bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Mechanical Behaviors of Locked and Nonlocked Plate/Screw Fixation Applied to Experimentally Induced Rotational Osteotomies in Canine Ilia
Authors: Case Joseph Brad , Dean Casey , Wilson David M. , Knudsen John M. , James Susan P. , Palmer Ross H.
Published: October 2011

Objective

To compare the mechanical behaviors of 2 locked (parallel and diverging screws) and 1 nonlocked (NL) version of triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) plate/screw fixation.

Study Design

In vitro biomechanical evaluation.

Animals

Cadaveric canine hemipelves.

Methods

Comparison 1—NL screws 20° TPO (NL‐20) construct versus locked parallel (LP) screws 20° TPO (LP‐20) construct (n = 7). Comparison 2—LP‐20 construct versus locked diverging (LD) screws 20° TPO (LD‐20) construct (n = 6). Condition 1—Nondestructive loading to determine stiffness. Condition 2—Cyclic loading to determine stiffness, screw loosening, and osteotomy gap displacement. Condition 3—Load to failure (yield load, yield displacement, maximum load, load to failure, failure mode).

Results

Stiffness was not significantly different for NL‐20 versus LP‐20 constructs (P = .48) or for LP‐20 versus LD‐20 constructs (P = .83). Screw loosening was significantly more frequent for NL‐20 versus LP‐20 (P = .01) and for LD‐20 versus LP‐20 constructs (P = .02). The relative risk for screw loosening with NL‐20 constructs versus LP‐20 constructs was 1.4 (95% CI: 1.1–1.8). The relative risk for screw loosening with LD‐20 versus LP‐20 was 1.6 (95% CI: 1.1—2.2). Yield load was significantly greater for LP‐20 versus NL‐20 and LD‐20 constructs (P = .04, P = .03), respectively.

Conclusions

No TPO constructs tested maintained complete integrity after cyclic loading; however, screw loosening was significantly reduced and yield loads were significantly larger for LP‐20 plate/screw constructs.
Are Elderly Patients at Increased Risk of Complications Following Pacemaker Implantation? A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: ARMAGANIJAN LUCIANA V. , TOFF WILLIAM D. , NIELSEN JENS C. , ANDERSEN HENNING R. , CONNOLLY STUART J. , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH A. , HEALEY JEFF S.
Published: October 2011

Background:
 Patients over the age of 75 represent more than half the recipients of permanent pacemakers. It is not known if they have a different risk of complications than younger patients.

Methods:
 Patient‐level data were pooled from the CTOPP, UKPACE, and Danish pacing trials. These three randomized trials of pacing mode systematically captured early and late complications following pacemaker insertion. Early postimplant complications included lead dislodgement or loss of capture, cardiac perforation, pneumothorax, hematoma, infection, and death. Lead fracture was considered a late complication.

Results:
 A total of 4,814 patients were included in this analysis, with an average follow‐up of 5.1 years. The average age was 76 years and 43% were female. Any early complication occurred in 5.1% of patients ≥75 years of age compared to 3.4% of patients aged <75 years (P = 0.006). This was driven by an increased risk of pneumothorax (1.6% vs 0.8%, P = 0.07) and both atrial and ventricular lead dislodgement/loss of capture (2.0% vs 1.1%, P = 0.07). Early complications were higher in patients receiving atrial‐based pacemakers in both age groups (<75 years: 4.6% vs 2.4%; ≥75 years: 6.6% vs 3.7%); however, the relative risk was not influenced by age group. Older patients had a lower risk of lead fracture (3.6% vs 2.7%, P = 0.08).

Conclusion:
 Elderly patients (≥75 years of age) are at increased risk of early postimplant complications but are at lower risk for lead fracture. PACE 2012; 35:131–134)
Biophysical Modeling to Simulate the Response to Multisite Left Ventricular Stimulation Using a Quadripolar Pacing Lead
Authors: NIEDERER STEVEN A. , SHETTY A.K. , PLANK G. , BOSTOCK J. , RAZAVI R. , SMITH N.P. , RINALDI C.A.
Published: October 2011

Background:
 Response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is reduced in patients with posterolateral scar. Multipolar pacing leads offer the ability to select desirable pacing sites and/or stimulate from multiple pacing sites concurrently using a single lead position. Despite this potential, the clinical evaluation and identification of metrics for optimization of multisite CRT (MCRT) has not been performed.

Methods:
 The efficacy of MCRT via a quadripolar lead with two left ventricular (LV) pacing sites in conjunction with right ventricular pacing was compared with single‐site LV pacing using a coupled electromechanical biophysical model of the human heart with no, mild, or severe scar in the LV posterolateral wall.

Result:
 The maximum dP/dtmax improvement from baseline was 21%, 23%, and 21% for standard CRT versus 22%, 24%, and 25% for MCRT for no, mild, and severe scar, respectively. In the presence of severe scar, there was an incremental benefit of multisite versus standard CRT (25% vs 21%, 19% relative improvement in response). Minimizing total activation time (analogous to QRS duration) or minimizing the activation time of short‐axis slices of the heart did not correlate with CRT response. The peak electrical activation wave area in the LV corresponded with CRT response with an R2 value between 0.42 and 0.75.

Conclusion:
 Biophysical modeling predicts that in the presence of posterolateral scar MCRT offers an improved response over conventional CRT. Maximizing the activation wave area in the LV had the most consistent correlation with CRT response, independent of pacing protocol, scar size, or lead location. (PACE 2012; 35:204–214)
Spatially Balanced Sampling through the Pivotal Method
Authors: Grafström Anton , Lundström Niklas L. P. , Schelin Lina
Published: October 2011

Summary A simple method to select a spatially balanced sample using equal or unequal inclusion probabilities is presented. For populations with spatial trends in the variables of interest, the estimation can be much improved by selecting samples that are well spread over the population. The method can be used for any number of dimensions and can hence also select spatially balanced samples in a space spanned by several auxiliary variables. Analysis and examples indicate that the suggested method achieves a high degree of spatial balance and is therefore efficient for populations with trends.
Preparation of Fused Zirconia/Mullite Aggregates from Sillimanite, Zircon, and Alumina Mixtures via Plasma
Authors: Prusty Sasmita , Mishra D. K. , Mohapatra B. K. , Mishra Gopa , Singh S. K.
Published: October 2011

The mineral sillimanite and zircon recovered from beach sand were considered as the sources of alumina, silica, and zirconia for the synthesis of fused zirconia mullite (MUZ). The mullite phase appears as a primary phase up to the zirconia percentages of 20, whereas it appears as a secondary phase in the higher percentages of zirconia (>20) in the MUZ composites. The thermal plasma provides higher temperature up to 2100°C to favor the transformation of monoclinic phases of zirconia to tetragonal/cubic zirconia for which a mixture of monoclinic, tetragonal, and cubic zirconia is observed in the X‐ray diffraction pattern. The electron probe microstructure analysis reveals the presence of glass phase (SiO2) in the lower (5%) and higher (>15%) percentage of zirconia composites. A variation in the optical band gap (2.06–2.63 eV) and enhancement in the hardness are observed with the increasing concentration of zirconia in the MUZ composites.
Investigation of CuO‐Doped NKN Ceramics with High Mechanical Quality Factor Synthesized by a B‐Site Oxide Precursor Method
Authors: Yang Song‐Ling , Tsai Cheng‐Che , Liou Yi‐Cheng , Hong Cheng‐Shong , Li Bing‐Jing , Chu Sheng‐Yuan
Published: October 2011

In this study, composition of (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3 + x mol% CuO ceramics (NKNCx, where x = 0–1 mol%) were separately prepared using the B‐site oxide precursor method (BO method) and the conventional mixed oxide method (MO method). The diffracted angles of the NKNCx ceramics decreased as the concentrations of CuO dopants increased, because Nb5+ ions were replaced by Cu2+ ions, leading to the formation of oxygen vacancies. The microstructures of NKNCx ceramics prepared using the BO method were more homogeneous microstructures than that of ceramics prepared using the MO method. The mechanical quality factor (Qm) and dielectric constant (ε33T/ε0) of NKNCx ceramics prepared using the BO method were therefore by 21% and 25% better, respectively. The activation energy and internal bias field were measured and calculated to confirm the presence of oxygen vacancies. A low activation energy corresponds to a high Qm value. NKN ceramics with 0.75 mol% CuO doping prepared using the BO method had an activation energy and internal bias field of 0.95 eV and 3.5 kV/cm, respectively, at x = 0.75 mol%. The bulk density, kp, Qm, ε33T/ε0, and dielectric loss of NKNCx ceramics with this composition were 4.488 g/cm3, 41.5%, 2100, 280, and 0.15%, respectively.
Rapid Crystallization Process of Amorphous Silicon Nitride
Authors: Li Yanhui , Wang Li , Yin Shaowu , Yang Fuming , Wu Ping
Published: October 2011

The crystallization of nanosized amorphous silicon nitride powder is one of the methods to produce sub‐micrometer/nanosized α‐Si3N4 powder. The application of this method is still limited by the long crystallization time, low output, and high cost. This article invents a new crystallization method of amorphous silicon nitride involving the addition of Si powder. The new process reduces the complete crystallization time from more than 6 h to 30 min, thus allowing efficient production of sub‐micrometer/nanosized α‐Si3N4 powder. Effects of factors such as additive, temperature, and duration on the crystallization process are investigated using XRD and FTIR. The experimental results showed that the added Si powder accelerates the crystallization process effectively. The final product is a mixture of α‐Si3N4 and Si2N2O. In this article, amorphous silicon nitride powder with added Si is annealed at 1450°C. Powder of nearly 100% crystalline phase content is produced either by adding 10% Si and annealing for 15 min or by adding 5% Si and annealing for 30 min.
Pathologic Evaluation of the Cervical Spine Following Surgical and Chiropractic Interventions
Authors: Matshes Evan W. , Joseph Jeffrey
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  When patients die after chiropractic or surgical interventions of the cervical spine, pathologists tasked with the autopsy are frequently overwhelmed by the complicated anatomy, laborious dissections, complex operative procedures and surgical hardware, and the necessity to differentiate artifacts from trauma and disease. However, abundant data can be obtained from careful evaluation of the cervical spine in situ; extensive postmortem diagnostic imaging procedures; detailed dissections of the removed, formalin‐fixed and decalcified spine; and histology. This study presents a regimented, stepwise approach to the evaluation of the cervical spine in these difficult cases, promotes uniform assessment, facilitates diagnoses, and supports the accumulation of otherwise hard‐to‐come‐by reference material that can be of value in future cases. The resultant detailed autopsy findings may prove useful in the medico‐legal death investigation process. Autopsy findings may also be of great value to health care providers involved in quality assurance processes.
Rapid In Situ Repeatable Analysis of Drugs in Powder Form Using Reflectance Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy and Multivariate Calibration
Authors: Melucci Dora , Monti Dario , D’Elia Marcello , Luciano Giorgio
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  This study takes the first step toward in situ analysis of powder drugs which does not require any alteration of the samples. A fast, inexpensive analytical method based on reflectance near‐infrared (NIR) spectrometry and multivariate calibration was applied. A diode‐array fiber‐optic portable spectrometer in the 900–1700 nm range was employed. Samples were laboratory‐prepared ternary powders (diacetylmorphine, caffeine, and paracetamol). Partial least squares regression was applied. The choice of the standard samples for calibration and validation was performed through a D‐optimal experimental design. The explained variance was higher than 90%, and the relative root mean square errors were <2%. The number of principal components (6) was very low when compared with the number of raw variables (356 absorbance values). Response plots showed slopes and intercepts were very close to optimal values. Correlation coefficients ranged between 0.909 and 0.989. The method here proposed proved to be competitive with Fourier transform NIR spectrometry.
CXC chemokine receptor 4 is essential for Lipo‐PGE1–enhanced migration of human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Yang Yoolhee , Shim Su Kyung , Kim Hyun‐A , Seon Mira , Yang Eunjung , Cho Daeho , Bang Sa Ik
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Lipo‐PGE1 [EGLANDIN®; a lipid microsphere‐incorporated prostaglandin E1 (PGE1)] stimulates angiogenesis and promotes the healing of skin ulcers. Because the effects of Lipo‐PGE1 on cutaneous wound healing are not completely understood, we investigated the ability of Lipo‐PGE1 to affect in vivo wound healing and regulate the migration of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). In a murine wound model, Lipo‐PGE1 reduced the wound size compared with control mice. Lipo‐PGE1 significantly increased HDF migration in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Lipo‐PGE1 markedly increased the expression of CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), which controls the migration of HDFs, at the mRNA and protein levels. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated knockdown of CXCR4 inhibited Lipo‐PGE1–enhanced HDF migration. Moreover, Lipo‐PGE1 directly induced the phosphorylation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), and the JNK‐specific inhibitor Sp6000125 blocked Lipo‐PGE1–enhanced migration and CXCR4 expression of HDFs. Our results demonstrate that Lipo‐PGE1 accelerates wound healing in vivo and increases the CXCR4‐mediated migration of HDFs through the JNK pathway.
Oral health promotion interventions on oral reservoirs of staphylococcus aureus: a systematic review
Authors: Lam O LT , McGrath C , Bandara HMHN , Li L SW , Samaranayake L P
Published: October 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 244–254

The oral cavity serves as a reservoir of Staphylococcus aureus for infection of the lower respiratory tract and cross‐infection to other patients. This systematic review was designed to examine the effectiveness of oral health promotion interventions on this pathogen. The PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for clinical trials assessing the effect of oral health promotion interventions on oral and oropharyngeal carriage of S. aureus. Oral health promotion interventions on oral reservoirs of S. aureus in both systemically healthy and medically compromised groups consisted of oral hygiene interventions only. There was a lack of evidence pertaining to the effectiveness of mechanical oral hygiene interventions against this pathogen. Chlorhexidine delivered in oral hygiene products such as mouthrinses, gels, and sprays appeared to have some utility against S. aureus, although some studies found equivocal effects. There was a dearth of studies investigating the efficacy of other chemical agents. Although many chemical agents contained in oral hygiene products have proven in vitro activity against S. aureus, their clinical effectiveness and potential role as adjuncts or alternative therapies to conventional treatment remain to be confirmed by further high‐quality randomized controlled trials.
Self‐reported oral health, oral hygiene habits and dental service utilization among pregnant women in United Arab Emirates
Authors: Hashim R
Published: October 2011

To cite this article:
 
Int J Dent Hygiene 10, 2012; 142–146  DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2011.00531.x

Hashim R. Self‐reported oral health, oral hygiene habits and dental service utilization among pregnant women in United Arab Emirates.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe self‐reported oral health, oral hygiene habits and frequency of visits to a dentist among pregnant women visiting maternity hospitals in the United Arab Emirates. Material and methods: A cross‐sectional study was conducted, with anonymous structured questionnaires distributed to 800 pregnant women who were chosen at random from attendants of three maternity and child health centres from various geographical areas of UAE, during January–March 2010. Results: The response rate was 93.7% (n = 750). Less than quarter of the participated pregnant women were in their first trimester. Almost a quarter (23.5%) of the women believed that they had periodontal problem currently, while 46.3% reported having carious teeth. More than 44% reported having dental pain, and about 40% women felt that her oral health was poor. About 60% reported having heard about the possible connection between pregnancy and the oral health. About 94% of the women were brushing their teeth at least once a day. More than half of the women (58.3%) visited the dentist during their most recent pregnancy, mostly for dental pain. Conclusions: A large proportion of the pregnant women in this study had oral health problems; however, more than 40% of those women had not visited a dentist during their pregnancy, and the majority of those utilized dental services when they had dental pain only. To provide better oral health care, more knowledge needs to be made available to the pregnant women and the medical community.
Effects of maintenance electroshock on mitochondrial respiratory chain and creatine kinase activities in the rat brain
Authors: Réus Gislaine Z. , Stringari Roberto B. , Rezin Gislaine T. , Pezente Daiana P. , Scaini Giselli , Maggi Débora D. , De-Nês Bruna T. , Streck Emilio L. , Quevedo João , Feier Gustavo
Published: October 2011

Réus GZ, Stringari RB, Rezin GT, Pezente DP, Scaini G, Maggi DD, De-Nês BT, Streck EL, Quevedo J, Feier G. Effects of maintenance electroshock on mitochondrial respiratory chain and creatine kinase activities in the rat brain.

Objective:Electroconvulsive therapy is used efficacious treatment for a variety of complicated psychiatric disorders and evidences have indicated that energy metabolism impairment may be involved in pathophysiology and treatment of mood disorders. This work was performed to determine creatine kinase and mitochondrial respiratory chain activities at different times after the maintenance electroconvulsive shock (ECS).

Methods:Male Wistar rats received a protocol mimicking therapeutic of maintenance or simulated ECS (sham) and were subsequently sacrificed immediately after, 48 h and 7 days after the last maintenance ECS. We measured creatine kinase and mitochondrial respiratory chain activities in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, cortex, cerebellum and striatum.

Results:Our results showed that maintenance ECS alter respiratory chain complexes and creatine kinase activities in the rat brain, but these effects were related to brain area and time after the ECS, in which the animal were killed.

Conclusion:Finally, these findings further support the hypothesis that alteration on the energy metabolism could be involved in the therapeutic or adverse effects of ECS.
Is a routine voiding cystourethrogram necessary in children after the first febrile urinary tract infection?
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , Kim Moon Kyu , Park Sung Eun
Published: October 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study was to estimate the value of identifying vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) on a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and the benefit of VUR management according to imaging strategies at the first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI).

Methods:  Children aged 1–144 months (n = 618) with the first febrile UTI admitted at our hospital from 2000 to 2009 were enrolled. In all patients, renal sonogram (US), 99mTc‐dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scanning and VCUG were performed. Retrospective analyses per patient and per renal unit were performed.

Results:  Abnormal US or DMSA scans had a sensitivity of 100% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% to detect high‐grade reflux. In hydronephrotic kidneys, DMSA scanning had a sensitivity of 88.2% and a NPV of 97.1% to detect high‐grade reflux.

Conclusion:  Routine VCUG is not required after the first febrile UTI in patients with normal US or normal DMSA scan. Even if the US reveals hydronephrosis, routine VCUG is not necessary if the DMSA findings are normal. It is recommended that children who did not receive both a DMSA scan and VCUG after the first febrile UTI should be followed up over the long term.
Literacy in the Early Years in New Zealand: policies, politics and pressing reasons for change
Authors: McLachlan Claire , Arrow Alison
Published: October 2011

Although priding itself on high rates of literacy achievement, New Zealand's track record in the last two decades has noticeably declined. Successive New Zealand governments have invested heavily in trying to redress this decline with limited success. Demographic changes in population due to immigration provide a partial explanation, but arguably, inconsistencies and omissions in policies and curriculum for early childhood and primary education are also factors to be considered further. Evidence regarding New Zealand's effectiveness in promoting literacy since the early 1990s is explored, against a potential policy framework for the Early Years, identifying the challenges and pressing issues for change.
Template‐independent DNA synthesis activity associated with the reverse transcriptase of the long terminal repeat retrotransposon Tf1
Authors: Oz‐Gleenberg Iris , Herzig Eytan , Hizi Amnon
Published: October 2011

Reverse transcriptases (RTs) possess a non‐templated addition (NTA) activity while synthesizing DNA with blunt‐ended DNA primer/templates. Interestingly, the RT of the long terminal repeat retrotransposon Tf1 has an NTA activity that is substantially higher than that of HIV‐1 or murine leukemia virus RTs. By performing steady state kinetics, we found that the differences between the NTA activities of Tf1 and HIV‐1 RTs can be explained by the substantially lower KM value for the incoming dNTP of Tf1 RT (while the differences between the apparent kcat values of these two RTs are relatively small). Furthermore, the KM values, calculated for both RTs with the same dNTP, are much lower for the template‐dependent synthesis (TDS) than those of NTA. However, TDS of HIV‐1 RT is higher than that of Tf1 RT. The overall relative order of the apparent kcat/KM values for dATP is: HIV‐1 RT (TDS) > Tf1 RT (TDS) >> Tf1 RT (NTA) > HIV‐1 RT (NTA). Under the employed conditions, Tf1 RT can add up to seven nucleotides to the blunt‐ended substrate, while the other RTs add mostly a single nucleotide. The NTA activity of Tf1 RT is restricted to DNA primers. Furthermore, the NTA activity of Tf1 and HIV‐1 RTs is suppressed by ATP, as it competes with the incoming dATP (although ATP is not incorporated by the NTA activity of the RTs). The unusually high NTA activity of Tf1 RT can explain why, after completing cDNA synthesis, the in vivo generated Tf1 cDNA has relatively long extra sequences beyond the highly conserved CA at its 3′‐ends.
A hemolymph major anionic peptide, HemaP, motivates feeding behavior in the sweetpotato hornworm, Agrius convolvuli
Authors: Morooka Nobukatsu , Nagata Shinji , Shirai Koji , Kiguchi Kenji , Nagasawa Hiromichi
Published: October 2011

We recently identified a novel feeding‐modulating peptide, hemolymph major anionic peptide (HemaP), designated Bommo‐HemaP (B‐HemaP), from hemolymph of the silkworm Bombyx mori. B‐HemaP has a unique biological activity in modulating the regular frequency of feeding motivation, which is accompanied by increased foraging behaviors. To confirm the conservation of the HemaP‐regulated feeding mechanism in lepidopteran species, we purified and sequenced two candidate peptides from the hemolymph of larvae of the sweet potato hornworm Agrius convolvuli. Unlike B. mori, A. convolvuli had two forms of HemaP, which were designated Agrco‐HemaP‐1 (A‐HemaP‐1) and Agrco‐HemaP‐2 (A‐HemaP‐2). The amino acid sequence of A‐HemaP‐2 was identical with that of A‐HemaP‐1, except for O‐glycosylation on the fifth amino acid, threonine, within the N‐terminal region. The amino acid sequence of A‐HemaP‐1/A‐HemaP‐2 had only 32% identity with B‐HemaP. Structural analysis revealed that the carbohydrate moiety of A‐HemaP‐2 was an α‐GalNAc residue. Injection of A‐HemaP‐1, A‐HemaP‐2 and recombinant A‐HemaP‐1 (rA‐HemaP‐1) individually caused a significant increase in foraging behaviors in A. convolvuli larvae, and no significant differences were observed among these three A‐HemaPs. The CD spectra of these three A‐HemaPs were quite similar, and all had α‐helix‐rich secondary structures. Although A‐HemaP‐1 and B‐HemaP did not exhibit cross‐reactivity at any injection doses examined, HemaP might be a conserved molecule among lepidopteran species that can modulate feeding motivation through the fluctuation of peptide levels in hemolymph.
Mannose‐binding lectin and MBL‐associated serine protease‐2 gene polymorphisms in a Brazilian population from Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Ferraroni N. R. , Segat L. , Guimarães R. L. , Brandão L. A. C. , Crovella S. , Constantino‐Silva R. N. , Loja C. , da Silva Duarte A. J. , Grumach A. S.
Published: October 2011

Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is a protein able to bind to carbohydrate patterns on pathogen membranes; upon MBL binding, its’ associated serine protease MBL‐associated serine protease type 2 (MASP2) is autoactivated, promoting the activation of complement via the lectin pathway. For both MBL2 and MASP2 genes, the frequencies of polymorphisms are extremely variable between different ethnicities, and this aspect has to be carefully considered when performing genetic studies. While polymorphisms in the MBL‐encoding gene (MBL2) have been associated, depending upon ethnicity, with several diseases in different populations, little is known about the distribution of MASP2 gene polymorphisms in human populations. The aim of our study was thus to determine the frequencies of MBL2 (exon 1 and promoter) and MASP2 (p.D371Y) polymorphisms in a Brazilian population from Rio de Janeiro. A total of 294 blood donor samples were genotyped for 27 polymorphisms in the MBL2 gene by direct sequencing of a region spanning from the promoter polymorphism H/L rs11003125 to the rs1800451 polymorphism (at codon 57 in the first exon of the gene). Genotyping for MASP2 p.D371Y was carried out using fluorogenic probes. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the prevalence of the MASP2 p.D371Y polymorphism in a Brazilian population. The C allele frequency 39% is something intermediate between the reported 14% in Europeans and 90% in Sub‐Saharan Africans. MBL2 polymorphisms frequencies were quite comparable to those previously reported for admixed Brazilians. Both MBL2 and MASP2 polymorphisms frequencies reported in our study for the admixed Brazilian population are somehow intermediate between those reported in Europeans and Africans, reflecting the ethnic composition of the southern Brazilian population, estimated to derive from an admixture of Caucasian (31%), African (34%) and Native American (33%) populations. In conclusion, our population genetic study describes the frequencies of MBL2 and MASP2 functional SNPs in a population from Rio de Janeiro, with the aim of adding new information concerning the distribution of these SNPs in a previously unanalysed Brazilian population, thus providing a new genetic tool for the evaluation of the association of MBL2 and MASP2 functional SNPs with diseases in Brazil, with particular emphasis on the state of Rio de Janeiro.
Allele frequencies of human leukocyte antigen‐G in a Korean population
Authors: Park Y. , Park Y. , Kim Y. S. , Kwon O. J. , Kim H.‐S.
Published: October 2011

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐G is a nonclassical major histocompatibility complex class I molecule with relatively limited polymorphism. The differences in allele frequency according to ethnicity and country have not been studied enough, so far. Therefore, fundamental data including allele frequencies and polymorphism are needed for studies on immunological function of HLA‐G in each population. We investigated allele frequencies and 14‐bp polymorphism of the HLA‐G in Koreans. HLA‐G alleles and 14‐bp polymorphisms were determined by sequence‐based typing analysis of exons 2–4 and polymerase chain reaction of exon 8 in 200 unrelated individuals. Genotyping analysis identified eight different HLA‐G alleles, which indicates that the Korean population presents limited HLA‐G allelic polymorphism. HLA‐G*01:01:01:01 and G*01:04:01 were frequent alleles (42.5% and 34.0%), and allelic frequencies were similar to those of other Asian populations. The 14‐bp deletion alleles are higher (78%) in Koreans, although the frequencies of the 14‐bp insertion/deletion polymorphism have been known to be nearly equal in many Caucasian populations. HLA‐G*01:01:08 was reported strong linkage disequilibrium with the 14‐bp deletion in a previous report; the same allele was accompanied with 14‐bp insertion in our study. There are a few studies investigating allele frequencies, and most of them were studied before high‐resolution method era. This is the first study regarding HLA‐G genotypes in Korean, which were identified by high‐resolution method. From this study, we identified HLA‐G frequencies of a Korean population and expect this study could help further investigations for immunological and clinical implications of HLA‐G.
Evidence for crust cooling in the transiently accreting 11-Hz X-ray pulsar in the globular cluster Terzan 5
Authors: Degenaar N. , Brown E. F. , Wijnands R.
Published: October 2011

The temporal heating and subsequent cooling of the crusts of transiently accreting neutron stars carries unique information about their structure and a variety of nuclear reaction processes. We report on a new Chandra Director’s Discretionary Time observation of the globular cluster Terzan 5, aimed to monitor the transiently accreting 11-Hz X-ray pulsar IGR J17480−2446 after the cessation of its recent 10-week long accretion outburst. During the observation, which was performed ≃125 d into quiescence, the source displays a thermal spectrum that fits to a neutron star atmosphere model with a temperature for an observer at infinity of kT∞≃ 92 eV. This is ≃10 per cent lower than that found ≃75 d earlier, yet ≃20 per cent higher than the quiescent base level measured prior to the recent outburst. This can be interpreted as cooling of the accretion-heated neutron star crust, and implies that crust cooling is observable after short accretion episodes. Comparison with neutron star thermal evolution simulations indicates that substantial heat must be released at shallow depth inside the neutron star, which is not accounted for in current nuclear heating models.
Continued evolution of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1): updated nomenclature
Authors:   WHO/OIE/FAO H5N1 Evolution Working Group
Published: October 2011

Please cite this paper as: WHO/OIE/FAO. (2012) Continued evolution of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1): Updated nomenclature. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(1), 1–5.

Background  Continued evolution of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) throughout many regions of the eastern hemisphere has led to the emergence of new phylogenetic groups. A total of 1637 new H5N1 hemagglutinin (HA) sequences have become available since the previous nomenclature recommendations described in 2009 by the WHO/OIE/FAO H5N1 Evolution Working Group. A comprehensive analysis including all the new data is needed to update HA clade nomenclature.

Methods  Phylogenetic trees were constructed from data sets of all available H5N1 HA sequences. New clades were designated on the basis of phylogeny and p‐distance using the pre‐established nomenclature system (Emerg Infec Dis 2008; 14:e1). Each circulating H5N1 clade was subjected to further phylogenetic analysis and nucleotide sequence divergence calculations.

Results  All recently circulating clades (clade 1 in the Mekong River Delta, 2.1.3 in Indonesia, 2.2 in India/Bangladesh, 2.2.1 in Egypt, 2.3.2, 2.3.4 and 7 in Asia) required assignment of divergent HA genes to new second‐, third‐, and/or fourth‐order clades. At the same time, clades 0, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and several second‐ and third‐order groups from clade 2 have not been detected since 2008 or earlier.

Conclusions  New designations are recommended for 12 HA clades, named according to previously defined criteria. In addition, viruses from 13 clades have not been detected since 2008 or earlier. The periodic updating of this dynamic classification system allows continued use of a unified nomenclature in all H5N1 studies.
Bridging Universal and Cultural Perspectives: A Vision for Developmental Psychology in a Global World
Authors: Jensen Lene Arnett
Published: October 2011

Abstract—This article argues that now is an opportune time to draw together the accumulated bodies of knowledge in developmental and cultural psychology in order to build a new vision for developmental psychology scholarship that bridges universal and cultural perspectives. Such bridging requires rethinking (a) the entity of developmental psychological analysis, (b) the scope and meaning of developmental psychology concepts, and (c) the nature of theoretical frameworks. This rethinking will render developmental psychology more broadly valid across cultures and more applicable to local cultural conditions. This is imperative in an increasingly global world where diverse peoples interact more than ever. Although the present focus is on rethinking developmental psychology, conclusions about the implications of bridging universal and cultural perspectives may be of interest in other fields and disciplines addressing psychological thought and behavior.
Collaborative Watershed Groups in Three Pacific Northwest States: A Regional Evaluation of Group Metrics and Perceived Success1
Authors: Chaffin B.C. , Mahler R.L. , Wulfhorst J.D. , Shafii B.
Published: October 2011

Chaffin, B.C., R.L. Mahler, J.D. Wulfhorst, and B. Shafii, 2011. Collaborative Watershed Groups in Three Pacific Northwest States: A Regional Evaluation of Group Metrics and Perceived Success. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(1): 113‐122. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2011.00599.x

Abstract:  Watershed management through collaborative groups has become important throughout the United States over the past two decades. Although several studies of Oregon and Washington watershed groups exist, a definitive regional analysis of Pacific Northwest (PNW) watershed groups’ success is lacking. This paper uses data collected from a single survey instrument to determine the status, structure, and success of watershed groups in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, respectively. Results indicate that watershed group member satisfaction with elements of group structure correlates with levels of perceived group success. Strong leadership within a group and a clear mission statement also indicate higher levels of perceived success. Contrasting realized successes among PNW watershed groups with metrics of perceived success constructed from survey data define watershed groups’ missions and goals and is validated by analysis of the Washington State planning groups’ responses. Overall, PNW watershed groups identified themselves as largely successful. Therefore, the structure, function, and operation identified as characteristic of PNW watershed groups could be used as a model for developing watershed group programming in regions with similar conditions.
Treatment of a patient with large keratocystic odontogenic tumour in the mandible: case report with literature review
Authors: Mojsa I. , Stypulkowska J. , Kaczmarzyk T. , Okon K. , Zaleska M.
Published: October 2011

Presented heretofore is the case of a 26‐year‐old male suffering from a keratocystic odontogenic tumour that exhibits progressive development in the mandible. During our evaluation, the patient underwent numerous diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to restore his normal appearance and function.
Effects of incretins on blood pressure: A promising therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus with hypertension
Authors: WANG Bin , NI Yinxing , ZHONG Jian , SUN Fang
Published: October 2011

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased markedly worldwide. A recent epidemiological study reported that approximately 63% of T2DM patients also have high blood pressure (>130/80 mmHg), which doubles their risk of cardiac events. Of the medications used to treat T2DM, the incretins are a group of peptides that not only regulate blood glucose effectively and moderately, but also protect patients against cardiovascular events and improve several cardiovascular parameters. Here were review data from preclinical and short‐ and long‐term clinical studies investigating the antihypertensive effects of incretins. We also elucidate four possible mechanisms underlying the antihypertensive effects of incretins. We conclude that incretins can lower blood pressure of T2DM patients, independent of weight loss, and will surely improve the prognosis of these patients.
Sleepwalking, Subjectivity and the Nervous Body in Eighteenth‐Century Britain
Authors: HANDLEY SASHA
Published: October 2011

This article offers an in‐depth study of sleepwalking in the long eighteenth century. It explores how and why the physical condition of sleepwalking was conceptually transformed into a modish nervous disorder that was central to explorations of the human mind, imagination and personal identity in the final decades of the century. This cultural revaluation of sleepwalking, or ‘somnambulism’ as it was increasingly termed, is situated within the context of late seventeenth‐ and eighteenth‐century medical and philosophical thought surrounding the physical act of sleep and its disorders, and within the cults of sensibility and Romanticism.
Nitrous oxide production in soil isolates of nitrate‐ammonifying bacteria
Authors: Stremińska Marta A. , Felgate Heather , Rowley Gary , Richardson David J. , Baggs Elizabeth M.
Published: October 2011

Here we provide the first demonstration of the potential for N2O production by soil‐isolated nitrate‐ammonifying bacteria under different C and N availabilities, building on characterizations informed from model strains. The potential for soil‐isolated Bacillus sp. and Citrobacter sp. to reduce NO3‐, and produce NH4+, NO2‐ and N2O was examined in batch and continuous (chemostat) cultures under different C‐to‐NO3‐ ratios, NO3‐‐limiting (5 mM) and NO3‐‐sufficient (22 mM) conditions. C‐to‐NO3‐ ratio had a major influence on the products of nitrate ammonification, with NO2‐, rather than NH4+, being the major product at low C‐to‐NO3‐ ratios in batch cultures. N2O production was maximum and accompanied by high NO2‐ production under C‐limitation/NO3‐sufficiency conditions in chemostat cultures. In media with lower C‐to‐NO3‐N ratios (5‐ and 10‐to‐1) up to 2.7% or 5.0% of NO3‐ was reduced to N2O by Bacillus sp. and Citrobacter sp., respectively, but these reduction efficiencies were only 0.1% or 0.7% at higher C‐to‐NO3‐ ratios (25‐ and 50‐to‐1). As the highest N2O production did not occur under the same C‐to‐NO3‐ conditions as highest NH4+ production we suggest that a re‐evaluation may be necessary of the environmental conditions under which nitrate ammonification contributes to N2O emission from soil.
Failure Investigation on Reheater Pendent Tubes Due to External Scale Exfoliation and Internal Scale Formation
Authors: Ahmad J. , Purbolaksono J. , Kadir A. K. , Rahman M. M.
Published: October 2011

This paper presents failure investigation on reheater pendent SA213-T22 tubes through visual inspections, steam-side scale and tube wall thickness measurements, metallurgical examinations, and creep analysis. The investigations were carried out following subsequent tube failures of the reheater pendent region of a boiler unit. Interaction event of significant internal scale formation causing the higher metal temperature and external scale exfoliation as a result of high-temperature corrosion is identified to cause the failure of the reheater pendent tube. Prevention actions are recommended to avoid similar failures in the future.
The Effect of the Welding on the Residual Contact Stress in the Expanded Zone of Expanded-Welded Tube-to-Tubesheet Joints
Authors: Wang H. F. , Sang Z. F. , Widera G. E. O.
Published: October 2011

The fabrication of stainless steel tube-to-tubesheet joints of heat exchangers consists of welding after hydraulic expansion. Here, this process is simulated by use of the finite element method, which is carried out in a sequentially decoupled analysis: the welding temperature field is solved by a transient thermal analysis, and subsequently, a nonlinear elastic plastic stress analysis is carried out. The effect of the unexpanded zone length with reference to the expanded zone of the joints is investigated. The results indicate that welding after the expansion will produce a shrinkage deformation in the tube end. This further reduces the magnitude of the contact stress in the expanded zone and moves it toward the tubesheet secondary surface. The percentage reductions of the contact stress and the contact area are introduced to quantitatively describe the effect of the welding on the expansion zone of the joint. The results show that these reductions decrease linearly with change in the unexpanded zone length, and that the effect of the welding on the contact stress in the expanded zone cannot be neglected. Therefore, a reduction of the influence of the welding on the structural integrity of tube-to-tubesheet joints should be taken into account when utilizing the technique of welding after hydraulic expansion.
Automatic 3D registration of dynamic stress and rest 82Rb and flurpiridaz F 18 myocardial perfusion PET data for patient motion detection and correction
Authors: Woo Jonghye , Tamarappoo Balaji , Dey Damini , Nakazato Ryo , Le Meunier Ludovic , Ramesh Amit , Lazewatsky Joel , Germano Guido , Berman Daniel S. , Slomka Piotr J.
Published: October 2011

Purpose:

The authors aimed to develop an image‐based registration scheme to detect and correct patient motion in stress and rest cardiac positron emission tomography (PET)/CT images. The patient motion correction was of primary interest and the effects of patient motion with the use of flurpiridaz F 18 and82Rb were demonstrated.

Methods:

The authors evaluated stress/rest PET myocardial perfusion imaging datasets in 30 patients (60 datasets in total, 21 male and 9 female) using a new perfusion agent (flurpiridaz F 18) (n = 16) and 82Rb (n = 14), acquired on a Siemens Biograph‐64 scanner in list mode. Stress and rest images were reconstructed into 4 (82Rb) or 10 (flurpiridaz F 18) dynamic frames (60 s each) using standard reconstruction (2D attenuation weighted ordered subsets expectation maximization). Patient motion correction was achieved by an image‐based registration scheme optimizing a cost function using modified normalized cross‐correlation that combined global and local features. For comparison, visual scoring of motion was performed on the scale of 0 to 2 (no motion, moderate motion, and large motion) by two experienced observers.

Results:

The proposed registration technique had a 93% success rate in removing left ventricular motion, as visually assessed. The maximum detected motion extent for stress and rest were 5.2 mm and 4.9 mm for flurpiridaz F 18 perfusion and 3.0 mm and 4.3 mm for82Rb perfusion studies, respectively. Motion extent (maximum frame‐to‐frame displacement) obtained for stress and rest were (2.2 ± 1.1, 1.4 ± 0.7, 1.9 ± 1.3) mm and (2.0 ± 1.1, 1.2 ±0 .9, 1.9 ± 0.9) mm for flurpiridaz F 18 perfusion studies and (1.9 ± 0.7, 0.7 ± 0.6, 1.3 ± 0.6) mm and (2.0 ± 0.9, 0.6 ± 0.4, 1.2 ± 1.2) mm for 82Rb perfusion studies, respectively. A visually detectable patient motion threshold was established to be ≥2.2 mm, corresponding to visual user scores of 1 and 2. After motion correction, the average increases in contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) from all frames for larger than the motion threshold were 16.2% in stress flurpiridaz F 18 and 12.2% in rest flurpiridaz F 18 studies. The average increases in CNR were 4.6% in stress 82Rb studies and 4.3% in rest 82Rb studies.

Conclusions:

Fully automatic motion correction of dynamic PET frames can be performed accurately, potentially allowing improved image quantification of cardiac PET data.
Antibiotic Modulation of the Plasminogen Binding Ability of Viridans Group Streptococci
Authors: Teles Cristina , Smith Andrew , Lang Sue
Published: October 2011

The ability of viridans group streptococci to bind human plasminogen and its subsequent activation into plasmin may contribute to the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis (IE) by leading to a decreased stability of the streptococcal vegetation and facilitating dehiscence of emboli. At levels greater than or equal to their MICs, penicillin, vancomycin, and linezolid are efficacious in the treatment of streptococcal endocarditis. However, at sub-MICs, antibiotics can modulate the expression of bacterial genes, including virulence-associated genes, which can have counterproductive effects on the treatment of endocarditis. The effects of 1/8× and 1/4× MICs of penicillin, vancomycin, and linezolid on the plasminogen binding ability of IE isolates
Streptococcus mitis
881/956,
Streptococcus oralis
12601, and
Streptococcus sanguinis
12403 were assessed phenotypically and the expression of plasminogen receptors α-enolase and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase of
S. oralis
12601 when exposed to 1/4× MIC of penicillin, was analyzed through quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR. The plasminogen binding ability of
S. mitis
881/956 and
S. sanguinis
12403 remained unaffected by exposure to sub-MICs of all of the antibiotics tested, while that of
S. oralis
12601 was significantly enhanced by all of the antibiotics tested at sub-MICs. qRT-PCR analysis of
S. oralis
12601 demonstrated an upregulation of the
eno
and
gapdh
genes, indicating an overexpression of plasminogen receptors. These findings suggest that for some endocarditis isolates, the effect of antibiotic sub-MICs, in addition to a reduced antibacterial effect, may influence the clinical response to nonsurgical therapy. It remains difficult to accurately predict isolate responses to sub-MIC antimicrobials since there appears to be interspecies variation.
Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Model for Gentamicin and Its Adaptive Resistance with Predictions of Dosing Schedules in Newborn Infants
Authors: Mohamed Ami F. , Nielsen Elisabet I. , Cars Otto , Friberg Lena E.
Published: October 2011

Gentamicin is commonly used in the management of neonatal infections. Development of adaptive resistance is typical for aminoglycosides and reduces the antibacterial effect. There is, however, a lack of understanding of how this phenomenon influences the effect of different dosing schedules. The aim was to develop a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) model that describes the time course of the bactericidal activity of gentamicin and its adaptive resistance and to investigate different dosing schedules in preterm and term newborn infants based on the developed model.
In vitro
time-kill curve experiments were conducted on a strain of
Escherichia coli
(MIC of 2 mg/liter). The gentamicin exposure was either constant (0.125 to 16 mg/liter) or dynamic (simulated concentration-time profiles in a kinetic system with peak concentrations of 2.0, 3.9, 7.8, and 16 mg/liter given as single doses or as repeated doses every 6, 12, or 24 h). Semimechanistic PKPD models were fitted to the bacterial counts in the NONMEM (nonlinear mixed effects modeling) program. A model with compartments for growing and resting bacteria, with a function allowing the maximal bacterial killing of gentamicin to reduce with exposure, characterized both the fast bactericidal effect and the adaptive resistance. Despite a lower peak concentration, preterm neonates were predicted to have a higher bacterial killing effect than term neonates for the same per-kg dose because of gentamicin's longer half-life. The model supported an extended dosing interval of gentamicin in preterm neonates, and for all neonates, dosing intervals of 36 to 48 h were as effective as a 24-h dosing interval for the same total dose.