bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune response against serial infusion of factor VIII antigen through an implantable venous‐access device system in haemophilia A mice
Authors: MADOIWA S. , KOBAYASHI E. , KASHIWAKURA Y. , SAKATA A. , YASUMOTO A. , OHMORI T. , MIMURO J. , SAKATA Y.
Published: November 2011

Summary.  Haemophilia A is a life long bleeding disorder caused by an inherited deficiency of factor VIII (FVIII). About 30% of haemophilia A patients develop neutralizing antibodies as a consequence of treatment with FVIII concentrates. Immune tolerance protocols for the eradication of inhibitors require daily delivery of intravenous FVIII. We evaluated the immune responses to serial intravenous administration of FVIII in preimmunized haemophilia A mice. We introduced an implantable venous‐access device (iVAD) system into haemophilia A mice to facilitate sequential infusion of FVIII. After preimmunization with FVIII, the haemophilia A mice were subjected to serial intravenous administration of FVIII through the iVAD system. In all mice with serial infusion of FVIII, high titers of anti‐FVIII inhibitory antibodies developed at 10 exposure days (EDs). However, the anti‐FVIII IgG titers were decreased after 150 EDs of sequential low‐dose infusion of FVIII [0.05 U g−1 body weight (BW) five times per week]. Proliferative response to ex vivo FVIII stimulation was significantly suppressed in splenic CD4+ T cells from mice with serial low‐dose FVIII infusion compared with those from mice with high‐dose FVIII infusion (0.5 U g−1 BW five times per week) or preimmunized mice. Moreover, splenic CD4+ T cells from mice with serial low‐dose infusion of FVIII failed to produce interleukin‐2 and interferon‐γ. These data suggest that serial infusion of FVIII could induce T‐cell anergy in haemophilia A mice with inhibitor antibodies.
Validity of assessing inhibitor development in haemophilia PUPs using registry data: the EUHASS project
Authors: FISCHER K. , LEWANDOWSKI D. , MARIJKE van den BERG H. , JANSSEN M. P.
Published: November 2011

Summary.  Inhibitory antibodies to exogenous FVIII/FIX are a major complication of haemophilia treatment. Up to 30% of previously untreated patients (PUPs) with severe haemophilia A develop inhibitors, most likely during the initial 50 exposure days to concentrate. In addition to classical cohort studies, a European monitoring system (EUHASS) has been set up to evaluate inhibitor development in PUPs. The present study addresses the reliability of estimating the cumulative incidence of inhibitor development in this registry. Data from the retrospective CANAL cohort study, including 288 PUPs with severe haemophilia A and complete treatment records until the 50th exposure to FVIII, were used to simulate the consequences of several cross‐sectional sampling techniques on the estimated incidence of inhibitors. Both mathematical calculus and computer modelling were applied to study the effects of sample size and the introduction of a new product. For existing concentrates, both longitudinal cohort study methods and the EUHASS method yielded similar estimates of the cumulative incidence of inhibitor cases over a 5‐year time period: 27.9% (95% CI: 21–36) vs. 29.4% (22–38). For a newly introduced concentrate, a reliable estimate of inhibitor incidence with the EUHASS method could only be made after 3–4 years, even in large datasets. The results from EUHASS in inhibitor incidence in PUPs are expected to be valid. After introduction of a new concentrate, the inhibitor incidence on this concentrate can only be reliably determined after an observation period of several years.
Community health service capacity in China: a survey in three municipalities
Authors: Zhou Wei , Dong Yanmin , Lin Xiaozhi , Lu Wenli , Tian Xin , Yang Lianping , Zhang Xinping
Published: November 2011

Rationale  China is reforming its health care system. It aims to strengthen primary health care through building community health facilities and assigning a ‘gate‐keeper’ role to primary care providers. However, it remains unknown whether community health facilities are able to fulfil such a mission. This study evaluated the service capacity of a selected sample of community health facilities and the competency of primary care practitioners employed by those facilities.

Methods  Three municipalities from the east, middle and west of China were purposely selected. A questionnaire was undertaken in 45 randomly selected community health facilities in the three municipalities and 700 primary care practitioners responded to the survey. The survey investigated the capacity of the community health facilities in providing diagnostic services and the competency of the primary care providers in handling common health problems.

Results  The most common reasons for doctor–patient encounters were common cold and chronic diseases. The capacity of the community health facilities in providing diagnostic services was limited. Although the majority of respondents believed that they could correctly identify common symptoms, many were unable to perform some essential physical examinations.

Conclusion  The community health facilities are not able to fulfil their designated mission because of the limited diagnostic capacity and poor competency of the primary care practitioners. Priorities should be given to capacity building for the development of community health services in the future.
Backscattered electron detection in environmental SEM
Authors: DANILATOS G.D.
Published: November 2011

An examination of the backscattered electron imaging status in environmental scanning electron microscopy is presented with particular attention to the testing and use of cerium doped yttrium aluminium garnet and yttrium aluminium perovskite scintillation detectors. A comparison is made with plastic scintillating backscattered electron detectors used previously (Nuclear Enterprises type NE102A scintillator). Semi‐disk, strip and wedge shapes of these materials have been tested in conjunction with various light‐guide geometries. These systems have been combined with two different types of photomultipliers, which also play a critical role in the total detector efficiency. The advantage of increased light output from the monocrystal materials is gained only if matched with suitable light‐guides and photomultipliers. The associated problems are discussed and proposals for further work are made for the construction of most efficient backscattered electron detectors in the environmental scanning electron microscope.
Comparative Analysis of Three Different Total Nucleic Acid Extraction Protocols for the Diagnosis of Geminiviruses in Squash (Cucurbita moschata)
Authors: Hernández Eduardo J. , Mora‐Umaña Floribeth , Albertazzi Federico , Karkashian James P. , Ramírez Pilar
Published: November 2011

Squash (Cucurbita moschata) is one of the most important crops in tropical countries. Geminiviruses are an important group of plant pathogens. In 2002 a new begomovirus was reported to naturally infect squash and some other crops in Costa Rica. Our objective was to compare, using molecular techniques, the extraction and further purification of DNA from squash by different extraction protocols and storage methods. A single infected sample was collected, half of the material was stored frozen at −70°C, and the remainder was stored dehydrated in silica gel (SG). Total nucleic acids (TNAs) were extracted by three different protocols and were quantified by fluorometry, and the quality was analysed by electrophoresis in agarose gels, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the virus genome, dot blot and Southern blot hybridization. Even though the tissue stored in SG yielded a higher amount of TNAs, the genetic material exhibited lower integrity and this made it useful exclusively for the detection of geminiviral DNA by PCR amplification of short viral sequences and by hybridization with short viral probes. The Dellaporta method proved to be the most effective for the detection of geminiviral DNA in infected squash tissue. Although the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide method showed similar results, the procedure is more time‐consuming. Surprisingly, the citrate method showed either similar or worse results than the other methods.
Unusual Systemic Metastases of Malignant Seminoma in a Dog
Authors: Lucas X , Rodenas C , Cuello C , Gil MA , Parrilla I , Soler M , Belda E , Agut A
Published: November 2011

Contents

Unilateral enlargement of left testicle and scrotum was detected in an 8‐year‐old West Highland White Terrier. The histopathological diagnosis after surgery was a seminoma (SEM) tumour, and a diagnosis of metastatic foci was also detected in vaginal tunic and scrotum. Two months later, new metastatic SEM foci in the skin were diagnosed. Twenty‐two months after the initial orchiectomy new multiple cutaneous nodules and a swelling of periesophageal structures were observed. Finally, the necropsy revealed multiple malignant metastatic SEM focus. To the author’s knowledge, this is the first description of a canine SEM with unusual widespread metastasis on the base of tongue, soft palate, trachea and pericardium.
Orbicularis oculi: morphological changes mimicking mitochondrial cytopathy in a series of control normal muscles
Authors: McKelvie Penelope , Satchi Khami , McNab Alan A , Kennedy Paul
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Introduction:  Orbicularis oculi (OO) muscle has recently proposed as a suitable muscle for biopsy to diagnose mitochondrial cyopathy:

Methods:  Enzyme histochemical and immunohistochemical studies were performed on OO muscle obtained from 18 patients aged 37–87 years (median 64 years), 6 males, 12 females, who were undergoing routine upper blepharoplasty surgery.

Results:  We confirmed the marked type II fibre (fast myosin heavy chain) predominance (89%) but also noted a different proportion and distribution of mitochondria in these fibres with occasional pseudo‐‘ragged‐red’ fibres with prominent subsarcolemmal and cytoplasmic aggregation of mitochondria. Cytochrome oxidase‐negative fibres and true ‘ragged‐red’ fibres were found at all ages over 40 years at levels that approach those used for diagnosis of mitochondrial cytopathy in peripheral or limb skeletal muscles.

Conclusion:  We would therefore urge caution in the use of OO as muscle biopsy for diagnosis of mitochondrial cytopathy and advise concomitant biopsy of limb skeletal muscle and/or supplementary genetic studies.
Genetic eye research in Tasmania: a historical overview
Authors: Mackey David A
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Although considerable recent work on hereditary eye diseases in Tasmanian families has been published, much of this depended on a century of meticulous pedigree collection by earlier clinical researchers. This article reviews some of the historical papers and the importance they have played in gene discovery and understanding of ophthalmic genetics. Tasmanian families have contributed to the identification of genes for X‐linked megalocornea, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, retinitis pigmentosa, congenital cataract, ptosis, keratoconus, glaucoma and myopia. The true value of the Tasmanian pedigrees will be realized with the translation of genetic discoveries into early diagnosis and treatment for these eye diseases.
Does Vitamin D deficiency play a role in peripheral neuropathy in Type 2 diabetes?
Authors: Shehab D. , Al‐Jarallah K. , Mojiminiyi O. A. , Al Mohamedy H. , Abdella N. A.
Published: November 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 43–49 (2012)

Aim  Despite recent reports linking vitamin D deficiency with increased risk of diabetes mellitus and complications, there is limited data on patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and associations of vitamin D deficiency in 210 patients with Type 2 diabetes with and without diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Methods  Renal, liver, lipid profile and HbA1c were measured. Vitamin D status was determined by measuring 25‐dihydroxyvitamin D. Presence or absence of coronary heart disease was determined and early‐morning urine microalbumin:creatinine ratio was measured. All patients were assessed clinically using neuropathy symptom score, neuropathy disability score and nerve conduction study.

Results  Eighty‐seven patients had diabetic peripheral neuropathy and these patients had significantly longer duration of diabetes and higher HbA1c. Age, gender, incidence of retinopathy and coronary heart disease were not significantly different from those without neuropathy. Mean (SD) vitamin D was significantly lower in those with neuropathy [36.9 (39.9) nmol/l] compared with those without [58.32 (58.9) nmol/l] and 81.5% of patients with neuropathy had vitamin D deficiency compared with 60.4% of those without. Vitamin D showed significant (P < 0.05) correlations with total cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol and urine microalbumin:creatinine ratio. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that diabetic peripheral neuropathy was significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency (odds ratio = 3.47; 95% CI = 1.04–11.56, P = 0.043) after inclusion of potential confounders such as duration of diabetes, HbA1c and LDL‐cholesterol.

Conclusion  Vitamin D deficiency is an independent risk factor for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and further studies are required to confirm if Vitamin D supplementation could prevent or delay the onset.
Limited sampling strategies for the estimation of atazanavir daily exposure in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Cattaneo Dario , Ripamonti Diego , Baldelli Sara , Cozzi Valeria , Fucile Serena , Clementi Emilio
Published: November 2011

Stepwise multiple regression analyses were applied to 44 atazanavir pharmacokinetic profiles from 44 HIV‐1 infected patients concomitantly treated with raltegravir with the goal of identifying limited sampling strategies for the prediction of drug AUC0–12. Atazanavir trough‐based equations failed to reliably predict daily drug exposure in patients with low drug bioavailability. Conversely, different algorithms based on few samples and associated with good correlation, acceptable bias and imprecision with the measured atazanavir AUC0–12 were identified. These models could be used to predict atazanavir exposure for clinic or research purposes.
Can β2‐adrenoceptor agonists, anticholinergic drugs, and theophylline contribute to the control of pulmonary inflammation and emphysema in COPD?
Authors: Zhang Wen‐Hui , Zhang Yong , Cui Yong‐Yao , Rong Wei‐Fang , Cambier Carole , Devillier Philippe , Bureau Fabrice , Advenier Charles , Gustin Pascal
Published: November 2011

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become a global epidemic disease with an increased morbidity and mortality in the world. Inflammatory process progresses and contributes to irreversible airflow limitation. However, there is no available therapy to better control the inflammatory progression and therefore to reduce the exacerbations and mortality. Thus, the development of efficient anti‐inflammatory therapies is a priority for patients with COPD. β2‐Adrenoceptor agonists and anticholinergic agents are widely used as first line drugs in management of COPD because of their efficient bronchodilator properties. At present, many studies in vitro and some data obtained in laboratory animals reveal the potential anti‐inflammatory effects of these bronchodilators but their protective role against chronic inflammation and the development of emphysema in patients with COPD remains to be investigated. The anti‐inflammatory effects of theophylline at low doses have also been identified. Beneficial interactions between glucocorticoids and bronchodilators have been reported, and signaling pathways explaining these synergistic effects begin to be understood, especially for theophylline. Recent data demonstrating interactions between anticholinergics with β2‐adrenoceptor agonists aiming to better control the pulmonary inflammation and the development of emphysema in animal models of COPD justify the priority to investigate the interactive effects of a tritherapy associating corticoids with the two main categories of bronchodilators.
Lost Horizon: The Social History of the Cinema Audience
Authors: Bowles Kate
Published: November 2011

Cinema was one of the prominent public institutions of the 20th century, and despite experiencing a slight decline in the twenty‐first, it remains a significant feature of the global cultural landscape. At its heart is the proposition that getting together with strangers in darkened public venues to watch movies together makes some kind of sense. This is clearly both a spatial and a social practice, involving decisions based on considerations of place, timing and other people. Yet the history of this changing social experience has proved difficult to accommodate within the traditional practice of film history, that has been focused on the history of films. Instead, cinema has been bracketed with history for the purposes of demonstrating that popular films make bad history; or conversely that history films are ‘celluloid evidence’ of the vanished past, that will entertain and engage history students. This essay examines the reasons why a social cinema history has been slow to develop, and charts the recent emergence of a new mode of cinema history focused on the social and spatial dimension of film distribution, exhibition, and everyday practices of cinema attendance.
Transient, Transverse Melanonychia Associated with Graves Disease and Acute Hepatitis
Authors: ACCORDINO ROBERT E. , LANGS‐BARLOW ALLISON , PHELPS ROBERT G. , HAMMOND BLAIR , MERCER STEPHEN E.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Melanonychia is a black, tan, or brown streak within the nail plate subsequent to activation of melanocytes in the nail matrix. We present a case of a Haitian girl who presented with transverse melanonychia involving all 10 fingernails in the setting of hyperthyroidism and acute liver injury. Melanonychia has been described only one time in the literature in the setting of hyperthyroidism though this patient also underwent radium treatment which could have led to nail changes.
Symmetrical Drug‐Related Intertriginous and Flexural Exanthema (Baboon Syndrome) Induced by Amoxicillin‐Clavulanate
Authors: Dogru Mahmut , Ozmen Serap , Ginis Tayfur , Duman Handan , Bostanci Ilknur
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Systemic drug‐related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE), also known as Baboon syndrome, is an uncommon, cutaneous reaction that occurs after the systemic administration of drug‐related allergens. We report the case of a 5‐year‐old boy with SDRIFE after systemic administration of amoxicillin‐clavulanate.
Adjunctive levetiracetam in children, adolescents, and adults with primary generalized seizures: Open‐label, noncomparative, multicenter, long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Delanty Norman , Jones John , Tonner Françoise
Published: November 2011

Purpose:  To evaluate the long‐term efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive levetiracetam (LEV) in patients with uncontrolled idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE).

Methods:  This phase III, open‐label, long‐term, follow‐up study (N167; NCT00150748) enrolled patients (4 to <65 years) with primary generalized seizures (tonic–clonic, myoclonic, absence). Patients received adjunctive LEV at individualized doses (1,000–4,000 mg/day; 20–80 mg/kg/day for children/adolescents weighing <50 kg). Efficacy results are reported for all seizure types [intention‐to‐treat (ITT) population, N = 217] and subpopulations with tonic–clonic (n = 152), myoclonic (n = 121), and/or absence (n = 70) seizures at baseline.

Key Findings:  One hundred twenty‐five (57.6%) of 217 patients were still receiving treatment at the end of the study. Mean (standard deviation, SD) LEV dose was 2,917.5 (562.9) mg/day. Median (Q1–Q3) exposure to LEV was 2.1 (1.5–2.8) years, and the maximum duration was 4.6 years. Most patients were taking one (124/217, 57.1%) or ≥2 (92/217, 42.4%) concomitant antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Seizure freedom of ≥6 months (all seizure types; primary efficacy end point) was achieved by 122 (56.2%) of 217 patients, and 49 (22.6%) of 217 patients had complete seizure freedom. Seizure freedom of ≥6 months from tonic–clonic, myoclonic, and absence seizures was achieved by 95 (62.5%) of 152, 75 (62.0%) of 121, and 44 (62.9%) of 70 patients, respectively. Mean (SD) maximum seizure freedom duration was 371.7 (352.4) days. At least one treatment‐emergent adverse event (TEAE) was reported by 165 (76%) of 217 patients; most TEAEs were mild/moderate in severity, with no indication of an increased incidence over time. Seventeen (7.8%) of 217 patients discontinued medication because of TEAEs. The most common psychiatric TEAEs were depression (16/217, 7.4%), insomnia (9/217, 4.1%), nervousness (8/217, 3.7%), and anxiety (7/217, 3.2%).

Significance:  Adjunctive LEV (range 1,000–4,000 mg/day) demonstrated efficacy as a long‐term treatment for primary generalized seizures in children, adolescents, and adults with IGE, and was well tolerated.
MICROSATELLITE DEVELOPMENT IN RHODOPHYTA USING HIGH‐THROUGHPUT SEQUENCE DATA1
Authors: Couceiro Lucía , Maneiro Isabel , Mauger Stéphane , Valero Myriam , Ruiz José Miguel , Barreiro Rodolfo
Published: November 2011

Shotgun genome sequencing is rapidly emerging as the method of choice for the identification of microsatellite loci in nonmodel organisms. However, to the best of our knowledge, this approach has not been applied to marine algae so far. Herein, we report the results of using the 454 next‐generation sequencing (NGS) platform to randomly sample 36.0 and 40.9 Mbp (139,786 and 139,795 reads, respectively) of the genome of two red algae from the northwest Iberian Peninsula [Grateloupia lanceola (J. Agardh) J. Agardh and a still undescribed new member of the family Cruoriaceae]. Using data mining tools, we identified 4,766 and 5,174 perfect microsatellite loci in 4,344 and 4,504 sequences/contigs from G. lanceola and the Cruoriaceae, respectively. After conservative removal of potentially problematic loci (redundant sequences, mobile elements), primer design was possible for 1,371 and 1,366 loci, respectively. A survey of the literature indicates that microsatellite density in our Rhodophyta is at the low end of the values reported for other organisms investigated with the same technology (land plants and animals). A limited number of loci were successfully tested for PCR amplification and polymorphism finding that they may be suitable for population genetic studies. This study demonstrates that random genome sequencing is a rapid, effective alternative to develop useful microsatellite loci in previously unstudied red algae.
Presentation of Two Cases of Immediate Restoration of Implants in the Esthetic Region, Using Facilitate Software and Guides with Stereolithographic Model Surgery Prior to Patient Surgery
Authors: Kamposiora Phophi , Papavasiliou George , Madianos Phoebous
Published: November 2011

Improvements in both implant microsurfaces and placement techniques have reduced healing time and increased survival rates. CAD/CAM technology and improved ceramic materials allow for achievement of improved esthetics at the implant restoration level. Two clinical procedures have the capacity to decrease patient postoperative discomfort and improve esthetics. Flapless surgery reduces surgical trauma and postoperative problems. Placement of the final prosthetic abutment at the time of implant placement stabilizes soft tissue adhesion and position to the implant. Both results require careful presurgical planning with precise implant and abutment placement. This is a clinical report of two cases that are part of a larger ongoing clinical trial of 20 patients. The inclusion criterion was that patients should be missing a single tooth in the esthetic zone. Facilitate™ software was used in conjunction with dicom files transferred from CT scans for diagnosis. Stereolithographic models and surgical guides were fabricated from the digital information. Surgical guides were used preoperatively so implant replicas could be placed in stereolithographic models as simulated surgery. A ZirDesign™ ceramic abutment was adapted on the model, and a provisional crown was fabricated. At the time of actual implant surgery, the same surgical guide was used with a flapless approach. The previously modified ceramic abutment was screw‐retained and torqued to place into the implant. The provisional crown was then cemented after blocking out the screw access hole. A final restoration was fabricated from all‐ceramic material after several months. Success requires careful patient selection and attention to each step of the technique. Preliminary outcomes from the ongoing clinical trial are promising.
Spray: single‐donor plasma product for room temperature storage
Authors: Booth Garrett S. , Lozier Jay N. , Nghiem Khanh , Clibourn Douglas , Klein Harvey G. , Flegel Willy A.
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: Spray‐drying techniques are commonly utilized in the pharmaceutical, dairy, and animal feed industries for processing liquids into powders but have not been applied to human blood products. Spray‐dried protein products are known to maintain stability during storage at room temperature.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Plasma units collected at the donor facility were shipped overnight at room temperature to a processing facility where single‐use spray drying occurred. After 48 hours' storage at room temperature, the spray‐dried plasma product was split in two and rehydrated with 1.5% glycine or deionized water and assayed for chemistry analytes and coagulation factors. Matched fresh‐frozen plasma was analyzed in parallel as controls.

RESULTS: Reconstitution was achieved for both rehydration groups within 5 minutes (n = 6). There was no significant intergroup difference in recovery for total protein, albumin, immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgA, and IgM (96% or higher). With the exception of Factor VIII (58%), the recovery of clotting factors in the glycine reconstituted products ranged from 72% to 93%. Glycine reconstitution was superior to deionized water.

CONCLUSION: We documented proteins and coagulation activities were recovered in physiologic quantities in reconstituted spray‐dried plasma products. Further optimization of the spray‐drying method and reconstitution fluid may result in even better recoveries. Spray drying is a promising technique for preparing human plasma that can be easily stored at room temperature, shipped, and reconstituted. Rapid reconstitution of the microparticles results in a novel plasma product from single donors.
Detecting Nuclear Materials Smuggling: Performance Evaluation of Container Inspection Policies
Authors: Gaukler Gary M. , Li Chenhua , Ding Yu , Chirayath Sunil S.
Published: November 2011

In recent years, the United States, along with many other countries, has significantly increased its detection and defense mechanisms against terrorist attacks. A potential attack with a nuclear weapon, using nuclear materials smuggled into the country, has been identified as a particularly grave threat. The system for detecting illicit nuclear materials that is currently in place at U.S. ports of entry relies heavily on passive radiation detectors and a risk‐scoring approach using the Automated Targeting System (ATS). In this article we analyze this existing inspection system and demonstrate its performance for several smuggling scenarios. We provide evidence that the current inspection system is inherently incapable of reliably detecting sophisticated smuggling attempts that use small quantities of well‐shielded nuclear material. To counter the weaknesses of the current ATS‐based inspection system, we propose two new inspection systems: the Hardness Control System (HCS) and the Hybrid Inspection system (HYB). The HCS uses radiography information to classify incoming containers based on their cargo content into “hard” or “soft” containers, which then go through different inspection treatment. The HYB combines the radiography information with the intelligence information from the ATS. We compare and contrast the relative performance of these two new inspection systems with the existing ATS‐based system. Our studies indicate that the HCS and HYB policies outperform the ATS‐based policy for a wide range of realistic smuggling scenarios. We also examine the impact of changes in adversary behavior on the new inspection systems and find that they effectively preclude strategic gaming behavior of the adversary.
Hierarchical Bayesian Models to Assess Between‐ and Within‐Batch Variability of Pathogen Contamination in Food
Authors: Commeau Natalie , Cornu Marie , Albert Isabelle , Denis Jean‐Baptiste , Parent Eric
Published: November 2011

Assessing within‐batch and between‐batch variability is of major interest for risk assessors and risk managers in the context of microbiological contamination of food. For example, the ratio between the within‐batch variability and the between‐batch variability has a large impact on the results of a sampling plan. Here, we designed hierarchical Bayesian models to represent such variability. Compatible priors were built mathematically to obtain sound model comparisons. A numeric criterion is proposed to assess the contamination structure comparing the ability of the models to replicate grouped data at the batch level using a posterior predictive loss approach. Models were applied to two case studies: contamination by Listeria monocytogenes of pork breast used to produce diced bacon and contamination by the same microorganism on cold smoked salmon at the end of the process. In the first case study, a contamination structure clearly exists and is located at the batch level, that is, between batches variability is relatively strong, whereas in the second a structure also exists but is less marked.
Robust Allocation of a Defensive Budget Considering an Attacker's Private Information
Authors: Nikoofal Mohammad E. , Zhuang Jun
Published: November 2011

Attackers' private information is one of the main issues in defensive resource allocation games in homeland security. The outcome of a defense resource allocation decision critically depends on the accuracy of estimations about the attacker's attributes. However, terrorists’ goals may be unknown to the defender, necessitating robust decisions by the defender. This article develops a robust‐optimization game‐theoretical model for identifying optimal defense resource allocation strategies for a rational defender facing a strategic attacker while the attacker's valuation of targets, being the most critical attribute of the attacker, is unknown but belongs to bounded distribution‐free intervals. To our best knowledge, no previous research has applied robust optimization in homeland security resource allocation when uncertainty is defined in bounded distribution‐free intervals. The key features of our model include (1) modeling uncertainty in attackers' attributes, where uncertainty is characterized by bounded intervals; (2) finding the robust‐optimization equilibrium for the defender using concepts dealing with budget of uncertainty and price of robustness; and (3) applying the proposed model to real data.
Predicting Psychological Ripple Effects: The Role of Cultural Identity, In‐Group/Out‐Group Identification, and Attributions of Blame in Crisis Communication
Authors: Anagondahalli Deepa , Turner Monique Mitchell
Published: November 2011

Incidents of intentional food contamination can produce ripple effects in consumers such as reduced trust and increased anxiety. In their postcrisis communication, food companies often direct the blame at the perpetrator in an effort to mitigate potential losses and regain consumer trust. The attempt to placate consumers may, in itself, potentially create psychological ripple effects in message readers. This study examined the interacting influence of two message characteristics: identity of the perpetrator of the crime (in‐group/out‐group membership), and the attribution of blame (reason why the perpetrator committed the crime), with message receiver characteristic (cultural identity) on psychological ripple effects such as blame, trust, anxiety, and future purchase intention. Results indicated that although group membership of the perpetrator was not significant in predicting outcomes for the organization, the attribution communicated in the message was. American message receivers blamed the organization more and trusted it less when personal dispositional attributions were made about the perpetrator. Asian message receivers blamed the organization more and trusted it less when situational attributions were made about the perpetrator. Lowered trust in the company and increased anxiety correlated with lower purchase intent for both American and Asian message receivers. Implications for crisis message design are discussed.
Tissue Doppler and Strain Rate Imaging Detect Improvement of Myocardial Function in Iron Deficient Patients with Congestive Heart Failure after Iron Replacement Therapy
Authors: Gaber Rania , Kotb Nesreen A. , Ghazy Medhat , Nagy Hala M. , Salama Mai , Elhendy Abdou
Published: November 2011

Background: Iron deficiency may contribute to diminished exercise tolerance in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) even in absence of anemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of correction of iron deficiency on functional capacity and myocardial function in patients with CHF. Methods: We studied 40 patients with ejection fraction <40%, hemoglobin% >12 g/dL, serum ferritin <100 ug/L, and transferrin saturation <20%. Patients received 200 mg weekly doses of iron dextran complex until serum ferritin level was between 200 and 300 ug/L or transferrin saturation level was between 30% and 40%. Transthoracic echocardiogram, tissue Doppler imaging, peak systolic strain rate, and 6 minute walk test were performed before iron therapy and at 12‐week follow up. Peak early diastolic myocardial tissue velocity (E’), peak late diastolic myocardial tissue velocity (A’), and peak systolic myocardial tissue velocity (S’) were measured. Results: There was a significant improvement of New York Heart Association functional class (3.0 ± 0.4 vs. 2.1 ± 0.3, P < 0.05) and 6minutes walk distance (322 ± 104 vs. 377 ± 76, P < 0.01) from rest to follow up, respectively. Ejection fraction did not change significantly (32 ± 8% vs. 34 ± 9%, respectively). There was a significant improvement of S’‐wave (3.0 ± 0.8 cm/sec vs. 6.0 ± 1.2 cm/sec, P < 0.05), E/E’ ratio (22 ± 3 vs. 13 ± 3, P < 0.05), and peak systolic strain rate (−0.72 ± 0.11/s vs. −1.09 ± 0.37/s, P < 0.05) from baseline to follow‐up, respectively. Conclusion: Correction of iron deficiency improves functional class and walking distance in nonanemic iron deficient patients with systolic heart failure. Tissue Doppler and strain rate demonstrated a significant improvement of diastolic and systolic function after therapy despite lack of improvement of ejection fraction. (Echocardiography 2012;29:13‐18)
Pulmonary Function and Left Ventricular Mass in African Americans: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study
Authors: Charles Luenda E. , Burchfiel Cecil M. , Andrew Michael E. , Gu Ja K. , Petrini Marcy F. , Butler, Jr. Kenneth R.
Published: November 2011

Purpose: Impaired pulmonary function has been associated with increased cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. The objective of this study was to investigate associations between pulmonary function and left ventricular (LV) mass. Methods: Participants were African American women (n = 1,069) and men (n = 555) aged 49–73 years, from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Mean pulmonary function values at the first (1987–1989) and second (1990–1992) examinations were used. Echocardiograms were performed at the third and early in the fourth examinations (1993–1996). Analysis of covariance and linear regression were used to assess associations. Results: Mean levels of LV mass decreased with increasing quintiles of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) among female never smokers (P = 0.039). Forced vital capacity (FVC) showed stronger associations than FEV1 with LV mass. Among men, LV mass was positively associated with FEV1 among current and never smokers, and with FVC among never smokers. Additional analyses among never smokers revealed significant inverse associations between LV mass and FVC among women with waist‐to‐hip ratios of >0.85 and those with no history of diabetes. In contrast, significant positive associations between LV mass and FVC were seen among male never smokers with body mass index (BMI) of ≤24.9 kg/m2, waist‐to‐hip ratios of ≤0.95, no history of hypertension or diabetes, and ≤60 years old. BMI and waist‐to‐hip ratio significantly modified associations among men. Conclusions: Among never smokers, LV mass and pulmonary function were inversely associated among women and positively associated among men. Further studies are warranted. (Echocardiography 2012;29:131‐139)
Repetitive transplantation of different cell types sequentially improves heart function after infarction
Authors: Alexander Schuh , Sasse Alexander , Konschalla Simone , Kroh Andreas , Merx Marc W. , Weber Christian , Liehn Elisa A.
Published: November 2011

Cell‐based therapy is considered a novel and potentially new strategy in regenerative medicine. But the efficacy of cell‐based therapy has been limited by the poor survival of the transplanted cells in an ischaemic environment. The goal of the present study is to present a possibility to increase survival of the transplanted cardiomyocytes, by increasing the vascularization of the infarcted area. First, we injected endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to augment the vascular density in infarcted areas and to improve the benefit of a subsequent Tx of foetal cardiomyocytes. Serial echocardiography indeed showed significant improvement of the left ventricular function after application of EPC and a significant additive improvement after Tx of foetal cardiomyocytes. In contrast, repetitive EPC transplantation as a control group did not show an additional improvement after the second transplantation. Histologically, cells could be readily detected after Tx by BrdU‐staining for EPC and by carboxy‐fluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE)‐staining for foetal cardiomyocytes. Staining for CD31 revealed a significant increase in vessel density in the infarction area compared with medium controls, possibly contributing to the benefit of transplanted foetal cardiomyocytes. Notably, a significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells was observed in cell‐transplanted hearts accompanied by an increase in proliferation, collagen content and neutrophil infiltration, suggesting an active remodelling concomitant with sustained inflammatory processes. In conclusion, repetitive Tx of different cell types after myocardial infarction in rat hearts significantly improved left ventricular function and could represent a feasible option to enhance the benefit of cell therapy.
Involvement of COX‐2/PGE2 signalling in hypoxia‐induced angiogenic response in endothelial cells
Authors: Zhao Lixing , Wu Yeke , Xu Zhenrui , Wang Hui , Zhao Zhihe , Li Yu , Yang Pu , Wei Xing
Published: November 2011

To evaluate the impact of hypoxia on the angiogenic capability of endothelial cells (ECs), and further investigate whether the cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signalling is involved in the angiogenic response of ECs to hypoxia. We explored the impact of various periods (1, 3, 6, 12, 24 hrs) of hypoxia (2% O2) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. We observed cell viability, migration, tube formation, analysed COX‐2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), AQP1 mRNA transcription, protein expression and measured PGE2, VEGF protein concentration in cell supernatants. Then we treated HUVECs with COX‐2 selective inhibitor NS398, EP1/2 combined antagonist AH6809 and exogenous PGE2 to investigate the role of COX‐2/PGE2 signalling in the angiogenic response of ECs to hypoxia. The results demonstrated that short‐term hypoxic treatment enhanced HUVECs proliferation, migration, tube formation, significantly up‐regulated COX‐2, VEGF, AQP1 mRNA level, protein expression and promoted PGE2, VEGF release. The pharmacological inhibition study revealed that exposure of HUVEC to NS398 and AH6809 under hypoxia impaired the biological responses of ECs to hypoxia. Exogenous PGE2 augments the effects of hypoxia on HUVECs, and partially reversed the inhibitory effects of NS398 on HUVECs proliferation and angiogenic capability. Short‐term hypoxic treatment enhanced angiogenic capability of ECs, and COX‐2/PGE2 signalling may play a critical role in the biological response of ECs to hypoxia.
Effect of mismatching abutments on implants with wider platforms – an experimental study in dogs
Authors: Baffone Gabriele M. , Botticelli Daniele , Canullo Luigi , Scala Alessandro , Beolchini Marco , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: November 2011

Aim

To evaluate the effect of mismatching abutments on implants with a wider platform on the peri‐implant hard tissue remodeling and the soft tissue dimensions.

Material and methods

Mandibular premolars and first molars of six Labrador dogs were extracted bilaterally. After 3 months of healing, one tapered implant was installed on each side of the mandibular molar region with the implant shoulder placed at the level of the buccal alveolar bony crest. On the right side of the mandible, an abutment of reduced diameter in relation to the platform of the implant was used, creating a mismatch of 0.85 mm (test), whereas an abutment of the same diameter of the implant platform was affixed in the left side of the mandible (control). The flaps were sutured to allow a non‐submerged healing. After 4 months, the animals were sacrificed and ground sections were obtained for histometric assessment.

Results

All implants were completely osseo‐integrated. Bone levels were superior at the test than at the control sites. However, statistically significant differences were found only at the buccal and proximal aspects. The soft tissue vertical dimension was higher at the control compared with the test sites. However, statistically significant differences were demonstrated only at the buccal aspects.

Conclusions

A mismatch of 0.85 mm between the implant and the abutment yielded more coronal levels of bone‐to‐implant contact and a reduced height of the peri‐implant soft tissue (biologic width), especially at the buccal aspect, if the implant shoulder was placed flush with the level of the buccal alveolar bony crest.
Same‐Sex Relationships and Dissolution: The Connection Between Heteronormativity and Homonormativity
Authors: Van Eeden‐Moorefield Brad , Martell Christopher R. , Williams Mark , Preston Marilyn
Published: November 2011

A queer feminist lens is used to present a selected review of the demographic and descriptive literature related to how same‐sex couples in the United States begin and dissolve relationships. We argue that despite research suggesting a uniformity of same‐sex coupling that reflects a heteronormative nuclear family, there is actually great diversity in same‐sex relationships. As legal recognition of same‐sex couples increases from state to state, however, the dissolution of same‐sex relationships has become as challenging as legally establishing them. This review explores several current cases representing the difficulties experienced by couples who marry or have a civil union in states requiring residency prior to dissolution and try to dissolve a relationship when they reside in a state that does not recognize same‐sex unions.
At the Critical Stage: A Report on the State of Murakami Haruki Studies
Authors: Strecher Matthew
Published: November 2011

Since the start of his career over 30 years ago, Murakami Haruki (b. 1949) has been a controversial figure in the world of Japanese literature. Writing in an undecorated plainstyle that gives little in the way of cultural specificity, and on themes that could apply to persons from almost any land, Murakami’s work is deemed mukokuseki – without nationality – by critics. Many in and out of Japan expect that Murakami will be awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in the near future. If this happens, he will join Kawabata Yasunari and Ōe Kenzaburō as the third Nobel laureate in literature from Japan. For all this, the global nature of his writing and his popularity ensures that he will remain a controversial figure. This essay looks at some of the more prominent themes and discussions that have taken place about Murakami in the past thirty years, with special emphasis placed on recent critical work.
Livedoid vasculopathy associated with sickle cell trait: significant improvement on aspirin treatment
Authors: El Khoury Jinane , Taher Ali , Kurban Mazen , Kibbi Abdul‐Ghani , Abbas Ossama
Published: November 2011

Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a chronic, recurrent, painful cutaneous disease manifesting as longstanding distal lower extremity ulcers that scar leaving stellate atrophic lesions known as ‘atrophie blanche’. A significant number of cases have been associated with thrombophilic abnormalities. In this study, we describe, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of LV only associated with sickle cell trait with significant improvement on aspirin.
Characterization of the Tomato Prosystemin Promoter: Organ‐specific Expression, Hormone Specificity and Methyl Jasmonate Responsiveness by Deletion Analysis in Transgenic Tobacco PlantsF
Authors: Avilés‐Arnaut Hamlet , Délano‐Frier John Paul
Published: November 2011

Tomato systemin is a bioactive peptide that regulates the systemic activation of wound‐responsive genes. It is released from its 200 amino acid precursor called prosystemin. Initial tissue‐localization and hormone‐induced expression assays indicated that the tomato prosystemin gene (SlPS) accumulates mainly in floral tissues and in response to exogenous abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatments, respectively. Later, the promoter regions of the PS gene in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Castlemart), pepper (Capsicum annuum) and potato (Solanum tuberosum) were isolated and an in silico analysis of the SlPS promoter revealed an over‐representation of stress‐ and MeJA‐responsive motifs. A subsequent 5′ deletion analysis of the SlPS promoter fused to the β‐glucuronidase reporter (GUS) gene showed that the –221 to +40 bp proximal SlPS promoter region was sufficient to direct the stigma, vascular bundle‐specific and MeJA‐responsive expression of GUS in transgenic tobacco plants. Important vascular‐tissue‐specific, light‐ and MeJA‐responsive cis‐elements were also present in this region. These findings provide relevant information regarding the transcriptional regulation mechanisms of the SlPS promoter operating in transgenic tobacco plants. They also suggest that its tissue‐specificity and inducible nature could have wide applicability in plant biotechnology.