bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring and evaluating the provision of (donor-funded) regional public goods
Authors: De Lombaerde Philippe , Van Langenhove Luk
Published: May 2011

This article deals with the monitoring and evaluation of the provision of regional public goods in the context of donor intervention. A number of issues will be identified that have to be addressed when designing and implementing such monitoring and evaluation schemes. This will be done in the framework of the so-called fourth-generation project evaluation, of social constructivist inspiration. A er presenting the basic characteristics of fourth-generation evaluation, the article explores how this evaluation framework can be adapted to the needs of the evaluator of the provision of regional public goods.

Spanish
Este artículo se ocupa del seguimiento y la evaluación de la provisión de bienes públicos regionales en el contexto de la intervención de los donantes. Se identifican varios temas que hay que tener en cuenta al diseñar e implementar esquemas de seguimiento y evaluación. Esto se hará en el marco de la evaluación de los proyectos denominados de cuarta generación, de inspiración constructivista social. Después de presentar las características básicas de la evaluación de cuarta generación, el artículo explora cómo este esquema de evaluación se puede adaptar a las necesidades del evaluador de la provisión de bienes públicos regionales.

French
Cet article traite du suivi et de l'évaluation de la fourniture de biens publics régionaux dans le contexte de l'intervention de donneurs. Plusieurs questions relatives à l'organisation et à la mise en œuvre de tels plans de suivi et d'évaluation seront identifiées. Cela se fera dans le contexte de ce qu'on appelle l'évaluation de projet de quatrième génération, inspiré par le constructivisme social. Après avoir présenté les caractéristiques de base de l'évaluation de quatrième génération, l'article examine comment ce cadre d'évaluation peut être adapté aux besoins de celui qui évalue l'approvisionnement en biens publics régionaux
Filling in the cracks: Improving on crumbling democratic practices
Authors: Graham Victoria
Published: May 2011

A. Stepan (ed.) Democracies in danger
L. Diamond and M.F. Plattner (eds.) Democracy: A reader

A. Jeeves and G. Cuthbertson (eds.) Fragile freedom: South African democracy 1994–2004
Biotransformation of (–)-Verbenone by Some Fungi
Authors: Yildirim Kudret
Published: May 2011

Biotransformation of (–)-verbenone by Aspergillus niger NRRL 330, Aspergillus wentii MRC 200316 and Penicillium digitatum MRC 500787 afforded (–)-10-hydroxyverbenone. Incubation with A. niger NRRL 330 resulted in with the highest yield.
A Doubly End-On Azido-Bridged Trinuclear Cu(II) Complex: Synthesis, Spectral and DFT Functional Studies
Authors: Datta Amitabha , Das Kuheli , Huang Wen-Yen , Huang Jui-Hsien , Liao Fu-Xing , Hu Ching-Han
Published: May 2011

A trinuclear, doubly azido-bridged Cu(II) complex, [Cu1.50(L)(N3)3(CH3OH)]2, (LH = [(CH3)2NCH2CH2N=CHC6H3(OH) (OMe)]), has been synthesised and fully characterised by elemental analyses, IR, UV-Vis, EPR and DFT studies. Its single crystal X-ray structure reveals that adjacent CuII ions are linked by double end-on azido-bridges; thus the full molecule is generated by the site symmetry of a crystallographic two-fold rotation axis.
Macrocyclic Silver Coordination Compounds with bis[4-(Pyridine-2-yl)Pyrimidin-2-Ylthio]methane: Crystal Structures and Luminescent Properties
Authors: Zhu Hai-Bin , Zhang Shu-Ying , Lu Xin , Yang Wen-Na
Published: May 2011

Reaction of AgX2 (X = NO3-, BF4-) with bis[4-(pyridine-2-yl)pyrimidin-2-ylthio]methane (2-bppt) gave two macrocyclic dinuclear silver coordination compounds [Ag2{μ-(2-bppt)}2]X2 (X= NO3- or BF4-). Non-classical hydrogen bonding interactions as well as weak aromatic stacking forces are involved in their packing structures. Both compounds show intense photoluminescence governed principally by the 2-bppt ligand itself.
Synthesis of Novel Phenoxyimine Ligands Containing a 2,6-Difluoro-4-Styrylaniline
Authors: Liu Bin , Li Qian , Yu Mingxin , Liang Jiaojiao , Fan Hong , Li Bogeng
Published: May 2011

An efficient synthesis of novel phenoxyimine ligands containing a difluorovinylbiphenyl group was based on the Suzuki coupling coupling of 4-bromo-2,6-difluoroaniline with 4-styrylboronic acid followed by a condensation reaction with various arylaldehydes. The structures were established by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectra and HRMS. The advantages of this synthetic route were its simple operation, mild reaction conditions and good yields.
Water-Promoted Palladium-Catalysed Heck Cross-Coupling Reactions of Aryl Halides with Alkenes in TBAB
Authors: Tao Li-Ming , Li Qiang-Guo , Liu Wen-Qi , Zhou Yun , Zhou Ju-Feng
Published: May 2011

Water was found to promote the ligand-free Pd(OAc)2-catalysed Heck cross-coupling reaction. In the presence of 3 mol% Pd(OAc)2, 2 equiv. of Cs2CO3 and 15 mg of water, the coupling of a wide variety of aryl halides with alkenes proceeded smoothly in TBAB ( n-Bu4NBr) in moderate to excellent yield. The Pd(OAc)2/TBAB system could be recovered and reused at least three times without loss of catalytic activity.
Manganese(III) Porphyrin Covalently Bound to sol-gel Derived Silica (Mn(III) Porphyrinosilica): A Reusable and Green Heterogeneous Photocatalyst for Oxidative Decarboxylation of α-Arylacetic Acids with H2O2
Authors: Farhadi Saeid , Zabardasti Abedien , Rahmati Mohammad Hosien
Published: May 2011

Manganese(III) (5,10,15,20-tetrakis(2,6-dichlorophenyl)porphyrin)chloride, MnIII(TDCPP)Cl, was chemically (covalently) bound to a silica matrix by a sol-gel method and used as a new reusable heterogeneous photocatalyt for the selective and efficient oxidative decarboxylation of α-arylacetic acids with H2O2 as a mild and clean oxidant at room temperature. The activity of this heterogeneous photocatalytic system is higher than that of a corresponding homogeneous systems and the catalyst can be reused several times without loss of its activity and selectivity.
Synthesis and Catalytic Properties of a Heterocyclic–Carbene Complex of Palladium
Authors: Shi Yanhui , Cai Zhengyuan , Peng Yu , Shi Zhan , Pang Guangsheng
Published: May 2011

The palladium N-heterocyclic carbene complex trans-[PdCl2{1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-imidazol-2-ylidene}(NC5H5)] has been prepared and its X-ray molecular structure is reported. The complex is highly catalytically active in the cross-coupling reaction of phenylhalides with phenylthiol to afford diphenyl sulfide and is efficient for the coupling of chlorobenzene.
Synthesis, and Pharmacological Screening of Novel Sulfamoylphenylcarbamoylquinoxaline Derivatives as Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic and Antitumour Agents
Authors: Farrag Awatf Al-Said , Ammar Yousry Ahmed , El-Sehemi Abd Allah Ghodran , Thabet Hamdy Khamees , Hassan Nashwa Abd-Alim , Samy Aziza Khalil
Published: May 2011

Treatment of quinoxaline-2,3-dicarboxylic acid anhydride with some sulfonamides gave 3-sulfamoylphenylcarbamoylquinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid derivatives. While fusing the anhydride with the same sulfonamides produced the corresponding 3-sulfamoylphenylcarbamoylquinoxalines. On refluxing 3-sulfamoylphenylcarbamoyl derivatives with acetic anhydride gave the pyrrolo[3,4- d]quinoxaline derivatives. The imide linkage in the latter compound was opened via its reaction with amines under fusion conditions and quinoxalin-2,3-diamides were obtained. The pharmacological evaluation for some of the synthesised compounds revealed that in anti-inflammatory activity in chronic models, 3-{[4-(N-pyrimidin-2-ylsulfamoyl)phenyl]carbamoyl}quinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid was equipotent to the reference drug, indomethacin as well as having nonulcerogenic effect. All tested compounds showed moderate analgesic activity compared to the reference drug. The antitumour activity for the tested compounds showed that 3-{[4-(N-(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)sulfamoyl)phenyl]carbamoyl}quinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid, 4-(1,3-dioxo-1H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]quinoxalin-2(3H)-yl)-N-(pyrimidin-2-yl)-benzenesulfonamide and N-carbamimidoyl-4-(1,3-dioxo-1H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]quinoxalin-2(3H)-yl)benzenesulfonamide were the most effective against the liver carcinoma cell line showing IC50 values 0.5, 0.79 and 1.84 IC50 μg mL−1, respectively.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of 6-trichloromethyl-9-oxa-5-azatricyclo[6.2.1.01,5]undecan-10-one
Authors: Yang Hua , Sun Mo Ran , Zhu Ming
Published: May 2011

6-Trichloromethyl-9-oxa-5-azatricyclo[6.2.1.01,5]undecan-10-one was prepared and its structure clearly established from spectroscopic data and X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure belongs to the orthorhombic system, space group P21 2121 with a = 8.4494(17), b = 9.3505(19), c = 15.315(3) Å, α = β γ = 90°, V = 01210.0(4) Å3, Z = 4, Flack = 0.00(10). The absolute configuration of the title compound was determined as (1 R,6 R).
Functionality of 4-amino-5-hydrazinyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol in synthesis of new fused triazolotriazines and triazolotriazepines of potential gram negative antibacterial activity
Authors: Aly Ashraf A. , Abdel-Aziz Mohamed , Gad Gamal F. M.
Published: May 2011

4-Amino-5-hydrazinyl-4 H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol reacted with dimethyl acetylene-dicarboxylate, ethyl propiolate, ( E)-1,2-dibenzoylethylene, 2-(1,3-dioxo-1 H-inden-2(3 H)-ylidene)malononitrile, 2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone, 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone and 3,4,5,6-tetrachloro-1,2-benzoquinone to give various novel heterocylic compounds. Seven chemically synthesised compounds were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against different strains of microorganisms. Most of the tested compounds exhibited an excellent antibacterial activity against Gram negative bacteria including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa compared to the activity of ciprofloxacin.
Ion Molecule Reactions between Ligated Transition Metal Cations with Methane, Ethane and Propane in a High Pressure Ion Source
Authors: Ekeberg Dag , Naess-Andresen Carl Fredrik
Published: May 2011

The reactions of CH4, C2H6 and C3H8 with [η5-C5H5M(CO) n]+ (M = Fe, Co and Ni; 0 ≤ n ≤ 2) in the gas phase have been studied using a double focusing mass spectrometer with a high pressure ion source (HPIS). The products observed are mainly described as weakly bound ion molecule complexes. Carbon–hydrogen bond insertions were observed with propane and only to a minor extent with ethane. Methane was found to form ion molecule complexes only with ligated transition metal cations. The reactivity was influenced by the number of carbonyl ligands and the metal cations. The main adducts formed were obtained when one or no CO ligands were bound to the cyclopentadienyl metal cation. No adducts between the alkanes and naked transition metal cations or protonated metal compounds were found.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Gold(III) Substituted Tetraarylporphyrin Chlorides as Anticancer Reagents
Authors: Chen Huasheng , Yang Qian , Sun Liang , Zhang Zonglei , Tong Haibo , Xu Aihua , Wang Cunde
Published: May 2011

Substituted gold(III) tetraarylporphyrins have been synthesised. The analogues TPPAuCl (TPP = tetraphenylporhyrin), MeOTPPAuCl, TMOPPAuCl, MeO2CTPPAuCl, O2NTPPAuCl and PyTPPAuCl were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against the Sarcoma 180 mouse tumour cell line panel. Compound MeO2CTPPAuCl exhibited good growth inhibitory properties against Sarcoma 180 and afforded IC50 values <3μM for 92.386% of the cell lines in the panel. Compounds MeOTPPAuCl and TPPAuCl were effective inhibitors of tumour cell growth, but generally less effective than MeO2CTPPAuCl as cytotoxic agents.
Synthesis and Fluorescent Properties of Eu and Tb Complexes of a New Aryl Amide Ligand
Authors: Zhang Yanhua , Chen Xiang , Tian Damin
Published: May 2011

A new ligand, 1,2-bis[(2-benzyloxy)benzoylamino]ethane, and its complexes of europium and terbium have been synthesised and characterised. Under UV light, the europium and terbium complexes exhibited characteristic emissions and measurement of the lowest triplet state energy level of the ligand indicates that it matches better to the lowest resonance energy level of the Tb(III) ion than to that of the Eu(III) ion.
Age-Dependent Availability and Functionality of Bone Marrow Stem Cells in an Experimental Model of Acute and Chronic Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ayala-Lugo Ana , Tavares Angela M. V. , Paz Ana H. R. , Alegretti Ana , Miquelito Ludmila , Bock Hugo , Giugliani Roberto , Clausell Nadine , Cirne-Lima Elizabeth , Rohde Luis E.
Published: May 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aging and timing of left ventricular ischemic injury on the availability and functionality of stem cells. We studied young and aged male inbred Lewis rats that were used as donors of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs), divided in four experimental groups: controls, sham operated, 48 h post-myocardial infarction (MI), and 28 days post-MI. In vitro studies included flow cytometry analysis, hematopoietic colony-forming capacity, and invasion assays of migration capacity. BM-MNCs from these groups were transplanted in female rats after MI induction. Late engraftment was evaluated by real-time PCR of the SRY chromosome. Percentage of CD34+/CD45+low cells was similar among different experimental groups in young rats, but was significantly higher in aged animals ( p < 0.001), particularly 28 days post-MI. KDR+/CD34+ cells were increased 48 h after MI and decreased 28 days post-MI in young animals, while they were profoundly reduced in the aged group ( p < 0.001). Triple staining for CD44+/CD29+/CD71+ cells was similar in different groups of aged rats, but we observed an intense increase 48 h post-MI in young animals. Colony-forming units and cytokine-induced migration were significantly attenuated 28 days after the MI. Late engraftment in infarcted transplanted female hearts was present, but considerably heterogeneous. Finally, recovery of left ventricular systolic function in transplanted female recipients was significantly influenced by donors' BM-MNCs groups ( p < 0.01). We have demonstrated that aging and timing of myocardial injury are factors that may act synergistically in determining stem cell availability and function. Such interaction should be considered when planning new cell therapy strategies for acute and chronic ischemic heart disease in the clinical arena.
Dengue fever in the Indian subcontinent: an overview
Authors: Raheel Ummar , Faheem Muhammad , Riaz Mohammad Nasir , Kanwal Naghmana , Javed Farakh , Zaidi Najam us Sahar Sadaf , Qadri Ishtiaq
Published: May 2011

The Indian Subcontinent has emerged as a scene of many mosquito-borne infectious diseases, including malaria and dengue fever. After the 1990s, the rate of malaria declined owing largely to preventive measures, but at the same time dengue fever (DF) and dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) were increasing in the region. Outbreaks were recorded in all countries of the Indian Subcontinent with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on the forefront and suffering from the largest number of cases and deaths. We discuss annual cases of DF/DHF in these four countries and possible factors involved in DF outbreaks. We also discuss prevalent serotypes in this region where data suggest the emergence of DEN2 and DEN3 as the most dominant and lethal serotypes. Climate is an important factor influencing DF outbreaks, and rainfall, temperature and humidity play a pivotal role in DF outbreaks. Finally the economic impact of DF/DHF cases is discussed showing that direct and indirect economic loss due to DF/DHF reaches millions of USD each year.
Virological surveillance in Africa can contribute to early detection of new genetic and antigenic lineages of influenza viruses
Authors: Barakat Amal , Benjouad Abdelaziz , Manuguerra Jean-Claude , El Aouad Rajae , Van der Werf Sylvie
Published: May 2011

Introduction: In Africa, the burden of influenza is largely unknown since surveillance schemes exist in very few countries. The National Institute of Hygiene in Morocco implemented a sentinel network for influenza surveillance in 1996. Methodology: Epidemiological and virological surveillances were established and influenza viruses circulating in Morocco were characterised. Four practice-specific indicators were collected during the 1996-1997 season and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from patients with an influenza-like illness during a three-year period (between 1996 and1998). Laboratory diagnosis was done by viral isolation. The isolates were characterized by hemagglutination- and neuraminidase-inhibition assays and by sequencing the hemagglutinin gene and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Among a total of 673 specimens, 107 (16%) were positive for influenza virus. Seasonal influenza strains were isolated from November to February. Antigenically, A(H1N1), A(H3N2) and B isolates were related to the vaccine strains. Genetically, one 1996/97 isolate A/Rabat/33/96 and the 1997/98 A(H3N2) isolates clustered with the new drift variant A/Sydney/5/97, a vaccine component of the 1998/99 season. Conclusions: These results indicate a seasonal circulation of influenza in Morocco concentrated between November and February. Further, the results demonstrate the importance of including the maximum number of countries in influenza surveillance to contribute to the definition of the influenza vaccine composition.
Profiles of enteropathogens in asymptomatic children from indigenous communities of Mérida, Venezuela
Authors: Velasco Judith , González Fanny , Díaz Tulia , Peña-Guillén Jesús , Araque María
Published: May 2011

Introduction: In Latin America, gastrointestinal infections represent one of the main causes of death among indigenous groups, with a mortality rate three times greater than in the general population. In this study, the carrier state of enteropathogens and the epidemiological risk factor in asymptomatic children from indigenous communities of Mérida, Venezuela, were determined. Methodology: Fifty-eight healthy children, 5 years of age and under, were clinically and epidemiologically evaluated. Fecal samples were tested for a range of classic enteropathogens. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests (AST) were performed by dilution methods. Results: Of the specimens studied, there were 34 (58.6%) positive samples, and a single enteropathogen was detected in 22 (64.6%) of these. Associations of two and three enteropathogens were observed in 10 (29.3%) and two (5.8%) cases, respectively. Blastocystis hominis (16; 47.0%) and Salmonella spp. (15; 43.9%) were the most frequently detected enteropathogens. Carriage of enteropathogens was most frequent in children older than two years. The variety of food in the daily diet was the risk factor strongly associated with the presence of parasites and/or enteric bacteria (p = 0.024 < 0.05 and p = 0.000 < 0.05, respectively). The majority of these bacteria were susceptible to the antibiotics tested in vitro. Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of enteropathogen carriage in asymptomatic children aged five and under from indigenous communities; this result is statistically related to the consumption of food. These findings stress the need of continuous epidemiological surveillance in vulnerable populations, as an important step to prevent the morbidity and mortality due to gastrointestinal infections.
Comparison of virulence markers and antibiotic resistance in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli isolated ten years apart in Tehran
Authors: Shahrokhi Nader , Bouzari Saeid , Jafari Anis
Published: May 2011

Introduction: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) causes diarrhoea by producing heat-labile (LT) or heat-stable (ST) enterotoxins after colonizing the small intestine by means of colonization factors (CFs). Although detection of the toxins is sufficient for verification of ETEC isolates, toxin-positive strains may be further analyzed for the presence of CFs. Antibiotics may shorten the duration of diarrhoea caused by ETEC, but the rapid emergence of resistant strains limits their usefulness. Methodology: ETEC isolates collected 10 years apart were compared for the prevalence of toxin types, CFs and antibiotic resistance. DNA/DNA hybridization with digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled probes was used for the detection of toxin types, and CF-typing was performed by DNA hybridization using DIG-labeled probes for cfaD and CS6 with slide agglutination. Disk diffusion was used to determine antibiotic resistance. The presence of class 1 integrons was detected by PCR. Results: ST-positive isolates were the most prevalent among the isolates from 1988, but a significant shift towards LT-gene carriage was observed in the 1998 group. CFA/I and CFA/IV were the most common CF types within both groups. The most prevalent resistance patterns among these isolates were ACSTSXT followed by ASTSXT and ASSXT. Conclusion: Our study of the two groups of isolates showed that the rate of LT and ST gene carriage, as well as antibiotic resistance markers, has changed in the ten years separating the two bacterial populations. These variations show the importance of monitoring pathogenic bacteria to obtain a near realistic picture of the circulating bacterial pathogens.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia in Iranian intensive care units
Authors: Japoni Aziz , Vazin Afsanah , Davarpanah Mohammad Ali , Afkhami Ardakani Mohammad , Alborzi Abdolvahab , Japoni Sara , Rafaatpour Noradin
Published: May 2011

Introduction: Nosocomial pneumonia (NP) and ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) occur most frequently in intensive care units (ICU). This study seeks to determine the etiological agents of NP and VAP along with their antibacterial susceptibility patterns, and to evaluate the factors contributing to patient mortality. The impact of appropriate therapy in terms of three parameters (body temperature, PaO2/FiO2 ratio and leukocyte count) was also assessed. Methodology: This study involved 836 adult patients admitted to ICUs at the Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, over nine months during 2008 and 2009. The inclusion criterion was the commencement of infection at least 48 hours following hospital admission. Clinical parameters including core temperature, leukocyte count. and PaO2/FiO2 ratio were evaluated. Antibiotic sensitivities of the isolated bacteria to a panel of antibiotics were determined using E-test. Results: Of 836 cases, only 58 (6.9 %) cases of NP were diagnosed, of which 42 (72 %) were VAP. A. baumannii, MRSA, P. aeruginosa and MSSA were the most prevalent bacteria. Significant correlations between previous antibiotic therapy (p = 0.04), use of corticosteroids (p = 0.02) and attributable mortality were found.  A strong correlation between fever abatement and the ratio of PaO2/FiO2 with responses to treatment and outcomes was also evident. Conclusions: Combined treatment with meropenem/imipenem, ciprofloxacin and vancomycin seems to be appropriate and could cover all possible infective agents. To reduce mortality rate, reasonable prescription of antibiotics and corticosteroids could be effective. Furthermore, adopting a strategy to reduce body temperature and PaO2/FiO2 ratio could be beneficial in patients' outcomes.
Emergence of multiple drug resistance Vibrio cholerae O1 in East Delhi
Authors: Das Shukla , Choudhry Shilpee , Saha Rumpa , Ramachandran Vishnampettai Ganapathysubramanian , Kaur Kamaldeep , Sarkar B L
Published: May 2011

Introduction: Considering the changing geographical and temporal occurrence of Vibrio cholerae, there is a continuing need to monitor the strain characteristics and antibiotic resistance patterns of this pathogen. The present study was conducted to document the changing biology of V. cholerae isolates in and around Delhi, India, and the development of antibiotic resistance. Methodology: A total of 1,424 stool samples or rectal swabs from patients with acute secretory diarrhoea admitted to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, between January 2007 and December 2009 were processed using standard bacteriological methods. Strains identified as V. cholerae were further subjected to serogrouping, phage typing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of gentamicin and tetracycline was determined. Results: V. cholerae was isolated in 242/1,424 (17.0%) specimens. Of these, the majority were V. cholerae O1 serotype (98.3%) and serovar Ogawa. The drugs to which V. cholerae O1 isolates showed high levels of resistance were nalidixic acid, furazolidone, and cotrimoxazole throughout the study period, whereas strains were usually susceptible to chloramphenicol and cefotaxime. In 2007, there was a sudden increase of resistance to gentamicin and tetracycline, followed by a slow reversal to previous levels in subsequent years. The phage typing pattern (Basu and Mukherjee scheme) showed a dominance of phage type 2 throughout the study period. Conclusion: The importance of reporting all cases of V. cholerae, should be greatly emphasized, with the ultimate goal of understanding the constantly changing resistance patterns of this pathogen.
Anterior abdominal wall abscess caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in a patient with self-inflicted stab injury: An unusual presentation
Authors: Kumar Shailesh , Umadevi Sivaraman , Easow Joshy Maducolil , Joseph Noyal Mariya , Srirangaraj Sreenivasan , Kumari Kandha , Stephen Selvaraj
Published: May 2011

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia, otitis media, paranasal sinusitis, bacteremia and meningitis, as well as osteomyelitis and occasionally peritonitis. We report the case of a 25-year-old female who had stabbed herself with a kitchen knife above the umbilicus 10 days prior to admission. Subsequently, she developed an anterior abdominal wall abscess caused by S. pneumoniae. This case is unusual as the focus was distant from the respiratory tract, the usual primary site of infection caused by this organism. Furthermore, the case assumes significance because it occurred in the absence of any typical risk factors for S. pneumoniae.
Efficacy and safety of lamivudine treatment in late pregnancy with high HBV DNA: a perspective for mother and infants
Authors: Köse Sükran , Türken Melda , Devrim İlker , Taner Cüneyt
Published: May 2011

Introduction: Perinatal transmission - from mother to fetus - is one of the main transmission routes of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. Lamivudine therapy has been reported to prevent the replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in pregnant women with a high viral load that can lead to perinatal transmission. Methodology: This study sought to evaluate retrospectively the efficacy and safety of lamivudine treatment in pregnant women with CHB and a high viral load. Biochemical parameters, and virological and serological responses at the 32nd and 36th week of gestation and after labor were recorded. The complications of CHB and the adverse effects of lamivudine treatment were also recorded. Results: Following 8 weeks of lamivudine treatment, HBV viral load decreased to levels ≤ 10,000 copies/ml in five of the seven patients (71%) and in three patients (43%), HBV DNA was found to be completely negative after labor. Neither adverse effects caused by lamivudine treatment nor complications due to CHB infection were experienced by mothers or infants. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that lamivudine therapy in highly viremic hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive pregnant women could decrease perinatal transmission rates of HBV, and can lower the HBV viral load during labor.
Central nervous system aspergillosis in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Köse Şükran , Çavdar Gülsün , Senger Süheyla Serin , Akkoçlu Gülgün
Published: May 2011

Aspergillus sp. is a fungus that is very common in nature and may cause invasive disease with high mortality, especially in immunosuppressed patients. Here we present a case of central nervous system (CNS) aspergillosis in a previously healthy immunocompetent patient. A 23-year-old female was admitted to hospital with the complaints of headache, blurred vision, and double vision. In her cranial magnetic resonance imaging, abscess and paranchymal edema were observed in the left frontal lobe, and biopsy was performed with endoscopic nasal operation. The pathology result was consistent with aspergillus infection. It should be remembered that although CNS aspergillosis generally occurs in immunosuppressed patients, it may also rarely be diagnosed in immunocompetent individuals.
Antibiotic screening of urine culture as a useful quality audit
Authors: Wilson Godwin , Badarudeen Shaherudeen , Godwin Angela
Published: May 2011

Introduction: The diagnosis of urinary tract infections includes microbiologic culture of urine to determine the etiology of the infection. However, interpretation of the results can be confounded by various factors including the accuracy of a patient's history of current antibiotic usage.  Methodology: In this report, we tested urine specimens for the presence of antibiotics and compared our results to the accuracy of antibiotic data entry on the accompanying request forms. In addition, the consequences of culturing urine specimens with incomplete antibiotic history received in the laboratory were investigated. Results: During the study period, 14,680 urines were obtained and tested with a modified urine antibacterial substance assay (UABA). There were (97.32%) true-negative, 6 (0.04%) false-negative, 222 (1.51%) true-positive and 166 (1.13%) false-positive results. The sensitivity and specificity of this test was 97.37% and 98.85% respectively. Conclusion: This internal audit practice demonstrates the importance of accurately completed request forms and how this information impacts the clinical interpretation of urine culture results.
Comparison of the EQ-5D and the SF-6D Utility Measures in 813 Patients with Early Arthritis: Results from the ESPOIR Cohort
Authors: GAUJOUX-VIALA CÉCILE , RAT ANNE-CHRISTINE , GUILLEMIN FRANCIS , FLIPO RENÉ-MARC , FARDELLONE PATRICE , BOURGEOIS PIERRE , FAUTREL BRUNO
Published: May 2011

Objective.

The revolution of early aggressive therapy in early arthritis (EA) has fueled the search for better approaches to establish cost-effectiveness. Our objective was to compare the EuroQol EQ-5D health outcome measure and the SF-6D and to investigate their relationship to clinical variables in a large prospective cohort of patients with EA.

Methods.

The EQ-5D and SF-6D utility measures were longitudinally assessed in 813 patients with EA. Agreement and aspects of validity (construct validity, discrimination) were assessed.

Results.

At baseline, mean values for EQ-5D were 0.52 ± 0.31 (range −0.59 to 1.0) and for SF-6D were 0.58 ± 0.11 (range 0.30 to 0.92), with a bimodal distribution for the EQ-5D. Agreement was low for patients with severe disability or active disease: the utility was systematically lower with EQ-5D. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.42 at baseline and increased to 0.53 at 6 months and 0.57 at 1 and 2 years. Correlations between the 2 utility scores and the Health Assessment Questionnaire were good, and remained similar and stable over 2 years (r = −0.70). Correlations with the Disease Activity Score for 28 joints and the physical component of the MOS 36-item Short-form Health Survey (SF-36) were moderate to good and stable. In contrast, correlation with the mental component of the SF-36 was better with the SF-6D, and the correlation with pain, weak at baseline, improved at 6 months and remained stable thereafter. The SF-6D was better able to discriminate patients with high disease activity.

Conclusion.

There was systematic disagreement between EQ-5D and SF-6D in EA, especially in patients with worse clinical outcomes. Using the 2 instruments could be appropriate to conduct sensitivity analyses of cost-utility ratios because the instruments measure utility with closely similar measured properties, but at different levels.
Preferential Accumulation of Activated Th1 Cells Not Only in Rheumatoid Arthritis But Also in Osteoarthritis Joints
Authors: YAMADA HISAKATA , NAKASHIMA YASUHARU , OKAZAKI KEN , MAWATARI TARO , FUKUSHI JUN-ICHI , OYAMADA AKIKO , FUJIMURA KENJIRO , IWAMOTO YUKIHIDE , YOSHIKAI YASUNOBU
Published: May 2011

Objective.

It was previously found that Th1 but not Th17 cells were predominant in the joints of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To verify whether this is a unique feature of CD4 T cells in RA joints, we performed comparative flow cytometric analysis of CD4 T cells in RA and osteoarthritis (OA) joints.

Methods.

Mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood (PB), synovial membrane (SM), and synovial fluid (SF) from a total of 18 RA and 12 OA patients. The expression of surface molecules and cytokine production of CD4 T cells was examined by a flow cytometer.

Results.

Most CD4 T cells in RA joints expressed memory/activation markers, such as CD45RO, HLA-DR, and CD69. CCR5 was highly expressed on CD4 T cells in SF but not in PB or SM. With regard to Th17-related molecules, CD4 T cells expressing CCR6 were not enriched in either SF or SM. In contrast, CD161-positive cells were abundant in the joint, many of which, however, produced interferon-γ but not interleukin 17A. Virtually all T cells in OA joints, although much less numerous than in RA joints, expressed activation markers. Th1 cells were predominant in both OA and RA joints, while there were a few Th17 cells. The frequency of Th17 cells in the joint tended to be lower in OA than RA.

Conclusion.

There was a quantitative but not qualitative difference in CD4 T cells, including the expression of activation markers and cytokine profiles, between RA and OA joints.
Evaluation of Chlorella (Chlorophyta) as Source of Fermentable Sugars via Cell Wall Enzymatic Hydrolysis
Authors: Rodrigues Marcoaurélio Almenara , Bon Elba Pinto da Silva
Published: May 2011

The cell wall of Chlorella is composed of up to 80% carbohydrates including cellulose. In this study, Chlorella homosphaera and Chlorella zofingiensis were evaluated as source of fermentable sugars via their cell wall enzymatic degradation.
The algae were cultivated in inorganic medium, collected at the stationary growth phase and centrifuged. The cell pellet was suspended in citrate buffer, pH 4.8 and subjected to 24 hours hydrolysis at 50°C using a cellulases, xylanases, and amylases blend. The measurement of glucose and reducing sugars concentration in the reaction mixture supernatant, on a dry biomass base, showed hydrolysis yields of 2.9% and 5.03% glucose and 4.8% and 8.6% reducing sugars, for C. homosphaera and C. zofingiensis, respectively. However if cells were washed with chilled ethanol, cold dried, and grounded the biomass hydrolysis yields increased to 23.3% and 18.4% glucose and 24.5% and 19.3% reducing sugars for C. homosphaera and C. zofingiensis, respectively.
A Macroevolutionary Perspective on Multiple Sexual Traits in the Phasianidae (Galliformes)
Authors: Kimball Rebecca T. , Mary Colette M. St. , Braun Edward L.
Published: May 2011

Traits involved in sexual signaling are ubiquitous among animals. Although a single trait appears sufficient to convey information, many sexually dimorphic species exhibit multiple sexual signals, which may be costly to signalers and receivers. Given that one signal may be enough, there are many microevolutionary hypotheses to explain the evolution of multiple signals. Here we extend these hypotheses to a macroevolutionary scale and compare those predictions to the patterns of gains and losses of sexual dimorphism in pheasants and partridges. Among nine dimorphic characters, including six intersexual signals and three indicators of competitive ability, all exhibited both gains and losses of dimorphism within the group. Although theories of intersexual selection emphasize gain and elaboration, those six characters exhibited greater rates of loss than gain; in contrast, the competitive traits showed a slight bias towards gains. The available models, when examined in a macroevolutionary framework, did not yield unique predictions, making it difficult to distinguish among them. Even with this limitation, when the predictions of these alternative models were compared with the heterogeneous patterns of evolution of dimorphism in phasianids, it is clear that many different selective processes have been involved in the evolution of sexual signals in this group.
OvertMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisInfection: An Infrequent Occurrence in Archived Tissue from False TB Reactor Cattle in Michigan, USA
Authors: Fitzgerald Scott D. , Bolin Steven R. , Boland Kathryn G. , Lim Ailam , Kaneene John B.
Published: May 2011

The objective of this study was to retrospectively determine whether or not cattle from the state of Michigan which were classified as bovine tuberculosis reactors, based on currently approved field and laboratory testing methods, were overtly infected withMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis(MAP). Included in this study were 384 adult cattle submitted to the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health over a seven-year period. Cattle were tested utilizing standard methods to confirm that all cattle were lesion and culture negative for infection withMycobacterium bovisat postmortem examination. Retrospective analysis of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of ileum and ileocecal lymph node were evaluated by histopathology, acid-fast staining, and PCR assays to detect MAP. Overall, only 1.04 percent of cattle showed overt infection with MAP on visual examination of sections of ileum and/or ileo-cecal lymph node. This increased slightly to 2.1 percent of cattle likely infected with MAP after additional testing using a PCR assay. Based on these results, we found no evidence that overt infection with MAP plays a major role in the false tuberculosis reactor test results for cattle examined in this study.
Targeting Glycogen Synthase Kinase‐3β for Therapeutic Benefit against Oxidative Stress in Alzheimer′s Disease: Involvement of the Nrf2‐ARE Pathway
Authors: Kanninen Katja , White Anthony R. , Koistinaho Jari , Malm Tarja
Published: May 2011

Specific regions of the Alzheimer′s disease (AD) brain are burdened with extracellular protein deposits, the accumulation of which is concomitant with a complex cascade of overlapping events. Many of these pathological processes produce oxidative stress. Under normal conditions, oxidative stress leads to the activation of defensive gene expression that promotes cell survival. At the forefront of defence is the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), a transcription factor that regulates a broad spectrum of protective genes. Glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) regulates Nrf2, thus making this kinase a potential target for therapeutic intervention aiming to boost the protective activation of Nrf2. This paper aims to review the neuroprotective role of Nrf2 in AD, with special emphasis on the role of GSK‐3β in the regulation of the Nrf2 pathway. We also examine the potential of inducing GSK‐3β by small‐molecule activators, dithiocarbamates, which potentially exert their beneficial therapeutic effects via the activation of the Nrf2 pathway.
Estilo directivo en las agencias de publicidad españolas
Authors: Etayo-Pérez Cristina
Published: May 2011

El presente artículo tiene como propósito examinar el estilo de los directivos de las agencias de publicidad españolas. Para tal fin, se analiza la manera en que las dimensiones que definen la naturaleza de este concepto se presentan en el sector elegido. El análisis se inicia con la definición del estilo directivo como concepto. Luego se exponen su función principal y sus dimensiones constitutivas, y posteriormente se presentan la metodología seguida para verificar el modo en que estas dimensiones se presentan entre el grupo de directivos elegidos, así como los resultados obtenidos en el trabajo de campo. Dicha metodología incluye la realización de entrevistas en profundidad, a partir de un cuestionario con preguntas semiestructuradas, y el análisis descriptivo de información cualitativa y cuantitativa obtenida en la entrevistas. La revisión de estos aspectos enriquece el estudio de la gestión de las agencias de publicidad al aportar variables que ayudan a comprender por qué determinadas actuaciones tienen como consecuencia uno u otro tipo de relación entre directivos y colaboradores.
The Relationship between Adult Attachment Styles and Work-Related Self-Perceptions for Australian Paediatric Occupational Therapists
Authors: Meredith Pamela , Poulsen Anne , Khan Asad , Henderson Julie , Castrisos Veronica
Published: May 2011

Introduction:

An attachment framework has been increasingly employed to inform our understanding of the ways in which early childhood relationships have an impact upon people's adaptation to the workplace. Evidence supports the presence of four attachment-related work orientations in adulthood (secure, cautious, support-seeking and self-reliant), which correspond to a secure and three insecure attachment patterns in early childhood. Although these work orientations have been investigated in several working populations, they have not yet been considered within a sample of occupational therapists.

Method:

The present exploratory study considered the results of a nationwide survey of 486 paediatric occupational therapists, and investigated the associations between attachment styles and a range of demographic variables and work-related self-perceptions.

Results:

Consistent with hypotheses, those with a secure attachment style reported a high investment of skill and energy in their job and low levels of over commitment. Conversely, cautious attachment and, to a lesser extent, support-seeking attachment were linked with feeling overcommitted and perceiving low returns in terms of recognition and prestige from their work.

Conclusion:

Understanding how practitioners' predominant attachment style is associated with work-related self-perceptions may offer insights into their behaviours and needs. This, in turn, can inform the provision of appropriate supports, with potential benefits for staff satisfaction, retention, health, wellbeing and, ultimately, client care.
Occupational Therapy Graduates of 2009: Knowledge and Attitudes Relating to Their Role in the Area of Alcohol Misuse
Authors: Gill Jan , MacLean Fiona , Renton Linda , O'May Fiona
Published: May 2011

Purpose:

Within Scotland, health policy changes are being considered to address the misuse of alcohol. Concurrently, a shifting of professional roles within the National Health Service is under way. The purpose of the study was to investigate personal knowledge and attitudes relating to alcohol use/misuse amongst all final year Scottish occupational therapy students.

Procedure:

A self-completed questionnaire was developed for delivery in spring 2009 within scheduled lectures to students (n = 161) at all three Scottish universities providing occupational therapy education.

Findings:

Of those in class, 93% (n = 109) provided completed questionnaires. There was evidence of gaps in knowledge around the understanding and application of United Kingdom responsible drinking guidelines; however, students reported confidence in their professional and personal ability to act effectively in this area of clinical practice. There was a distinct lack of congruence with key proposals put forward by the Scottish Government to address alcohol misuse.

Conclusion:

Identified knowledge gaps have implications for the alcohol teaching content of the curriculum in Scotland. Additionally, while investigation of student attitudes revealed a self-belief in personal and professional skills, the findings nevertheless stress a need to ensure that the potential value of occupational therapists' contribution is more effectively communicated to their health professional colleagues.
Spirituality in Practice: Using Personal Reflection to Prepare Occupational Therapy Students
Authors: Barry Emily , Gibbens Richard
Published: May 2011

Introduction:

The study examines whether directed study and reflection on spirituality can improve occupational therapy students' confidence in addressing clients' spiritual needs.

Method:

In this qualitative study, questionnaires were distributed to a convenience sample of 12 students. In a quasi-experimental design using a pre-test and post-test approach, participants answered questions before and after reading about spirituality and completing a personal reflection.

Results:

Nine participants (75%) believed that the reflection increased awareness of their spirituality. Of these, 78% felt more confident to address spiritual needs.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that directed study and personal reflection upon spirituality can enhance personal professional development, increasing students' confidence in this core domain.
Developing a Housing Adaptation Genome Project
Authors: Heywood Frances , Awang Darren
Published: May 2011

Evidence about the effectiveness of housing adaptations is unsystematic, leaving large gaps in knowledge. The evidence that exists is not sufficiently compelling to attract substantial investment, and its weakness impedes evidence-based practice. In order to fill the gaps, a more systematic approach to adaptation research is needed. A housing adaptation genome project is proposed to address this problem by mapping, planning and coordinating future research.

This opinion piece sets out the rationale and potential value of developing a housing adaptation genome project. It invites all stakeholders to become involved and to help to shape a more powerful approach to housing adaptation research.
Reducing Sensitive Survey Response Bias in Research on Adolescents: A Comparison of Web-Based and Paper-and-Pencil Administration
Authors: Wyrick David L. , Bond Lloyd
Published: May 2011

Purpose.

Using the Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT), the effect of mode of administration on (1) students' willingness to disclose sensitive information and (2) response rates was investigated.

Design.

A2 × 2 unequal N factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) design was employed. Mode of administration (paper-and-pencil vs. Web-based) was crossed with grade level (middle vs. high school).

Setting.

The study was conducted in two middle and two high schools.

Subjects.

A total of 628 middle and high school students completed the survey.

Measures.

The POSIT is a self-report measure with 139 yes/no items that identifies stressors in 10 functional areas (e.g., Substance Use).

Analysis.

An unequal N 2 (mode) × 2 (grade level) factorial ANOVA was employed.

Results.

No statistically significant differences were found for self-reported risk across modes of administration. Students completing the Web-based version of the survey were four times more likely to skip an item.

Conclusions.

Effect of Mode on Reporting of Sensitive Information—Students completed the Web-based surveys in computer labs with other students. The intent of the Web-based survey was to increase perceived privacy but the environment likely negated any effect. Effect of Mode on Response Rates—The higher response rate for the paper-and-pencil survey was the opposite of what was expected and revealed that students were more likely to skip sensitive items on the Web survey. (Am J Health Promot 2011;25[5]:349-352.)