bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early detection of COPD is important for lung cancer surveillance
Authors: Sekine Yasuo , Katsura Hideki , Koh Eitetsu , Hiroshima Kenzo , Fujisawa Takehiko
Published: November 2011

It is well known that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant risk factor for lung cancer. Approximately 1% of COPD patients develop lung cancer every year, which may be associated with genetic susceptibility to cigarette smoke. Chronic inflammation caused by toxic gases can induce COPD and lung cancer. Inflammatory mediators may promote the growth of bronchioalveolar stem cells, and activation of nuclear factor-κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 play crucial roles in the development of lung cancer from COPD.

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is an effective procedure for the early detection of lung cancer in high-risk patients. However, determining which patients should be screened for lung cancer in a primary care setting is difficult. In this article, we review the epidemiology and aetiology of lung cancer associated with COPD, verify the efficacy of lung cancer screening by LDCT, and discuss the importance of early detection of COPD for lung cancer surveillance.

We propose that, for the prevention of both diseases, COPD screening in smokers should be initiated as early as possible, so they can stop smoking and so that candidates for an efficient lung cancer screening programme can be identified.
Effects of a physical education intervention on cognitive function in young children: randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Fisher Abigail , Boyle James ME , Paton James Y , Tomporowski Phillip , Watson Christine , McColl John H , Reilly John J
Published: November 2011

Background

Randomized controlled trials (RCT) are required to test relationships between physical activity and cognition in children, but these must be informed by exploratory studies. This study aimed to inform future RCT by: conducting practical utility and reliability studies to identify appropriate cognitive outcome measures; piloting an RCT of a 10 week physical education (PE) intervention which involved 2 hours per week of aerobically intense PE compared to 2 hours of standard PE (control).

Methods

64 healthy children (mean age 6.2 yrs SD 0.3; 33 boys) recruited from 6 primary schools. Outcome measures were the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Battery (CANTAB), the Attention Network Test (ANT), the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS) and the short form of the Connor's Parent Rating Scale (CPRS:S). Physical activity was measured habitually and during PE sessions using the Actigraph accelerometer.

Results

Test- retest intraclass correlations from CANTAB Spatial Span (r 0.51) and Spatial Working Memory Errors (0.59) and ANT Reaction Time (0.37) and ANT Accuracy (0.60) were significant, but low. Physical activity was significantly higher during intervention vs. control PE sessions (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences between intervention and control group changes in CAS scores. Differences between intervention and control groups favoring the intervention were observed for CANTAB Spatial Span, CANTAB Spatial Working Memory Errors, and ANT Accuracy.

Conclusions

The present study has identified practical and age-appropriate cognitive and behavioral outcome measures for future RCT, and identified that schools are willing to increase PE time.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN70853932 (http://www.controlled-trials.com)
Oscillation of higher-order quasi-linear neutral differential equations
Authors: Xing Guojing , Li Tongxing , Zhang Chenghui
Published: November 2011

In this note, we establish some oscillation criteria for certain higher-order quasi-linear neutral differential equation. These criteria improve those results in the literature. Some examples are given to illustrate the importance of our results.

2010 Mathematics Subject Classification 34C10; 34K11.
An analysis on equal width quantization and linearly separable subcode encoding-based discretization and its performance resemblances
Authors: Lim Meng-Hui , Teoh Andrew Beng Jin , Toh Kar-Ann
Published: November 2011

Biometric discretization extracts a binary string from a set of real-valued features per user. This representative string can be used as a cryptographic key in many security applications upon error correction. Discretization performance should not degrade from the actual continuous features-based classification performance significantly. However, numerous discretization approaches based on ineffective encoding schemes have been put forward. Therefore, the correlation between such discretization and classification has never been made clear. In this article, we aim to bridge the gap between continuous and Hamming domains, and provide a revelation upon how discretization based on equal-width quantization and linearly separable subcode encoding could affect the classification performance in the Hamming domain. We further illustrate how such discretization can be applied in order to obtain a highly resembled classification performance under the general Lp distance and the inner product metrics. Finally, empirical studies conducted on two benchmark face datasets vindicate our analysis results.
Prevalence of Korean cats with natural feline coronavirus infections
Authors: An Dong-Jun , Jeoung Hye-Young , Jeong WooSeog , Park Jee-Yong , Lee Myoung-Heon , Park Bong-Kyun
Published: November 2011

Background

Feline coronavirus is comprised of two pathogenic biotypes consisting of feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) and feline enteric coronavirus (FECV), which are both divided into two serotypes. To examine the prevalence of Korean cats infected with feline coronavirus (FCoV) type I and II, fecal samples were obtained from 212 cats (107 pet and 105 feral) in 2009.

Results

Fourteen cats were FCoV-positive, including infections with type I FCoV (n = 8), type II FCoV (n = 4), and types I and II co-infection (n = 2). Low seroprevalences (13.7%, 29/212) of FCoV were identified in chronically ill cats (19.3%, 16/83) and healthy cats (10.1%, 13/129).

Conclusions

Although the prevalence of FCoV infection was not high in comparison to other countries, there was a higher prevalence of type I FCoV in Korean felines. The prevalence of FCoV antigen and antibody in Korean cats are expected to gradually increase due to the rising numbers of stray and companion cats.
Dopamine and α-synuclein dysfunction in Smad3 null mice
Authors: Tapia-González Silvia , Giráldez-Pérez Rosa M , Cuartero M Isabel , Casarejos M José , Mena M Ángeles , Wang Xiao-Fan , Sánchez-Capelo Amelia
Published: November 2011

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra (SN). Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels increase in patients with PD, although the effects of this increment remain unclear. We have examined the mesostriatal system in adult mice deficient in Smad3, a molecule involved in the intracellular TGF-β1 signalling cascade.

Results

Striatal monoamine oxidase (MAO)-mediated dopamine (DA) catabolism to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) is strongly increased, promoting oxidative stress that is reflected by an increase in glutathione levels. Fewer astrocytes are detected in the ventral midbrain (VM) and striatal matrix, suggesting decreased trophic support to dopaminergic neurons. The SN of these mice has dopaminergic neuronal degeneration in its rostral portion, and the pro-survival Erk1/2 signalling is diminished in nigra dopaminergic neurons, not associated with alterations to p-JNK or p-p38. Furthermore, inclusions of α-synuclein are evident in selected brain areas, both in the perikaryon (SN and paralemniscal nucleus) or neurites (motor and cingulate cortices, striatum and spinal cord). Interestingly, these α-synuclein deposits are detected with ubiquitin and PS129-α-synuclein in a core/halo cellular distribution, which resemble those observed in human Lewy bodies (LB).

Conclusions

Smad3 deficiency promotes strong catabolism of DA in the striatum (ST), decrease trophic and astrocytic support to dopaminergic neurons and may induce α-synuclein aggregation, which may be related to early parkinsonism. These data underline a role for Smad3 in α-synuclein and DA homeostasis, and suggest that modulatory molecules of this signalling pathway should be evaluated as possible neuroprotective agents.
The impact of therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia on intelligence quotients; results of the risk-stratified randomized central nervous system treatment trial MRC UKALL XI
Authors: Halsey Christina , Buck Georgina , Richards Sue , Vargha-Khadem Faraneh , Hill Frank , Gibson Brenda
Published: November 2011

Background

The MRC UKALLXI trial tested the efficacy of different central nervous system (CNS) directed therapies in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). To evaluate morbidity 555/1826 randomised children underwent prospective psychological evaluations. Full Scale, verbal and performance IQs were measured at 5 months, 3 years and 5 years. Scores were compared in; (1) all patients (n = 555) versus related controls (n = 311), (2) low-risk children (presenting white cell count (WCC) < 50 × 109/l) randomised to intrathecal methotrexate (n = 197) versus intrathecal and high-dose intravenous methotrexate (HDM) (n = 202), and (3) high-risk children (WCC ≥ 50 × 109/l, age ≥ 2 years) randomised to HDM (n = 79) versus cranial irradiation (n = 77).

Results

There were no significant differences in IQ scores between the treatment arms in either low- or high-risk groups. Despite similar scores at baseline, results at 3 and 5 years showed a significant reduction of between 3.6 and 7.3 points in all three IQ scores in all patient groups compared to controls (P < 0.002) with a higher proportion of children with IQs < 80 in the patient groups (13% vs. 5% at 3 years p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Children with ALL are at risk of CNS morbidity, regardless of the mode of CNS-directed therapy. Further work needs to identify individuals at high-risk of adverse CNS outcomes.

Trial registration

ISRCTN:ISRCTN16757172
LCAT, HDL Cholesterol and Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease: A Mendelian Randomization Study of HDL Cholesterol in 54,500 Individuals
Authors: Haase Christiane L. , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Ali Qayyum Abbas , Schou Jesper , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Frikke-Schmidt Ruth
Published: November 2011

Background:

Epidemiologically, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels associate inversely with risk of ischemic cardiovascular disease. Whether this is a causal relation is unclear.

Methods:

We studied 10,281 participants in the Copenhagen City Heart Study (CCHS) and 50,523 participants in the Copenhagen General Population Study (CGPS), of which 991 and 1,693 participants, respectively, had developed myocardial infarction (MI) by August 2010. Participants in the CCHS were genotyped for all six variants identified by resequencing lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase in 380 individuals. One variant, S208T (rs4986970, allele frequency 4%), associated with HDL cholesterol levels in both the CCHS and the CGPS was used to study causality of HDL cholesterol using instrumental variable analysis.

Results:

Epidemiologically, in the CCHS, a 13% (0.21 mmol/liter) decrease in plasma HDL cholesterol levels was associated with an 18% increase in risk of MI. S208T associated with a 13% (0.21 mmol/liter) decrease in HDL cholesterol levels but not with increased risk of MI or other ischemic end points. The causal odds ratio for MI for a 50% reduction in plasma HDL cholesterol due to S208T genotype in both studies combined was 0.49 (0.11–2.16), whereas the hazard ratio for MI for a 50% reduction in plasma HDL cholesterol in the CCHS was 2.11 (1.70–2.62) (Pcomparison = 0.03).

Conclusion:

Low plasma HDL cholesterol levels robustly associated with increased risk of MI but genetically decreased HDL cholesterol did not. This may suggest that low HDL cholesterol levels per se do not cause MI.
The Chief Concern of Medicine: Narrative,Phronesis, and the History of Present Illness
Authors: Schleifer Ronald , Vannatta Jerry
Published: November 2011

This article proposes that the history and physical exam, which is the standard initial record for each patient, includes the category of “chief concern” to complement the category of “chief complaint.” Such inclusion would necessitate close attention to narrative features of the patient's history of present illness, with particular attention to the “end” and “point” of the patient's story and to the patient's own sense of what constitutes health. Discernment of the ends of moral action is the key feature of Aristotle's ethical category of phronesis or “practical reason,” the chief example of which is the seasoned, successful physician. To this end, the article advocates the inclusion of the study of narrative and narrative knowledge in the training and practices of physicians.
At the “Heart of the Matter”: Understanding the Importance of Emotion-Focused Metaphors in Patient Illness Narratives
Authors: Angus Lynne , Mio Jeffery Scott
Published: November 2011

Angus and her colleagues have examined the importance of metaphor and narratives in their patients' lives, particularly the expression of emotion-laden metaphors by patients who have received serious psychological or physical illness diagnoses. What seems to be particularly important in these emotion-laden metaphors is that they allow patients to express emotions that are felt somatically or are otherwise trapped within. Building on Angus and Greenberg's metaphor, broken stories, to describe the interference to patients' expectations for their future caused by devastating illness diagnoses, this article provides clinical examples of how metaphors have helped patients express their painful feelings and how patients and therapists co-create particularly helpful metaphors. The co-creation of healing metaphors draws patients and therapists and doctors together. Within the context of such empathy, healing narratives can develop from co-created metaphors.
Qualitative Assessment of Acetylated Wood with Infrared Spectroscopic Methods
Authors: Schwanninger Manfred , Stefke Barbara , Hinterstoisser Barbara
Published: November 2011

The weight percentage gain and the acetyl group content of wood due to acetylation with acetic anhydride have been analysed by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR). Spruce wood of various sample shapes, chemically modified by applying acetic anhydride with and without catalysts and, as close as possible to industrial applications were selected from the sample sets used previously for calibration/quantification. In the previous paper, band assignments were provided to an extent to understand the functional groups upon which the calibrations were based. In the present work the qualitative results are extensively discussed with respect to the literature including old and new band assignments. Therefore, this article features some characteristics of a review. It has been proved that, using either FT-IR or FT-NIR, it is possible to follow chemical changes in wood due to acetylation. Fourier self-deconvolution and second derivatives of the mid-infrared spectra provided identical additional information. The disappearance of functional groups, such as hydroxyl groups, as well as the appearance of carbonyl groups and methyl groups in the acetyl ester groups, allowed us to confirm results from other studies including the accessibility and reactivity of the hydroxyl groups. A new, definitive band assignment of the second overtone of the C=O stretching vibration from acetyl groups at 5242 cm−1 was possible. Furthermore, it is shown that, with increasing weight percentage gain, aromatic esters are formed which can be distinguished from the alkyl esters in FT-IR. However, certain questions concerning the accessibility and reactivity of the hydroxyl groups and band assignment still remain.
When and Why Incentives (Don't) Work to Modify Behavior
Authors: Gneezy Uri , Meier Stephan , Rey-Biel Pedro
Published: November 2011

First we discuss how extrinsic incentives may come into conflict with other motivations. For example, monetary incentives from principals may change how tasks are perceived by agents, with negative effects on behavior. In other cases, incentives might have the desired effects in the short term, but they still weaken intrinsic motivations. To put it in concrete terms, an incentive for a child to learn to read might achieve that goal in the short term, but then be counterproductive as an incentive for students to enjoy reading and seek it out over their lifetimes. Next we examine the research literature on three important examples in which monetary incentives have been used in a nonemployment context to foster the desired behavior: education; increasing contributions to public goods; and helping people change their lifestyles, particularly with regard to smoking and exercise. The conclusion sums up some lessons on when extrinsic incentives are more or less likely to alter such behaviors in the desired directions.
Neuroeconomic Foundations of Economic Choice—Recent Advances
Authors: Fehr Ernst , Rangel Antonio
Published: November 2011

Neuroeconomics combines methods and theories from neuroscience psychology, economics, and computer science in an effort to produce detailed computational and neurobiological accounts of the decision-making process that can serve as a common foundation for understanding human behavior across the natural and social sciences. Because neuroeconomics is a young discipline, a sufficiently sound structural model of how the brain makes choices is not yet available. However, the contours of such a computational model are beginning to arise; and, given the rapid progress, there is reason to be hopeful that the field will eventually put together a satisfactory structural model. This paper has two goals: First, we provide an overview of what has been learned about how the brain makes choices in two types of situations: simple choices among small numbers of familiar stimuli (like choosing between an apple or an orange), and more complex choices involving tradeoffs between immediate and future consequences (like eating a healthy apple or a less-healthy chocolate cake). Second, we show that, even at this early stage, insights with important implications for economics have already been gained.
Measurement of leg-length discrepancy using laser-based ultrasound method
Authors: Rannisto Satu , Paalanne Niko , Rannisto Pasi-Heikki , Haapanen Arto , Oksaoja Sanna , Uitti Jukka , Karppinen Jaro
Published: November 2011

Background

The evidence on the role of leg-length discrepancy (LLD) in low back pain (LBP) is contradictory, possibly due to the diversity of measurement methods.

Purpose

To assess the reliability of a laser-based ultrasound method and its agreement with the radiographic method.

Material and Methods

The measurement device consisted of a laser measure fixed to a rod holding the scanning head of the ultrasound and could be moved automatically by a linear actuator. The reliability of the measurement was evaluated using 20 healthy voluntary subjects with no known previous LLD (90% women, mean age 23 years). We assessed the agreement of the ultrasound method with a radiographic LLD measurement using 19 voluntary patients (95% men, mean age 38 years), who had had radiographic LLD measurements taken during the previous year. We used intraclass correlation co-efficients (ICC) and Bland & Altman analysis in the statistical analysis.

Results

The ICC value for agreement between methods was 0.97 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.93–0.99) indicating almost perfect agreement. The ICC values for both raters indicated almost perfect agreement between repeated measurements (ICC 0.996 and 0.994, respectively). In the Bland and Altman analysis, the mean difference was close to zero (0.56 mm and 0.40 mm), indicating minimal systematic error.

Conclusion

The ultrasound-laser technique is quick and easy to perform. Both reliability and agreement with the radiographic method are excellent. The ultrasound measurement is non-invasive and therefore a potential alternative to radiographic methods in the evaluation of LLD.
Emerging HIV-1 resistance to tipranavir and darunavir in patients with virological failure to first-generation protease inhibitors in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh S-M , Chang S-Y , Hung C-C , Sheng W-H , Chen M-Y , Chang S-C
Published: November 2011

Summary

Ritonavir-boosted tipranavir (TPV/r) and darunavir (DRV/r) have been approved in patients with virological resistance to multiple protease inhibitors (Pis). Whether the HIV-1 from these patients with virological failure to first-generation Pls remains susceptible to TPV/r or DRV/r is questionable. The susceptibilities of HIV-1 isolates to second-generation Pls in patients who experienced virological failure in three time periods were analysed: 9-2006 to 4-2007 (period 1), 5-2007 to 12-2007 (period 2) and 1-2008 to 8-2008 (period 3). A total of 53 subjects were enrolled, and 51 subject isolates (96.2%) were resistant to ≥1 Pls. The mutation scores for TPV and DRV, and the percentage of isolates with resistance to TPV or DRV, increased significantly from period 1 to period 3. Our data revealed a significant increase in the levels of genotypic resistance to TPV and DRV over the past two years in patients with virological failure to first-generation Pls.
Enrolment and programmatic trends and predictors of antiretroviral therapy initiation from President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)-supported public HIV care and treatment sites in rural Mozambique
Authors: Moon T D , Burlison J R , Blevins M , Shepherd B E , Baptista A , Sidat M , Vergara A E , Vermund S H
Published: November 2011

Summary

Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa have made antiretroviral therapy (ART) available in urban settings, but the progress of treatment expansion into rural Africa has been slower. We analysed routine data for patients enrolled in a rural HIV treatment programme in Zambézia Province, Mozambique (1 June 2006 through 30 March 2009). There were 12,218 patients who were ≥15 years old enrolled (69% women). Median age was 25 years for women and 31 years for men. Older age and higher level of education were strongly predictive of ART initiation (P < 0.001). Patients with a CD4+ count of 350 cells/μL versus 50 cells/μL were less likely to begin ART (odds ratio [OR]: 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16-0.23). In rural sub-Saharan Africa, HIV testing, linkage to care, logistics for ART initiation and fears among some patients to take ART require specialized planning to maximize successes. Sustainability will require improved health manpower, infrastructure, stable funding, continuous drug supplies, patient record systems and, most importantly, community engagement.
Young adults’ preferred options for receiving chlamydia screening test results: a cross-sectional survey of 6085 young adults
Authors: Brugha R , Balfe M , Conroy R M , Clarke E , Fitzgerald M , O'connell E , Jeffares I , Vaughan D , Fleming C , O'donovan D
Published: November 2011

Summary

We investigated how young adults aged 18-29 years would like to be notified of chlamydia screening test results, and, when they test positive, their willingness and preferred mechanism for informing their partners. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 6085 young adults and found that a call to their mobile phone was their preferred way of receiving positive test results (selected by 50%), followed by email. Text messages (short message service [SMS]) and calls to landline phones were unpopular options, selected by between 5 and 10%. Over 75% of respondents stated they would inform their current partner of a positive chlamydia diagnosis, and 50% would inform their previous partners. Most were willing to receive yearly reminders to go for a chlamydia test. Young adults preference for being informed of chlamydia test results by mobile phone call, rather than by email or SMS text, especially if they test positive, suggests they place high value on the security of the communication mechanism. Offering a range of mechanisms for receipt of test results may increase the acceptability and coverage of sexually transmitted infection (STI) control strategies.
Particular clinical presentations of psoriasis in HIV patients
Authors: Fernandes S , Pinto G M , Cardoso J
Published: November 2011

Patients with HIV infection have a higher propensity for infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic and metabolic disorders. The link with psoriasis vulgaris is explained by well-known pathophysiological phenomena and can be observed at any stage of infection. The aim of our study was to characterize the clinical spectrum of psoriasis in a group of 50 patients with HIV. Our findings showed particular clinical presentations of psoriasis in those patients, suggesting a predilection for scalp lesions, palmoplantar keratoderma and flexural involvement, as well as a trend towards severe immunodeficiency. Psoriasis, a frequent reason for consultation, allows earlier suspicion and diagnosis of HIV in the presence of these particular patterns.
Impact of international laboratory partnerships on the performance of HIV/sexually transmitted infection testing in five resource-constrained countries
Authors: Gaydos C A , Rizzo-Price P A , Balakrishnan P , Mateta P , Leon S R , Verevochkin S , Yin Y P , Quinn T C , Strader L C , Pequegnat W ,   The Nimh Collaborative Hiv/Std Prevention Trial Group
Published: November 2011

To review a quality control and quality assurance (QC/QA) model established to ensure the validity and reliability of collection, storage and analysis of biological outcome data, and to promote good laboratory practices (GLPs) and sustained operational improvements in international clinical laboratories, we conducted a two-arm randomized community-level HIV behavioural intervention trial in five countries: China, India, Peru, Russia and Zimbabwe. The trial was based on diffusion theory utilizing a Community Popular Opinion Leaders (CPOLs) intervention model with behavioural and biological outcomes. The QC/QA model was established by the Biological Outcome Workgroup, which collaborated with the Data Coordinating Center and John Hopkins University Reference Laboratory. Five international laboratories conducted chlamydia/gonorrhoea polymerase chain reaction (PRC)-based assays, herpes simplex virus type 2 enzyme immunoassay (EIA), syphilis serology (rapid plasma regain and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay, HIV serology (EIA/Western blot) and Trichomonas vaginalis culture. Data were collected at baseline, 12 and 24 months. Laboratory performance and infrastructure improved throughout the trial. Recommendations for improvement were consistently followed. Quality laboratories in resource-poor settings can be established, operating standards can be improved and certification can be obtained with consistent training, monitoring and technical support. Building collaborative partnership relations can establish a sustainable network for clinical trials, and can lead to accreditation and international laboratory development.
Predictors of poor clinical outcome of cryptococcal meningitis in HIV-infected patients
Authors:   The Bamsg 3-01 Study Team, Anekthananon T , Manosuthi W , Chetchotisakd P , Kiertiburanakul S , Supparatpinyo K , Ratanasuwan W , Pappas P G , Filler S G , Kopetskie H A , Nolen T L , Kendrick A S , Larsen R A
Published: November 2011

The aim of this study was to identify baseline prognostic factors for poor clinical outcome of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis. We conducted a trial in Thailand and the USA comparing low- and high-dose concomitant use of amphotericin B and fluconazole for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis to amphotericin B followed by fluconazole. Subjects who were either alive and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture-positive or dead were considered to have a poor outcome. At day 14, baseline characteristics associated with poor outcome included: low weight, high CSF cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) titre and low CSF white blood cell (WBC) count. At day 70, the associated baseline characteristics included: CSF CrAg titre >1:1024 and low Karnofsky performance status. Overall, consistent with published findings, low weight, high CSF CrAg titre and low CSF WBC counts at baseline were predictors for poor clinical outcome. In addition, we found that low Karnofsky performance status was predictive of poor outcome. Prompt management with appropriate antifungal therapy for this particular group of patients may improve the outcomes.
A prognostic scoring tool for identification of patients at high and low risk of death from HIV-associated Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia
Authors: Armstrong-James D , Copas A J , Walzer P D , Edwards S G , Miller R F
Published: November 2011

A prognostic scoring tool (PST) was created to aid prediction of outcome from HIV-associated Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) using data obtained from 577 episodes of PCP among 540 patients presenting to a specialist HIV treatment centre in London, UK. It used risk factors identifiable at/soon after hospitalization, previously identified as being associated with mortality: repeat episode of PCP, patient's age, haemoglobin (Hb) and oxygen partial pressure (PaO2) on admission, presence of medical co-morbidity (Comorb) and of pulmonary Kaposi sarcoma (PKS). The derived PST was 25.5+(age in years/10) + 2 (if a repeat episode of PCP) + 3 (if Comorb present) + 4 (if PKS detected) – PaO2 (kPa) – Hb (g/dL), and produced scores that ranged between 0 and 19. Patients were divided into five groups according to their prognostic score: 0-3.9 = group 1 (0% mortality), 4-7.9 = group 2 (3% mortality), 8-10.9 = group 3 (9% mortality), 11-14.9 = group 4 (29% mortality) and ≥15 = group 5 (52% mortality). This PST facilitates rapid identification of patients early in their hospitalization who have mild or severe HIV-associated PCP and who are at high and low risk of in-hospital death from PCP. The PST may aid assessment of severity of illness and in directing treatment strategies, but requires validation in patient cohorts from other healthcare institutions.
A preliminary clinical study on high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy for tubal pregnancy
Authors: He G-B , Luo W , Zhou X-D , Liu L-W , Yu M , Ma X-D
Published: November 2011

Our aim was to explore the clinical application value of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy for tubal pregnancy. Forty hospitalized patients with tubal pregnancies (28 cases of non-ruptured tubal pregnancy and 12 cases of ruptured tubal pregnancy) were selected to receive HIFU therapy. Serum human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) concentrations were compared before and after treatment. Serum β-HCG was measured weekly and patients received observation only if the concentration decreased by 15% or more, compared with the previous value. Patients were given supplement HIFU therapy if the decrease in the serum β-HCG was <15% within two weeks. Ultrasound was used to detect the volume changes in the ectopic lesions before and after treatment, and changes in vital signs and complications were recorded. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was used to assess fallopian tube patency after treatment. HIFU treatment was successful in 33 of the 40 patients (82%). Seven patients failed HIFU treatment and received surgical therapy (18%). Before and after treatment, serum β-HCG concentrations and lesion volume were significantly different ( P < 0.05, P < 0.01, respectively). Post-treatment tubal contrast-enhanced ultrasonography showed tubal patency on the affected side in 21 cases (64%) at six months and in 27 cases (82%) at 12 months. In conclusion, HIFU is safe and effective, and can be a treatment option for tubal pregnancy.
Tuberculous pericarditis: a diagnostic quandary
Authors: Gillis K , Dundas S
Published: November 2011

Tuberculous pericarditis is uncommon in the Western world, and can prove a diagnostic quandary in that confirmation of the diagnosis and culture of mycobacteria can be difficult. We present a case of tuberculous pericarditis where endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle biopsy of a pathological lymph node provided the diagnosis after other methods of investigation had proved futile.
Synchronous presentation of Gaucher disease and solitary plasmacytoma with progression to multiple myeloma
Authors: Hawkesford M P H , Bowey A J , Rao J , Meara N J
Published: November 2011

A 37-year-old Polish immigrant presented with unilateral hip pain and difficulty weight-bearing. Plain radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a lytic lesion in the acetabulum, with abnormal serum electrophoresis and bone marrow biopsy. The patient was diagnosed with two rare conditions presenting synchronously – Gaucher disease and plasmacytoma. He was treated with enzyme therapy and radiotherapy, but subsequently developed a recurrence of plasmacytoma in the right femur, confirmed with bone marrow biopsy. This was also treated with radiotherapy, followed by a retrograde femoral nail to reduce the risk of pathological fracture. The patient went on to develop multiple lytic lesions in the ribs and vertebra, seen on MRI. Further bone marrow biopsy confirmed dissemination of the plasmacytoma into multiple myeloma, for which he was treated with systemic chemotherapy. In patients presenting with refractory bone or joint pain, haematological and histological investigations should be considered to exclude less common diagnoses.
Ceramium cormacii sp. nov. (Ceramiaceae, Rhodophyta), a new Mediterranean species epizoic on loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta)
Authors: Serio Donatella , Catra Marcello , Collodoro Daria , Nisi Alessandro
Published: November 2011

Ceramium cormacii is newly described based on both vegetative and tetrasporangial features of specimens growing on loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) from the Mediterranean Sea. The new species is characterised by both prostrate and erect axes (9–12 mm high), dichotomously to pseudo-dichotomously branched with apices straight or slightly incurved, attached to the substratum by unicellular rhizoids often terminating in multicellular pads, incomplete cortication formed by one to three rows of acropetal cells, five to six periaxial cells, and tetrahedral tetrasporangia produced by periaxial cells, strongly protruding and partially involucrated.
A new soy flour-polyepoxide adhesive system for making interior plywood
Authors: Huang Jian , Li Chunhong , Li Kaichang
Published: November 2011

In this study, triglycidylamine (TGA) was synthesized and evaluated as a crosslinking agent for soy flour (SF) for making five-ply plywood from yellow poplar. Glycerol polyglycidyl ether (GPE) and trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether (TTE) were also investigated as crosslinking agents for SF as adhesive for plywood. The plywood panels bonded with SF-TGA and SF-GPE adhesives did meet and those with SF-TTE adhesive did not meet the water-resistance requirement for interior application. The former two adhesives are formaldehyde-free, environmentally friendly, easy to use and readily available. They can be derived completely from renewable materials. The adhesion mechanisms are discussed in detail.
CRP1, a Protein Localized in Filopodia of Growth Cones, Is Involved in Dendritic Growth
Authors: Ma Liping , Greenwood Jeffrey A. , Schachner Melitta
Published: November 2011

The cysteine-rich protein (CRP) family is a subgroup of LIM domain proteins. CRP1, which cross-links actin filaments to make actin bundles, is the only CRP family member expressed in the CNS with little known about its function in nerve cells. Here, we report that CRP1 colocalizes with actin in the filopodia of growth cones in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Knockdown of CRP1 expression by short hairpin RNA interference results in inhibition of filopodia formation and dendritic growth in neurons. Overexpression of CRP1 increases filopodia formation and neurite branching, which require its actin-bundling activity. Expression of CRP1 with a constitutively active form of Cdc42, a GTPase involved in filopodia formation, increases filopodia formation in COS-7 cells, suggesting cooperation between the two proteins. Moreover, we demonstrate that neuronal activity upregulates CRP1 expression in hippocampal neurons via Ca2+influx after depolarization. Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CaMKIV) and cAMP response element binding protein mediate the Ca2+-induced upregulation of CRP1 expression. Furthermore, CRP1 is required for the dendritic growth induced by Ca2+influx or CaMKIV. Together, these data are the first to demonstrate a role for CRP1 in dendritic growth.
Representation of Perceptually Invisible Image Motion in Extrastriate Visual Area MT of Macaque Monkeys
Authors: Hohl Sonja S. , Lisberger Stephen G.
Published: November 2011

Why does the world appear stable despite the visual motion induced by eye movements during fixation? We find that the answer must reside in how visual motion signals are interpreted by perception, because MT neurons in monkeys respond to the image motion caused by eye drifts in the presence of a stationary stimulus. Several features suggest a visual origin for the responses of MT neurons during fixation: spike-triggered averaging yields a peak image velocity in the preferred direction that precedes spikes by ∼60 ms; image velocity during fixation and firing rate show similar peaks in power at 4–5 Hz; and average MT firing during a period of fixation is related monotonically to the image speed along the preferred axis of the neurons 60 ms earlier. The percept caused by the responses of MT neurons during fixation depends on the distribution of activity across the population of neurons of different preferred speeds. For imposed stimulus motion, the population response peaks for neurons that prefer the actual target speed. For small image motions caused by eye drifts during fixation, the population response is large, but is noisy and does not show a clear peak. This representation of image motion in MT would be ignored if perception interprets the population response in the context of a prior of zero speed. Then, we would see a stable scene despite MT responses caused by eye drifts during fixation.
Distinct Mechanisms Underlying Pronociceptive Effects of Opioids
Authors: Heinl Céline , Drdla-Schutting Ruth , Xanthos Dimitris N. , Sandkühler Jürgen
Published: November 2011

In addition to analgesia, opioids may also produce paradoxical pain amplification [opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH)] either on abrupt withdrawal or during continuous long-term application. Here, we assessed antinociceptive and pronociceptive effects of three clinically used opioids at C-fiber synapses in the rat spinal dorsal hornin vivo. During 60 min of intravenous infusions of remifentanil (450 μg·kg−1·h−1), fentanyl (48 μg·kg−1·h−1), or morphine (14 mg·kg−1·h−1), C-fiber-evoked field potentials were depressed and paired-pulse ratios (PPR) were increased, indicating a presynaptic inhibition by all three opioids. After withdrawal, postsynaptic responses were enhanced substantially for the remaining of the recording periods of at least 3 h. Withdrawal from remifentanil led to long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic strength in C-fibers via activation of spinal μ-opioid receptors (MORs) and spinal NMDA receptors (NMDARs). Fentanyl and morphine caused an enhancement of synaptic transmission at C-fibers, which involved two distinct mechanisms: (1) an opioid withdrawal LTP that also required activation of spinal MORs and NMDARs and that was associated with a decrease in PPR suggestive of a presynaptic mechanism of its expression, and (2) an immediate-onset, descending facilitation of C-fiber-evoked field potentials during and after intravenous infusion of fentanyl and morphine. Immediate-onset, descending facilitation was mediated by the activation of extraspinal MORs, descending serotonergic pathways, and spinal 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptors (5-HT3Rs). Our study identified fundamentally different pronociceptive effects of clinically used opioids and suggests that OIH can be prevented by the combined use of NMDAR and 5-HT3R antagonists.
NMDA Receptor Agonists Fail To Alter Release from Cerebellar Basket Cells
Authors: Pugh Jason R. , Jahr Craig E.
Published: November 2011

Previous studies of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) expression on axons of cerebellar molecular layer interneurons have produced conflicting results. We made use of the calcium sensitivity of vesicular release machinery to test for NMDAR activity in basket cell axons. Iontophoresis ofl-aspartate, an NMDAR agonist, onto basket cell axon collaterals had no effect on evoked IPSCs measured in synaptically coupled Purkinje cells. Furthermore, calcium indicators in basket cell varicosities did not report any change in intracellular calcium following iontophoresis ofl-aspartate or two-photon uncaging of glutamate. In contrast, activation of presynaptic purinergic receptors by iontophoresis of ATP decreased evoked IPSC amplitudes and action potential-evoked calcium transients in axonal varicosities, demonstrating the effectiveness of activating presynaptic receptors by iontophoresis. We find no evidence for functional NMDARs in basket cell varicosities.
Gondar
Authors: Rifkind David
Published: November 2011

Gondar, Ethiopia, expanded dramatically in the late 1930s as a colonial administrative center for Italian East Africa. David Rifkind shows how urban design and architecture functioned in Gondar between 1936 and 1941 as key tools of Italian colonial policy. Italian urbanism throughout the fascist era illustrates the disquieting compatibility of progressive planning and authoritarian politics, and in Gondar modern urban design was used to define imperial identity for both Italian settlers and African colonial subjects. Gondar: Architecture and Urbanism for Italy's Fascist Empire documents the striking sensitivity to topography and historical preservation that Italian designers brought to their colonial mission as well as the skill with which they adapted to the material and political challenges of working in Italy's overseas dominions.
Tamanho ótimo de parcela em milho com comparação de dois métodos
Authors: Cargnelutti Filho Alberto , Toebe Marcos , Burin Cláudia , Casarotto Gabriele , Fick André Luis
Published: November 2011

O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar dois métodos de estimação do tamanho ótimo de parcela (Xo) para avaliar 12 caracteres de híbridos simples, triplo e duplo de milho e verificar a variabilidade do Xo entre caracteres e entre híbridos. Foram mensurados caracteres morfológicos (altura de planta e de espiga) e produtivos (peso de espiga, número de fileiras por espiga, comprimento e diâmetro de espiga, peso e diâmetro de sabugo, massa de cem grãos, número de grãos por espiga e comprimento e produtividade de grãos), em unidades experimentais básicas de um metro linear, em 48 ensaios de uniformidade. Foi determinado Xo por meio dos métodos da curvatura máxima modificada e da curvatura máxima do modelo do coeficiente de variação para cada caractere. O tamanho ótimo de parcela obtido por meio do método da curvatura máxima modificada é concordante, mas maior que o obtido pelo método da curvatura máxima do modelo do coeficiente de variação. O tamanho ótimo de parcela dos caracteres produtivos é maior que dos morfológicos. O tamanho ótimo de parcela entre os híbridos de milho é de 5,04 unidades experimentais básicas para o híbrido simples (4,03m²), 5,24 para o híbrido triplo (4,19m²) e 5,53 para o híbrido duplo (4,42m²).
Bio-deposition of a calcite layer on cement-based materials by brushing with agar-immobilised bacteria
Authors: Wang Ruixing , Qian Chunxiang , Wang Jianyun
Published: November 2011

Surface treatments play an important role in limiting the infiltration of water and consequently of detrimental components into concrete. Bacteria-induced carbonate mineralisation, which is a novel and environmentally friendly method for the protection of stone and cement-based materials has been proposed, to counteract the negative effects of some conventional techniques. In the present study agar was used to immobilise ureolytic bacteria by brushing the agar onto the surface of the cement paste, providing a local micro-environment. Bacterial deposition of a layer of calcite on the surface of the specimens resulted in a decrease of capillary water uptake and thus prevented the penetration of water and hazardous substances. This method of brushing semi-solid mixtures onto the surface of the cement paste specimens showed remarkable effects. It is not only more environmentally friendly and stable than the conventional surface treatment, but also easier in practice than the former bio-deposition of dipping cubes in liquid culture.
Population dynamics and control of invasiveSpartina alterniflora: inference and forecasting under uncertainty
Authors: Buhle Eric R. , Feist Blake E. , Hilborn Ray
Published: November 2011

Managing invaded ecosystems entails making decisions about control strategies in the face of scientific uncertainty and ecological stochasticity. Statistical tools such as model selection and Bayesian decision analysis can guide decision‐making by estimating probabilities of outcomes under alternative management scenarios, but these tools have seldom been applied in invasion ecology. We illustrate the use of model selection and Bayesian methods in a case study of smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) invading Willapa Bay, Washington. To address uncertainty in model structure, we quantified the weight of evidence for two previously proposed hypotheses, thatS. alterniflorarecruitment varies with climatic conditions (represented by sea surface temperature) and that recruitment is subject to an Allee effect due to pollen limitation. By fitting models to time series data, we found strong support for climate effects, with higher per capita seedling production in warmer years, but no evidence for an Allee effect based on either the total area invaded or the mean distance between neighboring clones. We used the best‐supported model to compare alternative control strategies, incorporating uncertainty in parameter estimates and population dynamics. For a fixed annual removal effort, the probability of eradication in 10 years was highest, and final invaded area lowest, if removals targeted the smallest clones rather than the largest or randomly selected clones. The relationship between removal effort and probability of eradication was highly nonlinear, with a sharp threshold separating ∼0% and ∼100% probability of success, and this threshold was 95% lower in simulations beginning early rather than late in the invasion. This advantage of a rapid response strategy is due to density‐dependent population growth, which produces alternative stable equilibria depending on the initial invasion size when control begins. Our approach could be applied to a wide range of invasive species management problems where appropriate data are available.