bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Neutrophil Function by Two Tick Salivary Proteins
Authors: Guo Xiuyang , Booth Carmen J. , Paley Michael A. , Wang Xiaomei , DePonte Kathleen , Fikrig Erol , Narasimhan Sukanya , Montgomery Ruth R.
Published: March 2009

The saliva of hematophagous arthropods contains potent anti-inflammatory and antihemostatic activities that promote acquisition of the blood meal and enhance infection with pathogens. We have shown that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) treated with the saliva of the tick
Ixodes scapularis
have reduced expression of β
2
integrins, impaired PMN adherence, and reduced killing of
Borrelia burgdorferi
, the causative agent of Lyme disease. Here we describe two
Ixodes
proteins that are induced upon tick feeding and expressed predominantly in the salivary glands. Using saliva harvested from ticks with reduced levels of ISL 929 and ISL 1373 through targeted RNA interference knockdown, as well as purified recombinant proteins, we show the effects of these proteins on downregulation of PMN integrins and inhibition of the production of O
2
−
by PMN in vitro. Mice immunized with ISL 929/1373 had increased numbers of PMN at the site of tick attachment and a lower spirochete burden in the skin and joints 21 days after infection compared to control-immunized animals. Our results suggest that ISL 929 and ISL 1373 contribute to the inhibition of PMN functions shown previously with tick saliva and support important roles for these inhibitory proteins in the modulation of PMN function in vivo.
Reported awareness of tobacco advertising and promotion in China compared to Thailand, Australia and the USA
Authors: Li L , Yong H-H , Borland R , Fong G T , Thompson M E , Jiang Y , Yang Y , Sirirassamee B , Hastings G , Harris F
Published: March 2009

Background:

China currently does not have comprehensive laws or regulations on tobacco advertising and promotion, although it ratified the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) in October 2005 and promised to ban all tobacco advertising by January 2011. Much effort is needed to monitor the current situation of tobacco advertising and promotion in China.

Objective:

This study aims to examine levels of awareness of tobacco advertising and promotion among smokers in China as compared to other countries with different levels of restrictions.

Methods:

One developing country (Thailand) and two developed countries (Australia and the USA) were selected for comparison. All four countries are part of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Policy Evaluation Survey project. Between 2005 and 2006, parallel ITC surveys were conducted among adult smokers (at least smoked weekly) in China (n = 4763), Thailand (n = 2000), Australia (n = 1767) and the USA (n = 1780). Unprompted and prompted recall of noticing tobacco advertising and promotion were measured.

Results:

Chinese respondents reported noticing tobacco advertisements in a range of channels and venues, with highest exposure levels on television (34.5%), billboards (33.4%) and in stores (29.2%). A quarter of respondents noticed tobacco sponsorships, and a high level of awareness of promotion was reported. Cross-country comparison reveals that overall reported awareness was significantly higher in China than in Thailand (particularly) and Australia, but lower than in the USA.

Conclusions:

There is a big gap between China and the better-performing countries such as Thailand and Australia regarding tobacco promotion restrictions. China needs to do more, including enhanced policy and more robust enforcement.
Response of aboveground biomass increment, growth efficiency, and foliar nutrients to thinning, fertilization, and pruning in young Douglas-fir plantations in the central Oregon Cascades
Authors: Velazquez-Martinez Alejandro , Perry David A. , Bell Tom E.
Published: March 2009

The effect of thinning and cultural practices (multinutrient fertilization, pruning) on total aboveground biomass increment and growth efficiency was studied over three consecutive 2-year periods (1981–1987) in young Douglas-fir (Pseudotsugamenziesii (Mirb.) Franco) plantations. Net aboveground biomass increment over the 6-year period averaged 14.5, 7.8, and 5.5 Mg•ha−1•year−1 for the high-, medium-, and low-density plots, respectively. Growth efficiency, after dropping sharply between leaf area indexes of 1 and 6 m2/m2, remained relatively constant up to a leaf area index of 17, the highest measured. Consequently, aboveground biomass increment continued to increase at leaf area indexes well above that at which the Beer–Lambert law predicts maximum light should be absorbed. Foliage analyses indicate that thinning improved nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium nutrition and increased the translocation of potassium from 1-year-old foliage to support new growth. However, fertilization increased foliar nitrogen and phosphorus contents only when coupled with pruning, suggesting that trees favor total leaf area over individual needle nutrition. Indications of potassium and magnesium limitations in this study are supported by other recent studies in Douglas-fir. Further work on the role of multinutrient deficiencies in this species is warranted.
DEFORMED BOSON ALGEBRA AND PROJECTION OPERATOR OF VACUUM IN NONCOMMUTATIVE PHASE SPACE
Authors: LIN BINGSHENG , GUAN YONG , JING SICONG
Published: March 2009

In this paper we introduce a new formalism to analyze Fock space structure of noncommutative phase space (NCPS). Based on this new formalism, we derive deformed boson commutation relations and study corresponding deformed Fock space, especially its vacuum structure, which leads to get a form of the vacuum projection operator. As an example of applications of such an operator, we define two-mode coherent state in the NCPS and show its completeness relation.
HIGH-PRESSURE SYNTHESIS AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF NbSr2(Dy1.5Ce0.5)Cu2O10
Authors: BALAMURUGAN S.
Published: March 2009

In the present study, we have successfully synthesized and structurally characterized a new 1222-type Dy -based niobio-cuprate for the first time with the chemical formula, NbSr 2( Dy 1.5 Ce 0.5) Cu 2 O 10 by high-pressure and elevated temperature technique under different synthesis conditions. A good quality polycrystalline ceramic sample was prepared at 1723 K and 6 GPa for 2 h. The title compound crystallizes in a tetragonal symmetry of space group I4/mmm with lattice parameters a = b = 3.864(5) Åand c = 28.68(4) Å. The temperature dependence of (low field) magnetic susceptibilities reveals mixed magnetic state at ~ 26 K. The shape of the M(H) curve measured at 1.8 K data suggests canted antiferromagnetic interaction in this title compound. The temperature dependence of electrical resistivity shows semiconducting behavior and a relatively large negative magnetoresistance (~ 4%) appears around 200 K. A detailed study on the synthesis, structural, magnetic and transport properties is presented in this article.
GENOME HALVING WITH DOUBLE CUT AND JOIN
Authors: WARREN ROBERT , SANKOFF DAVID
Published: March 2009

The genome halving problem, previously solved by El-Mabrouk for inversions and reciprocal translocations, is here solved in a more general context allowing transpositions and block interchange as well, for genomes including multiple linear and circular chromosomes. We apply this to several datasets and compare the results to the previous algorithm.
IDENTITIES IN BIREGULAR LEFTMOST GRAPH VARIETIES OF TYPE (2,0)
Authors: Anantpiniwatna Apinant , Poomsa-Ard Tiang
Published: March 2009

Graph algebras establish a connection between directed graphs without multiple edges and special universal algebras of type (2,0). We say that a graph G satisfies a term equation s ≈ t if the corresponding graph algebra A(G) satisfies s ≈ t. A class of graph algebras V is called a graph variety if V = ModgΣ where Σ is a subset of T(X) × T(X). A graph variety V' = ModgΣ' is called a biregular leftmost graph variety if Σ' is a set of biregular leftmost term equations. A term equation s ≈ t is called an identity in a variety V if G satisfies s ≈ t for all G ∈ V.

In this paper we characterize identities in each biregular leftmost graph variety. For identities, varieties and other basic concepts of universal algebra see e.g. [1].
Cellular Liver Regeneration after Extended Hepatic Resection in Pigs
Authors: Ladurner Ruth , Traub Frank , Schenk Martin , Königsrainer Alfred , Glatzle Jörg
Published: March 2009

Background. The liver has an enormous capacity to regenerate itself. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the regeneration is due to hypertrophy or hyperplasia of the remnant liver after extended resection and whether a portosystemic shunt is beneficial. Material and methods. An extended left hemihepatectomy was performed in 25 pigs, and in 14 after performing a portosystemic shunt. During follow up, liver regeneration was estimated by macroscopic markers such as liver volume and size of the portal fields as well as the amount of hepatocytes per portal field and the amount of hepatocytes per . Results. Regardless of the operation procedure, the volume of the remnant liver increased about 2.5 fold at the end of the first week after resection. The size of the portal fields increased significantly as well as the number of hepatocytes in the portal fields. Interestingly, the number of hepatocytes per remained the same. Conclusion. After extended resection, liver regeneration was achieved by an extensive and significant hyperplasia of hepatocytes within the preexisting portal fields and not by de novo synthesis of new portal fields. However, there was no difference in liver regeneration regarding the operation procedure performed with or without portosystemic shunt.
Single and Multiple Phase Shifts Tilted Fiber Bragg Gratings
Authors: Cusano Andrea , Paladino Domenico , Iadicicco Agostino , Campopiano Stefania , Caucheteur Christophe
Published: March 2009

The spectral behavior of single and multiple phase shifts tilted fiber Bragg gratings has been experimentally investigated. To this aim, a simple and cost‐effective postprocessing technique based on local thermal treatment was used to create arbitrary phase shifts along the tilted grating structure. In particular, UV written tilted fiber Bragg gratings were treated by the electric arc discharge to erase the refractive index modulation in well‐defined regions. We demonstrate that these defects give rise to interference pattern for all modes, and thus defect states can be achieved within all the attenuation bands, enabling a simple wavelength independent spectral tailoring of this
class of devices.
Means of Question‐Answer Interaction for Collaborative Development Activity
Authors: Sosnin Petr
Published: March 2009

The key problem of successful developing of the software intensive system (SIS) is adequate conceptual interactions of stakeholders at the early stages of designing. Nowadays the success of development is extremely low. It can be increased with using artificial intelligence (AI) means including models of reasoning supported by the human‐computer interaction in collaborative development activity. In this paper, a number of question‐answer means for modeling reasoning are suggested. Such kind of means is defined and implemented in order to get effects of integrating the collective reasoning for their positive influence on the intellectual activity of designers. Question‐answer means are arranged as a specialized processor opening the possibility to question‐answer programming of the tasks on the conceptual stage of designing. Suggested and investigated means can be used for solving any complicated task.
Near-Resonant Ocean Response to Sea Breeze on a Stratified Continental Shelf
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqian , DiMarco Steven F. , Smith David C. , Howard Matthew K. , Jochens Ann E. , Hetland Robert D.
Published: March 2009

The spatial structure and temporal characteristics of sea breeze and the associated coastal ocean response in the northwest Gulf of Mexico are investigated using moored instruments, hydrographic stations, and wind measurements. Near the study area of 30°N, motions in the diurnal–inertial band (DIB) may be significantly enhanced by a near-resonant condition between local inertial and diurnal forcing frequencies. Wavelet analysis is used to quantify the results. Results indicate that diurnal sea-breeze variability peaks in summer and extends at least 300 km offshore with continuous seaward phase propagation. The maximum DIB oceanic response occurs in June when there is a shallow mixed layer, strong stratification, and an approximately 10-day period of continuous sea-breeze forcing. DIB current variance decreases in July and August as the consequence of the deepening of the mixed layer and a more variable phase relationship between the wind and current. River discharge varies interannually and can significantly alter the oceanic response during summer. The “great flood” of the Mississippi River in 1993 deepened the summer mixed layer and reduced the sea-breeze response during that year. Vertically, DIB currents are surface intensified, with a first baroclinic modal structure. The significance of these DIB motions on the shelf is that they can provide considerable vertical mixing in summer, as seen by the suppression of the bulk Richardson number (by a factor of 30) during strong DIB events. This provides a potential mechanism to ventilate seasonally occurring near-bottom hypoxic waters of the coastal ocean.
Vaccination with recombinant Boophilus annulatus Bm86 ortholog protein, Ba86, protects cattle against B. annulatus and B. microplus infestations
Authors: Canales Mario , Almazán Consuelo , Naranjo Victoria , Jongejan Frans , de la Fuente José
Published: March 2009

Background

The cattle ticks,Boophilusspp., affect cattle production in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Tick vaccines constitute a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to tick control. The recombinantB. microplusBm86 protective antigen has been shown to protect cattle against tick infestations. Recently, the gene coding forB. annulatusBm86 ortholog, Ba86, was cloned and the recombinant protein was secreted and purified from the yeastPichia pastoris.

Results

Recombinant Ba86 (Israel strain) was used to immunize cattle to test its efficacy for the control ofB. annulatus(Mercedes, Texas, USA strain) andB. microplus(Susceptible, Mexico strain) infestations. Bm86 (Gavac and Mozambique strain) and adjuvant/saline were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Vaccination with Ba86 reduced tick infestations (71% and 40%), weight (8% and 15%), oviposition (22% and 5%) and egg fertility (25% and 50%) forB. annulatusandB. microplus, respectively. The efficacy of both Ba86 and Bm86 was higher forB. annulatusthan forB. microplus. The efficacy of Ba86 was higher forB. annulatus(83.0%) than forB. microplus(71.5%). The efficacy of Bm86 (Gavac; 85.2%) but not Bm86 (Mozambique strain; 70.4%) was higher than that of Ba86 (71.5%) onB. microplus. However, the efficacy of Bm86 (both Gavac and Mozambique strain; 99.6%) was higher than that of Ba86 (83.0%) onB. annulatus.

Conclusion

These experiments showed the efficacy of recombinant Ba86 for the control ofB. annulatusandB. microplusinfestations in cattle and suggested that physiological differences betweenB. microplusandB. annulatusand those encoded in the sequence of Bm86 orthologs may be responsible for the differences in susceptibility of these tick species to Bm86 vaccines.
Costs and cost-effectiveness of vector control in Eritrea using insecticide-treated bed nets
Authors: Yukich Joshua O , Zerom Mehari , Ghebremeskel Tewolde , Tediosi Fabrizio , Lengeler Christian
Published: March 2009

Background

While insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) are a recognized effective method for preventing malaria, there has been an extensive debate in recent years about the best large-scale implementation strategy. Implementation costs and cost-effectiveness are important elements to consider when planning ITN programmes, but so far little information on these aspects is available from national programmes.

Methods

This study uses a standardized methodology, as part of a larger comparative study, to collect cost data and cost-effectiveness estimates from a large programme providing ITNs at the community level and ante-natal care facilities in Eritrea. This is a unique model of ITN implementation fully integrated into the public health system.

Results

Base case analysis results indicated that the average annual cost of ITN delivery (2005 USD 3.98) was very attractive when compared with past ITN delivery studies at different scales. Financing was largely from donor sources though the Eritrean government and net users also contributed funding. The intervention's cost-effectiveness was in a highly attractive range for sub-Saharan Africa. The cost per DALY averted was USD 13 – 44. The cost per death averted was USD 438–1449. Distribution of nets coincided with significant increases in coverage and usage of nets nationwide, approaching or exceeding international targets in some areas.

Conclusion

ITNs can be cost-effectively delivered at a large scale in sub-Saharan Africa through a distribution system that is highly integrated into the health system. Operating and sustaining such a system still requires strong donor funding and support as well as a functional and extensive system of health facilities and community health workers already in place.
Septic arthritis as a severe complication of elective arthroscopy:clinical management strategies
Authors: Kirchhoff Chlodwig , Braunstein Volker , Paul Jochen , Imhoff Andreas B , Hinterwimmer Stefan
Published: March 2009

Infection of a peripheral joint following arthroscopic surgery presents with an incidence of approximately 0.42% an extremely rare entity. However, septic arthritis is a serious situation possibly leading to an irreparable joint damage. Especially at delayed diagnosis patients' safety can be endangered severely. Only few precise statements regarding diagnosis and therapy have been published so far. Besides an accurate analysis of the patient's anamnesis and the assessment of the C-reactive protein especially arthrocentesis is required for diagnostic workup. For early stage infections arthroscopic therapy is proven to be of value. In addition a calculated and consecutive germ-adjusted antibiotic therapy is essential. In case of persisting signs of infection the indication for re-arthroscopy or conversion to open revision has to be stated in time. The number of necessary revisions is dependent on the initial stage of infection. For pain therapy postoperative immobilization of the affected joint is occasionally essential, if otherwise possibly early mobilization of the joint should be performed.
Why psychiatry can't afford to be neurophobic
Authors: Bullmore Ed , Fletcher Paul , Jones Peter B.
Published: March 2009

The original vision of psychiatry was as a medicine – or physic – of the mind. If psychiatry aspires to be a progressive modern medicine of the mind, it should be fully engaged with the science of the brain. We summarise and rebut three countervailing or ‘neurophobic’ propositions and aim to show that not one provides a compelling argument for neurophobia. We suggest that there are several ways in which psychiatry could organise itself professionally to better advance and communicate the theoretical and therapeutic potential of a brain-based medicine of the mind.
Road testing programme budgeting and marginal analysis: Norfolk Mental Health pilot project
Authors: Ball Hadrian , Kemp Linda , Fordham Ric
Published: March 2009

Aims and Method

Programme budgeting and marginal analysis (PBMA) is a recognised tool for commissioning healthcare. the objectives of this project were to test the acceptability, data availability and practical value of PBMA within the sphere of mental health. the PBMA methodology was applied to the consideration of Norfolk Primary Care Trust's National Health Service expenditure on mental health for the fiscal year 2006/7.

Results

The project successfully attracted the interest of, and contribution from, important stakeholders with the exception of general practitioners. the process led to the identification of areas for disinvestment, releasing funds to be made available for the development of new services, or enhancement of existing services.

Clinical Implications

Programme budgeting and marginal analysis is a useful structured tool for the commissioning of mental health services. It is essential, however, that psychiatrists fully engage with the process in order to have an influence over the future direction of mental health services.
Cost Effectiveness of Ixabepilone Plus Capecitabine for Metastatic Breast Cancer Progressing After Anthracycline and Taxane Treatment
Authors: Reed Shelby D. , Li Yanhong , Anstrom Kevin J. , Schulman Kevin A.
Published: March 2009

Purpose

Using data from a recent randomized trial, we evaluated the cost effectiveness of ixabepilone plus capecitabine versus capecitabine alone in patients with predominantly metastatic breast cancer considered to be taxane-resistant and previously treated with or resistant to an anthracycline.

Methods

We developed a stochastic decision-analytic model to represent data collected in the trial on medical resource use, health-related quality of life, and clinical outcomes. Estimates of overall survival were conditional on level of tumor response. We assigned monthly costs and utility weights according to periods defined by the duration of study treatment, time from discontinuation of the study drug until disease progression, and from progression until death and were specific to the level of response and receipt of subsequent therapy. Medical resources were valued in 2008 US dollars. We performed Monte Carlo simulations and sensitivity analyses to evaluate model uncertainty.

Results

Overall survival was significantly associated with level of tumor response (P < .001). Total costs were estimated at $60,900 for patients receiving ixabepilone plus capecitabine and $30,000 for patients receiving capecitabine alone. The estimated gain in life expectancy with ixabepilone was 1.96 months (95% CI, 1.36 to 2.64 months); the estimated gain in quality-adjusted survival was 1.06 months (95% CI, 0.09 to 2.03 months). The resulting incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $359,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (95% CI, $183,000 to $4,030,000). In sensitivity analyses, the results were robust to changes in numerous inputs and assumptions.

Conclusion

Addition of ixabepilone to capecitabine adds approximately $31,000 to overall medical costs and affords approximately 1 additional month of quality-adjusted survival.
Experimental study of the plane of symmetry flow structure upstream of blunt bodies with tip clearance
Authors: Khan Javed M , Tay E
Published: March 2009

Flow field in the plane of symmetry, upstream of circular and square cross-section blunt bodies mounted perpendicular to a flat plate with varying clearance between the obstacle tip and the flat plate, was experimentally studied in a water tunnel for a Reynolds numbers of 1400—3100. Qualitative aspects of the flow were captured using flow visualization. Detailed mapping of the flow field was carried out using planar particle image velocimetry (PIV). The existence of a multiple vortex system with characteristics similar to that of end-wall flows of surface-mounted obstacles with zero gap was noted. For large gap values, a jet-like flow was observed in the flow visualization; however, PIV measurements revealed the presence of the characteristic juncture vortex system even for such a configuration. The primary vortex of the square cylinder was observed to be further upstream as compared with the circular cylinder and moved closer to the cylinder surface with increasing Reynolds number. The vortex system for the square cylinder oscillated at a higher frequency. Increasing the tip gap resulted in the upstream movement of the primary vortex and reduction in amplitude and frequency of oscillation for both the cross-sections. The end-wall flow for the square cross-section cylinder was found to be more sensitive to variation in the tip gap.
The Age of Milton Friedman
Authors: Shleifer Andrei
Published: March 2009

Between 1980 and 2005, as the world embraced free market policies, living standards rose sharply, while life expectancy, educational attainment, and democracy improved and absolute poverty declined. Is this a coincidence? A collection of essays edited by Balcerowicz and Fischer argues that indeed reliance on free market forces is key to economic growth. A book by Stiglitz and others disagrees. I review and compare the two arguments.
Global Optimization for Generalized Geometric Programs with Mixed Free-Sign Variables
Authors: Li Han-Lin , Lu Hao-Chun
Published: March 2009

Many optimization problems are formulated as generalized geometric programming (GGP) containing signomial terms f(X)·g(Y), where X and Y are continuous and discrete free-sign vectors, respectively. By effectively convexifying f(X) and linearizing g(Y), this study globally solves a GGP with a lower number of binary variables than are used in current GGP methods. Numerical experiments demonstrate the computational efficiency of the proposed method.
Time-Changed Birth Processes and Multiname Credit Derivatives
Authors: Ding Xiaowei , Giesecke Kay , Tomecek Pascal I.
Published: March 2009

A credit investor such as a bank granting loans to firms or an asset manager buying corporate bonds is exposed to correlated corporate default risk. A multiname credit derivative is a financial security that allows the investor to transfer this risk to the credit market. In this paper, we study the valuation and risk analysis of multiname derivatives. To capture the complex economic phenomena that drive the pricing of these securities, we introduce a time-changed birth process as a probabilistic model of correlated event timing. The self-exciting property of a time-changed birth process captures the feedback from events that is often observed in credit markets. The stochastic variation of arrival rates between events captures the exposure of firms to common economic risk factors. We derive a closed-form expression for the distribution of a time-changed birth process, and develop analytically tractable pricing relations for a range of multiname derivatives valuation problems. We illustrate our results by calibrating a tranche forward and option pricer to market rates of index and tranche swaps.
Digital templating in hip replacement with and without radiological markers
Authors: Heinert G. , Hendricks J. , Loeffler M. D.
Published: March 2009

Digital templating in hip replacement is commonly performed with radiological markers to determine the magnification. The latter can also be determined by measuring the distance from the x-ray focal spot to the object and the distance from the x-ray focal spot to the radiological cassette or image receptor. We used post-operative radiographs of total hip replacements and hemiarthroplasties from 22 patients to calculate the magnification using both methods. The accuracy of each method was ascertained by measuring the size of the head of the implant projected on to the radiographs and comparing the result with the known size recorded in the medical records.

The accuracy was found to be similar with a mean absolute measurement error of 2.6% (sd 1.4; 0.0% to 5.2%) for the radiological marker and 2.8% (sd 2.2; 0.4% to 10.1%) for the distance method (p = 0.75). The mean radiation dose for templating radiographs (pelvis and lateral of the hip) was similar when taken using a radiological marker (328 mSv sd 142) (n = 51) or using the distance measurement method (324 mSv sd 39) (n = 39) (p = 0.90).

We conclude that the distance measuring method is as accurate as the radiological marker method, but may avoid some of the disadvantages such as misplacement of the marker or placement outside the radiological field. It may also be more acceptable to the patient and radiographer.
Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis Mimicked in Childhood Hypophosphatasia
Authors: Whyte Michael P , Wenkert Deborah , McAlister William H , Mughal M Zulf , Freemont Anthony J , Whitehouse Richard , Baildam Eileen M , Coburn Stephen P , Ryan Lawrence M , Mumm Steven
Published: March 2009

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is the inborn error of metabolism characterized by low serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity caused by inactivating mutations within TNSALP, the gene that encodes the “tissue-nonspecific” isoenzyme of ALP (TNSALP). In HPP, extracellular accumulation of inorganic pyrophosphate, a TNSALP substrate, inhibits hydroxyapatite crystal growth leading to rickets or osteomalacia. Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is the pediatric syndrome of periarticular pain and radiographic changes resembling infectious osteomyelitis but without lesional pathogens. Some consider CRMO to be an autoinflammatory disease. An unrelated boy and girl with the childhood form of HPP suffered chronic, multifocal, periarticular pain, and soft tissue swelling. To investigate this unusual complication, we evaluated their cumulative clinical, biochemical, radiological, and histopathological findings and performed mutation analysis of their TNSALP alleles. The earliest radiographic disturbances were typical of childhood HPP. Subsequently, changes consistent with CRMO developed at sites where there was pain, including lucencies, osteosclerosis, and marked expansion of the underlying metaphyses. Bone marrow edema was shown by MRI. Biopsies of affected bone showed nonspecific histopathological findings and no pathogens. The boy was heterozygous (c.1133A>T, p.D378V) and the girl compound heterozygous (c.350A>G, p.Y117C, c.400_401AC>CA, p.T134H) for different TNSALP missense mutations. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs diminished their pain, which improved or resolved at maturity. HPP should be considered when CRMO is a diagnostic possibility. Metaphyseal radiographic changes and marrow edema associated with periarticular bone pain and soft tissue swelling suggestive of osteomyelitis can complicate childhood HPP.
Long-Term Leisure Time Physical Activity and Properties of Bone: A Twin Study
Authors: Ma Hongqiang , Leskinen Tuija , Alen Markku , Cheng Sulin , Sipilä Sarianna , Heinonen Ari , Kaprio Jaakko , Suominen Harri , Kujala Urho M
Published: March 2009

Effects of physical activity on bone properties, when controlled for genetic effects, are not fully understood. We aimed to study the association between long-term leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and bone properties using twin pairs known to be discordant for leisure time physical activity for at least 30 yr. Volumetric BMD and geometric properties were measured at the tibia shaft and distal end using pQCT in 16 middle-aged (50–74 yr) same-sex twin pairs (seven monozygotic [MZ] and nine dizygotic [DZ] pairs) selected from a population-based cohort. Paired differences between active and inactive co-twins were studied. Active members of MZ twin pairs had larger cortical bone cross-sectional area (intrapair difference: 8%, p = 0.006), thicker cortex (12%, p = 0.003), and greater moment of inertia (Imax, 20%, p = 0.024) at the tibia shaft than their inactive co-twins. At the distal tibia, trabecular BMD (12%, p = 0.050) and compressive strength index (18%, p = 0.038) were also higher in physically active MZ pair members than their inactive co-twins. The trends were similar, but less consistently so, in DZ pairs as in MZ pairs. Our genetically controlled study design shows that LTPA during adulthood strengthens bones in a site-specific manner, that is, the long bone shaft has a thicker cortex, and thus higher bending strength, whereas the distal bone has higher trabecular density and compressive strength. These results suggest that LTPA has a potential causal role in decreasing the long-term risk of osteoporosis and thus preventing osteoporotic fractures.
Genetic and Environmental Covariations Among Obsessive–Compulsive Symptoms, Neuroticism, and Extraversion in South Korean Adolescent and Young Adult Twins
Authors: Hur Yoon-Mi
Published: March 2009

A growing literature suggests that personality traits may be endophenotype markers for psychiatric illnesses. Although the phenotypic relationships between obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and high neuroticism and low extraversion have been well documented, underlying genetic and environmental contributions to these associations have not been explored previously. Five hundred and twenty-four monozygoitc (MZ) and 228 dizygotic (DZ) pairs of adolescent and young adult twins (aged 13–24 years) drawn from the South Korean Twin Registry completed the Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) and the Neuroticism and Extraversion scale of the Eysenck Personality Scale by mail. The total score of MOCI (MOCIT) was significantly and positively correlated with Neuroticism (r= .44), but only weakly and negatively related to Extraversion (r= –.10). A trivariate Cholesky model was applied to the data. The additive genetic correlations in the best-fitting model were .51 between Neuroticism and MOCIT and –.17 between Extraversion and MOCIT, suggesting that additive genetic factors that lead to high neuroticism and low extraversion overlap with those genetic factors influencing high OC symptoms. These findings add to the cumulative evidence of the shared genetic etiology for the associations between a personality profile of high neuroticism and low extraversion and mental illnesses.
Heritability and Linkage Analysis of Appendicitis Utilizing Age at Onset
Authors: Oldmeadow Christopher , Mengersen Kerrie , Martin Nicholas , Duffy David L.
Published: March 2009

Appendicitis usually afflicts the young, but there is a large tail in the distribution of onset age. The genetics of this disease are still not well understood. A heritability analysis and genome wide linkage analysis of a large twin dataset was undertaken. Treating age of onset of appendicitis as a censored survival trait revealed a heritability of 0.21, and found evidence of linkage to Chromosome 1p37.3.
Discordant Outcomes in a Case of Parvovirus B19 Transmission Into Both Dichorionic Twins
Authors: Schiesser Monika , Sergi Consolato , Enders Martin , Maul Holger , Schnitzler Paul
Published: March 2009

Maternal infection with parvovirus B19 during pregnancy can cause aplastic anemia in the fetus and may lead to nonimmune fetal hydrops and fetal demise. Twin pregnancies complicated by infection due to parvovirus B19 are very rare clinical events. We present a dichorionic, diamniotic, dizygotic twin pregnancy after in vitro fertilization with parvovirus B19 infection and viral transmission to both twins, but different outcomes. At 19 weeks gestation, hydrops fetalis was diagnosed for male twin A, female twin B did not show any abnormalities. At 22 weeks gestation an acute parvovirus B19 infection was detected and twin A was diagnosed with intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) by ultrasound at 23 weeks gestation. Viral DNA was detected in maternal blood as well as in placenta and liver tissue of this twin. Twin B was born at 35 weeks gestation asymptomatically and no signs of hydrops or other congenital anomalies but viral DNA was detected by PCR in serum. At the age of 2 years, both IgG titres against B19 and parvovirus DNA amplification copies were still positive in plasma of the surviving twin, but no clinical signs were detectable. It is remarkable that both twins were infected with parvovirus B19 early in pregnancy but showed a discordant clinical outcome. Our case report describes the rare occurrence of an intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) of one twin and the asymptomatic infection of the other in a twin pregnancy.
Statistical Analyses of Hellin's Law
Authors: Fellman Johan , Eriksson Aldur W.
Published: March 2009

During the history of research on multiple maternities, Hellin's law has played a central role as a rule of thumb. It is mathematically simple and approximately correct, but shows discrepancies that are difficult to explain or to eliminate. It has been mathematically proven that Hellin's law does not hold as a general rule. Varying improvements to this law have been proposed. In this paper, we consider how Hellin's law can be used and tested in statistical analyses of the rates of multiple maternities. Such studies can never confirm the law, but only identify errors too large to be characterized as random. It is of particular interest to determine why the rates of higher multiple maternities are sometimes too high or too low when Hellin's law is used as a benchmark. Excesses of triplet and quadruplet maternities are particularly unexpected and challenging. Our analyses of triplet and quadruplet rates indicated that triplet rates are closer to Hellin's law than quadruplet rates. According to our analyses of the twinning rate and the transformed triplet rate and quadruplet rate for Sweden (1751–2000), both triplet and quadruplet rates showed excesses after the 1960s. This is mainly caused by artificial fertility-enhancing reproduction technologies. Regression analyses of twinning and triplet rates yield rather good fits, but deficiencies in the triplet rates are commonly present. We introduced measures of concordance between triplet rates with Hellin's law. According to these measures, historic data showed deficiencies in triplet rates, but recent data revealed excesses, especially found among older mothers. The excesses obtained are in good agreement with other studies of recent data.
The liaison between apoptotic cells and macrophages – the end programs the beginning
Authors: Weigert Andreas , Jennewein Carla , Brüne Bernhard
Published: March 2009

The efficient execution of apoptotic cell death with the clearance of apoptotic debris by phagocytes is a key regulatory mechanism ensuring tissue homeostasis. Failure in this execution program contributes to the pathogenesis of many human diseases. In this review, we describe the current knowledge regarding the interaction of apoptotic cells with their professional ‘captors’, the macrophages, with special emphasis on the immunological outcome. Removal of apoptotic cells must be considered as a process that actively delivers signals to polarize macrophages, which are fundamental for the resolution of inflammation. However, the sculpting of macrophage responses by apoptotic cells can be misused under certain inflammatory disease conditions, including tumor development.
Cathepsin B release from rodent intestine mucosa due to mechanical injury results in extracellular matrix damage in early post-traumatic phases
Authors: Vreemann Anna , Qu Hong , Mayer Kristina , Andersen Louise Bjorkholt , Stefana M. Irina , Wehner Sven , Lysson Mariola , Farcas Anca M. , Peters Christoph , Reinheckel Thomas , Kalff Jörg , Brix Klaudia
Published: March 2009

An in vivo model was used to investigate the role of cathepsins in mouse intestine after mechanical manipulation. Inspection of different intestine segments by immunofluorescence microscopy provided evidence for a local release of cathepsin B from cells of individual gut sections shortly after traumatic injury. Densitometry of immunoblots ruled out alterations in cathepsin B expression levels. Because similar results were obtained with both mouse and rat intestine trauma models, we were interested in identifying potential targets of released cathepsin B in early post-traumatic phases. Immunoblotting revealed initial declines followed by an increase in protein levels of claudin-1 and E-cadherin, indicating that tight junctions and cell-cell adhesions were only transiently compromised by surgical trauma. Apical aminopeptidase N and dipeptidyl peptidase IV were only slightly affected, whereas basolateral low-density lipoprotein receptors were strongly up-regulated in response to trauma. As potential targets of cathepsin B released from injured cells, we identified collagen IV and laminin of the basement membrane that was damaged during initial post-traumatic stages. Because increased collagen IV expression was observed in the intestine of cathepsin B-deficient animals, we propose a direct role of cathepsin B in that it contributes to acute post-traumatic extracellular matrix damage and may thereby facilitate onset of post-operative ileus.
Chapter 2-Review of the State of the Art: Allograft-Based Systems for Use as Bone Graft Substitutes
Authors: Tomford WW , Poynton AR , Lane JM
Published: March 2009

THE IDEAL BONE GRAFT SUBSTITUTE should contain all three prerequisites for new bone formation. These are osteoinductive factors that induce bone formation, osteoconductive matrix to provide both physical support and direction to the reparative process, and osteogenic stem cells that are capable of differentiating towards bone forming cells. No allograft system contains all three of these factors. Allograft osteogenic cells do not survive transplantation and the osteoinductive capacity of many allograft systems is variable. When one or more of these vital ingredients is absent the host environment must be relied upon to produce the missing factor. Fusion and union rates using autograft remains the gold standard in clinical practice and the results of any bone graft substitute must be compared to autograft. Autograft has major disadvantages that are well documented and include donor site morbidity, increased operative time and blood loss, and often, most importantly, limited quantity [1]. Allograft bone is a widely used alternative; however, its inherent properties are dependent on many factors that affect its efficacy. To make those who use allograft bone products aware of these factors is the purpose of this article. Two categories of allograft exist, mineralized and demineralized; each will be considered in turn.
Chapter 14-Calcium Sulfate-Based Bone Void Substitutes
Authors: Agrawal M , Katti DS , Haggard WO , Richelsoph KC , Parr JE
Published: March 2009

THE USE OF CALCIUM SULFATE as a bone graft implant has been reported in the clinical literature for more than a century. The history of calcium sulfate usage for both dental and orthopedic applications can be found in reviews by many authors including Bahn, Damien, Hulbert, Mackey, Peltier, and Smith [2,5,10,14,19,23]. A review of the recent development of multiple calcium sulfate bone graft products, their clinical performance, regulatory status, and standard activity will be surveyed and presented.
Two cases of deletion 2q37 associated with segregation of an unbalanced translocation 2;21: choanal atresia leading to misdiagnosis of CHARGE syndrome
Authors: Fernández-Rebollo Eduardo , Pérez Olga , Martinez-Bouzas Cristina , Cotarelo-Pérez Maria Carmen , Garin Intza , Ruibal Jose Luis , Pérez-Nanclares Gustavo , Castaño Luis , Pérez de Nanclares Guiomar
Published: March 2009

Context

The phenotypic variability of patients with syndromes presenting with dysmorphism makes clinical diagnosis difficult, leading to an exhaustive genetic study to determine the underlying mechanism so that a proper diagnosis could be established.

Objective

To genetically characterize siblings, the older sister diagnosed with Albright hereditary osteodystrophy and the younger one with CHARGE syndrome.

Design

Clinical case report.

Methods

Clinical, biochemical, and radiological studies were performed on the family. In addition, molecular genetic studies including sequencing of GNAS, typing of microsatellites on 2q and 21q, and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification of subtelomeric regions were performed, as well as confirmatory fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis.

Results

The genetic analysis revealed that both sisters presented a 2q37 deletion due to the maternal unbalanced segregation of a 2;21 translocation.

Conclusions

This is the first report of a 2q37 deletion where differential diagnosis of CHARGE syndrome is needed due to the appearance of choanal atresia.
Protective effect of genistein aglycone on the development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head and secondary osteoporosis induced by methylprednisolone in rats
Authors: Bitto Alessandra , Polito Francesca , Burnett Bruce , Levy Robert , Di Stefano Vincenzo , Armbruster Mary Ann , Marini Herbert , Minutoli Letteria , Altavilla Domenica , Squadrito Francesco
Published: March 2009

Glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteoporosis (GIO) is the most important secondary cause of bone loss. Clinical evidence suggests a role for genistein (GEN) aglycone in the prevention of osteoporosis. We investigated whether GEN could prevent GIO as well as the development of osteonecrosis in the femoral head using an experimental rat model. A total of 28 female Sprague–Dawley rats were used in the study. GIO and osteonecrosis were induced by daily s.c. injections of 30 mg/kg of methylprednisolone (MP; n=7). Another group of animals (MP+GEN; n=7) concomitantly received MP (30 mg/kg per s.c.) and GEN aglycone (5 mg/kg per i.p.) for 60 days. Control animals were administered daily with vehicle (VEH) or GEN (5 mg/kg per i.p.) only. At the beginning and end of the treatment, animals were examined for bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC). After killing, serum was collected to determine bone-alkaline phosphatase (b-ALP), carboxy-terminal collagen crosslink (CTX) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels. Femurs were removed and tested for breaking strength and bone histology analyzed for structural quality of the femoral neck. GEN aglycone prevented bone loss as measured by BMD and BMC. Moreover, GEN significantly increased the bone formation markers b-ALP and OPG, reduced the bone resorption marker CTX and statistically maintained comparable strength versus the VEH only group. Finally, histological scoring revealed a protective effect of GEN on bone structure statistically comparable with the VEH control animals. Results suggest that the GEN aglycone might be a preventive treatment for GIO and complications of osteonecrosis with long-term GC treatment.
Disperser limitation and recruitment of an endemic African tree in a fragmented landscape
Authors: Cordeiro Norbert J. , Ndangalasi Henry J. , McEntee Jay P. , Howe Henry F.
Published: March 2009

Forest fragmentation may have positive or negative effects on tropical tree populations. Our earlier study of an endemic African tree, Leptonychia usambarensis (Sterculiaceae), in the East Usambara Mountains of Tanzania, found poorer recruitment of seedlings and juveniles in small fragments compared to continuous forest, and concomitant reduction of seed‐dispersal agents and seed dispersal. However, the possibility that other biotic or abiotic consequences of the fragmentation process contribute to diminished recruitment in fragments was left open. Here we test whether excessive seed predation, diminished fecundity, low seed quality, or adverse abiotic effects acted independently or in concert with reduced seed dispersal to limit seedling and juvenile recruitment in fragments. Extended observations of disperser activity, a seed placement experiment, seed predator censuses, and reciprocal seedling transplants from forest and fragment sources failed to support the alternative hypotheses for poorer seedling and juvenile recruitment in fragments, leaving reduced seed dispersal as the most plausible mechanism. Poorer recruitment of this species in forest fragments, where high edge‐to‐area ratios admit more light than in continuous forest, is particularly striking because the tree is an early successional species that might be expected to thrive in disturbed microhabitats.