bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Persistent Elevation in Creatine Phosphokinase Associated with High-Dose Daptomycin Therapy
Authors: Rahbar Aryan , Rabinovich Marina , Abraham Prasad , Holloway Katherine
Published: February 2011

Objective

To report a persistent elevation in creatine phosphokinase (CPK) associated with high-dose daptomycin therapy that did not resolve following discontinuation of daptomycin.

A 34-year-old male with HIV/AIDS and stage IV Burkitt lymphoma was admitted for pain management. The patient's initial hospital course was complicated by left brachial deep vein thrombosis (DVT), Clostridium difficile colitis, and pancytopenia. The patient later developed severe sepsis and septic shock secondary to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE), Candida albicans, and Escherichia coli infection. High-dose daptomycin (12 mg/kg) was initiated to treat MRSA and VRE bacteremia. The patient's baseline CPK was 118 U/L, which increased to 327 U/L following 2 days of therapy. The patient's CPK continued to increase to 1648 U/L on day 10 of daptomycin, thereby necessitating a discontinuation of daptomycin and the initiation of linezolid. Six days after discontinuation of therapy, the patient's CPK remained elevated at 1940 U/L.

Discussion

A Naranjo scale score of 6 was calculated, indicating that daptomycin was the probable cause for the increase in CPK. Although daptomycin is known to cause elevations in CPK, there are limited published data describing this adverse event with high-dose daptomycin therapy.

Conclusion

High-dose daptomycin is becoming more frequently used in clinical practice, so clinicians should monitor for and report any adverse events associated with this dosing strategy.
Identification of lily pollen 14-3-3 isoforms and their subcellular and time-dependent expression profile
Authors: Pertl Heidi , Rittmann Simon , Schulze Waltraud X. , Obermeyer Gerhard
Published: February 2011

14-3-3 proteins are major regulators in plant development and physiology including primary metabolism and signal transduction pathways, typically via a phosphorylation-dependent interaction with a target protein. Four full-length 14-3-3 isoforms were identified in pollen grains of Lilium longiflorum by screening of a cDNA library and RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends)-PCR. Mass spectrometry analysis of partially purified 14-3-3s confirmed the presence of the four isoforms but also indicated the presence of additional, less abundant 14-3-3 isoforms in lily pollen. Separation of partially purified 14-3-3 proteins by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis resulted in nine spots that mainly contained the four major 14-3-3 isoforms. In a first step to examine putative physiological roles of specific 14-3-3 isoforms, their subcellular expression profile during pollen germination and tube growth was monitored using a characterized set of antibodies against 14-3-3 proteins with distinct crossreactivity. The abundance profile of 14-3-3 proteins associated with the cytosol, endomembranes (tonoplast, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, mitochondria) and plasma membrane showed high spatial-temporal dynamics. This indicates different targets of 14-3-3 proteins at different organelles and time points during pollen germination and growth.
Highlight: Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 and related proteins
Authors: Hoffmann Torsten , Demuth Hans-Ulrich
Published: February 2011

No abstract available
Coagulation assays based on the Luminescent Oxygen Channeling Immunoassay technology1)
Authors: Kappel Andreas , Stephan Sina , Christ Gerlinde , Haude-Barten Anja , Dahm Madeleine , Schwarz Herbert , Fischer Bodo , Hahn Martin , Althaus Harald , Ehm Matthias , Vitzthum Frank
Published: February 2011

Background: The Luminescent Oxygen Channeling Immunoassay (LOCI®) technology is a well-established homogeneous assay format that allows for fast, accurate, and highly sensitive quantitation of analytes. We set out to develop and prove a novel concept to establish a LOCI format that should principally allow for the determination of the activity of coagulation factors and anticoagulants of clinical relevance.

Methods: The concept is based on the linkage of LOCI nano-beads by a peptide that can be cleaved by a coagulation factor. To prove the principle, we used a peptide that can be cleaved by thrombin.

Results: We were able to show that coagulation activation of plasma or whole blood samples that were combined with the LOCI components degraded the thrombin-sensitive peptide and consequently, led to a reduction of the LOCI signal. Signal reduction was proportional to the amount of active thrombin generated. The research prototype assay allowed for the detection of factor deficiencies in both the extrinsic and intrinsic coagulation pathways, and for the quantification of hirudin, a direct thrombin inhibitor.

Conclusions: Taken together, we conclude that the LOCI technology has the potential for extension to functional blood coagulation assays.
Gas chromatography of indium in macroscopic and carrier-free amounts using quartz and gold as stationary phases
Authors: Serov A. , Eichler R. , Dressler R. , Piguet D. , Türler A. , Vögele A. , Wittwer David , Gäggeler H. W.
Published: February 2011

The chemical investigation of E113 is likely to become soon feasible. The determination of chemical properties of carrier-free amounts of the lighter homologues of element 113, especially indium and thallium, allows designing experimental set-ups and selecting experimental conditions suitable for performing these studies. Here, we present investigations of the interaction of indium species with quartz and gold surfaces. Deposition temperatures as well as enthalpies of adsorption were determined for indiumTdep=739±20 °C (−ΔHads(In)=227±10 kJ mol−1) and for indium hydroxideTdep=250±20 °C (−ΔHads(InOH)= 124±10 kJ mol−1) respectively, on quartz. In case of adsorption of indium on a gold surface only a lower limit of the deposition temperature was establishedTdep>980 °C (−ΔHads(In)≥315±10 kJ mol−1). Investigations of macroscopic amounts of indium in thermosublimation experiments at similar experimental conditions were instrumental to establish a tentative speciation of the observed indium species.
Linear growth and intellectual outcome in children with long-term idiopathic subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Cerbone Manuela , Bravaccio Carmela , Capalbo Donatella , Polizzi Miriam , Wasniewska Malgorazata , Cioffi Daniela , Improda Nicola , Valenzise Mariella , Bruzzese Dario , De Luca Filippo , Salerno Mariacarolina
Published: February 2011

Objective

The treatment of children with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is controversial for TSH values between 4.5 and 10 mU/l. The aim of this cross-sectional, controlled study was to evaluate growth and intellectual outcome in children with persistent SH who have never been treated with levothyroxine.

Design and methods

Clinical and auxological parameters, thyroid function, and intellectual outcome were evaluated in 36 children with persistent SH at the age of 9.7±0.6 (range 4–18.0) years. Children had been followed longitudinally for 3.3±0.3 (range 2.0–9.3) years, from first diagnosis of SH until enrollment in the study. Thirty-six age- and sex-matched children were enrolled in the study as controls.

Results

At study entry, height (−0.8±0.2 SDS), bone age/chronological age (BA/CA ratio 0.92±0.6), and body mass index (BMI −0.1±0.2 SDS) in SH children were normal. Despite long-term duration of SH, none of these parameters showed a worsening with respect to height (−0.7±0.2 SDS), BA/CA (0.97±0.03), and BMI (−0.1±0.2) at the time of first SH detection. None of the children showed overt signs or symptoms of hypothyroidism during the follow-up.

Verbal (99.1±2.2), performance (100.4±1.9), and full-scale (99.7±1.9) intelligence quotient (IQ) scores in SH children were normal and comparable to those of controls. No relationship was detected between IQ scores and the degree or duration of SH.

Conclusions

Persistent SH in children is not associated with alterations in growth, bone maturation, BMI, and cognitive function or other complaints that could be ascribed to SH even after several years without therapeutic intervention.
Interference RNA-based silencing of endogenous SMAD4 in porcine granulosa cells resulted in decreased FSH-mediated granulosa cells proliferation and steroidogenesis
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Xia , Li Xinxiu , Wang Li , Zhang Haiyan , He Yu , Wang Jingjing , Zhao Yongyan , Zhang Baole , Xu Yinxue
Published: February 2011

FSH plays a critical role in granulosa cell (GC) proliferation and steroidogenesis through modulation by factors including bone morphogenetic proteins family, which belongs to transforming growth factor β (TGFB) superfamily. TGFBs are the key factors in maintaining cell growth and differentiation in ovaries. However, the interaction of FSH and TGFB on the GCs' proliferation and steroidogenesis remains to be elucidated. In this study, we have investigated the role of SMAD4, a core molecule mediating the intracellular TGFB/SMAD signal transduction pathway, in FSH-mediated proliferation and steroidogenesis of porcine GCs. In this study, SMAD4 was knocked down using interference RNA in porcine GCs. Our results showed thatSMAD4-siRNA causes specific inhibition ofSMAD4mRNA and protein expression after transfection. Knockdown ofSMAD4significantly inhibited FSH-induced porcine GC proliferation and estradiol production and changed the expression of cyclin D2, CDK2, CDK4, CYP19a1, and CYP11a1. Thus, these observations establish an important role of SMAD4 in the regulation of the response of porcine GCs to FSH.
Empirical antibiotic therapy of complicated skin and soft tissue infections in dermatological practice
Authors: Magyar Andrea , Garaczi Edina , Hajdú Edit , Kemény Lajos
Published: February 2011

Erysipelas is an acute bacterial infection of the skin predominantly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. According to the international classification complicated erysipelas belongs to the complicated skin and soft tissue infections. Complicated infections are defined as severe skin involvement or when the infection occurs in compromised hosts. These infections frequently involve Gram-negative bacilli and anaerobic bacteria. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the empirical antibiotic therapy for the patients who were admitted to the Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University of Szeged. Methods: The empirical therapy was started according to a previously determined protocol. The data of 158 patients with complicated skin and soft tissue infections were analyzed and the microbiology culture specimens and the isolates were also examined. Results and conclusions: The results show that penicillin is the first choice for the treatment of erysipelas. However, the complicated skin and soft tissue infections require broad-spectrum antibiotics. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 252–258.
Multiple hepatic abscesses due to actinomycosis: difficulties of diagnosis
Authors: Soós Zsuzsanna , Bakos Mária , Kovács Gábor , Baranyai László , Jakab Ferenc , Winkler Gábor
Published: February 2011

Authors present the case of a 65 year-old man without any remarkable previous illness, hospitalized because of having prolonged fever caused probably by an infection due to a tick bite. Tularaemia and bartonellosis based on serological results as well as neoplasm of the sigma with multiple metastases to the liver raised by ultrasonography and abdominal CT could be excluded with detailed investigations. Multiple abscesses of the liver were diagnosed, followed by a percutaneuos ultrasonography directed aspiration of one of the abscesses which resulted in 150 ml buffy pus. Microbiological examination evaluated the presence of Actinomyces meyeri. Instead of neoplasm, diverticulosis and diverticulitis of the sigma could be clarified with perforation of one of the diverticuli causing peridiverticulitis, retroperitoneal abscess and probably abscesses in the liver by haematogenous dissemination. Surgical intervention, resection of the liver and the sigma resulted in recovery of the patient. Difficulties of diagnosis are discussed in the article pointing out the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, involving also infectologist. Diverticulosis of the sigma as presumably origin of hepatic actinomycosis is a literary curiosity. This was the cause of the case presentation. Orv. Hetil., 2011 152, 268–272.
Eurotransplant – new possibility for the Hungarian transplantation
Authors: Langer Róbert
Published: February 2011

The year 2010 was a milestone in the history of transplantation in Hungary. The State Secretary for Health Issues announced a program in order to solve the serious problems of organ transplantation: 1) to increase waiting lists, 2) to raise donor numbers, 3) to establish a lung transplant program in the country, 4) to promote education and increase the knowledge base regarding transplantation for the public and the medical profession, and finally, 5) to begin negotiations for Hungary to join Eurotransplant. Joining Eurotransplant has been a priority of the transplant community. Finally, this year saw the Budapest Transplant Center perform 20% of their kidney transplants from living donors, up from a 5% frequency historically, an operation which is available in all four centers from this year. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 243–245.
Theoretical elastic solutions for foundations improved by geosynthetic-encased columns
Authors: Zhang Yiping , Li Tao , Wang Yang
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT: Based on an axisymmetric elastic model, a theoretical solution is obtained for a foundation improved by geosynthetic-encased columns (GEC). The expressions for stress, displacement, and hoop force of the geosynthetic, as well as stress ratio and improvement factor of the GEC composite foundation, are derived in detail. To validate the current analysis, a comparison with the solution proposed by Balaam and Booker is carried out. It is shown that the solution developed by Balaam and Booker confirms the presented solution for the case of an unreinforced column. Using the proposed method, the radial displacement and hoop force of the geosynthetic, which are affected by its stiffness, area replacement ratio and oedometric modulus ratio, are discussed. The results indicate that the main function of the geosynthetic is to provide sufficient lateral support to the columns. Decreasing the area replacement ratio is advantageous in maximising the confining effect of the geosynthetic. The oedometric modulus ratio has little influence on the confining effect provided by the geosynthetic encasement.
Numerical modelling of surface strip footings resting on double-faced wrap-around vertical reinforced soil walls
Authors: Anubhav S. , Basudhar P.K.
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT: The paper pertains to a study regarding the response of strip footings resting centrally on the surface of model double-faced wrap-around vertical soil walls. Experiments were performed in the laboratory on small-scale model geosynthetic-reinforced, double-faced, vertical soil walls constructed with sand backfill and wrapped facing using varying spacing, overlap length of reinforcement layers and footing widths to study their effects on its load–deformation behaviour. Then a plane-strain finite element simulation of the model walls was performed, using commercially available Plaxis software, to predict their behaviour under strip loading. Backfill sand and reinforcements were modelled as elastic-perfectly plastic and linearly elastic material, respectively. Comparison of the predicted bearing capacity of the footing resting on these walls and the horizontal displacement of the wall face showed reasonable agreement with the experimental data.
Enhancement of efficiency of prefabricated vertical drains using surcharge, vacuum and heat preloading
Authors: Artidteang S. , Bergado D.T. , Saowapakpiboon J. , Teerachaikulpanich N. , Kumar A.
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT: This paper focuses on increasing the efficiency in accelerating the rate of consolidation of prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) in improved soft Bangkok clay using vacuum and heat preloading. Laboratory model tests were performed in new, large-scale consolidometers with PVD-improved reconstituted specimens using the following four schemes: surcharge preloading (PVD only), surcharge combined with vacuum pressure preloading (vacuum-PVD), surcharge combined with heat (thermo-PVD), and surcharge combined with heat and vacuum pressure (thermo-vacuum-PVD). Subsequently, the flow parameters in terms of the horizontal coefficient of consolidation (Ch) and the ratio between the horizontal hydraulic conductivity in the undisturbed zone (kh) to the horizontal hydraulic conductivity in the smear zone (ks), based on Hansbo's method. were investigated by back-calculation. The results show that the values of Ch were 1.93 m2/yr, 2.23 m2/yr, 4.17 m2/yr and 4.37 m2/yr for the PVD, vacuum-PVD, thermo-PVD and thermo-vacuum-PVD, respectively, with corresponding kh/ks values of 3.0, 2.7, 1.4 and 1.1, respectively. On the other hand, the increase in Ch of reconstituted specimens using the vacuum-PVD, thermo-PVD and thermo-vacuum-PVD were 15.54%, 116.06% and 126.42%, and the increases in kh/ks were 10.00%, 53.33% and 63.33%, respectively. Thus the vacuum-PVD can increase the horizontal coefficient of consolidation, Ch, resulting in a faster rate of settlement at the same magnitudes of settlement, compared with the PVD. The thermo-PVD and thermo-vacuum-PVD can further increase the coefficient of horizontal consolidation, Ch, with associated reduction of kh/ks values, by reducing the drainage retardation effects in the smear zone around the PVD, and consequently faster rates of consolidation were obtained. However, higher magnitudes of settlement were obtained upon application of heat owing to the associated collapse of the clay structure, similar to the results of previous investigations.
Analysis of cases of gravity quaywall movement during earthquakes
Authors: HWANG G.-S. , CHEN C.-H.
Published: February 2011

Earthquakes have damaged harbour structures, both recently and historically. Vivid examples are provided by two recent events: the Kobe earthquake (Ml = 7·2, 1995), involving Kobe port, Port Island, Rokko Island and Fukae Island in Japan; and the Chi-Chi earthquake (Ml = 7·3, 1999), involving Taichung Harbour in Taiwan. The results of surveys of deformation patterns of the ground surface at the two harbours after the events, and the published results of well-planned shaking-table tests, are analysed: the shaking-table tests provided images of the deformed profiles for the submerged backfill of a scaled-down quaywall model. On the basis of these data a simple model is proposed to explain the failure mechanism in large lateral displacements of gravity quaywalls during earthquakes. The results show that the Mononobe–Okabe theory underestimates the resultant of earth pressure from the liquefied submerged backfill. For the cases of the two earthquakes studied in this paper, several dimensionless parameters obtained by using the proposed simple model have similar values.
The effect of fabric on the behaviour of gold tailings
Authors: CHANG N. , HEYMANN G. , CLAYTON C.
Published: February 2011

Undisturbed sampling of gold tailings, especially under the water table, is difficult and in many cases impossible. For this reason laboratory testing of tailings is generally conducted on reconstituted material. It has been shown that laboratory sample preparation methods can affect the mechanical behaviour of cohesionless soil and it is generally believed that the difference in mechanical behaviour is attributable to a difference in the fabric (particle arrangement) inherent in the preparation method. An experimental programme was conducted to (a) examine the fabric which ensues upon sample preparation and (b) to investigate the effect of any fabric differences on the mechanical behaviour of gold tailings. Comparison was made between the behaviour and fabric of undisturbed and reconstituted moist tamped and slurry deposited samples. The results from the experimental programme show that there is indeed a difference in fabric between undisturbed and reconstituted gold tailings samples. Slurry preparation generally replicates the fabric and behaviour of the undisturbed sample better than moist tamping, but neither fully replicates the undisturbed sample. At large strains, the samples reach a unique critical state friction angle, but at different stress states.
Undrained failure envelope for skirted foundations under general loading
Authors: GOURVENEC S. , BARNETT S.
Published: February 2011

Three-dimensional failure envelopes can be used to define the bearing capacity and proximity to failure of shallow foundations under general vertical, horizontal and moment loading (V, H, M/B). Different structures, and different load cases for the same structure, cover varying domains of (±V, ±H, ±M/B) load space; therefore, a fully encompassing failure envelope in (V, H, M/B) load space is a useful tool to define ultimate limit states for design. In this technical note, a closed-form expression is proposed that enables prediction of undrained bearing capacity of skirted foundations under general in-plane loading, valid for a range of embedment ratios and soil shear strength heterogeneities.
Currents connecting communities: nearshore community similarity and ocean circulation
Authors: Watson J. R. , Hays C. G. , Raimondi P. T. , Mitarai S. , Dong C. , McWilliams J. C. , Blanchette C. A. , Caselle J. E. , Siegel D. A.
Published: February 2011

Understanding the mechanisms that create spatial heterogeneity in species distributions is fundamental to ecology. For nearshore marine systems, most species have a pelagic larval stage where dispersal is strongly influenced by patterns of ocean circulation. Concomitantly, nearshore habitats and the local environment are also influenced by ocean circulation. Because of the shared dependence on the seascape, distinguishing the relative importance of the local environment from regional patterns of dispersal for community structure remains a challenge. Here, we quantify the “oceanographic distance” and “oceanographic asymmetry” between nearshore sites using ocean circulation modeling results. These novel metrics quantify spatial separation based on realistic patterns of ocean circulation, and we explore their explanatory power for intertidal and subtidal community similarity in the Southern California Bight. We find that these metrics show significant correspondence with patterns of community similarity and that their combined explanatory power exceeds that of the thermal structure of the domain. Our approach identifies the unique influence of ocean circulation on community structure and provides evidence for oceanographically mediated dispersal limitation in nearshore marine communities.
Inactivation of human adenovirus by sequential disinfection with an alternative UV technology and free chlorine
Authors: Lee Jung-Keun , Shin Gwy-Am
Published: February 2011

There has been growing concern over human exposure to adenoviruses through drinking water due to the extreme resistance of human adenoviruses to the traditional UV technology (low-pressure (LP) UV). As an effort to develop an effective treatment strategy against human adenoviruses in drinking water, we determined the effectiveness of sequential disinfection with an alternative UV technology (medium-pressure (MP) UV) and free chlorine. Human adenovirus 2 (Ad2) was irradiated with a low dose of MP UV irradiation (10 mJ/cm2) through UV collimated apparatus and then exposed to a low dose of free chlorine (0.17 mg/L) at pH 8 and 5°C using a bench-scale chemical disinfection system. A significant inactivation (e.g. 4 log10) of Ad2 was achieved with the low doses of MP UV and free chlorine within a very short contact time (∼1.5 min) although there was no apparent synergistic effect on Ad2 between MP UV and free chlorine. Overall, it is likely that the sequential disinfection with UV irradiation and free chlorine should control the contamination of drinking water by human adenoviruses within practical doses of UV and free chlorine typically used in drinking water treatment processes.
Differential behaviour of Escherichia coli and Campylobacter spp. in a stream draining dairy pasture
Authors: Stott Rebecca , Davies-Colley Robert , Nagels John , Donnison Andrea , Ross Colleen , Muirhead Richard
Published: February 2011

The faecal indicator bacterium Escherichia coli and thermotolerant Campylobacter spp., which are potentially pathogenic, were investigated in the Toenepi Stream draining a pastoral catchment dominated by dairying. Bacteria concentrations were monitored routinely at fortnightly intervals over 12 months and intensively during storm events to compare the transport dynamics of bacterial indicator and pathogen under varying hydro-meteorological conditions. Routine monitoring indicated median concentrations of 345 E. coli MPN 100 ml−1 and relatively low concentrations of 2.3 Campylobacter MPN 100 ml−1. The bacterial flux was three orders of magnitude greater under elevated stream flow compared with base-flow. E. coli peak concentrations occurred very close to the turbidity peak and consistently ahead of the Campylobacter spp. peak (which was close to the hydrograph peak). We postulate that, under flood conditions, the E. coli peak reflects the entrainment and mobilisation of in-stream stores on the flood wave front. In contrast, Campylobacter spp. are derived from wash-in from land stores upstream and have travelled at the mean water velocity which is slower than the speed of the flood wave. Our findings of different dynamics for E. coli and Campylobacter spp. suggest that mitigation to reduce faecal microbial impacts from farms will need to take account of these differences.
A strategic approach for Water Safety Plans implementation in Portugal
Authors: Vieira Jose M. P.
Published: February 2011

Effective risk assessment and risk management approaches in public drinking water systems can benefit from a systematic process for hazards identification and effective management control based on the Water Safety Plan (WSP) concept. Good results from WSP development and implementation in a small number of Portuguese water utilities have shown that a more ambitious nationwide strategic approach to disseminate this methodology is needed. However, the establishment of strategic frameworks for systematic and organic scaling-up of WSP implementation at a national level requires major constraints to be overcome: lack of legislation and policies and the need for appropriate monitoring tools. This study presents a framework to inform future policy making by understanding the key constraints and needs related to institutional, organizational and research issues for WSP development and implementation in Portugal. This methodological contribution for WSP implementation can be replicated at a global scale. National health authorities and the Regulator may promote changes in legislation and policies. Independent global monitoring and benchmarking are adequate tools for measuring the progress over time and for comparing the performance of water utilities. Water utilities self-assessment must include performance improvement, operational monitoring and verification. Research and education and resources dissemination ensure knowledge acquisition and transfer.
PCR assay targeting virulence genes of Helicobacter pylori isolated from drinking water and clinical samples in Lahore metropolitan, Pakistan
Authors: Samra Zahoor Qadir , Javaid Umber , Ghafoor Sadia , Batool Aleeza , Dar Nadia , Athar Muhammad Amin
Published: February 2011

Helicobacter pylorus is considered for chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers and adenocarcinoma and its high infection rate is observed in overcrowded and lower socioeconomic groups in developing countries. This study was designed to identify the role of drinking water in the transmission and prevalence of H. pylori (HP). Selective HP medium was developed for enrichment and presumptive identification of H. pylori by urease, catalase and species specific 16S rRNA tests. The virulence genes (vacA ‘s’ and ‘m’ regions and cagA) of H. pylori in 90 out of 225 H. pylori positive drinking water samples were present (40%). Ten out of 18 biopsies (55.55%) and 15 out of 50 vomiting fluids of gastric disease patients (30%) were also positive for virulence genes. Anti-H. pylori antibodies were also detected in 31 out of 50 patients’ sera. The presence of virulence genes was also directly confirmed by hybridization studies using non-radioactive DNA probes of 16S rRNA, vacA and cagA genes. The presence of H. pylori in water is due to poor sanitary conditions, improper waste disposal and lack of public health education. PCR-based analysis and colony hybridization can be used for detection of H. pylori in clinical and environmental samples.
An estimate of the cost of acute health effects from food- and water-borne marine pathogens and toxins in the USA
Authors: Ralston Erin P. , Kite-Powell Hauke , Beet Andrew
Published: February 2011

Large and growing segments of the United States population consume seafood or engage in marine recreation. These activities provide significant benefits but also bring risk of exposure to marine-borne illness. To manage these risks, it is important to understand the incidence and cost of marine-borne disease. We review the literature and surveillance/monitoring data to determine the annual incidence of disease and health consequences due to marine-borne pathogens from seafood consumption and beach recreation in the USA. Using this data, we employ a cost-of-illness model to estimate economic impacts. Our results suggest that health consequences due to marine-borne pathogens in the USA have annual costs on the order of US$900 million. This includes US$350 million due to pathogens and marine toxins specifically identified as causing food-borne disease, an estimated US$300 million due to seafood-borne disease with unknown etiology, US$30 million from direct exposure to the Vibrio species, and US$300 million due to gastrointestinal illness from beach recreation. Although there is considerable uncertainty about the degree of underreporting of certain pathogen-specific acute marine-related illnesses, the conservative assumptions we have used in constructing our estimate suggest that it should be considered a lower bound on true costs.
Prevention and Control of Phosphate Retention/Hyperphosphatemia in CKD-MBD
Authors: Martin Kevin J. , González Esther A.
Published: February 2011

Phosphate retention and, later, hyperphosphatemia are key contributors to chronic kidney disease (CKD)–mineral and bone disorder (MBD). Phosphate homeostatic mechanisms maintain normal phosphorus levels until late-stage CKD, because of early increases in parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23). Increased serum phosphorus, and these other mineral abnormalities, individually and collectively contribute to bone disease, vascular calcification, and cardiovascular disease. Earlier phosphate control may, therefore, help reduce the early clinical consequences of CKD-MBD, and help control hyperphosphatemia and secondary hyperparathyroidism in late-stage CKD. Indeed, it is now widely accepted that achieving normal phosphorus levels is associated with distinct clinical benefits. This therapeutic goal is achievable in CKD stages 3 to 5 but more difficult in dialysis patients. Currently, phosphate control is only initiated when hyperphosphatemia occurs, but a potentially beneficial and simple approach may be to intervene earlier, for example, when tubular phosphate reabsorption is substantially diminished. Early CKD-MBD management includes dietary phosphate restriction, phosphate binder therapy, and vitamin D supplementation. Directly treating phosphorus may be the most beneficial approach because this can reduce serum phosphorus, PTH, and FGF-23. This involves dietary measures, but these are not always sufficient, and it can be more effective to also consider phosphate binder use. Vitamin D sterols can improve vitamin D deficiency and PTH levels but may worsen phosphate retention and increase FGF-23 levels, and thus, may also require concomitant phosphate binder therapy. This article discusses when and how to optimize phosphate control to provide the best clinical outcomes in CKD-MBD patients.
The effect of age on distribution and symptomatology of craniomandibular dysfunction
Authors: Markovic Dubravka , Jeremic-Knezevic Milica , Milekic Bojana , Djurovic-Koprivica Daniela
Published: February 2011

Craniomandibular dysfunction is very common disorder of the oral and facial
system and therefore a significant problem in dental practice. The etiology
of this disorder is very complex and variable including congenital disorders
and developmental abnormalities, traumas in the area of face and jaw,
unbalanced occlusion, systemic and local diseases or psychogenic factors. The
symptoms can be very different and vary in intensity and duration from person
to person, often are in correlation with other oral para-functions. The
intensity of symptoms is usually associated with gender or age of the
patients. Elderly population is particularly interesting because these
changes occur in addition to atrophic and degenerative changes in
temporomandibular joint (TMJ), multiple teeth loss, present dentures,
limitation of physical activity and others. Research conducted in many
European countries have shown that the pain in TMJ is one of the most
dominate symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunction and it often occurs in
males. However, it is not easy to prove more frequent presence of dysfunction
in the elderly people.
The effect of bleaching agents on human enamel microhardness
Authors: Savic-Stankovic Tatjana , Karadzic Branislav
Published: February 2011

Introduction. Bleaching agents can cause alteration of hard tissues of the
tooth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different
concentrations of carbamide peroxide (10% and 35%) on human enamel
microhardness. Material and Methods. The study was conducted on ten extracted
teeth divided into two groups. The teeth were sectioned in mesiodistal
direction using the diamond disc in order to obtain experimental and control
samples. First group was exposed to the concentration of 10% carbamide
peroxide (Opalescence gel, Ultradent. Pro, US) at the time intervals that
corresponded to home night bleaching technique of vital teeth. Second group
was exposed to high concentration of 35% carbamide peroxide (Opalescence
Quick, Ultradent. Pro, US) at the time intervals that corresponded to the
professional bleaching technique of vital teeth. Control samples were exposed
to artificial saliva for the same time intervals as the samples from
experimental group. Knoop?s test for enamel microhardness was performed at
the beginning, after the first phase of therapy, after the therapy was
completed and after three weeks of exposure to artificial saliva. The results
were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student
t-test. Results. The microhardness values of enamel samples treated with 10%
carbamide peroxide decreased after 8 hours (261 khn) and three weeks of
treatment (222 khn) but increased after three weeks of exposure to artificial
saliva (263 khn). The decrease of enamel microhardness of the samples treated
with 10% carbamide peroxide was not statistically significant. The
microhardness values of enamel samples treated with 35% carbamide peroxide
were reduced after 1 hour (235 khn) and 3 hours (190 khn) and increased after
three weeks of exposure to artificial saliva (241 khn). Microhardness of
enamel treated with 35% carbamide peroxide was significantly decreased in
experimental samples compared to controls. Conclusion. Carbamide peroxide in
concentration of 35% leads to the significant decrease in enamel
microhardness compared to 10% carbamide peroxide.
Application of advanced technologies in shade matching: A spectrophotometer
Authors: Andjelkovic Aleksandra , Markovic Dubravka , Petronijevic Branislava , Jeremic-Knezevic Milica , Veselinovic Valentina , Predin Tanja
Published: February 2011

One of many challenges in cosmetic dentistry is to accomplish appropriate and
satisfactory reproduction of natural shade of teeth and in that way to make
successful restoration. The procedure of choosing a shade can be performed
using visual method or by an instrument. The kind of shade guide, individual
ability to choose shades and conditions the choice is made under, all have
influence on reliability and accuracy of the procedure. Therefore, it is
necessary to introduce instrumental color determination in everyday work. The
instrumental color determination method considers use of a spectrophotometer,
a colorimeter and a digital camera or even the combination of all three in
shade matching. The purpose of this article was to present all amenities and
advantages of the instrumental color determination in shade matching through
the demonstration of the clinical performances of an intraoral
spectrophotometer VITA Easyshade Compact device. VITA Easyshade Compact
device provides fast and reliable measuring and gives results that are not
influenced by the conditions under which the shade was chosen or by the
person who made choice. Shade matching using a spectrophotometer meets all
the requirements for choosing the shade by vision, therefore it is
recommended for clinical work.
Methodology of splicing large air filling factor suspended core photonic crystal fibres
Authors: Jaroszewicz L. , Murawski M. , Nasilowski T. , Stasiewicz K. , Marć P. , Szymański M. , Mergo P.
Published: February 2011

We report the methodology of effective low-loss fusion splicing a photonic crystal fibre (PCF) to itself as well as to a standard single mode fibre (SMF). Distinctly from other papers in this area, we report on the results for splicing suspended core (SC) PCF having tiny core and non-Gaussian shape of guided beam. We show that studied splices exhibit transmission losses strongly dispersive and non-reciprocal in view of light propagation direction. Achieved splicing losses, defined as larger decrease in transmitted optical power comparing both propagation directions, are equal to 2.71 ±0.25 dB, 1.55 ±0.25 dB at 1550 nm for fibre SC PCF spliced to itself and to SMF, respectively.
A survey of galliform monitoring programs and methods in the United States and Canada
Authors: Sands Joseph P. , Pope Michael D.
Published: February 2011

We mailed survey questionnaires to 62 upland game bird managers in the United States and Canada in 2004. We received questionnaires from 47 of the 62 (76%) upland game bird managers that were contacted and 43 (91%) respondents provided information on how monitoring data were used. Responses indicated monitoring programs (population trends and/or harvest monitoring) for 23 species of Galliformes, with 145 ± 208 personnel days/year devoted to monitoring. Estimating general population trends (e.g. up or down) was the most frequent objective (N = 41; 95%) of survey data. Other applications of data included assessments of hunting activity, evaluations of regional programs and reviews of conservation status related to Endangered Species Act petitions. The majority of respondents (i.e. 63%) with monitoring programs considered the programs within their states to be effective with respect to their objectives. Many states rely upon hunter surveys, harvest data or road counts to access demographic and population data to address major conservation and management issues. The relevance of these issues is growing and agencies must respond with management recommendations, but often must do so with limited data on the status of their populations. Comprehensive monitoring should be a major component of conservation and management planning for upland gamebird populations particularly as a tool to track and evaluate the effectiveness of management actions and inform management options.
Interactions between Pain and the Motor Cortex: Insights from Research on Phantom Limb Pain and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Mercier Catherine , Léonard Guillaume
Published: February 2011

Purpose: Pain is a significantly disabling problem that often interacts with other deficits during the rehabilitation process. The aim of this paper is to review evidence of interactions between pain and the motor cortex in order to attempt to answer the following questions: (1) Does acute pain interfere with motor-cortex activity? (2) Does chronic pain interfere with motor-cortex activity, and, conversely, does motor-cortex plasticity contribute to chronic pain? (3) Can the induction of motor plasticity by means of motor-cortex stimulation decrease pain? (4) Can motor training result in both motor-cortex reorganization and pain relief?

Summary of Key Points: Acute experimental pain has been clearly shown to exert an inhibitory influence over the motor cortex, which can interfere with motor learning capacities. Current evidence also suggests a relationship between chronic pain and motor-cortex reorganization, but it is still unclear whether one causes the other. However, there is growing evidence that interventions aimed at normalizing motor-cortex organization can lead to pain relief.

Conclusions: Interactions between pain and the motor cortex are complex, and more studies are needed to understand these interactions in our patients, as well as to develop optimal rehabilitative strategies.
Ankylosing spondylitis of the craniovertebral junction: a single surgeon's experience
Authors: Albert Gregory W. , Menezes Arnold H.
Published: February 2011

Object

The objective of this study was to describe a single surgeon's experience managing craniovertebral junction (CVJ) disease due to ankylosing spondylitis.

Methods

The authors undertook a retrospective review of the records of patients with CVJ disease due to ankylosing spondylitis who were evaluated and treated by the senior author. Charts were reviewed for symptoms and signs at presentation, radiography results, treatment, and outcome. In addition, some of the patients had pathology reports available for review.

Results

Eight patients with CVJ disease due to ankylosing spondylitis were identified who were evaluated by the senior author in the years 1990–2008. The most common presenting symptoms were neck pain (37.5%), cranial neuropathy (37.5%), and sensory disturbance (62.5%). On examination, the most common findings were limited cervical range of motion (37.5%), weakness (50%), and myelopathy (75%). Radiographic evaluation revealed atlantoaxial subluxation, retroodontoid pannus formation, basilar invagination, and bone erosion. Surgery was offered to all of the patients, 7 of whom underwent operations. In most cases, the treatment was transoral–transpalatopharyngeal decompression followed by occipitocervical fusion. One patient with a reducible lesion underwent dorsal fusion alone. Neurological outcomes were favorable overall.

Conclusions

The incidence of CVJ disease in patients with ankylosing spondylitis varies among reports. These cases are rare in most neurosurgery clinics. It is important to recognize that patients with ankylosing spondylitis are at risk for CVJ disease, similar to patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Principles common to the management of other CVJ pathologies apply to these patients as well.
Heterotopic ossification after cervical total disc replacement: determination by CT and effects on clinical outcomes
Authors: Tu Tsung-Hsi , Wu Jau-Ching , Huang Wen-Cheng , Guo Wan-Yuo , Wu Ching-Lan , Shih Yang-Hsin , Cheng Henrich
Published: February 2011

Object

Heterotopic ossification (HO) after cervical total disc replacement (TDR) has been reported to impede artificial disc motion. In all previously reported cases of HO, assessment was based on plain radiographs. The authors hypothesized that CT scan is a more sensitive and accurate detector. The aims of this study were to assess the actual incidence of HO and its effect on outcome in a cohort of patients undergoing cervical TDR with the Bryan disc and to compare HO detection by means of plain radiographs and CT.

Methods

The authors retrospectively assessed data from medical records, radiological studies, and clinical evaluations of patients who underwent 1- or 2-level cervical TDR with the Bryan disc and were followed up for more than 12 months. The presence and grading of HO according to the McAfee classification were assessed by CT scan, and these findings were compared with findings on plain radiographs. Thirty-six patients (mean age 46.61 ± 7.24 years; range 29–60 years; 21 men and 15 women) who underwent Bryan TDR at 52 levels were included in the study. The mean duration of CT follow-up was 19.03 ± 4.64 months; the mean duration of clinical follow-up was 26.78 ± 7.20 months.

Results

On the basis of CT, HO was identified in 18 (50%) of 36 patients and 25 (48.1%) of 52 levels treated. Grade 1 HO was present in 9 of the levels treated (17.3%), Grade 2 in 13 levels (25.0%), Grade 3 in 2 levels (3.8%), and Grade 4 in 1 level (1.9%). Nineteen (76%) of the 25 affected levels were in patients who had undergone 2-level TDR. There was no significant association with patient sex or disc pathology. There was a tendency for HO development among older patients, but this finding was not statistically significant (mean age 48.8 ± 6.8 in patients with HO vs 44.4 ± 7.2 in those without HO, p = 0.065). Although HO was found in 25 levels, 96.2% of the treated levels (50 of 52) had segmental range of motion on dynamic (flexion and extension) radiographs. The concordance between HO grading by CT and radiography was high, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.822 (lower limit of 95% CI: 0.710, p < 0.001). Patients who had HO had the same clinical success rate as those who did not (94.4% vs 94.4%, p = 1.00). The visual analog scale scores for neck and arm pain were significantly improved in both the HO and the non-HO group.

Conclusions

The rate of HO detected by CT scan in this cohort of patients undergoing cervical TDR with a Bryan disc was 48.1% per level treated and 50% per patient with minimal limitation of segmental motion (96.2% of levels remained mobile), but plain radiograph is an acceptable detection tool. Two-level surgery has a higher risk of HO, although development of HO does not affect clinical outcome.
Les comportements de travail et de loisir : facteurs de mobilité des populations tsiganes
Authors: Humeau Jean-Baptiste
Published: February 2011

L'analyse des composantes géographiques nées des comportements de loisir doit-elle se limiter à la connaissance des phénomènes dérivés de la fréquentation des équipements de loisirs ?

L'auteur propose une observation de la mobilité géographique de quelques familles tsiganes dans le Val de Loire. Il s'Interroge sur les facteurs de cette mobilité, montrant qu'à travers le choix des lieux de stationnement il y a combinaison des notions de travail et de loisir. Certes, ces concepts sont éloignés de ceux élaborés par la société sédentaire d'un pays industrialisé, cependant ils attestent que le nomadisme des Tsiganes n'est pas seulement une errance, mais la résultante d'un mode de vie fondé sur une utilisation tout à fait spécifique de l'espace.
Loisirs de proximité et résidences secondaires autour d'une métropole régionale : le cas de Séville
Authors: Fourneau Francis
Published: February 2011

Después de habernos señalado el desarrollo de las urbanizaciones en los alrededores de Sevilla, el autor muestra que son « parcelaciones rústicas » para segundas residencias de fin de semana destinadas a las clases médias de Sevilla en busca de « espacios de esparcimiento de cercania ». Se indica también que los problemas planteado por el « esparcimiento de cercania » entran forzosamente en las perspectivas de una ordenación global del territorio.
La Maison de la Culture d'Amiens
Authors: Flament Emile
Published: February 2011

Founded in 1966, the Maison de la Culture of Amiens has filled up a blank in the subjects of playhouses and cultural animation. Nevertheless, its image is not very good among Amiens' population. The recruitment is mainly local. If activities have been modified since about ten years, the fréquentation does not make progress.