bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lab-on-a-Chip Pathogen Sensors for Food Safety
Authors: Yoon Jeong-Yeol , Kim Bumsang
Published: August 2012

There have been a number of cases of foodborne illness among humans that are caused by pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, etc. The current practices to detect such pathogenic agents are cell culturing, immunoassays, or polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). These methods are essentially laboratory-based methods that are not at all real-time and thus unavailable for early-monitoring of such pathogens. They are also very difficult to implement in the field. Lab-on-a-chip biosensors, however, have a strong potential to be used in the field since they can be miniaturized and automated; they are also potentially fast and very sensitive. These lab-on-a-chip biosensors can detect pathogens in farms, packaging/processing facilities, delivery/distribution systems, and at the consumer level. There are still several issues to be resolved before applying these lab-on-a-chip sensors to field applications, including the pre-treatment of a sample, proper storage of reagents, full integration into a battery-powered system, and demonstration of very high sensitivity, which are addressed in this review article. Several different types of lab-on-a-chip biosensors, including immunoassay- and PCR-based, have been developed and tested for detecting foodborne pathogens. Their assay performance, including detection limit and assay time, are also summarized. Finally, the use of optical fibers or optical waveguide is discussed as a means to improve the portability and sensitivity of lab-on-a-chip pathogen sensors.
Sensing Free Sulfur Dioxide in Wine
Authors: Monro Tanya M. , Moore Rachel L. , Nguyen Mai-Chi , Ebendorff-Heidepriem Heike , Skouroumounis George K. , Elsey Gordon M. , Taylor Dennis K.
Published: August 2012

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is important in the winemaking process as it aids in preventing microbial growth and the oxidation of wine. These processes and others consume the SO2 over time, resulting in wines with little SO2 protection. Furthermore, SO2 and sulfiting agents are known to be allergens to many individuals and for that reason their levels need to be monitored and regulated in final wine products. Many of the current techniques for monitoring SO2 in wine require the SO2 to be separated from the wine prior to analysis. This investigation demonstrates a technique capable of measuring free sulfite concentrations in low volume liquid samples in white wine. This approach adapts a known colorimetric reaction to a suspended core optical fiber sensing platform, and exploits the interaction between guided light located within the fiber voids and a mixture of the wine sample and a colorimetric analyte. We have shown that this technique enables measurements to be made without dilution of the wine samples, thus paving the way towards real time in situ wine monitoring.
Identification and Induction of Human, Social, and Cultural Capitals through an Experimental Approach to Stormwater Management
Authors: Green Olivia Odom , Shuster William D. , Rhea Lee K. , Garmestani Ahjond S. , Thurston Hale W.
Published: August 2012

Decentralized stormwater management is based on the dispersal of stormwater management practices (SWMP) throughout a watershed to manage stormwater runoff volume and potentially restore natural hydrologic processes. This approach to stormwater management is increasingly popular but faces constraints related to land access and citizen engagement. We tested a novel method of environmental management through citizen-based stormwater management on suburban private land. After a nominal induction of human capital through an education campaign, two successive (2007, 2008) reverse auctions engaged residents to voluntarily bid on installation of SWMPs on their property. Cumulatively, 81 rain gardens and 165 rain barrels were installed on approximately one-third of the 350 eligible residential properties in the watershed, resulting in an estimated 360 m3 increase in stormwater detention capacity. One surprising result was the abundance of zero dollar bids, indicating even a limited-effort human capital campaign was sufficient to enroll many participants. In addition, we used statistical methods to illustrate the significant role of social capital in forming clusters of adjacent properties that participated in bidding. This indicated that as participants shared their experiences, neighbors may have become more willing to trust the program and enroll. Significant agglomerations of participating properties may indicate a shift in neighborhood culture regarding stormwater management with positive implications for watershed health through the sustained induction of alternate capitals.
Sustainability and the Fixed Bed Nuclear Reactor (FBNR)
Authors: Sefidvash Farhang
Published: August 2012

Sustainability as a multifaceted and holistic concept is analyzed. Sustainability involves human relationship with elements such as natural environment, economy, power, governance, education and technology with the ultimate purpose of carrying forward an ever-advancing civilization. The Fixed Bed Nuclear Reactor (FBNR) is an innovative, small, simple in design, inherently safe, non-proliferating, and environmentally friendly concept that its deployment can generate energy in a sustainable manner contributing to the prosperity of humanity. The development of FBNR will provide electricity as well as desalinated water through a simple but advanced technology for the developing, as well as developed countries. FBNR is environmentally friendly due to its inherent safety and the convenience of using its spent fuel as the source of radiation for irradiation purposes in agriculture, industry, and medicine. Politically, if a ping pong game brought peace between China and USA, a program of development of FBNR supported by the peace loving international community can become a more mature means to bring peace among certain apparently hostile nations who crave sustainable energy, desalinated water and simple advanced technology.
Grey Water Reuse for Agricultural Purposes in the Jordan Valley: Household Survey Results in Deir Alla
Authors: Al-Mashaqbeh Othman A. , Ghrair Ayoup M. , Megdal Sharon B.
Published: August 2012

Installation of decentralized grey water treatment systems in small rural communities contributes to a more sustainable water supply. In order to gauge community attitudes about collection and use of grey water, a door-to-door survey in the farming community of Deir Alla, Jordan was conducted by Royal Scientific Society interviewers. Outcomes of a detailed survey, designed specifically for this project, offer insights on people’s views on general water and wastewater issues, as well as their motivation, practices and concerns related to using grey water treatment for a portion of their household wastewater and reuse of the treated grey water for irrigation. A total of 47 respondents from different socio-economic background, aged over 18 years, from this community in the Jordan valley took part in the survey. The level of formal education of the respondents was low, and most of households’ incomes were below the poverty line in Jordan. Most of the respondents reported that the quality of water supplied by public network is acceptable, but the quantity is insufficient to meet their demand, with supplies being delivered to the household once a week. Respondents relied on the public water network as a first-most important resource (85.1%), and 57.4% of the respondent relied on private water tankers as a second-most important resource in addition to the public network. However, 6% of the respondents relied only on private water tankers with no access to the public network. Storage tanks are common practice in all the houses in order to store enough water for at least one week. The survey responses provide evidence that rural communities are willing to accept reuse of treated grey water for irrigation. Furthermore, some of people in the studied area are willing to learn more about grey water treatment and reuse in order to operate grey water systems for irrigation purposes. Water scarcity in this rural area of Jordan is the main determinant of willingness to reuse the grey water, rather than socio-economic variables.
Hiv-1 Control after Transient Antiretroviral Treatment Initiated in Primary Infection: Role of Patient Characteristics and Effect of Therapy
Authors: Goujard Cécile , Girault Isabelle , Rouzioux Christine , Lécuroux Camille , Deveau Christiane , Chaix Marie-Laure , Jacomet Christine , Talamali Amel , Delfraissy Jean-François , Venet Alain , Meyer Laurence , Sinet Martine ,   the ANRS CO6 PRIMO Study Group
Published: August 2012

Background

The occurrence of viral control after interruption of an antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiated during primary HIV-1 infection (PHI) is rare and the frequency and predictive factors of such a control are unknown.

Methods

Within the French ANRS PRIMO Cohort, 164 patients interrupted ART initiated during PHI. We compared patients whose viral load (VL) remained undetectable (<50 copies/ml) or low (50–500 copies/ml) 1 year after ART interruption to those who evidenced a rapid viral rebound.

Results

After ART interruption, VL remained undetectable for a median time of 4.5 years in 14 patients (‘post-ART controllers') and low in another 14 patients for a median time of 1.5 years. Post-ART controllers also maintained higher CD4+ T-cell counts compared to other patients. Female gender, a high CD4+ T-cell count and low VL during PHI, and a high CD4+ T-cell count and low HIV DNA levels at interruption, were associated with post-ART HIV control. Treatment characteristics did not differ between controllers and non-controllers. Post-ART controllers had lower specific CD8+ T-cell frequencies and CD8+ T-cell activation on ART and after ART interruption than non-controllers.

Conclusions

Few patients maintain very low VL after interruption of treatment initiated during PHI. Early patient characteristics were the main factors of viral control, although early initiation of ART and the effect of ART on reservoir might contribute to control.
Antisynthetase Syndrome with Anti-Jo1 Antibodies in 48 Patients: Pulmonary Involvement Predicts Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drug Use
Authors: STANCIU RALUCA , GUIGUET MARGUERITE , MUSSET LUCILE , TOUITOU DIANE , BEIGELMAN CATHERINE , RIGOLET AUDE , COSTEDOAT-CHALUMEAU NATHALIE , ALLENBACH YVES , HERVIER BAPTISTE , DUBOURG ODILE , MAISONOBE THIERRY , CHARUEL JEAN-LUC , BEHIN ANTHONY , HERSON SERGE , AMOURA ZAHIR , GRENIER PHILIPPE , BENVENISTE OLIVIER
Published: August 2012

Objective.

To analyze the characteristics, outcomes, and predictive factors of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) use in 48 patients with antisynthetase syndrome [characterized by myositis, interstitial lung disease (ILD), arthritis, Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP), and/or mechanic’s hands] and the presence of anti-histidyl-transfer RNA synthetase (anti-Jo1) autoantibodies.

Methods.

Forty-eight patients (33 women, 15 men) who were anti-Jo1-positive referred to one center between 1998 and 2008 were analyzed retrospectively.

Results.

The median age of disease onset was 43 years [interquartile range (IQR) 33–53 yrs]. The median followup was 5 years (IQR 2–8 yrs). At diagnosis, 81% of patients presented with myositis, 80% ILD, 77% arthralgia, 48% RP, and 21% mechanic’s hands. During the followup, 14 patients (29%) had no need for DMARD, while 34 (71%) required DMARD. Patients with mechanic’s hands (p = 0.02) and higher creatine phosphokinase at diagnosis (median 6070 IU/l vs 1121 IU/l; p = 0.002) were more likely to need DMARD. ILD, noted on computed tomography scan by a nonspecific interstitial pneumonia score, was lower in the group of patients with no DMARD need (4 vs 7; p = 0.04). Twenty patients (44%) presented with a pulmonary aggravation (worsening of radiologic score of ILD and/or pulmonary function test results) leading to DMARD use. Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia score (7 vs 5; p = 0.05) and total lung volume (57.5% vs 70%; p = 0.02) values predicted pulmonary aggravation.

Conclusion.

Our study outlines the burden of chest involvement for the prognosis of antisynthetase syndrome in terms of patients’ requirement for DMARD therapy.
Do Adult Disease Severity Subclassifications Predict Use of Cyclophosphamide in Children with ANCA-associated Vasculitis? An Analysis of ARChiVe Study Treatment Decisions
Authors: MORISHITA KIMBERLY , GUZMAN JAIME , CHIRA PETER , MUSCAL EYAL , ZEFT ANDREW , KLEIN-GITELMAN MARISA , URIBE AMERICA G. , ABRAMSON LESLIE , BENSELER SUSANNE M. , EBERHARD ANNE , EDE KALEO , HASHKES PHILIP J. , HERSH AIMEE O. , HIGGINS GLORIA , IMUNDO LISA F. , JUNG LAWRENCE , KIM SUSAN , KINGSBURY DANIEL J. , LAWSON ERICA F. , LEE TZIELAN , LI SUZANNE C. , LOVELL DANIEL J. , MASON THOMAS , McCURDY DEBORAH , O’NEIL KATHLEEN M. , PUNARO MARILYNN , RAMSEY SUZANNE E. , REIFF ANDREAS , ROSENKRANZ MARGALIT , SCHIKLER KENNETH N. , SCUCCIMARRI ROSIE , SINGER NORA G. , STEVENS ANNE M. , van MATER HEATHER , WAHEZI DAWN M. , WHITE ANDREW J. , CABRAL DAVID A.
Published: August 2012

Objective.

To determine whether adult disease severity subclassification systems for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) are concordant with the decision to treat pediatric patients with cyclophosphamide (CYC).

Methods.

We applied the European Vasculitis Study (EUVAS) and Wegener’s Granulomatosis Etanercept Trial (WGET) disease severity subclassification systems to pediatric patients with AAV in A Registry for Childhood Vasculitis (ARChiVe). Modifications were made to the EUVAS and WGET systems to enable their application to this cohort of children. Treatment was categorized into 2 groups, “cyclophosphamide” and “no cyclophosphamide.” Pearson’s chi-square and Kendall’s rank correlation coefficient statistical analyses were used to determine the relationship between disease severity subgroup and treatment at the time of diagnosis.

Results.

In total, 125 children with AAV were studied. Severity subgroup was associated with treatment group in both the EUVAS (chi-square 45.14, p < 0.001, Kendall’s tau-b 0.601, p < 0.001) and WGET (chi-square 59.33, p < 0.001, Kendall’s tau-b 0.689, p < 0.001) systems; however, 7 children classified by both systems as having less severe disease received CYC, and 6 children classified as having severe disease by both systems did not receive CYC.

Conclusion.

In this pediatric AAV cohort, the EUVAS and WGET adult severity subclassification systems had strong correlation with physician choice of treatment. However, a proportion of patients received treatment that was not concordant with their assigned severity subclass.
Comparison of Complications in Single-incision Minimally Invasive THA and Conventional THA
Authors: Li Ning , Deng Yu , Chen Liaobin
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate whether single-incision minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (THA) is superior to conventional incision THA by comparing postoperative complication rates, Harris Hip Scores, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) scores. Randomized, controlled trials comparing single-incision minimally invasive THA and conventional THA were reviewed. The methodological quality of each randomized, controlled trial was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale (Centre for Evidence-based Physiotherapy, The George Institute for Global Health, New South Wales, Australia). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to determine the quality of the evidence. Fourteen studies involving 1254 patients (1329 hips) were included in the meta-analysis, comprising 659 single-incision minimally invasive THAs (mean patient age, 63.9 years) and 670 conventional incision THAs (mean patient age, 65.0 years). A funnel plot of postoperative complication rates showed that a slight publication bias existed in the study.

According to the meta-analysis, no significant statistical difference was observed in complication rates in no more than 3 postoperative years (odds ratio=1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.69 to 1.63;
P
=.79), in Harris Hip Scores in no more than 2 postoperative years (weighted mean difference=0.71; 95% confidence interval, −3.09 to 4.51;
P
=.71), and in WOMAC scores at 6 weeks postoperatively (weighted mean difference=−0.55; 95% confidence interval, −3.54 to 2.44;
P
=.72) between single-incision minimally invasive THA and conventional THA. Therefore, single-incision minimally invasive THA is not superior to conventional THA in early postoperative recovery, hip function, and complication rate.
Postoperative Flexion Analysis of 3 Rotating-platform Knee Designs
Authors: Maniar Rajesh N. , Tushar Singhi , Singh Ashish , Gupta Himanshu , Nanivadekar Arun , Maniar Parul Rajesh
Published: August 2012

Rotating-platform knee implants have successively undergone modifications to improve postoperative flexion. The cruciate-sacrificing Low Contact Stress (LCS) implant (DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc, Warsaw, Indiana) was modified into the cruciate-substituting PFC Sigma RP (ΣRP) implant and further into the PFC Sigma RPF (ΣRPF) implant (DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc). The goal of this study was to determine whether these modifications improved postoperative flexion. Postoperative flexion at 2 years was compared against preoperative flexion with regard to the general demographics of each group.

Statistical analysis showed that the pre- to postoperative flexion changes achieved by the ΣRP (14.6°) and the ΣRPF (2.9°) were better (
P
<.001) than that achieved by the LCS (−10.3°); however, between the ΣRP (14.6°) and the ΣRPF (2.9°), the change was statistically insignificant (
P
=.045). In subgroups with preoperative flexion less than 125°, postoperative flexion achieved was 100.1° with the LCS, 119.8° with the ΣRP, and 121.3° with the ΣRPF. The difference between the ΣRP and ΣRPF and the LCS was statistically significant (
P
<.001), but between the ΣRP and the ΣRPF was statistically insignificant (
P
=.621). In subgroups with preoperative flexion 125° or more, postoperative flexion was 125° with the LCS, 132° with the ΣRP, and 130° with the ΣRPF, with no significant difference between groups (
P
=.416). Both cruciate-substituting designs produced better postoperative flexion than the cruciate-sacrificing design. The ΣRP, despite less preoperative flexion (
P
=.004), achieved statistically better postoperative flexion than the LCS (
P
<.001). In subgroups with comparable preoperative flexion, no statistical difference in postoperative flexion was achieved by the ΣRP and the ΣRPF.
Drilling the Femoral Tunnel During ACL Reconstruction: Transtibial Versus Anteromedial Portal Techniques
Authors: Tudisco Cosimo , Bisicchia Salvatore
Published: August 2012

Incorrect bone tunnel position, particularly on the femoral side, is a frequent cause of failed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Several studies have reported that drilling the femoral tunnel through the anteromedial portal allows a more anatomical placement on the lateral femoral condyle and higher knee stability than does transtibial reconstruction.

In the current study, the femoral tunnel was drilled with transtibial (n=6) and anteromedial (n=6) portal techniques in 12 cadaveric knees. With appropriate landmarks inserted into bone tunnels, the direction and length of the tunnels were determined on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Knee stability was evaluated with a KT1000 arthrometer (MEDmetric Corporation, San Diego, California) and pivot shift test, comparing the pre- and postoperative values of both techniques. Finally, all knees were dissected to enhance vision of the insertion of the reconstructed ligament. The anteromedial portal technique led to better placement of the femoral tunnel in the coronal and sagittal planes, with higher knee stability according to the pivot shift test but not the KT1000 arthrometer.

Anatomical and clinical results reported in the literature on transtibial and anteromedial portal techniques are controversial, but most of studies report better results with the anteromedial portal technique, especially regarding rotational stability. The current cadaveric study showed that the anteromedial portal technique provided better tunnel placement on the lateral femoral condyle in the coronal and sagittal planes, with an improvement in the rotational stability of the knee.
Effect of Donor Age on Patellar Tendon Allograft ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Hampton Daniel M. , Lamb Joshua , Klimkiewicz John J.
Published: August 2012

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon allograft tissue is a common orthopedic procedure. It is unknown what effect, if any, the donor age has on clinical outcomes. Biomechanical studies have shown the strength of cadaveric patellar tendon to be independent of age, but no clinical studies have evaluated patient outcomes related to this variable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of allograft donor age on clinical outcomes of patients undergoing allograft anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with patellar tendon allograft.

Case logs were reviewed to identify primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with allograft patellar tendon by a single surgeon using a standard endoscopic transtibial technique with interference screw fixation. Revision and multiligamentous surgeries were excluded. Seventy-seven patients who met these criteria were identified. Allografts were fresh-frozen, aseptically harvested patellar tendons from a single tissue bank. The donor age was obtained. Clinical outcomes were obtained by contacting patients by telephone and retrospective chart review. Pre- and postoperative Lysholm and Tegner knee scores were used for comparison.

Data from 75 patients with an average follow-up of 24 months were obtained. Average donor age was 44 years (range, 14–65 years), and average patient age was 37 years (range, 18–60 years). Statistical analysis of pre- and postoperative Lysholm scores demonstrated statistically significant improvement (
P
⩽.001). Using donor age as a continuous variable, no effect was found on postoperative improvement in Lysholm score or Tegner score (
P
=.6).
Knee Pain in Patients With Cancer After Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, and Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Chen Eileen , Sethi Sajiv , Lee Adrienne , Sethi Anil , Vaidya Rahul
Published: August 2012

The causes of knee pain in patients with cancer with are different from those without cancer, and the purpose of this study was to evaluate these differences. Thirty-six patients with cancer who had knee pain who had undergone 1 or more modalities of treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and bone marrow transplant, for a primary diagnosis of cancer were compared with a cohort of 40 patients without cancer who had knee pain. All patients were evaluated clinically and underwent radiographic examination, and some underwent computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging examination. Among patients with a primary diagnosis of cancer, the most common diagnosis was lymphoma (n=10), and the most common causes of knee pain were avascular necrosis of bone, osteoarthritis, insufficiency fractures, and septic arthritis. In 5 patients, the classical signs of a septic knee were not present. Other causes of knee pain included meniscus tear and anterior cruciate ligament rupture with instability. The most common diagnosis in patients without cancer was osteoarthritis of the knee. No patient without cancer was diagnosed with avascular necrosis, metastatic lesion, or insufficiency fracture. Two patients without cancer were diagnosed with septic arthritis of the knee.

This study showed that the causes of knee pain in patients with cancer are different from those without cancer. Septic arthritis may present without the classical clinical signs in patients with cancer, and a high index of suspicion should be maintained for it.
Long-term Outcomes of Arthroscopic Debridement and Thermal Shrinkage for Isolated Partial Intercarpal Ligament Tears
Authors: Lee Jung Il , Nha Kyung Wook , Lee Guen Young , Kim Baek Hyun , Kim Jung Wook , Park Jong Woong
Published: August 2012

A retrospective analysis was performed based on the medical records and imaging studies of 16 wrists (14 patients) with isolated partial intercarpal ligament tears (scapholunate ligament: 6 wrists, lunotriquetral ligament, 10 wrists) treated with arthroscopic debridement and thermal shrinkage. Three wrists had Geissler grade 1 tears and 13 wrists had grade 2 tears. Mean follow-up was 52.8 months. Overall pain visual analog scale scores improved significantly (
P
<.05) at rest and during activities of daily living and heavy manual work. Mean flexion–extension arc was 136.5°. Mean postoperative grip strength was 106 lb, which was significantly better than preoperative grip strength. Mean modified Mayo wrist score was 70 preoperatively and 94.7 postoperatively, a significant improvement. Overall functional outcomes according to the modified Mayo wrist score were rated as excellent in 13 wrists and good in 3. No patient had radiographic evidence of instability or arthritic changes. The scapholunate and lunotriquetral intervals in all patients were less than 3 mm on neutral and pronation grip radiographs. On lateral radiographs, no signs of intercalated segmental instability were seen, with a mean scapholunate angle of 55.3°.

The results of this study suggest that arthroscopic debridement and thermal shrinkage provide symptomatic pain relief and prevention of intercarpal instability for a significant period of time in patients with partial intercarpal ligament tear.
Catastrophic Fracture of a Stable Metal Acetabular Component
Authors: Papaliodis Dean N. , Uhl Richard L. , Fuchs Marc D.
Published: August 2012

Various modes of failure of primary and revision total hip arthroplasty have been well documented in the literature over the past 30 years. Concerns over polyethylene wear, osteolysis, and hypersensitivity reactions leading to component loosening and early revision have been evaluated and reported in the literature. Routine follow-up is important to monitor for postoperative issues that might lead to the subsequent need for revision.

This article describes a case of a 64-year-old man who initially presented 11 years prior with an intertrochanteric fracture, which failed secondary to varus alignment and femoral head osteonecrosis. The fixation was converted to a total hip replacement using the S-ROM system (DePuy, Warsaw, Indiana). Subsequently, the patient was lost to follow-up after primary total hip arthroplasty and presented with a catastrophic fracture of the metal acetabular cup system. The failure was suggested by clinical presentation and confirmed by imaging studies showing a fractured acetabular shell with femoral head prosthesis resting in the superolateral ileum. The contributing factors that resulted in mechanical failure were polyethylene wear and component fracture. The acetabular component was revised with an in-growth cementless trabecular metal multihole cup (Zimmer, Warsaw, Indiana) with bone grafting of acetabular defects.

Routine assessments help educate patients and allow careful monitoring by physicians while establishing a radiographic timeline for the identification, progression, or lack of postoperative complications.
Parallel Plating for a Sternomanubrial Dislocation
Authors: Gaines Robert J. , Wilson Addison , Antevil Jared , Demaio Marlene
Published: August 2012

Sternomanubrial dislocations are rare injuries. Although few cases of this injury have been reported in the literature, the etiology has varied widely: trampoline injury, seizures, falls from height, sporting injuries, gradual deformities from spine fractures, and motor vehicle collisions. This injury has been classified into 2 types: in type I, the sternal body is displaced posteriorly to the manubrium, and in the more common type II, the sternal body is displaced anteriorly. The sternomanubrial joint is an amphiarthroidal joint that bears hyaline cartilage on both surfaces connected by a fibrocartilage meniscus. It serves a protective role to vital thoracic structures and is an anterior stabilizing strut to the thorax, assisting the thoracic spine in upright stability. It is important to not ignore type I dislocations because posterior sternum displacement is a harbinger of injury to the pulmonary tree, heart, and esophagus. Chronic instability at this joint can lead to dyspnea and dysphasia due to sternum displacement. In the right scenario, type II injuries are occasionally treated conservatively with palliative treatment until the sternum heals with malformation.

This article describes the case of a 20-year-old man who was treated surgically for symptomatic type II sternomanubrial dislocation with dual anterior locked plating. Locked plating gives the benefit of unicortical fixation, with the screws and plate acting as a unit to resist motion. Screw pullout and failure is less common, and the construct is more resistant for this application. The patient returned to full participation in activities of daily living and military duty 4 months postoperatively.
Single-level Calcified Cervical Disk Herniation in a 13-year-old Girl
Authors: Li Min , Rong Weiping , Pan Xianming , Yu Lin
Published: August 2012

This article describes a case of a 13-year-old girl with single-level calcified cervical disk herniation. The patient was treated conservatively for a symptomatic intervertebral calcification that caused neurological compression, and the data were reviewed retrospectively. Previous reports have shown that the natural history of the disease is self-limiting with a benign course and an excellent prognosis. However, on rare occasions when the calcified nucleus pulposus herniates into the spinal canal and compresses the spinal cord or its roots, neurological abnormalities can occur, such as radiculopathy and myelopathy. This also raises the question of whether operative therapy will eventually be necessary.

In the current case, conservative treatment was applied. Plain radiographs are usually sufficient to determine the presence and extent of a calcified cervical disk, and computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging can detect an associated disk herniation. Conservative treatment with antalgics, muscle relaxants, neurotrophic drugs, and a cervical collar were applied. The patient was completely free of symptoms 3 weeks after the initial treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging indicated complete vertebral canal clearance at final follow-up.

Cervical intervertebral disk calcification and herniation is a rare disorder in children with an obscure etiology but a good prognosis. Conservative therapy produces satisfactory results, even if clinical symptoms due to nerve root or spinal cord compression are present. Surgical treatments are only suitable in rare cases with severe progressive radicular pain or neurological deficit.
Comparison of Keratometric Data Obtained by Automated Keratometer, Dicon CT 200, Allegro Topolyzer, and Pentacam
Authors: Gonen Tansu , Cosar C. Banu , Sener Bozkurt , Keskinbora Kadircan H.
Published: August 2012

PURPOSE:

To compare the keratometric values measured by the automated keratometer, two Placido-based computerized topography systems (Dicon CT 200 [Vismed Inc] and Allegro Topolyzer [WaveLight Inc]), and Scheimpflug analysis (Pentacam [Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH]).

METHODS:

The keratometric data of 200 eyes from 200 patients evaluated for refractive surgery were reviewed retrospectively. Mean simulated keratometry (Sim K) and mean corneal astigmatism measured by the four devices were compared using repeated measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction. The analysis of agreement between two measurements was assessed using the method of Bland and Altman.

RESULTS:

Mean Sim K as measured by the automated keratometer, Dicon CT 200, Allegro Topolyzer, and Pentacam was 43.39±1.50 diopters (D), 43.55±1.50 D, 43.45±1.50 D, and 43.43±1.45 D, respectively. The Dicon CT 200 measured the mean Sim K to be steeper and the automated keratometer measured the mean Sim K to be flatter than the other devices. Significant differences in corneal astigmatism were noted among the four devices except Dicon CT 200 versus Allegro Topolyzer and Allegro Topolyzer versus Pentacam comparisons (
P
<.013). For mean Sim K, the 95% limits of agreement between the Pentacam and other three devices were significantly wider than the other comparisons. In Bland-Altman plots comparing the Pentacam to the other devices, extreme outliers were present in 11 (5.5%) eyes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Because of the wide distribution range and presence of extreme outliers, Pentacam data should be used cautiously in IOL power calculation and astigmatic keratotomy procedures.
Morphometric Analysis of Epiretinal Membranes Using SD-OCT
Authors: Gao Yuduan , Smiddy William E.
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether the volumes of macular layers before and after epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling as measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) correlated with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) or ERM location.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Thirty-six eyes with idiopathic ERM and 12 control eyes were imaged preoperatively and postoperatively using SD-OCT. The inner, middle, and outer retinal layers were measured in the temporal and nasal half of the central 1,500 μm of the macula for each of the SD-OCT five raster scans and used to estimate the volumes for each group.

RESULTS:

The inner layer volumes were larger in cases compared with control eyes. The nasal inner and temporal inner layer volumes decreased after ERM removal in the nasal dominant, macular dominant, and temporal dominant groups. The inner layer volume decreased more temporally than nasally in the macular dominant and temporal dominant groups but not in the nasal dominant group. The volume decreased more in the temporal middle than the nasal middle layer for the temporal dominant group. The BCVA improvement correlated with nasal inner layer volume decrease and nasal outer and temporal outer layer volume increase.

CONCLUSION:

The volume of the inner perifoveal retinal sections decreases after ERM peeling, possibly representing resolution of edema or reorganization of the nerve fiber layer on release of mechanical traction. Visual improvement correlated with volume increase of the outer retinal layers and may represent photoreceptor cell recovery after ERM peeling.
The timing and significance of gully incision on the eastern flank of the Faroe–Shetland Channel and its impact on seafloor infrastructure
Authors: Stewart Heather A. , Long David
Published: August 2012

The Faroe–Shetland Channel is an area of active offshore development and the safety of the sea‐floor infrastructure is paramount. This study has concentrated on a system of down‐slope linear gullies and associated debris fans located to the west of Shetland in water depths of between 465m and 995m. Three‐dimensional seismic, two‐dimensional seismic and multibeam echosounder data have been combined to map the sea‐bed morphology and shallow sub‐surface geology associated with these features. The localised debris fans and gullies are interpreted as the products of high energy mass‐flow fed by an ancient ice‐stream constrained to this part of the West Shetland Shelf. During decay of this ice‐stream, melt‐water plumes of sediment released from the retreating ice front have formed a thin (<5m) laminated sediment drape overlying the debris fans observed from seismic data. At present locally strong oceanic currents rework and redistribute sea‐bed sediments into sediment drifts called contourites that cover much of the sea bed of the Faroe–Shetland Channel. These along‐slope deposits have been shown to infill erosional features located further northeast along the continental slope, however, these deposits thin to the southwest reflecting the increasing strength of present day oceanic currents impeding deposition. This study shows that slope angles within the down‐slope gullies exceed 20° and cut down into earlier contouritic sediments. The high slope angles recorded on the multibeam echosounder data combined with video data confirm the presence of near‐vertical sediment cliffs within the gullies. This is of significance to industry as there are currently producing hydrocarbon fields and continued exploration in and around these sea‐bed features.
Multidisciplinary investigation of a shallow near‐shore landslide, Finneidfjord, Norway
Authors: Vardy Mark E. , L’Heureux Jean‐Sebastien , Vanneste Maarten , Longva Oddvar , Steiner Alois , Forsberg Carl Fredrik , Haflidason Haflidi , Brendryen Jo
Published: August 2012

The 1996 landslide near Finneidfjord, Norway, involved the displacement of c. 1 x 106 m3 of sediment. Failure initiated offshore and developed in a retrogressive manner, 100–150 m inland and removing a 250 m long section of the main north‐south highway. The landslide caused the loss of four human lives and may have been triggered by human activity (e.g., blasting for road works and/or placement of fill along the shore). Acquisition of an extensive and multidisciplinary data set, including high‐resolution swath bathymetry, 2D/3D seismic data, multiple short (up to 6 m) and two long (12 m and 14 m, respectively) sediment cores and in situ Free‐Fall Piezocone Penetrometer (FF‐CPTU) profiles complemented with geotechnical laboratory data, has provided a detailed analysis of both the landslide morphology and stratigraphic controls. Using regional 2D parametric sub‐bottom profiler (TOPAS) profiles and a targeted decimetre‐resolution 3D Chirp seismic volume (950 m x 140 m), we focus on post‐failure material transport/deposition, correlating the failure plane against one of several regionally extensive packets of high‐amplitude, composite reflections. In seismic reflection data, the slide plane lies within a distinct, thin (< 0.5 m) stratigraphic bed of lower acoustic impedance than the background sedimentation (indicated by high amplitude reverse‐polarity top reflection), which is extensively deformed or completely scoured by motion of the overlying material. Within the body of the landslide, two different flow facies are identified. Inversion of these broadband (1.5–13.0 kHz) seismic data has allowed the calculation of remote physical properties (using acoustic quality factor, ), affording a depth and spatial assessment of the relationship between morphology and grain size. These remote physical properties are correlated against high‐resolution geotechnical data from core logs and FF‐CPTU profiles, identifying the slide plane as a weak, laminated, clay‐rich bed. This combined geophysical/geotechnical assessment of the landslide morphology and internal architecture supports previous work indicating a complex, multi‐stage failure. These combined data illustrate how seafloor stability is strongly influenced by a shallow subsurface structure, with geotechnical properties and lateral continuity of stratified beds acting as a primary control on slide plane depth and failure probability.
Parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) of rabbitbrush aphids and linkage with agriculturally important pest aphids in Washington State, United States of America
Authors: Hollingbery Erin N. , Pike K.S. , Graf G. , Graf D.
Published: August 2012

Rabbitbrush, Chrysothamnus Nuttall spp. (Asteraceae), is a common perennial native shrub across the inland western United States. In the Columbia Basin growing district of Washington State, rabbitbrush is often found in close proximity to potatoes and other agronomic crops, but its value as a conservation reservoir and source of parasitoids of merit in agriculture is unknown. Here, we define the aphid parasitoids frequenting rabbitbrush, their aphid host preferences, seasonal occurrence, and linkage or association with other aphids of economic and noneconomic importance. Extensive field collections, lab-holdings, and rearings were used to explore and characterise the fauna. One new species of aphidiine parasitoid is described and illustrated: Praon cowiche Hollingbery and Pike, new species and a key to the parasitoids of rabbitbrush aphids is provided.
CD4+ T Cells Are Necessary and Sufficient To Confer Protection againstChlamydia trachomatisInfection in the Murine Upper Genital Tract
Authors: Gondek David C. , Olive Andrew J. , Stary Georg , Starnbach Michael N.
Published: August 2012

Chlamydia trachomatis infection is the most common bacterial sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Chlamydia infections that ascend to the upper genital tract can persist, trigger inflammation, and result in serious sequelae such as infertility. However, mouse models in which the vaginal vault is inoculated with C. trachomatis do not recapitulate the course of human disease. These intravaginal infections of the mouse do not ascend efficiently to the upper genital tract, do not cause persistent infection, do not induce significant inflammation, and do not induce significant CD4+ T cell infiltration. In this article, we describe a noninvasive transcervical infection model in which we bypass the cervix and directly inoculate C. trachomatis into the uterus. We show that direct C. trachomatis infection of the murine upper genital tract stimulates a robust Chlamydia-specific CD4+ T cell response that is both necessary and sufficient to clear infection and provide protection against reinfection.
The Development and Function of Memory Regulatory T Cells after Acute Viral Infections
Authors: Sanchez Ana M. , Zhu Jiangao , Huang Xiaopei , Yang Yiping
Published: August 2012

Natural CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are critical for the control of immune responses to pathogens. However, most studies have focused on chronic infections, in which pathogen-specific Tregs contribute to pathogen persistence and, in some cases, concomitant immunity. How Tregs behave and function following acute infections remains largely unknown. In this article, we show that pathogen-specific Tregs can be activated and expand upon acute viral infections in vivo. The activated Tregs then contract to form a memory pool after resolution of the infection. These memory Tregs expand rapidly upon a secondary challenge, secrete large amounts of IL-10, and suppress excessive immunopathological conditions elicited by recall expansion of non-Tregs via an IL-10–dependent mechanism. Our work reveals a memory Treg population that develops after acute viral infections and may help in the design of effective strategies to circumvent excessive immunopathological effects.
Identification of a Catalytic Exosite for Complement Component C4 on the Serine Protease Domain of C1s
Authors: Duncan Renee C. , Mohlin Frida , Taleski Deni , Coetzer Theresa H. , Huntington James A. , Payne Richard J. , Blom Anna M. , Pike Robert N. , Wijeyewickrema Lakshmi C.
Published: August 2012

The classical pathway of complement is crucial to the immune system, but it also contributes to inflammatory diseases when dysregulated. Binding of the C1 complex to ligands activates the pathway by inducing autoactivation of associated C1r, after which C1r activates C1s. C1s cleaves complement component C4 and then C2 to cause full activation of the system. The interaction between C1s and C4 involves active site and exosite-mediated events, but the molecular details are unknown. In this study, we identified four positively charged amino acids on the serine protease domain that appear to form a catalytic exosite that is required for efficient cleavage of C4. These residues are coincidentally involved in coordinating a sulfate ion in the crystal structure of the protease. Together with other evidence, this pointed to the involvement of sulfate ions in the interaction with the C4 substrate, and we showed that the protease interacts with a peptide from C4 containing three sulfotyrosine residues. We present a molecular model for the interaction between C1s and C4 that provides support for the above data and poses questions for future research into this aspect of complement activation.
Use of Therapeutic Surfactant Lavage in a Preterm Infant with Massive Pulmonary Hemorrhage
Authors: Kanavaki Ino , Vutskits Laszlo , Rimensberger Peter C.
Published: August 2012

We report a case of a premature infant presenting with recurrent pulmonary hemorrhage in which we performed a therapeutic lavage with diluted surfactant after an acute episode of bleeding with severe intractable hypoxemia. Repeated small aliquots of diluted surfactant (10x2 mL) allowed rapid improvement in oxygenation and reduction of required mean airway pressures during high frequency oscillatory ventilation. This observation may suggest that surfactant lavage could be beneficial in massive pulmonary hemorrhage in infants. A randomized controlled trial might be needed to clarify the potential benefit of this therapeutic intervention on outcome of infants suffering from this life-threatening complication.
Complexity of Partial Satisfaction II
Authors: Lieberherr Karl J. , Specker Ernst
Published: August 2012

What is easy and when does it become hard to find a solution of a problem? We give a sharp answer to this question for various generalizations of the well-known maximum satisfiability problem. For several maximum

ψ

-satisfiability problems we explicitly determine algebraic numbers

τ_ψ (0 < τ_ψ < 1)

, which separate NP-complete from polynomial problems. The fraction

τ_ψ

of the clauses of a

ψ

-formula can be satisfied in polynomial time, while the set of ψ-formulas which have an assignment satisfying the fraction

τ'

(τ' > τ_ψ, τ'

rational) of the clauses is NP-complete.
Memória organizacional e seu papel na gestão do conhecimento
Authors: Freire Patrícia de Sá , Tosta Kelly Cristina Benetti Tonani , Helou Filho Esperidião Amin , Da Silva Giorgio Gilwan
Published: August 2012

Este estudo apresenta a conceituação de memória organizacional, seu papel para a gestão do conhecimento e a importância da mídia do conhecimento para sua construção. Para tal objetivo, realizou-se uma pesquisa exploratória, de cunho teórico. Os resultados indicam que a gestão do conhecimento é uma ferramenta de suporte para a criação e para a manutenção do conhecimento organizacional, uma vez que permite que o conhecimento que existe na mente das pessoas e nas ações práticas de seu trabalho seja compartilhado, registrado e preservado como memorial organizacional e, posteriormente, disseminado. Concluiu-se que as mídias do conhecimento, mais do que disseminar o conhecimento, têm papel na tarefa de construção permanente do conhecimento. As mídias permitem a criação de novos conhecimentos, despertam interesses e atraem a atenção, oportunizam a socialização, registram e disseminam conhecimento, favorecendo sua explicitação.