bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormal coactivation of knee and ankle extensors is related to changes in heteronymous spinal pathways after stroke
Authors: Dyer Joseph-Omer , Maupas Eric , de Andrade Melo Sibele , Bourbonnais Daniel , Forget Robert
Published: August 2011

Background

Abnormal coactivation of leg extensors is often observed on the paretic side of stroke patients while they attempt to move. The mechanisms underlying this coactivation are not well understood. This study (1) compares the coactivation of leg extensors during static contractions in stroke and healthy individuals, and (2) assesses whether this coactivation is related to changes in intersegmental pathways between quadriceps and soleus (Sol) muscles after stroke.

Methods

Thirteen stroke patients and ten healthy individuals participated in the study. Levels of coactivation of knee extensors and ankle extensors were measured in sitting position, during two tasks: maximal isometric voluntary contractions in knee extension and in plantarflexion. The early facilitation and later inhibition of soleus voluntary EMG evoked by femoral nerve stimulation were assessed in the paretic leg of stroke participants and in one leg of healthy participants.

Results

Coactivation levels of ankle extensors (mean ± SEM: 56 ± 7% of Sol EMG max) and of knee extensors (52 ± 10% of vastus lateralis (VL) EMG max) during the knee extension and the ankle extension tasks respectively were significantly higher in the paretic leg of stroke participants than in healthy participants (26 ± 5% of Sol EMG max and 10 ± 3% of VL EMG max, respectively). Early heteronymous facilitation of Sol voluntary EMG in stroke participants (340 ± 62% of Sol unconditioned EMG) was significantly higher than in healthy participants (98 ± 34%). The later inhibition observed in all control participants was decreased in the paretic leg. Levels of coactivation of ankle extensors during the knee extension task were significantly correlated with both the increased facilitation (Pearson r = 0.59) and the reduced inhibition (r = 0.56) in the paretic leg. Measures of motor impairment were more consistently correlated with the levels of coactivation of biarticular muscles than those of monoarticular muscles.

Conclusion

These results suggest that the heteronymous pathways linking quadriceps to soleus may participate in the abnormal coactivation of knee and ankle extensors on the paretic side of stroke patients. The motor impairment of the paretic leg is strongly associated with the abnormal coactivation of biarticular muscles.
Proteome analysis of vaccinia virus IHD-W-infected HEK 293 cells with 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and MALDI-PSD-TOF MS of on solid phase support N-terminally sulfonated peptides
Authors: Bartel Sebastian , Doellinger Joerg , Darsow Kai , Bourquain Daniel , Buchholz Rainer , Nitsche Andreas , Lange Harald A
Published: August 2011

Background

Despite the successful eradication of smallpox by the WHO-led vaccination programme, pox virus infections remain a considerable health threat. The possible use of smallpox as a bioterrorism agent as well as the continuous occurrence of zoonotic pox virus infections document the relevance to deepen the understanding for virus host interactions. Since the permissiveness of pox infections is independent of hosts surface receptors, but correlates with the ability of the virus to infiltrate the antiviral host response, it directly depends on the hosts proteome set. In this report the proteome of HEK293 cells infected with Vaccinia Virus strain IHD-W was analyzed by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and MALDI-PSD-TOF MS in a bottom-up approach.

Results

The cellular and viral proteomes of VACV IHD-W infected HEK293 cells, UV-inactivated VACV IHD-W-treated as well as non-infected cells were compared. Derivatization of peptides with 4-sulfophenyl isothiocyanate (SPITC) carried out on ZipTipμ-C18 columns enabled protein identification via the peptides' primary sequence, providing improved s/n ratios as well as signal intensities of the PSD spectra. The expression of more than 24 human proteins was modulated by the viral infection. Effects of UV-inactivated and infectious viruses on the hosts' proteome concerning energy metabolism and proteins associated with gene expression and protein-biosynthesis were quite similar. These effects might therefore be attributed to virus entry and virion proteins. However, the modulation of proteins involved in apoptosis was clearly correlated to infectious viruses.

Conclusions

The proteome analysis of infected cells provides insight into apoptosis modulation, regulation of cellular gene expression and the regulation of energy metabolism. The confidence of protein identifications was clearly improved by the peptides' derivatization with SPITC on a solid phase support. Some of the identified proteins have not been described in the context of poxvirus infections before and need to be further characterised to identify their meaning for apoptosis modulation and pathogenesis.
Major multinational food and beverage companies and informal sector contributions to global food consumption: implications for nutrition policy
Authors: Alexander Eleanore , Yach Derek , Mensah George A
Published: August 2011

Background

In recent years, 10 major multinational food and beverage companies have worked together within the International Food and Beverage Alliance (IFBA) to increase their commitments to public health. Current IFBA commitments include initiatives to improve the nutrition quality of products and how these products are advertised to children. The impact and magnitude of IFBA member contributions to the total market share of packaged foods and beverages consumed remain incompletely understood, however.

Methods

In order to evaluate this impact, we examined packaged food and soft drink company shares provided by Euromonitor, an international independent market analysis company. Packaged foods include baby food, bakery, canned/preserved food, chilled/processed food, confectionery, dairy, dried processed food, frozen processed food, ice cream, meal replacement, noodles, oils and fats, pasta, ready meals, sauces, dressings and condiments, snack bars, soup, spreads, and sweet and savoury snacks. Soft drinks include carbonates, packaged fruit/vegetable juice, bottled water, functional drinks, concentrates, ready-to-drink tea, ready-to-drink coffee and Asian specialty drinks. We calculated the market shares for IFBA companies, globally and within nine countries--the US, China, India, Egypt, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey and the UK.

Results

Worldwide, the top ten packaged food companies account for 15.2% of sales, with each individual company contributing less than 3.3%. The top ten soft drink companies account for 52.3% of sales worldwide; Coca-Cola and PepsiCo lead with 25.9% and 11.5% of sales, respectively.

Conclusions

Although the top ten soft drink companies account for half of global sales, the top ten packaged food companies account for only a small proportion of market share with most individual companies contributing less than 3.3% each. Major multinational companies need to be joined by the myriad of small- and medium-sized enterprises in developing and implementing programs to improve the health of the public, globally. Without full participation of these companies, the impact of commitments made by IFBA members and other major multinational food and beverage companies will remain limited.
Cocaine locomotor activation, sensitization and place preference in six inbred strains of mice
Authors: Eisener-Dorman Amy F , Grabowski-Boase Laura , Tarantino Lisa M
Published: August 2011

Background

The expanding set of genomics tools available for inbred mouse strains has renewed interest in phenotyping larger sets of strains. The present study aims to explore phenotypic variability among six commonly-used inbred mouse strains to both the rewarding and locomotor stimulating effects of cocaine in a place conditioning task, including several strains or substrains that have not yet been characterized for some or all of these behaviors.

Methods

C57BL/6J (B6), BALB/cJ (BALB), C3H/HeJ (C3H), DBA/2J (D2), FVB/NJ (FVB) and 129S1/SvImJ (129) mice were tested for conditioned place preference to 20 mg/kg cocaine.

Results

Place preference was observed in most strains with the exception of D2 and 129. All strains showed a marked increase in locomotor activity in response to cocaine. In BALB mice, however, locomotor activation was context-dependent. Locomotor sensitization to repeated exposure to cocaine was most significant in 129 and D2 mice but was absent in FVB mice.

Conclusions

Genetic correlations suggest that no significant correlation between conditioned place preference, acute locomotor activation, and locomotor sensitization exists among these strains indicating that separate mechanisms underlie the psychomotor and rewarding effects of cocaine.
IL-8-mediated angiogenic responses of endothelial cells to lipid antigen activation of iNKT cells depend on EGFR transactivation
Authors: Kyriakakis Emmanouil , Cavallari Marco , Pfaff Dennis , Fabbro Doriano , Mestan Juergen , Philippova Maria , De Libero Gennaro , Erne Paul , Resink Therese J
Published: August 2011

iNKT cells are a unique T cell subset, which is CD1d-restricted and specific for glycolipid antigens. In advanced atherosclerotic plaques, focal collections of inflammatory cells correlate with areas of intraplaque neovascularization. We reported recently that iNKT cells might facilitate intraplaque neovascularization by enhancing EC migration and sprouting in an IL-8-dependent manner. This study investigated the participating effector mechanisms. In ECs, CM, derived from antigen-stimulated human iNKT cells (CM+), induced up-regulation of IL-8R CXCR2 and the phosphorylation of EGFR and of multiple intracellular signaling effectors, including FAK, Src, Erk, Jnk, p38-MAPK, and STAT1 and -3. We found that a cascade of events, which were IL-8-dependent and involved EGFR activation, was responsible for signaling through FAK and Src kinases and necessary for acquisition of angiogenic morphology, migration in a two-dimensional wound assay, and sprout outgrowth in a three-dimensional model of angiogenesis in vitro. The data support that IL-8-dependent activation of angiogenic behavior in ECs, in response to activated iNKT, involves CXCR2, transactivation of EGFR, and subsequent FAK/Src signaling. We found too that activated iNKT increased VEGFR2 expression in ECs. Functional studies confirmed that EGF is the motogenic-enhancing factor in CM+ and is necessary, together with an exogenous source of VEGF, for iNKT-promoted sprout formation. EGFR inhibition may represent a novel therapeutic modality aimed at plaque stabilization through control of neovascularization within developing atherosclerotic plaques.
Lung dendritic cells at the innate-adaptive immune interface
Authors: Condon Tracy Voss , Sawyer Richard T , Fenton Matthew J , Riches David W H
Published: August 2011

This review updates the basic biology of lung DCs and their functions. Lung DCs have taken center stage as cellular therapeutic targets in new vaccine strategies for the treatment of diverse human disorders, including asthma, allergic lung inflammation, lung cancer, and infectious lung disease. The anatomical distribution of lung DCs, as well as the division of labor between their subsets, aids their ability to recognize and endocytose foreign substances and to process antigens. DCs can induce tolerance in or activate naïve T cells, making lung DCs well-suited to their role as lung sentinels. Lung DCs serve as a functional signaling/sensing unit to maintain lung homeostasis and orchestrate host responses to benign and harmful foreign substances.
Repeat Gamma Knife Radiosurgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia
Authors: Park Kyung-Jae , Kondziolka Douglas , Berkowitz Oren , Kano Hideyuki , Novotny Josef , Niranjan Ajay , Flickinger John C. , Lunsford L. Dade
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND:

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) may recur after treatment by gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GKSR).

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate management outcomes in patients who underwent repeat GKSR for TN.

METHODS:

The authors reviewed their experience with repeat GKSR in 119 patients with recurrent TN. The median patient age was 74 years (range, 34–96 years). The median interval between procedures was 26 months. The median target dose for repeat GKSR was 70 Gy (range, 50–90 Gy) and the median cumulative dose was 145 Gy (range, 120–170 Gy). The median follow-up was 48 months (range, 6–187 months) after repeat GKSR.

RESULTS:

After repeat GKSR, 87% of patients achieved initial pain relief (Barrow Neurological Institute pain score I–IIIb). Pain relief was maintained in 87.8% at 1 year, 69.8% at 3 years, and 44.2% at 5 years. Facial sensory dysfunction occurred in 21% of patients within 18 months after GKSR. Longer pain relief was observed in patients who had recurrent pain in a reduced pain distribution of the face compared with the pain distribution at the time of their initial GKSR, and in those who developed additional trigeminal sensory loss after a repeat procedure. A cumulative edge of brainstem dose ≥ 44 Gy was more likely to be associated with the development of sensory loss.

CONCLUSION:

Repeat GKSR provides a similar rate of pain relief as the first procedure. The best responses were observed in patients who had good pain control after the first procedure and those who developed new sensory dysfunction in the affected trigeminal distribution.
Microdiscectomy Improves Pain-Associated Depression, Somatic Anxiety, and Mental Well-Being in Patients With Herniated Lumbar Disc
Authors: Lebow Richard , Parker Scott L. , Adogwa Owoicho , Reig Adam , Cheng Joseph , Bydon Ali , McGirt Matthew J.
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND:

Emotional distress and depression are common psychological disturbances associated with low-back and leg pain. The effects of lumbar discectomy on pain, disability, and physical quality of life are well described. The effects of discectomy on emotional distress and mental well-being are less well understood.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the effect of microdiscectomy on depression, somatization, and mental well-being in patients with herniated lumbar discs.

METHODS:

Patients undergoing surgical discectomy for single-level, herniated lumbar disc were prospectively evaluated preoperatively, and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Back and leg pain, depression, somatic perception, and mental well-being were assessed.

RESULTS:

One hundred patients were enrolled. All were available for 1-year follow-up. Preoperatively, the visual analog scale for low-back pain (BP-VAS), visual analog scale for leg pain (LP-VAS), Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZUNG), Modified Somatic Perception Questionnaire (MSPQ), and Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 mental component summary scale (SF-36-MCS) were 6.3 ± 2.5, 6.3 ± 2.5, 19 ± 11, 9 ± 7, and 4 ± 14. BP-VAS and LP-VAS significantly improved by 6 weeks. Significant improvement in SF-36-MCS was observed by 6 weeks postoperatively, improvement in MSPQ score was observed 3 months postoperatively, and improvement in the ZUNG depression score was observed 12 months postoperatively. No statistical difference occurred during the remainder of follow-up for any outcome measured once improvement reached statistical significance. Eighteen patients were somatized preoperatively, 67% of which were nonsomatized 1 year postoperatively. Ten patients were clinically depressed preoperatively, 70% of which were nondepressed 1 year postoperatively. Improvement in SF-36-MCS, ZUNG, and MSPQ correlated (P < .001) with improvement in BP-VAS and LP-VAS.

CONCLUSION:

The majority of patients somatized or depressed preoperatively returned to good mental well-being postoperatively. Improvement in pain and overall mental well-being was seen immediately after discectomy. Improvement in somatic anxiety and depression occurred months later. Microdiscectomy significantly improves pain-associated depression, somatic anxiety, and mental well-being in patients with herniated lumbar disc.
Founding Physicks: the lives and times of the Physician Signers of the Charters of Freedom
Authors: Bengtsson B-O S
Published: August 2011

The Declaration of Independence had 56 signers, four of whom were physicians. The constitutional convention in 1787 had 55 delegates and 39 of them signed the Constitution. Three of these delegates were physicians and two signed the document. The Bill of Rights was a product of the first Federal Congress and three of its members were physicians. This paper presents a biographic outline of these physicians and their contributions to society, within a context of contemporary medicine during the first 25 years of the USA.
Quest for Professionalism: a biography of the North American Medical and Surgical Journal (1826–31)
Authors: Shultz S M
Published: August 2011

This is the biography of a deceased medical journal, the North American Medical and Surgical Journal, born in 1826 in Philadelphia. It was a publication of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Kappa Lambda Society. In the prospectus of the North American Medical and Surgical Journal the promoters observed that a well-conducted journal would achieve the object of elevating the medical profession to its legitimate rank which up to that time had been the recipient of low public opinion. The Journal hoped to inculcate ‘a higher standard of excellence not merely in the professional or ministrative but also in the ethical relations and duties of physicians’. After several successful and productive years it passed into history in October 1831, the victim of financial difficulty.
Three Licentiates of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh who were decorated with the Victoria Cross
Authors: Kaufman M H
Published: August 2011

Since the Victoria Cross was introduced in January 1856 by Queen Victoria to reward acts of valour in the face of the enemy, initially during the Crimean War, over 1350 medals have been awarded. Of these, three were awarded to medical officers who had previously gained the Licentiate Diploma of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (LRCS Edin) – Valentine Munbee McMaster on 25 September 1857, Henry Thomas Sylvester on 20 November 1857 (although the acts of valour for which he was awarded his VC occurred on two occasions in September 1855) and Campbell Mellis (or Millis) Douglas on 7 May 1867.
Septin genomics: a road less travelled
Authors: Russell S.E. Hilary , Hall Peter A.
Published: August 2011

The human septins are part of a gene family, that is a group of genes with similar sequences and usually but not invariably share similar functions that are descended from a common ancestor. Here we review our current knowledge of the human septin gene family and highlight areas of uncertainty. Currently 13 human septin genes are known (SEPT1 to SEPT12 and SEPT14). What was known as SEPT13 is now defined as one of many SEPT7 related pseudogenes. The family is characterized by complex genomics and extensive (but not universal) splicing, giving rise to a plethora of septin isoforms. For only a few members of the family do we have a comprehensive insight into these transcripts and isoforms. Given the formation of countless septin homotypic and heterotypic interactions our understanding of the biology and pathobiology of the septin family will require a detailed understanding of the genomics, transcriptomics and regulation of all members of this diverse and complex family.
Impact Properties of Vacuum Heat Treated AISI D2 and 8 % Cr Cold Work Tool Steels
Authors: Arieta Francisco , Netto Eliana B. M. , Reguly Afonso , Pannes W. K. , Beutler Uwe , van Soest Frank , Ernst Claudia
Published: August 2011

The impact properties of the traditional 12 % Cr AISI D2 steel and a family of new generation 8 % Cr cold work tool steels (average chemical composition fulfilling the following ranges: C = 1.00 ± 0.20; Cr = 8.00 ± 0.50; Mo = 1.75 ± 0.75; V = 1.10 ± 0.70; Nb = 0.50 ± 0.45; Si = 0.95 ± 0.10; Mn ≤ 0.50; P≤0.03; S ≤ 0.015) have been investigated. All steels have been vacuum heat treated simultaneously after austenitization at 1030°C, 1060°C, and 1120°C, followed by a cryogenic treatment and triple tempers at 520°C of 2 h each. The results showed for all steels that the higher the austenitizing temperature the higher the hardness and the lower the impact properties. For the same impact value, the 8 % Cr steels presented a 3–4 Hardness Rockwell C (HRC) points higher than the AISI D2 steel. The average impact values of the 8 % Cr steels were 33 %–45 % superior to the 12 % Cr steels, but only after austenitizing at 1030°C and 1060°C. At 1120°C, the impact values dropped dramatically for both 12 % Cr and 8 % Cr steels due to the higher hardness and grain growth differences between the investigated steels. The surfaces of the fractured impact tested samples were investigated via scanning electron microscopy + energy dispersive spectroscopy techniques. The fractographic analysis showed that at 1030°C the much coarser and higher volume fraction of primary chromium carbides found in the AISI D2 than in the 8 % Cr have contributed to its lower toughness. However, as the austenitizing temperature increased to 1060°C, and in particular at 1120°C, significant grain growth, higher hardness, and consequently, high strength of the matrix, took place and played the more important roles in dropping the toughness as shown by quasi-cleavage brittle fracture appearance. Austenitizing at 1060°C and tempering at 520°C showed the best compromise for toughness and hardness. Increasing the tempering temperature to 570°C and, in particular, to 620°C, remarkably increased the toughness of the 8 % Cr steels, when the % C is kept below 1 %. For the D2 and % C > 1.15 % the increase is negligible.
Einfluss von Schnittstellenmodellierungen bei der Reduktion elastischer Mehrkörpersysteme
Authors: Nowakowski Christine , Fehr Jörg , Eberhard Peter
Published: August 2011

Für die effiziente Simulation elastischer Mehrkörpersysteme sind wenige wohldefinierte Rand- und Koppelbedingungen bzw. Ein- und Ausgänge notwendig. Bisher müssen in der Modellierungsphase Schnittstellenknoten zur Verringerung der Ein- und Ausgangsanzahl gebildet werden. Ein neuer mathematischer Ansatz basiert auf der Zerlegung der Ein- und Ausgangsmatrix und verzichtet auf zusätzliche Schritte in der Modellerstellung. Eine Gegenüberstellung beider Ansätze erfolgt in diesem Beitrag.
Regelung verteilt-parametrischer Hamiltonscher Systeme auf Basis struktureller Invarianten
Authors: Siuka Andreas , Schöberl Markus , Rieger Karl , Schlacher Kurt
Published: August 2011

Dieser Beitrag behandelt die Modellierung und Regelung von räumlich eindimensionalen, verteilt-parametrischen Tor-basierten Hamiltonschen Systemen. Motiviert durch die physikalische Interpretation der Tor-basierten Hamiltonschen Systembeschreibung im konzentriert-parametrischen Fall wird eine Erweiterung dieser Systemklasse auf den verteilt-parametrischen Fall vorgeschlagen, welche auf dem klassischen evolutionären Zugang basiert. Weiters wird die aus dem konzentriert-parametrischen Fall bekannte Methode “Regelung auf Basis struktureller Invarianten” auf die vorgestellte verteilt-parametrische Hamiltonsche Darstellung übertragen. Die Effektivität dieser Methode wird anhand der energiebasierten Regelung des Timoshenko Balkens mit Randeingriff gezeigt.
Parameteridentifikation für LTI-Systeme mit Hilfe signalmodellgenerierter Modulationsfunktionen
Authors: Schmid Christian , Roppenecker Günter
Published: August 2011

Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt ein neues Verfahren zur Parameteridentifikation für zeitkontinuierliche LTI-Systeme, welches auf der Verwendung sog. Modulationsfunktionen basiert. Diese Modulationsfunktionen werden derart generiert, dass eine separate Identifikation einzelner Parameter möglich ist. Dazu ist ein Steuersignal für ein eigens definiertes, zeitvariantes Signalmodell zu berechnen, wobei die Anforderungen an die Modulationsfunktion die Anfangs- und Endbedingungen für den Signalmodellzustand festlegen.
Beobachtergestützte Prognose der Vertikalbewegung eines Schiffes
Authors: Küchler Sebastian , Sawodny Oliver
Published: August 2011

Im Bereich der Meerestechnik ist die Kompensation von vertikalen Schiffsbewegungen eine allgemein bekannte Regelungsaufgabe. Ein Ansatz für solche Kompensationssysteme ist die Verwendung von Trajektorienfolgereglern. Zur Online-Planung der benötigten Trajektorien ist eine Kurzzeitprognose der vertikalen Schiffsbewegung von Vorteil, da hiermit Antriebsbeschränkungen schon vorab in der Planung berücksichtigt werden können. Dieser Beitrag zeigt eine beobachtergestützte Methode für eine Kurzzeitprognose auf.
Einfluss der Bildqualität röntgentomographischer Abbildungen auf Koordinatenmessungen: Grundlagen, Messungen und Simulationen
Authors: Hiller Jochen , Fuchs Theobald O. J. , Kasperl Stefan , Reindl Leonhard M.
Published: August 2011

Die industrielle Computertomographie (CT) findet in der dimensionellen Messtechnik zunehmend Akzeptanz. Allerdings ist noch wenig über den konkreten Einfluss verschiedener Systemkomponenten, physikalischer Störgrößen oder Bildverarbeitungsschritte auf dimensionelle CT-Messungen bekannt. In diesem Beitrag werden physikalische Bildgütemerkmale zur Beurteilung der Bildqualität in der CT vorgestellt und mittels Computersimulationen der Einfluss der Rekonstruktionsbildgüte auf Koordinatenmessungen untersucht.
Anforderungen an ein Referenzmesssystem zur Untersuchung der GPS-Messqualität
Authors: Wegener Marco , Hübner Matthias , Schnieder Eckehard
Published: August 2011

Neuartige Anwendungen im Verkehr auf Basis der satellitenbasierten Positionsmessung erfordern für einen Einsatz im sicherheitsrelevanten Bereich eine Verifizierung der Messqualität. Im Gegensatz zu bisherigen Verfahren muss die Verifizierung von GPS-Positionsinformationen für den Anwendungsbereich Verkehr unter dynamischen Bedingungen, d. h. vom Versuchsfahrzeug wiederholbar bewegten Empfängern und mittels einer physikalisch unabhängigen Referenz erfolgen. Dazu werden in diesem Beitrag aus den Eigenschaften des Qualitätsbegriffs Anforderungen an einen Messaufbau für den Straßenverkehr abgeleitet. Anschließend wird die Erfüllung der abgeleiteten Anforderungen gezeigt. Zukünftige Ortungssysteme wie Galileo werden sich durch ein solches Referenzmesssystem verifizieren lassen.
Life after Death: An Activity to Investigate the Scientific, Legal, & Racial Issues of the Henrietta Lacks Story
Authors: Baker Stacy
Published: August 2011

In this two-part activity, students examine living cervical cancer cells and chromosomes from a women named Henrietta Lacks who died over 60 years ago, but whose cancer cells continued to divide and grow even after her death. Students then debate the legal and bioethical issues surrounding the use of her cells. This laboratory activity reinforces important introductory biology concepts such as mitosis and cancer. Once the students have experimented with Henrietta Lacks's cells, they feel connected to her story and passionate about exploring the science, legal, and racial issues surrounding the use of her cells.
Pubertal Status Predicts Back Pain, Overtiredness, and Dizziness in American and Dutch Adolescents
Authors: Janssens Karin A. M. , Rosmalen Judith G. M. , Ormel Johan , Verhulst Frank C. , Hunfeld Joke A. M. , Mancl Lloyd A. , Oldehinkel Albertine J. , LeResche Linda
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Functional somatic symptoms, symptoms for which no organic pathologic basis can be found, are more prevalent in girls than in boys, and this difference tends to increase during adolescence. This might be explained, at least in part, by pubertal development. We hypothesized that pubertal maturation predicts the development of most functional somatic symptoms and that this especially is true for girls.

METHOD:

We used 2 longitudinal population-based studies to examine our hypotheses: the Longitudinal Study of Pain in Adolescents in Seattle (n = 1996 [49.7% girls]) and the Dutch Tracking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (n = 2230 [51.0% girls]). Two assessment waves of each study were used. American adolescents were younger than Dutch adolescents at the first (11.6 vs 13.6) and second (14.5 vs 16.2) assessment waves, but they were in about the same pubertal development stage. Functional somatic symptoms were measured by pain questions, the Symptom Checklist-90, and the Youth Self-report. The Pubertal Development Scale was used to assess pubertal development on a continuous scale in both cohorts.

RESULTS:

Ordinal logistic regression analyses revealed that American and Dutch adolescents at a later pubertal status at baseline were more likely (odds ratios ranged from 1.24 to 1.61) to report back pain, overtiredness, and dizziness but not stomach pain and headache 2 to 3 years later. Although these relationships were not equally strong for boys and girls, no significant gender differences were found.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pubertal status predicted the frequency of some, but not all, functional somatic symptoms at follow-up.
Monozygotic Twins Discordant for ROHHAD Phenotype
Authors: Patwari Pallavi P. , Rand Casey M. , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth M. , Ize-Ludlow Diego , Weese-Mayer Debra E.
Published: August 2011

Rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation (ROHHAD) falls within a group of pediatric disorders with both respiratory control and autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Children with ROHHAD typically present after 1.5 years of age with rapid weight gain as the initial sign. Subsequently, they develop alveolar hypoventilation, autonomic nervous system dysregulation, and, if untreated, cardiorespiratory arrest. To our knowledge, this is the first report of discordant presentation of ROHHAD in monozygotic twins. Twin girls, born at term, had concordant growth and development until 8 years of age. From 8 to 12 years of age, the affected twin developed features characteristic of ROHHAD including obesity, alveolar hypoventilation, scoliosis, hypothalamic dysfunction (central diabetes insipidus, hypothyroidism, premature pubarche, and growth hormone deficiency), right paraspinal/thoracic ganglioneuroblastoma, seizures, and autonomic dysregulation including altered pain perception, large and sluggishly reactive pupils, hypothermia, and profound bradycardia that required a cardiac pacemaker. Results of genetic testing for PHOX2B (congenital central hypoventilation syndrome disease-defining gene) mutations were negative. With early recognition and conservative management, the affected twin had excellent neurocognitive outcome that matched that of the unaffected twin. The unaffected twin demonstrated rapid weight gain later in age but not development of signs/symptoms consistent with ROHHAD. This discordant twin pair demonstrates key features of ROHHAD including the importance of early recognition (especially hypoventilation), complexity of signs/symptoms and clinical course, and importance of initiating comprehensive, multispecialty care. These cases confound the hypothesis of a monogenic etiology for ROHHAD and indicate alternative etiologies including autoimmune or epigenetic phenomenon or a combination of genetic predisposition and acquired precipitant.
Trans-Sutural Distraction Osteogenesis for Alveolar Cleft Repair: An Experimental Canine Study
Authors: Liang Limin , Liu Chunming
Published: August 2011

Objective

To explore a new method of repair of alveolar cleft by trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis.

Design

Nine 8-week-old mongrel dogs were assigned randomly to two groups with three in the control group and six in the experimental group.

Setting

First, an alveolar cleft model was created surgically in all animals. After 2 weeks, a U-shaped distractor, made of nickel-titanium (NiTi) shape memory alloy wire with 200 g tensile force, was inserted into the premaxilla of the experimental dogs to distract the mid-premaxillary suture for 3 weeks. Periosteoplasty of the alveolar cleft was performed when the premaxilla at the side of cleft approached the maxilla at the same side. The distractor was removed 2 weeks post periosteoplasty.

Outcome Measures

The results were evaluated clinically, radiographically, and morphologically.

Results

The cleft model was stable and similar to the human alveolar cleft. No spontaneous bone union occurred in the control. In experimental dogs, the premaxilla was moved slowly toward the maxilla, and the cleft became gradually narrower and closed in the third week. Radiographically, the distracted mid-premaxillary suture showed a gradually widened triangle, with the tip of the triangle pointed posteriorly. The density of the distracted triangle suture was increased gradually. The alveolar cleft was completely bony 3 months post periosteoplasty. The morphology of the mid-premaxillary suture was also restored.

Conclusion

The alveolar cleft could be repaired by the technique of mid-premaxillary suture distraction using the elastic device of NiTi shape memory alloy.
Effect of storage of shelled Moringa oleifera seeds from reaping time on turbidity removal
Authors: Golestanbagh M. , Ahamad I. S. , Idris A. , Yunus R.
Published: August 2011

Moringa oleifera is an indigenous plant to Malaysia whose seeds are used for water purification. Many studies on Moringa oleifera have shown that it is highly effective as a natural coagulant for turbidity removal. In this study, two different methods for extraction of Moringa's active ingredient were investigated. Results of sodium chloride (NaCl) and distilled water extraction of Moringa oleifera seeds showed that salt solution extraction was more efficient than distilled water in extracting Moringa's active coagulant ingredient. The optimum dosage of shelled Moringa oleifera seeds extracted by the NaCl solution was comparable with that of the conventional chemical coagulant alum. Moreover, the turbidity removal efficiency was investigated for shelled Moringa oleifera seeds before drying in the oven under different storage conditions (i.e. open and closed containers at room temperature, 27 °C) and durations (fresh, and storage for 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks from the time the seeds were picked from the trees). Our results indicate that there are no significant differences in coagulation efficiencies and, accordingly, turbidity removals between the examined storage conditions and periods.
Occurrence of water-borne enteric viruses in two settlements based in Eastern Chad: analysis of hepatitis E virus, hepatitis A virus and human adenovirus in water sources
Authors: Guerrero-Latorre Laura , Carratala Anna , Rodriguez-Manzano Jesus , Calgua Byron , Hundesa Ayalkibet , Girones Rosina
Published: August 2011

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a common cause of water-borne acute hepatitis in areas with poor sanitation. In 2004 an outbreak of HEV infection affected around 2,000 people in Eastern Chad (Dar Sila). This paper describes the decrease in the incidence of acute jaundice syndrome (AJS) from 2004 until 2009 when a mean incidence of 0.48 cases/1,000 people/year was recorded in the region. Outbreaks of AJS were identified in some of the camps in 2007 and 2008. Moreover, water samples from drinking water sources were screened for human adenoviruses considered as viral indicators and for hepatitis A virus and HEV. Screening of faecal samples from donkeys for HEV gave negative results. Some of the samples were also analysed for faecal coliforms showing values before disinfection treatment between 3 and >50 colony forming units per 100 mL. All water samples tested were negative for HEV and HAV; however, the presence of low levels of human adenoviruses in 4 out of 16 samples analysed indicates possible human faecal contamination of groundwater. Consequently, breakdowns in the treatment of drinking water and/or increased excretion of hepatitis viruses, which could be related to the arrival of a new population, could spread future outbreaks through drinking water.
Efficacy of alcohol-based hand sanitizer on hands soiled with dirt and cooking oil
Authors: Pickering Amy J. , Davis Jennifer , Boehm Alexandria B.
Published: August 2011

Handwashing education and promotion are well established as effective strategies to reduce diarrhea and respiratory illness in countries around the world. However, access to reliable water supplies has been identified as an important barrier to regular handwashing in low-income countries. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS) is an effective hand hygiene method that does not require water, but its use is not currently recommended when hands are visibly soiled. This study evaluated the efficacy of ABHS on volunteers' hands artificially contaminated with Escherichia coli in the presence of dirt (soil from Tanzania) and cooking oil. ABHS reduced levels of E. coli by a mean of 2.33 log colony forming units (CFU) per clean hand, 2.32 log CFU per dirt-covered hand, and 2.13 log CFU per oil-coated hand. No significant difference in efficacy was detected between hands that were clean versus dirty or oily. ABHS may be an appropriate hand hygiene method for hands that are moderately soiled, and an attractive option for field settings in which access to water and soap is limited.
Application of an optimized system for the well-defined exposure of human lung cells to trichloramine and indoor pool air
Authors: Schmalz C. , Wunderlich H. G. , Heinze R. , Frimmel F. H. , Zwiener C. , Grummt T.
Published: August 2011

In this study an in vitro exposure test to investigate toxicological effects of the volatile disinfection by-product trichloramine and of real indoor pool air was established. For this purpose a set-up to generate a well-defined, clean gas stream of trichloramine was combined with biotests. Human alveolar epithelial lung cells of the cell line A-549 were exposed in a CULTEX® device with trichloramine concentrations between 0.1 and 40 mg/m3 for 1 h. As toxicological endpoints the cell viability and the inflammatory response by the cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 were investigated. A decreasing cell viability could be observed with increasing trichloramine concentration. An increase of IL-8 release could be determined at trichloramine concentrations higher than 10 mg/m3 and an increase of IL-6 release at concentrations of 20 mg/m3. Investigations of indoor swimming pool air showed similar inflammatory effects to the lung cells although the air concentrations of trichloramine of 0.17 and 0.19 mg/m3 were much lower compared with the laboratory experiments with trichloramine as the only contaminant. Therefore it is assumed that a mixture of trichloramine and other disinfection by-products in the air of indoor pool settings contribute to that effect.
Effects of tap water processing on the concentration of disinfection by-products
Authors: Rahman Md. Bayzidur , Driscoll Tim , Clements Mark , Armstrong Bruce K. , Cowie Christine T.
Published: August 2011

Aim: This study examined the effects on disinfection by-product (DBP) concentrations of common household methods for processing drinking water.

Methods: We investigated the effects of refrigerator storage, jug filtering, boiling in an electric kettle, and supply from an instant boiling water unit, with or without filtering, on four species of trihalomethanes (THMs) and nine species of haloacetic acids (HAAs) in water ready for consumption in Sydney, Australia. Water samples were processed in such a way as to simulate real life conditions for drinking filtered water or hot water drinks prepared from tap water drawn from public water supply systems.

Results: There was a large reduction in total THMs in kettle-boiled water, instant boiled water, jug-filtered water and instant boiled-filtered water (reductions of 85.8, 93.5, 92.6 and 87.8% of their concentration in tap water respectively). Refrigerator storage did not appear to have a consequential effect on THMs or HAAs. Jug-filtering and instant boiling and filtering resulted in large decreases (77–94%) in all species of HAAs in tap water.

Conclusion: This study suggests that different methods of processing tap water can change DBP concentration to an extent that would have a meaningful impact on exposure assessment in epidemiological studies.
Beach communications: a need for evaluation of current approaches
Authors: Pratap Preethi L. , Desai Palak , Dorevitch Samuel
Published: August 2011

Aims: Programs to notify the public about water quality at beaches are developed at the state and local levels. We sought to characterize the messages and message delivery options in use, and information about the effectiveness of these beach notification programs. Methods: A telephone survey of 37 US state, tribal and territorial and 18 county, city or local beach programs was conducted to characterize current public notification practices and any evaluations of those practices. Results: Beach notification practices vary substantially at the state and local levels. Color-coded signs or flags are commonly used, but not universally, and the color schemes and their meanings vary. New communication approaches utilizing text messaging and the internet are in use or under development for local use. Few communication methods had undergone systematic evaluations of their content, delivery methods or effectiveness in promoting behavior change. Conclusion: The prevention of waterborne illness requires communications that effectively promote the avoidance of swimming when water quality is impaired. Current communication practices are variable and generally have not undergone formal evaluations for their effectiveness. It is not known whether or how they impact health risk.
Recovery of Salmonella from biofilms in a headwater spring ecosystem
Authors: Gaertner James P. , Mendoza Joseph A. , Forstner Michael R. J. , Hahn Dittmar
Published: August 2011

Salmonellae are pathogenic bacteria often detected in waters impacted by human or animal wastes. In order to assess the fate of salmonellae in supposedly pristine environments, water and natural biofilm samples along with snails (Tarebia granifera) and crayfish (Procambarus clarkia) were collected before and up to 7 days following four precipitation events from sites within the headwater springs of Spring Lake, San Marcos, TX. The samples were analyzed for the presence of salmonellae by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after semi-selective enrichment. Salmonellae were detected in one water sample directly after precipitation only, while detection in ten biofilm and two crayfish samples was not related to precipitation. Salmonellae were not detected in snails. Characterization of isolates by rep-PCR revealed shared profiles in water and biofilm samples, biofilm and crayfish samples, and biofilm samples collected 23 days apart. These results suggest that salmonellae are infrequently washed into this aquatic ecosystem during precipitation runoff and can potentially take up residency in biofilms which can help facilitate subsequent long-term persistence and eventual transfer through the food chain.
Towards interactive flood management in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Barua Sudipta , van Ast Jacko A.
Published: August 2011

Water governance in urban areas is inherently complex and challenging. During recent decades, water management has increasingly been focusing on integration of the different economic demands regarding water resources. Modern water governance takes the whole water system into account in its aim to optimise the different values of the water system, in close interaction with stakeholders. This paper applies the modern, interactive approach to the management of floods in a country considered to be one of the world's most flood-prone and vulnerable: Bangladesh. Are the pillars of modern water governance practiced in its metropolitan capital Dhaka? The current institutional setting of flood management is analysed following the main pillars of the interactive water management framework: integration, river basin approach, sustainability and interaction. Based on the analysis, general recommendations are formulated to bring further innovation to water and flood management in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and other great deltas in the world.
Setting performance standards for regulation of water services: Benchmarking Latin American utilities
Authors: Ferro Gustavo , Romero Carlos A.
Published: August 2011

The aim of this study is to estimate both stochastic and mathematical programming efficiency cost frontiers for the Latin American water sector, by means of econometric and Data Envelopment Analysis techniques, using the ADERASA database. ADERASA is the Latin American association for water regulators, which has made a systematic job of data collection, among other initiatives.

This study fills a gap in the understanding of relative efficiency in the Latin American water sector, using a consistent database. First, we present a survey of the empirical literature related to cost and production frontiers in the water and sanitation sector. Second, once alternative specifications were chosen, models have been estimated and environmental variables included in an exploratory way. The coefficients have the expected signs and plausible values. Some consistency between methodologies is found.

This paper yields two results. The better knowledge of the underlying cost (or production) model is a first step to using benchmarking as a regulatory tool. The policy implications are relatively straightforward. With benchmarking technology it is possible to coordinate the action of different regulators, each with their own asymmetry of information. The key is setting indicative standards which constitute the basis of further discussion.
Performance-based incentives for agricultural pollution control: identifying and assessing performance measures in the United States
Authors: Winsten Jonathan R. , Baffaut Claire , Britt Joseph , Borisova Tatiana , Ingels Chad , Brown Susan
Published: August 2011

Current federal and state soil and water conservation programs consist primarily of cost-sharing or compensating farmers for implementing a set of pre-defined best management practices. This approach does not consider specific environmental outcomes or the cost-effectiveness of the program at the farm or watershed level. Performance-based incentives are payments that are attached to a specified environmental performance measure, for example a reduction in nutrient, sediment, pesticide, or bacteria loss from a field, or reduction in loading at the mouth of a watershed. Assessing environmental performance requires the definition of a performance measure, which is used to calculate resulting incentive payments. In this paper, we discuss issues related to the selection of a performance measure, such as the scale at which the performance is measured, modeling versus monitoring, and the ability of the measure to foster farmer learning and adaptive management. Numerous examples of performance measures adopted or considered by watershed stakeholders in several states are presented. Watershed managers, policy makers, and extension agents can consider this information to make informed choices among proposed approaches toward improving water quality in streams affected by agricultural nonpoint source pollution.