bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunobiotic Lactobacillus jensenii Modulates the Toll-Like Receptor 4-Induced Inflammatory Response via Negative Regulation in Porcine Antigen-Presenting Cells
Authors: Villena Julio , Suzuki Rie , Fujie Hitomi , Chiba Eriko , Takahashi Takuya , Tomosada Yohsuke , Shimazu Tomoyuki , Aso Hisashi , Ohwada Shyuichi , Suda Yoshihito , Ikegami Shuji , Itoh Hiroyuki , Alvarez Susana , Saito Tadao , Kitazawa Haruki
Published: May 2012

Previously, we demonstrated thatLactobacillus jenseniiTL2937 attenuates the inflammatory response triggered by activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) in porcine intestinal epithelial cells. In view of the critical importance of antigen-presenting cell (APC) polarization in immunoregulation, the objective of the present study was to examine the effect of strain TL2937 on the activation patterns of APCs from swine Peyer's patches (PPs). We demonstrated that direct exposure of porcine APCs toL. jenseniiin the absence of inflammatory signals increased expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor β in CD172a+APCs and caused them to display tolerogenic properties. In addition, pretreatment of CD172a+APCs withL. jenseniiresulted in differential modulation of the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in response to TLR4 activation. The immunomodulatory effect of strain TL2937 was not related to a downregulation of TLR4 but was related to an upregulation of the expression of three negative regulators of TLRs: single immunoglobulin IL-1-related receptor (SIGIRR), A20, and interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase M (IRAK-M). Our results also indicated that TLR2 has an important role in the anti-inflammatory activity ofL. jenseniiTL2937, since anti-TLR2 antibodies blocked the upregulation of SIGIRR and IRAK-M in CD172a+APCs and the production of IL-10 in response to TLR4 activation. We performed, for the first time, a precise functional characterization of porcine APCs from PPs, and we demonstrated that CD172a+cells were tolerogenic. Our findings demonstrate that adherent cells and isolated CD172a+cells harvested from swine PPs were useful forin vitrostudy of the inflammatory responses in the porcine gut and the immunomodulatory effects of immunobiotic microorganisms.
Optimizing Outpatient Serial Sputum Colony Counting for Studies of Tuberculosis Treatment in Resource-Poor Settings
Authors: Sloan Derek J. , Corbett Elizabeth L. , Butterworth Anthony E. , Mwandumba Henry C. , Khoo Saye H. , Mdolo Aaron , Shani Doris , Kamdolozi Mercy , Allen Jenny , Mitchison Denis A. , Coleman David J. , Davies Geraint R.
Published: May 2012

Serial Sputum Colony Counting (SSCC) is an important technique in clinical trials of new treatments for tuberculosis (TB). Quantitative cultures on selective Middlebrook agar are used to calculate the rate of bacillary elimination from sputum collected from patients at different time points during the first 2 months of therapy. However, the procedure can be complicated by high sample contamination rates. This study, conducted in a resource-poor setting in Malawi, assessed the ability of different antifungal drugs in selective agar to reduce contamination. Overall, 229 samples were studied and 15% to 27% were contaminated. Fungal organisms were particularly implicated, and samples collected later in treatment were at particular risk (
P
< 0.001). Amphotericin B (AmB) is the standard antifungal drug used on SSCC plates at a concentration of 10 mg/ml. On selective Middlebrook 7H10 plates, AmB at 30 mg/ml reduced sample contamination by 17% compared with AmB at 10 mg/ml. The relative risk of contamination using AmB at 10 mg/ml was 1.79 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25 to 3.55). On Middlebrook 7H11 plates, a combination of AmB at 10 mg/ml and carbendazim at 50 mg/ml was associated with 10% less contamination than AmB at 30 mg/ml. The relative risk of contamination with AmB at 30 mg/ml was 1.79 (95% CI, 1.01 to 3.17). Improved antifungal activity was accompanied by a small reduction in bacillary counts, but this did not affect modeling of bacillary elimination. In conclusion, a combination of AmB and carbendazim optimized the antifungal activity of selective media for growth of TB. We recommend this method to reduce contamination rates and improve SSCC studies in African countries where the burden of TB is highest.
First Report of Spontaneous Intrapartum Atopobium vaginae Bacteremia
Authors: Chan Jasper F. W. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Curreem Shirly O. T. , To Kelvin K. W. , Leung Sally S. M. , Cheng Vincent C. C. , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Woo Patrick C. Y.
Published: May 2012

We report the first case of spontaneous intrapartum
Atopobium vaginae
bacteremia identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The bacterium was misidentified by RapID ANA II, API Rapid ID 32A, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The likely source of bacteremia was the female genital tract. In invasive infections caused by
A. vaginae
, β-lactams and clindamycin are the antibiotics of choice, as most strains are resistant to metronidazole.
Resistance to Voriconazole Due to a G448S Substitution in Aspergillus fumigatus in a Patient with Cerebral Aspergillosis
Authors: Pelaez Teresa , Gijón Paloma , Bunsow Eleonora , Bouza Emilio , Sánchez-Yebra Waldo , Valerio Maricela , Gama Beatriz , Cuenca-Estrella Manuel , Mellado Emilia
Published: May 2012

A voriconazole-resistant isolate of
Aspergillus fumigatus
was recovered from an immunocompetent patient receiving long-term antifungal therapy for cerebral aspergillosis. A G448S amino acid substitution in the azole target (Cyp51A) was identified as the cause of the resistance phenotype. This article describes the first isolation of a voriconazole-resistant
A. fumigatus
isolate from an immunocompetent patient in Spain.
Identification of Bacterial Pathogens in Ascitic Fluids from Patients with Suspected Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis by Use of Broad-Range PCR (16S PCR) Coupled with High-Resolution Melt Analysis
Authors: Hardick Justin , Won Helen , Jeng Kevin , Hsieh Yu-Hsiang , Gaydos Charlotte A. , Rothman Richard E. , Yang Samuel
Published: May 2012

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) can be a severe complication occurring in patients with cirrhosis and ascites, with associated mortality often as high as 40%. Traditional diagnostics for SBP rely on culture techniques for proper diagnosis, although recent reports suggest that the presence of bacterial DNA in peritoneal fluid in patients with cirrhosis and ascites is an indicator of SBP. A previously published broad-range PCR (16S PCR) coupled with high-resolution melt analysis (HRMA) was compared with standard culture techniques for diagnosis of SBP in 106 peritoneal fluid samples from patients with suspected SBP. The sensitivity and specificity for 16S PCR for detecting eubacterial DNA compared with those of standard culture techniques were 100% (17/17) and 91.5% (85/89), respectively. Overall, HRMA concordance with species identification was 70.6% (12/17), although the 5 samples that were discordant at the species level were SBP resulting from a polymicrobial infection, and species-level identification for polymicrobial infections is outside the capability of HRMA. Both the broad-range 16S PCR and HRMA analysis provide useful diagnostic adjunctive assays for clinicians in detecting and identifying pathogens responsible for SBP.
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry-Based Method for Discrimination between Molecular Types of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii
Authors: Posteraro Brunella , Vella Antonietta , Cogliati Massimo , De Carolis Elena , Florio Ada Rita , Posteraro Patrizia , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Tortorano Anna Maria
Published: May 2012

We evaluated the usefulness of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for
Cryptococcus
identification at the species and subspecies levels by using an in-house database of 25 reference cryptococcal spectra. Eighty-one out of the 82
Cryptococcus
isolates (72
Cryptococcus neoformans
and 10
Cryptococcus gattii
) tested were correctly identified with respect to their molecular type designations. We showed that MALDI-TOF MS is a practicable alternative to conventional mycology or DNA-based methods.
Promise versus Reality: Optimism Bias in Package Inserts for Tuberculosis Diagnostics
Authors: Denkinger Claudia M. , Grenier Jasmine , Minion Jessica , Pai Madhukar
Published: May 2012

Laboratorians and clinicians often rely on package inserts of diagnostic tests to assess their accuracy. We compared test accuracy for tuberculosis diagnostics reported in 19 package inserts against estimates in published meta-analyses and found that package inserts generally report overoptimistic accuracy estimates. However, package inserts of most tests approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or endorsed by the World Health Organization provide more realistic estimates that agree with meta-analyses.
Haemophilus haemolyticus Isolates Causing Clinical Disease
Authors: Anderson Raydel , Wang Xin , Briere Elizabeth C. , Katz Lee S. , Cohn Amanda C. , Clark Thomas A. , Messonnier Nancy E. , Mayer Leonard W.
Published: May 2012

We report seven cases of
Haemophilus haemolyticus
invasive disease detected in the United States, which were previously misidentified as nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
. All cases had different symptoms and presentations. Our study suggests that a testing scheme that includes reliable PCR assays and standard microbiological methods should be used in order to improve
H. haemolyticus
identification.
Infectious Clones of Novel Lineage 1 and Lineage 2 West Nile Virus Strains WNV-TX02 and WNV-Madagascar
Authors: Suthar Mehul S. , Brassil Margaret M. , Blahnik Gabriele , Gale Michael
Published: May 2012

We report the generation of West Nile virus (WNV) infectious clones for the pathogenic lineage 1 Texas-HC2002 and nonpathogenic lineage 2 Madagascar-AnMg798 strains. The infectious clones exhibited biological properties similar to those of the parental virus isolates. We generated chimeric viruses and found that viral factors within the structural and nonstructural regions of WNV-TX contribute to the control of type I interferon defenses. These infectious clones provide new reagents to study flavivirus immune regulation and pathogenesis.
An Endogenous Foamy Virus in the Aye-Aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis)
Authors: Han Guan-Zhu , Worobey Michael
Published: May 2012

We report the discovery and analysis of an endogenous foamy virus (PSFVaye) within the genome of the aye-aye (
Daubentonia madagascariensis
), a strepsirrhine primate from Madagascar. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that PSFVaye is divergent from all known simian foamy viruses, suggesting an association between foamy viruses and primates since the haplorrhine-strepsirrhine split. The discovery of PSFVaye indicates that primate foamy virus might be more broadly distributed than previously thought.
The Development of CD4 Binding Site Antibodies during HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Lynch Rebecca M. , Tran Lillian , Louder Mark K. , Schmidt Stephen D. , Cohen Myron ,   CHAVI 001 Clinical Team Members, DerSimonian Rebecca , Euler Zelda , Gray Elin S. , Abdool Karim Salim , Kirchherr Jennifer , Montefiori David C. , Sibeko Sengeziwe , Soderberg Kelly , Tomaras Georgia , Yang Zhi-Yong , Nabel Gary J. , Schuitemaker Hanneke , Morris Lynn , Haynes Barton F. , Mascola John R.
Published: May 2012

Broadly neutralizing antibodies to the CD4 binding site (CD4bs) of gp120 are generated by some HIV-1-infected individuals, but little is known about the prevalence and evolution of this antibody response during the course of HIV-1 infection. We analyzed the sera of 113 HIV-1 seroconverters from three cohorts for binding to a panel of gp120 core proteins and their corresponding CD4bs knockout mutants. Among sera collected between 99 and 258 weeks post-HIV-1 infection, 88% contained antibodies to the CD4bs and 47% contained antibodies to resurfaced stabilized core (RSC) probes that react preferentially with broadly neutralizing CD4bs antibodies (BNCD4), such as monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) VRC01 and VRC-CH31. Analysis of longitudinal serum samples from a subset of 18 subjects revealed that CD4bs antibodies to gp120 arose within the first 4 to 16 weeks of infection, while the development of RSC-reactive antibodies was more varied, occurring between 10 and 152 weeks post-HIV-1 infection. Despite the presence of these antibodies, serum neutralization mediated by RSC-reactive antibodies was detected in sera from only a few donors infected for more than 3 years. Thus, CD4bs antibodies that bind a VRC01-like epitope are often induced during HIV-1 infection, but the level and potency required to mediate serum neutralization may take years to develop. An improved understanding of the immunological factors associated with the development and maturation of neutralizing CD4bs antibodies during HIV-1 infection may provide insights into the requirements for eliciting this response by vaccination.
Colonial History and Contemporary Transmission Shape the Genetic Diversity of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 2 in Amsterdam
Authors: Markov Peter V. , van de Laar Thijs J. , Thomas Xiomara V. , Aronson Sem J. , Weegink Christine J. , van den Berk Guido E. , Prins Maria , Pybus Oliver G. , Schinkel Janke
Published: May 2012

Evolutionary analysis of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome sequences has provided insights into the epidemic history and transmission of this widespread human pathogen. Here we report an exceptionally diverse set of 178 HCV genotype 2 (HCV-2) isolates from 189 patients in Amsterdam, comprising 8 distinct HCV subtypes and 10 previously not recognized, unclassified lineages. By combining study subjects' demographic information with phylogeographic and molecular clock analyses, we demonstrate for the first time that the trans-Atlantic slave trade and colonial history were the driving forces behind the global dissemination of HCV-2. We detect multiple HCV-2 movements from present-day Ghana/Benin to the Caribbean during the peak years of the slave trade (1700 to 1850) and extensive transfer of HCV-2 among the Netherlands and its former colonies Indonesia and Surinam over the last 150 years. The latter coincides with the bidirectional migration of Javanese workers between Indonesia and Surinam and subsequent immigration to the Netherlands. In addition, our study sheds light on contemporary trends in HCV transmission within the Netherlands. We observe multiple lineages of the epidemic subtypes 2a, 2b, and 2c (together 67% of HCV-2 infections in Amsterdam), which cluster according to their suspected routes of transmission, specifically, injecting drug use (IDU) and contaminated blood/blood products. Understanding the epidemiological processes that generated the global pattern of HCV diversity seen today is critical for exposing associations between populations, risk factors, and specific HCV subtypes and might help HCV screening and prevention campaigns to minimize the future burden of HCV-related liver disease.
Can patients report patient safety incidents in a hospital setting? A systematic review
Authors: Ward Jane K , Armitage Gerry
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Patients are increasingly being thought of as central to patient safety. A small but growing body of work suggests that patients may have a role in reporting patient safety problems within a hospital setting. This review considers this disparate body of work, aiming to establish a collective view on hospital-based patient reporting.

Study objectives

This review asks: (a) What can patients report? (b) In what settings can they report? (c) At what times have patients been asked to report? (d) How have patients been asked to report?

Method

5 databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, (Kings Fund) HMIC and PsycINFO) were searched for published literature on patient reporting of patient safety ‘problems’ (a number of search terms were utilised) within a hospital setting. In addition, reference lists of all included papers were checked for relevant literature.

Results

13 papers were included within this review. All included papers were quality assessed using a framework for comparing both qualitative and quantitative designs, and reviewed in line with the study objectives.

Discussion

Patients are clearly in a position to report on patient safety, but included papers varied considerably in focus, design and analysis, with all papers lacking a theoretical underpinning. In all papers, reports were actively solicited from patients, with no evidence currently supporting spontaneous reporting. The impact of timing upon accuracy of information has yet to be established, and many vulnerable patients are not currently being included in patient reporting studies, potentially introducing bias and underestimating the scale of patient reporting. The future of patient reporting may well be as part of an ‘error detection jigsaw’ used alongside other methods as part of a quality improvement toolkit.
Improving healthcare quality through organisational peer-to-peer assessment: lessons from the nuclear power industry
Authors: Pronovost Peter J , Hudson Daniel W
Published: May 2012

Healthcare has made great efforts to reduce preventable patient harm, from externally driven regulations to internally driven professionalism. Regulation has driven the majority of efforts to date, and has a necessary place in establishing accountability and minimum standards. Yet they need to be coupled with internally driven efforts. Among professional groups, internally-driven efforts that function as communities of learning and change social norms are highly effective tools to improve performance, yet these approaches are underdeveloped in healthcare. Healthcare can learn much from the nuclear power industry. The nuclear power industry formed the Institute of Nuclear Power Operators following the Three Mile Island accident to improve safety. That organization established a peer-to-peer assessment program to cross-share best practices, safety hazards, problems and actions that improved safety and operational performance. This commentary explores how a similar program could be expanded into healthcare. Healthcare needs a structured, clinician-led, industry-wide process to openly review, identify and mitigate hazards, and share best practices that ultimately improve patient safety. A healthcare version of the nuclear power program could supplement regulatory and other strategies currently used to improve quality and patient safety.
Error disclosure: a new domain for safety culture assessment
Authors: Etchegaray Jason M , Gallagher Thomas H , Bell Sigall K , Dunlap Ben , Thomas Eric J
Published: May 2012

Objective

To (1) develop and test survey items that measure error disclosure culture, (2) examine relationships among error disclosure culture, teamwork culture and safety culture and (3) establish predictive validity for survey items measuring error disclosure culture.

Method

All clinical faculty from six health institutions (four medical schools, one cancer centre and one health science centre) in The University of Texas System were invited to anonymously complete an electronic survey containing questions about safety culture and error disclosure.

Results

The authors found two factors to measure error disclosure culture: one factor is focused on the general culture of error disclosure and the second factor is focused on trust. Both error disclosure culture factors were unique from safety culture and teamwork culture (correlations were less than r=0.85). Also, error disclosure general culture and error disclosure trust culture predicted intent to disclose a hypothetical error to a patient (r=0.25, p<0.001 and r=0.16, p<0.001, respectively) while teamwork and safety culture did not predict such an intent (r=0.09, p=NS and r=0.12, p=NS). Those who received prior error disclosure training reported significantly higher levels of error disclosure general culture (t=3.7, p<0.05) and error disclosure trust culture (t=2.9, p<0.05).

Conclusions

The authors created and validated a new measure of error disclosure culture that predicts intent to disclose an error better than other measures of healthcare culture. This measure fills an existing gap in organisational assessments by assessing transparent communication after medical error, an important aspect of culture.
Gender differences in trauma mechanisms, and outcomes in a rural hospital which is not designed as trauma centre
Authors: Kahramansoy Nurettin , Gürbüz Necla , Kurt Feyzi , Erkol Hayri , Boztaş Güledal
Published: May 2012

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate how trauma characteristics and outcomes differ between genders in a rural hospital.

Methods

Records of trauma patients admitted to a state emergency department (ED) in eastern Turkey, between January 2006 and December 2007 were reviewed and data were analysed based on gender.

Results

In total, 5379 (87.0%) men and 806 (13.0%) women, totalling 6185 patients, were assessed. Mean age was 26.5 (1 month – 80 years) years for men and 24.7 (2 month – 81 years) years for women. Men comprised 90.2%, 81.3% and 77.3% of the patients injured by assault, motor vehicle incidents and falls, respectively. Women comprised a significantly larger share of suicide attempts (70.8%) than men. Of the men injured, 90.6% were discharged after treatment in the ED. The per cent of hospitalised women (5.8%) was increased compared with the per cent of hospitalised men (p=0.011). There was a higher frequency of transfer among women (8.6%) when compared with men (p<0.001). Women had a mortality frequency of 1.2%, which was similar to the mortality per cent calculated for men.

Conclusions

Men were at an increased risk for trauma, especially assault. The percentage of women injured and admitted to the ED due to assault was low compared with statistics reported in the literature. However, assault is the most common cause of trauma among women. The high per cent of hospitalisation and transfer among women may indicate that women are exposed to more severe trauma, and therefore experience increased morbidity compared with men.
Predictors of lower work ability among emergency medicine employees: the Croatian experience
Authors: Klasan Antonio , Madzarac Goran , Milosevic Milan , Mustajbegovic Jadranka , Keleuva Slobodanka
Published: May 2012

Background

Worldwide research has indicated that emergency medicine employees and particularly ambulance personnel have symptoms related to traumatic events, and experience more chronic stressors in their work than workers in other health service settings. Unlike other countries which conducted similar studies, no specialty branch in emergency medicine exists in Croatia.

Study objectives

To identify possible predictors of low work ability, including occupational stress and quality of life, among emergency medicine employees.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2010 till July 2010 in the Institute of Emergency Medicine in the City of Zagreb. Questionnaires were distributed to all employees with gathered total sample of 125 subjects (39 physicians, 38 medical nurses /technicians and 48 drivers). Data were collected using the socio-demographic questions, occupational stress assessment, work ability index (WAI) and WHO quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaires.

Results

Emergency physicians were significantly more exposed to public criticism (p=0.008) but drivers had more exposure to hazards at workplace (p=0.001) regarding other employee groups. Binary logistic regression model showed two significant predictors of lower work ability (WAI score <37): lower physical WHO-BREF domain (OR=0.78; 95% CI 0.68 to 0.89; p<0.001) and the professional and intellectual demands (OR=1.09; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.19; p=0.043).

Conclusion

Strenuous physical activity should be reduced in order to increase the overall work ability of the emergency medicine employees and better structural organisation and introduction of a residency in emergency medicine should significantly improve total work ability among emergency physicians.
Selection and use of disinfectants
Authors: Maillard Jean‐Yves , McDonnell Gerald
Published: May 2012

Disinfection is an essential means of reducing the number of viable microorganisms on surfaces, devices and the skin. A wide range of disinfectant products are available, which vary in terms of their active ingredients, how they can be applied and their intended use. This article discusses the use of chemical disinfectants and the factors affecting their activity. In particular, it highlights the importance of understanding product labelling, efficacy claims and the regulatory requirements underpinning their application in practice.
Accommodating cultural differences of opinion
Authors: Wells Kimberly
Published: May 2012

You work for an animal charity in a developing country. The organisation runs veterinary clinics and neutering programmes with the aim of improving animal welfare. Sometimes you find that differences in religious and cultural beliefs between you and the local staff employed by the charity lead to disagreements over the best course of action to improve animal welfare (eg, concerning handling, pain management or euthanasia). How far should you accommodate these differences when making decisions about individual cases and practice policy?
Comments on the dilemma in the april issue: ‘repeat vaccinations’
Authors: Mullan Siobhan
Published: May 2012

The dilemma in the April issue concerned a client from the medical profession questioning why their dog required repeat vaccinations (In Practice, April 2012, volume 34, pages 246–247). Their understanding was that the immune response had a long memory following vaccination and they implied that yearly vaccinations were only being recommended to provide a regular income stream for vets. David Williams commented that this was a common concern of clients. While the assumption that vaccination should incite long‐term immunity against a particular pathogen was correct, the issue was complicated by differences between pathogens, vaccines and the prevalence of the pathogen in the recipient population. Since most companion animal diseases being vaccinated against were no longer circulating in the population, there were no natural boosters for immunity, which meant vaccination was required more frequently. It was also a case of playing it safe for vaccinations with an uncertain duration of immunity. The benefits of vaccination outweighed the side effects. Aside from protection against disease, yearly vaccination encouraged owners to present their pet for examination more frequently, which meant that any conditions were more likely to be diagnosed at an early stage when they were more likely to be treatable. A way forward was to ensure transparent communication with clients so that the vet and the client could come to a rational and amicable decision about the vaccination protocol for the animal. A requirement that some services, such as vaccinations, should not subsidise others, such as the treatment of sick animals, would also be justifiable.
Veterinary care of wild owl casualties
Authors: Couper David , Bexton Steve
Published: May 2012

Owls are common wildlife casualties seen in veterinary practice, and the basic principles of avian medicine and surgery apply to their treatment. However, unlike birds kept in captivity, free‐living owls must be fully fit with unimpaired sensory faculties, especially vision and hearing, in order to survive in the wild. Most owls presented to veterinary practitioners have been injured in traumatic collisions, usually involving road vehicles, and many will have sustained severe injuries as a result. This article covers the principles of dealing with wild owls, including their care and treatment, and the importance of cooperation with rehabilitators in making realistic decisions about their chances of regaining full fitness to avoid unnecessary procedures and suffering.
In-hospital outcomes associated with stent-assisted endovascular treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms in the USA
Authors: McDonald Jennifer S , Norgan Andrew P , McDonald Robert J , Lanzino Giuseppe , Kallmes David F , Cloft Harry J
Published: May 2012

Background

Adjunctive stenting has increasingly become an acceptable option for the endovascular treatment of unruptured aneurysms. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used to compare US in-hospital outcomes related to coiling with and without adjunctive stenting for unruptured aneurysms.

Methods

Hospitalizations for coiling of unruptured cerebral aneurysms from 2004 to 2008 were identified in the NIS by extracting ICD-9-CM codes for the diagnosis of unruptured aneurysm (437.3) and intracranial stenting (00.65) with coiling (39.52, 39.79 or 39.72) of cerebral aneurysms. All patients with a diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (430) and/or intracerebral hemorrhage (431) were excluded. Mortality and discharge to a long-term facility were compared between stent and non-stent patient groups using multivariate regression analysis.

Results

Patients treated with stent-assisted coiling had an in-hospital mortality rate of 0.08–0.8% compared with a death rate of 0.5% (95% CI 0.3% to 0.7%) for patients who did not receive a stent during coiling (p=0.36). Patients in the stent group had a 3% rate of discharge to a care facility (95% CI 1.5% to 5.8%) compared with 5% (95% CI 4.5% to 5.6%) for those in the non-stent group (p=0.14). Patients treated with a stent had a similar likelihood of in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR, 2.12 (95% CI 0.32 to 7.11), p=0.34) and a lower likelihood of discharge to a long-term care facility (adjusted OR 0.59 (95% CI 0.24 to 1.16), p=0.16) compared with the non-stent group.

Conclusions

Adjunctive stenting adds little in-hospital risk to the endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms. However, the need for dual antiplatelet therapy may predispose to delayed hemorrhagic complications and discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy may lead to delayed thromboembolic complications.
HIV intertest interval among MSM in King County, Washington
Authors: Katz David A , Dombrowski Julia C , Swanson Fred , Buskin Susan E , Golden Matthew R , Stekler Joanne D
Published: May 2012

Objectives

The authors examined temporal trends and correlates of HIV testing frequency among men who have sex with men (MSM) in King County, Washington.

Methods

The authors evaluated data from MSM testing for HIV at the Public Health—Seattle & King County (PHSKC) STD Clinic and Gay City Health Project (GCHP) and testing history data from MSM in PHSKC HIV surveillance. The intertest interval (ITI) was defined as the number of days between the last negative HIV test and the current testing visit or first positive test. Correlates of the log10-transformed ITI were determined using generalised estimating equations linear regression.

Results

Between 2003 and 2010, the median ITI among MSM seeking HIV testing at the STD Clinic and GCHP were 215 (IQR: 124–409) and 257 (IQR: 148–503) days, respectively. In multivariate analyses, younger age, having only male partners and reporting ≥10 male sex partners in the last year were associated with shorter ITIs at both testing sites (p<0.05). Among GCHP attendees, having a regular healthcare provider, seeking a test as part of a regular schedule and inhaled nitrite use in the last year were also associated with shorter ITIs (p<0.001). Compared with MSM testing HIV negative, MSM newly diagnosed with HIV had longer ITIs at the STD Clinic (median of 278 vs 213 days, p=0.01) and GCHP (median 359 vs 255 days, p=0.02).

Conclusions

Although MSM in King County appear to be testing at frequent intervals, further efforts are needed to reduce the time that HIV-infected persons are unaware of their status.
CHARGE BEHAVIOR IN ORGANIC THIN FILM TRANSISTORS
Authors: CASTRO-CARRANZA ALEJANDRA , IÑIGUEZ BENJAMIN , PALLARÈS JOSEP
Published: May 2012

In this work, we review the physical properties of organic materials and transistors, discussing especially the charge transport mechanisms. Finally, we present an analytical and continuous charge model for Organic Thin Film Transistors (OTFTs) from which analytical expressions of all the total capacitances are obtained. They are developed and finally written as continuous explicit functions of the applied voltage, resulting in a complete charge-based small-signal model composed by a unified charge control model derived from Poisson equation assuming an exponential density of localized states. This charge model was developed from a previously proposed analytical DC current model assuming a hopping based transport. Therefore our complete small signal model has the potential to be successfully used in circuit simulators for the design of OTFTs.
ORGANIC PHOTODIODES ON PRINTED ITO COATINGS
Authors: HAASE ANJA , KRAKER ELKE , KRENN JOACHIM , PALFINGER CHRISTIAN , HEUSING SABINE , DE OLIVEIRA PETER WILLIAM , VEITH MICHAEL
Published: May 2012

We describe the fabrication and characterization of organic photodiodes on solution cast ITO (tin doped indium oxide) bottom electrodes. ITO coatings were produced by gravure printing process on PET and PEN substrates. The sheet resistance could be decreased by heat treatment at 120°C under forming gas atmosphere ( N2/ H2) to 1.5 kΩ. The transmission of the ITO coated PET and PEN substrates is more than 80% in the visible range. The printed films were hardened under UV-irradiation at low temperatures (< 130°C) and used as the bottom electrode of an organic photodiode (OPD), consisting of a stacked layer of copper phthalocyanine ( p -type material), perylene tetracarboxylic bisbenzimidazole ( n -type material) and Aluminium tris(8-hydroxyquinoline). The performance of the photodiodes with printed ITO on plastic substrates could be improved by adding a smoothing layer of PEDOT/PSS (Baytron® P) on the ITO coated films and was then similar to the performance of photodiodes with semi-transparent gold as anode. These results demonstrate the suitability of the printed ITO layers as bottom electrode for organic photodiodes. Furthermore the influence of different treatments (forming gas and oxygen plasma treatment) of the ITO bottom electrode on the current-voltage characteristics of the OPDs was studied.
CURRENT AND VOLTAGE SIMULATION OF AN ORGANIC INVERTER
Authors: PAPADOPOULOS N. P. , HATZOPOULOS A. A. , MARSAL A. , PUIGDOLLERS J. , PICOS R.
Published: May 2012

Pentacene and N , N '-ditridecylperylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI-C13H27) have been used as organic semiconductors for the fabrication of p -type and n -type organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). Both types of semi-conductors are well-established and demonstrate good performance in singledevices, but few competitive results have been reported in complementary circuits. In this manuscript, we show the fabrication, electrical characterization and simulation of an organic complementary inverter using pentaceneand PTCDI-C13 as active semiconductors. Simulation was done using a model with physical aspects. The fitting of the parameters of the OTFT model is performed using an optimized parameter extraction technique which is using fuzzy logic to adjust the parameters to its optimal value. We also report good fitting of p -type and n -type parameters for the OTFT model and good results for DC transfer characteristics of the organic complementary inverter. In order to account for the presence of important parasitic elements, we show that the DC characteristics are best simulated using a transient analysis, instead of a DC.
IMPACT OF THE UNIVERSAL MOBILITY LAW ON POLYCRYSTALLINE ORGANIC DEVICE AND CIRCUIT OPERATION
Authors: RAJA M. , MYERS R. , DONAGHY D. , ECCLESTON W.
Published: May 2012

We have developed an analytical model for polycrystalline-based organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) that employs, as far as possible, new concepts on carrier injection to the conventional polysilicon model. The drain current equations, both in diffusion and drift regimes, predict the voltage and temperature dependencies on the various device and circuit parameters. Interestingly, upon direct comparison with previously developed disordered model, similarities between the two are not thought to be coincidental. The effect of gate voltage on surface potential is affected by the Fermi level pinning in the grain boundary, which is assumed to consist of mainly disordered material. This work also highlights the problem of using drift mobility, as an organic circuit design parameter, and consequently alternative quantities are proposed for simpler circuits such as an inverter. Upon validation of the model, relatively good fits are obtained with the experimental data on TIPS-based TFTs. The divergence at low drain voltages are thought to be associated with short channel and/or high contact resistance effects.
GROSS-SHELL EFFECTS IN THE DISSIPATIVE NUCLEAR DYNAMICS
Authors: BLOCKI J. P. , MAGNER A. G. , YATSYSHYN I. S.
Published: May 2012

The order-to-chaos transition in the dynamics of the quantum gas of independent particles was studied within the nuclear model based on the time-dependent mean-field approach. The excitation of the quantum gas in the Woods–Saxon potential with a small diffuseness of its surface rippled according to the Legendre polynomials P2 and P3 are obtained for a slow and small amplitude collective motion. We found strong correlations between time-derivatives of the excitation energies (one-body friction coefficients) and shell-correction energies as functions of the particle number. Semiclassical estimates of the friction coefficients were obtained within the periodic orbit theory by using the uniform approximation.
SHELL MODEL DESCRIPTION OF 102–108Sn ISOTOPES
Authors: TRIVEDI T. , SRIVASTAVA P. C. , NEGI D. , MEHROTRA I.
Published: May 2012

We have performed shell model calculations for neutron deficient even 102-108 Sn and odd 103-107 Sn isotopes in sdg7/2h11/2 model space using two different interactions. The first set of interaction is due to Brown et al. and second is due to Hoska et al. The calculations have been performed using doubly magic 100 Sn as core and valence neutrons are distributed over the single particle orbits 1g7/2, 2d5/2, 2d3/2, 3s1/2 and 1h11/2. In more recent experimental work for 101 Sn [I. G. Darby et al., Phys. Rev. Lett.105 (2010) 162502], the g.s. is predicted as 5/2+ with excited 7/2+ at 172 keV. We have also performed another two set of calculations by taking difference in single particle energies of 2d5/2 and 1g7/2 orbitals by 172 keV. The present state-of-the-art shell model calculations predict fair agreement with the experimental data. These calculations serve as a test of nuclear shell model in the region far from stability for unstable Sn isotopes near the doubly magic 100 Sn core.
RELIABILITY EVALUATION OF WSN WITH DYNAMIC-DEPENDENT NODES
Authors: DISTEFANO SALVATORE
Published: May 2012

A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a distributed system composed of autonomous sensor nodes wireless connected and randomly scattered into a geographical area to cooperatively monitor physical or environmental conditions. Adequate techniques and strategies are required to manage a WSN in order it works properly, mainly focusing on its reliability. From the system reliability perspective, it is important to take into account that WSN nodes are usually battery-powered and the WSN reliability strongly depends on the power management at node level. Since standby power management policies are often applied at node level and, moreover, interferences among nodes may arise, a WSN can be considered as a system affected by dynamic-dependent behaviors among its components and therefore, the dynamic reliability approach can be applied. Static-structural interactions are specified by the WSN topology. Active–sleep standby policies and interferences due to wireless communications can be instead considered as dynamic aspects. Thus, in order to represent and to evaluate the WSN reliability dynamic reliability block diagrams are used in this paper. The proposed technique allows to overcome the limits of Markov models when considering nonlinear discharge processes, since such models cannot adequately represent the node aging process. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the DRBD technique in this context, we investigate some specific WSN network topologies, providing guidelines for their representation and evaluation.
STRATEGY AND APPLICATION OF DATA-DRIVEN TESTING OF AN OCEAN TURBINE DRIVETRAIN
Authors: SLOAN JOHN C. , KHOSHGOFTAAR TAGHI M. , ALHALABI BASSEM , BEAUJEAN PIERRE-PHILIPPE
Published: May 2012

An ocean turbine generator will be subject to variations in water current velocity at one end and resistive load at the other. Measurements acquired during bench testing of the turbine's drivetrain can be used to predict the effect of these variables on the turbine during deployment. This paper outlines an ongoing series of tests involving vibration data captured at various velocities and loads. This data is analyzed to detect the machine's state using two approaches. In the first approach, machine learning techniques are used to discern between states given adjacent values for velocity or load. The purpose of that approach is to assess a learner's ability to draw the fine distinctions needed for subsequent fault identification. The second approach computes a power spectrum for each velocity and load combination over enough trials as to construct an operating envelope. The purpose of that approach is to identify as abnormal, incoming data having parts of its spectrum that fall outside that envelope. A case study applies each approach to baseline data and data for a deterioration scenario. The rationale behind each approach, their assumptions, and their limitations are also discussed.
Rheological Innovations for Characterizing Food Material Properties
Authors: Melito H.S. , Daubert C.R.
Published: May 2012

Rheological methods are continually evolving to encompass novel technologies and measurement methods. This review highlights novel techniques used to analyze the rheological properties of foods over the previous decade. Techniques reviewed include large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) testing and rheological techniques coupled with other measurement methods, such as microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Novel techniques are briefly overviewed and discussed in terms of advantages and disadvantages, previous use, and suggested future utilization.
Decontamination of Raw Foods Using Ozone-Based Sanitization Techniques
Authors: Perry Jennifer J. , Yousef Ahmed E.
Published: May 2012

Popular foods such as fresh produce and dry nuts are increasingly implicated in outbreaks of food-transmitted diseases. These products are not amenable to conventional processing technologies; therefore, many alternative decontamination methods are actively investigated. Ozone is a versatile sanitizer with promising applications in some high-risk foods. This antimicrobial agent is active against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, and it can be used effectively in its gaseous or aqueous state. The flexibility afforded by ozone use makes it a viable option for application on easy-to-damage products like fresh produce. If process parameters are adequately controlled, ozone treatment can enhance safety and increase shelf life without adversely affecting product quality. Despite these advantages, ozone may not be suitable for some applications, including treatment of liquid foods and products rich in unsaturated fats and soluble proteins. Ozone, as a powerful oxidizer, must be carefully controlled at all times, and equipment must be rigorously maintained to ensure safety of workers.
Mucosal Vaccination and Therapy with Genetically Modified Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Wells Jerry
Published: May 2012

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have proved to be effective mucosal delivery vehicles that overcome the problem of delivering functional proteins to the mucosal tissues. By the intranasal route, both live and killed LAB vaccine strains have been shown to elicit mucosal and systemic immune responses that afford protection against infectious challenges. To be effective via oral administration, frequent dosing over several weeks is required but new targeting and adjuvant strategies have clearly demonstrated the potential to increase the immunogenicity and protective immunity of LAB vaccines. Oral administration of Lactococcus lactis has been shown to induce antigen-specific oral tolerance (OT) to secreted recombinant antigens. LAB delivery is more efficient at inducing OT than the purified antigen, thus avoiding the need for purification of large quantities of antigen. This approach holds promise for new therapeutic interventions in allergies and antigen-induced autoimmune diseases. Several clinical and research reports demonstrate considerable progress in the application of genetically modified L. lactis for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). New medical targets are on the horizon, and the approval by several health authorities and biosafety committees of a containment system for a genetically modified L. lactis that secretes Il-10 should pave the way for new LAB delivery applications in the future.
Application of Sensory and Instrumental Volatile Analyses to Dairy Products
Authors: Croissant A.E. , Watson D.M. , Drake M.A.
Published: May 2012

Comprehensive food flavor analysis requires a multidisciplinary approach. This article presents a comprehensive review of the relationship between sensory and instrumental analysis in the research of food flavor. Common practices for aroma flavor compound isolation, separation, and identification are discussed with strengths and weaknesses of the respective methodologies. A review of whey protein flavor research is presented to demonstrate the range of techniques available for the investigation of food flavors. These techniques are applicable to all food categories. The complexity introduced by food texture regarding flavor analysis is discussed using the attribute creaminess as an example.
Food Components with Anti-Obesity Effect
Authors: Kim Kee-Hong , Park Yeonhwa
Published: May 2012

Although many food components are reportedly beneficial to body-weight management, lack of understanding of molecular mechanisms and their function in overall adiposity under physiological conditions hinders successful and safe development of antiobesity functional foods. A positive energy balance resulting from an increase in food intake, a reduced energy expenditure, and/or dysfunction of adipose biology is associated with the development of obesity. This article provides an overview of the components involved in energy balance and adipose development and function. There is evidence that numerous ingredients found in foods can modulate energy balance and adipose biology, thereby potentially lowering adiposity.
Avian Influenza: Public Health and Food Safety Concerns
Authors: Chmielewski Revis , Swayne David E.
Published: May 2012

Avian influenza (AI) is a disease or asymptomatic infection caused by Influenzavirus A. AI viruses are species specific and rarely cross the species barrier. However, subtypes H5, H7, and H9 have caused sporadic infections in humans, mostly as a result of direct contact with infected birds. H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) virus causes a rapid onset of severe viral pneumonia and is highly fatal (60% mortality). Outbreaks of AI could have a severe economic and social impact on the poultry industry, trade, and public health. Surveillance data revealed that H5N1 HPAI has been detected in imported frozen duck meat from Asia, and on the surface and in contaminated eggs. However, there is no direct evidence that AI viruses can be transmitted to humans via the consumption of contaminated poultry products. Implementing management practices that incorporate biosecurity principles, personal hygiene, and cleaning and disinfection protocols, as well as cooking and processing standards, are effective means of controlling the spread of the AI viruses.