bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychopathy and machiavellianism predict differences in racially motivated attitudes and their affiliations
Authors: Jones Daniel N.
Published: May 2013

Different forms of racism and racist groups should be differentially attractive to politically motivated members of the Dark Triad. Study 1 showed that high levels of both Machiavellianism and right‐wing authoritarianism (RWA) predicted modern racism, whereas high levels of psychopathy and RWA predicted old‐fashioned racism. In Study 2, those high in Machiavellianism and RWA wanted to join a traditional Ku Klux Klan (KKK) group, emphasizing nonviolence and political strategies. However, those high in psychopathy and RWA wanted to join a violent, Neo‐Nazi militia group. The studies highlight differences between Machiavellianism and psychopathy in expression of antisocial tendencies and dispositions. In addition, when combined with RWA endorsement, these traits can lead to the support of destructive organizations.
Commitment to the GLBT community: an investment model analysis of its antecedents and consequences
Authors: Lehmiller Justin J. , Konkel Kristen E.
Published: May 2013

The present research applied the investment model to the study of how gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) persons become committed to the broader community of sexual minorities. In addition, the present research examined the potential consequences associated with such commitment. In Study 1, satisfaction, investments, and alternatives each uniquely predicted an individual's commitment to the GLBT community. In Study 2, commitment to the GLBT community predicted higher levels of GLBT identification and stronger intentions to be involved in the community in the future. This research has important implications for understanding the factors that promote strong commitment to minority communities and how such commitment may play a vital role in facilitating social and political change for lower status groups.
Characterization of the pelagic fish community of the north‐western and northern Spanish shelf watersa
Authors: Santos M. B. , González‐Quirós R. , Riveiro I. , Iglesias M. , Louzao M. , Pierce G. J.
Published: May 2013

This study demonstrates the utility of trawl data, collected during acoustic surveys of pelagic fish stocks as a way of confirming fish identification, to characterize the pelagic community, as well as allowing description and prediction of fish distribution patterns, based on data from Spanish Atlantic Ocean shelf surveys during spring 2005–2011. The composition of the pelagic community is described, as well as spatial and temporal patterns of variation in both the community composition and the presence and importance of two of the main exploited pelagic species, sardine Sardina pilchardus and anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus. The most important species in terms of both frequency of occurrence and standardized mass in hauls were mackerel Scomber scombrus, hake Merluccius merluccius, horse mackerel Trachurus trachurus, S. pilchardus and bogue Boops boops. Multivariate analysis indicated significant effects of depth, geographical area and year on haul composition. Descriptive generalized additive models (GAM), with latitude, longitude and depth as predictors, identified clear spatial patterns in the occurrence and abundance of both S. pilchardus and E. encrasicolus, with abundance being highest closer to the coast and, in the case of E. encrasicolus, higher near the French and Portuguese borders. Further GAM analysis, using environmental variables to explain spatial patterns, revealed significant effects of depth and sea surface temperature (SST) gradient and depth on S. pilchardus importance, while E. encrasicolus importance was related to SST. The importance of both species in hauls was higher in the years of higher spawning stock biomass (SSB) and E. encrasicolus also appeared to expand its range when SSB was higher.
Immunohistochemical analysis of p16 expression, HPV infection and its prognostic utility in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Gröbe Alexander , Hanken Henning , Kluwe Lan , Schöllchen Maximilian , Tribius Silke , Pohlenz Philipp , Clauditz Till , Grob Tobias , Simon Ronald , Sauter Guido , Heiland Max , Blessmann Marco
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Functional inactivation of p16 is an early and frequent event in the carcinogenesis of tumours of the head and neck region. However, the prognostic relevance of p16 protein expression for these tumours has been controversial. This study aims to examine immunohistochemical expression of p16 and HP virus in a large number of oral carcinomas, and possible correlation with clinical features of the tumours and survival of the patients.

Methods

Two tissue microarrays composed of 222 oral carcinomas and 427 squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck region were used for this study. Sections were stained immunohistochemically (anti‐p16), and PCR analysis (HPV status) was carried out. Correlation of p16 expression/HPV status with features of tumours and with survival of the patients was analysed by means of Chi‐squared test and using Kaplan–Meier analysis, respectively.

Results

p16 expression was found immunohistochemically in 74% of tumours, but was not significantly correlated with features of the tumours, but recurrence‐free survival of the patients (P = 0.009) if located predominantly nuclear. On the other hand neither intensity of p16 expression (P = 0.41) nor HPV status (P = 0.82) had any effect on these two aspects.

Conclusion

Immunohistochemical expression of p16 alone provides a limited tool for diagnosis and prognosis of carcinomas of the head and neck region. Immunohistochemical analysis of p16 depending on its intracellular location might serve as a surrogate marker for HPV infection.
Paediatric community‐associated Staphylococcus aureus: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Britton Philip N , Andresen David N
Published: May 2013

Aim

We aimed to characterise the demographic and clinical features of paediatric community‐associated Staphylococcus aureus (CA‐SA) infection. We aimed to identify factors associated with methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infection evident at the point of care with the potential to guide antibiotic choice.

Methods

A retrospective chart review in 2008 of CA‐SA infections at the Children's Hospital at Westmead (CHW), a 300‐bed tertiary paediatric hospital in western Sydney, Australia. We calculate rates of MRSA and perform univariate and multivariate analysis for predictors of MRSA.

Results

Of 431 patients with CA‐SA infections, 19.3% were MRSA. In univariate analysis, MRSA was predicted by age greater than 1 year, Aboriginal race, rural/regional residence, previous history of skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) or a family history of SSTI, at least 48 h of antibiotics active against methicillin‐sensitive S. aureus (MSSA), invasive infection and abscess formation. In a multivariate analysis factors that independently predicted MRSA in the entire cohort, and in the non‐invasive subgroup included abscess formation, a family history of staphylococcal infection or SSTI, Aboriginal ethnicity, at least 48 h of anti‐MSSA antibiotics at presentation, presentation during spring and age greater than 1 year.

Conclusions

One fifth of CA‐SA infections at our tertiary paediatric hospital in 2008 were MRSA. Several clinical and demographic factors evident at the point of care were highly significant predictors of CA‐MRSA infection.
Smoking behaviour, motives, motivation to quit and self‐efficacy among patients in a secure mental health service: comparison with staff controls
Authors: Dickens G. L. , Staniford J. , Long C. G.
Published: May 2013

Accessible summary

Only one in five people in the general population smoke tobacco but most patients in secure and forensic mental health wards are smokers. We need to know why this group are more likely to smoke and why they find it difficult to give up. We could then tailor ‘stop smoking’ interventions to meet their specific needs.

To find out more we compared patients who smoke in secure wards with staff smokers.

Compared with staff patients were more dependent on nicotine, less ready to quit smoking, smoked to relieve stress and boredom, and were less concerned about health consequences of smoking.

Reasons given by patients for smoking suggest that more work is needed at a pre‐quit smoking intervention stage to increase motivation to quit. Once readiness to quit is increased, interventions should focus on reducing cravings; finding alternative methods for coping with stress and boredom and achieving enjoyment from alternative sources.

People with mental disorder account for a disproportionately large amount of smokers, and the problem is greatest in inpatient settings. ‘Stop smoking’ services should be tailored to the needs of individual patient groups. It is important therefore to investigate factors relevant to different groups in order to inform future quit smoking interventions. We compared 50 patients and 50 staff in a secure mental health hospital on measures of smoking and smoking motives, nicotine dependence, craving, previous cessation attempts, motivation to quit and quit smoking‐related self‐efficacy. Patients were significantly more dependent on nicotine with higher levels of craving; were more likely to smoke to cope with stress, for something to do when bored, for enjoyment and pleasure; and reported significantly less readiness to quit smoking. Staff were more likely to cite health concerns as reasons for quitting. Future pre‐intervention work with inpatients should focus on increasing their readiness to quit smoking. Once motivation is increased, interventions should include advice on reducing cravings, finding alternative methods for coping with stress and boredom and achieving enjoyment and pleasure from alternative sources.
Gingival crevicular fluid levels of human beta‐defensin‐2 and cathelicidin in smoker and non‐smoker patients: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ertugrul A. S. , Sahin H. , Dikilitas A. , Alpaslan N. Z. , Bozoğlan A. , Tekin Y.
Published: May 2013

Background and Objective

Cathelicidin (LL‐37) and human β‐defensin‐2 (hBD‐2) are antimicrobial peptides that have additional functions in innate immunity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate LL‐37 and hBD‐2 levels in the following patient groups: non‐smoker patients with gingivitis (G), smoker patients with gingivitis (SG), non‐smoker patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and smoker patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (SAgP).

Material and Methods

A total of 80 patients, including 20 G, 20 SG, 20 AgP and 20 SAgP were enrolled in the study. Clinical periodontal parameters, including periodontal status were assessed by measuring bleeding on probing, plaque index, gingival index, probing depth and clinical attachment loss. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were done to quantify LL‐37 and hBD‐2 levels in gingival crevicular fluid.

Results

Clinical periodontal parameters were found to have no statistically significant differences between the SAgP and AgP groups or between the SG and G groups. LL‐37 and hBD‐2 levels were significantly lower in G patients than in other groups. LL‐37 and hBD‐2 levels in the gingival crevicular fluid of SAgP patients were significantly higher than in other groups. LL‐37 and hBD‐2 levels in SG patients were also significantly higher than in G patients.

Conclusions

Epithelial cells in contact with microorganisms release LL‐37 and hBD‐2 to eliminate them. The release response of LL‐37 and hBD‐2 formed against microorganisms can change depending on factors such as smoking, which activates the nicotinic receptors present on epithelial surfaces. This interaction can increase the release of LL‐37 and hBD‐2. Smoking may also affect the capillary tissues and reduce leukocytic chemotaxis. The increased number of colonized microorganisms may lead to higher levels of LL‐37 and hBD‐2 release in the tissues of smokers than in non‐smokers.
Post‐fire recovery of desert bryophyte communities: effects of fires and propagule soil banks
Authors: Smith Robert J. , Abella Scott R. , Stark Lloyd R.
Published: May 2013

Questions

As changing wildfire regimes modify North American deserts, can fires of greater severity and frequency negatively impact the recovery of native bryophyte communities, which are not adapted to such disturbances? Does post‐fire recovery result from the survival of existing surface plants, dormant propagules in sub‐surface soil banks (dispersal in time) or aerial immigration into burned sites (dispersal in space)? Do wildfires negatively affect the survival of propagules in bryophyte soil banks?

Location

Continental arid shrublands, Mojave Desert, southwestern US.

Methods

We characterized bryophyte communities along a post‐fire chronosequence spanning three decades across sites where fires had different severities, ages and potential fuels. Three community profiles (surface, soil and aerial) were surveyed with a combination of on‐site surveys and emergence germination techniques. We tested for differences in beta diversity, species composition and richness with PERMDISP, PERMANOVA and linear mixed models, respectively.

Results

Burn severity was associated with differences in beta diversity, species composition and richness, while burn age was associated only with different composition and richness. No effect of potential fuel availability was found. More variation in composition was explained by significant differences among profiles than by other fire attributes. Species richness (but not beta diversity) was higher in soil profiles than in aerial spore rain or existing surface communities. Soils from the oldest and least severe burns had a greater number of species than soils from recent and more severe burns.

Conclusions

Bryophyte soil banks are common elements of desert soils that facilitate post‐disturbance recovery of communities, but soil banks are themselves threatened by the intensifying frequency and severity of wildfires in North American deserts. Recovery of desert bryophyte communities seems to begin (but not necessarily conclude) within 30 yr after wildfires. In the near future, communities may become perturbed from historical patterns as contemporary fire regimes undergo extensive changes.
A Stochastic Model of Wealth Accumulation with Class Division
Authors: Russo Alberto
Published: May 2013

This paper is aimed at contributing to the literature on income and wealth inequality by proposing a simple stochastic model in which wealth accumulation depends on the ‘social relation’ between two classes: capitalists or workers. As a result, the society may evolve towards an unequal outcome with few rich and many poor individuals. We study the dynamic properties of the model by means of computer simulations. A maximum likelihood estimation procedure is applied to analyse the Pareto or power law tail of wealth distribution. We also provide a scenario analysis to explore the system's behaviour under alternative parameter settings.
Transcriptional regulation of fatty acid biosynthesis in mycobacteria
Authors: Mondino S. , Gago G. , Gramajo H.
Published: May 2013

The main purpose of our study is to understand how mycobacteria exert control over the biosynthesis of their membrane lipids and find out the key components of the regulatory network that control fatty acid biosynthesis at the transcriptional level. In this article we describe the identification and purification of FasR, a transcriptional regulator from Mycobacterium sp. that controls the expression of the fatty acid synthase (fas) and the 4‐phosphopantetheinyl transferase (acpS) encoding genes, whose products are involved in the fatty acid and mycolic acid biosynthesis pathways. In vitro studies demonstrated that fas and acpS genes are part of the same transcriptional unit and that FasR specifically binds to three conserved operator sequences present in the fas‐acpS promoter region (Pfas). The construction and further characterization of a fasR conditional mutant confirmed that FasR is a transcriptional activator of the fas‐acpS operon and that this protein is essential for mycobacteria viability. Furthermore, the combined used of Pfas–lacZ fusions in different fasR backgrounds and electrophoretic mobility shift assays experiments, strongly suggested that long‐chain acyl‐CoAs are the effector molecules that modulate the affinity of FasR for its DNA binding sequences and therefore the expression of the essential fas‐acpS operon.
Symplesiomorphies in the WUSCHEL clade suggest that the last common ancestor of seed plants contained at least four independent stem cell niches
Authors: Nardmann Judith , Werr Wolfgang
Published: May 2013

Evolutionary studies addressing plant architecture have uncovered several significant dichotomies between lower and higher land plant radiations, which are based on differences in meristem histology and function. Here, we assess the establishment of different stem cell niches during land plant evolution based on genes of the stem cell‐promoting WUSCHEL (WUS) clade of the WOX (WUSCHEL‐related homeobox) gene family.

WOX gene orthology was addressed by phylogenetic analyses of full‐length WOX protein sequences and cellular expression pattern studies indicate process homology.

Gene amplifications in the WUS clade were present in the last common ancestor (LCA) of extant gymnosperms and angiosperms. Whereas the evolution of complex multicellular shoot and root meristems relates to members in the WUS/WOX5 sub‐branch, the evolution of marginal and plate meristems or the vascular cambium is associated with gene duplications that gave rise to WOX3 and WOX4, respectively. A fourth WUS clade member, WOX2, was apparently recruited for apical cell fate specification during early embryogenesis.

The evolution and functional interplay of WOX3 and WOX4 possibly promoted a novel mode of leaf development, and evolutionary adaptations in their activities have contributed to the great diversity in shape and architecture of leaves in seed plants.
Targeted silencing of BjMYB28 transcription factor gene directs development of low glucosinolate lines in oilseed Brassica juncea
Authors: Augustine Rehna , Mukhopadhyay Arundhati , Bisht Naveen C.
Published: May 2013

Brassica juncea (Indian mustard), a globally important oilseed crop, contains relatively high amount of seed glucosinolates ranging from 80 to 120 μmol/g dry weight (DW). One of the major breeding objectives in oilseed Brassicas is to improve the seed‐meal quality through the development of low‐seed‐glucosinolate lines (<30 μmol/g DW), as high amounts of certain seed glucosinolates are known to be anti‐nutritional and reduce the meal palatability. Here, we report the development of transgenic B. juncea lines having seed glucosinolates as low as 11.26 μmol/g DW, through RNAi‐based targeted suppression of BjMYB28, a R2R3‐MYB transcription factor family gene involved in aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis. Targeted silencing of BjMYB28 homologs provided significant reduction in the anti‐nutritional aliphatic glucosinolates fractions, without altering the desirable nonaliphatic glucosinolate pool, both in leaves and seeds of transgenic plants. Molecular characterization of single‐copy, low glucosinolate homozygous lines confirmed significant down‐regulation of BjMYB28 homologs vis‐à‐vis enhanced accumulation of BjMYB28‐specific siRNA pool. Consequently, these low glucosinolate lines also showed significant suppression of genes involved in aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis. The low glucosinolate trait was stable in subsequent generations of the transgenic lines with no visible off‐target effects on plant growth and development. Various seed quality parameters including fatty acid composition, oil content, protein content and seed weight of the low glucosinolate lines also remained unaltered, when tested under containment conditions in the field. Our results indicate that targeted silencing of a key glucosinolate transcriptional regulator MYB28 has huge potential for reducing the glucosinolates content and improving the seed‐meal quality of oilseed Brassica crops.
WU polyomavirus detected in respiratory tract specimens from young children in Japan
Authors: Okada Mineyuki , Hamada Hiromichi , Sato‐Maru Hiromi , Shirato Yuri , Honda Takafumi , Muto Ayako , Hayashi Kitami , Terai Masaru
Published: May 2013

Polyomaviruses (PyV) WU and KI are reportedly associated with respiratory tract disease (RTD) worldwide but their incidence is unclear in Japan. In a 2 year prospective study, WU/KIPyV were detected in 48 (13.9%) and in five (1.4%) of 345 children hospitalized with lower RTD, respectively. The seasonal distribution was observed in spring and early summer. Other respiratory viruses were co‐detected in 51% of PyV‐positive patients, but eight (2.3%) of the WUPyV‐positive patients were negative for other known pathogens.
Hour‐specific nomogram for transcutaneous bilirubin in Japanese neonates
Authors: Kuboi Toru , Kusaka Takashi , Kawada Koh , Koyano Kousuke , Nakamura Shinji , Okubo Kensuke , Yasuda Saneyuki , Isobe Kenichi , Itoh Susumu
Published: May 2013

Background

The measurement of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) is very important to screen for hyperbilirubinemia in newborns. Until now, however, there has been no hour‐specific, percentile‐based TcB nomogram during the early neonatal period in Japanese neonates. The aim of this study was to develop a TcB nomogram within 72 h of birth in Japanese neonates.

Methods

A total of 3152 TcB measurements for 181 healthy Japanese neonates (gestational age ≥36 weeks, birthweight ≥2300 g) were obtained within 72 h of birth. All measurements were performed with a Konica Minolta jaundice meter, the JM‐103. A nomogram curve was plotted to show the trend of TcB level over time.

Results

The nomogram curves rose almost linearly for all percentiles until 72 h after birth.

Conclusion

An hour‐specific, percentile‐based TcB nomogram during the first 72 h after birth in Japanese neonates was successfully developed. Because Japanese neonates have higher and later peak bilirubin, an original hour‐specific 97.5th percentile‐based TcB nomogram may be needed to identify early‐onset jaundice and manage neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
Beyond Hacker's Wittgenstein: Discussion of HACKER, Peter (2012) “Wittgenstein on Grammar, Theses and Dogmatism” Philosophical Investigations 35:1, January 2012, 1–17
Authors: Moyal‐Sharrock Danièle
Published: May 2013

In “Wittgenstein on Grammar, Theses and Dogmatism,” Peter Hacker addresses what he takes to be misconceptions of Wittgenstein's philosophy with respect to (1) the periodisation of his thought and to what should properly be counted as part of his work; (2) his conception of grammar since the Big Typescript (1929–33); and (3) his conception of philosophy as grammatical investigation. I argue that Hacker's restrictive conception of what ought to be considered part of Wittgenstein's philosophy and his conservative view of Wittgensteinian grammar are unjustified and prevent him from appreciating the revolutionary importance of On Certainty for epistemology. Finally, while agreeing that Wittgenstein views philosophy as grammatical elucidation, I suggest some reasons for the resistance that this view has generated.

In “Wittgenstein on Grammar, Theses and Dogmatism,” Peter Hacker deals with three of the “many misunderstandings, misrepresentations and misinterpretations of Wittgenstein's philosophy” (2012, 1); the first of which concerns “the periodisation of Wittgenstein's thought”; the second, the supposition that what Wittgenstein called “grammar” in PI differed fundamentally from, and was more limited than, his conception of it when he was writing the Big Typescript; and the third, the claim that what Wittgenstein took to be grammatical statements are, in fact, dogmatisms, theories or doctrines inconsistent with his meta‐philosophical remarks in PI. I address each of these concerns seriatim.
Scott Soames on Gilbert Ryle
Authors: McDougall Derek A.
Published: May 2013

In his exceptionally well‐received history of analytic philosophy,1 Scott Soames presents accounts of the work of Wittgenstein and Ryle that rest on his acceptance of metaphysical preconceptions that these philosophers implicitly question in their writings. Their shared expressive third‐person treatments of the mind, for example, serve to emphasise the inadequacy of Soames's distinction between private mental states and physical states/behaviour, which he regularly employs in assessing their views. His treatment of Gilbert Ryle in particular, reflects the radically different conceptions held by Ryle and Soames of the nature of philosophical investigation. Soames charges Ryle with a failure to recognise the distinction between the necessary and the analytic. He also harbours a clear understanding that philosophical problems arise naturally and directly from “our ordinary ways of thinking,”2 where these ways of thinking, the reader discovers, involve metaphysical preconceptions. This is at odds with Ryle's claim that certain category mistakes, playing the role, roughly, of Wittgenstein's misleading pictures, underlie some of the main problems of philosophy. The purpose of this paper is to assess how well Ryle, occasionally aided by Wittgenstein, can be seen to parry Soames's direct onslaught on his work in parts of Dilemmas and in The Concept of Mind.
The Structure and Function of Endovascular Stents: A Primer for the Interventional Nephrologist
Authors: Sequeira Adrian , Abreo Kenneth
Published: May 2013

The use of stents has become common practice in various interventional fields. The purpose of this article is to provide the interventionalist with an understanding of the basic structure stent. We describe the etymology, the classification and describe various terms used by engineers as they strive to develop that “ideal” stent. We also describe the fabrication process briefly and finally elaborate on the characteristic “build and cut” of some commonly used stents.
Public Health Surveillance in the Dialysis Setting: Opportunities and Challenges for Using Electronic Health Records
Authors: Wise Matthew E. , Lovell Chris
Published: May 2013

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has conducted public health surveillance for healthcare‐associated infections (HAIs) in dialysis facilities since the 1970s, evolving from facility‐level surveys to patient‐level surveillance systems. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently implemented incentives for all end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) facilities to monitor and report patient‐level quality indicators to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) in accordance with the NHSN Dialysis Event Protocol. These CMS incentives have led to a rapid increase in dialysis facility NHSN enrollment during 2012. Ongoing challenges to HAI surveillance in this setting include variability in the surveillance process, assurance of data quality, and staff time and resource requirements. Use of existing electronic health records (EHR), especially in conjunction with detection algorithms, has increasingly been shown to produce valid and reliable estimates of HAI frequency in acute care hospitals. Given the large number of dialysis facilities that are now beginning to conduct surveillance using NHSN, the typical lack of dedicated infection prevention personnel in those facilities, and the widespread use of EHR in large dialysis provider organizations, the use of EHR will probably become a cornerstone of surveillance in these settings. Implemented properly, the use of EHR to support public health surveillance has enormous potential to focus and strengthen infection prevention activities in dialysis facilities. Systematic, ongoing validation efforts will be vital to ensure that reported data are accurate, permit valid comparisons of facility performance, and effectively support improved outcomes for dialysis patients.
Comparison of Validated Assessment Scales and 3D digital fringe projection method to assess lifetime development of wrinkles in men
Authors: Luebberding Stefanie , Krueger Nils , Kerscher Martina
Published: May 2013

Background

The assessment of wrinkle severity is an important evaluation criterion to determine the efficacy of aesthetic treatments. Aim of the present study was to compare Validated Assessment Scales (VAS) and 3D fringe projection (PRIMOS®) for the evaluation of facial wrinkles in men and to determine standard values for each level of the VAS.

Methods

150 male subjects (20 to 70 years) were selected following strict criteria. Wrinkle severity at periorbital, glabella and forehead lines was evaluated using the 3D fringe projection and 5‐point photonumeric VAS. The results of both methods were matched by determining quantitative values for each level of the clinical rating scale.

Results

High average correlation with age was found for VAS, Wd, maxWd, lWd, Wv, aWa and pWa. With a Wd of 60 to 70μm crow's feet and forehead lines are pronounced first, whereas glabella lines develop in subject's mid‐forties, by an Wd of 180μm. Wrinkle severity increases at all locations every 10 years of age by one level of the VAS. This increase corresponds to an increase of Wd about 100 μm at glabella and forehead lines, and about 50 μm at crow's feet.

Conclusion

The presented reference values for the Validated Assessment Scale are an important step towards an optimized assessment of skin aging and aesthetic dermatological treatments. The data helps to combine the precession of a biophysical measurement with the practical relevance of a clinical rating.
Critical Analysis of Fibre‐Reinforced Polymer Near‐Surface Mounted Double‐shear Pull‐out Tests
Authors: Costa I. , Barros J.
Published: May 2013

The study of the bond behaviour between fibre‐reinforced polymer (FRP) systems and concrete is an issue that nowadays attracts many researchers. The scientific community dedicated to the research of FRP reinforcement has been conducting numerous experimental programmes aiming to assess the local bond–slip law of the FRP–adhesive–concrete connection. This paper reports the relevant results obtained by the Structural Composite Research Group of Minho University in the scope of an international Round Robin Test. The suitability of the recommended test setup to derive a local bond constitutive law for modelling the bond behaviour of near‐surface mounted reinforcement systems is discussed based on a deep interpretation of the results.
Strain‐specific red blood cell storage, metabolism, and eicosanoid generation in a mouse model
Authors: Zimring James C. , Smith Nicole , Stowell Sean R. , Johnsen Jill M. , Bell Lauren N. , Francis Richard O. , Hod Eldad A. , Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Roback John D. , Spitalnik Steven L.
Published: May 2013

Background

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is a lifesaving therapy, the logistic implementation of which requires RBC storage. However, stored RBCs exhibit substantial donor variability in multiple characteristics, including hemolysis in vitro and RBC recovery in vivo. The basis of donor variability is poorly understood.

Study Design and Methods

We applied a murine model of RBC storage and transfusion to test the hypothesis that genetically distinct inbred strains of mice would demonstrate strain‐specific differences in RBC storage. In vivo recoveries were determined by monitoring transfused RBCs over 24 hours. Timed aliquots of stored RBCs were subjected to tandem chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis to elucidate metabolic changes in the RBCs during storage.

Results

Using independent inbred mouse strains as donors, we found substantial strain‐specific differences in posttransfusion RBC recovery in vivo after standardized refrigerated storage in vitro. Poor posttransfusion RBC recovery correlated with reproducible metabolic variations in the stored RBC units, including increased lipid peroxidation, decreased levels of multiple natural antioxidants, and accumulation of cytidine. Strain‐dependent differences were also observed in eicosanoid generation (i.e., prostaglandins and leukotrienes).

Conclusion

These findings provide the first evidence of strain‐specific metabolomic differences after refrigerated storage of murine RBCs. They also provide the first definitive biochemical evidence for strain‐specific variation of eicosanoid generation during RBC storage. The molecules described that correlate with RBC storage quality, and their associated biochemical pathways, suggest multiple causal hypotheses that can be tested regarding predicting the quality of RBC units before transfusion and developing methods of improved RBC storage.
Testing UK blood donors for exposure to human parvovirus 4 using a time‐resolved fluorescence immunoassay to screen sera and Western blot to confirm reactive samples
Authors: Maple Peter A.C. , Beard Stuart , Parry Ruth P. , Brown Kevin E.
Published: May 2013

Background

Human parvovirus 4 (ParV4), a newly described member of the family Parvoviridae, like B19V, has been found in pooled plasma preparations. The extent, and significance, of ParV4 exposure in UK blood donors remain to be determined and reliable detection of ParV4 immunoglobulin (Ig)G, using validated methods, is needed.

Study Design and Methods

With ParV4 virus‐like particles a ParV4 IgG time‐resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA) was developed. There is no gold standard or reference assay for measuring ParV4 IgG and the utility of the TRFIA was first examined using a panel of sera from people who inject drugs (PWIDS)—a high‐prevalence population for ParV4 infection. Western blotting was used to confirm the specificity of TRFIA‐reactive sera. Two cohorts of UK blood donor sera comprising 452 sera collected in 1999 and 156 sera collected in 2009 were tested for ParV4 IgG. Additional testing for B19V IgG, hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti‐HCV), and ParV4 DNA was also undertaken.

Results

The rate of ParV4 IgG seroprevalence in PWIDS was 20.7% and ParV4 IgG was positively associated with the presence of anti‐HCV with 68.4% ParV4 IgG–positive sera testing anti‐HCV–positive versus 17.1% ParV4 IgG–negative sera. Overall seropositivity for ParV4 IgG, in 608 UK blood donors was 4.76%. The ParV4 IgG seropositivity for sera collected in 1999 was 5.08%, compared to 3.84% for sera collected in 2009. No ParV4 IgG–positive blood donor sera had detectable ParV4 DNA.

Conclusion

ParV4 IgG has been found in UK blood donors and this finding needs further investigation.
The joint in vitro action of polymyxin B and miconazole against pathogens associated with canine otitis externa from three European countries
Authors: Pietschmann Silvia , Meyer Michael , Voget Michael , Cieslicki Michael
Published: May 2013

Background

Canine otitis externa, an inflammation of the external ear canal, can be maintained and worsened by bacterial or fungal infections. For topical treatment, combinations of anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial ingredients are mainly used.

Hypothesis/Objectives

This study was conducted to elucidate the in vitro activity of polymyxin B and miconazole against clinical bacterial isolates from three European countries, to investigate possible differences in sensitivity and to assess drug interactions.

Animals

Seventeen strains of Escherichia coli, 24 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 24 strains of Proteus mirabilis and 25 strains of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius from dogs with diagnosed otitis externa had been isolated in Germany, France and Italy.

Methods

Drug activities were evaluated by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration. The potentiation of polymyxin B plus miconazole was calculated using the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). An FICI ≤0.5 defined synergy. Furthermore, geographical variations in the FICI and MIC were assessed by statistical analysis.

Results

Bacterial susceptibilities were comparable in different European countries, because there were no significant MIC and FICI variations (P > 0.05). As a single agent, polymyxin B had bactericidal activity against most E. coli and P. aeruginosa strains and, in higher concentrations, against S. pseudintermedius strains. Miconazole was bactericidal against all Staphylococcus strains. Synergy was demonstrated against strains of E. coli and P. aeruginosa (FICI = 0.25 and 0.50, respectively), whereas overall there was no interaction against S. pseudintermedius strains (FICI = 1.25). Proteus mirabilis strains were not inhibited by each of the drugs individually or by their combination.

Conclusions and clinical importance

In vitro synergy of polymyxin B and miconazole against E. coli and P. aeruginosa isolates indicates a rationale for applying both agents in combination to treat otitis externa when infected with these types of bacteria.
Importance of documentation in GMP
Authors: Bust L.
Published: May 2013

The international Society of Blood Transfusion, in conjunction with the American Association of Blood Banks, the American Red Cross and the Canadian Blood Services, has submitted a proposal to the World Health Organisation (WHO) to have whole blood and red cells included on the WHO List of Essential Medicines. If this is implemented, compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in the preparation of blood components will be paramount for all blood establishments in the world. Documentation plays a role in all aspects of GMP and an efficient document control system is crucial in ensuring blood products are consistently produced to the appropriate quality standards. This ultimately leads to enhanced patient safety.
Self‐inspection of blood establishments
Authors: Ceulemans J. , Compernolle V. , Vantyghem W. , Vandekerckhove P.
Published: May 2013

Background and Objectives

Blood Establishments (BE) within the European Union, are legally obliged to conduct self inspections, as defined in the Commission Directive 2005/62/EC[3]. These self inspections are considered to be an essential part of the Quality Management System, allowing the BE to continuously improve their processes. Furthermore different BE's have developed different self inspection schemes based on a wide range of regulations and standards. Implementing an efficient and effective self inspection scheme can be a challenge.

Materials and Methods

Clear references to self inspections within blood establishments are made in the national and international regulation, as well as in other commonly used international standards. Because the defined inspection criteria are different within these standards, the European Blood Inspection Project (EuBIS[9]) was initiated by the European Commission in collaboration with the European Blood Alliance, resulting in pan‐European standards and criteria for self inspections.

Results

Based on the EuBIS criteria, a self inspection scheme can be put in place as a tool to evaluate the adherence and the effectiveness of the Quality Management System (QMS) of a blood establishment. This self inspection scheme is incorporated in the QMS and focuses on continuous improvement, root cause analysis, process optimalisation and efficacy, finally resulting in the prevention of quality failures by introducing remedial actions where necessary.

Conclusion

As an essential part of management review and QMS improvement, a solid self inspection scheme within blood establishments can detect areas for improvement within the organization.
Concerns arising from MSC retrieval from cryostorage and effect on immune suppressive function and pharmaceutical usage in clinical trials
Authors: Galipeau J.
Published: May 2013

Marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from either autologous or from random donor origin are being investigated in a large number of clinical trials as a cellular pharmaceutical for treatment of immune disorders such as Crohn's disease, systemic lupus erythematous, multiple sclerosis, GvHD and others. Most typically, a polyclonal pool of ex vivo culture expanded cells is cryopreserved after serial passaging and banked for later use. Human subjects subsequently receive an intravenous transfusion of MSCs which were retrieved from cryostorage no more than a few hours beforehand. It is assumed that viable, immediate post‐thaw MSCs deploy the same biochemical, homing and immune modulatory features as their pre‐freeze counterparts. We here propose that this assumption may be erroneous and may provide, in part, an explanation for discrepancy between pre‐clinical models of MSC effectiveness and negative outcome of a large prospective randomized Phase III clinical trial (NCT00366145) of random donor MSCs for treatment of steroid‐resistant acute GvHD.
Clinical trials on platelets: recent studies and what next?
Authors: Stanworth S. J. , Estcourt L. J. , Murphy M. F. , Wood E. M.
Published: May 2013

The ready availability of platelet concentrates has undoubtedly made a major contribution to the supportive management of thrombocytopenic bleeding in patients with haematological malignancies. The optimal use of prophylactic platelet transfusions for the prevention of haemorrhage in patients with bone marrow failure remains controversial. Two RCTs of prophylactic platelet transfusions have recently been completed in adults with thrombocytopenia due to haematological malignancies or their treatment. Both found a no‐prophylaxis approach led to higher rates of World Health Organization (WHO) grade 2–4 bleeding overall. Other patient groups who are major users of platelet transfusions are cardiac and other types of major surgery, critical care, major obstetric haemorrhage, trauma and paediatrics/neonates.
Platelet gels
Authors: Burnouf T.
Published: May 2013

Platelet gels (PG) are blood‐derived biomaterials that are generally obtained through the activation of a platelet‐rich plasma or a platelet concentrate by thrombin or calcium chloride, resulting in the simultaneous conversion of fibrinogen into a fibrin gel and in the generation of a platelet releasate rich in a physiological cocktail of growth factors. To reinforce the physical strength of the fibrin network, a fibrinogen‐rich fraction – generally cryoprecipitate – can be added to the platelet fraction prior to activation, resulting in the generation of platelet fibrin glue (PFG). PG and PFG, prepared from single donations, either autologous or allogeneic, are increasingly used, alone or in combination with grafting materials, in various field of regenerative medicine where the presence of growth factors is expected to stimulate the healing of soft or hard tissues. Being obtained from human blood, they are physiological and biodegradable preparations and do not induce tissue necrosis. So far, the viral safety of most allogeneic PG and PFG relies on donors selection and donation testing, as is the case for all non‐virally inactivated blood components for transfusion. Major fields of clinical applications of PG and PFG in osseous tissue regeneration include maxillo‐facial surgery, implantology, reconstructive and plastic surgery. Platelet gels are also used for enhancing the healing of soft tissues, most particularly recalcitrant lower extremity ulcers of various aetiologies, and burns. Newer promising indications include the treatment of osteo‐arthritis and joint inflammation, and the repair of musculoskeletal tissue lesions in sports medicine. Autologous PG and PFG are mostly ‘home‐made’ single‐donor preparations prepared using medical devices. They suffer from the variability in donor characteristics and in isolation procedures of the platelet fraction. Clinical application methods are not standardized. Variability in autologous product characteristics is high, and optimal content of growth factors is unknown, confusing the analysis of product efficacy. The evidence of clinical benefits of these products based on controlled clinical studies is lacking in most indications, although many case studies do support an objective benefit in soft and probably hard tissues healing. Improvement in the standardization and formulation of PG and PFG is a mandatory step forward for improving the reliability and the predictability of clinical outcomes of these interesting blood preparations.
Bacterial contamination of blood products
Authors: Schmidt M.
Published: May 2013

Background and Objectives

The residual risk for transfusion‐transmitted viral infections has been reduced to less than 1:1 000 000 via improvements in various techniques (e.g. donor selection, leukocell depletion, introduction of third‐ or fourth‐generation ELISAs, mini‐pool nucleic acid testings and pre‐donation sampling) over the last two decades. In contrast, the risk for bacterial infections in general has remained stable and is estimated to range between 1:2000 and 1:3000, and for fatal septic reactions, the incidence ranges between 1:100 000 and 1:500 000. All blood components can be contaminated. Platelets are the main focus of bacterial contamination due to their storage at room temperature. However, transfusion‐transmitted septic reactions have also been reported for red cell concentrates and stem cell preparations.

Materials and Methods

In this review, an overview of residual bacterial contamination risks is presented for different blood components. Different strategies have been developed and implemented in different countries to improve blood safety. In principle, improving blood safety by reducing bacterial contamination can be accomplished by (1) general procedures, such as the diversion of 10–40 ml after blood puncture and reduction of the platelet shelf life; (2) implementation of pathogen reduction methods (e.g. Intercept, Mirasol or Theraflex); and (3) the implementation of bacterial screening methods, which can be subdivided into culture methods and rapid detection systems. A combination of all these procedures is possible and it reflects the current blood safety strategy of different countries.

Results

The introduction of pre‐donation sampling with the diversion of the first few millilitres has been accepted and implemented worldwide. The maximum platelet shelf life varies between 3 days (Japan) and 7 days (the Netherlands); however, in the majority of countries, the platelet shelf life is 5 days. Many countries have already implemented bacterial screening methods with culture systems in combination with the ‘negative‐to‐date’ release concept. Pathogen reduction systems and rapid bacterial detection methods are only used in a few countries.

Conclusions

The bacterial contamination of blood components is an on‐going challenge in transfusion medicine. Currently, there is no doubt that blood safety must be improved due to bacterially transmitted septic reactions in all countries. Therefore, all countries have implemented the diversion of the first few millilitres after donation. Additional safety procedures are still a point of debate to determine the most effective and economic solution.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—USE OF MULTIPHASIC CONTRAST‐ENHANCED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FOR DIAGNOSIS OF MESENTERIC VOLVULUS IN A DOG
Authors: Chow Kathleen Ella , Stent Andrew William , Milne Marjorie
Published: May 2013

A 4‐year‐old German shorthaired pointer presented with collapse and hematochezia. Radiographs showed gas and fluid‐distended small intestines and loss of serosal detail. Ultrasound examination showed hypomotile, fluid‐distended small intestines, and thrombosed jejunal veins. Multiphasic contrast‐enhanced computed tomography was performed and showed a CT “whirl sign,” an important but nonspecific sign of intestinal volvulus in human patients. At surgery, the majority of the small intestine was entangled in the volvulus and showed black discoloration. The patient was euthanized. Postmortem evaluation yielded a diagnosis of jejunoileal mesenteric volvulus secondary to a congenital omphalomesenteric duct remnant.