bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schistosoma real‐time PCR as diagnostic tool for international travellers and migrants
Authors: Cnops Lieselotte , Tannich Egbert , Polman Katja , Clerinx Jan , Van Esbroeck Marjan
Published: August 2012

Objective  To evaluate the use of a genus‐specific PCR that combines high sensitivity with the detection of different Schistosoma species for diagnosis in international travellers and migrants in comparison to standard microscopy.

Methods and results  The genus‐specific real‐time PCR was developed to target the 28S ribosomal RNA gene of the major human Schistosoma species. It was validated for analytical specificity and reproducibility and demonstrated an analytical sensitivity of 0.2 eggs per gram of faeces. Its diagnostic performance was further evaluated on 152 faecal, 32 urine and 38 serum samples from patients presenting at the outpatient clinic of the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp (Belgium). We detected Schistosoma DNA in 76 faecal (50.0%) and five urine (15.6%) samples of which, respectively, nine and one were not detected by standard microscopy. Only two of the 38 serum samples of patients with confirmed schistosomiasis were positive with the presently developed PCR. Sequence analysis on positive faecal samples allowed identification of the Schistosoma species complex.

Conclusion  The real‐time PCR is highly sensitive and may offer added value in diagnosing imported schistosomiasis. The genus‐specific PCR can detect all schistosome species that are infectious to humans and performs very well with faeces and urine, but not in serum.
Mass administration of the antimalarial drug mefloquine to Guantánamo detainees: a critical analysis
Authors: Nevin Remington L.
Published: August 2012

Recently, evidence has emerged from an unusual form of mass drug administration practised among detainees held at US Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, Cuba (‘Guantánamo’), ostensibly as a public health measure. Mefloquine, an antimalarial drug originally developed by the US military, whose use is associated with a range of severe neuropsychiatric adverse effects, was administered at treatment doses to detainees immediately upon their arrival at Guantánamo, prior to laboratory testing for malaria and irrespective of symptoms of disease. In this analysis, the history of mefloquine’s development is reviewed and the indications for its administration at treatment doses are discussed. The stated rationale for the use of mefloquine among Guantánamo detainees is then evaluated in the context of accepted forms of population‐based malaria control. It is concluded that there was no plausible public health indication for the use of mefloquine at Guantánamo and that based on prevailing standards of care, the clinical indications for its use are decidedly unclear. This analysis suggests the troubling possibility that the use of mefloquine at Guantánamo may have been motivated in part by knowledge of the drug’s adverse effects, and points to a critical need for further investigation to resolve unanswered questions regarding the drug’s potentially inappropriate use.
The relevance of patient‐reported outcomes in a grass pollen immunotherapy trial in children and adolescents with rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Röder Esther , Berger Marjolein Y. , Hop Wim C. J. , de Groot Hans , Gerth van Wijk Roy
Published: August 2012

To cite this article: Röder E, Berger MY, Hop WCJ, de Groot H, Gerth van Wijk R. The relevance of patient‐reported outcomes in a grass pollen immunotherapy trial in children and adolescents with rhinoconjunctivitis. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012.

Background:  Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) are the only instruments available to assess the efficacy of an intervention in patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. As allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is a systemic disease, it is now recommended to use not only PROs focusing at classical symptoms, but also health‐related quality of life (HRQL) instruments in immunotherapy trials.

Methods:  A previously published immunotherapy trial in children and adolescents (6–18 yr) with hay fever provided us with data to assess the relevance of two of these additional outcome measures, the disease‐specific rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) and the generic COOP/WONCA‐charts (CWC). A PRO was considered relevant if it was responsive to pollen exposure and at least had a moderate correlation with the classical symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Furthermore, we evaluated a post‐season PRO, that is, a global assessment of symptoms (GAS). This assessment is used in clinical trials as a tool for selecting participants with sufficient symptoms and in daily practice to evaluate the patient’s complaints during the preceding season. We assessed the correlation of this retrospective score with the actual symptoms during the previous pollen season.

Results:  Data from 36 children and 63 adolescents were analysed. On the basis of the total scores of the paediatric and adolescent version of the RQLQ, both questionnaires were considered relevant as they were responsive to exposure and showed a moderate to strong correlation with the rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms. However, in both children and adolescents, 40% of the RQLQ items were not relevant according to our definition. The CWC as a whole and the separate charts appear less relevant because of the weak correlations with the daily symptom score from the diary. The correlation between our post‐season GAS and the in season daily symptom score was weak.

Conclusion:  The paediatric and adolescent RQLQ are relevant, but could be shortened as they contain a substantial number of irrelevant items. The CWC are not relevant in the monitoring of children and adolescents with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis caused by grass pollen. The retrospective GAS does not sufficiently reflect the actual symptoms during the preceding season.
From Severe Combined Immunodeficiency to Omenn syndrome after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a RAG1 deficient family
Authors: Martinez‐Martinez Laura , Vazquez‐Ortiz Marta , Gonzalez‐Santesteban Cecilia , Martin‐Nalda Andrea , Vicente Asunción , Plaza Ana M. , Badell Isabel , Alsina Laia , de la Calle‐Martin Oscar
Published: August 2012

Background:  Mutations in RAG genes cause a spectrum of severe immunodeficiencies ranging from Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) T‐B‐NK+ to Omenn syndrome (OS) through intermediate phenotypes, even for the same alteration. Nowadays, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the unique curative treatment available.

Methods:  We describe three related patients from a Moroccan consanguineous family. Patient 1 developed at 1 month of age moderate eczematous dermatitis with eosinophilia, followed by infections and enteritis. He was transplanted and received reduced intensity conditioning regimen previous to HSCT. His brother, patient 2, was born preterm with a severe neonatal erythroderma, hepatosplenomegaly and lymphadenopathy. Patient 3, cousin of the two siblings, was also born preterm and fulfilled all criteria for classical OS. Immunological evaluation was performed and RAG genes were sequenced.

Results:  Immunological data from all three patients were very diversed, from T lymphopenia to marked lymphocytosis, and different degrees of eosinophilia and IgE levels. Non‐responder T cells and absent B cells were constant. All patients presented the same homozygous mutation in RAG1 gene (c.631delT). Patient 1 fully recovered both clinically and immunologically after HSCT. Two years later, he lost the accomplished lymphoid chimera and the disease relapsed as a classical OS, leading to patient’s death.

Conclusions:  This is the first report of a RAG1 deficient patient with a changed clinical and immunological phenotype from SCID to OS after HSCT. The use of a myeloablative conditioning regimen that eliminates reminiscent T cells might have improved patient’s outcome and it should be considered in similar cases.
Heterorhabditis sp. not attracted to synthetic (E)‐β‐caryophyllene, a volatile emitted by roots upon feeding by corn rootworm
Authors: Anbesse S. , Ehlers R.‐U.
Published: August 2012

The western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is a destructive pest of maize, Zea mays L. in North America and Europe. Larvae and pupae can be controlled with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) of the genus Heterorhabditis. When maize is attacked by WCR, the roots of some maize varieties emit (E)‐β‐caryophyllene that attract EPN to the pest larvae. To use synthetic (E)‐β‐caryophyllene in bioassays for the genetic selection of EPN strains with enhanced chemotactic response to a volatile emitted from the damaged root when attacked by larvae of the WCR, different laboratory bioassays were tested. Three sand assays and one agar assay used synthetic (E)‐β‐caryophyllene as an attractant for H. megidis. In none of the assays, attraction of the nematodes to (E)‐β‐caryophyllene was recorded. Possible reasons why (E)‐β‐caryophyllene was not attracting EPN in the bioassays are discussed.
The inhibitory effects of aureobasidin A on Candida planktonic and biofilm cells
Authors: Tan H. W. , Tay S. T.
Published: August 2012

Aureobasidin A (AbA) is a cyclic depsipeptide antifungal compound that inhibits a wide range of pathogenic fungi. In this study, the in vitro susceptibility of 92 clinical isolates of various Candida species against AbA was assessed by determining the planktonic and biofilm MICs of the isolates. The MIC50 and MIC90 of the planktonic Candida yeast were 1 and 1 μg ml−1, respectively, whereas the biofilm MIC50 and MIC90 of the isolates were 8 and ≥64 μg ml−1 respectively. This study demonstrates AbA inhibition on filamentation and biofilm development of C. albicans. The production of short hyphae and a lack of filamentation might have impaired biofilm development of AbA‐treated cells. The AbA resistance of mature Candidia biofilms (24 h adherent population) was demonstrated in this study.
Pharmacogenomic association between a variant in SLC47A1 gene and therapeutic response to metformin in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Tkáč I. , Klimčáková L. , Javorský M. , Fabianová M. , Schroner Z. , Hermanová H. , Babjaková E. , Tkáčová R.
Published: August 2012

Pharmacogenetic studies revealed that variants in genes related to the pharmacokinetics of metformin were associated with glucose‐lowering effect of metformin. The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations of the variants in genes encoding organic cationic transporters–solute carrier family 22, members A1, A2 (SLC22A1, SLC22A2) and solute carrier family 47, member A1 (SLC47A1) with response to metformin in type 2 diabetes. One hundred forty‐eight drug‐naive patients with type 2 diabetes were included in the study. Genotyping for SLC22A1 rs622342, SLC22A2 rs316019 and SLC47A1 rs2289669 variants was performed using real‐time PCR with subsequent melting‐curve analysis. SLC47A1 rs2289669 genotype was significantly associated with the reduction in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) after 6 months. Twenty percentage of patients with diabetes that are homozygous for A‐allele of SLC47A1 had twofold reduction in HbA1c in comparison with the patients carrying G‐allele (GG + GA: 0.55 ± 0.09% vs. AA: 1.10 ± 0.18%, p = 0.018). In conclusion, the results of this study might have in future practical implication in personalised treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Optimal Setting of Point Spreads
Authors: Sandford Jeremy , Shea Paul
Published: August 2012

We develop a model of competitive gambling markets addressing two empirical puzzles. First, why do bookmakers not set unbiased lines that try to equalize betting on both sides, and thus profit from commissions with minimal risk? Second, why is there little evidence of bookmakers competing through lower commissions? We show that the interaction between bookmakers' and gamblers' private information can induce biased lines even when all players are maximizing their chances of winning. We also offer an explanation for persistently high commissions charged by seemingly competitive bookmakers; these commissions are necessary to compensate books for assuming the disadvantage of moving first.
Shopping with my mother: reminiscences of adult daughters
Authors: Minahan Stella , Huddleston Patricia
Published: August 2012

Mothers and daughters are an influential dyad seen in US shopping malls, and their purchasing power is critical to the success of the retail industry. This study explores the longevity and relevance of that relationship to the development and maintenance of consumer skills and preferences. Consumer socialization theory has focused on the transfer of skills, values and knowledge, from parent to young child. Studies of intergenerational influences have yet to investigate the mother–daughter shopping relationship. This study investigates the transfer of perceptions and skills of shopping from mother to daughter, and daughter to mother, as seen by the adult daughters. We interviewed daughters aged between 21 and 70 about shopping experiences with their mothers. The objectives were to (1) gain knowledge of how daughters perceive shopping with their mothers; (2) uncover what daughters value in the shopping experience; and (3) listen to, analyse and draw conclusions about accounts of how consumer habits, preferences and experiences are transferred across generations and life stages. The study documents themes relating to pride in gaining independence, establishing social rituals, enjoying the reciprocal coaching and bonding. All the interviewees described their experiences of shopping as a leisure activity that was not associated with the transaction‐based routine shopping events such as supermarket shopping. We found that the importance of the mother–daughter shopping experience extends well beyond feelings of self‐worth resulting from astute choice‐making when shopping, and relates more to the value of the mother–daughter relationship acted out in a retail setting. Surprisingly, none of the participants spoke negatively about their shopping experiences. Finally, the strength of the maternal influence appears to continue throughout the daughter's life, including after the mother's death.
The rise in singleton preterm births in the USA: the impact of labour induction
Authors: Zhang X , Kramer MS
Published: August 2012

Please cite this paper as: Zhang X, Kramer M. The rise in singleton preterm births in the USA: the impact of labour induction. BJOG 2012;119:1309–1315.

Objective  To assess the extent to which increased rates of labour induction and caesarean section have contributed to the recent rise in preterm birth.

Design  National birth cohort study.

Setting  USA.

Population and sample  Singleton live births, with primary analysis based on non‐Hispanic white women.

Methods  Ecological study based on the 50 states and the District of Columbia during two time periods 10 years apart: 1992–94 and 2002–04.

Main outcome measure  Preterm birth (live birth <37 completed weeks of gestation), based on an algorithm combining menstrual and clinical estimates of gestational age.

Results  The state‐level ecological analysis among non‐Hispanic white women showed that the change in preterm birth rate from 1992–94 to 2002–04 was significantly associated with the change in rate of labour induction (r = 0.50, 95% CI 0.26–0.68), but not with the change in rate of caesarean delivery (r = −0.06, 95% CI −0.33 to 0.22). Weaker but otherwise similar associations with labour induction were observed in Hispanic women and in non‐Hispanic black women.

Conclusions  Increasing use of labour induction is probably an important cause of the observed increased rate in preterm birth.
Laying date, body mass and tick infestation of nestling tropical Roseate Terns Sterna dougallii predict fledging success, first‐year survival and age at first return to the natal colony
Authors: Monticelli David , Ramos Jaime A.
Published: August 2012

Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors recorded at individual nests can predict offspring fitness and survival but few studies have examined these effects in the tropics. We recorded nestling survival, post‐fledging survival and age at first return of Roseate Terns breeding at Aride Island, Seychelles, over a 12‐year period (1998–2009). Nest data recorded at the egg, nestling and fledging stages were collected during six breeding seasons (1998, 2001–2005) and a capture‐mark‐recapture dataset of six cohorts of fledglings was obtained from 2001–2009. Logistic regression models were used to assess the predictive effect of reproductive variables on fledging success, while multistate capture‐mark‐recapture models were used to estimate post‐fledging survival and return–recruitment probabilities to the natal site. Nestling survival probability increased with earliness of laying and was negatively affected by tick infestation during the growth period (0–23 days). Fledging probability was also positively related to chick body condition, whereas other pre‐fledging reproductive parameters such as clutch size and egg size were not influential. A multistate modelling of age‐specific survival and return–recruitment (transition) rates found that first‐year survival differed between cohorts and was also negatively affected by tick infestation. Annual survival stabilized from age 2 onwards at 0.83 ± 0.02. Transition rates were positively related to body condition at fledging, with heavier individuals returning for the first time to the natal colony at a younger age compared with lighter individuals. These results highlight the importance of local conditions encountered by tropical seabirds during the breeding season in shaping demographic parameters.
Review: a meta‐analysis of GWAS and age‐associated diseases
Authors: Jeck William R. , Siebold Alex P. , Sharpless Norman E.
Published: August 2012

Genome‐Wide Association studies (GWAS) offer an unbiased means to understand the genetic basis of traits by identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to causal variants of complex phenotypes. GWAS have identified a host of susceptibility SNPs associated with many important human diseases, including diseases associated with aging. In an effort to understand the genetics of broad resistance to age‐associated diseases (i.e., ‘wellness’), we performed a meta‐analysis of human GWAS. Toward that end, we compiled 372 GWAS that identified 1775 susceptibility SNPs to 105 unique diseases and used these SNPs to create a genomic landscape of disease susceptibility. This map was constructed by partitioning the genome into 200 kb ‘bins’ and mapping the 1775 susceptibility SNPs to bins based on their genomic location. Investigation of these data revealed significant heterogeneity of disease association within the genome, with 92% of bins devoid of disease‐associated SNPs. In contrast, 10 bins (0.06%) were significantly (P < 0.05) enriched for susceptibility to multiple diseases, 5 of which formed two highly significant peaks of disease association (P < 0.0001). These peaks mapped to the Major Histocompatibility (MHC) locus on 6p21 and the INK4/ARF (CDKN2a/b) tumor suppressor locus on 9p21.3. Provocatively, all 10 significantly enriched bins contained genes linked to either inflammation or cellular senescence pathways, and SNPs near regulators of senescence were particularly associated with disease of aging (e.g., cancer, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, glaucoma). This analysis suggests that germline genetic heterogeneity in the regulation of immunity and cellular senescence influences the human healthspan.
An integrated approach to identify normal tissue expression of targets for antibody‐drug conjugates: case study of TENB2
Authors: Boswell C Andrew , Mundo Eduardo E , Firestein Ron , Zhang Crystal , Mao Weiguang , Gill Herman , Young Cynthia , Ljumanovic Nina , Stainton Shannon , Ulufatu Sheila , Fourie Aimee , Kozak Katherine R , Fuji Reina , Polakis Paul , Khawli Leslie A , Lin Kedan
Published: August 2012

Background and Purpose

The success of antibody‐drug conjugates (ADCs) depends on the therapeutic window rendered by the differential expression between normal and pathological tissues. The ability to identify and visualize target expression in normal tissues could reveal causes for target‐mediated clearance observed in pharmacokinetic characterization. TENB2 is a prostate cancer target associated with the progression of poorly differentiated and androgen‐independent tumour types, and ADCs specific for TENB2 are candidate therapeutics. The objective of this study was to locate antigen expression of TENB2 in normal tissues, thereby elucidating the underlying causes of target‐mediated clearance.

Experimental Approach

A series of pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and mass balance studies were conducted in mice using a radiolabelled anti‐TENB2 ADC. These data were complemented by non‐invasive single photon emission computed tomography – X‐ray computed tomography imaging and immunohistochemistry.

Key Results

The intestines were identified as a saturable and specific antigen sink that contributes, at least in part, to the rapid target‐mediated clearance of the anti‐TENB2 antibody and its drug conjugate in rodents. As a proof of concept, we also demonstrated the selective disposition of the ADC in a tumoural environment in vivo using the LuCaP 77 transplant mouse model. High tumour uptake was observed despite the presence of the antigen sink, and antigen specificity was confirmed by antigen blockade.

Conclusions and Implications

Our findings provide the anatomical location and biological interpretation of target‐mediated clearance of anti‐TENB2 antibodies and corresponding drug conjugates. Further investigations may be beneficial in addressing the relative contributions to ADC disposition from antigen expression in both normal and pathological tissues.
Prevalence and significance of Hepatitis B reverse transcriptase mutants in different disease stages of untreated patients
Authors: Zheng Jinxin , Zeng Zheng , Zhang Duyi , Yu Yanyan , Wang Fang , Pan Calvin Q.
Published: August 2012

Aims

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reverse transcriptase (RT) mutants, which have not been well characterized according to different disease stages. This study aimed to characterize the profiles of naturally occurring mutations in the HBV RT region and their associated clinical outcomes.

Methods

HBV RT region mutations and genotypes were determined by PCR‐direct sequencing and compared with p‐distance model.

Results

Among 467 consecutive eligible patients (262 chronic hepatitis B patients, 105 cirrhotic patients and 100 hepatocellular carcinoma patients), the nucleos(t)ide analogues‐related mutations (rtI169T, rtV173L, rtL180M, rtA181T, rtS202C, rtM204I/V, rtN236T) were found. The p‐distance value reached a peak in the age of 20–30 years in the CHB patients and in the age of 40–45 years in the cirrhotic patients and hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The naturally occurring mutation, rtS106C mutation was higher in chronic hepatitis B patients (14/100, 14.0%) and cirrhotic patients (14/100, 14.0%) than that in hepatocellular carcinoma patients (4/100, 4.0%, P = 0.013). And the rtD134E/G/N/S mutations were also higher in chronic hepatitis B patients (22/100, 22.0%) and cirrhotic patients (21/100, 21.0%) than that in hepatocellular carcinoma patients (10/100, 10.0%, P = 0.021 and P = 0.032 respectively). The mutation frequencies in A–B interdomain were higher in cirrhotic patients (101/1900, 5.3%) than that in hepatocellular carcinoma patients (68/1900, 3.6%) (P = 0.009).

Conclusions

The nucleos(t)ide analogues‐related mutations do exist in treatment naive patients with different disease stages. rtS106C, rtD134E/G/N/S and A–B interdomain mutations may be associated with necro‐inflammation, immune response and cirrhosis development at ages older than 40.
Optimal price‐level drift under commitment in the canonical New Keynesian model
Authors: Amano Robert , Ambler Steve , Shukayev Malik
Published: August 2012

Abstract In both the canonical and many extended versions of the New Keynesian model, optimal monetary policy under commitment implies price‐level stationarity as long as expectations are rational. We show that this is no longer the case if the central bank and private agents make decisions before observing current shocks. The optimal amount of price‐level drift in response to unexpected innovations to inflation is quantitatively important. This result has important implications for monetary policy, including the design of the optimal loss function for the central bank if it cannot commit to its future policies.
Mobile capital and the home market effect
Authors: Takatsuka Hajime , Zeng Dao‐Zhi
Published: August 2012

Abstract Most existing studies examine the home market effect (HME) in a framework with immobile labour as the only production factor and the assumption of a freely traded homogeneous good is known to be crucial for the HME to emerge. This study explores the HME in the presence of mobile capital by use of a footloose capital model allowing for positive transport costs of the homogeneous good. The mobile capital generates a channel to offset the trade imbalance of a country. As a result, the HME always appears for arbitrary transport costs in both sectors of differentiated and homogeneous goods.
Bidirectional Ventricular Tachycardia Due to Coronary Allograft Vasculopathy a Unique Presentation
Authors: Bhavnani Sanjeev P. , Clyne Christopher A.
Published: August 2012

Bidirectional ventricular tachycardia (BVT) is an uncommon type of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT) with alternating polarity of the QRS complex most commonly described digitalis toxicity. Recent data has demonstrated the possible molecular basis of this electrocardiographic phenomenon. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of BVT in a patient with orthotopic cardiac transplantation and coronary allograft vasculopathy.
Undersensing by an ICD Due to Alternans of the Ventricular Electrogram
Authors: Van Heuverswyn Frederic E. , Timmers Liesbeth , Stroobandt Roland X. , Serge Barold S.
Published: August 2012

Alternans of the ventricular electrogram (VEGM) during ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a rare cause of ventricular undersensing by an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD). This report describes a patient with a St. Jude ICD who exhibited sustained monomorphic VT associated with surface QRS alternans, alternating cycle lengths, alternans of the VEGM causing intermittent undersensing of the smaller component, and intermittent 2:1 counting of ventricular intervals during 1:1 sensing in response to the ICD detection algorithm. VEGM undersensing was corrected noninvasively simply by programming the threshold start from 62.5% to 50% which increased the sensitivity based on the amplitude of the VEGM. This maneuver did not affect the satisfactory and stable defibrillation threshold.
Hyperkalemia‐Induced Brugada Pattern with Electrical Alternans
Authors: Liu Renguang , Chang Qinghua
Published: August 2012

The Brugada syndrome is a genetic disease (mutation of the SCN5A gene) that predisposes to syncope and life‐threatening sudden cardiac death. The case highlights the importance of recognizing hyperkalemia, as potential triggers of the acquired Brugada sign with electrical alternans.
Ventricular Extrasystoles with Interpolation or Postponed Compensatory Pause during Atrial Fibrillation: Fact or Fiction?
Authors: Carbone Vincenzo , Oreto Lilia , Oreto Giuseppe
Published: August 2012

A Holter recording obtained from a patient with atrial fibrillation showed ventricular extrasystoles often in bigeminal rhythm. Most extrasystoles were followed by a long return cycle, and only in a few instances the postextrasystolic interval was short. The latter phenomenon was interpreted as a manifestation of poor retrograde concealed penetration of the ventricular impulse into the atrioventricular (A‐V) junction: accordingly, an ensuing relatively early fibrillation impulse reached the ventricular chamber, since it did not find the A‐V node refractory. These events are similar to what happens in interpolated ventricular extrasystoles occurring during sinus rhythm, the absent or minimal concealed retrograde penetration of the ectopic impulse into the A‐V node being necessary to permit anterograde conduction of the ensuing sinus impulse.

Analysis of the recording also revealed that a very long (>2 second) interval between two consecutive narrow beats only occurred after an “interpolated” extrasystole. This was interpreted with the same mechanism underlying the “postponed compensatory pause” observed at times after interpolated ventricular extrasystoles during sinus rhythm: the minimal or nil penetration of the ventricular ectopic impulse into the A‐V junction, followed by conduction of an ensuing early atrial impulse, “shifts to the right” the A‐V nodal refractory period, preventing conduction of several further supraventricular impulses and generating a pause.

Both interpolated ventricular extrasystoles and the phenomenon of “postponed compensatory pause” are, thus, conceivable during atrial fibrillation, although no definite demonstration is possible.
Ultrastructure of the Oral Apparatus of Mesodinium rubrum from Korea
Authors: Nam Seung Won , Shin Woongghi , Wayne Coats D. , Park Jong Woo , Yih Wonho
Published: August 2012

Mesodinium rubrum Lohmann is a photosynthetic marine ciliate that has functional chloroplasts of cryptophyte origin. Little is known about the oral ultrastructure of M. rubrum compared with several reports on the sequestration of nuclei and plastids from prey organisms, such as Geminigera cryophila and Teleaulax species. Here, we describe the fine structure of the oral apparatus of a M. rubrum strain from Gomso Bay, Korea. The cytopharynx was cone‐shaped and supported by 20–22 ribbons of triplet microtubules. At the anterior end of the cytopharynx, an annulus anchored small cylinders composed of 11 microtubules. The small cylinders were spaced at regular intervals, each reinforced by one set of the triplet microtubules. At the opening of the cytostome, larger 14‐membered microtubular cylinders were set adjacent to the small, 11‐membered microtubular cylinders, each pair surrounded by separate membranes, however, only the large cylinders extended into the oral tentacles. There were 20–22 oral tentacles each having one to five extrusomes at its tip. At the anterior end of the oral apparatus, microtubular bands supporting the cytostome curved posteriad, extending beneath the cell cortex to the kinetosomes of the somatic cirri. The microtubular bands were connected by striated fibers and originated from kinetosomes anchored by fibers. Each cirrus consisted of eight cilia associated with 16 kinetosomes. The ultrastructure of M. rubrum from Korea provides information useful for taxonomic characterization of the genus Mesodinium and relevant to developing a better understanding of the acquisition of foreign organelles through phagocytosis by M. rubrum.
La28−xW4+xO54+3x/2 Powders Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Gil Vanesa , Strøm Ruth A. , Groven Lori J. , Einarsrud Mari‐Ann
Published: August 2012

Here we report the first aqueous solution‐based synthesis route to lanthanum tungstate nanopowders (La28−xW4+xO54+3x/2). Lanthanum tungstate‐based materials have high proton conductivity at elevated temperatures making them interesting for several energy technology applications. The La28−xW4+xO54+3x/2 powders prepared by developing a new aqueous precursor solution have a narrow particle size distribution with an average grain size of 100 nm. Different pre‐consolidation conditions were studied to enhance powder performance. Dense, single phase materials with homogeneous microstructures with grain size ~4 μm were obtained using sintering temperatures at 1400°C in air. Changing the La/W‐ratio from 5.6 to 5.4 did not affect the densification rate, however, a slight increase in grain growth rate was observed.
Characteristics of children with positive coeliac serology and normal villous morphology: potential coeliac disease
Authors: Tanpowpong Pornthep , Broder‐Fingert Sarabeth , Katz Aubrey J. , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: August 2012

Positive coeliac serology with normal villous morphology (NVM) indicates potential coeliac disease (CD). Few studies have compared characteristics of NVM vs villous atrophy in patients with positive serology. Our aim was to determine the independent clinical predictors of NVM in children with positive CD serology. We performed a structured medical record review of patients aged 1–19 years who presented for an initial CD evaluation between 2000 and 2010 at a large teaching hospital. Data collection included demographics, medical history, prior history of gluten avoidance, CD‐specific serology, oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and histopathology. Predictors of NVM (vs Marsh III) were determined using multivariable logistic regression. Among 320 patients with positive serology, we identified 62 patients (19%, 95% CI 15–24) with NVM (i.e. potential CD). Younger children may have been more likely to exhibit NVM (p = 0.06). Three significant predictors of NVM were prior gluten avoidance (OR 4.17, 95% CI 1.02–17.13), positive tissue transglutaminase antibody but <100 U/mL (OR 14.75, 95% CI 3.33–65.30), and absence of gross duodenal abnormalities (OR 3.48, 95% CI 1.51–8.03). Among children with positive CD serology, prior gluten avoidance predicts NVM. Future studies are warranted on the impact of gluten intake and CD testing in children without prior established CD diagnosis.
The evaluation of enteric viruses in asymptomatic free‐ranging non‐human primates (Alouatta guariba clamitans, Alouatta caraya, Callithrix spp., Callithrix penicillata, and Leontopithecus caissara) in southern Brazil
Authors: Souza Fabiana , Alfieri Amauri A. , Alfieri Alice F. , Lorenzetti Elis , Headley Selwyn A. , Passos Fernando , Silvestre Thiago , Zago Luciana , Mottin Viviane , Montiani‐Ferreira Fabiano , Lange Rogério , Svoboda Walfrido , Gomes Eliane
Published: August 2012

Background

This study evaluated the presence of rotavirus groups A, B, and C (RV‐A, RV‐B, and RV‐C), sapovirus (SaV), and norovirus (NoV) in asymptomatic non‐human primates (NHP).

Methods

Fecal samples were collected from 19 recently captured (Red‐howler, Alouatta guariba clamitans, n = 18; Howler, Alouatta caraya, n = 1) and 43 free‐ranging NHP (Marmosets, Callithrix spp., Callithrix penicillata, n = 30; Black‐faced lion tamarin, Leontopithecus caissara, n = 12, Red‐howler, Alouatta guariba clamitans, n = 1) that were maintained in southern Brazil without manifestation of diarrhea. Screening was performed by a combination of silver‐stained polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (ss‐PAGE) and RT‐PCR analyses.

Results

All samples were negative for RV‐A, RV‐B, RV‐C, SaV, and NoV by both assays.

Conclusion

The negative results obtained might be due to the absence of clinical manifestations of disease in the population of NHP evaluated.
Determinants of tree species turnover in a southern Amazonian rain forest
Authors: Guèze Maximilien , Paneque‐Gálvez Jaime , Luz Ana C. , Pino Joan , Orta‐Martínez Marti , Reyes‐García Victoria , Macía Manuel J.
Published: August 2012

Questions

What is the relative importance of environmental variables and geographical distances to explain tree species turnover? Are these patterns consistent for different tree categories, i.e. all trees (DBH ≥ 2.5 cm), large trees (DBH ≥ 10 cm), small trees sensu lato (DBH < 10 cm) and small trees sensu stricto (strictly understorey species, DBH < 10 cm)?

Location

Department of Beni, Bolivia, southwestern Amazon.

Methods

A total of 55 0.1‐ha plots were inventoried in old‐growth terra firme forest in seven sites. Composite soil samples from each plot were analysed for physical and chemical properties. Environmental and geographical influences on tree species turnover were quantified with Mantel correlations and variation partitioning based on multiple regressions on distance matrices.

Results

Floristic differences between sites yielded significant correlations with both geographical distances and environmental variables (pH, Ca, Mg, exchangeable acidity, C:N ratio, sand content) for all tree categories. Phosphorus was correlated with floristic patterns only for small trees sensu stricto. Together, geographical distances and environmental variables explained 62% of the floristic variation for all trees. Environmental variables explained more variation for large trees than for small trees sensu stricto.

Conclusions

The results support the hypothesis that species distributions are driven by both geographical distances (as quantifiers of dispersal processes) and environmental variables (niche factors) in similar proportions. Spatial floristic patterns of large trees and small trees sensu stricto were in general terms congruent.
Parliamentary Inquiry Into Health Promoting Schools in Victoria: Analysis of Stakeholder Views
Authors: Bruce Emma , Klein Ruth , Keleher Helen
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: In 2009, the Victorian Parliament Legislative Assembly of Australia commissioned a Parliamentary Inquiry into the opportunities for schools to become a focus for promoting healthy community living. Submissions to the Inquiry varied widely in their positions about school health promotion. The aim of this review is to analyze the submissions to identify core themes in the debates about school health promotion and how stakeholders saw schools becoming a focus for promoting healthy communities.

METHODS: Submissions (N = 159) were downloaded from the Inquiry website. Open coding was used to code the data. The codes were then refined into conceptual categories to create themes. The Inquiry's terms of reference were used as an organizing framework.

RESULTS: Emergent themes included barriers and enablers to school health promotion including the need for stronger leadership from the Departments of Health (DoH) and Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD).

CONCLUSION: Rather than supporting the idea that schools could have a wider role in communities, submissions pointed to the acute need for increased resource allocation to support health promotion in schools, and for coordinated approaches with stronger leadership from the health and education sectors. Without these structures, schools can only address health in an ad hoc manner with limited resources, capacity, and outcomes.
Characterization of Thorn‐Shaped Astrocytes in White Matter of Temporal Lobe in Alzheimer's Disease Brains
Authors: López‐González Irene , Carmona Margarita , Blanco Rosa , Luna‐Muñoz José , Martínez‐Mandonado Alejandra , Mena Raúl , Ferrer Isidre
Published: August 2012

Thorn‐shaped astrocytes (TsA) are mainly localized in the periventricular white matter of the temporal lobe in a subgroup of aged individuals usually in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Immunohistochemistry of TsA shows 4Rtau deposition, tau phosphorylation at different sites recognized with phosphospecific anti‐tau antibodies Thr181, Ser202, Ser214, Thr231, Ser396, Ser422, and clones AT8 and PHF‐1, and conformational changes revealed with Alz50 and MC‐1 antibodies; TsA are also immunostained with antibodies to active tau kinases MAPK/ERK‐P, SAPK/JNK‐P, p38‐P and GSK‐3β. These findings are common to neurofibrillary tangles in AD. However, TsA are not stained with 3Rtau antibodies, and they are seldom stained or not at all with phosphospecific tauSer262 and with Tau‐C3 antibody, which recognizes the latter tau truncation at aspartic acid 421. Previous studies have shown that tau phosphorylation at Ser262 reduces tau binding to microtubules and increases caspase‐3 activity, whereas tau truncation at aspartic acid 421 is associated with tau ubiquitination, and toxic effects of tau. In this line, ubiquitin is not accumulated in TsA, and in situ end‐labeling of nuclear DNA fragmentation shows absence of degeneration in TsA. These observations support the concept that tau lesions in neurons differ from those seen in TsA in AD.
Seroprevalence of Japanese Encephalitis Virus and Risk Factors Associated with Seropositivity in Pigs in Four Mountain Districts in Nepal*
Authors: Thakur K. K. , Pant G. R. , Wang L. , Hill C. A. , Pogranichniy R. M. , Manandhar S. , Johnson A. J.
Published: August 2012

Japanese encephalitis was recently reported from individuals in the mountain districts of Nepal without travel history to Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) endemic areas. We performed a cross‐sectional study to estimate the seroprevalence of JEV in pigs and subsequently conducted a survey of farmers to identify risk factors associated with seropositivity. In July and August, 2010, 454 pig serum samples were collected and tested by competitive ELISA. Data from a 35‐question survey of 109 pig owners were analysed using multivariate logistic regression. Seventy‐six (16.7, 95% CI 13.6–20.4) pigs tested positive for anti‐JEV antibodies, none of which had been vaccinated against JEV or sourced from JEV endemic areas. Risk factors associated with JEV seropositivity were ‘summer abortion’, ‘wells as a water source’, ‘urban location’, ‘reported presence of mosquitoes’ and ‘lower elevation’. Our results suggest that JEV is likely circulating in the mountain districts of Nepal, and that locally acquired JEV should be considered a risk for residents and travellers in these areas.
EMNEcatch‐up strategies in the wind turbine industry: Is there a trade‐off between output and innovation capabilities?
Authors: Awate Snehal , Larsen Marcus M. , Mudambi Ram
Published: August 2012

Emerging economy multinationals (EMNEs) are catching up with advanced economy MNEs (AMNEs) even in emerging, high technology industries, where their knowledge‐based disadvantages are most severe. We explain this phenomenon by distinguishing between output and innovation capabilities. Successful EMNEs' focus on output capabilities need not facilitate innovation catch‐up. We compare the knowledge bases of an industry‐leading AMNE and a fast‐follower EMNE using patent data, buttressed by qualitative information. The AMNE's knowledge base is deeper and composed of more distinct technology groups than that of the EMNE. The EMNE has caught up in terms of output capabilities, but still lags in terms of innovation capabilities. Our in‐depth comparative case analysis contributes to the literature on knowledge strategies and their impact on firm capabilities.
Do we need different frameworks to explain infant MNEs from developing countries?
Authors: Narula Rajneesh
Published: August 2012

I argue that the initial set of firm‐specific assets (FSAs) act as an envelope for the early stages of internationalization of multinational enterprises (MNEs) (of whatever nationality) AND THAT there is a threshold LEVEL of FSAs that IT must possess for such international expansion to be SUCCESSFUL. I also argue that the initial FSAs of an MNE tend to be constrained by the location‐specific (L) assets of the home country. However, beyond different initial conditions, there are few obvious reasons to insist that INFANT developing country MNEs are of unique character THAN ADVANCED ECONOMY MNEs, and I predict that as they evolve, the observable differences between the two groups will diminish. Successful firms will increasingly explore internationalization, but there is also no reason to believe that this is likely to happen disproportionately from the developing countries.
Hyperparathyroidism in a renal transplant patient: an unusual cause of resistance to therapy: Table 1
Authors: Somalanka Subash , Phanish Mysore K
Published: August 2012

A long-term renal transplant patient who was regularly followed up in the transplant clinic with stable renal allograft function was found to have elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels on a biointact PTH assay. The elevated PTH levels were resistant to suppression on increasing doses of 1-alfacalcidol. Detailed history taking and clinical examination revealed the reason for apparent resistance to therapy.
Renal artery stenosis: a classic presentation, a rare cause…
Authors: Woittiez Karen J , van Buren Marjolijn , Kesecioglu Jozef
Published: August 2012

In this case report, a patient is described with an unusual cause of renal artery stenosis (RAS). The patient presented with acute anuric renal failure and hypertensive urgency, following a nephrectomy, which was complicated by massive blood loss. Because the acute renal failure was first presumed to be due to acute tubular necrosis, the diagnosis of a nearly complete iatrogenic RAS was not made until 6 weeks after surgery. The stenosis was caused by five misplaced surgical clips on the artery of the remaining kidney. The hypertension was initially treated with ACE inhibitor. Eight weeks after the initial surgery, a successful revascularisation procedure was performed, leading to the recovery of kidney function.
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF A QUANTUM DOT THERMOELECTRIC REFRIGERATOR
Authors: HE JI-ZHOU , WANG XIU-MEI , ZHANG YAN-CHAO
Published: August 2012

We establish a thermoelectric refrigerator consisting of a quantum dot with two energy levels embedded between two thermal reservoirs at different temperatures and chemical potentials. Based on stochastic master equation the steady expressions for the current and the heat flux extracted from the reservoirs are derived analytically. The cooling rate and the coefficient of performance (COP) are obtained and the optimal performance parameters are determined. The influence of the spacing of two energy levels on the performance of the refrigerator is analyzed in detail.
HYBRID RECOMMENDATION ALGORITHM BASED ON TWO ROLES OF SOCIAL TAGS
Authors: ZHANG ZI-KE , LIU CHUANG
Published: August 2012

The past few years have witnessed the great success of a new family of paradigms, social tagging networks, which allows users to freely associate social tags to items and efficiently manage them. Thus it provides us a promising way to effectively find useful and interesting information. In this paper, we consider two typical roles of social tags: (i) an accessorial tool helping users organize items; (ii) a bridge that connects users and items. We then propose a hybrid algorithm to integrate the two different roles to obtain better recommendation performance. Experimental results on a real-world data set, Del.icio.us, shows that it can significantly enhance both the algorithmic accuracy and diversity.
NONLOCAL ANALYSIS OF MODULAR ROLES
Authors: BULDÚ J. M. , SENDIÑA-NADAL I. , LEYVA I. , ALMENDRAL J. A. , ZANIN M. , BOCCALETTI S.
Published: August 2012

We introduce a new methodology to characterize the role that a given node plays inside the community structure of a complex network. Our method relies on the ability of the links to reduce the number of steps between two nodes in the network, which is measured by the number of shortest paths crossing each link, and its impact on the node proximity. In this way, we use node closeness to quantify the importance of a node inside its community. At the same time, we define a participation coefficient that depends on the shortest paths contained in the links that connect two communities. The combination of both parameters allows to identify the role played by the nodes in the network, following the same guidelines introduced by Guimerà et al. [Guimerà & Amaral, 2005] but, in this case, considering global information about the network. Finally, we give some examples of the hub characterization in real networks and compare our results with the parameters most used in the literature.