bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro
Recombinants of Antibiotic-Resistant Chlamydia trachomatis Strains Have Statistically More Breakpoints than Clinical Recombinants for the Same Sequenced Loci and Exhibit Selection at Unexpected Loci
Authors: Srinivasan Tara , Bruno William J. , Wan Raymond , Yen Albert , Duong Jennifer , Dean Deborah
Published: November 2011

Lateral gene transfer (LGT) is essential for generating between-strain genomic recombinants of
Chlamydia trachomatis
to facilitate the organism's evolution. Because there is no reliable laboratory-based gene transfer system for
C. trachomatis
,
in vitro
generation of recombinants from antibiotic-resistant strains is being used to study LGT. However, selection pressures imposed on
in vitro
recombinants likely affect statistical properties of recombination relative to naturally occurring clinical recombinants, including prevalence at particular loci. We examined multiple loci for 16
in vitro
-derived recombinants of ofloxacin- and rifampin-resistant L
1
and D strains, respectively, grown with both antibiotics, and compared these with the same sequenced loci among 11 clinical recombinants. Breakpoints and recombination frequency were examined using phylogenetics, bioinformatics, and statistics.
In vitro
and clinical isolates clustered perfectly into two groups, without misclassification, using Ward's minimum variance based on breakpoint data. As expected,
gyrA
(confers ofloxacin resistance) and
rpoB
(confers rifampin resistance) had significantly more breakpoints among
in vitro
recombinants than among clinical recombinants (
P
< 0.0001 and
P
= 0.02, respectively, using the Wilcoxon rank sum test). Unexpectedly,
trpA
also had significantly more breakpoints for
in vitro
recombinants (
P
< 0.0001). There was also significant selection at other loci. The strongest bias was for
ompA
in strain D (
P
= 3.3 × 10
−8
). Our results indicate that the
in vitro
model differs statistically from natural recombination events. Additional genomic studies are needed to determine the factors responsible for the observed selection biases at unexpected loci and whether these are important for LGT to inform approaches for genetically manipulating
C. trachomatis
.
Microsatellite primers in Carex moorcroftii (Cyperaceae), a dominant species of the steppe on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Wensheng , Zhou Yin , Liao Hui , Zhao Yao , Song Zhiping
Published: November 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed in Carex moorcroftii, a rhizomatous clonal sedge that dominates the steppes and meadows of the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau.

• Methods and Results: Using the combined biotin capture method, 30 microsatellite primer sets were isolated and characterized. Twenty‐two of these markers showed polymorphism, and the number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 11 across 96 individuals from four populations.

• Conclusions: These markers provide a useful tool to investigate the clonal structure and mating system of C. moorcroftii.
A system for recommending tags of images using co‐occurrence of tags and similar images
Authors: Sezaki Naoto , Kise Koichi
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we propose a system for recommending tags for images. The proposed method presents to the user various tags with high precision by taking into account both the co‐occurrence of tags and tags for similar images. Additional searches with user feedback enable us to find some new tags relevant to the image of interest. In order to test the proposed method, we compared it with a method based only on the co‐occurrence of tags, as well as a method based only on the similarity of images. From the experimental results using 16,002 images, we have confirmed that the proposed method is capable of finding more tags compared to the methods used for comparison. We have also confirmed that the additional search is effective for finding additional tags. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 94(12): 57–64, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10342
A fast template matching using adaptive window skipping method considering position of reference template
Authors: Toyama Fubito , Shoji Kenji , Miyamichi Juichi
Published: November 2011

The Adaptive Window Skipping method (AWS) is known as a fast template matching algorithm. This method can reduce the computational burden by using similarity between subtemplates. AWS guarantees the same accuracy as an exhaustive search with template matching. In AWS preprocessing, a reference subtemplate is selected from the set of subtemplates. The position of the reference subtemplate affects the computational burden. But this position has not been taken into account in AWS. In this paper we propose a new method that takes into account the position of the reference subtemplate. Experimental results show that the proposed method is faster than AWS. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn, 94(12): 45–56, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/ecj.10343
Diet‐induced obesity has neuroprotective effects in murine gastric enteric nervous system: involvement of leptin and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor
Authors: Baudry Charlotte , Reichardt François , Marchix Justine , Bado André , Schemann Michael , des Varannes Stanislas Bruley , Neunlist Michel , Moriez Raphaël
Published: November 2011

Non‐technical summary  The enteric nervous system (ENS) is an autonomous nervous system integrated along the gut that controls major gastrointestinal (GI) functions such as motility. Increasing data have demonstrated that nutritional factors can modulate the ENS phenotype and consequently impact upon GI functions. Western diet is central in the development of obesity but surprisingly no study has characterized its impact upon ENS phenotype and functions. We show that Western diet‐induced obesity (DIO) prevented age‐associated loss in a specific population of enteric neurons leading to an acceleration of gastric emptying. In addition, we showed that neuroprotective effects of DIO likely involved leptin and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). This is the first study demonstrating an impact of DIO upon the ENS. These DIO‐induced neuroplastic changes in the ENS could be involved in the physiopathology of obesity.
Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II function in vascular remodelling
Authors: Singer Harold A.
Published: November 2011

Abstract  Vascular smooth muscle (VSM) undergoes a phenotypic switch in response to injury, a process that contributes to pathophysiological vascular wall remodelling. VSM phenotype switching is a consequence of changes in gene expression, including an array of ion channels and pumps affecting spatiotemporal features of intracellular Ca2+ signals. Ca2+ signalling promotes vascular wall remodelling by regulating cell proliferation, motility, and/or VSM gene transcription, although the mechanisms are not clear. In this review, the functions of multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in VSM phenotype switching and synthetic phenotype function are considered. CaMKII isozymes have complex structural and autoregulatory properties. Vascular injury in vivo results in rapid changes in CaMKII isoform expression with reduced expression of CaMKIIγ and upregulation of CaMKIIδ in medial wall VSM. SiRNA‐mediated suppression of CaMKIIδ or gene deletion attenuates VSM proliferation and consequent neointimal formation. In vitro studies support functions for CaMKII in the regulation of cell proliferation, motility and gene expression via phosphorylation of CREB1 and HDACIIa/MEF2 complexes. These studies support the concept, and provide potential mechanisms, whereby Ca2+ signalling through CaMKIIδ promotes VSM phenotype transitions and vascular remodelling.
Magnitude and Variability of the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Response in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes up to 2 Years Following Gastric Bypass Surgery
Authors: Van der Schueren Bart J. , Homel Peter , Alam Mariam , Agenor Keesandra , Wang Gary , Reilly David , Laferrère Blandine
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the magnitude and variance of the change of glucose and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) concentrations, and to identify determinants of glucose control up to 2 years after gastric bypass (GBP).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Glucose and GLP-1 concentrations were measured during an oral glucose challenge before and 1, 12, and 24 months after GBP in 15 severely obese patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

Glucose area under the curve from 0 to 180 min (AUC0–180) started decreasing in magnitude (P < 0.05) 1 month after surgery. GLP-1 AUC0–180 increased in magnitude 1 month after GBP (P < 0.05), with increased variance only after 1 year (Pσ2 ≤ 0.001). GLP-1 AUC0–180 was positively associated with insulin AUC0–180 (P = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in variance of GLP-1 at 1 and 2 years after GBP suggests mechanisms other than proximal gut bypass to explain the enhancement of GLP-1 secretion. The association between GLP-1 and insulin concentrations supports the idea that the incretins are involved in glucose control after GBP.
THE RELATION OF THE ENDOCRINE GLANDS TO THE DISORDERS OF THE EAR, NOSE AND THROAT
Authors: CARLSON A. J.
Published: November 2011

One group of diseases of the ear, nose and throat are mechanical results of physical deformities, sometimes congenital, sometimes secondary effects of infections or other destructive agencies, sometimes the results of glandular hyperplasias or abnormal growth of cartilage and connective tissues. A second group of diseases of these regions are the infections. A third group seems to be due essentially to disturbances in the circulation. This applies particularly to the nose, and in some cases to the middle ear. With these circulatory disturbances are frequently associated abnormal irritability of sensory nerves leading to excess reflexes of various kinds. We have what may be called primary hypertrophy of the lymphoid tissues of the nose and throat, that is, the adenoids and the tonsils. The hypertrophy is at times of obscure origin, possibly dietary or irritative, but not certainly related to acute infections. Finally, there is the so-called sclerosis of the internal
Synthesis of Thioproline Salicylic Acid Samarium Complex and Microcalorimetric Study on Effects of the Complex on the Growth Metabolism of S. pombe Cells
Authors: Li Qiangguo , Zhang Hui , Li Xu , Wang Bin , Hu Jilin , Yao Feihong , Yang Dejun , Xiao Shengxiong , Ye Lijuan
Published: November 2011

The product from reaction of samarium chloride hexahydrate with salicylic acid and thioproline, [Sm(C7H5O3)2·(C4H6NO2S)]·2H2O (TSAS), was synthesized and characterized by IR, elemental analysis and thermogravimatric analysis. Particularly, the effect of the compounds TSAS, SmCl3·6H2O, C7H6O3 and C4H7NO2S on the growth and metabolism of S. pombe by a TAM Air isothermal calorimeter at 32°C is also reported. The thermokinetic parameters, which included the microbial growth rate constant (κ), inhibition ratio (I) and half inhibition concentration (IC50), were obtained. The results showed that all the compounds TSAS, SmCl3·6H2O, C7H6O3 and C4H7NO2S possessed the bi‐directional biological effect and Hormesis effect. These stimulate the growth of the S. pombe at lower concentration, but inhibit the growth at higher concentration. The half inhibition concentrations (IC50) of TSAS, SmCl3·6H2O, C4H7NO2S and C7H6O3 were found to be 0.732, 0.746, 0.746 and 1.43 mmol·L−1, respectively. The inhibition ability of these compounds on the growth of the S. pombe has been observed to decrease in the order TSAS>SmCl3·6H2O=C4H7NO2S>C7H6O3. Moreover, the effect of TSAS on the growth and cytokinesis of S. pombe was investigated by cytomorphology and FT IR spectroscopy technique. The results indicated that TSAS had a direct impact on apoptosis, and could also inhibit the cell growth by reducing cytokinesis and the binding locations of drug (TSAS) in S. pombe cells could be the proteins and nucleic acid.
Synthesis and Herbicidal Activity of Novel N‐(2‐Fluoro‐5(3‐methyl‐2,6‐dioxo‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)‐2,3‐dihydro‐pyrimidin‐1(6H)‐yl)phenyl)‐2‐phenoxyacetamide Derivatives
Authors: Wu Daoxin , Sun Jiong , Huang Mingzhi , Mo Hongbo , Wang Xiaoguang , Li Hongwei , Ren Yeguo , Hu Zhibing , He Lian , Yin Dulin
Published: November 2011

Thirteen novel N‐(2‐fluoro‐5‐(3‐methyl‐2,6‐dioxo‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)‐2,3‐dihydropyrimidin‐1(6H)‐yl)phenyl)‐2‐phenoxy)acetamides were designed and synthesized utilizing 4‐fluoro‐aniline and ethyl 3‐amino‐4,4,4‐trifluoro‐but‐2‐enoate as starting materials. The chemical structures of all compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, IR, mass spectrum and elemental analyses. Subsequently, the herbicidal activities of the as‐prepared compounds were evaluated in the greenhouse. Bioassay results indicated that most of compounds had better herbicidal activities against dicotyledonous weeds. Among all the tested compounds, compounds 4a–4i showed good herbicidal activities at both pre‐emergence and post‐emergence treatment against two or three kinds of dicotyledonous weeds, such as Abutilon theophrasti Medic, Amaranthus ascendens L, and Chenopodium album L at the dosage of 75 g ai/ha.
Upper urinary tract recurrence after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: Incidence and risk factors
Authors: Takayanagi Akio , Masumori Naoya , Takahashi Atsushi , Takagi Yoshio , Tsukamoto Taiji
Published: November 2011

Objectives:  To examine the incidence of and the risk factors for upper urinary tract recurrence in patients undergoing a radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, and to examine the clinical course of patients harboring upper urinary tract recurrence.

Methods:  This retrospective study included 362 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. Patients with a history of upper urinary tract recurrence and concomitant upper urinary tract recurrence at cystectomy were excluded.

Results:  After a median follow up of 48 months (range 0–214) after radical cystectomy, 11 patients (3.0%) developed upper urinary tract recurrence. The median time to upper urinary tract recurrence was 48.4 months (range 11.6–78.6). The overall probability of upper urinary tract recurrence was 3.3% at 5 years. The median overall survival period after upper urinary tract recurrence was 23.5 months (range 4.3–53.9), with a better overall survival for patients who received a radical operation than for those who did not (38.6 months vs 11.9 months, respectively; P = 0.03). At multivariable analysis, the presence of carcinoma in situ (P < 0.01) and invasion of the urethra (P = 0.02) were independent risk factors for upper urinary tract recurrence. The 5‐year upper urinary tract recurrence was significantly higher for patients positive for either of these risk factors than for those without risk factors (12.0% vs 0.9%, respectively; P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  This study shows that the presence of carcinoma in situ and cancer invading the urethra are risk factors for upper urinary tract recurrence. Close follow up is needed for early detection of upper urinary tract recurrence in patients at higher risk.
Rebuilding Mediterranean fisheries: a new paradigm for ecological sustainability
Authors: Colloca Francesco , Cardinale Massimiliano , Maynou Francesc , Giannoulaki Marianna , Scarcella Giuseppe , Jenko Klavdija , Bellido Josè Maria , Fiorentino Fabio
Published: November 2011

In Mediterranean European countries, 85% of the assessed stocks are currently overfished compared to a maximum sustainable yield reference value (MSY) while populations of many commercial species are characterized by truncated size‐ and age‐structures. Rebuilding the size‐ and age‐structure of exploited populations is a management objective that combines single species targets such as MSY with specific goals of the ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAF), preserving community size‐structure and the ecological role of different species. Here, we show that under the current fishing regime, stock productivity and fleet profitability are generally impaired by a combination of high fishing mortality and inadequate selectivity patterns. For most of the stocks analysed, a simple reduction in the current fishing mortality (Fcur) towards an MSY reference value (FMSY), without any change in the fishing selectivity, will allow neither stock biomass nor fisheries yield and revenue to be maximized. On the contrary, management targets can be achieved only through a radical change in fisheries selectivity. Shifting the size of first capture towards the size at which fish cohorts achieve their maximum biomass, the so‐called optimal length, would produce on average between two and three times higher economic yields and much higher biomass at sea for the exploited stocks. Moreover, it would contribute to restore marine ecosystem structure and resilience to enhance ecosystem services such as reservoirs of biodiversity and functioning food webs.
Digital or didactic: Using learning technology to confront the challenge of large cohort teaching
Authors: Saunders Fiona C. , Gale Andrew W.
Published: November 2011

This paper investigates whether the selective use of technology can begin to overcome the challenge of large cohort teaching and deliver an enhanced student learning experience. It describes the initial development and evaluation of a campus‐based management course taught to 270 third year engineering undergraduates at The University of Manchester. The course is structured around weekly keynote lectures, supplemented with extensive use of a virtual learning environment (VLE) and key Web 2.0 applications.

The preliminary findings are that technology is not a panacea: face‐to‐face contact with teaching staff remains the priority for most students. Nevertheless, the VLE was found to improve the student learning experience provided that

Use of technology does not reduce face‐to‐face teaching time;

Teaching faculty acknowledges that students are, for the most part, highly strategic learners, engaging deeper with those technology tools that help them achieve their desired course outcomes;

Close attention is paid to learning design, aligning technology tools with the desired learning outcomes.

Further work is now required to explore more effectively the use of the VLE and Web 2.0 as a vehicle for promoting collaborative learning. In addition, the authors will be redesigning course activities, both assessed and unassessed, to start to address the more lofty ambition of moving students from an acquisitive to a participative model of learning.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

There is an ongoing debate about the effectiveness of learning technology in enhancing the student learning experience.

There are a number of published case studies describing and evaluating the effectiveness of VLEs in enhancing student learning across a range of disciplines, the majority of which involve small‐ to medium‐sized cohorts.

Learning technology can be used to achieve more constructivist pedagogical principles.

What this paper adds

A well‐conducted case study of the use of learning technology to enhance large cohort teaching.

A critical review of the literature on the use of learning technology to enhance student learning.

An empirical contribution to the debate on whether learning technology can enhance the student learning experience.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Technology is not a panacea to enable higher education institutions to do more with less.

Technology can enhance the student learning experience provided that it does not reduce face‐to‐face teaching time.

In utilising learning technology, close attention should be paid to learning design, aligning technology tools with the desired learning outcomes.
Survival of drug resistant tuberculosis patients in Lithuania: retrospective national cohort study
Authors: Balabanova Yanina , Radiulyte Birute , Davidaviciene Edita , Hooper Richard , Ignatyeva Olga , Nikolayevskyy Vladyslav , Drobniewski Francis A
Published: November 2011

Objective

To establish risk factors influencing survival of patients with multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/XDRTB).

Design

All MDR/XDRTB cases (n=1809) reported from 2002 to 2008 in Lithuania with a known outcome were included in the survival analysis.

Results

Median survival for MDRTB and XDRTB patients was 4.1 (95% CI 3.7 to 4.4) and 2.9 (95% CI 2.2 to 3.9) years. In a multivariable analysis adjusting for other patient characteristics, the difference in survival between MDRTB and XDRTB patients was not significant (HR=1.29 (0.91 to 1.81)). Older age (HR=4.80 (3.16 to 7.29)) for 60+ vs <30 years, rural living (HR=1.20 (1.02 to 1.40)), alcohol use (HR=1.49 (1.13 to 1.96)) for alcoholic versus moderate use, unemployment (HR=1.79 (1.31 to 2.46)), lower education levels (HR=1.50 (1.08 to 2.07)) for primary level versus tertiary level, cavitary disease (HR=1.54 (1.29 to 1.83)) and being smear positive at the time of MDR/XDRTB diagnosis (HR=1.47 (1.19 to 1.82)) were associated with poorer survival. HIV positivity significantly affected survival (HR=3.44 (1.92 to 6.19)) for HIV positive versus HIV negative; HR=1.60 (1.28 to 2.01) for HIV not tested versus HIV negative). There was no difference in survival of patients who acquired MDR/XDRTB during treatment compared with patients with primary MDR/XDRTB (HR=1.01 (0.85 to 1.19)). Treatment with a second-line drug improved survival (HR=0.40 (0.34 to 0.47)). In a subgroup with genotyped TB strains, a Beijing family of strains was associated with poorer survival (HR=1.71 (1.19 to 2.47)).

Conclusions

Social factors, rural living, HIV infection and Beijing strain family impact on survival. Survival of MDR/XDRTB patients is short. Rapid drug resistance identification, early administration of appropriate treatment and achieving high cure rates, expansion of HIV testing and antiretroviral treatment are necessary for optimal management of MDR/XDRTB.
Intramural Hematoma of the Pulmonary Artery and Hemopneumomediastinum after Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration
Authors: Botana-Rial Maribel , Núñez-Delgado Manuel , Pallarés-Sanmartín Abel , Leiro-Fernández Virginia , Represas Represas Cristina , González Silva Ana Isabel , Fernández-Villar Alberto
Published: November 2011

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a safe and effective technique for the sampling of mediastinal and hilar adenopathies. We describe the first reported case of pulmonary artery intramural hematoma after EBUS-TBNA puncture of this artery. The complication was visualized by ultrasound and resolved spontaneously.
Electrochemical Instability in Liquid–Liquid Two-Phase Systems
Authors: Kitazumi Yuki , Kakiuchi Takashi
Published: November 2011

On the basis of the dependency of adsorption and partitioning of ionic surfactant on the phase-boundary potential (Δ OWφ ), it is possible to understand in a unified manner various instability phenomena at the liquid|liquid interface in the presence of ionic surfactants, such as spontaneous emulsification, oscillation of Δ OWφ and interfacial tension, and irregularly increased currents on voltammograms of the transfer of surface-active ions across the interface. These instabilities are associated with the electrochemical instability, which defines a thermodynamically unstable condition at the liquid|liquid interface in terms of Δ OWφ and is a fundamental concept to understand the instabilities in the presence of ionic surfactants. The characteristic manifestations of the electrochemical instability, that is, the irregularly increased current on voltammograms in the transfer of surface-active ions, the spontaneous emulsification, and the spontaneous oscillation of Δ OWφ can be designed based on the criterion of the electrochemical instability.
Varicella in Infants After Implementation of the US Varicella Vaccination Program
Authors: Chaves Sandra S. , Lopez Adriana S. , Watson Tureka L. , Civen Rachel , Watson Barbara , Mascola Laurene , Seward Jane F.
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To describe varicella disease in infants since implementation of the varicella vaccination program in the United States.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

From 1995 to 2008, demographic, clinical, and epidemiologic data on cases of varicella in infants were collected prospectively through a community-based active surveillance project. We examined disease patterns for infants in 2 age groups: 0 to 5 and 6 to 11 months.

RESULTS:

Infant varicella disease incidence declined 89.7% from 1995 to 2008. Infants aged 0 to 5 months had milder clinical disease than those aged 6 to 11 months: ≥50 lesions, 49% vs 58% (P = .038); fever (body temperature > 38°C), 12% vs 21% (P = .014); and varicella-related complications, 6% vs 14% (P = .009), respectively. Age was an independent predictor of the occurrence of complications.

CONCLUSIONS:

The varicella vaccination program has resulted in substantial indirect benefits for infants, who are not eligible for vaccination. Presence of maternal varicella-zoster virus antibodies might explain attenuated disease in very young infants likely born to mothers with history of varicella. Although varicella disease incidence has declined, exposure to varicella-zoster virus continues to occur. Improving varicella vaccination coverage in all age groups will further reduce the risk of varicella exposure and protect those not eligible for varicella vaccination.
Implementing Medication Reconciliation in Outpatient Pediatrics
Authors: Rappaport David I. , Collins Brian , Koster Alex , Mercado Arnel , Greenspan Jay , Lawless Steven , Hossain Jobayer , Sharif Iman
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the implementation of a system-wide, electronic medical record (EMR)-based quality improvement intervention targeting medication reconciliation (MedRec) in outpatient pediatrics and to test variables associated with the performance of MedRec.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective study using serial cross-sections of outpatient pediatric visits over a 5-year period set in a multispecialty children's integrated health care network in Florida, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. We reviewed 2 745 523 outpatient pediatric visits between 2005 and 2010. In 2007, the performance of MedRec was identified as critical to improving patient safety at our organization. A comprehensive intervention involved changes in the EMR, automated generation of medication lists, educational modules, and provider compliance reports. In 2009, quality-based financial incentives to physicians to perform MedRec were added. The outcome measure was documentation of MedRec performance.

RESULTS:

MedRec improved consistently over time, from a nadir of 0% in 2005 to a maximum of 71% in 2010. Performance of MedRec varied according to practice location as the intervention was rolled out. Throughout the study period, documentation of MedRec was consistently less likely for sick visits (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for each year ranged from 0.44 to 0.68) but more likely if the provider placed a medication order during the visit (aOR: 1.70–2.15). Beginning in 2009, visits with providers eligible for the quality-based financial incentive were more likely to have had MedRec performed (aOR: 2.02 [2009] and 2.31 [2010]).

CONCLUSIONS:

A system-wide, EMR-based, outpatient pediatric quality improvement intervention was successful in improving documentation of the performance of MedRec, a national patient safety goal.
Experimental Study of the Effect of Strong Alkali on Lowering the Interfacial Tension of Oil/Heavy Alkylbenzene Sulfonates System
Authors: Liu Bixin , Hou Jirui , Tang Hongjiao , Xu Haixia , Zheng Zigang
Published: November 2011

Experimental studies were conducted to explore the fundamental mechanisms of alkali to lower the interfacial tension of oil/heavy alkylbenzene sulfonates (HABS) system. Sodium hydroxide was used as the strong alkali chemical to investigate the interfacial tension (IFT) of oil/HABS system. The influences of salt and alkali on the interfacial activity were studied by the measurement of interfacial tension and partition coefficient. Moreover, the alkali/surfactant solutions were measured by dynamic laser scattering. The results showed that compared with the salt, the function of alkali to lower the interfacial tension and improve partition coefficient is more significant. The micelles formed by surfactants could be disaggregated because of adding alkali, so the size of micelles decreases and the number of mono‐surfactants increases, then more surfactant molecules move to the interface of oil/surfactant system and the adsorption of surfactants at oil‐water interfaces increases, which can lead to the decrease of IFT.
Selective Synthesis of 2‐Aryl‐1‐benzylated‐1H‐benzimidazoles
Authors: Shaterian Hamid Reza , Fahimi Nafiseh , Azizi Kobra
Published: November 2011

An efficient and simple procedure was developed for the green synthesis of various 2‐aryl‐1‐ben‐zylated‐1H‐benzimidazoles in high yields by condensation of o‐phenylenediamine with aldehydes with P2O5/SiO2 as catalyst under solvent‐free and ambient conditions.
Development and Validation of the German Work-Related Curiosity Scale
Authors: Mussel Patrick , Spengler Maik , Litman Jordan A. , Schuler Heinz
Published: November 2011

Curiosity, a personality trait underlying behavioral tendencies related to knowledge acquisition, learning, and thinking, can be expected to be of high relevance in the world of work. There is, however, to date no work-related curiosity measure. The present article reports results regarding the development and validation of the new 10-item Work-Related Curiosity Scale. Based on two studies, the measure had a one-factor solution, acceptable internal consistency, and expected construct validity. In Study 2, incremental criterion-related validities were found over and above five general curiosity scales (ΔR2 between .12 and .15), which is in line with the frame-of-reference approach underlying the development of the scale. Interestingly, the lack of evidence for criterion-related validity in Study 1 indicates that these results do not generalize across positions.
A novel allele HLA‐B*51:63 was identified by sequence‐based typing in a Chinese individual
Authors: Dong Z. , Yan L.‐N. , Xie J.‐H. , An S.‐P. , Yuan Y.‐H.
Published: November 2011

The novel B*51:63 is identical to B*51:01:01 with an exception of one base substitution at position 76 (A > C) of exon 3 resulting in codon #116 changed from TAC (Tyr) to TCC (Ser).
Sunitinib-Induced Systemic Vasoconstriction in Swine Is Endothelin Mediated and Does Not Involve Nitric Oxide or Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kappers Mariëtte H.W. , de Beer Vincent J. , Zhou Zhichao , Danser A.H. Jan , Sleijfer Stefan , Duncker Dirk J. , van den Meiracker Anton H. , Merkus Daphne
Published: November 2011

Angiogenesis inhibition with agents targeting tyrosine kinases of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors is an established anticancer treatment, but is, unfortunately, frequently accompanied by systemic hypertension and cardiac toxicity. Whether vascular endothelial growth factor receptor antagonism also has adverse effects on the pulmonary and coronary circulations is presently unknown. In chronically instrumented awake swine, the effects of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor antagonist sunitinib on the systemic, pulmonary, and coronary circulation were studied. One week after sunitinib (50 mg PO daily), mean aortic blood pressure (MABP) had increased from 83±5 mm Hg at baseline to 97±6 mm Hg (
P
<0.05) because of a 57±20% increase in systemic vascular resistance as cardiac output decreased. In contrast, sunitinib had no discernible effects on pulmonary and coronary hemodynamics or cardiac function. We subsequently investigated the mechanisms underlying the sunitinib-induced systemic hypertension. Intravenous administration of NO synthase inhibitor
N
G
-nitro-
l
-arginine increased MABP by 24±1 mm Hg under baseline conditions, whereas it increased MABP even further after sunitinib administration (32±3 mm Hg;
P
<0.05). Reactive oxygen species scavenging with a mixture of antioxidants lowered MABP by 13±2 mm Hg before but only by 5±2 mm Hg (
P
<0.05) after sunitinib administration. However, intravenous administration of the dual endothelin A/endothelin B receptor blocker tezosentan, which did not lower MABP at baseline, completely reversed MABP to presunitinib values. These findings indicate that sunitinib produces vasoconstriction selectively in the systemic vascular bed, without affecting pulmonary or coronary circulations. The sunitinib-mediated systemic hypertension is principally attributed to an increased vasoconstrictor influence of endothelin, with no apparent contributions of a loss of NO bioavailability or increased oxidative stress.
A Major League Baseball Team Uses Operations Research to Improve Draft Preparation
Authors: Streib Noah , Young Stephen J. , Sokol Joel
Published: November 2011

Preparing for the annual major league baseball draft is a difficult task; with 1,500 players selected each year, teams must evaluate and rank many hundreds of potential draftees. To evaluate the players, these teams send out scouts, baseball experts who make qualitative and quantitative observations and report their opinions to the team. However, scouts often disagree significantly in their opinions. We worked with a major league team to model and solve the problem of suggesting a consensus ranking of all players scouted by the team's representatives. Our methodology can also make in-season recommendations for dynamic scout scheduling based on the level of information each scout is likely to provide on each player, and the uncertainty in the “correct” overall ranking of each player. The team has been using the optimization tool we provided for the past two years, and a second major league team has also asked us to evaluate its ranking data.
Management of Children With Sickle Cell Disease: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature
Authors: Kavanagh Patricia L. , Sprinz Philippa G. , Vinci Samuel R. , Bauchner Howard , Wang C. Jason
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects 70 000 to 100 000 people in the United States, and 2000 infants are born with the disease each year. The purpose of this study was to review the quality of the literature for preventive interventions and treatment of complications for children with SCD to facilitate the use of evidence-based medicine in clinical practice and identify areas in need of additional research.

METHODS:

We searched the Ovid Medline database and the Cochrane Library for articles published between January 1995 and April 2010 for English-language abstracts on 28 topics thought to be important for the care of children with SCD. We also added pertinent references cited by studies identified in our search. Each abstract was reviewed independently by 2 authors. Data from articles retrieved for full review were abstracted by using a common form.

RESULTS:

There were 3188 abstracts screened, and 321 articles underwent full review. Twenty-six articles (<1% of abstracts initially screened), which consisted of 25 randomized controlled trials and 1 meta-analysis, were rated as having level I evidence. Eighteen of the 28 topics selected for this review did not have level I evidence studies published. The management and prevention of pain episodes accounted for more than one-third of the level I studies.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although significant strides have been made in the care of children with SCD in the past 2 decades, more research needs to be performed, especially for acute events associated with SCD, to ensure that the health and well-being of children with SCD continues to improve.
Associations of Gestational Diabetes, Existing Diabetes, and Glycosuria With Offspring Obesity and Cardiometabolic Outcomes
Authors: Patel Sumaiya , Fraser Abigail , Davey Smith George , Lindsay Robert S. , Sattar Naveed , Nelson Scott M. , Lawlor Debbie A.
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE

To assess associations of gestational diabetes, existing diabetes, and glycosuria with adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors in offspring at adolescence.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Multivariable regression analyses were conducted in a prospective pregnancy cohort (n = 2,563–4,198 for different outcomes). Obstetric data were abstracted from clinical records. Offspring outcomes were assessed at mean age 15.5 years. Compared with those lost to follow-up, participants included in the analysis were of higher socioeconomic position. Outcomes included BMI, waist circumference, fat mass determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (sBP and dBP, respectively), fasting glucose, insulin, lipids, and C-reactive protein (CRP).

RESULTS

Maternal existing diabetes, gestational diabetes, and glycosuria were associated with higher offspring BMI and fat mass (z scores); however, this effect was attenuated in the confounder-adjusted model, and the CIs included the null value. Existing diabetes and gestational diabetes were associated with higher offspring fasting glucose levels (0.24 mmol/L [95% CI 0.03–0.45] and 0.20 mmol/L [0.02–0.39], respectively). Glycosuria was associated with higher fasting insulin (adjusted ratio of geometric means 1.12 [1.01–1.25]), but there were no clear associations of existing or gestational diabetes with offspring fasting insulin. There was little evidence of an association of maternal diabetes or glycosuria with offspring dBP, sBP, lipids, or CRP.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal pregnancy glycosuria, gestational diabetes, and existing diabetes show some associations with higher offspring fasting glucose and insulin assessed in adolescence but are not clearly associated with a wider range of cardiometabolic risk factors.
Softball Scheduling as Easy as 1-2-3 (Strikes You're Out)
Authors: Grabau Mark
Published: November 2011

Scheduling games for any professional sport is an extremely complex process. Scheduling recreational softball games for over 1,000 players is also a difficult process. A scheduler must adhere to nearly two dozen intertwined scheduling rules, while simultaneously ensuring that the players play their allotment of games. This paper reviews the scheduling of college basketball and professional baseball, football, and soccer. It then presents an integer programming approach to solve this problem. Finally, it identifies the obstacles encountered and the qualitative and quantitative benefits of the approach.
Immunogenicity and Safety of MMRV and PCV-7 Administered Concomitantly in Healthy Children
Authors: Leonardi Michael , Bromberg Kenneth , Baxter Roger , Gardner Julie L. , Klopfer Stephanie , Nicholson Ouzama , Brockley Michael , Trammel James , Leamy Vicky , Williams Wendy , Kuter Barbara , Schödel Florian
Published: November 2011

OBJECTIVE:

We assessed the immunogenicity and safety of a combination measles, mump, rubella, and varicella vaccine (MMRV) (ProQuad [Merck & Co, Inc, West Point, PA]) administered to healthy children concomitantly with a pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV-7) (Prevnar [Pfizer, Philadelphia, PA]).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Healthy 12- to 15-month-old children who lacked vaccination and clinical histories for measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and zoster but had written documentation of receipt of a 3-dose primary series of PCV-7 were randomly assigned in a 2:1:1 ratio to receive either the MMRV and PCV-7 (group 1), PCV-7 followed 6 weeks later by MMRV (group 2), or MMRV followed 6 weeks later by PCV-7 (group 3). The primary safety analysis was 56 days (28 days after each visit). Immunogenicity was evaluated 6 weeks after each vaccination.

RESULTS:

A total of 1027 children were enrolled (group 1: 510; group 2: 258; group 3: 259). For all 3 groups, the antibody response rate was ≥96.8% for measles, mumps, and rubella, ≥88.0% for varicella-zoster virus, and ≥98.3% for all of the 7 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes. The immune responses to all antigens present in MMRV and PCV-7 were similar whether administered concomitantly or sequentially. The incidence of local and systemic adverse experiences (AEs) was comparable between group 1 and groups 2 and 3 combined. No vaccine-related serious AEs were reported.

CONCLUSIONS:

Concomitant administration of the MMRV and PCV-7 is highly immunogenic and generally well tolerated. Similar immune responses between the groups support concomitant administration of the MMRV and PCV-7 to healthy children 12 to 15 months of age.
The Medical Directive
Authors: Emanuel Linda L. , Emanuel Ezekiel J.
Published: November 2011

Living wills have been strongly endorsed in principle. Unfortunately, existing living wills are rarely used in clinical practice because they are vague and difficult to apply. To remedy this, we propose a new advance care document: the Medical Directive. The Medical Directive delineates four paradigmatic scenarios, defined by prognosis and disability of incompetent patients. In each scenario, patients are to indicate their preferences regarding specific life-sustaining interventions. The Medical Directive also provides for the designation of a proxy to make decisions in circumstances where the patient’s preferences are uncertain. Finally, there is a section for a statement of wishes regarding organ donation. The Medical Directive provides an opportunity for significant improvement in the documentation of patients’ preferences regarding life-sustaining care in states of incompetence. As an expression of a patient’s wishes, the Medical Directive should be honored by courts and should facilitate physician-patient discussions of critical and terminal care options.
Melatonin promotes embryonic development and reduces reactive oxygen species in vitrified mouse 2‐cell embryos
Authors: Gao Chao , Han Hong‐Bing , Tian Xiu‐Zhi , Tan Dun‐Xian , Wang Liang , Zhou Guang‐Bin , Zhu Shi‐En , Liu Guo‐Shi
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Two‐cell embryos of mouse were vitrified by the open‐pulled straw (OPS) method. The vitrified embryos were warmed and introduced into M16 medium for culture that contains melatonin at different concentrations (10−3, 10−5, 10−7, 10−9, 10−11 m). This process caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and jeopardized the development of the embryos. Melatonin, at different concentrations, significantly suppresses ROS production and promotes embryonic development in vitrified embryos compared with untreated ones. The mechanistic studies indicated that the beneficial effects of melatonin on vitrified 2‐cell embryos of mouse were melatonin receptor (MT1 and MT2) independent. The direct free radical scavenging activity, the enhancement of endogenous glutathione levels, and the anti‐apoptotic capacity of melatonin may account for its protective effects on vitrified embryonic development.
Ethanol consumption increases the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, inducible nitric oxide synthase and metalloproteinases in the rat kidney
Authors: Tirapelli Luis F , Martins-Oliveira Alisson , Batalhão Marcelo E , Tirapelli Daniela P , Carnio Evelin C , Tanus-Santos José E , Queiroz Regina H , Padovan Claudia M , Tirapelli Carlos R
Published: November 2011

Objectives

The effects of longterm ethanol consumption on the levels of nitric oxide (NO) and the expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were studied in rat kidney.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were treated with 20% ethanol (v/v) for 6 weeks. Nitrite and nitrate generation was measured by chemiluminescence. Protein and mRNA levels of eNOS and iNOS were assessed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. MMP-2 activity was determined by gelatin zymography. Histopathological changes in kidneys and indices of renal function (creatinine and urea) and tissue injury (mitochondrial respiration) were also investigated.

Results

Chronic ethanol consumption did not alter malondialdehyde levels in the kidney. Ethanol consumption induced a significant increase in renal nitrite and nitrate levels. Treatment with ethanol increased mRNA expression of both eNOS and iNOS. Immunohistochemical assays showed increased immunostaining for eNOS and iNOS after treatment with ethanol. Kidneys from ethanol-treated rats showed increased activity of MMP-2. Histopathological investigation of kidneys from ethanol-treated animals revealed tubular necrosis. Indices of renal function and tissue injury were not altered in ethanol-treated rats.

Conclusions

Ethanol consumption increased renal metalloproteinase expression/activity, which was accompanied by histopathological changes in the kidney and elevated NO generation. Since iNOS-derived NO and MMPs contribute to progressive renal injury, the increased levels of NO and MMPs observed in ethanol-treated rats might contribute to progressive renal damage.
Brain temperature and exercise performance
Authors: Nybo Lars
Published: November 2011

Events arising within the central nervous system seem to be a major factor in the aetiology of hyperthermia‐induced fatigue. Thus, various studies with superimposed electrical nerve stimulation or transcranial magnetic stimulation have shown that both passive and exercise‐induced hyperthermia will impair voluntary motor activation during sustained maximal contractions. In humans, the brain temperature increases in parallel with that of the body core, making it very difficult to evaluate the independent effect of the cerebral temperature. Experiments with separate manipulation of the brain temperature in exercising goats indicate that excessive brain hyperthermia will directly affect motor performance. However, several homeostatic changes arise in parallel with hyperthermia, including factors that may influence both peripheral and central fatigue, and it is likely that these changes interact with the inhibitory effect of an elevated brain temperature.
Retrospective study of the prevalence of postanaesthetic hypothermia in cats
Authors: Redondo J. I. , Suesta P. , Gil L. , Soler G. , Serra I. , Soler C.
Published: November 2011

A retrospective study of 275 anaesthetic records of cats was undertaken to examine the prevalence of postanaesthetic hypothermia, its clinical predictors and consequences. Temperature was recorded throughout anaesthesia. The temperature reached at the end was classified as hyperthermia (>39.50°C), normothermia (38.50 to 39.50°C), slight hypothermia (38.49 to 36.50°C), moderate hypothermia (36.49 to 34.00°C) or severe hypothermia (<34.00°C). Statistical analysis consisted of multiple regression to identify the factors that affect the temperature at the end of the procedure. Before premedication, the mean (sd) temperature was 38.2 (1.0)°C. At 60, 120 and 180 minutes from induction, the temperature was 35.4 (1.4)°C, 35.0 (1.5)°C and 34.6 (1.5)°C, respectively. The prevalence of hypothermia was slight 26.5 per cent (95 per cent CI 21.7 to 32.0 per cent), moderate 60.4 per cent (95 per cent CI 54.5 to 66.0 per cent) and severe 10.5 per cent (95 per cent CI 7.4 to 14.7 per cent). The variables associated with a decrease in the temperature recorded at the end of anaesthesia were the duration of anaesthesia, the reason for anaesthesia (abdominal and orthopaedic surgeries significantly reduced the temperature when compared with minor procedures) and the anaesthetic risk (high‐risk cats showed lower temperatures than low‐risk cats). The temperature before premedication was associated with an increase in the final temperature.