bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In VitroAntimicrobial Activity of Extracts from Plants Used Traditionally in South Africa to Treat Tuberculosis and Related Symptoms
Authors: Madikizela Balungile , Ndhlala Ashwell Rungano , Finnie Jeffrey Franklin , Staden Johannes Van
Published: March 2013

Respiratory ailments are major human killers, especially in developing countries. Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease causing a threat to human healthcare. Many South African plants are used in the traditional treatment of TB and related symptoms, but there has not been a sufficient focus on evaluating their antimicrobial properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of plants used traditionally to treat TB and related symptoms against microorganisms (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus,andMycobacterium aurumA+) associated with respiratory infections using the microdilution assay. Ten plants were selected based on a survey of available literature of medicinal plants used in South Africa for the treatment of TB and related symptoms. The petroleum ether, dichloromethane, 80% ethanol, and water extracts of the selected plants were evaluated for antibacterial activity. Out of 68 extracts tested from different parts of the 10 plant species, 17 showed good antimicrobial activities against at least one or more of the microbial strains tested, with minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 0.195 to 12.5 mg/mL. The good antimicrobial properties ofAbrus precatorius, Terminalia phanerophlebia, Indigofera arrecta,andPentanisia prunelloidesauthenticate their traditional use in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Thus, further pharmacological and phytochemical analysis is required.
Immunological Characteristics of Hyperreactive Malarial Splenomegaly Syndrome in Sudanese Patients
Authors: Alkadarou Tayseer , Musa Ahmed , Alkadarou Abedelgader , Mahfouz Mohamed S. , Troye-Blomberg Marita , Elhassan Ahmed M. , Elhassan Ibrahim M.
Published: March 2013

Hyperreactive Malarial Splenomegaly (HMS) is defined as a massive enlargement of the spleen resulting from abnormal immune responses after repeated exposure to the malaria parasites. This study was carried out in Khartoum, Sudan. Sudan is considered to be one of the countries where HMS is quite prevalent. The objective of the study was to determine the incidence of HMS in patients who reported to the Omdurman Tropical Diseases Hospital (OMTDH) in Sudan and to investigate the basic laboratory and immunological characteristics of this condition in these patients. A cross-sectional study was carried out in OMTDH, and all patients with enlarged spleens were included in the study. Thirty-one out of 335 (9.3%) patients were diagnosed as having the HMS condition using international criteria for HMS diagnosis. The mean serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels in HMS patient groups were14.3±5 g/L, and this was significantly higher compared with geographically matched controls (P<0.001). Immunoglobulin G (IgG) C anticircumsporozoite (CSP) antibody levels were higher in the HMS patients although the difference was not statistically significant, when compared with a group of patients with mild malaria. In comparison with naïve European controls, both the HMS and the mild malaria groups had significantly higher antimalarial antibody levelsP<0.001andP<0.01, respectively. Plasma levels of interleukin 10 (IL10) and interferon gamma (IFNγ) were significantly increased in the HMS patients compared with the healthy control donors (P<0.05andP<0.01) for IL10 and IFNγ, respectively. The findings of this study suggest that HMS is one of the significant causes of tropical splenomegaly in Sudan. HMS is associated with significant elevations of circulating IgM and antimalarial IgG antibodies as well as IL10 and IFNγ.
Molecular Pathogenesis of Neuroendocrine Tumors: Implications for Current and Future Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Oberg Kjell , Casanovas Oriol , Castaño Justo P. , Chung Daniel , Delle Fave Gianfranco , Denèfle Patrice , Harris Philip , Khan Mohid S. , Kulke Matthew H. , Scarpa Aldo , Tang Laura H. , Wiedenmann Bertram
Published: March 2013

The treatment landscape and biologic understanding of neuroendocrine tumors (NET) has shifted dramatically in recent years. Recent studies have shown that somatostatin analogues have the potential not only to control symptoms of hormone hypersecretion but also have the ability to slow tumor growth in patients with advanced carcinoid. The results of clinical trials have further shown that the VEGF pathway inhibitor sunitinib and the mTOR inhibitor everolimus have efficacy in patients with advanced pancreatic NETs. The efficacy of these targeted therapies in NET suggests that the molecular characterization of NETs may provide an avenue to predict both which patients may benefit most from the treatment and to overcome potential drug resistance. Recent genomic studies of NETs have further suggested that pathways regulating chromatin remodeling and epigenetic modification may play a key role in regulating NET growth. These observations offer the potential for new therapeutic and diagnostic advances for patients with NET. Clin Cancer Res; 19(11); 2842–9. ©2013 AACR.
An International Collaboration to Harmonize the Quantitative Plasma Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Assay for Future Biomarker-Guided Trials in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Le Quynh-Thu , Zhang Qiang , Cao Hongbin , Cheng Ann-Joy , Pinsky Benjamin A. , Hong Ruey-Long , Chang Joseph T. , Wang Chun-Wei , Tsao Kuo-Chien , Lo YM Dennis , Lee Nancy , Ang K. Kian , Chan Anthony T.C. , Chan K.C. Allen
Published: March 2013

Purpose: Persistently elevated posttreatment plasma EBV DNA is a robust predictor of relapse in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, assay standardization is necessary for use in biomarker-driven trials. We conducted a study to harmonize the method between four centers with expertise in EBV DNA quantitation.

Experimental Design: Plasma samples of 40 patients with NPC were distributed to four centers. DNA was extracted and EBV DNA copy number was determined by real-time quantitative PCR (BamHI-W primer/probe). Centers used the same protocol but generated their own calibrators. A harmonization study was then conducted using the same calibrators and PCR master mix and validated with ten pooled samples.

Results: The initial intraclass correlations (ICC) for the first 40 samples between each center and the index center were 0.62 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.39–0.78], 0.70 (0.50–0.83), and 0.59 (0.35–0.76). The largest variability was the use of different PCR master mixes and calibrators. Standardization improved ICC to 0.83 (0.5–0.95), 0.95 (0.83–0.99) and 0.96 (0.86–0.99), respectively, for ten archival frozen samples. For fresh plasma with spiked-in EBV DNA, correlations were more than 0.99 between the centers. At 5 EBV DNA copies per reaction or above, the coefficient of variance (CV) was less than 10% for the cycle threshold (Ct) among all centers, suggesting this concentration can be reliably used as a cutoff for defining the presence of detectable EBV DNA.

Conclusions: Quantitative PCR assays, even when conducted in experienced clinical labs, can yield large variability in plasma EBV DNA copy numbers without harmonization. The use of common calibrators and PCR master mix can help to reduce variability. Clin Cancer Res; 19(8); 2208–15. ©2013 AACR.
Aortic Valve Replacement with and without Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery in Octogenarians: Is It Safe and Feasible?
Authors: Abel N.J. , Rogal G.J. , Burns P. , Saunders C.R. , Chamberlain R.S.
Published: March 2013

Introduction: Octogenarians are often denied complex surgical intervention. We evaluated the rationality of this bias by comparing the outcomes of octogenarians undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) with or without coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), to those of younger patients. Methods: Data on 476 patients (≥80 years) who underwent AVR or AVR/CABG were compared to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) database. Results: One hundred and seventeen octogenarians underwent AVR and 263 underwent AVR/CABG. Preoperative comorbidity rates were similar between these 2 respective groups, except for diabetes mellitus (18.8 vs. 30.4%, p = 0.02), previous cardiac stent placement (5.1 vs. 17.9%, p = 0.0006) and prior CABG (8.5 vs. 0.8%, p = 0.0002) and mortality did not differ significantly (5.1 vs. 7.6%, p = 0.51). Multivariate analysis identified preoperative chronic renal failure [odds ratio (OR) = 0.09, p < 0.048], postoperative arrhythmia (OR = 0.29, p < 0.022), sepsis (OR = 37.38, p < 0.000), pneumonia (OR = 8.29, p < 0.038) and renal failure (OR = 10.16, p < 0.000) with increased rates of inhospital mortality in AVR alone and AVR/CABG. Conclusion: AVR alone or AVR/CABG can be safely performed in patients ≥80 years with acceptable morbidity/mortality rates. An age of ≥80 years is not an independent risk factor predictive of increased inhospital mortality.
Noise Levels of Neonatal High-Flow Nasal Cannula Devices - An in-vitro Study
Authors: König Kai , Stock Ellen L. , Jarvis Melanie
Published: March 2013

Background: Excessive ambient noise levels have been identified as a potential risk factor for adverse outcome in very preterm infants. Noise level measurements for continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices demonstrated that these constantly exceed current recommendations. The use of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) as an alternative non-invasive ventilation modality has become more popular in recent years in neonatal care. Objective: To study noise levels of two HFNC devices commonly used in newborns. As a comparison, noise levels of a continuous flow CPAP device were also studied. Methods: In-vitro study. The noise levels of two contemporary HFNC devices (Fisher & Paykel NHF™ and Vapotherm Precision Flow®) and one CPAP device (Dräger Babylog® 8000 plus) were measured in the oral cavity of a newborn manikin in an incubator in a quiet environment. HFNC flows of 4-8 l/min and CPAP pressures of 4-8 cm H2O were applied. The CPAP flow was set at 8 l/min as per unit practice. Results: Vapotherm HFNC generated the highest noise levels, measuring 81.2-91.4 dB(A) with increasing flow. Fisher & Paykel HFNC noise levels were between 78.8 and 81.2 dB(A). The CPAP device generated the lowest noise levels between 73.9 and 77.4 dB(A). Conclusions: Both HFNC devices generated higher noise levels than the CPAP device. All noise levels were far above current recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics. In light of the long duration of non-invasive respiratory support of very preterm infants, less noisy devices are required to prevent the potentially adverse effects of continuing excessive noise exposure in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Nebivolol Induces Distinct Changes in Profibrosis MicroRNA Expression Compared With Atenolol, in Salt-Sensitive Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Ye Hongmei , Ling Shukuan , Castillo Alexander C. , Thomas Bejoy , Long Bo , Qian Jinqiao , Perez-Polo Jose R. , Ye Yumei , Chen Xiaoping , Birnbaum Yochai
Published: March 2013

Nebivolol is a selective β1-blocker with nitric oxide–enhancing effects. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNA molecules that downregulate gene expression. We compared the effects of nebivolol and atenolol, a first generation β1-selective blocker, on left ventricular hypertrophy, fibrosis, and function and microRNA expression in a rodent model of hypertension. Dahl salt-sensitive rats received either low-salt chow (control) or AIN-76A high-salt (8% NaCl) diet and randomized to vehicle (high-salt), nebivolol (20 mg/kg per day), or atenolol (50 mg/kg per day) for 8 weeks. High-salt induced left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis and decreased the expression of miR-27a, -29a, and -133a. Nebovolol attenuated deterioration of left ventricular systolic function, remodeling, and fibrosis more than atenolol, despite similar effects on heart rate and blood pressure. Nebivolol, but not atenolol, prevented the decrease in miR-27a and -29a induced by high-salt. Nebivolol and atenolol equally attenuated the decrease in miR-133a. In vitro overexpression of miR-27a,-29a, and -133a inhibited cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and reduced collagen expression. Both miR-27a and -29a target Sp1, and miR-133a targets Cdc42. Pharmacological inhibition of Sp1 and Cdc42 decreased myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy. Our data support a differential microRNAs expression profile in salt-induced hypertension. Nebivolol substantially attenuated cardiac remodeling, hypertrophy, and fibrosis more than atenolol. These effects are related to attenuation of the hypertension-induced decrease in miR-27a and -29a (with a subsequent decrease in Sp1 expression) and miR-133a (with a subsequent decrease in Cdc42).
Congenic Mapping and Sequence Analysis of the
Renin
Locus
Authors: Flister Michael J. , Hoffman Matthew J. , Reddy Prajwal , Jacob Howard J. , Moreno Carol
Published: March 2013

Renin
was the first blood pressure (BP) quantitative trait locus mapped by linkage analysis in the rat. Subsequent BP linkage and congenic studies capturing different portions of the renin region have returned conflicting results, suggesting that multiple interdependent BP loci may be residing in the chromosome 13 BP quantitative trait locus that includes
Renin
. We used SS-13
BN
congenic strains to map 2 BP loci in the
Renin
region (chr13: 45.2–49.0 Mb). We identified a 1.1-Mb protective Brown Norway region around
Renin
(chr13: 46.1–47.2 Mb) that significantly decreased BP by 32 mm Hg. The
Renin
protective BP locus was offset by an adjacent hypertensive locus (chr13: 47.2–49.0 Mb) that significantly increased BP by 29 mm Hg. Sequence analysis of the protective and hypertensive BP loci revealed 1433 and 2063 variants between Dahl salt-sensitive/Mcwi and Brown Norway rats, respectively. To further reduce the list of candidate variants, we regenotyped an overlapping SS-13
SR
congenic strain (S/ren
rr
) with a previously reported BP phenotype. Sequence comparison among Dahl salt-sensitive, Dahl R, and Brown Norway reduced the number of candidate variants in the 2 BP loci by 42% for further study. Combined with previous studies, these data suggest that at least 4 BP loci reside within the 30-cM chromosome 13 BP quantitative trait locus that includes
Renin
.
High Intake of Dietary Long-Chain ω-3 Fatty Acids Is Associated With Lower Blood Pressure in Children Born With Low Birth Weight
Authors: Skilton Michael R. , Raitakari Olli T. , Celermajer David S.
Published: March 2013

Reduced fetal growth is associated with increased systolic blood pressure. Recently, we found an inverse association between serum ω-3 fatty acids and systolic blood pressure in young adults born with impaired fetal growth. We investigated the associations of dietary intake in childhood of the long-chain ω-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid with blood pressure parameters in children born with reduced birth weight. We analyzed data from 3457 children aged 8 to 15 years participating in the continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2004, 2005–2006, and 2007–2008. Dietary intake was assessed by two 24-hour dietary recalls, birth weight by questionnaire, and blood pressure was measured. Systolic blood pressure was 1.1 mm Hg higher in those with reduced (<10th centile) compared with normal birth weight (≥10th centile), consistent with previous findings, although not statistically significant (
P
=0.40); however, pulse pressure was significantly higher in these children (3.4 mm Hg). In the 354 participants with reduced birth weight, when compared with children with the lowest tertile of intake, those who had the highest tertile of dietary eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid intake had significantly lower systolic blood pressure (−4.9 mm Hg [95% confidence interval, −9.7 to −0.1]) and pulse pressure (−7.7 mm Hg [95% confidence interval, −15.0 to −0.4]). High-dietary intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are associated with lower systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure in children born with reduced birth weight. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that long-chain ω-3 fatty acids reduce blood pressure in those with impaired fetal growth.
Epithelial Sodium Channel Stiffens the Vascular Endothelium In Vitro and in Liddle Mice
Authors: Jeggle Pia , Callies Chiara , Tarjus Antoine , Fassot Celine , Fels Johannes , Oberleithner Hans , Jaisser Frederic , Kusche-Vihrog Kristina
Published: March 2013

Liddle syndrome, an inherited form of hypertension, is caused by gain-of-function mutations in the epithelial Na
+
channel (ENaC), the principal mediator of Na
+
reabsorption in the kidney. Accordingly, the disease pathology was ascribed to a primary renal mechanism. Whether this is the sole responsible mechanism, however, remains uncertain as dysregulation of ENaC in other tissues may also be involved. Previous work indicates that ENaC in the vascular endothelium is crucial for the regulation of cellular mechanics and thus vascular function. The hormone aldosterone has been shown to concomitantly increase ENaC surface expression and stiffness of the cell cortex in vascular endothelial cells. The latter entails a reduced release of the vasodilator nitric oxide, which eventually leads to an increase in vascular tone and blood pressure. Using atomic force microscopy, we have found a direct correlation between ENaC surface expression and the formation of cortical stiffness in endothelial cells. Stable knockdown of αENaC in endothelial cells evoked a reduced channel surface density and a lower cortical stiffness compared with the mock control. In turn, an increased αENaC expression induced an elevated cortical stiffness. More importantly, using ex vivo preparations from a mouse model for Liddle syndrome, we show that this disorder evokes enhanced ENaC expression and increased cortical stiffness in vascular endothelial cells in situ. We conclude that ENaC in the vascular endothelium determines cellular mechanics and hence might participate in the control of vascular function.
The Oriental genus Nasimyia (Diptera: Stratiomyidae): Geographical distribution, key to species and descriptions of three new species
Authors: YANG ZAI-HUA , HAUSER MARTIN , YANG MAO-FA , ZHANG TING-TING
Published: March 2013

In this paper, three new species of Nasimyia Yang & Yang, 2010, N. eurytarsa sp. nov., N. rozkosnyi sp. nov. and N. elongoverpa sp. nov. from the Oriental region are described and illustrated; N. nigripennis Yang & Yang, 2010 is found to be a junior synonym of N. megacephala Yang & Yang, 2010 (syn. nov.). Chelonomima signata de Meijere 1924 is combined as Pseudomeristomerinx signata (de Meijere, 1924) comb. nov.. Keys to the Oriental genera of Pachygasterinae with elongate abdomens and the species of Nasimyia are provided, as well as distribution maps of the four species of Nasimyia.
Review of Otites Latreille (Diptera: Ulidiidae) from Israel with two new species and notes on biology and behavior
Authors: MORGULIS ELIZABETH
Published: March 2013

The genus Otites Latreille was recorded for the first time from Israel during the study of Ulidiidae in the local fauna in 2009–2012, with three species occurring here: O. grata Loew, O. nox n. sp. and O. vitalyi n. sp. The three species are described and illustrated, and a key for their identification is provided. Laboratory behavioral observations on live O. grata individuals revealed a new mating trophallaxis behavior: a transfer of substance, during copulation, through the genital tracts of the male to the female, which the female expels and consumes after copulation.
Sirovena Bouček (Pteromalidae: Pireninae), a new member of the fig wasp community associated with Ficus microcarpa (Moraceae)
Authors: LI ZI , XIAO HUI , HUANG DA-WEI
Published: March 2013

Sirovena Bouček (Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae, Pireninae) was known only from females of its type species, S. stigma Bouček, 1988. Males and host associations were both unknown. Both sexes of a second species of Sirovena, S. costallifera sp. nov., reared from Ficus microcarpa L. (Moraceae) in Yunnan, China, are described based on morphological characters and mitochondrial COI sequences. The males of S. costallifera show sexual dimorphism in body coloration, structure of the antennae and notauli, and body sculpture. Reliable host records of Pireninae are Cecidomyiidae (Diptera). Because midges also parasitize some figs, we speculate that S. costallifera is a parasitoid of some cecidomyiid midge that attacks fig syconia. A key to differentiate the two species is provided.
Two new species of Distaplia (Tunicata: Ascidiacea) from the SW Atlantic, Argentina
Authors: LAGGER CRISTIAN , TATIÁN MARCOS
Published: March 2013

The ascidian fauna from the Southwestern Atlantic(ArgentineSea) have scarcely been studied and have rarely been sampled. The existing scanty ascidian records are from specimens collected by dredging many decades ago. During samplings in the San Matias Gulf (Río Negro, Patagonia), two new Distaplia species were found. Distaplia naufragii sp. nov. was collected in the subtidal zone attached to a shipwreck, while the other species, Distaplia fortuita sp. nov. was found released by the tides in the sandy intertidal zone. These two new species differ deeply from each other in the size and morphology of their zooids. They represent one third of the known species belonging to the family Holozoidae in theSW Atlantic. These results reinforce the importance of new studies in this extensive but little explored area that is, in addition, susceptible to invasion by non-native species.
Serina Gredler (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora: Enidae), the continuous-peristomed mountain snails endemic to the eastern slope of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau
Authors: WU MIN , XU QIN
Published: March 2013

In this paper we initiate a taxonomic review of the genus Serina Gredler, endemic to the eastern slope of the Qinghai- Xizang Plateau, namely S Gansu, SW Sichuan, SE Xizang Autonomous Region and N Yunnan of China. We describe the genital anatomy for some species and the shell morphology for all known species: Serina belae (Hilber), S. cathaica Gredler, S. egressa Sturany, S. prostoma (Ancey), S. ser Gredler, S. subser Gredler, S. soluta (Möllendorff) and S. vincentii (Gredler). Based on the re-evaluation of both shell and genitalian differentiations we prefer to classify the taxon egressa as a separate species rather than a subspecies of S. ser. In our study we come to the conclusion that S. soluta inflata Yen and S. soluta stenochila (Möllendorff) should be regarded as synonyms of S. soluta due to the insufficient differentiation among them. Buliminus (Holcauchen) tubios Annandale, Bulimus prostoma leucochila Ancey and Serina deqenensis Chen, Zhou and Luo were conspecific with Serina prostoma and that Serina sobrina (Preston) was conspecific with Clausiliopsis szechenyi (Böttger). We propose a new species Serina denticulata n. sp. from the Southern Gansu Plateau. Furthermore we discuss the phylogenetic relationship among the genera Serina, Clausiliopsis Möllendorff, Pupopsis Gredler, and Pupinidius Möllendorff based on the morphological data from twelve relevant species.
Lost and found: One of the world's most elusive amphibians, Pseudophilautus stellatus (Kelaart 1853) rediscovered
Authors: WICKRAMASINGHE L.J. MENDIS , VIDANAPATHIRANA DULAN RANGA , AIRYARATHNE SAMEERA , RAJEEV GEHAN , CHANAKA AMILA , PASTORINI JENNIFER , CHATHURANGA GAYAN , WICKRAMASINGHE NETHU
Published: March 2013

Pseudophilautus stellatus (Kelaart 1853) has been rediscovered from the Peak Wilderness, Central Hills of Sri Lanka. The species, till now known only from its lost holotype, was the first shrub frog described from Sri Lanka, and had not been reported since then. It was thought to have become extinct for nearly 157 years, being the amphibian species "lost" for the longest amount of time. Here we designate a neotype from the material collected at what we consider its type locality, having considered characters of the lost holotype and provide a complete description. We have conducted a molecular phy-logenetic analysis, on which basis the species is well differentiated from all other Pseudophilautus sequenced so far, and placed in a clade together with P. femoralis, P. frankenbergi, P. mooreorum, and P. poppiae.
A lost species or the loss of stripes? The case of Contomastix lizards from Cabo Polonio, Uruguay, with observations on C. lacertoides (Duméril & Bibron) and Cnemidophorus grandensis Cope (Squamata, Teiidae)
Authors: BORTEIRO CLAUDIO , KOLENC FRANCISCO , PRIGIONI CARLOS , LYRA MARIANA L. , BALDO DIEGO
Published: March 2013

The main goal of this manuscript is the reevaluation of the taxonomic status of the teiid lizard Contomastix charrua, known only from Cabo Polonio, a small coastal rocky outcrop in southeastern Uruguay. This species was erected on the basis of the presence of a second pair of ceratobranchials and longer cornua in the hyoid bone, in addition to a reduced expression of the pattern of coloration as compared with C. lacertoides. Nevertheless, we found that both species have indistinguishable hyoid morphology, bearing C. lacertoides a noticeable second pair of ceratobranchials. Besides, we realized that the pattern of coloration in this species is more variable than previously considered. As a result of the present work, C. charrua is included in the synonymy of C. lacertoides. In addition, we provide some observations on the holotype of Cnemidophorus grandensis, a junior synonym of C. lacertoides.
Two new species of Protimesius from northern Brazil (Opiliones: Laniatores: Stygnidae)
Authors: BRAGAGNOLO CIBELE
Published: March 2013

Two new species of Protimesius Roewer, 1913 (Stygnidae), are described from northern Brazil. Protimesius regalo sp. nov. is described from Lageado, state of Tocantins. This is a large species and can be easily distinguished from the already described species of Protimesius by the presence of four apical mesal acute tubercles on tibia IV and two dorsal rows of tubercles on male patella IV. Protimesius jirau sp. nov. is described from Porto Velho, state of Rondônia. This species is similar to P. cirio in having a large, pointed, dorso-apical apophysis on the male trochanter IV. However, it can be distinguished from P. cirio by the absence of a ventral row of tubercles on the male femur IV, as well as the presence of a ventral row of tubercles and two postero-distal apophyses on the male tibia IV. A new cladistic analysis for the genus is presented, and a key is given for the 18 species of Protimesius for which males are known.
Mixed-Resolution Ensemble Data Assimilation
Authors: Rainwater Sabrina , Hunt Brian
Published: March 2013

Ensemble Kalman filters perform data assimilation by forming a background covariance matrix from an ensemble forecast. Most of the literature on ensemble Kalman filters assumes that all ensemble members come from the same model. This article presents and tests a modified local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) that takes its background covariance from a combination of a high-resolution ensemble and a low-resolution ensemble. The computational time and the accuracy of this mixed-resolution LETKF are explored and compared to the standard LETKF on a high-resolution ensemble, using simulated observation experiments with the Lorenz models II and III (more complex versions of the Lorenz-96 model). In a variety of scenarios, mixed-resolution analysis can obtain higher accuracy with similar computation time (or similar accuracy with a reduced computation time) compared to single-resolution analysis.
Learning Analytics
Authors: Slade Sharon , Prinsloo Paul
Published: March 2013

The field of learning analytics has the potential to enable higher education institutions to increase their understanding of their students’ learning needs and to use that understanding to positively influence student learning and progression. Analysis of data relating to students and their engagement with their learning is the foundation of this process. There is an inherent assumption linked to learning analytics that knowledge of a learner’s behavior is advantageous for the individual, instructor, and educational provider. It seems intuitively obvious that a greater understanding of a student cohort and the learning designs and interventions they best respond to would benefit students and, in turn, the institution’s retention and success rate. Yet collection of data and their use face a number of ethical challenges, including location and interpretation of data; informed consent, privacy, and deidentification of data; and classification and management of data. Approaches taken to understand the opportunities and ethical challenges of learning analytics necessarily depend on many ideological assumptions and epistemologies. This article proposes a sociocritical perspective on the use of learning analytics. Such an approach highlights the role of power, the impact of surveillance, the need for transparency, and an acknowledgment that student identity is a transient, temporal, and context-bound construct. Each of these affects the scope and definition of learning analytics’ ethical use. We propose six principles as a framework for considerations to guide higher education institutions to address ethical issues in learning analytics and challenges in context-dependent and appropriate ways.
Impact of Transradial Coronary Procedures on Radial Artery Function
Authors: Yan Zhenxian , Zhou Yujie , Zhao Yingxin , Zhou Zhiming , Yang Shiwei , Wang Zhijian
Published: March 2013

We evaluated the impact of transradial coronary procedures on the vasodilatory function of the radial artery. A total of 65 patients who underwent transradial coronary procedures were enrolled. All patients were examined with B-mode high-resolution ultrasound. Radial artery baseline diameter and response to flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and nitroglycerin-mediated dilation (NMD) were measured in the right radial artery. The FMD of the right radial artery was 11.5%, 4.1%, and 0.7%, respectively, before the procedures, 1 day, and 3 months after the procedures ( P < .05 at 1 day, P < .01 at 3 months). The NMD of the right radial artery was 17.6%, 5.4%, and 6.3%, respectively, before the procedures, 1 day, and 3 months after the procedures ( P < .05 at 1 day, P < .05 at 3 months). Transradial coronary procedures decrease radial artery FMD and NMD resulting in immediate and persistent blunting of vasodilatory function.
What Kind of Man Are You? Same-Sex Relations, Masculinity and Anglican Queer Malaise
Authors: Boisvert Donald L.
Published: March 2013

This article examines issues of masculinity and same-sex relations within the Anglican tradition. In light of some of the ongoing debates occurring within the wider Anglican Communion concerning the role and place of LGBT persons, the author raises questions about the intersections between masculinity, religion, same-sex desire and queer theory. In discussing the cases of John Henry Newman and the Montreal Anglo-Catholic priest Edmund Wood, it is suggested that a certain type of moral malaise and gender ambiguity lies at the heart of this current Anglican crisis.
Are Components of the Medical Home Differentially Associated With Child Health Care Utilization, Health, and Health Promoting Behavior Outcomes?
Authors: Long Webb E. , Cabral Howard J. , Garg Arvin
Published: March 2013

Objective. To determine if specific components of the medical home are differentially associated with beneficial child outcomes. Methods. Logistic regression was used to model each component (family-centeredness, comprehensive care, and care coordination) with health care utilization, child health, and health promoting behaviors in 81 232 subjects from the 2003 National Survey of Children’s Health. Results. Family-centeredness was associated with increased odds of children being read to (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.16). Comprehensive care was associated with decreased outpatient (aOR = 0.70) and emergency department (aOR = 0.79) sick visits and with increased child health per parental assessment (aOR = 1.50). Care coordination was associated with increased preventive care visits (aOR = 1.41) and increased outpatient (aOR = 1.21) and emergency department (aOR = 1.24) sick visits. Stratification by special health care needs demonstrated similar findings. Conclusions. Comprehensive care was associated with improved child health and health care utilization. Prospective studies are needed to further investigate the differential impact of components of the medical home on child health.
Hydrodynamic Flow through Loading and in vitro Secondary Caries Development
Authors: Kuper N.K. , Opdam N.J.M. , Bronkhorst E.M. , Ruben J.L. , Huysmans M.C.D.N.J.M.
Published: March 2013

This in vitro study investigated the effect of hydrodynamic flow through mechanical loading on development of secondary caries lesions. Forty-eight bovine tooth specimens (enamel and dentin; sizes 3.2 x 3.2 x 2.0 mm) were restored with resin-composite on polystyrene bars; 18 samples were bonded, and 30 were not bonded. Specimens were suspended in a lactic acid solution (pH = 5; 14 days) in a modified brushing machine, and artificial caries lesions were formed. During caries development, specimens were mechanically loaded at the surface of the polystyrene bar, bent so that the tooth- composite interfaces were subjected to opening forces (16x/min). Loads applied were either none (Control Bonded, CB, n = 6; and Control Non-bonded, CNB, n = 6), 200 gr (NB200, n = 12), or 350 gr (NB350 and B350, both n = 12). Before and after caries development, specimens were imaged with transverse wavelength-independent microradiography (T-WIM), and lesion depth (LD) and mineral loss (ML) were calculated at 4 different locations. An independent t test was used to compare the LD and ML at the 4 different locations. A statistically significant effect of the level of loading (comparing groups NB200 and NB350) and of bonding (comparing groups NB350 and B350) could be observed, with a higher load and absence of bonding leading to more advanced lesions.
Adult Human Gingival Epithelial Cells as a Source for Whole-tooth Bioengineering
Authors: Angelova Volponi A. , Kawasaki M. , Sharpe P.T.
Published: March 2013

Teeth develop from interactions between embryonic oral epithelium and neural-crest-derived mesenchyme. These cells can be separated into single-cell populations and recombined to form normal teeth, providing a basis for bioengineering new teeth if suitable, non-embryonic cell sources can be identified. We show here that cells can be isolated from adult human gingival tissue that can be expanded in vitro and, when combined with mouse embryonic tooth mesenchyme cells, form teeth. Teeth with developing roots can be produced from this cell combination following transplantation into renal capsules. These bioengineered teeth contain dentin and enamel with ameloblast-like cells and rests of Malassez of human origin.
Jane Jacobs and ‘The Need for Aged Buildings’: Neighbourhood Historical Development Pace and Community Social Relations
Authors: King Katherine
Published: March 2013

Jacobs argued that grand planning schemes intending to redevelop large swaths of a city according to a central theoretical framework fail because planners do not understand that healthy cities are organic, spontaneous, messy, complex systems that result from evolutionary processes. She argued that a gradual pace of redevelopment would facilitate maintenance of existing interpersonal ties. This paper operationalises the concept of pace of development within a cross-sectional framework as the ‘age diversity of housing’. Analysis of a population-based multilevel community survey of Chicago linked with census housing data predicts individual perceptions of neighbourhood social relations (cohesion, control, intergenerational closure and reciprocal exchange). A gradual pace of redevelopment resulting in historical diversity of housing significantly predicts social relations, lending support to Jacobs’s claims.
Diversity Versus Tolerance: The Social Drivers of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in US Cities
Authors: Qian Haifeng
Published: March 2013

Popularised by the work of Richard Florida, the role of tolerance, openness and social or cultural diversity in urban development has gained much attention. Recent literature on urban and regional economics has found associations between these social factors and technology, entrepreneurship, innovation, housing and economic performance. In most of these studies, the terms tolerance, openness and diversity are generally conflated or interchangeably used. This article argues that diversity’s impacts on innovation and entrepreneurship are notably different from tolerance and openness and that diversity should be defined and measured differently from tolerance and openness. This article uses data of US metropolitan areas to examine the statistical difference between diversity and tolerance, and compares the effect of each on innovation and entrepreneurship in multivariate analysis. Diversity is measured using the Herfindahl–Hirschman index based on countries of birth, while tolerance is measured using the composite gay and bohemian index.
From Goswami rajas to Goswami caste in Hyderabad
Authors: Leonard Karen
Published: March 2013

Much has been written about Goswamis or Gosains as ascetics, but little has been written about their evolution into a caste, an endogamous marriage network with women and children. Coming from northern India to Hyderabad as sanyasis, male ascetics tracing lines of spiritual succession from guru to chela, Goswamis lived in maths, ostensibly without women or biological heirs. Goswami lineages established themselves as banking houses in Begum Bazar and leading Goswamis were termed Rajas because of their participation in the Nizam’s Mughlai administration and court culture. As modern educational and legal systems developed in Hyderabad and north Indian Goswami practices in British India began to influence Hyderabad’s Goswamis, they moved from Goswami law governing guru-chela successions and inheritances to Hindu family law governing marriage and inheritance. The nominally ascetic bankers and their dependents became householders following new occupations, developing an endogamous marriage network and self-identifying as a caste. Evidence about Gosains in Mirzapur and Varanasi strengthens the argument that educational and legal alternatives helped empower the women and children associated with the maths and develop a Goswami caste in Hyderabad.
Transition to injecting 3,4-methylene-dioxy-pyrovalerone (MDPV) among needle exchange program participants in Hungary
Authors: Csák Róbert , Demetrovics Zsolt , Rácz József
Published: March 2013

In 2011, anecdotal data indicated that 3,4-methylene-dioxy-pyrovalerone (MDPV) might become popular among needle exchange program (NEP) clients in Hungary as a possible substitute for formerly used substances such as amphetamines and heroin. The aim of the study reported here was to examine how the emergence of MDPV influenced the choice of the injecting substance among NEP clients. A total of 183 injecting drug users (IDUs) participating in the largest NEP in Budapest agreed to participate in the study and report on their drug use habits. During 2011, remarkable changes occurred in the structure of the primary injected substances. Amphetamine was cited as the primary injected substance by 45.9% of the respondents and MDPV by 48.1%. Close to half of the former amphetamine injectors had switched to MDPV (64 persons, 45.1%) as had 10 (41.7%) of the former heroin injectors and 11 (78.6%) of those using other substances (cocaine and mephedrone). The appearance of MDPV on the illegal drug market had a substantial effect on the drug use patterns of the IDU population. Further research should be conducted to explain the changes, that might include the purity, price and availability of amphetamine and heroin.
The Effect of Early Whole-Body Vibration Therapy on Neuromuscular Control After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Fu Chak Lun Allan , Yung Shu Hang Patrick , Law Kan Yip Billy , Leung King Ho Holly , Lui Po Yee Pauline , Siu Hon Kit , Chan Kai Ming
Published: March 2013

Background:

Despite rehabilitation training, deficiency in knee joint position sense, muscular performance, postural control, and functional ability is common after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Whole-body vibration therapy (WBVT), which is initiated from 3 months postoperatively, has proven benefits. However, the effect of earlier WBVT is unknown.

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of early WBVT on neuromuscular control after ACLR.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

A total of 48 patients with unilateral complete isolated ACL tears were recruited. Single-bundle hamstring ACLR was performed in all patients. After surgery, they were randomly assigned to either the reference or treatment group. Reference group patients received conventional ACL rehabilitation, while treatment group patients received 8 weeks of WBVT in addition to conventional rehabilitation, starting from 1 month postoperatively. Joint position sense, postural control, and knee isokinetic performance were assessed before surgery and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively using the Biodex dynamometer, Biodex Stability System, and Cybex NORM, respectively. Knee range of motion (ROM), stability (manual testing and KT-1000 arthrometer), and functional ability (single-legged hop test, triple hop test, shuttle run test, and carioca test) were also examined. Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and the Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis.

Results:

There was no complication throughout the rehabilitation. All patients achieved full knee ROM and stable knee joints at 6 months after surgery. The WBVT group demonstrated significantly better postural control, muscle performance, single-legged hop, and shuttle run ( P < .05) than the reference group, but there was no significant difference in knee joint position sense, triple hop, carioca, ROM, and stability ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

Early WBVT started from 1 month postoperatively was an effective training method without compromising knee ROM and stability. It improved postural control, isokinetic performance, single-legged hop, and shuttle run but not knee joint position sense, triple hop, and carioca.
Pre-Post Pilot Study of Noise Levels at a University Hospital Center Pharmacy Department
Authors: Guérin Aurélie , Leroux Tony , Bussières Jean-François
Published: March 2013

Context:

Noise interferes with attention, speech understanding, detection of other auditory stimuli, and leads to interruptions.

Objectives:

This is a pre-post cross-sectional observational study aimed at measuring noise levels in a 500-bed mother–child university hospital center pharmacy department after the implementation of corrective measures, such as work zone reorganization, digitization of the prescription process, and education about the impact of some work habits.

Results:

A total of 24 measurement points (70 noise level measurements) were taken in 2007 (pre) compared to 30 measurement points (59 noise level measurements) in 2012 (post). There was a statistically significant difference in the average values of the day and night noise measurements (day 59.4 ± 5.3 dB(A) vs night 52.3 ± 8.0 dB(A); P < .001). There were no statistically significant differences in the average values of the noise measurements taken during daytime between the prestudy and poststudy phases (pre 59.4 ± 5.3 vs post 58.07 ± 6.01 dB(A); P = .22).

Conclusion:

Few data exist on the noise levels in hospital pharmacy departments. In spite of the corrective measures implemented, reducing noise levels in pharmacy departments was difficult to achieve. Average values of approximately 60 dB(A) seem to be unacceptable for work that requires a high level of attention.
Health and Medication Information Resources on the World Wide Web
Authors: Grossman Sara , Zerilli Tina
Published: March 2013

Health care practitioners have increasingly used the Internet to obtain health and medication information. The vast number of Internet Web sites providing such information and concerns with their reliability makes it essential for users to carefully select and evaluate Web sites prior to use. To this end, this article reviews the general principles to consider in this process. Moreover, as cost may limit access to subscription-based health and medication information resources with established reputability, freely accessible online resources that may serve as an invaluable addition to one’s reference collection are highlighted. These include government- and organization-sponsored resources (eg, US Food and Drug Administration Web site and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ Drug Shortage Resource Center Web site, respectively) as well as commercial Web sites (eg, Medscape, Google Scholar). Familiarity with such online resources can assist health care professionals in their ability to efficiently navigate the Web and may potentially expedite the information gathering and decision-making process, thereby improving patient care.
Contemporary Approaches for Evidence-Based Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Gim Suzanna , Vincent William R.
Published: March 2013

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients. This article provides simple ways to practice everyday EBM by (1) asking patient-specific clinical questions, (2) finding the most relevant, best evidence, (3) critically appraising evidence to ensure validity, (4) applying evidence to practice, and (5) using available tools to stay abreast of relevant and valid evidence as it becomes available.
Out of Mind, Out of Sight
Authors: Kim Kyungmi , Yi Do-Joon
Published: March 2013

In the present study, the effect of memory suppression on subsequent perceptual processing of visual objects was examined within a modified think/no-think paradigm. Suppressing memories of visual objects significantly impaired subsequent perceptual identification of those objects when they were briefly encountered (Experiment 1) and when they were presented in noise (Experiment 2), relative to performance on baseline items for which participants did not undergo suppression training. However, in Experiment 3, when perceptual identification was performed on mirror-reversed images of to-be-suppressed objects, no impairment was observed. These findings, analogous to those showing forgetting of suppressed words in long-term memory, suggest that suppressing memories of visual objects might be mediated by direct inhibition of perceptual representations, which, in turn, impairs later perception of them. This study provides strong support for the role of inhibitory mechanisms in memory control and suggests a tight link between higher-order cognitive operations and perceptual processing.
Feeling Worse to Feel Better
Authors: Franklin Joseph C. , Lee Kent M. , Hanna Eleanor K. , Prinstein Mitchell J.
Published: March 2013

Although pain itself induces negative affect, the removal (or offset) of pain induces a powerful state of relief. Despite being implicated in a wide range of psychological and behavioral phenomena, relief remains a poorly understood emotion. In particular, some theorists associate relief with increased positive affect, whereas others associate relief with diminished negative affect. In the present study, we examined the affective nature of relief in a pain-offset paradigm with psychophysiological measures that were specific to negative valence (startle eyeblink reactivity) and positive valence (startle postauricular reactivity). Results revealed that pain offset simultaneously stimulates positive affect and diminishes negative affect for at least several seconds. Results also indicated that pain intensity differentially affects the positive and negative valence aspects of relief. These findings clarify the affective nature of relief and provide insight into why people engage in both normal and abnormal behaviors associated with relief.