bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Opening of the blood-brain barrier with an unfocused ultrasound device in rabbits
Authors: Beccaria Kevin , Canney Michael , Goldwirt Lauriane , Fernandez Christine , Adam Clovis , Piquet Julie , Autret Gwennhael , Clément Olivier , Lafon Cyril , Chapelon Jean-Yves , Carpentier Alexandre
Published: June 2013

Object

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major impediment to the intracerebral diffusion of drugs used in the treatment of gliomas. Previous studies have demonstrated that pulsed focused ultrasound (US) in conjunction with a microbubble contrast agent can be used to open the BBB. To apply the US-induced opening of the BBB in clinical practice, the authors designed an innovative unfocused US device that can be implanted in the skull and used to transiently and repeatedly open the BBB during a standard chemotherapy protocol. The goal of this preliminary work was to study the opening of the BBB induced by the authors' small unfocused US transducer and to evaluate the effects of the sonications on brain parenchyma.

Methods

Craniectomy was performed in 16 healthy New Zealand White rabbits; epidural application of a single-element planar ultrasonic transducer operating at 1 MHz was then used with a pulse-repetition frequency of 1 Hz, pulse lengths of 10–35 msec, in situ acoustic pressure levels of 0.3–0.8 MPa, and sonication for 60–120 seconds. SonoVue was intravenously injected during the US applications, and opening of the BBB was determined by detecting extravasation of Evans blue dye (EBD) in brain tissues, quantitative measurement of EBD with UV-visible spectrophotometry, and contrast enhancement after Gd injection in 4.7-T MRI. A histological study was performed to determine adverse effects.

Results

An opening of the BBB was observed over a large extent of the US beam in the brain corresponding to in situ pressures of greater than 0.2 MPa. The BBB opening observed was highly significant for both EBD (p < 0.01) and MRI Gd enhancement (p < 0.0001). The BBB opening was associated with minor adverse effects that included perivascular red blood cell extravasations that were less than 150 μm in size and not visible on MR images. Moderate edema was visible on FLAIR sequences and limited to the extent of the sonication field.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that the BBB can be opened in large areas of the brain in rabbits with lowpower, pulsed, and unfocused US with limited damage to healthy tissue.
Baseline neurocognitive scores in athletes with attention deficit–spectrum disorders and/or learning disability
Authors: Zuckerman Scott L. , Lee Young M. , Odom Mitchell J. , Solomon Gary S. , Sills Allen K.
Published: June 2013

Object

Up to 16% of children in the US between the ages of 3 and 17 years have either attention deficit–spectrum disorder or a learning disability (LD). Sports-related concussions among youth athletes represent a significant public health concern, and neurocognitive testing is a method to evaluate the severity of cognitive impairment and recovery after a sports-related concussion. The goal of this study was to assess baseline neurocognitive differences between athletes with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or LD versus those with neither disorder and to establish normative data for these special populations.

Methods

Between August 2007 and March 2012, 6636 young athletes underwent baseline neurocognitive testing performed using the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) battery. Of these participants, 90 had self-reported LD only, 262 had self-reported ADHD only, and 55 reported both. Those with ADHD and/or LD were matched with 407 participants with no history of ADHD or LD by age, sex, and number of prior concussions. The mean scores and SDs were calculated for each group to obtain normative values. A pairwise comparison between each diagnostic group was done to assess whether LD and/or ADHD diagnostic status predicted participants' baseline neurocognitive scores.

Results

Participants with ADHD had significantly lower verbal memory, visual memory, and visual motor processing speed scores, along with significantly higher reaction time, impulse control, and symptom scores compared with those without LD or ADHD. Participants with LD had similar results, with significantly lower verbal memory, visual memory, and visual motor processing speed scores, higher reaction time and symptom score, but did not differ in their impulse control score compared with those without LD or ADHD. Participants with both LD and ADHD had a significantly lower visual motor speed score and a significantly higher reaction time and symptom score than those without LD or ADHD, but did not differ with regard to the other composite scores.

Conclusions

Athletes with ADHD and/or LD have lower baseline ImPACT neurocognitive scores compared with athletes without ADHD and LD. Preliminary normative neurocognitive data for these special populations are provided.
Rectocutaneous fistula and nonunion after TranS1 axial lumbar interbody fusion L5–S1 fixation
Authors: Siegel Geoffrey , Patel Nilesh , Ramakrishnan Rakesh
Published: June 2013

The authors report a case of rectal injury, rectocutaneous fistula, and pseudarthrosis after a TranS1 axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLIF) L5–S1 fixation. The TranS1 AxiaLIF procedure is a percutaneous minimally invasive approach to transsacral fusion of the L4–S1 vertebral levels. It is gaining popularity due to the ease of access to the sacrum through the presacral space, which is relatively free from intraabdominal and neurovascular structures.

This 35-year-old man had undergone the procedure for the treatment of degenerative disc disease. The patient subsequently presented with fever, syncope, and foul-smelling gas and bloody drainage from the surgical site. A CT fistulagram and flexible sigmoidoscopy showed evidence of rectocutaneous fistula, which was managed with intravenous antibiotic therapy and bowel rest with total parenteral nutrition. Subsequent studies performed 6 months postoperatively revealed evidence of pseudarthrosis. The patient's rectocutaneous fistula symptoms gradually subsided, but his preoperative back pain recurred prompting a revision of his L5–S1 spinal fusion.
A new technique for reduction of atlantoaxial subluxation using a simple tool during posterior segmental screw fixation
Authors: Suh Bo-Gun , Padua Mary Ruth A. , Riew K. Daniel , Kim Ho-Joong , Chang Bong-Soon , Lee Choon-Ki , Yeom Jin S.
Published: June 2013

Object

The authors introduce a simple technique and tool to facilitate reduction of atlantoaxial subluxation during posterior segmental screw fixation.

Methods

Two types of reduction tool have been designed: T-type and L-type. A T-shaped levering tool was used when a pedicle or pars screw was used for C-2, and an L-shaped tool was used when a laminar screw was used for C-2. Twenty-two patients who underwent atlantoaxial segmental screw fixation and fusion for the treatment of anteroposterior instability or subluxation, using either of these new types of reduction tool, were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data, which had been prospectively collected in a database, were analyzed. The atlantodens interval was measured on lateral radiographs, and the space available for the spinal cord was measured on CT scans.

Results

The authors could attain reduction of the atlantoaxial subluxation without difficulty using either type of tool. The preoperative atlantodens interval ranged from −16.9 to 10.9 mm in a neutral position, and the postoperative interval ranged from −2.8 to 3.0 mm, with negative values due to extension-type or mixed-type instability. The mean space available for the spinal cord significantly increased, from 9.5 mm preoperatively to 15.4 mm postoperatively (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This technique allowed for controlled manipulation and reduction of the atlantoaxial subluxation without difficulty.
Neuromolecular Imaging Shows Temporal Synchrony Patterns between Serotonin and Movement within Neuronal Motor Circuits in the Brain
Authors: Broderick Patricia
Published: June 2013

The present discourse links the electrical and chemical properties of the brain with neurotransmitters and movement behaviors to further elucidate strategies to diagnose and treat brain disease. Neuromolecular imaging (NMI), based on electrochemical principles, is used to detect serotonin in nerve terminals (dorsal and ventral striata) and somatodendrites (ventral tegmentum) of reward/motor mesocorticolimbic and nigrostriatal brain circuits. Neuronal release of serotonin is detected at the same time and in the same animal, freely moving and unrestrained, while open-field behaviors are monitored via infrared photobeams. The purpose is to emphasize the unique ability of NMI and the BRODERICK PROBE® biosensors to empirically image a pattern of temporal synchrony, previously reported, for example, in Aplysia using central pattern generators (CPGs), serotonin and cerebral peptide-2. Temporal synchrony is reviewed within the context of the literature on central pattern generators, neurotransmitters and movement disorders. Specifically, temporal synchrony data are derived from studies on psychostimulant behavior with and without cocaine while at the same time and continuously, serotonin release in motor neurons within basal ganglia, is detected. The results show that temporal synchrony between the neurotransmitter, serotonin and natural movement occurs when the brain is NOT injured via, e.g., trauma, addictive drugs or psychiatric illness. In striking contrast, in the case of serotonin and cocaine-induced psychostimulant behavior, a different form of synchrony and also asynchrony can occur. Thus, the known dysfunctional movement behavior produced by cocaine may well be related to the loss of temporal synchrony, the loss of the ability to match serotonin in brain with motor activity. The empirical study of temporal synchrony patterns in humans and animals may be more relevant to the dynamics of motor circuits and movement behaviors than are studies of static parameters currently relied upon within the realms of science and medicine. There are myriad applications for the use of NMI to discover clinically relevant diagnoses and treatments for brain disease involving the motor system.
Uniform and Robust Peptoid Microsphere Coatings
Authors: Hebert Melissa , Shah Dhaval , Blake Phillip , Servoss Shannon
Published: June 2013

Peptoids that are helical and partially water soluble have been shown to self-assemble into microspheres when the peptoid solution is dried on a silicon substrate. Such microsphere coatings have great potential for use in biosensor technologies, specifically to increase the surface area for binding. However, in order to be useful, the peptoids must consistently form uniform coatings. In this study we investigated the effects of various coating protocol parameters on the uniformity of the resulting peptoid microsphere coatings, including (i) solvent, (ii) administration technique, and (iii) drying environment. In addition, we investigated the robustness of the coatings as well as the potential for using a glass substrate. These studies show that uniform, robust peptoid microsphere coatings can be formed using protic solvents, a full coverage administration technique, and drying in open air on silicon or glass substrates.
A Maximum Entropy Approach to the Realizability of Spin Correlation Matrices
Authors: Dai Pra Paolo , Pavon Michele , Sahasrabudhe Neeraja
Published: June 2013

Deriving the form of the optimal solution of a maximum entropy problem, we obtain an infinite family of linear inequalities characterizing the polytope of spin correlation matrices. For n ≤ 6, the facet description of such a polytope is provided through a minimal system of Bell-type inequalities.
Dale W. Johnson, et al. The Long-Term Effects of Wildfire and Post-Fire Vegetation on Sierra Nevada Forest Soils. Forests 2012, 3, 398-416
Authors: Johnson Dale , Walker Roger , McNulty Michelle , Rau Benjamin , Miller Watkins , Johnson Brittany
Published: June 2013

The authors would like to add a co-author “Brittany G. Johnson” as sixth author in the published paper [1], doi: 10.3390/f3020398, website: http://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/3/2/398. After publication, we discovered that we left our one deserving graduate student author from the published paper, Brittany G. Johnson, who helped in collecting data for this paper. The authors apologize for any convenience this may have caused. [...]
Microsurgical Procedures for Studying the Developmental Significance of the Proepicardium and Epicardium in Avian Embryos: PE-Blocking, PE-Photoablation, and PE-Grafting
Authors: Männer Jörg
Published: June 2013

The epicardium is the outer skin of the mature vertebrate heart. Its embryonic origin and its possible roles in the developing and mature heart did not receive much recognition during the 19th and most of the 20th century. During the past 25 years, however, the epicardium came into the focus of developmental biology and regenerative medicine. Clinical researchers usually prefer genetically modified mouse models when they want to gain insight into developmental or pathological processes. The story of research on the embryonic epicardium, however, nicely demonstrates the value of non-mammalian species, namely avian species, for elucidating fundamental processes in embryonic and fetal development. Studies on chick and quail embryos have not only led to the identification of the primarily extracardiac source of the epicardium—presently called the proepicardium (PE)—they have also significantly contributed to our current knowledge about the developmental significance of the embryonic epicardium. In this review article, I describe three “classical” microsurgical experiments that have been developed for studying the developmental significance of the PE/epicardium in avian embryos (mechanical PE-blocking, PE-photoablation, orthotopic PE-grafting). Furthermore, I show how these microsurgical experiments have contributed to our current knowledge about the roles of the PE/epicardium in cardiac development. There are still some unsolved aspects in the physiology of the developing epicardium, which may be clarified with the aid of these “classical” microsurgical experiments.
Chemical Reactions Catalyzed by Metalloporphyrin-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks
Authors: Nakagaki Shirley , Ferreira Gabriel , Ucoski Geani , Dias de Freitas Castro Kelly
Published: June 2013

The synthetic versatility and the potential application of metalloporphyrins (MP) in different fields have aroused researchers’ interest in studying these complexes, in an attempt to mimic biological systems such as cytochrome P-450. Over the last 40 years, synthetic MPs have been mainly used as catalysts for homogeneous or heterogeneous chemical reactions. To employ them in heterogeneous catalysis, chemists have prepared new MP-based solids by immobilizing MP onto rigid inorganic supports, a strategy that affords hybrid inorganic-organic materials. More recently, materials obtained by supramolecular assembly processes and containing MPs as building blocks have been applied in a variety of areas, like gas storage, photonic devices, separation, molecular sensing, magnets, and heterogeneous catalysis, among others. These coordination polymers, known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), contain organic ligands or complexes connected by metal ions or clusters, which give rise to a 1-, 2- or 3-D network. These kinds of materials presents large surface areas, Brønsted or redox sites, and high porosity, all of which are desirable features in catalysts with potential use in heterogeneous phases. Building MOFs based on MP is a good way to obtain solid catalysts that offer the advantages of bioinspired systems and zeolitic materials. In this mini review, we will adopt a historical approach to present the most relevant MP-based MOFs applicable to catalytic reactions such as oxidation, reduction, insertion of functional groups, and exchange of organic functions.
Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids from Alstonia rupestris with Cytotoxic, Anti-Inflammatory and Antifungal Activities
Authors: Wang Wei , Cheng Ming-He , Wang Xiao-Hua
Published: June 2013

Phytochemical investigation of the 70% EtOH extract of the leaves of Alstonia scholaris afforded seven new monoterpenoid indole alkaloids: scholarisins I-VII (1-7), and three known compounds: (3R,5S,7R,15R,16R,19E)-scholarisine F (8), 3-epi-dihydro- corymine (9), and (E)-16-formyl-5α-methoxystrictamine (10). Structural elucidation of all the compounds was accomplished by spectral methods such as 1D- and 2D-NMR, IR, UV, and HRESIMS. The isolated compounds were tested in vitro for cytotoxicity against seven tumor cell lines, anti-inflammatory activities against Cox-1 and Cox-2, and antifungal potential against five species of fungi. Compounds 1, 6, and 10 exhibited significant cytotoxicities against all the tested tumor cell lines with IC50 values of less than 30 μM and selective inhibition of Cox-2 comparable with the standard drug NS-398 (>90%). Additionally, 1, 2, 3 and 8 showed antifungal activity against two fungal strains (G. pulicaris and C. nicotianae).
Array of Hall Effect Sensors for Linear Positioning of a Magnet Independently of Its Strength Variation. A Case Study: Monitoring Milk Yield during Milking in Goats
Authors: García-Diego Fernando-Juan , Sánchez-Quinche Angel , Merello Paloma , Beltrán Pedro , Peris Cristófol
Published: June 2013

In this study we propose an electronic system for linear positioning of a magnet independent of its modulus, which could vary because of aging, different fabrication process, etc. The system comprises a linear array of 24 Hall Effect sensors of proportional response. The data from all sensors are subject to a pretreatment (normalization) by row (position) making them independent on the temporary variation of its magnetic field strength. We analyze the particular case of the individual flow in milking of goats. The multiple regression analysis allowed us to calibrate the electronic system with a percentage of explanation R2 = 99.96%. In our case, the uncertainty in the linear position of the magnet is 0.51 mm that represents 0.019 L of goat milk. The test in farm compared the results obtained by direct reading of the volume with those obtained by the proposed electronic calibrated system, achieving a percentage of explanation of 99.05%.
NF-κB and IRF7 Pathway Activation by Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 1
Authors: Ersing Ina , Bernhardt Katharina , Gewurz Benjamin
Published: June 2013

The principal Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) oncoprotein, Latent Membrane Protein 1 (LMP1), is expressed in most EBV-associated human malignancies. LMP1 mimics CD40 receptor signaling to provide infected cells with constitutive NF-κB, MAP kinase, IRF7, and PI3 kinase pathway stimulation. EBV-transformed B-cells are particularly dependent on constitutive NF-κB activity, and rapidly undergo apoptosis upon NF-κB blockade. Here, we review LMP1 function, with special attention to current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of LMP1-mediated NF-κB and IRF7 pathway activation. Recent advances include the elucidation of transmembrane motifs important for LMP1 trafficking and ligand-independent signaling, analysis of genome-wide LMP1 gene targets, and the identification of novel cell proteins that mediate LMP1 NF-κB and IRF7 pathway activation.
Development of microsatellite markers in the oil‐producing species Vernicia fordii (Euphorbiaceae), a potential biodiesel feedstock
Authors: Pan Yue , Pan Lei , Chen Liang , Zhang Lingling , Nevo Eviatar , Peng Junhua
Published: June 2013

• Premise of the study: Tung tree, Vernicia fordii, is native to China. Little has been done on genetics and breeding at the molecular level in this species, let alone utilizing microsatellite (simple sequence repeat [SSR]) markers. Therefore, a set of SSR molecular markers was developed for studies on molecular genetics and breeding in tung tree.

• Methods and Results: We designed 78 SSR markers using a protocol based on the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO) protocol. Assessed in 81 V. fordii accessions, 40 of these markers were polymorphic and 12 of them showed monomorphism. When tested using six V. montana accessions, 52 of the markers were capable of PCR amplification and 25 were polymorphic.

• Conclusions: The newly developed SSR markers are effective and helpful in the evaluation of genetic germplasm and molecular breeding in tung tree.
Multiple regimes of operation in bimodal AFM: understanding the energy of cantilever eigenmodes
Authors: Kiracofe Daniel , Raman Arvind , Yablon Dalia
Published: June 2013

One of the key goals in atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging is to enhance material property contrast with high resolution. Bimodal AFM, where two eigenmodes are simultaneously excited, confers significant advantages over conventional single-frequency tapping mode AFM due to its ability to provide contrast between regions with different material properties under gentle imaging conditions. Bimodal AFM traditionally uses the first two eigenmodes of the AFM cantilever. In this work, the authors explore the use of higher eigenmodes in bimodal AFM (e.g., exciting the first and fourth eigenmodes). It is found that such operation leads to interesting contrast reversals compared to traditional bimodal AFM. A series of experiments and numerical simulations shows that the primary cause of the contrast reversals is not the choice of eigenmode itself (e.g., second versus fourth), but rather the relative kinetic energy between the higher eigenmode and the first eigenmode. This leads to the identification of three distinct imaging regimes in bimodal AFM. This result, which is applicable even to traditional bimodal AFM, should allow researchers to choose cantilever and operating parameters in a more rational manner in order to optimize resolution and contrast during nanoscale imaging of materials.
ON ORDER STATISTICS FROM THE GOMPERTZ–MAKEHAM DISTRIBUTION AND THE LAMBERT W FUNCTION
Authors: Jodra Pedro
Published: June 2013

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, we show that the expected value of the minimum order statistic from the Gompertz-Makeham distribution can be expressed in closed form in terms of the incomplete gamma function. We also give a general formula for the moments of the minimum order statistic in terms of the generalized integro-exponential function. As a consequence, the moments of all order statistics from this probability distribution can be more easily evaluated from the moments of the minimum order statistic. Second, we show that the maximum and minimum order statistics from the Gompertz-Makeham distribution are in the domains of attraction of the Gumbel and Weibull distributions, respectively. Lambert W function plays an important role in solving these problems.
Evolution of Cell Culture Systems for HCV
Authors: Taylor Deborah R
Published: June 2013

Many challenges exist for the study of HCV in the laboratory. Therapy using interferon (IFN) is expensive, not well tolerated and ineffective for many patients. HCV research has been hampered by the lack of a robust tissue culture system, but recent advances have made virus growth in culture possible. Cell culture systems using genetically engineered viruses have been reviewed extensively, but here we review recent advances made in the use of natural isolates and the molecular challenges that have been used to overcome the limitations in their growth. Six major genotypes have been identified for HCV that are further divided into numerous subtypes. Combination therapy utilizing IFN-α and ribavirin is the standard of care, but is successful in only one-half of patients. The reasons for IFN resistance may be viral- or host-related and may be due to multiple factors. Recently, telaprevir and boceprevir, together with IFN-α and ribavirin, have been added to the standard of care in patients infected with IFN-resistant genotypes. A major obstacle in the development of effective vaccines and improved therapeutics has been the lack of a reproducible and efficient tissue culture system for propagation of HCV. Many cell culture systems have used genetically-engineered viruses to gain growth in culture through the use of replicons, but recent advances using natural isolates may improve the outlook for progress in HCV research.
Viral Hepatitis and HIV: Update and Management
Authors: Núñez Marina , Mendes-Correa Maria C
Published: June 2013

HCV-related liver disease is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality in the HIV-infected population. Successful treatment of HIV–HCV-coinfected patients is followed by favourable clinical outcomes. While the combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin remains the mainstay in the treatment of non-1 HCV genotypes, the first generation of HCV protease inhibitors are being incorporated into existing HCV genotype-1 (HCV-1) treatment protocols. Although data are limited, the triple combination does improve the sustained virological response in HIV–HCV-1-coinfected subjects. However, with still very limited data in this setting, clinical decisions for triple therapy have to be individualized and made based on multiple considerations. Chronic HBV infection increases mortality in HIV-infected subjects. In the treatment of HIV–HBV coinfection, it is very important to coordinate HBV and HIV therapies. HBV-active HAART improves the outcome of patients with HIV–HBV coinfection and tenofovir has become a key component of the treatment for these patients, although a number of clinical situations require a case-by-case approach.
Distribution of HBV genotypes F and H in Mexico and Central America
Authors: Panduro Arturo , Maldonado-Gonzalez Montserrat , Fierro Nora A , Roman Sonia
Published: June 2013

The distribution of HBV genotypes is associated with populations of specific geographical regions of the world. We show data from the GenBank sequence database and medical reports, which indicate that HBV genotype H (HBV/H) is mainly distributed in Mexico, whereas HBV genotype F (HBV/F) is distributed in countries from Central America. The phylogenetic analysis and historical records suggest that HBV/H has been present in Mexico even before the arrival of the Spaniards. Interestingly, occult hepatitis B is a common finding in both natives and patients with chronic liver disease in Mexico. This suggests that an immunogenic background could be important during the natural history of liver diseases. The estimated large number of HBV/H-infected patients in Mexico does not correlate with the total number of patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis reported in the country. This may be because of the fact that HBV infection is often masked by alcoholic liver disease, HCV coinfection and/or obesity. Here, we analyse the data concerning the distribution of HBV/F and HBV/H genotypes in Central America and Mexico. Specifically, we focus on the effect of molecular epidemiology and pathogenesis of HBV/H. These recent findings reveal new areas of study with therapeutic potential in viral liver diseases.
The ‘Red Queen’ Dilemma – Running to Stay in the Same Place: Refections on the Evolutionary Vector of HBV in Humans
Authors: Tedder Richard S , Bissett Sara L , Myers Richard , Ijaz Samreen
Published: June 2013

Background

Estimates for the evolutionary rate of HBV until now have been interpreted as showing that HBV is a relatively recent acquisition for mankind. The existence of defined HBV genotypes is thought to represent past founder effects. We have explored virus mutation in a group of 48 persistently infected blood donors sampled at two points in time and suggest otherwise.

Methods

HBV-infected donors were detected by hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) screening and staged by hepatitis B e markers. Serum DNA from those persistently infected with HBV was characterized by consensus sequencing and the amino acid sequences inferred. These were compared against consensus genotype sequences and divergence measured at two points in time.

Results

Rates of viral mutation were higher across both HBsAg and hepatitis B core antigen in the group of donors seropositive for hepatitis B e antibody (1.36x10-3 and 1.54x10-3 changes per residue per year, respectively) than in those seropositive for hepatitis B e antigen (4.59x10-4 and 6.62x10-4 changes per residue per year, respectively). Codon mutations reverting to the genotype consensus were commonly seen. Codon changes were clustered close to the C-terminal region of HBsAg and were accommodated in overlapping polymerase by synonymous substitutions.

Conclusions

It is suggested that in vivo HBV behaves as a self-normalizing meme and mutational rates, although high, do not lead to significant change over time in a persistent infection. This would be compatible with co-evolution within its human host and introduction within humans being an ancient occurrence.
Ahmed, le doublement indésirable
Authors: Tassel Fabrice
Published: June 2013

Chassé de France après neuf ans et rejeté par sa famille au Pakistan, le dernier expulsé de 2012 retrace son douloureux parcours. Cet article est paru dans Libération, le 12 avril 2013. Nous le reproduisons avec l’aimable autorisation de l’auteur.
Droit de regard en ZA... par le trou de la serrure
Authors: Maillary Caroline , Blanchard Emmanuel
Published: June 2013

En fin d’année 2012, le Gisti a participé à une campagne de visites de l’Anafé 1  dans la zone d’attente de l’aéroport d’Orly, la deuxième de France par le nombre de maintenu·e·s (7 500 en 2011 à Roissy pour 1100 pour Orly). Esquisse d’un bilan à venir afin d’avancer vers un véritable droit de regard au service de la défense des étrangers et des demandeurs d’asile.
Le régime pénitentiaire pour les terroristes en Espagne : la prison, une arme pour combattre l'ETA
Authors: Cano Paños Miguel Ángel , Barquin Sanz Jesús
Published: June 2013

Le type de violence générée par l’organisation terroriste ETA est l’un des plus terribles problèmes auxquels s’est trouvé confrontée la société Espagnole depuis des dizaines d’années. En raison des atrocités terroristes, l’Espagne, à l’image d’autres États de droit en Europe, a mis en œuvre un ensemble de mesures punitives contre les crimes de ce type, créant ainsi un régime d’exception pour la répression du terrorisme. La législation pénitentiaire en est un exemple caractéristique. Le rôle joué par les membres de l’ETA détenus est devenu un élément crucial de toute solution possible du conflit, et surtout depuis l’annonce officielle par l’organisation terroriste du 20 octobre 2011 aux termes de laquelle elle déclara mettre "un terme définitif à toute activité belligérante". Depuis lors, il est devenu impératif de définir les caractéristiques du régime de droit applicable à cette catégorie de criminels tel qu’il existe. Cet article analyse les mesures légales et pénitentiaires concernant les individus emprisonnés pour actes de terrorisme, parce que nombre de ces mesures ont été amendées par la Ley Orgánica de Cumplimiento Íntegro y Efectivo de las Penas (Loi Organique pour l’Application Intégrale des Sentences d’Emprisonnement) 7/2003 en date du 30 juin. Cette réforme, telle que discutée par les auteurs de cet article, représente une consolidation dans le cadre du Droit Espagnol d’un "dispositif légal et pénitentiaire annexe exceptionnel", plus rigide en matière de mesures punitives, et concernant la délivrance et la mise en œuvre de sentences pénitentiaires à l’encontre d’individus jugés coupables d’actes terroristes.
The dutch focus on DNA in the criminal justice system: net-widening of judicial data
Authors: Vervaele John A. E. , de Graaf F.C.W. , Tielemans N.
Published: June 2013

Cet article traite de la collecte et de l’usage de l’ADN dans les procédures pénales en soulignant particulièrement les règles applicables au Pays-Bas en raison de l’intérêt que portent certains pays ou régions pour ces règles. Cet article donne un aperçu des changements substantiels intervenus récemment au sein de la législation néerlandaise dans ce domaine. Une attention particulière est portée à l’objet ainsi qu’aux finalités des investigations relatives à la preuve ADN, à la procédure applicable (celle-ci prévoyant plusieurs paliers en termes d’intensité d’investigations) ainsi qu’aux règles de la légalité procédurale. Une attention particulière est également portée à l’identification des groupes de personnes pouvant faire l’objet de prélèvements ADN ainsi qu’aux droits dont ils bénéficient et qui sont garantis par les principes des droits de l’homme et le fichage des profils ADN. Enfin, cet article contient une analyse relative à la dimension européenne dans l’échange des données ADN conformément au régime européen Prüm.
Chronique de droit pénal de l'Union africaine. Vers une justice pénale régionale en Afrique
Authors: Mubiala Mutoy
Published: June 2013

Opposée à l’extradition de M. Hissène Habré vers la Belgique, l’Union africaine, au cours de son sommet à Banjul (Gambie), en juillet 2006, avait décidé que l’affaire Habré relevait de sa compétence, conformément à son Acte constitutif prohibant les crimes internationaux lui reprochés. Ne disposant pas encore de cour pénale régionale, l’Union avait demandé au Sénégal, où M. Habré est réfugié depuis son renversement du pouvoir en 1990, de le faire juger, « au nom de l’Afrique ». L’Union africaine formulait ainsi un principe de « compétence régionale » en droit international pénal. L’Accord qu’elle a signé avec le Sénégal, le 22 août 2012, relatif à l’institution des Chambres africaines extraordinaires au sein des juridictions sénégalaises pour la poursuite des crimes internationaux commis au Tchad durant la période du 7 juin 1982 au 1 er décembre 1990, est la première concrétisation de ce principe et un jalon important dans l’émergence d’une justice pénale régionale en Afrique.
Chronique de droit pénal français. Réflexions pour la constitution d'un ministère public français indépendant
Authors: Ficara Julien
Published: June 2013

Une réforme du ministère public français devrait avoir lieu dans les prochains mois en France. À ce jour, la majorité présidentielle semble avoir cependant circonscrit l’évolution ce corps de magistrats aux questions phares de leur nomination, de leur discipline et des célèbres instructions individuelles de politique pénale. Or seule une rupture radicale du lien hiérarchique du parquet avec le pouvoir exécutif ne semble à même de constituer le critère d’indépendance que la Cour européenne des droits de l’homme rappelle au gré des décisions rendues contre l’État français. Cet article propose une réflexion prospective conforme avec les standards européens et l’histoire institutionnelle de la Justice française.
Éthique et politique chez Hans Jonas et Hannah Arendt
Authors: Pommier Éric
Published: June 2013

Par-delà la juste méfiance exercée contre les développements modernes de la technique et les risques qu’ils font courir au monde humain, Hans Jonas et Hannah Arendt se séparent sur les conditions permettant de préserver un tel monde. Le premier nous invite à suivre une éthique de responsabilité pour la vie tandis que la seconde dessine une politique de l’action humaine échappant au cycle vital. Le constat de cette divergence est cependant prétexte à penser une complémentarité, la natalité arendtienne pouvant recevoir une justification bio-ontologique et l’éthique jonassienne pouvant trouver un mode d’incarnation politique dans la philosophie de Hannah Arendt.
Conceptualisation of knowledge construction in community service-learning programmes in nursing education
Authors: Mthembu Sindi Z. , Mtshali Fikile G.
Published: June 2013

Background: Practices in higher education have been criticised for not developing and preparing students for the expertise required in real environments. Literature reports that educational programmes tend to favour knowledge conformation rather than knowledge construction; however, community service learning (CSL) is a powerful pedagogical strategy that encourages students to make meaningful connections between the content in the classroom and real-life experiences as manifested by the communities. Through CSL, learning is achieved by the active construction of knowledge supported by multiple perspectives within meaningful real contexts, and the social interactions amongst students are seen to play a critical role in the processes of learning and cognition. This article reflects facilitators’ perspective of the knowledge construction process as used with students doing community service learning in basic nursing programmes. Objectives: The aim of this article was to conceptualise the phenomenon of knowledge construction and thereby provide educators with a shared meaning and common understanding, and to analyse the interaction strategies utilised by nurse educators in the process of knowledge construction in community service-learning programmes in basic nursing education.Method: A qualitative research approach based on a grounded theory research design was used in this article. Two nursing education institutions were purposively selected. Structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants.Results: The results revealed that the knowledge construction in community service-learning programmes is conceptualised as having specific determinants, including the use of authentic health-related problems, academic coaching through scaffolding, academic discourse-dialogue, interactive learning in communities of learners, active learning, continuous reflection as well as collaborative and inquiry-based learning. Upon completion of an experience, students create and test generated knowledge in different contextual health settings.Conclusion: It was concluded that knowledge is constructed by students as a result of their interaction with the communities in their socio-cultural context and is mediated by their prior concrete experiences. The implication of this is that students construct knowledge that can be applied in their future work places.
A clinical algorithm for triaging patients with significant lymphadenopathy in primary health care settings in Sudan
Authors: Khalil Eltahir A.G. , El Hag Imad A. , Elsiddig Kamal E. , Elsafi Mohamed E.M.O. , Elfaki Mona E.E. , Musa Ahmed M. , Musa Brima Y. , Elhassan Ahmed M.
Published: June 2013

Background: Tuberculosis is a major health problem in developing countries. The distinction between tuberculous lymphadenitis, non-specific lymphadenitis and malignant lymph node enlargement has to be made at primary health care levels using easy, simple and cheap methods.Objective: To develop a reliable clinical algorithm for primary care settings to triage cases ofnon-specific, tuberculous and malignant lymphadenopathies.Methods: Calculation of the odd ratios (OR) of the chosen predictor variables was carried out using logistic regression. The numerical score values of the predictor variables were weighed against their respective OR. The performance of the score was evaluated by the ROC (ReceiverOperator Characteristic) curve.Results: Four predictor variables; Mantoux reading, erythrocytes sedimentation rate (ESR),nocturnal fever and discharging sinuses correlated significantly with TB diagnosis and were included in the reduced model to establish score A. For score B, the reduced model included Mantoux reading, ESR, lymph-node size and lymph-node number as predictor variables for malignant lymph nodes. Score A ranged 0 to 12 and a cut-off point of 6 gave a best sensitivity and specificity of 91% and 90% respectively, whilst score B ranged -3 to 8 and a cut-off point of3 gave a best sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 76% respectively. The calculated area underthe ROC curve was 0.964 (95% CI, 0.949 – 0.980) and -0.856 (95% CI, 0.787 ‑ 0.925) for scores Aand B respectively, indicating good performance.Conclusion: The developed algorithm can efficiently triage cases with tuberculous andmalignant lymphadenopathies for treatment or referral to specialised centres for furtherwork-up.
Effect of fibromyalgia on bone mineral density in patients with fibromylagia and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Buyukbese MA , Pamuk ON , Yurekli OA , Yesil N
Published: June 2013

Objectives:

Fibromyalgia (FM) may t cause a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) because of decreased mobility. The condition is relatively frequent in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and RA patients with FM have more disability than those without FM. We evaluated the effect of FM on BMD and investigated the effect of FM on BMD in RA patients.

Materials and Methods:

We included age-matched 56 FM, 52 RA patients, and 37 healthy females as controls. Twenty three of all RA subjects met 1990 ACR FM criteria. Patients using the antiresorptive drugs, those on hormone replacement therapy, patients with thyroid or parathyroid dysfunction were excluded. Self-reported pain and fatigue severity, functional items of FM impact questionnaire were questioned in FM and RA patients. In all subjects, BMD of the lumbar spine and femur neck were determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry, and T-scores were recorded.

Results:

Self-reported pain and fatigue scores in FM subjects were significantly higher than in RA patients (P0<0.001). The mean lumbar spine and femur neck BMD and their T-scores in RA patients were significantly lower than in FM and control groups (P values<0.01). There was no difference in BMD between FM subjects and the control group. BMD in RA patients with and without FM were similar (P>0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between self-reported pain score and lumbar spine BMD in FM subjects (r=–0.41, P=0.006).

Conclusions:

In spite of functional disability, FM does not cause a decrease in BMD. The presence of FM in RA patients does not result in a change in BMD.
Retapamulin
Authors: Dhingra D , Parakh A , Ramachandran S
Published: June 2013

Impetigo is a common childhood skin infection. There are reports of increasing drug resistance to the currently used topical antibiotics including fusidic acid and mupirocin. Retapamulin is a newer topical agent of pleuromutilin class approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of impetigo in children and has been recently made available in the Indian market. It has been demonstrated to have low potential for the development of antibacterial resistance and a high degree of potency against poly drug resistant Gram-positive bacteria found in skin infections including Staphylococcus aureus strains. The drug is safe owing to low systemic absorption and has only minimal side-effect of local irritation at the site of application.
Cerebral demyelination in children with collagenous colitis
Authors: Sankararaman S , Osman M , Wellman G , Hussain SZ
Published: June 2013

Collagenous colitis (CC) is a form of microscopic colitis characterized by the presence of inflammatory infiltrate and subepithelial deposition of collagen in the colon and it is a rare condition with a predominant prevalence in the adult population. Only few cases have been reported in children. We report two children with the CC with concomitant neurological manifestations. Both cases demonstrated variable neurological symptoms clinically and significant cerebral demyelination. In both patients, the gastrointestinal manifestations drastically improved with a short course of prednisolone. However, the neurological symptoms were persistent and progressive. To the best of our knowledge, similar association has not been reported in children.
The Effect of Different Shades, Voltages and Increment Thickness on the Polymerization Depth of a Microhybrid Composite
Authors: Khan Farhan Raza , Hasan Muhammad , Azam Syed Iqbal
Published: June 2013

Aim

Electric fluctuations in the developing world are common and may affect dental composite curing. We determined the effect of variable voltage and increasing thickness of different shades of composite on its depth-of-cure.

Materials and methods

ISO scrapping method was used on 14 commonly used shades of Esthet-X HD composites. Student's t-test and ANOVA were applied to compare the mean depth-of-cure and a linear regression model was developed using variables voltage (180 V and 220 V), material thickness (2, 4 and 6 mm) and shades (n = 14).

Results

The mean curing depth of samples was significantly reduced at 180 volts compared to 220 volts (p-value <0.002). At thickness of 2 mm, all samples were fully cured but when it was raised to 4 mm, the depth-of-cure reduced to 1.86 mm ± 0.06; while at 6 mm thickness, it reached to 1.96 mm ± 0.06 (p-value < 0.001).

Conclusion

Around 82% variation in the depth-of-cure is explained by voltage, thickness and shade of composite material (p-value <0.001).

Clinical significance

Electric fluctuations are prevalent in the developing world and thus poor voltage flow is responsible for dental composite's inadequate polymerization.

How to cite this article

Khan FR, Hasan M, Azam SI. The Effect of Different Shades, Voltages and Increment Thickness on the Polymerization Depth of a Microhybrid Composite. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2012;2(2):52-56.
A Better Bond: Luting Simplified
Authors: D'Souza Raina , Shetty Omkar , Puppala Padmapriya , Shetty Nitin
Published: June 2013

A precise cementation is vital for a successful restoration. The adverse effects of improper cementation could result in premature occlusion, loosening of the restoration and pulpitis. The completeness of seating a restoration is influenced by vibration, venting, altering the morphology, brush technique, seating force, finger pressure and occlusal support. This article reviews and compares the different techniques for cementation and puts forth the optimal cementation procedure.

How to cite this article

D'Souza R, Shetty O, Puppala P, Shetty N. A Better Bond: Luting Simplified. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2012;2(2):77-81.
Development of water use scenarios as a tool for adaptation to climate change
Authors: Jacinto R. , Cruz M. J. , Santos F. D.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. The project ADAPTACLIMA, promoted by EPAL, the largest Portuguese Water Supply Utility, aims to provide the company with an adaptation strategy in the medium and long term to reduce the vulnerability of its activities to climate change. We used the four scenarios (A1, A2, B1, B2) adopted in the Special Report Emissions Scenarios (SRES) of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) to produce local scenarios of water use. Available population SRES for Portugal were downscaled to the study area using a linear approach. Local land use scenarios were produced using the following steps: (1) characterization of the present land use for each municipality of the study area using Corine Land Cover and adaptation of the CLC classes to those used in the SRES; (2) identification of recent tendencies in land use change for the study area; (3) identification of SRES tendencies for land use change in Europe; and (4) production of local scenarios of land use. Water use scenarios were derived considering both population and land use scenarios as well as scenarios of change in other parameters (technological developments, increases in efficiency, climate changes, or political and behavioural changes). The A2 scenario forecasts an increase in population (+16%) in the study area while the other scenarios show a reduction in the resident population (−6 to 8%). All scenarios, but especially A1, show a reduction in agricultural area and an increase in urban area. Regardless of the scenario, water use will progressively be reduced until 2100. These reductions are mainly due to increased water use efficiency and the reduction of irrigated land. The results accord with several projects modelling water use at regional and global level.