bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turbulence-free ghost imaging
Authors: Meyers Ronald E. , Deacon Keith S. , Shih Yanhua
Published: March 2011

Atmospheric turbulence is a serious problem for satellite and aircraft-to-ground based classical imaging. Taking advantage of the natural, nonfactorizable, point-to-point correlation of thermal light, this experiment demonstrated turbulence-free ghost imaging, which will be extremely useful for these applications. In addition, this observation suggests that the nontrivial intensity-intensity correlation of thermal light cannot be caused by the statistical correlation of intensity fluctuations.
In-plane-gate indium-tin-oxide thin-film transistors self-assembled on paper substrates
Authors: Jiang Jie , Sun Jia , Dou Wei , Zhou Bin , Wan Qing
Published: March 2011

Oxide-based thin-film transistors (TFTs) with in-plane gate structure are self-assembled on paper substrates at room temperature by using only one nickel shadow mask. Indium-tin-oxide (ITO) channel and ITO electrodes (gate, source, and drain) can be deposited simultaneously without precise photolithography and alignment process. The equivalent field-effect mobility, subthreshold swing, and on/off ratio of such paper TFTs are estimated to be 22.4 cm2/V s, 192 mV/decade, and 8×105, respectively. A model based on two capacitors in series is proposed to further understand the operation mechanism.
High-Q transverse-electric/transverse-magnetic photonic crystal nanobeam cavities
Authors: McCutcheon Murray W. , Deotare Parag B. , Zhang Yinan , Lončar Marko
Published: March 2011

We experimentally demonstrate high quality factor dual-polarized photonic crystal nanobeam cavities. The free-standing nanobeams are fabricated in a 500 nm thick silicon layer, and are probed using both tapered optical fiber and free-space resonant scattering set-ups. We measure Q factors greater than 104 for both transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electric modes, and observe fiber transmission drops as large as 1−T=0.8 at the TM mode resonances.
Regulation of folliculogenesis and the determination of ovulation rate in ruminants
Authors: Scaramuzzi R. J. , Baird D. T. , Campbell B. K. , Driancourt M.-A. , Dupont J. , Fortune J. E. , Gilchrist R. B. , Martin G. B. , McNatty K. P. , McNeilly A. S. , Monget P. , Monniaux D. , Viñoles C. , Webb R.
Published: March 2011

The paper presents an update of our 1993 model of ovarian follicular development in ruminants, based on knowledge gained from the past 15 years of research. The model addresses the sequence of events from follicular formation in fetal life, through the successive waves of follicular growth and atresia, culminating with the emergence of ovulatory follicles during reproductive cycles. The original concept of five developmental classes of follicles, defined primarily by their responses to gonadotrophins, is retained: primordial, committed, gonadotrophin-responsive, gonadotrophin-dependent and ovulatory follicles. The updated model has more extensive integration of the morphological, molecular and cellular events during folliculogenesis with systemic events in the whole animal. It also incorporates knowledge on factors that influence oocyte quality and the critical roles of the oocyte in regulating follicular development and ovulation rate. The original hypothetical mechanisms determining ovulation rate are retained but with some refinements; the enhanced viability of gonadotrophin-dependent follicles and increases in the number of gonadotrophin-responsive follicles by increases in the throughput of follicles to this stage of growth. Finally, we reexamine how these two mechanisms, which are thought not to be mutually exclusive, appear to account for most of the known genetic and environmental effects on ovulation rate.
Glucose and fructose as functional modulators of overall dog, but not boar sperm function
Authors: Fernández-Novell J. M. , Ballester J. , Altirriba J. , Ramió-Lluch L. , Barberà A. , Gomis R. , Guinovart J. J. , Rodríguez-Gil J. E.
Published: March 2011

The main aim of the present work was to test the effects of glucose and fructose on the phosphorylation levels of proteins linked to the control of overall sperm function in two species with very different metabolic characteristics, dog and boar. Incubation of dog spermatozoa with 10 mM glucose increased serine phosphorylation of proteins related to cell cycle and signal transduction including cyclins B and E, Cdk2, Cdk6, Cdc6, PYK2, c-kit, Raf-1, TRK and several protein phosphatases. Incubation of dog spermatozoa with 10 mM fructose decreased serine phosphorylation levels of cyclins B and D3, Cdk1/Cdc2, Cdk2, Cdk6, Akt, PI3 kinase, ERK‐1 and protein kinase C. Incubation of boar spermatozoa with glucose or fructose did not modify any of the phosphorylation patterns studied. Given that one important difference between dog and boar spermatozoa is the presence of glucokinase (GK) in dog but not in boar, GK-transfected COS7 cells were incubated with either 10 mM glucose or 10 mM fructose. Incubation of GK-transfected cells with fructose decreased serine phosphorylation of cyclin A, ERK-2 and Hsp-70. In contrast, incubation of control COS7 cells with fructose increased serine phosphorylation of Cdk6, Cdk1/Cdc2, protein kinase C and Hsp-70. Incubation with glucose did not induce any significant effect. Our results indicate that monosaccharides act as signalling compounds in dog spermatozoa after ejaculation through changes in the phosphorylation levels of specific proteins. One of the factors that may be related to the action of sugars is the equilibrium of the total sperm hexokinase activity, in which the presence or absence of GK appears to be relevant.
β1 and β3 integrins disassemble from basal focal adhesions and β3 integrin is later localised to the apical plasma membrane of rat uterine luminal epithelial cells at the time of implantation
Authors: Kaneko Yui , Lecce Laura , Day Margot L. , Murphy Christopher R.
Published: March 2011

The present study investigated the expression of integrin subunits that are known to be associated with focal adhesions, namely β1 and β3 integrins in rat uterine luminal epithelial cells during early pregnancy. The β1 and β3 integrins were concentrated along the basal cell surface and were colocalised and structurally interacted with talin, a principal focal adhesion protein, on Day 1 of pregnancy. At the time of implantation, β1 and β3 integrins disassembled from the site of focal adhesions, facilitating the removal of uterine luminal epithelial cells for embryo invasion. Also at this time, β3 integrin markedly increased along the apical membrane, suggesting a role in embryo attachment. This distributional change in β1 and β3 integrins seen at the time of implantation was predominantly under the influence of progesterone. Taken together, β1 and β3 integrin disassembly from focal adhesions and the increase in β3 integrin apically are key components of hormonally regulated endometrial receptivity.
Co-occupancy by multiple cardiac transcription factors identifies transcriptional enhancers active in heart
Authors: He Aibin , Kong Sek Won , Ma Qing , Pu William T.
Published: March 2011

Identification of genomic regions that control tissue-specific gene expression is currently problematic. ChIP and high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-seq) of enhancer-associated proteins such as p300 identifies some but not all enhancers active in a tissue. Here we show that co-occupancy of a chromatin region by multiple transcription factors (TFs) identifies a distinct set of enhancers. GATA-binding protein 4 (GATA4), NK2 transcription factor-related, locus 5 (NKX2-5), T-box 5 (TBX5), serum response factor (SRF), and myocyte-enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A), here referred to as “cardiac TFs,” have been hypothesized to collaborate to direct cardiac gene expression. Using a modified ChIP-seq procedure, we defined chromatin occupancy by these TFs and p300 genome wide and provided unbiased support for this hypothesis. We used this principle to show that co-occupancy of a chromatin region by multiple TFs can be used to identify cardiac enhancers. Of 13 such regions tested in transient transgenic embryos, seven (54%) drove cardiac gene expression. Among these regions were three cardiac-specific enhancers of
Gata4
,
Srf
, and swItch/sucrose nonfermentable-related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily d, member 3 (
Smarcd3
), an epigenetic regulator of cardiac gene expression. Multiple cardiac TFs and p300-bound regions were associated with cardiac-enriched genes and with functional annotations related to heart development. Importantly, the large majority (1,375/1,715) of loci bound by multiple cardiac TFs did not overlap loci bound by p300. Our data identify thousands of prospective cardiac regulatory sequences and indicate that multiple TF co-occupancy of a genomic region identifies developmentally relevant enhancers that are largely distinct from p300-associated enhancers.
Evaluation of Helicoverpa and drought resistance in desi and kabuli chickpea
Authors: Yadav S. S. , Kumar J. , Yadav S. K. , Singh Shoraj , Yadav V. S. , Turner Neil C. , Redden Robert
Published: March 2011

A chickpea collection of 1600 desi and 1400 kabuli were evaluated for yield losses arising from pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) infestation under rainfed conditions by spraying half the plots to prevent pod borer infestation and allowing the other half to be infested. From these lines, 82 were selected for further detailed evaluation of Helicoverpa resistance and drought resistance under irrigated and rainfed conditions. The yield losses from Helicoverpa damage varied from 10 to 33% depending on the chickpea type and the growing environment. Spreading types were more susceptible to Helicoverpa damage than erect types, as were kabuli types compared to desi types. Yield losses due to Helicoverpa infestation were always greater in the irrigated than in the rainfed materials. Terminal drought reduced yields by 13–37% depending on plant type. The yields in the kabuli c“hickpea lines were more severely reduced than were the desi types, due to a greater reduction in the number of branches and pods per plant in the kabuli compared to the desi lines. It appears that the extent of pod borer damage varies between the chickpea types, and that desi types have greater drought resistance than kabuli ones. These characteristics should be informative for the population improvement of chickpea for environments in which terminal drought and Helicoverpa damage occur frequently.
The cryopreservation of embryonic axes of two wild and endangered Citrus species
Authors: Malik S. K. , Chaudhury Rekha
Published: March 2011

The cryopreservation of embryonic axes of two wild and endangered species, Citrusmacroptera Mont. and C. latipes Tanaka, was attempted using air desiccation–freezing, vitrification and encapsulation–dehydration. Successful cryopreservation was achieved in both the species using these three methods. However, the two species responded differently to: the rate of drying and the degree of tolerance to desiccation following air desiccation–freezing; the response to loading duration following vitrification; and to the sucrose concentration during pre-culture following encapsulation–dehydration. C. macroptera was more tolerant to desiccation and freezing than C. latipes with recovery rates of, respectively, 87% and 64%. Recovery from encapsulation–dehydration was 62% for C. macroptera and 45% for C. latipes. In both species, the vitrification protocol gave a significant improvement in recovery rates: 92% and 77% for C. macroptera and C. latipes, respectively. The air desiccation–freezing protocol being a simple and practical technique is recommended for the cryopreservation of these two species.
Rationalization of taro germplasm collections in the Pacific Island region using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers
Authors: Mace E. S. , Mathur P. N. , Izquierdo L. , Hunter D. , Taylor M. B. , Singh D. , DeLacy I. H. , Jackson G. V. H. , Godwin I. D.
Published: March 2011

A regional (Oceania) core collection for taro germplasm has been developed based on phenotypic and molecular characterization. In total, 2199 accessions of taro germplasm have been collected byTaroGen(Taro Genetic Resources: Conservation and Utilisation) from 10 countries in Oceania: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, Palau, Niue, Tonga, Cook Islands and Samoa. Our objective was to select 10% from each country to contribute to a regional core. The larger collections from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and New Caledonia were analysed based on phenotypic characters, and a diverse subset representing 20% of these collections was fingerprinted. A diverse 20% subsample was also taken from the Solomon Islands. All accessions from the other six countries were fingerprinted. In total, 515 accessions were genotyped (23.4% overall) using taro specific simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. DNA fingerprint data showed that great allelic diversity existed in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Interestingly, rare alleles were identified in taros from the Solomon Islands province of Choiseul which were not observed in any of the other collections. Overall, 211 accessions were recommended for inclusion in the final regional core collection based on the phenotypic and molecular characterization.
An Experimental Model for Myocarditis and Congestive Heart Failure after Rabbit Coronavirus Infection
Authors: Edwards Suzanne , Small J. David , Geratz Joachim Dieter , Alexander Lorraine K. , Baric Ralph S.
Published: March 2011

In a model for virus-induced myocarditis and congestive heart failure, rabbit coronavirus infection was divided into acute (days 2–5) and subacute (days 6–12) phases on the basis of day of death and pathologic findings. During the acute phase, the principal histologic lesions were degeneration and necrosis of myocytes, myocytolysis, interstitial edema, and hemorrhage. The severity of these changes increased in the subacute phase. Pleural effusion and congestion of the lungs and liver were also present at this time. Myocarditis was detected by day 9 and peaked by day 12. Heart weights and heart weight-to-body weight ratios were increased, and dilation of the right ventricular cavity became prominent early in infection and persisted. In contrast, dilation of the left ventricle occurred late in the subacute stage. Virus was isolated from infected hearts between days 2 and 12. These data suggest that rabbit coronavirus infection progresses to myocarditis and congestive heart failure.
Function of the bacteriophytochrome BphP in the RpoS/Las quorum-sensing network of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Barkovits Katalin , Schubert Britta , Heine Sabrina , Scheer Maurice , Frankenberg-Dinkel Nicole
Published: March 2011

The bacterial phytochrome ofPseudomonas aeruginosa(PaBphP) is anin vitro-active red/far-red light sensor histidine kinase of a two-component regulatory system. Despite solid biochemical data, its function in this heterotrophic, opportunistic pathogen is still unknown. Previous studies established that the genes encoding the two necessary phytochrome components BphO, a chromophore-producing haem oxygenase, and BphP, the apo-phytochrome, are co-transcribed in a bicistronic operon. Transcription has been shown to be induced in the stationary phase and to be dependent on the alternative sigma factor RpoS. Here we show an additional regulation ofbphPexpression through the quorum-sensing (QS) regulator LasR. This regulation is also reflected in a combination of expression profile experiments and proteome analyses of wild-type and phytochrome-deficient strains. WhilePaBphP has a pleiotropic effect on global gene expression, 66 % of the downregulated genes in the phytochrome mutant display a link to the Las QS system. Most of these genes seem to be indirectly regulated by LasR through BphP and the unknown response regulator BphR. A model of phytochrome function within the Las QS network is presented.
Diffuse axonal injury in head injury: Definition, diagnosis and grading
Authors: Adams J. Hume , Doyle D. , Ford I. , Gennarelli T. A. , Graham D. I. , Mclellan D. R.
Published: March 2011

Diffuse axonal injury is one of the most important types of brain damage that can occur as a result of non‐missile head injury, and it may be very difficult to diagnose post mortem unless the pathologist knows precisely what he is looking for. Increasing experience with fatal non‐missile head injury in man has allowed the identification of three grades of diffuse axonal injury. In grade 1 there is histological evidence of axonal injury in the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres, the corpus callosum, the brain stem and, less commonly, the cerebellum; in grade 2 there is also a focal lesion in the corpus callosum; and in grade 3 there is in addition a focal lesion in the dorsolateral quadrant or quadrants of the rostral brain stem. The focal lesions can often only be identified microscopically. Diffuse axonal injury was identified in 122 of a series of 434 fatal non‐missile head injuries–‐10 grade 1, 29 grade 2 and 83 grade 3. In 24 of these cases the diagnosis could not have been made without microscopical examination, while in a further 31 microscopical examination was required to establish its severity.
Clear cell metaplasia of the breast: A lesion showing eccrine differentiation
Authors: Viña M. , Wells C. A.
Published: March 2011

Clear cell metaplasia of the human breast is known to be a benign metaplastic change which has no pre‐malignant connotation. Despite its proposed relationship to focal lactational change and to lactating breast, morphological and immunocytochemical features failed to demonstrate a clear relationship between these. Mucin secretion showed a characteristic pattern of granularity, and endocrine differentiation was not present. The mucin and immunocytochemical features suggest a relationship with eccrine sweat glands and a better name would perhaps be “eccrine metaplasia” to underline the special relationship breast metaplasias have to sweat gland epithelium.
Electronic prescribing in an ambulatory care setting: a cluster randomized trial
Authors: Dainty Katie N. , Adhikari Neill K. J. , Kiss Alex , Quan Sherman , Zwarenstein Merrick
Published: March 2011

Rationale, aims and objectives  Medication‐prescribing errors with adverse drug events impose substantial harms on patients and health systems. Medication errors resulting in preventable adverse drug events most commonly occur at the ordering stage. Electronic prescribing may prevent such errors but its impact has not been rigorously evaluated.

Methods  We conducted a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial in academic hospital ambulatory clinics to evaluate the effects of a commercially available electronic prescribing software system on total prescription error ratio. Secondary outcomes included the number of callbacks for clarification from community pharmacies to physicians' clinics.

Results  Twenty‐six physicians used the electronic prescribing system, writing 1980 prescriptions during 44 intervention weeks when the electronic prescribing system was available (7.6% of these were electronic, the remainder handwritten) and 973 prescriptions during 22 control weeks while the system was switched off (1.4% electronic, prescribed in the previous intervention week, but issued with delay). The total prescription error rate was 118/1980 (6.0%) in intervention weeks and 57/973 (5.9%) in control weeks (P = 0.91). During the intervention period more callbacks requesting clarification were made to clinic administrators (n = 83, 1.89 per week) than during control weeks (n = 32, 1.45 per week; P < 0.001).

Conclusion  Implementation of the electronic prescribing system had no impact on total prescription error, and increased the callback rate. In spite of intensive user support, few prescriptions in intervention weeks were made using the electronic system. Given the costs, training requirements, workflow redesigns and regulatory hurdles, additional evaluations of outpatient prescribing on clinically important outcomes are needed.
Variation in glutathione status associated with induction and initiation of diapause in eggs of the bivoltine strain of the silkworm Bombyx mori
Authors: MENG GANG , YAO JINGMEI , WANG LI , ZHAO LINCHUAN
Published: March 2011

For the bivoltine (Dazao) strain of the silkworm Bombyx mori L., diapause expression in progeny is induced by exposure to conditions of 25 °C and continuous illumination (LL) during the maternal generation, whereas an environment of 15 °C and constant darkness (DD) results in nondiapause progeny. Initiation of diapause in progeny can be prevented by treatment of diapause‐programmed eggs with hydrochloric acid (HCl) at approximately 24 h post‐oviposition. To investigate whether glutathione is involved in the regulation of diapause induction and initiation in this species, measurements of total glutathione, reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidised glutathione (GSSG), GSH/GSSG ratio, glutathione S‐transferase (GST) and peroxiredoxins (Prdx) are compared in eggs incubated under LL and DD conditions, and between diapause eggs and those treated with HCl. Compared with DD, eggs incubated under LL have higher total glutathione (GSH + 2GSSG), lower GSH, higher GSSG, a lower GSH/GSSG ratio, lower GST activity and higher Prdx activity at stages 20–25 of maternal embryogenesis. The lower ratio of GSH/GSSG is indicative of pro‐oxidative conditions during diapause induction, which may result from the stronger oxidation of GSH. Compared with HCl‐treated eggs, diapause eggs have lower total glutathione, no difference in GSH, lower GSSG, a higher GSH/GSSG ratio, no difference in GST activity and lower Prdx between 36 and 72 h post‐oviposition. The higher ratio GSH/GSSG is indicative of reducing conditions during diapause initiation, which may a result of the weaker oxidation of GSH. Moreover, variations of Prdx and GST suggest that Prdx rather than GST plays an important role in the oxidation of GSH during the induction and initiation of diapause.
Patterns and determinants of communal latrine usage in urban poverty pockets in Bhopal, India
Authors: Biran A. , Jenkins M. W. , Dabrase P. , Bhagwat I.
Published: March 2011

Objectives  To explore and explain patterns of use of communal latrine facilities in urban poverty pockets.

Methods  Six poverty pockets with communal latrine facilities representing two management models (Sulabh and municipal) were selected. Sampling was random and stratified by poverty pocket population size. A seventh, community‐managed facility was also included. Data were collected by exit interviews with facility users and by interviews with residents from a randomly selected representative sample of poverty pocket households, on social, economic and demographic characteristics of households, latrine ownership, defecation practices, costs of using the facility and distance from the house to the facility. A tally of facility users was kept for 1 day at each facility. Data were analysed using logistic regression modelling to identify determinants of communal latrine usage.

Results  Communal latrines differed in their facilities, conditions, management and operating characteristics, and rates of usage. Reported usage rates among non‐latrine‐owning households ranged from 15% to 100%. There was significant variation in wealth, occupation and household structure across the poverty pockets as well as in household latrine ownership. Households in pockets with municipal communal latrine facilities appeared poorer. Households in pockets with Sulabh‐managed communal facilities were significantly more likely to own a household latrine. Determinants of communal facility usage among households without a latrine were access and convenience (distance and opening hours), facility age, cleanliness/upkeep and cost. The ratio of male to female users was 2:1 across all facilities for both adults and children.

Conclusions  Provision of communal facilities reduces but does not end the problem of open defecation in poverty pockets. Women appear to be relatively poorly served by communal facilities and, cost is a barrier to use by poorer households. Results suggest improving facility convenience and access and modifying fee structures could lead to increased rates of usage. Attention to possible barriers to usage at household level associated particularly with having school‐age children and with pre‐school childcare needs may also be warranted.
False‐positive intercellular indirect immunofluorescence test due to anti‐blood group antibodies in a patient with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
Authors: Li Weiping , Zhao Xiaoqing , Shi Ruofei , Wang Xuefeng , Zheng Jie
Published: March 2011

We report a case of an epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) patient with a unique immunofluorescence pattern. The patient had pruritic erythematous plaques and tense blisters. Histopathological examination showed a subepidermal blister without acantholysis. Salt‐split direct immunofluorescence demonstrated clear linear IgG and C3 deposition along the dermal side of the basement membrane zone; this deposition is characteristic of EBA. Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) using monkey esophagus mucosa as substrate showed intercellular IgG deposition throughout the epidermis, which suggested pemphigus. After absorption with erythrocytes of blood group AB, the patient’s serum showed no deposition in IIF. We reviewed the literatures regarding false‐positive intraepidermal immunofluorescence staining due to cross‐reactivity of ABO blood group antibodies and suggest that this possibility should be considered in cases with conflicting immunofluorescence patterns.
Sorafenib‐induced premalignant and malignant skin lesions
Authors: Williams Victoria L. , Cohen Philip R. , Stewart David J.
Published: March 2011

Purpose  To review characteristics of patients who develop premalignant and malignant skin lesions while on sorafenib therapy and discuss implications for subsequent treatment of their primary malignancies.

Background  Sorafenib is a newly developed multitargeted protein kinase inhibitor reported to induce a variety of adverse cutaneous effects, rarely including actinic keratoses, keratocanthomas, and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).

Methods  Published reports of individuals who have developed cutaneous lesions demonstrating atypia of the epidermis are reviewed. In addition, a 77‐year‐old man who developed not only an SCC but also verrucas within one month of taking sorafenib monotherapy for metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung is described.

Results  Cutaneous lesions develop most commonly in Caucasian men older than 40 years without previous histories of skin cancer, within two weeks to three years of starting sorafenib therapy. Currently there is no definitive explanation for the relationship between sorafenib and cutaneous neoplasms. Management typically involves treatment of skin lesions with cryotherapy or excision with at least a brief discontinuation of sorafenib. In patients whose primary malignancies were responding well, sorafenib therapy was continued with close follow‐up.

Conclusions  The possibility of rapidly developing actinic keratoses, keratocanthomas, verrucas, and SCC during treatment with sorafenib, warrants close dermatologic follow‐up and a lower threshold for biopsy and treatment of suspicious cutaneous lesions. Development of a sorafenib‐induced SCC is not an absolute contraindication for continued use of sorafenib therapy; however, the drug should be briefly discontinued until lesions are treated.
Combined liver–kidney transplantation in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Di Benedetto F. , D'Amico G. , De Ruvo N. , Cocchi S. , Montalti R. , Cautero N. , Guerrini G.P. , Ballarin R. , Spaggiari M. , Tarantino G. , Baisi B. , Cappelli G. , Codeluppi M. , Gerunda G.E.
Published: March 2011

F. Di Benedetto, G. D'Amico, N. De Ruvo, S. Cocchi, R. Montalti, N. Cautero, G.P. Guerrini, R. Ballarin, M. Spaggiari, G. Tarantino, B. Baisi, G. Cappelli, M. Codeluppi, G.E. Gerunda. Combined liver–kidney transplantation in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 501–506. All rights reserved

Abstract: Although human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been a major global health problem for almost 3 decades, with the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy in 1996 and effective prophylaxis and management of opportunistic infections, mortality from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome has decreased markedly. In developed countries, this condition is now being treated as a chronic condition. As a result, rates of morbidity and mortality from other medical conditions leading to end‐stage liver, kidney, and heart disease are steadily increasing in individuals with HIV. Because the definitive treatment for end‐stage organ failure is transplantation, the demand for it has increased among HIV‐infected patients. For these reasons, many transplant centers have eliminated HIV infection as a contraindication to transplantation, as a result of better patient management and demand.
Hypercalcemia and pneumocystis Pneumonia after kidney transplantation: report of an exceptional case and literature review
Authors: Chatzikyrkou C. , Clajus C. , Haubitz M. , Hafer C.
Published: March 2011

C. Chatzikyrkou, C. Clajus, M. Haubitz, C. Hafer. Hypercalcemia and pneumocystis pneumonia after kidney transplantation: report of an exceptional case and literature review. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 496–500. xx: 000–000. All rights reserved

Abstract: Pneumocystis jirovecii remains an important pathogen in solid organ transplant recipients. Although the overall incidence may be decreasing, after the adoption of effective prophylactic measures, the risk has not been abolished, and pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) can be observed even many years after successful transplantation. Hypercalcemia develops frequently after renal transplantation and is commonly associated with preexisting secondary hyperparathyroidism. But the pathogenesis of hypercalcemia occurring later in the course of transplantation may be different, and other disease states, such as malignancy and opportunistic infections, must be considered. Hypercalcemia in conjunction with PCP is being increasingly reported in renal transplant patients. In all the cases, respiratory symptoms were prominent, hypercalcemia was of mild‐to‐moderate severity, parathyroid hormone concentration was decreased, and 1,25(OH)2D levels were extraordinarily or inappropriately high. We report the first case to our knowledge of severe hypercalcemia accompanying PCP, in a patient with previous total parathyroidectomy.
Die Bedeutung der westeuropäischen Rinderrassen für Ungarn unter besonderer Berücksichtigung ihrer Leistungen
Authors: von Vaszary Ladislaus
Published: March 2011

Mit 5 Karten und 1 Abbildung.

Inhalt: A. Die für die Rinderzucht gegebenen Verhältnisse in Ungarn. 1. Geologische und klimatische Verhältnisse. 2. Futterverhältnisse. 3. Betriebswirtschaftliche Verhältnisse: allgemeine Haltungs‐, Zucht‐ und Aufzuchtverhältnisse. 4. Absatzverhältnisse für tierische Erzeugnisse (Ein‐ und Ausfuhrstatistik) — B. Ungarns Rinderzucht im allgemeinen. 1. Geschichte und Entwicklung der ungarischen Rinderzucht. 2. Volkswirtschaftliche Bedeutung der Rinderzucht in Ungarn. 3 Maßnahmen zur Förderung der Rinderzucht in Ungarn. — C. Die westeuropäischen Rinderrassen in ihrer Bedeutung für Ungarn, a) Die Reinzuchten der westeuropäischen Rinderrassen. 1. Das Berner Rind. 2. Das Simmentaler Rind in Ungarn. 3. Die graubraunen Gebirgsrassen (Brachyceros). 4. Das Niederungsvieh. 5. Die sonstigen Rassen, b) Die rotbunten Landschläge mit Simmentaler Charakter. 6. Der Bonyháder Landschlag. 7. Der Landschlag des Komitats Vas. 8. Der Moson‐Soproner Landschlag. 9. Der rotbunte Landschlag des Alfölds. 10. Der rotbunte Landschlag der Ipolygegend. — D. Schlußbetrachtung.
Response of sulfate‐reducing bacteria to an artificial oil‐spill in a coastal marine sediment
Authors: Suárez‐Suárez Ana , López‐López Arantxa , Tovar‐Sánchez Antonio , Yarza Pablo , Orfila Alejandro , Terrados Jorge , Arnds Julia , Marqués Silvia , Niemann Helge , Schmitt‐Kopplin Philippe , Amann Rudolf , Rosselló‐Móra Ramón
Published: March 2011

In situ mesocosm experiments using a calcareous sand flat from a coastal area of the island of Mallorca in the Mediterranean Sea were performed in order to study the response of sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) to controlled crude oil contamination, or heavy contamination with naphthalene. Changes in the microbial community caused by the contamination were monitored by a combination of comparative sequence analysis of 16S rRNA genes, fluorescence in situ hybridization, cultivation approaches and metabolic activity rates. Our results showed that crude oil and naphthalene negatively influenced the total microbial community as the natural increase in cell numbers due to the seasonal dynamics was attenuated. However, both contaminants enhanced the sulfate reduction rates, as well as the culturability of SRB. Our results suggested the presence of autochthonous deltaproteobacterial SRBs that were able to degrade crude oil or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as naphthalene in anaerobic sediment layers.
The impact of practice environment on laparoscopic colectomy utilization following colorectal residency: a survey of the ASCRS Young Surgeons
Authors: Steele Scott R. , Stein Sharon L. , Bordeianou Liliana G. , Johnson Eric , Herzig Dan O. , Champagne Bradley J. ,   on behalf of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons’ Young Surgeons Committee
Published: March 2011

Aim  It is often thought that practice patterns are different in private (PP) vs university hospital (UH) settings. We aimed to describe the impact of practice environment on the type of laparoscopic colectomy procedures performed by graduating colorectal surgeons.

Method  A review was carried out of prospectively gathered self‐reported questionnaire data. Graduates of American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons’ (ASCRS)‐approved colorectal residencies from 2004 to 2008 underwent an on‐line survey, developed by the ASCRS Young Surgeons’ Committee.

Results  About 177 (52%) of 342 graduates surveyed responded. Practice setting data were available for 157 (89%) surgeons. Gender, geographical location and age were similar in both cohorts. PP surgeons utilized a laparoscopic approach more often for rectal cancer (37%vs 19%; P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in the rate of laparoscopic surgery in colon cancer, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Clostridium difficile or emergency surgery. PP surgeons operated more often with a partner (43%vs 8%) or surgical assistant (13%vs 4%; both P < 0.001), while UH surgeons had a colorectal resident (10%vs 21%) or general surgery resident (15%vs 55%; both P < 0.001). Impediments to performing laparoscopic surgery for PP surgeons included a perceived lack of hospital equipment (33%vs 20%) and support (29%vs 17%; both P < 0.05). Perception of personal experience, access to trained assistants, financial reimbursement, length of surgery and patient availability were equivalent in both groups.

Conclusion  While differences such as type of assistant and impediments to laparoscopic utilization exist between PP‐ and UH‐based practices, early laparoscopic practice patterns remain similar. PP surgeons more frequently perform laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer and with hand‐assistance. Despite differences, newly trained colorectal surgeons in both settings utilize and require laparoscopic skills.
It’s the procedure not the patient: the operative approach is independently associated with an increased risk of complications after rectal prolapse repair
Authors: Fleming F. J. , Kim M. J. , Gunzler D. , Messing S. , Monson J. R. T. , Speranza J. R.
Published: March 2011

Aim  This study compares 30‐day outcomes following rectal prolapse repair, examining potential surgical and patient factors associated with perioperative complications.

Method  Using the NSQIP database, patients with rectal prolapse were categorized by surgical approach to repair (perineal or abdominal) and abdominal cases were further subdivided by procedure (resection compared with rectopexy alone). Univariate and multivariate analyses compared major and minor complication rates between the groups.

Results  Of 1275 patients, the perineal group (n = 706, 55%) was older, with more comorbidity, than those undergoing an abdominal procedure. There were fewer minor (odd ratio (OR) = 0.35; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.20–0.60; P = 0.0038) and major complications (OR = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.31–0.80; P = 0.0038) in the perineal compared with the abdominal cohort. There was a significant increase in major complications amongst patients undergoing a resection compared with rectopexy only (OR = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.10–4.41; P = 0.0299). There was no difference in major complications between abdominal rectopexy and a perineal approach, but the latter had a lower chance of minor complications (OR = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24–0.94; P = 0.0287).

Conclusion  A perineal approach is safer than an abdominal approach to the treatment of rectal prolapse. Regarding an abdominal operation, rectopexy has fewer major complications than resection.
The experiences of children and their parents in paediatric diabetes services should inform the development of communication skills for healthcare staff (the DEPICTED Study)
Authors: Hawthorne K. , Bennert K. , Lowes L. , Channon S. , Robling M. , Gregory J. W. ,   on behalf of the DEPICTED Study team
Published: March 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1103–1108 (2011)

Aims  The aims of this study were to describe users’ experience of paediatric diabetes services to inform development of an intervention to improve communication between staff and patients in secondary care within a wider study (the DEPICTED Study).

Methods  Methods adapted for paediatric settings were used to set up six audio‐recorded focus discussion groups with a total of 32 participants. Transcriptions and notes were coded thematically (supported by NVivo software) and analytic themes developed with discussion between researchers.

Results  Three main themes developed: the lack of two‐way conversation about glycaemic control in clinic settings; the restricting experience of living with diabetes; and the difficult interactions around diabetes the children had with their schools. Doctors in particular were seen as struggling to link these themes of everyday life in their consultations with children and their parents. Children felt marginalized in clinics, despite active involvement in their own blood glucose management at home.

Conclusions  Health professionals need to balance a requirement for good glycaemic control with realism and appreciation of their patients’ efforts. There is a need for a systematic approach to consulting, in particular using agenda setting to ensure that the issues of both the patient and the professional are addressed. A framework for a conceptual approach is discussed. How a patient is involved is as important as what is communicated during a consultation.
Early introduction of root vegetables in infancy associated with advanced ß‐cell autoimmunity in young children with human leukocyte antigen‐conferred susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Virtanen S. M. , Takkinen H.‐M. , Nevalainen J. , Kronberg‐Kippilä C. , Salmenhaara M. , Uusitalo L. , Kenward M. G. , Erkkola M. , Veijola R. , Simell O. , Ilonen J. , Knip M.
Published: March 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 965–971 (2011)

Aims  Early introduction of supplementary foods has been implicated to play a role in the development of ß‐cell autoimmunity. We set out to study the effects of breastfeeding and age at introduction of supplementary foods on the development of ß‐cell autoimmunity.

Methods  A prospective birth cohort of 6069 infants with HLA‐DQB‐conferred susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes was recruited between 1996 and 2004. Antibodies against islet cells, insulin, glutamate dehydroxylase and islet antigen 2 were measured at 3‐ to 12‐month intervals. The families recorded at home the age at introduction of new foods and, for each visit, completed a structured dietary questionnaire. The endpoint was repeated positivity for islet cell antibodies plus at least one other antibody and/or clinical Type 1 diabetes (n = 265).

Results  Early introduction of root vegetables (by the age of 4 months) was related to increased risk of developing positivity for the endpoint [hazard ratio (95% CI) for the earliest third 1.75 (1.11–2.75) and for the middle third 1.79 (1.22–2.62) compared with the last third (> 4 months), likelihood ratio test P = 0.006], independently of the introduction of other foods and of several putative socio‐demographic and perinatal confounding factors. Introducing wheat, rye, oats and/or barley cereals (P = 0.013) and egg (P = 0.031) early was related to an increased risk of the endpoint, but only during the first 3 years of life.

Conclusions  Early introduction of root vegetables during infancy is independently associated with increased risk of ß‐cell autoimmunity among Finnish children with increased genetic susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes.
Embeddedness or Escapism? Rural Perceptions and Economic Development in Cornwall and Northumberland
Authors: Bosworth Gary , Willett Joanie
Published: March 2011

This article explores the effect of perceptions of rural life upon the subsequent actions of counterurbanisers and the resulting impact for rural economic development in the contrasting counties of Cornwall and Northumberland. Perceptions of a high quality of life attract migrants to remote rural areas yet these areas also have high rates of economic deprivation. In‐migration can stimulate rural development but in this article we hypothesise that the effectiveness of counterurbanisers as catalysts for economic development depends upon their attitudes towards the receiving community. If rural represents a slow pace of life and a step away from the pressures of modern, urban, lifestyles, counterurbanisers are unlikely to bring the dynamism to rural communities. By contrast, counterurbanisers that understand and engage with the local community are better placed to introduce new forms of human and social capital and provide valuable connections beyond the local area. Building on more endogenous development approaches, a greater understanding of the integration and economic activity of counterurbanisers can guide rural policies and highlight the significance of external representations for peripheral rural areas.
Redistribution and Government Tactical Behaviour: An Analysis of Local Public Expenditure in China after the 1994 Tax Reform
Authors: Guggiola Gabriele
Published: March 2011

During the last few decades significant changes have affected Chinese public finance. In 1994, a major tax reform was undertaken and central–local sharing arrangements were deeply modified; the evolutions of regional public expenditure in the years following the reform deserve to be analysed. The issue is relevant for two additional reasons. First, income inequality is becoming a relevant issue and it is therefore important to understand whether the Chinese government is pursuing some kind of redistribution policy. Second, an analysis of the local expenditure dynamics might provide some important information concerning the objectives and the behaviour of the Chinese government. The article considers a set of structural, political and socio‐economic variables to analyse the determinants of local public expenditure in 30 Chinese regions over the period 1995–2007. The results reveal that redistribution seems not to be a priority for the Chinese government: expenditure is higher in richer and more internationally open regions, and the only redistribution evidence that emerges is related to urban–rural disparities.
Free Trade Agreements and Governance of the Global Trading System
Authors: Brown Andrew G. , Stern Robert M.
Published: March 2011

This article explores how far free trade agreements (FTAs) have strengthened or weakened global governance of the trading system. We open with an analysis of the altered political and economic context within which countries have come, in recent years, to assign a new importance to regional and bilateral trade agreements in their trade policies. We then consider each of the main provisions included in FTAs and comment on how these may separately affect the management of trade relations. We conclude with some observations of the broader trends affecting global governance that are associated with the spread of trade agreements as a whole.
Does Exporter Turnover Contribute to Aggregate Productivity Growth? Evidence from Malaysian Manufacturing
Authors: Dogan Ergun , Wong Koi Nyen , Yap Michael M. C.
Published: March 2011

Malaysia’s economic success is to a significant extent underpinned by its export‐oriented manufacturing sector. The sector has a large foreign presence, with MNCs attracted by the open trade and investment regime, and FDI‐friendly policies. Using unpublished manufacturing census data for 2000 and 2005, we apply the methodology by Foster et al. (1998) to decompose productivity growth. The analysis shows that exporters were more productive than domestic‐oriented establishments, and were distinctly more competitive. The empirical evidence also shows that establishment turnover is important in boosting productivity growth. In particular, we find that turnover of exporters made a larger contribution to aggregate productivity growth compared with domestic‐oriented establishments during the period from 2000 to 2005. Surviving establishments (those that operated in both years), on the other hand, made a negative contribution. It is noteworthy that entrants to export markets were more productive than surviving non‐exporters and even surviving exporters. Exiters from export markets or ‘export failures’, on the other hand, were less productive than continuing exporters. Given the importance of turnover to productivity growth, the government should ensure unrestricted entry to the export sectors for both foreign and domestic investors. Continuing with pro‐FDI policies is also important, given the keener global competition.
The Design and Analysis of Variety Trials Using Mixtures of Composite and Individual Plot Samples
Authors: Smith Alison B. , Thompson Robin , Butler David G. , Cullis Brian R.
Published: March 2011

Field trials for evaluating plant varieties are conducted to obtain information on a range of traits including grain yield and grain quality. Some grain quality traits are costly to measure so it is not possible to test all plots individually. It has therefore become common practice to test a single composite sample for each variety in the trial but this precludes the use of an efficient statistical analysis. We propose an approach in which a proportion of varieties is tested by using individual replicate samples. The remaining varieties may either be tested as composite samples or with reduced replication. This allows application of efficient mixed model analyses for both the inexpensive traits (using data from the complete set of individual replicate plots) and expensive traits (using data from a subset of the plots or a mixture of composite and individual plot samples).