bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety of intramedullary Schwann cell transplantation for postrehabilitation spinal cord injuries: 2-year follow-up of 33 cases
Authors: Saberi Hooshang , Firouzi Masoumeh , Habibi Zohreh , Moshayedi Pouria , Aghayan Hamid Reza , Arjmand Babak , Hosseini Kazem , Razavi Hassan Emami , Yekaninejad Mir Saeed
Published: July 2011

Object

Many experimental studies on spinal cord injuries (SCIs) support behavioral improvement after Schwann cell treatment. This study was conducted to evaluate safety issues 2 years after intramedullary Schwann cell transplantation in 33 consecutively selected patients with SCI.

Methods

Of 356 patients with SCIs who had completed at least 6 months of a conventional rehabilitation program and who were screened for the study criteria, 33 were enrolled. After giving their informed consent, they volunteered for participation. They underwent sural nerve harvesting and intramedullary injection of a processed Schwann cell solution. Outcome assessments included a general health questionnaire, neurological examination, and functional recordings in terms of American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) and Functional Independence Measure scoring, which were documented by independent observers. There were 24 patients with thoracic and 9 with cervical injuries. Sixteen patients were categorized in ASIA Grade A, and the 17 remaining participants had ASIA Grade B.

Results

There were no cases of deep infection, and the follow-up MR imaging studies obtained at 2 years did not reveal any deformity related to the procedure. There was no case of permanent neurological worsening or any infectious or viral complications. No new increment in syrinx size or abnormal tissue and/or tumor formation were observed on contrast-enhanced MR imaging studies performed 2 years after the treatment.

Conclusions

Preliminary results, especially in terms of safety, seem to be promising, paving the way for future cell therapy trials.
Spinal infusion pump-catheter leak detected by high-resolution 3D computed tomography
Authors: Ellis Jason A. , Leung Richard , Winfree Christopher J.
Published: July 2011

Implanted intrathecal drug delivery systems may malfunction as a result of fracture of the intrathecal catheter. A suspected catheter fracture not seen on plain radiographs of the catheter system will typically prompt a contrast-enhanced imaging study of the pump. Injection of iodinated contrast medium into the pump system with routine fluoroscopy can sometimes fail to reveal subtle leaks. The authors present a case demonstrating the utility of high-resolution, 3D-CT for intrathecal pump-catheter system interrogation when routine fluoroscopy is unrevealing. In this case, a catheter leak was suspected on the basis of the patient's history, but no obvious fracture was noted on plain radiographs. An intraoperative fluoroscopic study that included multiple injections of contrast medium into the catheter system failed to conclusively show a catheter leak. The authors therefore performed a post-injection 3D-CT study, which clearly demonstrated a leak from the intrathecal catheter just deep to the thoracolumbar fascia. The leak was visible on source images and was especially obvious after 3D reconstruction. This led to surgical revision of the catheter and subsequent resumption of normal pump function. The authors therefore suggest that if a leak is suspected in an implanted intrathecal catheter and routine contrast fluoroscopy is unrevealing, post-injection 3D-CT scanning should be performed to further investigate the possibility of a subtle leak.
Genetic Characterization of Five Hatchery Populations of the Pacific Abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) Using Microsatellite Markers
Authors: An Hye Suck , Lee Jang Wook , Kim Hyun Chul , Myeong Jeong-In
Published: July 2011

The Pacific abalone, Haliotis discus hannai, is a popular food in Eastern Asia. Aquacultural production of this species has increased because of recent resource declines, the growing consumption, and ongoing government-operated stock release programs. Therefore, the genetic characterization of hatchery populations is necessary to maintain the genetic diversity of this species and to develop more effective aquaculture practices. We analyzed the genetic structures of five cultured populations in Korea using six microsatellite markers. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 15 to 64, with an average of 23.5. The mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.797 and 0.904, respectively. The inbreeding coefficient FIS ranged from 0.054 to 0.184 (mean FIS = 0.121 ± 0.056). The genetic differentiation across all populations was low but significant (overall FST = 0.009, P < 0.01). Pairwise multilocus FST tests, estimates of genetic distance, and phylogenetic and principal component analyses did not show a consistent relationship between geographic and genetic distances. These results could reflect extensive aquaculture, the exchange of breeds and eggs between hatcheries and/or genetic drift due to intensive breeding practices. Thus, for optimal resource management, the genetic variation of hatchery stocks should be monitored and inbreeding controlled within the abalone stocks that are being released every year. This genetic information will be useful for the management of both H. discus hannai fisheries and the aquaculture industry.
Synthesis and Toxicity Evaluation of Some N4-Aryl Substituted 5-Trifluoromethoxyisatin-3-thiosemicarbazones
Authors: Pervez Humayun , Saira Naveeda , Iqbal Mohammad Saeed , Yaqub Muhammad , Khan Khalid Mohammed
Published: July 2011

A series of twenty one N4-aryl substituted 5-trifluoromethoxyisatin-3-thiosemicarbazones 3a-3u was synthesized by the reaction of trifluoromethoxyisatin 1 with different arylthiosemicarbazides 2 in aqueous ethanol (50%), containing a few drops of acetic acid. Their structures were established on the basis of analytical (CHN) and spectral (IR, 1H-NMR, EIMS) data. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their toxicity potential by a brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Ten compounds i.e., 3a, 3e, 3i-3l and 3n-3q proved to be active in this assay, displaying promising toxicity (LD50 = 1.11 × 10−5 M − 1.80 × 10−4 M). Amongst these, 3k, 3n and 3o were found to be the most active ones (LD50 = 1.11 × 10−5 M − 1.43 × 10−5 M). Compound 3k showed the highest activity with a LD50 value of 1.11 × 10−5 M and can, therefore, be used as a lead for further studies. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies revealed that the presence of strong inductively electron-attracting trifluoromethoxy substituent at position-5 of the isatin moiety played an important role in inducing or enhancing toxic potentiality of some of the synthesized compounds.
Recent Advances in the Application of SelectfluorTMF-TEDA-BF4 as a Versatile Mediator or Catalyst in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Stavber Stojan
Published: July 2011

SelectfluorTM F-TEDA-BF4 (1-chloromethyl-4-fluoro-1,4-diazoniabicyclo [2.2.2]octane bis(tetrafluoroborate) is not only one of the most efficient and popular reagents for electrophilic fluorination, but as a strong oxidant is also a convenient mediator or catalyst of several “fluorine-free” functionalizations of organic compounds. Its applications as a mediator in transformations of oxidizable functional groups or gold-catalyzed C-C and C-heteroatom oxidative coupling reactions, a catalyst in formation of various heterocyclic rings, a reagent or catalyst of various functionalizations of electron-rich organic compounds (iodination, bromination, chlorination, nitration, thiocyanation, sulfenylation, alkylation, alkoxylation), a catalyst of one-pot-multi-component coupling reactions, a catalyst of regioselective ring opening of epoxides, a deprotection reagent for various protecting groups, and a mediator for stereoselective rearrangement processes of bicyclic compounds are reviewed and discussed.
The Use of Neural Networks in Identifying Error Sources in Satellite-Derived Tropical SST Estimates
Authors: Lee Yung-Hsiang , Ho Chung-Ru , Su Feng-Chun , Kuo Nan-Jung , Cheng Yu-Hsin
Published: July 2011

An neural network model of data mining is used to identify error sources in satellite-derived tropical sea surface temperature (SST) estimates from thermal infrared sensors onboard the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES). By using the Back Propagation Network (BPN) algorithm, it is found that air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed variation are the major factors causing the errors of GOES SST products in the tropical Pacific. The accuracy of SST estimates is also improved by the model. The root mean square error (RMSE) for the daily SST estimate is reduced from 0.58 K to 0.38 K and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) is 1.03%. For the hourly mean SST estimate, its RMSE is also reduced from 0.66 K to 0.44 K and the MAPE is 1.3%.
Novel Sensors Based on the Symmetry Properties of Split Ring Resonators (SRRs)
Authors: Naqui Jordi , Durán-Sindreu Miguel , Martín Ferran
Published: July 2011

The symmetry properties of split ring resonators (SRRs) are exploited for the implementation of novel sensing devices. The proposed structure consists of a coplanar waveguide (CPW) loaded with movable SRRs on the back substrate side. It is shown that if the SRRs are placed with the slits aligned with the symmetry plane of the CPW, the structure is transparent to signal propagation. However, if the symmetry is broken, a net axial magnetic field can be induced in the inner region of the SRRs, and signal propagation is inhibited at resonance. The proposed structures can be useful as alignment sensors, position sensors and angle sensors. This novel sensing principle is validated through experiment.
Reduced Airborne Transmission of Oseltamivir-Resistant Pandemic A/H1N1 Virus in Ferrets
Authors: Hamelin Marie-Eve , Baz Mariana , Bouhy Xavier , Beaulieu Édith , Dubé Karen , Mallett Corey , Boivin Guy
Published: July 2011

Background

The H275Y neuraminidase mutation conferring oseltamivir resistance has been reported in several pandemic A/H1N1 (pH1N1) isolates. We sought to evaluate transmission of this mutant virus through the direct contact and the airborne (aerosol and droplet) routes in the ferret model.

Methods

Groups of four ferrets were infected with either wild-type (WT) or oseltamivir-resistant pH1N1 (H275Y) strains. At 24 h following viral infection, a receptive ferret was introduced in the same cage as the infected animal to assess direct contact transmission. For the airborne transmission, naive ferrets were placed in a modified separate cage adjacent to that of their respective index ferret.

Results

The H275Y mutant virus was as efficiently transmitted as the WT strain by direct contact, as 100% (4/4) of contact ferrets in both groups seroconverted and shed virus. Mean peak viral titres were similar in both groups (4x104 and 2.63x104 plaque-forming units/ml after WT or H275Y mutant virus transmission, respectively). Peak viral shedding occurred on day 2 post-contact for the WT group and on day 4 post-contact for the H275Y mutant group. By contrast, airborne transmission of the mutant strain was less efficient, as only 25% (1/4) of contact ferrets seroconverted and shed virus, whereas 100% (4/4) of the WT ferrets did. Peak of viral replication was delayed compared to direct contact transmission and occurred on day 4 post-contact.

Conclusions

Transmission of the H275Y pH1N1 mutant strain by the airborne route is somewhat compromised, which may limit its widespread dissemination.
Argonaute-2 Enhances Suppression of Human Cytomegalovirus Replication by Polycistronic Short Hairpin Rnas Targeting Ul46, Ul70 and Ul122
Authors: Shao Pei-Lan , Lu Meng-You , Liau Yi-Jen , Chao Miau-Fen , Chang Luan-Yin , Lu Chun-Yi , Kao Chuan-Liang , Chang Shu-Yuan , Chi Ya-Hui , Huang Li-Min
Published: July 2011

Background

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a common human pathogen that causes significant morbidity and mortality. The efficacy of anti-HCMV drugs such as ganciclovir, foscarnet and cidofovir is limited because of drug toxicities and frequent development of resistance. Here, we report an alternative anti-HCMV method using RNA silencing.

Methods

Combinatorial use of second-generation short hairpin RNAs (shRNA-miRs) targeting various transcripts of HCMV and an RNA-silencing endonuclease Argonaute-2 (Ago2) expression vector were applied to inhibit replication of HCMV AD169. Normal human fetal lung MRC-5 fibroblasts were transfected with pSM30-shRNA-miRs harbouring single or multiple shRNA-miR cassettes with or without Ago2 and then infected with HCMV AD169. Production of small interfering RNA (siRNA) was quantified by reverse transcription PCR. Virus secretion was evaluated by plaque reduction assays.

Results

The use of shRNA-miRs targeting a single HCMV gene suppressed HCMV AD169 viral titres by 50–70%. Polycistronic shRNA-miRs targeting UL46+UL122 and UL70+UL46+UL122 reached nearly 80% of inhibition. Coexpression of Ago2 with shRNA-miRs targeting UL46+UL122 and UL70+UL46+UL122 achieved a 95% reduction in viral maturation.

Conclusions

Coexpression of Ago2 with shRNA-miRs enhanced the production of mature siRNAs and increased the efficiency of RNA silencing in the suppression of HCMV replication. This strategy may be universally applied to RNA interference-based therapies.
Inhibition of Primary Effusion Lymphoma Engraftment in Scid Mice by Morpholino Oligomers against Early Lytic Genes of Kaposi'S Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus
Authors: Zhang Yan-Jin , Patel Deendayal , Nan Yuchen , Fan Sumin
Published: July 2011

Background

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is associated with several malignant diseases, including Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and multicentric Castleman's disease. The objectives of this study were to investigate the use of peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PPMOs) against KSHV early lytic genes and to assess their efficacy in severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID) mice against PEL engraftment. PPMOs are short, single-stranded DNA analogues that contain a backbone of morpholine rings and phosphorodiamidate linkages and have high delivery efficiency into cells.

Methods

PEL cells were treated with PPMOs against viral interferon regulatory factor 1 (vIRF-1) and expression of vIRF-1 was analysed. PPMOs against vIRF-1 and viral interleukin-6 (vIL-6) were evaluated against PEL cell engraftment in SCID mice. The PPMOs were incubated with BCBL-1 cells and then introduced into the peritoneal cavities of SCID mice, followed by 9 more doses of PPMOs administered at 2-day intervals. At weeks 3 and 9 after BCBL-1 delivery, peritoneal lavage was collected and the ratio of PEL cells among total cells was determined by flow cytometry analysis.

Results

Treatment of PEL cells with PPMOs against vIRF-1 led to a reduction of vIRF-1 expression in a dose-dependent manner. Reduction of vIRF-1 expression resulted in higher levels of cellular interferon regulatory factor 3 and of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1. SCID mice receiving a PPMO against vIL-6 had no engraftment of PEL cells and remained healthy throughout the 120-day study.

Conclusions

This study showed that PPMOs can be effective antiviral agents against KSHV. Blocking the expression of early lytic genes might be beneficial for the control of KSHV-associated malignant diseases.
Novel Resistance-Associated Mutations of Thymidine Kinase and Dna Polymerase Genes of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2
Authors: Sauerbrei Andreas , Bohn Kathrin , Heim Albert , Hofmann Jörg , Weißbrich Benedikt , Schnitzler Paul , Hoffmann Dieter , Zell Roland , Jahn Gerhard , Wutzler Peter , Hamprecht Klaus
Published: July 2011

Background

Studies to verify correlations between phenotypes and genotypes of herpes simplex virus (HSV) are an important tool to establish a database of resistance-associated mutations.

Methods

In this study, 32 acyclovir (ACV)-resistant clinical HSV-1 and 4 ACV-resistant clinical HSV-2 isolates were examined in parallel by both phenotypic and genotypic resistance testing. Additionally, five non-viable HSV-1 strains and two non-viable HSV-2 strains with clinical resistance were included in genotypic resistance analysis.

Results

All ACV-resistant HSV isolates showed cross-resistance to brivudin and penciclovir, and were sensitive to foscarnet and cidofovir. Acyclovir resistance was assigned to frameshift and single non-synonymous mutations of the thymidine kinase (TK) gene in 32 out of 37 HSV-1 strains and in 4 out of 6 HSV-2 strains. In three HSV-1 isolates, there were resistance-associated amino acid substitutions of the DNA polymerase (pol). Six substitutions in the TK and two in the DNA pol gene could not be attributed without doubt to either ACV resistance or natural gene polymorphism. Altogether, 10 resistance-related mutations in the TK and 1 in the DNA pol gene have not been reported previously.

Conclusions

The novel non-synonymous mutations found in this study enrich the knowledge about the genetic alterations of TK and DNA pol genes in ACV-resistant clinical HSV strains. Together with data from the literature, the findings justify the generation of a HSV database that contains resistance mutations associated with ACV resistance phenotype.
Sex-Associated Differences in Pre-Antiretroviral Therapy Plasma HIV-1 RNA in Diverse Areas of the World Vary by CD4+ T-Cell Count
Authors: Grinsztejn Beatriz , Smeaton Laura , Barnett Ronald , Klingman Karin , Hakim James , Flanigan Timothy , Kumarasamy N , Campbell Thomas , Currier Judith ,   ACTG the PEARLS study team
Published: July 2011

Background

Sex differences in the natural history of HIV infection may vary between resource-rich and resource-limited settings.

Methods

Baseline characteristics from a randomized clinical trial of treatment-naive subjects conducted at sites in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and North and South America were analysed to determine if there were significant differences by sex.

Results

Of the 1,571 participants, 740 (47.1%) were women. Women had higher mean screening CD4+ T-cell counts (mean 15 cells higher; P<0.001), lower mean haemoglobin and creatinine clearance, a lower mean baseline HIV-1 viral load (4.85 log10 versus 5.05 log10 copies/ml; P<0.001) and were less likely to have a prior AIDS diagnosis than men. The sex difference in viral load was related to CD4+ T-cell count; however, it was independent of country and persisted within the strata with CD4+ T-cell count <200 cells/mm3.

Conclusions

Women in resource-limited settings have lower levels of plasma HIV-1 RNA and appear to present for enrolment into clinical trials at an earlier stage of disease than men. The biological basis for lower viral load in women compared to men remains unexplained. It will be important to determine if the sex differences observed at baseline impact clinical outcomes once the PEARLS clinical trial is completed.
Computer Literacy of Nurses in a Community Hospital: Where Are We Today?
Authors: Campbell Carlene J. , McDowell Dorothea E.
Published: July 2011

Background:

As the use of electronic health records continues to grow, it is imperative that nurses gain competency and confidence with computers and computer software applications.

Methods:

A descriptive study of licensed registered nurses at a community hospital was completed to measure self-perceived computer literacy. The Gassert/McDowell Computer Literacy Survey© was used. The Pearson correlation was used to assess for a relationship between year of birth and computer literacy scores. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were conducted to assess for a relationship between educational level and computer literacy scores.

Results:

The nurses had little to no experience with nearly half of the items surveyed. A moderately positive correlation was seen between year of birth and computer literacy. The correlation between nurses’ educational level and computer literacy was found to be statistically significant (
p
≤ .05)

Conclusion:

Basic computer classes may be beneficial to nurses, with training focused on specific skills, such as bibliographic database searching, to improve evidence-based practice.
Unfolding Case Studies
Authors: Reese Cynthia E.
Published: July 2011

Unfolding case studies using simulation are unique teaching/learning strategies to assist learners in developing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to be safe, competent practitioners.
Outcomes of Cervical and Lumbar Disk Herniations in Major League Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Roberts David W. , Roc Gilbert J. , Hsu Wellington K.
Published: July 2011

The effects of disk herniations on the career and performance outcomes of Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers are unknown. The purpose of this study is to determine the outcomes after a cervical or lumbar disk herniation for MLB pitchers. Forty MLB pitchers from 1984 to 2009 with a cervical disk herniation or lumbar disk herniation were identified using a previously established protocol. Cervical disk herniation was identified in 11 pitchers, 8 of which were treated operatively. The majority of pitchers with cervical disk herniation (8/11) returned to play at an average of 11.6 months. Lumbar disk herniation was identified in 29 pitchers, 20 of which were treated operatively. All pitchers with lumbar disk herniation (29/29) returned to play at an average of 7.3 months after diagnosis.
Subluxation of the Crystalline Lens: A No-Ring Approach
Authors: Rodrigues Antonio Carlos L. , Trivedi Rupal H. , Wilson M. Edward
Published: July 2011

Purpose:

To report the surgical technique and outcomes of a no-ring approach to posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in children and young adults with subluxation of the crystalline lens.

Methods:

A three-piece 5.5-mm hydrophobic acrylic IOL was implanted in which the optic and one haptic were inside the capsular bag and the other haptic was in the ciliary sulcus. The implantations were done in 13 eyes of 10 patients with lens subluxation. One haptic was fixated in the ciliary sulcus by passing it through an operculum-shaped opening in the capsular bag edge, made between 2 and 3 clock hours, clockwise from the middle point of the subluxated area.

Results:

The mean age of the 10 patients was 12.61 ± 8.04 years and the mean follow-up was 21.38 ± 11.29 months. The mean preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.15 ± 0.58 and 0.37 ± 0.17 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, respectively, in 11 measured eyes. The postoperative BCVA was 20/40 or better in 4 eyes (36.36%), between 20/40 and 20/60 in 6 eyes (54.54%), and between 20/80 and 20/100 in 1 eye (9.09%). The BCVA improved in all eyes. Postoperative IOL decentration between 1.0 and 1.5 mm occurred in 3 of 13 eyes (23.08%).

Conclusion:

The results indicate that the no-ring technique allows centration of an IOL implanted into a subluxated capsular bag without using capsule tension rings.
Unilateral Optic Nerve Sheath Meningocele Presented With Amblyopia
Authors: Kim Dai Woo , Kim Ungsoo Samuel
Published: July 2011

An 8-year-old boy presented with amblyopia and magnetic resonance imaging examination revealed moderately dilated optic nerve sheath with fluid. The diagnosis of unilateral optic nerve sheath meningocele was made and this case was not associated with type I neurofibromatosis. The authors report an additional case of isolated unilateral optic nerve sheath meningocele.
Povidone-Iodine Before Lidocaine Gel Anesthesia Achieves Surface Antisepsis
Authors: Doshi Rishi R. , Leng Theodore , Fung Anne E.
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Viscous lidocaine interferes with ocular surface antisepsis. The current study was designed to evaluate the impact on surface antisepsis of different application sequences with lidocaine gel and povidone-iodine solution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Blood agar plates inoculated with
Staphylococcus epidermidis
were treated with varying sequences of 2% lidocaine gel and 5% povidone-iodine solution. The plates were then incubated at 37°C for 24 hours and bacterial growth was determined.

RESULTS:

Plates on which povidone-iodine was applied alone or prior to lidocaine gel demonstrated no bacterial growth regardless of whether the antiseptic was retained on the plate for 5 seconds or for 30 seconds. There was no statistically significant difference between bacterial growth on plates not treated with povidone-iodine and on plates treated with lidocaine gel alone or prior to povidone-iodine (
P
= .553 and
P
= .485, respectively).

CONCLUSION:

Povidone-iodine effectively reduces bacterial counts when applied alone or prior to lidocaine gel. Lidocaine gel was confirmed to be a barrier to antisepsis when administered prior to povidone-iodine.
Serial Measurement of Tear Meniscus by FD-OCT After Instillation of Artificial Tears in Patients With Dry Eyes
Authors: Bujak Matthew C. , Yiu Samuel , Zhang Xinbo , Li Yan , Huang David
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To use Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) to study the effect of artificial tears on the tear meniscus in patients with dry eyes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

The lower tear meniscus of 16 consecutive patients with dry eyes was imaged by an FD-OCT system (RTVue; Optovue, Inc., Fremont, CA). Baseline and five serial pairs of measurements were taken after the instillation of artificial tears (Optive; Allergan, Irvine, CA) at 1, 2, 5, 10, and 15 minutes. The lower meniscus height, depth, and area were measured with a computer caliper.

RESULTS:

Baseline meniscus measurements were 235.5 ± 150.0 μm, 138.1 ± 78.7 μm, and 0.020 ± 0.022 mm
2
for height, depth, and area, respectively. After instillation of artificial tears, all lower tear meniscus parameters remained significantly elevated for 5 minutes and returned to baseline by 10 minutes.

CONCLUSION:

FD-OCT is able to quantify a dramatic initial increase in tear meniscus, followed by a decay back to baseline values after approximately 5 minutes. FD-OCT may be useful in objectively quantifying the dynamic efficacy of dry eye treatments.
Uveitis Following Intravitreal Bevacizumab: A Non-Infectious Cluster
Authors: Kay Christine N. , Tarantola Ryan M. , Gehrs Karen M. , Folk James C. , Mahajan Vinit B. , Boldt H. Culver , Syed Nasreen A. , Russell Stephen R.
Published: July 2011

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

In this retrospective case series, the authors report seven cases of bevacizumab-related uveitis that occurred within a 4-month period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Seven eyes of six patients developed non-infectious uveitis following bevacizumab intravitreal injections in a cohort of 978 consecutive bevacizumab injections.

RESULTS:

The mean age of patients was 74.6 years (range: 26 to 92). All patients developed symptom onset within 1 day of injection. Shared signs and symptoms included corneal edema, anterior chamber and vitreous cell, conjunctival injection, ocular pain, and lack of hypopyon. In all patients, visual acuity returned to within one line of baseline acuity. All seven eyes had been previously injected with bevacizumab, with a mean number of antecedent injections of 6.1 (range: 3 to 12).

CONCLUSION:

A cluster of sterile bevacizumab-related uveitic reactions was described in this case series. Acute onset of symptoms, absence of hypopyon, a predominant anterior segment reaction, and prompt improvement on topical steroid therapy are useful clinical features distinguishing this uveitic syndrome from infectious endophthalmitis.
Aproximación a la patología presentada en las construcciones de tierra. Algunas recomendaciones de intervención
Authors: Rodríguez M. A. , Monteagudo I. , Saroza B. , Nolasco P. , Castro Y.
Published: July 2011

En el presente artículo se ponen de manifiesto una serie de aspectos que es necesario tener presente a la hora de acometer un estudio sobre la patología presentada en las construcciones de tierra en general, y patrimoniales en particular.
Para ello, y tras proponer una serie de recomendaciones que contribuyan a un correcto diagnóstico de la patología presentada, se identifican las lesiones más características de este tipo de construcciones.
Por último, se proponen algunas pautas de intervención en función de la patología presentada, así como recomendaciones de carácter general para la conservación del patrimonio de estructuras de tierra.
Criterios y técnicas de intervención en tapia. La restauración de la torre Bofilla de Bétera (Valencia)
Authors: Mileto C. , Vegas F. , López J. M.
Published: July 2011

Este artículo expone una reflexión sobre los diversos criterios y técnicas de intervención en las construcciones de tapia realizadas en España en las últimas décadas, las dificultades intrínsecas de esta delicada operación y las consecuencias que se derivan de cada una de las opciones posibles para la conservación de la autenticidad, la materialidad, las trazas impresas de sus fábricas, etc. Para ello, realiza en primer lugar un breve repaso al abanico de diversas variantes de tapia existentes en la península que plantean problemáticas diversas de restauración a tenor de su enjundia constructiva.
En segundo lugar, presenta tres grandes grupos de intervenciones, a saber, las intervenciones con recuperación de volúmenes, la restauración con sustitución de superficies y las actuaciones de conservación y protección de las fábricas. Estos tres tipos de intervenciones se ilustran con ejemplos de las últimas tres décadas en el territorio español, donde se describen sucintamente tanto los criterios y las técnicas empleadas como los resultados obtenidos tras el proceso de intervención.
Por último, y como conclusión del estudio sobre todos estos criterios y técnicas y a la luz de los resultados habidos a lo largo de las últimas décadas, presenta en detalle el estudio previo, los criterios, las técnicas y las modalidades de puesta en obra en la restauración de la torre Bofilla en Bétera (Valencia) realizada por los autores, como posible opción de intervención en estructuras históricas de tapia.
Investigaciones realizadas en la Universidad de Aveiro sobre caracterización mecánica de las construcciones existentes en adobe en Portugal y propuestas de rehabilitación y refuerzo. Resultados alcanzados
Authors: Varum H. , Figueiredo A. , Silveira D. , Martins T. , Costa A.
Published: July 2011

En Portugal, sobre todo en la región de Aveiro, las estructuras de fábrica de adobe fueron el sistema constructivo predominante durante la primera mitad del siglo XX. En la actualidad es aún significativo el legado del patrimonio – cerca de 30% de las construcciones existentes – el cual está formado por un conjunto significativo de construcciones de elevado valor histórico y arquitectónico. En las últimas décadas se ha descuidado su rehabilitación, que ha redundado en el estado actual de daño en muchas de estas construcciones, con desfavorables condiciones de seguridad, y en algunos casos comprometiendo su uso. No obstante, en los últimos años, se observa un creciente interés, asociado a factores ambientales, económicos y de salvaguarda del patrimonio, tanto por parte de las administraciones locales como en el ámbito de los inversores privados, por la conservación y rehabilitación de estas construcciones. Ante esta nueva realidad, que pone de manifiesto la necesidad de desarrollar soluciones y técnicas de intervención que permitan, a través de la rehabilitación y/o refuerzo, prolongar la vida útil de estas estructuras, en la Universidad de Aveiro un grupo de investigadores viene desarrollando un trabajo multidisciplinar sobre las construcciones de adobe en Portugal. El objetivo principal del mismo se centra en la creación de una base de resultados experimentales que apoye las intervenciones de rehabilitación y/o refuerzo del patrimonio edificado, y el desarrollo de soluciones de mejora de su comportamiento estructural. Esta investigación se constituye como un guía que procura contribuir al conocimiento de estas fábricas, enfocado sobre todo a la rehabilitación de las mismas, aportando información que permita a los diferentes profesionales que trabajan en este ámbito actuar en la conservación de este patrimonio.
Construcción sismorresistente en tierra: la gran experiencia contemporánea de la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
Authors: Blondet M. , Vargas J. , Tarque N. , Iwaki C.
Published: July 2011

En muchos países en vías de desarrollo la alternativa de vivienda más común es la construcción con tierra, pues el material es abundante y barato. La construcción tradicional de viviendas de tierra se realiza informalmente, sin asesoría técnica. Por ello, la calidad de estas construcciones es generalmente muy baja. En zonas sísmicas donde se construye con tierra, cada vez que ocurre un terremoto colapsan muchas construcciones de este material, causando considerables pérdidas económicas y lamentables pérdidas de vidas. Las comunidades académicas y profesionales de algunos países sísmicos no han permanecido impasibles frente a esta grave situación. En el Perú, investigadores de la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) han venido investigando la construcción con tierra en áreas sísmicas desde hace cerca 40 años y han obtenido invalorables resultados.
Este artículo describe la evolución del conocimiento generado en la PUCP del material tierra armada, compuesto por tierra y refuerzos compatibles, que permite lograr construcciones sismorresistentes.
La técnica constructiva del cob. Pasado, presente y futuro
Authors: Watson L. , McCabe K.
Published: July 2011

A través de Europa, cientos de miles de edificios han sido construidos por un método de construcción antiguo, el uso del cob. Estos edificios tienen una apariencia característica de muros orgánicos salpicados con pequeñas aperturas cuyas puertas y ventanas se rehunden para crear profundos relieves. Tradicionalmente protegidos por techos de paja, en estos edificios vernáculos está una parte importante de la identidad local. En muchos países europeos todavía se encuentran edificios hechos de cob, como Francia, Italia, Alemania, Bélgica, República Checa, e Inglaterra (1). Después de una descripción sobre el uso de cob, este artículo presentará una historia breve del uso de cob en Devon, una región en el suroeste de Inglaterra. También introducirá ejemplos de edificios modernos de cob, con una discusión sobre el potencial de usar este método de construcción en proyectos arquitectónicos en el futuro.
Revestimientos y acabados superficiales en construcciones con tierra contemporáneas
Authors: Castilla F. J.
Published: July 2011

La creciente demanda para la construcción de muros de tierra en algunos ámbitos del sector de la edificación conlleva la necesidad de plantear soluciones constructivas que permitan el adecuado mantenimiento de las prestaciones de dichos muros. Al igual que las propias técnicas para la construcción de los muros, los materiales utilizados para su revestimiento y protección han evolucionado permitiendo una gran variedad de soluciones formales acordes a cada situación.
En este artículo se pretende hacer una revisión sobre las particularidades de las diferentes posibilidades que se presentan en el panorama de la construcción actual: desde los revestimientos que permitan mantener a la vista los acabados de los muros de tierra a los revocos de distinta naturaleza, con especial incidencia en aquellos que utilizan la propia tierra como material base, siendo los más apropiados a priori por su natural compatibilidad con el soporte. La explicación se acompañará de ejemplos ilustrativos de la aplicación de dichas técnicas en edificios construidos durante las dos últimas décadas.
Retracción, abrasión, erosión y absorción de revoques de barro
Authors: Minke G.
Published: July 2011

En el Laboratorio de Construcciones Experimentales (FEB) de la Facultad de Arquitectura, Universidad de Kassel, Alemania, fueron testeados cientos de diferentes pruebas de revoque de barro para estudiar su contracción durante el secado, su absorción de humedad y su resistencia contra abrasión, erosión y absorción. Para recibir datos sobre abrasión y erosión, nuevas aparatos y metodos fueron desarrollados. Los resultados de los revoques comprados en el mercado muestran gran diferencias en los valores.
La transferencia de humedad y el cambio en la resistencia durante la construcción de edificios de tierra
Authors: Schroeder H.
Published: July 2011

Una serie de proyectos de tierra apisonada construidos en los últimos años en Alemania y en el extranjero dan testimonio del alto nivel de interés arquitectónico en este material, no solo en nuestro país. La tierra apisonada ha sido “redescubierta”, en particular por los arquitectos jóvenes, debido a su materialidad única y fascinante y la estética singular de su superficie. En relación con la realización de dos proyectos de tierra apisonada realizados en Turingia, Alemania, en el período 2003/2004 surgieron algunas preguntas sobre el proceso de transferencia de la humedad y los cambios en las propiedades de resistencia durante la construcción. Las normas de construcción de tierra indican solamente estimaciones muy aproximadas de los tiempos de secado para muros de tierra apisonada.
Surgió la idea de desarrollar un programa de pruebas para investigar el aspecto del tiempo de secado con respecto al cambio en la resistencia del material en muros de tierra apisonada, así como para establecer los aspectos generales de los procedimientos de ensayo de tierra apisonada en las normas.
El documento presenta los resultados de un programa de laboratorio que intenta abordar este complejo problema. Se elaboró una serie de muestras de análisis y se determinó la resistencia a la compresión no confinada después de diferentes tiempos de secado que variaban de 7 a 90 días. El contenido de humedad de las muestras también era variado: en el método abierto de coordinación (prueba Proctor) y por encima y por debajo de la OMC.
El comportamiento térmico de los edificios de tierra
Authors: Heathcote K.
Published: July 2011

Este artículo examina la base teórica del comportamiento térmico de las paredes de tierra y la relaciona con varios resultados de test realizados sobre edificios construidos por el autor, y con su comportamiento previsto utilizando un sofisticado programa de modelado por ordenador. El análisis muestra que la resistencia térmica constante es baja para todas las paredes de tierra, pero que para muros con un grosor mayor que 450 mm la resistencia térmica cíclica es alta y se incrementa exponencialmente. Mientras que la resistencia térmica constante de las paredes de cualquier grosor es baja y se traduce en temperaturas más altas que la media en verano y más bajas que la media en invierno, la capacidad de las paredes gruesas de tierra para amortiguar las variaciones de temperatura es la responsable de la reputación de los materiales. El artículo señala que los principios de un buen diseño pasivo (tales como proporcionar inercia térmica y grandes áreas acristaladas para el comportamiento en invierno) mejorarán enormemente el comportamiento de las construcciones de tierra con paredes delgadas, pero en opinión del autor las paredes exteriores deberían ser de al menos 450 mm para aprovecharse de todos los beneficios de la inercia térmica.
Construcción con tierra en el siglo XXI
Authors: Bestraten S. , Hormías E. , Altemir A.
Published: July 2011

La construcción con tierra durante la primera década del siglo XXI ha resurgido en todo el mundo como un material con propiedades sostenibles, de bajo impacto ambiental y de gran capacidad expresiva. Se ha experimentado un crecimiento a nivel de proyectos e investigaciones sobre el material relacionado con el aumento de número de asociaciones, instituciones, universidades y eventos alrededor de este sector. Los proyectos actuales han sabido modernizar las técnicas tradicionales de construcción con tierra para adaptarlas a las necesidades proyectuales y constructivas, siendo ampliamente reconocidos por su calidad.
El objetivo de este artículo es ofrecer una visión actual sobre la construcción con tierra a nivel internacional, aportando datos técnicos de su utilización en proyectos arquitectónicos contemporáneos.
El patrimonio arquitectónico construido con tierra. Las aportaciones historiográficas y el reconocimiento de sus valores en el contexto de la arquitectura popular española
Authors: Maldonado L. , Vela-Cossío F.
Published: July 2011

El patrimonio arquitectónico construido con tierra y, de manera general, los conjuntos edificados que forman parte de eso que llamamos hoy la arquitectura vernácula, tradicional y popular, han venido concitando el interés de arqueólogos, arquitectos, etnógrafos, historiadores o geógrafos desde hace más de un siglo. A lo largo de los últimos treinta años han ido avanzando de forma significativa los procedimientos para el estudio, el inventario, la protección y la tutela de estos bienes de interés cultural representativos de los distintos modos de habitar y construir del hombre en las distintas regiones del mundo. Sin embargo, son muy escasas las restauraciones científicas de la arquitectura tradicional, más si cabe de la arquitectura construida con tierra, uno de los grupos del patrimonio popular más frágiles y amenazados. Profundizar en las características y rasgos esenciales de esta clase de arquitectura, identificar los valores que contiene en su condición de elemento conformador del paisaje cultural y destacar las contribuciones más importantes de la historiografía son los objetivos principales de este artículo.
Life history of Neoplasta parahebes (Diptera: Empididae: Hemerodromiinae)
Authors: Harkrider J. Robert
Published: July 2011

The life history of Neoplasta parahebes MacDonald and Turner in a mountain stream in Southern California is reported. Female N. parahebes were separated from sympatric female Neoplasta hebes Melander by ovipositor morphology. Adults readily fed on adult midges (Diptera: Chironomidae) smaller than themselves. Ovarioles of gravid females contained an average of 74.8 eggs. Mating occurred in a unidirectional position. Females oviposited under the bark of submerged decaying wood. Eggs averaged 459 μm × 115 μm in size; most were laid within a 24 h period and, at room temperature, hatched in 10–11 days. There are three larval instars. Densities of larval N. parahebes were as high as 9.2 per 100 cm2 of wood surface in submerged dead tree branches. Branches also contained larvae of Orthocladius lignicola Kieffer, a wood-boring chironomid; larval N. parahebes readily fed on the midge larvae in their tunnels. Pupation occurred in the decaying wood.
Towards an integrated taxonomy of theMerodon equestrisspecies complex (Diptera: Syrphidae) including description of a new species, with additional data on IberianMerodon
Authors: Marcos-García M. Ángeles , Vujić Ante , Ricarte Antonio , Ståhls Gunilla
Published: July 2011

Study of specimens ofMerodonMeigen collected in southwestern Europe resulted in new data and taxonomic changes for this genus. The cryptic speciesMerodon confusussp. nov.(Merodon equestrisspecies group) is described based on specimens collected in Cabañeros National Park, central Spain. Morphological and molecular diagnostic characters are provided to separate members of the species group.Merodon aeneus fulvusGil Collado is proposed as a junior synonym ofMerodon pumilusMacquart. The first Iberian record ofMerodon rufusMeigen is reported and updates of the revision of IberianMerodonare provided.
Revision of Fijian Syneches (Diptera: Empidoidea: Hybotidae), with a reassessment of the genus
Authors: Sinclair Bradley J.
Published: July 2011

Syneches Walker from Fiji is revised, including the description of two new species: S. bezziisp. nov. and S. insolitussp. nov. A lectotype is designated for S. pullus Bezzi and a key to the five recognized species is provided. Epiceia Walker, Harpamerus Bigot syn. nov., and Parahybos Kertész syn. nov. are considered congeneric with Syneches; all species affected by these changes are listed, including the following new replacement names: S. meijereinom. nov. and S. yanginom. nov.
Characteristics and the origins of the carbonaceous aerosol at a rural site of PRD in summer 2006
Authors: Hu W. W. , Hu M. , Deng Z. Q. , Xiao R. , Kondo Y. , Takegawa N. , Zhao Y. J. , Guo S. , Zhang Y. H.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Both organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) were measured at a rural site, Back Garden (BG), 50km northwest of the Guangzhou City, by using a semi-continuous thermal-optical analyzer during PRIDE-PRD 2006 summer intensive campaign. Together with the online EC/OC instrument, multiple instruments were also employed here which provided a good opportunity to check data quality. The regressions between the mass of organic aerosol (OM) and OC, as well as OC and water soluble organic carbon (WSOC) imply reliability of the data measured in this campaign. The average OC concentrations in fine particle for three typical periods during the campaign (local emission influence, typhoon and participation, normal days) were 28.1 μg C m−3, 4.0 μg C m−3 and 5.7 μg C m−3, respectively, and EC were 11.6 μg C m−3, 1.8 μg C m−3, and 3.3 μg C m−3 orderly. Diurnal variations of EC and OC showed that there were two peaks for EC and OC concentrations, i.e. at night and early morning, which were probably caused by the primary emission accumulation when the boundary layer was shallow. Compare to the constant diurnal enhancement ratios of primary EC, the enhancement ratio of OC (OC versus (CO-CObackground)) remained in a relative high level in the afternoon with a similar diurnal variation to oxygenated organic aerosol (OOA), indicating the strong photochemical formation of OC. The traditional EC tracer method was modified to estimate the secondary organic carbon (SOC) formation, which shows that the average SOC concentration in BG site was about 2.0 ± 2.3 μg C m−3.The SOC fraction in OC reached up to 80 % with the average of 47 %. Good correlations between estimated SOC versus measured OOA or WSOC, and estimated POC versus measured hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol (HOA) also proved the reliable results by the modified EC tracer method in this paper.