bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of hepatitis C virus infection and high virus serum load on biliary complications in liver transplantation
Authors: Horster S. , Bäuerlein F.J.B. , Mandel P. , Raziorrouh B. , Hopf C. , Stemmler H.J. , Guba M. , Angele M. , Stangl M. , Rentsch M. , Frey L. , Kaspar M. , Kaczmarek I. , Eberle J. , Nickel T. , Gruener N. , Zachoval R. , Diepolder H.
Published: March 2013

Background

Biliary complications (BCs) and recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are among the major causes of morbidity and graft loss following liver transplantation. The influence of HCV on BCs has not been definitely clarified.

Patients and methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study to analyze risk factors and outcome of post orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) BCs in 352 liver transplant recipients over 12 years in Munich, Germany (n = 84 with HCV; living donor and re‐OLT were excluded). BCs diagnosed with imaging techniques and abnormal liver enzyme pattern, requiring an intervention, were considered.

Results

In a multivariate analysis, HCV serostatus and a high pre‐and post‐surgery HCV RNA serum load were independent risk factors for anastomotic strictures. HCV positivity and BCs alone did not alter graft loss. HCV‐positive patients with BCs, however, had a significantly worse graft outcome (P = 0.02). Non‐anastomotic strictures, bile leaks, and the number of interventions needed to treat bile leaks led to worse graft outcome in all patients.

Conclusion

HCV positivity and a high HCV RNA serum load were risk factors for anastomotic strictures. BCs and HCV had an additive effect on graft loss.
Alcohol use, drunkenness and tobacco smoking in rural western Kenya
Authors: Lo T. Q. , Oeltmann J. E. , Odhiambo F. O. , Beynon C. , Pevzner E. , Cain K. P. , Laserson K. F. , Phillips‐Howard P. A.
Published: March 2013

Objectives

To describe the prevalence of smoking and alcohol use and abuse in an impoverished rural region of western Kenya.

Methods

Picked from a population‐based longitudinal database of demographic and health census data, 72 292 adults (≥18 years) were asked to self‐report their recent (within the past 30 days) and lifetime use of tobacco and alcohol and frequency of recent ‘drunkenness’.

Results

Overall prevalence of ever smoking was 11.2% (11.0–11.5) and of ever drinking, 20.7% (20.4–21.0). The prevalence of current smoking was 6.3% (6.1–6.5); 5.7% (5.5–5.9) smoked daily. 7.3% (7.1–7.5) reported drinking alcohol within the past 30 days. Of these, 60.3% (58.9–61.6) reported being drunk on half or more of all drinking occasions. The percentage of current smokers rose with the number of drinking days in a month (P < 0.0001). Tobacco and alcohol use increased with decreasing socio‐economic status and amongst women in the oldest age group (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Tobacco and alcohol use are prevalent in this rural region of Kenya. Abuse of alcohol is common and likely influenced by the availability of cheap, home‐manufactured alcohol. Appropriate evidence‐based policies to reduce alcohol and tobacco use should be widely implemented and complemented by public health efforts to increase awareness of their harmful effects.
In vivo reduction of cell‐free methemoglobin to oxyhemoglobin results in vasoconstriction in canines
Authors: Wang Dong , Piknova Barbora , Solomon Steven B. , Cortes‐Puch Irene , Kern Steven J. , Sun Junfeng , Kanias Tamir , Gladwin Mark T. , Helms Christine , Kim‐Shapiro Daniel B. , Schechter Alan N. , Natanson Charles
Published: March 2013

Background

Cell‐free hemoglobin (Hb) in the vasculature leads to vasoconstriction and injury. Proposed mechanisms have been based on nitric oxide (NO) scavenging by oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb) or processes mediated by oxidative reactions of methemoglobin (metHb). To clarify this, we tested the vascular effect and fate of oxyHb or metHb infusions.

Study Design and Methods

Twenty beagles were challenged with 1‐hour similar infusions of (200 μmol/L) metHb (n = 5), oxyHb (n = 5), albumin (n = 5), or saline (n = 5). Measurements were taken over 3 hours.

Results

Infusions of the two pure Hb species resulted in increases in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), systemic vascular resistance index, and NO consumption capacity of plasma (all p < 0.05) with the effects of oxyHb being greater than that from metHb (MAP; increase 0 to 3 hr; 27 ± 6% vs. 7 ± 2%, respectively; all p < 0.05). The significant vasoconstrictive response of metHb (vs. albumin and saline controls) was related to in vivo autoreduction of metHb to oxyHb, and the vasoactive Hb species that significantly correlated with MAP was always oxyHb, either from direct infusion or after in vivo reduction from metHb. Clearance of total Hb from plasma was faster after metHb than oxyHb infusion (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that greater NO consumption capacity makes oxyHb more vasoactive than metHb. Additionally, metHb is reduced to oxyHb after infusion and cleared faster or is less stable than oxyHb. Although we found no direct evidence that metHb itself is involved in acute vascular effects, in aggregate, these studies suggest that metHb is not inert and its mechanism of vasoconstriction is due to its delayed conversion to oxyHb by plasma‐reducing agents.
COMPARISON BETWEEN BOLUS TRACKING AND TIMING‐BOLUS TECHNIQUES FOR RENAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ANGIOGRAPHY IN NORMAL CATS
Authors: Mai Wilfried , Suran Jantra N. , Cáceres Ana V. , Reetz Jennifer A.
Published: March 2013

Renal dual‐phase computed tomograpic angiography (CTA) is used to assess suitability of feline donors prior to transplantation. A prerequisite for successful CTA is optimal synchronization between the arterial passage of contrast material and CT data acquisition. This retrospective study was conducted to compare quality of renal vascular enhancement at dual‐phase CTA in normal cats between two techniques of timing of data acquisition: the timing‐bolus and the bolus tracking method. Nine cats were scanned using the timing‐bolus technique and 14 with the bolus tracking technique using otherwise similar scanning parameters in a 16‐slice multidetector row CT scanner. The quality of enhancement of the renal vessels at the scanned arterial phase and venous phase was assessed both subjectively and objectively by three board‐certified radiologists. Arterial enhancement was not observed at the scanned arterial phase in three of the nine cats with the timing‐bolus technique but only 1 of the 14 cats with the bolus tracking technique. Early venous enhancement at the scanned arterial phase was common with the bolus tracking technique. Data acquisition was significantly faster with the bolus tracking technique. We conclude that the bolus tracking technique is a valid technique that could be integrated into the routine protocol for 16‐detector row CT renal angiography in cats.
DOES MEASUREMENT OF SMALL INTESTINAL DIAMETER INCREASE DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF RADIOGRAPHY IN DOGS WITH SUSPECTED INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION?
Authors: Ciasca Taízha C. , David Frederic H. , Lamb Christopher R.
Published: March 2013

The ratio between maximal small intestinal (SI) diameter and the height of the body of the fifth lumbar vertebra (L5) in radiographs has been reported as a diagnostic test in dogs with suspected intestinal obstruction. In order to assess the effect of the SI/L5 ratio on the accuracy of radiographic diagnosis of intestinal obstruction, lateral abdominal radiographs of 37 dogs with small intestinal obstruction and 48 nonobstructed dogs were mixed and examined independently by six observers who were unaware of the final diagnosis and who represented a range of experience. Observers first examined radiographs subjectively and stated the likelihood of obstruction (definitely not, probably not, equivocal, probably, definitely). Observers subsequently reexamined the radiographs, determined the SI/L5 ratio, and again stated the likelihood of obstruction. The most frequent cause of obstruction was foreign body (29/37, 78%). Dogs with SI obstruction had a significantly larger median SI/L5 ratio than nonobstructed dogs (P = 0.0002). Using an SI/L5 ratio of 1.7 for diagnosis of intestinal obstruction, sensitivity and specificity were 66%. Use of the SI/L5 ratio was not associated with increased accuracy of diagnosis for any observer, regardless of experience, hence this test may have no diagnostic impact.
Systematic Realist Review of Key Factors Affecting the Successful Implementation and Sustainability of the Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient
Authors: McConnell Tracey , O'Halloran Peter , Porter Sam , Donnelly Michael
Published: March 2013

Background

The Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) is recommended internationally as a best practice model for the care of patients and their families at the end of life. However, a recent national audit in the United Kingdom highlighted shortcomings; and understanding is lacking regarding the processes and contextual factors that affect implementation.

Aim

To identify and investigate factors that help or hinder successful implementation and sustainability of the LCP.

Methods

Electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, British Nursing Index, Science Direct) and grey literature were searched, supplemented by citation tracking, in order to identify English language papers containing information relevant to the implementation of the LCP. Using a realist review approach, we systematically reviewed all relevant studies that focused on end of life care and integrated care pathway processes and identified theories that explained how the LCP and related programmes worked.

Results

Fifty‐eight papers were included in the review. Key factors identified were: a dedicated facilitator, education and training, audit and feedback, organisational culture, and adequate resources.

Discussion

We discuss how these factors change behaviour by influencing the beliefs, attitudes, motivation and confidence of staff in relation to end of life care, and how contextual factors moderate behaviour change.

Conclusions

The implementation process recommended by the developers of the LCP is necessary but not sufficient to ensure successful implementation and sustainability of the pathway. The key components of the intervention (a dedicated facilitator, education and training, audit and feedback) must be configured to influence the beliefs of staff in relation to end of life care, and increase their motivation and self‐efficacy in relation to using the LCP. The support of senior managers is vital to the release of necessary resources, and a dominant culture of cure, which sees every death as a failure, works against effective communication and collaboration in relation to the LCP.
Theoretical investigation of cubic B1-like and corundum (Cr1−xAlx)2O3 solid solutions
Authors: Alling Björn , Khatibi Ali , Simak Sergei I. , Eklund Per , Hultman Lars
Published: March 2013

First-principles calculations are employed to investigate the stability and properties of cubic rock-salt-like (Cr1−xAlx)2O3 solid solutions, stabilized by metal site vacancies as recently reported experimentally. It is demonstrated that the metal site vacancies can indeed be ordered in a way that gives rise to a suitable fourfold coordination of all O atoms in the lattice. B1-like structures with ordered and disordered metal site vacancies are studied for (Cr0.5Al0.5)2O3 and found to have a cubic lattice spacing close to the values reported experimentally, in contrast to fluorite-like and perovskite structures. The obtained B1-like structures are higher in energy than corundum solid solutions for all compositions, but with an energy offset per atom similar to other metastable systems possible to synthesize with physical vapor deposition techniques. The obtained electronic structures show that the B1-like systems are semiconducting although with smaller band gaps than the corundum structure.
The feasibility of head motion tracking in helical CT: A step toward motion correction
Authors: Kim Jung‐Ha , Nuyts Johan , Kuncic Zdenka , Fulton Roger
Published: March 2013

Purpose:

To establish a practical and accurate motion tracking method for the development of rigid motion correction methods in helical x‐ray computed tomography (CT).

Methods:

A commercially available optical motion tracking system provided 6 degrees of freedom pose measurements at 60 Hz. A 4 × 4 calibration matrix was determined to convert raw pose data acquired in tracker coordinates to a fixed CT coordinate system with origin at the isocenter of the scanner. Two calibration methods, absolute orientation (AO), and a new method based on image registration (IR), were compared by means of landmark analysis and correlation coefficient in phantom images coregistered using the derived motion transformations.

Results:

Transformations calculated using the IR‐derived calibration matrix were found to be more accurate, with positional errors less than 0.5 mm (mean RMS), and highly correlated image voxel intensities. The AO‐derived calibration matrix yielded larger mean RMS positional errors (≃1.0 mm), and poorer correlation coefficients.

Conclusions:

The authors have demonstrated the feasibility of accurate motion tracking for retrospective motion correction in helical CT. Their new IR‐based calibration method based on image registration and function minimization was simpler to perform and delivered more accurate calibration matrices. This technique is a useful tool for future work on rigid motion correction in helical CT and potentially also other imaging modalities.
Optical photon transport in powdered‐phosphor scintillators. Part 1. Multiple‐scattering and validity of the Boltzmann transport equation
Authors: Poludniowski Gavin G. , Evans Philip M.
Published: March 2013

Purpose:

In Part 1 of this two‐part work, predictions for light transport in powdered‐phosphor screens are made, based on three distinct approaches. Predictions of geometrical optics‐based ray tracing through an explicit microscopic model (EMM) for screen structure are compared to a Monte Carlo program based on the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) and Swank's diffusion equation solution. The purpose is to: (I) highlight the additional assumptions of the BTE Monte Carlo method and Swank's model (both previously used in the literature) with respect to the EMM approach; (II) demonstrate the equivalences of the approaches under well‐defined conditions and; (III) identify the onset and severity of any discrepancies between the models. A package of computer code (calledphsphr) is supplied which can be used to reproduce the BTE Monte Carlo results presented in this work.

Methods:

The EMM geometrical optics ray‐tracing model is implemented for hypothesized microstructures of phosphor grains in a binder. The BTE model is implemented as a Monte Carlo program with transport parameters, derived from geometrical optics, as inputs. The analytical solution of Swank to the diffusion equation is compared to the EMM and BTE predictions. Absorbed fractions and MTFs are calculated for a range of binder‐to‐phosphor relative refractive indices (n = 1.1–5.0), screen thicknesses (t = 50–200 μm), and packing fill factors (pf = 0.04–0.54).

Results:

Disagreement between the BTE and EMM approaches increased withn and pf. For the largest relative refractive index (n = 5) and highest packing fill (pf = 0.5), the BTE model underestimated the absorbed fraction and MTF50, by up to 40% and 20%, respectively. However, for relative refractive indices typical of real phosphor screens (n ≤ 2), such as Gd2O2S:Tb, the BTE and EMM predictions agreed well at all simulated packing densities. In addition, Swank's model agreed closely with the BTE predictions when the screen was thick enough to be considered turbid.

Conclusions:

Although some assumptions of the BTE are violated in realistic powdered‐phosphor screens, these appear to lead to negligible effects in the modeling of optical transport for typical phosphor and binder refractive indices. Therefore it is reasonable to use Monte Carlo codes based on the BTE to treat this problem. Furthermore, Swank's diffusion equation solution is an adequate approximation if a turbidity condition, presented here, is satisfied.
A KRAB/KAP1-miRNA Cascade Regulates Erythropoiesis Through Stage-Specific Control of Mitophagy
Authors: Barde Isabelle , Rauwel Benjamin , Marin-Florez Ray Marcel , Corsinotti Andrea , Laurenti Elisa , Verp Sonia , Offner Sandra , Marquis Julien , Kapopoulou Adamandia , Vanicek Jiri , Trono Didier
Published: March 2013

Red in Cell and Marrow

About one hundred billion new red cells are released every day from the adult human bone marrow—the result of a complex differentiation pathway.

Barde
et al.

(p.
350
, published online 14 March) show that an essential step in this process, the elimination of mitochondria from maturing erythroblasts through mitophagy, is controlled through the timely induction of specific members of the large family of KRAB-containing zinc finger proteins (KRAB-ZFPs), which, together with their cofactor KAP1, repress the expression of micro-RNAs targeting the transcripts of mitophagy effector genes. This multilayered and combinatorial regulation system provides a level of modularity that may be shared by other physiological processes.
Insect Morphological Diversification Through the Modification of Wing Serial Homologs
Authors: Ohde Takahiro , Yaginuma Toshinobu , Niimi Teruyuki
Published: March 2013

A Wing by Another Name?

Wings and their derivatives on the second and third thoracic segments represent the only known dorsal appendages in modern insects; however, the existence of wing homologs in non-winged segments has been suggested from fossil insects.

Ohde
et al.

(p.
495
, published online 14 March) identify part of the body wall on the first thoracic segment and pupal dorsolateral outgrowths as modified pairs of wings in the mealworm beetle. These organs could be transformed into wings and thus share the central wing developmental mechanism.
Disparate Individual Fates Compose Robust CD8
+
T Cell Immunity
Authors: Buchholz Veit R. , Flossdorf Michael , Hensel Inge , Kretschmer Lorenz , Weissbrich Bianca , Gräf Patricia , Verschoor Admar , Schiemann Matthias , Höfer Thomas , Busch Dirk H.
Published: March 2013

Dynamic Protection

During an immune response, CD8
+
T cells are recruited to provide protection. Most cells differentiate into short-lived effectors that help to clear the pathogen, whereas others form long-lived memory cells to protect against reinfection.

Gerlach
et al.

(p.
635
, published online 14 March) and

Buchholz
et al.

(p.
630
, published online 14 March) used in vivo fate mapping of mouse T cells with a defined specificity during a bacterial infection to show that the dynamics of the single-cell response are not uniform. The response of a particular T cell population is the average of a small number of clones that expand greatly (“large clones”) and many clones that only proliferate at low amounts (“small clones”). The memory pool arises largely from small clones whereas effectors are primarily made up of large clones.
Genome Sequence of Vibrio cholerae G4222, a South African Clinical Isolate
Authors: le Roux Wouter J. , Chan Wai Yin , De Maayer Pieter , Venter Stephanus N.
Published: March 2013

Vibrio cholerae
, a Gram-negative pathogen autochthonous to the aquatic environment, is the causative agent of cholera. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
V. cholerae
G4222, a clinical isolate from South Africa.
Complete Genome Sequence of Pathogenic Guinea Pig Cytomegalovirus from Salivary Gland Homogenates of Infected Animals
Authors: Yang Dongmei , Tamburro Kristen , Dittmer Dirk , Cui Xiaohong , McVoy Michael A. , Hernandez-Alvarado Nelmary , Schleiss Mark R.
Published: March 2013

The sequence of guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV) was determined by direct sequencing of salivary gland homogenates obtained following sustained, serial
in vivo
passage of pathogenic virus in guinea pigs. The 233,501-nucleotide salivary gland (SG) genome was noted to have 11 differences compared to the tissue culture-passaged virus, although no variations were noted in putative protein coding sequences.
Draft Genome Sequence of Vibrio mimicus Strain CAIM 602
T
Authors: Guardiola-Avila Iliana , Acedo-Felix Evelia , Noriega-Orozco Lorena , Yepiz-Plascencia Gloria , Sifuentes-Romero Itzel , Gomez-Gil Bruno
Published: March 2013

Vibrio mimicus
is a Gram-negative bacterium associated with gastrointestinal diseases in humans around the world. We report the complete genome sequence of the
Vibrio mimicus
strain CAIM 602
T
(CDC1721-77, LMG 7896
T
, ATCC 33653
T
).
Complete Genomic Sequence of a Novel Reassortant H4N2 Avian Influenza Virus Isolated from Domestic Ducks in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Zhao Qingqing , Li Qunhui , Zhong Lei , Gu Min , Zhu Jie , Zhao Guo , Chen Chaoyang , Wang Xiaoquan , Liu Xiaowen , Liu Xiufan
Published: March 2013

Here, we report the complete genomic sequence of a novel reassortant H4N2 influenza virus isolated from domestic ducks in the Jiangsu province of China in 2011. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all the viral genes except for hemagglutinin (HA) were highly homologous to the clade 2.3.4 H5N2 viruses. The data suggest that genetic reassortment occurred between H4 and H5N2 avian influenza viruses, which highlights the role of domestic poultry as a reassortment vessel in China.
Panton-Valentine leukocidinStaphylococcuscausing fatal necrotising pneumonia in a young boy
Authors: Haider Shahzad , Wright David
Published: March 2013

Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) toxin producing strains ofStaphylococcus aureusare known to cause skin and soft tissue infection. They can also cause necrotising pneumonia in otherwise healthy individuals. Here we report a case of severe, necrotising, haemorrhagic pneumonia in a 12-year-old boy who presented with a four-day history of a sore throat and fever. During his admission he deteriorated and needed full ventilatory support but despite all efforts he died. Postmortem examination lung swabs confirmed the presence of PVL-associatedS aureus. There is a need to improve awareness of this disease among medical practitioners as early diagnosis and appropriate management can save lives.
Successful pneumonectomy for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and advanced non-small cell-lung cancer
Authors: Minesaki Shohei , Koyama Nobuyuki , Ishida Hironori , Kobayashi Kunihiko
Published: March 2013

Aspergillusspp.is a pathogenic fungus in patients with malignancy, immunosuppression or respiratory diseases, and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) caused by its infection is an aggressive and often lethal disorder. We report a case of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) where pneumonectomy concomitantly enabled radical cure of the underlying disease and IPA against which different antifungal drugs had been ineffective. In a patient with locally advanced NSCLC that progressed despite chemoradiation, radiation pneumonitis and subsequently cavitary disease developed following the administration of corticosteroids. Based upon the isolation ofAspergillusspp.from sputum, a diagnosis of IPA was made and since the latter was refractory to multiple antifungal drugs, pneumonectomy was undertaken which resulted in successful treatment of both NSCLC and IPA. Surgical intervention should be considered as a therapeutic option for IPA complicating NSCLC that is refractory to medical management.
Painless vertebral osteomyelitis: an unusual presentation
Authors: Sohatee Mark Andrew , Shields David William
Published: March 2013

Vertebral osteomyelitis or discitis is a condition characterised by inflammation to the vertebral disc space and is often related to infection. It usually involves the discovertebral junction, and may extend to the epidural space, posterior vertebral elements and paraspinal tissues. This is an unusual case of a 68-year-old gentleman who presented to hospital confused and unwell with a methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusbacteraemia. Clinical examination and routine investigations revealed no obvious source of infection. Despite thorough examination of his spine, no back pain or focal neurology were elicited, but with no obvious source of infection MRI of the spine was carried out which revealed a vertebral osteomyelitis with paravertebral abscess formation.
Complete acute gallbladder torsion diagnosed with abdominal ultrasonography and colour Doppler imaging
Authors: Ohkura Yu , Hashimoto Masaji , Sasaki Kazunari , Watanabe Goro
Published: March 2013

An 82-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a provisional diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. Abdominal ultrasonography and colour Doppler imaging played the most important role in confirming a diagnosis of gallbladder torsion preoperatively, and we decided to treat it laparoscopically. Operative findings showed that gallbladder was rotated 360° counterclockwise around the cystic duct and artery. This was a complete torsion of a gross type I wandering gallbladder. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has recently been recommended for treating gallbladder torsion. Because the gallbladder is typically minimally adherent to the liver bed, cholecystectomy can be performed easily with minimal invasion. Gallbladder torsion is a relatively rare cause of an acute abdomen and is difficult to diagnose preoperatively, but we could diagnose complete, acute gallbladder torsion preoperatively with ultrasonography and colour Doppler imaging in this case, allowing for safe and completely curative laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Vasculitis reminds us that ‘Ockham's razor’ may still apply in the elderly
Authors: Mount Hillary R
Published: March 2013

A 76-year-old woman with a history of stage IV chronic kidney disease and hypertension was admitted to the hospital for progressive weakness and acute on chronic kidney injury. She was found to have anaemia requiring transfusion. On the evening of admission, she had worsening respiratory status with subsequent diagnosis of a non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction, pulmonary oedema on chest x-ray presumed to be a result of heart failure, and a possible transfusion reaction. A kidney biopsy performed as part of her ongoing nephrology evaluation revealed granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly known as Wegener's granulomatosis). Subsequent bronchoalveolar lavage confirmed diffuse alveolar haemorrhage as the explanation for her anaemia and respiratory decline. She underwent immunosuppressive therapies and initiated dialysis, but subsequently chose hospice care and died 2 months after her diagnosis.
Emergency care staff experiences of lay presence during adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a phenomenological study
Authors: Walker Wendy Marina
Published: March 2013

Background

Public support in favour of family presence during an adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) attempt is a contentious issue among providers of emergency care. Researchers have mostly relied on attitudinal surveys to elicit staff views, leaving the life-world of those who have experienced this phenomenon, largely unexplored.

Objective

To explore the lived experience of lay presence during an adult CPR attempt in primary (out-of-hospital) and secondary (inhospital) environments of care.

Design

Hermeneutical phenomenological study.

Methods

Semistructured, face-to-face interviews with 8 ambulance staff and 12 registered nurses. The interviews were audio-recorded and subjected to thematic analysis.

Results

Participants provided insight into situations where lay presence during adult CPR came about either spontaneously or as a planned event. Their accounts portrayed a mixture of benefits and concerns. Familiarity of working in the presence of lay people, practical experience in emergency care and personal confidence were important antecedents. Divergent practices within and across the contexts of care were revealed. The concept of exposure emerged as the essence of this phenomenon. Overall, the study findings serve to challenge some of the previously reported attitudes and opinions of emergency care staff.

Conclusions

Improved intraprofessional and interprofessional collaboration is essential to overcoming the barriers associated with lay presence during adult CPR. The future of this practice is dependent on initiatives that seek to bring about attitudinal change. Priority should be given to further exploring this phenomenon in the context of patient and family centred end-of-life care.
Ultrasound: a new tool for precisely locating posterior iliac crests to obtain adequate bone marrow trephine biopsy specimen
Authors: Islam Anwarul
Published: March 2013

Ultrasound imaging has evolved as a very useful tool in medical science. However, the technique of ultrasound-guided bone marrow trephine biopsy (BMTB) has not been routinely used by haematologists and oncologists to help locate the posterior iliac crest during the BMTB procedure. We have used the technique of ultrasound-guided BMTB in 20 patients diagnosed with various haematological and non-haematological malignant conditions. We found the technique simple and useful in precisely locating the posterior iliac crest. As a result, it facilitates the extraction of a satisfactory core sample or aspiration biopsy and is more surgically precise than when access to the target bone is based only on external landmarks and blind biopsy.
Intratesticular kaposiform haemangioendothelioma in adults: a report of two cases
Authors: Costa Felipe D'Almeida , Folpe Andrew L
Published: March 2013

Kaposiform haemangioendothelioma is a very rare vascular tumour of intermediate (borderline) malignancy, typically occurring in the skin and soft tissues of the extremities in infants and children. We report two morphologically and immunophenotypically classical cases occurring in the testicular parenchyma of old adults, review the literature on vascular tumours of the testis and discuss the differential diagnosis of these unusual cases.
Computational fluid dynamics simulation of an anterior communicating artery ruptured during angiography
Authors: Hodis Simona , Uthamaraj Susheil , Lanzino Giuseppe , Kallmes David F , Dragomir-Daescu Dan
Published: March 2013

We present a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of the hemodynamic environment of an anterior communicating artery that spontaneously ruptured immediately following three-dimensional rotational angiography. Subsequent digital subtraction angiography allowed for the localization of the point of rupture within the aneurysm dome. CFD analysis demonstrated a concentrated jet that impinged directly at the site of rupture. Peak systolic pressure and wall shear stress were both maximal near the rupture location.
Decline in human dog‐bite cases during a street dog sterilisation programme in Jaipur, India
Authors: Reece J. F. , Chawla S. K. , Hiby A. R.
Published: March 2013

Human dog‐bite injuries are a major public health problem, particularly where there are large populations of free‐roaming or street dogs. Dog bites are also the major source of human rabies infections. There is little information on the means to reduce these injuries. Monthly human animal‐bite injury records from January 2003 to June 2011 were obtained from the main government hospital in Jaipur, India. The data were analysed and compared with records of pregnancy in street dogs in Jaipur obtained from a street dog sterilisation programme. Human animal‐bite injuries showed a seasonal pattern which followed by approximately 10 weeks the seasonal peak of street dog breeding. The number of human animal bites has declined significantly since 2003. It is concluded that a street dog sterilisation programme can reduce human dog‐bite injuries by reducing the maternal protective behaviour of the street dogs, as well as reducing the total size of the roaming dog population.
Don't forget the science
Authors: Maskell Duncan , Argyle David , Cameron Ewan , England Gary , Price Jo , Herrtage Mike , Reid Stuart , Dawson Susan
Published: March 2013

Veterinary practice must be based on scientific principles if the profession is to remain credible and relevant, say Duncan Maskell, David Argyle, Ewan Cameron, Gary England, Jo Price, Mike Herrtage, Stuart Reid and Susan Dawson
High-intensity interval training increases intrinsic rates of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation in rat red and white skeletal muscle
Authors: Hoshino Daisuke , Yoshida Yuko , Kitaoka Yu , Hatta Hideo , Bonen Arend
Published: March 2013

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can increase mitochondrial volume in skeletal muscle. However, it is unclear whether HIIT alters the intrinsic capacity of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, or whether such changes are associated with changes in mitochondrial FAT/CD36, a regulator of fatty acid oxidation, or with reciprocal changes in the nuclear receptor coactivator (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α)) and the corepressor (receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP140)). We examined whether HIIT alters fatty acid oxidation rates in the isolated subsarcolemmal (SS) and intermyofibrillar (IMF) mitochondria of red and white skeletal muscle and (or) induces changes in muscle PGC-1α and RIP140 proteins and mitochondrial FAT/CD36 protein content. Rats were divided into untrained or HIIT-trained groups. HIIT animals performed 10 bouts of 1-min high-intensity treadmill running (30–55 m·min–1), separated by 2 min of rest, for 5 days a week for 4 weeks. As expected, after the training period, HIIT increased mitochondrial enzymes (citrate synthase, COXIV, and β-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase) in red and white muscle, indicating that muscle mitochondrial volume had increased. HIIT also increased the rates of palmitate oxidation in mitochondria of red (37% for SS and 19% for IMF) and white (36% for SS and 12% for IMF) muscle. No changes occurred in SS and IMF mitochondrial FAT/CD36 proteins, despite increasing FAT/CD36 at the whole-muscle level (27% for red and 22% for white). Concurrently, muscle PGC-1α protein was increased in red (22%) and white (16%) muscle, but RIP140 was not altered. These results indicate that increases in SS and IMF mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation induced by HIIT are accompanied by an increase in PGC-1α, but not RIP140 or FAT/CD36.
The Visceral Adiposity Index: Relationship with cardiometabolic risk factors in obese and overweight postmenopausal women – A MONET group study
Authors: Elisha Belinda , Messier Virginie , Karelis Antony , Coderre Lise , Bernard Sophie , Prud’homme Denis , Rabasa-Lhoret Rémi
Published: March 2013

A recent study suggested visceral adipose index (VAI) as an indicator of adipose tissue distribution and function associated with cardiometabolic risk. We aim to examine the association between VAI and visceral adipose tissue (VAT), insulin sensitivity, and a large panel of associated cardiometabolic risk factors, and to determine if changes in VAI after weight loss intervention will reflect changes in VAT. We performed a secondary analysis using the data of 99 overweight and postmenopausal women that completed a 6-month weight loss program (Montreal Ottawa New Emerging Team Study). VAI was calculated according to the equation by Amato et al. (2010; Diabetes Care, 33(4):920–922). At baseline, VAI was associated with VAT (r = 0.284, p < 0.01) but not with subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) while body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were significantly related to both. BMI and WC demonstrated significantly stronger predictive value of VAT accumulation (area under the curve = 0.84 and 0.86, respectively) than VAI (area under the curve = 0.61; p < 0.01). However, VAT, BMI, WC, and VAI were similarly related to fasting insulin and glucose disposal rates. After a 6-month weight loss program, VAI decreased significantly and similarly in both intervention groups (p < 0.01). In addition, the percentage of change in VAI showed the significantly weakest correlation (r = 0.25) with the percentage of change in VAT than BMI (r = 0.56; p < 0.01 for r comparisons) and was not a significant predictor of interindividual percentage of change in VAT while BMI accounted for 33.7%. VAI is a weak indicator of VAT function and did not predict changes in VAT after weight loss. Furthermore, this index was not superior to BMI or WC. However, VAI is a good indicator of metabolic syndrome.
Adapted exercise interventions for persons with progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pilutti Lara A.
Published: March 2013

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated neurodegenerative disease that results in a myriad of physical and mental symptoms. Current disease-modifying therapies do not prevent long-term disability accumulation and are particularly ineffective for patients with a progressive disease onset. Exercise may represent an alternative strategy for managing symptoms and disability accumulation, particularly in progressive MS. Whereas the benefits of exercise have been established primarily in ambulatory MS patients with a relapsing disease course, few studies have investigated the benefits of exercise for patients with progressive MS with greater impairment. Therefore, the purpose of this dissertation was to determine the short-term, long-term, and maintenance effects of adapted exercise interventions for patients with progressive MS of high disability, which was addressed by conducting 2 adapted exercise interventions. The first intervention examined the effects of 24 weeks of body-weight-supported treadmill training (BWSTT) on outcomes of physical and mental functioning, fatigue, quality of life (QoL), and brain health. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks following the intervention, and again 12 weeks postintervention. The second intervention evaluated and compared the effects of 12 weeks of total-body recumbent stepper training (TBRST) with BWSTT on outcomes of safety, physical and mental functioning, fatigue, QoL, and equipment preference. Safety of BWSTT and TBRST was established. Significant improvements in fatigue and QoL were observed with both training modalities; however, neither significantly improved physical function. There was some evidence to suggest that long-term BWSTT may improve cognitive performance and brain health, and that TBRST was the preferred exercise modality. Furthermore, most beneficial effects of long-term BWSTT tended not to be maintained when exercise was discontinued. This dissertation established evidence for the potential benefits of BWSTT and TBRST in patients with progressive MS with high disability. BWSTT and TBRST may represent viable alternative strategies for disease management.
NOVEL CdS NANOBELTS FORMED BY NANOPARTICLES: SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND OPTICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: DUAN JUN-HONG , XU ZHEN-YA , FENG HAO , GAO YI-QING
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we report a novel CdS nanobelt formed by nanoparticles and prepared by an accurately designed thermal-evaporating method. The CdS nanobelts present single-crystalline characteristic and their zone axis was along [Formula: see text] crystal direction. Based on TEM images, a proper growth mechanism of CdS nanobelts is proposed. The growth of CdS nanobelts follows three steps: (a) CdS nanoparticles with the diameter of ~ 3 nm were formed by reaction of Cd and S atoms at high temperature, (b) nanoparticles aggregated along several specific crystal directions ([Formula: see text] and [0001]) and nanobelt with planar surfaces were formed by an oriented attachment growth, (c) nanoparticles were continuously grown on the surface of nanobelt via a homo-epitaxial route. Two Raman peaks (at 299.0 cm-1 and 603.5 cm-1) of the CdS nanobelts shift toward lower frequency compared with the reported works. A symmetrical intensive peak centered at 2.43 eV was observed in PL spectrum of CdS nanobelts. These novel CdS nanobelts show favorable optical emission properties and are promising candidates for future applications in optoelectronic nanodevices.
THERMOELECTRIC AND THERMOMAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF GRAPHENE IN THE PRESENCE OF DIFFERENT SCATTERING PROCESSES
Authors: IZADI SAHAR , SOLEIMANI H. RAHIMPOUR
Published: March 2013

Thermoelectric and thermomagnetic properties of graphene are analyzed using Boltzmann transport equation within the relaxation time approximation. Influence of temperature, charge carrier density and magnetic field on the thermopower and figure of merit is taken into account in the presence of different scattering processes. It is observed the magnetic field results in the increase of thermopower and figure of merit in the acoustical phonon scattering process, while they are reduced by charged impurity scattering.
INVESTIGATION OF ASYMMETRIC SIMPLE EXCLUSION PROCESSES WITH ZONED INHOMOGENEITY AND ON-RAMP
Authors: XIAO SONG , BAI JIN-YI
Published: March 2013

In this paper, theoretical analysis and extensive simulations are used to investigate asymmetric simple exclusion processes (ASEPs) with zoned inhomogeneity and on-ramp in a single-lane system. There are five possible phase diagrams with different hopping rate p and on-ramp rate q. Interestingly, the MC/MC, MC/LD and MC/HD phase can exist in the phase diagram with different hopping rate p and on-ramp rate q. When the on-ramp rate is fixed, with the decreasing of hopping rate, the HD/HD phase shrinks, it implies the heavy traffic in the system.
STUDY OF RANDOM PARTICLE TRAFFIC ON A MULTI-LATTICE JUNCTION
Authors: LI SHAODA , LIU MINGZHE , ZHOU MIN , YIN YIZHANG
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we investigate particle traffic on an m-input n-output (MINO) junction using totally asymmetric exclusion processes (TASEPs) under random sequential update. The model is suitable for description of biological transport. A general theoretical solution for traffic dynamics of TASEPs is developed based on a mean-field approximation. It is found that the low-density and high-density regions can be calculated qualitatively and quantitatively once the number of m and/or n is determined. The phase diagram, system current and density profiles are obtained through theoretical analysis and supported by Monte Carlo simulations. Comparison between a m-input n-output TASEP junction in random and parallel sequential updates has also been reported.
New developments in chemistry of organometallic porphyrins and their analogs
Authors: Vecchi Andrea , Galloni Pierluca , Floris Barbara , Nemykin Victor N.
Published: March 2013

In this mini-review, new developments in chemistry of organometallic porphyrins and their analogs reported between 2007 and mid 2012 have been discussed. Synthetic strategies for preparation, as well as properties of metallocenyl-type compounds in which organometallic substituents connected to the porphyrinoid via (i) axial coordination; (ii) covalent bond to meso- or β-pyrrolic position; or (iii) β,β′-fused into the aromatic system as well as porphyrinoids with organometallic fragments σ-bonded in η1-fashion were overviewed.
The structures of several modified isoindolines, the building blocks of phthalocyanines
Authors: Engle James T. , Allison Ashley N. , Standard Joshua M. , Tamgho Ingrid-Suzy , Ziegler Christopher J.
Published: March 2013

This report presents the single crystal X-ray structures of several substituted isoindolines that have been frequently used as starting materials for phthalocyanines, phthalocyanine analogs and related chelates. The structures of 1,3-diiminoisoindoline (1), 1,3-bis(hydroxyimino)isoindoline (2), 1,4-diaminophthalazine (3), 1,1,3-trichloroisoindoline (4) and 3-imino-1-oxoisoindoline (5) are reported; compounds 2 and 3 are synthesized from diiminoisoindoline (1) and 4 and 5 are produced from phthalimide. All five compounds are planar macrocycles, and localization of double bonds can be readily determined. We elucidated one of the known structures of 1 at low temperature, and observed two additional new structures of 1. For the crystal forms of 1 and compounds 2, 3, and 5, hydrogen bonding in the solid state was observed. Compounds 1, 2 and 3 form extended hydrogen bonded arrays in the solid state, whereas 5 forms discrete hydrogen bonded dimers.
Ubiquitin Ligases and Cell Cycle Control
Authors: Teixeira Leonardo K. , Reed Steven I.
Published: March 2013

The ubiquitin-proteasome system plays a pivotal role in the sequence of events leading to cell division known as the cell cycle. Not only does ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis constitute a critical component of the core oscillator that drives the cell cycle in all eukaryotes, it is also central to the mechanisms that ensure that the integrity of the genome is maintained. These functions are primarily carried out by two families of E3 ubiquitin ligases, the Skp/cullin/F-box-containing and anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome complexes. However, beyond those functions associated with regulation of central cell cycle events, many peripheral cell cycle–related processes rely on ubiquitylation for signaling, homeostasis, and dynamicity, involving additional types of ubiquitin ligases and regulators. We are only beginning to understand the diversity and complexity of this regulation.
Nanobodies: Natural Single-Domain Antibodies
Authors: Muyldermans Serge
Published: March 2013

Sera of camelids contain both conventional heterotetrameric antibodies and unique functional heavy (H)-chain antibodies (HCAbs). The H chain of these homodimeric antibodies consists of one antigen-binding domain, the VHH, and two constant domains. HCAbs fail to incorporate light (L) chains owing to the deletion of the first constant domain and a reshaped surface at the VHH side, which normally associates with L chains in conventional antibodies. The genetic elements composing HCAbs have been identified, but the in vivo generation of these antibodies from their dedicated genes into antigen-specific and affinity-matured bona fide antibodies remains largely underinvestigated. However, the facile identification of antigen-specific VHHs and their beneficial biochemical and economic properties (size, affinity, specificity, stability, production cost) supported by multiple crystal structures have encouraged antibody engineering of these single-domain antibodies for use as a research tool and in biotechnology and medicine.
CRISPR-Mediated Adaptive Immune Systems in Bacteria and Archaea
Authors: Sorek Rotem , Lawrence C. Martin , Wiedenheft Blake
Published: March 2013

Effective clearance of an infection requires that the immune system rapidly detects and neutralizes invading parasites while strictly avoiding self-antigens that would result in autoimmunity. The cellular machinery and complex signaling pathways that coordinate an effective immune response have generally been considered properties of the eukaryotic immune system. However, a surprisingly sophisticated adaptive immune system that relies on small RNAs for sequence-specific targeting of foreign nucleic acids was recently discovered in bacteria and archaea. Molecular vaccination in prokaryotes is achieved by integrating short fragments of foreign nucleic acids into a repetitive locus in the host chromosome known as a CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat). Here we review the mechanisms of CRISPR-mediated immunity and discuss the ecological and evolutionary implications of these adaptive defense systems.
Super-Resolution in Solution X-Ray Scattering and Its Applications to Structural Systems Biology
Authors: Rambo Robert P. , Tainer John A.
Published: March 2013

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is a robust technique for the comprehensive structural characterizations of biological macromolecular complexes in solution. Here, we present a coherent synthesis of SAXS theory and experiment with a focus on analytical tools for accurate, objective, and high-throughput investigations. Perceived SAXS limitations are considered in light of its origins, and we present current methods that extend SAXS data analysis to the super-resolution regime. In particular, we discuss hybrid structural methods, illustrating the role of SAXS in structure refinement with NMR and ensemble refinement with single-molecule FRET. High-throughput genomics and proteomics are far outpacing macromolecular structure determinations, creating information gaps between the plethora of newly identified genes, known structures, and the structure-function relationship in the underlying biological networks. SAXS can bridge these information gaps by providing a reliable, high-throughput structural characterization of macromolecular complexes under physiological conditions.