bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Diagnostic Accuracy of Radionuclide Arthrography for Prosthetic Loosening in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: French Timothy H. , Russell Nicholas , Pillai Anand
Published: July 2013

Purpose of Study. Diagnosis of prosthetic loosening in hip and knee arthroplasty remains a challenge. Although there are a number of diagnostic tools, no single test or combination is 100% sensitive or specific. There has been a recent interest in the use of radionuclide arthrography (RNA) for detection of prosthetic loosening.Methods. A retrospective review of 45 consecutive RNA scans from 2005 to 2010 was conducted. RNA findings were compared with intraoperative findings at revision and/or serial radiographic examinations to confirm loosening. A component was considered loose if sequential radiographs demonstrated macromotion, gross subsidence, or progressive radiolucency.Results. There were 26 females and 17 males, with mean age at RNA of 71 years (range of 53–89 years) and mean time from index surgery, 6.4 years (range of 0.5–23 years). There were 23 total knee replacements (TKR) (19 primary and 4 revision) and 20 total hip replacements (THR) (11 primary and 9 revision). 15 patients underwent revision surgery following RNA. Strict inclusion criteria allowed 27 patients for further analysis. Sixteen RNA scans were suggestive of loosening, of which 14 were confirmed loose. Eleven scans were suggestive of a stable prosthesis, of which 10 were confirmed well fixed. RNA had a sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 83%, positive predictive value of 88%, and negative predictive value of 91%.Conclusion. Radionuclide arthrography should be considered a useful adjunct in the diagnosis of prosthetic loosening in the challenging patient.
A Large Cohort Study of Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism in Relation to Gynecologic Cancers
Authors: Kang Jae H. , Kueck Angela S. , Stevens Richard , Curhan Gary , De Vivo Immaculata , Rosner Bernard , Alexander Erik , Tworoger Shelley S.
Published: July 2013

Background. Thyroid status may influence tumorigenesis of gynecologic cancers, yet epidemiologic studies of this relationship are limited and inconsistent.Methods. We evaluated the association of self-reported history of physician-diagnosed hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism with medical-record confirmed endometrial (EC; all invasive adenocarcinomas) and ovarian cancer (OC; epithelial ovarian or peritoneal cancers) in Nurses' Health Study (NHS) from 1976 to 2010 and NHSII from 1989 to 2011. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate multivariable rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals based on pooled cohort data.Results. We confirmed 1314 incident cases of EC and 1150 cases of OC. Neither a history of hypothyroidism nor hyperthyroidism was significantly associated with risk of EC or OC. However, having a history of hypothyroidism for 8+ years (median) was nonsignificantly inversely associated with EC (RR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.63–1.04;P-trend with history duration = 0.11) and OC (RR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.66–1.15;P-trend = 0.13). Having a history of hyperthyroidism for 6+ years (median) was non-significantly positively associated with EC (RR = 1.69; 95% CI = 0.86–3.30;P-trend = 0.12) but not OC (RR = 1.12; 95% CI = 0.46–2.72;P-trend = 0.95).Conclusions. A history of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism was not significantly associated with risk of EC or OC.
Installation of an Artificial Vegetating Island in Oligomesotrophic Lake Paro, Korea
Authors: Seo Eun-Young , Kwon Oh-Byung , Choi Seung-Ik , Kim Ji-Ho , Ahn Tae-Seok
Published: July 2013

After cut off of inflowing water, Lake Paro, an oligomesotrophic lake lost littoral zone, an important region for the aquatic ecosystem. For the first step of restoration, the artificial vegetation island was installed. The concentration of nutrients in lake water was not sufficient for the growth of macrophyte as total phosphate was ranged from 58 to 83 μg L−1. In order to overcome this problem, the hydrophobic substratum for bacterial attachment was selected as buoyant mat material of the artificial vegetation island. In this medium, total phosphate and total nitrogen were ranged from 190 to 1,060 μg L−1 and from 4.9 to 9.1 mg L−1, respectively. These concentrations were high enough for macrophytes growth. After launching 1,800 m2 of AVI in Lake Paro, the macrophytes, Iris pseudoacorus and Iris ensata, grew well after five years of launching without the addition of fertilizer. Furthermore, fishes were plentiful under the artificial vegetation island, and ducks were observed on the artificial vegetation island. Bacteria using sunlight as energy source and self‐designed ecotechnology can be used as an alternative method for the restoration of disturbed littoral zone in oligo‐mesotrophic lakes.
Existence of Positive Periodic Solutions for Periodic Neutral Lotka-Volterra System with Distributed Delays and Impulses
Authors: Luo Zhenguo , Luo Liping
Published: July 2013

By using a fixed-point theorem of strict-set-contraction, we investigate the existence of positive periodic solutions for a class of the following impulsive neutral Lotka-Volterra system with distributed delays:xi′(t)=xi(t)[ri(t)-∑j=1naij(t)xj(t)-∑j=1n‍bij(t)∫-τij0‍fij(ξ)xj(t+ξ)dξ-∑j=1n‍cij(t)∫-σij0‍gij(ξ)xj′(t+ξ)dξ],  Δxi(tk)=-Iik(xi(tk)),  i=1,2,…,n,  k=1,2,….Some verifiable criteria are established easily.
A review of the species of Hydrometra Latreille occurring in Colombia, with a key to species and distribution map (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Hydrometridae)
Authors: PADILLA-GIL DORA N.
Published: July 2013

Five species of Hydrometra are known to occur in Colombia: H. argentina, H. caraiba, H. comata, H. guianana and H. exalla. An illustrated key to these species and distribution records by department are given. In addition, the previously unknown macropterous female of Hydrometra exalla Drake and Lauck, 1959 is described, based on material from western Pacific Colombia.
Detailed morphological description of the mature larva of Globicornis corticalis (Eichhoff, 1863) (Dermestidae: Megatominae) with comparisons to related species
Authors: KADEJ MARCIN , JAROSZEWICZ SYLWIA
Published: July 2013

A description of the last larval instar (based on exuviae) of Globicornis corticalis (Eichhoff, 1863) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) is presented. Morphological characters of Globicornis larvae are characterized and discussed, including antenna, epipharynx, mandible, maxilla, ligula with labial palpi, hastisetae, legs, tergites, and condition of the antecostal suture. Structural differences among mature larvae of G. corticalis (Eichhoff, 1863), G. emarginata (Gyllenhal, 1808) and G. nigripes (Fabricius, 1792) are compared and summarized.
Shabanovia, a new generic replacement name for Furia Egorova and Shabanov, 1987 (Trilobita) non Linnaeus, 1758 (Vermes) nec Cuvier, 1828 (Mammalia), preoccupied
Authors: DOWELD ALEXANDER B.
Published: July 2013

The generic name Furia (F. submissa Egorova and Shabanov, 1987, by original designation) was proposed by Egorova and Shabanov (1987, p. 74) for a new trilobite genus from the middle Cambrian of Yakutia, Siberia. However, this name is already preoccupied by Furia Linnaeus (1758, p. 644). To resolve homonymy, in accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, Shabanovia nom. nov. (type species Furia submissa Egorova and Shabanov, 1987) is here proposed as a replacement name for Furia Egorova and Shabanov non Linnaeus nec Cuvier to honor the name of Yury Yakovlevitch Shabanov, eminent Russian stratigrapher of Siberia.
Realizing the Potential of Vehicle-Based Observations
Authors: Mahoney William P. , O'Sullivan James M.
Published: July 2013

The potential availability of millions of surface observations from passenger vehicles and fleets represents a potentially significant opportunity for the weather community. The success of this opportunity rests with the weather community's technical understanding and eventual adoption of these unique datasets and their level of participation in connected vehicle initiatives within the transportation community. All sectors of the weather enterprise (e.g., public, private, and academic) must become involved to help define, shape, and support the effort to realize a distinct and positive outcome on the weather and transportation communities. For this reason, the American Meteorological Society (AMS) Board on Enterprise Planning (BEP), under the Commission on the Weather and Climate Enterprise (CWCE), established an Annual Partnership Topic (APT) Committee in 2009 focused on mobile observations and their potential for use by the weather and transportation communities. The primary finding of the committee is that high-quality weather information about the roadway environment, including both current observations and forecasts, communicated in a timely and effective manner will help drivers make better and safer decisions regarding travel plans and react properly when faced with potentially compromised conditions; however, there are several technical, financial, societal, and institutional barriers that must be overcome before the full potential of mobile observations can be realized. This paper discusses several key issues important in advancing this concept, including potential benefits, barriers to acceptance, research needs, data quality and metadata, and business models.
Input Data Requirements for Lagrangian Trajectory Models
Authors: Bowman Kenneth P. , Lin John C. , Stohl Andreas , Draxler Roland , Konopka Paul , Andrews Arlyn , Brunner Dominik
Published: July 2013

In October 2011 an American Geophysical Union Chapman Conference was held in Grindelwald, Switzerland, titled “Advances in Lagrangian Modeling of the Atmosphere.” Lagrangian models are being applied to a wide range of high-impact atmospheric phenomena, such as the transport of volcanic ash and dispersion of radioactive releases. One common theme that arose during the meeting is the need for improved access to the output products of forecast models and reanalysis systems, which are used as in-puts to trajectory and dispersion models. The steady increases in horizontal and vertical resolution in forecast models and data assimilation systems have not been accompanied by changes in model output products, such as higher-frequency winds and the provision of important auxiliary parameters (e.g., heating rates and subgrid-scale mixing properties). This paper discusses the principles of Lagrangian kinematic models and recommends changes in model output practices that would lead directly to significant improvements in the accuracy of trajectory and dispersion calculations.
First-Light Imagery from Suomi NPP VIIRS
Authors: Hillger Donald , Kopp Thomas , Lee Thomas , Lindsey Daniel , Seaman Curtis , Miller Steven , Solbrig Jeremy , Kidder Stanley , Bachmeier Scott , Jasmin Tommy , Rink Tom
Published: July 2013

The Suomi National Polar-Orbiting Partnership (NPP) satellite was launched on 28 October 2011, heralding the next generation of operational U.S. polar-orbiting satellites. It carries the Visible– Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), a 22-band visible/infrared sensor that combines many of the best aspects of the NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Operational Linescan System (OLS), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors. VIIRS has nearly all the capabilities of MODIS, but offers a wider swath width (3,000 versus 2,330 km) and much higher spatial resolution at swath edge. VIIRS also has a day/night band (DNB) that is sensitive to very low levels of visible light at night such as those produced by moonlight reflecting off low clouds, fog, dust, ash plumes, and snow cover. In addition, VIIRS detects light emissions from cities, ships, oil flares, and lightning flashes.

NPP crosses the equator at about 0130 and 1330 local time, with VIIRS covering the entire Earth twice daily. Future members of the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) constellation will also carry VIIRS. This paper presents dramatic early examples of multispectral VIIRS imagery capabilities and demonstrates basic applications of that imagery for a wide range of operational users, such as for fire detection, monitoring ice break up in rivers, and visualizing dust plumes over bright surfaces. VIIRS imagery, both single and multiband, as well as the day/night band, is shown to exceed both requirements and expectations.
Surface Circulation Types and Daily Maximum and Minimum Temperatures in Southern La Plata Basin
Authors: Penalba Olga Clorinda , Bettolli María Laura , Krieger Pablo Andrés
Published: July 2013

La Plata basin is one of the most important agricultural and hydropower-producing regions in the world. Extreme climate events such as cold and heat waves and frost events have a significant socioeconomic impact. This work analyzes the influence of the surface circulation in southern South America on daily maximum temperature TMAX and daily minimum temperature TMIN in southern La Plata basin. A Z test for the comparison of mean values and a Kolmogorov–Smirnov test for the comparison of distributions of TMAX and TMIN associated with each circulation pattern were performed. Specific daily surface circulation types are found to contribute to TMAX and TMIN anomalies and to have a predominant occurrence in the development of the extreme temperature events in the region. The TMAX spatial response to the regional low-level circulation is more homogenous and extended than is the response of TMIN.
Evaluation of Historical Diurnal Temperature Range Trends in CMIP5 Models
Authors: Lewis Sophie C. , Karoly David J.
Published: July 2013

Diurnal temperature range (DTR) is a useful index of climatic change in addition to mean temperature changes. Observational records indicate that DTR has decreased over the last 50 yr because of differential changes in minimum and maximum temperatures. However, modeled changes in DTR in previous climate model simulations of this period are smaller than those observed, primarily because of an overestimate of changes in maximum temperatures. This present study examines DTR trends using the latest generation of global climate models participating in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) and utilizes the novel CMIP5 detection and attribution experimental design of variously forced historical simulations (natural-only, greenhouse gas–only, and all anthropogenic and natural forcings). Comparison of observed and modeled changes in DTR over the period of 1951–2005 again reveals that global DTR trends are lower in model simulations than observed across the 27-member multimodel ensemble analyzed here. Modeled DTR trends are similar for both experiments incorporating all forcings and for the historical experiment with greenhouse gases only, while no DTR trend is discernible in the naturally forced historical experiment. The persistent underestimate of DTR changes in this latest multimodel evaluation appears to be related to ubiquitous model deficiencies in cloud cover and land surface processes that impact the accurate simulation of regional minimum or maximum temperatures changes observed during this period. Different model processes are likely responsible for subdued simulated DTR trends over the various analyzed regions.
The Impact of MetOp and Other Satellite Data within the Met Office Global NWP System Using an Adjoint-Based Sensitivity Method
Authors: Joo Sangwon , Eyre John , Marriott Richard
Published: July 2013

The role of observations in reducing 24-h forecast errors is evaluated using the adjoint-based forecast sensitivity to observations (FSO) method developed within the Met Office global numerical weather prediction (NWP) system. The impacts of various subsets of observations are compared, with emphasis on space-based observations, particularly those from instruments on board the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites Meteorological Operational-A (MetOp-A) platform. Satellite data are found to account for 64% of the short-range global forecast error reduction, with the remaining 36% coming from the assimilation of surface-based observation types. MetOp-A data are measured as having the largest impact of any individual satellite platform (about 25% of the total impact on global forecast error reduction). Their large impact, compared to that of NOAA satellites, is mainly due to MetOp's additional sensors [Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Receiver for Atmospheric Sounding (GRAS), and the Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT)]. Microwave and hyperspectral infrared sounding techniques are found to give the largest total impacts. However, the GPS radio occultation technique is measured as having the largest mean impact per profile of observations among satellite types. This study demonstrates how the FSO technique can be used to assess the impact of individual satellite data types in NWP. The calculated impacts can be used to guide improvements in the use of currently available data and to contribute to discussions on the evolution of future observing systems.
A false edition of the Comedy, and its truth
Authors: Gazzola Giuseppe
Published: July 2013

Giuseppe Mazzini announced, but never actually wrote, a biography of the Italian patriot and poet, Ugo Foscolo. This article recounts Foscolo’s last years in exile by means of available documents in order to explain why Mazzini renounced the writing of Foscolo’s biography and decided instead to complete and publish, under the latter’s name, an edition of Dante’s Divine Comedy that Foscolo had merely begun to sketch.
Metacognitive Strategies for Making Sense of Cross-Cultural Encounters
Authors: Sieck Winston R. , Smith Jennifer L. , Rasmussen Louise J.
Published: July 2013

As cross-cultural interactions become more commonplace and of shorter durations, understanding the abilities that enable some sojourners to function competently in unfamiliar cultural contexts is increasingly important. The present investigation took a cognitive science approach to the problem of cross-cultural competence, examining metacognitive strategies for dealing with puzzling interactions. A think-aloud study of cross-cultural expertise was conducted using two scenarios based on real incidents set in two different cultures. Each scenario contained surprising cultural behaviors. Three groups of participants ( n = 60) with varying levels of expertise were compared. The results indicated several differences in the metacognitive strategies used to make sense of cultural anomalies. Overall, the types of reasoning cross-cultural experts engage in to make sense of cultural surprises were found to share characteristics with the reasoning processes exhibited by expert scientists. The findings of the current study have several implications for training specific aspects of cross-cultural competence.
Supporting carer–child relationships through play: a model for teaching carers how to use play skills to strengthen attachment relationships
Authors: Ayling Peter , Stringer Berni
Published: July 2013

This article presents a rationale for delivering training in play skills to groups of foster carers and adopters, and others who work with children and young people in the care system. The aim is to emphasise the relevance of play for facilitating emotional growth and regulation, and to demonstrate how ‘playing in relationship’ can support children who have experienced abuse or trauma in their primary relationships. The article includes a number of suggestions for activities that can be incorporated into training and discussion of how a playful approach to adult learning can enhance the experience. Evaluation comments by participants are also included and possibilities for future carer training programmes are considered.
Rhetoric and Change in Innovation Policy: The Case of South Africa
Authors: Kahn Michael J.
Published: July 2013

The onset of constitutional democracy in South Africa potentially marked a critical juncture in the evolution of its innovation system. At this point the Ministry responsible for science and technology adopted the innovation systems approach. This adoption followed the IDRC OECD-style review of 1993. Nineteen years later, after a full-fledged OECD Review, the extent to which the innovation system demonstrates continuity or change may be assessed. The assessment is broadly functionalist and considers the role of institutions and actors. While the polity has become more inclusive, extractive economic institutions persist. Likewise the social contract between science and society has evolved but it continues to show extractive attributes. It appears that thus far the innovation systems approach has been more of a rhetorical than a practical device with the pre-1994 and present innovation systems showing both continuity and disjuncture. It is these challenges that the current Ministerial Review of the STI Landscape ( DST 2012 ) has sought to address.
Book Review: Science, War and Imperialism: India in the Second World War
Authors: Ghosh Malika
Published: July 2013

JAGADISH N. SINHA (2008), Science, War and Imperialism: India in the Second World War. Leiden/Boston: Brill Academic Publishers. xiv + 278 pp. ISBN 978900416645. Paperback. US$132.
Challenges for the formulation of a universal vaccine against dengue
Authors: Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya , Perng Guey Chuen
Published: July 2013

Dengue is rapidly becoming a disease of an escalating global public health concern. The disease is a vector-borne disease, transmitted by the bite of an Aedes spp. mosquito. Dynamic clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic, flu-like febrile illness, dengue fever (DF) to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) with or without dengue shock syndrome (DSS), make the disease one of the most challenging to diagnose and treat. DF is a self-limited illness, while DHF/DSS, characterized by plasma leakage resulting from an increased vascular permeability, can have severe consequences, including death. The pathogenesis of dengue virus infection remains poorly understood, mainly due to the lack of a suitable animal model that can recapitulate the cardinal features of human dengue diseases. Currently, there is no specific treatment or antiviral therapy available for dengue virus infection and supportive care with vigilant monitoring is the principle course of treatment. Since vector control programs have been largely unsuccessful in preventing outbreaks, vaccination seems to be the most viable option for prevention. There are four dengue viral serotypes and each one of them is capable of causing severe dengue. Although immunity induced by infection by one serotype is effective in protection against the homologous viral serotype, it only has a transient protective effect against infection with the other three serotypes. The meager cross protective immunity generated wanes over time and may even induce a harmful effect at the time of subsequent secondary infection. Thus, it is imperative to have a vaccine that can elicit equal and long-lasting immunity to all four serotypes simultaneously. Numerous tetravalent vaccines are currently either in the pipeline for clinical trials or under development. For those frontrunner tetravalent vaccines in clinical trials, despite good safety and immunogenicity profiles registered, issues such as imbalanced immune responses between serotypes and questions with regard to whether the optimum formulation have been identified remain unresolved. This review centers on these issues and offers strategies that may improve the tetravalent vaccine formulation.
Weight control, endocrine hormones and cancer prevention
Authors: King Brenee , Jiang Yu , Su Xiaoyu , Xu Jianteng , Xie Linglin , Standard Joseph , Wang Weiqun
Published: July 2013

The prevalence of obesity is increasing which becomes worrisome due to its association with several diseases and certain types of cancers. While weight control through dietary caloric restriction and/or physical activity protects against cancer in animal models, the underlying mechanisms are not fully defined. Weight loss due to negative energy balance is associated with alterations of multiple growth factors and endocrine hormones. The altered hormones and hormone-related functions appear to be responsible for anti-cancer mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the recent studies related to weight loss and the altered endocrine hormones, focusing on the reduced levels of the mitogenic insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and adipokine leptin as well as the raised levels of adiponectin and glucocorticoids. The potential molecular targets of these hormone-dependent signalling pathways are also discussed. Considering the increasing trends of obesity throughout the world, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms between body weight, endocrine hormones and cancer risk may lead to novel approaches to cancer prevention and treatment.
Role of p62/SQSTM1 in liver physiology and pathogenesis
Authors: Manley Sharon , Williams Jessica A , Ding Wen-Xing
Published: July 2013

p62/sequestosome-1/A170/ZIP (hereafter referred to as p62) is a scaffold protein that has multiple functions, such as signal transduction, cell proliferation, cell survival, cell death, inflammation, tumourigenesis and oxidative stress response. While p62 is an autophagy substrate and is degraded by autophagy, p62 serves as an autophagy receptor for selective autophagic clearance of protein aggregates and organelles. Moreover, p62 functions as a signalling hub for various signalling pathways, including NF-κB, Nrf2 and mTOR. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiological role of p62 in the liver, including formation of hepatic inclusion bodies, cholestasis, obesity, insulin resistance, liver cell death and tumourigenesis.
Oxidative stress response elicited by mitochondrial dysfunction: Implication in the pathophysiology of aging
Authors: Wang Chih-Hao , Wu Shi-Bei , Wu Yu-Ting , Wei Yau-Huei
Published: July 2013

Under normal physiological conditions, reactive oxygen species (ROS) serve as ‘redox messengers’ in the regulation of intracellular signalling, whereas excess ROS may induce irreversible damage to cellular components and lead to cell death by promoting the intrinsic apoptotic pathway through mitochondria. In the aging process, accumulation of mitochondria DNA mutations, impairment of oxidative phosphorylation as well as an imbalance in the expression of antioxidant enzymes result in further overproduction of ROS. This mitochondrial dysfunction-elicited ROS production axis forms a vicious cycle, which is the basis of mitochondrial free radical theory of aging. In addition, several lines of evidence have emerged recently to demonstrate that ROS play crucial roles in the regulation of cellular metabolism, antioxidant defence and posttranslational modification of proteins. We first discuss the oxidative stress responses, including metabolites redistribution and alteration of the acetylation status of proteins, in human cells with mitochondrial dysfunction and in aging. On the other hand, autophagy and mitophagy eliminate defective mitochondria and serve as a scavenger and apoptosis defender of cells in response to oxidative stress during aging. These scenarios mediate the restoration or adaptation of cells to respond to aging and age-related disorders for survival. In the natural course of aging, the homeostasis in the network of oxidative stress responses is disturbed by a progressive increase in the intracellular level of the ROS generated by defective mitochondria. Caloric restriction, which is generally thought to promote longevity, has been reported to enhance the efficiency of this network and provide multiple benefits to tissue cells. In this review, we emphasize the positive and integrative roles of mild oxidative stress elicited by mitochondria in the regulation of adaptation, anti-aging and scavenging pathway beyond their roles in the vicious cycle of mitochondrial dysfunction in the aging process.
Effects of cyclic stretch on the molecular regulation of myocardin in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Chiu Chiung-Zuan , Wang Bao-Wei , Shyu Kou-Gi
Published: July 2013

Background

The expression of myocardin, a cardiac-restricted gene, increases during environmental stress. How mechanical stretch affects the regulation of myocardin in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is not fully understood. We identify the mechanisms and pathways through which mechanical stretch induces myocardin expression in VSMCs.

Results

Rat VSMCs grown on a flexible membrane base were stretched to 20% of maximum elongation, at 60 cycles per min. An in vivo model of aorta-caval shunt in adult rats was also used to investigate myocardin expression. Cyclic stretch significantly increased myocardin and angiotensin II (AngII) expression after 18 and 6 h of stretch. Addition of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) pathway inhibitor (PD98059), ERK small interfering RNA (siRNA), and AngII receptor blocker (ARB; losartan) before stretch inhibited the expression of myocardin protein. Gel shift assay showed that myocardin-DNA binding activity increased after stretch. PD98059, ERK siRNA and ARB abolished the binding activity induced by stretch. Stretch increased while myocardin-mutant plasmid, PD98059, and ARB abolished the promoter activity. Protein synthesis by measuring [3H]proline incorporation into the cells increased after cyclic stretch, which represented hypertrophic change of VSMCs. An in vivo model of aorta-caval shunt also demonstrated increased myocardin protein expression in the aorta. Confocal microscopy showed increased VSMC size 24 h after cyclic stretch and VSMC hypertrophy after creation of aorta-caval shunt for 3 days.

Conclusions

Cyclic stretch enhanced myocardin expression mediated by AngII through the ERK pathway in cultured rat VSMCs. These findings suggest that myocardin plays a role in stretch-induced VSMC hypertrophy.
The miniature genome of a carnivorous plant Genlisea aurea contains a low number of genes and short non-coding sequences
Authors: Leushkin Evgeny V , Sutormin Roman A , Nabieva Elena R , Penin Aleksey A , Kondrashov Alexey S , Logacheva Maria D
Published: July 2013

Background

Genlisea aurea (Lentibulariaceae) is a carnivorous plant with unusually small genome size - 63.6 Mb – one of the smallest known among higher plants. Data on the genome sizes and the phylogeny of Genlisea suggest that this is a derived state within the genus. Thus, G. aurea is an excellent model organism for studying evolutionary mechanisms of genome contraction.

Results

Here we report sequencing and de novo draft assembly of G. aurea genome. The assembly consists of 10,687 contigs of the total length of 43.4 Mb and includes 17,755 complete and partial protein-coding genes. Its comparison with the genome of Mimulus guttatus, another representative of higher core Lamiales clade, reveals striking differences in gene content and length of non-coding regions.

Conclusions

Genome contraction was a complex process, which involved gene loss and reduction of lengths of introns and intergenic regions, but not intron loss. The gene loss is more frequent for the genes that belong to multigenic families indicating that genetic redundancy is an important prerequisite for genome size reduction.
Widespread acquisition of antimicrobial resistance among Campylobacter isolates from UK retail poultry and evidence for clonal expansion of resistant lineages
Authors: Wimalarathna Helen ML , Richardson Judith F , Lawson Andy J , Elson Richard , Meldrum Richard , Little Christine L , Maiden Martin CJ , McCarthy Noel D , Sheppard Samuel K
Published: July 2013

Background

Antimicrobial resistance is increasing among clinical Campylobacter cases and is common among isolates from other sources, specifically retail poultry - a major source of human infection. In this study the antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates from a UK-wide survey of Campylobacter in retail poultry in 2001 and 2004–5 was investigated. The occurrence of phenotypes resistant to tetracycline, quinolones (ciprofloxacin and naladixic acid), erythromycin, chloramphenicol and aminoglycosides was quantified. This was compared with a phylogeny for these isolates based upon Multi Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) to investigate the pattern of antimicrobial resistance acquisition.

Results

Antimicrobial resistance was present in all lineage clusters, but statistical testing showed a non-random distribution. Erythromycin resistance was associated with Campylobacter coli. For all antimicrobials tested, resistant isolates were distributed among relatively distant lineages indicative of widespread acquisition. There was also evidence of clustering of resistance phenotypes within lineages; indicative of local expansion of resistant strains.

Conclusions

These results are consistent with the widespread acquisition of antimicrobial resistance among chicken associated Campylobacter isolates, either through mutation or horizontal gene transfer, and the expansion of these lineages as a proportion of the population. As Campylobacter are not known to multiply outside of the host and long-term carriage in humans is extremely infrequent in industrialized countries, the most likely location for the proliferation of resistant lineages is in farmed chickens.
Seroepidemiology of human enterovirus71 and coxsackievirusA16 among children in Guangdong province, China
Authors: Li Wei , Yi Lina , Su Juan , Lu Jing , Zeng Hanri , Guan Dawei , Ma Cong , Zhang Wanly , xiao Hong , Li Hui , Zhang Yonghui , Lin Jinyan , Ke Changwen
Published: July 2013

Background

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common pediatric illness. Mainly induced by the Enterovirus 71 and Coxsackievirus A 16 infections, the frequently occurred HFMD outbreaks have become a serious public health problem in Southeast Asia. Currently,only a few studies have investigated the human immunity to HFMD in China. In this study, we conducted a cohort study in Guangdong province, China.

Methods

Stored serum samples from children less than 10 years old were analyzed. The levels of EV71 and CA16 specific antibodies before, during and shortly after the 2008 large outbreak of HFMD were evaluated by the microneutralization test. The geometric mean titer (GMT) was calculated and compared. Statistical significance was taken as P < 0.05.

Results

The seroprevalence data showed a continuous circulation of EV71 and CA16 in Guangdong province China in 2007–2009. The low positive rate in 2009 correlated well with the unprecedented outbreak of HFMD in 2010. Age related increase of seroprevalence was identified in 1–3 years old children for EV71 and in 1–5 years old children for CA16 in Guangdong province. High GMT of EV71 and CA16 antibody titers were also found for these age groups.

Conclusions

All of the above findings indicated common infections for these age groups. And they should clearly be at the top of the priority in periodical seroprevalence survey and future vaccination campaign.
Cervical dystonia: effectiveness of a standardized physical therapy program; study design and protocol of a single blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: van den Dool Joost , Visser Bart , Koelman J Hans TM , Engelbert Raoul HH , Tijssen Marina AJ
Published: July 2013

Background

Cervical dystonia is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions of the neck and abnormal head positions that affect daily life activities and social life of patients. Patients are usually treated with botulinum toxin injections into affected neck muscles to relief pain and improve control of head postures. In addition, many patients are referred for physical therapy to improve their ability to perform activities of daily living. A recent review on allied health interventions in cervical dystonia showed a lack of randomized controlled intervention studies regarding the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions.

Methods/design

The (cost-) effectiveness of a standardized physical therapy program compared to regular physical therapy, both as add-on treatment to botulinum toxin injections will be determined in a multi-centre, single blinded randomized controlled trial with 100 cervical dystonia patients. Primary outcomes are disability in daily functioning assessed with the disability subscale of the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale. Secondary outcomes are pain, severity of dystonia, active range of motion of the head, quality of life, anxiety and depression. Data will be collected at baseline, after six months and one year by an independent blind assessor just prior to botulinum toxin injections. For the cost effectiveness, an additional economic evaluation will be performed with the costs per quality adjusted life-year as primary outcome parameter.

Discussion

Our study will provide new evidence regarding the (cost-) effectiveness of a standardized, tailored physical therapy program for patients with cervical dystonia. It is widely felt that allied health interventions, including physical therapy, may offer a valuable supplement to the current therapeutic options. A positive outcome will lead to a greater use of the standardized physical therapy program. For the Dutch situation a positive outcome implies that the standardized physical therapy program forms the basis for a national treatment guideline for cervical dystonia.

Trial registration

Number Dutch Trial registration (Nederlands Trial Register): NTR3437
Physical durability of PermaNet 2.0 long-lasting insecticidal nets over three to 32 months of use in Ethiopia
Authors: Wills Aprielle B , Smith Stephen C , Anshebo Gedeon Y , Graves Patricia M , Endeshaw Tekola , Shargie Estifanos B , Damte Mesele , Gebre Teshome , Mosher Aryc W , Patterson Amy E , Tesema Yohannes B , Richards Frank O , Emerson Paul M
Published: July 2013

Background

Ethiopia scaled up net distribution markedly starting in 2006. Information on expected net life under field conditions (physical durability and persistence of insecticidal activity) is needed to improve planning for net replacement. Standardization of physical durability assessment methods is lacking.

Methods

Permanet®2.0 long-lasting insecticidal bed nets (LLINs), available for distribution in early 2007, were collected from households at three time intervals. The number, size and location of holes were recorded for 189 nets used for three to six months from nine sites (2007) and 220 nets used for 14 to 20 months from 11 sites (2008). In 2009, a “finger/fist” sizing method classified holes in 200 nets used for 26 to 32 months from ten sites into small (<2 cm), medium (> = 2 to < =10 cm) and large (>10 cm) sizes. A proportionate hole index based on both hole number and area was derived from these size classifications.

Results

After three to six months, 54.5% (95% CI 47.1-61.7%) of 189 LLINs had at least one hole 0.5 cm (in the longest axis) or larger; mean holes per net was 4.4 (SD 8.4), median was 1.0 (Inter Quartile Range [IQR] 0–5) and median size was 1 cm (IQR 1–2). At 14 to 20 months, 85.5% (95% CI 80.1-89.8%) of 220 nets had at least one hole with mean 29.1 (SD 50.1) and median 12 (IQR 3–36.5) holes per net, and median size of 1 cm (IQR 1–2). At 26 to 32 months, 92.5% of 200 nets had at least one hole with a mean of 62.2 (SD 205.4) and median of 23 (IQR 6–55.5) holes per net. The mean hole index was 24.3, 169.1 and 352.8 at the three time periods respectively. Repairs were rarely observed. The majority of holes were in the lower half of the net walls. The proportion of nets in ‘poor’ condition (hole index >300) increased from 0% at three to six months to 30% at 26 to 32 months.

Conclusions

Net damage began quickly: more than half the nets had holes by three to six months of use, with 40% of holes being larger than 2 cm. Holes continued to accumulate until 92.5% of nets had holes by 26 to 32 months of use. An almost complete lack of repairs shows the need for promoting proper use of nets and repairs, to increase LLIN longevity. Using the hole index, almost one third of the nets were classed as unusable and ineffective after two and a half years of potential use.
Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum and distribution of drug resistance haplotypes in Yemen
Authors: Al-Hamidhi Salama , Mahdy Mohammed AK , Al-Hashami Zainab , Al-Farsi Hissa , Al-mekhlafi Abdulsalam M , Idris Mohamed A , Beja-Pereira Albano , Babiker Hamza A
Published: July 2013

Background

Despite evident success of malaria control in many sites in the Arabian Peninsula, malaria remains endemic in a few spots, in Yemen and south-west of Saudi Arabia. In addition to local transmission, imported malaria sustains an extra source of parasites that can challenge the strengths of local control strategies. This study examined the genetic diversity ofPlasmodium falciparumin Yemen and mutations of drug resistant genes, to elucidate parasite structure and distribution of drug resistance genotypes in the region.

Methods

Five polymorphic loci (MSP-2,Pfg377and three microsatellites on chromosome 8) not involved in anti-malarial drug resistance, and four drug resistant genes (pfcrt,pfmdr1,dhfranddhps) were genotyped in 108P.falciparumisolates collected in three sites in Yemen: Dhamar, Hodeidah and Taiz.

Results

High diversity was seen in non-drug genes,pfg377(He = 0.66),msp-2(He = 0.80) and three microsatellites on chr 8, 7.7 kb (He = 0.88), 4.3 kb (He = 0.77) and 0.8 kb (He = 0.71). There was a high level of mixed-genotype infections (57%), with an average 1.8 genotypes per patient. No linkage disequilibrium was seen between drug resistant genes and the non-drug markers (p < 0.05). Genetic differentiation between populations was low (most pair-wiseFSTvalues <0.03), indicating extensive gene flow between the parasites in the three sites.

There was a high prevalence of mutations inpfmdr1,pfcrtanddhfr; with four mutantpfmdr1genotypes (NFCDD[57%], NFSND[21%], YFCDD[13%] and YFSND[8% ]), two mutantpfcrtgenotypes (CVIET[89%] and SVMNT[4%]) and one mutantdhfrgenotype (ICNI[53.7%]). However, nodhpsmutations were detected.

Conclusion

The high diversity ofP.falciparumin Yemen is indicative of a large parasite reservoir, which represents a challenge to control efforts. The presence of two distinctpfcrtgenotype, CVIET and SVMNT, suggests that chloroquine resistance can possibly be related to a migratory path from Africa and Asia. The absence of the triple mutantdhfrgenotype (IRN) anddhpsmutations supports the use of artesunate + sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine as first-line therapy. However, the prevalentpfmdr1genotype NFSND [21%] has previously been associated with tolerance/resistance response to artemisinin combination therapy (ACT). Regular surveys are, therefore, important to monitor spread of pfmdr1 and dhfr mutations and response to ACT.
‘Help for Hay Fever’, a goal-focused intervention for people with intermittent allergic rhinitis, delivered in Scottish community pharmacies: study protocol for a pilot cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Porteous Terry , Wyke Sally , Smith Sarah , Bond Christine , Francis Jill , Lee Amanda J , Lowrie Richard , Scotland Graham , Sheikh Aziz , Thomas Mike , Smith Lorraine
Published: July 2013

Background

Despite the availability of evidence-based guidelines for managing allergic rhinitis in primary care, management of the condition in the United Kingdom (UK) remains sub-optimal. Its high prevalence and negative effects on quality of life, school performance, productivity and co-morbid respiratory conditions (in particular, asthma), and high health and societal costs, make this a priority for developing novel models of care. Recent Australian research demonstrated the potential of a community pharmacy-based ‘goal-focused’ intervention to help people with intermittent allergic rhinitis to self-manage their condition better, reduce symptom severity and improve quality of life. In this pilot study we will assess the transferability of the goal-focused intervention to a UK context, the suitability of the intervention materials, procedures and outcome measures and collect data to inform a future definitive UK randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Methods/Design

A pilot cluster RCT with associated preliminary economic analysis and embedded qualitative evaluation. The pilot trial will take place in two Scottish Health Board areas: Grampian and Greater Glasgow & Clyde. Twelve community pharmacies will be randomly assigned to intervention or usual care group. Each will recruit 12 customers seeking advice or treatment for intermittent allergic rhinitis. Pharmacy staff in intervention pharmacies will support recruited customers in developing strategies for setting and achieving goals that aim to avoid/minimize triggers for, and eliminate/minimize symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Customers recruited in non-intervention pharmacies will receive usual care. The co-primary outcome measures, selected to inform a sample size calculation for a future RCT, are: community pharmacy and customer recruitment and completion rates; and effect size of change in the validated mini-Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire between baseline, one-week and six-weeks post-intervention. Secondary outcome measures relate to changes in symptom severity, productivity, medication adherence and self-efficacy. Quantitative data about accrual, retention and economic measures, and qualitative data about participants’ experiences during the trial will be collected to inform the future RCT.

Discussion

This work will lay the foundations for a definitive RCT of a community pharmacy-based ‘goal-focused’ self-management intervention for people with intermittent allergic rhinitis. Results of the pilot trial are expected to be available in April 2013.

Trial registration

Current Controlled TrialsISRCTN43606442
Lipofibroadenoma of the thymus: a case report
Authors: Qu Guimei , Yu Guohua , Zhang Qian , Ma Junjie , Wang Xiaolei
Published: July 2013

We observed an unusual case of Lipofibroadenoma (LFA) in the anterior mediastinum with a 21-year-old man, who was detected with a mass on a chest X-ray scan for one month. Thymothymectomy was then performed and the mass was excised completely, in which the tumor was histologically composed of epithelial cells, lymphocytes, mature adipose and fibrous tissue. Within the tumor, the fat cells was distributed singly or multifocally under the ground of fibro tissue with hyaline degeneration, and the epithelial cells were arranged as crack structure with lymphocytes infiltrated sparsely. By immunohistochemical staining assay, the epithelial cells were positive for AE1/AE3 and CK19, and the lymphocytes were CD3 and CD20 positive. Based on the histological characters, a diagnosis of LFA was made, and the total follow-up period was determined to be forty six months. The final repeated CT scan revealed no recurring or residual lesions were detected during the post-surgical course.

Virtual slide

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1500429801911703