bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn
Authors: Ross Mary Beth , de Alarcón Pedro
Published: February 2013

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is the result of immune-mediated destruction of fetal or newborn red blood cells when such cells contain antigens that are not present in the maternal blood. HDFN is now the preferred term that replaces the historic term erythroblastosis fetalis. Sensitization of the mother to fetal-newborn red blood cells requires fetomaternal hemorrhage in most cases except in ABO incompatibility where naturally occurring antibodies against A and B antigens are present in mothers with O blood type. The most common antigen involved in HDFN is Rhesus D. Kell 1 HDFN is rare but commonly associated with severe anemia and lower titers of anti-Kell antibodies in maternal serum in severely affected infants. Prevention of Rhesus D HDFN with anti-D immunoglobulin during pregnancy, delivery, and fetal-maternal events that predispose to fetomaternal hemorrhage, have markedly decreased the incidence of the disorder but may not be available in low-income countries. An algorithm is available to manage affected pregnancies by using antibody titers, fetal middle cerebral artery velocities, intrauterine transfusions, and timed delivery. Infants who have mild to moderate anemia may tolerate normal labor, but severely affected infants may require transfusion or exchange transfusions at birth, and the delivery team needs to be prepared. Delayed anemia in the transfused infants is still a concern, and the infants need to be closely followed after delivery. Phototherapy has largely replaced exchange transfusion in the management of hyperbilirubinemia. With appropriate early detection and multidisciplinary planning, infants who have HDFN can be delivered in a timely manner with appropriate planning for postnatal resuscitation and postnatal therapy resulting in good neonatal outcomes.
Protecting Pediatric Oncology Patients From Influenza
Authors: Kersun Leslie S. , Reilly Anne F. , Coffin Susan E. , Sullivan Kathleen E.
Published: February 2013

Learning Objectives

Identify optimal vaccination strategies and define the vaccine response rates among pediatric chemotherapy patients. Explain the advantage of beginning empiric antiviral therapy. Describe the need for family member vaccination, hygiene measures, and social distancing.

Influenza is a common respiratory pathogen. Its severity can be unpredictable, but people with chronic illness are at increased risk of severe infection, complications, and death from influenza. This review examines evidence to support various strategies to protect pediatric oncology patients from influenza-related morbidity. Influenza vaccination should be considered standard. Additional evidence-supported measures include antiviral treatment, antiviral prophylaxis, cohorting of patients, and hospital infection control measures. Data from other high-risk populations support the vaccination of family members, double-dose or high-dose vaccination, and the use of barrier methods. These measures have the potential to optimize patient outcomes because there will be fewer treatment interruptions for acute illness. These strategies can also protect patients from prolonged hospitalizations and morbidity related to influenza.
Coupled chemical-hydraulic-mechanical behaviour of bentonites
Authors: DOMINIJANNI A. , MANASSERO M. , PUMA S.
Published: February 2013

Bentonites are clay soils characterised by a high specific surface and a permanent negative electric charge on their solid skeleton. Their common use as hydraulic and contaminant barriers for landfill and soil remediation applications, including the final disposal of nuclear waste, needs to be supported by adequate theoretical modelling of their mechanical behaviour and transport properties, in order to assess the expected performance in the long term. To this end, a theoretical approach has been proposed in order to derive constitutive equations for their coupled chemical-hydraulic-mechanical behaviour. The phenomenological parameters that govern the transport of electrolyte solutions through bentonites – that is, the hydraulic conductivity, the reflection coefficient (which is also called the chemico-osmotic efficiency coefficient), and the osmotic effective diffusion coefficient – have been measured through laboratory tests on a bentonite with porosity of 0·81, over a range of sodium chloride concentrations in the pore solution that varied from 5 mM to 100 mM. The relevance of the osmotic phenomena has been shown to decrease when the salt concentration increases. The obtained results have been interpreted by assuming that the microscopic deviations of the pore solution state variables from their average values are negligible. In this way, it is possible to interpret the macroscopic behaviour on the basis of the physical and chemical properties of the bentonite mineralogical components.
A chemo-poro-mechanical model for sequestration of carbon dioxide in coalbeds
Authors: MASOUDIAN M.S. , AIREY D.W. , EL-ZEIN A.
Published: February 2013

To reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, it is proposed to inject anthropogenic carbon dioxide into deep geological formations. Deep, unmineable coalbeds are considered to be a possible carbon dioxide repository because coal is able to adsorb a large amount of carbon dioxide inside its microporous structure. However, the response of coalbeds is complex because of coupling between the flow and mechanical responses. Injection of carbon dioxide causes coal to swell, which leads to reductions in permeability and hence makes injection more difficult, and at the same time leads to changes in the mechanical properties that can affect the stress state in the coal and overlying strata. Apart from the influence of swelling on permeability, the chemo-mechanical aspects of carbon dioxide sequestration in coalbeds have been little studied. In this paper, the results of a series of triaxial tests on a bituminous coal are presented that show a reduction in elastic modulus as a result of carbon dioxide adsorption. Using these experimental results, a linear relationship between the reduction in elastic modulus and the amount of adsorbed gas was found. This relationship, in conjunction with a dual-porosity model, has been employed to simulate the hydromechanical response of a coal bed to carbon dioxide injection. The results of the numerical simulation show that the softening of the coal can change the permeability and stresses in the coal, and suggest that considering the softening effect is crucial for accurate assessment of the performance and safety of carbon dioxide storage in coalbeds.
An experimental and constitutive investigation on the chemo-mechanical behaviour of a clay
Authors: WITTEVEEN P. , FERRARI A. , LALOUI L.
Published: February 2013

Engineering issues for which the understanding of the chemo-mechanical behaviour of soils is relevant include wellbore stability problems, the salinification of groundwater, and nuclear waste storage. However, despite the vast number of situations in which couplings between chemistry and mechanics occur, the available constitutive models rely on limited experimental evidence. This paper presents the results of an experimental programme on the chemo-mechanical behaviour of a non-swelling illite. The osmotic suction is controlled through the ion concentration of sodium chloride in the pore water. Stress paths include mechanical loading at a constant osmotic suction, and an increasing osmotic suction at a constant mechanical stress. The experimental results point out a correlation between the osmotic suction and initial oedometric modulus, as well as between the osmotic suction and yield stress. A constitutive framework for soils is extended to take the observed chemo-mechanical couplings into account. The numerical model has been calibrated for the illite using the parameters obtained through the tests under mechanical loading at a constant concentration, and validated using more elaborate stress paths. The presented experimental and constitutive investigation builds a basis for the assessment of engineering issues in which pore liquid chemistry plays a major role.
The behaviour of steel-fibre-reinforced geopolymer concrete beams in shear
Authors: Ng Tian Sing , Amin Ali , Foster Stephen J.
Published: February 2013

An investigation of the shear behaviour of steel-fibre-reinforced geopolymer concrete beams is presented. Shear tests were conducted on five series of 250 mm deep by 120 mm wide beams spanning 2250 mm. The beams did not contain conventional web reinforcement (stirrups), but were reinforced with end-hooked and straight steel fibres in various fibre volumetric dosages, ranging from 0 to 1·5%. The test results show that the shear strength increases significantly as the fibre content increases and that improvement in the cracking behaviour is achieved through the addition of fibres. The results of the test were compared with the fib Model Code 2010 alternative model for shear strength of steel-fibre-reinforced concrete in combination with the variable engagement model for the determination of the tensile strength of steel-fibre-reinforced concrete. A good correlation is observed for the predictive model with the test data.
Vortex-induced vibrations – the Scruton number revisited
Authors: Hansen Svend Ole
Published: February 2013

The paper focuses on vortex-induced vibrations of structures with rectangular cross-sections, some of them having similar in-wind and cross-wind dimensions and others having in-wind dimensions much larger or much smaller than the cross-wind dimension. Traditionally, the Scruton number has been used to determine the effects of motion-induced wind loads acting on structures; however, because it depends on the cross-wind dimension only and not on the in-wind dimension, the Scruton number does not contain any information on the wind load exposed length. This paper proposes a general non-dimensional mass-damping parameter that includes the wind load exposed length and describes effects of motion-induced wind load consistently for the structures considered. This general non-dimensional mass-damping parameter is derived by considering the relative wind velocities approaching the structure vibrating due to vortex shedding and by assuming that the motion-induced wind load is proportional to the wind load exposed length being equal to the in-wind dimension. Wind tunnel tests carried out confirm that it describes the effects of motion-induced wind load more consistently than the Scruton number normally applied. The general non-dimensional mass-damping parameter is equal to the Scruton number when the cross-wind dimension is equal to the in-wind dimension.
Cyclic response of hollow and concrete-filled circular hollow section braces
Authors: Sheehan Therese , Chan Tak-Ming
Published: February 2013

The behaviour of seismic-resistant buildings relies heavily upon the inclusion of energy dissipating devices. For concentrically-braced frames, this function is accomplished by diagonal bracing members whose performance depends upon both cross-sectional properties and global slenderness. Traditionally preferred rectangular hollow sections are susceptible to local buckling, particularly in cold-formed tubes, owing to the residual stresses from manufacture. This paper explores the response of hollow and concrete-filled circular tubes under cyclic axial loading. The uniformity of the circular cross-section provides superior structural efficiency over rectangular sections and can be further optimised by the inclusion of concrete infill. A series of experiments was conducted on filled and hollow specimens to assess the merit of the composite section. Comparisons were drawn between hot-finished and cold-formed sections to establish the influence of fabrication on member performance. Two specimen lengths were utilised to assess the influence of non-dimensional slenderness. Parameters such as ductility, energy dissipation, tensile strength and compressive resistance are presented and compared with design codes and empirically derived predictions.
A Thermally Actuated Gas-Lift Safety Valve
Authors: Gilbertson Eric , Hover Franz , Freeman Bryan
Published: February 2013

Most offshore oil wells use flow-control safety valves that are either actively controlled from the surface or passively actuated by pressure changes. In this paper, we propose a passive, thermally-actuated safety valve that adds redundancy to well systems and significantly increases well safety. We use quasistatic thermal modeling, validated with experimental downhole data, to identify and characterize a suitable temperature regime for shape memory alloy actuation. We develop a complete loading and shut-in procedure with the new valve that is consistent with current practice in artificial lift. Finally, through a true-scale stainless-steel prototype, we demonstrate essential manufacturability and successful valve closure in accordance with predictions.
Near-Surface Monitoring of Large-Volume CO2 Injection at Cranfield: Early Field Test of SECARB Phase III
Authors: Yang Changbing , Romanak Katherine , Hovorka Susan , Holt Robert M. , Lindner Jeff , Trevino Ramon
Published: February 2013

An early field project of the Southeast Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership (SECARB) was conducted in Cranfield oil field, western Mississippi. Carbon dioxide (CO2) was injected into coarse-grained fluvial deposits of the Cretaceous lower Tuscaloosa formation, forming a gentle anticline at depths of 3300 m. CO2 injection started in July 2008, increasing to 23 wells (as of May 2011), with total injection rates greater than 1 million tons/yr. Focused monitoring programs of the deep subsurface and near surface have been implemented in different study areas. Here we present results of the near-surface monitoring program over a 3-year period, including shallow groundwater monitoring and soil-gas monitoring. A general methodology of detecting CO2 leakage into shallow groundwater chemistry is proposed. A set of geochemical indicator parameters was identified on the basis of the characterization of groundwater geochemistry, and these were further tested and validated using numerical modeling approaches, laboratory experiments, and field experiments. For soil-gas monitoring, a site (P-site) containing a plugged and abandoned well, a nearby open pit, and an engineered pad (representing a typical industrial near-surface environment for soil-gas monitoring) was selected for detailed study. The site was heavily instrumented with various sensors for measuring soil-gas concentrations at different depths, soil-water content, matric potential, and weather information. Three monitoring technologies were assessed: soil CO2 concentration measurements, CO2 flux measurements on the land surface, and multiple soil-gas component measurements. Results indicate that soil-gas-component measurements provide reliable information for gas-leakage detection. Methodologies of near-surface monitoring developed in this study can be used to improve CO2-leakage monitoring at other CO2 sequestration projects. This early field project was funded by the US Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory, as part of the Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships (RCSP) program. SECARB is led by the Southern States Energy Board (SSEB).
Optimization of Foam Enhanced Oil Recovery: Balancing Sweep and Injectivity
Authors: Zanganeh M. Namdar , Rossen W.R.. R.
Published: February 2013

Foam is a means of improving sweep efficiency that reduces the gas mobility by capturing gas in foam bubbles and hindering its movement. Foam enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) techniques are relatively expensive; hence, it is important to optimize their performance. We present a case study on the conflict between mobility control and injectivity in optimizing oil recovery in a foam EOR process in a simple 3D reservoir with constrained injection and production pressures. Specifically, we examine a surfactant-alternating-gas (SAG) process in which the surfactant-slug size is optimized. The maximum oil recovery is obtained with a surfactant slug just sufficient to advance the foam front just short of the production well. In other words, the reservoir is partially unswept by foam at the optimum surfactant-slug size. If a larger surfactant slug is used and the foam front breaks through to the production well, productivity index (PI) is seriously reduced and oil recovery is less than optimal: The benefit of sweeping the far corners of the pattern does not compensate for the harm to PI. A similar effect occurs near the injection well: Small surfactant slugs harm injectivity with little or no benefit to sweep. Larger slugs give better sweep with only a modest decrease in injectivity until the foam front approaches the production well. In some cases, SAG is inferior to gasflood (Namdar Zanganeh 2011).
Simulation and Fabrication of Gated Silicon Drift X-Ray Detector Operated by Peltier Cooling
Authors: Matsuura Hideharu , Hullinger Derek , Decker Keith W.
Published: February 2013

A proposed simply structured gated silicon (Si) drift X-ray detector operated using Peltier cooling and only a
single high-voltage source is investigated. Because the device structure is much simpler than that of commercial Si drift
detectors (SDDs), which require at least two high-voltage sources, the cost of the X-ray detection system can be reduced.
The absorption of cadmium X-ray fluorescence photons (energy: 23.1 keV) in 0.3-mm-thick Si is only 19% in commercial
SDDs. Toward realizing detectors with thicker Si substrates, we simulate the electric potential distribution in the proposed
detector with a Si substrate having thickness of 0.625 mm and resistivity of 10 kΩ·cm, and we perform fundamental experiments
on a fabricated prototype. The simulation result is in good agreement with the experimental result that the effective
active area of the detector is approximately 18 mm2 by using incident X-rays passed through a 0.1-mm-diameter pinhole.
An energy resolution of 145 eV at 5.9 keV is experimentally obtained from an 55Fe source at -38 °C.
Man-In-The-Barrel. A Case of Cervical Spinal Cord Infarction and Review of the Literature
Authors: Antelo María José García , Facal Teresa Lema , Sánchez Tamara Pablos , Facal María Soledad López , Nazabal Eduardo Rubio
Published: February 2013

Introduction:

Man-in-the-barrel syndrome was initially observed in patients with signs of serious cerebral hypoperfusion, in the border zone of the anterior and medial cerebral artery, but other causes were communicated later.

Methods:

a healthy 43-year-old woman who showed intense cervical pain, irradiating over both shoulders and arms. Physical examination on admission highlighted notable brachial diparesis, tacto-algesic hypoesthesia of both arms and sensory level C4-D9.

Results:

cervical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) on admission revealed a hyperintense intramedullar lesion at C3-C7 level, due to a cervical cord infarction.

Conclusions:

our case reveals that conventional neurological consideration about the specific anatomical location of man-in-the-barrel syndrome in the brain should be extended to other locations such as the cervical column and not only the brain area.
Workshop Report: Evaluation of Epidemiological Data Consistency for
Application in Regulatory Risk Assessment
Authors: White Ronald H. , Fox Mary A. , Cooper Glinda S. , Bateson Thomas F. , Burke Thomas A. , Samet Jonathan M.
Published: February 2013

Epidemiological study results have a key role in the assessment of health risks associated with exposures to
chemicals and pollutants, and often serve as the basis for the development of regulatory limits for environmental and
occupational health. A key uncertainty in the application of epidemiological study results in risk assessments stems from
variability in defining and operationalizing the concept of consistency of findings across studies, with assessments of
consistency often a controversial component of risk assessments. Although assessment of consistency of findings across a
diverse collection of epidemiological studies is central to evaluating that body of evidence for supporting causal
inferences, the variability in definition and formal evaluation methods strongly suggest the need for constructive
approaches to consistently and transparently evaluate data consistency.

In response to the need to improve approaches to assessing consistency in epidemiological study results, the Johns
Hopkins Risk Sciences and Public Policy Institute organized a workshop held in Baltimore, Maryland in September 2010
to identify and discuss key methodological issues, and to develop recommendations for qualitative and quantitative
approaches to addressing those issues. A multi-disciplinary approach was utilized for the workshop, involving invited
experts from a variety of fields, and the invited participants were drawn from academia, industry, government, and the
public interest sectors. This report provides a summary of selected epidemiology methodological issues discussed by the
workshop participants and provides the workshop’s key findings and recommendations for future approaches to
addressing this issue.
Comparison Between Maximum Sustained Yield Proxies and Maximum
Sustained Yield
Authors: Rothschild Brian J. , Jiao Yue
Published: February 2013

Attaining maximum sustained yield (MSY) is a central goal in U.S. fisheries management. To attain MSY,
fishing mortality is maintained at FMSY and biomass at BMSY. Replacing FMSY and BMSY by “proxies” for FMSY and BMSY is
commonplace. However, these proxies are not equivalent to FMSY and BMSY. The lack of equivalency is an important issue
with regard to whether MSY is attained or whether biomass production is wasted. In this paper we study the magnitude of
the equivalency. We compare FMSY/BMSY (calculated using the ASPIC toolbox) with the proxy estimates, F40%/B40%, published
in GARM III. Our calculations confirm that in general the FMSY/BMSY calculations differ from the GARM III proxy
estimates. The proxy estimates generally indicate that the stocks are overfished and are at relatively low biomasses, while
the ASPIC estimates generally reflect the opposite: the stocks are not overfished and are at relatively high levels of abundance.
In comparing the two approaches, the ASPIC estimates appeared favorable over the proxy estimates because 1) the
ASPIC estimates involve only a few parameters in contrast to the many parameters estimated in the proxy approach, 2)
“real variance” estimates for the proxy are not available so that it is difficult to evaluate the statistical adequacy of the
proxy approach relative to the ASPIC approach, and 3) the proxy approach is based on many components (e.g., growth,
stock and recruitment, etc.) that are subject to considerable uncertainty.
A Theoretical and Practical Evaluation of Struvite Control and Recovery
Authors: Sharp Robert , Vadiveloo Enrique , Fergen Robert , Moncholi Manuel , Pitt Paul , Wankmuller David , Latimer Ron
Published: February 2013

Struvite accumulation is a costly problem in many water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) that use anaerobic digestion, causing significant labor and equipment costs and potentially impacting facility performance and permit compliance. A comprehensive study was undertaken to evaluate possible solutions to struvite control at two similar Miami–Dade County, Florida, WRRFs. Alternatives analyzed included periodic cleaning and repair of damaged piping and equipment; optimum ferric salt dosing, use of in situ scaling coupons; and engineered struvite precipitation. The effectiveness and cost of each alternative was evaluated using a newly constructed dynamic process model and a net present worth analysis. Results indicate that nutrient recovery was a potential benefit at both facilities. This study establishes a comprehensive process and specific testing protocols for evaluating struvite control alternatives.
Cumulative Patency of Contemporary Fistulas versus Grafts (2000–2010)
Authors: Lok Charmaine E. , Sontrop Jessica M. , Tomlinson George , Rajan Dheeraj , Cattral Mark , Oreopoulos George , Harris Jeremy , Moist Louise
Published: February 2013

Background and objectives

Comparisons of fistulas and grafts often overlook the high primary failure rate of fistulas. This study compared cumulative patency (time from access creation to permanent failure) of fistulas and grafts.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Vascular accesses of 1140 hemodialysis patients from two centers (Toronto and London, Ontario, Canada, 2000−2010) were analyzed. Cumulative patency was compared between groups using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests. Hazard ratios (HRs) for fistula failure relative to grafts and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) are reported.

Results

There were 1012 (88.8%) fistulas and 128 (11.2%) grafts. The primary failure rate was two times greater for fistulas than for grafts: 40% versus 19% (P<0.001). Cumulative patency did not differ between fistulas and grafts for the patients’ first access (median, 7.4 versus 15.0 months, respectively [HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.79−1.23; P=0.85]) or for 600 with a subsequent access (7.0 versus 9.0 months [HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.77−1.13; P=0.39]). However, when primary failures were excluded, cumulative patency became significantly longer for fistulas than for grafts for both first and subsequent accesses (61.9 versus 23.8 months [HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.43−0.74; P<0.001] and 42.8 versus 15.9 months [HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.44−0.72; P<0.001]). Results were similar for forearm and upper-arm accesses. Compared with functioning fistulas, grafts necessitated twice as many angioplasties (1.4 versus 3.2/1000 days, respectively; P<0.001) and significantly more thrombolysis interventions (0.06 versus 0.98/1000 days; P<0.001) to maintain patency once matured and successfully used for dialysis.

Conclusions

Cumulative patency did not differ between fistulas and grafts; however, grafts necessitated more interventions to maintain functional patency.
Prognostic Value of Glomerular Collagen IV Immunofluorescence Studies in Male Patients with X-Linked Alport Syndrome
Authors: Massella Laura , Gangemi Concetta , Giannakakis Kostas , Crisafi Antonella , Faraggiana Tullio , Fallerini Chiara , Renieri Alessandra , Muda Andrea Onetti , Emma Francesco
Published: February 2013

Background and objectives

X-linked Alport syndrome (X-AS) is caused by mutations of the COL4A5 gene, which encodes for the collagen IV α5 chain (α5[COLIV]), resulting in structural and functional abnormalities of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and leading to CKD. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of residual collagen IV chain expression in the GBM of patients with X-AS.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

The medical records of 22 patients with X-AS from 21 unrelated families collected between 1987 and 2009 were reviewed (median age at last follow-up, 19.9 years; range, 5.4–35.1 years); GBM expression of α1, α3, and α5(COLIV) chains was assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy.

Results

GBM distribution of the α5(COLIV) chain was diffuse in 1 and segmental or absent in 21 of the 22 patients; the expression of the α3(COLIV) chain was diffuse in 5 of 22 patients and segmental or absent in 17 of 22 patients. Patients with diffuse staining for the α3(COLIV) chain presented with proteinuria significantly later (median age, 16.9 versus 6.1 years; P=0.02) and reached an estimated GFR < 90 ml/min per 1.73 m2 at an older age (median age, 27.0 versus 14.9 years; P=0.01) compared with patients with segmental or absent staining. Two thirds of patients with abnormal α3(COLIV) expression by immunofluorescence studies had null or truncating COL4A5 mutations, as opposed to none of the 4 tested patients with diffuse α3(COLIV) chain glomerular distribution.

Conclusions

These results indicate that maintained expression of the α3(COLIV) chain is an early positive prognostic marker in patients with X-linked Alport symdrome.
Precision of Estimating Equations for GFR in Children with a Solitary Functioning Kidney
Authors: Westland Rik , Abraham Yael , Bökenkamp Arend , Stoffel-Wagner Birgit , Schreuder Michiel F. , van Wijk Joanna A.E.
Published: February 2013

Background and objective

Children with a solitary functioning kidney may develop CKD. Although widely used, equations to estimate GFR are not validated in these patients. This study sought to determine the precision of common estimating equations in the KIMONO (KIdney of MONofunctional Origin) cohort.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Two creatinine-based (estimated GFR [eGFR]-Schwartz, urinary creatinine clearance), two cystatin C–based (eGFR-Zappitelli1, eGFR-CKiD [Chronic Kidney Disease in Children] 1), and two cystatin C/creatinine–based (eGFR-Zappitelli2, eGFR-CKiD2) estimates were compared with the gold standard GFR measured by inulin single injection (GFR-inulin) in 77 children with a solitary functioning kidney (time span of assembly, 2005–2012). Included patients were 1.5–19.8 years of age. Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) classification was compared between GFR-inulin and eGFR methods to analyze misclassification by estimating equations.

Results

The eGFR-CKiD2 equation performed best in children with a solitary functioning kidney (mean bias, −0.9 ml/min per 1.73 m2; 95% and 54% of values within ±30% and ±10% of GFR-inulin, respectively). Mean bias for eGFR-Schwartz was 0.4 ml/min per 1.73 m2, with 90% and 33% of values within ±30% and ±10% of GFR-inulin, respectively. For all estimates, misclassification in K/DOQI stage ranged from 22% (eGFR-Zappitelli1) to 44% (urinary creatinine clearance) of children.

Conclusions

Use of a combined serum cystatin C/creatinine–based equation (eGFR-CKiD2) is recommended to monitor renal function in children with a solitary functioning kidney. When cystatin C is not routinely available, eGFR-Schwartz should be used. Misclassification in K/DOQI-stage remains a caveat for all equations.
Long-term Outcomes of Arteriovenous Thigh Grafts in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ong Song , Barker-Finkel Jill , Allon Michael
Published: February 2013

Background and objective

Arteriovenous thigh grafts are a potential vascular access option in hemodialysis patients who have exhausted all upper-limb sites. This study compared the outcomes of thigh grafts with outcomes obtained with dialysis catheters.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A prospective vascular access database was queried to identify 209 thigh grafts placed from January 1, 2003, to June 30, 2011. The following were calculated: secondary graft survival (from graft creation to permanent failure), assisted primary graft survival (from graft creation to first thrombosis), and infection-free graft survival (from graft creation to first graft infection). Graft outcomes were compared with those observed with 472 tunneled internal jugular dialysis catheters.

Results

The median duration of patient follow-up was 340 days for grafts and 91 days for catheters. The surgical technical failure rate of thigh grafts was 8.1% and was higher in patients with vascular disease (hazard ratio [HR], 2.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–8.04; P=0.03). Secondary and assisted primary graft survival rates at 1, 2, and 5 years were 62%, 54%, and 38% and 38%, 27%, and 17%, respectively. Infection-free graft survival rates at 1, 2, and 5 years were 79%, 73%, and 61%. Secondary survival was much worse for dialysis catheters than thigh grafts (HR, 4.44; 95% CI, 3.65–5.22; P<0.001). Likewise, infection-free survival was far worse for catheters than for thigh grafts (HR, 3.77; 95% CI, 2.80–4.82; P<0.001).

Conclusions

Thigh grafts are a viable vascular option in patients who have exhausted upper-extremity options. Outcomes with thigh grafts are superior to those obtained with dialysis catheters.
Dialysate Calcium Concentration and the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Pun Patrick H. , Horton John R. , Middleton John P.
Published: February 2013

Background and objectives

The optimal dialysate calcium concentration to maintain normal mineralization and reduce risk of cardiovascular events in hemodialysis patients is debated. Guidelines suggest that dialysate Ca concentration should be lowered to avoid vascular calcification, but cardiac arrhythmias may be more likely to occur at lower dialysate Ca. Concurrent use of QT-prolonging medications may also exacerbate arrhythmic risk. This study examined the influence of serum Ca, dialysate Ca, and QT interval-prolonging medications on the risk of sudden cardiac arrest in a cohort of hemodialysis patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This case-control study among 43,200 hemodialysis patients occurred between 2002 and 2005; 510 patients who experienced a witnessed sudden cardiac arrest were compared with 1560 matched controls. This study examined covariate-adjusted sudden cardiac arrest risk associations with serum Ca, dialysate Ca, serum dialysate Ca gradient, and prescription of QT-prolonging medications using logistic regression techniques.

Results

Patients assigned to low Ca dialysate<2.5 mEq/L were more likely to be exposed to larger serum dialysate Ca gradient and had a greater fall in BP during dialysis treatment. After accounting for covariates and baseline differences, low Ca dialysate<2.5 mEq/L (odds ratio=2.00, 95% confidence interval=1.40–2.90), higher corrected serum Ca (odds ratio=1.10, 95% confidence interval=1.00–1.30), and increasing serum dialysate Ca gradient (odds ratio=1.40, 95% confidence interval=1.10–1.80) were associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest, whereas there were no significant risk associations with QT-prolonging medications.

Conclusions

Increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest associated with low Ca dialysate and large serum dialysate Ca gradients should be considered in determining the optimal dialysate Ca prescription.
Enhancement of insulating properties of brick clay by renewable agricultural wastes
Authors: Bánhidi Viktor
Published: February 2013

The use of agricultural wastes (byproducts) in various segments of brick and
tile industry is increasing continuously. These additives, which are
previously mixed into the raw or compound clay, start to ignite during the
firing process, providing extra thermal energy inside the product and
decreasing the required external energy need. Besides this effect, the
combustion of additives increases the porosity of the final product resulting
in enhanced thermal insulation properties. In this paper the effect of some
common agricultural wastes (sawdust, rice-peel and seed-shell) on the thermal
properties of brick clay products was investigated. The brick samples were
prepared from the mixture of the yellow and gray clay in the ratio of 4:1,
water content was between 15.57-16.67 wt.% and the pore-forming additives in
concentrations 0, 4 and 7 wt.%. To measure the steady state thermal
conductivity of the clay mixtures, samples with dimensions of 300?300?50 mm
were prepared. Drying and firing were performed using the industrial
partner?s standard procedures. Precise thermal conductivity data was
measured, using a RAPID?K type static thermal conductivity instrument. The
results showed that increasing the quantity of agricultural byproducts in the
clay mixture significantly decreases the thermal conductivity of the final
products, while only a minor reduction in the mechanical strength was
observed. It was found that the most efficient byproduct additive was the
sunflower seed-shell. With the addition of only 7 wt.% seed-shell to the
basic clay the thermal conductivity decreased from 0,27 W/m?K to 0,17 W/m?K
(i.e. ~36%).
Sol-gel synthesis and structure of La2O3-CoO-SiO2 powders
Authors: Radev Lachezar , Pavlova Liliana , Samuneva Bisserka , Kashchieva Elena , Mihailova Irena , Zaharescu Maria , Malic Barbara , Predoana Luminita
Published: February 2013

LaCoO3 powders are studied because they exhibit interesting electrical,
magnetic and catalytic properties. In this paper, new synthesized
La2O3-CoO-SiO2 powders with different quantity of silica were prepared via
solgel method in aqua media, starting from metal nitrates with different
chelating agents. The relation between the reaction in solution,
crystallization pathway and morphology were discussed. In LaCoO3-SiO2
powders, depending on the content of SiO2 and the treatment temperature
(700-1100?C), different crystalline phases (LaCoO3, Co2 SiO4 and La9.31
(SiO4 )6 O2) were observed with the crystallite sizes ranging from 50 to 100
nm. It was proved that chemical composition and nature of used additives has
influence on the phase formation and structure of obtained nanomaterials.
Personality traits as a potential predictor of willingness to undergo various orthodontic treatments
Authors: Hansen Vincent , Liu Sean Shih-Yao , Schrader Stuart M. , Dean Jeffery A. , Stewart Kelton T.
Published: February 2013

Objective:

To establish an association between patient personality traits and potential willingness to undergo various orthodontic treatments.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred adolescent individuals aged 12–16 years completed an anonymous electronic questionnaire via Survey Monkey. The 24-item questionnaire contained three major sections: patient demographics, a modified Big Five Inventory (BFI)-10 personality index, and a willingness to undergo treatment assessment. Multiple-variable linear regression analyses were used to determine the associations among age, gender, ethnicity, and the five personality traits simultaneously with willingness to undergo treatment. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ .05.

Results:

Ninety-six of the 100 individuals were included in the statistical analysis. Age, ethnicity, and gender failed to correlate with potential willingness to undergo orthodontic treatment. Several personality dimensions within the modified BFI-10 (agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism) were significantly associated with willingness to undergo various orthodontic treatments (P ≤ .05). Agreeableness demonstrated positive correlations with five treatment modalities, while both conscientiousness and neuroticism exhibited negative associations with a single treatment modality. Openness and extraversion were the only personality dimensions that failed to associate with any of the treatment modalities. Four of the nine treatment modalities had no association with patient demographics or a patient's personality dimensions.

Conclusions:

Personality traits are useful in predicting a patient's potential willingness to participate in various orthodontic treatments. The agreeableness dimension provided the most utility in predicting patient willingness. Age, ethnicity, and gender were not significant in predicting patient willingness.
Delayed closure of postinfarction ventricular septum defect in a patient with single vessel disease
Authors: Kovacevic Pavle , Velicki Lazar , Vujin Bojan
Published: February 2013

A 65-year-old patient with a systolic murmur that developed five days after acute anteroseptal myocardial infarction was referred to our Institution. He had previously been treated with fibrinolytic therapy. The patient was in a stable hemodynamic condition when admitted, with sustained diuresis. Blood gas analysis revealed normal parameters, whereas a chest X-ray showed signs of pulmonary congestion. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a 1.5×1.2 cm post-infarction ventricular septum defect (VSD) in the apical part of the septum. Because the patient’s hemodynamic conditions were stable, we decided to postpone the operative treatment to allow scarring of the infarcted area to make VSD repair feasible, thereby increasing the chance for success. Operative treatment was performed three weeks after admission. We performed closure of the VSD with a bovine pericardial patch. The patient was discharged in good condition and remained well three months after the surgery.
First observations in Turkish Thrace on water mite larvae parasitism of Ranatra linearis by Hydrachna gallica (Acari: Hydrachnidia)
Authors: Zawal Andrzej , Çamur-Elipek Belgin , Fent Meral , Kırgız Timur , Dzierzgowska Kinga
Published: February 2013

Many aquatic insect species, including aquatic Hemiptera, are parasitized by water mite larvae. Although this situation may cause damaging impacts to the hosts, the mites can disperse and colonize new localities in this way. Little is known about the frequency of water mite ectoparasitism amongst the aquatic Hemiptera in Turkey. In this study, larval water mite parasitism on aquatic Hemiptera, which have been collected from different localities in Turkish Thrace, was evaluated. It was found that only nine individuals, belonging two different species in a total of 367 hemipteran specimens, were parasitized by larval water mites. Furthermore, variations in sizes and shapes of the mites on the waterscorpion Ranatra linearis Linne, 1758 and Nepa cinerea Linne, 1758 were determined. These are the first records for larval mite parasitism on R. linearis and N. cinerea in Turkish Thrace.
Proteolysis on the body surface of pyrethroid-sensitive and resistant Varroa destructor
Authors: Strachecka Aneta , Borsuk Grzegorz , Olszewski Krzysztof , Paleolog Jerzy , Lipiński Zbigniew
Published: February 2013

The aim of this work was to determine the activity of proteases and protease inhibitors sampled from the body surface of tau-fluvalinate-sensitive and resistant V. destructor. Proteins were isolated from the tau-fluvalinate-sensitive and resistant mites, while mites untreated with tau-fluvalinate constituted the control. Subsequently, the following methodology was applied: protein concentration assay by the Lowry method — as modified by Schacterle and Pollack; assay of proteolytic activity in relation to various substrates (gelatine, haemoglobin, ovoalbumin, albumin, cytochrome C, casein) by the modified Anson method; identification of proteolytic activity in relation to diagnostic inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes (pepstatin A, PMSF, iodoacetamide, o-phenantrolin), using the Lee and Lin method; identification of acidic, neutral and basic protease activities by means of the modified Anson method; electrophoretic analysis of proteins in a polyacrylamide gel for protease detection with the Laemmli method and for protease inhibitor detection with the Felicioli method. The highest value of protein concentration was found in the tau-fluvalinate-sensitive V. destructor, while the highest activity levels of acidic, neutral and alkaline proteases were observed in the tau-fluvalinate-resistant mites. Aspartic, serine, thiolic and metallic proteases were found in the drug-resistant and drug-sensitive Varroa mites. The control samples were found to contain aspartic and serine proteases. In an acidic and alkaline environment, the results revealed a complete loss of inhibitor activities in the in vitro analyses and electrophoresis. Serine protease inhibitor activities (at pH 7.0) were high, especially in the group of tau-fluvalinate-resistant mites.
Molecular characterization of Trypanosoma evansi isolates from water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in the Philippines
Authors: Villareal Marjo , Mingala Claro , Rivera Windell
Published: February 2013

Trypanosoma evansi infection in the Philippines is frequently reported to affect the country’s livestock, particularly, the buffaloes. To assess the prevalence and intraspecific diversity of T. evansi in the country, blood samples from water buffaloes in different geographical regions were collected during an outbreak. T. evansi was detected in all 79 animals tested using PCR targeting the RoTat 1.2 VSG gene. Sequencing of the rDNA complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region including the 5.8S subunit showed high similarity (99–100%) between Philippine isolates and known T. evansi isolates in Genbank. Tree construction based on the same region confirmed the close relationship between Philippine and reported Thai isolates as compared to Egyptian isolates separated by relatively small genetic distances, 47 polymorphisms, despite the clustering in four branches. Overall, the results of this study prove genetic diversity within T. evansi species despite previous reports on limited heterogeneity among isolates worldwide.
Neoaulonastus grewlingi sp. nov. (Prostigmata: Cheyletoidea: Syringophilidae) a new quill mite species parasitizing Falcunculus frontatus (Passeriformes: Falcunculidae) in Australia
Authors: Glowska Eliza
Published: February 2013

A new quill mite species Neoaulonastus grewlingi sp. nov. parasitizing Australian endemic Falcunculus frontatus (Latham) (Passeriformes: Falcunculidae) is described. This new species differs from N. caligatus Skoracki by the following characters: apunctate pygidial shield and coxal fields I–IV, setae c1 1.4 times longer than d1, and lengths of setae ve 20, si 15–25, se 155–175 and c2 145–155. This is the first record of syringophilid mites from hosts of the family Falcunculidae and first register of Neoaulonastus genus in Australian region.
Seasonal fluctuation of the prevalence of cymothoids representing the genus Nerocila (Crustacea, Isopoda), parasitizing commercially exploited marine fishes from the Malabar Coast, India
Authors: Aneesh Panakkool-Thamban , Sudha Kappalli , Arshad Keethadath , Anilkumar Gopinathan , Trilles Jean-Paul
Published: February 2013

The presently reported study investigated seasonal fluctuations in the prevalence in four species of Nerocila infesting commercially exploited marine fishes representing the families Engraulidae, Clupeidae and Ambassidae, from the Malabar coast (Kerala, India). Seven of 56 fish species belonging to 23 families were infested by either one or two species of Nerocila. All the collected Nerocila species showed significant seasonal fluctuations in the prevalence of infestation, reaching maximum from October through April and minimum (or total absence of the parasites) from May through September. Such fluctuations were analyzed based on environmental parameters. Body surface, postero-ventral side of the head and the lateral line of the host fish form the major infestation site for the recovered Nerocila species. Skin lesion and hemorrhages were observed on the fish parasitized with these cymothoids.
Cloning and molecular characterization of cDNAs encoding three Ancylostoma ceylanicum secreted proteins
Authors: Siwińska Anna , Bąska Piotr , Daniłowicz-Luebert Emilia , Januszkiewicz Kamil , Długosz Ewa , Wędrychowicz Halina , Cappello Michael , Wiśniewski Marcin
Published: February 2013

Ancylostoma ceylanicum belongs to a group of soil-transmitted helminths, which infect almost 576 mln people worldwide and are a major cause of anaemia and malnutrition. Upon contact with a permissive host, third-stage larvae (L3) residing in the environment become activated larvae (ssL3), a process associated with changes in the profile of gene expression. Ancylostoma secreted proteins (ASPs) are the major proteins secreted during larvae activation and play a crucial role in hookworm adaptation to parasitism. Here we report the cloning using RACE-PCR technique of three novel ASPs from the hookworm A. ceylanicum (Ace-asp-3, Ace-asp-4, and Ace-asp-5) and computational analysis of the protein sequences. All three proteins contain SCP (Sperm Coating Protein) domain characteristic for previously described ASP proteins. Real-time PCR analysis shows significant up-regulation of Ace-asp-3 and Ace-asp-5 expression in adult worms and correlated down-regulation in ssL3 larvae. On the other hand, expression of Ace-asp-4 was increased in ssL3 stages and decreased in adult parasites.