bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomics and transcriptomics across the diversity of the Nematoda
Authors: BLAXTER M. , KUMAR S. , KAUR G. , KOUTSOVOULOS G. , ELSWORTH B.
Published: November 2011

The diversity of biology in nematodes is reflected in the diversity of their genomes. Parasitic species in particular have evolved mechanisms to invade and outwit their hosts, and these offer opportunities for the development of control measures. Genomic analyses can reveal the molecular underpinnings of phenotypes such as parasitism and thus, initiate and support research programmes that explore the manipulation of host and parasite physiologies to achieve favourable outcomes. Wide sampling across nematode diversity allows phylogenetically informed formulation of research hypotheses, identification of core features shared by all species or important evolutionary novelties present in isolated clades. Many nematode species have been investigated through the use of the expressed sequence tag approach, which samples from the transcribed genome. Gene catalogues generated in this way can be explored to reveal the patterns of expression associated with parasitism and candidates for testing as drug targets or vaccine components. Analysis environments, such as NEMBASE facilitate exploitation of these data. The development of new high‐throughput DNA‐sequencing technologies has facilitated transcriptomic and genomic approaches to parasite biology. Whole genome sequencing offers more complete catalogues of genes and assists a systems approach to phenotype dissection. These efforts are being coordinated through the 959 Nematode Genomes initiative.
Lower crustal melting via magma underplating: Elemental and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic constraints from late Mesozoic intermediate–felsic volcanic rocks in the northeastern North China Block
Authors: LI CHAOWEN , GUO FENG , FAN WEIMING
Published: November 2011

Ar–Ar dating, major and trace element analyses, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope results of two groups of Lower Cretaceous (erupted at 126 and 119 Ma, respectively) intermediate–felsic lava from the northeastern North China Block (NCB) suggest their derivation from melting of mixtures between the heterogeneous lower crust and underplated basalts. Both groups exhibit high‐K calc‐alkaline to shoshonitic affinities, characterized by light rare earth element (LREE) and large ion lithophile element (LILE) enrichment and variable high field strength element (HFSE, e.g. Nb, Ta and Ti) depletion, and moderately radiogenic Sr and unradiogenic Nd and Pb isotopic compositions. Compared with Group 2, Group 1 rocks have relatively higher K2O and Al2O3/(CaO + K2O + Na2O) in molar ratio, higher HFSE concentrations and lower Nb/Ta ratios, and higher Sr–Nd–Pb isotope ratios. Group 1 rocks were derived from a mixture of an enriched mantle‐derived magma and a lower crust that has developed radiogenic Sr and unradiogenic Nd and Pb isotopic compositions, whereas the Group 2 magmas were melts of another mixture between the same mantle‐derived component and another type of lower crust having even lower Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic ratios. Shift in source region from Group 1 to Group 2 coincided with a change in melting conditions: hydrous melting of both the underplated basalt and the lower crust produced the earlier high‐Nb and low‐Nb/Ta melts with little or no residual Ti‐rich phases; while the younger low‐Nb and high‐Nb/Ta magmas were melted under a water‐deficient system, in which Ti‐rich phases were retained in the source. Generation of the two groups of intermediate–felsic volcanic rocks was genetically linked with the contemporaneous magma underplating event as a result of lithospheric thinning in the eastern NCB.
Incidence of diabetic retinopathy in indigenous Australians within Central Australia: the Central Australian Ocular Health Study
Authors: Landers John , Henderson Tim , Abhary Sotoodeh , Craig Jamie
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background:  To estimate the incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) within the indigenous Australian population living in Central Australia.

Design:  Clinic‐based cohort study.

Participants:  One thousand eight hundred eighty‐four individuals aged ≥20 years living in one of 30 remote communities within the statistical local area of ‘Central Australia’.

Methods:  Among those with diabetes mellitus (DM) (n = 1040), 432 (42%) were reviewed between 6 months and 3 years (median 21 months) after the initial examination. DR in participants with DM was graded using the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study classification. Baseline results were compared with those at follow‐up.

Main Outcome Measures:  The incidence of any DR and vision‐threatening DR (clinically significant macular oedema and/or proliferative DR) in at least one eye.

Results:  Of those with DM but without DR at baseline, 8.41% (9.42% of those aged 40 years or older) per year developed DR. Meanwhile, 0.7% (0.92% for those aged ≥40 years) of those with no DR at baseline developed vision‐threatening DR per year, increasing to 8.4% per year for those with minimal or mild non‐proliferative DR, and 28.2% per year for those with moderate or severe non‐proliferative DR at baseline.

Conclusion:  Our study has estimated the annual incidence rates of DR among indigenous Australians living within Central Australia. These rates are similar to those from the non‐indigenous population, and highlight the need for good surveillance and service provision in a population where the prevalence of diabetes is very high and the logistics of screening are complex.
Children’s essentialist reasoning about language and race
Authors: Kinzler Katherine D. , Dautel Jocelyn B.
Published: November 2011

Across four studies, we directly compared children’s essentialist reasoning about the stability of race and language throughout an individual’s lifespan. Monolingual English‐speaking children were presented with a series of images of children who were either White or Black; each face was paired with a voice clip in either English or French. Participants were asked which of two adults each target child would grow up to be – one who was a ‘match’ to the target child in race but not language, and the other a ‘match’ in language but not race. Nine‐ to 10‐year‐old European American children chose the race‐match, rather than the language‐match. In contrast, 5–6‐year‐old European American children in both urban, racially diverse, and rural, racially homogeneous environments chose the language‐match, even though this necessarily meant that the target child would transform racial categories. Although surprising in light of adult reasoning, these young children demonstrated an intuition about the relative stability of an individual’s language compared to her racial group membership. Yet, 5–6‐year‐old African American children, similar to the older European American children, chose the race‐match, suggesting that membership in a racial minority group may highlight children’s reasoning about race as a stable category. Theoretical implications for our understanding of children’s categorization of human kinds are discussed.
Effects of normal and abnormal visual experience on the development of opposing aftereffects for upright and inverted faces
Authors: Robbins Rachel A. , Maurer Daphne , Hatry Alexandra , Anzures Gizelle , Mondloch Catherine J.
Published: November 2011

We used opposing figural aftereffects to investigate whether there are at least partially separable representations of upright and inverted faces in patients who missed early visual experience because of bilateral congenital cataracts (mean age at test 19.5 years). Visually normal adults and 10‐year‐olds were tested for comparison. Adults showed the expected opposing aftereffects for upright and inverted faces. Ten‐year‐olds showed an adultlike aftereffect for upright faces but, unlike the adult group, no aftereffect for inverted faces. Patients failed to show an aftereffect for either upright or inverted faces. Overall, the results suggest that early visual input is necessary for the later development of (at least partially) separable representations of upright and inverted faces, a developmental process that takes many years to reach an adult‐like refinement.
NO CLOSURE ON SKEPTICISM
Authors: AVNUR YUVAL , BRUECKNER ANTHONY , BUFORD CHRISTOPHER T.
Published: November 2011

This article is a response to an important objection that Sherrilyn Roush has made to the standard closure‐based argument for skepticism, an argument that has been studied over the past couple of decades. If Roush's objection is on the mark, then this would be a quite significant finding. We argue that her objection fails.
STANDARDS OF EQUALITY AND HUME'S VIEW OF GEOMETRY
Authors: BADICI EMIL
Published: November 2011

It has been argued that there is a genuine conflict between the views of geometry defended by Hume in the Treatise and in the Enquiry: while the former work attributes to geometry a different status from that of arithmetic and algebra, the latter attempts to restore its status as an exact and certain science. A closer reading of Hume shows that, in fact, there is no conflict between the two works with respect to geometry. The key to understanding Hume's view of geometry is the distinction he draws between two standards of equality in extension.
APTNESS OF EMOTIONS FOR FICTIONS AND IMAGININGS
Authors: GILMORE JONATHAN
Published: November 2011

Many philosophical accounts of the emotions conceive of them as susceptible to assessments of rationality, fittingness, or some other notion of aptness. Analogous assumptions apply in cases of emotions directed at what are taken to be only fictional or only imagined. My question is whether the criteria governing the aptness of emotions we have toward what we take to be real things apply invariantly to those emotions we have toward what we take to be only fictional or imagined. I argue that what counts as a reason justifying an emotion can differ across real, fictional, and imagined domains.
PRESENTISM, PERSISTENCE AND COMPOSITION
Authors: MAGALHÃES ERNÂNI
Published: November 2011

Pace Benovsky's ‘Presentism and Persistence,’ presentism is compatible with perdurantism, tropes and bundle‐of‐universals theories of persisting objects. I demonstrate how the resemblance, causation and precedence relations that tie stages together can be accommodated within an ersatzer presentist framework. The presentist account of these relations is then used to delineate a presentist‐friendly account of the inter‐temporal composition required for making worms out of stages. The defense of presentist trope theory shows how properties with indexes other than t may be said to exist at t. This involves an account of how times other than t exist at t, and how times may be multiply located at any given time. Benovsky's objection to bundles of universals is shown to assume that a bundle of properties must have the properties of its element properties.
Colour homogeneity and visual perception of age, health and attractiveness of male facial skin
Authors: Fink B. , Matts P.J. , D’Emiliano D. , Bunse L. , Weege B. , Röder S.
Published: November 2011

Background Visible facial skin condition in females is known to affect perception of age, health and attractiveness. Skin colour distribution in shape‐ and topography‐standardized female faces, driven by localized melanin and haemoglobin, can account for up to twenty years of apparent age perception. Although this is corroborated by an ability to discern female age even in isolated, non‐contextual skin images, a similar effect in the perception of male skin is yet to be demonstrated.

Objectives To investigate the effect of skin colour homogeneity and chromophore distribution on the visual perception of age, health and attractiveness of male facial skin.

Methods Cropped images from the cheeks of facial images of 160 Caucasian British men aged 10–70 years were blind‐rated for age, health and attractiveness by a total of 308 participants. In addition, the homogeneity of skin images and corresponding eumelanin/oxyhaemoglobin concentration maps were analysed objectively using Haralick’s image segmentation algorithm.

Results Isolated skin images taken from the cheeks of younger males were judged as healthier and more attractive. Perception of age, health and attractiveness was strongly related to melanin and haemoglobin distribution, whereby more even distributions led to perception of younger age and greater health and attractiveness. The evenness of melanized features was a stronger cue for age perception, whereas haemoglobin distribution was associated more strongly with health and attractiveness perception.

Conclusions Male skin colour homogeneity, driven by melanin and haemoglobin distribution, influences perception of age, health and attractiveness.
The influence of systemic therapy on the serum levels of IL‐6 and IL‐8 in pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Mortazavi H. , Babaeijandaghi F. , Akbarzadeh M. , Rezaei N. , Amirzargar A.A. , Daneshpazhooh M. , Jalali A. , Hallaji Z.
Published: November 2011

Background  The place of cell‐mediated immunity and cytokines in the immunopathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) has not been fully established.

Objective  To assess the serum levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, Interleukine‐6 (IL‐6) and Interleukine‐8 (IL‐8), in PV patients before and after therapy, to evaluate the influence of therapy on the serum cytokine levels.

Methods  Sixty‐six newly diagnosed PV patients enrolled into the study. The serum levels of IL‐8 and IL‐6 were measured in 66 and 64 patients, respectively. According to the extent of skin and mucosal involvement, the patients were divided into two groups namely mild and severe. The serum levels of cytokines were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method before and after 4 weeks of prednisolone plus azathioprine therapy.

Results  In 64 patients studied for the serum level of IL‐6, the median IL‐6 level was significantly decreased from 1.6 to 0.9 pg/mL by therapy (P‐value = 0.001). Segregating the patients according to the severity of the disease, the serum level of IL‐6 did not differ significantly by therapy in patients with a mild disease. However, in patients with a severe disease the median serum level of IL‐6 decreased significantly from 1.8 to 0.9 pg/mL after therapy (P‐value = 0.001). No significant changes were found in the IL‐8 level by treatment.

Conclusion  The significant decrease in the IL‐6 level after therapy suggests that blocking of IL‐6 could have therapeutic benefits for the treatment of PV, particularly in severe forms.
The cellular language ofmyo‐inositol signaling
Authors: Gillaspy Glenda E.
Published: November 2011

The simple polyol,myo‐inositol, is used as a building block of a cellular language that plays various roles in signal transduction. This review describes the terminology used to denotemyo‐inositol‐containing molecules, with an emphasis on how phosphate and fatty acids are added to create second messengers used in signaling. Work in model systems has delineated the genes and enzymes required for synthesis and metabolism of manymyo‐inositol‐containing molecules, with genetic mutants and measurement of second messengers playing key roles in developing our understanding. There is increasing evidence that molecules such asmyo‐inositol(1,4,5)trisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol(4,5)bisphosphate are synthesized in response to various signals plants encounter. In particular, the controversial role ofmyo‐inositol(1,4,5)trisphosphate is addressed, accompanied by a discussion of the multiple enzymes that act to regulate this molecule. We are also beginning to understand new connections ofmyo‐inositol signaling in plants. These recent discoveries include the novel roles of inositol phosphates in binding to plant hormone receptors and that of phosphatidylinositol(3)phosphate binding to pathogen effectors.

ContentsSummary823I.Introduction824II.Structural and terminology considerations: adding phosphates and fatty acids tomyo‐inositol creates a chemical and cellular language for signaling824III.Hydrolysis of membrane PtdInsPs results in second messenger production825IV.What signals are linked to inositol signaling?826V.The controversial roles of DAG and Ins(1,4,5)P3in the plant cell826VI.A Multiplicity of enzymes that synthesize and metabolize Ins(1,4,5)P3829VII.New connections of inositol signaling in plants831VIII.Concluding remarks834Acknowledgements834References834
Prevention of paraquat‐induced apoptosis in human neuronal SH‐SY5Y cells by lipocalin‐type prostaglandin D synthase
Authors: Fujimori Ko , Fukuhara Ayano , Inui Takashi , Allhorn Maria
Published: November 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 279–291.

Paraquat is a widely used herbicide that is structurally similar to the known dopaminergic neurotoxicant 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐pyridine and acts as a potential etiologic factor for the development of Parkinson’s disease. In this study, we investigated the protective roles of lipocalin‐type prostaglandin (PG) D synthase (L‐PGDS) against paraquat‐mediated apoptosis of human neuronal SH‐SY5Y cells. The treatment of SH‐SY5Y cells with paraquat decreased the intracellular GSH level, and enhanced the cell death with elevation of the caspase activities. L‐PGDS was expressed in SH‐SY5Y cells, and its expression was enhanced with the peak at 2 h after the initiation of the treatment with paraquat. Inhibition of PGD2 synthesis and exogenously added PGs showed no effects regarding the paraquat‐mediated apoptosis. SiRNA‐mediated suppression of L‐PGDS expression in the paraquat‐treated cells increased the cell death and caspase activities. Moreover, over‐expression of L‐PGDS suppressed the cell death and caspase activities in the paraquat‐treated cells. The results of a promoter‐luciferase assay demonstrated that paraquat‐mediated elevation of L‐PGDS gene expression occurred through the NF‐κB element in the proximal promoter region of the L‐PGDS gene in SH‐SY5Y cells. These results indicate that L‐PGDS protected against the apoptosis in the paraquat‐treated SH‐SY5Y cells through the up‐regulation of L‐PGDS expression via the NF‐κB element. Thus, L‐PGDS might potentially serve as an agent for prevention of human neurodegenerative diseases caused by oxidative stress and apoptosis.
HETEROGENEITY OR TRUE STATE DEPENDENCE IN POVERTY: THE TALE TOLD BY TWINS
Authors: NILSSON WILLIAM
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this study is to distinguish between two different reasons that poverty could persist on an individual level. This study takes advantage of the similarity within pairs of identical twins to separate family‐specific heterogeneity from true state dependence, where the experience of poverty leads to a higher risk of future poverty. The results, based on a four‐variate probit model, show the importance of true state dependence in poverty. When using a poverty measure based on disposable income, family‐specific heterogeneity explains between 21 and 25 percent of poverty persistence in the Swedish sample of twins.
BAY 41‐2272, a soluble guanylate cyclase agonist, activates human mononuclear phagocytes
Authors: Soeiro‐Pereira PV , Falcai A , Kubo CA , Oliveira‐Júnior EB , Marques OC , Antunes E , Condino‐Neto A
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Phagocyte function is critical for host defense against infections. Defects in phagocytic function lead to several primary immunodeficiencies characterized by early onset of recurrent and severe infections. In this work, we further investigated the effects of BAY 41‐2272, a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) agonist, on the activation of human peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) and THP‐1 cells.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

THP‐1 cells and PBM viability was evaluated by methylthiazoletetrazolium assay; reactive oxygen species production by lucigenin chemiluminescence; gene and protein expression of NAPDH oxidase components by qRT‐PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively; phagocytosis and microbicidal activity by co‐incubation, respectively, with zymosan and Escherichia coli; and cytokine release by elisa.

KEY RESULTS

BAY 41‐2272, compared with the untreated group, increased spreading of monocytes by at least 35%, superoxide production by at least 50%, and gp91PHOX and p67PHOX gene expression 20 to 40 times, in both PBM and THP‐1 cells. BAY 41‐2272 also augmented phagocytosis of zymosan particles threefold compared with control, doubled microbicidal activity against E. coli and enhanced the release of TNF‐α and IL‐12p70 by both PBM and THP‐1 cells. Finally, by inhibiting sGC with ODQ, we showed that BAY 41‐2272‐induced superoxide production and phagocytosis is not dependent exclusively on sGC activation.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

In addition to its ability to induce vasorelaxation and its potential application for therapy of vascular diseases, BAY 41‐2272 was shown to activate human mononuclear phagocytes. Hence, it is a novel pro‐inflammatory drug that may be useful for controlling infections in the immunocompromised host.
Skin Manifestations Associated with Chemotherapy in Children with Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Cardoza‐Torres Myrna Alejandra , Liy‐Wong Carmen , Welsh Oliverio , Gómez‐Flores Minerva , Ocampo‐Candiani Jorge , González‐Llano Oscar , Gómez‐Almaguer David
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Chemotherapy used in the treatment of malignancies produces multiple mucocutaneous adverse reactions that may be clinically challenging. These mucocutaneous reactions are common and sometimes not diagnosed. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical patterns of the mucocutaneous manifestations during and after chemotherapy in children with a hematologic malignancy and to determine whether nutritional status influences the clinical presentation. We recruited patients aged 6 months to 16 years diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma from a pediatric hematology outpatient clinic between November 2008 and May 2010. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, recently diagnosed patients, included in the study before receiving chemotherapy, and Group 2, patients in surveillance who had not had chemotherapy for at least 3 months. A dermatologic examination was performed, and biopsy and mycological and bacteriological tests were conducted if necessary, with 6 months of follow‐up. We evaluated 89 patients and included 65 in the study: 40 boys and 25 girls with an average age of 8.3 years. All patients had skin lesions at some time during their baseline assessment or follow‐up. The manifestations found were anagen effluvium, xerosis, and acral hyperpigmentation. To our knowledge, this is the first comparative study of skin manifestations associated with chemotherapy in a Mexican pediatric population. The mucocutaneous manifestations associated with chemotherapy are important causes of morbidity. All of the children in our study had skin lesions on assessment. We did not find an association between skin manifestations and nutritional status.
Retrospective audit of postictal generalized EEG suppression in telemetry
Authors: Semmelroch Mira , Elwes Robert D. C. , Lozsadi Dora A. , Nashef Lina
Published: November 2011

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) has on rare occasions occurred during electroencephalography (EEG) telemetry, and in such cases postictal EEG suppression (PI EEG‐SUP) was frequently observed. More recently a retrospective case–control study reported this pattern as a risk factor for SUDEP. We retrospectively audited frequency and electroclinical features of this pattern as well as immediate management following tonic–clonic seizures during telemetry. Forty‐eight patients with tonic–clonic seizures were identified from 470 consecutive EEG‐videotelemetry reports. Thirteen patients (27%) with PI EEG‐SUP (mean duration 38.1 s, range 6–69 s, median 38 s) were compared to 12 randomly selected controls. One seizure was analyzed per individual. Those with PI EEG‐SUP were significantly more likely to be motionless after the seizure and have simple nursing interventions performed (suction, oxygen administration, placed in recovery position, vital signs checked). This pattern is relatively common and requires further study as a potential marker for increased mortality in epilepsy.
Subtypes of medial temporal lobe epilepsy: Influence on temporal lobectomy outcomes?
Authors: Bonilha Leonardo , Martz Gabriel U. , Glazier Steven S. , Edwards Jonathan C.
Published: November 2011

Surgical resection of the hippocampus is the most successful treatment for medication‐refractory medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) due to hippocampal sclerosis. Unfortunately, at least one of four operated patients continue to have disabling seizures after surgery, and there is no existing method to predict individual surgical outcome. Prior to surgery, patients who become seizure free appear identical to those who continue to have seizures after surgery. Interestingly, newly converging presurgical data from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intracranial electroencephalography (EEG) suggest that the entorhinal and perirhinal cortices may play an important role in seizure generation. These areas are not consistently resected with surgery and it is possible that they continue to generate seizures after surgery in some patients. Therefore, subtypes of MTLE patients can be considered according to the degree of extrahippocampal damage and epileptogenicity of the medial temporal cortex. The identification of these subtypes has the potential to drastically improve surgical results via optimized presurgical planning. In this review, we discuss the current data that suggests neural network damage in MTLE, focusing on the medial temporal cortex. We explore how this evidence may be applied to presurgical planning and suggest approaches for future investigation.
Female reproductive factors and risk of seizure or epilepsy: Data from the Nurses’ Health Study II
Authors: Dworetzky Barbara A. , Townsend Mary K. , Pennell Page B. , Kang Jae H.
Published: November 2011

Reproductive factors are associated with seizures in women with epilepsy. We prospectively examined the association between reproductive factors and the risk of adult‐onset isolated seizure, epilepsy, or any unprovoked seizure (defined as single unprovoked seizure or epilepsy) among 114,847 Nurses’ Health Study II participants followed from 1989 to 2005. Validated seizure questionnaires and medical records were used to confirm incident cases of isolated seizure (n = 95) or epilepsy (n = 151). Overall, there were no significant associations between any reproductive factor and risk of any unprovoked seizure (n = 196). However, menstrual irregularity at ages 18–22 years was specifically associated with an increased risk of epilepsy [relative risk (RR) 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–2.51]. Menstrual irregularity during follow‐up (RR 2.21, 95% CI 1.16–4.20) and early age at menarche (<12 years vs. 12–13 years; RR 1.76, 95% CI 1.10–2.81) increased the risk of isolated seizure. Oral contraceptive use and parity were not associated with isolated seizure or epilepsy. Therefore, menstrual factors were associated with risk of seizure and epilepsy.
Artificial microvascular network: a new tool for measuring rheologic properties of stored red blood cells
Authors: Burns Jennie M. , Yang Xiaoxi , Forouzan Omid , Sosa Jose M. , Shevkoplyas Sergey S.
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: The progressive deterioration of red blood cell (RBC) rheologic properties during refrigerated storage may reduce the clinical efficacy of transfusion of older units.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This article describes the development of a microfluidic device designed to test the rheologic properties of stored RBCs by measuring their ability to perfuse an artificial microvascular network (AMVN) comprised of capillary‐size microchannels arranged in a pattern inspired by the real microvasculature. In the AMVN device, the properties of RBCs are evaluated by passing a 40% hematocrit suspension of RBCs through the network and measuring the overall perfusion rate.

RESULTS: The sensitivity of the AMVN device to the storage‐induced change in rheologic properties of RBCs was tested using five prestorage leukoreduced RBC units stored in AS‐1 for 41 days. The AMVN perfusion rate for stored RBCs was 26 ± 4% (19%‐30%) lower than for fresh RBCs. Washing these stored RBCs in saline improved their performance by 41 ± 6% (the AMVN perfusion rate for washed stored RBCs was still 15 ± 2% lower than for fresh RBCs).

CONCLUSIONS: The measurements performed using the AMVN device confirm a significant decline in the rheologic properties of RBCs in units nearing expiration and demonstrate the sensitivity of the device to these storage‐induced changes. The AMVN device may be useful for testing the effect of new storage conditions, additive solutions, and rejuvenation strategies on the rheologic properties of stored RBCs in vitro.
Effect of Detection Methods on Risk Estimates of Exposure to Biosolids‐Associated Human Enteric Viruses
Authors: Kumar Arun , Wong Kelvin , Xagoraraki Irene
Published: November 2011

This study illustrates the effect of virus detection methods on estimates of risks of infection of biosolids‐associated viruses for occupational workers and residential population during a hypothetical exposure of biosolids. Five gastroenteritis‐associated human enteric viruses—enteroviruses (echovirus‐12, enteroviruse types 68–71), adenoviruses, rotaviruses, and noroviruses genotype‐I—were considered to represent human enteric viruses for risk estimation purposes. Ingested viral doses were calculated using literature‐reported total infectious virus concentrations (based on BGM and A549 cell lines) and genome copies (GCs) in Michigan dewatered and class B biosolids. Cell‐line‐based infectivity parameters (i.e., ratio of total infectious virus concentration to GCs) were developed for different viruses in biosolids to use GCs for calculating ingested viral dose, addressing the issue of integration of molecular methods with biosolids‐based virus risk assessment. Use of virus concentrations from molecular methods (with and without using cell‐line‐based infectivity parameter) resulted in higher risk estimates than culture methods, indicating the effect of the virus detection method on risk estimates. Further, use of virus concentrations from A549 cell lines resulted in higher risk estimates compared to those from BGM cell lines, suggesting the need for a proper choice of cell lines in determining infectious viral dose. The Monte Carlo uncertainty analyses of estimates for risk of infection due to enteroviruses showed that enteroviruses concentration was the most important parameter influencing risk estimates, indicating the need for reducing associated uncertainty. More work is required to develop cell‐line‐based infectivity parameters for different virus concentration levels and sample matrix types using a cut‐off‐based approach.
Assessment of Right Ventricular Endocardial Dysfunction in Mild‐to‐Moderate Mitral Stenosis Patients Using Velocity Vector Imaging
Authors: Yildirimturk Ozlem , Helvacioglu Fatma Funda , Tayyareci Yelda , Yurdakul Selen , Aytekin Saide
Published: November 2011

Purpose: Right ventricular (RV) function plays an important role in the development of clinical symptoms, exercise capacity, prognosis, and survival in patients with mitral stenosis (MS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate global and regional RV systolic functions using a novel technique, VVI, in mild‐to‐moderate MS patients without clinical symptoms of heart failure. Methods: The study population consisted of 60 patients (mean age 51.7 ± 11.6 years; 85% female) with isolated rheumatic mitral valve stenosis and 40 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects (mean age 49.1 ± 10.5 years; 76.7% female). Conventional echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), strain (S), and strain rate (SRs) analysis were performed in all patients. Results: Transmitral mean pressure gradient was 6.1 ± 3.0 mmHg and mean mitral valve area was 1.41 ± 0.31 cm2 in patients with MS. TDI systolic velocity was significantly lower in MS patients compared to control subjects (0.13 ± 0.03 m/sec vs. 0.17 ± 0.03 m/sec; P < 0.0001). RV‐isovolumic acceleration was reduced in MS patients (3.75 ± 1.09 m/sec2 vs. 4.62 ± 1.0 m/sec2; P = 0.006). RV‐myocardial performance index was significantly increased in patients with MS (0.75 ± 0.05 in MS and 0.29 ± 0.04 in controls; P < 0.0001) revealing impaired RV systolic and diastolic function. The mean longitudinal peak systolic S and SR were significantly reduced in patients with MS (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Our data revealed that RV systolic performance is reduced in patients with mild‐to‐moderate MS. (Echocardiography 2012;29:25‐33)
Comparison between Tissue Doppler Imaging (TDI) and Tissue Synchronization Imaging (TSI) in Evaluation of Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony in Patients with Advanced Heart Failure
Authors: Kazemisaeid Ali , Rezvanfard Mehrnaz , Sadeghian Hakimeh , Lotfi_Tokaldany Masoumeh , Mardanloo Azam Safir , Fathollahi Mahmood Sheikh
Published: November 2011

Background: Assessment of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony has an important role in optimizing the selection of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) candidates. We compared a new semiautomatic echocardiographic modality, tissue synchronization imaging (TSI) with a manual method, color‐coded tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), in the assessment of LV dyssynchrony in patients with heart failure (HF). Methods: Ninety‐five patients (age = 54.5 ± 17.1 years, 66.3% male) with advanced HF (NYHA functional class ≥III and ejection‐fraction ≤35%) were included in the study and evaluated echocardiographically. The time to regional peak systolic velocity (Ts) in six basal and six middle segments of the LV was measured manually using velocity curves from TDI and semiautomatically using TSI and seven parameters of systolic dyssynchrony were computed. Results: Overall, a moderate‐to‐good association was found between Ts derived by these two modalities, whereas the mean of Ts via TSI was significantly lower than that measured by TDI in many LV segments. The agreement between these two modalities in identifying LV dyssynchrony varied from weak to moderate according to various dyssynchrony indices. In comparison to the TDI‐derived dyssynchrony indices, TSI showed a high sensitivity of more than 90% using Ts delay at the basal/all LV segments and the indices for their standard deviations (SD) for identifying LV dyssynchrony, whereas the highest specificity of 80% was achieved using the septal‐lateral dyssynchrony index in the prediction of LV dyssynchrony. Conclusion: With the aid of selected LV dyssynchrony indices, the TSI method may confer enough sensitivity for a speedy evaluation and initial screening of LV dyssynchrony in HF patients; however, the current technology of TSI does not seem specific enough to replace TDI in the evaluation of dyssynchrony. (Echocardiography 2012;29:7‐12)
Real Time Triplane Echocardiography in the Assessment of the Functional Area of Prosthetic Aortic Valves: Reliability and Feasibility
Authors: Alunni Gianluca , Garrone Paolo , Giorgi Mauro , Calcagnile Chiara , Sbarra Pierluigi , Marocco Cristina , Costanza Grasso , Meynet Ilaria , Casolati Dario , Marra Sebastiano
Published: November 2011

Purpose: Our study is aimed at evaluating the feasibility and reliability of a simple method for the measurement of the functional area of prosthetic aortic valves (EOA). Three‐dimensional echocardiography has proven accurate for left ventricular volume, stroke volume, and aortic valve area measurement. We studied the feasibility and reliability of real time simultaneous triplane echocardiography (RT3P) for assessing the EOA with a fast formula based on the principle of continuity equation, in which we replaced Doppler‐derived stroke volume (SV) with SV directly measured with RT3P. Methods and results: EOA of prosthetic aortic valves were measured in 23 consecutive patients requiring periodical follow up. EOA was calculated using Doppler continuity equation (DCE) and the RT3P method by replacing Doppler‐derived SV with SV measured with real time triplane echocardiography. We compared functional areas obtained with the two methods with the prosthetic area indicated in the manufacturer's specifications and with the mean transprosthetic gradient. Both methods had a good correlation with the area indicated by the manufacturer. RT3P revealed an inverse correlation between functional area and mean gradient that was better than DCE (P = 0.0359). Inter‐ and intraobserver variability was not different between the two methods. Execution time was significantly shorter for RT3P. Conclusions: RT3P is a simple method that can be performed quite rapidly, and can complement the overall assessment of prosthetic valve function. Further studies can confirm our technique. (Echocardiography 2012;29:34‐41)
Transvaginal ultrasonography of rectosigmoid endometriosis: interobserver variation of lesion size
Authors: EGEKVIST ANNE GISSELMANN , FORMAN AXEL , SEYER‐HANSEN MIKKEL
Published: November 2011

This study evaluates the interobserver variation of transvaginal ultrasonographic measurements of the size of deep infiltrating endometriosis lesions in the rectosigmoid wall performed by an experienced and a less experienced sonographer. Fifteen outpatient women were seen for a gynecologic examination and 24 women were seen with rectosigmoid endometriosis. Transvaginal ultrasonography was performed independently by two observers with a focus on the presence and size of rectosigmoid endometriosis. The senior observer had several years of experience, whereas the junior observer was a medical student with no prior experience in transvaginal ultrasonography. The findings of the two observers were identical concerning the identification of rectosigmoid endometriosis. The probability of differences in size within 30% of the mean was 0.81, 0.63 and 0.61 for length, width and depth, respectively. Our data suggest that fair skills in this technique can be acquired by inexperienced examiners within a short period of time.
Attitudes towards abortion among trainees in obstetrics/gynecology and clinical genetics
Authors: Ingerslev Marie Diness , Diness Birgitte Rode , Norup Michael
Published: November 2011

This study aimed to provide knowledge about attitudes towards abortion among Danish physicians in training in the specialties of obstetrics/gynecology and clinical genetics. The study was a questionnaire survey among trainees in these specialties. Ninety‐six responded. Trainees in clinical genetics were more pro‐abortion than those in obstetrics/gynecology (p=0.04). Of the respondents, 30 versus 48% found working with early and late abortions unpleasant. Nearly half agreed that they had chosen their specialty despite having to counsel and treat women having abortions. Twenty‐one percent agreed that working with late abortion affected their job satisfaction negatively. Those agreeing with the above statements had a tendency towards lower pro‐abortion scores than those who were indifferent or who disagreed but the differences were not significant. A substantial fraction of physicians in training have negative feelings associated with abortion‐related work and require support in handling and coping with these challenges.
Using online periodontal case‐based discussions to synchronize theoretical and clinical undergraduate dental education
Authors: Koole S. , De Wever B. , Aper L. , Vervaeke S. , Derese A. , De Bruyn H.
Published: November 2011

Background:  Clinical experience is important in undergraduate dental education, but (suitable) patients to learn from are often lacking. Online case‐based discussions were introduced to overcome patient dependency and to synchronize theoretical with clinical education.

Materials and methods:  Undergraduate dental students in groups of 5–7 discussed online clinical case reports presenting either minor (2nd year) or complex periodontal pathology (3rd year). Each case consisted of a brief patient history, extra‐ and intra‐oral clinical pictures, periodontal chart, peri‐apical and/or orthopantomographic radiographs. Students had to discuss diagnosis and treatment planning. Questionnaires assessed students’ and supervisors’ general appreciation (score on 20), time investment and opinions about organisation, relation case/course content, future planning, learning effect and online environment (5‐point Likert scale). A crossover design with three tests (pre‐test, test in between and post‐test) was used to investigate whether the frequency of case introduction (one case per week vs. one case element per week) had an effect on learning. Data was analysed with descriptive statistics (questionnaires) and repeated measures ANOVA (crossover design).

Results:  Students (n = 119) and supervisors (n = 9) highly appreciated the exercise. Students reported spending on average 74 min per week to read a case, prepare and post messages. Supervisors’ total time investment was 342 min per semester to create a case, provide online feedback and to prepare a live‐discussion. No significant differences in test‐scores were found between the two modalities of case introduction.

Conclusion:  Online case‐based discussions, in conjunction with a theoretical course, are valuable additions to the dental curriculum, especially to reinforce the transition from theory to clinical practice.
The Processes Distinguishing Stable From Unstable Stepfamily Couples: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Saint‐Jacques Marie‐Christine , Robitaille Caroline , Godbout ÉLisabeth , Parent Claudine , Drapeau Sylvie , Gagne Marie‐Helene
Published: November 2011

Second marriages are known to be more fragile than first marriages. To better understand the factors that contribute to this fragility, this qualitative study compared stepfamilies that stayed together with those that separated by collecting interview data from one adult in each of the former (n = 31) and latter (n = 26) stepfamilies. Data were analyzed using a general inductive approach. The analysis allowed us to identify key processes that contributed to stepfamilies staying intact or breaking up. We found that the way in which families approached problems and the strategies they employed had more influence on stepfamily survival than the nature, number, or intensity of these problems. We also outlined the role of certain elements related to family context, such as the custody of children from former unions, intrafamily communication, and each person's particular characteristics. With regard to practitioner intervention, the results highlight the importance of examining the way in which couples deal with their problems, the strategies they employ, and the effectiveness of the strategies.
Suicidal Thought in the Adolescent: Exploring the Relationship Between Known Risk Factors and the Presence of Suicidal Thought
Authors: Shimshock Cana M. , Williams Reg Arthur , Sullivan Barbara‐Jean B.
Published: November 2011

PROBLEM:  The purpose of this retrospective study was to explore the relationship between recognized risk factors for suicidal thought and the presence or absence of self‐reported suicidal thought.

METHODS:  This study was conducted through the secondary analysis of data obtained from a larger, prospective, cluster‐randomized intervention study. A subset of 817 recruits between the ages of 17 and 19 was included in this study.

FINDINGS:  A personal history of mental health/emotional problems and a decreased sense of belonging made unique contributions to predicting the presence of suicidal thought.

CONCLUSIONS:  The development of interventions to increase sense of belonging may be a key to reducing suicidal thought during stressful events.
Muslims in Nepal: The Local and Global Dimensions of a Changing Religious Minority
Authors: Sijapati Megan Adamson
Published: November 2011

The study of South Asian Islam has expanded in recent decades to include communities and traditions on the margins of the political, cultural and religious centers of South Asia. However, only a small body of scholarship yet exists on the topic of Islam and Muslims in Nepal. In this Hindu majority country, the Muslim population is one of diversity and growing national visibility, and it is increasingly looking toward the global umma. This essay provides an overview of the history of Islam in Nepal and Nepal’s Muslim population, followed by a brief review of recent changes in Nepal’s religious and political identity that have created unprecedented opportunities and responsibilities for its minorities, including Muslims. It then reviews the main areas of inquiry undertaken by the few studies on Muslims in Nepal, particularly Muslim identity, Hindu–Muslim conflict, and Islamic revivalism. This is followed by a discussion of contemporary Muslim organizations in Nepal. The essay concludes with thoughts on directions for future research in this rich, but underexplored, area.
A Case Study in Soviet Political Religion: Modernism, The USSR in Construction, and Stalin’s Russia
Authors: Feldman Matthew
Published: November 2011

The following article provides a case study in political religion theory via exploration of a neglected Soviet journal, the USSR in Construction [SSSR na Stroike]. This journal, which appeared between January 1930 and June 1941, was ultimately published in five languages, and represented an important, propagandistic face to the non‐communist world. Despite the entrenchment of Socialist Realism at the time, this avant‐garde publication continued to be published monthly by Stalin’s regime – until the invasion of the Soviet Union by Nazi Germany. Contributors may be seen as propagandists, strangely enough, in an etymological sense: propagators of a faith – in this case a ‘political theology’– on behalf of a Stalinist utopia that they believed was currently ‘under construction’.
Can Thrift Bring Well‐being? A Review of the Research and a Tentative Theory
Authors: Kasser Tim
Published: November 2011

Contemporary forms of consumer capitalism encourage people to prioritize materialistic values, an orientation associated with lower personal well‐being. Such materialistic values stand in contrast to the economic attitude of thrift, which encourages saving, self‐sufficiency, reuse of goods, and avoiding debt. This article reviews the existing empirical literature on thrift and well‐being, finding it to be very contradictory, with studies showing positive, negative, and null associations between various operationalizations of well‐being and of thrift. A need‐based theory is presented to explain these inconsistent findings. The theory suggests that thrifty attitudes, behaviors, and lifestyles sometimes can work to satisfy psychological needs for safety/security, competence, relatedness, and autonomy (and thus promote well‐being) but sometimes interfere with satisfaction of these needs (and thus diminish well‐being). Empirical and anecdotal evidence is reviewed in support of this theory, and future directions for testing and refining it are proposed.
A Moral‐Existential Account of the Psychological Factors Fostering Intergroup Conflict
Authors: Kesebir Pelin , Pyszczynski Tom
Published: November 2011

We combine ideas from terror management and moral foundations theories to analyze the role of existential and moral concerns in the creation and escalation of intergroup conflict. We argue that moral values, as important components of cultural worldviews, serve to buffer existential anxiety. Perceived threats to one’s moral values thus are capable of inducing existential anxiety and unleashing strong moral emotions, creating the psychological impetus for intergroup conflict and violence. We review evidence that threats to the five core moral intuitions posited by moral foundations theory (harm/care, fairness/reciprocity, ingroup/loyalty, authority/respect, and purity/ sanctity) are associated with existential anxiety and that this contributes to intergroup strife and violence. Moral and existential concerns combine to create a vicious feedback loop that leads to self‐perpetuating spirals of violence, which helps explain the intractability of many real‐life conflicts.