bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Draft Genome Sequence of a Mannheimia haemolytica Serotype 6 Isolate Collected from the Nasopharynx of a Beef Calf with Bovine Respiratory Disease
Authors: Klima Cassidy L. , Cook Shaun R. , Hahn Kristen R. , Amoako Kingsley K. , Alexander Trevor W. , Hendrick Steve , McAllister Tim A.
Published: April 2013

The draft genome of a
Mannheimia haemolytica
serotype 6 isolate obtained from the nasopharynx of a feedlot calf with bovine respiratory disease is described.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Rice Endophyte Burkholderia kururiensis M130
Authors: Coutinho Bruna Gonçalves , Passos da Silva Daniel , Previato José Osvaldo , Mendonça-Previato Lucia , Venturi Vittorio
Published: April 2013

Burkholderia kururiensis
M130 is one of the few characterized rice endophytes and was isolated from surface-sterilized rice roots. This bacterium shows strong growth-promoting effects, being able to increase rice yields. Here we present its draft genome sequence, which contains important traits for endophytic life and plant growth promotion.
High adherence to a neuromuscular injury prevention programme (FIFA 11+) improves functional balance and reduces injury risk in Canadian youth female football players: a cluster randomised trial
Authors: Steffen Kathrin , Emery Carolyn A , Romiti Maria , Kang Jian , Bizzini Mario , Dvorak Jiri , Finch Caroline F , Meeuwisse Willem H
Published: April 2013

Background

A protective effect on injury risk in youth sports through neuromuscular warm-up training routines has consistently been demonstrated. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the quantity and quality of coach-led injury prevention programmes and its impact on the physical performance of players.

Objective

The aim of this cluster-randomised controlled trial was to assess whether different delivery methods of an injury prevention programme (FIFA 11+) to coaches could improve player performance, and to examine the effect of player adherence on performance and injury risk.

Method

During the 2011 football season (May–August), coaches of 31 tiers 1–3 level teams were introduced to the 11+ through either an unsupervised website or a coach-focused workshop with and without additional on-field supervisions. Playing exposure, adherence to the 11+, and injuries were recorded for female 13-year-old to 18-year-old players. Performance testing included the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), single-leg balance, triple hop and jumping-over-a-bar tests.

Results

Complete preseason and postseason performance tests were available for 226 players (66.5%). Compared to the unsupervised group, single-leg balance (OR=2.8; 95% CI 1.1 to 4.6) and the anterior direction of the SEBT improved significantly in the onfield supervised group of players (OR=4.7; 95% CI 2.2 to 7.1), while 2-leg jumping performance decreased (OR=−5.1; 95% CI −9.9 to −0.2). However, significant improvements in 5 of 6 reach distances in the SEBT were found, favouring players who highly adhered to the 11+. Also, injury risk was lower for those players (injury rate ratio, IRR=0.28, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.79).

Conclusions

Different delivery methods of the FIFA 11+ to coaches influenced players’ physical performance minimally. However, high player adherence to the 11+ resulted in significant improvements in functional balance and reduced injury risk.
The high cost of diarrhoeal illness for urban slum households–a cost-recovery approach: a cohort study
Authors: Patel Ronak B , Stoklosa Hanni , Shitole Shrutika , Shitole Tejal , Sawant Kiran , Nanarkar Mahesh , Subbaraman Ramnath , Ridpath Alison , Patil-Deshmuk Anita
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Rapid urbanisation has often meant that public infrastructure has not kept pace with growth leading to urban slums with poor access to water and sanitation and high rates of diarrhoea with greater household costs due to illness. This study sought to determine the monetary cost of diarrhoea to urban slum households in Kaula Bandar slum in Mumbai, India. The study also tested the hypotheses that the cost of water and sanitation infrastructure may be surpassed by the cumulative costs of diarrhoea for households in an urban slum community.

Design

A cohort study using a baseline survey of a random sample followed by a systematic longitudinal household survey. The baseline survey was administered to a random sample of households. The systematic longitudinal survey was administered to every available household in the community with a case of diarrhoea for a period of 5 weeks.

Participants

Every household in Kaula Bandar was approached for the longitudinal survey and all available and consenting adults were included.

Results

The direct cost of medical care for having at least one person in the household with diarrhoea was 205 rupees. Other direct costs brought total expenses to 291 rupees. Adding an average loss of 55 rupees per household from lost wages and monetising lost productivity from homemakers gave a total loss of 409 rupees per household. During the 5-week study period, this community lost an estimated 163 600 rupees or 3635 US dollars due to diarrhoeal illness.

Conclusions

The lack of basic water and sanitation infrastructure is expensive for urban slum households in this community. Financing approaches that transfer that cost to infrastructure development to prevent illness may be feasible. These findings along with the myriad of unmeasured benefits of preventing diarrhoeal illness add to pressing arguments for investment in basic water and sanitation infrastructure.
General practitioners’ prescribing behaviour as a determinant of poor persistence with inhaled corticosteroids in children with respiratory symptoms: mixed methods study
Authors: Klok Ted , Kaptein Ad A , Duiverman Eric , Oldenhof Frank S , Brand Paul L P
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To evaluate general practitioners’ (GPs’) prescribing behaviour as a determinant of persistence with and adherence to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in children.

Design

Prospective observational study of persistence with and adherence to ICS followed by a focus group study of the GPs prescribing this treatment.

Setting

7 primary care practices in the area of Zwolle, the Netherlands.

Participants

134 children aged 2–12 years had been prescribed ICS in the year before the study started by their 19 GPs.

Main outcome measures

Patterns and motives of GPs’ prescribing behaviour and the relationship with persistence with and adherence to ICS.

Results

GPs’ prescribing behaviour was characterised by prescribing short courses of ICS to children with various respiratory symptoms without follow-up for making a diagnosis of asthma. This was driven by the GPs’ pragmatic approach to deal with the large number of children with respiratory symptoms, and by beliefs about ICS which differed from currently available evidence. This prescribing behaviour was the main reason why 68 (51%) children did not persist with the use of ICS. In children with persistent use of ICS and a GP's advice to use ICS on a daily basis, the median (IQR) adherence was 70% (41–84%), and was similar for patients with persistent asthma and children lacking a diagnosis or symptoms of asthma.

Conclusions

Inappropriate prescription of ICS to children by GPs is common and drives the lack of persistence with ICS therapy in primary care. This finding should be taken into account when interpreting data from large prescription database studies. Improving primary healthcare providers’ knowledge and competence in diagnosing and managing asthma in children is needed.
The frequency of EGFR and KRAS mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): routine screening data for central Europe from a cohort study
Authors: Boch Christian , Kollmeier Jens , Roth Andreas , Stephan-Falkenau Susann , Misch Daniel , Grüning Wolfram , Bauer Torsten Thomas , Mairinger Thomas
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Owing to novel therapy strategies in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated patients, molecular analysis of the EGFR and KRAS genome has become crucial for routine diagnostics. Till date these data have been derived mostly from clinical trials, and thus collected in pre-selected populations. We therefore screened ‘allcomers’ with a newly diagnosed non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) for the frequencies of these mutations.

Design

A cohort study.

Setting

Lung cancer centre in a tertiary care hospital.

Participants

Within 15 months, a total of 552 cases with NSCLC were eligible for analysis.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Frequency of scrutinising exons 18, 19 and 21 for the presence of activating EGFR mutation and secondary codon 12 and 13 for activating KRAS mutations.

Results

Of the 552 patients, 27 (4.9%) showed a mutation of EGFR. 19 of these patients (70%) had deletion E746-A750 in codon 19 or deletion L858R in codon 21. Adenocarcinoma (ACA) was the most frequent histology among patients with EGFR mutations (ACA, 22/254 (8.7%) vs non-ACA, 5/298 (1.7%); p<0.001). Regarding only ACA, the percentage of EGFR mutations was higher in women (16/116 (14%) women vs 6/138 (4.3%) men; p=0.008). Tumours with an activating EGFR mutation were more likely to be from non-smokers (18/27; 67%) rather than smoker (9/27; 33%).

KRAS mutation was present in 85 (15%) of all cases. In 73 patients (86%), the mutation was found in exon 12 and in 12 cases (14%) in exon 13. Similarly, ACA had a higher frequency of KRAS mutations than non-ACA (67/254 (26%) vs 18/298 (6.0%); p<0.001).

Conclusions

We found a lower frequency for EGFR and KRAS mutations in an unselected Caucasian patient cohort as previously published. Taking our results into account, clinical trials may overestimate the mutation frequency for EGFR and KRAS in NSCLC due to important selection biases.
Weather factors associated with paediatric croup presentations to an Australian emergency department
Authors: Atkinson Paul R T , Boyle Adrian A , Lennon Richard S P
Published: April 2013

We examined if croup presentations to the emergency department (ED) were associated with weather changes in a warm temperate climate. We collected data on all 729 cases with an ED discharge or admission diagnosis of croup over a 798 day time period. We obtained detailed climatic records from the New South Wales Meteorological Office for the same time period. Only one daily variable, ground temperature at 9:00, was significantly associated with the number of croup attendances (linear regression −0.2062; 95% CI −0.272 to −0.138). There was a stronger correlation (−0.426; 95% CI −0.684 to −0.072) between the calculated mean monthly temperature and the monthly number of croup admissions. Even in this milder climate, croup is associated with cooler weather. We are unable to conclude that hospital attendances for croup are caused by changes in temperature alone, as other factors such as the prevalence of viral illness also follow a seasonal, and therefore, temperature-related pattern.
Salvage of distal non-target coil embolization with stent placement and intravenous eptifibatide in a ruptured, unsecured, atypical aneurysm
Authors: Janjua Nazli , Bulic Sebina , Tan Benedict C , Panichpisal Kessarin , Miller John
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Small aneurysms may be challenging to embolize. In cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) where treatment is delayed, physicians may have to balance the risks of certain required therapies (antiplatelet agents) with the risk of rerupture. We describe a case of a technically challenging anterior cerebral artery aneurysm requiring eptifibatide infusion prior to definitive aneurysm treatment.

Case report

A 57-year-old woman with SAH, underwent coil embolization of a small fenestrated A1–A2 junction aneurysm. The procedure was complicated by downstream coil migration which was then treated with Enterprise stent placement in the pericallosal artery. This required subsequent infusion of a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor until the aneurysm could be repaired surgically.

Conclusions

Revascularization with a stent in a distal cerebral vessel may salvage inadvertent coil migration. Although it is undesirable to administer antiplatelet agents to patients with SAH, in these circumstances short acting agents may be used.
Dynamic ventrorostral displacement of the dorsal laryngeal mucosa in horses
Authors: Pollock P. J. , Kelly P. G. , Reardon R. J. M. , Kelly G. M.
Published: April 2013

The objectives of this report were to describe the occurrence and features of dynamic ventrorostral displacement of the dorsal laryngeal mucosa (VRDDLM) in a group of Thoroughbred horses presented for investigation of poor performance and/or abnormal respiratory noise. Records from 600, dynamic, endoscopic examinations of the upper respiratory tract of horses were reviewed. Horses with VRDDLM were identified as those in which the dorsal laryngeal mucosa progressively obscured the interarytenoid notch and dorsoaxial portion of the corniculate processes of the arytenoid cartilages during high‐speed exercise. The condition was recognised in 12 horses. Concurrent abnormalities of the respiratory tract of eight horses were also identified and included, axial deviation of the aryepiglottic folds, vocal cord prolapse, unilateral and bilateral ventromedial luxation of the apex of the corniculate process of the arytenoid cartilage, and intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate. VRDDLM is a rare abnormality of the upper portion of the respiratory tract of horses that may be associated with abnormal respiratory noise and potentially poor performance. The significance of the condition is not known, but the presence of this condition in combination with other, obstructive diseases of the equine airway warrants further investigation.
MAGNETIC MOMENT OPERATOR OF NON-DIRAC PARTICLES AND SOME ELEMENTS OF POLARIZATION ep-EXPERIMENTS
Authors: SLAD L. M.
Published: April 2013

An explicit form of the magnetic moment tensor operator for non-Dirac particles with rest spin-1/2 and its essential difference from the spin operator are established. Possible consequences of the last fact for the description of the spin rotation in the magnetic field and for the values of magnetic moments of some nuclei, as well as the impact of this and other facts on the validity of modeling the azimuthal asymmetry of the secondary-scattered protons in polarization ep-experiments are noted.
FRAGMENTATION FUNCTION IN THERMOFIELD DYNAMICS
Authors: LADREM M. , CHEKERKER M. , KHANNA F. C. , SANTANA A. E.
Published: April 2013

The fragmentation function at high energy experiments is introduced by using thermofield dynamics (TFD), a real-time finite-temperature quantum field formalism. Due to the structure of TFD, the results at T = 0 and T ≠ 0 are split in a direct way. As an application, we consider the temperature effect on the fragmentation function of a hadron leading to quark–antiquark pairs. Using a definition of Wilson-loop in real-time, we find that the fragmentation function decreases in magnitude with an increase in the temperature.
FINITE-TIME CHAOS SYNCHRONIZATION OF A NEW HYPERCHAOTIC LORENZ SYSTEM
Authors: WANG XINGYUAN , GAO XULONG , WANG LULU
Published: April 2013

This paper deals with the finite-time chaos synchronization of a new hyperchaotic Lorenz system. Based on the finite-time stability theory, a simple and robust controller is proposed to realize finite-time chaos synchronization for the hyperchaotic Lorenz system. Theoretical analysis proved that the scheme can ensure the error system globally finite-time stable. Numerical simulations are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed schemes.
Knowledge Sharing and Factors Influencing Sharing in Libraries — A Pilot Study on the Knowledge Sharing Attributes of the Education City Library Community in Qatar
Authors: Kumaresan S. C. , Swrooprani B. S.
Published: April 2013

Purpose — The purpose of this pilot study is to understand the knowledge sharing attributes of the librarians in the Education City libraries and to identify the impending factors that affect the sharing process. This pilot study is part of a country wide study on the aspects of knowledge sharing in libraries.

Findings — The results showed that library professionals in the Education City, Qatar were involved in a lot of knowledge sharing activities among colleagues within their library and other libraries. The result also identifies the knowledge sources and with whom they share what. It was also found that cultural differences, language and library policies are important factors that have impacted significantly the flow of knowledge in the expatriate library community.

Research limitations/implications — The coverage on the universities in this paper is confined primarily to Education City, where majority of the universities are present. However, future research could include the few other universities/colleges that are out of the ambit of Education City to have a wider population in the study.

Practical implications — This paper has practical implications for those who are not fully aware of the working conditions in this region and Qatar in particular. It provides a useful overview of the knowledge sharing trends and requirements and the impediments to sharing vital knowledge that would help professionals in gaining some knowledge about the constraints and be prepared.

Originality/Value — There are no previous studies undertaken on knowledge sharing among library professionals in this region. This is the first ever study undertaken to understand the knowledge sharing attributes and trends among librarians in Qatar. So this study would be in the interest of all the library professionals that are contemplating an international career in this region and also understand the cultural and other differences when they arrive.
MICROMECHANICS DAMAGE MODELING OF BRITTLE ROCK FAILURE PROCESSES UNDER COMPRESSION
Authors: ZHOU JIAWEN , YANG XINGGUO , YANG ZHAOHUI , LI HONGTAO , ZHOU HONGWEI
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a numerical simulation method for the brittle rock failure process under compression, by combining the finite element method with micromechanics damage theory. When considering the rock as a homogeneous material, the initial elastic constant of each computational element is the same, but the microcrack distribution in the rock follows a statistical distribution. Consequently, in the loading process, microcrack propagation in each element is different, leading to an inhomogeneous distribution of changes in elastic constant. Under increased loading, this distribution will ultimately be reflected in the macro-failure mode of the rock. To investigate the macromechanics of the rock failure process, the damage variables and effective elastic constants are used to reflect the propagation of microcracks, thus coupling the micromechanics and macromechanics of the rock failure process. Finally, the paper demonstrates the numerical simulation method by simulating the failure of sandstone; these computational results show that the method performs well in simulating the mechanical characteristics of the brittle rock failure process.
Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy: A Versatile Technique for Nanoscale Electrochemistry and Functional Imaging
Authors: Ebejer Neil , Güell Aleix G. , Lai Stanley C.S. , McKelvey Kim , Snowden Michael E. , Unwin Patrick R.
Published: April 2013

Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) is a new pipette-based imaging technique purposely designed to allow simultaneous electrochemical, conductance, and topographical visualization of surfaces and interfaces. SECCM uses a tiny meniscus or droplet, at the end of a double-barreled (theta) pipette, for high-resolution functional imaging and nanoscale electrochemical measurements. Here we introduce this technique and provide an overview of its principles, instrumentation, and theory. We discuss the power of SECCM in resolving complex structure-activity problems and provide considerable new information on electrode processes by referring to key example systems, including graphene, graphite, carbon nanotubes, nanoparticles, and conducting diamond. The many longstanding questions that SECCM has been able to answer during its short existence demonstrate its potential to become a major technique in electrochemistry and interfacial science.
Structures of Biomolecular Ions in the Gas Phase Probed by Infrared Light Sources
Authors: Stedwell Corey N. , Galindo Johan F. , Roitberg Adrian E. , Polfer Nicolas C.
Published: April 2013

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy of biomolecular ions combines mass spectrometry's high sensitivity and ability to analyze complex mixtures with the enhanced structural information available from vibrational spectroscopy. IR spectroscopy is in principle well placed to distinguish isomers and allow chemical classification of unknown molecules. This review gives an outline of current instrumentation, spectroscopic approaches, and potential bottlenecks. We discuss the most promising applications in bioanalytical mass spectrometry in view of recent experimental results, as well as future applications based on bioinformatics.
Second-Line Antiandrogen Therapy in Japanese Men with Advanced Prostate Cancer Relapsed after Primary Combined Androgen Blockade: Who Will Benefit from Second-Line Hormonal Therapy?
Authors: Kobayashi Minoru , Suzuki Kazumi , Kurokawa Shinsuke , Yuzawa Masayuki , Morita Tatsuo
Published: April 2013

Objectives: To identify patients who benefit from the salvage hormonal therapy in men with advanced prostate cancer who relapsed after primary hormonal therapy. Patients and Methods: The study included 68 patients treated with primary combined androgen blockade followed by second-line antiandrogen therapy at prostate-specific antigen (PSA) relapse. The cause-specific survival after second-line therapy was compared according to various clinical factors. Results: Of the several variables isolated as prognostic factors, the duration of response to first-line therapy remained as an independent prognostic factor by multivariate analysis. The comparative survival curves constructed according to the duration of response in first-line therapy and the responsiveness to second-line therapy clearly discriminate the patients' survival. The nadir PSA level in first-line therapy was well substituted for the responsiveness to second-line therapy, thereby enabling to predict the clinical outcome using the readily available variables before second-line therapy. Namely, the patients who failed to attain the duration of response ≥12 months and the nadir PSA <0.2 ng/ml in first-line therapy are unlikely to benefit from second-line therapy. Conclusions: These results may imply an inherent unresponsiveness to salvage hormonal therapy in patients who showed insufficient response to primary hormonal therapy and therefore an early introduction of chemotherapy might be an option for such patients.
TRAF2 is Upregulated in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Reuß Reinhard , Mirau Andreas , Mistarz Marta , Kraus Jörg , Bödeker Rolf-Hasso , Oschmann Patrick
Published: April 2013

Objective: To elucidate the role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor signal transduction in multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the gene expression of TRAF2 (TNF receptor-associated factor 2) and RIP (receptor-interacting protein) in peripheral blood leukocytes of 23 relapsing-remitting (RR), 19 secondary progressive (SP) and 12 primary progressive (PP) MS patients as well as of 29 healthy controls by quantitative RT-PCR. Additionally, we monitored a subgroup of 15 RRMS patients longitudinally every 3 months over a 9-month time period. Results: TRAF2 expression was significantly elevated in RRMS patients compared to the other disease courses (p < 0.005, respectively) and the control group (p < 0.009). RIP expression was significantly elevated in the patient groups compared to the healthy group (phealthy-RR < 0.002; phealthy-PP < 0.003; phealthy-SP < 0.06). Neither variable changed over the 9-month time course. Conclusion: TRAF2 and RIP1 elevation in leukocytes might be interpreted as the molecular equivalent of an elevated general inflammatory activity in MS patients compared to healthy control persons. TRAF2 elevation in RRMS reinforces the concept that different pathophysiological and immunological processes sustain RRMS and SPMS or PPMS.
Noninvasive pH Monitoring in Platelet Concentrates
Authors: Doescher Andrea , Müller Thomas H.
Published: April 2013

Background: New technology introduces the option to measure pH in platelet concentrates noninvasively. Findings that in one out of 25 apheresis concentrates the pH decreased significantly during storage motivated us to evaluate apheresis concentrates from 307 platelet donors. Methods: Small (15 ml) BSCI storage containers for noninvasive pH measurement were used in parallel with Fenwal PL2400 bags for storage of 5 days. Noninvasive pH measurement was compared to pH determination in samples from the storage container. Decrease of pH during storage was calculated as ΔpH d2-d5. Results: The coefficient of correlation for noninvasive pH measurement (n = 256) versus standard methods was R2 = 0.964 (pH electrode) or 0.952 (ABL 510). pH values in BSCI bags were slightly lower than in Fenwal PL2400 containers. Concentrates collected from 8 of the 307 donors showed a significant drop in pH. Repeated collection did not confirm these findings with a single exception. Conclusion: Noninvasive pH measurement demonstrates a high reproducibility. Our study could not confirm the frequency of 1 out of 25 plateletpheresis donors with concentrates developing a significant drop in pH during storage. This may be due to a substantially lower platelet concentration in our preparations.
Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Hyperintense Vessels in Posterior Cerebral Artery Infarction
Authors: Seo Kwon-Duk , Lee Kee Oog , Choi Young-Chul , Kim Won-Joo , Lee Kyung-Yul
Published: April 2013

Background: Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense vessels (FHVs) are known to reflect stagnant or slow blood flow within the cerebral artery. FHVs are frequently observed in patients with acute cerebral infarction accompanied by arterial occlusion or significant stenosis of the anterior cerebral circulation. However, FHVs have not been studied in the context of posterior cerebral circulation. Thus, we investigated the prevalence of FHVs and its clinical significance in patients with acute posterior cerebral artery (PCA) territory infarction. Methods: In this retrospective study, consecutive patients with PCA territory infarction who underwent MRI within 1 week after symptom onset were enrolled. Two neurologists who were blinded to the angiographic findings read the images and determined the presence of FHVs. Afterwards, FHVs were graded according to the extent (subtle or prominent) and location (proximal or distal) of the hyperintense vessels. Neurologic deficits of the patients were assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) upon admission and after 5 days. The clinical outcome between patient groups based on FHVs grading was compared using the NIHSS. Among the patients with PCA occlusion, infarction volume on the diffusion-weighted image was compared between the two groups with and without distal FHVs. Results: FHVs were observed in 25 of the 87 patients (28.7%) with PCA territory infarction and in 65.7% of the 35 patients with significant arterial stenosis (10 patients) or occlusion (25 patients) in the posterior cerebral circulation. Among the 18 patients with PCA occlusion, the NIHSS score was significantly improved in patients with distal FHVs compared to the others (2.00 ± 2.18 vs. 0.56 ± 1.01, p = 0.04). The infarction volume was smaller in the distal FHV group than in the others (8.3 ± 8.7 vs. 16.8 ± 17.6 ml), but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: FHVs are detected in patients with PCA territory infarction, especially in those with an occlusive lesion in the PCA. FHVs can be used as an imaging marker of PCA occlusion. Although this study showed a better clinical improvement in patients with distal FHVs, further study is needed to elucidate the clinical meaning of FHVs in PCA infarction.
Hyperlipidemia Attenuates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor–Induced Angiogenesis, Impairs Cerebral Blood Flow, and Disturbs Stroke Recovery via Decreased Pericyte Coverage of Brain Endothelial Cells
Authors: Zechariah Anil , ElAli Ayman , Hagemann Nina , Jin Fengyan , Doeppner Thorsten Roland , Helfrich Iris , Mies Günter , Hermann Dirk Matthias
Published: April 2013

Objective—

Therapeutic angiogenesis aims at the promotion of vascular growth, usually under conditions of atherosclerosis. It was unknown how hyperlipidemia, a risk factor that is closely associated with atherosclerosis of brain vessels in humans, influences vascular endothelial growth factor–induced angiogenesis and stroke recovery.

Approach and Results—

Wild-type and apolipoprotein-E (ApoE)
−/−
mice were kept on regular or cholesterol-rich diet for mimicking different severities of hyperlipidemia. Mice were treated intracerebroventricularly with recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor for 21 days (0.02 µg/d) and subsequently subjected to 90-minute middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by 1 or 24 hours of reperfusion. Histochemical, autoradiographic, and regional bioluminescence techniques were used to evaluate effects of blood lipids on postischemic angiogenesis, histopathologic brain injury, cerebral blood flow, protein synthesis and energy state, and pericyte coverage of brain endothelial cells. Hyperlipidemia dose-dependently attenuated vascular endothelial growth factor–induced capillary formation and pericyte coverage of brain endothelial cells, abolishing the improvement of cerebral blood flow during subsequent stroke, resulting in the loss of the metabolic penumbra and increased brain infarction. The enhanced angiogenesis after vascular endothelial growth factor treatment was accompanied by increased expression of the adhesion protein N-cadherin, which mediates endothelial-pericytic interactions, in ischemic brain microvessels of wild-type mice on regular diet that was blunted in wild-type mice on Western diet and ApoE
−/−
mice on either diet.

Conclusions—

The compromised vessel formation and hemodynamics question the concept of therapeutic angiogenesis in ischemic stroke where hyperlipidemia is highly prevalent.
Antithrombotic Effect of Antisense Factor XI Oligonucleotide Treatment in Primates
Authors: Crosby Jeffrey R. , Marzec Ulla , Revenko Alexey S. , Zhao Chenguang , Gao Dacao , Matafonov Anton , Gailani David , MacLeod A. Robert , Tucker Erik I. , Gruber Andras , Hanson Stephen R. , Monia Brett P.
Published: April 2013

Objective—

During coagulation, factor IX (FIX) is activated by 2 distinct mechanisms mediated by the active proteases of either FVIIa or FXIa. Both coagulation factors may contribute to thrombosis; FXI, however, plays only a limited role in the arrest of bleeding. Therefore, therapeutic targeting of FXI may produce an antithrombotic effect with relatively low hemostatic risk.

Approach and Results—

We have reported that reducing FXI levels with FXI antisense oligonucleotides produces antithrombotic activity in mice, and that administration of FXI antisense oligonucleotides to primates decreases circulating FXI levels and activity in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Here, we evaluated the relationship between FXI plasma levels and thrombogenicity in an established baboon model of thrombosis and hemostasis. In previous studies with this model, antibody-induced inhibition of FXI produced potent antithrombotic effects. In the present article, antisense oligonucleotides–mediated reduction of FXI plasma levels by ≥50% resulted in a demonstrable and sustained antithrombotic effect without an increased risk of bleeding.

Conclusions—

These results indicate that reducing FXI levels using antisense oligonucleotides is a promising alternative to direct FXI inhibition, and that targeting FXI may be potentially safer than conventional antithrombotic therapies that can markedly impair primary hemostasis.
Mitochondria Oxidative Stress, Connexin43 Remodeling, and Sudden Arrhythmic Death
Authors: Sovari Ali A. , Rutledge Cody A. , Jeong Euy-Myoung , Dolmatova Elena , Arasu Divya , Liu Hong , Vahdani Nooshin , Gu Lianzhi , Zandieh Shadi , Xiao Lei , Bonini Marcelo G. , Duffy Heather S. , Dudley Samuel C.
Published: April 2013

Background—

Previously, we showed that a mouse model (ACE8/8) of cardiac renin–angiotensin system activation has a high rate of spontaneous ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death secondary to a reduction in connexin43 level. Angiotensin-II activation increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and ACE8/8 mice show increased cardiac ROS. We sought to determine the source of ROS and whether ROS played a role in the arrhythmogenesis.

Methods and Results—

Wild-type and ACE8/8 mice with and without 2 weeks of treatment with L-NIO (NO synthase inhibitor), sepiapterin (precursor of tetrahydrobiopterin), MitoTEMPO (mitochondria-targeted antioxidant), TEMPOL (a general antioxidant), apocynin (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase inhibitor), allopurinol (xanthine oxidase inhibitor), and ACE8/8 crossed with P67 dominant negative mice to inhibit the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase were studied. Western blotting, detection of mitochondrial ROS by MitoSOX Red, electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, fluorescent dye diffusion technique for functional assessment of connexin43, telemetry monitoring, and in vivo electrophysiology studies were performed. Treatment with MitoTEMPO reduced sudden cardiac death in ACE8/8 mice (from 74% to 18%;
P
<0.005), decreased spontaneous ventricular premature beats, decreased ventricular tachycardia inducibility (from 90% to 17%;
P
<0.05), diminished elevated mitochondrial ROS to the control level, prevented structural damage to mitochondria, resulted in 2.6-fold increase in connexin43 level at the gap junctions, and corrected gap junction conduction. None of the other antioxidant therapies prevented ventricular tachycardia and sudden cardiac death in ACE8/8 mice.

Conclusions—

Mitochondrial oxidative stress plays a central role in angiotensin II–induced gap junction remodeling and arrhythmia. Mitochondria-targeted antioxidants may be effective antiarrhythmic drugs in cases of renin–angiotensin system activation.
Alteration in Abundance and Compartmentalization of Inflammation-Related miRNAs in Plasma After Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Guo Dong , Liu Junni , Wang Weihua , Hao Fang , Sun Xuedong , Wu Xiao , Bu Peili , Zhang Yun , Liu Yu , Liu Fengqing , Zhang Qunye , Jiang Fan
Published: April 2013

Background and Purpose—

We tested the hypothesis that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) present in plasma might display a specific signature in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods—

Global miRNA profiles were determined with the Agilent Human miRNA Microarray platform, and validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results—

A subset of 30 miRNAs were selectively upregulated in both male and female patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. Network analysis revealed that the most significantly overrepresented biological process associated with these miRNAs was inflammation. Unlike the plasma miRNAs in healthy controls, which were detected exclusively in the microvesicle fraction, the deregulated plasma miRNAs after intracerebral hemorrhage were present in both the microvesicle and the supernatant fractions.

Conclusions—

Intracerebral hemorrhage altered both the abundance and the compartmentalization of several inflammation-related miRNAs in plasma.
Developmental Stage, Scribal Lapse, or Physical Defect? 1QIsaa’s Damaged Exemplar for Isaiah Chapters 34–66
Authors: Longacre Drew
Published: April 2013

Abstract

The Great Isaiah Scroll from Qumran (1QIsaa) does not generally reflect a text form earlier than the Masoretic text. Instead, the convergence in 1QIsaa of patterns of spacing irregularities, literary and textual problems, and secondary supplementations, as well as a consistent pattern of distribution, are best explained on the basis of the hypothesis of an exemplar for chapters 34–66 with a damaged bottom edge. Upon reaching the defective edge in each column of his exemplar, the scribe dealt with any lacunose or illegible text in one of two ways before continuing with the unaffected text at the top of the subsequent exemplar column. Sometimes he left blank spaces in his new copy to be filled in with the correct text from other manuscripts at a later time. At other times he attempted full or partial reconstructions of the text based on whatever text remained legible in the damaged exemplar, memory, and contextual clues.
Systematics of Manobiina with cladistic analysis based on morphological data (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae: Alticini)
Authors: Nadein* Konstantin
Published: April 2013

The composition of the subtribe Manobiina Bechyné et Bechyné, 1975 is reconsidered based on cladistic analysis of morphological characters. The following genera are retained: Alema Sharp, 1876, Analema Samuelson, 1973, Eudoliamorpha Scherer, 1989, Exoceras Jacoby, 1891, Leptophysa Baly, 1877, Lipromela Chen, 1933, Lipromima Heikertinger, 1924, Lipromorpha Chûjô et Kimoto, 1960, Liprus Motschulsky, 1860, Manobia Jacoby, 1885, Pseudoliprus Chûjô et Kimoto, 1960, and Taiwanoliprus Komiya, 2006. A description of the subtribe Manobiina, diagnosis and key to genera are given. A morphological analysis of the genera attributed to the subtribe is provided and discussed. A possible fossil representative of Manobiina is recorded from Late Eocene of Rovno amber. A new combination is proposed: Leptophysa trinitatis (Bryant, 1927) = Exoceras trinitatis (Bryant, 1927) comb.n. The lectotype of Liprus punctatostriatus Motschulsky, 1860 is designated.
The Micro Dynamics of Support Seeking
Authors: Watkins-Hayes Celeste
Published: April 2013

Previous literature suggests that AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) play an important support role in the lives of impoverished women living with HIV. Less is known about the dynamics of institutional support for middle-class women living with HIV/AIDS, who are assumed to possess a broader base of resources to address their diagnosis. Using qualitative data collected from a racially and economically diverse group of HIV-positive women in Chicago, this article compares how low-income and middle-class women utilize ASOs and reveals how the women’s divergent approaches to availing themselves of institutional resources have important implications for their social and economic coping. For example, associating with ASOs can be status-improving for impoverished women and status-diminishing for middle-class women. As a result, middle-class women report a less robust network of social service providers and people living with HIV/AIDS on whom they rely for HIV-related information and social support, making them vulnerable to HIV-specific social isolation. In sum, the ways that HIV-positive women deploy institutional ties to negotiate their HIV/AIDS status differs markedly depending on socioeconomic status, suggesting that the role of class in gathering social support may be more complex than previously understood.
Corporate Responsibility
Authors: Griffin Jennifer J. , Prakash Aseem
Published: April 2013

This special issue of Business & Society explores how institutions and actors influence organizational choices regarding corporate responsibility (CR) initiatives and mechanisms. Assuming CR reflects strategic choices made by firms, the authors seek to move discussions from why aspects to aligning the why with the what/how aspects of CR. The articles in this special issue examine CR initiatives at multiple levels (the firm, industry, national, and global) as well as CR mechanisms ranging from “go-it-alone” unilateral activities to collaborative partnerships. The study goals are two-fold. First, the authors focus on firms’ attempt to create and manage a portfolio of corporate responsibilities—social, political, environmental, and economic. These responsibilities involve relationships with a range of stakeholders (investors, employees, consumers, suppliers, and distributors as well as its multiple communities), often simultaneously, and recognizing that the corporation can devote limited resources to manage stakeholder expectations in this regard. Second, the authors seek to understand how institutional and competitive contexts matter in shaping specific CR choices to provide tangible evidence of managing responsibly. The authors suggest that consciously aligning CR initiatives ( what) with appropriate mechanisms ( how) will allow the corporations to efficiently and effectively pursue their CR objectives and arguably create sustained impact.
An Adolescent With Pseudomigraine, Transient Headache, Neurological Deficits, and Lymphocytic Pleocytosis (HaNDL Syndrome)
Authors: Filina Tatiana , Feja Kristina N. , Tolan Robert W.
Published: April 2013

We report a 16-year-old adolescent with 2 episodes of focal neurological deficits, pseudomigrainous headache, and lymphocytic pleocytosis due to the syndrome of transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocytosis (HaNDL), also known as pseudomigraine with CSF pleocytosis. Review of the literature identifies 13 additional cases of HaNDL in the pediatric population. These cases are reviewed and evidence for possible etiopathogenesis is discussed. This syndrome may mimic much more common conditions such as complicated or hemiplegic migraine, aseptic meningitis, meningoencephalitis, or stroke. However, HaNDL differs from complicated or hemiplegic migraine and stroke since CSF pleocytosis is uniformly present. There are many infectious conditions that can present with neurological deficits, headache, and CSF pleocytosis, but the transient nature of the deficits and lack of a consistently identifiable infectious etiology despite extensive evaluations typify HaNDL. This clinical syndrome is underrecognized and underreported. HaNDL remains a diagnosis of exclusion.
Keratin sponge/hydrogel II: Active agent delivery
Authors: Cardamone Jeanette M
Published: April 2013

Keratin sponge/hydrogels, described in Part I as the products of oxidation and reduction hydrolysis of fine and coarse wool fibers, were examined as excipient-platforms for the delivery of riboflavin. By absorption through well-defined pores and networks, saturated moisture equilibrium was reached within one hour with swelling ratios of 3.7–5.7. Riboflavin uptake by the four different keratin sponge/hydrogels was from 27.9 to 224 µg. Within 60 minutes, reductive keratin sponge/hydrogels from fine and coarse wool, and the oxidative species from fine wool, released 100% riboflavin at 1.58–1.73% per minute and oxidative sponge/hydrogel from coarse wool released 48% riboflavin at 0.8% riboflavin per minute. Rates of riboflavin release were faster within the initial 10 minutes where reductive sponge/hydrogels released 80–84% riboflavin at 8.0–8.4% per minute and oxidative sponge/hydrogels released 26–63% riboflavin at 2.6–6.3% per minute. Riboflavin delivery at timed intervals was examined with the Korsmeyer–Peppas mathematical model for fractional release. Release patterns followed quasi-Fickian diffusion of the drug by transport through channels and voids. All keratin sponge/hydrogels functioned as site-specific agents with two-stage delivery where immediate release of riboflavin was followed by a period of prolonged, lower dosage release. Swelling studies, the mobility of water, and the behavior of riboflavin release favorably framed keratin sponge/hydrogels as microfluidic devices with implied applications for advanced biomedical and biotechnological applications.
Inequalities of health insurance guidelines for the treatment of symptomatic varicose veins
Authors: Schul M W , King T , Kabnick L S
Published: April 2013

Objectives

The emerging model of US healthcare delivery is aimed at reducing costs, standardizing care, and improving outcomes. Although it is necessary for healthcare providers and insurance carriers to work together to achieve those goals, insurers have the added duty of assuring physicians and patients that they comprehend the medical evidence and, based on that understanding, construct policies. Are US insurers meeting that responsibility or are they simply creating policies to serve their own needs?

Methods

The medical policies of several US health insurers were analysed. The goal was to see whether it could readily be determined if these carriers used evidence-based medicine consistently to create uniform policies for the treatment of patients with symptomatic varicose veins. The literature was also reviewed to determine whether increased insurance documentation requirements have affected cost reduction, standardization of care and/or improvement of outcomes related to chronic vein disease management.

Results

There is a dramatic lack of uniformity among the insurance policies reviewed. Insurers appear to not choose important papers to create policy but use carefully chosen articles to reinforce what they want their policies to say. In so doing, conflicting policy criteria are being created. Complicating this inconsistency, rules for medical necessity are modified frequently, raising frustration levels among vein providers and their patients. What is clear is that costs are not being lowered, care is not being standardized and little is being done to prevent potential complications resulting from chronic vein disease.

Conclusions

Patients and physicians are increasingly ill-served by, and frustrated with, the clear lack of consistency in the medical policy criteria being created by US insurance carriers in covering the treatment of patients with symptomatic varicose veins. The contradictory coverage requirements, seemingly based on no understanding of evidence-based medicine guidelines, and total variability in reimbursement for various types of treatment options is particularly worrisome. Collaboration between venous treatment providers and insurance carriers, to create evidence-based standards of care, would be timely and beneficial in creating guidelines for optimal patient care.
The experiences of patients with ascites secondary to cancer: A qualitative study
Authors: Day Rebecca , Mitchell Theresa , Keen Alison , Perkins Paul
Published: April 2013

Background:

Ascites secondary to cancer has a dramatic effect on all aspects of patients’ lives. Healthcare professional surveys have shown that there is considerable variation in the management of ascites.

Aim:

To explore patients’ experiences of living with ascites and its management.

Design:

Qualitative research study using digitally recorded semi-structured interviews.

Setting/participants:

Twelve adult patients with ascites who, between them, had undergone 47 paracentesis procedures in hospitals and/or specialist palliative care units in Southern England.

Results:

Symptoms were pain, discomfort and effects on appetite, digestion, breathing and mobility. All participants had experienced paracentesis in hospital or a specialist palliative care unit, and these experiences differed. They had views on what constituted a good procedure: setting, competence and pain control. They reported rapid improvement of symptoms after paracentesis. While some did not like the idea of a semi-permanent drain, those with them appreciated the convenience and not having to wait for repeated admissions or the recurrence of symptoms. The interval between ascitic taps was seen as a useful guide as to when a semi-permanent drain should be offered. Participants had mixed views on participation in a hypothetical randomised controlled trial of repeated ascitic taps versus semi-permanent drains.

Conclusion:

Patients’ experiences of ascites management are variable and could be improved. These experiences can inform healthcare professionals. They have views on when semi-permanent drains should be offered and future research.