bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aggressive local therapy combined with systemic chemotherapy provides long‐term control in gradeIIstage 2 canine mast cell tumour: 21 cases (1999–2012)
Authors: Lejeune A. , Skorupski K. , Frazier S. , Vanhaezebrouck I. , Rebhun R. B. , Reilly C. M. , Rodriguez C. O.
Published: May 2013

This retrospective case series evaluates the outcome of 21 dogs with gradeIIstage 2 mast cell tumour (MCT) treated with adequate local therapy and adjuvant systemic chemotherapy (prednisone, vinblastine andCCNU). The median survival for all dogs was 1359 days (range, 188–2340). Median disease‐free interval was 2120 days (149–2325 days). Dogs treated with surgery and chemotherapy had shorter survival (median, 1103 days; 188–2010 days) than those that underwent surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy as part of their treatment (median, 2056 days; 300–2340 days). Two patients had local recurrence in the radiation field and four patients hadde novoMCT. Distant metastasis was not observed in any dogs. The results of this study suggest that, in the presence of loco‐regional lymph node metastasis in gradeIIMCT, the use of prednisone, vinblastine andCCNUafter adequate local‐regional therapy can provide a median survival in excess of 40 months.
Flow‐cytometric detection of phenotypic aberrancies in canine small clear cell lymphoma
Authors: Martini V. , Poggi A. , Riondato F. , Gelain M. E. , Aresu L. , Comazzi S.
Published: May 2013

Histopathology and immunohistochemistry are mandatory to solve the differential between canine low‐grade lymphoma and reactive hyperplasia. However, clinicians and owners often show reluctance toward these invasive tests. However, molecular biology techniques are still not sensitive and specific enough to be regarded as a reliable tool for final diagnosis. In humans, flow cytometry (FC) allows a definitive diagnosis of T‐cell lymphoma based on high prevalence of antigen aberrancies. We describe here the immunophenotype of 26 cases of suspect canine small‐clear cell lymphoma, determined by multi‐colourFC. All cases showed antigen aberrancies and therefore neoplasia was always confirmed. As a consequence, we argue that the combined use of cytology andFCallows solving the differential diagnosis between small clear cell lymphoma and non‐neoplastic reactive conditions when histopathology is not available. Further studies are needed to establish if any aberrancy can be considered indicative of specific histotypes.
Health outcomes in recipients of blood transfusion – observational studies versus randomized clinical trials
Authors: Murphy E. L.
Published: May 2013

There is good evidence that blood transfusion practice varies by time and geography, and often departs from evidence‐based guidelines. On the other hand, interventions to change physician practice around the ordering of blood transfusions can be successful. The challenge is therefore to develop reliable evidence to support rational transfusion practice. Both observational studies and randomized clinical trials have strengths and limitations. Observational studies are cheaper and usually larger with concomitant improved statistical power, and may be more representative by including a wide range of patients and hospitals in the routine setting unaffected by a research protocol. Weakness of observational studies include confounding by unmeasured factors; indication bias, namely overestimation of adverse outcomes by the fact that transfused patients tend to be sicker than similar patients who did not receive transfusion; and the fact that available data may not suit the research question. Randomized clinical trials have the advantage of minimizing the effects of confounding and bias by virtue of the randomization process. Limitations of randomized trials include their expense which reserves them for specific research questions and may limit statistical power; and ethical problems in study design such as inability to utilize a placebo by withholding transfusion. Finally, inclusion and exclusion criteria can limit the generalizability of conclusions by restricting enrollment to a set of patients that differ from those seen in general medical practice. In this review, I shall attempt to illustrate the complementary contributions and limitations of observational epidemiological studies and randomized clinical trials in understanding several transfusion‐related adverse outcomes: mortality; TRALI; TACO; and the RBC storage lesion. I conclude that evidence for the efficacy and adverse outcomes of blood transfusion needs to be obtained from a balanced combination of observational studies and clinical trials.
Benchmarking: applications to transfusion medicine
Authors: Heddle N. M. , Barty R.
Published: May 2013

Benchmarking is ‘a structured, continuous, collaborative process in which comparisons for selected indicators are used to identify factors which when implemented will improve transfusion practices’. In the Transfusion Medicine literature, there are only a few published articles that meet the criteria for benchmarking: (1) using comparisons between institutions to identify practice variation; (2) using a communication and/or evaluation process to identify factors associated with best practices; (3) introduce best practice factors into one's own setting; and (4) re‐evaluate performance. Three models for benchmarking have been proposed: (1) a regional benchmarking programme that collects and links relevant data from existing electronic sources; (2) a sentinel site model where data from a limited number of sites are collected; and (3) an institutional‐initiated model where a site identifies indicators of interest and approach other institutions as comparators. Finland has the most well‐developed benchmarking model where hospital data are collected electronically from multiple sources and analysed centrally with web‐based reports available for participants. Areas of practice variation are explored in annual benchmarking workshops, interventions are identified and implemented, and the impact of the interventions are evaluated at a later date. A provincial model used in Canada will also be described showing the impact on red cell outdating when hospitals were challenged to meet evidence based targets. Limitations of benchmarking and future research will be discussed.
CD47 functions as a removal marker on aged erythrocytes
Authors: van Bruggen R.
Published: May 2013

CD47 on erythrocytes inhibits phagocytosis through interaction with the inhibitory immunoreceptor signal regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) expressed by macrophages. Thus, the CD47‐SIRPα interaction constitutes a negative signal for erythrocyte phagocytosis. However, we recently reported that CD47 does not only function as a ‘don't eat me’ signal for uptake but can also act as an ‘eat me’ signal. In particular, a subset of old erythrocytes present in whole blood was shown to bind and to be phagocytosed via CD47‐ SIRPα interactions.

Furthermore, we provide evidence that experimental ageing of erythrocytes induces a conformational change in CD47 that switches the molecule from an inhibitory signal into an activating one. We also demonstrate that aged erythrocytes have the capacity to bind the CD47‐binding partner thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) and that treatment of aged erythrocytes with a TSP‐1‐derived peptide enabled their phagocytosis by human red pulp macrophages. Finally, CD47 on erythrocytes that had been stored for prolonged time was shown to undergo a conformational change and bind TSP‐1.

These findings reveal a more complex role for CD47‐ SIRPα interactions in erythrocyte removal, with CD47 acting as a molecular switch for controlling erythrocyte phagocytosis.
Stem cell‐derived erythrocytes as upcoming players in blood transfusion
Authors: Migliaccio A. R.
Published: May 2013

Background

Blood transfusion is current standard‐of‐care for genetic forms of anemia that would be otherwise lethal and allows implementation of aggressive cytotoxic/surgical therapies developed for numerous types of cancer. In developed countries the blood supply is adequate and sporadically even in excess. However, difficulties exist in finding blood with rare phenotypes to treat alloimmunized patients and the progressive ageing of the human population predicts that blood will become scarce by 2050. These considerations establish the need for the development of techniques to generate cultured red blood cell (cRBCs) as transfusion products.

Materials and Methods

Recent progress in cell culture techniques is revolutionizing organ replacement therapies. Two new disciplines, cell therapy and tissue engineering, have been developed to generate in vitro therapeutic products for a variety of applications ranging from skin grafts to organ‐function repairs. It is currently believed that these advances will eventually allow ex‐vivo production of various cell types in numbers so great that, in the case of red cells, would be clinically adequate for transfusion.

Results

Proof‐of‐principle in animal models indicate that cRBCs generated from murine embryonic stem cells protect mice from lethal anemia. Conditions to generate small amounts of clinical grade cRBCs have been established and the first‐in‐man administration of autologous cRBCs perfomed. The results of this trial indicate that cRBCs survive in vivo at least as long as their natural counterpart.

Discussion

These ground‐breaking reports have raised great excitement for clinical evaluation of cRBCs for transfusion. However, skepticism still persist that production of cRBCs in numbers sufficient for transfusion will ever be possible. This paper will discuss diagnostic and clinical goals pursuable with numbers of cRBCs that may be generated with current technology.

Conclusion

We are confident that development of relevant clinical goals achievable with current technologies will not only improve clinical care in transfusion medicine but will also foster studies to overcome scientific and technical barriers that render transfusion with cRBCs of the general population impractical today.
Assays for quality control of platelets for transfusion
Authors: Deckmyn H. , Feys H.B.
Published: May 2013

Quality control of platelets relies on the determination of the extent by which platelets are still able to react with known agonists, and here knowledge of the biochemistry of platelet activation may guide to decide which tests are useful. In vivo, platelets will adhere to collagen exposed upon vessel wall damage, and especially under high shear conditions through von Willebrand factor (VWF) that forms a bridge between collagen and platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib. Binding of GPVI to collagen next results in the activation of a tyrosine kinase cascade, finally resulting in phosphorylation and activation of phospholipase C (PLC) γ2, which leads to an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ levels. High Ca2+ levels trigger the production of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and release of platelet granules containing among others, adenosine diphosphate (ADP). TXA2 and ADP now will activate their receptors on platelets which are, among others, linked to a G‐protein that activates PLCβ2 with more Ca2+ increase. This ultimately provokes activation of the integrin αIIbβ3 (or GPIIbIIIa), which now can bind the symmetrical fibrinogen, thus allowing cross‐linking of platelets or platelet aggregation. From the above it is clear that testing whether platelets are fully reactive ideally should be looking at as many of the above parameters as possible, while at the same time being simple and fast. Systems in which blood is flown over collagen surfaces mimic best the physiological situation; however, these tests are not fit for stored platelet testing as haematocrit is a critical factor in these experiments. Thromboelastography at best provides a test for G‐protein dependent activation (through thrombin) and integrin αIIbβ3 involvement. Platelet agglutination induced by ristocetin (surrogate for the adhesion phase) next to aggregation (involvement of integrin αIIbβ3) induced by collagen (Tyr kinase pathway) and ADP (G‐protein mediated pathway) can give a comprehensive view on the platelet quality. However, flow cytometry is also an excellent technique to detect (i) bound VWF to platelets in the presence of ristocetin, (ii) collagen‐ or ADP‐induced activation of integrin αIIbβ3 (by determining the binding of fibrinogen or of the activation‐dependent PAC‐1 antibody) and (iii) secretion (by detecting surface expression of P‐selectin).
A Force Based Model of Individual Cell Migration With Discrete Attachment Sites and Random Switching Terms
Authors: Dallon J. C. , Scott Matthew , Smith W. V.
Published: May 2013

A force based model of cell migration is presented which gives new insight into the importance of the dynamics of cell binding to the substrate. The main features of the model are the focus on discrete attachment dynamics, the treatment of the cellular forces as springs, and an incorporation of the stochastic nature of the attachment sites. One goal of the model is to capture the effect of the random binding and unbinding of cell attachments on global cell motion. Simulations reveal one of the most important factor influencing cell speed is the duration of the attachment to the substrate. The model captures the correct velocity and force relationships for several cell types.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of Mechanical Interactions Between Human Lower Leg Muscles in Vivo
Authors: Yaman Alper , Ozturk Cengizhan , Huijing Peter A. , Yucesoy Can A.
Published: May 2013

Evidence on epimuscular myofascial force transmission (EMFT) was shown for undissected muscle in situ. We hypothesize that global length changes of gastrocnemius muscle-tendon complex in vivo will cause sizable and heterogeneous local strains within all muscles of the human lower leg. Our goal is to test this hypothesis. A method was developed and validated using high-resolution 3D magnetic resonance image sets and Demons nonrigid registration algorithm for performing large deformation analyses. Calculation of strain tensors per voxel in human muscles in vivo allowed quantifying local heterogeneous tissue deformations and volume changes. After hip and knee movement (Δ knee angle ≈ 25 deg) but without any ankle movement, local lengthening within m. gastrocnemius was shown to occur simultaneously with local shortening (maximally by +34.2% and −32.6%, respectively) at different locations. Moreover, similar local strains occur also within other muscles, despite being kept at constant muscle-tendon complex length. This is shown for synergistic m. soleus and deep flexors, as well as for antagonistic anterior crural and peroneal muscle groups: minimum peak lengthening and shortening equaled 23.3% and 25.54%, respectively despite global isometric conditions. These findings confirm our hypothesis and show that in vivo, muscles are in principle not independent mechanically.
Development of Characteristic Upper Tracheobronchial Airway Models for Testing Pharmaceutical Aerosol Delivery
Authors: Walenga Ross L. , Tian Geng , Worth Longest P.
Published: May 2013

Characteristic models of the upper conducting airways are needed to evaluate the performance of existing pharmaceutical inhalers and to develop new respiratory drug delivery strategies. Previous studies have focused on the development of characteristic mouth–throat (MT) geometries for orally inhaled products; however, characteristic upper tracheobronchial (TB) geometries are currently not available. In this study, a new characteristic model of the upper TB airways for an average adult male was developed based on an analysis of new and existing anatomical data. Validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were used to evaluate the deposition of monodisperse and realistic polydisperse aerosols from multiple inhalers. Comparisons of deposition results between the new model and a simpler geometry were used to identify the effects of different anatomical features on aerosol deposition. The CFD simulations demonstrated a good match to regional pharmaceutical aerosol deposition from in vitro experiments in the same geometry. The deposition of both monodisperse and pharmaceutical aerosols was increased in the new TB geometry as a result of additional anatomical detail on a regional and highly localized basis. Tracheal features including an accurate coronal angle, asymmetry, and curvature produced a skewed laryngeal jet and significantly increased regional deposition. Branch curvature and realistic cross-sections increased deposition in the remainder of the TB model. A hexahedral mesh style was utilized to provide the best solution. In conclusion, a number of physiological features in the upper TB region were shown to influence deposition and should be included in a characteristic model of respiratory drug delivery.
The Extrema of an Action Principle for Dissipative Mechanical Systems
Authors: Lin Tongling , Wang Qiuping A.
Published: May 2013

A least action principle for damping motion has been previously proposed with a Hamiltonian and a Lagrangian containing the energy dissipated by friction. Due to the space-time nonlocality of the Lagrangian, mathematical uncertainties persist about the appropriate variational calculus and the nature (maxima, minima, and inflection) of the stationary action. The aim of this work is to make a numerical simulation of the damped motion and to compare the actions of different paths in order to obtain evidence of the existence and the nature of stationary action. The model is a small particle subject to conservative and friction forces. Two conservative forces and three friction forces are considered. The comparison of the actions of the perturbed paths with that of the Newtonian path reveals the existence of extrema of action which are minima for zero or very weak friction and shift to maxima when the motion is overdamped. In the intermediate case, the action of the Newtonian path is neither least nor most, meaning that the extreme feature of the Newtonian path is lost. In this situation, however, no reliable evidence of stationary action can be found from the simulation result.
Application of Continuation Methods to Uniaxially Loaded Postbuckled Plates
Authors: Lyman Theodore C. , Virgin Lawrence N. , Davis R. Benjamin
Published: May 2013

Continuation methods are used to examine the static and dynamic postbuckled behavior of a uniaxially loaded, simply supported plate. Continuation methods have been extensively used to study problems in mathematics and physics; however, they have not been as widely applied to problems in engineering. When paired with a Galerkin approximation, continuation methods are shown to be well suited to solving nonlinear buckling problems. In addition to providing a robust solution method for nonlinear equations, the linearized Jacobians from the continuation steps will contain natural frequency and mode shape information for mechanical systems (provided inertia terms are included). Results for the primary buckling branch are compared to previously published results. Using the open-source continuation package Auto, stable, remote secondary buckling branches were discovered. These secondary stable equilibrium persist even in the presence of geometric imperfections and their existence is confirmed by experiment.
First Integrals and Solutions of Duffing–Van der Pol Type Equations
Authors: Udwadia Firdaus E. , Cho Hancheol
Published: May 2013

A simple transformation is used to obtain the first integrals and the solutions of the Duffing–van der Pol type equation under certain conditions. It is shown that the system can be totally integrable and this total integrability admits new solutions. The new solutions require weaker conditions on the system's parameters than hereto known.
Homogenization and Stress Analysis of Multilayered Composite Offshore Production Risers
Authors: Sun X. S. , Chen Y. , Tan V. B. C. , Jaiman R. K. , Tay T. E.
Published: May 2013

An approach for stress analysis of multilayered composite cylinders is proposed for the analysis of new composite risers used in deep-water oil production of offshore petroleum industries. Risers essentially comprise long cylindrical sections connected end-to-end. In the formulation, only stresses and strains that are continuous through the thickness of the multilayered composite risers are taken to be equal to reported solutions for homogenous orthotropic hollow cylinders using homogenized material properties. These stress and strain solutions are then used to calculate the remaining discontinuous stresses and strains from the material properties of individual layers of materials. The homogenized elastic constants of cylindrically orthotropic composite risers are derived from force-deformation equivalence, taking into account the stress and strain distributions in each layer. Four typical loading conditions are considered in the stress analysis, namely, internal and external pressures, axial loading, bending, and torsion. Examples of homogenized elastic constants and stress analyses of composite cylindrical structures with different layups and materials are presented to demonstrate the application of the proposed method. The results compared very favorably with those from other solutions. This method provides practical benefits for the design and analysis of composite risers. Because there is no requirement to explicitly enforce interfacial continuity in this method, stress analyses of composite cylinders with many layers of different fiber angles or materials can be carried out efficiently. The homogenized elastic constants can greatly expedite the analysis of entire composite riser systems by replacing complex models of riser sections with homogenized riser sections.
A prototype fan‐beam optical CT scanner for 3D dosimetry
Authors: Campbell Warren G. , Rudko D. A. , Braam Nicolas A. , Wells Derek M. , Jirasek Andrew
Published: May 2013

Purpose:

The objective of this work is to introduce a prototype fan‐beam optical computed tomography scanner for three‐dimensional (3D) radiation dosimetry.

Methods:

Two techniques of fan‐beam creation were evaluated: a helium‐neon laser (HeNe, λ = 543 nm) with line‐generating lens, and a laser diode module (LDM, λ = 635 nm) with line‐creating head module. Two physical collimator designs were assessed: a single‐slot collimator and a multihole collimator. Optimal collimator depth was determined by observing the signal of a single photodiode with varying collimator depths. A method of extending the dynamic range of the system is presented. Two sample types were used for evaluations: nondosimetric absorbent solutions and irradiated polymer gel dosimeters, each housed in 1 liter cylindrical plastic flasks. Imaging protocol investigations were performed to address ring artefacts and image noise. Two image artefact removal techniques were performed in sinogram space. Collimator efficacy was evaluated by imaging highly opaque samples of scatter‐based and absorption‐based solutions. A noise‐based flask registration technique was developed. Two protocols for gel manufacture were examined.

Results:

The LDM proved advantageous over the HeNe laser due to its reduced noise. Also, the LDM uses a wavelength more suitable for the PRESAGETM dosimeter. Collimator depth of 1.5 cm was found to be an optimal balance between scatter rejection, signal strength, and manufacture ease. The multihole collimator is capable of maintaining accurate scatter‐rejection to high levels of opacity with scatter‐based solutions (T < 0.015%). Imaging protocol investigations support the need for preirradiation and postirradiation scanning to reduce reflection‐based ring artefacts and to accommodate flask imperfections and gel inhomogeneities. Artefact removal techniques in sinogram space eliminate streaking artefacts and reduce ring artefacts of up to ∼40% in magnitude. The flask registration technique was shown to achieve submillimetre and subdegree placement accuracy. Dosimetry protocol investigations emphasize the need to allow gel dosimeters to cool gradually and to be scanned while at room temperature. Preliminary tests show that considerable noise reduction can be achieved with sinogram filtering and by binning image pixels into more clinically relevant grid sizes.

Conclusions:

This paper describes a new optical CT scanner for 3D radiation dosimetry. Tests demonstrate that it is capable of imaging both absorption‐based and scatter‐based samples of high opacities. Imaging protocol and gel dosimeter manufacture techniques have been adapted to produce optimal reconstruction results. These optimal results will require suitable filtering and binning techniques for noise reduction purposes.
Tyrosine Kinase BMX Phosphorylates Phosphotyrosine-Primed Motif Mediating the Activation of Multiple Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
Authors: Chen Sen , Jiang Xinnong , Gewinner Christina A. , Asara John M. , Simon Nicholas I. , Cai Changmeng , Cantley Lewis C. , Balk Steven P.
Published: May 2013

The tyrosine kinase BMX targets primed tyrosines in other tyrosine kinases for full activation.
Inflammasome Meets Phagosome
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: May 2013

Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and caspase 1 are required for the acidification of phagosomes containing Gram-positive bacteria.
A Novel Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase, SGM-1, from an Environmental Isolate of Sphingobium sp
Authors: Lamoureaux Toni L. , Vakulenko Viktoria , Toth Marta , Frase Hilary , Vakulenko Sergei B.
Published: May 2013

SGM-1 is a novel class A β-lactamase from an environmental isolate of
Sphingobium
sp. containing all of the distinct amino acid motifs of class A β-lactamases. It shares 77 to 80% amino acid sequence identity with putative β-lactamases that are present on the chromosome of all
Sphingobium
species whose genomes were sequenced and annotated. Thus, SGM-type β-lactamases are native to this genus. Antibiotic susceptibility testing classifies SGM-1 as an extended-spectrum β-lactamase, conferring the highest level of resistance to penicillins. Although SGM-1 contains the conserved cysteine residues characteristic of class A carbapenemases, it does not confer resistance to the carbapenem antibiotics imipenem, meropenem, or doripenem but does increase the MIC of ertapenem 8-fold. SGM-1 hydrolyzes penicillins and the monobactam aztreonam with similar catalytic efficiencies, ranging from 10
5
to 10
6
M
−1
s
−1
. The catalytic efficiencies of SGM-1 for cefoxitin and ceftazidime were the lowest (10
2
to 10
3
M
−1
s
−1
) among the cephalosporins tested, while the catalytic efficiencies against all other cephalosporins varied from about 10
5
to 10
6
M
−1
s
−1
. SGM-1 exhibited measurable but not significant activity toward the carbapenems tested. SGM-1 also showed high affinity for clavulanic acid, tazobactam, and sulbactam (

K
i

< 1 μM); however, only clavulanic acid significantly reduced the MICs of β-lactams.
Divergent Immune Responses to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Infection Correlate with Kinome Responses at the Site of Intestinal Infection
Authors: Määttänen Pekka , Trost Brett , Scruten Erin , Potter Andrew , Kusalik Anthony , Griebel Philip , Napper Scott
Published: May 2013

Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
is the causative agent of Johne's disease (JD) in cattle.
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
infects the gastrointestinal tract of calves, localizing and persisting primarily in the distal ileum. A high percentage of cattle exposed to
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
do not develop JD, but the mechanisms by which they resist infection are not understood. Here, we merge an established
in vivo
bovine intestinal segment model for
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
infection with bovine-specific peptide kinome arrays as a first step to understanding how infection influences host kinomic responses at the site of infection. Application of peptide arrays to
in vivo
tissue samples represents a critical and ambitious step in using this technology to understand host-pathogen interactions. Kinome analysis was performed on intestinal samples from 4 ileal segments subdivided into 10 separate compartments (6
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
-infected compartments and 4 intra-animal controls) using bovine-specific peptide arrays. Kinome data sets clustered into two groups, suggesting unique binary responses to
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
. Similarly, two
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
-specific immune responses, characterized by different antibody, T cell proliferation, and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) responses, were also observed. Interestingly, the kinomic groupings segregated with the immune response groupings. Pathway and gene ontology analyses revealed that differences in innate immune and interleukin signaling and particular differences in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway distinguished the kinomic groupings. Collectively, kinome analysis of tissue samples offers insight into the complex cellular responses induced by
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
in the ileum and provides a novel method to understand mechanisms that alter the balance between cell-mediated and antibody responses to
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
infection.
Enteric disease on Operation HERRICK
Authors: Connor Patrick , Hutley E , Mulcahy H E , Riddle M S
Published: May 2013

Background

It is increasingly recognised that diarrhoeal disease is an important contributor to disease non-battle injury (DNBI) rates on operations. Current data collection methods (J97/EPINATO) rely on self-presentation of patients to medical care, which is likely to under-record the true incidence of diarrhoea in theatre. Along with this, the data recording itself is less than adequate, with acknowledged issues in classification of diarrhoeal disease within J97/EPINATO categories.

Methods

Two post-tour diarrhoeal disease questionnaire surveillance exercises were carried out at the end of Operation HERRICK 6 (H6) and 10 (H10), respectively.

Results

Crude diarrhoeal disease attack rates were similar across the two surveillance periods with approximately 40% of troops questioned reporting at least one diarrhoeal illness episode. The severity of illness increased from H6 to H10 as measured by disease-related symptomatology and days ill and/or off work. Mission burden was substantial and increased in H10 compared with H6.

Conclusions

Diarrhoeal disease is a significant cause of DNBI on operations. Current data collection methodologies underestimate its incidence and true operational burden.
Plant poisoning in domestic animals: epidemiological data from an Italian survey (2000–2011)
Authors: Caloni F. , Cortinovis C. , Rivolta M. , Alonge S. , Davanzo F.
Published: May 2013

An Italian epidemiological study based on the human Poison Control Centre of Milan (Centro Antiveleni di Milano (CAV)) data related to domestic animal poisoning by exposure to plants, was carried out in collaboration with the Veterinary Toxicology Section of the University of Milan. It encompasses a 12‐year period, from the beginning of 2000 to the end of 2011. Calls related to toxic plants accounted for 5.7 per cent of total inquiries (2150) received by CAV. The dog was the most commonly poisoned species (61.8 per cent of calls) followed by the cat (26 per cent). Little information was recorded for other species. Most exposures (73.8 per cent) resulted in mild to moderate clinical signs. The outcome was reported in only 53.7 per cent of cases, and fatal poisoning accounted for 10.6 per cent of these cases. Glycoside, alkaloid, oxalate, toxalbumin, saponin, terpene and terpenoid‐containing plants were recorded and found to be responsible for intoxication.Cycas revoluta, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Hydrangea macrophylla, Nerium oleander, Rhododendronspecies and Prunus species were the plants most frequently involved. Epidemiological data from this Italian survey provide useful information on animal exposure to plants and confirm the importance of plants as causative agents of animal poisoning.
Geochemical and Nd isotopic constraints for the origin of eclogite protoliths, northern Cordillera: implications for the Paleozoic tectonic evolution of the Yukon-Tanana terrane
Authors: Creaser Robert A , Goodwin-Bell Jo-Anne S , Erdmer Philippe
Published: May 2013

On the basis of trace-element data, basaltic protoliths for Paleozoic eclogites from the Yukon-Tanana terrane (YTT) have diverse origins. Eclogites from Stewart Lake and the Simpson Range have characteristics of basaltic protoliths generated by subduction-zone magmatism, are hosted by serpentinitic-gabbroic rocks, and record Mississippian high-pressure metamorphism and cooling. In contrast, eclogites from Faro, Ross River, and Last Peak show either within-plate geochemistry or mid-ocean ridge protolith geochemistry with a small subduction component, are hosted by continental metasedimentary rocks of the Nisutlin assemblage, and record Permian high-pressure metamorphism and cooling. We interpret these results to derive from the following tectonic events in the Paleozoic history of the YTT: (1) activity at a Devonian-Mississippian convergent plate margin at the distal edge of North America, with near-contemporaneous subduction-zone magmatism and high-pressure metamorphism; (2) Mississippian rifting of that margin to form the outboard YTT, the Slide Mountain marginal basin, and the Faro, Ross River, and Last Peak eclogite protoliths; and (3) west-dipping subduction of the Slide Mountain Ocean under the outboard YTT in Permian time, to produce the Faro, Ross River, and Last Peak eclogites and Permian arc magmatism throughout the YTT. The basaltic protoliths of the Paleozoic YTT eclogites bear close similarity to those produced in rifted convergent margins, such as the Miocene Japanese arc - back-arc system.
PAULI EXCLUSION PRINCIPLE
Authors: FAN J. D. , MALOZOVSKY YURIY M.
Published: May 2013

In terms of an exact equation for the thermodynamic potential due to interaction between two particles and based on Green's function method; we have derived the Landau expansion of the thermodynamic potentials in terms of the variation of the quasiparticle distribution function. We have also derived the expansion of the thermodynamic potential in terms of the variation of an exact single particle (not quasiparticles), this derivations lead to the relationship between the interaction function for two quasiparticles and the interaction energy between two particles as shown. Further, in terms of the four-point vertex part we are led to the Pauli exclusion principle.
LEAN VENTURING: LEARNING TO CREATE NEW BUSINESS THROUGH EXPLORATION, ELABORATION, EVALUATION, EXPERIMENTATION, AND EVOLUTION
Authors: BREUER HENNING
Published: May 2013

Corporate venturing is a real adventure that teams may only master gradually through research and learning, which proceeds through iterative specification and validation of business models. Based on this understanding we have developed a five E framework for corporate venturing that is organized by learning objectives on five levels of maturity, and backed up with scaffolding tools and methods. It shows how to explore, elaborate upon, evaluate, experiment with and evolve assumptions. Scaffolding tools and methods support the two main sets of activities required within this framework: the creative exploration of new ideas and opportunities, and the iterative specification, quantification and evaluation of assumptions. Examples from nine new venture projects in the telecommunication industry illustrate the approach.
Observer-Based Feedback Stabilization of Networked Control Systems with Random Packet Dropouts
Authors: Chen Pengpeng , Gao Shouwan
Published: May 2013

This paper is concerned with observer-based feedback stabilization of networked control systems (NCSs) with random packet dropouts. Both sensor-to-controller (S/C) and controller-to-actuator (C/A) packet dropouts are considered, and their behavior is assumed to obey the Bernoulli random binary distribution. The hold-input strategy is adopted, in which the previous packet is used if the packet is lost. An observer-based feedback controller is designed, and sufficient conditions for stochastic stability are derived in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). A numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the results.
A Finite Element Approach for the Elastic-Plastic Behavior of a Steel Pipe Used to Transport Natural Gas
Authors: Elliotis Miltiades C.
Published: May 2013

A finite element technique, with two-dimensional isoparametric elements, is developed, for the analysis of a steel pipe, with a circular cross-section. The pipe is installed above the ground and is used to transport natural gas at very high pressures. The material of the pipe is assumed to obey a bilinear elastic-plastic model. Double symmetry is considered when setting up the mathematical model problem and creating the finite element mesh. Step increments or decrements on the internal pressure are applied (cyclic loading). Yielding is detected by the Von Mises yield criterion. Also, a flow rule is employed to handle the plastic strain component. A four-point Gauss-Legendre quadrature is used to numerically perform all necessary integrations. Finally, the so-called “shakedown phenomenon” is studied when cyclic loading is applied after the commencement of plastic deformations on the pipe. Numerical results obtained by the method compare favorably with the analytic solution.
Cellular Mechanisms of Multiple Myeloma Bone Disease
Authors: Oranger Angela , Carbone Claudia , Izzo Maddalena , Grano Maria
Published: May 2013

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy of differentiated plasma cells that accumulates and proliferates in the bone marrow. MM patients often develop bone disease that results in severe bone pain, osteolytic lesions, and pathologic fractures. These skeletal complications have not only a negative impact on quality of life but also a possible effect in overall survival. MM osteolytic bone lesions arise from the altered bone remodeling due to both increased osteoclast activation and decreased osteoblast differentiation. A dysregulated production of numerous cytokines that can contribute to the uncoupling of bone cell activity is well documented in the bone marrow microenvironment of MM patients. These molecules are produced not only by malignant plasma cells, that directly contribute to MM bone disease, but also by bone, immune, and stromal cells interacting with each other in the bone microenvironment. This review focuses on the current knowledge of MM bone disease biology, with particular regard on the role of bone and immune cells in producing cytokines critical for malignant plasma cell proliferation as well as in osteolysis development. Therefore, the understanding of MM pathogenesis could be useful to the discovery of novel agents that will be able to both restore bone remodelling and reduce tumor burden.
Circulating CCL5 Levels in Patients with Breast Cancer: Is There a Correlation with Lymph Node Metastasis?
Authors: Smeets Ann , Brouwers Barbara , Hatse Sigrid , Laenen Annouschka , Paridaens Robert , Floris Giuseppe , Wildiers Hans , Christiaens Marie-Rose
Published: May 2013

CC-chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) was measured in plasma of 238 patients with breast cancer and in serum of 149 of these patients. Mean circulating CCL5 levels tended to be higher in patients with lymph-node-positive breast cancer, larger tumour sizes, the presence of lymphovascular invasion, and multifocal tumours. Additionally, circulating CCL5 levels were higher in the order of stages III, II, and I. The addition of circulating CCL5 concentration to known clinicopathological predictors for lymph node involvement did not allow more precise prediction of the lymph node status. These results suggest that CCL5 is a biomarker for tumour load rather than for lymph node involvement. As such, it might be helpful to identify patients with escape from immunosurveillance who will benefit from therapies to restore immune function.
Comparing the Electrochemical Performance of LiFePO4/C Modified by Mg Doping and MgO Coating
Authors: Song Jianjun , Zhang Ying , Shao Guangjie
Published: May 2013

Supervalent cation doping and metal oxide coating are the most efficacious and popular methods to optimize the property of LiFePO4 lithium battery material. Mg‐doped and MgO‐coated LiFePO4/C were synthesized to analyze their individual influence on the electrochemical performance of active material. The specific capacity and rate capability of LiFePO4/C are improved by both MgO coating and Mg doping, especially the Mg‐doped sample—Li0.985Mg0.015FePO4/C, whose discharge capacity is up to 163 mAh g−1, 145.5 mAh g−1, 128.3 mAh g−1, and 103.7 mAh g−1 at 1 C, 2 C, 5 C, and 10 C, respectively. The cyclic life of electrode is obviously increased by MgO surface modification, and the discharge capacity retention rate of sample LiFePO4/C‐MgO2.5 is up to 104.2% after 100 cycles. Comparing samples modified by these two methods, Mg doping is more prominent on prompting the capacity and rate capability of LiFePO4, while MgO coating is superior in terms of improving cyclic performance.
High Efficiency Secondary Somatic Embryogenesis in Hovenia dulcis Thunb. through Solid and Liquid Cultures
Authors: Yang Jingli , Wu Songquan , Li Chenghao
Published: May 2013

Embryogenic callus was obtained from mature seed explants on medium supplemented with 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Primary somatic embryos (SEs) can only develop into abnormal plants. Well‐developed SEs could be obtained through secondary somatic embryogenesis both in solid and liquid cultures. Temperature strongly affected induction frequency of secondary embryogenesis. Relatively high temperature (30∘C) and germinated SEs explants were effective for induction of secondary somatic embryos, and low temperature (20∘C) was more suitable for further embryo development, plantlet conversion, and transplant survival. Somatic embryos formed on agar medium had larger cotyledons than those of embryos formed in liquid medium. Supplementing 0.1 mg L−1 6‐benzyladenine (BA) was effective for plant conversion; the rate of plant conversion was 43.3% in somatic embryos from solid culture and 36.5% in embryos from liquid culture. In vitro plants were successfully acclimatized in the greenhouse. The protocol established in this study will be helpful for large‐scale vegetative propagation of this medicinal tree.
Biphasic Modulation of NOS Expression, Protein and Nitrite Products by Hydroxocobalamin Underlies Its Protective Effect in Endotoxemic Shock: Downstream Regulation of COX-2, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and HMGB1 Expression
Authors: Sampaio André L. F. , Dalli Jesmond , Brancaleone Vincenzo , D'Acquisto Fulvio , Perretti Mauro , Wheatley Carmen
Published: May 2013

Background. NOS/•NO inhibitors are potential therapeutics for sepsis, yet they increase clinical mortality. However, there has been noin vivoinvestigation of the (in vitro)•NO scavenger, cobalamin’s (Cbl) endogenous effects on NOS/•NO/inflammatory mediators during the immune response to sepsis.Methods. We used quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), ELISA, Western blot, and NOS Griess assays, in a C57BL/6 mouse, acute endotoxaemia model.Results. During the immune response, pro-inflammatory phase, parenteral hydroxocobalamin (HOCbl) treatment partially inhibits hepatic, but not lung, iNOS mRNA and promotes lung eNOS mRNA, but attenuates the LPS hepatic rise in eNOS mRNA, whilst paradoxically promoting high iNOS/eNOS protein translation, but relatively moderate•NO production. HOCbl/NOS/•NO regulation is reciprocally associated with lower 4 h expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, and lower circulating TNF-α, but not IL-6. In resolution, 24 h after LPS, HOCbl completely abrogates a major late mediator of sepsis mortality, high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) mRNA, inhibits iNOS mRNA, and attenuates LPS-induced hepatic inhibition of eNOS mRNA, whilst showing increased, but still moderate, NOS activity, relative to LPS only. experiments (LPS+D-Galactosamine) HOCbl afforded significant, dose-dependent protection in miceConclusions. HOCbl produces a complex, time- and organ-dependent,selectiveregulation of NOS/•NO during endotoxaemia, corollary regulation of downstream inflammatory mediators, and increased survival. This merits clinical evaluation.
New Therapeutics in Promoting and Modulating Mandibular Growth in Cases with Mandibular Hypoplasia
Authors: El-Bialy Tarek , Alhadlaq Adel
Published: May 2013

Children with mandibular growth deficiency may develop airway obstruction. The standard treatment of severe airway obstruction involves invasive procedures such as tracheostomy. Mandibular distraction osteogenesis has been proposed in neonates with mandibular deficiency as a treatment option to avoid tracheostomy procedure later in life. Both tracheostomy and distraction osteogenesis procedures suffer from substantial shortcomings including scarring, unpredictability, and surgical complications. Forward jaw positioning appliances have been also used to enhance mandible growth. However, the effectiveness of these appliances is limited and lacks predictability. Current and future approaches to enhance mandibular growth, both experimental and clinical trials, and their effectiveness are presented and discussed.
Fibroepithelial Polyp of the External Auditory Canal: A Case Report and a Literature Review
Authors: Tanaka Nobuaki , Matsunobu Takeshi , Shiotani Akihiro
Published: May 2013

This paper reports the first case of fibroepithelial polyp arising independently of the external auditory canal. A 16-year-old female patient presented to our clinic for aural fullness of the left side. Physical examination revealed a papillomatous tumor at the posterior wall of the inlet of the left external auditory canal. After biopsy, which yielded a diagnosis of benign papilloma, the patient underwent tumor excision. Final diagnosis was fibroepithelial polyp. One week after resection, aural fullness had resolved. Fibroepithelial polyp is a benign lesion and occurs mainly in the skin, ureteropelvic system, and genitals. In the head and neck area, there are reports on fibroepithelial polyp of the tongue, piriform fossa, inferior nasal turbinate, and tonsil, in addition to the skin, but none on independent fibroepithelial polyp of the external auditory canal. Excision of fibroepithelial polyp of the external auditory canal is advisable, especially in the presence of any symptoms, and should be preceded by confirmation of nonmalignancy by biopsy, if possible.
High Genetic Diversity ofEnterococcus faeciumandEnterococcus faecalisClinical Isolates by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis and Multilocus Sequence Typing from a Hospital in Malaysia
Authors: Weng Poh Leng , Ramli Ramliza , Shamsudin Mariana Nor , Cheah Yoke-Kqueen , Hamat Rukman Awang
Published: May 2013

Little is known on the genetic relatedness and potential dissemination of particular enterococcal clones in Malaysia. We studied the antibiotic susceptibility profiles ofEnterococcus faeciumandEnterococcus faecalisand subjected them to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST).E. faeciumandE. faecalisdisplayed 27 and 30 pulsotypes, respectively, and 10 representativeE. faeciumandE. faecalisisolates (five each) yielded few different sequence types (STs): ST17 (2 isolates), ST78, ST203, and ST601 forE. faecium, and ST6, ST16, ST28, ST179, and ST399 forE. faecalis. Resistance to tazobactam-piperacillin and ampicillin amongstE. faeciumisolates was highly observed as compared toE. faecalisisolates. All of the isolates were sensitive to vancomycin and teicoplanin. The presence of epidemic and nosocomial strains of selectedE. faeciumSTs: 17, 78, and 203 andE. faecalisST6 as well as high rates of resistance to multiple antibiotics amongstE. faeciumisolates is of a particular concern.