bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volume‐reduced platelet concentrates: optimization of production and storage conditions
Authors: van der Meer Pieter F. , Bontekoe Ido J. , Kruit Guido , Peeters Geert , van Toledo Pleun J. , Tomson Bert , de Korte Dirk
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: Plasma can be removed from platelet (PLT) concentrates (PCs) when volume reduction for PLT transfusion is indicated. Volume‐reduced PCs are currently produced from pooled buffy coat (BC) PCs or apheresis PCs by pretransfusion volume reduction, followed by transfer to a syringe for immediate transfusion. We evaluated the maximal storage time of the volume‐reduced PCs in gas‐permeable containers.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Volume‐reduced PCs were produced from BC‐derived and apheresis PCs by hard‐spin centrifugation. Supernatant was removed and the PLTs were resuspended in 20 mL of retained original PC and had PLT concentrations ranging from 10.8 × 109 to 13.8 × 109 PLTs/mL. Volume‐reduced PCs were stored either in syringes or in containers made from diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)‐polyvinylchloride (PVC) or butyryl trihexyl citrate (BTHC)‐PVC plastic. Units were sampled at t = 0, 1, 3, and 6 hours for in vitro measurements.

RESULTS: When prepared from 2‐day‐old PCs (n = 4), volume‐reduced PCs from BCs in a syringe had a pH37°C of 5.76 ± 0.04 at t = 6 hours after volume reduction. In the DEHP‐PVC container, pH was 5.85 ± 0.15 (not significant), and in the BTHC‐PVC, 6.34 ± 0.16 (p < 0.001), at t = 6 hours. When made from 7‐day‐old PCs, pH was lower for all storage conditions: 5.68 ± 0.06 in the syringe, 5.70 ± 0.09 in the DEHP‐PVC container (not significant), and 6.07 ± 0.24 in the BTHC‐PVC container (p < 0.01) at t = 6 hours. Volume‐reduced 2‐day‐old apheresis PCs had a pH of 6.47 ± 0.20 at t = 6 hours.

CONCLUSIONS: Adult‐dose PCs derived from BC or apheresis can be volume‐reduced to approximately 20 mL in a closed gas‐permeable system. Volume‐reduced PCs in BTHC‐PVC containers retain a mean pH of more than 6.0 up to 6 hours after production. Syringes allow only 3 hours of storage.
Relationship of CD34+ cells infused and red blood cell transfusion requirements after autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplants: a novel method of analysis
Authors: Dunlop Lindsay C. , Heller Gillian Z.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: CD34+ cells infused predicts myeloid and platelet engraftment at the time of autologous stem cell transplantation. An association between the number of CD34+ cells infused and erythroid engraftment has yet to be established.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Red blood cells transfused after autologous transplantation were compared with the number of CD34+ cells infused. Myeloid engraftment was assessed to confirm that normal engraftment kinetics occurred.

RESULTS: Logistic regression established that the logarithm of the number of CD34+ cells infused (p = 0.0498) and admission hemoglobin (Hb; p < 0.001) predicted the need for transfusion. In those patients who required transfusion, standard regression methods were not valid. A novel model demonstrated that the initial Hb (p < 0.001) and diagnosis (p = 0.047) were significant predictors of transfusion requirements in patients needing transfusion. However, the number of CD34+ cells infused did not predict transfusion requirements in this group (p = 0.226). As myeloid engraftment demonstrated kinetics that have been previously described, it can be inferred that erythroid engraftment was not atypical.

CONCLUSION: The number of CD34+ cells infused predicted the need for transfusion, although it did not predict the number of RBCs transfused in those patients having transfusion during their admission for autologous stem cell transplant.
Fatal transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease with concomitant immune hemolysis in a group A combat trauma patient resuscitated with group O fresh whole blood
Authors: Gilstad Colleen , Roschewski Mark , Wells Justin , Delmas Andrew , Lackey Jeffrey , Uribe Paul , Popa Christian , Jardeleza Timothy , Roop Stuart
Published: October 2011

Transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease (TA‐GVHD) is a rare but well‐established fatal complication of blood transfusion. It can occur in immunocompetent patients when they receive transfusions from human leukocyte antigen‐haploidentical donors who have lymphocytes with antigens that are not recognized as foreign by the host, but that recognize the host's tissues as foreign. It is generally viewed as a T‐cell‐mediated process. Graft‐induced immune hemolysis or passenger lymphocyte syndrome is a well‐described complication of marrow or solid organ transplantation in which immune competent donor B cells produce alloantibodies to recipient red blood cell (RBC) antigens and cause hemolysis of the recipient's RBCs. It is generally considered as a separate process from GVHD, although it could be considered a type of GVHD. Despite the theoretical possibility of both a B‐cell and T‐cell component to TA‐GVHD, detection of a humoral antibody in cases of acute TA‐GVHD has not been described. We describe the clinical course and laboratory evaluation of a group A combat trauma patient who was acutely resuscitated with group O fresh whole blood and RBCs and group AB fresh‐frozen plasma who experienced the onset of the clinical symptoms of TA‐GVHD as well as the onset of hemolysis due to donor‐derived anti‐A in his plasma 11 days after transfusion.
Absence of transfusion‐associated microchimerism in pediatric and adult recipients of leukoreduced and gamma‐irradiated blood components
Authors: Sanchez Rosa , Lee Tzong‐Hae , Wen Li , Montalvo Leilani , Schechterly Cathy , Colvin Camilla , Alter Harvey J. , Luban Naomi L.C. , Busch Michael P.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: Transfusion‐associated microchimerism (TA‐MC), the persistence of significant levels of donor white blood cells (WBCs) in blood recipients for prolonged periods, has been demonstrated after nonleukoreduced and leukoreduced transfusion to patients with severe traumatic injury. Development of TA‐MC has not been rigorously studied in settings that do not involve massive trauma where the blood is leukoreduced and irradiated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A cohort of 409 prospectively followed medical and surgical adult and pediatric female recipients of leukoreduced and mostly irradiated allogeneic red blood cell and platelet transfusions were evaluated to determine development of TA‐MC. Four‐ and 8‐weeks‐posttransfusion samples were analyzed using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction for Y‐chromosome sequences in WBC DNA, the marker for microchimeric cells in female blood recipients. Repeat testing was performed on Y‐chromosome–positive samples to confirm microchimerism (MC), and subsequent posttransfusion samples were tested to investigate persistence of MC.

RESULTS: On initial testing, 40 of 207 (19%) adult and 44 of 202 (22%) pediatric female blood recipients demonstrated low‐level MC. On repeat testing of these and additional specimens, 12 (3%) recipients demonstrated low‐level transient MC, but none had persistent TA‐MC similar to that seen in transfused trauma patients.

CONCLUSION: Persistence of MC was not demonstrated in adult and pediatric recipients of leukoreduced and mostly irradiated blood components. The risk of TA‐MC appears to be dependent on the clinical setting and is rare other than in patients sustaining severe traumatic injury.
Natural anti‐A and anti‐B of the ABO system: allo‐ and autoantibodies have different epitope specificity
Authors: Obukhova Polina , Korchagina Elena , Henry Stephen , Bovin Nicolai
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: According to Landsteiner's law, alloantibodies are prevalent and autoantibodies are absent in the ABO blood group system. However, one study (Spalter et al., Blood 1999;93:4418‐24) has suggested that low‐affinity ABO autoantibodies, mitigated by anti‐idiotypic immunoglobulins are also prevalent, while another publication (Rieben et al., Eur J Immunol 1992;22:2713‐7) shows that humans do not have B‐lymphocytes capable of producing immunoglobulin G ABO autoantibodies.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We used hapten‐specific chromatography to isolate allo‐ and autoantibodies from pools of A or B serum and then characterized the resultant antibodies against a wide range of ABO and related glycoconjugates.

RESULTS: We found that the apparent autoantibodies are directed against blood group A or B disaccharides, without consideration for the presence of fucose, but requiring the absence of elongating sugar X in composition of Gal(NAc)α1‐3(Fucα1‐2)Galβ1‐X–terminated carbohydrate chain. In contrast, ABO alloantibodies required a minimum trisaccharide Gal(NAc)α1‐3(Fucα1‐2)Gal epitope and recognize the elongated type‐specific tetrasaccharides. Furthermore, alloantibodies appear to be a small set of specific yet crossreactive antibodies that detect all backbone types of A or B antigens, rather than being a collection of specific antibodies, each of which detects a different type of A or B antigen.

CONCLUSION: Apparent ABO autoantibodies appear to have no natural human target.
Awareness and acceptance of public cord blood banking among practicing obstetricians in the United States
Authors: Walker Tim , Steckler Del , Spellman Stephen , Haven Darlene , Welte Kathy , Boo Michael
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: This study measured: 1) levels of awareness and understanding among practicing obstetricians regarding umbilical cord blood (UCB) donation and the use of UCB in transplant therapy, 2) motivations for obstetricians to support donation and collection for donation to a public cord blood bank (CBB), and 3) current practices for discussing this option with their patients.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Obstetricians practicing in major metropolitan areas in the United States were randomly surveyed in 2009. Of 2041 surveys mailed, 295 were returned, 139 from obstetricians with privileges at hospitals affiliated with a public CBB (affiliated) and 156 from obstetricians without such privileges (nonaffiliated). Cross‐tabulation analyses were conducted to compare responses between these two groups.

RESULTS: Both affiliated and nonaffiliated obstetricians report being somewhat or very familiar with the use of cord blood in transplant therapy (88% vs. 82%, respectively; p = NS), but some misperceptions concerning clinical application exist. Eighty percent of affiliated obstetricians feel confident discussing cord blood options with their patients; however, 49% indicated that they have insufficient knowledge of cord blood donation to effectively answer patients' questions about donation.

CONCLUSION: Obstetricians are generally familiar with the utility of donated cord blood in transplantation, but could benefit from additional information regarding how cord blood is used in transplantation. Further, obstetricians play an important role in encouraging women to donate their baby's cord blood to a public CBB, are willing to do so, and indicate a desire for more information so they can effectively educate their patients.
Predicting overall viability of cord blood harvests
Authors: Pope Belinda , Mitsakos Katerina , Bilgin Ayse , Hokin Bevan , Grant Ross
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: Cord blood (CB) is a product rich in primitive adult stem cells used in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. After collection, the CB is transported to a facility where the unit is processed and then frozen up to 48 hours later. These processes can lead to compromised white blood cell (WBC) viability. This study investigates the factors that affect WBC viability before freezing of the cells.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed WBC viability from 9918 CB collections harvested from 2003 to 2010 to determine if collection volume and time to freezing (TTF) had a significant effect on WBC viability. CB was collected in dispersed clinical locations by local staff trained to the same methods. CB was transported to the central lab under controlled conditions for analysis and processing.

RESULTS: The collected CB units had a mean volume of 77.1 ± 31.3 mL, mean WBC count of 10.5 × 108 ± 5.6 × 108, mean total CD34+ cell count of 4.0 × 106 ± 3.7 × 106, and mean WBC viability of 91.7% ± 6.5%. WBC viability was most significantly affected by the volume of CB collected and the TTF. As collection volumes increased, WBC viability increased, with mean viability of 95.0% ± 3.5% in CB collections of more than 120 mL. Decreased viability was associated with volumes of less than 60 mL and TTF of more than 24 hours. From these data we have developed decision tables that estimate WBC viability based on CB volume and TTF.

CONCLUSION: This study identifies optimal TTF for different collection volumes to maintain WBC viability of the collected CB.
Impaired force control during food holding and biting in subjects with tooth‐ or implant‐supported fixed prostheses
Authors: Svensson Krister G. , Trulsson Mats
Published: October 2011

Aim

Our goal here was to assess the ability of subjects with their natural teeth (natural), bimaxillary tooth‐supported bridges (bridge) and bimaxillary implant‐supported bridges (implant) to control the low contact and high biting forces associated with holding and splitting food between the teeth.

Materials and Methods

Ten subjects in each of these groups performed a task involving holding and splitting morsels of food with different degrees of hardness (biscuits and peanuts) between a pair of opposing central incisors.

Results

The hold force employed by the implant group was significantly higher and more variable than the corresponding force exerted by the bridge group, whereas the natural group used lowest and least variable force. For all three groups, the split force was higher and the split phase duration longer with peanuts than for biscuits. In the case of the natural group, a significantly higher rate of force increase (peak force rate) was observed when splitting peanuts when compared with biscuits, whereas no such difference could be seen for the other two groups.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that individuals with bimaxillary tooth‐ or implant‐supported bridges (in whom sensory information provided by the periodontal mechanoreceptors is impaired or missing) are unable to apply low‐hold forces at the levels of individuals with natural teeth or to adapt the rate of the split force to the hardness of the food. We thus conclude that adequate sensory information from periodontal mechanoreceptors is essential for normal control of both low contact and high biting forces.
Thermal habitat use and juvenile growth of Svalbard Arctic charr: evidence from otolith stable oxygen isotope analyses
Authors: Godiksen Jane A. , Power Michael , Borgstrøm Reidar , Dempson J. Brian , Svenning Martin A.
Published: October 2011

Abstract –  Stable oxygen isotopes (δ18O) derived from otoliths were used to estimate mean annual water temperatures experienced by individual Svalbard Arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus (L.), during their first four growth seasons. The analysed Arctic charr experienced a high variety of temperatures, indicating the use of different thermal habitats. A higher proportion of the juveniles experienced warmer temperatures during their first summer compared with later summers, suggesting the selective use of the shallowest littoral areas of the lake. Although the estimated temperatures were consistent with water temperatures found in High Arctic rivers and lakes during summer, they did not represent the annual variation in air temperature registered over the 20 years of otolith measurement. Furthermore, summer otolith increment width did not correlate with the experienced temperature. However, after the second year, otolith increment width was highly dependent on increment width during the previous summer. This study estimated mean summer water temperatures experienced by individual Arctic charr during the first four growth seasons providing additional evidence that stable oxygen isotope analysis can be used to provide insight into the thermal habitat use by juvenile Arctic charr.
Developmental temperature stress and parental identity shape offspring burst swimming performance in sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
Authors: Burt Jenn M. , Hinch Scott G. , Patterson David A.
Published: October 2011

Abstract –  The persistent effects of embryonic temperature stress and individual parentage on fry swimming performance were examined in a cross‐fertilisation experiment using sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). A fixed‐velocity test of burst swimming was used to assess the endurance capacity and behavioural performance of individual fry from 10 offspring families incubated at 12, 14 or 16 °C to hatch and then reared through yolk absorption and exogenous feeding stages in a common posthatch environment (average 6.9 °C). Fry burst swim time (BST) was influenced by an interaction between incubation temperature and family identity. Average BST was longer for fry from the 12 °C prehatch treatment compared to 14 and 16 °C, although differences were largely attributable to temperature effects on average fry size. Behavioural observations revealed that fish incubated at 16 °C performed more poorly, having a larger proportion of individuals that required stimulation to swim, fatigued more frequently or were classified as ‘nonswimmers’. Within all three incubation temperature treatments, mean BST varied significantly among offspring families, independent of fry mass and length. An interesting relationship was observed within the 16 °C treatment, whereby families with higher survivorship were characterised with lower mean BSTs. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that exposure to high temperatures in early sockeye salmon development can result in persistent, parentally mediated effects on fry performance. As such, these results provide important insight into how elevated temperature events during egg incubation may affect early life history selection processes and survival in stages beyond when the stressor is experienced.
Influence of aerobic cycle exercise training on patellar tendon cross‐sectional area in older women
Authors: Standley R. A. , Harber M. P. , Lee J. D. , Konopka A. R. , Trappe S. W. , Trappe T. A.
Published: October 2011

Nine to 12 weeks of resistance exercise training in young individuals induces quadriceps muscle (∼6%) and region‐specific patellar tendon (4–6%) hypertrophy. However, 12 weeks of resistance exercise training (∼1 h total exercise time) in older individuals (60–78 years) induces quadriceps muscle hypertrophy (9%) without impacting patellar tendon size. The current study examined if a different loading paradigm using cycle exercise would promote patellar tendon hypertrophy or alter the internal tendon properties, measured with magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity, in older individuals. Nine women (70 ± 2 years) completed 12 weeks of aerobic upright cycle exercise training (∼28 h total exercise time). Aerobic exercise training increased (P < 0.05) quadriceps muscle size (11 ± 2%) and VO2max (30 ± 9%). Mean patellar tendon cross‐sectional area (CSA) (2 ± 1%) and signal intensity (−1 ± 2%) were unchanged (P > 0.05) over the 12 weeks of training. Region‐specific CSA was unchanged (P > 0.05) at the proximal (−1 ± 3%) and mid regions (2 ± 2%) of the tendon but tended (P = 0.069) to increase at the distal region (5 ± 3%). Region‐specific signal intensity differed along the tendon but was unchanged (P > 0.05) with training. Although more studies are needed, exercise‐induced patellar tendon hypertrophy, compared with skeletal muscle, appears to be attenuated in older individuals, while the loading pattern associated with aerobic exercise seems to have more impact than resistance exercise in promoting patellar tendon hypertrophy.
Post‐Golgi Supramolecular Assembly of Aquaporin‐4 in Orthogonal Arrays
Authors: Rossi Andrea , Baumgart Florian , van Hoek Alfred N. , Verkman A. S.
Published: October 2011

The supramolecular assembly of aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) in orthogonal arrays of particles (OAPs) involves N‐terminus interactions of the M23‐AQP4 isoform. We found AQP4 OAPs in cell plasma membranes but not in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or Golgi, as shown by: (i) native gel electrophoresis of brain and AQP4‐transfected cells, (ii) photobleaching recovery of green fluorescent protein‐AQP4 chimeras in live cells and (iii) freeze‐fracture electron microscopy (FFEM). We found that AQP4 OAP formation in plasma membranes, but not in the Golgi, was not related to AQP4 density, pH, membrane lipid composition, C‐terminal PDZ domain interactions or α‐syntrophin expression. Remarkably, however, fusion of AQP4‐containing Golgi vesicles with (AQP4‐free) plasma membrane vesicles produced OAPs, suggesting the involvement of plasma membrane factor(s) in AQP4 OAP formation. In investigating additional possible determinants of OAP assembly we discovered membrane curvature‐dependent OAP assembly, in which OAPs were disrupted by extrusion of plasma membrane vesicles to ∼110 nm diameter, but not to ∼220 nm diameter. We conclude that AQP4 supramolecular assembly in OAPs is a post‐Golgi phenomenon involving plasma membrane‐specific factor(s). Post‐Golgi and membrane curvature‐dependent OAP assembly may be important for vesicle transport of AQP4 in the secretory pathway and AQP4‐facilitated astrocyte migration, and suggests a novel therapeutic approach for neuromyelitis optica.
Employers' readiness for the mother‐friendly workplace: an elicitation study
Authors: Bai Yeon K. , Wunderlich Shahla M. , Weinstock Marni
Published: October 2011

Currently over half of mothers of infants under 1‐year‐old are in the workforce in the United States. These women face challenges to continue breastfeeding when they return to work 3 to 6 months post‐partum. This study explored the perspectives of employers on mother‐friendly environments to assess their readiness to provide breastfeeding accommodation using the elicitation under the theory of planned behaviour. Researchers conducted phone/in‐person interviews with a convenient sample of 20 human resource managers from companies that had 500 or more employees in the New York metropolitan area in 2009. Content analyses identified the common concepts that represent underlying beliefs of the constructs of the theory. The demography of the participants is 40% male and 80% White, with mean ages of 34.3 ± 8.5 years. ‘Happy employees’ and ‘high retention rate and improved loyalty’ were the most frequently mentioned (95%) benefits to the company (behavioural beliefs). Supporters of a mother‐friendly environment (normative beliefs) in the workplace included ‘mothers and expectant mothers (70%)’, and ‘managers supervising women and new mothers (55%)’. Most frequently mentioned company drawbacks (control beliefs) were ‘not cost effective (65%)’ and ‘time consuming (65%)’, followed by ‘perception of special favours for some (50%)’. Workplace breastfeeding promotion efforts can be successful by reinforcing positive beliefs and addressing the challenges associated with implementation of breastfeeding accommodation through education and other incentives such as recognition of model companies and tax breaks. The identified beliefs provide a basis for the development of a quantitative instrument to study workplace breastfeeding support further.
Maternal obesity trends in Egypt 1995–2005
Authors: Austin Anne M. , Hill Allan G. , Fawzi Wafaie W.
Published: October 2011

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 46% of adult females in Egypt are obese. This research was aimed at documenting obesity trends and identifying the populations most at risk for obesity. Using data from the 1995 and 2005 Egyptian Demographic and Health Surveys a linear model was employed to seek associations between household wealth, urban/rural residence, governorate of residence, employment status, parity and age and increases in body mass index (BMI) among married Egyptian women between the ages of 15–49. Between 1995 and 2005, the mean BMI of women of reproductive age in Egypt increased from 26.31 to 28.52. Although there was an overall trend towards greater obesity between 1995 and 2005, older women residing in rural, poor households became obese at a faster rate than younger women residing in richer, urban households. Studies have shown that household wealth is a key determinant of food consumption patterns. Rising obesity rates among the poor in developed countries are linked to the relatively cheap price of high‐calorie, nutrient‐poor foods. One factor that may be contributing to the rapid increases in obesity among the rural poor in Egypt is the subsidisation of high‐energy, low‐nutritive value foods that form a larger part of the diet of poor, rural populations.
Trust, Reciprocity, andGuanxiin China: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Song Fei , Cadsby C. Bram , Bi Yunyun
Published: October 2011

We examine the influence of social distance on levels of trust and reciprocity in China. Social distance, reflected in the indigenous concept of guanxi, is of central importance to Chinese culture. In Study 1, some participants participated in two financially salient trust games to measure behaviour, one with an anonymous classmate and the other with an anonymous, demographically identical non-classmate. Other participants, drawn from the same population, completed hypothetical surveys to gauge both hypothetical behaviour and expectations of others. Social distance effects on actual and hypothetical behaviour were statistically consistent. The results together corroborated the hypothesized negative relationship between trust and social distance. However, reciprocity was not responsive to social distance. Study 2 found that affect-based trust, but not cognition-based trust, played a mediating role in the relationship between social distance and interpersonal trust in a hypothetical scenario. We conclude that closeguanxities in China engender affect-based trust, which is extended toshourenclassmates. This is true despite the fact that no more cognition-based trust is placed nor reciprocity received or expected from classmates compared to demographically identicalshengrennon-classmates.
Guanxiand Organizational Performance: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Luo Yadong , Huang Ying , Wang Stephanie Lu
Published: October 2011

Guanxi, a social network tie drawing on connections in business relations, has been identified as a powerful strategic tool helping organizations maintain competitive advantages and achieve superior performance. However, prior empirical studies on die gM/m-performance link provide indefinite conclusions. The purpose of this study is to systematically review and quandfy theguanxi-performance link in a meta-analytic framework by decomposingguanxiinto business ties (i.e.,guanxiwith business partners) and government ties (i.e.,guanxiwith government authorities) and organizational performance into economic performance and operational performance. Based on effect sizes from fifty-three studies encompassing 20,212 organizations, we estimate that the overall effect size of theguanxi-pertormance relationship is positive and significant, thus endorsing the argument thatguanxidoes enhance organizational performance. Specifically, our meta-analysis results demonstrate that both business and government ties lead to both economic and operational performance. However, business ties have a bigger impact on operational performance, whereas government ties exert larger effects on economic performance. Further meta-analytic regression results suggest that ownership (state-owned vs. non-state-owned) and location (Mainland vs. overseas China) explain some of the variations of theguanxi-performance link. Both business and government ties are more important to organizations in Mainland China than to those in overseas China. Government ties are more important to state-owned than to non-state-owned organizations. Lasdy, while business ties remain a valuable strategic tool in China, the importance of government ties is time-variant and has been declining with the development of the institutional environment in China.
Three Dimensional Model-Based Analysis of the Lenticulostriate Arteries and Identification of the Vessels Correlated to the Infarct Area: Preliminary Results
Authors: Kang Chang-Ki , Wörz Stefan , Liao Wei , Park Chan-A , Kim Young-Bo , Park Cheol-Wan , Lee Young-Bae , Rohr Karl , Cho Zang-Hee
Published: October 2011

Background

Small vessel diseases have been studied noninvasively with magnetic resonance imaging. Direct observation or visualization of the connected microvessel to the infarct, however, was not possible due to the limited resolution. Hence, one could not determine whether vessel occlusion or abnormal narrowing is the cause of an infarct.

Methods

In this report, we demonstrate that the small vessel related to the infarct can be detected using ultra-high-field (7 T) magnetic resonance imaging and a three dimensional image analysis and modeling technique for microvessels, which thereby enables us to quantify the vessel morphology directly, that is, visualize the vessel that is related to the infarct. We compared vessels of selected stroke patients, who had recovered from stroke, with vessels from typical stroke patients, who had after effects like motor weakness, and age-matched healthy subjects to demonstrate the potential of the technique.

Results

The experimental results show that typical stroke patients had overall degradation or loss of small vessels, compared with the selected patients as well as healthy subjects. The selected patients, however, had only minimal loss of vessels, except for one vessel located close to the infarct area.

Conclusions

These preliminary results demonstrated that 7 T magnetic resonance imaging together with a three dimensional image analysis and modeling technique could provide information for detection of the vessel related to the infarct. In addition, three dimensional image analysis and modeling of vessels could further provide quantitative information on the microvessel structures comprising diameter, length and tortuosity.
Long-Term Risk of Recurrent Stroke in Young Cryptogenic Stroke Patients with and without Patent Foramen Ovale
Authors: Arauz Antonio , Murillo Luis , Márquez Juan Manuel , Tamayo Arturo , Cantú Carlos , Roldan Francisco-Javier , Vargas-Barrón Jesús , Barinagarrementeria Fernando
Published: October 2011

Background

Among patients with a patent foramen ovale and cryptogenic ischemic stroke, the long-term prognosis is unclear.

Aims

This study aims to estimate the recurrence rate in young cryptogenic stroke patients with and without patent foramen ovale.

Patients and methods

One hundred eighty-six cryptogenic stroke patients (aged 18–45 years) were prospectively followed for up to five-years. They were divided into two groups according to the echocardiographic presence of patent foramen ovale. All patients received aspirin (100mg/day) for secondary prevention.

Results

Mean age was 32·3 (standard deviation 7·9) years. During the mean follow-up of 66 months five patients with patent foramen ovale had recurrent strokes compared with 11 patients without patent foramen ovale. The average annual rate of recurrent cerebral ischemia was 1·1% and 1·6% for patients with and without patent foramen ovale, respectively. The recurrence rate did not increase with the presence of patent foramen ovale, atrial septal aneurysm or other variables. More than 60% of the reported cases achieved a good functional outcome.

Conclusions

Young patients with cryptogenic ischemic stroke with and without patent foramen ovale have a low recurrence rate in a long-term follow-up and most present a favorable outcome. Patent foramen ovale with or without atrial septal aneurysm did not increase the risk of recurrence.
Decentralized Groundwater Recharge Systems Using Roofwater and Stormwater Runoff1
Authors: Stephens Daniel B. , Miller Mark , Moore Stephanie J. , Umstot Todd , Salvato Deborah J.
Published: October 2011

Stephens, Daniel B., Mark Miller, Stephanie J. Moore, Todd Umstot, and Deborah J. Salvato, 2011. Decentralized Groundwater Recharge Systems Using Roofwater and Stormwater Runoff. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(1): 134‐144. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2011.00600.x

Abstract:  Stormwater capture for groundwater recharge in urban areas is usually conducted at the regional level by water agencies. Field and modeling studies in New Mexico indicate that stormwater diverted to retention basins may recharge about 50% of precipitation that falls on the developed area, even in dry climates. Comparable volumes of recharge may be expected at homes, subdivisions, or commercial properties with low‐impact development (LID) technologies for stormwater control that promote recharge over evapotranspiration. Groundwater quality has not been significantly impacted at sites that have been recharging stormwater to aquifers for decades. Distributed recharge systems may be a good alternative to centralized regional facilities where there is limited land for constructing spreading basins or little funding for new infrastructure. LID technologies borrowed from stormwater managers are important tools for groundwater managers to consider to enhance recharge.
An Ex Post Evaluation of Ohio’s Great Miami Water Quality Trading Program1
Authors: Newburn David A. , Woodward Richard T.
Published: October 2011

Newburn, David A. and Richard T. Woodward, 2011. An Ex Post Evaluation of Ohio’s Great Miami Water Quality Trading Program. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(1): 156‐169. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2011.00601.x

Abstract:  Market‐based approaches to address water quality problems have resulted in only limited success, especially in trading programs involving both point and nonpoint sources. We analyze one of the largest point‐nonpoint trading programs – the Great Miami Trading Program in Ohio, administered by the Miami Conservancy District (MCD). Our evaluation focuses on the economic and institutional aspects of the program, including cost effectiveness, efficiency of bidding, transaction costs, trading ratios, and innovation. We use a unique dataset consisting of all bids from agricultural nonpoint sources and interviews of soil and water conservation district (SWCD) agents in the watershed. We find that the MCD’s reliance on county‐level SWCD offices to recruit and advise farmers has been essential to achieve relatively high rates of farmer participation. Additionally, the MCD is able to partly free ride on the administrative costs that SWCD offices receive to assist federal conservation programs, which is helpful to lower costs for a fledgling trading program. However, the involvement of SWCD offices reduced the potential cost savings from the reverse auction structure because some agents were able to learn about the threshold price over the six rounds of bidding and help farmers bid strategically. Overall, the program structure serves as an effective model for future trading programs in other regions that seek to involve agricultural nonpoint sources.
A crucial step toward realism: responses to climate change from an evolving metacommunity perspective
Authors: Urban Mark C. , De Meester Luc , Vellend Mark , Stoks Robby , Vanoverbeke Joost
Published: October 2011

We need to understand joint ecological and evolutionary responses to climate change to predict future threats to biological diversity. The ‘evolving metacommunity’ framework emphasizes that interactions between ecological and evolutionary mechanisms at both local and regional scales will drive community dynamics during climate change. Theory suggests that ecological and evolutionary dynamics often interact to produce outcomes different from those predicted based on either mechanism alone. We highlight two of these dynamics: (i) species interactions prevent adaptation of nonresident species to new niches and (ii) resident species adapt to changing climates and thereby prevent colonization by nonresident species. The rate of environmental change, level of genetic variation, source‐sink structure, and dispersal rates mediate between these potential outcomes. Future models should evaluate multiple species, species interactions other than competition, and multiple traits. Future experiments should manipulate factors such as genetic variation and dispersal to determine their joint effects on responses to climate change. Currently, we know much more about how climates will change across the globe than about how species will respond to these changes despite the profound effects these changes will have on global biological diversity. Integrating evolving metacommunity perspectives into climate change biology should produce more accurate predictions about future changes to species distributions and extinction threats.
Titanium Metallosis in a Cobalt-chrome-polyethylene Bipolar Shoulder Replacement
Authors: Dalal Sam , Holt Martin , Denton John
Published: October 2011

We report a patient who developed titanium metallosis after uncemented bipolar shoulder replacement, where the bipolar bearing was cobalt-chrome-molybdenum alloy on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. At revision surgery, extensive metallosis in the tissues was noted. Examination of the retrieved prosthesis revealed no evidence of wear of the bipolar articulation, although areas on the humeral stem were found where the porous titanium coating had debonded and separated from the stem. Analysis of the tissues revealed the metallic particles within the soft tissues to be almost exclusively titanium, which most likely originated from the debonded porous titanium coat.
Medial Epicondylalgia (Golfer's Elbow) Treated by Eccentric Exercise
Authors: Svernlöv Birgitta , Hultgren Eva , Adolfsson Lars
Published: October 2011

Background

Eccentric exercises have been successfully used in the treatment of Achilles and patellar tendinopathies, as well as lateral epicondylalgia. No studies have explored the same treatment for medial epicondylalgia (golfer's elbow).

Methods

Twenty consecutive adults with a clinical diagnosis of medial epicondylalgia were treated with eccentric exercise over 3 months in this prospective case series. The programme was based on home training. There were 11 women and nine men, with a mean age of 47 years, and a mean duration of symptoms of 19 months. At baseline, at 3 months and after a mean of 11 years, pain was assessed by three independent visual analogue scales (VAS) and grip strength using a Jamar dynamometer (Sammons Preston Inc., Jackson, MI, USA). At the 11-year follow-up, patients also reported their satisfaction on a 100-mm VAS and completed the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire.

Results

Pain decreased significantly in all measured variables at both assessment occasions (all p < 0.0001). Grip strength in the affected arm/hand increased significantly after 3 months ( p = 0.009).

Discussion

Twelve weeks of eccentric training reduced pain and increased grip strength in patients with medial epicondylalgia. It is a safe, uncomplicated and cost-effective method, with only a minimum contribution from a physiotherapist.
Inventory Policy with Parametric Demand: Operational Statistics, Linear Correction, and Regression
Authors: Ramamurthy Vivek , George Shanthikumar J. , Shen Zuo‐Jun Max
Published: October 2011

In this paper, we consider data‐driven approaches to the problem of inventory control. We first consider the approach of operational statistics and review related results which enable us to maximize a priori expected profit uniformly over all parameter values, when the demand distribution is known up to the location and scale parameters. For the case of the unknown shape parameter, we first suggest a heuristic approach based on operational statistics to obtain improved ordering policies and illustrate the same for the case of a Pareto demand distribution. In more general cases where the heuristic is not applicable, we suggest linear correction and support vector regression approaches to better estimate ordering policies, and illustrate these using a Gamma demand distribution. In certain cases, our proposed approaches are found to yield significant improvements.
Quick Response under Competition
Authors: Lin Yen‐Ting , Parlaktürk Ali
Published: October 2011

We consider a manufacturer serving two competing retailers that sell their products over a single selling season. The retailers place their regular orders before the season starts. In addition to this initial order, quick response (QR) provides a retailer with an additional replenishment opportunity after demand uncertainty is resolved. The manufacturer determines the unit price for QR replenishment. We characterize the retailers’ ordering, and the manufacturer's pricing decisions in equilibrium when none, only one, and both of the retailers have QR ability. We study how the profitability of the manufacturer, the retailers, and the channel depend on QR and competition. We find it may be optimal for the manufacturer to offer QR to only one of the ex ante identical retailers when demand variability is sufficiently, but not overly high. The manufacturer may also find it optimal to offer QR to both or none of the retailers, depending on demand variability. Finally, while QR ability is always attractive for a retailer when competition is ignored, we find QR may prove detrimental when its impact on competition is taken into account.
Rhodococcus equi: Clinical Manifestations, Virulence, and Immunity
Authors: Giguère S. , Cohen N.D. , Keith Chaffin M. , Hines S.A. , Hondalus M.K. , Prescott J.F. , Slovis N.M.
Published: October 2011

Pneumonia is a major cause of disease and death in foals.Rhodococcus equi, aGram‐positive facultative intracellular pathogen, is a common cause of pneumonia in foals. This article reviews the clinical manifestations of infection caused byR. equiin foals and summarizes current knowledge regarding mechanisms of virulence of, and immunity to,R. equi. A complementary consensus statement providing recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of infections caused byR. equiin foals can be found in the same issue of theJournal.
The Relationship between Serum Calcium Concentration and Outcome in Horses with Renal Failure Presented to Referral Hospitals
Authors: LeRoy B. , Woolums A. , Wass J. , Davis E. , Gold J. , Foreman J.H. , Lohmann K. , Adams J.
Published: October 2011

Background

Hypercalcemia is common in horses with renal failure, but it is not known whether it impacts prognosis.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to determine whether hypercalcemia was associated with decreased likelihood of survival to discharge in horses with renal failure. Secondary objectives were to determine whether hypercalcemia was more common in acute (ARF) or chronic renal failure (CRF), whether feeding alfalfa was associated with hypercalcemia, and whether serum creatinine concentration was associated with survival.

Animals

Medical records of 63 horses presented to referral hospitals for renal failure were evaluated. Cases were classified as ARF or CRF based on historical and clinical findings.

Methods

The distribution of hypocalcemic, normocalcemic, and hypercalcemic cases in the ARF and CRF groups was determined. Mean serum calcium and creatinine concentrations for survivors and nonsurvivors, and for ARF and CRF cases, were compared. Mean serum calcium concentrations for cases fed alfalfa or not fed alfalfa were compared.

Results

Hypercalcemia was significantly more common in CRF than ARF cases. CRF cases fed alfalfa were significantly more likely to be hypercalcemic. There was no significant difference in serum calcium concentration between survivors and nonsurvivors. Serum creatinine concentration was significantly higher in nonsurvivors and in ARF cases.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Horses with CRF are more likely to be hypercalcemic than horses with ARF. Hypercalcemia was not associated with outcome in renal failure cases in this study. Additional research on the impact of dietary calcium on long‐term well‐being in horses with CRF is warranted.
Comparison of Cortisol andACTHResponses after Administration of Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone in Normal Horses and Those with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction
Authors: Beech J. , Boston R. , Lindborg S.
Published: October 2011

Background

Changes in both adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol concentration in response to thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) administration have been used to diagnose equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), but the use of the 2 hormones has not been compared.

Hypotheses

MeasuringACTHconcentration is superior to measuring cortisol concentration afterTRHadministration in differentiating between normal horses and those withPPID, and the 2 hormone concentrations are disassociated inPPIDhorses.

Animals

Eleven horses and 2 ponies withPPIDand 19 normal horses.

Methods

A study evaluating cortisol andACTHconcentrations before and at 14, 30, and 60 minutes afterTRHadministration.

Results

At 14 and 30 minutes afterTRHadministration, cortisol concentration increased inPPIDhorses, andACTHincreased in all groups;ACTH, but not cortisol concentration, was significantly higher inPPIDhorses compared with normal horses. A relationship between cortisol concentration andACTHconcentration was seen in normal horses, but not in horses withPPID. Compared with normal castrated males, normal female horses had a greater change in cortisol concentration per unit change ofACTHconcentration.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

ACTHand cortisol concentrations are disassociated in horses withPPID. MeasuringACTHconcentration afterTRHadministration appears superior to measuring cortisol concentration as a diagnostic test forPPID.
Comparison of Four Refractometers for the Investigation of the Passive Transfer in Beef Calves
Authors: Vandeputte S. , Detilleux J. , Rollin F.
Published: October 2011

Background

Failure of passive transfer (FPT) in beef calves can be detected by refractometry. Nevertheless, different models of refractometers are available, and few studies compare them for the detection ofFPT.

Objectives

To compare the accuracy of 4 different refractometers for measuring serum total protein concentrations in comparison with results obtained by the biuret method and, based on the serumIgGthreshold of 1,600 mg/mL, to determine, for each refractometer, the optimal serum protein concentration's lowest threshold for successful passive transfer.

Animals

One hundred and eight healthy beef calves, 3–8 days of age.

Methods

Observational study. The concentrations of serum total proteins were determined with 4 different models of refractometers and compared with the biuret method by a Bland–Altman statistical method. The optimal serum protein concentration's lowest threshold for successful passive transfer was determined for each refractometer by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. In addition, the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration was compared with the serum gamma‐glutamyl transferase (γ‐GT) activity and with the total immunoglobulin concentration.

Results

The refractometric measurements were highly correlated with those obtained by the biuret method. Serum total protein concentration threshold values of 56, 58, 54, and 56 g/L were found respectively for the Atago, AtagoATC, WolfATC, and digitalATCrefractometers. Immunoglobulins were highly correlated withIgG, whereas γ‐GTonly reflected colostrum uptake by the calf.

Conclusions and clinical importance

All refractometers could be used for the assessment of passive transfer using their individual serum protein concentration threshold.