bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between dopamine beta hydroxylase gene polymorphism and age at onset in male schizophrenia
Authors: Barlas İ.Ö. , Semiz Umit , Erdal M.E. , Algül Ayhan , Ay Ozlem I. , Ateş M.A. , Camdeviren Handan , Basoglu Cengiz , Herken Hasan
Published: November 2011

Objectives: The heterogeneity of schizophrenia mainly results from variations in clinical expressions of the disease, such as age at onset, gender differences in onset of illness, symptoms and response to antipsychotic treatment. Enhanced sensitisation of dopamine pathways in males, having consistently an earlier onset, might be implicated as disease modifiers for schizophrenia in males.

Methods: In this study, we performed a case (n = 87)-control (n = 100) association study between the DBH5′-ins/del and DBH-444g/a polymorphisms of the DBH gene and also compared the level of psychotic symptoms between patients with different DBH genotypes/haplotypes with respect to antipsychotic therapeutic response and gender difference.

Results: No significant differences between allele and genotype and haplotype frequencies at either groups (p < 0.05). When the age is considered in patient group, a significant difference was observed between patients with ID genotype and with II genotype (p = 0.018). Patients with ID genotype have been diagnosed as schizophrenics in early ages when compared to II genotype carriers. We also found a significant difference between II and ID genotype (p = 0.007) when the gender had taken into account, showing that the ID genotype carriers had an early onset to schizophrenia.

Conclusions: This association was more significant in male schizophrenia patients than females. Thus, this finding may constitute a novel biological support for the prior finding that onset of schizophrenia varies with gender. The results also showed that critical genetic vulnerability may be associated with the presence or absence of the ID genotype of DBH5′-ins/del.
Regain of visuospatial capacity after coenzyme Q10 in a patient with mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes: a case report
Authors: Chu Che-Sheng , Chu Chin-Liang , Liu Hong-Ern , Lu Ti
Published: November 2011

Objective: MELAS (mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by mitochondrial dysfunction. Multiple systems of the body, including cognitive function and heart conduction, can be affected by this disorder. We report a case with global cognitive impairment.

Method: A single-case report.

Results: The patient got improved cognitive function, especially visuospatial function, under coenzyme Q10 treatment.

Conclusion: First, coenzyme Q10 may give some benefit to control MELAS. Second, cognitive functions and intellectual abilities decline with disease progression. Routine neuropsychological tests should be performed.
Growth charts for monitoring postnatal growth at NICU of extreme preterm‐born infants
Authors: Horemuzova E , Söder O , Hagenäs L
Published: November 2011

Aim:  To provide growth charts for clinical monitoring of extra‐uterine growth from birth to full‐term age, in infants born before 26 weeks of gestation, hospitalized at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and compare it to the commonly used Swedish preterm birth‐size reference.

Methods:  This retrospective longitudinal cohort comprised all infants born before 26 + 0 weeks of gestation and surviving to full‐term age (n = 162), admitted to the NICU, Karolinska Hospital during the period January 1990 to December 2002. Body weight was recorded daily, head circumference (HC) weekly and length twice a month.

Results:  Birth weight (BW), length and HC showed a normal distribution without significant gender difference. The majority of the infants showed a pronounced postnatal growth restriction for all growth variables with increasing deviation from the reference with age. The mean initial weight loss was 16% with nadir at 6 days of age and a mean time to regain BW of 18 days. At discharge from NICU, 75% of those initially appropriate for gestational age infants were below –2 standard deviation scores for at least one of the body size variables.

Conclusion:  The poor extra‐uterine growth pattern points to the need of growth curves for extra‐uterine growth of extremely premature infants.
Physical disturbance determines effects from nitrogen addition on ground vegetation in boreal coniferous forests
Authors: Strengbom Joachim , Nordin Annika
Published: November 2011

Questions

Nitrogen (N) enrichment often appears in combination with land‐use related disturbances. Are there interactive effects between N addition and physical disturbances where N addition increases plant community sensitivity to disturbance?

Location

Boreal coniferous forest, Bispgården (63 °00′N, 16 °40′E), central Sweden.

Methods

We tested potential interactive effects between N addition and disturbance by evaluating effects of N fertilization on community composition of forest floor vegetation in clear‐cut (disturbed) and mature (undisturbed) forests. We analysed species composition in 63 forests stands (16 clear‐cut and N‐fertilized, 14 clear‐cut and unfertilized, 17 mature and N fertilized, and 16 mature and unfertilized). Species composition was scored by the point‐intercept method at 200 random points along a 45‐m transect in each stand.

Results

The N effect on plant community composition was strongly dependent on disturbance caused by clear‐cutting. In undisturbed forests, there were small or no effects on community composition from N addition. In contrast, effects were large in forests first exposed to N addition and subsequently disturbed by clear‐cutting. Effects of N addition differed among plant functional groups. Abundance of graminoids increased (+232%) and abundance of dwarf shrubs decreased (−44%) following disturbance in N‐fertilized stands. For vascular plants, the two perturbations had contrasting effects on α‐ (within stand) and β‐ (among stands) diversity: in disturbed stands, N addition reduced α‐diversity, while β‐diversity increased. For bryophytes, effects of disturbance on α‐diversity were smaller under N addition than ambient N, while neither N addition nor disturbance had any effect on β‐diversity.

Conclusions

Effects of N addition on plant communities may be small, short‐lived or even absent until exposure to a disturbance implements full effects of N, highlighting the importance of considering interactive effects with disturbance when evaluating effects of N enrichment on plant community composition and biodiversity.
The Swiss: A Political Nation?
Authors: Eugster Beatrice , Strijbis Oliver
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Proponents of constitutional patriotism advocate the promotion of a political national identity. Whether a national identity founded on common political values is viable, however, remains a matter of dispute. The Swiss nation is one of the few empirical cases cited by those who argue that a political national identity can be a sufficient guarantor of institutional stability and social coherence; indeed, Switzerland is widely regarded as a prototype of the political nation. The aim of our analysis is to empirically test this claim. In doing so, we rely on classical typologies of national identity. We propose to use a more finely graded typology than the usual dichotomies, however – one which allows for combined types – and to focus on individual perceptions of national identity at the mass‐ and elite‐levels. The empirical analysis of whether the Swiss nation can correctly be classified as a political nation draws on data from mass and MP surveys. Our conclusion is that the Swiss imagine their nation in both political and cultural terms, and the essence of their cultural identity is Swiss linguistic pluralism and regional diversity.
Esthetic and Functional Rehabilitation of a Bilateral Cleft Palate Patient with Fixed Prosthodontic Therapy
Authors: BIDRA AVINASH S.
Published: November 2011

Patients with bilateral cleft lip and palate present with multiple challenges to the prosthodontist. Some of them include mobility of the premaxillary segment, multiple missing and malposed anterior teeth, unfavorable soft tissues, and a tense maxillary lip. This clinical report describes the fixed prosthodontic management of a bilateral cleft lip and palate patient with a surgically corrected lip and a mobile premaxillary segment. The patient presented with an 11‐unit metal‐ceramic fixed partial denture made of a base metal alloy that was made 25 years ago. He had multiple porcelain fractures over the years that compromised his esthetics and function. Prosthodontic therapy involved sectioning the old prosthesis, followed by careful treatment planning and fabrication of a new fixed dental prosthesis with improved design and superior materials. At a 3‐year follow‐up, the fixed dental prosthesis remained intact and functional, and no further complications were noted. A discussion of approaches to treatment planning, biomechanical principles involved, and choice of biomaterials in designing a fixed prosthesis for such patients is presented.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

As cleft palate patients require life‐long prosthodontic follow‐up and maintenance, revisional treatments should incorporate superior materials and methods to minimize future complications.

(J Esthet Restor Dent ••:••–••, 2011)
Adolescents' perceptions of a mobile cell phone text messaging‐enhanced intervention and development of a mobile cell phone‐based HIV prevention intervention
Authors: Cornelius Judith B. , St. Lawrence Janet S. , Howard Jacquelyn C. , Shah Deval , Poka Avinash , McDonald Delilah , White Ann C.
Published: November 2011

Purpose.  This study examined African American adolescents' perceptions of a mobile cell phone (MCP)‐enhanced intervention and development of an MCP‐based HIV prevention intervention.

Design and Methods.  One focus group was conducted with 11 adolescents who participated in the Becoming a Responsible Teen Text Messaging project.

Results.  Adolescents said they benefited from the MCP‐enhanced approach and were receptive to the idea of developing an MCP‐based intervention.

Practice Implications.  Nurses can use the findings of this report as a starting point in examining the development of MCP‐based sexuality education with parents and adolescents.
Effects of Cooking Temperatures on the Physicochemical Properties and Consumer Acceptance of Chicken Stock
Authors: Krasnow Mark , Bunch Tucker , Shoemaker Charles , Loss Christopher R.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  As a base for sauces, soups, and cooking liquids for meats, grains, and vegetables, stocks can be integral to the overall quality of restaurant menu items, however, science‐based studies on the effects of cooking methods on the physiochemical and sensory properties of stock are lacking. The effects of starting (22 °C, 85 °C, and 99 °C) and cooking temperatures (85 °C and 99 °C) of chicken stock on clarity, color, viscosity, protein content, amino acid content, mineral content, and overall liking were measured. Protein content and viscosity were significantly higher for stocks cooked at 99 °C, but no effect on amino acid content, color, or clarity was observed. Calcium concentration in stocks cooked at 99 °C was significantly (P < 0.0001) lower (9.3 and 10.1 mg/mL, for stocks started at temperatures of 22 and 99 °C, respectively) than stock cooked at 85 °C (16.6 and 17.5 mg/mL for stocks started at temperatures of 22 and 85 °C, respectively). Stocks prepared at 99 °C scored higher on overall liking compared to commercial samples and those cooked at 85 °C (P= 0.0101). These data can be used by culinary scientists and professionals to develop more efficient techniques in the kitchen, and by product developers to optimize the overall quality and acceptance of stock.

Practical Application:  This work documents the effects of preparation method on the physical and chemical properties, and consumer acceptance of chicken stock. This information can be used by product developers, culinary scientists, and professional chefs to optimize stock‐based products. Culinary educators can use this information to provide students with objective evidence‐based rationale for the techniques underlying a celebrated culinary tradition. This is also an example of how research can facilitate collaboration between culinary and food science professionals.
Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, 15‐LOX, and AGEs Inhibitions by Pineapple Stem Waste
Authors: Upadhyay Atul , Chompoo Jamnian , Araki Nobuharu , Tawata Shinkichi
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Pineapple stem has been extensively used for bromelain extraction; however, almost no attention has been given to the waste obtained during bromelain manufacturing. In this regard, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and inhibitions against 15‐lipoxygenase and advanced glycation end product formations by pineapple stem waste (PSW) obtained during bromelain manufacturing process were studied. The PSW had moderate bioactivities in all the performed assays. It also showed a considerable inhibition against fungal growth, probably due to high amounts of the benzoic acid present in the sample. These results indicate that PSW could be utilized as an economic source of preventive or therapeutic agent in disease and in different functional food industries.

Practical Application:  A large amount of wastes are generated during bromelain manufacturing from pineapple stem. So far, these wastes are not utilized and are often considered as a burden while disposing them. However, we found some important phytochemicals with considerable bioactivities in these wastes. We believe that these wastes may have a promising usage as a cheap source of one of the ingredients in functional food based industries.
Impact of Storage Time and Temperature on Thermal Inactivation of Salmonella Enteritidis PT 30 on Oil‐Roasted Almonds
Authors: Abd Shirin J. , McCarthy Kathryn L. , Harris Linda J.
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Whole Nonpareil variety almonds were inoculated with Salmonella Enteritidis PT 30 and stored at 4 or 23 °C for up to 48 wk. At 1, 12, 24, 37, and 48 wk of storage, almonds were heated by immersion in 121 °C oil. After heating for 0.5 to 2.5 min, almonds were drained, transferred to tryptic soy broth, and mixed with a stomacher prior to plating onto tryptic soy and bismuth sulfite agars. Over the 48 wk of storage, Salmonella declined by 0.5 and 2.1 log CFU/g at 4 and 23 °C, respectively. The survivor inactivation curves were upwardly concave with rapid initial reductions in the levels of Salmonella. For up to 24 wk of storage, the mean counts of the survivors after treatment were not significantly different. The Weibull model predicted 4‐ and 5‐log reductions of Salmonella in 0.85 ± 0.16 and 1.8 ± 0.43 min, respectively, for almonds stored at 4 °C, and in 1.6 ± 0.53 and 3.2 ± 1.0 min, respectively, for almonds stored at 23 °C. Refrigerated storage had little impact on heat resistance of Salmonella that were inoculated on almonds.

Practical Application:  This research provides information of value in performing or evaluating validation studies for thermally processed almonds. The sensitivity of Salmonella to oil roasting is demonstrated during typical commercial almond storage times and temperatures.
Antioxidant Inhibitors Potentiate the Cytotoxicity of Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Kimani Stanley G. , Phillips James B. , Bruce James I. , MacRobert Alexander J. , Golding Jon P.
Published: November 2011

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an increasingly popular anticancer treatment that uses photosensitizer, light and tissue oxygen to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) within illuminated cells. Acting to counteract ROS‐mediated damage are various cellular antioxidant pathways. In this study, we combined PDT with specific antioxidant inhibitors to potentiate PDT cytotoxicity in MCF‐7 cancer cells. We used disulphonated aluminium phthalocyanine photosensitizer plus various combinations of the antioxidant inhibitors: diethyl‐dithiocarbamate (DDC, a Cu/Zn‐SOD inhibitor), 2‐methoxyestradiol (2‐ME, a Mn‐SOD inhibitor), l‐buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, a glutathione synthesis inhibitor) and 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole (3‐AT, a catalase inhibitor). BSO, singly or in combination with other antioxidant inhibitors, significantly potentiated PDT cytotoxicity, corresponding with increased ROS levels and apoptosis. The greatest potentiation of cell death over PDT alone was seen when cells were preincubated for 24 h with 300 μm BSO plus 10 mm 3‐AT (1.62‐fold potentiation) or 300 μm BSO plus 1 μm 2‐ME (1.52‐fold), or with a combination of all four inhibitors (300 μm BSO, 10 mm 3‐AT, 1 μm 2‐ME and 10 μm DDC: 1.4‐fold). As many of these inhibitors have already been clinically tested, this work facilitates future in vivo studies.
Adherence to Evidence‐Based Guidelines for Heart Failure in Physicians and Their Patients: Lessons From the Heart Failure Adherence Retention Trial (HART)
Authors: Calvin James E. , Shanbhag Sujata , Avery Elizabeth , Kane John , Richardson Dejuran , Powell Lynda.
Published: November 2011

The Heart Failure Adherence and Retention Trial (HART) provided an opportunity to determine adherence to evidence‐based guidelines (EBG) in patients with heart failure (HF). Ten hospitals were the source of 692 patients with HF (EF < 40%). Physicians of patients with HF were classified as adherent to EBG if the patient chart audit showed they were on a beta‐blocker, ACE‐inhibitor (ACE‐I), or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). Patients were classified as adherent to EBG if MEMS pill caps were used appropriately more than 80% of the time. Sixty‐three percent of physicians prescribed evidence‐based medications that were adherent to clinical practice guidelines. New York Heart Association (NYHA) III patients were less likely to be adherent (P < 0.001), as were those with renal disease (P < 0.001) and asthmatics (P < 0.001). Nonadherent physicians were less likely to treat patients with beta‐blockers (39% vs 98%, P < 0.001) and ACE‐I or ARBs (71% vs 98%P < 0.001). Thirty‐seven percent of patients prescribed evidence‐based therapy failed to use the MEMS pill cap bottles appropriately and were more likely a minority or higher NYHA class. Adherence to evidence‐based therapy is less than optimal in HF patients based on a combination of both physician and patient nonadherence. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Asplundia altiscandens sp. nov. (Cyclanthaceae) from the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: da Silva Leal Eduardo
Published: November 2011

A new species, Asplundia altiscandens E. S. Leal from the Brazilian Amazon, is described and illustrated. It belongs to subgenus Asplundia and is related to A. ferruginea and A. nonoensis. Diagnostic characters, a distribution map and taxonomic comments are provided.
High burden of rheumatic diseases in Lebanon: a COPCORD study
Authors: CHAAYA Monique , SLIM Zeinab N. , HABIB Rima R. , ARAYSSI Thurayya , DANA Rouwayda , HAMDAN Omar , ASSI Maher , ISSA Zeinab , UTHMAN Imad
Published: November 2011

Aim:  To estimate the prevalence of rheumatic diseases in Lebanon and to explore their distribution by geographic location, age, and gender.

Method:  Using the Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) methodology, a random sample of 3530 individuals aged 15 and above was interviewed from the six Lebanese governorates. Positive respondents were evaluated by rheumatologists using the internationally accepted classification criterion of the American College of Rheumatology for the diagnosis of rheumatic diseases.

Results:  Prevalence rates of current and past musculoskeletal problems were 24.4% and 8.4%, respectively. Shoulder (14.3%), knee (14.2%) and back (13.6%) were the most common pain sites. Point prevalence of rheumatic diseases was 15.0%. The most frequent types of rheumatic diseases were of mechanical origin, namely soft tissue rheumatism (5.8%) and osteoarthritis (4.0%). Rheumatoid arthritis (1.0%) and spondylathropathies (0.3%) constituted the most common inflammatory diseases. Coastal areas had the lowest prevalence of all diseases except for fibromyalgia. All diseases showed an increasing prevalence pattern with age and a higher prevalence among women than men.

Conclusion:  This is the first study to give population‐based estimates of rheumatic diseases in Lebanon. The high burden calls for public health attention for early detection, control and prevention of these conditions. Point prevalence of individual diseases was within the range of results from other COPCORD surveys with some variations that can be attributed to differences in methodology and geo‐ethnic factors.
Do variations in allocation concealment methods influence the effects found in intervention reviews?
Authors: Naing Cho , Hasan Syed Shahzad , Aung Kyan
Published: November 2011

Objective (i) To explore any discrepancies in intervention effects between a set of Cochrane reviews that includes trials with liberal criteria and a set with restrictive criteria in which trials with liberal design have been removed from the review, and (ii) to suggest ways to improve the quality of evidence.

Methods A documentary analysis of three Cochrane reviews of intervention studies. The selection of the Cochrane reviews was based on a two‐stage sampling. The stability of effect measures after removal of trials with liberal design was investigated.

Results In two of the three reviews, we found changes in the original effect measure of the intervention after removing the studies without allocation concealment. One of these reported an 87% greater relative risk when randomized trials with liberal design were included. In the other, the risk was 19.5% lower when randomized trials with liberal design were included.

Conclusions The instability of the effect measure indicates the importance of allocation concealment during recruitment for clinical trials. We recommend further research incorporating a large number of intervention reviews and factors other than allocation concealment.
Improving health research governance and management in the Western Pacific: A WHO Expert Consultation
Authors: Rani Manju , Bekedam Hendrik , Buckley Brian S.
Published: November 2011

Repeated calls have been made in recent decades to increase investments in health research, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC). However, the perceived low relevance and quality of health research, poor visibility of outputs, and difficulties in tracking current levels of and returns on investments have undermined efforts to advocate for additional investments in these countries. Some of these issues emanate from inadequate governance and management systems for health research at the national level, which are ineffective in tracking and steering the research portfolio and investments, ensuring quality, and facilitating access to research outputs. In spite of this, the value, necessity, and cost of performing health research management and governance functions are not well appreciated, especially in LMIC.

To address this, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Western Pacific organized an expert consultation in August 2011, involving experts from 14 of its developed and developing member states and from leading research organizations such as the Wellcome Trust.

The consultation identified essential health research governance and management functions that must be performed by appropriate organizational entities to maximize returns on health research investments. In addition, three specific areas for intervention were considered: (1) prospective research registration in publicly accessible national health research registries; (2) systematic health research data archiving and wider access; and (3) national research ethics systems.

A consensus was reached on the need to invest more in essential health research and management functions, including establishing publicly accessible web‐based national health research registries for prospective registration of health research, setting up systems to archive and share health research data, and improving the governance of research ethics committees. The consultation also concluded that the costs of performing these functions are legitimate and necessary research costs that must be shouldered by research funding organizations.
Comparison of short‐term outcomes and perioperative systemic immunity of laparoscopy‐assisted and open radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Xin‐Zu , Hu Jian‐Kun , Liu Jin , Yang Kun , Zhou Zong‐Guang , Wang Lan‐Lan , Yang Chen , Zhang Bo , Chen Zhi‐Xin , Chen Jia‐Ping
Published: November 2011

Objective: To compare the perioperative systemic immunity of laparoscopy‐assisted and open radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods: Patients with gastric adenocarcinoma proven by endoscopy and biopsy were eligible, while patients with preoperative staging of T4, N2–3, or M1 were excluded. Eligible patients willing to undertake laparoscopic surgery in the consecutive cohort were assigned to the laparoscopy‐assisted gastrectomy (LAG) group, while concurrent patients were assigned to the conventional open gastrectomy (OG) group. All operations were performed with the intention of radical resection. Various immunological parameters were tested in peripheral venous blood collected at preoperative 1st day and postoperative 2nd day (POD2) and 7th day (POD7). SPSS 13.0 software was used for statistical analysis.

Results: Thirty patients were included, 15 each in the LAG and OG groups. The general characteristics and short‐term outcomes (harvested lymph nodes number, hospital stay, complications, and mortality rate) of the two groups were comparable, but the operation time was significantly longer in LAG (P = 0.001). Moreover, intergroup comparisons indicated no significant differences between the groups in levels of neutrophils, T‐lymphocytes, natural killer cells, IgG, IgM, IgA, C3, C4, interleukin‐6, or interleukin‐10 at any time point (P > 0.05). However, there was a gradual decrease in natural killer cell count in the LAG group up to POD7 (P = 0.008).

Conclusion: The changes in systemic immunity markers were comparable between laparoscopy‐assisted and open gastrectomy for gastric cancer. However, there was a trend of suppression of natural killer cells in the laparoscopy‐assisted gastrectomy group.
Effect of prednisone administration on coagulation variables in healthyBeagle dogs
Authors: Rose Lara J. , Dunn Marilyn E. , Allegret Virginie , Bédard Christian
Published: November 2011

Background

Long‐term corticosteroid therapy has been associated with increased risk of thrombotic disease in dogs.

Objective

The purpose of this prospective study was to use thrombelastography (TEG) and thrombin generation (TG) to detect development of a hypercoagulable state in healthyBeagle dogs receiving oral prednisone. We hypothesized that administration of corticosteroids would result in a hypercoagulable profile onTEGtracings and an increase inTG.

Methods

Six healthy adultBeagles from the University ofMontreal's research colony were used to conduct a prospective longitudinal study in which all dogs received 1 mg/kg of prednisone orally once daily for 2 weeks, followed by a 6‐week washout period, and then 4 mg/kg of prednisone orally once daily for 2 weeks.TEGtracings on citrated whole blood andTGmeasurements on frozen‐thawed platelet‐poor plasma were obtained before prednisone administration (baseline), at the end of the washout period, and at the end of both corticosteroid trials.

Results

Significant differences compared with baseline values were obtained forK, α, andMA, with tracings compatible with a hypercoagulable profile following both corticosteroid trials. There was a significant increase in endogenous thrombin potential only after low‐dose (1 mg/kg) prednisone.

Conclusion

Administration of prednisone to healthyBeagles resulted in hypercoagulability as indicated byTEGtracings, whereas the effect onTGwas more variable. Further studies are needed to determine the underlying mechanisms of hypercoagulability and its clinical impact.
Detection of Bartonella henselae IgM in Serum of Experimentally Infected and Naturally Exposed Cats
Authors: Ficociello J. , Bradbury C. , Morris A. , Lappin M.R.
Published: November 2011

Background

Results of Bartonella henselae blood culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay on blood, or IgG antibody assays do not always correlate with the presence or absence of clinical disease in cats, and B. henselae IgG antibodies in serum do not always correlate with bacteremia. However, little is known concerning Bartonella spp. IgM antibodies in naturally exposed cats.

Hypothesis

Bartonella spp. IgM antibodies in serum are associated with fever, stomatitis, and bacteremia based on PCR assay results in experimentally infected or client‐owned cats.

Animals

Stored sera from cats experimentally infected with B. henselae by exposure to Ctenocephalides felis, client‐owned cats with and without fever, and client‐owned cats with and without stomatitis were studied.

Methods

A Bartonella spp. IgM ELISA was titrated with samples from experimentally infected cats and then test sera from client‐owned cats were assayed. Associations among IgM ELISA results, clinical findings, and bacteremia as defined by Bartonella spp. PCR assay were assessed.

Results

All experimentally infected cats developed Bartonella spp. IgM antibodies. Bartonella spp. IgM antibody assay results were not always in agreement with PCR assay results in client‐owned cats (60%). Bartonella spp. DNA in blood, IgM antibodies, and IgG antibodies were not associated with the presence of fever or stomatitis.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Because Bartonella spp. IgM antibodies as measured by this assay were not associated with fever or stomatitis and were not always in agreement with PCR assay results, there appears to be little need for assessing individual client‐owned cats for this antibody class alone.
Enteropathogenic Bacteria in Dogs and Cats: Diagnosis, Epidemiology, Treatment, and Control
Authors: Marks S.L. , Rankin S.C. , Byrne B.A. , Weese J.S.
Published: November 2011

This report offers a consensus opinion on the diagnosis, epidemiology, treatment, and control of the primary enteropathogenic bacteria in dogs and cats, with an emphasis onClostridium difficile,Clostridium perfringens,Campylobacterspp.,Salmonellaspp., andEscherichia coliassociated with granulomatous colitis in Boxers. Veterinarians are challenged when attempting to diagnose animals with suspected bacterial‐associated diarrhea because well‐scrutinized practice guidelines that provide objective recommendations for implementing fecal testing are lacking. This problem is compounded by similar isolation rates for putative bacterial enteropathogens in animals with and without diarrhea, and by the lack of consensus among veterinary diagnostic laboratories as to which diagnostic assays should be utilized. Most bacterial enteropathogens are associated with self‐limiting diarrhea, and injudicious administration of antimicrobials could be more harmful than beneficial.SalmonellaandCampylobacterare well‐documented zoonoses, but antimicrobial administration is not routinely advocated in uncomplicated cases and supportive therapy is recommended. Basic practices of isolation, use of appropriate protective equipment, and proper cleaning and disinfection are the mainstays of control. Handwashing with soap and water is preferred over use of alcohol‐based hand sanitizers because spores ofC. difficileandC. perfringensare alcohol‐resistant, but susceptible to bleach (1 : 10 to 1 : 20 dilution of regular household bleach) and accelerated hydrogen peroxide. The implementation of practice guidelines in combination with the integration of validated molecular‐based testing and conventional testing is pivotal if we are to optimize the identification and management of enteropathogenic bacteria in dogs and cats.
Canine Cutaneous Perivascular Wall Tumors at First Presentation: Clinical Behavior and Prognostic Factors in 55 Cases
Authors: Stefanello D. , Avallone G. , Ferrari R. , Roccabianca P. , Boracchi P.
Published: November 2011

Background

Canine cutaneous perivascular wall tumors (c‐PWT) are soft tissue sarcomas recently identified when hemangiopericytomas were reclassified. No previous clinical data are available for c‐PWT.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To define the clinical behavior and prognostic role of clinical and pathological variables in a homogeneous population of c‐PWT.

Animals

Fifty‐five c‐PWT in 53 client‐owned dogs at first presentation undergoing surgery.

Methods

Retrospective case series. The endpoint was the relapse of tumor (local and/or distant). The prognostic values of clinical (age, sex, weight, site and tumor size, adjuvant therapy) and pathological (status of surgical margins, histological grade, mitosis, percentage of tumor necrosis) variables were investigated by univariate and bivariate analyses (P < .05). The pattern of associations between variables was explored by multivariate correspondence analysis (MCA).

Results

Twelve dogs had a relapse. Ten dogs had local recurrence, 1 had metastatic disease, and 1 had both. The estimated probability of local recurrence was 0.02, 0.08, 0.20, and 0.24 at 6 months, 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Size of the tumor was a significant prognostic factor while status of margins had only a clinically relevant hazard ratio. InMCAevaluation, young age, tumor size (< 5 cm), grade I, and location in the extremities were associated. Association was also observed for older age, tumor size (> 5 cm), gradeII, and other location.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

C‐PWTtend to locally recur a long time after surgery. An early diagnosis of c‐PWTassociated with small tumor size (< 5 cm) and clean surgical margins ensures a good prognosis independently of histological grade.
White Blood Cell Count and the Sodium to Potassium Ratio to Screen for Hypoadrenocorticism in Dogs
Authors: Seth M. , Drobatz K.J. , Church D.B. , Hess R.S.
Published: November 2011

Background

Abnormal sodium to potassium (Na : K) ratios can raise suspicion for hypoadrenocorticism (HA). Although dogs with HA usually have normal leukograms, their white blood cell counts may be useful in screening for HA.

Objectives

To examine the utility of combining theNa : Kratio with white blood cell counts to screen forHAin hospitalized dogs requiring fluid treatment administered IV.

Animals

Fifty‐three dogs with confirmedHAand 110 sick dogs confirmed not to haveHA.

Methods

Retrospective, case‐control study. Dogs were included if they were hospitalized and administered fluids IV, had a complete blood count and measurement of serum Na and K concentrations.HAwas diagnosed using anACTHstimulation test, or ruled out by measurement of basal serum cortisol concentration.

Results

The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the lymphocyte count was not significantly different from theROCcurve of theNa : Kratio (P = .55). TheROCcurve for the model combining theNa : Kratio and lymphocyte count was superior for identifying dogs withHAcompared to theNa : Kratio (P = .02) or lymphocyte count (P = .005) alone. At the 100% sensitivity cutoff, lymphocyte count was more specific for detection ofHAthanNa : K(P < .001).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

A combination of theNa : Kratio and lymphocyte count provides a better screening test forHAcompared to theNa : Kratio or lymphocyte count alone. At 100% sensitivity, the lymphocyte count is a more specific test forHAthan theNa : K.
Utility of Endoscopic Biopsies of the Duodenum and Ileum for Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Small Cell Lymphoma in Cats
Authors: Scott K.D. , Zoran D.L. , Mansell J. , Norby B. , Willard M.D.
Published: November 2011

Background

Endoscopic duodenal biopsies are relatively convenient, minimally invasive tests for infiltrative intestinal disorders of cats. Ileal endoscopic biopsies might not be performed because of technical difficulty and effort required to prepare the colon. It is not known whether or not histopathology of feline duodenal and ileal biopsies for detection of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and small cell lymphoma (SC‐LSA) provides comparable results.

Objectives

To evaluate the agreement between endoscopic biopsies of duodenum and ileum in cats withIBDandSC‐LSA.

Animals

Seventy client‐owned cats with gastrointestinal disease and adequate duodenal and ileal tissue biopsies obtained endoscopically.

Methods

Retrospective study: Search of medical records of cats with enteropathy and endoscopy. Samples were blinded and re‐evaluated by single pathologist (JM) for quality, number of biopsies, and diagnosis according toWSAVAstandards. Agreement ofIBDandSC‐LSAdiagnoses among biopsy sites assessed using Cohen's Kappa.

Results

Eighteen of 70 cats (26%) were diagnosed withSC‐LSAin duodenum, ileum, or both. Of these 18 cats, 7 (39%) were diagnosed with only duodenalSC‐LSA, 8 (44%) were diagnosed with only ilealSC‐LSA, and 3 (17%) hadSC‐LSAin both duodenum and ileum. There was poor agreement on diagnosis between duodenal and ileal biopsies (kappa = 0.23).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Although review by a single pathologist remains a limitation of this study, results suggest that there is a population of cats in which diagnosis ofSC‐LSAcan be found only by evaluation of ileal biopsies. Clinicians should consider performing both upper and lowerGIendoscopic biopsies in cats with infiltrative small bowel disease.
The dynamic strength of an ordinary chondrite
Authors: KIMBERLEY Jamie , RAMESH K. T.
Published: November 2011

Abstract– Dynamic and quasistatic unconfined compression experiments were performed on samples of the L5 ordinary chondrite MacAlpine Hills (MAC) 88118. The dynamic compressive strength measurements are the first of its kind for a stony meteorite, and indicate that the material tested here exhibits significant increase in compressive strength with increasing strain rate. This increase in compressive strength is larger than the increases typically observed in terrestrial rock specimens compressed over a similar range of strain rates. The details of the failure process are investigated by recording images of the experiments in real time. Specifically, the crack growth speeds in the dynamic compression experiments are measured from ultrahigh‐speed images. These speeds are significantly lower than the speeds observed in terrestrial analogs that are typically used in numerical investigations of large‐scale impacts. The implications of these measurements of strength and failure process are explored in the contexts of atmospheric disruption of meteors and impact cratering/disruption of asteroids.
Shock‐induced changes in density and porosity in shock‐metamorphosed crystalline rocks, Haughton impact structure, Canada
Authors: SINGLETON Alaura C. , OSINSKI Gordon R. , McCAUSLAND Phil J. A. , MOSER Desmond E.
Published: November 2011

Abstract– Shock metamorphism can occur at transient pressures that reach tens of GPa and well over 1000 °C, altering the target material on both megascopic and microscopic scales. This study explores the effects of shock metamorphism on crystalline, quartzofeldspathic basement material from the Haughton impact structure on Devon Island, Arctic Canada. Shock levels were assigned to samples based on petrographic examination of main mineral phases. Conventional shock classification schemes proved to incompletely describe the Haughton samples so a modified shock classification system is presented. Fifty‐two crystalline bedrock samples from the clast‐rich impact melt rocks in the crater, and one reference site outside of the crater, were classified using this system. The shock levels range from 0 to 7 (according to the new shock stage classification proposed here, i.e., stages 0–IV after the Stöffler classification), indicating shock pressures ranging from 0 to approximately 80 GPa. The second aspect of this study involved measuring bulk physical characteristics of the shocked samples. The bulk density, grain density, and porosity were determined using a water displacement method, a bead displacement method, and a Hepycnometer. Results suggest a nonlinear, negative correlation between density and shock level such that densities of crystalline rocks with original densities of approximately 3 g cm−3 are reduced to <1.0 g cm−3 at high shock levels. The results also show a positive nonlinear correlation between porosity and shock level. These data illustrate the effect of shock on the bulk physical characteristics of crystalline rocks, and has implications for assessing the habitability of shocked rocks.
Perceptual‐cognitive expertise, practice history profiles and recall performance in soccer
Authors: Williams A. M. , Ward P. , Bell‐Walker J. , Ford P. R.
Published: November 2011

We examined whether high‐ or low‐performing soccer players, classified based on established measures of perceptual‐cognitive expertise, differed in regard to their practice history profiles and ability to recall elements of match performance. In Study 1, we measured perceptual‐cognitive expertise in elite (n= 48) and non‐elite (n= 12) youth soccer players using empirical tests of perceptual‐cognitive skill. We then used a quartile split to stratify elite players into either high‐performing (n= 12) or low‐performing (n= 12) groups based on their test scores. A group of non‐elite soccer players (n= 12) acted as controls. In Study 2, we used an established questionnaire to examine retrospectively the participation history profiles of the three groups. The high‐performing group had accumulated more hours in soccer‐specific play activity over the last 6 years of engagement in the sport compared to their low‐performing counterparts and the non‐elite controls. No differences were reported for hours accumulated in soccer‐specific practice or competition between the high‐ and low‐performing groups. In Study 3, a novel test was developed to examine episodic memory recall in soccer. Although this test successfully differentiated elite from non‐elite players, no differences were evident between high‐ and low‐performing groups, implying that episodic memory recall may not be a crucial component of perceptual‐cognitive expertise in soccer.
Analysis on Skew of Flat Belts in Two-Pulley Drives
Authors: Zhang Weiming
Published: November 2011

A troublesome problem in flat belt transmission is a phenomenon known as skew, where the belt moves along the axial direction of the pulleys in operation. Skew usually is caused by angular misalignment of pulleys. Angular misalignment can be classified in two types, in-plane misalignment and out-of-plane misalignment. The former is where the axes of a pulley pair, driving and driven, are in the same plane but not parallel. The latter is where the axes of pulleys are not in the same plane. In this paper, both cases of the belt skew caused by out-of-plane and in-plane misalignment are addressed. Theoretical analyses are provided following discussions of the simulation results by finite element method. It is found: (1) in case of out-of-plane misalignment, the skew ratio, an index describing the degree of skew, is determined by a very simple formula in which only three geometrical parameters are required; (2) in case of in-plane misalignment, the skew is much more complicated than that in case of out-of-plane misalignment, and the skew ratio is determined by a system of nonlinear simultaneous equation. An iteration method for solving the system of nonlinear simultaneous equations is proposed. The theoretical analyses for both cases are verified with the FEM results and factors that influence the skew are discussed.
Suspended, micron-scale corner cube retroreflectors as ultra-bright optical labels
Authors: Sherlock Tim , Nasrullah Azeem , Litvinov Julia , Cacao Eliedonna , Knoop Jennifer , Kemper Steven , Kourentzi Katerina , Kar Archana , Ruchhoeft Paul , Willson Richard
Published: November 2011

Corner cube retroreflectors are objects with three mutually perpendicular reflective surfaces that return light directly to its source and are therefore extremely bright and easy to detect. In this work, we have fabricated suspended corner cube retroreflectors, 5 microns in size, consisting of a transparent epoxy core and three surfaces coated with gold as ultra-bright labels for use in a rapid, low-labor diagnostic platform. The authors have demonstrated that individual cubes are easily imaged using low-cost, low numerical aperture objectives in suspension and that they remain suspended over long periods of time. Moreover, we have demonstrated that the gold outer surfaces can be decorated with proteins, and that individual cubes can be bound to magnetic sample preparation particles bearing antibodies which recognize these proteins. The bound cubes can be imaged and tracked as they move through solution in response to an external magnetic field, and we have, as such, demonstrated the principle of the new biosensing approach.
Comment on “Atmospheric
P
co
2
Perturbations Associated with the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province”
Authors: Rampino Michael R. , Caldeira Ken
Published: November 2011

Schaller
et al
. (Research Article, 18 March 2011, p. 1404) proposed that carbon dioxide (CO
2
) released by the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province eruptions over periods of about 20,000 years led to substantial increases of up to 2000 parts per million (ppm) in the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (
P
co
2
) near the Triassic-Jurassic boundary. Use of an atmosphere-ocean model coupled to a carbon-cycle model predicts
P
co
2
increases of less than 400 ppm from magmatic volatiles, with only a small climatic impact.
Ocean Effects of Blocking
Authors: Woollings Tim
Published: November 2011

Short-term weather events may drive ocean variability on time scales of several decades.
Life on the Fertile Frontier
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: November 2011

A study reported at the meeting has found that the first waves of European settlers to push into the wilderness of northeastern Quebec in the 17th and 18th centuries had more children than people who came later or stayed in central towns.
Sharp Insights and a Sharp Tongue
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: November 2011

Brilliant but troubled, Robert Trivers made his mark dissecting the evolution of human relationships. In a new book, he tackles deceit and self-deception.
p53 and MicroRNA-34 Are Suppressors of Canonical Wnt Signaling
Authors: Kim Nam Hee , Kim Hyun Sil , Kim Nam-Gyun , Lee Inhan , Choi Hyung-Seok , Li Xiao-Yan , Kang Shi Eun , Cha So Young , Ryu Joo Kyung , Na Jung Min , Park Changbum , Kim Kunhong , Lee Sanghyuk , Gumbiner Barry M. , Yook Jong In , Weiss Stephen J.
Published: November 2011

The tumor suppressor p53 activates miRNA-34 to inhibit Wnt signaling and colorectal cancer cell invasiveness.
A CC′ Loop Decoy Peptide Blocks the Interaction Between Act1 and IL-17RA to Attenuate IL-17– and IL-25–Induced Inflammation
Authors: Liu Caini , Swaidani Shadi , Qian Wen , Kang Zizhen , Sun Paige , Han Yue , Wang Chenhui , Gulen Muhammet Fatih , Yin Weiguo , Zhang Chunjiang , Fox Paul L. , Aronica Mark , Hamilton Thomas A. , Misra Saurav , Deng Junpeng , Li Xiaoxia
Published: November 2011

A cell-permeable peptide derived from an adaptor protein blocks cytokine receptor signaling and reduces inflammation.
Synthesis and antibacterial activity of unsaturated pyrimidine carboacyclonucleoside analogues
Authors: Krim Jamal , Sillahi Bouchra , Taourirte Moha , Eddarir Said , Engels Joachim W.
Published: October 2011

The novel pyrimidine carboacyclonucleoside analogues containing propargylated aryl side chains were synthesized via palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions as a key step. The synthesized compounds were screened for their antibacterial activity against four microorganisms:Staphylococcus aureus(CIP 53.154; Gram positive),Enterococcus hirae(CIP 58.55; Gram positive),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(CIP A22; Gram negative),Escherichia coli(CIP 54.8; Gram negative). Some of the prepared products showed promising antibacterial activity against the nosocomialE. hirae.