bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Expression Levels of Integrin α9β1 and CD11b on Circulating Neutrophils and Elevated Serum IL-17A in Elderly Aspiration Pneumonia
Authors: Taooka Yasuyuki , Ohe Miki , Chen LiJun , Sutani Akihisa , Higashi Yusuke , Isobe Takeshi
Published: December 2012

Background: Repeated aspiration pneumonia is a serious problem in the elderly. In aspiration pneumonia, neutrophils play an important role in acute lung injury, while CD18-independent neutrophil transmigration pathways have also been reported in acid-aspiration pneumonia animal models. However, the involvement of IL-17A and β1 integrin still remains unclear. The β1 integrin subfamily integrin α9β1 has been shown to be expressed on human neutrophils and to mediate adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins including the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Objectives: To elucidate the possible involvement of β1 integrin subfamily and IL-17A in aspiration pneumonia. Methods: We analyzed the expression levels of CD11b, CD18 and integrin α9β1 in circulating neutrophils and serum concentration of IL-17A, IL-22 and IL-23 in elderly aspiration pneumonia patients (n = 32, 14 males and 18 females, 78.8 ± 3.9 years old) at 2 time points (on the day of admission before starting antibiotics and the day after finishing antibiotics) and compared the results with those of a control group (n = 30, 13 males and 17 females, 76.1 ± 3.4 years old). Results: Recombinant IL-17A stimulated integrin α9β1 and CD11b expression levels in healthy human neutrophils in vitro. The expression levels of integrin α9β1 and CD11b in circulating neutrophils were significantly higher in pneumonia patients compared with the controls. In addition, serum IL-17A concentration was significantly increased in pneumonia patients. Integrin α9β1 levels positively correlated with serum IL-17A and CD18 expression levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest a potential role of integrin α9β1 expressed in neutrophils and elevated serum IL-17A in extravasation of neutrophils in cases of aspiration pneumonia.
Olfactory Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis: Evidence of a Decrease in Different Aspects of Olfactory Function
Authors: Rolet A. , Magnin E. , Millot J.L. , Berger E. , Vidal C. , Sileman G. , Rumbach L.
Published: December 2012

Background/Aims: Numerous authors have described olfactory dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) in recent years. The aim of this study was to specify the aspects of olfactory perception that are most affected and to identify any correlations with clinical, anatomical and functional data. Methods: 50 patients with remitting or secondary progressive MS were included. Personal data were collected (medical history, characteristics of their disease, depression and disability scores and number of lesions on cerebral imaging). An olfactory test (Sniffin Sticks®) was used to evaluate subjects’ olfactory function. Results: The odor detection threshold is the most sensitive marker, with 40% of patients presenting hyposmia. The ability to identify odors is affected later on, and is inversely correlated with the level of disability. Conclusion: Our results confirm that several aspects of olfactory function are altered in MS, particularly those aspects requiring greater cognitive involvement, such as discrimination and identification of odors.
Nasal High-Frequency Oscillation for Lung Carbon Dioxide Clearance in the Newborn
Authors: Mukerji Amit , Finelli Michael , Belik Jaques
Published: December 2012

Background: Noninvasive ventilation has been used increasingly in recent years to minimize the duration of endotracheal mechanical ventilation in neonates due to its association with lung injury. Nasal high-frequency oscillation (nHFO) is a relatively new noninvasive modality but evidence for its use is limited. Objective: The goal of this study was to compare the CO2 clearance efficacy of nHFO and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in a neonatal lung model. Design/Methods: A newborn mannequin with dimensions and anatomy similar to a term infant was utilized. It was connected to a commercially available neonatal mechanical ventilator using a manufacturer-provided nasal adaptor. Various modes of noninvasive ventilation were compared as CO2 clearance was measured at the oropharynx by an end-tidal CO2 analyzer following the addition of a known amount of CO2 into the lung. Measurements were obtained at two different lung compliances using nHFO and compared with nCMV and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) as a control. Pressures near the nasal adaptor and the larynx were simultaneously measured with in-line pressure transducers. Results: Whereas no CO2 elimination was observed under nCPAP, its clearance with nHFO was 3-fold greater as compared to NIPPV. On nHFO, CO2 clearance was inversely proportional to frequency and maximal at 6 and 8 Hz. At a lower lung compliance, CO2 clearance was significantly higher at 6 Hz as compared to 10 Hz. During nHFO set to deliver a MAP of 10.0, we documented pressures of 7.2 ± 0.3 at the nasal adaptor and only 2.3 ± 0.3 cm H2O at the larynx. Conclusions: Nasal HFO is effective and superior to NIPPV at lung CO2 elimination in a newborn mannequin model. The use of nHFO as the preferred mode of noninvasive ventilation warrants further clinical studies.
Reduced access, reduced choice, reduced transparency
Authors: Beattie Jacqueline , Spiegel Amy
Published: December 2012

Information acquisition and use have been transformed by the internet. An enormous range of resources are more widely available than ever before, contributing to the perception that all information is available on the web. Many internet users complain of 'information surfeit', an inability to negotiate the vast volume of information at their fingertips. This article is a view of the trends towards reduced access to data, reduced choice, and reduced transparency threatening the flow of information access worldwide.
Digital workplaces
Authors: White Martin
Published: December 2012

Whilst organizations accept that effective information management (IM) is now crucial to information/knowledge worker productivity and organizational performance, the continued dramatic growth in information volumes has not been accompanied by increased information management capability. This is the case for both data and unstructured information. At the same time the consumerization of technology, growth in social media, and expectations of the work environment are resulting in pressure on IT and IM functions to deliver information and information tools via multiple channels/devices and simple interfaces. This article charts the evolution of views on the digital workplace and the drivers that now render this an essential strategic direction for organizations. The desirable features of the digital workplace can be achieved now through integration of four technologies – mobile; big data; cloud computing and search-based applications – and with a focus on developing for the mobile environment. Providing this environment could transform the way in which work is accomplished both in terms of individual and organizational productivity and competitiveness. Understanding organizations through an ethnological and cultural perspective will be essential to the design and management of this transformation.
Surviving and thriving in the corporate world
Authors: Nutting Diana
Published: December 2012

A corporate environment can be an intimidating place for an information professional trained to work in a more conventional library. It is not enough to be excellent at the technical aspects of the job, it is also important to tailor the information offering in a form that is most useful to the organization and demonstrates the value added. Because such organizations tend to be highly politicized, information professionals also need to be constantly marketing and proving their worth to decision makers.
Ambivalence and Citizenship: Theorising the Political Claims of Irregular Migrants
Authors: McNevin Anne
Published: December 2012

Irregular migration gives rise to political claims that test the limits of political community and the expression of human rights in an increasingly interconnected world. This article provides a theorisation of the political claims of irregular migrants that starts with the notion of ambivalence. I argue that the ambivalence present in such claims can be understood as a political resource that is generative of new political relations across the terrain of human mobility and border control. In order to discern the generative quality of ambivalence, I argue in addition for an approach to theory production that is grounded in concrete migrant struggles. The argument is made via a critique of two theoretical perspectives that are influential amongst scholars working at the intersection of Migration Studies and Political and International Theory: the work of Giorgio Agamben and the ‘Autonomy of Migration’. An approach that avoids the reductive accounts of power evident in both perspectives provides a better starting point from which to assess the transformative potential of irregular migrants’ political claims.
Meta-Jackson: Rethinking Patrick Thaddeus Jackson’s Conduct of Inquiry
Authors: Suganami Hidemi
Published: December 2012

In his The Conduct of Inquiry in International Relations, Patrick Jackson identifies four distinct ways of studying world politics: ‘neopositivism’, ‘critical realism’, ‘analyticism’ and ‘reflexivity’. According to him, they all fall under the broad umbrella of ‘science’ but they each stem from a distinct philosophical foundation. In his view, which foundation one subscribes to is a matter of faith, which leads him to advocate pluralism. He classifies the underlying philosophical foundations in terms of two criteria: ‘mind–world dualism’ versus ‘mind–world monism’ and ‘phenomenalism’ versus ‘transfactualism’. Through a step-by-step analysis of his complex text, I show that what divides (1) neopositivism, (2) analyticism and (3) critical realism and reflexivity (classed together) is not in fact their philosophical foundations but the nature of the questions they ask, each reflecting distinct human interests. Accordingly, while praising Jackson’s philosophical vigilance against the dominance of neopositivism, I conclude by pointing to a need to consider the political underpinnings of different modes of knowledge production.
Realist Visions of European Union: E.H. Carr and Integration
Authors: Kenealy Daniel , Kostagiannis Konstantinos
Published: December 2012

The past 15 years have seen an explosion of interest in the scholarship of E.H. Carr. As a founding figure of the realist approach to International Relations, as a philosopher of history and as a historian of the Soviet Union, Carr made important contributions. His work on the post-war political organisation of Europe has been somewhat neglected. While not going so far as to argue for the introduction of ‘another E.H. Carr’ – Carr the European integration theorist – this article argues that Carr’s specific brand of realism has much to say not only about the establishment, but also about the subsequent development, of the European Economic Community. Carr’s realism was, we argue, capable of understanding change in international society. This understanding was grounded in an appreciation of the role of power and morality in international politics and stands in sharp contrast to the emphasis on the structural factors that are prized by neorealists. While Carr’s vision of post-war Europe has not materialised in its entirety, it captures some of the crucial fault lines that animate the European project. Building a bridge between European integration studies and Carr’s realism will provide a fruitful avenue through which classical realism can once again begin to engage with developments in international politics.
Music and Hearing Aids—An Introduction
Authors: Chasin Marshall
Published: December 2012

Modern digital hearing aids have provided improved fidelity over those of earlier decades for speech. The same however cannot be said for music. Most modern hearing aids have a limitation of their “front end,” which comprises the analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. For a number of reasons, the spectral nature of music as an input to a hearing aid is beyond the optimal operating conditions of the “front end” components. Amplified music tends to be of rather poor fidelity. Once the music signal is distorted, no amount of software manipulation that occurs later in the circuitry can improve things. The solution is not a software issue. Some characteristics of music that make it difficult to be transduced without significant distortion include an increased sound level relative to that of speech, and the crest factor- the difference in dB between the instantaneous peak of a signal and its RMS value. Clinical strategies and technical innovations have helped to improve the fidelity of amplified music and these include a reduction of the level of the input that is presented to the A/D converter.
Analog-to-Digital Conversion to Accommodate the Dynamics of Live Music in Hearing Instruments
Authors: Hockley Neil S. , Bahlmann Frauke , Fulton Bernadette
Published: December 2012

Hearing instrument design focuses on the amplification of speech to reduce the negative effects of hearing loss. Many amateur and professional musicians, along with music enthusiasts, also require their hearing instruments to perform well when listening to the frequent, high amplitude peaks of live music. One limitation, in most current digital hearing instruments with 16-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) converters, is that the compressor before the A/D conversion is limited to 95 dB (SPL) or less at the input. This is more than adequate for the dynamic range of speech; however, this does not accommodate the amplitude peaks present in live music. The hearing instrument input compression system can be adjusted to accommodate for the amplitudes present in music that would otherwise be compressed before the A/D converter in the hearing instrument. The methodology behind this technological approach will be presented along with measurements to demonstrate its effectiveness.
Pharmacokinetics of imipenem after intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous administration to cats
Authors: Albarellos Gabriela A , Denamiel Graciela A , Montoya Laura , Quaine Pamela C , Lupi Martín P , Landoni María F
Published: December 2012

The study describes the pharmacokinetics and predicted efficacy of imipenem after intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) administration to five adult cats at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Susceptibility to imipenem [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)] was determined for antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli (n = 13) and staphylococci (n = 3) isolated from domestic cat infections (urinary system, skin and conjunctiva). Maximum plasma concentrations of imipenem were 13.45 µg/ml (IV), 6.47 µg/ml (IM) and 3.83 µg/ml (SC). Bioavailability was 93.18% (IM) and 107.90% (SC). Elimination half-lives for IV, IM and SC administration were 1.17, 1.44 and 1.55 h, respectively. All tested bacteria were susceptible to imipenem; MIC values were 0.03 µg/ml for Staphylococcus species and <0.25–0.5 µg/ml for E coli. Mean imipenem concentrations remained above a MIC of 0.5 µg/ml for approximately 4 h (IV and IM) and 9 h (SC). Imipenem would be predicted to be effective for the treatment of antimicrobial resistant bacterial infections in cats at a dosage of 5 mg/kg every 6–8 h (IV, IM), or longer for the SC route. However, clinical trials are mandatory to establish its efficacy and proper dosing.
Management of cancer pain in the community: Perceptions of current UK information technology systems and implications for future development
Authors: Dempster Paul G. , Bewick Bridgette M. , Jones Richard , Bennett Michael I.
Published: December 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate perceptions of how information technology (IT) is currently utilised in the UK in the community management of cancer pain, perceived weaknesses in the current systems and expectations of future IT systems. Healthcare professionals and patient representatives (n = 46) attended two meetings that explored perceptions of current and future provision of managing cancer pain in the community and the potential role of informatics in supporting this. Discussion was captured and analysed using qualitative methods. Analysis revealed that complexities and barriers to the routine capture of data on pain and related distress focused on locations of care, circles of support, and management and sharing of data. In addition, analysis revealed IT was perceived to be peripheral to supporting delivery and organisation. Delegates shared a vision for an IT system that enabled patients to access healthcare provision by effective co-ordination and communication of patient-centred information. Gaps exist between the expectations of users and the ability of current IT systems to support care. While recognising the potential of tele-health solutions, supporting the complexity of multi-agency care delivery in rapidly evolving clinical circumstances was seen as the main challenge. There is, therefore, a need to position IT more flexibly within the delivery model of clinical care if technology is to address current limitations and enhance the community management of cancer pain.
Comparative case study investigating sociotechnical processes of change in the context of a national electronic health record implementation
Authors: Cresswell Kathrin M. , Worth Allison , Sheikh Aziz
Published: December 2012

The introduction of electronic health records (EHRs) lies at the heart of many international efforts to improve the safety and quality of healthcare. England has attempted to introduce nationally procured EHR software—the first country in the world to do so. In this qualitative comparative case study tracing local developments over time we sought to generate a detailed picture of the implementation landscape characterising this first attempt at implementing nationally procured software through studying three purposefully selected hospitals. Despite differences in relation to demographic considerations and local implementation strategies, implementing hospitals faced similar technical and political challenges. These were coped with differently by the various organisations and individual stakeholders, their responses being shaped by contextual contingencies. We conclude that national implementation efforts need to allow effective technology adoption to occur locally before considering larger-scale interoperability. This should involve the allocation of sufficient time for individual users and organisations to adjust to the complex changes that often accompany such service re-design initiatives.
Nursing informatics and data collection from the electronic medical record: Study of characteristics, factors and occupancy impacting outcomes of critical care admissions from the Emergency Department
Authors: Clark Karen , Normile Loretta
Published: December 2012

When collecting data from a single electronic medical record (EMR), few studies of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients admitted directly from an Emergency Department (ED) focus on observational methodologies examining occupancy of both the ICU and the ED, and population characteristics. This quantitative study design and analysis, with a sample size of 1433 cases using regression techniques, suggested odds of mortality were more likely with a higher ICU occupancy/census and if uninsured. There was no statistical difference based on ED occupancy/census at time of decision to admit to an ICU and no difference whether admitted on a weekend or weekday. Inpatient ICU occupancy is one of the variables that impacts waiting time and overcrowding in the ED, and, in this study, inpatient occupancy in the ICUs impacted patient outcomes. As all healthcare providers make up the interprofessional team and work within complex systems, ease of retrieval of EMR data can hasten decision support to improve quality outcomes.
Caribbean liming
Authors: Clarke Ruth , Charles Reccia N
Published: December 2012

This study explores the metaphorical concept of liming, its origins and role in building social relations and creating a social identity and the fabric for society in the Caribbean. We integrate Caribbean liming with the theory of social capital, and in particular with social relationships. We highlight the importance of common community norms and their influence on the potential for liming to build networks, trust, information and communication exchange, social cohesion, political empowerment and collective action to create greater social capital. In this study we emphasize that the cultural context of the Caribbean limits the opportunity for bridging gaps in relationship networks and fosters bonding in the community. This study highlights observations on liming and social capital by reporting secondary data and primary interview data analyses, and concludes with a discussion of the rebranding of regional telecommunications provider, Cable & Wireless, as LIME, building on the liming metaphor.
Peptide length determines the outcome of TCR/peptide-MHCI engagement
Authors: Ekeruche-Makinde Julia , Miles John J. , van den Berg Hugo A. , Skowera Ania , Cole David K. , Dolton Garry , Schauenburg Andrea J. A. , Tan Mai Ping , Pentier Johanne M. , Llewellyn-Lacey Sian , Miles Kim M. , Bulek Anna M. , Clement Mathew , Williams Tamsin , Trimby Andrew , Bailey Mick , Rizkallah Pierre , Rossjohn Jamie , Peakman Mark , Price David A. , Burrows Scott R. , Sewell Andrew K. , Wooldridge Linda
Published: December 2012

Key Points

MHCI-restricted TCRs exhibit an explicit preference for a single MHCI-peptide length. Effective CD8+ T-cell immunity can only be achieved by length-matched Ag-specific T-cell clonotypes.
Porosity perturbations and poroelastic compressibilities
Authors: Müller Tobias M. , Sahay Pratap N.
Published: December 2012

The Biot-Gassmann (BG) poroelasticity theory is based on the assumption of a microhomogeneous solid frame. This means that it considers the solid frame to be homogeneous at the pore-scale level. If the solid frame is built out of two or more solid constituents at the pore-scale level, then the porous rock can be considered microinhomogeneous. Although in a macroscopic sense, it still is homogeneous. Porosity changes during deformation of microinhomogeneous rocks lead to poroelastic compressibilities that are not compatible with the BG theory. The key to modeling the compressive response of microinhomogeneous rocks is the porosity perturbation equation known from the volume-averaging-based poroelasticity framework. This porosity perturbation equation entails an effective stress coefficient that can be different from unity. Only if this porosity effective stress coefficient equals unity can the porosity perturbation equation implicit to Biot’s theory be recovered. The porosity perturbation equation was reconciled with the poroelastic compressibility definitions suitable for pressure-cell experiments. These compressibilities were parameterized in terms of the porosity effective stress coefficient. The results provide a means to consistently interpret pressure-cell experiments on Berea sandstone samples in which a difference between the unjacketed bulk and pore compressibilities has been found.
Information Acquisition During Online Decision Making: A Model-Based Exploration Using Eye-Tracking Data
Authors: Shi Savannah Wei , Wedel Michel , Pieters F. G. M. (Rik)
Published: December 2012

We propose a model of eye-tracking data to understand information acquisition patterns on attribute-by-product matrices, which are common in online choice environments such as comparison websites. The objective is to investigate how consumers gather product and attribute information from moment to moment. We propose a hierarchical hidden Markov model that consists of three connected layers: a lower layer that describes the eye movements, a middle layer that identifies information acquisition processes, and an upper layer that captures strategy switching. The proposed model accounts for the data better than several alternative models. The results show that consumers switch frequently between acquisition strategies, and they obtain information on only two or three attributes or products in a particular acquisition strategy before switching. Horizontal and contiguous eye movements play an important role in information acquisition. Furthermore, our results shed new light on the phenomenon of gaze cascades during choice. We discuss the implications for Web design, online retailing, and new directions for research on online choice.

This paper was accepted by Pradeep Chintagunta, marketing.
State Medicaid Spending and Financial Burden of Families Raising Children with Autism
Authors: Parish Susan L. , Thomas Kathleen C. , Rose Roderick , Kilany Mona , Shattuck Paul T.
Published: December 2012

We examined the association between state Medicaid spending for children with disabilities and the financial burden reported by families of children with autism. Child and family data were from the 2005–2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (n  =  2,011 insured children with autism). State characteristics were from public sources. The 4 outcomes included any out-of-pocket health care expenditures during the past year, expenditure amount, expenditures as a proportion of family income, and whether additional income was needed to care for a child. We modeled the association between state per capita Medicaid spending for children with disabilities and families' financial burden, controlling for child, family, and state characteristics. Overall, 78% of families raising children with autism had health care expenditures for their child for the prior 12 months; 42% reported expenditures over $500, with 34% spending over 3% of their income. Families living in states with higher per capita Medicaid spending for children with disabilities were significantly less likely to report financial burden. There is a robust relationship between state Medicaid spending for children with disabilities and the financial burdens incurred by families raising children with autism.
Thinking About Challenging Behavior: A Repertory Grid Study of Inpatient Staff Beliefs
Authors: Hare Dougal Julian , Durand Marianne , Hendy Steve , Wittkowski Anja
Published: December 2012

Studies examining staff attitudes toward people with intellectual disability have traditionally used pre-determined categories and models or been open to researcher bias. The use of methods derived from personal construct psychology permits an objective investigation of staff views and attitudes without such limitations. Fourteen staff from an inpatient intellectual disability service were interviewed about their perceptions of clients with challenging behavior primarily using the repertory grid technique as developed from personal construct theory. Staff was found to construe their clients and their behaviors in a heterogeneous manner that was not readily reducible to a group average, and they did not make or use attributions about them in a consistent manner. Future research should incorporate work culture and the staff–client relationship. The results have implications for clinical decision making, team working, and clinical supervision.
Refining Diagnostic MicroRNA Signatures by Whole-miRNome Kinetic Analysis in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Vogel Britta , Keller Andreas , Frese Karen S , Kloos Wanda , Kayvanpour Elham , Sedaghat-Hamedani Farbod , Hassel Sarah , Marquart Sabine , Beier Markus , Giannitsis Evangelos , Hardt Stefan , Katus Hugo A , Meder Benjamin
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND

Alterations in microRNA (miRNA) expression patterns in whole blood may be useful biomarkers of diverse cardiovascular disorders. We previously reported that miRNAs are significantly dysregulated in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and applied machine-learning techniques to define miRNA subsets with high diagnostic power for AMI diagnosis. However, the kinetics of the time-dependent sensitivity of these novel miRNA biomarkers remained unknown.

METHODS

To characterize temporal changes in the expressed human miRNAs (miRNome), we performed here the first whole-genome miRNA kinetic study in AMI patients. We measured miRNA expression levels at multiple time points (0, 2, 4, 12, 24 h after initial presentation) in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction by using microfluidic primer extension arrays and quantitative real-time PCR. As a prerequisite, all patients enrolled had to have cardiac troponin T concentrations <50 ng/L on admission as measured with a high-sensitivity assay.

RESULTS

We found a subset of miRNAs to be significantly dysregulated both at initial presentation and during the course of AMI. Additionally, we identified novel miRNAs that are dysregulated early during myocardial infarction, such as miR-1915 and miR-181c*.

CONCLUSIONS

The present proof-of-concept study provides novel insights into the dynamic changes of the human miRNome during AMI.
Impact of Infectious Diseases on Cognitive Development in Childhood and
Beyond: Potential Mitigational Role of Hygiene
Authors: Khalid Ijaz M. , R. Rubino Joseph
Published: December 2012

Enteric infections in the early years of childhood can exacerbate underlying malnutrition and, if not addressed,
can lead to a vicious and synergistic cycle of malnutrition-enteric infection-malnutrition. Cognitive impairment is a key
detrimental outcome associated with this cycle of malnutrition and enteric infection. Mechanistically, diversion of
metabolic resources away from the developing brain under conditions of nutritional stress may underlie the impairment of
cognitive function. Evidence indicates that the effects of the synergy between malnutrition and enteric pathogens last far
beyond the time of infection and can lead to long-term effects on cognition. Indeed, emerging evidence suggests a
potential for later-life vulnerability to neurodegenerative diseases as a consequence of enteric infectious diseases on
early-life brain development. Simple interventions for improving hygiene have proven to lessen the burden of enteric
infectious disease. The mitigational role of good hygiene practices has the potential to break the vicious cycle of
malnutrition and enteric infection, and contribute to improving the cognitive development potential of children at risk.
Data Update: A Summary of Global Immunization Coverage Through
2011
Authors: W. Brown David , H. Burton Anthony , Gacic-Dobo Marta , I. Karimov Rouslan
Published: December 2012

This paper summarizes the 2011 revision (completed July 2012) of the WHO and UNICEF estimates of
national immunization coverage (WUENIC) for select antigens. Globally, DTP3 coverage was 83% during 2011, an
increase from 74% during 2000, and MCV1 coverage was 84% during 2011, an increase from 72% during 2000. Among
49 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, 17 countries attained DTP3 coverage levels > 90% and 15 countries attained MCV1
coverage > 90% during 2011. Only eight Sub-Saharan African countries maintained DTP3 coverage levels > 90% since
2005. Although there have been enormous and increasingly successful efforts to address the global burden of vaccine
preventable diseases and to improve immunization coverage, an estimated 22.4 million children were unimmunized with
DTP3 globally during 2011.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Children: An Update
Authors: Rahman Shahana
Published: December 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v36i1.13025 Bangladesh J Child Health 2012; Vol 36 (1): 1-10
Determination of Kidney Length and Volume by Ultrasound in 100 Term Bangladeshi Newborn
Authors: Sultana Sabina , Rahman Shafiqur , Basak Biplob Kumar , Afza Nilofar Shameem , Hossain Md Nurul , Ferdaus Sarwar
Published: December 2012

Objective: To determine the normal range of kidney length and volume in term Bangladeshi newborn. Methods: Hundred inborn, healthy, appropriate for gestational ages, term infants were prospectively examined by sonography within 72 hours of birth by a single senior sonologist. In 52 boys and 48 girls body weight (BW), supine length (SL), occipito frontal circumference(OFC) were collected from delivery room records, and body surface area (BSA) was calculated using the formula BSA=BW(kg)0.425 ×BL(cm)0.725 ×0.007184 and BMI=Weight(kg)/height(m)2. Scanning was performed with 6.5 MHZ transducer with child supine position. Maximum length of each kidney was determined. Volume of the kidney was determined by the inbuilt formula of software. Kidney length and volume were then correlated with gestational age, body weight, length, OFC, body mass index (BMI) and body surface area of infant. Results: There were no significant differences in mean kidney length and volume between right (39.22±4.32 mm, 9.79±2.80cc) and left (38.36±4.30 mm, 9.82±2.24cc) and kidneys in boys (right kidney 39.77±4.28mm, 10.30±2.69cc, left kidney38.62±3.68mm, 9.91±2.06cc) and girls (right kidney 38.63±4.32mm, 9.23±2.83cc left kidney 38.09±4.91mm, 9.73±2.43cc). Kidney length was correlated better with BMI (<0.001), BW (<0.01) and BSA. (<0.05). Kidney volume was also correlated with BW (<0.05), BMI (<0.05) and BSA (<0.05). No correlation found with length and OFC. Conclusion: The present study provides an important baseline data in term babies for kidney dimension in Bangladeshi neonate. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v36i1.13032 Bangladesh J Child Health 2012; Vol 36 (1): 26-29
Abstracts from Current Literature Vol.36(1)
Authors: Editor The
Published: December 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v36i1.13042 Bangladesh J Child Health 2012; Vol 36 (1): 53-54
Prevalence of dental caries in the primary dentition among under five children
Authors: Rahman SS , Rasul CH , Kashem MA , Biswas SS
Published: December 2012

Dental caries is the most important dental health problem in developing countries. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dental caries in primary dentition among under 5 years children. A simple random sampling method was used. Study population was under 5 children attending dental department of Khulna Medical College Hospital from January to June 2010. A total of 672 children were examined. The prevalence of dental caries was 44.34%. Caries prevalence was higher in the boys than the girls and it was statistically significant (P <0.05). It was also found that primary second molars were the highest carious tooth. The prevalence of dental caries among under 5 children was high. There is a need to generate awareness about oral health and the prevention of dental caries. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmjk.v43i1-2.13015 Bang Med J (Khulna) 2010; 43: 7-9
Syringomyelia with atypical presentation
Authors: Sarder AH , Iqbal AKMR , Ahmed SFU , Rahman MW
Published: December 2012

A 50 years old male patient was admitted in Khulna Medical College Hospital with grade-III weakness of both upper limbs and grade-IV weakness of both lower limbs, marked wasting of muscles in upper back and shoulder girdle region. There was no fasciculation, no pyramidal signs and no sensory loss. All routine investigations including NCS and EMG were normal. MRI of cervical and dorsal spine revealed a large syrinx extending from the cervico-medullary junction to the sixth dorsal spine with herniation of cerebellar tonsil through foramen magnum. With these findings the case was diagnosed as syringomyelia with atypical presentation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmjk.v43i1-2.13019 Bang Med J (Khulna) 2010; 43: 21-22
The Role of the VEGF-C/VEGFRs Axis in Tumor Progression and Therapy
Authors: Chen Jui-Chieh , Chang Yi-Wen , Hong Chih-Chen , Yu Yang-Hao , Su Jen-Liang
Published: December 2012

Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) has been identified as a multifaceted factor participating in the regulation of tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. VEGF-C is not only expressed in endothelial cells, but also in tumor cells. VEGF-C signaling is important for progression of various cancer types through both VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3). Likewise, both receptors are expressed mainly on endothelial cells, but also expressed in tumor cells. The dimeric VEGF-C undergoes a series of proteolytic cleavage steps that increase the protein binding affinity to VEGFR-3; however, only complete processing, removing both the N- and C-terminal propeptides, yields mature VEGF-C that can bind to VEGFR-2. The processed VEGF-C can bind and activate VEGFR-3 homodimers and VEGFR-2/VEGFR-3 heterodimers to elicit biological responses. High levels of VEGF-C expression and VEGF-C/VEGFRs signaling correlate significantly with poorer prognosis in a variety of malignancies. Therefore, the development of new drugs that selectively target the VEGF-C/VEGFRs axis seems to be an effective means to potentiate anti-tumor therapies in the future.
Effects of Flight on Gene Expression and Aging in the Honey Bee Brain and Flight Muscle
Authors: Margotta Joseph , Mancinelli Georgina , Benito Azucena , Ammons Andrew , Roberts Stephen , Elekonich Michelle
Published: December 2012

Honey bees move through a series of in-hive tasks (e.g., “nursing”) to outside tasks (e.g., “foraging”) that are coincident with physiological changes and higher levels of metabolic activity. Social context can cause worker bees to speed up or slow down this process, and foragers may revert back to their earlier in-hive tasks accompanied by reversion to earlier physiological states. To investigate the effects of flight, behavioral state and age on gene expression, we used whole-genome microarrays and real-time PCR. Brain tissue and flight muscle exhibited different patterns of expression during behavioral transitions, with expression patterns in the brain reflecting both age and behavior, and expression patterns in flight muscle being primarily determined by age. Our data suggest that the transition from behaviors requiring little to no flight (nursing) to those requiring prolonged flight bouts (foraging), rather than the amount of previous flight per se, has a major effect on gene expression. Following behavioral reversion there was a partial reversion in gene expression but some aspects of forager expression patterns, such as those for genes involved in immune function, remained. Combined with our real-time PCR data, these data suggest an epigenetic control and energy balance role in honey bee functional senescence.
The Surface of Nanoparticle Silicon as Studied by Solid-State NMR
Authors: Faulkner Rebecca , DiVerdi Joseph , Yang Yuan , Kobayashi Takeshi , Maciel Gary
Published: December 2012

The surface structure and adjacent interior of commercially available silicon nanopowder (np-Si) was studied using multinuclear, solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The results are consistent with an overall picture in which the bulk of the np-Si interior consists of highly ordered (“crystalline”) silicon atoms, each bound tetrahedrally to four other silicon atoms. From a combination of 1H, 29Si and 2H magic-angle-spinning (MAS) NMR results and quantum mechanical 29Si chemical shift calculations, silicon atoms on the surface of “as-received” np-Si were found to exist in a variety of chemical structures, with apparent populations in the order (a) (Si–O–)3Si–H > (b) (Si–O–)3SiOH > (c) (HO–)nSi(Si)m(–OSi)4−m−n ≈ (d) (Si–O–)2Si(H)OH > (e) (Si–O–)2Si(–OH)2 > (f) (Si–O–)4Si, where Si stands for a surface silicon atom and Si represents another silicon atom that is attached to Si by either a Si–Si bond or a Si–O–Si linkage. The relative populations of each of these structures can be modified by chemical treatment, including with O2 gas at elevated temperature. A deliberately oxidized sample displays an increased population of (Si–O–)3Si–H, as well as (Si–O–)3SiOH sites. Considerable heterogeneity of some surface structures was observed. A combination of 1H and 2H MAS experiments provide evidence for a substantial population of silanol (Si–OH) moieties, some of which are not readily H-exchangeable, along with the dominant Si–H sites, on the surface of “as-received” np-Si; the silanol moieties are enhanced by deliberate oxidation. An extension of the DEPTH background suppression method is also demonstrated that permits measurement of the T2 relaxation parameter simultaneously with background suppression.
Achilles Tendon Regeneration can be Improved by Amniotic Epithelial Cell Allotransplantation
Authors: Barboni B. , Russo V. , Curini V. , Mauro A. , Martelli A. , Muttini A. , Bernabò N. , Valbonetti L. , Marchisio M. , Di Giacinto O. , Berardinelli P. , Mattioli M.
Published: December 2012

Amniotic epithelial cells (AECs) are ideal seed cells for tissue regeneration, but no research has yet been reported on their tendon regeneration potential. This study investigated the efficiency of AEC allotransplantation for tendon healing, as well as the mechanism involved. To this aim ovine AECs, characterized by specific surface and stemness markers (CD14-, CD31-, CD45-, CD49f, CD29, CD166, OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, TERT), were allotransplanted into experimentally induced tissue defects in sheep Achilles tendon. In situ tissue repair revealed that AEC-treated tendons had much better structural and mechanical recoveries than control ones during the early phase of healing. Immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses indicated that extracellular matrix remodeling was more rapid and that immature collagen fibers were completely replaced by mature ones in 28 days. Moreover, spatial–temporal analysis of cellularity, proliferation index, vascular area, and leukocyte infiltration revealed that AECs induced a specific centripetal healing process that first started in the tissue closer to the healthy portion of the tendons, where AECs rapidly migrated to then progress through the core of the lesion. This peculiar healing evolution could have been induced by the growth factor stimulatory influence (TGF-β1 and VEGF) and/or by the host progenitor cells recruitment, but also as the consequence of a direct tenogenic AEC differentiation resulting in the regeneration of new tendon matrix. These findings demonstrate that AECs can support tendon regeneration, and their effects may be used to develop future strategies to treat tendon disease characterized by a poor clinical outcome in veterinary medicine.
The Importance of Local Control in High-Risk Locally Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sridharan S. , Warde P.
Published: December 2012

Prostate cancer is a common malignancy worldwide, and in Canada, it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men. The stratification of prostate cancer into risk categories has allowed for improved counselling of patients and provides guidance for treatment selection. However, the exact definition of high-risk prostate cancer remains controversial, and that lack of consensus remains a barrier to assessing available data from various institutions and from clinical trials. The proportion of patients with locally advanced high-risk disease has fallen in the last 20 years largely because of screening for prostate-specific antigen, but management in this population continues to be an important clinical problem. A factor that has emerged in recent years is the importance of local disease control, with data from multiple randomized trials suggesting that local therapy improves progression-free survival, diseasefree survival, and overall survival. Further research in this population is necessary to improve outcomes.
Patient Preference and the Impact of Decision-Making Aids on Prostate Cancer Treatment Choices and Post-Intervention Regret
Authors: Aning J.J. , Wassersug R.J. , Goldenberg S.L.
Published: December 2012

The number of prostate cancer survivors is rapidly growing in the Western world. As a result of better oncologic outcomes, more patients are living longer with the adverse effects of treatment, which can be both functional and psychological. Clinicians, in an era of shared decision-making, must not only cure the cancer, but also ensure that, after treatment, their patients experience the best quality of life and minimal post-treatment decisional regret. To participate in the decision-making process, men and their involved partners and family need to fully understand the relative benefits and harms of prostate cancer treatments. Patient preference studies indicate that men with prostate cancer are not well informed. Decision- making aids are a positive treatment adjunct both to convey information and to allow patients to explore their own beliefs and values during the decision-making process. The evidence suggests that decision-making aids better prepare patients for involvement in treatment decisions, but further studies are required to investigate the relationship between the use of decision-making aids and post-treatment decisional regret in prostate cancer.
EUROPEAN UNION MEMBER STATES PREPARING FOR EUROPE 2020. AN APPLICATION OF THE MULTIMOORA METHOD
Authors: Brauers Willem Karel M. , Baležentis Alvydas , Baležentis Tomas
Published: December 2012

It is the intention of the European Union to create a growing and sustainable European economy by 2020, a much more moderate target than the 2010 target of becoming the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world. This intention has to be supported by an adequate Optimization and Decision Support System.

Therefore, MULTIMOORA is proposed. MULTIMOORA is a quantitative method, which compares multiple and optimum objectives, expressed in different units, as much as possible on a non-subjective basis. In opposition to similar methods MULTIMOORA does not need normalization, being based on dimensionless measures. Importance of an objective can eventually be given by the stakeholders concerned. MULTIMOORA is composed of three approaches: Ratio System, Reference Point and Multiplicative Form Methods, all of the same importance and each controlling each other. Twenty two objectives, 10 originating from statistics and 12 from statistics and forecasts, important for the future, characterize the 27 EU-Countries economies as a preparation for 2020. Which of these countries are the best prepared for 2020? A Dominance Theory, summarizing the three obtained ordinal numbers per country, ranks the 27 countries for that purpose.
Estudio de la resistencia a compresión de morteros fabricados con conglomerante compuesto de polvo de vidrio
Authors: Marco J. , García E. , Más M. I. , Alcaraz V. , Luizaga A.
Published: December 2012

Esta investigación evalúa la resistencia de morteros realizados con mezclas de diferentes composiciones, donde una parte del conglomerante tradicional es sustituido por el polvo de vidrio para analizar de una forma sencilla las características mecánicas de las muestras reactivas obtenidas de esta forma. Los ensayos se han realizado con morteros.

Para facilitar las reacciones se añaden a las mezclas objeto del análisis diferentes reactivos: se mezcla el polvo de vidrio con reactivos básicos, lo que permite la obtención de condiciones de pH superiores a 12, en las que el vidrio sodo-cálcico es muy reactivo.

Analizadas las diferentes probetas de morteros, se observa que el polvo de vidrio, así como su granulometría, juegan un importante papel en el aumento de las resistencias mecánicas a compresión de las mezclas.
Los “sentidos” estéticos del patrimonio: la construcción metálica antes del desarrollo de la soldadura. Ejemplos en Burgos y Palencia (España)
Authors: Serrano-López R. , Manso J. M. , Martínez-Martínez J. A. , Payo R. J.
Published: December 2012

Tras muchos años en el olvido, se ha comenzado a tomar conciencia sobre la importancia de las primeras construcciones en hierro y acero. Bajo la denominación de Arquitectura e Ingeniería del Hierro, entran una gran cantidad de realizaciones que en muchas ocasiones todavía siguen en uso. La puesta en valor de sus cualidades necesita de una base para definir su estética, además de otros aspectos relacionados con su aportación al desarrollo de la tecnología tal como hoy la conocemos.
Este artículo pretende reflexionar sobre el concepto de las “dimensiones estéticas” que pueden acumular estas obras, así como una revisión a los criterios habitualmente utilizados en el análisis crítico de las construcciones. Finalmente se enumeran varias de las “dimensiones” que se pueden detectar en el caso particular del patrimonio metálico, aportando ejemplos fotográficos de distintas obras en el ámbito de las provincias de Palencia y Burgos (España).