bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No evidence of cross‐species transmission of mouse retroviruses to animal workers exposed to mice
Authors: Brooks James , Lycett‐Lambert Karly , Caminiti Kyna , Merks Harriet , McMillan Rachel , Sandstrom Paul
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Although recent data have brought into question the association between xenotropic murine leukemia virus‐related virus (XMRV) and chronic fatigue syndrome, one group has reported evidence of human infection with distinct polytropic murine leukemia viruses (MLVs). Occult retroviral infection among humans poses a significant public health risk should it be introduced into the blood supply. To explore the possibility of cross‐species transmission of MLVs to humans, we sought molecular and serologic evidence of XRMV/MLV infection among a cohort of animal workers highly exposed to mice.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Before the commencement of the study, the laboratory and equipment were demonstrated to be free of XMRV/MLV DNA sequences. DNA extracted from 43 animal workers was tested using nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with published primer sets, targeting regions of XMRV and MLV gag. Negative controls were assayed in a 1:1 ratio with specimens. Serum specimens were tested using a validated immunoblot assay containing cross‐reactive XMRV antigens.

RESULTS: Initial molecular assays demonstrated that the physical space and laboratory equipment were free of MLV and XMRV DNA sequences. Nested PCR assays using multiple primer sets successfully amplified XMRV and MLV sequences from positive controls with high sensitivity. A single, nonreproducible, false‐positive result from one specimen was shown to be the result of subsequent contamination. Immunoblotting of all subjects' sera failed to demonstrate any evidence of seroreactivity to XMRV proteins.

CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence of human infection with XMRV/MLV among a cohort of individuals highly exposed to mice. These data suggest that the likelihood of cross‐species transmission events of MLV from mice to humans is low.
AIDS knowledge and beliefs related to blood donation in US adults: results from a national telephone survey (CME)
Authors: Steele Whitney R. , High Patrick M. , Schreiber George B.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Misperceptions about the risk of contracting AIDS from donating blood may be preventing people from donating, while incorrect beliefs about AIDS screening tests or the appropriateness of donating with risk factors may place the blood supply at increased risk.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Questions about AIDS transmission and testing and the acceptability of test seeking and donating with risk factors were asked in the National Community Health Survey, a telephone survey of 9859 US adults. Results were weighted to represent the US population. Demographic and donor status (current, lapsed, never) differences in knowledge and attitudes were examined using chi‐square and logistic regression.

RESULTS: Nearly 25% of respondents thought it was somewhat or very likely that they could get AIDS from donating blood. Almost 80% knew that all blood donations are tested for AIDS, but only 65.5% knew about the test window period. A total of 33.5% felt that it was acceptable to use the blood center for AIDS testing, while 9.1% believed that it was okay for someone to donate even if they had AIDS risk behaviors; all had significant demographic and donor status differences.

CONCLUSIONS: While there are many factors that prevent people from giving blood, the incorrect belief that it is possible to contract AIDS from donating is likely a barrier to donation. If blood centers dispelled this myth among those who have never donated, especially among minorities, it could be important for recruitment. In addition, our findings indicate that changes to education or recruitment could be needed to discourage test seeking and donations from risky donors.
Iron replacement therapy in the routine management of blood donors
Authors: Bryant Barbara J. , Yau Yu Ying , Arceo Sarah M. , Daniel‐Johnson Jennifer , Hopkins Julie A. , Leitman Susan F.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Iron depletion or deficiency in blood donors frequently results in deferrals for low hemoglobin (Hb), yet blood centers remain reluctant to dispense iron replacement therapy to donors.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: During a 39‐month period, 1236 blood donors deferred for a Hb level of less than 12.5 g/dL and 400 nondeferred control donors underwent health history screening and laboratory testing (complete blood counts, iron studies). Iron depletion and deficiency were defined as a ferritin level of 9 to 19 and less than 9 µg/L in females and 18 to 29 and less than 18 µg/L in males. Deferred donors and iron‐deficient control donors were given a 60‐pack of 325‐mg ferrous sulfate tablets and instructed to take one tablet daily. Another 60‐pack was dispensed at all subsequent visits.

RESULTS: In the low‐Hb group, 30 and 23% of females and 8 and 53% of males had iron depletion or deficiency, respectively, compared with 29 and 10% of females and 18 and 21% of males in the control group. Iron‐depleted or ‐deficient donors taking iron showed normalization of iron‐related laboratory parameters, even as they continued to donate. Compliance with oral iron was 68%. Adverse gastrointestinal effects occurred in 21% of donors. The study identified 13 donors with serious medical conditions, including eight with gastrointestinal bleeding. No donors had malignancies or hemochromatosis.

CONCLUSION: Iron depletion or deficiency was found in 53% of female and 61% of male low‐Hb donors and in 39% of female and male control donors. Routine administration of iron replacement therapy is safe and effective and prevents the development of iron depletion and deficiency in blood donors.
Improving the performance of culture‐based bacterial screening by increasing the sample volume from 4 mL to 8 mL in aerobic culture bottles
Authors: Souza Stephanie , Bravo Marjorie , Poulin Terri , Vanderpool Sandra , Kamel Hany , Tomasulo Peter , Su Leon L.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: In the setting of bacterial detection of apheresis platelets (PLTs), the manufacturer recommended PLT inoculation volume for BacT/ALERT culture bottles (bioMérieux) ranges from 4 to 10 mL. This study compares the rate of capture of true‐positive (TP) contaminations between aerobic culture bottles inoculated with either 4 or 8 mL of sample and assesses if a larger sample volume reduces time to detection.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Detection of TP samples and mean time to detection were compared for 4‐ and 8‐mL samples collected between September 1, 2003, and May 2, 2011.

RESULTS: A total of 180,263 and 283,114 PLT collections were tested with an 8‐ and 4‐mL sample, respectively. Analysis of TP rates by volume sampled show an increase in the rate of detection of TP with the 8‐mL sample relative to the 4‐mL sample (139 vs. 106 per million events; odds ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.77‐2.23). Comparison of mean time to detection for TP shows a decrease in mean time to detection using 8 mL compared with 4 mL (12.36 ± 3.7 hr to 15.97 ± 6.3 hr, p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION: Doubling the sample volume to 8 mL showed a trend in improvement for the rate of detection of TP and shortened the mean time of detection for TP by 23% when compared to a sample volume of 4 mL. The decrease in mean time to detection using a larger sample volume suggests that a shorter release time after inoculation could be achieved without significantly increasing patient risk.
The first two cases of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia associated with the low‐frequency platelet antigen HPA‐21bw (Nos) in Japan
Authors: Koh Yangsook , Ishii Hiroyuki , Amakishi Etsuko , Hayashi Tomoya , Matsuyama Nobuki , Fukumori Yasuo , Hirayama Fumiya , Shimizu Junji , Nakauchi Shohei , Kawa Keisei
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is a disorder characterized by maternal alloimmunization against paternal fetal platelet antigens. Two healthy, unrelated Japanese women each gave birth to a child with severe NAIT.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To elucidate the maternal causes of NAIT, we conducted serologic and genetic studies in these two NAIT infants.

RESULTS: The serologic experiments localized the antigens to the glycoprotein (GP) IIIa subunit of the GPIIb/IIIa complex. Sequence‐based typing studies subsequently identified a G>A mutation at Nucleotide 1960 (a glutamic acid > lysine substitution at Position 628) in the 11th exon of the GPIIIa gene. This mutation was recently identified in a report as HPA‐21bw. Next, it was determined that the cause of NAIT in both cases was the HPA‐21bw antigen, as shown by the mothers' antibodies reacting with the mutated GPIIIa‐transfected cells, but not with transfectants expressing wild‐type GPIIIa. A molecular genetic screening for the HPA‐21bw allele among Japanese donors showed that its genetic frequency in the population was 0.53% (10/1888), indicating that HPA‐21bw occurs at a low but appreciable frequency in the population. Furthermore, in a retrospective study of 50 previous NAIT cases of unknown causes, we found one NAIT case associated with the HPA‐21bw antibody. The two NAIT cases in this study represent the first ones to be associated with HPA‐21bw in Japan.

CONCLUSION: We identified the HPA‐21bw allele from two unrelated Japanese infants with severe NAIT. We identified 10 individuals (1.06%) positive for the HPA‐21bw allele from a genetic screening of 944 Japanese blood donors.
Functional Imaging of the Cerebellum and Basal Ganglia During Predictive Motor Timing in Early Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Husárová Ivica , Lungu Ovidiu V. , Mareček Radek , Mikl Michal , Gescheidt Tomáš , Krupa Petr , Bareš Martin
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The basal ganglia and the cerebellum have both emerged as important structures involved in the processing of temporal information.

METHODS

We examined the roles of the cerebellum and striatum in predictive motor timing during a target interception task in healthy individuals (HC group; n = 21) and in patients with early Parkinson's disease (early stage PD group; n = 20) using functional magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

Despite having similar hit ratios, the PD failed more often than the HC to postpone their actions until the right moment and to adapt their behavior from one trial to the next. We found more activation in the right cerebellar lobule VI in HC than in early stage PD during successful trials. Successful trial‐by‐trial adjustments were associated with higher activity in the right putamen and lobule VI of the cerebellum in HC.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that both the cerebellum and striatum are involved in predictive motor timing tasks. The cerebellar activity is associated exclusively with the postponement of action until the right moment, whereas both the cerebellum and striatum are needed for successful adaptation of motor actions from one trial to the next. We found a general ‘‘hypoactivation’’ of basal ganglia and cerebellum in early stage PD relative to HC, indicating that even in early stages of the PD there could be functional perturbations in the motor system beyond striatum.
Arterial Blood Gas Analysis of Samples Directly Obtained Beyond Cerebral Arterial Occlusion During Endovascular Procedures Predicts Clinical Outcome
Authors: Flores Alan , Sargento‐Freitas Joao , Pagola Jorge , Rodriguez‐Luna David , Piñeiro Socorro , Maisterra Olga , Rubiera Marta , Montaner Joan , Alvarez‐Sabin Jose , Molina Carlos , Ribo Marc
Published: December 2011

Real‐time intra‐procedure information about ischemic brain damage degree may help physicians in taking decisions about pursuing or not recanalization efforts.

METHODS

We studied gasometric parameters of blood samples drawn through microcatheter in 16 stroke patients who received endovascular reperfusion procedures. After crossing the clot with microcatheter, blood sample was obtained from the middle cerebral artery (MCA) segment distal to occlusion (PostOcc); another sample was obtained from carotid artery (PreOcc). An arterial blood gas (ABG) study was immediately performed. We defined clinical improvement as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) decrease of ≥4.

RESULTS

The ABG analysis showed differences between PreOcc and PostOcc blood samples in mean oxygen partial pressure (Pre‐PaO2: 78.9 ± 16 .3 vs 73.9 ± 14 .9 mmHg; P < .001). Patients who presented clinical improvement had higher Post‐PaO2 (81 ± 11 .4 vs 64.8  ± 14 .4 mmHg; P = .025). A receiver‐operator characteristic (ROC) curve determined Post‐PaO2 > 70 mmHg that better predicted further clinical improvement. Patients with Post‐PaO2 > 70 mmHg had higher chances of clinical improvement (81.8% vs 0%; P = .002) and lower disability (median mRS:3 vs 6; P=  .024). In the logistic regression the only independent predictor of clinical improvement was Post‐PaO2 > 70 (OR: 5.21 95%CI:1.38‐67.24; P=  .013).

CONCLUSION

Direct local blood sampling from ischemic brain is feasible during endovascular procedures in acute stroke patients. A gradient in oxygenation parameters was demonstrated between pre‐ and post‐occlusion blood samples. ABG information may be used to predict clinical outcome and help in decision making in the angio‐suite.
SPECT Study of the Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic System in Huntington's Disease
Authors: Hwang Wen‐Juh , Yao Wei‐Jen
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The pathological process of Huntington's disease (HD) preferentially targets spiny neurons in the striatum, with later involvement of the substantia nigra and other structures. The purpose of this study is to investigate the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in a genetically confirmed HD family.

METHODS

We used single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with the radiotracers [99mTc]TRODAT‐1 and [123I]IBZM to study the binding potentials of dopamine transporter (DAT) and dopamine D2 receptors in the striatum of 3 symptomatic HD patients, 1 mutation‐negative member of the HD family, and 7 healthy controls. Specific binding potentials were calculated as (striatum‐occipital lobe)/occipital lobe.

RESULTS

Reduced binding potential of striatal dopamine D2 receptors was found in the 3 symptomatic HD patients. The DAT binding potential was reduced in 1 symptomatic HD patient. We also found that the more severe the clinical status, the lower the DAT and D2 receptor binding potentials, and the larger the bicaudate ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that the postsynaptic part of the nigrostriatal pathway was involved. The presynaptic part is usually not affected but could occur in very advanced cases. Our findings suggest that SPECT imaging of D2 receptors is useful for diagnosing and monitoring HD.
Lifelong prophylaxis in a large cohort of adult patients with severe haemophilia: a beneficial effect on orthopaedic outcome and quality of life
Authors: Khawaji Mohammed , Astermark Jan , Berntorp Erik
Published: January 2012

Background:  In the 1950s, Sweden initiated prophylaxis as a lifelong treatment for haemophilia. It was the first country to do so.

Objectives:  To describe and evaluate dosing and outcome of prophylactic treatment in a large cohort of adult people with severe haemophilia who have been using prophylaxis most of their lives.

Methods:  Eighty‐one patients born between 1932 and1992 were divided into two groups (Group A started prophylaxis at the age of ≤ 3 yr; Group B at three or more years of age) and evaluated retrospectively. Outcome was evaluated using the Hemophilia Joint Health Score (HJHS) and SF‐36, a measure of quality of life.

Results:  The median number of joint bleeds per year was 0 in both study groups; however, the annual number of joint bleeds during the final 3 yr of observation was higher in group B than in group A (P < 0.006). Twenty‐five of 30 patients in group A and 27/51 patients in group B had no joint bleeds in that period. Group A had significantly better joint outcomes than group B. Patients in group A experienced better physical and social health than those in group B.

Conclusions:  This follow‐up has provided for the first time more extensive and detailed information regarding the practice of prophylactic treatment in a large cohort of adults with severe haemophilia. The present study confirms that early start of prophylaxis continuing throughout the lifespan has been successful in virtually eliminating joint bleeds, preserving a close to normal joint status, and keeping patients healthy and able to live normal lives.
Novel nitric oxide producing probiotic wound healing patch: preparation and in vivo analysis in a New Zealand white rabbit model of ischaemic and infected wounds
Authors: Jones Mitchell , Ganopolsky Jorge G , Labbé Alain , Gilardino Mirko , Wahl Christopher , Martoni Christopher , Prakash Satya
Published: January 2012

The treatment of chronic wounds poses a significant challenge for clinicians and patients alike. Here we report design and preclinical efficacy of a novel nitric oxide gas (gNO)‐producing probiotic patch for wound healing. Specifically, a wound healing patch using lactic acid bacteria in an adhesive gas permeable membrane has been designed and investigated for treating ischaemic and infected full‐thickness dermal wounds in a New Zealand white rabbit model for ischaemic wound healing. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed increased wound closure with gNO‐producing patch‐treated wounds over 21 days of therapy (log‐rank P = 0·0225 and Wilcoxon P = 0·0113). Cox proportional hazard regression showed that gNO‐producing patch‐treated wounds were 2·52 times more likely to close compared with control patches (hazard P = 0·0375, score P = 0·032 and likelihood ratio P = 0·0355), and histological analysis showed improved wound healing in gNO‐producing patch‐treated animals. This study may provide an effective, safe and less costly alternative for treating chronic wounds.
Comparison of Tensile Behaviors of Carbon/Ceramic Composites with Various Fiber Architectures
Authors: Wang Yiqiang , Zhang Litong , Cheng Laifei
Published: December 2011

Tensile behaviors of 1D (unidirectional), 2D (plain woven), and 3D (braided) C/SiC composites were compared. The results show that 1D C/SiC minicomposites have the highest tensile performance compared to the lowest of 2D C/SiC among the three composites studied. The characteristic slope recovery exhibited in stress–strain curves of 1D composites is absent in those of 2D and 3D composites, which can be attributed to different preform architectures and constituent properties. A straightforward approach was developed to model the tensile properties of the multidimensional composites based on properties of minicomposites. Such relationships are fairly robust for these real composites when orthogonally loaded.
Conservation Implications of Rapid Shifts in the Trade of Wild African and Asian Pythons
Authors: Luiselli Luca , Bonnet Xavier , Rocco Massimiliano , Amori Giovanni
Published: December 2011

Pythons are harvested for the international leather industry and pet trade. We analyzed the CITES export records (1999–2008) of the most intensively commercialized wild pythons (Python regius, Python sebae, Python reticulatus, Python molurus, Python curtus species complex) from African and Asian countries where reliable data on trade rates and ecology are available. Mean declared annual numbers of exported pythons were 30,000 in five African countries and 164,000 in Indonesia. Trade intensity tripled in Indonesia over the last decade, but declined in Africa. African international trade is exclusively associated with the pet market (mainly United States and Europe), whereas Asian pythons are sold mostly for luxury leather, albeit more recently also for the pet trade. A negative correlation between the annual numbers of pythons traded in Africa vs. Asia suggests a rapid and recent shift of the pressure exerted on wild populations in the two main exporting continents. We also found a strong effect of the currency exchange rate (i.e., U.S.$/€, the currencies used by the major importing countries) on African python exports: when the cost per African python increased, importers relied increasingly on Asian providers for pet trade. Overall, our data indicate that Asian pythons (especially P. reticulatus) might be threatened due to the rapidly increasing pressure, whereas the decreasing international trade in African pythons is likely more sustainable.
Zinc Sulfate for Relief of Pruritus in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Najafabadi Mojgan Mortazavi , Faghihi Gita , Emami Afsoon , Monghad Maryam , Moeenzadeh Firoozeh , Sharif Nima , Davarpanah Jazi Amir Hosein
Published: January 2012

Pruritus is a common complaint in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. The pathophysiology of pruritus in these patients is not well known, but the role of histamine release from mast cells has been reported. According to the inhibitory effects of zinc on histamine release and reported low levels of serum zinc in hemodialysis patients, we aimed to evaluate the effects of zinc sulfate for the relief of pruritus in these patients. This double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial was conducted on 40 adults with end stage renal disease (ESRD) who were on maintenance hemodialysis in two university hospitals in Isfahan, Iran. Patients were randomized to receive either zinc sulfate (440 mg/day) or placebo for two consecutive months. Pruritus was assessed at baseline and then every two weeks using a numerical rating scale from 0 to 10 until one month after treatment. Drug side effects were also assessed along with pruritus. There were 40 patients with a mean age of 55.5 ± 15.2 (72.5% male) who completed the study. The two groups were similar in baseline characteristics. Pruritus was decreased in both groups after treatment but there was a significantly greater decrease in the zinc sulfate group compared with placebo (P = 0.018). Patient compliance was good and no severe side effects were observed. Zinc sulfate (440 mg/day) is more effective than placebo for the relief of pruritus in patients under maintenance hemodialysis. Further studies with larger sample size, longer treatment duration and follow‐up and with various dosages of zinc sulfate are recommended.
What Explains the Gender Gap in Financial Literacy? The Role of Household Decision Making
Authors: FONSECA RAQUEL , MULLEN KATHLEEN J. , ZAMARRO GEMA , ZISSIMOPOULOS JULIE
Published: January 2012

Using newly collected data from the RAND American Life Panel, we examine potential explanations for the gender gap in financial literacy, including the role of marriage and who within a couple makes the financial decisions. Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition reveals the majority of the gender gap in financial literacy is not explained by differences in the characteristics of men and women—but rather differences in coefficients, or how literacy is produced. We find that financial decision making of couples is not centralized in one spouse although it is sensitive to the relative education level of spouses.
Induction and maintenance of anti‐influenza antigen‐specific nasal secretory IgA levels and serum IgG levels after influenza infection in adults
Authors: Fujimoto Chisa , Takeda Noriaki , Matsunaga Atsushi , Sawada Ayako , Tanaka Takeshi , Kimoto Takashi , Shinahara Wakako , Sawabuchi Takako , Yamaguchi Miyoko , Hayama Masaki , Yanagawa Hiroaki , Yano Mihiro , Kido Hiroshi
Published: January 2012

Please cite this paper as:Fujimotoet al.(2012) Induction and maintenance of anti‐influenza antigen‐specific nasal secretory IgA levels and serum IgG levels after influenza infection in adults. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(6), 396–403.

Objectives To determine the induction and changes in anti‐influenza virus secretory IgA (s‐IgA) levels in nasal washes and serum IgG levels in patients with influenza.

Methods The study recruited 16 patients with influenza aged 35·6 ± 9·6 years in 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 seasons. Nasal washes and serum were obtained throughout the first year. Anti‐viral s‐IgA levels and neutralization activities in nasal washes, and serum anti‐viral IgG levels and hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers were measured.

Results Anti‐viral(H1N1) s‐IgA to total IgA ratio and neutralizing antibody titer were low in nasal washes of all patients, whereas serum levels of anti‐viral IgG and HI titers varied widely at day 1·4 ± 1·0 postinfection. Both nasal s‐IgA and serum IgG levels later increased significantly, reaching peak levels at day 9·6 ± 3·3 postinfection. The induced nasal s‐IgA then returned toward the initial levels within 300 days, although the levels at day 143 ± 70 were 3·03‐fold of the initial. Individual serum IgG levels also returned toward the initial levels within 300 days, although the mean levels remained high probably because of re‐infection in a subgroup of patients. Although influenza A (H3N2) was a minor epidemic subtype in both flu seasons, a significant rise in nasal anti‐viral (H3N2) s‐IgA levels and a slightly increase in serum IgG levels were noted.

Conclusion Low levels of nasal anti‐viral s‐IgA and neutralizing antibody were noted compared with a wide range of serum anti‐viral IgG and HI titers at the onset of infection. Elevated s‐IgA and IgG returned toward the initial levels within 300 days of infection with minor exceptions.
Grape Antioxidant Dietary Fiber Stimulates Lactobacillus Growth in Rat Cecum
Authors: Pozuelo María José , Agis‐Torres Angel , Hervert‐Hernández Deisy , Elvira López‐Oliva María , Muñoz‐Martínez Emilia , Rotger Rafael , Goñi Isabel
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  The digesta is a highly active biological system where epithelial cells, microbiota, nondigestible dietary components, and a large number of metabolic products interact. The gut microbiota can be modulated by both endogenous and exogenous substrates. Undigested dietary residues are substrates for colonic microbiota and may influence gut microbial ecology. The objective of this work was to study the capacity of grape antioxidant dietary fiber (GADF), which is rich in polyphenols, to modify the bacterial profile in the cecum of rats. Male adult Wistar rats were fed for 4 wk with diets containing either cellulose or GADF as dietary fiber. The effect of GADF on bacterial growth was evaluated in vitro and on the cecal microbiota of rats using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The results showed that GADF intake stimulates proliferation of Lactobacillus and slightly affects the composition of Bifidobacterium species. GADF was also found to have a stimulative effect on Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus acidophilus in vitro. These findings suggest that the consumption of a diet rich in plant foods with high dietary fiber and polyphenol content may enhance the gastrointestinal health of the host through microbiota modulation.

Practical Application:  Grape antioxidant fiber combines nutritional and physiological properties of dietary fiber and natural antioxidants from grapes. Grape antioxidant fiber could be used as an ingredient for functional foods and as a dietary supplement to increase the intake of dietary fiber and bioactive compounds.
Duration of untreated psychosis in a rural/suburban region of Japan
Authors: Lihong Qin , Shimodera Shinji , Fujita Hirokazu , Morokuma Ippei , Nishida Atsushi , Kamimura Naoto , Mizuno Masafumi , Furukawa Toshi A. , Inoue Shimpei
Published: January 2012

Aims: We examined the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and its social and clinical correlates in patients with schizophrenia in a rural/suburban region of Japan.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with first‐episode psychosis from 11 hospitals in Kochi Prefecture. There were 108 patients who met the eligibility criteria, and data regarding their DUP and social/clinical variables were collected.

Results: The median (mean) DUP of our cohort was 10.5 (34.6) months. Longer DUP was associated with younger age at onset, older age at first consultation, less educational attainment, insidious mode of onset and not being accompanied by another person at first consultation. After adjusting for confounding factors, age at onset, age at first consultation and mode of onset remained significantly and independently associated with DUP. In terms of treatment and response, longer DUP was associated with less antipsychotics prescribed upon first visit, and worse Clinical Global Impression Severity and Improvement scores after 1 year.

Conclusion: The patients treated in a rural/suburban region of Japan had a long DUP, and shortening their DUP through promoting family involvement could improve their outcomes.
THE EVOLUTION OF QUANTITATIVE MARINE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT 1985–2010
Authors: HILBORN RAY
Published: December 2011

Abstract This paper reviews the changes in quantitative marine fisheries management between 1985 and 2010. The two primary areas where quantitative methods have been employed are in the assessment of stock size and exploitation rates, and in the design and evaluation of harvest strategies. In 1985, some areas had well established assessment programs in place, and the assessment methods have been relatively stable over the 25 years in question. In other places, the evolution of methods has been much more dramatic, and where there were either no assessments performed or early virtual population analysis (VPA) was done using mainly catch‐at‐age data, complex statistical models using maximum likelihood or Bayesian statistics are now common. Harvest strategies have generally evolved even more. In 1985, most harvest strategies were based on fixed exploitation rates from yield‐per‐recruit analyses. By 2010, most agencies had adopted harvest strategies that specifically reduced exploitation rates as abundance dropped below the biomass that will produce maximum sustainable yield. Simulation testing of these harvest strategies has become an integral part of their design, often using the uncertainty from the assessments to bound the robustness trials for the harvest strategy. Two major areas of new quantitative methods are (i) spatially explicit models that can be used for marine spatial planning, and (ii) in ecosystem models to evaluate ecosystem wide impacts of fishing.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF VIRAL ZOONOSES IN WILDLIFE
Authors: ALLEN L. J. S. , BROWN V. L. , JONSSON C. B. , KLEIN S. L. , LAVERTY S. M. , MAGWEDERE K. , OWEN J. C. , VAN DEN DRIESSCHE P.
Published: December 2011

AbstractZoonoses are a worldwide public health concern, accounting for approximately 75% of human infectious diseases. In addition, zoonoses adversely affect agricultural production and wildlife. We review some mathematical models developed for the study of viral zoonoses in wildlife and identify areas where further modeling efforts are needed.
Raman spectroscopic investigation of two grains from comet 81P/Wild 2: Information that can be obtained beyond the presence of sp2‐bonded carbon
Authors: WOPENKA Brigitte
Published: December 2011

Abstract– Raman analyses were performed of individual micrometer‐sized fragments of material returned to Earth by the NASA Stardust mission to comet 81P/Wild 2. The studied fragments originated from grains (C2054,0,35,91,0 and C2092,6,80,51,0) of two different penetration tracks that occurred in two different silica aerogel collector cells. All fragments of both particles have Raman spectra characteristic of amorphous sp2‐bonded carbon that are in general agreement with the results published in previous Stardust particle studies. The present study, however, does not focus on the discussion of specific details of the D and G band parameters, but rather reports on additional information that can be obtained from returned Stardust samples via Raman spectroscopy. Most notably, the Raman spectra show that all analyzed fragments of the particles were contaminated with the capture medium (i.e., aerogel). The silica aerogel is laced with organic aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon impurities that resulted in strong bands in the ∼ 2900 Δcm−1 spectral range (C‐H stretching modes). Aerogel bands are also found in the 1000–1600 Δcm−1 spectral range, where they overlap with the bands of the amorphous sp2‐bonded carbon. The peaks associated with the aerogel contamination differ between the two grains that originated from two different aerogel cells. In addition to the bands due to aerogel contamination and the always present sp2‐bonded carbon bands, fragments of particle C2092,6,80,51,0 also show Raman peaks for pyrrhotite and Fa30Fo70 olivine. Complete (up to 4000 Δcm−1) raw and baseline‐corrected Raman spectra of the Stardust particles are shown and discussed in detail.
Hindlimb laminar inflammatory response is similar to that present in forelimbs after carbohydrate overload in horses
Authors: Leise B. S. , Faleiros R. R. , Watts M. , Johnson P. J. , Black S. J. , Belknap J. K.
Published: December 2011

Reasons for performing study:A significant proinflammatory response is known to occur in the forelimb lamina after carbohydrate administration. As the hindlimbs are often less affected by laminitis compared with the forelimbs, we assessed hindlimb inflammatory response in the early stages of carbohydrate‐induced laminitis to determine whether differences in the response existed.

Objective:To determine whether a similar proinflammatory response occurs in the hindlimb laminae to that previously reported for the forelimb.

Methods:Archived laminar samples from 12 horses administered 17.6 g of starch (85% corn starch, 15% wood flour)/kg bwt via nasogastric tube that were anaesthetised either after developing a temperature >38.9°C (DEV; n = 6) or at the onset of Obel grade 1 lameness (OG1; n = 6) were used in addition to 6 control horses (CON) that were anaesthetised 24 h after administration of water. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for selected proinflammatory mediators and MAC387 immunohistochemistry were performed. The data were analysed nonparametrically to compare groups.

Results:Increases in laminar MAC387‐positive leucocytes and laminar messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) concentrations (P<0.05) for interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, cyclo‐oxygenase‐2, chemokine (C‐X‐C motif)ligand (CXCL)1 and CXCL8 were present in both fore‐ and hindlimb laminae from horses with OG1 lameness. Both CXCL1 and CXCL8 were also increased in forelimb and hindlimb laminae in the DEV horses.

Conclusions:Administration of carbohydrate resulted in a similar inflammatory response in the hindlimb laminae to that previously reported for the forelimb laminae. These findings suggest that other factors, such as weightbearing, may play an important role in the development of laminitis after a systemic inflammatory condition develops.

Potential relevance:Evidence of inflammation in the hindlimb laminae suggests that the hindfeet should be addressed in the septic horse at risk for laminitis; however, laminitis is often less severe in the hindlimbs due to other factors, such as weightbearing and hoof angle.
Anti-depressant effects of Xiaoyaosan on rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress: a plasma metabonomics study based on NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Xiao-Jie , Zhou Yu-Zhi , Li Zhong-Feng , Cui Jie , Li Zhen-Yu , Gao Xiao-Xia , Sun Hai-Feng , Zhang Li-Zeng , Du Guan-Hua , Qin Xue-Mei
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To investigate the antidepressant effects of Xiaoyaosan (XYS) in a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model.

Methods

The changes in behaviour and plasma metabolic profiles were investigated after four-week CUMS exposure and treatment. Drugs were administered during the four-week period of CUMS, with the healthy group serving as negative controls, and the fluoxetine and venlafaxine groups serving as positive controls. Plasma samples were collected at 28th day, and the plasma metabolic profiling was measured using NMR, followed by multivariate analysis.

Key findings

Exposure to CUMS for four weeks caused depression-like behaviour in rats, as indicated by significant decreases in weight gain, sucrose consumption and locomotor activity. Eleven potential biomarkers, including seven in the Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill spectra, five in the diffusion-edited spectra, and one in both were identified. It was found that trimethylamine-N-oxide, alanine, β-hydroxybutyrate, valine, leucine/isoleucine, low-density lipoprotein/very low-density lipoprotein and lipids were lower and phosphatidylcholine, high-density lipoprotein, choline and N-acetyl glycoproteins were higher in CUMS-treated rats, as compared with controls. XYS significantly suppressed behavioural changes and attenuated plasma metabolite changes.

Conclusions

XYS produced an obvious antidepressant effect, and the metabonomic approach benefits estimation of the pharmacodynamic action of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions.
Cortical basket cell dysfunction in schizophrenia
Authors: Curley Allison A. , Lewis David A.
Published: January 2012

Abstract  Schizophrenia, a debilitating illness affecting 0.5–1% of the world's population, is characterized by positive, negative and cognitive symptoms. The latter are the best predictor of functional outcome, though largely untreated by current pharmacotherapy; thus a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying cognitive deficits in schizophrenia is crucial. Higher order cognitive processes, such as working memory, are associated with θ (4–7 Hz) and γ (30–80 Hz) oscillations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and subjects with schizophrenia exhibit working memory impairments and reduced cortical θ and γ band power. Cortical θ and γ oscillations are dependent on perisomatic inhibition of pyramidal neurons from basket cells expressing cholecystokinin (CCKb cells) and parvalbumin (PVb cells), respectively. Thus, alterations in basket cells may underlie the cortical oscillation deficits and working memory impairments in schizophrenia. Recent findings from postmortem studies suggest that schizophrenia is associated with multiple molecular alterations that regulate signalling from CCKb and PVb cells. These alterations include lower CCK and cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) in CCKb cells, and lower glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) and increased μ opioid receptor (μOR) in PVb cells, as well as lower GABAA receptor α1 subunit in pyramidal neurons postsynaptic to PVb cells. These changes are thought to lead to increased and decreased strength, respectively, of CCKb and PVb cell‐mediated inhibition of postsynaptic pyramidal cells. Therefore, a convergence of evidence suggests a substantial shift in the relative strengths of PFC pyramidal cell inhibition from CCKb and PVb cells that may underlie cortical oscillation deficits and working memory impairments in schizophrenia.
Frequency Sweeping With Concurrent Parametric Amplification
Authors: Miller Nicholas J. , Shaw Steven W.
Published: December 2011

In this paper, we explore parametric amplification of multiple resonances in multidegree-of-freedom mechanical systems, and the use of frequency sweeping with a parametric pump to amplify several adjacent resonance peaks. We develop conditions under which it is possible to sweep with direct and parametric excitation to produce a sweep response with amplified effective quality factors for all resonances over a given frequency range. We determine gain and stability conditions and include analysis for potential problematic modal interactions. This technique makes it possible to improve the measurements of resonance locations in devices, for example, sensors that rely on tracking shifts in resonance peaks. The results are demonstrated on a model for a multi-analyte micro-electromechanical systems mass sensor.
Damping Injection by Reset Control
Authors: Raimúndez Cesáreo , Barreiro Antonio , Villaverde Alejandro F.
Published: December 2011

This paper presents a method for using reset control as an alternative way of obtaining dissipation for a class of port-Hamiltonian systems. One advantage of this approach is the simplicity of its implementation, which requires only a velocity observer. Another advantage is its robustness to modeling uncertainties, since it can be calculated independently of the plant structure. A gantry crane is selected as case study, yielding simulation and experimental results that show the good performance of this technique.
Sequential Structural and Fluid Dynamic Numerical Simulations of a Stented Bifurcated Coronary Artery
Authors: Morlacchi Stefano , Chiastra Claudio , Gastaldi Dario , Pennati Giancarlo , Dubini Gabriele , Migliavacca Francesco
Published: December 2011

Despite their success, stenting procedures are still associated to some clinical problems like sub-acute thrombosis and in-stent restenosis. Several clinical studies associate these phenomena to a combination of both structural and hemodynamic alterations caused by stent implantation. Recently, numerical models have been widely used in the literature to investigate stenting procedures but always from either a purely structural or fluid dynamic point of view. The aim of this work is the implementation of sequential structural and fluid dynamic numerical models to provide a better understanding of stenting procedures in coronary bifurcations. In particular, the realistic geometrical configurations obtained with structural simulations were used to create the fluid domains employed within transient fluid dynamic analyses. This sequential approach was applied to investigate the final kissing balloon (FKB) inflation during the provisional side branch technique. Mechanical stresses in the arterial wall and the stent as well as wall shear stresses along the arterial wall were examined before and after the FKB deployment. FKB provoked average mechanical stresses in the arterial wall almost 2.5 times higher with respect to those induced by inflation of the stent in the main branch only. Results also enlightened FKB benefits in terms of improved local blood flow pattern for the side branch access. As a drawback, the FKB generates a larger region of low wall shear stress. In particular, after FKB the percentage of area characterized by wall shear stresses lower than 0.5 Pa was 79.0%, while before the FKB it was 62.3%. For these reasons, a new tapered balloon dedicated to bifurcations was proposed. The inclusion of the modified balloon has reduced the mechanical stresses in the proximal arterial vessel to 40% and the low wall shear stress coverage area to 71.3%. In conclusion, these results show the relevance of the adopted sequential approach to study the wall mechanics and the hemodynamics created by stent deployment.
Correlation of photodynamic activity and singlet oxygen quantum yields in two series of hydrophobic monocationic porphyrins
Authors: Deda Daiana K. , Pavani Christiane , Caritá Eduardo , Baptista Maurício S. , Toma Henrique E. , Araki Koiti
Published: December 2011

The photodynamic properties of eight hydrophobic monocationic methyl and ruthenium polypyridine complex derivatives of free-base and zinc(II) meso-triphenyl-monopyridylporphyrin series were evaluated and compared using HeLa cells as model. The cream-like polymeric nanocapsule formulations of marine atelocollagen/xanthan gum, prepared by the coacervation method, exhibited high phototoxicity but negligible cytotoxicity in the dark. Interestingly, the formulations of a given series presented similar photodynamic activities but the methylated free-base derivatives were significantly more phototoxic than the respective ruthenated photosensitizers, reflecting the higher photoinduced singlet oxygen quantum yields of those monocationic porphyrin dyes.
ESTIMATION OF SPIKED EIGENVALUES IN SPIKED MODELS
Authors: BAI ZHIDONG , DING XUE
Published: January 2012

The paper proposes new estimators of spiked eigenvalues of the population covariance matrix from the sample covariance matrix and investigates its consistency and asymptotic normality.
They can hear your heartbeats
Authors: Gollakota Shyamnath , Hassanieh Haitham , Ransford Benjamin , Katabi Dina , Fu Kevin
Published: December 2011

Wireless communication has become an intrinsic part of modern implantable medical devices (IMDs). Recent work, however, has demonstrated that wireless connectivity can be exploited to compromise the confidentiality of IMDs' transmitted data or to send unauthorized commands to IMDs---even commands that cause the device to deliver an electric shock to the patient. The key challenge in addressing these attacks stems from the difficulty of modifying or replacing already-implanted IMDs. Thus, in this paper, we explore the feasibility of protecting an implantable device from such attacks without modifying the device itself. We present a physical-layer solution that delegates the security of an IMD to a personal base station called the
shield
. The shield uses a novel radio design that can act as a jammer-cum-receiver. This design allows it to jam the IMD's messages, preventing others from decoding them while being able to decode them itself. It also allows the shield to jam unauthorized commands---even those that try to alter the shield's own transmissions. We implement our design in a software radio and evaluate it with commercial IMDs. We find that it effectively provides confidentiality for private data and protects the IMD from unauthorized commands.
Augmenting data center networks with multi-gigabit wireless links
Authors: Halperin Daniel , Kandula Srikanth , Padhye Jitendra , Bahl Paramvir , Wetherall David
Published: December 2011

The 60 GHz wireless technology that is now emerging has the potential to provide dense and extremely fast connectivity at low cost. In this paper, we explore its use to relieve hotspots in oversubscribed data center (DC) networks. By experimenting with prototype equipment, we show that the DC environment is well suited to a deployment of 60GHz links contrary to concerns about interference and link reliability. Using directional antennas, many wireless links can run concurrently at multi-Gbps rates on top-of-rack (ToR) switches. The wired DC network can be used to sidestep several common wireless problems. By analyzing production traces of DC traffic for four real applications, we show that adding a small amount of network capacity in the form of
wireless flyways
to the wired DC network can improve performance. However, to be of significant value, we find that one hop indirect routing is needed. Informed by our 60GHz experiments and DC traffic analysis, we present a design that uses DC traffic levels to select and adds flyways to the wired DC network. Trace-driven evaluations show that network-limited DC applications with predictable traffic workloads running on a 1:2 oversubscribed network can be sped up by 45% in 95% of the cases, with just one wireless device per ToR switch. With two devices, in 40% of the cases, the performance is identical to that of a non-oversubscribed network.