bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Favourable response to plasma exchange in tumefactive CNS demyelination with delayed B-cell response
Authors: Seifert Christian L , Wegner Christiane , Sprenger Till , Weber Martin S , Brück Wolfgang , Hemmer Bernhard , Sellner Johann
Published: November 2011

We report a case of multiple sclerosis-associated fulminant tumefactive demyelinating lesion (TDL) with the special feature of delayed humoral immune response. Plasma exchange (PE) yielded significant benefit in two consecutive steroid-unresponsive relapses, while signs of an intrathecal B-cell response were only present 2 years later at the second relapse. Remission was achieved and sustained thereafter with natalizumab. Our case indicates that PE might be a therapeutic option even when the B-cell response is not fully developed. This delay in the development of a humoral immune response may reflect the step-wise B-cell colonization of the CNS and represent an attractive therapeutic window of opportunity.
A social competence intervention for young children with high functioning autism and Asperger syndrome: a pilot study
Authors: Minne Elizabeth Portman , Semrud-Clikeman Margaret
Published: November 2011

The key features of Asperger Syndrome (AS) and high functioning autism (HFA) include marked and sustained impairment in social interactions. A multi-session, small group program was developed to increase social perception based on the assumption perceptual or interpretive problems underlying these social difficulties. Additionally, the group format espoused a play therapy orientation and the use of sociodramatic play was the primary therapeutic modality used. Qualitative analyses of the data resulted in an explanation of the key changes in social interactions that took place through the course of the intervention. Although each participant’s experience in this group was unique, all children in this program demonstrated improvements in their social interactions, as they experienced development both emotionally and behaviorally. Findings suggest that, despite their rigid interests and behavior patterns, the social limitations of these children improved when provided with the necessary environmental resources.
Primary–secondary transition: Differences between teachers’ and children’s perceptions
Authors: Topping Keith
Published: November 2011

Transition from primary to secondary school is an important but neglected topic. For this review, 88 studies were selected from 325 possible studies, as including substantive data related to transition. The teacher’s perspective and the child’s perspective were very different, the former principally concerned with attainment and the latter principally concerned with socio-emotional issues. Children were concerned with peer relations and bullying, self-esteem and external support networks. Teachers were concerned with the attainment dip on entry to secondary school, curriculum problems, school strategies to ameliorate these, special groups and children with disability. The secondary school was a problem for all children at first, but after a term many children adjusted, though 40 percent still struggled after a year. The difficulty was greater for children from homes in poverty or ethnic minorities, particularly where parental encouragement was lacking. The quality of the evidence was critiqued and evidence-based implications for practice and policy and future research were outlined.
Teachers and ‘resting routines’: Reflections on cognitive justice, inclusion and the pedagogy of poverty
Authors: Cortesão Luiza
Published: November 2011

This article highlights how school can work as a ‘pressure cooker valve’, contributing to a ‘controlled management’ of processes of exclusion. Schools, sometimes without realizing it, simultaneously promote some practices that lead to greater inclusion and support, and others that effectively result in the exclusion of minorities. This reasoning is illustrated, in the Portuguese context, with data collected in situations that demonstrate not only the different cultural, social and economic backgrounds of the students, but also the homogenizing rigidity and exclusionary effects of the curricula and teachers’ practices. In particular, this paper points to the negative and exclusionary impact of a limited range of teaching and learning opportunities. We affirm the growing social and cultural heterogeneity of students attending Portuguese schools, but argue that they are educated in a system, and by teachers, that usually promote a dominant culture, established as the only one that it is important to acquire. We propose that a true dialogue can only exist if teachers and students soften the barriers between their cultures in order to interact.
The Warning Passages in Hebrews: Revised Theologies and New Methods of Interpretation
Authors: Oropeza B.J.
Published: November 2011

The interpretation of the warning passages in Hebrews has long been disputed, especially 6.4-6. Discussions on the issue over the last several decades frequently remain in dialogue with the theologies of Calvinist-Reformed and Arminian traditions, and intrigue about the passages often centers on whether or not the recipients of the message are ‘genuine’ believers and able to abandon their salvation because of apostasy. Recent methods of interpretation have opened up new ways of looking at the warnings and bring them into sharper relief. Such methods include historical-critical, socio-rhetorical, social-scientific, intertextual, and oral-critical methods. This article addresses studies of the warnings in Hebrews relevant to such approaches, and it also surveys recent interpretations that integrate Calvinist or Arminian viewpoints.
Adequacy, inequality, and cash for grades
Authors: Darby Derrick
Published: November 2011

Some political philosophers have recently argued that providing K–12 students with an adequate education suffices for social justice in education provided that the threshold of educational adequacy is properly understood. Others have argued that adequacy is insufficient for social justice. In this article I side with the latter group. I extend this debate to racial inequality in education by considering the controversial practice of paying students cash for grades to close the racial achievement gap. I then argue that framing the demand for racial justice in education solely in terms of educational adequacy leaves us unable to take issue with the cash for grades policy as a matter of principle. While this does not entail that educational adequacy is unimportant, it adds to the general case for why adequacy does not suffice for social justice.
Limitations upon legitimate authority to suspend and expel K–12 public school students: A moral analysis
Authors: Ladenson Robert F.
Published: November 2011

This article presents a moral analysis of the limitations upon legitimate authority to suspend and expel students in K–12 public schools, and it brings this analysis to bear on a pair of difficult disciplinary cases. The analysis is grounded in a defense of a child’s right to receive a public education. It identifies the minimum content of that right and the procedural and substantive entailments of that content. It argues that, even in the case of very serious violations of school rules, students do not forfeit their right to a public education; expulsion must be treated as a remedy of last resort, and students who are expelled are entitled to suitable alternative instruction.
The effect of the involvement of the dominant or non-dominant hand on grip/pinch strengths and the Levine score in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Żyluk A. , Walaszek I.
Published: November 2011

The Levine questionnaire is a disease-oriented instrument developed for outcome measurement of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) management. The objective of this study was to compare Levine scores in patients with unilateral CTS, involving the dominant or non-dominant hand, before and after carpal tunnel release. Records of 144 patients, 126 women (87%) and 18 men (13%) aged a mean of 58 years with unilateral CTS, treated operatively, were analysed. The dominant hand was involved in 100 patients (69%), the non-dominant in 44 (31%). The parameters were analysed pre-operatively, and at 1 and 6 months post-operatively. A comparison of Levine scores in patients with the involvement of the dominant or non-dominant hand showed no statistically significant differences at baseline and any of the follow-up measurements. Statistically significant differences were noted in total grip strength at baseline and at 6 month assessments and in key-pinch strength at 1 and 6 months.
Early CT for suspected occult scaphoid fractures
Authors: Stevenson J. D. , Morley D. , Srivastava S. , Willard C. , Bhoora I. G.
Published: November 2011

In this study, the use of computed tomography (CT) early in the management of suspected occult scaphoid fractures was evaluated. We retrospectively reviewed the notes and radiology of patients who had scaphoid CT scans over the preceding 3 years. Eighty-four patients that had CT scans within 14 days from injury were identified. Of the CT scans, 64% ( n = 54) excluded a fracture and these patients were promptly mobilized. No patients returned with any complications from this management. Overall, 36% of CT scans were abnormal ( n = 30), 7% revealed occult scaphoid fractures, 18% revealed occult carpal fractures of the triquetrum, capitate, and lunate, respectively, and 5% revealed distal radius fractures. All patients diagnosed with fractures were successfully managed with plaster immobilization and there was one case of complex regional pain syndrome. Early CT alters therapeutic decision making in suspected occult fractures preventing unnecessary immobilization in a working population without increase in cost.
Simvastatin protects auditory hair cells from gentamicin-induced toxicity and activates Akt signaling in vitro
Authors: Brand Yves , Setz Cristian , Levano Soledad , Listyo Alwin , Chavez Eduardo , Pak Kwang , Sung Michael , Radojevic Vesna , Ryan Allen F , Bodmer Daniel
Published: November 2011

Background

Inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, known as statins, are commonly used as cholesterol-lowering drugs. During the past decade, evidence has emerged that statins also have neuroprotective effects. Research in the retina has shown that simvastatin, a commonly used statin, increases Akt phosphorylation in vivo, indicating that the PI3K/Akt pathway contributes to the protective effects achieved. While research about neuroprotective effects have been conducted in several systems, the effects of statins on the inner ear are largely unknown.

Results

We evaluated whether the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase is present within the rat cochlea and whether simvastatin is able to protect auditory hair cells from gentamicin-induced apoptotic cell death in a in vitro mouse model. Furthermore, we evaluated whether simvastatin increases Akt phosphorylation in the organ of Corti. We detected 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase mRNA in organ of Corti, spiral ganglion, and stria vascularis by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Moreover, we observed a dose-dependent and significant reduction of hair cell loss in organs of Corti treated with simvastatin in addition to gentamicin, as compared to samples treated with gentamicin alone. The protective effect of simvastatin was reversed by addition of mevalonate, a downstream metabolite blocked by simvastatin, demonstrating the specificity of protection. Finally, Western blotting showed an increase in organ of Corti Akt phosphorylation after simvastatin treatment in vitro.

Conclusion

These results suggest a neuroprotective effect of statins in the inner ear, mediated by reduced 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase metabolism and Akt activation.
Amygdala-prefrontal pathways and the dopamine system affect nociceptive responses in the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Onozawa Kitaro , Yagasaki Yuki , Izawa Yumi , Abe Hiroyuki , Kawakami Yoriko
Published: November 2011

Background

We previously demonstrated nociceptive discharges to be evoked by mechanical noxious stimulation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The nociceptive responses recorded in the PFC are conceivably involved in the affective rather than the sensory-discriminative dimension of pain. The PFC receives dense projection from the limbic system. Monosynaptic projections from the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) to the PFC are known to produce long-lasting synaptic plasticity. We examined effects of high frequency stimulation (HFS) delivered to the BLA on nociceptive responses in the rat PFC.

Results

HFS induced long lasting suppression (LLS) of the specific high threshold responses of nociceptive neurons in the PFC. Microinjection of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonists (2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV), dizocilpine (MK-801)) and also metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) group antagonists (α-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG), and 2-[(1S,2S)-2-carboxycyclopropyl]-3-(9H-xanthen-9-yl)-D-alanine (LY341495)), prevented the induction of LLS of nociceptive responses. We also examined modulatory effects of dopamine (DA) on the LLS of nociceptive responses. With depletion of DA in response to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injection into the ipsilateral forebrain bundle, LLS of nociceptive responses was decreased, while nociceptive responses were normally evoked. Antagonists of DA receptor subtypes D2 (sulpiride) and D4 (3-{[4-(4-chlorophenyl) piperazin-1-yl] methyl}-1H-pyrrolo [2, 3-b] pyridine (L-745,870)), microinjected into the PFC, inhibited LLS of nociceptive responses.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that BLA-PFC pathways inhibited PFC nociceptive cell activities and that the DA system modifies the BLA-PFC regulatory function.
Neuromelanin is an immune stimulator for dendritic cells in vitro
Authors: Oberländer Uwe , Pletinckx Katrien , Döhler Anja , Müller Nora , Lutz Manfred B , Arzberger Thomas , Riederer Peter , Gerlach Manfred , Koutsilieri Eleni , Scheller Carsten
Published: November 2011

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized at the cellular level by a destruction of neuromelanin (NM)-containing dopaminergic cells and a profound reduction in striatal dopamine. It has been shown recently that anti-melanin antibodies are increased in sera of Parkinson patients, suggesting that NM may act as an autoantigen. In this study we tested whether NM is being recognized by dendritic cells (DCs), the major cell type for inducing T- and B-cell responsesin vivo. This recognition of NM by DCs is a prerequisite to trigger an adaptive autoimmune response directed against NM-associated structures.

Results

Murine DCs were treated with NM of substantia nigra (SN) from human subjects or with synthetic dopamine melanin (DAM). DCs effectively phagocytized NM and subsequently developed a mature phenotype (CD86high/MHCIIhigh). NM-activated DCs secreted the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. In addition, they potently triggered T cell proliferation in a mixed lymphocyte reaction, showing that DC activation was functional to induce a primary T cell response. In contrast, DAM, which lacks the protein and lipid components of NM but mimics the dopamine-melanin backbone of NM, had only very little effect on DC phenotype and function.

Conclusions

NM is recognized by DCsin vitroand triggers their maturation. If operativein vivo, this would allow the DC-mediated transport and presentation of SN antigens to the adaptive immune system, leading to autoimmmunity in susceptible individuals. Our data provide a rationale for an autoimmune-based pathomechanism of PD with NM as the initial trigger.
Paraneoplastic syndrome mimicking adult-onset Still's disease caused by advanced lung cancer: a case report
Authors: Wu Ning , Li Qiang , Gu Chang-Xin , Ahmed Toqeer , Yao Xiao-Peng
Published: November 2011

Background

Paraneoplastic syndromes (PNSs) are common complications of lung cancer and often develop preceding the diagnosis of primary malignancy. Rheumatologic PNSs mimicking Adult-Onset Still' s Disease (AOSD) is a rare condition with only a limited number of cases reported in the literature, none of which was associated with lung cancer. It is often difficult to differentiate AOSD-like paraneoplasia from coincidental AOSD based on the clinical manifestations.

Case presentation

Here we present a 56-year-old man with advanced lung adenocarcinoma who developed a remittent fever together with pharyngodynia and joint pain after first cycle of chemotherapy with paclitaxel plus carboplatin. Although a leukocytosis was detected, no evidence of infection was acquired and empirical antibiotic treatment was ineffective. A temple skin rash, abnormal hepatic function and a remarkable elevated level of serum ferritin occurred later in this patient, which highly supported a potential diagnosis of AOSD. The patient was finally diagnosed as AOSD-like PNS considering the good and prompt response to a short-term administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug and subsequent cycles of effective chemotherapy with pemetrexed plus cisplatin.

Discussion and conclusions

Though rare, AOSD-like PNS can be one of the potential diagnoses in lung cancer patients with fever of undetermined origin, especially those having no response to antibiotic treatment. Management consists of control of the underlying malignancy and symptomatic treatment of the syndromes with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids.
Homing and reparative effect of intra-articular injection of autologus mesenchymal stem cells in osteoarthritic animal model
Authors: Mokbel Abir N , El Tookhy Omar S , Shamaa Ashraf A , Rashed Laila A , Sabry Dina , El Sayed Abeer M
Published: November 2011

Background

This work aimed to study the homing evidence and the reparative effect of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the healing process of induced osteoarthritis in experimental animal model (donkeys).

Methods

Twenty-seven donkeys were equally divided into 3 groups based on the observation period after induction of arthritis (3, 6 and 9 weeks) to achieve different degrees of osteoarthritis. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups of three animals each based on the follow-up period (1, 2 and 6 months) after treatment. The induction was done through intra-articular (IA) injection of 2 ml of Amphotericin-B in both carpal joints. MSCs were harvested in a separate procedure, labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) using monster GFP vector and suspended in hyaluronic acid for IA injection. Treatment approaches consisted of cell-treatment using MSCs suspended in 3 ml of hyaluronic acid (HA) for the right carpal joint; and using the same amount of (HA) but without MSCs for the left contralateral carpal joint to serve as a control. Animals were assessed clinically and radiologically before and after treatment. Synovial fluid was also evaluated. Histopathologically; articular cartilage structural changes, reduction of articular cartilage matrix staining, osteophyte formation, and subchondral bone plate thickening were graded. Data was summarized using median and percentile for scores of histopathologic grading. Comparison between groups was done using non-parametric Mann Whitney test.

Results

The reparative effect of MSCs was significant both clinically and radiologically in all treated groups (P < 0.05) compared to the control groups. Fluorescence microscopy of sections of the cell-treated joints of all animals indicated that the GFP-transduced injected cells have participated effectively in the reparative process of the damaged articular surface and have integrated within the existing articular cartilage. The cells were associated with the surface of the cartilage and, were also detected in the interior.

Conclusions

Homing was confirmed by the incorporation of injected GFP-labeled MSCs within the repaired newly formed cartilage. Significant recovery proves that the use of IA injection of autologous MSCs is a viable and a practical option for treating different degrees of osteoarthritis.

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/10/44/abstract
A pharmacist-led intervention for increasing the uptake of Home Medicines Review (HMR) among residents of retirement villages (PHARMER): protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lee Cik Yin , George Johnson , Elliott Rohan A , Stewart Kay
Published: November 2011

Background

The majority of retirement village residents are at risk of medication misadventure. In a recent survey of retirement village residents in Victoria, two-thirds had at least one medication-related risk factor, and hence were eligible to receive a government-subsidised Home Medicines Review (HMR). However, only 6% of eligible residents had received a HMR in the previous 12 months. Reasons for the poor uptake of HMR, and interventions for improving HMR uptake, have been identified and developed with input from stakeholders. The trial will test the effect of Pharmacist-conducted HMR to Address the Risk of Medication-related Events in Retirement Villages (PHARMER) in improving the uptake of HMRs among retirement village residents.

Methods/Design

This is a multicentre prospective cluster randomised controlled trial. Ten retirement villages in Victoria, Australia will be recruited for this trial. Retirement villages will be selected in consultation with the Residents of Retirement Villages Victoria Inc. (RRVV), based on geographical locations (e.g. northeast or southwest), size and other factors. Residents from selected villages will be recruited with the help of RRVV Resident Liaison Officers using a range of strategies. Randomisation will be by geographical location to minimise contamination. Participating villages and residents will be allocated to either Pharmacist Intervention Group (PIG) or Usual Care Group (UCG). Each group will include five retirement villages and will have at least 77 residents in total. The intervention (PHARMER) comprises educating residents regarding HMR, and using a risk assessment checklist by residents to notify their General Practitioners of their medication risk. Uptake of HMR and medication adherence will be assessed in both PIG and UCG at three and six months using telephone interviews and questionnaires.

Discussion

This study is the first to develop and test an intervention to improve the uptake of HMR among Australian residents in retirement villages, with a view to decreasing medication risk. A multi-faceted interventional approach will be used as suggested by stakeholders. The trial is expected to be complete by late 2011 and results will be available in 2012.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12611000109909)
Dietary fat intake and quality of life: the SUN project
Authors: Ruano Cristina , Henriquez Patricia , Bes-Rastrollo Maira , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , del Burgo Cristina López , Sánchez-Villegas Almudena
Published: November 2011

Background

Few studies have related nutritional factors with quality of life in healthy populations. The purpose of the study was to assess whether dietary fat intake is associated to mental and physical quality of life.

Methods

This analysis included 8,430 participants from the SUN (Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra) Project. The intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), trans unsaturated fatty acids (TFA), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was assessed through a 136-item food frequency questionnaire at baseline. Quality of life was measured with the SF-36 Health Survey after 4 years of follow-up. Generalized Linear Models were fitted to assess the regression coefficients (b) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the 8 domains of the SF-36 according to successive quintiles of each kind of fatty acids intake.

Results

The multivariate-adjusted models revealed a significant inverse association for SFA intake (in quintiles) and two of the physical domains (physical functioning and general health). E.g. for general health domain: (highest quintile of intake (Q5) vs. lowest quintile (Q1), b = -1.6; 95% CI = -3.1, -0.1. General health also showed a dose-response relationship (p for trend < 0.05). For TFA intake (in quintiles), a significant inverse association was found for most of the mental domains (vitality, social functioning and role emotional). E.g. for vitality domain (Q5) vs. (Q1), b = -2.0, 95% CI = -3.4 to -0.6. We also found an inverse association between TFA intake and the bodily pain domain: (Q5 vs. Q1), b = -2.6; 95% CI = -4.4 to -0.8, with a statistically significant dose-response relationship (p for trend < 0.05). Except for TFA intake and the mental domains, the rest of the associations were attenuated when we repeated the analysis adjusting for adherence to the Mediterranean diet.

Conclusions

A detrimental relationship between TFA intake at baseline and most of the SF-36 mental domains measured 4 years later were found, whereas weak inverse associations were found for SFA intake and some physical domains.
East-West gradient in cardio-vascular mortality in Austria: how much can we explain by following the pattern of risk factors?
Authors: Stein Katharina V , Rieder Anita , Dorner Thomas E
Published: November 2011

Background

Various studies show major regional differences in the prevalence of cardio-vascular disease morbidity and mortality, both in Europe and within European countries. In Austria, these differences are documented by an East-West gradient with declining morbidity and mortality rates when moving from the East to the West of the country. It was the aim of this study to analyse if, and to what extent, socio-demographic and socio-economic determinants, social resources and health behaviour can contribute to the clarification of this East-West gradient by conducting secondary analyses of an existing Austrian health dataset.

Results

The data were analysed using bivariate analyses, as well as univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. These analyses revealed significant East-West gradients for various risk factors, as well as socio-demographic and socio-economic health determinants. There was a gradual decrease of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and psycho-social discomfort in both sexes, with the highest prevalences in those Austrian regions with the highest cardio-vascular mortality and a stepwise decrease to the regions with the lowest cardio-vascular mortality. Controlling for educational level significantly raised the odds for diabetes, hypertension and obesity. In the results of the multivariate analyses, factors that significantly and independently predicted diabetes mellitus were geographic location, psycho-social discomfort, lack of physical exercise, and age in both sexes. For women these factors additionally included a low educational level, lack of social support, and being born abroad.

Conclusions

Our study shows a clear gradual decline of cardio-vascular mortality and some of its risk factors from East to West in Austria. Concerning these risk factors, the geographic region and psycho-social discomfort showed the greatest association with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and obesity. Hence, they contribute to the explanation of the variance in spatial cardio-vascular disease mortality. Yet, a large proportion of this variance remains unexplained. It would be of great importance to public health and preventive measures to take a closer look at spatial differences in cardio-vascular disease morbidity and mortality to better tailor programmes to the regional environments and settings. Our results also call for a greater importance of preventative measures for psycho-social discomfort and increase of social support.
Safety and feasibility of percutaneous retrograde coronary sinus delivery of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation in patients with chronic refractory angina
Authors: Tuma Jorge , Fernández-Viña Roberto , Carrasco Antonio , Castillo Jorge , Cruz Carlos , Carrillo Alvaro , Ercilla Jose , Yarleque Carlos , Cunza Jaime , Henry Timothy D , Patel Amit N
Published: November 2011

Background

Chronic refractory angina is a challenging clinical problem with limited treatment options. The results of early cardiovascular stem cell trials using ABMMC have been promising but have utilized intracoronary or intramyocardial delivery. The goal of the study was to evaluate the safety and early efficacy of autologous bone marrow derived mononuclear cells (ABMMC) delivered via percutaneous retrograde coronary sinus perfusion (PRCSP) to treat chronic refractory angina (CRA).

Methods

From May 2005 to October 2006, 14 patients, age 68 +/- 20 years old, with CRA and ischemic stress-induced myocardial segments assessed by SPECT received a median 8.19*108 ± 4.3*108 mononuclear and 1.65*107 ± 1.42*107 CD34+ cells by PRCSP..

Results

ABMMC delivery was successful in all patients with no arrhythmias, elevated cardiac enzymes or complications related to the delivery. All but one patient improved by at least one Canadian Cardiovascular Society class at 2 year follow-up compared to baseline (p < 0.001). The median baseline area of ischemic myocardium by SPECT of 38.2% was reduced to 26.5% at one year and 23.5% at two years (p = 0.001). The median rest left ventricular ejection fraction by SPECT at baseline was 31.2% and improved to 35.5% at 2 year follow up (p = 0.019).

Conclusions

PRCSP should be considered as an alternative method of delivery for cell therapy with the ability to safely deliver large number of cells regardless of coronary anatomy, valvular disease or myocardial dysfunction. The clinical improvement in angina, myocardial perfusion and function in this phase 1 study is encouraging and needs to be confirmed in randomized placebo controlled trials.
Improvement on thermal performance of a disk-shaped miniature heat pipe with nanofluid
Authors: Tsai Tsung-Han , Chien Hsin-Tang , Chen Ping-Hei
Published: November 2011

The present study aims to investigate the effect of suspended nanoparticles in base fluids, namely nanofluids, on the thermal resistance of a disk-shaped miniature heat pipe [DMHP]. In this study, two types of nanoparticles, gold and carbon, in aqueous solution are used respectively. An experimental system was set up to measure the thermal resistance of the DMHP with both nanofluids and deionized [DI] water as the working medium. The measured results show that the thermal resistance of DMHP varies with the charge volume and the type of working medium. At the same charge volume, a significant reduction in thermal resistance of DMHP can be found if nanofluid is used instead of DI water.
Outcome of experimental porcine circovirus type 1 infections in mid-gestational porcine foetuses
Authors: Saha Dipongkor , Lefebvre David J , Ducatelle Richard , Doorsselaere Jan V , Nauwynck Hans J
Published: November 2011

Background

Porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) has been described as a non-cytopathic contaminant of the PK-15 cell line. Several experimental infections with PCV1 failed to reproduce disease in pigs. Therefore, PCV1 is generally accepted as non-pathogenic to pigs. To our knowledge, nothing is known about the outcome of PCV1 infections in porcine foetuses. This was examined in the present study.

Results

Nine foetuses from three sows were inoculated at 55 days of gestation: three with 104.3TCID50of the PCV1 cell culture strain ATCC-CCL33, three with 104.3TCID50of the PCV1 field strain 3384 and three with cell culture medium (mock-inoculated). At 21 days post-inoculation, all 6 PCV1-inoculated and all 3 mock-inoculated foetuses had a normal external appearance. Microscopic lesions characterized by severe haemorrhages were observed in the lungs of two foetuses inoculated with CCL33. High PCV1 titres (up to 104.7TCID50/g tissue) were found in the lungs of the CCL33-inoculated foetuses. All other organs of the CCL33-inoculated foetuses and all the organs of the 3384-inoculated foetuses were negative (< 101.7TCID50/g tissue) by virus titration. PCV1-positive cells (up to 121 cells/10 mm2in CCL33-inoculated foetuses and up to 13 cells/10 mm2in 3384-inoculated foetuses) were found in the heart, lungs, spleen, liver, thymus and tonsils. PCR and DNA sequencing ofReprecovered CCL33 or 3384 sequences from CCL33- or 3384-inoculated foetuses, respectively.

Conclusions

From this study, it can be concluded that cell culture PCV1 can replicate efficiently and produce pathology in the lungs of porcine foetuses inoculated at 55 days of foetal life.
Current status of medication adherence and infant follow up in the prevention of mother to child HIV transmission programme in Addis Ababa: a cohort study
Authors: Mirkuzie Alemnesh H , Hinderaker Sven Gudmund , Sisay Mitike Molla , Moland Karen Marie , Mørkve Odd
Published: November 2011

Background

Prevention of mother to child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programmes have great potential to achieve virtual elimination of perinatal HIV transmission provided that PMTCT recommendations are properly followed. This study assessed mothers and infants adherence to medication regimen for PMTCT and the proportions of exposed infants who were followed up in the PMTCT programme.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted among 282 HIV‐positive mothers attending 15 health facilities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and mulitivariate logistic regression analyses were done.

Results

Of 282 mothers enrolled in the cohort, 232 (82%, 95% CI 77‐86%) initiated medication during pregnancy, 154 (64%) initiated combined zidovudine (ZDV) prophylaxis regimen while 78 (33%) were initiated lifelong antiretroviral treatment (ART). In total, 171 (60%, 95% CI 55‐66%) mothers ingested medication during labour. Of the 221 live born infants (including two sets of twins), 191 (87%, 95% CI 81‐90%) ingested ZDV and single‐dose nevirapine (sdNVP) at birth. Of the 219 live births (twin births were counted once), 148 (68%, 95% CI 61‐73%) mother‐infant pairs ingested their medication at birth. Medication ingested by mother‐infant pairs at birth was significantly and independently associated with place of delivery. Mother‐infant pairs attended in health facilities at birth were more likely (OR 6.7 95% CI 2.90‐21.65) to ingest their medication than those who were attended at home. Overall, 189 (86%, 95% CI 80‐90%) infants were brought for first pentavalent vaccine and 115 (52%, 95% CI 45‐58%) for early infant diagnosis at six‐weeks postpartum. Among the infants brought for early diagnosis, 71 (32%, 95% CI 26‐39%) had documented HIV test results and six (8.4%) were HIV positive.

Conclusions

We found a progressive decline in medication adherence across the perinatal period. There is a big gap between mediation initiated during pregnancy and actually ingested by the mother‐infant pairs at birth. Follow up for HIV‐exposed infants seem not to be organized and is inconsistent. In order to maximize effectiveness of the PMTCT programme, the rate of institutional delivery should be increased, the quality of obstetric services should be improved and missed opportunities to exposed infant follow up should be minimized.
The effect of different gases on the ultrasonic response of coal
Authors: Lwin Mark J.
Published: November 2011

To gauge the potential of seismic methods for the estimation of gas content in coal, the ultrasonic response of a sample saturated in turn with He, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] has been investigated. Specifically, traveltimes were used to determine P-wave velocity as a function of the difference between confining pressure and pore pressure. After crushing the sample to powder, adsorption isotherms for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were measured and then used to estimate the bulk densities, P-wave moduli, and impedances during the traveltime measurements. The data suggest a significant difference in density, P-wave modulus, and impedance under [Formula: see text] relative to [Formula: see text] saturation. Though these findings are based on the assumption that adsorption capacity of the sample when confined was similar to that measured after crushing, they are also roughly supported by isostatic strain measurements taken during swelling. Two possible causes of this behavior are, first, the mechanical properties of the adsorbed phase may be more liquid than gaslike. Second, the swelling of coal under confining pressure should lead to the closure of soft pores, thus stiffening the frame.
Source-rock seismic-velocity models: Gassmann versus Backus
Authors: Carcione José M. , Helle Hans B. , Avseth Per
Published: November 2011

Source rocks are described by a porous transversely isotropic medium composed of illite and organic matter (kerogen, oil, and gas). The bulk modulus of the oil/gas mixture is calculated by using a model of patchy saturation. Then, the moduli of the kerogen/fluid mixture are obtained with the Kuster and Toksöz model, assuming that oil is the inclusion in a kerogen matrix. To obtain the seismic velocities of the shale, we used Backus averaging and Gassmann equations generalized to the anisotropic case with a solid-pore infill. In the latter case, the dry-rock elastic constants are calculated with a generalization of Krief equations to the anisotropic case. We considered 11 samples of the Bakken-shale data set, with a kerogen pore infill. The Backus model provides lower and upper bounds of the velocities, whereas the Krief/Gassmann model provides a good match to the data. Alternatively, we obtain the dry-rock elastic moduli by using the inverse Gassmann equation, instead of using Krief equations. Four cases out of 11 yielded physically unstable results. We also considered samples of the North Sea Kimmeridge shale. In this case, Backus performed as well as the Krief/Gassmann model. If there is gas and oil in the shale, we found that the wave velocities are relatively constant when the amount of kerogen is kept constant. Varying kerogen content implies significant velocity changes versus fluid (oil) saturation.
Influence of oil wettability upon spectral induced polarization of oil-bearing sands
Authors: Revil André , Schmutz Myriam , Batzle Mike L.
Published: November 2011

The presence of oil in an unconsolidated granular porous material, like a sand, changes both the resistivity of the material and the value of the phase lag between the current and the voltage. We performed laboratory experiments to investigate the influence of oil wettability and water saturation upon the complex resistivity of oil-bearing sands in the frequency range 1 mHz–1 kHz. For a sand saturated by a nonwetting oil, both the resistivity and the magnitude of the phase increase with the oil saturation, as expected from theoretical considerations. In the case of a sand partially saturated by a wetting oil, we found that both the magnitude of the phase and the resistivity decrease with the oil saturation. The quadrature conductivity decreases with the oil with the same trend in presence of wetting and nonwetting oils for relative water saturation above 0.5. In the case of a nonwetting oil, the results are quantitatively predicted by available theories. In the case of a wet oil, our results could be interpreted as resulting from the increase of the cation exchange capacity associated with the presence of a polar component at the oil water interface.
Application of normalized pseudo-Laplacian to elastic wave modeling on staggered grids
Authors: Chu Chunlei , Stoffa Paul L.
Published: November 2011

We extended the pseudo-Laplacian to staggered grids based on the concept of normalized pseudo-Laplacian and applied it to constructing the pseudoanalytical formulations for the variable-density acoustic wave equation and the elastic wave equation. Acoustic wavefields only contain P-waves and therefore only P-wave pseudo-Laplacians are required for acoustic wave propagation. In comparison, two sets of staggered grid pseudo-Laplacians are needed in the elastic case in order to properly compensate for time stepping errors for both P-waves and S-waves. We gave a thorough derivation of the pseudoanalytical method for the elastic wave equation, based on normalized pseudo-Laplacians implemented on staggered grids, and presented the resulting complete discretized formulas. We proved that the staggered grid pseudo-Laplacian reduces to the pseudo-Laplacian for the scalar wave equation on standard grids. When using zero compensation velocities for normalized pseudo-Laplacians, the pseudoanalytical formulas simply reduce to the pseudospectral equations. We demonstrated with numerical examples that staggered grid pseudo-Laplacians effectively compensate for second-order time stepping errors and help generate highly accurate acoustic and elastic wave solutions in variable-density media.
Acute Glucocorticoid Administration Rapidly Suppresses Basal and Stress-Induced Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Activity
Authors: Andrews Marcus H. , Wood Susan A. , Windle Richard J. , Lightman Stafford L. , Ingram Colin D.
Published: November 2011

Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity is subject to negative feedback control by glucocorticoids. Although the rapid component of this feedback is widely considered to contribute to regulation of dynamic HPA activity, few in vivo data exist on the temporal and pharmacological characteristics of this phenomenon. Thus, frequent automated blood sampling was undertaken in rats to determine the effects of acute glucocorticoid administration on basal and stress-induced corticosterone secretion. The glucocorticoid agonist methylprednisolone (5–2000 μg) or dexamethasone (5–500 μg) injected iv at the peak of the diurnal rhythm caused dose-dependent suppression of basal corticosterone secretion, which was attenuated by the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU38486. With 50 μg methylprednisolone, the onset of this suppression occurred at 40 min and remained significant for 120 min. However, although higher doses led to a greater and more sustained suppression of endogenous corticosterone, the response was delayed by the emergence of an initial stimulatory response that imposed a finite minimum delay. A corticosterone response to injection of CRH (1 μg, iv) during the period of maximal suppression indicated a suprapituitary site for the inhibitory effect glucocorticoid activation. This mechanism was supported by glucocorticoid injection immediately before a psychological stress (30 min, white noise); methylprednisolone caused dose-dependent attenuation of stress-induced corticosterone release and expression of the activity marker c-fos mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus but did not block the pituitary response to CRH. Thus, in rats, glucocorticoid receptor activation rapidly suppresses basal and stress-induced HPA activity that operates, at least in part, through a central mechanism of action.
Appropriateness of the Zucker Diabetic Fatty rat as a model for diabetic microvascular late complications
Authors: Hempe J , Elvert R , Schmidts H-L , Kramer W , Herling A W
Published: November 2011

Male obese Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats develop type 2 diabetes around eight weeks of age, and are widely used as a model for human diabetes and its complications. The objective of the study was to test whether the complications manifested in the kidney and nerves of ZDF rats really correspond to human diabetic complications in their being related to the hyperglycaemic state. Four groups of ZDF rats were used. One lean (Fa/?) and one obese (fa/fa) untreated group served as non-diabetic and diabetic controls. In two further groups of obese (fa/fa) rats, diabetes was prevented by pioglitazone or delayed by food restriction. All rats were monitored up to 35 weeks of age with respect to their blood glucose, HbA1c and insulin levels, their kidney function (urinary glucose excretion, renal glucose filtration, glomerular filtration rate, albumin/creatinine ratio), and their nerve function (tactile and thermal sensory threshold and nerve conduction velocity). Pioglitazone prevented the development of diabetes, while food restriction delayed its onset for 8–10 weeks. Accordingly, kidney function parameters were similar to lean non-diabetic rats in pioglitazone-treated rats and significantly improved in food-restricted rats compared with obese controls. Kidney histology paralleled the functional results. By contrast, nerve functional evaluations did not mirror the differing blood glucose levels. We conclude that the ZDF rat is a good model for diabetic nephropathy, while alterations in nerve functions were not diabetes-related.
New Route Relaxation and Pricing Strategies for the Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Baldacci Roberto , Mingozzi Aristide , Roberti Roberto
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we describe an effective exact method for solving both the capacitated vehicle routing problem (cvrp) and the vehicle routing problem with time windows (vrptw) that improves the method proposed by Baldacci et al. [Baldacci, R., N. Christofides, A. Mingozzi. 2008. An exact algorithm for the vehicle routing problem based on the set partitioning formulation with additional cuts. Math. Programming 115(2) 351–385] for the cvrp. The proposed algorithm is based on the set partitioning (SP) formulation of the problem. We introduce a new route relaxation called ng-route, used by different dual ascent heuristics to find near-optimal dual solutions of the LP-relaxation of the SP model. We describe a column-and-cut generation algorithm strengthened by valid inequalities that uses a new strategy for solving the pricing problem. The new ng-route relaxation and the different dual solutions achieved allow us to generate a reduced SP problem containing all routes of any optimal solution that is finally solved by an integer programming solver. The proposed method solves four of the five open Solomon's vrptw instances and significantly improves the running times of state-of-the-art algorithms for both vrptw and cvrp.
A Fluid Approximation for Service Systems Responding to Unexpected Overloads
Authors: Perry Ohad , Whitt Ward
Published: November 2011

In a recent paper we considered two networked service systems, each having its own customers and designated service pool with many agents, where all agents are able to serve the other customers, although they may do so inefficiently. Usually the agents should serve only their own customers, but we want an automatic control that activates serving some of the other customers when an unexpected overload occurs. Assuming that the identity of the class that will experience the overload or the timing and extent of the overload are unknown, we proposed a queue-ratio control with thresholds: When a weighted difference of the queue lengths crosses a prespecified threshold, with the weight and the threshold depending on the class to be helped, serving the other customers is activated so that a certain queue ratio is maintained. We then developed a simple deterministic steady-state fluid approximation, based on flow balance, under which this control was shown to be optimal, and we showed how to calculate the control parameters. In this sequel we focus on the fluid approximation itself and describe its transient behavior, which depends on a heavy-traffic averaging principle. The new fluid model developed here is an ordinary differential equation driven by the instantaneous steady-state probabilities of a fast-time-scale stochastic process. The averaging principle also provides the basis for an effective Gaussian approximation for the steady-state queue lengths. Effectiveness of the approximations is confirmed by simulation experiments.