bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Two Corporate Lactation Programs on the Incidence and Duration of Breast-Feeding by Employed Mothers
Authors: Cohen Rona , Mrtek Marsha B.
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

The goal of this study was to examine the impact of two corporate lactation programs on breast-feeding behavior among employed women.

Design.

Breast-feeding behavior was measured for up to one year among women who had given birth during 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1992 and compared with national norms.

Setting.

The study was conducted at two corporations: a utilities company with 11,000 employees of which 22% were female with approximately 100 births each year and a space corporation with 3,900 employees of which 31 % were female with approximately 30 births per year.

Subjects.

Participants were 187 employees returning to work following maternity leave for a medically uncomplicated birth.

Intervention.

Participants collected and stored breast milk using the worksite breast pump room at scheduled times during the workshift and were counseled by a lactation professional throughout the study.

Measures.

A questionnaire was used to establish breast-feeding behavior. Duration was reported by the lactation professional.

Results.

Since program inception, 75 % of the participants who returned to work while breast-feeding continued until their child was six months old. This represented 139 of the 187 mothers at the two companies. Average duration of breast-feeding overall was 8.1 months.

Discussion.

Participants were able to maintain a breast-feeding regimen for at least six months at rates equivalent to the statistical norms for women who are not employed outside the home. This was not an experimental study. Participants were self-selected and there was no control group. On a year-to-year basis, the numbers of participants were relatively small. Results should be corroborated in other companies using true experimental methods before generalizations are attempted.
Emission controls versus meteorological conditions in determining aerosol concentrations in Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games
Authors: Gao Y. , Liu X. , Zhao C. , Zhang M.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. A series of emission control measures were undertaken in Beijing and the adjacent provinces in China during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on 8–24 August 2008. This provides a unique opportunity for investigating the effectiveness of emission controls on air pollution in Beijing. We conducted a series of numerical experiments over East Asia for the period of July to September 2008 using a coupled meteorology-chemistry model (WRF-Chem). Model can generally reproduce the observed variation of aerosol concentrations. Consistent with observations, modeled concentrations of aerosol species (sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, black carbon, organic carbon, total particulate matter) in Beijing were decreased by 30–50% during the Olympic period compared to the other periods in July and August in 2008 and the same period in 2007. Model results indicate that emission controls were effective in reducing the aerosol concentrations by comparing simulations with and without emission controls. In addition to emission controls, our analysis suggests that meteorological conditions (e.g. wind direction and precipitation) were also important in producing the low aerosol concentrations appearing during the Olympic period. Transport from the regions surrounding Beijing determined the daily variation of aerosol concentrations in Beijing. Based on the budget analysis, we suggest that to improve the air quality over Beijing, emission control strategy should focus on the regional scale instead of the local scale.
A positive correlation between plant diversity and productivity is indirectly caused by environmental factors driving spatial pattern of vegetation composition in semiarid sandy grassland
Authors: Zuo X. A. , Knops J. M. H. , Zhao X. Y. , Zhao H. L. , Li Y. Q. , Guo Y. R.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Although patterns between plant diversity and ecosystem productivity have been much studied, a consistent relationship has not yet emerged. Several different patterns have been observed both naturally and experimentally, likely caused by spatial variability of environmental factors and vegetation composition. In this study, we measured the vegetation cover, plant diversity, productivity, soil properties and site characteristics along an environment gradient of natural sandy grasslands (mobile dune, semi-fixed dune, fixed dune, dry meadow, wet meadow and flood plain grassland) in a semiarid area of Northern China. We used multivariate analysis to examine the relationships between environment factors, vegetation composition, plant diversity and productivity. We found a positive correlation between plant diversity and productivity. Vegetation composition had also a significantly positive correlation with plant diversity and productivity. Environment gradients in relation to soil properties and topography features affected the distribution patterns of species diversity, vegetation composition and productivity. However, environment gradients are a better determiner for vegetation composition and productivity than for species diversity. The analysis from optimization model of structural equation suggests that environmental factors determine vegetation composition, which in turn drives independently both plant diversity and productivity. Thus the positive correlation between plant diversity and productivity is not direct, but indirectly driven by the spatial pattern of vegetation composition determined by environment gradients in soil and topography.
Earthquake forecasting: a possible solution considering the GPS ionospheric delay
Authors: De Agostino M. , Piras M.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The recent earthquakes in L'Aquila (Italy) and in Japan have dramatically emphasized the problem of natural disasters and their correct forecasting. One of the aims of the research community is to find a possible and reliable forecasting method, considering all the available technologies and tools. Starting from the recently developed research concerning this topic and considering that the number of GPS reference stations around the world is continuously increasing, this study is an attempt to investigate whether it is possible to use GPS data in order to enhance earthquake forecasting. In some cases, ionospheric activity level increases just before to an earthquake event and shows a different behaviour 5–10 days before the event, when the seismic event has a magnitude greater than 4–4.5 degrees. Considering the GPS data from the reference stations located around the L'Aquila area (Italy), an analysis of the daily variations of the ionospheric signal delay has been carried out in order to evaluate a possible correlation between seismic events and unexpected variations of ionospheric activities. Many different scenarios have been tested, in particular considering the elevation angles, the visibility lengths and the time of day (morning, afternoon or night) of the satellites. In this paper, the contribution of the ionospheric impact has been shown: a realistic correlation between ionospheric delay and earthquake can be seen about one week before the seismic event.
The Impossible Logic of Assimilation
Authors: Bernasconi Robert
Published: December 2011

In this essay I argue that Memmi’s analysis in The Colonizer and the Colonized transcends the colonial situation of the 1950s. The remorseless logic exposed by Memmi, whereby the colonizer and the colonized are locked together in mutual dependence within a polarized society, applies whenever a dominant group insists that various minorities conform to the role assigned to them. Memmi’s philosophical and literary works, read with reference to the logic of assimilation, retain a wider application beyond the immediate context for which they were written.
Black Orpheus and Aesthetic Historicism
Authors: Banchetti-Robino Marina Paola
Published: December 2011

This essay offers a novel approach for understanding the poetry of negritude and its role in the struggle for black liberation by appealing to Giambattista Vico’s insights on the historical, cultural, and myth-making function of poetry and of the mythopoetic imagination.  The essay begins with a discussion of Vico’s aesthetic historicism and of his ideas regarding the role of imagination, poetry, and myth-making and then brings these ideas to bear on the discussion of the function of negritude poetry, focusing primarily on the writings of Aimé Césaire and on Jean-Paul Sartre’s essay, Black Orpheus.
La phénoménologie et le concept de vie: Un entretien avec Renaud Barbaras
Authors: Barbaras Renaud , Dika Tarek , Hackett William
Published: December 2011

Interview with Renaud Barbaras, conducted on May 18, 2011.
Fécondités de l’exil
Authors: Memmi Albert
Published: December 2011

Cet essai a paru pour la première fois dans Histoires de lecture (Lire en Fête, 2003) et parait ici avec la permission de l’auteur.
The Fecundity of Exile
Authors: Memmi Albert
Published: December 2011

Translated with author's permission by Scott Davidson from the French original, “Fécundités de l’exil” in Histoires de lecture (Lire en Fête, 2003).
Passeport Pour Une Immortalité Espérée
Authors: Memmi Albert
Published: December 2011

Allocution prononcée à la remise du prix Bernheim, à la Fondation du judaïsme français, le 16 mai 2011.
Nathan Widder, Reflections on Time and Politics
Authors: Maloney Philip (Max) J.
Published: December 2011

A review of Nathan Widder, Reflections on Time and Politics (State College: Penn State University Press, 2008), 208 pp.
De l’expérience vécue à l’universel
Authors: Déchamp-Le Roux Catherine
Published: December 2011

Albert Memmi a réalisé une œuvre complexe et importante tant sur le plan littéraire que sur le plan philosophique et sociologique. Dans le cadre de cette contribution à l’hommage rendu à son œuvre philosophique, j’ai choisi de développer la méthode et quelques concepts importants tels que la judéité, le racisme, l’hétérophobie et le laïcisme.  Memmi a été un précurseur sur ces questions et son approche est originale.  Il est reconnu comme une des figures incontournables de la lutte anticoloniale et antiraciste. Le portrait du colonisé est un des ouvrages importants qui a marqué la période de la décolonisation. Il est toujours une référence pour les peuples qui revendiquent leur autonomie et pour les pays confrontés à la question de la décolonisation et de ses conséquences. On a récemment redécouvert cet ouvrage à l’occasion de la sortie, en 2004, de l’essai Portrait du décolonisé arabo-musulman et de quelques autres.  En France, le débat public généré par le principe de la laïcité dans la république puis par l’adoption d’une loi mémorielle sur les bienfaits de la colonisation ont contribué à faire émerger une mobilisation sociale sur les sujets sensibles du postcolonialisme. Le Mouvement des Indigènes de la République, créé en 2005, cite Le portrait du colonisé et Le racisme parmi d’autres ouvrages sur la colonisation, le postcolonialisme et le racisme. Enfin dans un ouvrage récent consacré au postcolonialisme, l’historien Yvan Gastaut considère que “sa pensée iconoclaste et complexe a toujours été à l’avant-garde des problèmes contemporains.”
Table of Contents
Authors: Editors The
Published: December 2011

Table of Contents for issue XIX, no. 2
Back Matters
Authors: Editors The
Published: December 2011

Journal Policies & Contacts
Cortinarius callimorphus, a new species from northern California
Authors: Bojantchev Dimitar , Davis R. Michael
Published: December 2011

Described is Cortinarius callimorphus, a new species in subgenus Phlegmacium from the coastal woods of northern California, with Sitka spruce to its apparent primary host associate. Cortinarius callimorphus, which resembles other members of sect. Multiformes
, stands out because of its citriform spores. Its closest known relative is C. polymorphus from Europe.
Dendrothele latenavicularis sp. nov. (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) from the Patagonian Andes
Authors: Gorjón Sergio P. , Greslebin Alina G. , Rajchenberg Mario
Published: December 2011

Dendrothele latenavicularis is described as a new species from the Patagonian Andes forest. It is closely related to other species of Dendrothele with navicular or arachiform basidiospores — D. arachispora, D. cymbiformis D. navicularis, D. magnenavicularis,
and D. pitrae — but with distinctly broader basidiospores. A key to the previous species is included.
New records of rust fungi on sedges (Cyperaceae) from Pakistan
Authors: Saba M. , Khalid A.N.
Published: December 2011

Puccinia caricis-kouriyamensis on Carex karoi, P. caricis-pocilliformis on Carex sp., P. extensicola var. linosyridis-caricis on Carex divulsa, and P. conclusa on Cyperus difformis (all three new to the country) and P.
conclusa on Cyperus difformis were recently recorded during a survey of rust fungi on sedges in Pakistan. These rust species have the potential to serve as biological agents to control weeds and increase agricultural productivity. Carex karoi and C. divulsa are newly
reported hosts for rust fungi in Pakistan.
Two new species of Passalora and Pseudocercospora from northeastern Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Raghvendra , Kumar Shambhu , Kamal
Published: December 2011

During surveys of hyphomycetes from northeastern Uttar Pradesh, India, two undescribed taxa were discovered, Passalora barringtoniigena sp. nov. on living leaves of Barringtonia acutangula (Lecythidaceae), and Pseudocercospora miliusae sp. nov. on Miliusa
tomentosa (Annonaceae). These two species differ from similar species morphologically. Illustrations and descriptions of the new species are provided.
Studies in Amanita (Amanitaceae) of Central America. 1. Three new species from Costa Rica and Honduras
Authors: Tulloss R.E. , Halling R.E. , Mueller G.M.
Published: December 2011

Amanita conara, A. costaricensis, and A. garabitoana are proposed as new species. These taxa are added to twelve previously described species known from, or reported here for the first time from, the region of study: A. advena, A. arocheae, A. brunneolocularis, A. colombiana,
A. ebumea, A. farinosa, A. flavoconia var. inquinata, A. fuligineodisca, A. muscaria subsp. flavivolvata, A. polypyramis, A. sororcula, and A. xylinivolva. Amanita flavoconia var. sinapicolor is proposed to be a taxonomic synonym of A. flavoconia var.
inquinata. An unusual species of Amanita subsection Vittadiniae is given the code Amanita sp. HONI and treated only in a key to regional species of Amanita section Lepidella. A gazetteer is provided for Costa Rican sites at which Amanita species
have been collected.
Mycena sect. Longisetae: a new species, a new name, and an addition
Authors: Aravindakshan Dollymol M. , Manimohan P.
Published: December 2011

Mycena saloma sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Kerala State, India. Mycena lomavritha nom. nov. is proposed for Mycena indica Manim. & Leelav., nom. illegit. The Brazilian species M. rhaphidocephala, previously accepted in sect. Sacchariferae,
is accepted in sect. Longisetae.
Arthrobotrys latispora, a new nematode-trapping fungus from southwest China
Authors: Su Hongyan , Liu Shuoran , Li Yunxia , Cao Yonghong , Chen Minghui , Yang Xiaoyan
Published: December 2011

Using morphology and molecular phylogenetic analyses, we report a new nematophagous hyphomycete species, Arthrobotrys latispora, which produces erect, branched or unbranched conidiophores with conspicuous nodes at the tip; the conidia are nonseptate (41%) or uniseptate
(59%) and broadly ovoid to oval. Three-dimensional adhesive networks formed in the presence of nematodes.
Revision of Glomeromycetes with entrophosporoid and glomoid spore formation with three new genera
Authors: Oehl Fritz , Silva Gladstone Alves da , Sánchez-Castro Iván , Goto Bruno Tomio , Maia Leonor Costa , Vieira Helder Elísio Evangelista , Barea José-Miguel , Sieverding Ewald , Palenzuela Javier
Published: December 2011

New ribosomal gene analyses reveal that Entrophospora is non-monophyletic and its type species E. infrequens closely related to Claroideoglomus species, which supports transfer of the Entrophosporaceae from Diversisporales to Glomerales as well
as the 'ancestral' Claroideoglomus spp. to Albahypha gen. nov. Entrophospora baltica, supported as a separate clade within Diversisporales, is designated as type species for the new monospecific Sacculosporaceae. Entrophospora nevadensis, phylogenetically
close to Diversipora spp. and Otospora bareae, is transferred to Tricispora gen. nov. (Diversiporaceae). Entrophospora, Sacculospora, and Tricispora are morphologically distinguished by spore wall structure, pattern of the two spore pore closures
proximal and distal to the sporiferous saccule, and relative spore and sporiferous saccule sizes. The shape of the white hyphae subtending the spore base separates Albahypha spp. from Claroideoglomus spp.
Puccinia cortusae (Basidiomycota; Uredinales) on Cortusa brotheri (Primulaceae), new to southern Asia (Fairy Meadows, Pakistan)
Authors: Khalid A.N. , Saba M.
Published: December 2011

Puccinia cortusae has been found parasitizing Cortusa brotheri from northern Pakistan. This first report from Pakistan and southern Asia also establishes C. brotheri as a new host for the rust fungus. We believe this is the first report of P. cortusae since
it was first described in 1904. New observations of one-celled teliospores and variable germ pore position supplement the original description.
Biogeographical patterns in pyrenomycetous fungi and their taxonomy. 2. Additions to the Grayan disjunction
Authors: Vasilyeva Larissa N. , Stephenson Steven N.L.
Published: December 2011

We report additional examples of pyrenomycetous fungi that display the biogeographical pattern known as the Grayan disjunction. Daldinia grayana and Diatrypella informis are described as new species, and Nemania pseudoillita is proposed as a new combination.
Lignincola conchicola from palms with a key to the species of Lignincola
Authors: Liu Jian-Kui , Jones E.B. Gareth , Chukeatirote Ekachai , Bahkali A.H.D. , Hyde Kevin.
Published: December 2011

During studies of palm fungi, a new Lignincola species was found in Thailand. It differs from other members of the genus in ascospore dimensions and the occurrence of its ascomata on the adhesive pad of a marine invertebrate. Lignincola conchicola is described and illustrated,
and a key to Lignincola species is provided. The palm Phoenix is a new substratum for marine fungi.
Craspedodidymum and Corynespora spp. nov. and a new anamorph recorded from southern China
Authors: Ma Li-Guo , Ma Jian , Zhang Yi-Dong , Zhang Xiu-Guo
Published: December 2011

Two new species are described and illustrated: Craspedodidymum fujianense from dead branches of Acacia confuse and Corynespora fujianensis from dead branches of Myrioneuron faberi . Craspedodidymum proliferans is a new record for China. These three
species were collected from tropical and subtropical forests in southern China.
Passalora wangii comb. nov. from the genus Tandonella
Authors: Zhai Feng-Yan , Guo Ying-Lan , Liu Ying-Jie , Li Yu
Published: December 2011

The anamorphic fungus Tandonella wangii is recombined as Passalora wangii. The species was originally collected on leaves of Ligularia sp. during a taxonomic survey carried out in Motianling, Inner Mongolia, China.
The genus Cladonia (lichenized Ascomycota, Cladoniaceae) in South Korea
Authors: Wang Xin Yu , Joshi Yogesh , Hur Jae-Seoun
Published: December 2011

During a comprehensive study of Cladonia from South Korea, 41 taxa were recognized, including C. dehiscens, C. floerkeana, C. macroptera, and C. rappii var. exilior, new to South Korea. Brief information and discussion are provided for each
taxon, together with a key to the taxa recorded from South Korea.
First record of Resupinatus poriaeformis (Agaricomycetes) from South America
Authors: Nogueira-Melo Georgea Santos , Ryvarden Leif , Gibertoni Tatiana Baptista
Published: December 2011

Resupinatus poriaeformis is reported as new to South America. Description of the species and a key to the accepted species of the genus reported to South America are provided.
New recombinations in Glomeromycota
Authors: Oehl Fritz , Silva Gladstone Alves da , Goto Bruno Tomio , Sieverding Ewald
Published: December 2011

Combined morphological and molecular biological analyses have achieved major advances in the taxonomy of fungal species in phylum Glomeromycota. In this study, we analyzed which species might not yet be attributed to their correct genus, focusing on Acaulospora myriocarpa
, A. undulata, A. nicolsonii, and Scutellospora nodosa. Based on spore wall structure and phylogenetic support, we recombined the taxa as Archaeospora myriocarpa, Ar. undulata, Ambispora nicolsonii, and Cetraspora nodosa.
Pouzarella (Agaricales, Entolomataceae) species from New South Wales (Barrington Tops National Park) and northeastern Queensland, Australia
Authors: Largent David L. , Bergemann Sarah E. , Cummings Griffin A. , Ryan Kathryn L. , Abell-Davis Sandra , Moore Skye E.
Published: December 2011

Ten Pouzarella species are described from New South Wales and northern Queensland, Australia, of which eight (P. albostrigosa, P. farinosa, P. fusca, P. lageniformis, P. pamiae , P. parvula , P. pilocystidiata and P. setiformis)
are new to science and two (P. debilis and P. lasia) are reported for the first time for Australia. Phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial small subunit rRNA (mtSSU), two variable domains (D1, D2) of the 25-28S large subunit rDNA (LSU), and a portion of the second largest
subunit of the RNA polymerase (RPB2) gene support separation of these species into three clades. Morphological characters common to these clades are described, and a key to species based on the characters that are distinct between clades is included.
Fungal nomenclature. Changes to publication requirements made at the XVIII International Botanical Congress in Melbourne — what does e-publication mean for you?
Authors: Knapp Sandra , McNeill John , Turland Nicholas J.
Published: December 2011

Changes to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature are decided on every six years at Nomenclature Sections associated with International Botanical Congresses (IBC). The XVIII IBC was held in Melbourne, Australia; the Nomenclature Section met from 18-22 July 2011 and its decisions
were accepted by the Congress at its plenary session on 30 July. Several important changes were made to the Code as a result of this meeting that will affect publication of new names. Two of these changes will come into effect on 1 January 2012, some months before the Melbourne Code is published.
Electronic material published online in Portable Document Format (PDF) with an International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) or an International Standard Book Number (ISBN) will constitute effective publication, and the requirement for a Latin description or diagnosis for names of new taxa will
be changed to a requirement for a description or diagnosis in either Latin or English. In addition, effective from 1 January 2013, new names of organisms treated as fungi must, in order to be validly published, include in the protologue (everything associated with a name at its valid publication)
the citation of an identifier issued by a recognized repository (such as MycoBank). Draft text of the new articles dealing with electronic publication is provided and best practice is outlined. To encourage dissemination of the changes made to the International Code of Nomenclature for algae,
fungi, and plants, this article will be published in Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, BMC Evolutionary Biology, Cladistics, Mycotaxon, MycoKeys, New Phytologist, North American Fungi, Novon, Opuscula Philolichenum, PhytoKeys, Phytoneuron, Phytotaxa, PLoS ONE, Systematic Botany, and
Taxon.
Seven new records of foliicolous lichens from Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thuy , Joshi Yogesh , Lücking Robert , Nguyen Anh Dzung , Wang Xin Yu , Jin Koh Young , Hur Jae-Seoun
Published: December 2011

Seven foliicolous species growing in tropical regions of Vietnam are reported as new to the country. Described are Arthonia accolens, Calenia aspidota, Calopadia subcoerulescens, Coenogonium minimum, Fellhanera rhapidophylli, F. semecarpi, and Porina subnitidula. Among
them, Coenogonium minimum and Porina subnitidula are reported for the first time from the paleotropics.
Ophthalmic Evaluation and Management of Traumatic Accidents Associated with Retinal Breaks and Detachment: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Nuzzi Raffaele , Buschini Elisa , Actis Alessandro Guido
Published: December 2011

Purpose

This retrospective study reviews a group of patients with retinal breaks or retinal detachment following ocular trauma.

Methods

A total of 94 patients were included in the study. They underwent closed globe injuries causing multiple retinal breaks or retinal detachment at time of presentation in the emergency department. Analysis concerned epidemiologic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects, both in short-term (1 and 3 months) and long-term (6-12 months) follow-up.

Results

A total of 85% of patients were male, involved in work-related injuries, and complaining visual function decrease. Retinal breaks were mostly singular, U-shaped, and located in the upper temporal quadrant. At presentation, visual acuity ≥5/10 and Ocular Trauma Score of 4 were the most represented. Fifty-eight patients (61.70%) underwent repair within 48 hours of the trauma, 27 (28.73%) within 7 days, and 9 (9.57%) more than 7 days after trauma. Procedures performed were photocoagulation with argon laser (52%), episcleral buckle (34.45%), or vitrectomy associated with episcleral buckle and intraoperative argon laser (13.55%). A total of 92% of patients treated within 48 hours had better or unchanged visual acuity in 6-12 months of follow-up. All patients treated more than 7 days after trauma had worse visual acuity (p<0.01 with Student t test).

Conclusions

Detailed clinical history, well-done preoperative examination, early diagnosis, and prompt parasurgical or surgical repair are significant prognostic factors for better visual outcome and lower incidence of relapse.
Preparation and Identification of Generic Antigens and Broad-Spectrum Monoclonal Antibodies for Detection of Organophosphorus Pesticides
Authors: Jiang Panpan , He Jiguo
Published: December 2011

A simple, rapid, and high-sensitivity assay was developed to detect the multiresidue of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) in the environment and food. Two separate generic haptens (Hapten A and B) with same O,O-dimethyl phosphorothioate group and aromatic ring and different spacer arms were synthesized and conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) for immunogens and to ovalbumin (OVA) for coating antigens to study the effect of hapten and coating antigen heterology on immunoassay sensitivity. A broad-spectrum monoclonal antibody (MAb) was produced and a competitive ELISA developed using Hapten B-BSA as the immunogen and Hapten A-OVA as the coating antigen for the multiresidue determination of OPs, including parathion-methyl, fenitrothion, fenthion, chlorthion, and fenchlorphos. Several assay conditions, including organic solvent, pH, ionic strength, and incubation time, were studied sequentially to optimize the immunoassay. Using the optimal assay, 50% inhibition concentration values were estimated to be 34.5, 47.5, 79.8, 125.2, and 373.1 ng/mL for parathion-methyl, fenitrothion, fenthion, chlorthion, and fenchlorphos, respectively. The results indicated that the MAb showed specificity to all the above five OPs, and the assay could be developed for multiresidue determinations.
Development and Validation of a Reversed-Phase Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatographic Method for Assay of Lacidipine and Related Substances
Authors: Mohan Arivozhi , Patel Hitesh B , Saravanan Dhandayutham
Published: December 2011

A simple isocratic, RP-ultra-performance LC method was developed and validated for the determination of lacidipine, three process impurities formed during synthesis, and three degradation products present in drug substance and the drug product. An efficient chromatographic separation was achieved on an Acquity BEH C18 column using pH 4.5 ammonium acetate–acetic acid buffer–methanol (70 + 30, v/v) mobile phase. The monitoring wavelength was 240 nm, and the flow rate 0.25 mL/min. Forced degradation studies using acid, alkali, peroxide, water, heat, and light were conducted, and all impurities were separated. The method was validated successfully for specificity, precision, linearity, accuracy, LOD, LOQ, and robustness, according to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The linearity of the calibration curve for lacidipine and each impurity was found to be very good (r2 > 0.999). This method is shown to be suitable for analysis of lacidipine to evaluate the quality of drug substance and a drug product.
Preparation and Characterization of Porous Calcium Titanate-Based Coated Glass Fiber Filter Material and Its Application in Determination of Lead and Cadmium Ion Concentrations in Water
Authors: Zhang Dong , Yu Ping , He Xiang
Published: December 2011

Glass fiber filter coated with a porous block adsorption agent of calcium titanate (GPCTO) was prepared by the citric acid sol-gel method, and characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and FTIR spectrophotometry. Its Pb2+ and Cd2+ adsorption properties from water were studied. Adsorption and elution were investigated under different conditions, as were the thermodynamics and kinetics of adsorption, using Cd ion as representative. Calcium titanate may react with glass fiber, forming Si-O-Ti and B-O-Ti bonds and becoming a composite adsorbent. The Pb and Cd ions were quantitatively retained at pH 4–9; their adsorption capacities by the GPCTO were 199.72 and 19.68 mg/g, respectively. The isothermal data were described by the Langmuir equation. The dynamic data followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model well. The enthalpy change (ΔH) of the adsorption process was 37.160 kJ/mol. At various temperatures, Gibbs free energy changes (ΔG) were negative, and entropy changes (ΔS) were positive. The activation energy (Ea) was 38.127 kJ/mol for the adsorption. Cd ion adsorption by the GPCTO was endothermic and spontaneous. The adsorbed Pb and Cd ions were completely recovered by elution with 2 M HNO3. The Pb2+ and Cd2+ concentration factors were up to 200. The method has been applied to the preconcentration for flame atomic absorption spectrometric determinations of trace Pb and Cd ions in water samples. The recoveries were 95.2 to 102.4% for Pb and 92.2 to 98.0% for Cd.
Microsized Graphite Sensors for Potentiometric Determination of Cyclobenzaprine Hydrochloride in Pure Powder, Tablets, and Plasma
Authors: Ramadan Nesrin K , Zaazaa Hala E , Merey Hanan A
Published: December 2011

Two cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride (CZ) microsized graphite selective sensors were investigated with dibutylsebacate as a plasticizer in a polymeric matrix of carboxylated polyvinyl chloride (PVC-COOH) in the case of sensor 1, based on the interaction between the drug and the dissociated COOH groups in the PVC-COOH. Sensor 2 was based on the interaction between the drug and ammonium reineckate, which acted as anionic electroactive material in the presence of polyvinyl chloride matrix. The two sensors were constructed by using 2-hydroxy propyl β-cyclodextrin as an ionophore, which has a significant influence on increasing the membrane sensitivity and selectivity of both sensors. Fast and stable Nernstian responses of 1 × 10–5–1 × 10–2 and 1 × 10m–4–1 × 10–2 M for the two sensors, respectively, with slopes of 58.6 and 55.5 mV/decade, respectively, over the pH range 2–4 were obtained. The proposed method displayed useful analytical characteristics for determination of CZ in its pure powder form with average recoveries 99.95 ± 0.23 and 99.61 ± 0.34% for sensors 1 and 2, respectively, and in plasma with good recoveries. The sensors were also used to determine the intact drug in the presence of its degradate and, thus, could be used as stability-indicating methods. The obtained results by the proposed methods were statistically analyzed and compared with those obtained by the U.S. Pharmacopeia method; no significant difference for either accuracy or precision was observed. Results obtained with the two electrodes revealed their performance characteristics, which were evaluated according to International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry recommendations.
Validation of Automated Library-Based Qualitative Screening of Pesticides by Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography/Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Mol Hans G J , van der Kamp Henk , van der Weg Guido , van der Lee Martijn , Punt Arjen , de Rijk Theo C
Published: December 2011

A method for automated detection and reporting of pesticides in plant materials based on comprehensive two-dimensional GC/time-of-flight MS with library-based detection by software has been developed and validated. Optimum settings for detection parameters such as spectral match threshold and first and second dimension retention time tolerances were assessed with respect to occurrence of false detects and false negatives. Next the method was validated following European Union guidelines established for qualitative screening of pesticides. The validation was largely done in retrospect by using data obtained for spiked samples (235 pesticides, various crops, 0.01–0.2 mg/kg) that had been analyzed previously with routine samples over a period of 18 months. At 0.01 mg/kg, the required 95% confidence level (<5% false negatives) was met for 83 compounds. This increased to 185 compounds at the 0.2 mg/kg level. For a number of pesticides, especially at low levels, it had to be concluded that at this stage the method was not fit-for-purpose to reliably demonstrate the absence of pesticides in samples to be analyzed. On the other hand, the fact that the overall detection rate at 0.01 mg/kg was 71% clearly showed that the method does provide added value for the numerous pesticides that are not covered by quantitative methods because the infrequent occurrence does not justify inclusion in such methods.
Multiresidue Analysis of Plant Growth Regulators in Grapes by Triple Quadrupole and Quadrupole–Time of Flight-Based Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Oulkar Dasharath P , Banerjee Kaushik , Kulkarni Sunil
Published: December 2011

A selective and sensitive LC-MS/MS method is presented for simultaneous determination of 12 plant growth regulators, viz., indol-3-acetic acid, indol-3-butyric acid, kinetin, zeatin, 6-benzyl aminopurine, gibberellic acid, abscisic acid, chlormequat chloride, forchlorfenuron, paclobutrazole, daminozide, and 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid, in bud sprouts and grape berries. The sample preparation method involved extraction of homogenized sample (5 g) with 40 mL methanol (80%), and final determination was by LC-MS/MS in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with time segmentation for quantification supported by complementary analysis by quadrupole-time of flight (Q-TOF) MS with targeted high-resolution MS/MS scanning for confirmatory identification based on accurate mass measurements. The recovery of the test compounds ranged within 90–107% with precision RSD less than 5% (n = 6). The method could be successfully applied in analyzing incurred residue samples, and the strength of accurate mass analysis could be utilized in identifying the compounds in cases where the qualifier MRM ions were absent or at an S/N less than 3:1 due to low concentrations.
Behçet's disease: Successful treatment with infliximab in 7 patients with severe vascular manifestations. A retrospective analysis
Authors: Adler Sabine , Baumgartner Iris , Villiger Peter M.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of infliximab in patients with inflammatory vascular lesions due to Behçet's disease (BD).

Methods

Seven patients with clinical evidence of severe vascular BD were analyzed: 3 patients with aortic involvement, 1 with recurrent venous thrombosis of the pelvic veins, 1 with recurrent venous and arterial thromboses of the thigh, and 2 with retinal vasculitis. Infliximab was initiated with 3–5 mg/kg of body weight and infusions were repeated in intervals of 4 weeks as either first‐line therapy in 3 patients or add on after failure of conventional immunosuppression in the remaining 4. Ongoing immunosuppression consists of a various combination of azathioprine (n = 2), methotrexate (n = 3), cyclosporine (n = 3), and low‐dose glucocorticoids (n = 3).

Results

Control of inflammation was seen 1–5 days after infliximab induction in all patients. C‐reactive protein level was reduced from a mean of 89 mg/liter prior to infliximab to 9 mg/liter thereafter. Vision increased rapidly in patients with retinal vasculitis. Vascular grafts remained patent. The inflamed and dissected aortic wall healed over a period of 6 months. Infliximab could be stopped in 2 patients; intervals could be extended in 4 to a maximum of 8 weeks. Infliximab and basic immunosuppression were well tolerated; no drug‐induced side effects were recorded.

Conclusion

Infliximab is effective in inducing and maintaining remission of vasculitic activity in patients with BD. The rapid effect together with excellent tolerability suggests that infliximab should be considered as a first‐line agent in severe vascular BD.
Consensus treatment plans for induction therapy of newly diagnosed proliferative lupus nephritis in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mina Rina , von Scheven Emily , Ardoin Stacy P. , Eberhard B. Anne , Punaro Marilynn , Ilowite Norman , Hsu Joyce , Klein‐gitelman Marisa , Moorthy L. Nandini , Muscal Eyal , Radhakrishna Suhas M. , Wagner‐weiner Linda , Adams Matthew , Blier Peter , Buckley Lenore , Chalom Elizabeth , Chédeville Gaëlle , Eichenfield Andrew , Fish Natalya , Henrickson Michael , Hersh Aimee O. , Hollister Roger , Jones Olcay , Jung Lawrence , Levy Deborah , Lopez‐Benitez Jorge , McCurdy Deborah , Miettunen Paivi M. , Quintero‐Del Rio Ana I. , Rothman Deborah , Rullo Ornella , Ruth Natasha , Schanberg Laura E. , Silverman Earl , Singer Nora G. , Soep Jennifer , Syed Reema , Vogler Larry B. , Yalcindag Ali , Yildirim‐toruner Cagri , Wallace Carol A. , Brunner Hermine I. ,   Carra SLE Subcommittee
Published: December 2011

Objective

To formulate consensus treatment plans (CTPs) for induction therapy of newly diagnosed proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

A structured consensus formation process was employed by the members of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance after considering the existing medical evidence and current treatment approaches.

Results

After an initial Delphi survey (response rate = 70%), a 2‐day consensus conference, and 2 followup Delphi surveys (response rates = 63–79%), consensus was achieved for a limited set of CTPs addressing the induction therapy of proliferative LN. These CTPs were developed for prototypical patients defined by eligibility characteristics, and included immunosuppressive therapy with either mycophenolic acid orally twice per day, or intravenous cyclophosphamide once per month at standardized dosages for 6 months. Additionally, the CTPs describe 3 options for standardized use of glucocorticoids, including a primarily oral, a mixed oral/intravenous, and a primarily intravenous regimen. There was consensus on measures of effectiveness and safety of the CTPs. The CTPs were well accepted by the pediatric rheumatology providers treating children with LN, and up to 300 children per year in North America are expected to be candidates for the treatment with the CTPs.

Conclusion

CTPs for induction therapy of proliferative LN in juvenile SLE based on the available scientific evidence and pediatric rheumatology group experience have been developed. Consistent use of the CTPs may improve the prognosis of proliferative LN, and support the conduct of comparative effectiveness studies aimed at optimizing therapeutic strategies for proliferative LN in juvenile SLE.
Custom foot orthoses for rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review
Authors: Hennessy Kym , Woodburn James , Steultjens Martijn P. M.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To identify and critically appraise the evidence for the effectiveness of custom orthoses for the foot and ankle in rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

Studies were identified in appropriate electronic databases (from 1950 to March 2011). The search term “rheumatoid arthritis” with “foot” and “ankle” and related terms were used in conjunction with “orthoses” and synonyms. Included studies were quantitative longitudinal studies and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), case–control trials, cohort studies, and case series studies. All outcome measures were investigated. Quality assessment was conducted using the Cochrane Collaboration criteria with additional criteria for sample population representativeness, quality of statistical analysis, and compliant intervention use and presence of cointerventions. Meta‐analyses were conducted for outcome domains with multiple RCTs. Qualitative data synthesis was conducted for the remaining outcome domains. Levels of evidence were then assigned to each outcome measure.

Results

The inclusion criteria were met by 17 studies. Two studies had high quality for internal validity and 3 studies had high quality for external validity. No study had high quality for both internal and external validity. Six outcome domains were identified. There was weak evidence for custom orthoses reducing pain and forefoot plantar pressures. Evidence was inconclusive for foot function, walking speed, gait parameters, and reducing hallux abductovalgus angle progression.

Conclusion

Custom orthoses may be beneficial in reducing pain and elevated forefoot plantar pressures in the rheumatoid foot and ankle. However, more definitive research is needed in this area.
Touchscreen questionnaire patient data collection in rheumatology practice: Development of a highly successful system using process redesign
Authors: Newman Eric D. , Lerch Virginia , Jones J. B. , Stewart Walter
Published: December 2011

Objective

While questionnaires have been developed to capture patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in rheumatology practice, these instruments are not widely used. We developed a touchscreen interface designed to provide reliable and efficient data collection. Using the touchscreen to obtain PROs, we compared 2 different workflow models implemented separately in 2 rheumatology clinics.

Methods

The Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act methodology was used in 2 cycles of workflow redesign. Cycle 1 relied on off‐the‐shelf questionnaire builder software, and cycle 2 relied on a custom programmed software solution.

Results

During cycle 1, clinic 1 (private practice model, resource replete, simple flow) demonstrated a high completion rate at the start, averaging between 74% and 92% for the first 12 weeks. Clinic 2 (academic model, resource deficient, complex flow) did not achieve a consistent completion rate above 60%. The revised cycle 2 implementation protocol incorporated a 15‐minute “nurse visit,” an instant messaging system, and a streamlined authentication process, all of which contributed to substantial improvement in touchscreen questionnaire completion rates of ∼80% that were sustained without the need for any additional clinic staff support.

Conclusion

Process redesign techniques and touchscreen technology were used to develop a highly successful, efficient, and effective process for the routine collection of PROs in a busy, complex, and resource‐depleted academic practice and in typical private practice. The successful implementation required both a touchscreen questionnaire, human behavioral redesign, and other technical solutions.
Incidence and risk factors for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy among patients with selected rheumatic diseases
Authors: Bharat A. , Xie F. , Baddley J. W. , Beukelman T. , Chen L. , Calabrese L. , Delzell E. , Grijalva C. G. , Patkar N. M. , Saag K. , Winthrop K. L. , Curtis J. R.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To ascertain the incidence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in patients with selected rheumatic diseases, to describe the characteristics of PML cases occurring in this setting, and to evaluate the extent to which such cases occurred in the context of biologic therapies such as rituximab or tumor necrosis factor antagonists.

Methods

We conducted a large population‐based study to describe the incidence and risk factors for PML among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and ankylosing spondylitis using national inpatient and outpatient administrative data from the entire Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services from 2000–2009. Suspected PML cases were identified using hospital discharge diagnosis codes. Risk factors for PML were evaluated using outpatient data ≥6 months prior to PML diagnosis.

Results

Among 2,030,578 patients with autoimmune diseases of interest, a total of 53 PML cases were identified (2.6 per 100,000 patients). Most PML cases had human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or cancer. Nine PML cases had evidence for biologic use prior to PML hospitalization, of which 3 had neither HIV nor malignancy and were exposed to biologics within 12 (rituximab) or 6 months (all other biologics) prior to PML diagnosis. PML occurred at an estimated incidence of 0.2 per 100,000 patients with autoimmune diseases who did not have HIV or malignancy.

Conclusion

PML occurs at a very low incidence among patients with rheumatic diseases but can occur even in the absence of HIV or malignancy.
Airway manifestations in childhood granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's)
Authors: Fowler Nicole M. , Beach Jocelyn M. , Krakovitz Paul , Spalding Steven J.
Published: December 2011

Objective

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA) is a necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis affecting the upper and lower respiratory tract, kidneys, and other small vessels throughout multiple organ systems. Recently, classification criteria for childhood GPA have been proposed and include the addition of airway stenosis. Airway inflammation occurs more frequently in children than adults and often proves difficult to diagnose and treat. Our objectives were to 1) determine the frequency of airway involvement in a cohort of children with GPA as defined by the European League Against Rheumatism/Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation/Pediatric Rheumatology European Society (EULAR/PRINTO/PRES) criteria, 2) document the frequency of specific airway findings, and 3) review our treatment approach to children with GPA‐related airway disease.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients ages <18 years with a diagnosis of vasculitis evaluated at the Cleveland Clinic between 2004 and 2010.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients fulfilling the EULAR/PRINTO/PRES classification criteria for the diagnosis of childhood GPA were included in the analysis. There was a mean followup time of 3.1 years. The overall prevalence of any airway disease was 86%, with upper airway involvement in 86% and laryngotracheobronchial (LTB) disease in 50% of patients. LTB disease was present at diagnosis in 36%, while in the remaining 14% it developed on immunosuppressive therapy. Ten patients underwent a successful endoscopic intervention.

Conclusion

Airway manifestations frequently occur in childhood GPA. Inflammatory changes can occur at any point in the disease course, necessitating diligent surveillance. Endoscopic interventions for LTB stenotic lesions represent a safe and effective therapeutic option.