bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Harris-Galante Cementless THA: A 19- to 25-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Saito Shu , Ishii Takao , Mori Sei , Hosaka Kunihiro , Suzuki Takashi , Tokuhashi Yasuaki
Published: January 2011

The goal of this study was to evaluate the long-term survivorship of primary cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) using Harris-Galante porous I acetabular and Harris-Galante porous femoral components. From July 1985 to December 1991, we performed primary cementless THA on 76 hips (70 patients). Twenty-nine patients (31 hips) died due to causes unrelated to the THA, and 6 patients (7 hips) were lost to follow-up. Of 76 hips (70 patients) studied, 38 hips (35 patients) were available for follow-up at a mean 22.5 years (range, 19–25 years) postoperatively. Mean patient age at index procedure was 51.2 years (range, 42–65 years). Average Harris Hip Score was 40.5 points preoperatively and 85.8 points at final follow-up. No patient had an early or late postoperative deep infection.

Radiographically, the acetabular component fixation was stable in all 38 hips. The femoral component was bone-ingrown in 26 hips, stable-fibrous in 10, and unstable in 2. One unstable hip required revision of the femoral component. Dissociation of the polyethylene liner occurred in 3 hips without fractures of the metal locking tines and required revision of the polyethylene liner and the articular head. A total of 4 hips had documented revision, and 1 femoral component failed radiographically. The survival rate with the endpoint defined as revision surgery and radiographic loosening was 86.8% at 22.5 years of follow-up. Mean polyethylene wear was 0.085 mm/year (range, 0.031–0.15 mm). This study found that the Harris-Galante porous I acetabular and Harris-Galante porous femoral components produce excellent long-term results.
Analysis of the Mechanical Properties of Locking Plates with and Without Screw Hole Inserts
Authors: Eichinger Josef K. , Herzog Joshua P. , Arrington Edward D.
Published: January 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine if the use of screw hole inserts in empty locking screw holes improves the strength and failure characteristics of locking plates. Twenty 5-hole 1/3 tubular locking plates (Synthes, Paoli, Pennsylvania) were mounted on an oak dowel with a 1-cm gap simulating a fracture with comminution and bone loss. Ten of the 1/3 tubular plates had a screw hole insert placed in the center hole (centered over the simulated fracture), while 10 of the 1/3 tubular plates remained empty in the center hole. The plate–dowel constructs were placed in an Instron 8800 Material Testing Machine and subjected to a series of loading conditions, replicating physiologic loading. The torsional and axial stiffness of each plate-dowel construct was calculated. All plates were then loaded to failure. No significant differences were found in the mechanical properties of the 2 plate constructs. Both the filled screw-hole plate constructs and unfilled screw hole plate constructs demonstrated the same torsional and axial stiffness, before and after being subjected to a combined cyclic and axial torsional load. Additionally, there was no significant difference in ultimate compressive strength or load to failure.

Locking plate technology is a relatively new innovation in orthopedic fracture fixation. The evolution of new and varied applications and implants continues. Persistent, fundamental questions exist concerning the basic locking plate design. This study demonstrates that the addition of screw hole inserts does not significantly change the stiffness, torsional strength, or axial loading strength of 1/3 tubular locking plates.
An Aggressive Group a Streptococcal Cellulitis of the Hand and Forearm Requiring Surgical Debridement
Authors: Bharucha Neil J. , Alaia Michael J. , Paksima Nader , Christoforou Dimitrios , Gupta Salil
Published: January 2011

Group A streptococcus is responsible for a diverse range of soft tissue infections. Manifestations range from minor oropharyngeal and cellulitic skin infections to more severe conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis and septic shock. Troubling increases in the incidence and the severity of streptococcal infections have been reported over the past 25 years. Cases of streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis have received significant attention in the literature, with prompt surgical debridement being the mainstay of treatment. However, cases of rapidly progressing upper extremity streptococcal cellulitis leading to shock and a subsequent surgical intervention have not been well described.

This article presents a case of an 85-year-old woman with a rapidly progressing, erythematous, painful, swollen hand associated with fever, hypotension, and mental status change. Due to a high clinical suspicion for necrotizing fasciitis, the patient was rapidly resuscitated and underwent immediate surgical irrigation and debridement. All intraoperative fascial pathology specimens were negative for necrotizing fasciitis, leading to a final diagnosis of Group A streptococcal cellulitis. Although surgical intervention is not commonly considered in patients with cellulitis, our patient benefited from irrigation and debridement with soft tissue decompression. In cases of necrotizing fasciitis as well as rapidly progressive cellulitis, prompt diagnosis and aggressive treatment may help patients avoid the catastrophic consequences of rapidly progressive group A streptococcal infections.
Using Problem-Based Learning in the Clinical Setting to Improve Nursing Students’ Critical Thinking: An Evidence Review
Authors: Oja Kenneth J.
Published: January 2011

In preparation for the progressive nature of today’s acute care hospital environments and the requirements for safe and effective patient care, it is essential that nursing students learn how to think critically. Problem-based learning is a method of education designed to encourage critical thinking. This article examines the evidence regarding the use of problem-based learning to improve critical thinking. A review of published literature was conducted using the CINAHL, ERIC, PsychInfo, and PubMed databases with the keywords
nursing
,
problem-based learning
, and
critical thinking
. Although the evidence is still accumulating, the studies reviewed indicate a positive relationship between problem-based learning and improved critical thinking in nursing students. There is a need for more rigorous research on the use of problem-based learning to examine the effects on critical thinking. Until this occurs, nursing instructors must rely on the extant evidence to guide their practice or continue to use the traditional model of clinical nursing education.
Results of Coaxial Phacoemulsification Through a 1.8-mm Microincision in Hard Cataracts
Authors: Wilczynski Michal , Supady Ewa , Loba Piotr , Synder Aleksandra , Omulecki Wojciech
Published: January 2011

Background and Objective:

To assess the results of coaxial phacoemulsification through 1.8-mm coaxial microincision cataract surgery (C-MICS) phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation in eyes with hard cataracts in comparison to eyes with soft cataracts.

Patients and Methods:

Group 1 consisted of 40 eyes of 40 patients with hard cataracts (grade ≥ 4, Lens Opacities Classification System III scale) and group 2 consisted of 45 eyes of 45 patients with non-mature cataracts (grade ≤ 2, Lens Opacities Classification System III scale). All surgeries were performed by two experienced surgeons under topical and intracameral anesthesia. Examinations were performed preoperatively and 1 month after the surgery. Examined parameters included distance-corrected visual acuity (DCVA), autorefractometry, keratometry, tonometry, endothelial cell counts, and biomicroscopy of the anterior and posterior segment. Surgically induced astigmatism was calculated with vector analysis.

Results:

Mean DCVA was 0.16 ± 0.16 preoperatively and 0.92 ± 0.21 postoperatively in group 1 (
P
< .05) and 0.62 ± 0.18 preoperatively and 0.97 ± 0.08 postoperatively in group 2 (
P
< .05). Mean surgically induced astigmatism was 0.48 ± 0.44 in group 1 and 0.53 ± 0.38 in group 2 (
P
> .05). Mean endothelial cell loss was 11.37% ± 12.87% in group 1 and 2.87% ± 9.66% in group 2 (
P
< .05).

Conclusion:

Although density of cataract has an unfavorable influence on early postoperative corneal endothelial cell loss, it did not significantly influence final DCVA and surgically induced astigmatism. C-MICS is a safe and effective method of treatment of cataracts, including cataracts with hard nuclei, and usually leads to good functional outcomes.
Combining Extant Datasets with Differing Outcome Measures Across Studies of Older Adults After Cancer Surgery
Authors: Van Cleave Janet H. , Egleston Brian L. , Bourbonniere Meg , McCorkle Ruth
Published: January 2011

Combining extant datasets with differing outcome measures, an economical method to generate evidence guiding older adults' cancer care, may introduce heterogeneity leading to invalid study results. We recently conducted a study combining extant datasets from five oncology nurse-directed clinical trials (parent studies) using norm-based scoring to standardize the differing outcome measures. The purpose of this article is to describe and analyze our methods in the recently completed study. Despite addressing and controlling for heterogeneity, our analysis found statistically significant heterogeneity (
p
< 0.0001) in temporal trends among the five parent studies. We concluded that assessing heterogeneity in combined extant datasets with differing outcome measures is important to ensure similar magnitude and direction of findings across parent studies. Future research should include investigating reasons for heterogeneity to generate hypotheses about subgroup differences or differing measurement domains that may have an impact on outcomes.
Older African American Women's Beliefs, Attitudes, and Behaviors About Breast Cancer
Authors: Swinney Jean E. , Dobal May T.
Published: January 2011

Breast cancer poses a greater risk for African American than Caucasian women due to persistent health disparities. To reduce mortality risk, culturally specific knowledge is needed to support and encourage regular breast cancer screening and risk-reduction behaviors in older African American women. The specific aims of this study were to identify social, cultural, and behavioral factors associated with regular participation in breast cancer screening and risk-reduction behaviors; examine health beliefs that may influence regular participation in breast cancer screening and risk-reduction behaviors; and identify perceived facilitators and barriers to regular breast cancer screening and risk-reduction behaviors. African American women older than 65 (
N
= 57) participated in six focus groups. Analysis of focus group data revealed six major themes: Being Blessed, Cancer as a Death Sentence, Fear/Fear of Disfigurement, Avoiding Finding Out, Beliefs About Breast Cancer, and Tending to One's Family. These themes could be used by health care providers to develop culturally relevant educational initiatives to promote breast health practices and risk-reduction behaviors in this vulnerable population, thus helping reduce breast cancer disparities.
Social Structure and Freedom. The Semiotic Study of Cultures
Authors: Portis Winner Irene
Published: January 2011

I consider some troubling dichotomies which are pertinent to scholarship in all its dimensions. I look at how their various solutions interpenetrate as well as contradict each other, and how they affect our perceptions in the study of culture. I conclude with some applications from my own study of a transnational community in Slovenia and in the United States.
***
Avtorica obravnava nevšečne dihotomije, značilne za znanost v vseh njenih razsežnostih. Predstavljeno je, kako različne se rešitve prežemajo in si nasprotujejo in kako vplivajo na naše dojemanje pri raziskavah kulture. Razpravo sklene nekaj rešitev iz avtoričine študije transnacionalne skupnosti v Sloveniji in Združenih državah.
The Feast of St. Stephen in Zanigrad. Celebration of Kinship, Village, and Neighborhood.
Authors: Ravnik Mojca
Published: January 2011

Sv. Štefan je najpomembnejši praznik Zanigrada, opuščene vasi v občini Koper v slovenski Istri. Kljub temu, da je v vasi več kot deset let živel samo še en prebivalec in po njegovi smrti l. 1992 nihče več, se vsako leto na praznik zberejo nekdanji vaščani z družinami, njihovi sorodniki in prijatelji. Po l. 1995 je v praznovanje vključeno tudi blagoslavljanje konj, prej pa praznovanje s konji ni imelo zveze, saj konj v vasi niso imeli. Avtorica ugotavlja, da gre, kljub spremenjenemu zunanjemu dogajanju, še vedno za praznik sorodnikov, vaščanov in sosedov.
***
St. Stephen’s Day is the most important holiday in Zanigrad, an unpopulated village situated in the municipality of Koper in Slovenian Istria. The village, which had been occupied by only one villager for over a decade, became uninhabited after his death in 1992. The yearly celebration of St. Stephen’s Day, however, brings together former villagers, their families, relatives, and friends. Even though the village has never had any horses, after 1995 the celebration includes the blessing of horses, a ceremony that has no connection with the past. Yet despite this introduction of new elements St. Stephen’s Day in Zanigrad remains the holiday of relatives, villagers, and neighbors.
Upregulated IL-7 Receptor α Expression on Colitogenic Memory CD4+ T Cells May Participate in the Development and Persistence of Chronic Colitis
Authors: Shinohara Tamako , Nemoto Yasuhiro , Kanai Takanori , Kameyama Kaori , Okamoto Ryuichi , Tsuchiya Kiichiro , Nakamura Tetsuya , Totsuka Teruji , Ikuta Koichi , Watanabe Mamoru
Published: January 2011

We have previously demonstrated that IL-7 is essential for the persistence of colitis as a survival factor of colitogenic IL-7Rα–expressing memory CD4+ T cells. Because IL-7Rα is broadly expressed on various immune cells, it is possible that the persistence of colitogenic CD4+ T cells is affected by other IL-7Rα–expressing non-T cells. To test this hypothesis, we conducted two adoptive transfer colitis experiments using IL-7Rα−/− CD4+CD25− donor cells and IL-7Rα−/− × RAG-2−/− recipient mice, respectively. First, IL-7Rα expression on colitic lamina propria (LP) CD4+ T cells was significantly higher than on normal LP CD4+ T cells, whereas expression on other colitic LP immune cells, (e.g., NK cells, macrophages, myeloid dendritic cells) was conversely lower than that of paired LP cells in normal mice, resulting in predominantly higher expression of IL-7Rα on colitogenic LP CD4+ cells, which allows them to exclusively use IL-7. Furthermore, RAG-2−/− mice transferred with IL-7Rα−/− CD4+CD25− T cells did not develop colitis, although LP CD4+ T cells from mice transferred with IL-7Rα−/− CD4+CD25− T cells were differentiated to CD4+CD44highCD62L− effector-memory T cells. Finally, IL-7Rα−/− × RAG-2−/− mice transferred with CD4+CD25− T cells developed colitis similar to RAG-2−/− mice transferred with CD4+CD25– T cells. These results suggest that IL-7Rα expression on colitogenic CD4+ T cells, but not on other cells, is essential for the development of chronic colitis. Therefore, therapeutic approaches targeting the IL-7/IL-7R signaling pathway in colitogenic CD4+ T cells may be feasible for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.
Absent Bactericidal Activity of Mouse Serum against Invasive African Nontyphoidal Salmonella Results from Impaired Complement Function but Not a Lack of Antibody
Authors: Siggins Matthew K. , Cunningham Adam F. , Marshall Jennifer L. , Chamberlain Jayne L. , Henderson Ian R. , MacLennan Calman A.
Published: January 2011

Nontyphoidal strains of Salmonella are a major cause of fatal bacteremia in Africa. Developing a vaccine requires an improved understanding of the relevant mechanisms of protective immunity, and the mouse model of Salmonella infection is useful for studying immunity to Salmonella in vivo. It is important to appreciate the similarities and differences between immunity to Salmonella in mice and men. Ab is important for protection against nontyphoidal Salmonella in both species, and we have previously found an important role for Ab in cell-free complement-mediated bactericidal activity against Salmonella in Africans. It is unclear whether this modality of immunity is relevant in the mouse model. C57BL/6, BALB/c, and C3H mice immunized with heat-killed Salmonella Typhimurium strains D23580 (African invasive strain) and SL1344 and live-attenuated strain SL3261 produced a Salmonella-specific Ab response. Sera from these mice deposited reduced levels of C3 on Salmonella compared with human sera and were unable to kill both wild-type and galE− rough mutant of D23580, indicating absent cell-free killing via classical and alternative complement pathways. Supplementing immune mouse sera with human complement enabled killing of Salmonella, whereas addition of human anti-Salmonella Ab to immune mouse sera had no effect. These findings indicate that mouse serum cannot effect cell-free complement-dependent killing of Salmonella, because of the reduced mouse complement ability to kill these bacteria compared with human complement. This difference in Ab-dependent immunity to Salmonella in mice and men must be considered when applying findings from the mouse model of Salmonella disease and vaccination response to man.
Molecular and Functional Characterization of Mouse S5D-SRCRB: A New Group B Member of the Scavenger Receptor Cysteine-Rich Superfamily
Authors: Miró-Julià Cristina , Roselló Sandra , Martínez Vanesa G. , Fink Dorte R. , Escoda-Ferran Cristina , Padilla Olga , Vázquez-Echeverría Citlali , Espinal-Marin Paula , Pujades Cristina , García-Pardo Angeles , Vila Jordi , Serra-Pagès Carles , Holmskov Uffe , Yélamos José , Lozano Francisco
Published: January 2011

The scavenger receptor cysteine-rich superfamily (SRCR-SF) members are transmembrane and/or secreted receptors exhibiting one or several repeats of a cysteine-rich protein module of ∼100 aa, named scavenger receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR). Two types of SRCR domains (A or B) have been reported, which differ in the number of coding exons and intradomain cysteines. Although no unifying function has been reported for SRCR-SF members, recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) was recently shown for some of them. In this article, we report the structural and functional characterization of mouse S5D-SRCRB, a new group B member of the SRCR-SF. The s5d-srcrb gene maps at mouse chromosome 7 and encompasses 14 exons extending over 15 kb. The longest cDNA sequence found is 4286 bp in length and encodes a mature protein of 1371 aa, with a predicted Mr of 144.6 kDa. Using an episomal mammalian-expression system, a glycosylated soluble recombinant form >200 kDa was obtained and used as immunogen for the generation of specific rat mAbs. Subsequent immunohistochemical and real-time PCR analysis showed significant S5D-SRCRB expression in murine genitourinary and digestive tracts. S5D-SRCRB was shown to bind endogenous extracellular matrix proteins (laminin and galectin-1), as well as PAMPs present on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. PAMP binding by S5D-SRCRB induced microbial aggregation and subsequent inhibition of PAMP-induced cytokine release. These abilities suggest that S5D-SRCRB might play a role in the innate defense and homeostasis of certain specialized epithelial surfaces.
NF-κB1 Inhibits TLR-Induced IFN-β Production in Macrophages through TPL-2–Dependent ERK Activation
Authors: Yang Huei-Ting , Wang Yanyan , Zhao Xixing , Demissie Ezana , Papoutsopoulou Stamatia , Mambole Agnes , O’Garra Anne , Tomczak Michal F. , Erdman Susan E. , Fox James G. , Ley Steven C. , Horwitz Bruce H.
Published: January 2011

Although NF-κB1 p50/p105 has critical roles in immunity, the mechanism by which NF-κB1 regulates inflammatory responses is unclear. In this study, we analyzed the gene expression profile of LPS-stimulated Nfkb1−/− macrophages that lack both p50 and p105. Deficiency of p50/p105 selectively increased the expression of IFN-responsive genes, which correlated with increased IFN-β expression and STAT1 phosphorylation. IFN Ab-blocking experiments indicated that increased STAT1 phosphorylation and expression of IFN-responsive genes observed in the absence of p50/p105 depended upon autocrine IFN-β production. Markedly higher serum levels of IFN-β were observed in Nfkb1−/− mice than in wild-type mice following LPS injection, demonstrating that Nfkb1 inhibits IFN-β production under physiological conditions. TPL-2, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase stabilized by association with the C-terminal ankyrin repeat domain of p105, negatively regulates LPS-induced IFN-β production by macrophages via activation of ERK MAPK. Retroviral expression of TPL-2 in Nfkb1−/− macrophages, which are deficient in endogenous TPL-2, reduced LPS-induced IFN-β secretion. Expression of the C-terminal ankyrin repeat domain of p105 in Nfkb1−/− macrophages, which rescued LPS activation of ERK, also inhibited IFN-β expression. These data indicate that p50/p105 negatively regulates LPS-induced IFN signaling in macrophages by stabilizing TPL-2, thereby facilitating activation of ERK.
The Role of CD14 in Neutrophil Recruitment within the Liver Microcirculation during Endotoxemia
Authors: McAvoy Erin F. , McDonald Braedon , Parsons Sean A. , Wong Connie H. , Landmann Regine , Kubes Paul
Published: January 2011

During Gram-negative sepsis and endotoxemia, CD14 is essential for the recognition of LPS by the TLR4 complex and subsequent generation of systemic inflammation. However, CD14-independent responses to LPS have been reported in vitro and in vivo in selected tissues including the skin. As the liver is a key target organ for neutrophil sequestration and inflammatory pathology during sepsis and endotoxemia, we investigated the role of CD14 in the recruitment of neutrophils into the liver in a mouse model of endotoxemia. Using dynamic in vivo imaging of the liver, we observed that neutrophil recruitment within the sinusoids and post-sinusoidal venules occurred equivalently between LPS-treated wild-type and CD14-knockout mice. Neutrophil recruitment within the liver was completely independent of CD14 regardless of whether it was expressed on cells of hematopoietic or nonhematopoietic origin or in serum as soluble CD14. Whereas CD14 expression was essential for activation of circulating neutrophils and for the development of LPS-induced systemic inflammation (pulmonary neutrophil sequestration, leukopenia, and increased serum proinflammatory cytokine levels), deficiency of CD14 did not limit the adhesion strength of neutrophils in vitro. Furthermore, wild-type and CD14-knockout mice displayed identical deposition of serum-derived hyaluronan-associated protein within liver sinusoids in response to LPS, indicating that the sinusoid-specific CD44/hyaluronan/serum-derived hyaluronan-associated protein-dependent pathway of neutrophil adhesion is activated independently of CD14. Therefore, the liver microcirculation possesses a unique CD14-independent mechanism of LPS detection and activation of neutrophil recruitment.
TLR1/TLR2 Agonist Induces Tumor Regression by Reciprocal Modulation of Effector and Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Zhang Yi , Luo Feifei , Cai Yuchan , Liu Nan , Wang Luman , Xu Damo , Chu Yiwei
Published: January 2011

Using TLR agonists in cancer treatment can have either beneficial or detrimental effects. Therefore, it is important to determine their effect on the tumor growth and understand the underlying mechanisms in animal tumor models. In this study, we report a general immunotherapeutic activity of a synthetic bacterial lipoprotein (BLP), a TLR1/TLR2 agonist, on established lung carcinoma, leukemia, and melanoma in mice. Systemic treatment of 3LL tumor-bearing mice with BLP, but not LPS, led to a dose-dependent tumor regression and a long-lasting protective response against tumor rechallenge. The BLP-mediated tumor remission was neither mediated by a direct tumoricidal activity nor by innate immune cells, because it lacked therapeutic effect in immunodeficient SCID mice. Instead, BLP treatment reduced the suppressive function of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and enhanced the cytotoxicity of tumor-specific CTL in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, adoptive cotransfer of BLP-pretreated but not untreated CTL and Tregs from wild-type but not from TLR2−/− mice was sufficient to restore antitumor immunity in SCID mice by reciprocally modulating Treg and CTL function. These results demonstrate that the TLR1/TLR2 agonist BLP may have a general tumor therapeutic property involving reciprocal downregulation of Treg and upregulation of CTL function. This property may play an important role in the development of novel antitumor strategies.
Complications of Denver Shunt
Authors: Perera Eranga , Bhatt Shweta , Dogra Vikram S.
Published: January 2011

Hepatic hydrothorax secondary to transdiaphragmatic spread of peritoneal fluid can cause respiratory discomfort to the patient. Draining of hydrothorax helps relieve these symptoms. Pleurovenous shunt (Denver shunt) is a relatively non-invasive method of shunting the pleural fluid to the central venous system. Reported complications of pleurovenous shunts are shunt failure, pulmonary edema, post shunt coagulopathy, deep vein thrombosis, and infection. We report a rare case of a leak at the venous end of the catheter that was placed within the right internal jugular vein, resulting in a large collection in the neck.
Inflammatory Pseudotumor of the Kidney
Authors: Onur Mehmet Ruhi , Firdolas Fatih , Kocakoç Ercan , Orhan Irfan
Published: January 2011

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the kidney is a rare benign condition with unknown etiology that can mimic malignancy. We report a case of inflammatory pseudotumor of the kidney. A 59-year-old male patient was admitted with a complaint of right flank pain and hematuria. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging of the patient revealed a 9 cm × 10 cm mass originating from the renal parenchyma with posterior extension. Operative findings revealed a mass adhering to the psoas muscle. Histopathologic examination demonstrated spindle-shaped fibroblast cells accompanying inflammatory cells. The pathological diagnosis was renal inflammatory pseudotumor. Repeated US and computed tomography revealed complete remission.
Renal Collision Tumor in Association with Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis
Authors: Rothschild Jennifer , Bhatt Shweta , Dogra Vikram S.
Published: January 2011

Collision tumor is a rare condition in which two neoplasms (usually benign and malignant), both growing in the same general area, collide with each other and become intermingled. We present histopathology and imaging correlation of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis coexistent with squamous cell carcinoma and osteogenic sarcoma of the kidney.
Immunological Identification of Trypanosoma cruzi Lineages in Human Infection Along the Endemic Area
Authors: Risso Marikena G. , Sartor Paula A. , Burgos Juan M. , Briceño Luis , Rodríguez Eva M. , Guhl Felipe , Chavez Omar Triana , Espinoza Berta , Monteón Victor M. , Russomando Graciela , Schijman Alejandro G. , Bottasso Oscar A. , Leguizamón Maria Susana
Published: January 2011

Genotyping studies show a polarized geographic distribution of Trypanosoma cruzi lineages in humans. Here, we assessed their distribution along Latin America through an immunological approach we designated Western blot (WB) assay with Trypomastigote small-surface antigen (TSSA) I and TSSA II (TSSA-WB). These antigens are expressed by T. cruzi I (TCI; now TcI) and T. cruzi II (TCII; reclassified as TcII to TcVI) parasites. TSSA-WB showed good concordance with genotyping tests. An unexpected frequency of TSSA II recognition was observed in Colombia, Venezuela, and Mexico (northern region of Latin America). In Argentina and Paraguay (southern region), immunophenotyping confirmed the already reported TCII (TcII to TcVI) dominance. The lineage distribution between these regions showed significant difference but not among countries within them (except for Colombia and Venezuela). TSSA-WB shows TCII emergence in the northern region where TCI was reported as dominant or even as the unique T. cruzi lineage infecting humans.
Malaria Infection and Anemia Prevalence in Zambia's Luangwa District: An Area of Near-Universal Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Net Coverage
Authors: Eisele Thomas P. , Miller John M. , Moonga Hawela B. , Hamainza Busiku , Hutchinson Paul , Keating Joseph
Published: January 2011

We examined the relationship between insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs), malaria parasite infection, and severe anemia prevalence in children in Luangwa District, Zambia, an area with near-universal ITN coverage, at the end of the 2008 and 2010 malaria transmission seasons. Malaria parasite infection prevalence among children < 5 years old was 9.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.0–11.4%) over both survey years. Prevalence of severe anemia among children 6–59 months old was 6.9% (95% CI = 5.4–8.5%) over both survey years. Within this context of near-universal ITN coverage, we were unable to detect a significant association between malaria parasite or severe anemia prevalence and ITNs (possession and use). In addition to maintaining universal ITN coverage, it will be essential for the malaria control program to achieve high ITN use and laboratory diagnosis and treatment of all fevers among all age groups to further reduce the malaria burden in this area.
Autonomic Dysfunction and Risk Factors Associated with Trypanosoma cruzi Infection among Children in Arequipa, Peru
Authors: Bowman Natalie M. , Kawai Vivian , Gilman Robert H. , Bocangel Cesar , Galdos-Cardenas Gerson , Cabrera Lilia , Levy Michael Z. , Cornejo del Carpio Juan Geny , Delgado Freddy , Rosenthal Lauren , Pinedo-Cancino Vivian V. , Steurer Francis , Seitz Amy E. , Maguire James H. , Bern Caryn
Published: January 2011

Chagas disease affects an estimated 8 million people in Latin America. Infected individuals have 20–30% lifetime risk of developing cardiomyopathy, but more subtle changes in autonomic responses may be more frequent. We conducted a matched case-control study of children in Arequipa, Peru, where triatomine infestation and Trypanosoma cruzi infection are emerging problems. We collected data on home environment, history, physical examination, electrocardiogram, and autonomic testing. Signs of triatomine infestation and/or animals sleeping in the child's room and household members with Chagas disease were associated with increased infection risk. Electrocardiogram findings did not differ between cases and controls. However, compared with control children, infected children had blunted autonomic responses by three different measures, the Valsalva maneuver, the cold pressor test, and the orthostatic test. T. cruzi-infected children show autonomic dysfunction, although the prognostic value of this finding is not clear. Sustained vector control programs are essential to decreasing future T. cruzi infections.
Efficacy and Safety of PAIR for Cystic Echinococcosis: Experience on a Large Series of Patients from Bulgaria
Authors: Golemanov Branimir , Grigorov Nikola , Mitova Rumiana , Genov Jordan , Vuchev Dimitar , Tamarozzi Francesca , Brunetti Enrico
Published: January 2011

We report our experience with puncture, aspiration, injection, and reaspiration (PAIR) for the treatment of cystic echinococcosis in Bulgaria. PAIR was performed in 230 patients with 348 echinococcal cysts. At 12-month follow-up, 77.6% of the cysts, all cystic echinococcosis (CE) 1 and CE3a cysts according to the World Health Organization Informal Working Group classification, showed various degrees of obliteration. In 11.5% of cysts, all of which were > 10 cm-type CE1, a significant amount of fluid persisted, and they were punctured again. Of those, 16 (4.6%) contained protoscolices and were treated by a second PAIR. The remaining 24 (6.9%) cysts were treated by simple aspiration or drainage. No significant reduction in size and no changes in the structure were observed in 10.9% of cysts, all of which were classified as CE2 or CE3b. Complications developed in 25.2% of patients, including severe anaphylactic reaction in two (0.9%) patients. Our experience confirms that PAIR is a successful first-choice treatment when a stage-specific approach is taken.
National Serologic Survey of Haematobium Schistosomiasis in Morocco: Evidence for Elimination
Authors: Amarir Fatima , El Mansouri Bouchra , Fellah Hajiba , Sebti Faiza , Mohammed Lakranbi , Handali Sukwan , Wilkins Patricia , El Idrissi Abderrahman Laamrani , Sadak Abderrahim , Rhajaoui Mohamed
Published: January 2011

The Moroccan Health Ministry launched a Process of Eliminating Schistosomiasis in 1994. During 2005–2009, the epidemiologic status showed a clear interruption of disease transmission at the national level; only a few residual cases were recorded. Our present study is the first systematic serologic survey to evaluate the transmission status in remaining disease-endemic foci. A study population of 2,382 children born after the date of the last autochthonous cases were selected from provinces with histories of high schistosomiasis transmission (Tata, Chtouka Ait Baha, Errachidia, El Kelaa Des Sraghna, and Beni Mellal). To identify the presence of disease, specific antibodies directed against Schistosoma haematobium adult worm microsomal antigens were detected by using an enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot assay. The results showed an absence of antibodies in all serum samples. Consequently, our findings confirm either a low transmission status or an interruption of schistosomiasis transmission within the last disease endemic foci.
Human Trichostrongylus colubriformis Infection in a Rural Village in Laos
Authors: Sato Megumi , Yoonuan Tippayarat , Sanguankiat Surapol , Nuamtanong Supaporn , Pongvongsa Tiengkham , Phimmayoi Inthava , Phanhanan Vilayphone , Boupha Boungnong , Moji Kazuhiko , Waikagul Jitra
Published: January 2011

In Lahanam Village, Savannakhet Province, Laos, 125 of 253 villagers (49.4%) were found by fecal examination to harbor hookworm eggs. The eggs were heterogeneous in morphology and size, suggesting infections of mixed nematode species. To confirm the hookworm egg species, on a voluntary basis, 46 hookworm egg–positive participants were treated with albendazole, and post-treatment adult worms were collected from purged fecal samples. The common human hookworm was found in only 3 participants; 1 case of Necator americanus, and 2 cases of Ancylostoma duodenale. In contrast, adult Trichostrongylus worms were expelled from most participants (43 of 46, 93.5%). The Trichostrongylus species were confirmed by morphology and internal transcribed spacer 2 sequences; all worms were of the same species (T. colubriformis). In addition, some Trichostrongylus worms were obtained from a goat in the same village and identified as T. colubriformis. The results suggested that T. colubriformis was the main zoonotic species causing hookworm infections in the village.
First Evidence of Human Zoonotic Infection by Onchocerca lupi (Spirurida, Onchocercidae)
Authors: Otranto Domenico , Sakru Nermin , Testini Gabriella , Gürlü Vuslat P. , Yakar Konuralp , Lia Riccardo P. , Dantas-Torres Filipe , Bain Odile
Published: January 2011

In the past decades, cases of canine ocular onchocercosis have been reported worldwide, particularly in the United States and Europe. Onchocerca lupi, originally described from a wolf, has been implicated in some of these cases, and its zoonotic role has been hypothesized on the basis of the reexamination of two cases of human ocular onchocerciasis. In the present study, we describe, for the first time, the occurrence of O. lupi in the subconjunctival region of the human eye in a patient from Turkey. The nematode was identified as O. lupi based on its morphology and molecular phylogenetic analysis of partial cox1 and 12S ribosomal DNA genes. The results suggest that O. lupi should be considered in the differential diagnosis of other eye parasitic infections in humans. The role of dogs as natural hosts of O. lupi and the vectors of this zoonotic parasite need to be investigated.
Overshooting of clean tropospheric air in the tropical lower stratosphere as seen by the CALIPSO lidar
Authors: Vernier J. P. , Pommereau J. P. , Thomason L. W. , Pelon J. , Garnier A. , Deshler T. , Jumelet J. , Nielsen J. K.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. The evolution of aerosols in the tropical upper troposphere/lower stratosphere between June 2006 and October 2009 is examined using the observations of the space borne CALIOP lidar aboard the CALIPSO satellite. Superimposed on several volcanic plumes and soot from an extreme biomass-burning event in 2009, the measurements reveal the existence of fast cleansing episodes of the lower stratosphere to altitudes as high as 20 km. The cleansing of the full 14–20 km layer takes place within 1–4 months. Its coincidence with the maximum of convective activity in the southern tropics, suggests that the cleansing is the result of a large number of overshooting towers, injecting aerosol-poor tropospheric air into the lower stratosphere. The enhancements of aerosols at the tropopause level during the NH summer may be due to the same transport process but associated with intense sources of aerosols at the surface. Since, the tropospheric air flux derived from CALIOP observations during North Hemisphere winter is 5–20 times larger than the slow ascent by radiative heating usually assumed, the observations suggest that convective overshooting is a major contributor to troposphere-to-stratosphere transport with concommitant implications to the Tropical Tropopause Layer top height, chemistry and thermal structure.
Maritime Aerosol Network as a component of AERONET – first results and comparison with global aerosol models and satellite retrievals
Authors: Smirnov A. , Holben B. N. , Giles D. M. , Slutsker I. , O'Neill N. T. , Eck T. F. , Macke A. , Croot P. , Courcoux Y. , Sakerin S. M. , Smyth T. J. , Zielinski T. , Zibordi G. , Goes J. I. , Harvey M. J. , Quinn P. K. , Nelson N. B. , Radionov V. F. , Duarte C. M. , Losno R. , Sciare J. , Voss K. J. , Kinne S. , Nalli N. R. , Joseph E. , Krishna Moorthy K. , Covert D. S. , Gulev S. K. , Milinevsky G. , Larouche P. , Belanger S. , Horne E. , Chin M. , Remer L. A. , Kahn R. A. , Reid J. S. , Schulz M. , Heald C. L. , Zhang J. , Lapina K. , Kleidman R. G. , Griesfeller J. , Gaitley B. J. , Tan Q. , Diehl T. L.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. The Maritime Aerosol Network (MAN) has been collecting data over the oceans since November 2006. Over 80 cruises were completed through early 2010 with deployments continuing. Measurements areas included various parts of the Atlantic Ocean, the Northern and Southern Pacific Ocean, the South Indian Ocean, the Southern Ocean, the Arctic Ocean and inland seas. MAN deploys Microtops hand-held sunphotometers and utilizes a calibration procedure and data processing traceable to AERONET. Data collection included areas that previously had no aerosol optical depth (AOD) coverage at all, particularly vast areas of the Southern Ocean. The MAN data archive provides a valuable resource for aerosol studies in maritime environments. In the current paper we present results of AOD measurements over the oceans, and make a comparison with satellite AOD retrievals and model simulations.
Attribution of ozone changes to dynamical and chemical processes in CCMs and CTMs
Authors: Garny H. , Grewe V. , Dameris M. , Bodeker G. E. , Stenke A.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Chemistry-climate models (CCMs) are commonly used to simulate the past and future development of Earth's ozone layer. The fully coupled chemistry schemes calculate the chemical production and destruction of ozone interactively and ozone is transported by the simulated atmospheric flow. Due to the complexity of the processes acting on ozone it is not straightforward to disentangle the influence of individual processes on the temporal development of ozone concentrations. A method is introduced here that quantifies the influence of chemistry and transport on ozone concentration changes and that is easily implemented in CCMs and chemistry-transport models (CTMs). In this method, ozone tendencies (i.e. the time rate of change of ozone) are partitioned into a contribution from ozone production and destruction (chemistry) and a contribution from transport of ozone (dynamics). The influence of transport on ozone in a specific region is further divided into export of ozone out of that region and import of ozone from elsewhere into that region. For this purpose, a diagnostic is used that disaggregates the ozone mixing ratio field into 9 separate fields according to in which of 9 predefined regions of the atmosphere the ozone originated. With this diagnostic the ozone mass fluxes between these regions are obtained. Furthermore, this method is used here to attribute long-term changes in ozone to chemistry and transport. The relative change in ozone from one period to another that is due to changes in production or destruction rates, or due to changes in import or export of ozone, are quantified. As such, the diagnostics introduced here can be used to attribute changes in ozone on monthly, interannual and long-term time-scales to the responsible mechanisms. Results from a CCM simulation are shown here as examples, with the main focus of the paper being on introducing the method.
A pragmatic approach for the downscaling and bias correction of regional climate simulations – evaluation in hydrological modeling
Authors: Marke T. , Mauser W. , Pfeiffer A. , Zängl G.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. The present study investigates a statistical approach for the downscaling of climate simulations focusing on those meteorological parameters most commonly required as input for climate change impact models (temperature, precipitation, air humidity and wind speed), including the option to correct biases in the climate model simulations. The approach is evaluated by the utilization of a hydrometeorological model chain consisting of (i) the regional climate model MM5 (driven by reanalysis data at the boundaries of the model domain), (ii) the downscaling and model interface SCALMET, and (iii) the hydrological model PROMET. The results of four hydrological model runs are compared to discharge recordings at the gauge of the Upper Danube Watershed (Central Europe) for the historical period of 1972–2000 on a daily time basis. The comparison reveals that the presented approaches allow for a more accurate simulation of discharge for the catchment of the Upper Danube Watershed and the considered gauge at the outlet in Achleiten. The correction for subgrid-scale variability is shown to reduce biases in simulated discharge compared to the utilization of bilinear interpolation. Further enhancements in model performance could be achieved by a correction of biases in the RCM data within the downscaling process. Although the presented downscaling approach strongly improves the performance of the hydrological model, deviations from the observed discharge conditions persist that are not found when driving the hydrological model with spatially distributed meteorological observations.
The shape of things to come? household dependency ratio and adolescent nutritional status in rural and urban Ethiopia
Authors: Hadley Craig , Belachew Tefera , Lindstrom David , Tessema Fasil
Published: January 2011

Several related demographic trends are occurring in developing countries: youth comprise a large portion of populations, fertility rates are declining, and urban dwellers are increasing. As fertility rates decline and populations age, the decline in the ratio of young dependents to working age adults is expected to free up household resources, which can be invested in human capital, including youth nutritional wellbeing. We test this hypothesis in a sample of youth (n = 1,934) in Southwestern Ethiopia. Multiple measures of achieved growth and nutritional status are explored (weight, height, mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC), body mass index (BMI) and body mass index for age z‐score (BMIZ), weight for age z‐score (WAZ), and height for age z‐score (HAZ)). In multivariable models controlling for the effects of income, age, gender, and youth workloads, youth living in rural settings had significantly lower weight (1.24 kg lighter), MUAC (0.67 cm lower), BMI (0.45 BMI lower), BMIZ (0.27 lower), HAZ (0.14 HAZ lower), and WAZ (0.3 WAZ lower) than urban youth (all P < 0.01). Compared with youth in the lowest dependency ratio households, results show that youth in households with the highest dependency ratios were estimated to be 1.3 kg lighter, have 0.67 cm smaller MUAC, and BMI that was 0.59 lower (all P<0.01). Similar results were found for WAZ (0.21 lower) and BMIZ (0.36 lower). Youth height and HAZ were not associated with household dependency. These results may point toward increasing levels of human capital investments in Ethiopian youth as fertility levels decline and populations urbanize. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The synthesis of non‐symmetrical stilbene analogs of trans‐resveratrol using the same Pd catalyst in a sequential double‐Heck arylation of ethylene
Authors: Nobre Sabrina M. , Muniz Mauro N. , Seferin Marcus , da Silva Wagner M. , Monteiro Adriano L.
Published: January 2011

We have developed a sequential and selective Pd‐catalyzed double‐Heck arylation of ethylene that results in non‐symmetrical nitro‐stilbene analogs of trans‐resveratrol at excellent yields. A catalytic system consisting of Pd(OAc)2 and P(o‐tolyl)3 permitted us to carry out the two consecutive Heck arylations without losing activity from the first to the second Heck reaction. After the first Heck arylation of ethylene, no isolation or additional catalyst loading is required for the second Heck arylation reaction. This protocol was applied to the synthesis of methylated trans‐resveratrol, which was obtained at a 65% overall yield. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conformational preferences and pKa value of selenocysteine residue
Authors: Byun Byung Jin , Kang Young Kee
Published: January 2011

The conformational preferences of the L‐selenocysteine (Sec) dipeptides with selenol and selenolate groups (Ac‐Sec‐NHMe and Ac‐Sec−‐NHMe, respectively) and the apparent (i.e., macroscopic) pKa value of the Sec residue have been studied using the dispersion‐corrected density functionals M06‐2X and B2PLYP‐D with the implicit solvation method in the gas phase and in water. In the gas phase, the backbone‐to‐backbone and/or side chain‐to‐backbone hydrogen bonds are found to contribute in stabilizing the most preferred conformations for the Sec and Sec− residues, as seen for the Cys and Cys− residues. However, the polyproline II‐like conformations prevail over the conformations with the backbone‐to‐backbone hydrogen bonds in water because of the weakened hydrogen bonds by the favorable direct interactions between the backbone CO and HN groups and water molecules. The Sec and Sec− residues are found to adopt more various conformations than the Cys and Cys− residues in water, although the most preferred conformations of the neutral and/or anionic forms of the two residues are similar each other in the gas phase and in water. Using the statistically weighted free energies of the Sec and Sec− dipeptides in the gas phase and their solvation free energies, the pKa value of the Sec residue is estimated to be 5.47 at 25°C, which is in good agreement with the experimental value of 5.43 ± 0.02. It is found that the lower pKa value of the selenol side chain for the Sec residue by ∼3 units than the thiol side chain for the Cys residue is ascribed to the higher gas‐phase acidity of the Sec residue. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 95: 345–353, 2011.