminescence spectral and kinetic analyses. Trophocytes were identified as the emitting cells, suggesting that the larval and adult lantern's photocytes may have evolved from fat body trophocytes.
Suitability of Monocots for Rearing Alien Coconut Pest Brontispa longissima (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Sugeno W , Kawazu K , Takano S , Nakamura S , Mochizuki A
Published: July 2011

The suitability for larval development of the alien coconut pest Brontispa longissima (Gestro) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on the following 15 monocots was investigated. Arecaceae: Cocos nucifera, Trachycarpus wagnerianus; Typhaceae: Sparganium erectum, Typha latifolia; Poaceae: Avena sativa, Echinochloa esculenta, Hordeum vulgare, Oryza sativa, Sorghum bicolor, Zea mays; and Cyperaceae: Carex morrowii, Cyperus alternifolius, Cyperus esculentus, Cyperus serotinus, and Rhynchospora colorata. The larval survival rate to the adult stage was significantly higher when reared on C. esculentus and C. serotinus (95%); however, it was not significantly different compared with C. nucifera (75%). Sixty, 45, 45, and 10% were observed when reared on T. wagnerianus, S. erectum, T. latifolia, and C. alternifolius, respectively. The larval developmental period reared on C. serotinus was as short as on C. esculentus and on C. nucifera up to adult emergence. The fecundity of adults was examined using C. nucifera, T. wagnerianus, T. latifolia, C. esculentus, and C. serotinus as food plants. In these five plants, the females reared on T. wagnerianus started to lay eggs earliest. However, the preoviposition periods on C. esculentus and C. serotinus were not significantly different from those on C. nucifera and T. latifolia. Numbers of eggs laid per female did not differ significantly among these five plants. Our present results suggest that T. wagnerianus, C. esculentus, and C. serotinus can be used as new food plants in addition to C. nucifera and T. latifolia for rearing B. longissima.
Biology of the Invasive Banded Elm Bark Beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) in the Western United States
Authors: Lee Jana C , Negrón José F , McElwey Sally J , Williams Livy , Witcosky Jeffrey J , Popp John B , Seybold Steven J
Published: July 2011

The banded elm bark beetle, Scolytus schevyrewi Semenov (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), native to Asia, was detected in the United States in 2003, and as of 2011 it is known to occur in 28 states and four Canadian provinces. S. schevyrewi infests the same elm (Ulmus spp.) hosts as the long-established invasive, the European elm bark beetle, Scolytus multistriatus (Marsham). Information on the basic biology of S. schevyrewi in its native range is sparse; thus, we conducted laboratory studies and field studies in Colorado and Nevada. Comparisons of flight and behavioral responses were made with co-occurring S. multistriatus. When Siberian elm, Ulmus pumila L., cut logs (bolts) were allowed to be colonized by wild populations in the field, S. schevyrewi did not differ in emergence density from 10- versus 24-cm-diameter bolts. In the laboratory, S. schevyrewi readily colonized bolts of American elm, Ulmus americana L., but not Chinese elm, Ulmus parvifolia Jacq.; Siberian peashrub, Caragana arborescens Lam.; a cherry, Prunus fontanesiana (Spach) C. K. Schneid.; or Russian olive, Elaeagnus angustifolia L. In Colorado, S. schevyrewi often landed on elm bolts between 12:00 p.m. and 4 p.m.; and near large elm trees, they were captured more frequently on sticky traps at 1.8 and 3.7 m aboveground than higher along the main stem. In Colorado/Nevada, S. schevyrewi initiated flight in April/March and ceased in October/September, whereas S. multistriatus initiated flight in April/May and ceased in October/September. In funnel trap flight assays of semiochemicals in Colorado or Nevada, S. schevyrewi had moderate responses, 3–10-fold greater than unbaited control traps, to Multilure (a commercial lure for S. multistriatus), 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (MB) + multistriatin, and MB + a plant extract that is included in a commercial formulation of Multilure. In contrast, S. multistriatus had a 226–259-fold greater response to Multilure than to the control. Both Scolytus species showed electroantennographic (EAG) responses to MB, racemic multistriatin, and (+)- and (-)-α-inene, with the greatest sensitivity to multistriatin. S. schevyrewi was more responsive to (-)-α-pinene than was S. multistriatus.
Discovery of Internest Dispersal byCrataerina pallida(Diptera: Hippoboscidae)
Authors: Walker M D , Rotherham I D
Published: July 2011

The dispersal of the nest parasite Crataerina pallida Latreille 1812 (Diptera: Hippoboscidae), between nests of their common swift, Apus apus (Aves: Apodidae), hosts is reported for the first time. Adult parasites were marked, and their presence in other nests determined. More than 10% of marked parasites were found in nests other than those in which they were originally marked, indicating that such dispersal is frequent. Because the supposed lack of dispersal of this parasite between common swift hosts that are unrelated has been used to account for its apparent avirulence upon hosts, this discovery has important implications for understanding of this host—parasite system and parasitic virulence. New explanations accounting for its apparent lack of virulence may be required. The results of this preliminary study indicate avenues for more in-depth research of this and other host—parasite systems.
Development and Reproduction of the LacewingsDichochrysa flavifronsandDichochrysa zelleri(Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) Fed on Two Prey Species
Authors: Pappas M L , Broufas G D , Tsarsitalidou O K , Koveos D S
Published: July 2011

The lacewings Dichochrysa flavifrons (Brauer) and Dichochrysa zelleri (Schneider) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) are considered as important biological control agents, and mass rearing is a prerequisite for their use in biological control programs. We evaluated the effect of Ephestia kuehniella Zeller eggs that are widely used for mass rearing other chrysopids and the nymphs of the aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) on the development and reproduction of D. flavifrons and D. zelleri at 25°C and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h. Preimaginal development of D. flavifrons and D. zelleri was significantly shorter when their larvae were fed on E. kuehniella eggs than on A. pisum nymphs. In D. flavifrons, the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was higher when larvae were fed on E. kuehniella eggs than on A. pisum nymphs. By contrast, in D. zelleri rm was higher when larvae were fed on A. pisum nymphs than on E. kuehniella eggs. The differences in development and reproduction among the two tested species when their larvae were fed on different prey could be of importance for their mass rearing and use in biological control.
Determining Diets of Ladybird Beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from Contents of Frass
Authors: Davidson L Nicole , Evans Edward W
Published: July 2011

Among the methods to evaluate field diets of insect predators is frass analysis. The potential of this infrequently used method was explored for determining prey consumption by adult ladybird beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in alfalfa, Medicago sativa L., fields. A laboratory experiment revealed that at 20°C, within 48 h after consumption of prey [either pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris), or larvae of the alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal)], almost all prey fragments had been voided by adults of five ladybird beetle species commonly occurring in Utah alfalfa fields. Among the five ladybird beetle species, aphid and weevil fragments were detected in frass of 80–95 and 29–73% of adults, respectively. A second laboratory experiment with adults of the most common of these predators (the introduced Coccinella septempunctata L.) more fully identified and enumerated diagnostic fragments for specific types of prey (aphids, weevil larvae, and conspecific larvae) as they occurred in frass. Frass pellets from the consumption of alfalfa weevil and conspecific larvae most often contained diagnostic cuticle and setae, and less often mandibles and head capsules. Frass from the consumption of pea aphids most often contained antennae and legs, and less often mouthparts, eyes, and tarsal claws. These laboratory results provide a foundation for using and interpreting the results of frass analysis as a technique to assess field diets of aphidophagous ladybird beetles in alfalfa.
Multiple Mating, Fecundity, and Longevity in Female Northern Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Relation to Body Size
Authors: French B Wade , Hammack Leslie
Published: July 2011

Diabroticite corn rootworms are significant maize, Zea mays L., pests that have evolved resistance to cultural and chemical management methods. Transgenic maize synthesizing a rootwormtoxic protein originating from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner is an important new management technology. Its use requires a refuge of nontransgenic maize to delay evolution of resistance by generating susceptible beetles capable of copulating with any resistant individuals surviving on the transgenic crop. The evolution of such resistance may concurrently influence a variety of fitness-related characters. Here, we examined multiple mating by female Diabrotica barberi Smith & Lawrence (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in relation to the following fitness-related traits: female longevity, fecundity, and body size of males and females at the first copulation. For the first copulation, large and small males were reciprocally paired to large and small females for comparison with average-sized beetles. Once-mated females were then maintained under conditions conducive to oviposition and paired with averaged-sized males at weekly intervals until death. Although female age at second copulation varied significantly with size category, female age at first copulation, longevity and fecundity did not. Females that mated multiple times lived longer and laid more eggs than did those that mated once. The results suggest that resistance management models may need to consider those females deriving fitness benefits from a second mating.
Inheritance of Traits Mediating a Major Host Shift by a Seed Beetle,Callosobruchus maculatus(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae)
Authors: Messina Frank J , Jones Jake C
Published: July 2011

The genetic basis by which insects adapt to novel host plants is poorly understood, in part because genetic changes that accompany host-range expansions often cannot be distinguished from those that occurred well after the shift. We examined the inheritance of traits mediating rapid adaptation to a poor host by the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae). For an Asian beetle population, larval survival in lentil, Lens culinaris Medikus, was initially ≈1%, but three separate mass-selection experiments produced lines with >80% survival in <20 generations. Each lentil-adapted line (L1–3) was then crossed with the ancestral line (M) from which it had been recently derived. Survival in the parental lines was extremely divergent: >90% in all L lines versus 0% in the M line. Survival of reciprocal F1 and F2 progeny suggested additive (intermediate) inheritance, with a small dominance deviation toward the M-line parent (in the L1 cross) or the L-line parent (in the L2 and L3 crosses), and no evidence of sex-linkage or cytoplasmic effects. Progeny from backcrosses to the M line survived at a much lower rate than would be expected by additive inheritance, but the survival of L1-backcrossed progeny was consistent with simple additivity. A potential explanation for this asymmetry is that larvae deriving 75% of their genes from the M line only rarely reach a threshold of enzymatic activity needed to detoxify lentil seeds. Two other fitness components, egg-to-adult developmental time and adult mass, also were intermediate in hybrids, but quantitative comparisons were precluded by a lack of M-line adults emerging from lentil. Additive expression of initially rare alleles can account for rapid colonization of a marginal host.