bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Cytauxzoon felis infection status in captive-born wild felids housed in an area endemic for the pathogen
Authors: Lewis Kristin M. , Cohn Leah A. , Downey Megan E. , Whitney Marlyn S. , Birkenheuer Adam J.
Published: October 2012

Objective—To determine whether apparently healthy captive-born wild felids that were not native to North America and were housed in an area endemic for Cytauxzoon felis harbored the pathogen.

Design—Prospective observational case series.

Animals—11 captive-born wild felids that were (1 bobcat [Lynx rufus] and 1 cougar [Puma concolor]) or were not (1 lion [Panthera leo] and 8 tigers [Panthera tigris]) native to North America and 6 domestic cats (5 pets and 1 feral).

Procedures—Blood was collected, and a PCR assay for C felis was performed. The C felis 18S rRNA gene sequence was characterized in samples that tested positive. Blood smears were evaluated microscopically for intraerythrocytic organisms consistent with C felis. Blood smears from an additional 6 feral domestic cats found dead on the study premises were also evaluated.

Results—4 tigers and 6 domestic cats without clinical signs of disease tested positive for C felis infection via PCR assay; intraerythrocytic organisms consistent with C felis were identified in smears from 1 C felis—infected tiger (which also had azotemia) and in smears from 11 of 12 domestic cats. Possible erythrocytic inclusions were identified in 1 tiger that tested negative for C felis. Sequences of C felis 18S rRNA amplicons from all infected tigers shared > 99.8% identity with reported C felis sequences from North American domestic cats and were identical to amplicons from domestic cats on the premises.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Captive tigers without clinical signs of disease tested positive for C felis. The PCR assay for C felis appeared to be more reliable than cytologic detection of piroplasms in tigers.
Evaluation of salvage techniques for infected baclofen pumps in pediatric patients with cerebral palsy
Authors: Hester Sydney M. , Fisher John F. , Lee Mark R. , Macomson Samuel , Vender John R.
Published: October 2012

Object

Intrathecal baclofen therapy has been used successfully for intractable spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Infections are rare, but they are potentially life threatening if complicated by bacteremia or meningitis. Treatment without removal of the system is desirable if it can be done safely and effectively.

Methods

The authors reviewed the records of 207 patients ranging from 3 to 18 years of age with cerebral palsy who underwent placement or revision of a baclofen pump. They identified 38 patients with suspected or documented infectious complications. Initial attempts were made to eradicate infection with the devices in situ in all patients. Methods and effectiveness of pump salvage were evaluated.

Results

Of the 38 patients identified, 13 (34.2%) had documented infections; 11 had deep wound/pocket empyemas and 2 had meningitis. Eight patients with deep wound infections received intravenous antibiotics alone. All required pump explantation. The remaining 3 patients underwent a washout procedure as well; the infection was cured in 1 patient. Both patients with meningitis received intravenous and intrathecal antibiotics, and both required device explantation. In addition, 25 patients (65.8%) had excessive or increasing wound erythema. No objective criteria to document a superficial infection were present. The wounds were considered suspicious and were managed with serial examinations and oral antibiotics. The erythema resolved in 24 of the 25 patients.

Conclusions

In general, observation, wound care, and oral antibiotics are sufficient for wounds that are suspicious for superficial infection. For deep-seated infection, antibiotic therapy alone is generally insufficient and explantation is required. Washout procedures can be considered, but failures are common.
Extrinsic Tooth Enamel Color Changes and Their Relationship with the Quality of Water Consumed
Authors: Rebelo de Sousa Kathleen , Batista Marília , Rocha Gonçalves Juliana , Da Luz Rosário de Sousa Maria
Published: October 2012

The quality of the consumed drinking water may affect oral health. For example, the presence of iron in drinking water can cause aesthetic problems related to changes in dental enamel color. This study assessed the prevalence of extrinsic enamel color changes and their relationship with the quality of the water in the town of Caapiranga/AM-Brazil. Three hundred and forty six residents of the urban area were examined, and they also answered a questionnaire on eating habits and self-perceived oral health. As the initial results indicated an insufficient number of observations for the application of variance analysis (one-way ANOVA), the Student t test was chosen to compare levels of iron content in the water coming from two sources. The change in tooth color had a prevalence of 5.78% (20 people). The majority of the population (n = 261, 75.43%) consumed well water. Those who presented extrinsic stains were uncomfortable with the appearance of their teeth (15.09%). We conclude that while there is excess of iron in the water in this region of Brazil, no association between extrinsic stains on the enamel and the level of iron in the water was found. There was a low prevalence of extrinsic stains in Caaparinga, being found only in children and adolescents. In the present study, an association between the presence of stains and the consumption of açai was determined, and those who presented them felt uncomfortable about their aesthetics.
SNOMED CT Implementation
Authors: Rosenbeck Gøeg K. , Randorff Højen A.
Published: October 2012

Clinical practice as well as research and quality-assurance benefit from unambiguous clinical information resulting from the use of a common terminology like the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine – Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT). A common terminology is a necessity to enable consistent reuse of data, and supporting semantic interoperability. Managing use of terminology for large cross specialty Electronic Health Record systems (EHR systems) or just beyond the level of single EHR systems requires that mappings are kept consistent. The objective of this study is to provide a clear methodology for SNOMED CT mapping to enhance applicability of SNOMED CT despite incompleteness and redundancy. Such mapping guidelines are presented based on an in depth analysis of 14 different EHR templates retrieved from five Danish and Swedish EHR systems. Each mapping is assessed against defined quality criteria and mapping guidelines are specified. Future work will include guideline validation.
L'expérience esthétique Africaine
Authors: Lalèyê Issiaka-Prosper L.
Published: October 2012

Résumé Les moyens actuels de communication et d’information offrent la possibilité de créer un espace virtuel appelé à accueillir les efforts d’un dialogue véritable et sincère grâce auquel sans exclusive aucune, les philosophes qu’ils soient africains ou d’origine africaine travaillent à ce pourquoi ils ont été formés et qui n’est autre que de penser librement en respectant la liberté de ses interlocuteurs tout en recherchant non seulement la philosophia africana mais en même temps la philosophie africaine.
Parole rapportée et positionnement discursif dans la presse américaine : analyse de l'utilisation des citations dans des commentaires politiques
Authors: Peynaud Caroline
Published: October 2012

Cet article présente une analyse du rôle du discours rapporté dans trente et un articles de presse à propos du discours prononcé par le président Obama devant le Congrès en septembre 2009 ; le corpus est tiré de cinq journaux différents. L'auteur a tenté de comprendre les différences entre le discours utilisé dans les citations, celles-ci émanant aussi bien de B. Obama que d'autres sources commentant le discours, et le discours produit directement par le journaliste, ainsi que la manière dont le discours rapporté est intégré dans les articles. Il apparaît que le journaliste sélectionne certaines formes de discours rapporté (discours direct ou combinaisons de formes), au détriment d'autres formes (discours indirect), et que les citations sont généralement plus personnalisées que le texte encadrant, ce qui permet au journaliste d'exprimer des opinions sans le faire en son nom propre. Malgré ces différences, l’auteur suggère que l'utilisation du discours rapporté est conforme à certaines conventions journalistiques telles que l'objectivité ou la légitimation du discours.
La protection et la valorisation juridique de la biodiversité de la Caraïbe et des Guyanes : propriété intellectuelle et dispositif APA
Authors: Castets-Renard Céline
Published: October 2012

Cet article a pour objectif de montrer les principales conditions nécessaires à l’émergence d’un marché portant sur des ressources génétiques dans la Caraïbe et les Guyanes, dans un souci de valorisation et de protection de la biodiversité, conformément au dispositif d’accès et de partage des avantages prévu par la Convention de Rio sur la biodiversité (1992).
Adaptabilité de la biodiversité paysagère dans les littoraux humides antillais
Authors: Ruggiero Michelle Dahomé Di
Published: October 2012

Les littoraux à mangrove par leur situation géographique d’interface entre la terre et la mer se structurent en paysages caractéristiques des conditions physiques du milieu. Au cours des temps, les diverses utilisations humaines créèrent au sein de ces espaces une dynamique qui révèle des degrés divers de biodiversité animale et végétale. Ces paysages, autrefois considérés comme insalubres, étaient asséchés et voués à l’aménagement. Si bien que le constat des services et fonctions qu’ils assurent, en font des milieux d’importance capitale. De nos jours, est-ce de bon ton de les sanctuariser au nom du développement durable et les protéger des conséquences dues aux changements climatiques? Ou alors, laisser poursuivre leurs utilisations sans limites au regard de l’apport économique? Cet article a pour but d’expliquer la biodiversité paysagère naturelle en zone humide littorale antillaise et de montrer sa dynamique et son origine. Des observations de terrain prouvent qu’ils sont empreints d’une grande résilience ce qui permet à leur biodiversité de s’adapter aux modifications environnementales tout en assurant le fonctionnement des écosystèmes.
Utilisation of public eye care services by the rural community residents in the Capricorn district, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Ntsoane Mologadi D. , Oduntan Olalekan A. , Mpolokeng Benjamin L.
Published: October 2012

Background: Visual impairment and blindness are major health problems worldwide, especially in the rural and remote areas of developing countries. Utilisation of eye care services is essential to reduce the burden of visual impairment and blindness, and it is therefore important that it is monitored.Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the level of utilisation of public eye care services and factors that might have influenced their usage in rural communities, Capricorn district, Limpopo Province, South Africa.Method: A population-based cross-sectional study design was used. Participants were residents in selected rural villages located within approximately 5 km of six Government hospitals. Following ethical approval and receipt of informed consent, a questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions was used to collect information on the utilisation of eye care services and factors that might influence utilisation. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Chisquare test were used to analyse and compare the data.Results: Many (62.7%) of the respondents had used the government eye care services in the past. Over fifty-nine per cent (59.3%) of them were satisfied with the services. Factors reported to influence utilisation (such as monthly income, knowledge of available services and the need for regular eye tests) were positively associated with utilisation of eye care services in this study (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Utilisation of eye care services was relatively good, but varied significantly between sites. An awareness campaign by government and non-governmental organisations about eye care services may increase utilisation amongst rural communities.
Study of MODIS derived AOD at three different locations in the Indo Gangetic Plain: Kanpur, Gandhi College and Nainital
Authors: Choudhry P. , Misra A. , Tripathi S. N.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensors, onboard Terra and Aqua, have been observing the Earth since start of 2000 and mid 2002, respectively. The present study provides a comparison of Collection 5 (C005), aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieved by MODIS, with AERONET-observed AOD over Kanpur (an urban site), Gandhi College (a rural site) and Nainital (a relatively clean site) in the Indo Gangetic Plain (IGP). The results show that at Kanpur, MODIS retrievals are well within the prelaunch uncertainty ± 0.05 ±0.15 τ, and a good correlation (R2 > 0.7 for both Terra and Aqua). Nainital also shows good retrieval (R2 > 0.8 for Terra and R2 > 0.68 for Aqua), as more than 66% of total collocations are within the prelaunch uncertainty. However, it is seen that there is significant overestimation in this case, especially in the months of winter. Gandhi College poses a challenge to MODIS retrieval, as here <57% of MODIS-retrieved AOD values lay within the prelaunch uncertainty and the correlation is very poor (R2 ~ 0.5 for Aqua and R2 ~ 0.4 for Terra); also there is persistent underestimation in this case. Small value of slope shows that assumed model results in underestimation, and large intercept values for the linear regression fit show that errors due to surface reflectance are high here. Our comparison shows that MODIS retrieval works well over Kanpur, and Nainital with winter as an exception. However, MODIS retrieval is poor for Gandhi College which is a rural area. The aerosol properties at Kanpur are currently used as representative of the entire subcontinent in the MODIS C005 algorithm, which is not an accurate assumption. The large variability in land use and climate over India makes it a site too complex for a single aerosol model to be used over the entire area. Therefore further study with as many sites as possible over the Indian subcontinent would help provide more realistic modeling for the Indian subcontinent.
The carbon budget of South Asia
Authors: Patra P. K. , Canadell J. G. , Houghton R. A. , Piao S. L. , Oh N.-H. , Ciais P. , Manjunath K. R. , Chhabra A. , Wang T. , Bhattacharya T. , Bousquet P. , Hartman J. , Ito A. , Mayorga E. , Niwa Y. , Raymond P. , Sarma V. V. S. S. , Lasco R.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The source and sinks of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) due to anthropogenic and natural biospheric activities were estimated for the South Asia region (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka). Flux estimates were based on top-down methods that use inversions of atmospheric data, and bottom-up methods that use field observations, satellite data, and terrestrial ecosystem models. Based on atmospheric CO2 inversions, the net biospheric CO2 flux in South Asia (equivalent to the Net Biome Productivity, NBP) was a sink, estimated at −104 ± 150 Tg C yr−1 during 2007–2008. Based on the bottom-up approach, the net biospheric CO2 flux is estimated to be −191 ± 193 Tg C yr−1 during the period of 2000–2009. This last net flux results from the following flux components: (1) the Net Ecosystem Productivity, NEP (net primary production minus heterotrophic respiration) of −220 ± 186 Tg C yr−1 (2) the annual net carbon flux from land-use change of −14 ± 50 Tg C yr−1, which resulted from a sink of −16 Tg C yr−1 due to the establishment of tree plantations and wood harvest, and a source of 2 Tg C yr−1 due to the expansion of croplands; (3) the riverine export flux from terrestrial ecosystems to the coastal oceans of +42.9 Tg C yr−1; and (4) the net CO2 emission due to biomass burning of +44.1 ± 13.7 Tg C yr−1. Including the emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels of 444 Tg C yr−1 for the decades of 2000s, we estimate a net CO2 land-to-atmosphere flux of 297 Tg C yr−1. In addition to CO2, a fraction of the sequestered carbon in terrestrial ecosystems is released to the atmosphere as CH4. Based on bottom-up and top-down estimates, and chemistry-transport modeling, we estimate that 37 ± 3.7 Tg C-CH4 yr−1 were released to atmosphere from South Asia during the 2000s. Taking all CO2 and CH4 fluxes together, our best estimate of the net land-to-atmosphere CO2-equivalent flux is a net source of 334 Tg C yr−1 for the South Asia region during the 2000s. If CH4 emissions are weighted by radiative forcing of molecular CH4, the total CO2-equivalent flux increases to 1148 Tg C yr−1 suggesting there is great potential of reducing CH4 emissions for stabilizing greenhouse gases concentrations.
Cigarette Demand in Japanese Single and Family Households: An Engel‐Curve Approach
Authors: Nyatanga Phocenah , Matsuda Toshinobu
Published: October 2012

The authors estimate an Engel curve for cigarette consumption in Japanese single households and compare it to that of family households. The study utilizes quarterly panel data for six regions for the period January 2002 through June 2011. The objective of the study was to evaluate and determine the cigarette consumption responsiveness of these household groups to expenditure changes, tax reforms, and other factors. Taking into account the short‐term adjustment processes and long‐term equilibrium, the authors adopt an error correction model as the analytic framework, where they estimate long‐ and short‐term expenditure elasticities, tax effects, regional effects, and demographic effects. The estimation results show cigarette demand to be highly inelastic to expenditure changes in both household groups, both in the long‐ and short‐term, confirming the findings of previous research. Cigarette tax increases were found to have no significant effect in reducing consumption in single households both in the long and short term, a result different from that of family households in Japan. [EconLit classification: D100, D120, D190].
Allometric equations to predict the total aboveground biomass of tree species in a planted forest in Egypt
Authors: Farahat Emad , Shaltout Kamal , El‐Kady Hassan , Shalapy Ahmed
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study is to estimate the total above‐ground biomass (TAGB), stem height (H), diameter at breast height (dbh) and basal area of five tree species (ages 7‐8 years) irrigated by municipal sewage water in the Egyptian‐Chinese friendship forest, Sadat City, Egypt. From the biomass data that obtained through destructive sampling, models for predicting aboveground biomass were developed. The highest values for stem density and height were estimated for Eucalyptus citriodora, while the lowest value for density was obtained for Dalbergia sissoo and stem height for Khaya senegalensis. The highest values for basal area and dbh were obtained for Casuarina spp., while the lowest values were recorded for Dalbergia sissoo. Eucalyptus camaldulensis had the highest stand stem biomass and TAGB (55.5, 83.9 t DW ha‐1, respectively). In addition, Casuarina spp. had the highest leafy branches biomass (32.5 t DW ha‐1) while Dalbergia sissoo had the lowest values for all tree components. All the generated allometric equations had high correlation coefficients at high probability levels. Moreover, the results revealed that not only the dbh data can be used as independent variable for biomass determination, but also stem height and size index are recommended for biomass estimation (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optimal Tight Equi‐Difference Conflict‐Avoiding Codes of Length n = 2k ± 1 and Weight 3
Authors: Wu Shung‐Liang , Fu Hung‐Lin
Published: October 2012

For a k‐subset X of , the set of differences on X is the set (mod n): . A conflict‐avoiding code CAC of length n and weight k is a collection of k‐subsets of such that = ∅ for any distinct . Let CAC() be the class of all the CACs of length n and weight k. The maximum size of codes in CAC(n, k) is denoted by . A code CAC(n, k) is said to be optimal if = . An optimal code is tight equi‐difference if = and each codeword in is of the form . In this paper, the necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence problem of optimal tight equi‐difference conflict‐avoiding codes of length n = and weight 3 are given. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Combin. Designs 21: 223–231, 2013
Even‐cycle systems with prescribed automorphism groups
Authors: Grannell M. J. , Griggs T. S. , Lovegrove G. J.
Published: October 2012

It is shown that for any finite group Γ, there exists a 2k‐cycle system whose full automorphism group is isomorphic to Γ. Furthermore, the minimal order of such a system is at most , where .
Relief design for laboratories and pilot plants
Authors: Mize Jennifer F.
Published: October 2012

Relief designs for laboratories and pilot plants present unique challenges to the relief designer. For example, the relief designer must consider the need for operational flexibility while designing a relief system that provides protection for current and future modes of operation. Therefore, small‐scale relief designs must address a wider range of potential overpressure scenarios due to the variations in chemistry that are routinely conducted within the laboratory or pilot unit. The small scale of laboratory and pilot plant operations present a significant challenge to the relief designer in selecting and designing effective relief systems. This article gives information for designing laboratory and pilot plant relief systems including: identification of relief scenarios, sizing calculation methods, relief devices, effluent discharge designs, and other protective system considerations. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 32: 25–27, 2013.
Summary: Societal risk criteria and pipelines
Authors: Schork Joan M. , Lutostansky Elizabeth M. , Auvil Steven R.
Published: October 2012

The selection of appropriate risk criteria for pipelines depends upon the objective of the analysis. This article describes options for pipeline risk assessment (F‐N and individual risk analyses); the descriptions include objectives, methods, and criteria. Methods that compare pipeline to fixed facility risk have the advantage of facilitating appropriate allocation of risk reduction resources. This article is a summary of a more detailed article from a recent Global Congress. It also references other PSP articles that cover risk analyses and criteria. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2012.
Improving the Performance of Combined Shewhart–Cumulative Sum Control Charts
Authors: Abujiya Mu'azu Ramat , Riaz Muhammad , Lee Muhammad Hisyam
Published: October 2012

For an improved monitoring of process parameters, it is generally desirable to have efficient designs of control charting structures. The addition of Shewhart control limits to the cumulative sum (CUSUM) control chart is a simple monitoring scheme sensitive to wide range of mean shifts. To improve the detection ability of the combined Shewhart–CUSUM control chart to off‐target processes, we developed the scheme using ranked set sampling instead of the traditional simple random sampling. We investigated the run length properties of the Shewhart–CUSUM with ranked set samples and compared their performance with certain established control charts. It is revealed that the proposed schemes offer better protection against different types of mean shifts than the existing counterparts including classical Shewhart, classical CUSUM, classical combined Shewhart–CUSUM, adaptive CUSUM, double CUSUM, three simultaneous CUSUM, combined Shewhart‐weighted CUSUM, runs rules‐based CUSUM and the mixed exponentially weighted moving average‐CUSUM. Applications on real data sets are also given to demonstrate the implementation simplicity of the proposed schemes Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Essentials of Mobile Handset Design
Authors: Naha Abhi , Whale Peter
Published: October 2012

Discover what is involved in designing the world's most popular and advanced consumer product to date - the phone in your pocket. With this essential guide you will learn how the dynamics of the market, and the pace of technology innovation, constantly create new opportunities which design teams utilize to develop new products that delight and surprise us. Explore core technology building blocks, such as chipsets and software components, and see how these components are built together through the design lifecycle to create unique handset designs. Learn key design principles to reduce design time and cost, and best practice guidelines to maximize opportunities to create a successful product. A range of real-world case studies are included to illustrate key insights. Finally, emerging trends in the handset industry are identified, and the global impact those trends could have on future devices is discussed.
Lens and retina regeneration: new perspectives from model organisms
Authors: Barbosa-Sabanero Karla , Hoffmann Andrea , Judge Chelsey , Lightcap Nicole , Tsonis Panagiotis A. , Del Rio-Tsonis Katia
Published: October 2012

Comparative studies of lens and retina regeneration have been conducted within a wide variety of animals over the last 100 years. Although amphibians, fish, birds and mammals have all been noted to possess lens- or retina-regenerative properties at specific developmental stages, lens or retina regeneration in adult animals is limited to lower vertebrates. The present review covers the newest perspectives on lens and retina regeneration from these different model organisms with a focus on future trends in regeneration research.
Novel Hospital Curtains with Antimicrobial Properties: A Randomized, Controlled Trial
Authors: Schweizer Marin , Graham Maggie , Ohl Michael , Heilmann Kris , Boyken Linda , Diekema Daniel
Published: October 2012

Design.

Privacy curtains that separate patient care areas in hospitals may play an important role in the transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens. The aim of this randomized, controlled trial was to assess the effectiveness in a clinical setting of curtains incorporating a complex element compound (CEC) with antimicrobial properties.

Setting.

Twenty-one rooms in a surgical intensive care unit (ICU) and 9 rooms in a medical ICU were randomly selected to receive either a new standard curtain or a new identical-looking CEC curtain. Fifteen rooms received CEC curtains and 15 received standard curtains.

Methods.

Cultures were performed of samples that were collected from curtains twice a week for 4 weeks (23 days). Contamination was determined according to standard microbiologic methods. Time to contamination was assessed with the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and survival analysis. Incidence rates of contamination were compared using Poisson regression.

Results.

The median time to first contamination was 7 times longer for CEC curtains than for standard curtains (14 vs 2 days; P< .01). CEC curtains were significantly less contaminated than standard curtains according to earlier culture results but not significantly different for later culture results. Fourteen CEC curtains and 13 standard curtains were contaminated at least once (P = 1.0). The adjusted rate of contamination was 29% lower among CEC versus standard curtains, but this was not statistically significant (rate ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.48–1.07).

Conclusions.

CEC privacy curtains increase the time to first contamination as compared with standard curtains. Use of privacy curtains with antimicrobial properties could increase the time between washings and may potentially play a role in decreasing pathogen transmission.
Hospital-Onset Clostridium difficile Infection Rates in Persons with Cancer or Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: A C3IC Network Report
Authors: Kamboj Mini , Son Crystal , Cantu Sherry , Chemaly Roy F. , Dickman Jeanne , Dubberke Erik , Engles Lisa , Lafferty Theresa , Liddell Gale , Lesperance Mary Ellen , Mangino Julie E. , Martin Stacy , Mayfield Jennie , Mehta Sapna A. , O'Rourke Susan , Perego Cheryl S. , Taplitz Randy , Eagan Janet , Sepkowitz Kent A.
Published: October 2012

A multicenter survey of 11 cancer centers was performed to determine the rate of hospital-onset Clostridium difficile infection (HO-CDI) and surveillance practices. Pooled rates of HO-CDI in patients with cancer were twice the rates reported for all US patients (15.8 vs 7.4 per 10,000 patient-days). Rates were elevated regardless of diagnostic test used.
Associations of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D with circulating PTH, phosphate and calcium in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Jayasena Channa N. , Modi Manish , Palazzo Fausto , De Silva Akila , Donaldson Mandy , Meeran Karim , Dhillo Waljit S.
Published: October 2012

Background

Despite NIH clinical recommendations, many clinicians are reluctant to replace vitamin D in patients with hypercalcaemia with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) due to concerns over aggravating hypercalcaemia. Furthermore, the optimum level of vitamin D replacement in PHP remains unclear.

Methods

We performed a large retrospective study to determine whether a relationship exists between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels, calcium and other important biochemical markers in patients with PHP. Serum, plasma and urinary biochemical measurements were collected from 251 patients with hypercalcaemia diagnosed with PHP.

Results

When examining overall mean circulating levels during clinical follow‐up, serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D correlated highly significantly with plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) (r = −0·23, P = 0·0003) and serum phosphate (r = 0·16, P = 0·0119). No significant relationship was observed between serum calcium and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (r = 0·002, P = 0·98). Mean plasma PTH during clinical follow‐up was 51% lower in patients with serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D > 60 nm when compared with patients who had 25‐hydroxyvitamin D < 20 nm (P < 0·01).

Conclusions

Patients with PHP who have 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels > 60 nm have significantly reduced PTH hypersecretion when compared with patients with deficient vitamin D levels, without exhibiting worse hypercalcaemia.
Goniatites
Authors: Lacchia Anthea
Published: October 2012

Most people are familiar with ammonites (see Fossils Explained 62, this issue), with their beautiful, logarithmically spiralled shells, but not everyone has heard of goniatites. They too were fascinating dwellers of past oceans. Goniatites are extinct cephalopods ranging from the middle of the Devonian to the end of the Permian. Although, in the strictest definition, goniatites are those ammonoids that belong to the order Goniatitida, the term goniatite is commonly used as a synonym for all Palaeozoic ammonoids. In the course of this article, the looser definition will apply.
Outcome of laparoscopic versus open hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Cheung Tan To , Poon Ronnie T. P. , Yuen Wai Key , Chok Kenneth S. H. , Tsang Simon H. Y. , Yau Thomas , Chan See Ching , Lo Chung Mau
Published: October 2012

Background

Liver resection provides one of the best oncological outcomes for liver metastases in patients with colorectal cancer. However, long‐term results concerning laparoscopic resection versus open hepatectomy for stage IV colon cancer are still limited. The aim of this study is to compare the survival outcome of laparoscopic liver resection with open liver resection for colorectal metastases.

Method

Between October 2002 and September 2011, a total of 1697 patients underwent liver resection for liver tumour and 60 patients underwent pure laparoscopic liver resection. Twenty patients had laparoscopic resection for colorectal liver metastases. Case‐matched control patients who received open liver resection were included for comparison. The immediate operative outcomes and survival outcomes including operation morbidity were compared.

Results

Twenty patients underwent laparoscopic resection of liver metastases. Forty patients who had open hepatectomy for colorectal metastases were selected as case control. Comparing the laparoscopic group with the open resection group, the median operating time was 180 min versus 210 min P = 0.059, the median blood loss was 200 versus 310 mL (P = 0.043). Hospital stay was 4.5 versus 7 days (P = 0.021), disease‐free survival was 9.8 versus 10.9 months (P = 0.299), and the median survival was 69.4 versus 42.1 months (P = 0.235).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic liver resection is a safe and effective treatment for liver metastases in patients with colorectal cancer. It is associated with less blood loss and shorter hospital stay when compared with open surgery. Long‐term survival is comparable to the conventional open approach.
Staphylococcus aureus Outbreak Investigation of an Illinois Bakery
Authors: Hait Jennifer , Tallent Sandra , Melka David , Keys Christine , Bennett Reginald
Published: October 2012

Over 100 individuals were sickened after ingesting an assortment of desserts linked to four staphylococcal food poisoning outbreaks leading investigators to products manufactured by an Illinois bakery. The investigative team identified substantial deviations from the current Good Manufacturing Practice Regulations, 21 CFR Part 110, during multiple visits to the bakery. A total of 299 environmental swabs and 16 raw ingredients were collected for bacteriological analysis. Staphylococcus aureus isolates recovered from these samples were evaluated using either serological or polymerase chain reaction methods for the identification of staphylococcal enterotoxins SEA‐SEE, SEG‐SEI, SE‐like SElJ‐SElU or their respective genes, and for Panton–Valentine leukocidin cytotoxin. A raw ingredient and 16% of the environmental samples revealed the presence of enterotoxigenic S. aureus capable of producing diverse combinations of toxins. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing found that all S. aureus isolates were resistant to one or more agent(s). Pulsed field gel electrophoresis characterization of the isolates identified six pattern types.

Practical Applications

This Staphylococcus aureus outbreak investigation revealed the prevalence and diversity of antimicrobial‐resistant strains of S. aureus carrying both classical staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) and genes for nonclassical SE and SE‐like enterotoxins found in the environment of an Illinois bakery. In this occurrence, nonclassical SE and SE‐like enterotoxin serotypes were coupled with classical SEs, and therefore detectable by commercially available kits. This outbreak investigation demonstrated the abundance of the nonclassical SE and SE‐like enterotoxin serotypes in the environment and the anticipated need for new screening method requirements.
First Report of Stem Canker on Phoenix Tree (Firmiana simplex) Caused by Fusarium oxysporum in China
Authors: Zhang Li‐Xin , Song Jiang‐Hua , Shen Jing‐Ting , Tan Gen‐Jia , Li Sha‐Sha , Ding Fei
Published: October 2012

A stem canker disease was observed on the phoenix trees located in the region of Dezhou, Shandong province. Symptomatic stems were collected and evaluated for the possible casual agent of the disease. A fungus resembling Fusarium sp. was consistently isolated from pieces of symptomatic tissues. The fungus formed abundant aerial mycelium on potato dextrose agar and produced the micro‐ and macro‐conidia on carnation leaf agar. The nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer of the rDNA from three representative isolates showed 100% identical to those of Fusarium oxysporum isolates deposited in the GenBank database. On the basis of morphological characteristics, pathogenicity test and molecular identification, the causal agent was identified as F. oxysporum. To our knowledge, this is the first report of stem canker on phoenix tree caused by F. oxysporum in China.
High Heat Flux With Small Scale Monodisperse Sprays
Authors: Escobar-Vargas Sergio , Gonzalez Jorge E. , Fabris Drazen , Sharma Ratnesh , Bash Cullen
Published: October 2012

This work is aimed at cooling small surfaces (1.3 mm × 2 mm and 3 mm × 5 mm) using spray from thermal ink jet (TIJ) atomizers. Particular interests in this work include obtaining heat fluxes near the critical heat flux (CHF), understanding the correlation between the heat dissipation efficiency (η) and the liquid film thickness (δ) through experimental data, and understanding the primary mode of heat transfer on spray cooling at different liquid film thickness. Current experimental results indicate that high heat fluxes (∼4 × 107 W/m2) are obtained for controlled conditions of cooling mass flow rate, higher efficiencies are achieved at smaller liquid film thickness (δ ≈ 5 μm → η ≈ 0.9), and the heat transfer by conduction through the film becomes dominant as δ decreases.
Attenuation of Bunyamwera Orthobunyavirus Replication by Targeted Mutagenesis of Genomic Untranslated Regions and Creation of Viable Viruses with Minimal Genome Segments
Authors: Mazel-Sanchez Béryl , Elliott Richard M.
Published: October 2012

Bunyamwera virus (BUNV) is the prototype virus for both the genus
Orthobunyavirus
and the family
Bunyaviridae
. BUNV has a tripartite, negative-sense RNA genome. The coding region of each segment is flanked by untranslated regions (UTRs) that are partially complementary. The UTRs play an important role in the virus life cycle by promoting transcription, replication, and encapsidation of the viral genome. Using reverse genetics, we generated recombinant viruses that contained deletions within the 3′ and/or 5′ UTRs of the L or M segments to determine the minimal UTRs competent for virus viability. We then generated viruses carrying deleted UTRs in all three segments. These viruses were grossly attenuated in tissue culture, being significantly impaired in their ability to produce plaques in BHK cells, and had a reduced capacity to cause host cell protein shutoff. After serial passage in tissue culture, some viruses partially recovered fitness, generating higher titers and producing larger plaques. We determined the complete nucleotide sequence for each virus. The deleted UTR sequences were maintained, and no amino acid changes were observed in the nonstructural proteins (NSs and NSm), the nucleocapsid protein (N), or the Gn glycoprotein. One virus had a single amino acid substitution in Gc. Three viruses contained amino acid changes in the viral polymerase that mostly occurred in the C-terminal domain of the L protein. Although the role of this domain remains unknown, we suggest that those changes might be involved in the evolution of the polymerase to recognize the deleted UTRs more efficiently.
Structural Basis of Rotavirus Strain Preference toward
N
-Acetyl- or
N
-Glycolylneuraminic Acid-Containing Receptors
Authors: Yu Xing , Dang Vi T. , Fleming Fiona E. , von Itzstein Mark , Coulson Barbara S. , Blanchard Helen
Published: October 2012

The rotavirus spike protein domain VP8* is essential for recognition of cell surface carbohydrate receptors, notably those incorporating
N
-acylneuraminic acids (members of the sialic acid family).
N
-Acetylneuraminic acids occur naturally in both animals and humans, whereas
N
-glycolylneuraminic acids are acquired only through dietary uptake in normal human tissues. The preference of animal rotaviruses for these natural
N
-acylneuraminic acids has not been comprehensively established, and detailed structural information regarding the interactions of different rotaviruses with
N
-glycolylneuraminic acids is lacking. In this study, distinct specificities of VP8* for
N
-acetyl- and
N
-glycolylneuraminic acids were revealed using biophysical techniques. VP8* protein from the porcine rotavirus CRW-8 and the bovine rotavirus Nebraska calf diarrhea virus (NCDV) showed a preference for
N
-glycolyl- over
N
-acetylneuraminic acids, in contrast to results obtained with rhesus rotavirus (RRV). Crystallographic structures of VP8* from CRW-8 and RRV with bound methyl-
N
-glycolylneuraminide revealed the atomic details of their interactions. We examined the influence of amino acid type at position 157, which is proximal to the ligand's
N
-acetyl or
N
-glycolyl moiety and can mutate upon cell culture adaptation. A structure-based hypothesis derived from these results could account for rotavirus discrimination between the
N
-acylneuraminic acid forms. Infectivity blockade experiments demonstrated that the determined carbohydrate specificities of these VP8* domains directly correlate with those of the corresponding infectious virus. This includes an association between CRW-8 adaption to cell culture, decreased competition by
N
-glycolylneuraminic acid for CRW-8 infectivity, and a Pro157-to-Ser157 mutation in VP8* that reduces binding affinity for
N
-glycolylneuraminic acid.
Investigation of the Low-Frequency Noise Behavior and Its Correlation with the Subgap Density of States and Bias-Induced Instabilities in Amorphous InGaZnO Thin-Film Transistors with Various Oxygen Flow Rates
Authors: Jeong Chan-Yong , Park Ick-Joon , Cho In-Tak , Lee Jong-Ho , Cho Euo-Sik , Ryu Min Ki , Park Sang-Hee Ko , Song Sang-Hun , Kwon Hyuck-In
Published: October 2012

The low-frequency noise (LFN) behavior and its correlation with the subgap density of states (DOSs) and bias-induced instabilities are investigated in the amorphous indium–gallium–zinc–oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) with various oxygen flow rates. Higher LFN is measured in the higher oxygen flow rate devices in the subthreshold regime, which is attributed to the increased trapping/release processes. We also obtain higher subgap DOSs and larger threshold voltage shifts under positive bias stresses in higher oxygen flow rate devices, which represents that the LFN measured in the subthreshold regime is deeply correlated with the subgap DOSs and electrical instabilities in a-IGZO TFTs.
Pulsed Field Magnetization of Large MgB2Bulk Fabricated by Reactive Liquid Mg Infiltration
Authors: Fujishiro Hiroyuki , Tamura Takuya , Arayashiki Takahiro , Oyama Mitsuru , Sasaki Tomohisa , Naito Tomoyuki , Giunchi Giovanni , Albisetti Alessandro Figini
Published: October 2012

Pulsed field magnetization (PFM) was performed for the first time on a large MgB2bulk 50 mm diameter fabricated by a reactive liquid Mg infiltration (Mg-RLI) method, and the time dependence of the local fieldBLC(t) and the trapped field profiles were measured. The trapped field ofBz=0.47 T and the total trapped flux of Φ=0.50 mWb were achieved atTs=23 K and both values decreased with increasing temperatureTs. The experimental results can be qualitatively reproduced by numerical simulation using electromagnetic and thermal fields for PFM. The flux dynamics and the heat generation/propagation in the MgB2bulk during PFM were in clear contrast with those in REBaCuO superconducting bulks because of the large thermal conductivity, small specific heat, and narrow temperature margin against the transition temperatureTc.
TLM request response channel in SystemAda
Authors: Mahani Negin
Published: October 2012

Hardware description languages or HDLs have started their way from transistor level to transaction level modeling up to now. Ada because of its intrinsic concurrency and object orientation is a good candidate to model hardware at transaction level modeling or TLM. In our previous papers we have implemented some special and necessary features of gate level and also some fundamentals of TLM in Ada language [1] [2] [3]. In this paper we have implemented Request Response channel (TLM_Req_Res) as another basic channel of TLM based on our TLM_FIFO channel in our last work. Also we have done some simulation time comparisons to show that there is no significant simulation time penalty in SystemAda over SystemC like our previous implementations.
Association of HLA-DQ gene with bowel transit, barrier function, and inflammation in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea
Authors: Vazquez-Roque Maria I. , Camilleri Michael , Smyrk Thomas , Murray Joseph A. , O'Neill Jessica , Carlson Paula , Lamsam Jesse , Eckert Deborah , Janzow Denise , Burton Duane , Ryks Michael , Rhoten Deborah , Zinsmeister Alan R.
Published: October 2012

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea (IBS-D) carrying human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2/8 genotypes benefit from gluten withdrawal. Our objective was to compare gastrointestinal barrier function, mucosal inflammation, and transit in nonceliac IBS-D patients and assess association with HLA-DQ2/8 status. In 45 IBS-D patients who were naive to prior exclusion of dietary gluten, we measured small bowel (SB) and colonic mucosal permeability by cumulative urinary lactulose and mannitol excretion (0–2 h for SB and 8–24 h for colon), inflammation on duodenal and rectosigmoid mucosal biopsies (obtained in 28 of 45 patients), tight junction (TJ) protein mRNA and protein expression in SB and rectosigmoid mucosa, and gastrointestinal and colonic transit by validated scintigraphy. SB mucosal biopsies were stained with hematoxylin-eosin to assess villi and intraepithelial lymphocytes, and immunohistochemistry was used to assess CD3, CD8, tryptase, and zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1); colonic biopsy intraepithelial lymphocytes were quantitated. Associations of HLA-DQ were assessed using Wilcoxon's rank-sum test. Relative to healthy control data, we observed a significant increase in SB permeability ( P < 0.001), a borderline increase in colonic permeability ( P = 0.10), and a decrease in TJ mRNA expression in rectosigmoid mucosa in IBS-D. In HLA-DQ2/8-positive patients, ZO-1 protein expression in the rectosigmoid mucosa was reduced compared with that in HLA-DQ2/8-negative patients and colonic transit was slower than in HLA-DQ2/8-negative patients. No other associations with HLA genotype were identified. There is abnormal barrier function (increased SB permeability and reduced mRNA expression of TJ proteins) in IBS-D relative to health that may be, in part, related to immunogenotype, given reduced ZO-1 protein expression in rectosigmoid mucosa in HLA-DQ2/8-positive relative to HLA-DQ2/8-negative patients.
Frataxin deficiency unveils cell-context dependent actions of insulin-like growth factor I on neurons
Authors: Franco Carolina , Fernández Silvia , Torres-Alemán Ignacio
Published: October 2012

Background

Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by deficiency of the mitochondrial iron chaperone frataxin (Fxn). FRDA has no cure, but disease-modifying strategies to increase frataxin are under study. Because insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) has therapeutic effects in various types of cerebellar ataxia and exerts protective actions on mitochondrial function, we explored the potential Fxn-stimulating activity of this growth factor on brain cells.

Results

IGF-I normalized frataxin levels in frataxin-deficient neurons and astrocytes through its canonical Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. IGF-I also stimulated frataxin in normal astrocytes but not in normal neurons, whereas IGF-I stimulated the Akt/mTOR pathway in both types of cells. This cell context-dependent action of IGF-I on neurons suggested that the intrinsic regulation of Fxn in neurons is different than in astrocytes. Indeed, neurons express much higher levels of frataxin and are much more sensitive to Fxn deficiency than astrocytes; i.e.: only neurons die in the absence of frataxin. In addition, the half-life of frataxin is shorter in neurons than in astrocytes, while after blockade of the proteasome only neurons responded to IGF-I with an increase in frataxin levels. We also explore a potential therapeutic utility of IGF-I in FRDA-like transgenic mice (YG8R mice) and found that treatment with IGF-I normalized motor coordination in these moderately ataxic mice.

Conclusion

Exposure to IGF-I unveiled a cell-specific regulation of frataxin in neurons as compared to astrocytes. Collectively, these results indicate that IGF-I exerts cell-context neuroprotection in frataxin deficiency that maybe therapeutically effective.