bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farm Workers and Farm Dwellers inLimpopo Province,SouthAfrica
Authors: Hall Ruth , Wisborg Poul , Shirinda Shirhami , Zamchiya Phillan
Published: December 2012

One of the less studied legacies of settler colonialism and agrarian dualism inSouthAfrica is the substantial population of people living and working on (still mostly) white‐owned commercial farms – a feature distinct from most other countries inSouthernAfrica. Many farm workers and farm dwellers inSouthAfrica experience precarious tenure, and poor housing and labour conditions. This paper explores what is happening to farm labour and to agricultural capital inLimpopo province. Findings from field research on four horticultural and livestock/game farms illustrate how economic pressures, combined with land restitution and labour migration, have produced new and contested trajectories of agrarian change – largely cementing a historical shift from independent land tenure to wage labour but also prompting diversification of livelihoods. We explore the ways in which actors on farms – workers, dwellers, owners and managers – have responded with regard to three spheres of contestation: ownership, production and employment; tenure and livelihoods; and family, gender and children. We argue that, contrary to official visions of reform, long‐term processes of agrarian change predating political transition – proletarianization, casualization and the externalization of farm labour – are being accelerated. These processes, and the ways in which they are producing new contours of social differentiation, are illustrated at farm level.
Real Acts, Imagined Landscapes: Reflections on the Discourses of Land Reform in South Africa after 1994
Authors: du Toit Andries
Published: December 2012

This paper discusses the discourses by which land reform policies in South Africa have been justified and criticized. Critical thought is needed about the underlying assumptions and frameworks informing policy and critique. While key aspects of populist, ‘Left’ and liberal ideologies helped mobilize support for land reform after 1994, they framed questions of equitable transformation and justice in ways that obscured the terrain of struggle rather than revealing it. The broad consensus on the legitimacy of land reform in the initial decade after 1994 was underpinned by narratives about redress and reconciliation that privileged reparative justice above distributive equity. It tended to obscure the complex trade‐offs and impacts involved in implementation. Coherent policy‐making was further undermined by simplistic oppositions between 'market’ and ‘rights‐based’ approaches that often led to ill‐targeted policies. Land and agrarian reform needs to be liberated from this symbolic burden. It should be informed by an understanding of the nature of inequality in South Africa and the contribution that agrarian change can make to reducing it.
Introduction: Agrarian Change, Rural Poverty and Land Reform in South Africa since 1994
Authors: O'Laughlin Bridget , Bernstein Henry , Cousins Ben , Peters Pauline E.
Published: December 2012

This introduction sketches the context and dynamics of agrarian change, rural poverty and land reform since the end of apartheid in 1994, drawing attention to structural continuities and new elements in the countrysides of South Africa, and of the Southern African region in which South Africa must be located. Two key historical and theoretical reference points help focus attention on some central issues: the ‘classic’ model of dispossession/accumulation in South(ern) Africa, and ‘decentralized despotism’ as the distinctive mode and legacy of colonial governance. In conclusion, we introduce the papers as contributions to answering some central questions which require further research and debate.
Livelihoods afterLandReform inSouthAfrica
Authors: Aliber Michael , Cousins Ben
Published: December 2012

Over the past few decades,Zimbabwe,Namibia andSouthAfrica have pursued redistributive land reform as a means to address rural poverty. TheLivelihoods afterLandReform (LaLR) study was carried out between 2007 and 2009, to understand the livelihood and poverty reduction outcomes of land reform in each of the three countries. TheSouthAfrican component focused on Limpopo province, and investigated land reform processes, trajectories of change and outcomes in thirteen detailed case studies. This paper summarizes some of the main findings from theSouthAfrican study, and briefly compares them with findings fromNamibia andZimbabwe. The paper argues that a fundamental problem affecting land reform in bothSouthAfrica andNamibia is the uncritical application of theLarge‐ScaleCommercialFarming (LSCF) model, which has led to unworkable project design and/or projects that are irrelevant to the circumstances of the rural poor. Nevertheless, some ‘beneficiaries’ have experienced modest improvements in their livelihoods, often through abandoning or amending official project plans.
Angiographic and Clinical Outcomes of Everolimus‐Eluting Stent in the Treatment of Extra Long Stenoses (AEETES)
Authors: JIM MAN‐HONG , YIU KAI‐HANG , HO HEE‐HWA , CHAN WAI‐LING , NG ANDREW KEI‐YAN , SIU CHUNG‐WAH , CHOW WING‐HING
Published: December 2012

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the angiographic and clinical results of stent full metal jacket in treating long lesions using everolimus‐eluting stents (EES).

Background

Data are lacking regarding the use of EES for this lesion subgroup.

Methods

From 2007 to 2011, 77 symptomatic patients who had severe coronary stenoses necessitating implantation of stents with total length longer than 60 mm were treated with overlapping EES.

Results

The mean age of patient was 61 ± 11 years with male predominance (66%). Diabetes mellitus was seen in 35 (45.5%) patients. Majority of patients had class III angina with normal heart function. On average, 3.1 stents were implanted per lesion; the mean stent size and length were 2.70 ± 0.28 mm and 82 ± 16 mm. Restudy angiography was performed on 71 patients (72 lesions) at 8.9 ± 2.5 months. Angiographic restenosis was seen in 9 (12.5%) lesions; the lesion length and late loss were 67 ± 15 mm and 0.4 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. The use of intravascular ultrasound has been found to be a predictor of less restenosis (P = 0.02; HR: 0.02; CI: 0.01–0.59). The in‐hospital and 1 year major adverse cardiac event rates were 7.8% and 13%. The annual cardiac death rates were 2.6%, 3.4%, and 5.3% in the first 3 years.

Conclusions

The use of EES full metal jacket for long lesions is only associated with good short‐term clinical and angiographic outcomes. Long‐term follow‐up has revealed a high cardiac death rate which may necessitate prolongation of dual antiplatelet therapy. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:22–28)
Australasian neonatal intensive care enteral nutrition survey: Implications for practice
Authors: Cormack Barbara , Sinn John , Lui Kei , Tudehope David
Published: December 2012

Aim

This survey investigated standardised feeding guidelines and nutrition policy in Australasian neonatal intensive care units and compared these with previously published surveys and international consensus nutrition recommendations.

Methods

An electronic survey on enteral nutrition comprising a wide range of questions about clinical practice was e‐mailed to all 25 Australasian neonatal intensive care unit directors of tertiary perinatal centres.

Results

Twenty‐five surveys were distributed; 24 (96%) were completed. All respondents preferred breast milk as the first feed. For infants <1000 g, 58% started feeds at 1 mL every 4 hours and 83% started enteral feeds on day 0–2 in the absence of contraindications. The identification of bile‐stained gastric aspirates significant enough to withhold feeds varied. Multicomponent breast milk fortifiers were added by 58% when enteral feeds reached 150 mL/kg day, while 21% added these earlier at 120 mL/kg day or less. Iron supplementation was started at 4 weeks by 63% and at 6 weeks by 27%. Only 42% of units had a neonatal dietitian. Of the 24 units who responded, 58% had no written enteral feeding guidelines.

Conclusion

Enteral nutrition was initiated earlier than in the past. Great variation remains in clinical practices. Nutritional implications are discussed. Standardisation of feeding guidelines and enteral nutrition policy based on current evidence and international consensus nutrition recommendations may be beneficial and should be encouraged.
Minor Differences in Anther Extrusion Affect Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight in Wheat
Authors: Kubo Katashi , Fujita Masaya , Kawada Naoyuki , Nakajima Takashi , Nakamura Kazuhiro , Maejima Hidekazu , Ushiyama Tomohiko , Hatta Koichi , Matsunaka Hitoshi
Published: December 2012

Fusarium head blight (FHB) remains a serious problem due to yield loss and mycotoxin accumulation in wheat production worldwide. We previously reported that the closed‐flowering (no anther extrusion) characteristic was effective for increasing resistance to FHB infection. In this study, we investigated the relationships between the degree of anther extrusion (AE) and FHB damage using double haploid lines (DHLs), derived from F1 plants from crosses between closed‐flowering and opened‐flowering varieties. These DHLs exhibited various degrees of AE, and the degree of AE was significantly different among DHLs, regardless of the year and environment (pot‐ or field‐grown). FHB severity was the lowest in closed‐flowering DHLs, and DHLs with partially extruded anthers showed significantly higher FHB symptoms than those with closed‐flowering phenotypes. In general, DHLs with partially extruded anthers also had relatively severe FHB symptoms compared with those exhibiting full anther extrusion. FHB severity was significantly correlated with Fusarium‐damaged kernels and deoxynivalenol concentration. The results of this study showed that partially extruded anthers were considered to be a source of FHB infection. The closed‐flowering phenotype improved resistance to FHB infection. Meanwhile, phenotypes with rapid anther extrusion and ejection also could contribute to the avoidance of FHB infection.
Pathogen espionage: multiple bacterial adrenergic sensors eavesdrop on host communication systems
Authors: Karavolos Michail H. , Winzer Klaus , Williams Paul , Khan C. M. Anjam
Published: December 2012

The interactions between bacterial pathogens and their eukaryotic hosts are vital in determining the outcome of infections. Bacterial pathogens employ molecular sensors to detect and facilitate adaptation to changes in their niche. The sensing of these extracellular signals enables the pathogen to navigate within mammalian hosts. Intercellular bacterial communication is facilitated by the production and sensing of autoinducer (AI) molecules via quorum sensing. More recently, AI‐3 and the host neuroendocrine (NE) hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline were reported to display cross‐talk for the activation of the same signalling pathways. Remarkably, there is increasing evidence to suggest that enteric bacteria sense and respond to the host NE stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline to modulate virulence. These responses can be inhibited by α and β‐adrenergic receptor antagonists implying a bacterial receptor‐based sensing and signalling cascade. In Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella, QseC has been proposed as the adrenergic receptor. Strikingly, there is an increasing body of evidence that not all the bacterial adrenergic responses require signalling through QseC. Here we provide additional hypotheses to reconcile these observations implicating the existence of alternative adrenergic receptors including BasS, QseE and CpxA and their associated signalling cascades with major roles in interkingdom communication.
The effect of luminal content and rate of occlusion on the interpretation of colonic manometry
Authors: Arkwright J. W. , Dickson A. , Maunder S. A. , Blenman N. G. , Lim J. , O’Grady G. , Archer R. , Costa M. , Spencer N. J. , Brookes S. , Pullan A. , Dinning P. G.
Published: December 2012

Background  Manometry is commonly used for diagnosis of esophageal and anorectal motility disorders. In the colon, manometry is a useful tool, but clinical application remains uncertain. This uncertainty is partly based on the belief that manometry cannot reliably detect non‐occluding colonic contractions and, therefore, cannot identify reliable markers of dysmotility. This study tests the ability of manometry to record pressure signals in response to non‐lumen‐occluding changes in diameter, at different rates of wall movement and with content of different viscosities.

Methods  A numerical model was built to investigate pressure changes caused by localized, non‐lumen‐occluding reductions in diameter, similar to those caused by contraction of the gut wall. A mechanical model, consisting of a sealed pressure vessel which could produce localized reductions in luminal diameter, was used to validate the model using luminal segments formed from; (i) natural latex; and (ii) sections of rabbit proximal colon. Fluids with viscosities ranging from 1 to 6800 mPa s−1 and luminal contraction rates over the range 5–20 mmHg s−1 were studied.

Key Results  Manometry recorded non‐occluding reductions in diameter, provided that they occurred with sufficiently viscous content. The measured signal was linearly dependent on the rate of reduction in luminal diameter and also increased with increasing viscosity of content (R2 = 0.62 and 0.96 for 880 and 1760 mPa s−1, respectively).

Conclusions & Inferences  Manometry reliably registers non‐occluding contractions in the presence of viscous content, and is therefore a viable tool for measuring colonic motility. Interpretation of colonic manometric data, and definitions based on manometric results, must consider the viscosity of luminal content.
Heterologous expression of OsSIZ1, a rice SUMO E3 ligase, enhances broad abiotic stress tolerance in transgenic creeping bentgrass
Authors: Li Zhigang , Hu Qian , Zhou Man , Vandenbrink Joshua , Li Dayong , Menchyk Nick , Reighard Shane , Norris Ayla , Liu Haibo , Sun Dongfa , Luo Hong
Published: December 2012

Sumoylation is a posttranslational regulatory process in higher eukaryotes modifying substrate proteins through conjugation of small ubiquitin‐related modifiers (SUMOs). Sumoylation modulates protein stability, subcellular localization and activity; thus, it regulates most cellular functions including response to environmental stress in plants. To study the feasibility of manipulating SUMO E3 ligase, one of the important components in the sumoylation pathway in transgenic (TG) crop plants for improving overall plant performance under adverse environmental conditions, we have analysed TG creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) plants constitutively expressing OsSIZ1, a rice SUMO E3 ligase. Overexpression of OsSIZ1 led to increased photosynthesis and overall plant growth. When subjected to water deficiency and heat stress, OsSIZ1 plants exhibited drastically enhanced performance associated with more robust root growth, higher water retention and cell membrane integrity than wild‐type (WT) controls. OsSIZ1 plants also displayed significantly better growth than WT controls under phosphate‐starvation conditions, which was associated with a higher uptake of phosphate (Pi) and other minerals, such as potassium and zinc. Further analysis revealed that overexpression of OsSIZ1 enhanced stress‐induced SUMO conjugation to substrate in TG plants, which was associated with modified expression of stress‐related genes. This strongly supports a role sumoylation plays in regulating multiple molecular pathways involved in plant stress response, establishing a direct link between sumoylation and plant response to environmental adversities. Our results demonstrate the great potential of genetic manipulation of sumoylation process in TG crop species for improved resistance to broad abiotic stresses.
Altered expression of the PTR/NRT1 homologue OsPTR9 affects nitrogen utilization efficiency, growth and grain yield in rice
Authors: Fang Zhongming , Xia Kuaifei , Yang Xin , Grotemeyer Marianne Suter , Meier Stefan , Rentsch Doris , Xu Xinlan , Zhang Mingyong
Published: December 2012

The plant PTR/NRT1 (peptide transporter/nitrate transporter 1) gene family comprises di/tripeptide and low‐affinity nitrate transporters; some members also recognize other substrates such as carboxylates, phytohormones (auxin and abscisic acid), or defence compounds (glucosinolates). Little is known about the members of this gene family in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Here, we report the influence of altered OsPTR9 expression on nitrogen utilization efficiency, growth, and grain yield. OsPTR9 expression is regulated by exogenous nitrogen and by the day‐night cycle. Elevated expression of OsPTR9 in transgenic rice plants resulted in enhanced ammonium uptake, promotion of lateral root formation and increased grain yield. On the other hand, down‐regulation of OsPTR9 in a T‐DNA insertion line (osptr9) and in OsPTR9‐RNAi rice plants had the opposite effect. These results suggest that OsPTR9 might hold potential for improving nitrogen utilization efficiency and grain yield in rice breeding.
Immunosuppression in inflammatory melanoma: can it be resisted by adoptively transferred T cells?
Authors: Auphan‐Anezin Nathalie , Verdeil Grégory , Grange Magali , Soudja Saïdi M. , Wehbe Maria , Buferne Michel , Mas Amandine , Schmitt‐Verhulst Anne‐Marie
Published: December 2012

Discovery of tumor antigen (TA) recognized by autologous T cells (TCs) in patients with melanoma has led to clinical protocols using either vaccination or adoptive transfer of TA‐specific TCs. However, efficacy of these treatments has been hampered by inhibitory effects exerted on tumor‐infiltrating TCs by tumor‐intrinsic mediators or by recruitment of immunosuppressive cells. A mouse model of autochthonous melanoma recapitulates some aspects of inflammatory melanoma development in patients. These include a systemic Th2‐/Th17‐oriented chronic inflammation, recruitment of immunosuppressive myeloid cells and acquisition by tumor‐infiltrating TCs of an ‘exhausted’ phenotype characterized by expression of multiple inhibitory receptors including programmed death‐1, also expressed on patients' melanoma‐infiltrating TCs. Rather than using extracellular blocking reagents to inhibitory surface molecules on TCs, we sought to dampen negative signaling exerted on them. Adoptively transferred TCs presenting increased cytokine receptor signaling due to expression of an active Stat5 transcription factor were efficient at inducing melanoma regression in the preclinical melanoma model. These transferred TCs thrived and retained expression of effector molecules in the melanoma microenvironment, defining a protocol endowing TCs with the ability to resist melanoma‐induced immunosuppression.
Substituent Effects in the Absorption Spectra of Phenol Radical Species: Origin of the Redshift Caused by 3,5‐Dimethoxyl Substitution
Authors: Zhang Lei , Muchall Heidi M. , Peslherbe Gilles H.
Published: December 2012

The ground‐state equilibrium geometries, electronic structures and vertical excitation energies of methyl‐ and methoxyl‐substituted phenol radical cations and phenoxyl radicals have been investigated using time‐dependent density‐functional theory (namely TD‐B3LYP) and complete‐active‐space second‐order perturbation theory (CASPT2). The “anomalous” large redshifts of the absorption maxima of the phenol radical species observed in the ultraviolet–visible spectral region upon di‐meta‐methoxyl substitution are reproduced by the calculations. Furthermore, these “anomalous” shifts which were unexplained to date can be rationalized on the basis of a qualitative molecular orbital perturbation analysis.
Conserved metabolic steps for sporopollenin precursor formation in tobacco and rice
Authors: Wang Yanbing , Lin Ying‐Chen , So Joan , Du Yegang , Lo Clive
Published: December 2012

The development of pollen wall with proper sporopollenin deposition is essential for pollen viability and male fertility in flowering plants. Sporopollenin is a complex biopolymer synthesized from fatty acid and phenolic derivatives. Recent investigations in Arabidopsis have identified a number of anther‐specific genes involved in the production of fatty‐acyl monomers potentially required for exine formation. The existence of ancient biochemical pathways for sporopollenin biosynthesis has been widely proposed but experimental evidence from plant species other than Arabidopsis is not extensively available. Here, we investigated the metabolic steps catalyzed by the anther‐specific acyl‐CoA synthetase (ACOS), polyketide synthase (PKS) and tetraketide α‐pyrone reductase (TKPR). Using fatty acids as starting substrates, sequential activities of heterologously expressed tobacco enzymes NtACOS1, NtPKS1 and NtTKPR1 resulted in the production of reduced tetraketide α‐pyrones. Transgenic RNA interference lines were then generated for the different tobacco genes which were demonstrated to be indispensable for normal pollen development and male fertility. Similarly, recombinant rice OsPKS1 and OsTKPR1 were shown to function as downstream enzymes of NtACOS1. In addition, insertion mutant lines for these rice genes displayed different levels of impaired pollen and seed formation. Taken together, reduced tetraketide α‐pyrones appear to represent common sporopollenin fatty‐acyl precursors essential for male fertility in taxonomically distinct plant species.
A Non‐Place Identity and a Fixed (Sacred) Text: Literacy Practices Shaping Identity/ies of a Slavic Baptist Congregation from the Former Soviet Union to the United States
Authors: Peterson Heather Walker
Published: December 2012

Based on an interdisciplinary linguistic ethnography, I apply the term ‘non‐place’ to the collective identity of a Slavic migrant congregation in the United States. Those members socialised into their faith before migration had already been marginalised in their resistance to the former national Soviet identity. The New Literacy Studies in particular help to describe their historic Protestant literacy practices regarding a sacred, and thus fixed, text. A fixed sacred text provided the freedom to interpret the group's context, a perceived narrative to join, and authority for leadership to dictate a way of life. Events around text were warm and welcoming, utilising Western texts for legitimatised scripture interpretation, and accessible to both Russian speakers and second‐generation English speakers. With the assumed permanence of a sacred text, new believers retold their own narratives as part of the scriptural one, and had a ‘home land’ they had never stepped foot in.
Associations of the Interleukin‐1 Gene Locus Polymorphisms with Risk to Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: Gender and Subpopulation Differences
Authors: Kaarvatn M. H. , Jotanovic Z. , Mihelic R. , Etokebe G. E. , Mulac‐Jericevic B. , Tijanic T. , Balen S. , Sestan B. , Dembic Z.
Published: December 2012

Genetic predisposition to the complex hereditary disease like osteoarthritis (OA) of the large joints (hip and knee) includes the interleukin‐1 gene (IL‐1) cluster on chromosome 2. Using a case–control study with 500 OA patients (240 knee and 260 hip OA patients, all with joint replacement), we analysed frequencies of IL‐1 gene cluster polymorphisms in Croatian Caucasian population. The control samples came from 531 healthy individuals including blood donors. We genotyped two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the IL‐1 gene locus at IL‐1A (−889, C>T, rs1800587) and IL‐1B (+3594, C>T, rs1143634) and compared their frequencies between patients and controls. We predicted haplotypes by combining current data with our previous results on gene polymorphisms (IL‐1B, rs16944 and the IL‐1 receptor antagonist gene [IL‐1RN] variable number tandem repeat [VNTR]) for the same population. Haplotype analyses revealed gender disparities and showed that women carriers of the 1‐2‐1‐1 haplotype [IL‐1A(rs1800587) – IL‐1B(rs1143634) – IL‐1B(rs16944) – IL‐1RN(VNTR)] had sixfold lower risk to develop knee OA. However, carriers of the 1‐1‐1‐2 haplotype of both sexes had over twofold higher predisposition to hip OA. Our results differ from some earlier studies in Caucasian subpopulations, which may be due to the fact that this is the first study to separate genders in assessing the IL‐1‐locus genetic risk of OA. The results suggest that inflammatory mediators like IL‐1 might be implicated in the pathogenesis of primary OA in large joints and that as yet unidentified gender‐specific factors exist in a Croatian Caucasian population.
TipChip: a modular, MEMS‐based platform for experimentation and phenotyping of tip‐growing cells
Authors: Agudelo Carlos G. , Sanati Nezhad Amir , Ghanbari Mahmood , Naghavi Mahsa , Packirisamy Muthukumaran , Geitmann Anja
Published: December 2012

Large‐scale phenotyping of tip‐growing cells such as pollen tubes has hitherto been limited to very crude parameters such as germination percentage and velocity of growth. To enable efficient and high‐throughput execution of more sophisticated assays, an experimental platform, the TipChip, was developed based on microfluidic and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. The device allows positioning of pollen grains or fungal spores at the entrances of serially arranged microchannels equipped with microscopic experimental set‐ups. The tip‐growing cells (pollen tubes, filamentous yeast or fungal hyphae) may be exposed to chemical gradients, microstructural features, integrated biosensors or directional triggers within the modular microchannels. The device is compatible with Nomarski optics and fluorescence microscopy. Using this platform, we were able to answer several outstanding questions on pollen tube growth. We established that, unlike root hairs and fungal hyphae, pollen tubes do not have a directional memory. Furthermore, pollen tubes were found to be able to elongate in air, raising the question of how and where water is taken up by the cell. The platform opens new avenues for more efficient experimentation and large‐scale phenotyping of tip‐growing cells under precisely controlled, reproducible conditions.
Lipid‐Labeling Facilitates a Novel Magnetic Isolation Procedure to Characterize Pathogen‐Containing Phagosomes
Authors: Steinhäuser Christine , Heigl Ulrike , Tchikov Vladimir , Schwarz Jeanette , Gutsmann Thomas , Seeger Katrin , Brandenburg Julius , Fritsch Jürgen , Schroeder Josef , Wiesmüller Karl‐Heinz , Rosenkrands Ida , Walther Paul , Pott Johanna , Krause Eberhard , Ehlers Stefan , Schneider‐Brachert Wulf , Schütze Stefan , Reiling Norbert
Published: December 2012

Here we describe a novel approach for the isolation and biochemical characterization of pathogen‐containing compartments from primary cells: We developed a lipid‐based procedure to magnetically label the surface of bacteria and visualized the label by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). We performed infection experiments with magnetically labeled Mycobacterium avium, M. tuberculosis and Listeria monocytogenes and isolated magnetic bacteria‐containing phagosomes using a strong magnetic field in a novel free‐flow system. Magnetic labeling of M. tuberculosis did not affect the virulence characteristics of the bacteria during infection experiments addressing host cell activation, phagosome maturation delay and replication in macrophages in vitro. Biochemical analyses of the magnetic phagosome‐containing fractions provided evidence of an enhanced presence of bacterial antigens and a differential distribution of proteins involved in the endocytic pathway over time as well as cytokine‐dependent changes in the phagosomal protein composition. The newly developed method represents a useful approach to characterize and compare pathogen‐containing compartments, in order to identify microbial and host cell targets for novel anti‐infective strategies.
Does anemia impact hospital readmissions after coronary artery bypass surgery?
Authors: Shehata Nadine , Forster Alan , Li Le , Rothwell Deanna M. , Mazer C. David , Naglie Gary , Fowler Robert , Tu Jack V. , Rubens Fraser D. , Hawken Steven , Wilson Kumanan
Published: December 2012

Background

Anemia is one of the most common complications of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and has been shown to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The impact of anemia on hospital readmission after CABG, a potential measure of delayed complications, has not been addressed.

Study Design and Methods

We conducted a single‐center retrospective study of 2102 patients who had CABG in Ontario to determine whether anemia at hospital discharge was associated with increased 30‐day hospital readmissions, readmission secondary to cardiac disease, and 30‐day mortality using administrative data.

Results

Of the 2102 patients, 224 patients (11%) were readmitted within 30 days of hospital discharge. Infection was the leading cause of readmissions (24%), followed by heart failure (13%), pulmonary disease (7%), and hemorrhagic disease (7%). Overall, 2.6% of patients were readmitted because of cardiac disease. Of patients discharged, 48% were discharged with a hemoglobin (Hb) level between 8 and 10 g/dL and 42% between 10 and 12 g/dL. Predischarge Hb concentration was not a significant independent predictor of 30‐day readmission to the hospital due to all causes, readmission to the hospital due to cardiac causes, or 30‐day mortality. A higher comorbidity score, adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3‐3.6), leg and sternal wound infections OR of 1.9 (95% CI, 1.2‐3.0), and postoperative renal failure OR of 1.4 (95% CI, 1.2‐2.0) were associated with increased 30‐day readmission rates.

Conclusions

The predischarge Hb concentration after CABG was not associated with 30‐day readmissions.
Evaluation of the quality of blood components obtained after automated separation of whole blood by a new multiunit processor
Authors: Lagerberg Johan W. , Salado‐Jimena Jose A. , Löf Helena , Bontekoe Ido J. , Nielsen Connie , Verheggen Caroline , van Waeg Geert , van der Meer Pieter F. , de Korte Dirk , Hansen Morten B. , Knutson Folke
Published: December 2012

Background

The Reveos system (Terumo BCT) is a fully automated device able to process four whole blood (WB) units simultaneously into a plasma unit, a red blood cell (RBC) unit, and an interim platelet (PLT) unit (IPU). Multiple IPUs can be pooled to form a transfusable PLT product. The aim of our study was to evaluate the quality of components made with the Reveos system from either fresh (2‐8 hr) or overnight‐held WB.

Study Design and Methods

A prototype of the Reveos system was used to process WB. RBCs were resuspended in SAGM, leukoreduced, and assayed for in vitro quality variables during a 42‐day storage period at 2 to 6°C. Twenty‐four‐hour in vivo recovery was determined on Day 42. Plasma was assayed for cellular contamination and activation variables. IPUs were pooled with SSP+ additive solution for in vitro quality assessments during a 7‐day storage period at room temperature.

Results

Reveos‐produced RBCs and plasma units met the predefined requirements. RBC recovery was superior to control units. On Day 42, hemolysis was below 0.8% and in vivo recovery was above 75% for all RBCs. Cellular contamination was lower for Reveos‐produced plasma. PLT yield was higher with overnight‐stored WB. PLT quality was well maintained during storage with no significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusion

Blood components prepared with the Reveos from fresh or overnight‐held WB meet quality criteria without any relevant difference between the two groups. The Reveos system has the potential to increase efficacy and standardization of blood component preparation.
The transfusion medicine specialist as a coagulation consultant: a new variant of therapeutic pathology
Authors: Tormey Christopher A. , Smith Brian R.
Published: December 2012

Practitioners in transfusion medicine, long involved in consultations emphasizing clinical issues such as alloantibody reporting and transfusion reaction evaluation, have more recently been engaged as experts and consultants in hemostasis and coagulation. Given the growing complexity in laboratory coagulation testing and its interpretation, the shortage of specialists in this arena, and the increasing costs associated with patient management, we believe that there are vital clinical roles in hemostasis that can be readily fulfilled by transfusion medicine practitioners. The aim of this article is to briefly outline three possible models by which transfusion medicine practitioners can begin to integrate coagulation consultation into their regular clinical practice. Moreover, we discuss a novel curriculum that we are developing at our institution to more fully train transfusion medicine fellows in the fields of hemostasis and thrombosis.
Cryopreservation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells amplified ex vivo from cord blood CD34+ cells
Authors: Duchez Pascale , Chevaleyre Jean , Brunet de la Grange Philippe , Vlaski Marija , Boiron Jean‐Michel , Wouters Guy , Ivanovic Zoran
Published: December 2012

Background

Our ex vivo expansion procedure starting from cord blood (CB) CD34+ cells enabled expansion of committed progenitors (CPs) without a negative impact on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) exhibiting both short‐ and long‐term repopulating capacity. Upgraded to clinical scale (Macopharma HP01 in the presence of stem cell factor, FLT3‐L [100 ng/mL each], granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor [10 ng/mL], and thrombopoietin [20 ng/mL]), it is being used for an ongoing clinical trial (adult allogeneic context) yielding promising preliminary results. Transplantation of ex vivo expanded CB cells is becoming a reality, while the issue of expanded cells' cryopreservation emerges as an option that allows the conservation of the product for transportation and future use. Here, we investigated whether it is possible to maintain the functional HSC and CP properties after freezing and thawing of expanded cells.

Study Design and Methods

We compared cryopreservation efficiency of the ex vivo expanded CB cells using the standard protocol (freezing solution human serum albumin (HSA)‐dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO]) with the newly designed protocol based on an enriched freezing solution (HP01‐DMSO) with respect to the viability index, number of CD34+ and total cells, and recovery of CPs (colony‐forming units) and HSCs (NOG/Scid/gamma–null mice engraftment).

Results

Cryopreservation and thawing of expanded CB cells using the “standard” procedure (HSA‐DMSO) reduced recovery of the CPs (40%) and HSCs (drastically decreasing engraftment capacity). HP01‐based protocol resulted in improvement of preservation of both CPs (>60%) and HSCs (nonaltered engraftment capacities).

Conclusion

Functional maintenance of the expanded graft by cryopreservation is feasible in conditions compatible with human cell therapy requirements.
The effect of topical latanoprost on anterior segment anatomic relationships in normal dogs
Authors: Tsai Susan , Almazan Alexandra , Lee Susan S. , Li Huajiang , Conforti Paul , Burke James , Miller Paul E. , Robinson Michael R.
Published: December 2012

Objective

Topical latanoprost 0.005% is commonly used in dogs with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), and marked miosis has been reported in the literature. To further explore the effect of topical latanoprost on anterior segment anatomy, we performed iridocorneal angle biometrics in normal beagle dogs.

Methods

Thirty‐five normal female beagle dogs were assessed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS‐OCT). One eye of each dog was scanned with theAS‐OCTin the superotemporal quadrant. One drop of latanoprost 0.005% was applied topically, and theOCTscan was repeated 30 min later. Images were imported into ImageJ, and pupil diameter, anterior chamber angle, angle opening distance, angle recess area (ARA), anterior chamber hemifield, and anterior chamber depth were measured.

Results

A single drop of latanoprost resulted in marked miosis, anterior bowing of the peripheral iris, narrowing of the iridocorneal angle, and shallowing of the anterior chamber. The anterior segment parameters demonstrated a significant reduction (P‐value ≤ 0.001) from baseline following latanoprost with the exception of theARA(P = 0.07).

Conclusions

Latanoprost significantly decreases pupil diameter and narrows the iridocorneal angle in normal female beagle dogs. Therefore, the utility of latanoprost as a prophylactic treatment forPACGin fellow eyes may be limited. Studies using quantitative iridocorneal angle measurements in goniodysgenic dogs are warranted to understand the changes in iridocorneal angle morphology that occur inPACGin response to topical application of latanoprost.
Voxel clustering for quantifying PET‐based treatment response assessment
Authors: Schreibmann Eduard , Waller Anthony F. , Crocker Ian , Curran Walter , Fox Tim
Published: December 2012

Purpose:

Imaging biomarkers are crucial in managing treatment options for cancer patients. They are extremely powerful tools since they allow personalized treatment assessment early during therapy by using repeated imaging to detect and quantify tumor response. Currently, treatment response assessment from consecutive imaging is measured by simple global measures that do not capture a tumor's heterogeneous response. The authors present an automated, multivoxel metric that groups voxels into clusters of changes for a local definition of radiation treatment efficiency from multiple PET imaging studies acquired at different time periods for assessing therapeutic response.

Methods:

The algorithm employs level‐set mathematics to extract changing features to classify voxels into response patterns. First, pretreatment and post‐treatment PET images were aligned using a deformable registration to correct for posture and soft tissue changes. The detailed mapping was modeled by free form deformations B‐spline optimized using the limited memory L‐BFGS algorithm. The posture‐corrected datasets are then subtracted to produce an image of molecular changes embedded with noise. Once images were aligned and subtracted, a segmentation algorithm combining the concepts of voxel and distance‐based techniques classified voxels into patterns of signal reduction or enhancement. Although signal reduction is evidence of successful treatment, signal‐enhancing regions are an indication of treatment failure. For an in depth analysis of potential treatment errors, patterns of signal enhancement were correlated with the radiation treatment dose and anatomical structures from the treatment plan using image registration methods.

Results:

The algorithm was retrospectively applied to PET/CT and radiotherapy (RT) oncology data from an NCI‐sponsored clinical trial (81 clinical cases from RTOG 0522 Trial) for combined drug and radiation therapy in head and neck carcinomas. This clinical trial dataset presented a realistic environment for implementing and validating our algorithm to correlate local response as observed in serial PET with delivered dose. The technique was instrumental in detecting geographical and segmentation misses on the actual clinical cases by providing accurate voxel‐by‐voxel analysis of metabolic changes. Results of the level‐set based clustering algorithm are saved as a detailed report of enhancing/nonenhancing regions and their location, and can be further displayed as a colorwash laid over the original anatomy for in depth analysis.

Conclusions:

The automated technique was instrumental in analyzing treatment response in the clinical cases and provided an useful tool for accurate, outcome‐based response assessment of the radiation treatment process. The developed method is general and should be extendable to other high‐resolution diagnostic imaging with minor modifications.
Guitars, Keyboards, Strobes, and Motors — From Vibrational Motion to Active Research
Authors: Tagg Randall , Carlson John , Asadi-Zeydabadi Masoud , Busley Brad , Law-Balding Katie , Juengel Mattea
Published: December 2012

Physics First is offered to ninth graders at high schools in Aurora, CO. A unique new asset of this school system is an embedded research lab called the “Innovation Hyperlab.” The goal of the lab is to connect secondary school teaching to ongoing university scientific research, supporting the school district's aim to create opportunities to integrate P-20 (preschool to graduate school) learning. This paper is an example of how we create research connections in the context of introductory physics lessons on vibrations and waves. Key to the process is the use of several different types of technical resources, hence the name “hyperlab.” Students learn many practical experimental techniques, reinforcing their knowledge of fundamentals and preparing them to work effectively on open-ended research or engineering projects.
Modeling the Water Balloon Slingshot
Authors: Bousquet Benjamin D. , Figura Charles C.
Published: December 2012

In the introductory physics courses at Wartburg College, we have been working to create a lab experience focused on the scientific process itself rather than verification of physical laws presented in the classroom or textbook. To this end, we have developed a number of open-ended modeling exercises suitable for a variety of learning environments, from non-science major classes to algebra-based and calculus-based introductory physics classes.
The Combination of Just-in-Time Teaching and Wikispaces in Physics Classrooms
Authors: Mohottala Hashini E.
Published: December 2012

The general student population enrolled in today's physics classrooms is diverse. They come from a variety of different educational backgrounds. Some demonstrate a good knowledge of natural laws of physics with a better understanding of mathematical concepts, while others show a fair knowledge in fundamentals of physics with a minimum knowledge in mathematics. There are few who have not been exposed to physics or mathematics in their high schools (or at least they claim it to be the case). In addition, now we have “nontraditional” students: working part-time students, older students, commuting students, and, occasionally, military veterans. Regardless of the background, the majority of the students show little or no interest in physics and exhibit anxiety toward learning the subject. In order to address such a diverse and often unmotivated student population, and excite them about physics in a timely manner, we should deviate from conventional teaching techniques. Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT) combined with wikis is an excellent way to accomplish this goal.
Mapping the Milky Way: William Herschel's Star Gages
Authors: Timberlake Todd
Published: December 2012

William Herschel (Fig. 1) is rightfully known as one of the greatest astronomers of all time. Born in Hanover (in modern Germany) in 1738, Herschel immigrated to England in 1757 and began a successful career as a professional musician. Later in life Herschel developed a strong interest in astronomy. He began making his own reflecting telescopes in 1774, and soon his telescopes were recognized as the finest in the world. It was through one of his homemade telescopes, a Newtonian reflector with a focal length of seven feet and an aperture of 6.2 inches, that Herschel first spotted the planet Uranus in 1781. The discovery of a new planet catapulted Herschel to fame and secured him a position as personal astronomer to King George III.
Mechanism of Stretch-Induced Activation of the Mechanotransducer Zyxin in Vascular Cells
Authors: Suresh Babu Sahana , Wojtowicz Agnieszka , Freichel Marc , Birnbaumer Lutz , Hecker Markus , Cattaruzza Marco
Published: December 2012

Multiple steps drive the stretch-induced nuclear translocation of the mechanotransducer zyxin.
Comment on “Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Is Essential for Toll-Like Receptor 3 Signaling”
Authors: Burtness Barbara , Marur Shanthi , Bauman Julie E. , Golemis Erica A. , Mehra Ranee , Cohen Steven J.
Published: December 2012

Targeted inhibitors used in cancer treatments may have adverse effects on immune responses.
WRKYng Against Salt Tolerance
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: December 2012

The transcription factor WRKY15 mediates an organellar switch from salt tolerance to sensitivity.
Efficacy of Oral Ribavirin in Hematologic Disease Patients with Paramyxovirus Infection: Analytic Strategy Using Propensity Scores
Authors: Park So-Youn , Baek Seunghee , Lee Sang-Oh , Choi Sang-Ho , Kim Yang Soo , Woo Jun Hee , Sung Heungsup , Kim Mi-Na , Kim Dae-Young , Lee Jung-Hee , Lee Je-Hwan , Lee Kyoo-Hyung , Kim Sung-Han
Published: December 2012

Few antiviral agents are available for treating paramyxovirus infections, such as those involving respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). We evaluated the effect of oral ribavirin on clinical outcomes of paramyxovirus infections in patients with hematological diseases. All adult patients with paramyxovirus were retrospectively reviewed over a 2-year period. Patients who received oral ribavirin were compared to those who received supportive care without ribavirin therapy. A propensity-matched case-control study and a logistic regression model with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were performed to reduce the effect of selection bias in assignment for oral ribavirin therapy. A total of 145 patients, including 64 (44%) with PIV, 60 (41%) with RSV, and 21 (15%) with hMPV, were analyzed. Of these 145 patients, 114 (78%) received oral ribavirin and the remaining 31 (21%) constituted the nonribavirin group. Thirty-day mortality and underlying respiratory death rates were 31% (35/114) and 12% (14/114), respectively, for the oral ribavirin group versus 19% (6/31) and 16% (5/31), respectively, for the nonribavirin group (
P
= 0.21 and
P
= 0.56). In the case-control study, the 30-day mortality rate in the ribavirin group was 24% (5/21) versus 19% (4/21) in the nonribavirin group (
P
= 0.71). In addition, the logistic regression model with IPTW revealed no significant difference in 30-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio of 1.3; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] of 0.3 to 5.8) between the two groups. Steroid use (adjusted odds ratio, 5.67;
P
= 0.01) and upper respiratory tract infection (adjusted odds ratio, 0.07;
P
= 0.001) was independently associated with mortality. Our data suggest that oral ribavirin therapy may not improve clinical outcomes in hematologic disease patients infected with paramyxovirus.