bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, incidence, and residual risks for transfusion‐transmitted human immunodeficiency virus Types 1 and 2 infection among Chinese blood donors
Authors: Wang Jingxing , Liu Jing , Yao Fuzhu , Wen Guoxin , Li Julin , Huang Yi , Lü Yunlai , Wen Xiuqiong , Wright David , Yu Qilu , Guo Nan , Ness Paul , Shan Hua ,   NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II) and International Component
Published: November 2012

Background

There are little data on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence, incidence, or residual risks for transfusion‐transmitted HIV infection among Chinese blood donors.

Study Design and Methods

Donations from five Chinese blood centers in 2008 to 2010 were screened using two rounds of enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for anti‐HIV‐1/2. A reactive result in either or both rounds led to Western blot confirmatory testing. HIV prevalence among first‐time donors and incidence among repeat donors were examined. Weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis examined correlates of HIV confirmatory status among first‐time donors. Residual risks were evaluated based on incidence among repeat donors.

Results

Among 821,320 donations, 40% came from repeat donors. A total of 1837 (0.34%) first‐time and 577 (0.17%) repeat donations screened reactive, among which 1310 and 419 were tested by Western blot. A total of 233 (17.7%) first‐time and 44 (10.5%) repeat donations were confirmed positive. Prevalence was 66 infections per 100,000 (95% confidence interval [CI], 59‐74) first‐time donors. Incidence was 9 of 100,000 (95% CI, 7‐12) person‐years among repeat donors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicates that first‐time donors 26 to 45 years old were 1.6 to 1.8 times likely to be HIV positive than those 25 years and younger. Donors with some college or above education were less likely to be HIV positive than those with middle school education, odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 0.35 to 0.60. Minorities were 1.5 times likely to be HIV positive than Han majority donors (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2‐2.1). HIV residual risk was 5.4 (95% CI, 1.2‐12.5) infections per million whole blood donations.

Conclusion

Despite the declining HIV epidemic in China, estimated residual risks for transfusion‐transmitted HIV infection are still high.
Hemolytic anemia due to passenger lymphocyte syndrome in solid malignancy patients treated with allogeneic natural killer cell products
Authors: Skeate Robert , Singh Charanjeet , Cooley Sarah , Geller Melissa , Northouse Joan , Welbig Julie , Slungaard Arne , Miller Jeff , McKenna David
Published: November 2012

Background

Allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell products for treatment of solid organ malignancies were prepared by performing T (CD3+)‐cell depletion on nonmobilized apheresis mononuclear cell collections. The products were not B‐cell depleted. This report details two cases of passenger lymphocyte syndrome (PLS) after NK‐cell infusion.

Case Reports

Patient 1 is a blood group A+ 56‐year‐old female with Stage IV ovarian carcinoma who received NK cells from an O+ donor. On Day +7 she developed new hemolytic anemia. Direct antiglobulin test (DAT) was positive for immunoglobulin G and C3, and the eluate contained anti‐A. Subsequently, anti‐A was identified on reverse typing. She was transfused with group O red blood cells (RBCs). By Day +12 she forward typed as O with anti‐A and B on reverse typing. By Day +42, DAT was negative with only weak anti‐A on reverse typing. Patient 2 is a blood group B+ 51‐year‐old female with metastatic lobular breast carcinoma who received NK cells from an O+ donor. On Day +7 she developed new hemolytic anemia. DAT was positive, and the eluate contained anti‐A and ‐B. Anti‐A reactivity was due to anti‐A,B. The next day she developed new anti‐B on reverse typing. She was transfused with O RBCs. Anti‐B titer increased to a maximum of 512 on Day +12. At discharge on Day +29 her anti‐B titer was still 32.

Conclusions

These patients developed PLS after infusion of NK cells. Because of these cases NK‐cell products are now B (CD19+)‐cell depleted at our institution, and this approach is recommended for other centers.
Investigating the prevalence of transfusion transmission of Plasmodium within a hyperendemic blood donation system
Authors: Freimanis Graham , Sedegah Mary , Owusu‐Ofori Shirley , Kumar Sanjai , Allain Jean‐Pierre
Published: November 2012

Background

Prevention of transfusion‐transmitted malaria in at‐risk children and pregnant women in endemic areas with inexpensive chloroquine is no longer effective due to widespread drug resistance. There is an urgent need for devising new strategies for transfusion malarial safety. We investigated the frequency of transfusion transmission of malaria within the Ghanaian blood donation system using blood donations from 106 asymptomatic adult Ghanaian blood donors.

Study Design and Methods

Paired samples from 106 blood donations and recipients (before and after transfusion) were tested for anti‐merozoite surface protein‐1/2 using the commercial Lab21 malaria enzyme immunoassay (EIA), four antigen‐specific in‐house EIAs, and Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) EIA. Additionally, Plasmodium DNA was screened for using a species‐specific nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a Pan‐Plasmodium quantitative PCR. Donor–recipient parasite identity was defined by two concordant genotyping strategies.

Results

Plasmodium antibody prevalence was 100% in both donors and recipients, with at least one antigen. Parasitemia prevalence was 54.7% in both donors and recipients with median levels of 20 and 5.3 copies/μL, respectively, the difference being correlated to age (p = 0.0001). Multiple species infections were frequent (8.5%). Twenty‐four units of parasitemic blood were transfused to nonparasitemic recipients, of which 10 (41.7%) became infected after transfusion. Molecular genotyping with 13 distinct markers (antigenic genes and microsatellite loci) identified three to nine parasitemic recipients after transfusion with level of allelic identity suggesting 14% to 28% definite or possible transfusion‐related parasitemia.

Conclusion

None of the currently available screening assays appear suitable to minimize transfusion malaria without compromising the blood supply in endemic areas.
Gender Differences Regarding Informal Caregivers of Older People
Authors: del‐Pino‐Casado Rafael , Frías‐Osuna Antonio , Palomino‐Moral Pedro A. , Ramón Martínez‐Riera José
Published: November 2012

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine differences related to gender among informal caregivers serving older disabled individuals.

Design and Methods: A secondary analysis of the most recent national cross‐sectional survey, which was conducted in Spain on informal caregivers who served older individuals (65 years of age or older), was conducted in 2011 (N= 1,272, probability sample). The relationships between gender and intensity of care (amount and type of care provided), duration of caregiving, subjective burden, and satisfaction with caregiving were analyzed by bivariate and multivariate procedures.

Findings: No statistically significant gender differences were found with regard to the intensity of care, duration of caregiving, or satisfaction; however, subjective burden was found to differ between men and women, and this difference was statistically significant (odds ratio = 1.98; p= .012).

Conclusions: Because this study was conducted in Spain, a country with strong patriarchal norms with regard to caregiving and familism, whereas gender differences in intensity of care have been reported in countries with low familism, we conclude that cultural diversity can influence the relationship between gender and intensity of care. On the other hand, our study increases the evidence in support of there being gender‐based differences in subjective burden among family caregivers serving older people in Western industrial countries. Finally, the results of our study support the hypothesis that sources of satisfaction are more strongly related to the caregiver's personal context and characteristics than to his or her gender.

Clinical Relevance: These findings support the following recommendations regarding nursing interventions: (a) nurses should take into account specific cultural patterns in caregiving to improve their understanding concerning the relationships between gender and intensity of care, and (b) gender should be taken into account in interventions that are tailored toward addressing subjective burden.
Implementation of Evidence‐Based Practices in the Context of a Redevelopment Project in a Canadian Healthcare Organization
Authors: Lavoie‐Tremblay Mélanie , Richer Marie‐Claire , Marchionni Caroline , Cyr Guylaine , Biron Alain D. , Aubry Monique , Bonneville‐Roussy Arielle , Vézina Michel
Published: November 2012

Purpose: The recent introduction of a project management office (PMO) in a major healthcare center, led by a nurse, provides a unique opportunity to understand how a PMO facilitates successful implementation of evidence‐based practices in care delivery.

Design: A case study with embedded units (individuals, projects, and organization). In this study, the case is operationally defined as the PMO deployed in a Canadian healthcare center.

Methods: The sources of evidence used in this study were diverse. They consisted of 38 individual interviews, internal documents, and administrative data. The data were collected from March 2009 to November 2011. Content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data.

Findings: PMO experts help improve practices, and the patients thus receive safer and better quality care. Several participants point out that they could not make the changes without the PMO's support. They mention that they succeeded in changing their practices based on the evidence and acquired knowledge of change management with the PMO members that can be transferred to their practice.

Conclusions: With the leadership of the nurse director of the PMO, members provide a range of expertise and fields in evidence‐based change management, project management, and evaluation.

Clinical Relevance: PMO facilitates the implementation of clinical and organizational practices based on evidence to improve the quality and safety of care provided to patients.
A Review of Determinants of and Interventions for Proenvironmental Behaviors in Organizations
Authors: Lo Siu Hing , Peters Gjalt‐Jorn Y. , Kok Gerjo
Published: November 2012

A review of empirical studies on proenvironmental behaviors in organizational contexts is presented. Twenty‐one studies met the inclusion criteria. Quantitative effect sizes were compared where statistics were available and research designs were comparable. Characteristics of the dependent variable and the targeted organizational (sub)populations were systematically examined. With respect to individual‐specific determinants, the results show relatively consistent effects for attitudinal determinants and past behavior. For organization‐specific influences, management and physical facilitation were frequently significant. Findings related to other factors are less conclusive. Given the available evidence and feasibility considerations, it is recommended that interventions focus on physical facilitation, tailored persuasive communication, and active engagement of middle management. It is further recommended that future research integrates the analysis of individual and organizational determinants.
Physical Attractiveness Bias in Employee Termination
Authors: Commisso Melissa , Finkelstein Lisa
Published: November 2012

We examined the impact of attractiveness on employment termination decisions. After viewing a file that contained a poor performance review and a badge with a photograph of an extremely attractive, moderately attractive, or unattractive employee, 178 participants were asked if they would terminate the employee, rated how much they liked the employee, and made a judgment of attribution of her poor performance. Participants were willing to terminate the unattractive woman more frequently than the moderate or extremely attractive women. The participants also liked the unattractive woman less than the others. When asked to rate causes of poor performance, no differences were found based directly on attractiveness, but attributions mediated the relationship between liking ratings and termination decisions.
The Relative Importance of Employee Engagement, Other Job Attitudes, and Trait Affect as Predictors of Job Performance
Authors: Dalal Reeshad S. , Baysinger Michael , Brummel Bradley J. , LeBreton James M.
Published: November 2012

We used univariate and multivariate relative weight analysis to assess the relative importance of a new job attitude (employee engagement), several longstanding job attitudes (job satisfaction, organizational commitment, job involvement, perceived organizational support, and work centrality), and trait positive and negative affect as predictors of 3 important components of overall employee performance: task performance, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), and counterproductive (or deviant) work behavior. The results indicate that the best predictors of overall employee performance were trait negative affect, employee engagement, and job satisfaction. Moreover, the results were unaffected by the removal of a few behavioral items (akin to OCB) from measures of employee engagement. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Emotional and Behavioral Responses to Workplace Incivility and the Impact of Hierarchical Status
Authors: Porath Christine L. , Pearson Christine M.
Published: November 2012

Using appraisal theory, this research examined targets' emotional responses to workplace incivility, and how these responses impact targets' behavioral responses. Targets who reported greater incivility reported greater anger, fear, and sadness. Targets' anger was associated with more direct aggression against the instigators; targets' fear was associated with indirect aggression against instigators, absenteeism, and exit; and targets' sadness was associated with absenteeism. Status moderated the effects of fear and sadness. Our results underscore the need for organizations to manage civility so that they and their employees can avoid substantial direct and indirect costs associated with workplace incivility. At a broader level, our results suggest the importance of developing greater awareness about the harmful effects of fear and sadness in the workplace.
Management of non‐healing leg ulcers in Unani system of medicine
Authors: Zulkifle Mohd , Ansari Abdul H , Shakir Mohd , Kamal Zahid , Alam Md Tanwir
Published: November 2012

Non‐healing leg ulcers are becoming a major public health problem. The high prevalence of leg ulcer directly affects patients' quality of life because it produces psychological (anxiety, depression), social and physical (amputation) handicap. Most leg ulcers become unsightly and they hardly if ever, yield to conventional treatment. Healing of an amputated part may pose a problem, hence amputation cannot be recommended without extensive pre‐operative investigations. Prevalence is high among the poor, for whom expenses of surgery are not affordable. Few surgeons try skin graft but unfavourable local condition of the ulcer leads to rejection and all efforts prove futile. Keeping all these factors in mind, we have tested a Unani formulation for its ulcer healing properties; early results were surprising and in some cases unbelievable.
Ovine forestomach matrix biomaterial is a broad spectrum inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases and neutrophil elastase
Authors: Negron Leonardo , Lun Stan , May Barnaby CH
Published: November 2012

Proteases play a critical role in the ordered remodelling of extracellular matrix (ECM) components during wound healing and tissue regeneration. However, the usually ordered proteolysis is compromised in chronic wounds due to over‐expression and high concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase's (MMPs) and neutrophil elastase (NE). Ovine forestomach matrix (OFM) is a decellularised extracellular matrix‐based biomaterial developed for tissue regeneration applications, including the treatment of chronic wounds, and is a heterogeneous mixture of ECM proteins and proteoglycans that retains the native structural and functional characteristics of tissue ECM. Given the diverse molecular species present in OFM, we hypothesised that OFM may contain components or fragments that inhibit MMP and NE activity. An extract of OFM was shown to be a potent inhibitor of a range of tissue MMPs (IC50s = 23 ± 5 to 115 ± 14 µg/ml) and NE (IC50 = 157 ± 37 µg/ml), and was more potent than extracts prepared from a known protease modulating wound dressing. The broad spectrum activity of OFM against different classes of MMPs (i.e. collagenases, gelatinases and stromelysins) may provide a clinical advantage by more effectively addressing the protease imbalance seen in chronic wounds.
Potential of Oncostatin M to accelerate diabetic wound healing
Authors: Shin Soo Hye , Han Seung‐Kyu , Jeong Seong‐Ho , Kim Woo‐Kyung
Published: November 2012

Oncostatin M (OSM) is a multifunctional cytokine found in a variety of pathologic conditions, which leads to excessive collagen deposition. Current studies demonstrate that OSM is also a mitogen for fibroblasts and has an anti‐inflammatory action. It was therefore hypothesised that OSM may play an important role in healing of chronic wounds that usually involve decreased fibroblast function and persist in the inflammatory stage for a long time. In a previous in vitro study, the authors showed that OSM increased wound healing activities of diabetic dermal fibroblasts. However, wound healing in vivo is a complex process involving multiple factors. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of OSM on diabetic wound healing in vivo.

Five diabetic mice were used in this study. Four full‐thickness round wounds were created on the back of each mouse (total 20 wounds). OSM was applied on the two left‐side wounds (n = 10) and phosphate‐buffered saline was applied on the two right‐side wounds (n = 10). After 10 days, unhealed wound areas of the OSM and control groups were compared using the stereoimage optical topometer system. Also, epithelialisation, wound contraction and reduction in wound volume in each group were compared. The OSM‐treated group showed superior results in all of the tested parameters. In particular, the unhealed wound area and the reduction in wound volume demonstrated statistically significant differences (P < 0·05). The results of this study indicate that topical application of OSM may have the potential to accelerate healing of diabetic wounds.
Perception versus Reality: Canadian Consumer Views of Local and Organic
Authors: Campbell Benjamin L. , Mhlanga Saneliso , Lesschaeve Isabelle
Published: November 2012

During the past decade, Canadian consumers have developed a keen interest in local and organic foods. In response, the Canadian government established standards to regulate their labeling. However, many retail and media outlets offer varying definitions that fit their needs. Consumers utilize this often conflicting information to formulate their understanding of local and organic. The aim of this study was to investigate consumer understanding and perception of local and organic food, especially in regard to production characteristics. The results indicate that local is predominantly defined as decreased miles to transport, whereas organic is defined as food produced without the use of synthetic pesticides. However, a fairly large percentage of consumers perceive inaccurate definitions as being characteristics of local and organic. Furthermore, consumers with accurate definitions of local and organic share a similar consumer profile, while consumers with misguided perceptions do not. We also see that characteristics such as ethnic heritage, personal characteristics, geographic region, and length of stay in Canada not only influence consumer understanding and perception, but also the geographic boundaries associated with local.
Soft systems methodology and integrated flood management: a study of the Adayar watershed, Chennai, India
Authors: Suriya S. , Mudgal B. V.
Published: November 2012

This paper applies Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) within the context of action research and Integrated Flood Management (IFM). A case study from the Adayar watershed, Chennai, is provided as an example of how SSM can be used to understand complex situations and as a problem‐solving strategy for flood management. Flat topography, uncontrolled urban development, population growth, sand bar formation at the river mouth and low tidal action render complexity to flood management in Chennai. For effective flood management, a participatory and integrated approach, which includes stakeholders in the decision‐making process and an enabling institutional set‐up, is essential. As part of an integrated approach, the relationship between various organizations and the public is identified. SSM is an approach for addressing fuzzy problematic situations involving human activity. In this paper, SSM techniques like ‘Rich Picture Diagrams’ and ‘CATWOE analysis’ and participatory action research tools like ‘pairwise ranking’ and ‘force field analysis’ were investigated. Two workshops were conducted to define and explore the problematic situation, the role of various actors involved in the problem, to develop the conceptual model, to rank decision‐making criteria, and to analyse the forces for and against to solve the problem. The flood management approach provided in this paper can be used by government agencies and policy makers to manage floods.
A history evaluation modelling and forecastation of water quality in shallow lake
Authors: Xu Ligang , Pan Jizheng , Jiang Jiahu , Zhao Hongbo , Liu Caihong
Published: November 2012

The frequent outbreaks of water eutrophication in Gehu Lake are regarded as one of the most troublesome environmental issues in Southeast China. Based on the water's potential capacity to accept pollutant loads, a catchment‐scale environmental management system was established to ensure inflows of clean water into Taihu Lake. Considering the complexity of the hydrological regimes operating within the river‐network plain, the capacities of the water environment for loads of COD and nutrients were estimated using the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program, Version 7.3 (WASP 7.3) model. The calibration and the verification of this model were based on water quality measurements during the period 2009–2010. The variables of water quality that were examined are COD, NH4‐N, TN and TP. The simulated distributions of the COD, NH4‐N, TN and TP in the water column agree with the observations, but it indicates that more measurements are needed to verify the predictability of the simulations. The simulation results show that the average relative error is small, and the change trend of each indicator is consistent. The results have shown that the WASP model can be used to evaluate the future water quality changes in case that the pollution continues with the same rate. The work presented in this paper is expected to be a theoretical basis in exploring the degradation mechanism for self‐purification capacity of water bodies and in designing and constructing of Gehu Lake ecosystem restoration goals.
The diets of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) on the shelf and oceanic feeding grounds in the western North Pacific inferred from stable isotope analysis
Authors: Filatova Olga A. , Witteveen Briana H. , Goncharov Anton A. , Tiunov Alexei V. , Goncharova Maria I. , Burdin Alexander M. , Hoyt Erich
Published: November 2012

Humpback whales feed on a variety of prey, but significant differences likely occur between regional feeding grounds. In this study, the diets of humpback whales were analyzed by comparing stable isotope ratios in animal tissues at three humpback whale feeding grounds in the Russian Far East: Karaginsky Gulf, Anadyr Gulf, and the Commander Islands. Anadyr Gulf is a neritic zone far from a shelf break, Karaginsky Gulf is a neritic zone close to a shelf break, and the Commander Islands represent an open oceanic ecosystem where whales feed off the shelf break. Samples from the Commander Islands had the lowest mean δ13C and δ15N values (mean ± SE: δ13C = −18.7 ± 0.1, δ15N = 10.4 ± 0.1) compared to the samples from Karaginsky Gulf (δ13C = −17.2 ± 0.1, δ15N = 12.7 ± 0.2) and Anadyr Gulf (δ13C= −17.8 ± 0.1, δ15N = 14.0 ± 0.4). The samples from Anadyr Gulf had the highest δ15N values, while the samples from Karaginsky Gulf had the highest δ13C values. Both δ13C and δ15N values differed significantly among all three areas. Our data support the hypothesis that humpback whales tend to feed on fish in neritic areas and on plankton in deep oceanic waters.
Environmental Sustainability at Work: A Call to Action
Authors: Ones Deniz S. , Dilchert Stephan
Published: November 2012

As world economies and organizations transform to minimize, mitigate, and neutralize their environmental impact and adapt for environmental sustainability, industrial and organizational psychologists are uniquely positioned to aid in these efforts. Industrial and organizational (I–O) psychology has a central role to play and a duty to contribute to organizational greening initiatives. In making our case, we first describe how economic activities, organizations, and workplaces of today are in the midst of unprecedented change in terms of their impacts on and relations with the natural environment. To ensure conceptual clarity, we then delineate environmental sustainability constructs that are relevant in work settings and distinguish them from related concepts (e.g., social responsibility). We also provide an overview of psychological contributions to environmental sustainability and note that so far there is limited I–O psychological research and application. We conclude by describing ways in which I–O psychologists can contribute.
Environmental Sustainability in and of Organizations
Authors: Dilchert Stephan , Ones Deniz S.
Published: November 2012

We note that the current intellectual, social, and economic milieu has led to general acceptance of environmental sustainability as one of the most important issues of our time. Environmental sustainability is a “big idea,” and it is “in the air” (Gladwell, 2008). Few industrial–organizational (I–O) psychologists disagree. However, there are many different ideas on the what, where, and how our field can contribute. We review facilitators, drivers, and barriers to environmental sustainability of organizations. We also discuss the ways in which cultural and international research can strengthen sustainability research and practice. In order to make a meaningful difference and positive environmental impact, I–O psychologists and HR practitioners need to focus on their unique skills and influence organizational environmental sustainability by designing and shaping work, workplaces, and workforces.
Accelerated Vesting in Takeovers: The Impact on Shareholder Wealth
Authors: Elkinawy Susan , Offenberg David
Published: November 2012

We study the impact of accelerated vesting of equity awards on takeovers, whereby the restricted stock and/or stock options of the target chief executive officer (CEO) immediately vest and become unrestricted upon the close of the acquisition. We find that takeover premiums are significantly larger when the target CEO receives the benefit of accelerated vesting as compared to target firms with CEO's that continue to vest in their awards after closing the deal. Our evidence suggests that these cash windfalls triggered by accelerated vesting are beneficial to shareholders in completed deals. Accelerated vesting appears to be an efficient form of ex ante managerial contracting.
The Effect of Intravenous Lidocaine Infusion on Bronchoalveolar Lavage Cytology in Equine Recurrent Airway Obstruction
Authors: Wilson M.E. , Berney C. , Behan A.L. , Robinson N.E.
Published: November 2012

Background

Lidocaine decreases neutrophilic inflammation in models of acute lung injury and decreases inflammation in asthmatic patients. Neutrophilic bronchiolitis develops in recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), but it remains unknown if lidocaine infusion decreases neutrophil migration into the airways.

Hypothesis

Lidocaine decreases neutrophilic inflammation as measured in BALF in RAO‐affected horses.

Animals

Six RAO‐susceptible horses in remission.

Methods

In a randomized cross‐over design, horses received lactated Ringer's solution (LRS) IV or lidocaine hydrochloride IV with a minimum of 4 weeks at pasture between treatments. Treatments were delivered as continuous infusions beginning 4 hours before and for 68 hours during exposure to hay and straw challenge. Clinical score (CS, grade 0–8), maximal change in pleural pressure (∆Pplmax), and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology were measured at baseline and the end of challenge (day 4). Plasma lidocaine concentrations were monitored daily.

Results

At baseline, there were no significant differences in variables between treatments. Plasma lidocaine concentration was consistently > 1100 ng/mL. After challenge, CS increased significantly [baseline: 2/8 (2–3), [median (interquartile range)]; day 4: 4/8 (4–5) P = .0006] as did ∆Pplmax [baseline: 3.6 (2.63–4.95) cmH20; day 4: 9.62 (6.5–16) P = .0036], but there was no difference between treatments. Percentage of neutrophils was not different between treatments, but lidocaine infusion significantly increased BALF total cells [baseline: LRS 2.18 ± 0.82 × 105 cells/mL (mean ± SD), lidocaine 1.6 ± 0.3 × 105, day 4: LRS 2.0 ± 0.88 × 105, lidocaine 4.4 ± 2 × 105 (P = .0045)].

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Lidocaine does not decrease neutrophilic inflammation in RAO.
CA15.3, CEA and LDH in Dogs with Malignant Mammary Tumors
Authors: Campos L.C. , Lavalle G.E. , Estrela‐Lima A. , Melgaço de Faria J.C. , Guimarães J.E. , Dutra Á.P. , Ferreira E. , de Sousa L.P. , Rabelo É.M.L. , Vieira da Costa A.F.D. , Cassali G.D.
Published: November 2012

Background

Presence of tumor markers in serum might be connected to the number of secreting cells and with the stage of the neoplasm. However, there are few studies regarding these markers in veterinary clinical oncology.

Objectives

To determine the serum concentrations of cancer antigen 15.3 (CA 15.3), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in female dogs with different stages of mammary cancer.

Animals

Ninety female dogs, including 30 that were healthy, 40 that had nonmetastatic cancer, 12 with regional metastasis, and 8 with distant lymph node metastasis.

Methods

Prospective case‐controlled observational study. Serum samples were collected to measure CA15.3, CEA, and LDH from 60 female dogs with mammary cancer during mastectomy and 30 healthy female dogs during routine check‐up. CA15.3 and CEA were determined by chemiluminescent immunoassay and LDH by ultraviolet kinetic method. Western blotting analysis was performed to confirm the specificity and possible cross‐reactivity of human CA15.3 and CEA antibodies with canine serum. Group data were compared by ANOVA followed by Student‐Newman‐Keuls and Tukey's tests. Correlations were investigated by Pearson and Spearman tests.

Results

CEA, CA15.3, and LDH were measurable in all groups. Higher serum concentration of CA15.3 and LDH was associated with regional and distant metastases. There was a significantly higher serum CA15.3 concentration in animals with lymph node metastasis when compared with animals without metastasis. There were no significant differences in CEA among groups. Expression of CA15.3 and CEA in canine serum was confirmed by Western blotting.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Serum CA15.3 can be used to distinguish nonmetastatic from metastatic carcinomas.
Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter in Tenterfield Terriers
Authors: Dodgson S.E. , Day R. , Fyfe J.C.
Published: November 2012

Background

A cluster of cases of congenital hypothyroidism with goiter (CHG) in Tenterfield Terriers was identified and hypothesized to be dyshormonogenesis of genetic etiology with autosomal recessive inheritance.

Objectives

To describe the phenotype, thyroid histopathology, biochemistry, mode of inheritance, and causal mutation of CHG in Tenterfield Terriers.

Animals

Thyroid tissue from 1 CHG‐affected Tenterfield Terriers, 2 affected Toy Fox Terriers, and 7 normal control dogs. Genomic DNA from blood or buccal brushings of 114 additional Tenterfield Terriers.

Methods

Biochemical and genetic segregation analysis of functional gene candidates in a Tenterfield Terrier kindred. Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) iodide oxidation activity was measured, and TPO protein and SDS‐resistant thyroglobulin aggregation were assessed on western blots. TPO cDNA was amplified from thyroid RNA and sequenced. Exons and flanking splice sites were amplified from genomic DNA and sequenced. Variant TPO allele segregation was assessed by restriction enzyme digestion of PCR products.

Results

Thyroid from an affected pup had lesions consistent with dyshormonogenesis. TPO activity was absent, but normal sized immunocrossreactive TPO protein was present. Affected dog cDNA and genomic sequences revealed a homozygous TPO missense mutation in exon 9 (R593W) that was heterozygous in all obligate carriers and in 31% of other clinically normal Tenterfield Terriers.

Conclusions

The mutation underlying CHG in Tenterfield Terriers was identified, and a convenient carrier test made available for screening Tenterfield Terriers used for breeding.
Radial and Longitudinal Strain and Strain Rate Assessed by Speckle‐Tracking Echocardiography in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Zois N.E. , Tidholm A. , Nägga K.M. , Moesgaard S.G. , Rasmussen C.E. , Falk T. , Häggström J. , Pedersen H.D. , Åblad B. , Nilsen H.Y. , Olsen L.H.
Published: November 2012

Background

Assessment of left ventricular (LV) function using conventional echocardiographic methods is difficult in mitral regurgitation (MR) owing to altered hemodynamic loading conditions. Newer methods such as speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE) provide assessment ofLVstrain (St) and strain rates (SR).

Hypotheses

GlobalSt andSRare 1) decreased in dogs with clinical signs of congestive heart failure (CHF) due to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) compared with clinically healthy dogs, and are 2) associated with conventional echocardiographic indices ofMMVDseverity.

Animals

The study subjects were 93 privately owned dogs with differentMMVDseverities.

Methods

Prospectively recruited dogs were grouped according toMMVDseverity based on echocardiographic evaluation ofMRand presence of clinical signs. Global radial and longitudinalSt,SR, and indices ofLVdyssynchrony were assessed.

Results

On group‐wise comparisons, dogs withCHFhad increased global longitudinal St, global longitudinal and radial SR in systole (SRs), and early diastole (SRe) compared with dogs with no or minimalMR(allP < .04). On multiple regression analyses, these globalSTEvariables increased with degree ofMR, but associations with left atrial‐to‐aortic root ratio (LA/Ao) were best described by second‐order polynomial equations. Thus, curvilinear relationships were found forLA/Ao and longitudinalSt,SRs, andSRe (allP < .002) and radialSt andSRe (allP < .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Assessed bySTE,LVfunction appeared to be augmented in moderate‐to‐severe disease. However, atCHFstages with greatly enlarged atria, a decrease to levels comparable to dogs with no or minimalMRwas observed.
Relationship of Mixed Bacterial Infection to Prognosis in Foals with Pneumonia Caused byRhodococcus equi
Authors: Giguère S. , Jordan L.M.I. , Glass K. , Cohen N.D.
Published: November 2012

Background

Isolation of multiple bacterial species is common in foals withRhodococcus equipneumonia.

Hypothesis

There is no association between isolation of other microorganisms and outcome.

Animals

155 foals with pneumonia caused byR. equi.

Methods

Case records of foals diagnosed withR. equipneumonia based on culture of the respiratory tract were reviewed at 2 referral hospitals (University of Florida [UF] and Texas A&M University [TAMU]).

Results

R. equiwas cultured from a tracheobronchial aspirate (TBA) in 115 foals and from lung tissue in 38 foals. Survival was significantly higher atUF(71%; 70/99) than atTAMU(50%; 28/56).R. equiwas significantly more likely to grow in pure cultures from samples obtained from foals atUF(55%; 54/99) than from foals atTAMU(23%; 13/56). Microorganisms cultured withR. equiincluded Gram‐positive bacteria in 40, Gram‐negative bacteria in 41, and fungi in 23 foals. The most common bacteria isolated were beta‐hemolytic streptococci (n = 26) andEscherichia coli(n = 18). Mixed infections were significantly more likely to be encountered inTBAthan in lung tissue. Only foals from whichR. equiwas cultured from aTBAwere included in the analysis for association between mixed infection and outcome. After adjusting for the effect of hospital using multivariate logistic regression, mixed culture, mixed bacterial culture, Gram‐positive bacteria, beta‐hemolytic streptococci, Gram‐negative bacteria, enteric Gram‐negative bacteria, nonenteric Gram‐negative bacteria, and fungi were not significantly associated with outcome.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Isolation of multiple bacteria or fungi from aTBAalong withR. equidoes not negatively impact prognosis.
The Formative Years of Anglo‐Iranian Relations (1907–1953): Colonial Scramble for Iran and Its Political Legacy
Authors: Behravesh Maysam
Published: November 2012

As the title largely illustrates, this study seeks to investigate, from a diplomatic‐history and geostrategic perspective, the key developments in Anglo‐Iranian relations during what may best be dubbed their “formative years,” ranging from 1907 to 1953. Having thus provided a glimpse into pre‐twentieth‐century Persian–British relations, it moves to analyze the division of Persia into two spheres of influence between Great Britain and Tsarist Russia in 1907, the Anglo‐Iranian agreement of 1919, the English control of Iranian oil during the first half of the twentieth century and the nationalist struggle against it, and finally the 1953 coup d'état orchestrated by the United Kingdom and the United States against the democratic government of Mohammad Mosaddeq, which managed to topple him and bring Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi to power. While the article focuses mainly on the complex history of Anglo‐Iranian relationship, it strives to shed light on the implications of such a history for future bilateral relations, its impact on the contemporary Iranian perception of the British, and finally the cultural‐political legacy it has left behind in Iran. The study follows a chronological order and draws on a range of English and Persian sources in trying to fulfill its task.
U.S. Foreign Policy and the Arab Spring: Balancing Values and Interests
Authors: Atlas Pierre M.
Published: November 2012

The rapid and unpredictable changes in the Middle East collectively known as the “Arab Spring” are posing tremendous challenges to U.S. policy formation and action. This article will explore and evaluate evolving U.S. policy in the Middle East and its potential implications. There has always been a tension in American foreign policy between pursuing American “values” (foreign policy idealism) and protecting American “interests” (foreign policy realism). For decades, the United States has sought to “make the world safe for democracy,” while at the same time often supporting repressive, nondemocratic regimes because of national security or economic self‐interest. The tension between these two fundamentally distinct policy orientations has become even more pronounced as the United States tries to respond to the Arab Spring uprisings. Why did the United States actively support the rebels in Libya but not the protestors in Syria or Bahrain? Is there an emerging, coherent “Obama Doctrine” on intervention in Arab countries, or was Libya just a “one‐off” event? These are some of the questions that this article will attempt to answer.
Palestinian Water: Resources, Use, Conservation, Climate Change, and Land Use
Authors: Hassan Marwan A. , McIntyre Graham
Published: November 2012

This article addresses the future of freshwater resources in the Palestinian West Bank through a discussion of contemporary issues that each plays a vital role in determining the long‐term sustainability of freshwater reserves, such as water resource availability, trans‐boundary water issues, water reuse and conservation, changes in land use, and the potential impact of climate change on long‐term water management. Climate change and changing land use patterns are already altering this region's water resources. Future predictions regarding the long‐term effects of these changes are complex and therefore inherently uncertain. However, the consensus among most studies on this subject indicates that currently water‐poor regions such as the Middle East will experience even greater water stress in the future. Nearly all of the freshwater consumed in the West Bank is obtained from local groundwater supplies that are suffering overdraft as well as decreasing water quality. Climate change will exacerbate water stress by increasing overall temperatures, decreasing and fluctuating precipitation, and reducing overall aquifer replenishment. Expanding urbanization will continue to strain freshwater supplies by negatively impacting the quality and quantity of available freshwater. Water management in the West Bank is further complicated by total Israeli control over water resources, which often causes water delivery to Palestinians in this region to be marginalized. This article finds that Palestinian and Israeli water managers must plan for future water crises, which will likely be a result of the combined effects of increasing urbanization and climate change coupled with exponential population growth.
Characterization of monocarboxylate uptake and immunohistochemical demonstration of monocarboxylate transporters in cultured rabbit corneal epithelial cells
Authors: Kawazu Kouichi , Fujii Shinobu , Yamada Kazuhito , Shinomiya Katsuhiko , Katsuta Osamu , Horibe Yoshihide
Published: November 2012

Objectives

This study aimed to characterize the mechanisms of monocarboxylate uptake by cultured rabbit corneal epithelial cells (RCECs) using l- and d-lactic acids as model substrates.

Methods

l-/d-Lactic acid uptake was evaluated by measuring the accumulation in confluent RCECs. Also, we demonstrated the distribution of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) in RCECs by immunohistochemistry.

Key findings

The accumulation of 14C-labelled l- and d-lactic acids was dependent on time, pH and temperature. The Arrhenius plots of the uptake were biphasic. The initial uptake of 14C-labelled l-lactic acid exhibited concentration dependence and was greater than that of the d-isomer. The initial uptake of 14C-labelled l- and d-lactic acids involved saturable and nonsaturable processes; the saturable process exhibited higher affinity for l-lactic acid than for the d-isomer. l-/d-lactic acid uptake was inhibited by chiral monocarboxylate in a stereoselective manner. The uptake of 14C-labelled l- and d-lactic acids was sensitive to metabolic inhibitors and other monocarboxylates. MCT expression in RCECs was confirmed immunohistochemically. In particular, MCT2 expression was detected in RCECs, whereas MCT1, MCT4 and MCT5 expression was detected in the surface layer.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the carrier-mediated transport system specific for monocarboxylates elicits lactic acid uptake in RCECs. Therefore, the transcorneal permeation of drugs with a monocarboxylic moiety may be dependent on the activity of a specific pH-dependent transporter as well as passive diffusion according to the pH-partition theory.
The role of genetic structure in the adaptive divergence of populations experiencing saltwater intrusion due to relative sea‐level rise
Authors: Purcell K. M. , Hitch A. , Martin S. , Klerks P. L. , Leberg P. L.
Published: November 2012

Saltwater intrusion into estuaries creates stressful conditions for nektonic species. Previous studies have shown that Gambusia affinis populations with exposure to saline environments develop genetic adaptations for increased survival during salinity stress. Here, we evaluate the genetic structure of G. affinis populations, previously shown to have adaptations for increased salinity tolerance, and determine the impact of selection and gene flow on structure of these populations. We found that gene flow was higher between populations experiencing different salinity regimes within an estuary than between similar marsh types in different estuaries, suggesting the development of saline‐tolerant phenotypes due to local adaptation. There was limited evidence of genetic structure along a salinity gradient, and only some of the genetic variation among sites was correlated with salinity. Our results suggest limited structure, combined with selection to saltwater intrusion, results in phenotypic divergence in spite of a lack of physical barriers to gene flow.
By‐product information can stabilize the reliability of communication
Authors: Martin Schaefer H. , Ruxton G. D.
Published: November 2012

Although communication underpins many biological processes, its function and basic definition remain contentious. In particular, researchers have debated whether information should be an integral part of a definition of communication and how it remains reliable. So far the handicap principle, assuming signal costs to stabilize reliable communication, has been the predominant paradigm in the study of animal communication. The role of by‐product information produced by mechanisms other than the communicative interaction has been neglected in the debate on signal reliability. We argue that by‐product information is common and that it provides the starting point for ritualization as the process of the evolution of communication. Second, by‐product information remains unchanged during ritualization and enforces reliable communication by restricting the options for manipulation and cheating. Third, this perspective changes the focus of research on communication from studying signal costs to studying the costs of cheating. It can thus explain the reliability of signalling in many communication systems that do not rely on handicaps. We emphasize that communication can often be informative but that the evolution of communication does not cause the evolution of information because by‐product information often predates and stimulates the evolution of communication. Communication is thus a consequence but not a cause of reliability. Communication is the interplay of inadvertent, informative traits and evolved traits that increase the stimulation and perception of perceivers. Viewing communication as a complex of inadvertent and derived traits facilitates understanding of the selective pressures shaping communication and those shaping information and its reliability. This viewpoint further contributes to resolving the current controversy on the role of information in communication.