bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospitalisation causes of HIV‐infected patients in 2011 in an HIV reference center in the Paris region, France
Authors: Rapp C , Reggad A , Aoun A , Ficko C , Andriamanantena D , Flateau C
Published: November 2012

Background

In France, approximately 100,000 HIV‐infected patients are regularly followed up in hospitals. Due to the availability and efficacy of antiretrovirals, the number of hospitalised patients is decreasing in favour of outpatient management. In order to optimise the balance between patients’ hospitalisation and hospital structures, collection of recent data on the profile of hospitalised patients is essential.

Objectives

Describe the frequency, causes of hospitalisation and characteristics of hospitalised HIV‐infected patients.

Methods

Retrospective study of a cohort of HIV‐infected patients hospitalised more than a day at the Bégin hospital (Saint‐Mandé) between January 1st and December 31, 2011.

Results

During this period, 170 hospitalisations were recorded, corresponding to 78 patients (61 M /17 F). Main causes of hospitalisation were: infections (52%), surgical treatments (10%), haemopathies/cancers (8%), cardiovascular diseases (8%), neurological illnesses (7%), hepatic and digestive tract pathologies (6%). Principal admission wards were: an HIV reference unit (67%), the emergency department (7%), cardiology (7%), surgery ward (7%), internal medicine (6%) and intensive care unit (3%). One out of five patients was admitted for an acquired immune deficiency syndrome‐related event (opportunistic infection or cancer). Two‐thirds of patients had one or several co‐morbidities. Only 61% (48/78) of patients had more than 200 CD4+lymphocytes/mm3 and 69% (54/78) an undetectable HIV viral load. The average length of stay was 6.5 days (range: 2–38). Four (5%) fatalities were reported and 85% of patients returned home.

Discussion

Hospitalisation of HIV‐infected patients remains significant and the causes are diversifying. Infections, in particular in patients screened at a late stage, cancers and management of comorbidities justify a coordinated referral to the different specialists.
The effect on survival of a multidimensional intervention project (SEAD) in HIV/AIDS patients with follow‐up and adherence (FUP/ADH) barriers
Authors: Pérez Elías M , Elías Casado L , Pumares M , Moreno A , Dronda F , Muriel A , Casado J , Quereda C , Del Palacio M , Hermida J , Navas E , Rodriguez Sagrado M , Moreno S
Published: November 2012

Purpose of the study

Irregular FUP/ADH were associated with higher mortality and resource use [1]. SEAD was a multidimensional intervention project, designed from the patient's perspective, to specifically attend patients with poor FUP/ADH in an HIV/AIDS outpatient clinic.

Methods

From Jan 2006 to May 2010, patients with poor FUP/ADH were offered SEAD inclusion, all were evaluated by a nurse or a psychologist (adherence collaborators) who assessed all the reasons and barriers precluding a correct FUP/ADH. For each identified problem, different interventions were planned, using our own resources or coordinating others. Follow‐up was censored in Nov 2011. Time to death after being admitted to SEAD and the effect of SEAD program intervention were assessed with Kaplan‐Meier curves, log‐Rank test and a Cox regression model.

Summary of results

Overall, 215 patients were assessed: mean age 45 years, 24% women, IDU 75%, with baseline ADH >90% in only 23%; median HIV‐RNA and CD4 cell count were 377 copies/ml and 326 cell/mcL. Patients entered in SEAD due to poor ADH in 17%, FUP problems in 23%, and both 60%. Main reasons driving poor FUP/ADH were severe bio‐psycho‐social problems 28%, severe drug and/or alcohol abuse 26%, logistic problems 18%, other psychiatric disorders 13%, oversights 9%, unknown 4% and antiretroviral intolerance 2%. Only 54% of patients received;>50% of planned interventions, due to population complexity. Cocaine/heroin and alcohol abuse were reported by 34% and 17% respectively. Afer a median follow‐up of 3.7 [3.31–4.4] years 193 patients received a mean of 8 (2.5–12) interventions/year, achieving virological control in 64%. Probability of survival was 92%, 89% and 86% after 1, 2 and 3 years respectively. In Cox regression model an intervention of SEAD project higher than 50% of planned was an independent predictor of survival HR 0.336 (95% CI 0.156–0.725); p=0.005, after adjusting for age, alcohol or cocaine abuse, psychological attention, degree of adherence and follow‐up, intravenous acquisition of HIV, and family support. Alcohol and cocaine abuse were associated with higher mortality HR 2.964 (95% CI 1.378–6.374); p=0.005 and HR 2.444 (95% CI 1.161–5.145); p=0.019.

Conclusions

Being admitted to SEAD intervention project and receiving more than 50% of planned interventions increased survival expectancy.
Integrating TB screening tool in medical clinical records improves TB screening and detection among HIV and AIDS patients; a case TASO Uganda
Authors: Stephen O , Kinara O
Published: November 2012

Background

Tuberculosis remains a major public health problem in Uganda with an annual incidence of 330 cases of all forms and 136 new smear‐positive cases per 100,000 people per year. The expected case load per year is 102,000 as per WHO 2010 Global Report. The 2010 Global WHO Report ranked Uganda 16th among the 22 TB high‐burden countries. Uganda, like most of Sub‐Saharan Africa, is battling with the dual tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS epidemic. TB stands as the number one killer of HIV/AIDS patients, and the clinical presentation of TB among the dually infected persons changed and this has a bearing on the clinical management and design of public health interventions to respond to the dual epidemic. TASO integrated TB screening tool clinical records to remind clinicians to screen for active TB among under TASO care.

Methodology

Clinicians complete a section of the clinical record form entitled TB screening by assessing if the patient enrolled for TASO care is symptomatic for TB using a screening tool. Patients who screened positive for one or more signs/symptoms of TB were further investigated to confirm active TB by sputum analysis, chest X‐ray, lymph node aspirates and pleural tap for analysis. Cases with confirmed TB received respective treatment as they continue to attend the usual medical review on appointment.

Results

Overall percentage of patients screened for TB improved from 78% to 96% between fourth quarter, 2011 and first quarter, 2012. Of those screened the percentage of patients with at least one or more positive signs/symptoms of TB increased from 23.3% to 42.5% within the same period TASO Tororo MIS, out of those with a positive screen who took a test, the percentage of patients diagnosed with TB increased from (26/126) 15.9% to (68/192) 35% within the same period.

Conclusion/recommendation

Integrating screening tool in clinical record will prompt clinicians to screen for active TB at each clinic visit, allow continuity and quality of TB care, prevent unmasking of TB through immune reconstitution syndrome in patients with lower CD4 cell count initiating ART, and monitors TB investigation results, treatment, progress and outcomes.
Status of HIV serology among pulmonary tuberculosis patients: the pattern of pulmonary tuberculosis and the characteristics of patients
Authors: Al‐Ani A , Bingawi H , Hussein R
Published: November 2012

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of death among people with HIV. In 2009, there was an estimate of 380,000 deaths due to TB among HIV patients. 78% of TB/HIV co‐infection cases reside in sub‐Saharan Africa; HIV prevalence is as high as 80% in some countries. Therefore, the prevalence of HIV infection in the study population of TB was determined. Clinical, laboratory and radiological presentation of TB were analyzed and compared between HIV sero‐ve and HIV sero + ve patients. Observational case‐finding hospital‐based study was done on 60 TB patients, performed in 3 hospitals in Sudan. Interview‐based questionnaires and medical records were used for data collection. Prevalence of HIV‐infected TB patients among the study population was 16.7%. The study revealed that 50% of the HIV+ve TB patients were younger than 30 years. There was no major sex difference between HIV+ve and −ve TB patients (P=0.905). However, males were predominant among the whole study population of TB patients. 60% of HIV+ve patients originated from the north, whereas the origins of the HIV‐ve patients were more or less equally distributed (P=0.012). Clinical presentations of HIV+ve and −ve TB patients were similar and the differences were not statistically significant. When comparing the lab findings;+ve sputum smear was found more common among HIV+ve patients (70% vs. 54%) and a+ve PPD test was also more common among HIV+ve patients (75% vs. 50%). A clear CXR was the only statistically significant difference between the two groups, being more common in HIV+ve (40% vs. 6%) (P=0.002). The study concluded that the prevalence found was low in comparison to most of the countries in the region but high in comparison to developed countries. The main differences between HIV+ve and −ve was a+ve sputum smear, +ve PPD test, and a clear CXR, all of which were more common in HIV+ve TB patients. Therefore, the TB/HIV programme should be strengthened; starting by knowing the exact incidence of TB/HIV among the population, implementing better diagnostic tools and more researches to be conducted on a larger scale.
Long‐term safety and tolerability of nevirapine and efavirenz‐containing regimens in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients
Authors: Mauelshagen A , Horst H , Stellbrink H , Hoffmann C
Published: November 2012

Purpose

There is some controversy about the hepatic safety of nevirapine (NVP) and current US guidelines discourage NVP use in HCV‐coinfected patients. We evaluated the long‐term safety and tolerability of antiretroviral therapies containing NVP or efavirenz (EFV) in this difficult‐to‐treat population.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study included all HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients who initiated a regimen including NVP or EFV between January 2000 and July 2011 in two HIV centers. A detailed analysis of the HIV/HCV status at the time of NNRTI start was performed as well as of the reason for NNRTI discontinuation.

Results

In total, 195 cases were identified (121 on EFV, 74 on NVP). Mean age was 38 years, 77% were men and intravenous drug use (59%) was the most frequent mode of transmission. In 66%, HCV infection was viremic while 34% had an aviremic infection. The estimated median time on NNRTI was 5.2 years. During a total of 566 patient‐years, no NNRTI‐associated fatal event was observed. Treatment was discontinued due to adverse events (AEs) in 23.1% patients on EFV and 23.0% in patients on NVP. The main AE leading to discontinuation were CNS side effects in patients on EFV (20.7%) and hepatic events in patients on NVP (21.6%, grade 3 or 4 events: 9.5%). The majority of AEs in patients on NVP occurred during the first 12 months while AEs in patients on EFV were observed continuously during the observation period (Figure).

Discontinuations due to hepatotoxicity were not more frequent in patients viremic for HCV compared to aviremic patients. Pre‐treatment levels of ALT, GGT or CD4 cells were also not predictive for discontinuation of ART due to an hepatic event.

Conclusions

Antiretroviral regimens, including NVP or EFV, were generally safe in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients. Severe AEs were rare. However, 23% of the patients discontinued their NNRTI regimen due to AEs. Discontinuations of NVP due to hepatotoxicity were not more frequent in patients viremic for HCV compared to aviremic patients.

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Boceprevir in combination with HIV protease inhibitors in patients with advanced fibrosis‐altered drug‐drug interactions?
Authors: Schwarze‐Zander C , Boesecke C , Dold L , Wasmuth J , Rockstroh J
Published: November 2012

In HIV/HCV co‐infected patients improved treatment outcomes have been reported for the HCV protease inhibitors (PIs) boceprevir (BOC) and telaprevir (TVR), reaching SVR rates of up to 70% in pilot trials. Due to complex drug‐drug‐interactions triple therapy is substantially limited in HIV/HCV‐coinfected individuals. Co‐administration of BOC with the commonly available HIV PIs has been reported not only to decrease the level of BOC but also to lead to relevant decreases in the respective HIV PI. Here, we report on two patients who received BOC‐containing HCV triple therapy in combination with a HIV PI. Patient 1 was on darunavir 800 mg/ritonavir 100 mg once‐daily mono‐therapy. Using FibroScan a liver stiffness of 34 kPa suggested liver cirrhosis prior to start of HCV triple therapy. At week 5 of HCV triple therapy darunavir trough concentration was measured in the reference range with 3777 ng/ml (reference trough concentration 2400–4600 ng/ml). HCV‐RNA became negative at week 10 and HIV‐RNA was below detection limit (<40 copies/ml) at all times. Patient 2 was on a simplified FTC qd and fos‐amprenavir 700 mg/ritonavir 100 mg bid regimen. Liver disease had also progressed to liver cirrhosis, confirmed in FibroScan, with a liver stiffness of 32 kPa. At week 8 of HCV triple therapy fos‐amprenavir trough level was measured in the normal reference range with 1699 ng/ml (reference trough concentration 750–2500 ng/ml). At week 11 HCV‐RNA was <12 IU/ml and HIV viral load was below detection limit of <40 copies/ml at all times. Our clinical data suggest that in patients with advanced liver disease possibly drug levels of HIV PIs which are coadministered with BOC may be within the normal range. In order to better understand the true amount of drug interactions between BOC and commonly used HIV PIs in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients with more advanced liver fibrosis, urgently more PK studies are required to make HCV triple therapy accessible for a wider number of HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients in desperate need of these drugs.
Distribution of HCV genotype and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL‐28B gene in HIV/HCV‐coinfected Thai populations
Authors: Avihingsanon A , Mek‐A‐nantawat W , Apornpong T , Akkarathamrongsin S , Ubolyam S , Chomhong P , Tangkitvanich P
Published: November 2012

Introduction

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major silent killer, worldwide, particularly in resource poor settings where treatment of hepatitis C is mainly impossible. Pegylated interferon‐α (PEG‐IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) are the recommended treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 2/3. Recent study revealed that treatment responses against HCV infection by PEG‐IFN and RBV are significantly associated with the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin‐28B (IL‐28B) gene. There is limited data about the HCV genotype and SNPs of IL‐28B in HIV‐infected Thai population. Therefore, we aimed to investigate HCV genotype and the SNP patterns of the IL‐28B gene in our HIV/HCV coinfection.

Methods

Quantification of HCV RNA was done by a real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay (Abbott with lower limit of detection of <12 copies/ml). HCV RNA‐positive samples based on reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) of the 5'UTR were amplified with primer specific for the core and NS5B regions. Nucleotide sequences of both regions were analyzed for the genotype by phylogenetic analysis. DNA sample was extracted from PBMCs or sera. Then SNPs within IL‐28B gene were detected by TaqMan real‐time PCR (rs8099917 and rs12979860). The data were analyzed by allelic discrimination (AD) software on the ABI‐7900HT.

Results

Totally 60 HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients were studied. Median HCV RNA were 5.8 log10 copies/mL, 70% of them had HCV RNA >100,000 copies/mL. After sequencing, the phylogenetic analyses in this study showed that genotype 3 was the most prevalent in this population (56%); following by genotype 1 (30%) and 6 (13%). Approximately 4% of them had infected for both genotypes 1 and 3. For IL‐28B at rs8099917 and rs12979860 position, 95% of them were major allele (T/T or C/C) and 5% were heterozygous (T/G or C/T).

Conclusions

HCV genotype 3 is the most prevalent in our HIV/HCV coinfection. 95% of our patients have favorable IL‐28B gene. This data is useful for further chronic hepatitis C treatment in Thailand.
Adherence with screening guidelines for hepatitis C testing among HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Jonckheere S , Vincent A , Wilmes D , Belkhir L , Vandercam B , Yombi J
Published: November 2012

Purpose of the study

Co‐infection with HIV / hepatitis C virus (HCV) occurs commonly due to similar routes of transmission, mainly in MSM and IVDU patients. In 2009, EACS guidelines introduced the notion of systematic annual HCV screening among HIV‐infected patients. This study evaluated staff knowledge, adherence to HCV screening recommendations and seroconversion rates for HCV in our HIV Reference Centre.

Methods

Eight physicians (HIV specialists) were interviewed on recommendations and perceived adherence to EACS clinical guidelines on HCV screening [1]. We then reviewed medical records of our cohort of HIV‐infected patients on regular follow‐up in our centre each year, from 2008 to 2011. We considered a patient to be on regular follow‐up when records showed at least two clinical reviews and one HIV viral load testing during the year. Demographic features and HCV serology tests were collected from the operating software of our institution (Medical Explorer v3r9, 2008). Diagnosis of HCV was retained when serology became positive and HCV RNA was detected.

Year
Patients on regular f/un
MSM‐Bisexual patients on regular f/un (%)
HCV serology tests n (%)
HCV tests among MSM‐Bisexual patients n (%)

2008
818
258 (31)
292 (35)
118 (45)

2009
869
290 (33)
314 (28)
132 (45)

2010
938
308 (33)
389 (41)
198 (56)

2011
963
335 (35)
425 (44)
193 (57)

Summary of results

Though knowledge of current guidelines was excellent (100%), staff claimed a 87.5% adherence rate to these recommendations. Rate of screening rose gradually between 2008 and 2011, especially after introduction of EACS guidelines in 2009 (Table 1 and Fig. 1). The maximal screening rate was in 2011, with 44% of patients tested among the general HIV population and 57% among MSM bisexual patients. This trend was statistically significant in both populations (p<0.01). The year 2011 displayed a marked increase in diagnosis of HCV infection, with 8 new patients diagnosed in a 963‐patient‐large cohort (all were MSM).

Conclusion

In our centre, knowledge of EACS guidelines on screening for HCV was good but adherence to these recommendations is poor, though it improves over time. It is consistent with published rates of compliance to clinical guidelines on screening policies for HCV among STD/HIV specialists (47–54%) [2]. However, it remains low compared to expected rates of 70–100%. Education of clinicians is warranted to increase awareness and further improve adherence to guidelines. Peer review and computer‐based algorithms / reminders could be used in order to increase systematic screening.

Evolution of HCV Screening & Acute HCV Hepatitis Diagnosis (2008–2011).

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Functional clustering of water quality data in Scotland
Authors: Haggarty R.A. , Miller C.A. , Scott E.M. , Wyllie F. , Smith M.
Published: November 2012

Assessing quality and quantity of water is of crucial importance to identify risks to the environment, society and human health. The European Community Water Framework Directive establishes guidelines for the classification of all water bodies across Europe and requires that all sites attain ‘good’ status by 2015. Classifications are made on the basis of a range of chemical and biological determinands. Within the directive, standing waters can be grouped, and the classifications of all members of the group are then based on the classification of a single representative lake within that grouping. Classification is based on different chemical and biological determinands. A key question is therefore how to determine ‘appropriate’ groups. We investigate and develop univariate and multivariate functional clustering models to investigate the spatiotemporal structure of determinands in a set of 21 Scottish lakes. These approaches enable sites to be grouped on the basis of one or more determinands; however, unlike with standard clustering methods, the temporal dynamics of the determinands are also taken into account in the formation of the groups. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FAK regulates Cdk2 in EGF‐stimulated primary cultures of hepatocytes
Authors: Flinder Liv Ingrid , Wierød Lene , Rosseland Carola M. , Huitfeldt Henrik S. , Skarpen Ellen
Published: November 2012

In this study, we report a novel role of FAK as a regulator of Cdk2 in anchorage‐dependent primary cultured hepatocytes. In response to EGF, we found that S‐phase entry was reduced upon FAK inhibition. This correlated with decreased protein expression and nuclear accumulation of the G1/S‐phase regulator Cdk2. Further, nuclear accumulation of the Cdk2 partner cyclinE, was reduced, but not its protein level. Also, protein levels of Cdk2 were inversely linked with increased expression of the Cdk2 inhibitor p27, known to be degraded in a Cdk2‐dependent manner. Also, cyclinD1 was regulated by FAK, but to a lesser extent than Cdk2. To assess the mechanism in which FAK mediates Cdk2‐regulation, FAK mutants were used: FAKY397F, mutated at its integrin‐regulated site, and two others mutated at docking sites for Grb2‐ERK‐activation (FAKY925F) and for p130Cas‐Rac1‐activation (FAKY861F). All three sites were central for EGF‐induced ERK‐activity and Cdk2 expression. In addition, FAK was important for HGF‐mediated proliferation, suggesting a general mechanism for anchorage‐dependent growth. Moreover, growth factor‐induced cell spreading, but not survival, required FAK. Hence, integrins and growth factors cooperate in anchorage‐dependent signaling events leading to proliferation and motility. In conclusion, our data suggest that FAK acts as a central coordinator of integrin and growth factor‐mediated S‐phase entry by its ability to regulate Cdk2. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1304–1313, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discrimination of pseudo‐meta and pseudo‐para diamino‐octafluoro[2.2]paracyclophanes by 1H, 19F, and 13C NMR
Authors: Roche Alex J. , Marchione Alexander A.
Published: November 2012

Pseudo‐meta and pseudo‐para diamino‐octafluoro[2.2]paracyclophanes are challenging to separate either by chromatography or recrystallization, but through the use of a mixture of the two isomers, the 1H, 19F, and 13C NMR spectra of these compounds have been fully and unambiguously assigned using 1H COSY, 1H‐19F HOESY, 1H‐13C HSQC, 1H‐13C HMBC, and 19F‐13C HSQC techniques. This permits the easy identification of either of the individual isomers. In addition, the 13C spectrum of the pseudo‐ortho analogue is reported and assigned for the first time. The gem shift effect in this series of bridge‐fluorinated paracyclophanes serves to deshield 1H resonances and shield 13C. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of a new molecular technique for the genetic evaluation of products of conception
Authors: Grati Francesca R. , Gomes Denise Molina , Ganesamoorthy Devika , Marcato Livia , De Toffol Simona , Blondeel Eleonore , Malvestiti Francesca , Loeuillet Laurence , Ruggeri Anna Maria , Wainer Robert , Maggi Federico , Aboura Azzedine , Dupont Celine , Tabet Anne Claude , Guimiot Fabien , Slater Howard R. , Simoni Giuseppe , Vialard François
Published: November 2012

Objectives

Karyotyping is a well‐established method of investigating the genetic content of product of conceptions (POCs). Because of the high rate of culture failure and maternal cell contamination, failed results or 46,XX findings are often obtained. Different molecular approaches that are not culture dependent have been proposed to circumvent these limits. On the basis of the robust experience previously obtained with bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs)‐on‐Beads™ (BoBs™), we evaluated the same technology that we had used for the analysis of prenatal samples on POCs.

Method

KaryoLite™ BoBs™ includes 91 beads, each of which is conjugated with a composite of multiple neighboring BACs according to the hg19 assembly. It quantifies proximal and terminal regions of each chromosome arm. The study included 376 samples.

Results

The failure rate was 2%, and reproducibility >99%; false‐positive and false‐negative rates were <1% for non‐mosaic aneuploidies and imbalances effecting all three BACs in a contig. Detection rate for partial terminal imbalances was 65.5%. The mosaic detection threshold was 50%, and the success rate in macerated samples was 87.8%. The aneuploidy detection rate in samples with cell growth failure was 27.8%, and maternal cell contamination was suspected in 23.1% of 46,XX cultured cells.

Conclusion

KaryoLite™ BoBs™ as a ‘first‐tier’ test in combination with other approaches showed beneficial, cost‐effective and clearly enhanced POC testing. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and Measurement of Controlled‐Release SO2 Fungicide Active Packaging at Room Temperature
Authors: Xu Wencai , Li Dongli , Fu Yabo , Wei Hua
Published: November 2012

In this work, we prepared a novel, three‐layer‐structure packaging film for keeping fruit fresh with a controllable‐release amount of SO2 fungicide. The outer layer was composed of biaxially oriented polypropylene film. The middle layer, prepared by mixing polyurethane adhesive with sodium metabisulfite and calcium sulfite powder, was the generating layer for the SO2 fungicide. The inner layer consisted of a blended film of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and low‐density polyethylene. The water vapour transmission rate and oxygen transmission rate of the composite films, as well as the release amounts of SO2 in all sealed packaging bags, were measured. Next, the controllable‐release mechanism of SO2 fungicide was investigated, of which a preliminary discussion is included. The results of this experiment showed that the release amounts of SO2 in packaging bags were controlled by the additional amount of EVA resin contained in the inner layers. The more EVA resin added to the inner layer, the more SO2 fungicide was produced. Inside the packaging, SO2 was released continuously for approximately 50 days at room temperature (25º ± 1°C). SO2 concentrations ranged from 10 to 40 ppm in the freshness‐preserving packaging bags, effectively retarding mould growth and keeping the fruits fresh. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Authentication Projects For Historical Fiction: Do You Believe It?
Authors: McTigue Erin , Thornton Elaine , Wiese Patricia
Published: November 2012

Authentication projects, particularly for historical fiction, provide a means for students to explore literature and history while practicing critical literacy skills. The authors 1) present benefits and cautions for historical fiction use in elementary classrooms 2) introduce authentication projects as a means to mitigate risks and enhance benefits of using historical fiction, 3) document the use of authentication projects with pre‐service teachers, and 4) provide guidelines for implementing authentication projects with elementary students.
Capacity limits in a variable duty cycle IEEE 802.11p‐based VANET
Authors: Ozturk Serkan , Mišić Jelena , Mišić Vojislav B.
Published: November 2012

In this paper, we investigate the capacity limits in a variable duty cycle VANET that uses the IEEE 802.11p standard. We show that the default value of duty cycle that allocates time equally between control and service channels leads to unbalanced performance and that the performance of typical traffic on those channels can be greatly improved by judicious choice of the value for duty cycle. We find the values of spatial density of vehicular traffic that lead to spatial saturation of network traffic. In addition, to model the distribution of the vehicles on the road segment, we used Poisson distribution, as well as Erlang‐k distribution. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
[CunXn]‐Based Coordination Polymers with Bis(4‐iodo‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)methane and Bis(4‐iodo‐3, 5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)methane: Solvothermal Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Luminescent Properties
Authors: Wang Wen‐Xia , Wang Ling , Li Hong‐Xi , Li Hai‐Yan , Lang Jian‐Ping
Published: November 2012

Solvothermal reactions of CuX (X = Cl, Br, I, CN) with bis(4‐iodo‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)methane (ipzm) or its methyl‐substituted derivative bis(4‐iodo‐3, 5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)methane (idmpzm) resulted in the formation of three 2D [Cu2X2]n‐based coordination polymers [{Cu(μ‐X)}2(μ‐ipzm)]n [X = Cl (1), Br (2), I (3)], four 1D [CuX]n‐based coordination polymers [{Cu(μ‐CN)}2(μ‐ipzm)]n (4), [{(idmpzm)Cu}(μ‐Cl)]n (5), [{(idmpzm)Cu}(μ‐Br)·MeCN]n (6), [{(idmpzm)Cu}(μ‐I)·0.5MeCN]n (7), and one 1D [Cu6(CN)6]n‐based coordination polymer [{Cu(μ‐CN)}6(idmpzm)3]n (8). Compounds 1–8 were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compounds 1–3 consist of an unique 2D layer structure, in which the 1D staircase [Cu2X2]n chains are linked by ipzm ligands via the μ‐η1(N)‐η1(N) coordination mode. In 4, two 1D zigzag [CuCN]n chains are linked by μ‐ipzm ligands to form a 1D double chain. Compounds 5–7 have a 1D split‐stair chain derived from connecting [Cu(idmpzm)] fragments via μ‐X (X = Cl, Br, I) bridges, whereas 8 exhibits a 1D scolopendra‐like chain assembled from a 1D [Cu6(CN)6]n chain with idmpzm ligands chelating on the outer central CuI atoms. The luminescence properties of 1–8 along with free ipzm and idmpzm ligands at ambient temperature were also investigated.
Beyond prejudice: Are negative evaluations the problem and is getting us to like one another more the solution?
Authors: Dixon John , Levine Mark , Reicher Steve , Durrheim Kevin
Published: November 2012

For most of the history of prejudice research, negativity has been treated as its emotional and cognitive signature, a conception that continues to dominate work on the topic. By this definition, prejudice occurs when we dislike or derogate members of other groups. Recent research, however, has highlighted the need for a more nuanced and “inclusive” (Eagly 2004) perspective on the role of intergroup emotions and beliefs in sustaining discrimination. On the one hand, several independent lines of research have shown that unequal intergroup relations are often marked by attitudinal complexity, with positive responses such as affection and admiration mingling with negative responses such as contempt and resentment. Simple antipathy is the exception rather than the rule. On the other hand, there is mounting evidence that nurturing bonds of affection between the advantaged and the disadvantaged sometimes entrenches rather than disrupts wider patterns of discrimination. Notably, prejudice reduction interventions may have ironic effects on the political attitudes of the historically disadvantaged, decreasing their perceptions of injustice and willingness to engage in collective action to transform social inequalities.

These developments raise a number of important questions. Has the time come to challenge the assumption that negative evaluations are inevitably the cognitive and affective hallmarks of discrimination? Is the orthodox concept of prejudice in danger of side-tracking, if not obstructing, progress towards social justice in a fuller sense? What are the prospects for reconciling a prejudice reduction model of change, designed to get people to like one another more, with a collective action model of change, designed to ignite struggles to achieve intergroup equality?
Prejudice reduction, collective action, and then what?
Authors: Abrams Dominic , Vasiljevic Milica , Wardrop Hazel M.
Published: November 2012

Despite downsides, it must, on balance, be good to reduce prejudice. Despite upsides, collective action can also have destructive outcomes. Improving intergroup relations requires multiple levels of analysis involving a broader approach to prejudice reduction, awareness of potential conflict escalation, development of intergroup understanding, and promotion of a wider human rights perspective.
A Study of Cathodoluminescence and Trace Element Compositional Zoning in Natural Quartz from Volcanic Rocks: Mapping Titanium Content in Quartz
Authors: Leeman William P. , MacRae Colin M. , Wilson Nick C. , Torpy Aaron , Lee Cin-Ty A. , Student James J. , Thomas Jay B. , Vicenzi Edward P.
Published: November 2012

This article concerns application of cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy to volcanic quartz and its utility in assessing variation in trace quantities of Ti within individual crystals. CL spectroscopy provides useful details of intragrain compositional variability and structure but generally limited quantitative information on element abundances. Microbeam analysis can provide such information but is time-consuming and costly, particularly if large numbers of analyses are required. To maximize advantages of both approaches, natural and synthetic quartz crystals were studied using high-resolution hyperspectral CL imaging (1.2–5.0 eV range) combined with analysis via laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS). Spectral intensities can be deconvolved into three principal contributions (1.93, 2.19, and 2.72 eV), for which intensity of the latter peak was found to correlate directly with Ti concentration. Quantitative maps of Ti variation can be produced by calibration of the CL spectral data against relatively few analytical points. Such maps provide useful information concerning intragrain zoning or heterogeneity of Ti contents with the sensitivity of LA-ICPMS analysis and spatial resolution of electron microprobe analysis.
Blast induced mild traumatic brain injury/concussion: A physical analysis
Authors: Kucherov Yan , Hubler Graham K. , DePalma Ralph G.
Published: November 2012

Currently, a consensus exists that low intensity non-impact blast wave exposure leads to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Considerable interest in this “invisible injury” has developed in the past few years but a disconnect remains between the biomedical outcomes and possible physical mechanisms causing mTBI. Here, we show that a shock wave travelling through the brain excites a phonon continuum that decays into specific acoustic waves with intensity exceeding brain tissue strength. Damage may occur within the period of the phonon wave, measured in tens to hundreds of nanometers, which makes the damage difficult to detect using conventional modalities.
Transient photoreflectance of AlInN/GaN heterostructures
Authors: Marcinkevičius S. , Liuolia V. , Billingsley D. , Shatalov M. , Yang J. , Gaska R. , Shur M. S.
Published: November 2012

Time-resolved photoreflectance (PR) in AlInN/GaN heterostructures was applied to study carrier dynamics at energies extending from the uniform AlInN alloy band gap to the band gap of GaN. PR at the AlInN band gap has been found to have subpicosecond decay. Such ultrafast carrier relaxation from the extended to the sub-band edge states implies that the localization sites are small and dense, most probably originating from the In-rich clusters. At energies below the AlInN band gap, a complicated energy dependence of the PR signal is attributed to the properties of the localized states and to the modulation of the interface electric field by photoexcitation.
Estimating the influence of life satisfaction and positive affect on later income using sibling fixed effects
Authors: De Neve Jan-Emmanuel , Oswald Andrew J.
Published: November 2012

The question of whether there is a connection between income and psychological well-being is a long-studied issue across the social, psychological, and behavioral sciences. Much research has found that richer people tend to be happier. However, relatively little attention has been paid to whether happier individuals perform better financially in the first place. This possibility of reverse causality is arguably understudied. Using data from a large US representative panel, we show that adolescents and young adults who report higher life satisfaction or positive affect grow up to earn significantly higher levels of income later in life. We focus on earnings approximately one decade after the person’s well-being is measured; we exploit the availability of sibling clusters to introduce family fixed effects; we account for the human capacity to imagine later socioeconomic outcomes and to anticipate the resulting feelings in current well-being. The study’s results are robust to the inclusion of controls such as education, intelligence quotient, physical health, height, self-esteem, and later happiness. We consider how psychological well-being may influence income. Sobel–Goodman mediation tests reveal direct and indirect effects that carry the influence from happiness to income. Significant mediating pathways include a higher probability of obtaining a college degree, getting hired and promoted, having higher degrees of optimism and extraversion, and less neuroticism.
The Effect of Contact Precautions on Healthcare Worker Activity in Acute Care Hospitals
Authors: Morgan Daniel J. , Pineles Lisa , Shardell Michelle , Graham Margaret M. , Mohammadi Shahrzad , Forrest Graeme N. , Reisinger Heather S. , Schweizer Marin L. , Perencevich Eli
Published: November 2012

Background and Objective.

Contact precautions are a cornerstone of infection prevention but have also been associated with less healthcare worker (HCW) contact and adverse events. We studied how contact precautions modified HCW behavior in 4 acute care facilities.

Design.

Prospective cohort study.

Participants and Setting.

Four acute care facilities in the United States performing active surveillance for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Methods.

Trained observers performed “secret shopper” monitoring of HCW activities during routine care, using a standardized collection tool and fixed 1-hour observation periods.

Results.

A total of 7,743 HCW visits were observed over 1,989 hours. Patients on contact precautions had 36.4% fewer hourly HCW visits than patients not on contact precautions (2.78 vs 4.37 visits per hour; P< .001 ) as well as 17.7% less direct patient contact time with HCWs (13.98 vs 16.98 minutes per hour; P = .02). Patients on contact precautions tended to have fewer visitors (23.6% fewer; P = .08). HCWs were more likely to perform hand hygiene on exiting the room of a patient on contact precautions (63.2% vs 47.4% in rooms of patients not on contact precautions; P< .001).

Conclusion.

Contact precautions were found to be associated with activities likely to reduce transmission of resistant pathogens, such as fewer visits and better hand hygiene at exit, while exposing patients on contact precautions to less HCW contact, less visitor contact, and potentially other unintended outcomes.
The regulation of Rubisco by Rubisco activase
Authors: Portis Archie R.
Published: November 2012

The activity of Rubisco depends on the conversion of the inactive form (E) to the active form (ECM); the binding of the inhibitors CA1P and RuBP to ECM and E, respectively; and the catalytic formation of inhibitory sugar bisphosphates from the enediol intermediate that precedes carboxylation/oxygenation. The regulatory protein, Rubisco activase, modulates the activity of Rubisco by kinetically increasing the dissociation rate of these sugar bisphosphates from their respective enzyme forms in a process that requires ATP hydrolysis. The activity of Rubisco activase is determined by the ATP:ADP ratio. The activity also appears to be influenced by thylakoid membranes in a light-dependent manner, but only a few details of this effect are currently understood. A species dependence in the interaction between heterologous Rubisco and Rubisco activase proteins has been observed. Whether the regulation of Rubisco is a constraint to crop productivity is debatable and will only be decided by detailed study of plants transformed with appropriately modified Rubisco activase and/or Rubisco proteins.
Phosphate translocation in the regulation of photosynthesis
Authors: Flügge Ulf-Lngo
Published: November 2012

The plastid phosphate translocators located in the inner envelope membrane of chloroplasts and nongreen plastids mediate important translocation steps during the allocation of photoassimilates from sourceto sink-tissues. Repression of the chloroplast translocator severely alters diurnal carbon partitioning between leaves and sink tissues. Under physiological conditions, the translocator mediates a strict counterexchange of substrates. However, experiments with the reconstituted translocator demonstrate that transport can also occur by a channel-like uniport mechanism resulting in drastically increased transport rates. The chloroplast translocator is different from the analogous protein of non-green tissues. In all tissues examined, the translocator of non-green plastids only accepts glucose-6-phosphate in addition to phosphate and phosphorylated C3-compounds. The glucose-6-phosphate is subsequently used for starch synthesis.
Perspectives on photoinhibition and photorespiration in the field: quintessential inefficiencies of the light and dark reactions of photosynthesis?
Authors: Osmond C.B. , Grace S.C.
Published: November 2012

Taking the long-held view that photoinhibition embraces several processes leading to a reduction in the efficiency of light utilization in photosynthesis, and that photorespiration embraces several processes associated with O2 uptake in the light, photoinhibition and photorespiration now can be considered as inevitable, but essential inefficiencies of photosynthesis which help preserve photosynthetic competence in bright light. Photorespiratory O2 uptake via Rubisco, and O2 uptake via the Mehler reaction, both promote non-assimilatory electron transport, and stimulate photon utilization during CO2-limited photosynthesis in bright light. Although fluorescence studies show that the proportion of total photon use via oxygenase photorespiration in air may decline to only about 10% in full sunlight, mass spectrometer studies show that O2 uptake in Mehler reaction photorespiration in C3 and CAM plants can still account for up to 50% of electron flow in saturating CO2 and light. The Mehler-ascorbate peroxidase reaction has an additional role in sustaining membrane energization which promotes dynamic photoinhibition and photon protection (rapidly reversible decrease in PSII efficiency involving dissipation of the energy of excess photons in the antennae). Net CO2 and O2 exchange studies evidently underestimate the extent of total electron transport, and hence overestimate the extent of photon excess in bright light, leading to overestimates of the role of energy-dependent photon dissipation through dynamic photo-inhibition. Nevertheless, in C3 plants in air all of these processes help to mitigate chronic photoinhibition and photon damage (slowly reversible decrease in PSII efficiency involving loss of reaction centre function). The possibility remains that residual electron transport to O2 from intermediates in the vicinity of PSII may also lead to reactive O2 species that potentiate this photon damage.
Liver fat content is linked to inflammatory changes in subcutaneous adipose tissue in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Jansen Henry J. , Vervoort Gerald M. , van der Graaf Marinette , Stienstra Rinke , Tack Cees J.
Published: November 2012

Background

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are typically overweight and have an increased liver fat content (LFAT). High LFAT may be explained by an increased efflux of free fatty acids from the adipose tissue, which is partly instigated by inflammatory changes. This would imply an association between inflammatory features of the adipose tissue and liver fat content.

Objective

To analyse associations between inflammatory features of the adipose tissue and liver fat content.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Patients

Twenty‐seven obese patients with insulin‐treated T2DM were studied.

Measurements

LFAT content was measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A subcutaneous (sc) fat biopsy was obtained to determine morphology and protein levels within adipose tissue. In addition to fat cell size, the percentage of macrophages and the presence of crown‐like structures (CLSs) within sc fat were assessed by CD68‐immunohistochemical staining.

Results

Mean LFAT percentage was 11·1 ± 1·7% (range: 0·75–32·9%); 63% of the patients were diagnosed with an elevated LFAT (upper range of normal ≤5·5%). Whereas adipocyte size did not correlate with LFAT, 3 of 4 subjects with CLSs in sc fat had elevated LFAT and the percentage of macrophages present in sc adipose tissue was positively associated with LFAT. Protein concentrations of adiponectin within adipose tissue negatively correlated with LFAT. Adipose tissue protein levels of the key inflammatory adipokine plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) were positively associated with LFAT.

Conclusions

Several pro‐inflammatory changes in sc adipose tissue associate with increased LFAT content in obese insulin‐treated patients with T2DM. These findings suggest that inflammatory changes at the level of the adipose tissue may drive liver fat accumulation.
Cutaneous metastasis as the presenting sign of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Somoza Arthur David , Bui Hai , Samaan Saad , Dhanda‐Patil Reena , Mutasim Diya F.
Published: November 2012

Cutaneous metastasis of visceral tumors accounts for 2% of skin tumors. We report the case of a 71‐year‐old male with a smoking history who presented to dermatology department with a violaceous nodule of the right sideburn skin. The lesion was interpreted as an adenocarcinoma that was completely excised and was suspicious for a metastasis. There was a recommendation for additional work‐up. At a different institution, a positron emission tomography scan showed a left hilar mass and uptake in the right thyroid. He was then referred to our hospital for tissue diagnosis. Mediastinoscopy with biopsy of the left hilar mass showed metastatic follicular thyroid carcinoma. Subsequently, a thyroid fine needle aspirate showed suspicion for malignancy with similar morphology. Thyroidectomy and central neck dissection showed right thyroid papillary carcinoma extending to one margin and involving the lymph nodes. The left hilar metastasis mass resection showed similar lymph node findings. A re‐review of the sideburn excision revealed similar histopathology to the thyroid and mediastinal resection. This case illustrates the opportunity of considering metastatic thyroid carcinoma to skin even in cases which lack the classic cytologic and architectural features of papillary thyroid carcinoma follicular variant.
pH and effects on Streptococcus mutans growth of denture adhesives: an in vitro study
Authors: Chen Fengying , Mao Tiantian , Cheng Xiangrong
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To evaluate the pH and effects on Streptococcus mutans growth of denture adhesives.

Background

There is little information regarding the pH of contemporary adhesives and their influences on S. mutans growth.

Materials and methods

The adhesives tested were Polident® cream, Protefix® cream and Protefix® powder. Samples of each adhesive were added to deionized water to produce solutions of 10.0, 5.0, 2.5 and 1.0% w/v (cream formulations) or 5.0, 2.5,1.0 and 0.5% (powder formulation). The pH values were measured immediately after preparation and at 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 6‐, 12‐, and 24‐h intervals using a digital pH meter. Streptococcus mutans UA159 was inoculated in the Brain Heart Infusion medium with or without the adhesive extracts (control). Bacterial growth was observed by measuring absorption at 600 nm every 1 h for 12 h using a spectrophotometer.

Results

The tested adhesives generally remained relatively pH‐stable over 24 h, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0. There were no statistically significant differences in S. mutans growth rates between the extract‐treated and control cultures (p > 0.5).

Conclusions

Some adhesives produce a pH below the critical pH of hydroxyapatite and may not be suitable for patients with natural teeth. None of the tested adhesives significantly affect S. mutans growth.