bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short‐term low‐dose secondary prophylaxis for severe/moderate haemophilia A children is beneficial to reduce bleed and improve daily activity, but there are obstacle in its execution: a multi‐centre pilot study in China
Authors: Tang L. , Wu R. , Sun J. , Zhang X. , Feng X. , Zhang X. , Luke K.‐H. , Poon M.‐C.
Published: December 2012

We recently showed in a single centre trial that low‐dose secondary prophylaxis in severe/moderate haemophilia patients with arthropathy is feasible and beneficial. However, this regimen has not been validated in a multicentre setting and what obstacles are there to prophylaxis remain unclear. (i) Benefit study: to confirm the benefits of similar prophylaxis protocol in severe/moderate haemophilia A (HA) in a multicentre setting in China. (ii) Follow‐up obstacle study: to investigate obstacles in compliance to prophylaxis treatment. (i) Benefit study: severe/moderate HA children with arthropathy from 15 centres were enrolled to undergo an 8‐week on‐demand treatment, followed by 6 to 12‐week low‐dose secondary prophylaxis. Outcomes compared in the two periods include joint and severe bleeding, daily activities and factor consumption. (ii) Obstacle study: questionnaires to investigators to collect data on patient and centre factors contributing to inability to comply with prophylaxis. We enrolled 191 patients from 15 centres. Sixty‐six (34.6%) from three centres completed the prophylaxis protocol, and they had significantly decreased bleeding (78.8% haemarthrosis and 68.9% severe bleedings) and improved daily activities with no increase in factor consumption over that in the on‐demand therapy period. The remaining 125 patients from 12 centres were not compliant to the prophylaxis protocol; questionnaire data indicated that the major obstacles were inability of patients/parents to accept (41.7%) or to adhere (33.3%) to the prophylaxis protocol, mostly because of failure to understand the benefits and to accept the frequent injections. Non‐availability of a centre comprehensive care team was another important determinant. Short‐term low‐dose secondary prophylactic therapy is beneficial without increasing factors consumption for severe/moderate HA with arthropathy in a multi‐centre setting in China. Obstacles to overcome must include improvement in comprehensive care and in education to patient/parents and healthcare personnel.
Cryo‐scanning x‐ray diffraction microscopy of frozen‐hydrated yeast
Authors: LIMA E. , DIAZ A. , GUIZAR‐SICAIROS M. , GORELICK S. , PERNOT P. , SCHLEIER T. , MENZEL A.
Published: December 2012

We developed cryo‐scanning x‐ray diffraction microscopy, utilizing hard x‐ray ptychography at cryogenic temperature, for the noninvasive, high‐resolution imaging of wet, extended biological samples and report its first frozen‐hydrated imaging. Utilizing phase contrast at hard x‐rays, cryo‐scanning x‐ray diffraction microscopy provides the penetration power suitable for thick samples while retaining sensitivity to minute density changes within unstained samples. It is dose‐efficient and further minimizes radiation damage by keeping the wet samples at cryogenic temperature. We demonstrate these capabilities in two dimensions by imaging unstained frozen‐hydrated budding yeast cells, achieving a spatial resolution of 85 nm with a phase sensitivity of 0.0053 radians. The current work presents the feasibility of cryo‐scanning x‐ray diffraction microscopy for quantitative, high‐resolution imaging of unmodified biological samples extending to tens of micrometres.
Description of a new species ofReteporella(Bryozoa: Phidoloporidae) from the Weddell Sea (Antarctica) and the possible functional morphology of avicularia
Authors: Figuerola Blanca , Ballesteros Manuel , Avila Conxita
Published: December 2012

Figuerola, B., Ballesteros, M. and Avila, C. 2013. Description of a new species ofReteporella(Bryozoa: Phidoloporidae) from the Weddell Sea (Antarctica) and the possible functional morphology of avicularia. —Acta Zoologica(Stockholm)94: 66–73.

A new species of cheilostome bryozoan,Reteporella rosjoarumsp. n., belonging to the family of Phidoloporidae is described from the Weddell Sea (Antarctica) and illustrated with binocular microscope and SEM micrographs. SEM has been used to observe the essential characters to describe the new species and to compare it to similar species. Three samples from three different stations were collected at 332–597 m depth during the ANT XXI/2 cruise of the R/V Polarstern (AWI, Bremerhaven, Germany) using a bottom trawl. The new species is characterized by the presence of giant vicarious spherical avicularia. The distinctive morphology of these avicularia discriminates this species from Antarctica congeners. The variability in avicularian morphometrics demonstrates that intraspecific variation between localities (Austasen and Drescher Inlet) may exist. It is also interesting to relate the morphology of the avicularia with the possible functions in Cheilostomata.
Later language development in narratives in children with perinatal stroke
Authors: Reilly Judy S. , Wasserman Sophie , Appelbaum Mark
Published: December 2012

Studies of young children with unilateral perinatal stroke (PS) have confirmed the plasticity of the developing brain for acquiring language. While recent studies of typically developing children have demonstrated the significant development of language well into adolescence, we know little regarding the course of language development in the PS group as they mature. Will children with PS continue to show the same remarkable plasticity that they exhibited at younger ages? In the present paper we investigate later language and discourse in children with perinatal stroke (ages 7–16) using spoken personal narrative as the discourse context. In contrast to the findings of the discourse studies of younger children with PS, children with left hemisphere lesions made more morphological errors, used less complex syntax and fewer syntactic types than controls; they also produced more impoverished story settings. In contrast, those with right hemisphere lesions performed comparably to controls, except in their impoverished use of complex syntax. The findings provide insight into the nature of later spoken language development in these children, revealing both the nature and extent of neuroplasticity for language as well as potential regional biases.
What Factors Determine Student Performance in East Asia? New Evidence from the 2007 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study
Authors: Hojo Masakazu , Oshio Takashi
Published: December 2012

This study investigates what factors determine students’ academic performance in 5 major Eastern Asian economies. It does so using data gathered through the 2007 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. In a regression analysis, we explicitly consider initial maturity differences, endogeneity of class size and peer effects. We find that a student's individual and family backgrounds are key determinants of educational performance, while institutional and resource variables have a more limited effect. Peer effects are significant in general, but ability‐sorting at the school and/or class levels makes it difficult to interpret these effects in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Employment Effects of Offshoring across Sectors and Occupations in Japan
Authors: Agnese Pablo
Published: December 2012

In the case of Japan, the studies conducted so far focus alone on firm‐level data and delve into the productivity effects and the skill upgrading between skilled and unskilled workers. Here, we carry out an empirical analysis of the employment effects of offshoring for Japanese industries on a broader classification of skills or occupations, while considering the three major sectors of the economy and taking account of both services and materials offshoring. The results suggest that various types of offshoring affect occupations differently. In particular, services offshoring tends to benefit highly skilled occupations more, while materials offshoring tends to benefit production workers instead.
Cubic and Quartic Transformations of the Sixth Painlevé Equation in Terms of Riemann–Hilbert Correspondence
Authors: Mazzocco Marta , Vidunas Raimundas
Published: December 2012

The starting point of this paper is a classification of quadratic polynomial transformations of the monodromy manifold for the 2 × 2 isomonodromic Fuchsian systems associated to the Painlevé VI equation. Up to birational automorphisms of the monodromy manifold, we find three transformations. Two of them are identified as the action of known quadratic or quartic transformations of the Painlevé VI equation. The third transformation of the monodromy manifold gives a new transformation of degree 3 of Picard’s solutions of Painlevé VI.
Material Politics: Concrete Imaginations and the Architectural Definition of Urban Life inLeCorbusier's Master Plan forBuenosAires
Authors: Minuchin Leandro
Published: December 2012

Based on the example ofLeCorbusier's design for a network of urban thoroughfares inBuenosAires, this article examines the role of concrete in the invention of a new material imaginary, where novel structures were used to architecturally delimit the expressivity of urban life. The article is structured in two parts. The first part examines how materiality has been repositioned as a site of and for politics. I chart three different strands of material politics prevalent in contemporary urban theory: material politics as (1) the inscription of metabolic infrastructures, (2) the disruption of the sensible and (3) the assembling of socio‐material entanglements. I then argue for the need to devise a definition of material politics that incorporates the notion of actualization and reflects the involvement of materials in the invention of and experimentation with alternative urban imaginaries. In the second part, I describe the assembly ofLeCorbusier's proposed concrete biology forBuenosAires by examining three interrelated mechanisms: valorization, circulation and abstraction. To conclude, I emphasize the methodological value of using the instance of materialization as a form of tracing the historical emergence and transformation of alternative forms of problematizing and imagining the production of urban space.
Effects of combined radiation and burn injury on the renin–angiotensin system
Authors: Jadhav Sachin S. , Sharma Natasha , Meeks Christopher J. , Mordwinkin Nicholas M. , Espinoza Theresa B. , Roda Norma R. , DiZerega Gere S. , Hill Colin K. , Louie Stan G. , Rodgers Kathleen E.
Published: December 2012

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in wound repair; however, little is known pertaining to RAS expression in response to thermal injury and the combination of radiation plus burn injury (CRBI). The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that thermal injury modifies expression of RAS components and CRBI delayed this up‐regulation of RAS. Skin from uninjured mice was compared with mice receiving local thermal injury or CRBI (injury site). Skin was analyzed for gene and protein expression of RAS components. There was an initial increase in the expression of various components of RAS following thermal injury. However, in the higher CRBI group there is an initial decrease in AT1b (vasoconstriction, pro‐proliferative), AT2 (vasodilation, differentiation), and Mas (vasodilation, anti‐inflammatory) gene expression. This corresponded with a delay and decrease in AT1, AT2, and MAS protein expression in fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The reduction in RAS receptor positive fibroblasts and keratinocytes correlated with a reduction in collagen deposition and keratinocyte infiltration into the wounded area resulting in a delay of reepithelialization following CRBI. These data support the hypothesis that delayed wound healing observed in subjects following radiation exposure may be in part due to decreased expression of RAS.
A novel three‐dimensional model system for keloid study: Organotypic multicellular scar model
Authors: Lee Won Jai , Choi Il‐Kyu , Lee Ju Hee , Kim Yong Oock , Yun Chae‐Ok
Published: December 2012

We developed a three‐dimensional organotypic multicellular spheroid scar model to mimic the microenvironment of human keloid tissues. Keloid tissues were cultured for 7 days. Changes in total cellularity and apoptotic index in the primary keloid spheroid cultures were evaluated histologically and with a TUNEL assay, respectively. The expression profiles of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), collagen I, collagen III, elastin, fibronectin, matrix metalloproteinase‐2, and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 were examined with immunohistochemistry. In addition, these expression profiles were investigated after treating primary keloid spheroids with triamcinolone acetonide. Cell viability and morphology of ex vivo cultured keloid spheroids were maintained, and the apoptotic index did not increase for up to 1 week in culture. Keloid spheroids cultivated ex vivo retained the major characteristics of keloids, such as high levels of collagen I and TGF‐β expression for up to 7 days. The biological activity of keloids responding to TGF‐β was also maintained during ex vivo culture. Moreover, ex vivo triamcinolone acetonide treatment of cultivated keloid spheroids significantly reduced collagen I, collagen III, elastin, and fibronectin expression levels, in accordance with clinical observations. The three‐dimensional organotypic multicellular spheroid keloid culture will allow investigators to study keloid pathogenesis and test potential keloid therapeutic agents.
Evaluation of the Drawer Test and the Tibial Compression Test for Differentiating Between Cranial and Caudal Stifle Subluxation Associated with Cruciate Ligament Instability
Authors: Might Kelly R. , Bachelez Andréas , Martinez Steven A. , Gay John M.
Published: December 2012

Objective

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the drawer test (DT) alone and in combination with the tibial compression test (TCT) to detect stifle subluxation after transection of the cranial cruciate (CrCL), caudal cruciate (CdCL) or both cruciate ligaments (total cruciate ligament or TCL).

Study Design

Experimental study.

Sample Population

Cadaveric, skeletally mature canine pelvic limb pairs (n = 8).

Methods

Pelvic limbs disarticulated at the coxofemoral joint were randomly assigned to the following 1 of 4 groups: (1) limbs had complete transection of the CrCL; (2) limbs had complete transection of the CdCL; (3) limbs had complete transection of both ligaments; and (4) both ligaments were left intact. Participants performed the DT and the TCT and a diagnosis was given based on the DT and on the combination of these tests.

Results

DT had a poor sensitivity for correctly identifying CrCL (69%), CdCL (45%), and TCL (26%) rupture, but had a high sensitivity when identifying intact limbs (97%). Specificity for DT was greatest when identifying limbs with CdCL (97%) and TCL (92%) rupture, and the lowest when palpating limbs with CrCL rupture (75%). Combining DT and TCT did not increase sensitivity or specificity values, nor did an increased level of evaluator training.

Conclusions

Independent of evaluator training, the DT alone or combined with the TCT poorly differentiates the cause of stifle instability associated with CrCL, CdCL, and TCL rupture.
Seasonal reproductive costs contribute to reduced survival of female greater sage‐grouse
Authors: Blomberg Erik J. , Sedinger James S. , Nonne Daniel V. , Atamian Michael T.
Published: December 2012

Tradeoffs among demographic traits are a central component of life history theory. We investigated tradeoffs between reproductive effort and survival in female greater sage‐grouse breeding in the American Great Basin, while also considering reproductive heterogeneity by examining covariance among current and future reproductive success. We analyzed survival and reproductive histories from 328 individual female greater sage‐grouse captured between 2003 and 2011, and examined the effect of reproductive effort on survival and future reproduction. Monthly survival of females was variable within years, and this within‐year variation was associated with distinct biological seasons. Monthly survival was greatest during the winter (November–March; ΦW= 0.99 ± 0.001 SE), and summer (June–July; ΦS= 0.98 ± 0.01 SE), and lower during nesting (April–May; ΦN= 0.93 ± 0.02 SE) and fall (August–October; ΦF= 0.92 ± 0.02 SE). Successful reproduction was associated with reduced monthly survival during summer and fall, and this effect was greatest during fall. Females that successfully fledged chicks had lower annual survival (0.47 ± 0.05 SE) than females who were not successful (0.64 ± 0.04 SE). Annual survival did not vary across years, consistent with a slow‐paced life history strategy in greater sage‐grouse. In contrast, reproductive success varied widely, and was positively correlated with annual rainfall. We found evidence for heterogeneity among females with respect to reproductive success; compared with unsuccessful females, females that raised a brood successfully in year t were more than twice as likely to be successful in year t+ 1. Female greater sage‐grouse incur costs to survival associated with reproduction, however, variation in quality among females may override costs to subsequent reproductive output.
Reliability of Blood Pressure Parameters for Dry Weight Estimation in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Susantitaphong Paweena , Laowaloet Suthanit , Tiranathanagul Khajohn , Chulakadabba Adhisabandh , Katavetin Pisut , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Tungsanga Kriang , Eiam‐Ong Somchai
Published: December 2012

Chronic volume overload resulting from interdialytic weight gain and inadequate fluid removal plays a significant role in poorly controlled high blood pressure. Although bioimpedance has been introduced as an accurate method for assessing hydration status, the instrument is not available in general hemodialysis (HEMO) centers. This study was conducted to explore the correlation between hydration status measured by bioimpedance and blood pressure parameters in chronic HEMO patients. Multifrequency bioimpedance analysis was used to determine pre‐ and post‐dialysis hydration status in 32 stable HEMO patients. Extracellular water/total body water (ECW/TBW) determined by sum of segments from bioimpedance analysis was used as an index of hydration status. The mean age was 57.9 ± 16.4 years. The mean dry weight and body mass index were 57.7 ± 14.5 kg and 22.3 ± 4.7 kg/m2, respectively. Pre‐dialysis ECW/TBW was significantly correlated with only pulse pressure (r = 0.5, P = 0.003) whereas post‐dialysis ECW/TBW had significant correlations with pulse pressure, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.6, P = 0.001, r = 0.4, P = 0.04, r = −0.4, and P = 0.02, respectively). After dialysis, the mean values of ECW/TBW, systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure were significantly decreased. ECW/TBW was used to classify the patients into normohydration (≤0.4) and overhydration (>0.4) groups. Systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and pulse pressure significantly reduced after dialysis in the normohydration group but did not significantly change in the overhydration group. Pre‐dialysis pulse pressure, post‐dialysis pulse pressure, and post‐dialysis systolic blood pressure in the overhydration group were significantly higher than normohydration group. Due to the simplicity and cost, blood pressure parameters, especially pulse pressure, might be a simple reference for clinicians to determine hydration status in HEMO patients.
Top 10 Research Priorities Relating to Life after Stroke – Consensus from Stroke Survivors, Caregivers, and Health Professionals
Authors: Pollock Alex , St George Bridget , Fenton Mark , Firkins Lester
Published: December 2012

Background

Research resources should address the issues that are most important to people affected by a particular healthcare problem. Systematic identification of stroke survivor, caregiver, and health professional priorities would ensure that scarce research resources are directed to areas that matter most to people affected by stroke.

Aims

We aimed to identify the top 10 research priorities relating to life after stroke, as agreed by stroke survivors, caregivers, and health professionals.

Methods

Key stages involved establishing a priority setting partnership; gathering treatment uncertainties from stroke survivors, caregivers, and health professionals relating to life after stroke (using surveys administered by e-mail, post, and at face-to-face meetings); checking submitted treatment uncertainties to ensure that they were clear, unanswered questions about the effects of a treatment/intervention; interim prioritization to identify the highest priority questions (objectively identified from ranking of personal priorities by original survey respondents); and a final consensus meeting to reach agreement on the top 10 research priorities.

Results

We gathered 548 research questions that were refined into 226 unique unanswered treatment uncertainties. Ninety-seven respondents completed the interim prioritization process, objectively identifying 24 shared priority treatment uncertainties. A representative group of 28 stroke survivors, caregivers, and health professionals attended a final meeting, reaching consensus on the top 10 research priorities relating to life after stroke.

Six of the agreed top 10 research priorities related to specific stroke-related impairments, including cognition, aphasia, vision, upper limb, mobility, and fatigue. Three related to more social aspects of ‘living with stroke’ including coming to terms with long-term consequences, confidence, and helping stroke survivors and their families ‘cope’ with speech problems. One related to the secondary consequences of stroke and subsequent stroke prevention.

Conclusions

The top 10 research priorities relating to life after stroke have been identified using a rigorous and person-centered approach. These should be used to inform the prioritization and funding of future research relating to life after stroke.
Patient Refusal of Thrombolytic Therapy for Suspected Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Vahidy F. S. , Rahbar M. H. , Lal A. P. , Grotta J. C. , Savitz S. I.
Published: December 2012

Objective

To determine factors associated with patients refusing IV t-PA for suspected acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and to compare the outcomes of patients who refused t-PA (RT) with those treated with t-PA.

Methods

Patients who were treated with and refused t-PA at our stroke center were identified retrospectively. Demographics, clinical presentation, and outcome measures were collected and compared. Clinical outcome was defined as excellent (mRS: 0–1), good (mRS: 0–2), and poor (mRS: 3–6).

Results

Over 7·5 years, 30 (4·2%) patients refused t-PA. There were no demographic differences between the treated and RT groups. The rate of RT decreased over time (OR 0·63, 95% CI 0·50–0·79). Factors associated with refusal included a later symptom onset to emergency department presentation time (OR 1·02, 95% CI 1·01–1·03), lower NIHSS (OR 1·11, 95% CI 1·03–1·18), a higher proportion of stroke mimics (OR 17·61, 95% CI 6·20–50·02) and shorter hospital stay (OR 1·32, 95% CI 1·09–1·61). Among patients who were subsequently diagnosed with ischemic stroke, only length of stay was significantly shorter for refusal patients (OR 1·37, 95% CI 1·06–1·78). After controlling for mild strokes and stroke mimics, clinical outcome was not different between the groups (OR 1·61, 95% CI 0·69–3·73).

Conclusion

The incidence of patients refusing t-PA has decreased over time, yet it may be a cause for t-PA under-utilization. Patients with milder symptoms were more likely to refuse t-PA. Refusal patients presented later to the hospital and had shorter hospital stays. One out of six refusal patients (16·6%) had a stroke mimic.
Excessive Work and Risk of Haemorrhagic Stroke: A Nationwide Case-Control Study
Authors: Kim Beom Joon , Lee Seung-Hoon , Ryu Wi-Sun , Kim Chi Kyung , Chung Jong-Won , Kim Dohoung , Park Hong-Kyun , Bae Hee-Joon , Park Byung-Joo , Yoon Byung-Woo ,   for ABBA study investigators
Published: December 2012

Background

Adverse effect of excessive work on health has been suggested previously, but it was not documented in cerebrovascular diseases.

Aim

The authors investigated whether excessive working conditions would associate with increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke.

Methods

A nationwide matched case-control study database, which contains 940 cases of incident haemorrhagic stroke (498 intracerebral haemorrhages and 442 sub-arachnoid haemorrhages) with 1880 gender- and age- (±5-year) matched controls, was analysed. Work-related information based on the regular job situation, including type of occupation, regular working time, duration of strenuous activity during regular work and shift work, was gathered through face-to-face interviews. Conditional logistic regression analyses were used for the multivariable analyses.

Results

Compared with white-collar workers, blue-collar workers had a higher risk for haemorrhagic stroke (odds ratio, 1·33 [95% confidence interval, 1·06–1·66]). Longer regular working time was associated with increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke [odds ratio, 1·38 (95% confidence interval, 1·05–1·81) for 8–12 h/day; odds ratio, 1·95 (95% confidence interval, 1·33–2·86) for ≥13 h/day; compared with ≤4 h/day]. Exposure to ≥8 h/week of strenuous activity also associated haemorrhagic stroke risk [odds ratio, 1·61 (95% confidence interval, 1·26–2·05); compared with no strenuous activity]. Shift work was not associated with haemorrhagic stroke ( P = 0·98). Positive associations between working condition indices and haemorrhagic stroke risk were consistent regardless of haemorrhagic stroke sub-types and current employment status.

Conclusions

Blue-collar occupation, longer regular working time and extended duration of strenuous activity during work may relate to an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke.
Predictors of Delayed Stroke in Patients with Cervical Artery Dissection
Authors: Lichy Christoph , Metso Antti , Pezzini Alessandro , Leys Didier , Metso Tiina , Lyrer Philippe , Debette Stéphanie , Thijs Vincent , Abboud Shérine , Kloss Manja , Samson Yves , Caso Valeria , Sessa Maria , Beretta Simone , Lamy Chantal , Medeiros Elizabeth , Bersano Anna , Touze Emmanuel , Tatlisumak Turgut , Grau Armin , Brandt Tobias , Engelter Stefan , Grond-Ginsbach Caspar ,   for the Cervical Artery Dissection and Ischemic Stroke Patients (CADISP)-Study Group
Published: December 2012

Background

Stroke in patients with acute cervical artery dissection may be anticipated by initial transient ischemic or nonischemic symptoms.

Aim

Identifying risk factors for delayed stroke upon cervical artery dissection.

Methods

Cervical artery dissection patients from the multicenter Cervical Artery Dissection and Ischemic Stroke Patients study were classified as patients without stroke ( n = 339), with stroke preceded by nonstroke symptoms (delayed stroke, n = 244), and with stroke at onset ( n = 382). Demographics, clinical, and vascular findings were compared between the three groups.

Results

Patients with delayed stroke were more likely to present with occlusive cervical artery dissection ( P < 0·001), multiple cervical artery dissection ( P = 0·031), and vertebral artery dissection ( P < 0·001) than patients without stroke. No differences were observed in age, smoking, arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, migraine, body mass index, infections during the last week, and trauma during the last month, but patients with delayed stroke had less often transient ischemic attack ( P < 0·001) and local signs (Horner syndrome and cranial nerve palsy; P < 0·001).

Conclusions

Occlusive cervical artery dissection, multiple cervical artery dissection, and vertebral artery dissection were associated with an increased risk for delayed stroke. No other risk factors for delayed stroke were identified. Immediate cervical imaging of cervical artery dissection patients without ischemic stroke is needed to identify patients at increased risk for delayed ischemia.
Pattern recognition receptors and their role in invasive aspergillosis
Authors: Gresnigt Mark S. , Netea Mihai G. , van de Veerdonk Frank L.
Published: December 2012

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are germline receptors that recognize conserved structures on microorganisms. Several PRRs have been identified in the recent years that are involved in the immune response against Aspergillus fumigatus. The role of PRRs in invasive pulmonary aspergillosis becomes especially apparent in the setting of an immunocompromised status of the host because of the redundancy of many PRRs in the host defense against A. fumigatus. Studies that investigated the PRRs and their effector pathways in invasive aspergillosis have led to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. This knowledge may pave the way for novel diagnostic and immunomodulatory treatment strategies that are needed to overcome the high mortality associated with invasive A. fumigatus infection in immunocompromised patients.
The use of biological agents for the treatment of fungal asthma and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Moss Richard B.
Published: December 2012

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a virulent manifestation of the Th2 asthma endotype that includes asthma with fungal sensitization, raising the feasibility of biological therapies targeting Th2 pathway molecules or cells. The first molecule amenable to clinical intervention with a biological was IgE. Omalizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody (Mab), targets the same epitope on the IgE CH3 region that binds to and crosslinks high‐affinity receptors on mast cells and basophils, thereby initiating the allergic inflammatory cascade. Omalizumab is licensed for allergic asthma and has been beneficial in uncontrolled studies of ABPA, reducing exacerbations and steroid requirements. Trials of several Mabs directed against the Th2 cytokine IL‐5 show clinical benefit in patients with a severe refractory eosinophilic asthma phenotype, while a Mab against IL‐13 is effective in asthma patients with a Th2‐high endotype. Immunodulation is also feasible with small molecule biologicals, such as antisense oligodeoxynucleotides and cholecalciferol. Controlled trials of Th2‐inhibiting biologicals in patients with ABPA and severe asthma with fungal sensitization appear warranted.
Conservation in Aspergillus fumigatus of pH‐signaling seven transmembrane domain and arrestin proteins, and implications for drug discovery
Authors: Bignell Elaine M.
Published: December 2012

Adaptation to extracellular pH is a major challenge to fungal pathogens that infect mammalian hosts. Among pH responses mounted by diverse fungal pathogens there is a high degree of molecular conservation. This, coupled with the absence of such signaling pathways in mammalian cells, suggests that this crucial fungal survival mechanism might provide a useful means of limiting a broad spectrum of infectious fungal growth. PacC/Rim signaling converts extracellular cues, perceived by the fungal cell at extremes of ambient pH, into a cellular signal moderating the activation and/or derepression of multiple pH‐sensitive gene functions including enzymes, permeases, and transporters. Signal transduction via the fungal PacC/Rim pathway involves a seven transmembrane domain (7TMD) receptor–arrestin protein complex. This review will discuss, with particular attention to Aspergillus fumigatus (the major mold pathogen of humans), the conservation of PacC/Rim signal reception proteins, and protein domains, required for tolerance of pH change, and pathogenicity, and the significance of such molecules as targets for interventive therapies.
Multifocal pulmonary aspergillomas: case series and review
Authors: Pendleton Matthew , Denning David W.
Published: December 2012

Multifocal lung parenchymal cavities containing multiple aspergillomas are not well‐recognized features of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). We identified five patients with multiple cavities containing fungal balls from our accumulated cohort of ∼300 patients with CPA. Corticosteroid exposure and radiological and serological characteristics were assessed. The patients, aged 19–55 years, developed 3–11 cavities (or nodules in one case) with thin walls, usually within the lung parenchyma, with very limited pleural involvement. Four had asthma (severe in three) and one had cystic fibrosis; three had allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. All patients had received corticosteroids orally or by inhalation. Four patients had elevated Aspergillus IgG antibodies; one had elevated Aspergillus‐specific IgE. Three patients developed azole resistance on antifungal therapy, after benefit, one of whom underwent a successful bilateral lung transplant, later complicated by a fatal mycotic cerebral aneurysm. Multiple aspergillomas is a new distinct manifestation of CPA. The lack of inflammatory response and the distribution of the cavities in the lungs are remarkable. Aspergillus nodules could evolve into cavities with aspergillomas. The management and development of azole resistance in these patients is problematic.
ALEXANDER POLYHISTOR AND THE BABYLONIACA OF BEROSSOS
Authors: DE BREUCKER GEERT
Published: December 2012

All the works of the prolific encyclopaedic author Alexander Polyhistor have only been preserved in fragments: only his ‘On Jews’ and ‘Chaldaica’ are better known. In his ‘On Jews’, Polyhistor brought together various sources on Jewish history. The ‘Chaldaica’ addressed Babylonian as well as Assyrian history, and apparently consisted of an epitome Polyhistor had made of the Babyloniaca of Berossos combined with the classical account of the Assyrian kings. In the extant text of his epitome of Berossos' work, as it has been preserved by Jewish and Christian authors, there are clearly insertions – passages that do not derive from Berossos' Babyloniaca. Was Alexander Polyhistor responsible for them? In most cases it is difficult to give an answer, but some insertions can be ascribed to Polyhistor.
CREATING POPULARIS HISTORY: SP. CASSIUS, SP. MAELIUS, AND M. MANLIUS IN THE POLITICAL DISCOURSE OF THE LATE REPUBLIC
Authors: KAPLOW LAUREN
Published: December 2012

The sources are clear in associating Sp. Cassius, Sp. Maelius and M. Manlius Capitolinus with Late Republican popularis programmes, both in the men's actions (agrarian laws, grain distributions, redemption of debts) and in the language used to describe them. Not only were the adfectatores regni (anachronistically) identified as popularis, but they were also conceived of as part of a continuous political tradition, which went down to Clodius and the Gracchi. The content of these stories can illuminate Late Republican ideas about popularis politicians and ideology, especially the tension between the actions of the men and their stated intentions on the one hand, and the perception of tyrannical behaviour on the other. The association of these figures with later populares allows us to use their examples to more fully describe the Late Republican view of what popularitas meant and how it related to attempts at, or accusations of attempts at, tyranny.
Subjective Quality of Life of People with Intellectual Disabilities: The Role of Emotional Competence on Their Subjective Well‐Being
Authors: Rey Lourdes , Extremera Natalio , Durán Auxiliadora , Ortiz‐Tallo Margarita
Published: December 2012

Background

For decades, the field of quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities has focused on the improving the external life conditions. However, scarce research has examined the contribution of person‐related psychological resources such as emotional competence (EC) on well‐being in this population.

Materials and Methods

Using a cross‐sectional design, 139 adults with intellectual disabilities completed different measures: Subjective Happiness Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale and Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale.

Results

Emotional competence shows a positive and significant association with life satisfaction and happiness. EC dimensions were predictors of well‐being beyond socio‐demographic variables and dispositional affectivity.

Conclusions

Our findings provide preliminary evidence of the potential value of considering EC in the improvement in the quality of life of people with intellectual disabilities. Professionals interested in intellectual disabilities care might consider training programmes based on EC as an additional intervention strategy aimed at improving well‐being.
High‐Resolution 3D Scar Imaging Using a Novel Late Iodine Enhancement Multidetector CT Protocol to Guide Ventricular Tachycardia Catheter Ablation
Authors: CREAN ANDREW M. , SPEARS DANNA A. , SUSZKO ADRIAN M. , CHAUHAN VIJAY S.
Published: December 2012

Myocardial Scar Characterization with CT

Scar delineation with late gadolinium‐enhanced MRI can direct VT substrate mapping and ablation, but imaging is poor and relatively contraindicated in the majority of patients with ICDs. We present a case of scar definition using late iodine‐enhanced multidetector CT in a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy and multiple ICD shocks for VT. CT images were acquired using a novel intracoronary contrast delivery protocol which provided high‐resolution subendocardial scar visualization. The segmented scar images were subsequently imported into an electroanatomic mapping platform to guide successful VT ablation.
Optimal prioritisation of watershed management measures for flood risk mitigation on a watershed scale
Authors: Yazdi J. , Salehi Neyshabouri S.A.A. , Niksokhan M.H. , Sheshangosht S. , Elmi M.
Published: December 2012

Watershed management includes methods to create, enhance, and maintain vegetation to reduce run‐off and provide flood control in the watershed. The assignment of priority for watershed management measures requires the use of mathematical techniques to attain the most suitable strategies. In the present study, a framework was presented for assigning the optimal combinations of watershed management measures based on simulation‐based optimisation approach. For this purpose, a one‐dimensional hydrodynamic model was used to calculate the potential damages of different flood scenarios under various combinations of watershed management measures and was coupled with the NSGA‐II multi‐objective optimisation model to provide the optimal Pareto solutions between two conflicting objectives of minimising the investment costs of flood mitigation measures and the expected flood damages of the watershed. The proposed model was then applied to a small watershed in the centre of Iran as a case study, and the optimal trade‐off solutions were calculated for flood risk mitigation. Using these trade‐offs, for each level of funding, decision makers can select the optimal combination of watershed management measures considering decision criteria.
Integrating social vulnerability into federal flood risk management planning
Authors: Cutter S.L. , Emrich C.T. , Morath D.P. , Dunning C.M.
Published: December 2012

While flood risk management planning in the United States has focused on flood control structures designed to protect the economic value of property, it has consistently undervalued other social impacts associated with flooding. The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recently initiated research aimed at understanding how to incorporate social characteristics into the measures currently utilised in flood control project evaluation and consideration. This paper proposes a methodology for incorporating a known measure of social vulnerability, the Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI), into USACE civil works planning. Using the USACE South Atlantic Division as the study area, this paper evaluates eight different variations of the social vulnerability metric and their potential deployment in USACE projects. Each formulation is compared with the original‐computed SoVI as a means to test its spatial and statistical sensitivity, including an assessment of each variant's robustness, reducibility, scalability, and transferability. Results indicate that while it is possible to create simplified, yet robust, versions of SoVI for individual places, such ‘lite’ metrics tend to fall short in areas of scalability and transferability in relation to the original SoVI formulation.
SUMO E3 Ligase AtMMS21 Regulates Drought Tolerance in Arabidopsis thalianaF
Authors: Zhang Shengchun , Qi Yanli , Liu Ming , Yang Chengwei
Published: December 2012

Post‐translational modifications of proteins by small ubiquitin‐like modifiers (SUMOs) play crucial roles in plant growth and development, and in stress responses. The MMS21 is a newly‐identified Arabidopsis thaliana L. SUMO E3 ligase gene aside from the SIZ1, and its function requires further elucidation. Here, we show that MMS21 deficient plants display improved drought tolerance, and constitutive expression of MMS21 reduces drought tolerance. The expression of MMS21 was reduced by abscisic acid (ABA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) or drought stress. Under drought conditions, mms21 mutants showed the highest survival rate and the slowest water loss, and accumulated a higher level of free proline compared to wild‐type (WT) and MMS21 over‐expression plants. Stomatal aperture, seed germination and cotyledon greening analysis indicated that mms21 was hypersensitive to ABA. Molecular genetic analysis revealed that MMS21 deficiency led to elevated expression of a series of ABA‐mediated stress‐responsive genes, including COR15A, RD22, and P5CS1 The ABA and drought‐induced stress‐responsive genes, including RAB18, RD29A and RD29B, were inhibited by constitutive expression of MMS21. Moreover, ABA‐induced accumulation of SUMO‐protein conjugates was blocked in the mms21 mutant. We thus conclude that MMS21 plays a role in the drought stress response, likely through regulation of gene expression in an ABA‐dependent pathway.
OsLEC1/OsHAP3E Participates in the Determination of Meristem Identity in Both Vegetative and Reproductive Developments of RiceF
Authors: Zhang Jing‐Jing , Xue Hong‐Wei
Published: December 2012

In the vegetative phase of plant development, the shoot apical meristem (SAM) produces leaf primordia in regular phyllotaxy, and transforms to the inflorescence meristem when the plant enters reproductive growth, which will undergo a series of identity differentiations and will finally form a complete and fertile panicle. Our previous studies indicated a tissue‐specific expression pattern of the OsLEC1 (leafy cotyledon) gene, which is homologous to the Arabidopsis AtLEC1 gene and belongs to the CCAAT‐binding protein HAP3 subfamily, during embryo development. Expression of additional OsLEC1 genomic sequences resulted in abnormalities in the development of leaves, panicles and spikelets. The spikelets in particular presented abnormities, including panicle and spikelet‐like structures that occurred reiteratively inside prior spikelets, and the occasional spikelet structures that completely transformed into plantlets (a reproductive habit alteration from sexual to asexual called “pseudovivipary”). Analysis showed that OsLEC1 interacts with several SEPALLATA‐like MADS transcription factors, suggesting that increased levels of the OsLEC1 protein might interfere with the normal interaction network of these MADS proteins and lead to defective spikelet development. The expression of OsMADS1 was dramatically reduced, and the DNA methylation level of cytosine in certain regions of the OsMADS1 promoter was increased under OsLEC1 overexpression. These results indicate that OsLEC1 affects the development of leaves, panicles and spikelets, and is a key regulator of meristem identity determination in both rice (Oryza sativa) vegetative and reproductive development.
Strontium isotope zoning in garnet: implications for metamorphic matrix equilibration, geochronology and phase equilibrium modelling
Authors: Sousa J. , Kohn M. J. , Schmitz M. D. , Northrup C. J. , Spear F. S.
Published: December 2012

In principle, garnet growth rates may be calculated from 87Rb/86Sr and 87Sr/86Sr measurements in garnet subsamples and the surrounding rock matrix. Because of low Rb/Sr, garnet should passively record the matrix decay of 87Rb to 87Sr as a progressive increase in 87Sr/86Sr from core to rim. This concept was tested by collecting Rb‐Sr data for five garnet grains from four major orogenic belts: eastern Vermont (c. 380 Ma), western New Hampshire (c. 320 Ma), southern Chile (c. 75 Ma) and northwestern Italy (c. 35 Ma). Both normal Sr isotope zoning (increasing 87Sr/86Sr from core to rim) and inverse Sr zoning (decreasing 87Sr/86Sr from core to rim) were observed. Garnet and matrix isotope data commonly yielded grossly inaccurate model ages. Incomplete Rb and Sr equilibration among matrix minerals is invoked to explain the deviations between theoretical v. measured zoning patterns and the age disparities. Initially, the reactive matrix is dominated by rapidly equilibrating Rb‐rich mica, which imparts high 87Sr/86Sr values in garnet cores. Progressive participation of slower equilibrating Sr‐rich plagioclase buffers or even reduces 87Sr/86Sr, possibly leading to flat or decreasing 87Sr/86Sr from garnet cores to rims. Unusually high 87Sr/86Sr in garnet in combination with bulk matrix compositions causes erroneously young apparent ages, so metamorphic ages, growth rates, and associated heating and loading rates are likely suspect. Although Rb‐Sr may be the most susceptible because of the profound disparities between mica and feldspar, zircon reactivity might influence the Lu‐Hf system by up to a few per cent. The Sm‐Nd system seems generally immune to these effects. Pseudosection analysis and conventional garnet geochronology, which presume complete matrix equilibration during metamorphism, may require modification to account for differences between whole‐rock v. reactive matrix compositions.
Designating Dependency: The “Socially Inadequate” in theUnitedStates, 1910–1940
Authors: Seal Lizzie
Published: December 2012

This article examines the use of “socially inadequate” as a label for the dependent poor in theUnitedStates, 1910–40. It analyses the dense meanings that were given to this term and the political significance that the label “socially inadequate” gained in relation to sterilization and immigration policy. The article explores the role played by eugenicist,HarryLaughlin, as a label maker for the term and a moral entrepreneur in relation to the problem of dependency. It argues that “socially inadequate” was a stigmatising designation for members of perceived deficient groups, whom were seen as falling below the normal or acceptable standards of society and were, as such, viewed as undeserving of the status of citizen. Finally, it contends that the negative moral and emotional judgments encoded into definitions of the “socially inadequate” can be situated within the history of the derogation of dependency, understood as economic reliance on the state or charity, in theUnitedStates.