bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in vector species composition and current vector biology and behaviour will favour malaria elimination in Santa Isabel Province, Solomon Islands
Authors: Bugoro Hugo , Iro'ofa Charlie , Mackenzie Donna O , Apairamo Allen , Hevalao Watson , Corcoran Sarah , Bobogare Albino , Beebe Nigel W , Russell Tanya L , Chen Cheng-Chen , Cooper Robert D
Published: September 2011

Background

In 2009, Santa Isabel Province in the Solomon Islands embarked on a malaria elimination programme. However, very little is known in the Province about the anopheline fauna, which species are vectors, their bionomics and how they may respond to intensified intervention measures. The purpose of this study was to provide baseline data on the malaria vectors and to ascertain the possibility of successfully eliminating malaria using the existing conventional vector control measures, such as indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN).

Methods

Entomological surveys were undertaken during October 2009. To determine species composition and distribution larval surveys were conducted across on the whole island. For malaria transmission studies, adult anophelines were sampled using human landing catches from two villages - one coastal and one inland.

Results

FiveAnophelesspecies were found on Santa Isabel:Anopheles farauti, Anopheles hinesorum,Anopheles lungae, Anopheles solomonis, andAnopheles nataliae.Anopheles hinesorumwas the most widespread species.Anopheles farautiwas abundant, but found only on the coast.Anopheles punctulatusandAnopheles koliensiswere not found.Anopheles farautiwas the only species found biting in the coastal village, it was incriminated as a vector in this study; it fed early in the night but equally so indoors and outdoors, and had a low survival rate.Anopheles solomoniswas the main species biting humans in the inland village, it was extremely exophagic, with low survival rates, and readily fed on pigs.

Conclusion

The disappearance of the two major vectors,An. punctulatusandAn. koliensis, from Santa Isabel and the predominance ofAn. hinesorum, a non-vector species may facilitate malaria elimination measures.Anopheles farautiwas identified as the main coastal vector withAn. solomonisas a possible inland vector. The behaviour ofAn. solomonisis novel as it has not been previously found biting humans in any numbers. Both species appear to be short-lived, a characteristic that will limit their transmission potential. The early night feeding behaviour and a degree of outdoor biting seen inAn. farautiand particularly inAn. solomoniswill require that their response to IRS and LLIN be closely monitored. In coastal villages, where large, favourable breeding sites allow for high numbers ofAn. farautimay require the addition of larval control to achieve elimination.
Does self-regulation and autonomic regulation have an influence on survival in breast and colon carcinoma patients? results of a prospective outcome study
Authors: Kröz Matthias , Reif Marcus , Büssing Arndt , Zerm Roland , Feder Gene , Bockelbrink Angelina , von Laue Hans Broder , Matthes H Harald , Willich Stefan N , Girke Matthias
Published: September 2011

Background

Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF) and circadian rhythm have a great impact on the quality of life (HRQL) of patients with breast (BC) and colon cancer (CRC). Other patient related outcomes in oncology are measured by new instruments focusing on adaptive characteristics such as sense of coherence or self-regulation, which could be more appropriate as a prognostic tool than classical HRQL. The aim of this study was to assess the association of autonomic regulation (aR) and self-regulation (SR) with survival.

Methods

146 cancer patients and 120 healthy controls took part in an initial evaluation in 2000/2001. At a median follow up of 5.9 years later, 62 of 95 BC, 17 of 51 CRC patients, and 85 of 117 healthy controls took part in the follow-up study. 41 participants had died. For the follow-up evaluation, participants were requested to complete the standardized aR and SR questionnaires.

Results

On average, cancer patients had survived for 10.1 years with the disease. Using a Cox proportional hazard regression with stepwise variables such as age, diagnosis group, Charlson co-morbidity index, body mass index (BMI)) aR and SR. SR were identified as independent parameters with potential prognostic relevance on survival While aR did not significantly influence survival, SR showed a positive and independent impact on survival (OR = 0.589; 95%-CI: 0.354 - 0.979). This positive effect persisted significantly in the sensitivity analysis of the subgroup of tumour patients and in the subscale 'Achieve satisfaction and well-being' and by tendency in the UICC stages nested for the different diagnoses groups.

Conclusions

Self-regulation might be an independent prognostic factor for the survival of breast and colon carcinoma patients and merits further prospective studies.
Preclinical multimodality phantom design for quality assurance of tumor size measurement
Authors: Lee Yongsook C , Fullerton Gary D , Baiu Cristel , Lescrenier Margaret G , Goins Beth A
Published: September 2011

Background

Evaluation of changes in tumor size from images acquired by ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a common measure of cancer chemotherapy efficacy. Tumor size measurement based on either the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria or the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) is the only imaging biomarker for anti-cancer drug testing presently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The aim of this paper was to design and test a quality assurance phantom with the capability of monitoring tumor size changes with multiple preclinical imaging scanners (US, CT and MRI) in order to facilitate preclinical anti-cancer drug testing.

Methods

Three phantoms (Gammex/UTHSCSA Mark 1, Gammex/UTHSCSA Mark 2 and UTHSCSA multimodality tumor measurement phantom) containing tumor-simulating test objects were designed and constructed. All three phantoms were scanned in US, CT and MRI devices. The size of test objects in the phantoms was measured from the US, CT and MRI images. RECIST, WHO and volume analyses were performed.

Results

The smaller phantom size, simplified design and better test object CT contrast of the UTHSCSA multimodality tumor measurement phantom allowed scanning of the phantom in preclinical US, CT and MRI scanners compared with only limited preclinical scanning capability of Mark 1 and Mark 2 phantoms. For all imaging modalities, RECIST and WHO errors were reduced for UTHSCSA multimodality tumor measurement phantom (≤1.69 ± 0.33%) compared with both Mark 1 (≤ -7.56 ± 6.52%) and Mark 2 (≤ 5.66 ± 1.41%) phantoms. For the UTHSCSA multimodality tumor measurement phantom, measured tumor volumes were highly correlated with NIST traceable design volumes for US (R2 = 1.000, p < 0.0001), CT (R2 = 0.9999, p < 0.0001) and MRI (R2 = 0.9998, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The UTHSCSA multimodality tumor measurement phantom described in this study can potentially be a useful quality assurance tool for verifying radiologic assessment of tumor size change during preclinical anti-cancer therapy testing with multiple imaging modalities.
Distinct levels of Notch activity for commitment and terminal differentiation of stem cells in the adult fly intestine
Authors: Perdigoto Carolina N. , Schweisguth Francois , Bardin Allison J.
Published: September 2011

Tight regulation of self-renewal and differentiation of adult stem cells ensures that tissues are properly maintained. In the Drosophila intestine, both commitment, i.e. exit from self-renewal, and terminal differentiation are controlled by Notch signaling. Here, we show that distinct requirements for Notch activity exist: commitment requires high Notch activity, whereas terminal differentiation can occur with lower Notch activity. We identified the gene GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase (Gmd), a modulator of Notch signaling, as being required for commitment but dispensable for terminal differentiation. Gmd loss resulted in aberrant, self-renewing stem cell divisions that generated extra ISC-like cells defective in Notch reporter activation, as well as wild-type-like cell divisions that produced properly terminally differentiated cells. Lowering Notch signaling using additional genetic means, we provided further evidence that commitment has a higher Notch signaling requirement than terminal differentiation. Our work suggests that a commitment requirement for high-level Notch activity safeguards the stem cells from loss through differentiation, revealing a novel role for the importance of Notch signaling levels in this system.
Blood vessels restrain pancreas branching, differentiation and growth
Authors: Magenheim Judith , Ilovich Ohad , Lazarus Alon , Klochendler Agnes , Ziv Oren , Werman Roni , Hija Ayat , Cleaver Ondine , Mishani Eyal , Keshet Eli , Dor Yuval
Published: September 2011

How organ size and form are controlled during development is a major question in biology. Blood vessels have been shown to be essential for early development of the liver and pancreas, and are fundamental to normal and pathological tissue growth. Here, we report that, surprisingly, non-nutritional signals from blood vessels act to restrain pancreas growth. Elimination of endothelial cells increases the size of embryonic pancreatic buds. Conversely, VEGF-induced hypervascularization decreases pancreas size. The growth phenotype results from vascular restriction of pancreatic tip cell formation, lateral branching and differentiation of the pancreatic epithelium into endocrine and acinar cells. The effects are seen both in vivo and ex vivo, indicating a perfusion-independent mechanism. Thus, the vasculature controls pancreas morphogenesis and growth by reducing branching and differentiation of primitive epithelial cells.
Synthesis, X-ray crystal structure and theoretical study of 4-ethyl-5-(2-thienyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione; structural comparison with its aromatic analogs
Authors: Wawrzycka-Gorczyca Irena , Siwek Agata
Published: September 2011

The crystal structure of 4-ethyl-5-(2-thienyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione (1) was determinäed. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n (Z = 4) with a = 8.679(2), b = 7.873(2), c = 14.657(3) Å, β = 105.56(3)° and V = 964.8(4) Å3. Its molecular and crystal structure was compared with three aromatic analogs. In three crystal structures of 2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione derivatives, Ntriazole—H · · · S(=C) dimer as the main structural motif is formed, while in one Ntriazole—H · · · S hydrogen bonds connect molecules to make helix arrangement. Moreover, in 1, Cethyl—H · · · S(=C), Sthione · · · Sthiophene and πthiophene · · · πtriazole interactions are observed; there are not N—H · · · N hydrogen bonds.

NMR in DMSO and IR experiments confirmed the compound to exist as the thione tautomer.

We carried out extensive conformational searches for 1 at the molecular mechanics level in order to compare structures obtained from different force fields with the experimental results.
On the modelling of the powder pattern from a nanocrystalline material
Authors: Scardi Paolo , Leoni Matteo , Beyerlein Kenneth Roy
Published: September 2011

Some issues related to the modelling of the powder diffraction pattern of a nanocrystalline material are proposed. Serious misunderstanding of the results can occur when the peak profiles are not correctly considered in reciprocal space, or when the subtle details of the peak shape due to the peculiar microstructure of the material are not taken into account.
Current evidence for recommendation of surgery, medical treatment and vitamin D repletion in mild primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Bollerslev Jens , Marcocci Claudio , Sosa Manuel , Nordenström Jörgen , Bouillon Roger , Mosekilde Leif
Published: September 2011

Management of patients with mild primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) has been widely discussed because most patients today do not have specific symptoms. While surgery is always an option, the recommendations for treatment have shifted, which mostly reflects changes in clinical practice. In this study, we aimed to evaluate evidence for the current recommendations concerning operation vs observation, repletion with vitamin D (VitD) and alternative medical management.

Surgery is followed by normalisation of calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) and a decrease in bone turnover followed by an increase in bone mass. It is not known what the consequences would be for the frequency of fractures. Randomised studies have indicated beneficial effects of operation on quality of life (QoL), but the effects have been minor and inconsistent. Operation seems not to be superior to observation for cardiovascular risk factors. Although PHPT patients in average have slightly decreased plasma 25OH VitD, severe symptomatic VitD deficiency seems not to be a characteristic of PHPT patients in Europe. However, if present, we recommend VitD substitution before final decision on surgical treatment. It is unknown whether routine VitD supplementation should be offered preoperatively to all patients with mild PHPT or as part of long-term medical treatment.

Targeted medical management could be an option for patients with contraindications to surgery. Antiresorptive therapy might be appropriate for patients with a low bone mass to prevent further bone loss. Calcimimetics could be tried to control serum calcium levels although there is no evidence of an effect on the hypercalcaemic symptoms or the QoL. Combined therapy with calcimimetics and alendronate could be considered for patients with hypercalcaemia and overt bone disease.
Interaction between heavy smoking and CYP2A6 genotypes on type 2 diabetes and its possible pathways
Authors: Liu Tao , Chen Wei-Qing , David Sean P , Tyndale Rachel F , Wang Hui , Chen Yu-Ming , Yu Xue-Qing , Chen Wei , Zhou Qian , Ling Wen-Hua
Published: September 2011

Objective

To explore the interactions between smoking andCYP2A6genotypes on type 2 diabetes (T2DM) as well as potential pathways for smoking in causing T2DM.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

A total of 1344 smokers with complete data from a community-based T2DM survey in Guangzhou and Zhuhai of China from July 2006 to June 2007 were interviewed with a structured questionnaire about socio-demographic status and daily cigarette consumption. Serum glucose, insulin, and cotinine were measured after an overnight fast. Subjects were genotyped forCYP2A6and classified, according to genotype, into normal, intermediate, slow, or poor nicotine metabolizers based on prior knowledge ofCYP2A6allele associations with nicotine C-oxidation rate. Abdominal obesity was defined as a waist-to-hip ratio ≥0.90 for males or ≥0.85 for females. Type 2 diabetic patients (n=154) were diagnosed according to WHO 1999 criteria. Chi-square tests, multivariate logistic regression models, and a structural equation model were used in this study.

Results

Multivariate analysis indicated that, compared with light smoking, heavy smoking significantly increased the risk of T2DM (odds ratio (OR)=1.75, 95% CI=1.01–3.05). There were significant interactions between heavy smoking and slowCYP2A6(OR=5.12, 95% CI=1.08–24.23) and poorCYP2A6metabolizer genotypes (OR=8.54, 95% CI=1.28–57.02) on T2DM. Structural equation modeling indicated thatCYP2A6moderation of smoking quantity risk on T2DM was mediated by the effects on serum cotinine, abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, and insulin secretion.

Conclusions

Heavy smoking was significantly associated with T2DM, and this association was moderated byCYP2A6genotype and mediated by serum cotinine, abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, and insulin secretion.
The biology and evolution of polyspermy: insights from cellular and functional studies of sperm and centrosomal behavior in the fertilized egg
Authors: Snook Rhonda R , Hosken David J , Karr Timothy L
Published: September 2011

Recent studies of centrosome biogenesis, microtubule dynamics, and their management point to their role in mediating conditions such as aging and cancer. Centrosome dysfunction is also a hallmark of pathological polyspermy. Polyspermy occurs when the oocyte is penetrated by more than one sperm and can be pathological because an excess of centrosomes compromises development. However, in some taxa, multiple sperm enter the egg with no apparent adverse effect on zygote viability. Thus, some taxa can manage excess centrosomes and represent cases of non-pathological polyspermy. While these two forms of polyspermy have long been known, we argue that there is limited understanding of the proximate and ultimate processes that underlie this taxonomic variation in the outcome of polyspermy and that studying this variation could help uncover the control and role(s) of centrosomes during fertilization in particular, but also mitosis in general. To encourage such studies we: 1) describe taxonomic differences in the outcome of polyspermy, 2) discuss mechanistic aspects of reproductive biology that may contribute to the different consequences of polyspermy, and 3) outline the potential selective events that could lead to the evolution of variation in polyspermy outcomes. We suggest that novel insights into centrosome biology may occur by cooperative studies between reproductive and evolutionary biologists focusing on the mechanisms generating variation in the fitness consequences of polyspermy, and in the taxonomic distribution of all these events. The consequent discoveries of these studies may lead to informative insights into cancer and aging along with other centrosome-related diseases and syndromes.
Maintenance of Certification: Realities for the Practitioner
Authors: Bose Carl
Published: September 2011

During the 2011 Workshop on Perinatal Practice Strategies sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Perinatal Pediatrics, I reviewed the essentials of the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) program for Maintenance of Certification (MoC). This article is a synopsis of that presentation. Although the principles of MoC are applicable across pediatric subspecialties (and many apply to General Pediatrics as well as the subspecialties), my comments in this article are directed primarily to clinicians interested in the MoC program as it applies to certificate holders in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine (NPM).
Factor structure of the Hungarian adaptation of Assessing Emotions Scale
Authors: Kun Bernadette , Urbán Róbert , Balázs Hedvig , Kapitány Máté , Nagy Henriett , Oláh Attila , Demetrovics Zsolt
Published: September 2011

Háttér: Az érzelmi intelligencia jelenségének kutatásában kiemelt fontossággal bírnak a konstruktum operacionalizálására irányuló törekvések. Az elmúlt két évtizedben számos, a jelenség mérésére alkalmas eszköz született a világon, amelyek többsége az észlelt érzelmi intelligencia szintjét térképezi fel. Az egyik széles körben alkalmazott módszer az Érzelmek Mérése Skála (Assessing Emotions Scale, AES; SCHUTTE, MALOUFF és munkatársai, 1998), amelynek faktorstruktúrája azonban tisztázatlan. A szerzők által eredetileg javasolt egyfaktoros szerkezetet többen kritizálták többfaktoros megoldásokat javasolva. A mérőeszköz magyar verzióval eddig nem rendelkezett, mérési modelljét hazai környezetben még nem vizsgálták. Célkitűzés: Kutatásunk célja a skála (AES-HU) hazai adaptálása volt, valamint annak vizsgálata, hogy az eddig javasolt modellek közül melyik illeszkedik a legmegfelelőbben az empirikus adatokhoz. Módszer: Egy 702 fős hozzáférhetőségi mintán, megerősítő faktorelemzéssel vizsgáltuk az AES-HU skála egy-, három-, négy-, illetve hatfaktoros megoldásait. Eredmények: Eredményeink szerint a legmegfelelőbbnek egyértelműen a háromfaktoros modell bizonyult, annak ellenére, hogy az egy- és a négyfaktoros megoldást sem lehet végérvényesen elvetni. Diszkusszió: Az általunk megerősített háromfaktoros struktúra esetében új faktorelnevezéseket javaslunk. A faktorok szerkezetét jobban leírják ugyanis az „Érzelmek értékelése”, az „Optimizmus és érzelmek szabályozása”, illetve az „Érzelmek intraperszonális és interperszonális hasznosítása” elnevezések.
Empirical assessment of state‐and‐transition models with a long‐term vegetation record from the Sonoran Desert
Authors: Bagchi Sumanta , Briske David D. , Wu X. B. , McClaran Mitchel P. , Bestelmeyer Brandon T. , Fernández-Giménez Maria E.
Published: September 2011

Resilience‐based frameworks, including state‐and‐transition models (STM), are being increasingly called upon to inform policy and guide ecosystem management, particularly in rangelands. Yet, multiple challenges impede their effective implementation: (1) paucity of empirical tests of resilience concepts, such as alternative states and thresholds, and (2) heavy reliance on expert models, which are seldom tested against empirical data. We developed an analytical protocol to identify unique plant communities and their transitions, and applied it to a long‐term vegetation record from the Sonoran Desert (1953–2009). We assessed whether empirical trends were consistent with resilience concepts, and evaluated how they may inform the construction and interpretation of expert STMs. Seven statistically distinct plant communities were identified based on the cover of 22 plant species in 68 permanent transects. We recorded 253 instances of community transitions, associated with changes in species composition between successive samplings. Expectedly, transitions were more frequent among proximate communities with similar species pools than among distant communities. But unexpectedly, communities and transitions were not strongly constrained by soil type and topography. Only 18 transitions featured disproportionately large compositional turnover (species dissimilarity ranged between 0.54 and 0.68), and these were closely associated with communities that were dominated by the common shrub (burroweed, Haplopappus tenuisecta); indicating that only some, and not all, communities may be prone to large compositional change. Temporal dynamics in individual transects illustrated four general trajectories: stability, nondirectional drift, reversibility, and directional shifts that were not reversed even after 2–3 decades. The frequency of transitions and the accompanying species dissimilarity were both positively correlated with fluctuation in precipitation, indicating that climatic drivers require more attention in STMs. Many features of the expert models, including the number of communities and participant species, were consistent with empirical trends, but expert models underrepresented recent increases in cacti while overemphasizing the introduced Lehmann's lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana). Quantification of communities and transitions within long‐term vegetation records presents several quantitative metrics such as transition frequency, magnitude of accompanying compositional change, presence of unidirectional trajectories, and lack of reversibility within various timescales, which can clarify resilience concepts and inform the construction and interpretation of STMs.
Rapid, specific and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of pathogenic protozoa Entamoeba histolytica for drinking water supply
Authors: Lam S. W. , Zhang H. B. , Yu L. , Woo C. H. , Tiew K. N. , Yang Z. G.
Published: September 2011

In this study, a quantitative species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to rapidly detect E. histolytica in water is developed. First, the specificity of E. histolytica PCR detection was verified by using species-specific primers of 16S-like rRNA genes to clearly differentiate it from the closely related amoebae species E. dispar and E. moshkovskii. The sensitivity of this method was subsequently determined using purified E. histolytica genomic DNA and culture cells as PCR reaction templates. Results indicated that conventional PCR visualized on 1% agarose gel was able to detect as low as 0.02 pg genomic DNA and 5 cells, while real-time PCR could detect 0.01 pg genomic DNA and 2 cells of E. histolytica. The protocols for E. histolytica PCR detection in real water samples were then optimized by spiking E. histolytica cells into tap water and reservoir raw water samples. A two-round centrifugation treatment to concentrate amoeba cells directly as a PCR template was the most effective way to detect E. histolytica in spiked tap water samples, while DNA extraction after concentrating amoeba cells was required for spiked reservoir raw water samples. The detection limit of 50 E. histolytica cells in 100 ml tap water was achieved in 2 h from sample collection to real-time PCR data readout. With these established protocols, 78 tap water samples, 11 reservoir raw water samples and 4 feed water samples from Singapore water supply systems were analyzed by both conventional PCR and real-time PCR methods. No E. histolytica cell was detected in tested samples.
From international developments to local practice: Germany's evaluation and dialogue process towards Water Safety Plan implementation
Authors: Schmoll Oliver , Castell-Exner Claudia , Chorus Ingrid
Published: September 2011

The third edition of the WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality establishes a ‘Framework for Safe Drinking-water’ that promotes a risk assessment and risk management approach called Water Safety Plan (WSP). In Germany, the discussion on the WSP approach started with significant scepticism by various stakeholders questioning its added value in light of the high quality and service level of water supply. In response, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Environment Agency and the DVGW Association for Gas and Water jointly took the leadership for initiating a sectoral dialogue process involving water suppliers and local public health offices, including a series of WSP pilot projects to evaluate WSP feasibility, benefits and expected challenges for scaling-up. As the regulatory system in Germany makes explicit reference to ‘generally acknowledged codes of good practice’ the paper also examines how far the suite of established DVGW technical and managerial standards already supports WSP implementation. The evaluation process confirmed an added value of the WSP approach under Germany's national conditions, clearly providing an impetus for safeguarding a high quality and service level of drinking-water supply. Various activities to support scale-up implementation of a WSP-type approach have been initiated, including the preparation of step-by-step guidance in German (i.e. DVGW Guidelines W 1001), information campaigns to broadly raise awareness amongst all stakeholders in water supply, and capacity building initiatives.
The Impact of Class Size on Outcomes in Higher Education
Authors: Monks James , Schmidt Robert M.
Published: September 2011

Numerous studies have investigated the impact of class size on student outcomes. This analysis contributes to this discussion by isolating the impact of class size on student outcomes in higher education by utilizing a natural experiment at a selective institution which enables the estimation of class size effects conditional on the total number of students taught by a faculty member. We find that class size negatively impacts student assessments of courses and instructors. Large classes appear to prompt faculty to alter their courses in ways deleterious to students.
Information Sharing in Village Stability Operations: Field Experiences and Policy Considerations
Authors: Koziol Tyler M. , Wagenbrenner Chelsea , Wells Linton , Wilkinson Taylor
Published: September 2011

This paper describes a bottom‐up counterinsurgency strategy in Afghanistan known as Village Stability Operations, as well as some of the contributions information sharing strategies are making to its success. In a “population‐centric” strategy, it is essential to understand the people and what is important to them in their world, not ours. In this environment, information about the population, also known as “white” data, can be mission critical, although it wasn't treated as such at the beginning of the Afghan campaign. “White” information is not a panacea; it needs to be blended with enemy (“red”) information and government (“green”) information to form an integrated approach. The paper examines several projects that have been undertaken in Afghanistan, their successes and challenges, and how they have helped the Afghan population while supporting coalition objectives.
Giant cell tumor of the odontoid in an adolescent male: radiation, chemotherapy, and resection for recurrence with 10-year follow-up
Authors: Shirzadi Ali , Drazin Doniel , Bannykh Serguei , Danielpour Moise
Published: September 2011

Giant cell tumors (GCTs) are rare lesions of the cervical spine, with only 14 previously reported pediatric cases in the literature, all occurring in females. The authors present the case of a 15-year-old boy with neck pain who was found to have a lytic GCT of the odontoid process. Following resection, recurrent disease was treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy and then a final resection. He has remained tumor free for more than 10 years. The rarity of GCTs can make their diagnosis difficult in the cervical spine. Because of their aggressive behavior and relative resistance to adjuvant therapy, GCTs must be monitored diligently and treated aggressively.
Concomitant intraventricular colloid cyst and low-grade astrocytoma of the brainstem in a 16-year-old boy
Authors: Amirjamshidi Abbas , Amiri Rouzbeh Shams , Alimohamadi Maysam , Abbassioun Kazem
Published: September 2011

Multiple primary brain tumors are commonly observed in patients with a history of brain radiation therapy or neurofibromatosis. The concomitant presence of 2 different types of brain tumors in a single location or chamber is a very rare clinical presentation in the absence of such a predisposing factor. The authors report on the case of a 16-year-old boy presenting with different types of brain tumors in 2 ventricular chambers concomitantly. This boy had a medium-sized colloid cyst of the third ventricle and a large fibrillary astrocytoma fungating from the brainstem into the floor of the fourth ventricle. The lesions were successfully excised in 2 separate surgeries. Radiotherapy was used as the adjuvant mode of therapy. There has been no sign of tumor recurrence after 16 months of follow-up. Clinical awareness and recognition of such a combination of tumors is important because they will dictate special treatment strategies depending on the individual biological aggressiveness of each tumor.
Brain metastasis of Wilms tumor with diffuse anaplasia and complex cytogenetic phenotype in a child with neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Shvartsbeyn Marianna , Bassani Luigi , Mikolaenko Irina , Wisoff Jeffrey H.
Published: September 2011

The authors report the first case of a Wilms tumor (WT) with diffuse anaplasia metastatic to the brain in a 13-year-old girl with a history of neurofibromatosis Type 1. At presentation, the metastatic tumor had radiological features that suggested a meningioma. Histologically it was characterized by striking anaplasia and features similar to the patient's previously resected WT with diffuse anaplasia.
Single-incision laparoscopic transumbilical shunt placement
Authors: Tormenti Matthew J. , Adamo Matthew A. , Prince Jose M. , Kane Timothy D. , Spinks Theodore J.
Published: September 2011

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement is the most common surgical treatment for hydrocephalus. Laparoscopic techniques to aid in the placement of the peritoneal portion have been reported previously. Laparoscopic shunt placement has been associated with decreased operating time, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays. The authors describe a single-incision laparoscopic shunt (SILS) insertion technique that facilitates directed placement of the peritoneal portion of the catheter in children. A total of 6 pediatric patients underwent the SILS procedure between December 2008 and March 2009. This cohort included 5 girls and 1 boy; the average age was 6 years (range 1 day–16 years). One patient had previously undergone a VP shunt placement, but all other patients were undergoing the initial creation of their shunt. The most common pathological condition encountered was posttraumatic hydrocephalus (2 patients). All patients underwent successful placement of the peritoneal catheters. All catheters were seen to have CSF flowing freely within the peritoneal space.

The authors' recent experience shows that SILS placement is safe and feasible in children. It allows accurate, directed placement of the VP shunt with a single, almost invisible, umbilical incision. The shunt tubing is remote from this incision.
How Will Hydroelectric Power Generation Develop under Climate Change Scenarios? A Case Study in the Upper Danube Basin
Authors: Koch Franziska , Prasch Monika , Bach Heike , Mauser Wolfram , Appel Florian , Weber Markus
Published: September 2011

Climate change has a large impact on water resources and thus on hydropower. Hydroelectric power generation is closely linked to the regional hydrological situation of a watershed and reacts sensitively to changes in water quantity and seasonality. The development of hydroelectric power generation in the Upper Danube basin was modelled for two future decades, namely 2021–2030 and 2051–2060, using a special hydropower module coupled with the physically-based hydrological model PROMET. To cover a possible range of uncertainties, 16 climate scenarios were taken as meteorological drivers which were defined from different ensemble outputs of a stochastic climate generator, based on the IPCC-SRES-A1B emission scenario and four regional climate trends. Depending on the trends, the results show a slight to severe decline in hydroelectric power generation. Whilst the mean summer values indicate a decrease, the mean winter values display an increase. To show past and future regional differences within the Upper Danube basin, three hydropower plants at individual locations were selected. Inter-annual differences originate predominately from unequal contributions of the runoff compartments rain, snow- and ice-melt.
Guerre au Sahara-Sahel : la reconversion des savoirs nomades
Authors: Retaillé Denis , Walther Olivier
Published: September 2011

Résumé Depuis le milieu des années 2000, le terrorisme a contribué à remettre les périphéries ouest-africaines au centre de l’actualité. Alors que les implications politiques et militaires de ces événements ont été largement discutées, une grande confusion règne sur les termes géographiques utilisés pour qualifier l’espace concerné. Terrorisme au Sahel, terrorisme au Sahara : où sont les bases ; où sont les terrains d’action ? Pis, la qualification « zonale » nuit à la compréhension de ce qui est au cœur de la capacité d’agir : des réseaux qui sont à la fois sociaux et spatiaux, passant à travers les limites qu’une géographie encore trop académique peine à transgresser faute d’avoir pleinement compris l’espace mobile des nomades.
Pierre Gentelle
Authors: Bonnamour Jacqueline
Published: September 2011

Résumé Hommage
Return to Guiyang (China)
Authors: Gentelle Pierre
Published: September 2011

Résumé Texte inédit rédigé en 2007, de retour de Guiyang qu’il n’avait plus visité depuis 1981.
Relationships between gregarine infection in damselflies, wetland type, and landscape characteristics
Authors: Mlynarek Julia J. , Bert Daniel G. , Peralta-Vázquez G. Haydeé , James Joanna A. , Forbes Mark R.
Published: September 2011

Although human-modified landscapes are characterized by the loss of natural habitats, new habitats also can be created and exploited by many species. The importance of landscape change to invertebrate associations (particularly host-parasite associations) is understudied. Our objective was to determine whether prevalence and intensity of gregarine parasitism in the damselfly Ischnura verticalis (Say) (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) differed between 17 artificial and 7 natural wetlands in landscapes that varied in amount of forest and wetland cover and road density determined at spatial extents of 500m and 1km from each wetland. Wetlands were located in and around Ottawa, Ontario, and Gatineau, Quebec, Canada. Wetland type did not account for significant variation in principal components based on forest and wetland cover and road density at either spatial extent. Gregarine prevalence was higher in damselflies collected from natural wetlands than in those collected from artificial wetlands and was positively associated with increasing forest cover. In contrast, gregarine intensity was inversely related to road density. Our results suggest that parasitism of damselflies by gregarines is associated with wetland type and landscape characteristics, although the mechanisms producing such relationships are unknown.
Use of Porous Polyethylene Implants in Nasal Reconstruction
Authors: Choudhury Natasha , Marais Joe
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Patients undergoing complex rhinoplasty, following previous trauma or cartilage deteriorating disease processes, present a surgical challenge. The availability of septal cartilage maybe limited, and alternative graft materials should be considered.

Methods

A retrospective study of our experience using the porous polyethylene (Medpor®) implant in nasal reconstruction was conducted. The indications for surgery are reviewed and the surgical outcomes noted. We also review the literature on available nasal implants and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.

Results

A total of 22 Medpor® nasal implants were used for augmentation rhinoplasty over a 6 and half years period. Three patients experienced a surgical complication, including one slipped dorsal implant, and two patients with graft extrusion. Both of these two patients had concomitant disease processes that would have resulted in a poor tissue microenvironment, which may have contributed to their graft failures.

Conclusion

In our experience, the Medpor® implant has proved very successful in patients requiring complex rhinoplasty, in a normal host tissue microenvironment.
Importance of Legal Expertise for Medical Practitioners in View of Increasing Complexities and Liabilities
Authors: Singh Avijit , Ahlawat Nishant
Published: September 2011

A legal duty exists whenever a hospital or health care provider undertakes treatment to a patient. The duty is breached when the provider is failed to conform to the standard care. The breach of duty is a proximate cause of injury. Without damages there is no basis for a claim, regardless of whether the medical provider was negligent. Likewise, damage can occur without negligence, e.g., when someone dies from a fatal disease.
Intracranial and Orbital Complications of Sinusitis: A Case Series and Review of Literature
Authors: Shetty Kishore , Vaidyanathan Vinay
Published: September 2011

Complications of paranasal sinus infection most often involve the orbit and periorbita. Because of widespread use of antibiotics, intracranial extension of paranasal sinusitis is rarely seen today. Nevertheless, the clinician must be aware of the potential of these complications, as late recognition of this condition and delay in treatment can increase morbidity and mortality rates. An interesting case series of sinusitis with orbital and intracranial complication is presented, which was radiologically evaluated, and was managed by endoscopic sinus surgery with drainage of subdural empyema by appropriate neurosurgical technique. The radiological tools played a very important role in both assessment and timing of surgical intervention. Unparallel role of radiological investigations cannot be overemphasized. The key to successful treatment is aggressive management and the timing for surgical intervention should not be deferred. The patients made full recovery at the time of discharge.
Maxillary Sinus Osteoma: A Rare Cause of Headache
Authors: Mittal Vikrant , Kumar Navneet
Published: September 2011

A 66-year-old male presented with right-sided facial pain and headache since one year. MRI brain showed a large bony lesion in right side of maxillary sinus. CT scan of the paranasal sinuses revealed maxillary sinus osteoma. The tumor was excised through an opening made in anterior wall of maxilla along with endoscopic guidance through nasal cavity. Postoperative period was uneventful. The pathogenesis and various treatment modalities for maxillary sinus osteomas have been discussed.
Initial prediction of dust production in pebble bed reactors
Authors: Rostamian M. , Arifeen S. , Potirniche G. P. , Tokuhiro A.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. This paper describes the computational simulation of contact zones between pebbles in a pebble bed reactor. In this type of reactor, the potential for graphite dust generation from frictional contact of graphite pebbles and the subsequent transport of dust and fission products can cause significant safety issues at very high temperatures around 900 °C in HTRs. The present simulation is an initial attempt to quantify the amount of nuclear grade graphite dust produced within a very high temperature reactor.
Regulation of renal organic cation transporters
Authors: Pernecker Moritz , Ciarimboli Giuliano
Published: June 2024

Transporters for organic cations (OCs) facilitate exchange of positively charged molecules through the plasma membrane. Substrates for these transporters encompass neurotransmitters, metabolic byproducts, drugs, and xenobiotics. Consequently, these transporters actively contribute to the regulation of neurotransmission, cellular penetration and elimination process for metabolic products, drugs, and xenobiotics. Therefore, these transporters have significant physiological, pharmacological, and toxicological implications. In cells of renal proximal tubules, the vectorial secretion pathways for OCs involve expression of organic cation transporters (OCTs) and multidrug and toxin extrusion proteins (MATEs) on basolateral and apical membrane domains, respectively. This review provides an overview of documented regulatory mechanisms governing OCTs and MATEs. Additionally, regulation of these transporters under various pathological conditions is summarized. The expression and functionality of OCTs and MATEs are subject to diverse pre‐ and post‐translational modifications, providing insights into their regulation in various pathological conditions. Typically, in diseases, downregulation of transporter expression is observed, probably as a protective mechanism to prevent additional damage to kidney tissue. This regulation may be attributed to the intricate network of modifications these transporters undergo, shedding light on their dynamic responses in pathological contexts.
Genomic Insights into the Role of TOP Gene Family in Soft‐Tissue Sarcomas: Implications for Prognosis and Therapy
Authors: Wang Genchun , Gan Xin , Chen Xin , Zeng Qunqian , Zhang Zhuoran , Li Jiantao , Guo Zhou , Hou Liang Cai , Xu JingTing , Kang Hao , Guo Fengjing
Published: June 2024

This study focuses on the role of topoisomerases (TOPs) in sarcomas (SARCs), highlighting TOPs' influence on sarcoma prognosis through mRNA expression, genetic mutations, immune infiltration, and DNA methylation analysis using transcriptase sequencing and other techniques. The findings indicate that TOP gene mutations correlate with increased inflammation, immune cell infiltration, DNA repair abnormalities, and mitochondrial fusion genes alterations, all of which negatively affect sarcoma prognosis. Abnormal TOP expression may independently affect sarcoma patients' survival. Cutting‐edge genomic tools such as Oncomine, gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA), and cBio Cancer Genomics Portal (cBioPortal) are utilized to explore the TOP gene family (TOP1/1MT/2A/2B/3A/3B) in soft‐tissue sarcomas (STSs). This in‐depth analysis reveals a notable upregulation of TOP mRNA in STS patients arcoss various SARC subtypes, French Federation Nationale des Centres de Lutte Contre le Cancer classification (FNCLCC) grades, and specific molecular profiles correlating with poorer clinical outcomes. Furthermore, this investigation identifies distinct patterns of immune cell infiltration, genetic mutations, and somatic copy number variations linked to TOP genes that inversely affect patient survival rates. These findings underscore the diagnostic and therapeutic relevance of the TOP gene suite in STSs.
Phloroglucinol–2,6‐Diaminoanthraquinone as a Durable Redox Mediator for Enhancing Conversion Reaction Kinetics in Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Lai Tianxing , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: June 2024

Lithium‐sulfur batteries, despite being a promising solution for next‐generation secondary batteries, require substantial efforts to overcome the challenges of sluggish sulfur redox kinetics, polysulfides shuttling, and Li metal instability before achieving practical viability. Conventional strategies that utilize metal catalysts or soluble redox mediators (RMs) are limited by either impractical producing processes or unsatisfactory service life. Herein, an electrochemically active organic material, phloroglucinol – 2,6‐diaminoanthraquinone (PG‐DAAQ) is synthesized through a green and facile polymerization process to better resolve these issues. Serving as an RM at the cathode, PG‐DAAQ exhibits enduring redox activity within the sulfur operating potential window, leading to enhanced redox kinetics and sulfur utilization. Remarkably, even without any metal elements, PG‐DAAQ exhibits an excellent affinity to polysulfides, thereby suppressing the shuttling and facilitating the formation of a more favorable solid‐electrolyte interface to stabilize Li deposition at the anode. As a result, Li‐S cells employing PG‐DAAQ show significantly enhanced cycling and rate performances than the control cells. Even with a low electrolyte‐to‐sulfur ratio of 6, pouch cells with PG‐DAAQ deliver a reversible discharge capacity of 821 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at a C/10 rate.
Dynamic Cleavage‐Remodeling of Covalent Organic Networks into Multidimensional Superstructures
Authors: Jiang Bo , Zhang Jie , Yu Kaifu , Jia Zhimin , Long Honghan , He Ningning , Zhang Yingdan , Zou Yingdi , Han Ziqian , Li Yang , Ma Lijian
Published: June 2024

Superstructures with complex hierarchical spatial configurations exhibit broader structural depth than single hierarchical structures and the associated broader application prospects. However, current preparation methods are greatly constrained by cumbersome steps and harsh conditions. Here, for the first time, a concise and efficient thermally responsive dynamic synthesis strategy for the preparation of multidimensional complex superstructures within soluble covalent organic networks (SCONs) with tunable morphology from 0D hollow supraparticles to 2D films is presented. Mechanism study reveals the thermally responsive dynamic “cleavage‐remodeling” characteristics of SCONs, synthesized based on the unique bilayer structure of (2.2)paracyclophane, and the temperature control facilitates the process from reversible solubility to reorganization and construction of superstructures. Specifically, during the process, the oil–water‐emulsion two‐phase interface can be generated through droplet jetting, leading to the preparation of 0D hollow supraparticles and other bowl‐like complex superstructures with high yield. Additionally, by modulating the volatility and solubility of exogenous solvents, defect‐free 2D films are prepared relying on an air–liquid interface. Expanded experiments further confirm the generalizability and scalability of the proposed dynamic “cleavage‐remodeling” strategy. Research on the enrichment mechanism of guest iodine highlights the superior kinetic mass transfer performance of superstructural products compared to single‐hierarchical materials.