bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CspA from Borrelia burgdorferi Inhibits the Terminal Complement Pathway
Authors: Hallström Teresia , Siegel Corinna , Mörgelin Matthias , Kraiczy Peter , Skerka Christine , Zipfel Peter F.
Published: August 2013

In order to survive and persist in an immunocompetent human host,
Borrelia burgdorferi
controls the human immune attack and blocks the damaging effects of the activated complement system. These Gram-negative spirochetes use CspA (CRASP-1) and four additional immune evasion proteins to bind combinations of human plasma regulators, including factor H, factor H-like protein 1 (FHL-1), complement factor H-related protein 1 (CFHR1), CFHR2, CFHR5, and plasminogen. As many microbial immune evasion proteins have multiple functions, we hypothesized that CspA has additional roles in complement or immune control. Here, we identify CspA as a terminal complement inhibitor. Borrelial CspA binds the human terminal complement components C7 and C9 and blocks assembly and membrane insertion of the terminal complement complex (TCC). CspA inhibits TCC assembly at the level of C7, as revealed by hemolytic assays, and inhibits polymerization of C9. CspA, when ectopically expressed on the surface of serum-sensitive
Borrelia garinii
, blocks TCC assembly on the level of C7 and induces serum resistance in the transformed bacteria. This CspA-mediated serum resistance and terminal complement pathway inhibition allow
B. burgdorferi
to survive in the hostile environment of human plasma.

IMPORTANCE
The present study defines a new mechanism by which the pathogenic bacterium
Borrelia burgdorferi
controls the terminal complement pathway of the human host to survive in human serum. The borrelial CspA binds to terminal pathway proteins C7 and C9 and inhibits the terminal complement pathway at the step of C7 and thereby inhibits terminal complement complex (TCC) assembly and membrane insertion. CspA blocks TCC assembly and insertion when expressed at the bacterial surface. CspA is the first TCC inhibitor cloned and functionally characterized from a Gram-negative bacterium. This identification of a bacterial TCC inhibitor of pathogen origin expands our knowledge of complement evasion of pathogenic bacteria and shows that pathogenic bacteria target the terminal pathway of complement. Thus, CspA as a central microbial virulence factor can represent an interesting biomarker and a target to develop new therapeutics and vaccines against borreliae.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a child with Henoch-Schönlein purpura
Authors: Sivrioglu Ali Kemal , Incedayi Mehmet , Mutlu Hakan , Meral Cihan
Published: August 2013

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a small vessel vasculitis that affects the gastrointestinal and central nervous systems and the kidneys. The disease primarily affects children, but may occur in elderly children with allergic purpura and also in adults. Central nervous system involvement may be the first sign; however, it is rarely encountered. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical syndrome of encephalopathy, headache, visual disturbance and seizures. Its radiological signs can be observed in grey and white matter at the posterior region of the cerebral hemispheres. HSP should be considered in children with PRES in the presence of rash, joint and gastrointestinal symptoms. We reported a 5-year-old patient who developed acute renal failure and PRES by reason of HSP.
Fungal arthritis of the hip in patient with aplastic anaemia
Authors: Le Calloch Ronan , Ianotto Jean-Christophe , Guillerm Gaëlle , Tonnelier Jean Marie
Published: August 2013

Aplastic anaemia is a rare and serious disease characterised by severe immunosuppression due to prolonged neutropenia and the use of immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids, cyclosporine and antithymocyte globulin.Candidaspecies are pathogens of low virulence colonising the skin and the digestive tract of many healthy individuals. Nonetheless, the incidence of invasive candidal infection is increasing. The widespread use of central intravascular catheters, invasive procedures, broad-spectrum antibiotics and immunosuppresion predisposes patients to these infections. Eye, skin, cardiac, liver, spleen and brain infection are the most common sites of invasive candidiasis. Bone and joint infections are less frequent andCandidahip septic arthritis is extremely rare. We present here a patient treated for aplastic anaemia, who developed fungal arthritis of the hip and systemic candidaemia.
Of little yellow men and a fear of the light
Authors: Naha Kushal , Vivek G , Shetty Ranjan K , Shastry Barkur Ananthakrishna
Published: August 2013

We report the case of a 65-year-old woman presenting with recurrent vomiting for 3 days. She had been previously diagnosed with an atrial septal defect and was on treatment with diuretics and digoxin for paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. The clinical examination was consistent with an atrial septal defect with severe pulmonary hypertension. Electrocardiography showed complete heart block with ST-segment changes suggestive of digitalis toxicity. Transthoracic echocardiography confirmed Eisenmengerisation. Serum digoxin levels were elevated. Following hospitalisation, she was diagnosed with photophobia when she persistently asked for ambient lighting to be switched off. Most interestingly, the patient kept reporting seeing little yellow men, which was how she perceived the attending doctors. Cessation of digoxin therapy led to progressive abatement of her symptoms.
Adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with a better health-related quality of life: a possible role of high dietary antioxidant content
Authors: Bonaccio Marialaura , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Bonanni Americo , Costanzo Simona , De Lucia Francesca , Pounis George , Zito Francesco , Donati Maria Benedetta , de Gaetano Giovanni , Iacoviello Licia
Published: August 2013

Objectives

Mediterranean diet (MD) is associated with a reduced risk of major chronic disease. Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is a valid predictor of mortality. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between MD and HRQL and to examine the possible role of dietary antioxidants, fibre content and/or fatty acid components.

Design

Cross-sectional study on a sample of Italian participants enrolled in the Moli-sani Project, a population-based cohort study. Food intake was recorded by the Italian European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition study food frequency questionnaire. Adherence to MD was appraised by a Greek Mediterranean diet score (MDS), an Italian Mediterranean diet index (IMI) and by principal component analysis (PCA). HRQL was assessed by the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey.

Setting

Molise region, Italy.

Participants

16 937 participants of 24 325 Italian citizens (age≥35).

Main outcomes

Dietary patterns and HRQL.

Results

Mentalhealth was associated consistently and positively with MDS, IMI and an ‘Olive oil and vegetable’ pattern (PCA1), but negatively with an ‘Eggs and sweets’ pattern (PCA3).Physicalhealth was associated positively with MDS and PCA1, but negatively with a ‘Meat and pasta’ pattern. Subjects with the highest MD adherence had 42% (MDS), 34% (IMI) or 59% (PCA1) statistically significant multivariable odds of being in the uppermost level of mental health, as compared with subjects in the lowest category. The associations disappeared after further adjustment for either total food antioxidant content or dietary fibre, while they were not modified by the inclusion of either monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids. Individuals in the highest PCA1 or PCA3 had significantly higher odds of being in the top level of physical health.

Conclusions

Adherence to an MD pattern is associated with better HRQL. The association is stronger with mental health than with physical health. Dietary total antioxidant and fibre content independently explain this relationship.
Advancing the research agenda for diagnostic error reduction
Authors: Zwaan Laura , Schiff Gordon D , Singh Hardeep
Published: August 2013

Diagnostic errors remain an underemphasised and understudied area of patient safety research. We briefly summarise the methods that have been used to conduct research on epidemiology, contributing factors and interventions related to diagnostic error and outline directions for future research. Research methods that have studied epidemiology of diagnostic error provide some estimate on diagnostic error rates. However, there appears to be a large variability in the reported rates due to the heterogeneity of definitions and study methods used. Thus, future methods should focus on obtaining more precise estimates in different settings of care. This would lay the foundation for measuring error rates over time to evaluate improvements. Research methods have studied contributing factors for diagnostic error in both naturalistic and experimental settings. Both approaches have revealed important and complementary information. Newer conceptual models from outside healthcare are needed to advance the depth and rigour of analysis of systems and cognitive insights of causes of error. While the literature has suggested many potentially fruitful interventions for reducing diagnostic errors, most have not been systematically evaluated and/or widely implemented in practice. Research is needed to study promising intervention areas such as enhanced patient involvement in diagnosis, improving diagnosis through the use of electronic tools and identification and reduction of specific diagnostic process ‘pitfalls’ (eg, failure to conduct appropriate diagnostic evaluation of a breast lump after a ‘normal’ mammogram). The last decade of research on diagnostic error has made promising steps and laid a foundation for more rigorous methods to advance the field.
Bending properties and strength grading of Norway spruce: variation within and between stands
Authors: Høibø Olav , Vestøl Geir I. , Fischer Carolin , Fjeld Ludvig , Øvrum Audun
Published: August 2013

Current strength grading of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) structural timber is only able to describe parts of the great variability in density and bending properties. This study assesses whether information about the origin of the timber can be used to predict its strength and stiffness, alone or in combination with machine strength grading. Three hundred and seventy-three boards from 45 trees sampled from three stands in eastern Norway were studied. Substantial parts of the variability of density, modulus of elasticity (MOE), and bending strength or modulus of rupture (MOR) of the boards studied were explained by origin (differences between sites, relative tree size (diameter at breast height), and longitudinal position in stem). Origin also gave a reduction in residual variance in addition to what was obtained by machine grading based on resonance frequencies. For MOR, the improvement was larger than what was obtained by adding density, whereas for MOE, the density was more important than information about origin.
COMPARISON OF ICTAL AND INTERICTAL EEG SIGNALS USING FRACTAL FEATURES
Authors: WANG YU , ZHOU WEIDONG , YUAN QI , LI XUELI , MENG QINGFANG , ZHAO XIUHE , WANG JIWEN
Published: August 2013

The feature analysis of epileptic EEG is very significant in diagnosis of epilepsy. This paper introduces two nonlinear features derived from fractal geometry for epileptic EEG analysis. The features of blanket dimension and fractal intercept are extracted to characterize behavior of EEG activities, and then their discriminatory power for ictal and interictal EEGs are compared by means of statistical methods. It is found that there is significant difference of the blanket dimension and fractal intercept between interictal and ictal EEGs, and the difference of the fractal intercept feature between interictal and ictal EEGs is more noticeable than the blanket dimension feature. Furthermore, these two fractal features at multi-scales are combined with support vector machine (SVM) to achieve accuracies of 97.58% for ictal and interictal EEG classification and 97.13% for normal, ictal and interictal EEG classification.
SKEW CORRECTION OF DOCUMENT IMAGES BY RANK ANALYSIS IN FAREY SEQUENCE
Authors: PRATIHAR SANJOY , BHOWMICK PARTHA , SURAL SHAMIK , MUKHOPADHYAY JAYANTA
Published: August 2013

Skew correction of a scanned document page is an important preprocessing step in document image analysis. We propose here a fast and robust skew estimation algorithm based on rank analysis in Farey sequence. Our target document class comprises two major Indian scripts with headlines, namely Devnagari and Bangla. At the beginning, straight edge segments from the edge map of the document page are detected by our algorithm using properties of digital straightness. Straight edges derived in this manner are binned by Farey ranks in correspondence with their slopes. The principal bin, identified from these bins using the strength of accumulated edge points, represents the principal direction along the direction of headlines, from which the gross skew angle is estimated. A fast refinement algorithm is then applied with a finer tuning of Farey ranks, to detect the skew up to the desired level of precision. The algorithm has been tested on a diverse set of document images, containing Bangla and Devnagari scripts. Experimental results are quite encouraging in terms of accuracy, sensitivity to non-textual objects, effectiveness in dealing with unrestricted layouts, and computational efficiency.
Improved knowledge-based neural network (KBNN) model for predicting spring-back angles in metal sheet bending
Authors: Bui Tinh Quoc , Tran Anh Viet , Shah Abid Ali
Published: August 2013

We develop an efficiently improved knowledge-based neural network (KBNN) associated with optimization algorithms and finite element analysis (FEA) to accurately predict spring-back angles in metal sheet bending. The well-known V and U prevalent processes of bending are considered. The KBNN predictive results are based on the empirical model and artificial neural network (ANN) modeling. The empirical model is constructed from the FEA results using response surface method, while the multilayer perceptron is employed to create the ANN. The trained KBNN can accurately model the relationship between the spring-back angles and process parameters. The obtained results are validated against other existing methods showing a high accuracy.
CURVATURE-INDUCED RASHBA SPIN–ORBIT INTERACTION IN STRAIN-DRIVEN NANOSTRUCTURES
Authors: GENTILE PAOLA , CUOCO MARIO , ORTIX CARMINE
Published: August 2013

We derive the effective dimensionally reduced Schrödinger equation with spin–orbit interaction (SOI) in low-dimensional electronic strain-driven nanostructures. By employing a method of adiabatic separation among fast normal quantum degrees of freedom and slow tangential quantum degrees of freedom, we show the emergence of a strain-induced Rashba-like SOI. By applying this analysis to one-dimensional (1D) curved quantum wires we demonstrate that the curvature-induced Rashba SOI leads to enhanced spin–orbit effects.
Gleason Grade Progression Is Uncommon
Authors: Penney Kathryn L. , Stampfer Meir J. , Jahn Jaquelyn L. , Sinnott Jennifer A. , Flavin Richard , Rider Jennifer R. , Finn Stephen , Giovannucci Edward , Sesso Howard D. , Loda Massimo , Mucci Lorelei A. , Fiorentino Michelangelo
Published: August 2013

Gleason grade is universally used for pathologic scoring of the differentiation of prostate cancer. However, it is unknown whether prostate tumors arise well differentiated and then progress to less differentiated forms or if Gleason grade is an early and largely unchanging feature. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening has reduced the proportion of tumors diagnosed at advanced stage, which allows assessment of this question on a population level. If Gleason grade progresses as stage does, one would expect a similar reduction in high-grade tumors. We studied 1,207 Physicians' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study participants diagnosed with prostate cancer from 1982 to 2004 and treated with prostatectomy. We compared the distribution of grade and clinical stage across the pre-PSA and PSA screening eras. We re-reviewed grade using the ISUP 2005 revised criteria. The proportion of advanced stage tumors dropped more than six-fold, from the earliest period (12/1982–1/1993), 19.9% stage ≥T3, to the latest (5/2000–12/2004), 3% stage T3, none T4. The proportion of Gleason score ≥8 decreased substantially less, from 25.3% to 17.6%. A significant interaction between stage and diagnosis date predicting grade (P = 0.04) suggests that the relationship between grade and stage varies by time period. As the dramatic shift in stage since the introduction of PSA screening was accompanied by a more modest shift in Gleason grade, these findings suggest that grade may be established early in tumor pathogenesis. This has implications for the understanding of tumor progression and prognosis, and may help patients diagnosed with lower grade disease feel more comfortable choosing active surveillance. Cancer Res; 73(16); 5163–8. ©2013 AACR.
Novel Clinically Relevant Genes in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Identified by Exome Sequencing
Authors: Schoppmann Sebastian F. , Vinatzer Ursula , Popitsch Niko , Mittlböck Martina , Liebmann-Reindl Sandra , Jomrich Gerd , Streubel Berthold , Birner Peter
Published: August 2013

Purpose: Chromosomal gains and losses resulting in altered gene dosage are known to be recurrent in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). The aim of our study was the identification of clinical relevant genes in these candidate regions.

Material and Methods: A cohort of 174 GIST was investigated using DNA array (n = 29), FISH (n = 125), exome sequencing (n = 13), and immunohistochemistry (n = 145).

Results: Array analysis revealed recurrent copy number variations (CNVs) of chromosomal arms 1p, 1q, 3p, 4q, 5q, 7p, 11q, 12p, 13q, 14q, 15q, and 22q. FISH studies of these CNVs showed that relative loss of 1p was associated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS). Analysis of exome sequencing concentrating on target regions showing recurrent CNVs revealed a median number of 3,404 (range 1,641–13,602) variants (SNPs, insertions, deletions) in each tumor minus paired blood sample; variants in at least three samples were observed in 37 genes. After further analysis, target genes were reduced to 10 in addition to KIT and PDGFRA. Immunohistochemical investigation showed that expression of SYNE2 and DIAPH1 was associated with shorter DFS, expression of RAD54L2 with shorter and expression of KIT with longer overall survival.

Conclusion: Using a novel approach combining DNA arrays, exome sequencing, and immunohistochemistry, we were able to identify 10 target genes in GIST, of which three showed hithero unknown clinical relevance. Because the identified target genes SYNE2, MAPK8IP2, and DIAPH1 have been shown to be involved in MAP kinase signaling, our data further indicate the important role of this pathway in GIST. Clin Cancer Res; 19(19); 5329–39. ©2013 AACR.
Pharmacologic Inhibition of Jak2–Stat5 Signaling By Jak2 Inhibitor AZD1480 Potently Suppresses Growth of Both Primary and Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Gu Lei , Liao Zhiyong , Hoang David T. , Dagvadorj Ayush , Gupta Shilpa , Blackmon Shauna , Ellsworth Elyse , Talati Pooja , Leiby Benjamin , Zinda Michael , Lallas Costas D. , Trabulsi Edouard J. , McCue Peter , Gomella Leonard , Huszar Dennis , Nevalainen Marja T.
Published: August 2013

Purpose: Progression of prostate cancer to the lethal castrate-resistant stage coincides with loss of responsiveness to androgen deprivation and requires development of novel therapies. We previously provided proof-of-concept that Stat5a/b is a therapeutic target protein for prostate cancer. Here, we show that pharmacologic targeting of Jak2-dependent Stat5a/b signaling by the Jak2 inhibitor AZD1480 blocks castrate-resistant growth of prostate cancer.

Experimental Design: Efficacy of AZD1480 in disrupting Jak2–Stat5a/b signaling and decreasing prostate cancer cell viability was evaluated in prostate cancer cells. A unique prostate cancer xenograft mouse model (CWR22Pc), which mimics prostate cancer clinical progression in patients, was used to assess in vivo responsiveness of primary and castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) to AZD1480. Patient-derived clinical prostate cancers, grown ex vivo in organ explant cultures, were tested for responsiveness to AZD1480.

Results: AZD1480 robustly inhibited Stat5a/b phosphorylation, dimerization, nuclear translocation, DNA binding, and transcriptional activity in prostate cancer cells. AZD1480 reduced prostate cancer cell viability sustained by Jak2–Stat5a/b signaling through induction of apoptosis, which was rescued by constitutively active Stat5a/b. In mice, pharmacologic targeting of Stat5a/b by AZD1480 potently blocked growth of primary androgen-dependent as well as recurrent castrate-resistant CWR22Pc xenograft tumors, and prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice versus vehicle or docetaxel-treated mice. Finally, nine of 12 clinical prostate cancers responded to AZD1480 by extensive apoptotic epithelial cell loss, concurrent with reduced levels of nuclear Stat5a/b.

Conclusions: We report the first evidence for efficacy of pharmacologic targeting of Stat5a/b as a strategy to inhibit castrate-resistant growth of prostate cancer, supporting further clinical development of Stat5a/b inhibitors as therapy for advanced prostate cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 19(20); 5658–74. ©2013 AACR.
Examination of Whole Blood DNA Methylation as a Potential Risk Marker for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Tahara Tomomitsu , Maegawa Shinji , Chung Woonbok , Garriga Judith , Jelinek Jaroslav , Estécio Marcos R.H. , Shibata Tomoyuki , Hirata Ichiro , Arisawa Tomiyasu , Issa Jean-Pierre J.
Published: August 2013

Whole blood DNA methylation analysis has been proposed to be a risk marker for cancer that can be used to target patients for preventive interventions. To test this, we examined whole blood DNA methylation of 16 CpG island promoters and LINE1 repetitive element in patients with gastric cancer and control subjects. Bisulfite pyrosequencing was used to quantify the methylation of 14 CpG island promoters (MINT25, RORA, GDNF, CDH1, RARAB2, ER, CDH13, MYOD1, SFRP1, P2RX7, SLC16A12, IGF2, DPYS, and N33) and LINE1 from 72 patients with gastric cancer, 67 control, and 52 healthy young individuals. Quantitative methylation-specific real-time PCR was also conducted for 3 CpG island promoters (MINT25, MYO3A, and SOX11). Among all sites tested, only a marginal increase in the methylation of the SFRP1 promoter was observed in the blood of patients with gastric cancer when compared with the control group (11.3 % vs 10.5%; age-adjusted P value: P = 0.009), and this association was also seen in a validation set of 91 patients with gastric cancer (11.5% vs 10.5%; age-adjusted P value: P = 0.001). The methylation of 9 sites (GDNF, CDH1, RARAB2, CDH13, MYOD1, SFRP1, SLC16A12, DPYS, N33, and LINE1) and their mean Z score was correlated with higher age (R = 0.41, P < 0.0001) and marginally with telomere shortening (R = −0.18, P = 0.01) but not with gastric cancer risk (other than SFRP1 methylation). Variability in whole blood DNA methylation of cancer markers is primarily associated with aging, reflecting turnover of white blood cells, and has no direct link to gastric cancer predisposition. SFRP1 methylation in whole blood may be associated with gastric cancer risk. Cancer Prev Res; 6(10); 1093–100. ©2013 AACR.
Is Urinary Soluble Fas an Independent Predictor of Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer? A Prospective Chart Study
Authors: Yang Huixiang , Li Huijie , Wang Zhenchao , Gao Jing , Guo Yong
Published: August 2013

Objectives: To evaluate whether soluble Fas (sFas) in urine is an independent predictor of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Methods: We performed a prospective chart review which included 128 subjects with NMIBC and 88 controls. The first morning voided urine sample (10-20 ml) was obtained from preoperative patients and controls. Expression levels of sFas in urine were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical and pathological data, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) risk group category, follow-up data and urinary sFas values were gathered from each patient, and each prognostic outcome was evaluated. Results: sFas levels were significantly higher in the urine of patients with NMIBC than of those without NMIBC (p = 0.000). The level was significantly higher in cases with a higher stage or grade or high-risk and recurrent disease than in those with a lower stage or grade or low-risk and nonrecurrent disease (each p < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier estimates revealed a significant difference in time to recurrence based on sFas levels in the urine of the NMIBC patients (log-rank test; p = 0.000). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, EORTC risk group category (hazards ratio [HR] = 3.250, p = 0.000) and urinary sFas level (HR = 1.403, p = 0.015) were the independent predictors of NMIBC recurrence. Conclusions: Our study indicated that urinary sFas assay results may help identify NMIBC patients at risk of tumor recurrence. These data can be used to design a future follow-up schedule and treatment strategy for NMIBC patients.
Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Has Beneficial Effects on Human Skin Physiology: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Proksch E. , Segger D. , Degwert J. , Schunck M. , Zague V. , Oesser S.
Published: August 2013

Various dietary supplements are claimed to have cutaneous anti-aging properties; however, there are a limited number of research studies supporting these claims. The objective of this research was to study the effectiveness of collagen hydrolysate (CH) composed of specific collagen peptides on skin biophysical parameters related to cutaneous aging. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 69 women aged 35-55 years were randomized to receive 2.5 g or 5.0 g of CH or placebo once daily for 8 weeks, with 23 subjects being allocated to each treatment group. Skin elasticity, skin moisture, transepidermal water loss and skin roughness were objectively measured before the first oral product application (t0) and after 4 (t1) and 8 weeks (t2) of regular intake. Skin elasticity (primary interest) was also assessed at follow-up 4 weeks after the last intake of CH (t3, 4-week regression phase). At the end of the study, skin elasticity in both CH dosage groups showed a statistically significant improvement in comparison to placebo. After 4 weeks of follow-up treatment, a statistically significantly higher skin elasticity level was determined in elderly women. With regard to skin moisture and skin evaporation, a positive influence of CH treatment could be observed in a subgroup analysis, but data failed to reach a level of statistical significance. No side effects were noted throughout the study.
Effects of Adopting the New Global Lung Function Initiative 2012 Reference Equations on the Interpretation of Spirometry
Authors: Brazzale Danny J. , Hall Graham L. , Pretto Jeffrey J.
Published: August 2013

Background: The recently generated spirometry reference equations from the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI2012) provide a long-awaited opportunity for the adoption of a globally applicable set of normal reference values. Objective: The aim of this study was to document the likely interpretative effects of changing from commonly used current spirometry reference equations to the GLI2012 equations on interpretation of test results in a clinical spirometry dataset. Methods: Spirometry results from 2,400 patients equally distributed over the age range of 5-85 years were obtained from clinical pulmonary function laboratories at three public hospitals. The frequency of obstruction [FEV1/FVC below the lower limits of normal (LLN)] and spirometric restriction (FVC below the LLN) was assessed using the GLI2012, the National Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey (NHANES III), the European Community of Steel and Coal (ECSC) and the Stanojevic all-ages reference equations. Results: The rates of obstruction (range 20.0-28.5%) and spirometric restriction (range 14.2-25.8%) were similar across the four sets of reference equations. The highest level of agreement with the new GLI2012 equations was seen with the NHANES III equations (97.6% for obstruction and 93.6% for spirometric restriction) and the lowest with those from the ECSC (96.0 for obstruction and 92.0% for restriction). These data can be used to estimate likely diagnostic spirometry interpretation effects in the clinical setting when switching to GLI2012 spirometry reference data. Conclusions: We have found the effects on interpretation of changing to GLI2012 reference data to be minimal when changing from NHANES III and most significant when changing from ECSC reference data.
Adoption of Transradial Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Outcomes According to Center Radial Volume in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System
Authors: Gutierrez Antonio , Tsai Thomas T. , Stanislawski Maggie A. , Vidovich Mladen , Bryson Christopher L. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Grunwald Gary K. , Rumsfeld John , Rao Sunil V.
Published: August 2013

Background—

Studies examining the association between radial approach and post–percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) bleeding and mortality have reached conflicting conclusions. There are no current data about the use and outcomes of transradial PCI (r-PCI) in the Veterans Affairs system.

Methods and Results—

Consecutive veterans (n=24 143 patients) undergoing PCI in the Veterans Affairs between 2007 and 2010 were examined. On the basis of propensity to undergo r-PCI, 3 cohorts matched with veterans undergoing transfemoral access were constructed among sites performing ≥1 r-PCI, ≥50 r-PCI (high volume), and <50 r-PCI (low volume). Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the association between PCI access site, blood transfusion, and mortality. The prevalence of r-PCI increased over time (2007=2.1%; 2010=8.8%). Overall, there was no difference in procedure success between matched groups (r-PCI 97.3% versus transfemoral PCI 96.6%;
P
=0.182), or in the risk of postprocedure transfusion or mortality. Among matched patients treated at high r-PCI volume sites, radial access was associated with a decreased risk of post-PCI blood transfusion (hazard ratio, 0.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.3–0.7;
P
<0.001), and no significant difference in the risk of mortality (hazard ratio, 0.7; 95% confidence interval, 0.4–1.3;
P
=0.279).

Conclusions—

Within the Veterans Affairs, the use of r-PCI increased over time. r-PCI may be associated with a significant decreased risk of post-PCI blood transfusion among higher volume r-PCI sites. These data demonstrate that potential benefits of r-PCI in terms of reduced post-PCI blood transfusions may be more pronounced at sites that routinely use radial access.
Timing of Mortality After Severe Bleeding and Recurrent Myocardial Infarction in Patients With ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kikkert Wouter J. , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Vis Marije M. , Baan Jan , Koch Karel T. , Peters Ron J. , de Winter Robbert J. , Piek Jan J. , Tijssen Jan G.P. , Henriques José P.S.
Published: August 2013

Background—

The prognosis of initial survivors of ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is affected by both recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) and severe bleeding. The aim of the current study was to investigate how mortality is affected in time after bleeding and recurrent MI.

Methods and Results—

From January 1, 2003, to July 31, 2008, a total of 2002 patients were treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment–elevation MI and followed up for the occurrence of recurrent MI and Global Utilization of Streptokinase and Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Occluded Arteries (GUSTO) severe bleeding. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality within 4 years of follow-up. In a time-dependent, covariate-adjusted Cox regression model, both bleeding and recurrent MI were associated with an increase in mortality shortly after the adverse event: hazard ratio, 14.37 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.69–26.84) for the first day after recurrent MI and 5.42 (95% CI, 2.88–10.22) for the first day after bleeding. Thereafter the risk of subsequent mortality gradually decreased but remained elevated long after a recurrent MI (hazard ratio, 4.95 [95% CI, 3.27–7.48] between 1 day and 1 year after recurrent MI and hazard ratio, 2.56 [95% CI, 1.56–4.21] beyond 1 year after recurrent MI), but decreased to nonsignificant level beyond 1 month after the bleeding (hazard ratio, 0.56 [95% CI, 0.27–1.14]).

Conclusions—

The occurrence of both recurrent MI and bleeding in the first year after ST-segment–elevation MI is associated with subsequent mortality. The risk implication of recurrent MI, however, was greater and more sustained over time than that of severe bleeding.
Translating to Communicate with Linguistic Minorities: State Obligations under International Law
Authors: Núñez Gabriel González
Published: August 2013

In the on-going debate about language rights, the role of translation remains somewhat of a blind spot. And yet, because there are very few truly monolingual societies in the world, any language policy implies a translation policy. Translation policies will vary from place to place, and they are often the result of ad hoc choices by policy makers at the local level. Even so, by looking at international law, we can find a sort of lowest common denominator for what is to be expected of translation policies. Sources of international law that can have an effect in shaping domestic policies include treaties/conventions and the judicial decisions of international tribunals. In Europe, in particular, a number of regional treaties from the Council of Europe weigh on translation as an instrument to guarantee the rights of minority speakers. The European Union – with its own treaties, regulations and directives – also helps set minimum standards for domestic translation policies. We will see that in Europe translation is usually cast as a means to secure other rights. Unfortunately, international law seems to set a rather low bar for this, with the most explicit protections afforded in the judicial realm but with relatively little elsewhere.
The Glaring Gap, Anthropology, Religion, and Christianity in African Development
Authors: Harries Jim
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Careful reading of studies on language of education in Africa reveals a gaping gap in comprehension. A careful study of the history and practice of anthropology reveals a covert concealing of large arenas of knowledge about African societies from view. The above gaps in understanding result in debate on African development frequently ignoring ‘religion’. African development seems not to be progressing on its own; great ideas on development rooted in western thinking typically collapse when handed over to African management. This article considers how the above ‘gaps’ in anthropology and linguistic studies have contributed to the dummification of academia that has in turn handicapped Africa. It considers a new engagement with ‘religion’, especially Christianity, as the way forward.
An Intriguing Ecumenical Dialogue: Lutheran-Orthodox Encounters in Finland
Authors: Vogelaar Huub
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Finland is seen as a model country for ecumenism. For many years the country was almost monolithic Lutheran, but today Lutheranism is no longer a state religion. Yet, certain state-church structures still exist in this modern welfare state. Religiously Finland is characterized by strong secularization as well as by privatized faith. Since the 1960s minority churches came more to the forefront, in particular the Finnish Orthodox Church whose impact exceeds its small quantity. The Lutheran majority Church strongly facilitated the ecumenical dialogue with Eastern Orthodoxy, initially in international and later on in national perspective. In the article the development of this attractive discourse is highlighted. It became an appealing process of mutual learning between Eastern and Western Christianity.
Species Protection in the Environmental Assessment—Assembling the Puzzle
Authors: Sobotta Christoph
Published: August 2013

The EU provisions on species protection and the environmental assessment together with the corresponding jurisprudence provide us with a wide array of pieces that may appear confusing, in particular if the Conventions of Bern and Rio are taken into account. But like a puzzle these pieces can be assembled into a coherent system that could significantly strengthen the effectiveness of both areas of EU environmental law. This system comprises on two stages: in the first stage the concerns of species protection must be integrated into the environmental assessment and in the second stage the information obtained provides the foundation for the subsequent decisions on plans, programmes and projects. A consequent application of this approach should help to improve respect of species conservation rules in the context of many activities and add “teeth” to the assessment obligations.
Land Earth Sun Moon and the Father of Generations: An Historiography of Words for God in Sara Sikka
Authors: Lewis E.D.
Published: August 2013

Abstract

The common word in Sara Sikka for the Christian god is amapu, a compound noun meaning ‘father of generations’. There is reason to believe that the word came into use after conversions to Roman Catholicism began on Flores in the early sixteenth century but the origin of the word is obscure. An examination of writing about Sikka and its language by early Jesuits and later SVD missionaries on Flores reveals, if not the origin of the word amapu, much about its meaning in relation to the values and cosmology of pre-Christian Sikkanese society, culture and thought. The historiographic evidence also points to how elements of classical Sikkanese traditions have survived in the Christian culture of Sikka.
Review of amphipods of the Melita group (Amphipoda: Melitidae) from the costal waters of Sakhalin Island (Far East of Russia). I. Genera Megamoera Bate, 1862 and Armatomelita gen. nov.
Authors: LABAY VJACHESLAV S.
Published: August 2013

A review of Melita group (fam. Melitidae) from the shelf of Sakhalin Island based on literature and own data is provided. Based on new material, four new species of the genus Megamoera are described: M. similidentata sp. nov. and M. striata sp. nov. from north-east shelf of Sakhalin Island; M. falsomikulitschae sp. nov. and M. aequidentatum sp. nov. from Aniva Bay (southern Sakhalin). The new genus Armatomelita gen. nov. and new species A. tshayensis sp. nov. are described from Aniva Bay (southern Sakhalin). A key to the world species of the genus Megamoera is provided. Cladistic analysis of morphological relationships within the genus Megamoera is implemented.
Neohydatothrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) from China: new species and records, with a key to species
Authors: MIRAB-BALOU MAJID , TONG XIAO-LI , YANG SHU-LAN
Published: August 2013

Three new species of Neohydatothrips (Thripidae: Sericothripinae) are described and illustrated from China: N. concavus sp. n., N. flavicingulus sp. n. and N. luteolipes sp. n.; and two species previously recorded from Taiwan are here reported for mainland China for the first time: N. plynopygus (Karny) and N. tabulifer (Priesner). A key to the 16 Neohydatothrips species recorded from China (including Taiwan) is provided.
Ochthebius hivae (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae) from western Iran, a new species of the O. metallescens group with remarkable aedeagal variability
Authors: JÄCH MANFRED , IRANI ELHAM , DELGADO JUAN A.
Published: August 2013

Ochthebius hivae is described from western Iran (Ilam and Khuzestan Provinces). It belongs to the O. metallescens Rosenhauer, 1847 species group. The aedeagal distal lobe of this species is remarkably variable.
The Intergenerational Transmission of Voting Intentions in a Multiparty Setting
Authors: Hooghe Marc , Boonen Joris
Published: August 2013

The intergenerational transmission of political orientations has been the topic of considerable research over the past few decades, but much of the evidence remains limited to two-party systems. In this study, we use data from the first wave of the Parent–Child Socialization Study conducted among 3,426 adolescents and their parents in the Flemish region of Belgium. Even in this multiparty system, we find a strong correspondence between voting intentions of parents and children, enhanced by the degree of politicization within the family. Talking about politics among parents and children has a significant positive effect on parent–child party correspondence, and more particularly political discussion with one’s father seems to have a stronger effect on father–child party correspondence than discussion with one’s mother does on mother–child correspondence.
The differences between intellectually gifted and average students on a set of leadership competencies
Authors: Muammar Omar M
Published: August 2013

The current study investigates differences in the leadership skills between intellectually gifted and average students and explores the relationship between intelligence and leadership potential. Participants in this study were 176 students (57 males and 120 females) from an Eastern Province University in Saudi Arabia. Students were selected on a voluntary basis and asked to complete the Leadership Inventory (LI); data were also collected about their General Ability Test (GAT) scores. The Spearman Rho correlation formula was calculated and then the sample was divided into two groups based on their GAT scores – intellectually gifted and average students – and a subsequent t-test was performed. The LI consists of four subscales: leading self and others; problem solving skills; effective communication; and planning skills. LI internal consistency was α = .94. No significant correlations were found between leadership and intelligence ( r= .077, P >.05). The mean of gifted students only in planning skills ( M= 26.16) was significantly higher than the mean of average students ( M= 24.747, t= –2.069, P = .04, df= 174, Cohen's d = .31). No other significant means differences among all other variables were found. Intellectually gifted students lacked essential skills to prevail in the global competitive economy. Recommendations, implications, and limitations of the study are discussed.
MR imaging of articular cartilage at 1.5T and 3.0T: comparison of IDEAL 2D FSE and 3D SPGR with fat-saturated 2D FSE and 3D SPGR in a porcine model
Authors: Cha Jang Gyu , Yoo Jae Ho , Rhee Sun Jung , Hwang Seung Sik , Han Jong Kyu
Published: August 2013

Background

IDEAL technique is a robust fat-water separation method which is potentially useful in cartilage imaging with significant improvement in the cartilage signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

Purpose

To identify whether iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation (IDEAL) improved diagnostic performance for IDEAL 2D fast spin echo (FSE) and 3D spoiled gradient-recalled echo (SPGR) versus fat-saturated (FS) protocols at 1.5 and 3.0 T in the evaluation of patella-femoral cartilage lesions.

Material and Methods

Forty-six artificial cartilage lesions were created in femoro-patellar articular cartilages of 11 porcine knees. All knees underwent MR examination at 1.5 and 3.0 T with MR protocol consisting of sagittal FS 2D FSE and 3D SPGR and IDEAL 2D FSE and IDEAL 3D SPGR, respectively. Qualitative assessment was performed to compare the diagnostic performance between 1.5- and 3.0-T protocols and between IDEAL and FS protocols.

Results

IDEAL 3D SPGR had a significantly higher accuracy for detecting partial thickness cartilage lesions ( P < 0.01) than FS SPGR protocols, whereas there was no significant difference in diagnostic performance between IDEAL and FS 2D FSE except for one cartilage lesion. For all imaging sequences, no significant difference was observed in the diagnostic performance between 1.5- and 3.0-T imaging protocols ( P = 0.42–0.91).

Conclusion

Compared with conventional FS SPGR imaging, IDEAL 3D SPGR provided a better diagnostic performance for evaluation of porcine knee articular cartilage lesions in the knee joints at 1.5 and 3.0 T. IDEAL 3D SPGR may therefore be useful for detecting partial-thickness cartilage lesions in patients with degenerative osteoarthritis.
Breastfeeding Practices among the Old Order Mennonites in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Norris Sarah , Collin Simon M. , Ingram Jenny
Published: August 2013

Background:

The Old Order Mennonites (OOM) of rural Ontario have a lifestyle that is very distinct from the rest of Canada. Breastfeeding practices among this community have not been described previously.

Objectives:

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at 2, 4, and 6 months; to compare the prevalence of EBF among OOM and Canadian women; to investigate factors associated with EBF at 6 months; and to gain qualitative insight into the breastfeeding practices of OOM women.

Methods:

Data on maternal characteristics, delivery factors, and infant feeding methods at birth and at 2, 4, and 6 months were obtained from medical records at the Elmira Medical Centre for all births to OOM women between January 2006 and December 2011. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 2 lactation consultants working at the Elmira Medical Centre.

Results:

Complete breastfeeding data were available for 195 of 225 OOM women (77.4%). The majority of OOM women initiated breastfeeding (87.9%); 81.4% continued to breastfeed exclusively at 2 months, 74.0% to 4 months, and 36.8% to 6 months. Women who had a homebirth (12.3%) had 2.6-fold higher odds of EBF at 6 months (odds ratio, 2.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-6.53) compared with women who delivered in a hospital. Cultural and religious influences and community support were suggested as reasons for the relatively high prevalence of EBF.

Conclusion:

Breastfeeding rates among OOM women are consistently higher in the first 6 months of life compared to the general Canadian population. Homebirth independently predicted increased odds of EBF at 6 months.
Impact of the large-scale environment on the tonal noise of axial fans
Authors: Sturm Michael , Carolus Thomas
Published: August 2013

The measurement of the sound emission of axial fans is standardized by internationally accepted guidelines. While it is known that the sound emission of fans is significantly influenced by the inflow conditions, the standards address this issue barely. A detailed definition of the inflow conditions for standardized acoustic measurements of axial fans does not exist. In this investigation, it is shown that disturbed inflow conditions exist even when the test rig meets the requirements of the current standards. Flow visualization and RANS simulation reveal unexpected vortex-like flow structures at the intake and inside the duct originating in the large anechoic chamber. These large-scale eddies in the inflow are also recognized by flush mounted pressure transducers on the blade surface of the impeller. It turns out that a hemispherical inflow control device may be suitable to get closer to the state of test rig independent acoustic measurements of axial fans.