bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Seminal Fluid Fractions on Plasma and Acrosome Membrane Integrity and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential Determined by Flow Cytometry in Chilled Canine Spermatozoa
Authors: Treulen F , Sánchez R , Risopatrón J
Published: March 2012

Contents

Depending on the mammal species, the use of seminal plasma during semen processing for cryopreservation has been found to have both beneficial and detrimental effects. This study was designed to determine the effects of the second (SF) and third [prostatic fluid, (PF)] ejaculate fractions on plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), phosphatidylserine (PS) translocation and sperm motility in chilled canine spermatozoa by flow cytometry. After pooling the second sperm‐rich fraction of ejaculates from six dogs, samples for each assay were preserved at 5°C for 72 h in egg yolk‐TRIS extender (EYT) alone (control) or supplemented with seminal fluid from the second (EYT‐SF) or third (EYT‐PF) ejaculated fractions. After cold storage, groups EYT‐SF and EYT‐PF showed significantly higher percentages of sperm cells with an intact acrosome [68.8 ± 1.4%, 69.6 ± 2.6% (p < 0.01)] and intact plasma membrane [48.1 ± 2.8%, 50.4 ± 8.2% (p < 0.001)] than that observed in EYT [51.7 ± 3.2% and 33.3 ± 4.1% respectively]. Only in EYT‐SF was PS translocation significantly reduced compared to EYT‐PF and EYT [3.9 ± 0.4%, 10.2 ± 2.2% and 9.0 ± 1.5%, respectively (p < 0.001)]. However, significantly diminished sperm motility was observed in EYT‐SF and EYT‐PF compared to EYT [36.8 ± 2.1%, 35.5 ± 2.3% and 78.4 ± 4.7% (p < 0.001)]. No significant differences were detected in ΔΨm (p > 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing semen extenders with seminal fluid from the second or third fractions of the ejaculate supplementation helps to preserve the integrity of the plasma and acrosome membranes along with the mitochondrial membrane potential but seems to compromise the motility of canine spermatozoa chilled for 72 h.
Apoptosis and microRNA aberrations in cancer
Authors: Li Chun , Hashimi Saeed M. , Good David A. , Cao Siyu , Duan Wei , Plummer Prue N. , Mellick Albert S. , Wei Ming Q.
Published: March 2012

Carcinogenesis arises from the malfunction of genes that control cell growth and division. Therefore, the most effective method of hindering tumourigenesis is to induce the death of immortalized cancer cells.

Apoptosis or programmed cell death has shown the most promises in impairing cancer growth. A variety of proteins is involved in the regulation of apoptosis and the malfunction of any these regulators may cause cell proliferation.

The microRNAs have been shown to play a central role in the regulation of the cell cycle, including apoptosis. The microRNAs are involved in post‐transcriptional gene suppression and have been implicated in the regulation of cell differentiation and development.

Aberrations in the microRNA regulation of apoptosis lead to tumourigenesis.

The present review assesses the current knowledge of apoptotic regulation in cancer and the effect of microRNA aberrations in tumourigenesis.
Endothelial ultrastructural alterations of intramuscular capillaries in infantile mitochondrial cytopathies: “Mitochondrial angiopathy”
Authors: Sarnat Harvey B. , Flores‐Sarnat Laura , Casey Robin , Scott Patrick , Khan Aneal
Published: March 2012

Electron microscopy (EM) is a reliable method for diagnosing mitochondrial diseases in striated muscle biopsy in infancy. Ultrastructural alterations in mitochondria of myofibers are well documented, but there are few studies of endothelial involvement in intramuscular capillaries. Quadriceps femoris biopsies of five representative infants and toddlers, ages neonate to 3.5 years, were performed because of clinical and laboratory data consistent with mitochondrial disease without mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and likely with nuclear DNA mutations. Pathological studies included histochemistry, EM, respiratory chain enzymatic assay and mtDNA sequencing and deletion/duplication analysis. EM demonstrated frequent and severe alterations of mitochondria in capillary endothelium. The most constant changes included: either too few or fragmented cristae; stacked and whorled cristae; paracrystallin structures that often were large and spheroid with stress fractures; closely apposed membranes of granular endoplasmic reticulum surrounding mitochondria with loss of the normal intervening layer of cytoplasm; long narrow, thin looped microvilli extending into the lumen; and thick microvilli containing large, abnormal mitochondria. We conclude that mitochondrial cytopathies in early life exhibit more severe ultrastructural alterations in the endothelium than in myofibers and that paracrystallin body structure differs, perhaps due to less rigid surrounding structures. This distribution may explain the frequent lack of prominent histochemical and biochemical abnormalities in muscle biopsies of young patients. Endothelial changes do not distinguish the genetic defects. Vascular involvement in brain contributes to cerebral lesions and neuronal death by impairment of molecular and nutrient transport and ischemia; endothelium in muscle may reflect similar changes.
Ultrasound guidance allows faster peripheral IV cannulation in children under 3 years of age with difficult venous access: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Benkhadra Mehdi , Collignon Mathieu , Fournel Isabelle , Oeuvrard Christian , Rollin Patricia , Perrin Murielle , Volot François , Girard Claude
Published: March 2012

Objectives:  Ultrasound‐guided peripheral venous access (USG‐PIVA) presents many advantages over the reference ‘blind’ technique in both adults and children in emergency situations.

Aim:  To compare USG‐PIVA with the blind technique in children <3 years undergoing general anesthesia.

Methods:  After obtaining the approval of the ethics committee and informed consent from the parents, we included all children <3 years scheduled to undergo general anesthesia [surgery, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)], who presented difficult venous access. The children were randomized into two groups: the US group (USG‐PIVA) and the B group (blind). The primary endpoint was time to cannulation (from tourniquet placement to successful IV cannulation), compared between USG‐PIVA group and B group by intention‐to‐treat analysis. Secondary outcomes were success rate at the first puncture, number of punctures, and diameter of the catheters. Cannulations requiring >15 min were considered as failures. In case of failure in group B, USG‐PIVA was attempted for a further 15 min.

Results:  Twenty children were included in each group. Groups were comparable for sex, age, and BMI. Significant differences were observed in median time to cannulation (63.5 s vs 420.5 s, USG‐PIVA vs B respectively, P < 0.001); median number of punctures (1 vs 2.5, USG‐PIVA vs B, P = 0.004); and success rate at first cannulation (85% vs 35%, USG‐PIVA vs B, P = 0.0012). In contrast, overall success rate did not differ significantly between groups (90% vs 85%, USG‐PIVA vs B, P = 0.63).

Conclusions:  Ultrasound‐guided peripheral venous access leads to faster peripheral IV access and should therefore be recommended in children presenting with difficult venous access.
Patterns of care in the management of seminoma stage I: results from a European survey
Authors: Vossen Carla Y. , Horwich Alan , Daugaard Gedske , van Poppel Hein , Osanto Susanne
Published: March 2012

Study Type – Therapy (practise pattern survey)

Level of Evidence 3b

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

The uncertainties about differences in relapse and rates of other late events such as second malignancy and cardiovascular events for the three post‐orchidectomy strategies in seminoma stage I patients has led to debates about whether the three strategies are equally effective and safe. The differences in interpretation of the data as well as the debates are likely to result in differences in treatment after orchidectomy in seminoma stage I patient management. Current care patterns after orchidectomy are, however, unknown.

We assessed patterns of care for seminoma stage I patients after orchidectomy by distributing a survey among doctors treating such patients across Europe. The 969 respondents showed large differences in care strategies between specialties and countries that indicate the need for research into long‐term relapse rates and long‐term adverse effects to standardize and optimize care for seminoma stage I patients.

OBJECTIVE

To assess precise patterns of care after orchidectomy in Europe for stage I seminoma patients, we aimed to perform a survey among doctors in the various European countries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We distributed a survey in 2009 and 2010 among American Society of Clinical Oncology and European Association of Urology members.

RESULTS

In total, 969 questionnaires were included in the analysis. More than half of the 969 physicians (58%) currently offer only one post‐surgical treatment: 18% only surveillance, 19% only radiotherapy and 21% only chemotherapy. Thirteen percent of the 969 physicians currently offer all three strategies, 25% offer surveillance and adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and 5% offer either adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy without surveillance.

We found large differences in care patterns between specialties and countries. Even within countries, care after orchidectomy was not standardized.

Before 2005, 73% of the physicians offered only one treatment and of those 51% gave adjuvant radiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Large differences in pattern of care after orchidectomy for stage I seminoma patients exist between specialties and countries within Europe.

More information on long‐term relapse rates and long‐term adverse effects of the three strategies is needed to standardize and optimize care after orchidectomy.
Developments in the International Law of Environmental Impact Assessments and their Relation to the Espoo Convention
Authors: Boyle Alan
Published: March 2012

The International Court of Justice's (ICJ) decision in the Pulp Mills case provides a detailed consideration of the current status and content of a State's obligation to conduct transboundary environmental impact assessments (EIAs) in general international law. This article provides an overview and analysis of the ICJ's findings in respect of EIA obligations and places them in the context of associated duties in international law and considers the implications of the decision for the Espoo Convention.
Subsidiary Decision Making under the Espoo Convention: Legal Status and Legitimacy
Authors: Craik Neil , Koivurova Timo
Published: March 2012

As the Espoo Convention responds to an evolving policy context, the Parties have increasingly turned to subsidiary means of decision making under the Convention. This article considers the kinds of activities that the Meeting of the Parties and the Implementation Committee are being called upon to perform and the ambiguous normative status of these decisions in international law. In light of these developments, it is argued that if the continued vitality and robustness of the Espoo regime complex is to be maintained, careful attention must be paid to questions of accountability, procedural justice and the quality of justification provided by subsidiary bodies.
A Modest Contribution to Environmental Democracy and Justice in Transboundary Contexts: The Combined Impact of the Espoo Convention and Aarhus Convention
Authors: Ebbesson Jonas
Published: March 2012

The Espoo Convention with the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Protocol and the Aarhus Convention reduce the impact of State borders for participatory rights in environmental decision making with transboundary reach. While confirming the sovereignty of States, these treaties set out minimum standards for public participation in environmental decision making, to be applied also in transboundary contexts, and prohibit any discrimination as to citizenship, nationality or domicile in providing for public participation. In a modest way, they thus also promote environmental democracy and justice considerations across State borders. However, this potential is not yet used to the fullest extent possible.
The Espoo Convention and Strategic Environmental Assessment Protocol in the European Union: Implementation, Compliance, Enforcement and Reform
Authors: Marsden Simon
Published: March 2012

This article analyzes implementation, compliance, enforcement and reform of the Espoo Convention and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Protocol in the European Union (EU). It focuses upon suggested improvements and perceived gaps in transposition and, where gaps are real, considers how best to remedy them. It examines the reform of EU secondary law needed to improve the process and ensure compliance with these international treaty obligations, and associated EU caselaw. The judicial technique of invoking direct application and effect of international agreements in the EU is considered as an impractical means of addressing any perceived unimplemented provisions of the Espoo Convention and SEA Protocol in the absence of full transposition. It is concluded that without adequate law reform to meet any outstanding international legal obligations, the EU may be challenged via the treaty non‐compliance procedures.
Climate Engineering and International Law: Last Resort or the End of Humanity?
Authors: Winter Gerd
Published: March 2012

Climate engineering is increasingly being considered as a policy to supplement mitigation and adaptation as strategies to address anthropogenic climate change. Based on a review of the methods, goals and risks of climate engineering, this article focuses on solar radiation management, exploring the existing international legal framework and discussing options for future policies. It is argued that solar radiation management should be prohibited from the outset due to inescapable uncertainty regarding its effects.
The Shale Gas Extraction Process and Its Impacts on Water Resources
Authors: Reins Leonie
Published: March 2012

The emerging trend of shale gas extraction poses some new challenges to existing regulatory regimes worldwide, with most of the applicable regulatory regimes not explicitly covering unconventional gas resources. Particularly regarding water resources, there are some serious negative impacts and a lack of regulation concerning shale gas extraction. This article analyzes and compares some of the existing legal regimes in the United States and the European Union on water resources, and their abilities to cope with the impacts of shale gas extraction.
How Does Education Affect the Earnings Distribution in Urban China?*
Authors: Wang Le
Published: March 2012

It is widely believed that investing in education could be an effective strategy to promote higher standards of living and equity. We empirically assess this claim by estimating returns to education across the whole earnings distribution in urban China and find supporting evidence. In particular, we find that returns to education are more pronounced for individuals in the lower tail of the distribution than for those in the upper tail and that returns to education are uniformly larger for women than men. We also find that returns to education increased over time across the whole earnings distribution.
Active ageing: A strategic policy solution to demographic ageing in the European Union
Authors: Walker Alan , Maltby Tony
Published: March 2012

Walker A, Maltby T. Active ageing: A strategic policy solution to demographic ageing in the European Union

The ageing of European countries has widespread implications for current and future social and economic policies across the region. The major policy response to demographic ageing that has emerged over the past 10 years is called ‘active ageing’, yet there is little clarity in practice about what it means for individuals and society beyond a crude economic reduction in terms of working longer. The main purposes of this article are to explain why this strategy has emerged and its importance. Despite a great deal of positive political rhetoric, the response at all levels of policy making has been rather limited. An active social and public policy is required to mainstream active ageing as the leading paradigm for ageing policy across the European Union (EU). The designation of 2012 as the European Year of Active Ageing offers a potential focus for renewed policy action in the EU and is discussed in the context of our conclusions.
Beyond Ecclesiocentricity: Navigating between the Abstract and the Domesticated in Contemporary Ecclesiology
Authors: HAMILL BRUCE
Published: March 2012

In this article I seek to explore how ecclesiology might be apocalyptic, with all the ‘otherness’ and invisibility that implies, while at the same time properly concrete. In engaging the contemporary debate about ecclesiocentricity I suggest that an account of historical participation in the history of Jesus Christ by the Spirit will benefit from both a mimetic ontology and a christologically disciplined approach to the marks of the church. According to such an approach, the church is more clearly discerned as a eucharistic and dispossessive sociality.
Who is God in the Old Testament? Retrieving Aquinas after Rahner's Answer
Authors: Hofer Andrew
Published: March 2012

Karl Rahner adamantly argued that the God of the Old Testament is the unoriginate Person of the Father. This forms the bedrock of his trinitarian theology, often credited as renewing Christian appreciation for the Trinity. However, his position that the Old Testament God must be identified as the Father contradicts much of the Christian tradition, including strands of Greek theology whose emphasis on the Father he claimed to restore to the West. This article retrieves the theology of Thomas Aquinas after Rahner in order to correct the imbalance of Rahner's position with greater nuance in appreciating the mystery of God in the Old Testament.
Corpus Mysticum and Religious Experience: Henry, Lacoste and Marion
Authors: RIVERA JOSEPH
Published: March 2012

While usually denoting the church and/or the sacrament of the Eucharist, the ‘mystical body of Christ’ has become a theological grammar for Catholic phenomenologists Michel Henry, Jean‐Yves Lacoste and Jean‐Luc Marion to think through the possibility of religious experience. This article traces out some of the richly detailed accounts of religious experience proffered by Henry, Lacoste and Marion, paying heed to how they narrate the non‐worldly, invisible disclosure of that religious experiencing. The final section outlines a deeper integration of the three by highlighting the need for an encounter with Christ to be both non‐worldly and worldly, between presence and absence, and thus an experience that is concrete, lived, but also mediated by the visible church.
2012 European guideline for the management of anogenital warts
Authors: Lacey C.J.N. , Woodhall S.C. , Wikstrom A. , Ross J.
Published: March 2012

Background  Although new HPV vaccines have been developed and are in the process of implementation, anogenital warts remain a very frequent problem in clinical practice.

Objective  We wished to update previously published European guidelines for the management of anogenital warts.

Methods  We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials for anogenital warts. The primary data were analyzed and collated, and the findings were formulated within the structure of a clinical guideline. The IUSTI Europe Editorial Board reviewed the draft guideline which was also posted on the web for comments which we incorporated into the final version of the guideline.

Results  The data confirm that only surgical therapies have primary clearance rates approaching 100%. Recurrences, including new lesions at previously treated or new sites, occur after all therapies, and rates are often 20–30% or more. All therapies are associated with local skin reactions including itching, burning, erosions and pain.

Conclusions  Physicians treating patients with genital warts should develop their own treatment algorithms which include local practice and recommendations. Such patient level management protocols should incorporate medical review of cases at least every 4 weeks, with switching of treatments if an inadequate response is observed. First episode patients should be offered sexually transmitted disease screening. Management should include partner notification and health promotion.
The making of differences between fins and limbs
Authors: Yano Tohru , Tamura Koji
Published: March 2012

‘Evo‐devo’, an interdisciplinary field based on developmental biology, includes studies on the evolutionary processes leading to organ morphologies and functions. One fascinating theme in evo‐devo is how fish fins evolved into tetrapod limbs. Studies by many scientists, including geneticists, mathematical biologists, and paleontologists, have led to the idea that fins and limbs are homologous organs; now it is the job of developmental biologists to integrate these data into a reliable scenario for the mechanism of fin‐to‐limb evolution. Here, we describe the fin‐to‐limb transition based on key recent developmental studies from various research fields that describe mechanisms that may underlie the development of fins, limb‐like fins, and limbs.
The influence of emotional stimuli on attention orienting and inhibitory control in pediatric anxiety
Authors: Mueller Sven C. , Hardin Michael G. , Mogg Karin , Benson Valerie , Bradley Brendan P. , Reinholdt‐Dunne Marie Louise , Liversedge Simon P. , Pine Daniel S. , Ernst Monique
Published: March 2012

Background:  Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in children and adolescents, and are associated with aberrant emotion‐related attention orienting and inhibitory control. While recent studies conducted with high‐trait anxious adults have employed novel emotion‐modified antisaccade tasks to examine the influence of emotional information on orienting and inhibition, similar studies have yet to be conducted in youths.

Methods:  Participants were 22 children/adolescents diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, and 22 age‐matched healthy comparison youths. Participants completed an emotion‐modified antisaccade task that was similar to those used in studies of high‐trait anxious adults. This task probed the influence of abruptly appearing neutral, happy, angry, or fear stimuli on orienting (prosaccade) or inhibitory (antisaccade) responses.

Results:  Anxious compared to healthy children showed facilitated orienting toward angry stimuli. With respect to inhibitory processes, threat‐related information improved antisaccade accuracy in healthy but not anxious youth. These findings were not linked to individual levels of reported anxiety or specific anxiety disorders.

Conclusions:  Findings suggest that anxious relative to healthy children manifest enhanced orienting toward threat‐related stimuli. In addition, the current findings suggest that threat may modulate inhibitory control during adolescent development.
Development in children with achondroplasia: a prospective clinical cohort study
Authors: IRELAND PENELOPE J , DONAGHEY SAMANTHA , McGILL JAMES , ZANKL ANDREAS , WARE ROBERT S , PACEY VERITY , AULT JENNY , SAVARIRAYAN RAVI , SILLENCE DAVID , THOMPSON ELIZABETH , TOWNSHEND SHARRON , JOHNSTON LEANNE M
Published: March 2012

Aim  Achondroplasia is characterized by delays in the development of communication and motor skills. While previously reported developmental profiles exist across gross motor, fine motor, feeding, and communication skills, there has been no prospective study of development across multiple areas simultaneously.

Method  This Australasian population‐based study utilized a prospective questionnaire to quantify developmental data for skills in children born from 2000 to 2009. Forty‐eight families from Australia and New Zealand were asked to report every 3 months on their child’s attainment of 41 milestones. Results include reference to previously available prospective information.

Results  Information from questionnaires was used to develop an achondroplasia‐specific developmental recording form. The 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th centiles were plotted to offer clear guidelines for development across gross motor, fine motor, feeding, and communication skills in children with achondroplasia.

Interpretations  Consistent with results from previous research, children with achondroplasia are delayed in development of gross motor and ambulatory skills. Young children with achondroplasia demonstrate a number of unique movement strategies that appear compensatory for the biomechanical changes. While delays were seen in development of later communication items, there were fewer delays seen across development of early communication, fine motor, and feeding skills.
Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder show an amblyopia‐like pattern of vision deficit
Authors: VERNESCU ROXANA M , ADAMS RUSSELL J , COURAGE MARY L
Published: March 2012

Aim  The aim of the study was to assess and characterize visual functioning in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) using a broader and more inclusive range of measures than has been reported previously.

Method  Standard tests of visual functioning were used to assess 21 children (11 females, 10 males) with FASD and 21 sex‐ and age‐matched comparison children without FASD. The age of the children ranged from 6 years 9 months to 11 years 11 months (mean 9y 6mo). Children were tested individually under standardized conditions for visual acuity, stereoacuity, contrast sensitivity, ocular alignment/motility, color vision, and refractive error.

Results  Compared with non‐affected children, children with FASD showed deficits in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and stereoacuity. Ocular alignment/motility, refractive error, and color vision measures were normal. Among children with FASD, 62% met the criteria for referral to an eye specialist, compared with 20% of children without FASD.

Interpretation  Children with FASD showed an amblyopia‐like pattern of vision deficit in the absence of the optical and oculomotor disruptions of early experience that usually precede this condition. Evidence from animal models suggests that the deficits in spatial vision may be due to alterations in the functional architecture of the neocortex that occurs following prenatal alcohol exposure.
Reproductive skew and female trait elaboration in a cooperatively breeding rail
Authors: DEY CODY J. , JAMIESON IAN G. , QUINN JAMES S.
Published: March 2012

Intrasexual competition for reproduction is thought to be an important factor in the evolution of ornaments and weapons in males. However, the evolution of morphologically similar traits in females is often explained through other mechanisms, and the role of intrasexual competition in female trait elaboration has received little attention. Here, we explore the factors associated with female trait elaboration in the cooperatively breeding Pukeko (the New Zealand race of the Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus) by comparing sexual dimorphism in an ornament across two populations. Importantly, the two populations considered differ in several social factors that could affect the degree of female–female competition, and could thereby produce differential selection on elaborate female traits. Recent studies have suggested that high reproductive skew (i.e. monopolization of reproduction by dominant individuals) could influence the intensity of intrasexual competition and select for female elaboration. However, we found that sexual dimorphism was diminished and Pukeko females had more elaborate ornaments under conditions of low reproductive skew. We discuss alternative factors that could influence the degree of female–female competition, and show that reproductive skew may not always provide an accurate estimate of the scope for intrasexual competition.
Visual fields, foraging and collision vulnerability in Gyps vultures
Authors: MARTIN GRAHAM R. , PORTUGAL STEVEN J. , MURN CAMPBELL P.
Published: March 2012

The visual fields of vultures contain a small binocular region and large blind areas above, below and behind the head. Head positions typically adopted by foraging vultures suggest that these visual fields provide comprehensive visual coverage of the ground below, prohibit the eyes from imaging the sun and provide extensive visual coverage laterally. However, vultures will often be blind in the direction of travel. We conclude that by erecting structures such as wind turbines, which extend into open airspace, humans have provided a perceptual challenge that the vision of foraging vultures cannot overcome.
Changes in lung function of HIV‐infected patients: a 4·5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Kristoffersen Ulrik Sloth , Lebech Anne‐Mette , Mortensen Jann , Gerstoft Jan , Gutte Henrik , Kjaer Andreas
Published: March 2012

Objective

To investigate the development of lung function in HIV‐infected patients.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, 88 HIV‐infected patients had a lung function test performed and 63 patients (72%) had their LFT repeated with a median follow‐up period of 4·4 years. Forty‐eight per cent were smokers, and at the re‐examination, 97% were on combination antiretroviral therapy.

Results

Carbon monoxide diffusion capacity was reduced and decreased over time in both smokers and non‐smokers. Alveolar volume decreased and forced vital capacity increased similarly in both smokers and non‐smokers. No changes were observed in forced expiratory volume or peak flow, but smokers had reduced values compared with those of the non‐smokers at both examinations. FEV1/FVC was reduced especially in smokers and declined in both smokers and non‐smokers.

Conclusions

Carbon monoxide diffusion capacity is reduced in HIV‐infected patients and seems to decline over time. Additionally, signs of obstructive lung disease are present in HIV‐infected patients and seem to increase over time, although only modestly.
Health‐Promoting Interventions for Persons Aged 80 and Older Are Successful in the Short Term—Results from the Randomized and Three‐Armed Elderly Persons in the Risk Zone Study
Authors: Gustafsson Susanne , Wilhelmson Katarina , Eklund Kajsa , Gosman‐Hedström Gunilla , Zidén Lena , Kronlöf Greta H. , Højgaard Betina , Slinde Frode , Rothenberg Elisabeth , Landahl Sten , Dahlin‐Ivanoff Synneve
Published: March 2012

Objectives

To examine the outcomes of the Elderly Persons in the Risk Zone study, which was designed to evaluate whether it is possible to delay deterioration if a health‐promoting intervention is made when an older adult (≥80) is at risk of becoming frail and whether a multiprofessional group intervention is more effective in delaying deterioration than a single preventive home visit with regard to frailty, self‐rated health, and activities of daily living (ADLs) at 3‐month follow‐up.

Design

Randomized, three‐armed, single‐blind, controlled trial performed between November 2007 and May 2011.

Setting

Two urban districts of Gothenburg, Sweden.

Participants

Four hundred fifty‐nine community‐living adults aged 80 and older not dependent on the municipal home help service.

Intervention

A preventive home visit or four weekly multiprofessional senior group meetings with one follow‐up home visit.

Measurements

Change in frailty, self‐rated health, and ADLs between baseline and 3‐month follow‐up.

Results

Both interventions delayed deterioration of self‐rated health (odds ratio (OR) = 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12–3.54). Senior meetings were the most beneficial intervention for postponing dependence in ADLs (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.14–3.33). No effect on frailty could be demonstrated.

Conclusion

Health‐promoting interventions made when older adults are at risk of becoming frail can delay deterioration in self‐rated health and ADLs in the short term. A multiprofessional group intervention such as the senior meetings described seems to have a greater effect on delaying deterioration in ADLs than a single preventive home visit. Further research is needed to examine the outcome in the long term and in different contexts.
Longitudinal management with crossmatch‐compatible platelets for refractory patients: alloimmunization, response to transfusion, and clinical outcomes (CME)
Authors: Wiita Arun P. , Nambiar Ashok
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: The use of crossmatch‐compatible platelets (PLTs) improves posttransfusion corrected count increments (CCIs) in patients with alloimmune PLT refractoriness. However, few reports address the efficacy of utilizing this strategy for patients requiring intensive PLT transfusion therapy lasting several weeks to months.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Medical records of patients with two or more PLT crossmatch assays performed between 2002 and 2010 were reviewed. All patients were refractory to random single‐donor apheresis PLT units, defined as two consecutive 1‐hour posttransfusion CCIs of less than 7500. A commercial solid‐phase adherence assay was used for crossmatching.

RESULTS: Seventy‐one patients were included. A median of four crossmatch assays were performed per patient (range, 2‐17). Mean percent reactivity in initial (58.6%) versus last (55.3%) crossmatch assay for each patient demonstrated no trend toward progressive alloimmunization (p = NS). A total of 738 crossmatched PLT units were administered with a mean ± standard deviation CCI of 7000 ± 7900 (n = 443 units with adequate 1‐hr posttransfusion counts), a significant improvement over random PLTs (p < 0.001). Patients with an initial crossmatch reactivity of greater than 66% were significantly more likely to demonstrate at least one panreactive crossmatch assay, impacting the availability of compatible PLTs for optimum transfusion support. One patient (1.4%) developed WHO Grade IV bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS: Progressive alloimmunization to mismatched antigens does not impact medium‐term transfusion support with crossmatched PLTs. Increased reactivity in the initial crossmatch assay can serve as a trigger to initiate workup for HLA‐matched PLTs as a second‐line approach. However, for most patients, medium‐term transfusion support with crossmatched PLTs offers an effective and rapid first‐line approach to management of PLT transfusion refractoriness.
Hemotherapy bedside biovigilance involving vital sign values and characteristics of patients with suspected transfusion reactions associated with fluid challenges: can some cases of transfusion‐associated circulatory overload have proinflammatory aspects?
Authors: Andrzejewski Chester , Popovsky Mark A. , Stec Theresa C. , Provencher Jean , O'Hearn Lynne , Visintainer Paul , Steingrub Jay
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND: Monitoring of patients' vital sign values (VSVs) during hemotherapy may have an important role in the recognition and mitigation of transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO). Knowledge regarding VSVs and other patient characteristics in bedside‐reported TACO or fluid challenge–suspected transfusion reactions (TACO/FC‐STRs) is limited.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational cohort study of cases of uncomplicated red blood cell (RBC) transfusions (UCTs) and reported suspected transfusion reaction (STR) cases investigated by our hospital's transfusion medicine service (TMS) from January 1, 2005, to February 29, 2008, using data obtained from TMS consult reports and quality improvement databases examining VSVs and patient characteristics in TACO/FC‐STRs.

RESULTS: The frequency of TACO/FC‐STRs was 0.19% per all RBC units transfused (1:530 units transfused). Both clinically and statistically (p ≤ 0.05) significant changes were encountered in all VSVs in patients experiencing TACO/FC‐STRs either at the 15‐minute time interval or at the end‐of‐transfusion time points. Measured and derived VSVs related to the patients' blood pressure in the peritransfusion period were consistently increased. Approximately two‐thirds of TACO/FC‐STR patients also exhibited inflammatory related signs and symptoms at STR bedside presentation. Differences (all p ≤ 0.050) between UCT and TACO/FC‐STR cohorts were seen for patient mean weights (80 kg vs. 72 kg), mean minutes to transfusion completion (121 min vs. 83 min), and mean storage age of suspected sentinel RBC unit (22.5 days vs. 25.2 days).

CONCLUSION: Trend monitoring of peritransfusion VSVs, especially blood pressures, may aid in the bedside recognition of TACO/FC‐STRs. A subset of these patients may also present with febrile and/or inflammatory signs and symptoms.
Why Frequency is Not Well Defined for Engineering Systems with Nonexponential Failure Times
Authors: Cox, Jr. Louis Anthony (Tony)
Published: March 2012

Dr. Yellman proposes to define frequency as “a time‐rate of events of a specified type over a particular time interval.” We review why no definition of frequency, including this one, can satisfy both of two conditions: (1) the definition should agree with the ordinary meaning of frequency, such as that less frequent events are less likely to occur than more frequent events, over any particular time interval for which the frequencies of both are defined; and (2) the definition should be applicable not only to exponentially distributed times between (or until) events, but also to some nonexponential (e.g., uniformly distributed) times. We make the simple point that no definition can satisfy (1) and (2) by showing that any definition that determines which of any two uniformly distributed times has the higher “frequency” (or that determines that they have the same “frequency,” if neither is higher) must assign a higher frequency number to the distribution with the lower probability of occurrence over some time intervals. Dr. Yellman's proposed phrase, “time‐rate of events … over a particular time interval” is profoundly ambiguous in such cases, as the instantaneous failure rates vary over an infinitely wide range (e.g., from one to infinity), making it unclear which value is denoted by the phrase “time‐rate of events.”
The Identification of Two Unusual Types of Homemade Ammunition*
Authors: Lee Hsieh‐Chang , Meng Hsien‐Hui
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Illegal homemade ammunition is commonly used by criminals to commit crimes in Taiwan. Two unusual types of homemade ammunition that most closely resembling genuine ammunition are studied here. Their genuine counterparts are studied as the control samples for the purpose of comparison. Unfired ammunition is disassembled, and the morphological, dimensional, and compositional features of the bullet and cartridge case are examined. Statistical tests are employed to distinguish the dimensional differences between homemade and genuine ammunitions. Manufacturing marks on head stamps of the cartridge case are carefully examined. Compositional features of propellant powders, primer mixtures, and gunshot residues are also analyzed. The results reveal that the morphological, dimensional, and compositional features of major parts of the ammunition can be employed to differentiate homemade cartridges from genuine ones. Among these features, tool marks on the head stamps left by the bunter can be used to trace the origin of ammunition.
Digital UV/IR Photography for Tattoo Evaluation in Mummified Remains*
Authors: Oliver William R. , Leone Lisa
Published: March 2012

Abstract: The presence and location of tattoos can be an important component in the identification of remains in the extended postmortem period if remnants of skin persist. However, when there is significant mummification, visualization of tattoos can be problematic. Multiple methods have been proposed to make tattoos more visible, but all have limitation. In this case report, a mummified body was discovered. The presumptive victim was reported to have a small tattoo on her hand but it was not visible to the naked eye. The hand was photographed using ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) light. A tattoo matching the description was noted in the photographs. In contrast to film‐based IR and UV photography, digital UV and IR photography allows rapid visual evaluation of results and optimization of image utility. The ability to quickly modify photographic parameters quickly greatly increases the utility of IR and UV photography in the autopsy suite.
An overlooked aspect on metabolic acidosis at birth: Blood gas analyzers calculate base deficit differently
Authors: MOKARAMI PARISA , WIBERG NANA , OLOFSSON PER
Published: March 2012

Objective. Metabolic acidosis (MA) at birth is commonly defined as umbilical cord arterial pH < 7.0 plus base deficit (BD) ≥ 12.0 mmol/L. Base deficit is not a measured entity but is calculated from pH and Pco2 values, with the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration [Hb] included in the calculation algorithm as a fixed or measured value. Various blood gas analyzers use different algorithms, indicating variations in the MA diagnosis. The objective was therefore to calculate the prevalence of MA in blood and extracellular fluid with algorithms from three blood gas analyzer brands relative to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) algorithm. Design. Comparative study. Setting. University hospital. Sample. Arterial cord blood from 15 354 newborns. Main outcome measure. Prevalence of MA. Methods. Blood was analyzed in a Radiometer ABL 735 analyzer. Base deficit was calculated post hoc with algorithms from CLSI and Corning and Roche blood gas analyzers, and with measured and fixed (9.3 mmol/L) values of [Hb]. Results. The prevalence of BD ≥12.0 mmol/L in blood was with the CLSI algorithm 1.97%, Radiometer 5.18%, Corning 3.84% and Roche 3.29% (CLSI vs. other; McNemar test, p < 0.000001). Likewise, MA prevalences were 0.58, 0.66, 0.64 and 0.64%, respectively (p≤ 0.02). Base deficit ≥ 12.0 mmol/L and MA rates were lower in extracellular fluid than in blood (p≤ 0.002). Algorithms with measured or fixed Hb concentration made no differences to MA rates (p≥ 0.1). Conclusions. The neonatal metabolic acidosis rate varied significantly with blood gas analyzer brand and fetal fluid compartment for calculation of BD.
Primary cutaneous CD56 positive lymphoma: a diagnostic conundrum in an unusual case of lymphoma
Authors: Schieke Stefan M. , Sharaf Mohammed A. , Lerner Adam , Rünger Thomas M. , Mahalingam Meera
Published: March 2012

We present an unusual case of a CD56‐positive T‐cell lymphoma exhibiting immunophenotypic characteristics of both γδ T‐cell lymphoma and extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal‐type. The patient presented with a 2‐month history of rapidly progressive, pruritic and cutaneous nodules on his arms. A biopsy showed a dense pan‐dermal infiltrate of markedly atypical CD3‐positive lymphocytes, compatible with tumor stage cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. Retrospective review of a preceding biopsy and flow cytometric analysis, performed at an outside institution, showed strong expression of surface CD3, CD7, CD43 and γδ T‐cell receptor (TCR), findings consistent with a diagnosis of cutaneous γδ T‐cell lymphoma. In light of these data, we performed additional studies that showed diffuse positive staining of the atypical lymphocytes for CD56, CD4 and CD43 as well as Epstein–Barr virus‐encoded small nonpolyadenylated RNA (EBER). Interestingly, this case displays characteristic features of γδ T‐cell lymphoma, with strong surface expression of CD3 and γδ‐TCR, as well as characteristics of natural killer (NK)/T‐cell lymphoma, including expression of CD4 and EBER positivity, that represent two separate categories in the current classification of cutaneous lymphomas. Taken together, these findings underscore the difficulty of rendering an unambiguous classification of the presented neoplasm given the close ontogenetic relationship between NK and cytotoxic T‐cells and highlight the need for continued reevaluation of the current classification system.

Schieke SM, Sharaf MA, Lerner A, Rünger TM, Mahalingam M. Primary cutaneous CD56 positive lymphoma: a diagnostic conundrum in an unusual case of lymphoma.
A tan in a test tube –in vitro models for investigating ultraviolet radiation–induced damage in skin
Authors: Fernandez Tara L. , Dawson Rebecca A. , Van Lonkhuyzen Derek R. , Kimlin Michael G. , Upton Zee
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Presently, global rates of skin cancers induced by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure are on the rise. In view of this, current knowledge gaps in the biology of photocarcinogenesis and skin cancer progression urgently need to be addressed. One factor that has limited skin cancer research has been the need for a reproducible and physiologically‐relevant model able to represent the complexity of human skin. This review outlines the main currently‐used in vitro models of UVR‐induced skin damage. This includes the use of conventional two‐dimensional cell culture techniques and the major animal models that have been employed in photobiology and photocarcinogenesis research. Additionally, the progression towards the use of cultured skin explants and tissue‐engineered skin constructs, and their utility as models of native skin’s responses to UVR are described. The inherent advantages and disadvantages of these in vitro systems are also discussed.
Xenobiotic metabolism capacities of human skin in comparison with a 3D epidermis model and keratinocyte‐based cell culture as in vitro alternatives for chemical testing: activating enzymes (Phase I)
Authors: Götz Christine , Pfeiffer Roland , Tigges Julia , Blatz Veronika , Jäckh Christine , Freytag Eva‐Maria , Fabian Eric , Landsiedel Robert , Merk Hans F , Krutmann Jean , Edwards Robert J , Pease Camilla , Goebel Carsten , Hewitt Nicola , Fritsche Ellen
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Skin is important for the absorption and metabolism of exposed chemicals such as cosmetics or pharmaceuticals. The Seventh Amendment to the EU Cosmetics Directive prohibits the use of animals for cosmetic testing for certain endpoints, such as genotoxicity; therefore, there is an urgent need to understand the xenobiotic metabolizing capacities of human skin and to compare these activities with reconstructed 3D skin models developed to replace animal testing. We have measured Phase I enzyme activities of cytochrome P450 (CYP) and cyclooxygenase (COX) in ex vivo human skin, the 3D skin model EpiDerm™ (EPI‐200), immortalized keratinocyte‐based cell lines and primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes. Our data demonstrate that basal CYP enzyme activities are very low in whole human skin and EPI‐200 as well as keratinocytes. In addition, activities in monolayer cells differed from organotypic tissues after induction. COX activity was similar in skin, EPI‐200 and NHEK cells, but was significantly lower in immortalized keratinocytes. Hence, the 3D model EPI‐200 might represent a more suitable model for dermatotoxicological studies. Altogether, these data help to better understand skin metabolism and expand the knowledge of in vitro alternatives used for dermatotoxicity testing.
Estimating size‐specific brook trout abundance in continuously sampled headwater streams using Bayesian mixed models with zero inflation and overdispersion
Authors: Kanno Yoichiro , Vokoun Jason C. , Holsinger Kent E. , Letcher Benjamin H.
Published: March 2012

Abstract –  We examined habitat factors related to reach‐scale brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis counts of four size classes in two headwater stream networks within two contrasting summers in Connecticut, USA. Two study stream networks (7.7 and 4.4 km) were surveyed in a spatially continuous manner in their entirety, and a set of Bayesian generalised linear mixed models was compared. Trout abundance was best described by a zero‐inflated overdispersed Poisson model. The effect of habitat covariates was not always consistent among size classes and years. There were nonlinear relationships between trout counts and stream temperature in both years. Colder reaches harboured higher trout counts in the warmer summer of 2008, but this pattern was not observed in the cooler and very wet summer of 2009. Amount of pool habitat was nearly consistently important across size classes and years, and counts of the largest size class were correlated positively with maximum depth and negatively with stream gradient. Spatial mapping of trout distributions showed that reaches with high trout counts may differ among size classes, particularly between the smallest and largest size classes, suggesting that movement may allow the largest trout to exploit spatially patchy habitats in these small headwaters.