bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The experiences of registered intellectual disability nurses caring for the older person with intellectual disability
Authors: M Doody Catriona , Markey Kathleen , Doody Owen
Published: November 2012

Aim and objectives

To explore the experiences of registered intellectual disability nurses caring for the older person with intellectual disability.

Background

Increased longevity for the older person with intellectual disability is relatively a new phenomenon with social and medical factors having significantly increased the lifespan. The ageing population of people with intellectual disability is growing in Ireland, and they are outliving or expected to outlive their family carers.

Design

A qualitative Heideggerigan phenomenological approach allowed the researcher become immersed in the essence of meaning and analyse how registered intellectual disability nurses working with the older person perceive, experience and express their experience of caring.

Methods

After ethical approval was granted, data were collected through semi‐structured interviews from seven participants and were transcribed and analysed thematically using Burnard's framework for data analysis.

Results

Three key themes were identified: ‘care delivery’, ‘inclusiveness’ and ‘client‐focused care’. The study highlights the need for effective planning, an integrated approach to services and that the registered intellectual disability nurse needs to be integrated into the care delivery system within the health service to support client and family carers in the home environment.

Conclusions

Overall, the study shows the importance of teamwork, proactive planning, inclusion, attitudes, individualised care, knowing the person and best practice in providing care for older people with intellectual disability.

Relevance to clinical practice

This paper reports on the findings of a study which explored the experiences of caring for the older person with intellectual disability. Teamwork, proactive planning, client‐centred approach and supporting clients living at home are important as ageing is inevitable.
Sensory Analysis of Protected Geographical Indication Products: An Example with Turnip Greens and Tops
Authors: Arias‐Carmona M.D. , Romero‐Rodríguez M.A. , Muñoz‐Ferreiro N. , Vázquez‐Odériz M.L.
Published: November 2012

In Galicia (northwestern Spain), Brassica rapa L. var. rapa vegetable products (such as turnip greens and turnip tops) are characterized by a particular sulfurous aroma, pungent flavor and bitter taste that differentiate them from other vegetables. This characteristic bitter taste is highly valued by some consumers. The regulation of the protected geographical indication “Grelos de Galicia” was approved, given the nutritional and economic importance of these products. Turnip greens and turnip tops, products covered by this regulation, are defined as the vegetative parts suitable for human consumption of plants of the species B. rapa L. var. rapa (commonly known as turnip), which is an ecotype of A Coruña and Lugo. In this work, the quantitative descriptive analysis for turnip greens and turnip tops of the two main producing regions of Galicia (Lugo and A Coruña) was developed. A significant homogeneity among the samples was found.

Practical Applications

This study provides sensory lexicons of turnip greens and turnip tops to support the development of their quality control plans. The study also provides the quantitative descriptive analysis developed to determine the sensory characteristics of turnip greens and turnip tops. This information is required for inclusion in the “Grelos de Galicia” protected geographical indication certification.
Mode of Infection of Phyllosticta maculata on Banana as Revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Wong Mee‐Hua , Henderson Juliane , Aitken Elizabeth A. B. , Drenth Andre
Published: November 2012

The initial infection stages of Phyllosticta maculata on banana were studied using scanning electron microscopy. Conidial germination on the banana leaf surface commenced within 3 h postinoculation to produce a long and slender germ tube. The hyphae developed secondary branches and mostly grew randomly across the leaf surface. Appressoria were formed at the apex of the germ tubes within 18 h postinoculation and were variable in shape. A layer of an extracellular matrix surrounded the appressoria at the pathogen–host interface. On the fruit surface, conidia germinated to produce predominantly swollen germ tubes which functioned as lateral appressoria together with some slender ones. These germ tubes were formed within 3 h postinoculation. There was no stomatal penetration apparent on the leaf; instead, direct penetration through the cuticle with and without the formation of appressoria was observed. Cuticular degradation on the leaf surface was evident with a circular, darkened area around the point of penetration by hyphae or appressoria. The significant role of pycnidia and conidia in the epidemiology of the disease was further demonstrated in naturally infected leaf samples.
Estimating species richness: still a long way off!
Authors: Chiarucci Alessandro
Published: November 2012

Xu et al., in this issue of the Journal of Vegetation Science, compare several species richness estimators. All the non‐parametric estimators, such as Chao and jackknife estimators, underestimated the true number, whereas all the area‐based models, based on species–area curves, overestimated it. No reliable method yet exists to predict the number of species in an area that is appreciably larger than the one(s) sampled.
Distribution of habitat specialists in semi‐natural grasslands
Authors: Fajmonová Zuzana , Zelený David , Syrovátka Vít , Vončina Grzegorz , Hájek Michal
Published: November 2012

Questions

To what extent do semi‐natural grasslands differ in community specificity (i.e. the representation of habitat specialists in a community)? Does the community specificity coincide with evolutionary history and nutrient availability of the habitats?

Location

West Carpathian semi‐natural grasslands (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland).

Methods

Habitat specificity of individual plant species was derived from species co‐occurrence patterns using the Czech and Slovak vegetation databases (48 240 non‐forest vegetation plots). The vegetation data set, i.e. semi‐natural grasslands in West Carpathians, was classified into different plant communities using modified twinspan. The communities were split according to geographic position, in either Outer or Inner West Carpathians, and analysed separately. Values of community specificity for particular plant communities were compared with expectations generated by null models. The species habitat specificity was correlated to species Ellenberg indicator values for nutrients.

Results

Several plant communities have higher representation of habitat specialists than expected by chance, mainly semi‐dry grasslands in the Outer West Carpathians, and calcareous fens and higher‐altitude meadows in the Inner West Carpathians. Habitats that have occurred in the region since the early postglacial period are rich in habitat‐specialized grassland species. Habitat specialists tend to occur in nutrient‐poor habitats and generalists in nutrient‐rich habitats. Nevertheless, some communities on productive habitats and with a relatively short history also show high level of community specificity.

Conclusions

Community specificity can be a useful parameter to describe the origin and determinants of semi‐natural grassland biodiversity. Although the habitat persistence at the Holocene scale and nutrient availability are important factors underlying specialist occurrence, their distribution is probably also controlled by a complex set of interacting factors including, e.g. recent management practices.
The effect of standard compared to enhanced instruction and verbal feedback on anorectal manometry measurements
Authors: Heinrich H. , Fruehauf H. , Sauter M. , Steingötter A. , Fried M. , Schwizer W. , Fox M.
Published: November 2012

Background  Guidelines recommend instruction and motivation during anorectal manometry; however, its impact on findings has not been reported. This study assessed the effects of standard versus enhanced instruction and verbal feedback on the results of anorectal manometry.

Methods  High‐resolution manometry was performed by a solid‐state catheter with 10 circumferential sensors at 6 mm separation across the anal canal and two rectal sensors. Measurements were acquired first with standard instruction and then with enhanced instruction and verbal feedback. On both occasions, squeeze pressure and duration during three voluntary contractions and intra‐rectal pressure and recto‐anal pressure gradient (RAPG) during three attempts at simulated defecation were assessed.

Key Results  A total of 70 consecutive patients (54 female; age 25–82 years) referred for investigation of fecal incontinence (n = 31), constipation, and related disorders of defecation (n = 39) were studied. Enhanced instruction and verbal feedback increased maximum squeeze pressure (Δ10 ± 28.5 mmHg; P < 0.0038) and duration of contraction (Δ3 ± 4 s; P < 0.0001). During simulated defecation, it increased intra‐rectal pressure (Δ12 ± 14 mmHg; P < 0.003) and RAPG (Δ11 ± 20 mmHg; P < 0.0001). Using standard diagnostic criteria, the intervention changed manometric findings from locally validated ‘pathologic’ to ‘normal’ values in 14/31 patients with incontinence and 12/39 with disorders of defecation.

Conclusions & Inferences  Enhanced instruction and verbal feedback significantly improved voluntary anorectal functions and resulted in a clinically relevant change of manometric diagnosis in some patients. Effective explanation of procedures and motivation during manometry is required to ensure consistent results and to provide an accurate representation of patient ability to retain continence and evacuate stool.
Oral leukoplakia in a South African sample: a clinicopathological study
Authors: Chandran R , Meer S , Feller L
Published: November 2012

Objective

This study analysed differences in clinicopathological features of oral leukoplakia in different racial groups in the greater Johannesburg area of South Africa, with emphasis on the black population.

Material and Methods

The retrospective review included cases diagnosed clinically as oral leukoplakia and histologically as hyperkeratosis without dysplasia, hyperkeratosis with mild, moderate or severe dysplasia, and carcinoma in situ from 1990 to 2010. Age, gender, ethnicity, clinical appearance, site of lesion and tobacco smoking habit were recorded.

Results

Fourteen per cent of oral leukoplakia occurred in black South Africans compared with 80% in white South Africans. In contrast to whites, blacks were diagnosed with oral leukoplakia at a younger age; there were more men affected than women; and the proportion of idiopathic leukoplakia was greater. There were significantly more blacks (23%) than whites (13%) with non‐homogenous leukoplakia and significantly more whites (51%) than blacks (23%) with dysplastic oral leukoplakia.

Conclusion

This study suggests that oral leukoplakia, especially non‐homogenous and idiopathic forms affects South African blacks less frequently than white South Africans; and in the former, it occurs more in men and at a younger age. These findings may provide some guidance in establishing screening policies for oral cancer, particularly suited for blacks.
Conservation and revised annotation of the Treponema denticola prcB‐prcA‐prtP locus encoding the dentilisin (CTLP) protease complex
Authors: Goetting‐Minesky M.P. , Godovikova V. , Li J.J. , Seshadrinathan S. , Timm J.C. , Kamodia S.S. , Fenno J.C.
Published: November 2012

Interstrain differences in antigenic surface proteins may reflect immunological pressure or differences in receptor specificity of the antigen. Treponema denticola exhibits considerable interstrain variability in its major surface protein (Msp), but no studies have addressed this issue in dentilisin (CTLP), a surface protease complex that has a significant role in T. denticola–host interactions in periodontal disease. Furthermore, the genome annotation of the prcB‐prcA‐prtP operon encoding dentilisin contains apparent errors and lacks a deduced PrtP amino acid sequence. To address these issues we analysed the protease operon from diverse T. denticola strains, as well as clones of the ATCC 35405 Type strain from which the genome sequence and original GenBank prtP sequence were derived. 6xHis‐tagging of the PrtP C‐terminus in ATCC 35405 demonstrated absence of the ‘authentic frameshift’ in PrtP reported in the genome databases. We propose that T. denticola genome annotations be updated to reflect this new information. PrcB and the PrtP N‐terminal region that includes the catalytic domain were highly conserved in common laboratory strains and clinical isolates of T. denticola. Dentilisin proteolytic activity varied considerably between strains. Antibodies against PrcB, PrcA and PrtP from the type strain recognized these proteins in most T. denticola strains. PrtP varied up to 20% over the C‐terminal 270 residues between strains. The PrtP C‐terminal eight‐residues (DWFYVEYP) was present in all strains, with two strains containing an additional Y‐residue preceding the stop codon. Such conserved PrtP domains may be required for interactions with PrcA and PrcB, or for substrate interactions.
Emergency airway access in children – transtracheal cannulas and tracheotomy assessed in a porcine model
Authors: Holm‐Knudsen Rolf J. , Rasmussen Lars S. , Charabi Birgitte , Bøttger Morten , Kristensen Michael S.
Published: November 2012

Objectives

In the rare scenario when it is impossible to oxygenate or intubate a child, no evidence exists on what strategy to follow.

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the time and success rate when using two different transtracheal needle techniques and also to measure the success rate and time when performing an emergency tracheotomy in a piglet cadaver model.

Methods

In this randomized cross‐over study, we included 32 anesthesiologists who each inserted two transtracheal cannulas (TTC) using a jet ventilation catheter and an intravenous catheter in a piglet model. Second, they performed an emergency tracheotomy. A maximum of 2 and 4 min were allowed for the procedures, respectively. The TTC procedures were recorded using a video scope.

Results

Placement of a transtracheal cannula was successful in 65.6% and 68.8% of the attempts (P = 0.76), and the median duration of the attempts was 69 and 42 s (P = 0.32), using the jet ventilation catheter and the intravenous catheter, respectively. Complications were frequent in both groups, especially perforation of the posterior tracheal wall. Performing an emergency tracheotomy was successful in 97%, in a median of 88 s.

Conclusions

In a piglet model, we found no significant difference in success rates or time to insert a jet ventilation cannula or an intravenous catheter transtracheally, but the incidence of complications was high. In the same model, we found a 97% success rate for performing an emergency tracheotomy within 4 min with a low rate of complications.
Light‐dependent regulation of ascorbate in tomato by a monodehydroascorbate reductase localized in peroxisomes and the cytosol
Authors: Gest Noé , Garchery Cécile , Gautier Hélène , Jiménez Ana , Stevens Rebecca
Published: November 2012

Ascorbate is a powerful antioxidant in plants, and its levels are an important quality criteria in commercial species. Factors influencing these levels include environmental variations, particularly light, and the genetic control of its biosynthesis, recycling and degradation. One of the genes involved in the recycling pathway encodes a monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), an enzyme catalysing reduction of the oxidized radical of ascorbate, monodehydroascorbate, to ascorbate. In plants, MDHAR belongs to a multigene family. Here, we report the presence of an MDHAR isoform in both the cytosol and peroxisomes and show that this enzyme negatively regulates ascorbate levels in Solanum lycopersicum (tomato). Transgenic lines overexpressing MDHAR show a decrease in ascorbate levels in leaves, whereas lines where MDHAR is silenced show an increase in these levels in both fruits and leaves. Furthermore, the intensity of these differences is light dependent. The unexpected effect of this MDHAR on ascorbate levels cannot be explained by changes in the expression of Smirnoff–Wheeler pathway genes, or the activity of enzymes involved in degradation (ascorbate peroxidase) or recycling of ascorbate (dehydroascorbate reductase and glutathione reductase), suggesting a previously unidentified mechanism regulating ascorbate levels.
Hydrologic linkages between a climate oscillation, river flows, growth, and wood Δ13C of male and female cottonwood trees
Authors: ROOD STEWART B. , BALL DEBORAH J. , GILL KAREN M. , KALUTHOTA SOBADINI , LETTS MATTHEW G. , PEARCE DAVID W.
Published: November 2012

In dry regions around the Northern Hemisphere cottonwoods, or riparian poplars, provide the foundation for environmentally rich floodplain forests. In this study we demonstrated the hydrological linkages extending from headwater mountain water sources, to prairie river flows, and then to floodplain groundwater. We further found that in narrowleaf cottonwoods (Populus angustifolia), trunk growth and wood δ13C patterns were strongly coordinated with river flows over a two‐decade period with high‐ versus low‐flow intervals. We also observed sex differentiation, as the males apparently displayed more conservative growth and more efficient water use during a drought interval, and this could increase their drought adaptation.
Temporal Trends in Mucocutaneous Findings Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1‐Infected Children in a Population‐Based Cohort
Authors: Sturt Amy S. , Anglemyer Andrew , Berk David R. , Maldonado Yvonne A.
Published: November 2012

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of pediatric human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV‐1) mucocutaneous manifestations in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We conducted population‐based, prospective, multicenter pediatric HIV‐1 surveillance in 276 children with perinatally acquired HIV‐1 from 1988 to 2009. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)‐defined HIV‐1 related mucocutaneous conditions among the 276 children were: category A (n = 152), B (n = 60), and C (n = 1). Nearly half of the category A and B diagnoses (43.4% [66/152] and 35.0% [21/60], respectively) occurred in the first year of life, with 59.2% (90/152) and 61.7% (37/60), respectively, occurring in the first 2 years of life. The most frequent infectious diagnosis was oropharyngeal thrush (n = 117, 42.4%); the most common inflammatory diagnosis was diaper dermatitis (n = 71, 25.7%). There was a temporal decline in the prevalence of A (pre‐HAART cohort, 123; post‐HAART cohort, 29; p < 0.01) and B (pre‐HAART, 55; post‐HAART, 5; p < 0.01) mucocutaneous diagnoses. In children with perinatal HIV‐1, there was a significant decline in CDC category A and B mucocutaneous diagnoses by temporal cohort, consistent with the introduction of antiretroviral medications and HAART. Clinical category A and B mucocutaneous diagnoses were most common in the first 2 years of life, emphasizing the importance of early HIV‐1 testing and HAART initiation.
Metabolic syndrome and endocrine dysfunctions after HSCT in children
Authors: Bajwa Rajinder , Skeens Micah , Garee Amy , Miao Yongjie , Soni Sandeep , Pietryga Daniel , Gross Thomas , Termuhlen Amanda
Published: November 2012

MS and endocrine dysfunction(s) are common well‐recognized complications after HSCT. We retrospectively analyzed our data on 160 patients with a median age at transplant of five yr (0.3–23), who had been followed for a median of seven yr (range 3–18) at Nationwide Children's Hospital after transplant. Dyslipidemia and MS were seen in 13% and 7.5% patients, respectively, and 58% of these patients were <20 yr of age. Twelve patients met the criteria for diagnosis of MS, but four of these did not meet the International Diabetic Federation or WHO criteria. Variation in the diagnostic criteria for MS leading to underdiagnosis is discussed. Female gonadal failure (27%) and hypothyroidism (21%) were the most common endocrine dysfunctions, followed by short stature and GH deficiency (17%) each. TBI and younger age at HSCT were associated with the highest burden of long‐term effects, and female sex was more significantly associated with MS‐related dysfunction (p < 0.05). Uniform diagnostic criteria for MS and close follow‐up after transplant are important for the early diagnosis and management of these late effects, thereby improving the overall quality of life of these patients.
The kidney in pediatric liver transplantation: An updated perspective
Authors: Matloff Robyn Greenfield , Arnon Ronen , Saland Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2012

CKD continues to detract from the success of improved survival in pediatric liver transplantation, and its presence is likely under recognized. Here we review the literature regarding the prevalence, etiology, and management of renal dysfunction in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Long‐term studies suggest the prevalence of CKD to be 25–38% by 5–10 yr post‐transplant. While important, sole use of serum creatinine overestimates renal function in this population. Screening for and treatment of persistent proteinuria and hypertension as well as minimization of nephrotoxic insults are the mainstays to delay or prevent CKD progression. Office‐based blood pressure measures are less sensitive than ABPM, which is specifically recommended by the American Heart Association for its ability to diagnose masked hypertension in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Long‐term risk of CKD is predominantly secondary to CNI toxicity. CNI minimization protocols have shown promise in slowing progression of CKD while maintaining graft function, but large‐scale randomized control trials with long‐term follow‐up are needed.
Lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in children after liver transplantation treated with sirolimus
Authors: Jankowska Irena , Czubkowski Piotr , Socha Piotr , Wierzbicka Aldona , Teisseyre Mikołaj , Teisseyre Joanna , Pawłowska Joanna
Published: November 2012

Lipid disturbances are one of the most frequent side effects of SRL; however, clinical consequences are not known. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of AS in children after LTx treated with SRL. In 17 children with median age 13.2 yr (1.9–17.9) who received SRL on average for 4.1 yr (s.d. ± 2.9) we measured and compared with age‐matched healthy control group (n = 45) lipid parameters and markers of AS: ADMA, oxyLDL, GSH, GPx, TC, TG, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, ApoAI, ApoB, ApoE, lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)). We found no major differences in cholesterol, cholesterol in lipoprotein fractions and TG concentrations between patients receiving SRL and the control group. ApoE was markedly increased in the study group (19.1 g/L [±1.8]) when compared to controls (9.8 [±3.9]). ApoA1 was decreased in the study group: 1.30 g/L (±0.2) vs. 1.45 (±0.25), p = 0.04. ApoB and Lpa concentrations were similar in both groups. There were differences in oxidative stress markers: GSH 743 (±66.2) mol/mL vs. 780 (±48.2), p = 0.02 and GPx 32.8 (±5.5) U/gHb vs. 34.3(±2.6), p = 0.01. Markers of AS: ADMA did not differ between groups and oxidized LDLc was significantly lower in SRL group: 190 mU/mL (±113) vs. 237 (±107) in control, p < 0.05. SRL does not significantly disturb lipid metabolism and oxidative status in children after LTx.
Long‐term outcomes of living donor kidney transplants in pediatric recipients following laparoscopic vs. open donor nephrectomy
Authors: Chaykovska Lyubov , Deger Serdar , Roigas Jan , Lenz Andre , Lioudmer Poline , Kothmann Lisa T. , Friedersdorff Frank , Müller Dominik , Kasper Antje , Giessing Markus , Magheli Ahmed , Kempkensteffen Carsten , Lingnau Anja , Fuller T. Florian
Published: November 2012

We compared long‐term outcomes of LDKT in pediatric recipients following either laparoscopic (LDN) or ODN. In our retrospective single‐center study, we compared 38 pediatric LDKT recipients of a laparoscopically procured kidney with a historic ODN group comprising 17 pediatric recipients. In our center, the first pure laparoscopic non‐hand‐assisted LDN for a pediatric LDKT recipient was performed in June 2001. Demographic data of donors and recipients were comparable between groups. Mean follow‐up was 64 months in the LDN group and 137 months in the ODN group. Patient survival was comparable between groups. Graft survival at one and five yr was 97% (LDN) vs. 94% (ODN) and 91% (LDN) vs. 88% (ODN; p = n.s.), respectively. Serum creatinine at one and five yr was 1.16 ± 0.47 mg/dL (LDN) vs. 1.02 ± 0.38 mg/dL (ODN) and 1.38 ± 0.5 mg/dL (LDN) vs. 1.20 ± 0.41 mg/dL (ODN), respectively. The type and frequency of surgical complications did not differ between groups. DGF and acute rejection rates were similar between groups. In the ODN group, a higher proportion of right donor kidneys was used. In the ODN group, all kidneys had singular arteries, whereas in the LDN group five kidneys had multiple arteries. Arterial multiplicity was associated with a higher incidence of DGF. In our experience, LDN does not compromise long‐term graft outcomes in pediatric LDKT recipients. Arterial multiplicity of the donor kidney may be a risk factor for impaired early graft function in the pediatric population.
Lateral sediment sources and knickzones as controls on spatio‐temporal variations of sediment transport in an Alpine river
Authors: Bekaddour Toufik , Schlunegger Fritz , Attal Mikaël , Norton Kevin P.
Published: November 2012

Modern mixed alluvial‐bedrock channels in mountainous areas provide natural laboratories for understanding the time scales at which coarse‐grained material has been entrained and transported from their sources to the adjacent sedimentary sink, where these deposits are preserved as conglomerates. This article assesses the shear stress conditions needed for the entrainment of the coarse‐bed particles in the Glogn River that drains the 400 km2 Val Lumnezia basin, eastern Swiss Alps. In addition, quantitative data are presented on sediment transport patterns in this stream. The longitudinal stream profile of this river is characterized by three ca 500 m long knickzones where channel gradients range from 0·02 to 0·2 m m−1, and where the valley bottom confined into a <10 m wide gorge. Downstream of these knickzones, the stream is flat with gradients <0·01 m m−1 and widths ≥30 m. Measurements of the grain‐size distribution along the trunk stream yield a mean D84 value of ca 270 mm, whereas the mean D50 is ca 100 mm. The consequences of the channel morphology and the grain‐size distribution for the time scales of sediment transport were explored by using a one‐dimensional step‐backwater hydraulic model (Hydrologic Engineering Centre – River Analysis System). The results reveal that, along the entire trunk stream, a two to 10 year return period flood event is capable of mobilizing both the D50 and D84 fractions where the Shields stress exceeds the critical Shields stress for the initiation of particle motion. These return periods, however, varied substantially depending on the channel geometry and the pebble/boulder size distribution of the supplied material. Accordingly, the stream exhibits a highly dynamic boulder cover behaviour. It is likely that these time scales might also have been at work when coarse‐grained conglomerates were constructed in the geological past.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis of the associations between indoor air pollution and tuberculosis
Authors: Sumpter Colin , Chandramohan Daniel
Published: November 2012

Objective

Half the world's population uses biomass fuel for their daily needs but the resultant emissions and indoor air pollution (IAP) are harmful to health. So far, evidence for a link between IAP and tuberculosis (TB) was insufficient. We report an updated systematic review due to recent increase in the evidence and growing interest in testing interventions.

Methods

Systematic search of PubMed (including Medline), CAB abstracts (through Ovid SP) and Web of Knowledge using the following search terms: ‘IAP or biomass or cooking smoke’ and ‘TB’. 452 abstracts were reviewed, and only 12 articles were deemed to be reporting the effects of IAP on TB and were taken forward to full review, and one study was added through hand search of references. Data on measures of effect of IAP on TB were extracted, and meta‐analysis was carried out to estimate pooled measures of effect.

Results

Thirteen studies have reported investigating association between IAP and TB since 1996. TB cases are more likely to be exposed to IAP than healthy controls (pooled OR 1.30; 95% CI, 1.04–1.62; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

There is increasingly strong evidence for an association between IAP and TB. Further studies are needed to understand the burden of TB attributable to IAP. Interventions such as clean cook stoves to reduce the adverse effects of IAP merit rigorous evaluation, particularly in Africa and India where the prevalence of IAP and TB is high.
Insect herbivores selectively suppress the HPL branch of the oxylipin pathway in host plants
Authors: Savchenko Tatyana , Pearse Ian S. , Ignatia Laura , Karban Richard , Dehesh Katayoon
Published: November 2012

Insect herbivores have developed a myriad of strategies to manipulate the defense responses of their host plants. Here we provide evidence that chewing insects differentially alter the oxylipin profiles produced by the two main and competing branches of the plant defensive response pathway, the allene oxide synthase (AOS) and hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) branches, which are responsible for wound‐inducible production of jasmonates (JAs), and green leafy volatiles (GLVs) respectively. Specifically, we used three Arabidopsis genotypes that were damaged by mechanical wounding or by insects of various feeding guilds (piercing aphids, generalist chewing caterpillars and specialist chewing caterpillars). We established that emission of GLVs is stimulated by wounding incurred mechanically or by aphids, but release of these volatiles is constitutively impaired by both generalist and specialist chewing insects. Simultaneously, however, these chewing herbivores stimulated JA production, demonstrating targeted insect suppression of the HPL branch of the oxylipin pathway. Use of lines engineered to express HPL constitutively, in conjunction with quantitative RT–PCR‐based expression analyses, established a combination of transcriptional and post‐transcriptional reprogramming of the HPL pathway genes as the mechanistic basis of insect‐mediated suppression of the corresponding metabolites. Feeding studies suggested a potential evolutionary advantage of suppressing GLV production, as caterpillars preferably consumed leaf tissue from plants that had not been primed by these volatile cues.
Longitudinal Motion Based Lightweight Vehicle Payload Parameter Real-Time Estimations
Authors: Huang Xiaoyu , Wang Junmin
Published: November 2012

This paper proposes a longitudinal motion based payload parameter estimator (PPE) design for four-wheel-independently driven lightweight vehicles (LWVs), whose dynamics and control are substantially affected by their payload variations due to the LWVs' significantly reduced sizes and weights. Accurate and real-time estimation of payload parameters, including payload mass and its onboard planar location, will be helpful for LWV control (particularly under challenging driving conditions) and load monitoring. The proposed estimation method consists of three steps in sequential: tire effective radius identification for undriven wheels at constant speed driving; payload mass estimation during acceleration–deceleration period; and payload planar location estimation (PPLE). The PPLE is divided into two parts: a tire nominal normal force estimator (NNFE) based on a recursive least squares algorithm using signals generated by the redundant inputs, and a parameter calculator combining these estimated nominal normal forces. The prototype LWV is a lightweight electric ground vehicle (EGV) with separable torque control of the four wheels enabled by four in-wheel motors, which allow redundant input injections in the designed maneuvers. Experimental results obtained on an EGV road test show that the proposed PPE is capable of accurately estimating payload parameters, and it is independent of other unknown parameters such as tire-road friction coefficient.
Modeling and Control of a Novel High-Pressure Pneumatic Servo Valve Direct-Driven by Voice Coil Motor
Authors: Baoren Li , Longlong Gao , Gang Yang
Published: November 2012

High-pressure pneumatic control valves have been widely investigated during last decades. The published literature includes experimental and analytical studies on both constant value on–off valve and pressure reducing valve, but rarely on servo valve. In this paper, a novel voice coil motor (VCM) direct drive high-pressure pneumatic servo valve (HPPSV) is proposed. The mathematical model of the HPPSV including electromechanical and fluid subsystem is presented. Furthermore, the hybrid control scheme consisting of a proportional integral differential (PID) controller with velocity/acceleration feed-forward and a disturbance observer is proposed to improve the control performance of the HPPSV, taking into account the factors such as compressibility of high-pressure gas, high nonlinearity of gas flow force and friction force. The experimental results show that the spool position control system based on the proposed control scheme has strong robustness and disturbance rejection capability, and the control accuracy of the valve spool position can be enhanced greatly compared with the conventional PID controller. The study has general implications in the development of high-pressure pneumatic servo valves and high-pressure pneumatic precision control field.
Atomic layer deposition of epitaxial TiO2 II on c-sapphire
Authors: Tarre Aivar , Möldre Kristel , Niilisk Ahti , Mändar Hugo , Aarik Jaan , Rosental Arnold
Published: November 2012

Using atomic layer deposition technique, epitaxial titania polymorph TiO2 II was grown on α-Al2O3(0 0 1) (c-sapphire) substrates. TiCl4 and H2O served as precursors. The growth temperature ranged from 350 to 680 °C. Raman scattering and high-resolution x-ray diffraction and reflection measurements were applied to characterize the films. It appeared that the films contained, in addition to TiO2 II, anatase and/or rutile phase. The dependence of the film properties on the growth temperature and the film thickness was explored. The growth of the TiO2 II phase was shown to be controlled by the α-Al2O3 substrate orientation. This phase did not grow when the substrate was (0 1 2) oriented (r-sapphire). The epitaxial relationship was determined to be (1 0 0)[0 1¯ 0]TiO2 II ∥ (0 0 1)[1 2 0]sapphire, (1 0 0)[0 0 1]TiO2 II ∥ (0 0 1)[1 0 0]sapphire.
Structural properties of as deposited and annealed ZrO2 influenced by atomic layer deposition, substrate, and doping
Authors: Weinreich Wenke , Wilde Lutz , Müller Johannes , Sundqvist Jonas , Erben Elke , Heitmann Johannes , Lemberger Martin , Bauer Anton J.
Published: November 2012

Thin ZrO2 films are of high interest as high-k material in dynamic random access memory (DRAM), embedded dynamic random access memory, and resistive random access memory as well as for gate oxides. Actually, ZrO2 is predicted to be the key material in future DRAM generations below 20 nm. Profound knowledge of pure and doped ZrO2 thin films, especially of the structural properties, is essential in order to meet the requirements of future devices. This paper gives a detailed overview about the structural properties of ZrO2 films in dependence of various process parameters. The study of atomic layer deposition (ALD) growth mechanisms of ZrO2 on a TiN-substrate in comparison to a Si-substrate covered with native oxide exhibits significant differences. Furthermore, the structural properties crystallinity, surface roughness, and film stress are studied after the ALD deposition in dependence of the process parameters deposition temperature, layer thickness, and underlying substrate. Remarkable dependencies of the ZrO2 crystallization temperatures on the substrates are figured out. The structural properties after various annealing steps are monitored as well. The influence of doping by SiO2 and Al2O3 is studied, which is primarily used to keep the thin films amorphous during deposition.
Atomic layer deposition of Ga-doped ZnO transparent conducting oxide substrates for CdTe-based photovoltaics
Authors: Chalker Paul R. , Marshall Paul A. , Romani Simon , Roberts Joseph W. , Irvine Stuart J. C. , Lamb Daniel A. , Clayton Andrew J. , Williams Paul A.
Published: November 2012

The atomic layer deposition of gallium doped zinc oxide films is investigated as a method of fabricating transparent conducting oxide substrates for cadmium telluride based photovoltaic cells. The growth parameters and properties of gallium-doped ZnO were established for a range of dopant concentrations. 1 at. % gallium-doped films exhibited the lowest electrical sheet resistances and were selected as substrates to deposit Cd1−xZnxS/CdTe photovoltaic cells. The average current density–voltage characteristics of 16 cells under AM1.5 illumination yielded a conversion efficiency of 10.8% and a fill-factor of 65%.
Low emissivity high-temperature tantalum thin film coatings for silicon devices
Authors: Rinnerbauer Veronika , Senkevich Jay J. , Joannopoulos John D. , Soljačić Marin , Celanovic Ivan , Harl Robert R. , Rogers Bridget R.
Published: November 2012

The authors study the use of thin (∼230 nm) tantalum (Ta) layers on silicon (Si) as a low emissivity (high reflectivity) coating for high-temperature Si devices. Such coatings are critical to reduce parasitic radiation loss, which is one of the dominant loss mechanisms at high temperatures (above 700 °C). The key factors to achieve such a coating are low emissivity in the near infrared and superior thermal stability at high operating temperatures. The authors investigated the emissivity of Ta coatings deposited on Si with respect to deposition parameters, and annealing conditions, and temperature. The authors found that after annealing at temperatures ≥900 °C the emissivity in the near infrared (1−3 μm) was reduced by a factor of 2 as compared to bare Si. In addition, the authors measured thermal emission at temperatures from 700 to 1000 °C, which is stable up to a heater temperature equal to the annealing temperature. Furthermore, Auger electron spectroscopy profiles of the coatings before and after annealing were taken to evaluate thermal stability. A thin (about 70 nm) Ta2O5 layer was found to act as an efficient diffusion barrier between the Si substrate and the Ta layer to prevent Si diffusion.
Research Results: Preserving Newborn Blood Samples
Authors: Lewis Michelle Huckaby , Scheurer Michael E. , Green Robert C. , McGuire Amy L.
Published: November 2012

The debate about retention and use of dried blood samples from newborn screening ignores the harm destruction may cause to biomedical research.
E-Selectin Gets HSCs Buzzing.
Authors: Nahrendorf Matthias
Published: November 2012

E-selectin inhibition may protect HSCs from chemo- and radiotherapy.
Taking a Bite Out of Pain
Authors: Collier Joel H.
Published: November 2012

Peptides in black mamba snake venom exert powerful analgesic effects by blocking acid-sensing ion channels in the mammalian nervous system.
Milk of Amnesia
Authors: Mashour George A.
Published: November 2012

The concentrations of the anesthetic propofol used clinically are not toxic to neural precursor cells in culture.
Pomc
to the Rescue
Authors: Reznik Marina
Published: November 2012

Obesity-programmed mice are rescued by early genetic intervention.
Pneumonia Therapy Blazes a New TRAIL
Authors: Yipp Bryan G.
Published: November 2012

A therapy that induces programmed cell death in alveolar macrophages helps mice survive pneumonia.
Visible to the Naked Eye
Authors: Frisk Megan L.
Published: November 2012

A plasmonic biosensor detects extremely low concentrations of diagnostic markers for prostate cancer and HIV.
Enterococcus faecalis Overcomes Foreign Body-Mediated Inflammation To Establish Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Guiton Pascale S. , Hannan Thomas J. , Ford Bradley , Caparon Michael G. , Hultgren Scott J.
Published: November 2012

Urinary catheterization elicits major histological and immunological changes that render the bladder susceptible to microbial invasion, colonization, and dissemination. However, it is not understood how catheters induce these changes, how these changes act to promote infection, or whether they may have any protective benefit. In the present study, we examined how catheter-associated inflammation impacts infection by
Enterococcus faecalis
, a leading cause of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), a source of significant societal and clinical challenges. Using a recently optimized murine model of foreign body-associated UTI, we found that the implanted catheter itself was the primary inducer of inflammation. In the absence of the silicone tubing implant,
E. faecalis
induced only minimal inflammation and was rapidly cleared from the bladder. The catheter-induced inflammation was only minimally altered by subsequent enterococcal infection and was not suppressed by inhibitors of the neurogenic pathway and only partially by dexamethasone. Despite the robust inflammatory response induced by urinary implantation,
E. faecalis
produced biofilm and high bladder titers in these animals. Induction of inflammation in the absence of an implanted catheter failed to promote infection, suggesting that the presence of the catheter itself is essential for
E. faecalis
persistence in the bladder. Immunosuppression prior to urinary catheterization enhanced
E. faecalis
colonization, suggesting that implant-mediated inflammation contributes to the control of enterococcal infection. Thus, this study underscores the need for novel strategies against CAUTIs that seek to reduce the deleterious effects of implant-mediated inflammation on bladder homeostasis while maintaining an active immune response that effectively limits bacterial invaders.
Major T Cell Response to a Mycolyl Glycolipid Is Mediated by CD1c Molecules in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Morita Daisuke , Hattori Yuki , Nakamura Takashi , Igarashi Tatsuhiko , Harashima Hideyoshi , Sugita Masahiko
Published: November 2012

Human CD1b molecules contain a maze of hydrophobic pockets and a tunnel capable of accommodating the unusually long, branched acyl chain of mycolic acids, an essential fatty acid component of the cell wall of mycobacteria. It has been accepted that CD1b-bound mycolic acids constitute a scaffold for mycolate-containing (glyco)lipids stimulating CD1b-restricted T cells. Remarkable homology in amino acid sequence is observed between human and monkey CD1b molecules, and indeed, monkey CD1b molecules are able to bind glucose monomycolate (GMM), a glucosylated species of mycolic acids, and present it to specific human T cellsin vitro. Nevertheless, we found, unexpectedly, thatMycobacterium bovisbacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-vaccinated monkeys exhibited GMM-specific T cell responses that were restricted by CD1c rather than CD1b molecules. GMM-specific, CD1c-restricted T cells were detected in the circulation of all 4 rhesus macaque monkeys tested after but not before vaccination with BCG. The circulating GMM-specific T cells were detected broadly in both CD4+and CD8+cell populations, and upon antigenic stimulation, a majority of the GMM-specific T cells produced both gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), two major host protective cytokines functioning against infection with mycobacteria. Furthermore, the GMM-specific T cells were able to extravasate and approach the site of infection where CD1c+cells accumulated. These observations indicate a previously inconceivable role for primate CD1c molecules in eliciting T cell responses to mycolate-containing antigens.
Picornavirus Modification of a Host mRNA Decay Protein
Authors: Rozovics Janet M. , Chase Amanda J. , Cathcart Andrea L. , Chou Wayne , Gershon Paul D. , Palusa Saiprasad , Wilusz Jeffrey , Semler Bert L.
Published: November 2012

Due to the limited coding capacity of picornavirus genomic RNAs, host RNA binding proteins play essential roles during viral translation and RNA replication. Here we describe experiments suggesting that AUF1, a host RNA binding protein involved in mRNA decay, plays a role in the infectious cycle of picornaviruses such as poliovirus and human rhinovirus. We observed cleavage of AUF1 during poliovirus or human rhinovirus infection, as well as interaction of this protein with the 5′ noncoding regions of these viral genomes. Additionally, the picornavirus proteinase 3CD, encoded by poliovirus or human rhinovirus genomic RNAs, was shown to cleave all four isoforms of recombinant AUF1 at a specific N-terminal site
in vitro
. Finally, endogenous AUF1 was found to relocalize from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in poliovirus-infected HeLa cells to sites adjacent to (but distinct from) putative viral RNA replication complexes.

IMPORTANCE
This study derives its significance from reporting how picornaviruses like poliovirus and human rhinovirus proteolytically cleave a key player (AUF1) in host mRNA decay pathways during viral infection. Beyond cleavage of AUF1 by the major viral proteinase encoded in picornavirus genomes, infection by poliovirus results in the relocalization of this host cell RNA binding protein from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. The alteration of both the physical state of AUF1 and its cellular location illuminates how small RNA viruses manipulate the activities of host cell RNA binding proteins to ensure a faithful intracellular replication cycle.
Trends in Canadian hospital standardised mortality ratios and palliative care coding 2004–2010: a retrospective database analysis
Authors: Chong Christopher AKY , Nguyen Geoffrey C , Wilcox M Elizabeth
Published: November 2012

Background

The hospital standardised mortality ratio (HSMR), anchored at an average score of 100, is a controversial macromeasure of hospital quality. The measure may be dependent on differences in patient coding, particularly since cases labelled as palliative are typically excluded.

Objective

To determine whether palliative coding in Canada has changed since the 2007 national introduction of publicly released HSMRs, and how such changes may have affected results.

Design

Retrospective database analysis.

Setting

Inpatients in Canadian hospitals from April 2004 to March 2010.

Patients

12 593 329 hospital discharges recorded in the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) Discharge Abstract Database from April 2004 to March 2010.

Measurements

Crude mortality and palliative care coding rates. HSMRs calculated with the same methodology as CIHI. A derived hospital standardised palliative ratio (HSPR) adjusted to a baseline average of 100 in 2004–2005. Recalculated HSMRs that included palliative cases under varying scenarios.

Results

Crude mortality and palliative care coding rates have been increasing over time (p<0.001), in keeping with the nation's advancing overall morbidity. HSMRs in 2008–2010 were significantly lower than in 2004–2006 by 8.55 points (p<0.001). The corresponding HSPR rises dramatically between these two time periods by 48.83 points (p<0.001). Under various HSMR scenarios that included palliative cases, the HSMR would have at most decreased by 6.35 points, and may have even increased slightly.

Limitations

Inability to calculate a definitively comparable HSMR that include palliative cases and to account for closely timed changes in national palliative care coding guidelines.

Conclusions

Palliative coding rates in Canadian hospitals have increased dramatically since the public release of HSMR results. This change may have partially contributed to the observed national decline in HSMR.