bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the effects of Chlorella vulgaris as an adjunctive therapy for dyslipidemia: Results of a randomised open‐label clinical trial
Authors: PANAHI Yunes , PISHGOO Bahram , JALALIAN Hamid R. , MOHAMMADI Elaheh , TAGHIPOUR Hamid R. , SAHEBKAR Amirhossein , ABOLHASANI Ehsan
Published: February 2012

Aim:  Chlorella vulgaris is a unicellular green microalga with several pharmacological activities including anti‐hyperlipidemic effects. In spite of interesting preclinical findings, the clinical efficacy of C. vulgaris in dyslipidemia—whether alone or in combination with statins—has not been clarified. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of supplementation with C. vulgaris as an adjunctive therapy to atorvastatin in dyslipidemic subjects.

Methods:  In a randomised, open‐label clinical trial, 100 dyslipidemic subjects were randomly assigned to: (i) Chlorella group (n = 50, dropouts = 24), receiving C. vulgaris (600 mg/day) + atorvastatin (20 mg/day) for 8 weeks; or (ii) atorvastatin group (n = 50, dropouts = 13), receiving only atorvastatin (20 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Lipid profile and biomarkers of muscular, hepatic and renal injury were determined at baseline and at the end of the trial.

Results:  There were significant reductions in serum total cholesterol (P < 0.001), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001) and triglycerides (P= 0.006 in Chlorella and P= 0.004 in atorvastatin group) in both groups. No significant change in serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels was observed in any of the groups. Serum aspartate aminotransferase levels were raised in both Chlorella (P= 0.034) and atorvastatin (P= 0.002) groups, whereas alkaline phosphatase was only elevated in the Chlorella group (P= 0.028). In comparison with baseline values, no significant change was observed in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and fasting blood sugar.

Conclusion:  Based on the results, addition of C. vulgaris to atorvastatin therapy for 8 weeks does not appear to be associated with an improved control of serum lipid profile.
The presence of malnutrition in community‐living older adults receiving home nursing services
Authors: RIST Georgie , MILES Gail , KARIMI Leila
Published: February 2012

Aim:  To determine the extent of malnutrition and malnutrition risk among community‐living older people (aged 65 years and over) who are receiving care from a metropolitan home nursing service in Victoria, Australia.

Method:  Over a 3‐month period (May–July 2009), 235 clients aged 65 years and over from a community nursing service providing home nursing care were assessed for malnutrition using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA®, Nestle, Vevey, Switzerland).

Results:  Thirty‐four per cent (34.5%) of clients were identified as being at risk of malnutrition, while 8.1% were found to be malnourished. There was no significant relationship between nutrition risk and gender, country of birth or living arrangements.

Conclusion:  Malnutrition and nutrition risk was found to be an issue among this sample of community‐living older adults who were receiving home nursing care in Victoria, Australia. In this study, just over 40% of the participants were either at risk of malnutrition or malnourished, which highlights the vulnerability of this group of older people and the need for routine nutrition screening and a targeted intervention program to address nutrition issues.
Rising Inequality in China and the Move to a Balanced Economy
Authors: Zhu Cuiping , Wan Guanghua
Published: February 2012

China faces serious external (i.e. trade) and internal (i.e. structural) imbalances. Both are related to income inequality, reduction of which will help to increase domestic demand. This paper discusses how income inequality has evolved over time. This is followed by an exploration of the consequences of high inequality. Driving forces underlying the rising inequality are analyzed before providing concrete policy recommendations. It is found that inequality declined in the early period of reform, until the mid to late 1980s, and then began a rising trend up to 2010. Major determinants of inequality include: location, institutional and policy factors, trade and globalization, and education inequality and human capital gaps along rural–urban and spatial divisions. To achieve a balanced economy and a harmonious society, development policies in China must shift from emphasizing growth to prioritizing equality. In addition, government interventions can target rural–urban disparity through rapid urbanization, and tackle regional inequality by developing financial markets, ensuring progressive allocation of fiscal resources, promoting trade and foreign direct investment in inland China, creating more formal jobs and supporting the service sector.
Three‐dimensional stereophotogrammetrical analysis of peristomal fixation of adhesive base plates during hands‐free speech among laryngectomised patients related to tracheostoma volumes
Authors: Dirven R. , Wouters Y. , Vreeken R. , Maal T.J.J. , Marres H.A.M.
Published: February 2012

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37, 124–129

Objectives:  This study evaluates the relation between stoma volumes by means of objective three‐dimensional measurements of laryngectomised individuals and peristomal fixation of adhesive baseplates during hands‐free speech.

Design:  A three‐dimensional stereophotogrammetrical image was captured of the tracheostoma and its surrounding tissue for each participant. The placement of a baseplate adhesive was virtually simulated. Individual stoma volumes were calculated and related to the duration of lifetime of adhesive baseplates.

Setting:  Prospective trial in a university hospital setting.

Participants:  Twenty‐four laryngectomised patients.

Main outcome measures:  Stoma volume in cm3 and adhesive baseplate adherence in minutes.

Results:  For the 24 three‐dimensional images captured, the mean volume of the area under the adhesive (stoma volume) was 9.5 cm3 (range 3.5–22.5). After relating the different volumes of all patients to their individual fixation score, a significant decrease in duration of adhesive lifetime was found with increasing volumes of the stoma (P = 0.001). An increase of 1 cm3 in tracheostoma volume resulted in a decrease of 21% in median adhesive lifetime (95% confidence interval 10–31%).

Conclusions:  Longer lifetime of the adhesive baseplate in patients with smaller volume outcomes suggests that a more accurate fit between baseplate and stoma leads to better fixation. This should be taken into account when shaping a stoma during laryngectomy. On the other hand, a more custom‐made patch that has a more accurate fit could increase the lifetime of fixation. We believe that our three‐dimensional volumetric data can contribute to the development of such an adhesive.
Looking for the Physiological Role of Anthocyanins in the Leaves of Coffea arabica
Authors: Júnior Adilson Pereira Domingues , Shimizu Milton Massao , Moura Jullyana Cristina Magalhães Silva , Catharino Rodrigo Ramos , Ramos Rômulo Augusto , Ribeiro Rafael Vasconcelos , Mazzafera Paulo
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study was to determine which anthocyanins are related to the purple coloration of young leaves in Coffea arabica var. Purpurascens and assess their impact on photosynthesis as compared to C. arabica var. Catuaí, with green leaves. Two delphinidin glicosides were identified and histological cross‐sections showed they were located throughout the adaxial epidermis in young leaves, disappearing as the leaves mature. Regardless the irradiance level, the photosynthetic performance of Purpurascens leaves did not differ from that observed in leaves of the Catuaí variety, providing no evidence that anthocyanins improve photosynthetic performance in coffee plants. To analyze the photoprotective action of anthocyanins, we evaluated the isomerization process for chlorogenic acids (CGAs) in coffee leaves exposed to UV‐B radiation. No differences were observed in the total concentration of phenolic compounds in either variety before or after the UV treatment; however, we observed less degradation of CGA isomers in the Purpurascens leaves and a relative increase of cis‐5‐caffeoylquinic acid, a positional isomer of one of the most abundant form of CQA in coffee leaves, trans‐5‐caffeoylquinic acid, suggesting a possible protective role for anthocyanins in this purple coffee variety.
The UV‐Absorption Spectrum of Human Iridal Melanosomes: A New Perspective on the Relative Absorption of Eumelanin and Pheomelanin and its Consequences†
Authors: Peles Dana N. , Simon John D.
Published: February 2012

Photoemission electron microscopy is used to measure the absorption coefficients, εc, of intact iridal stroma melanosomes isolated from dark brown and blue–green human irides for the spectral range λ = 244–310 nm. These iridal stroma melanosomes were chosen because different colored irides produce organelles of varying eumelanin:pheomelanin ratios with similar size and morphology. Similar absorption spectra are found for the two types of melanosomes. The experimental spectra measured within are compared with both the extinction coefficient spectra obtained on soluble synthetic model systems and the monomeric precursors to each pigment.
Effect of Basic Amino Acids on Photoreaction of Ketoprofen in Phosphate Buffer Solution
Authors: Suzuki Tadashi , Osanai Yohei , Isozaki Tasuku
Published: February 2012

Photoreaction of ketoprofen (KP), one of the widely used nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), was studied with transient absorption spectroscopy in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.4) in the presence of basic amino acids of histidine (His), lysine (Lys) and arginine (Arg). Deprotonated form of KP (KP−) excited with UV‐light irradiation gave rise to carbanion through a decarboxylation reaction. It was found that carbanion abstracted a proton from the side chain of the protonated amino acids to yield 3‐ethylbenzophenone ketyl biradical (EBPH); however, no reaction was observed with alanine. The relative yield of EBPH by the proton transfer reaction with His was ca. 40 times larger than that of the other two basic amino acids, suggesting that the proton‐donating ability of His (protonated His) should be quite high. The information on the photoreaction mechanism of NSAIDs with basic amino acids was essential to understand primary reaction of excited NSAIDs in vivo causing photosensitization on human skin.
Energy Transfer from Poly(Vinyl Carbazole) to a Fluorene‐Vinylene Copolymer in Solution and in the Solid State†
Authors: Bonon Bruna Médici Amorim , Atvars Teresa Dib Zambon
Published: February 2012

This article reports a comparative study of the energy transfer processes in solution and the solid state from poly(vinyl carbazole; the donor) to dimethylphenyl‐terminated poly[(9,9‐dioctylfluorenyl‐2,7‐divinylene‐fluorene)‐co‐alt‐{2‐methoxy‐5‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene}] (the acceptor). The results in solutions suggest that a decrease of the donor emission intensity with an increasing acceptor concentration is more closely related to the trivial energy transfer process, indicating that the donor and acceptor chains are not in close contact during the lifetime of the donor excited state. This conclusion was reached using the amplitude‐averaged lifetime of the donor, which is practically independent of the acceptor concentration. In the solid state, the polymer blends showed a decrease in the donor emission with an increasing acceptor concentration, and a decrease in the donor lifetime was also observed. Thus, in the solid state, changes in morphology interfere with the nonradiative resonant energy transfer process, but influence on the trivial process cannot be completely neglected. The lifetime does not follow a continuous decrease with the PFO‐MEHPV concentration like the emission intensity does. The changes in the lifetime values occur over the same concentration range as do the changes of morphology, as shown by the scanning electron micrographs.
Molecular approaches identify known species, reveal cryptic species and verify host specificity of Chinese Philotrypesis (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
Authors: ZHOU MEI‐JIAO , XIAO JIN‐HUA , BIAN SHENG‐NAN , LI YAN‐WEI , NIU LI‐MING , HU HAO‐YUAN , WU WEN‐SHAN , MURPHY ROBERT W. , HUANG DA‐WEI
Published: February 2012

Philotrypesis, a major component of the fig wasp community (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), is a model taxon for studying male fighting and mating behaviour. Its extreme sexual dimorphism and male polymorphism render species identification uncertain and in‐depth research on its ecology, behaviour and other evolutionary topics challenging. The fig wasps’ enclosed habitat within the syconia makes their mating behaviour inaccessible, to the extent of matching conspecific females and males. In this study, we combine morphological and molecular analyses to identify species of Philotrypesis sampled from south China and to associate their extraordinarily dimorphic genders and labile male morphologies. Morphological evaluations of females identify 22 species and 28 male morphs. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I and nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 data detect 21 species using females, and 15 species among the males. Most of the males match the species as delimited by females. Both markers reveal cryptic species in P. quadrisetosa on Ficus vasculosa. Most species of wasps live on one species of fig but three species co‐occur in two hosts (F. microcarpa and F. benjamina), which indicates host switching.
Fractalkine stimulates cell growth and increases its expression via NF‐κB pathway in RA‐FLS
Authors: Guo Xinghua , Pan Yunfeng , Xiao Chuyin , Wu Yuqiong , Cai Daozhang , Gu Jieruo
Published: February 2012

Background

After the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (RA‐FLS) which are specialized types of fibroblasts, become tumor‐like, keeping their ability to increase proliferation and invasion. The mechanism of their tumor‐like growth is unclear. Fractalkine (FKN), also called CX3CL1, plays an important role in the proliferation of cells. FKN may stimulate the proliferation of RA‐FLS and the by nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) pathway may be one of the steps in this process.

Objective

To investigate whether FKN can stimulate cell growth and increase its expression in RA‐FLS, and the relationship between the NF‐κB pathway and the function of FKN.

Methods

FLS were isolated from primary synovial tissue obtained from three patients with RA who had undergone total joint replacement surgery or synovectomy in the Third Hospital Affiliated to Sun Yat‐sen University from February 2009 to January 2010. FKN was used in different concentrations to stimulate RA‐FLS with or without NF‐κB pathway blocker (PDTC), and to test the proliferation of FLS after 24 h by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. RA‐FLS was treated with 100 ng/mL FKN or 100 μM PDTC for different periods, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of FKN and CX3CR1 in RA‐FLS was detected by reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction. We then tested the protein expression of NF‐κBp65 in the cytoplasm and nucleus, respectively by Western blotting after treating the RA‐FLS with 100 ng/mL FKN for different time periods.

Results

FKN stimulated cell growth in RA‐FLS at the concentration of 50 or 100 ng/mL (P = 0.005 and P = 0.022, respectively). NF‐κB pathway blocker inhibited FKN, promoting proliferation of RA‐FLS. RA‐FLS could express FKN and CX3CR1 mRNA in vitro. FKN up‐regulated FKN expression after 18‐h treatment (P = 0.012). PDTC disturbed the expression of FKN mRNA after 16–18 h treatment (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). After stimulation with FKN for 1 h, the expression of NF‐κBp65 in cytoplasm began to decrease (P = 0.010), and the expression of NF‐κBp65 in the nucleus began to increase after 2 h (P = 0.011).

Conclusion

These results suggest that FKN stimulates cells growth in RA‐FLS and NF‐κB pathway blocker inhibits FKN, promoting proliferation of RA‐FLS. FKN induced activation of NF‐κB activity. FKN up‐regulates FKN mRNA expression in RA‐FLS via the NF‐κB pathway.
Pilot study on a group‐based parenting program in a Vietnamese public hospital: Program acceptance among mothers and staff
Authors: Goto Aya , Suzuki Yuriko , Nguyen Quang Vinh , Nguyen Thi Tu Van , Trinh Huu Phuc , Pham Nghiem Minh , Nguyen Thanh Minh , Yasumura Seiji ,   NDGD Parenting Support Team
Published: February 2012

Parenting practices are known to vary across different sociocultural settings, but there has been little scientific research conducted on parenting intervention in Asia to date. Building on our past research achievements that show a strong need for parenting support, we conducted a pilot trial of systematic screening of Vietnamese mothers with poor mental health and the provision of a group‐based parenting program, along with staff training sessions at a university‐affiliated general hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Forty‐seven first‐time mothers attending routine child health checkups were screened using a brief mental health and parenting assessment tool that we had developed and used previously. We then evaluated a group‐based parenting program provided for two consecutive days to nine participants. The framework of the Canadian Nobody's Perfect Program, which we had previously adopted and evaluated in a Japanese public health service setting, was used to develop a Vietnamese version. The screening and program were found to be well accepted by both participants and staff and are considered to be feasible for use by public hospital services in Vietnam. The process of program adaptation described and discussed herein may be useful to other health professionals in the Asia‐Pacific region undertaking similar initiatives.
Estimation of preoperative uterine weight in uterine myoma and uterine adenomyosis
Authors: Shiota M , Kotani Y , Umemoto M , Tobiume T , Hoshiai H
Published: February 2012

Introduction

Uterine myoma and uterine adenomyosis frequently occur in sexually mature women. Total hysterectomy is the treatment of choice when the symptoms are severe. To select an operative procedure from abdominal, vaginal, and laparoscopic methods, precise estimation of the preoperative uterine weight is desired. In this study, we estimated the preoperative uterine weight with preoperative images in cases of uterine myoma and uterine adenomyosis.

Methods

We evaluated 403 patients with uterine myoma or uterine adenomyosis (uterus < 1000 g) between 1996 and 2010. All patients underwent a preoperative MRI and received a hysterectomy with the uterine weight recorded. Based on MR images, we measured (in centimeters) the maximum longitudinal diameter in the sagittal section (a), the maximum lateral diameter (b) and the maximum longitudinal diameter in the transverse section (c) of each uterus. A correlation coefficient was calculated between the weight of the removed uterus and the value of a × b × c for each individual uterus. Also, a regression analysis was performed between x (the value of a × b × c) and y (weight of the removed uterus).

Results

A strong correlation was shown between the weight of the removed uterus and the value of a × b × c (r = 0.81, P < 0.01). As a result of the regression analysis, the regression equation y = 0.35x + 107 (R2 = 0.66, P < 0.01) was obtained.

Conclusion

In this study, the estimated weight of the uterus was calculated by the formula y = 0.35x + 107 (x = a × b × c), and this could be the determining factor in choosing a surgical method for hysterectomy.
The multidisciplinary management of a fused maxillary central incisor with a talon cusp
Authors: Ozden B , Gunduz K , Ozer S , Oz A , Ozden F Otan
Published: February 2012

Background:  A fused maxillary incisor required complex multidisciplinary treatment to preserve health and restore aesthetics. This report presents a rare case of a dental fusion between the maxillary right central incisor and a supernumerary tooth of a 9‐year‐old male patient with the chief complaint of the presence of a large anterior tooth.

Methods:  Radiographic investigation and computerized tomography indicated there was no connection between pulp chambers. After dividing the crown with a diamond bur, the supernumerary tooth was removed and the diastema between the maxillary central incisors was closed by orthodontic treatment. The tooth was then restored with composite resin.

Results:  The maxillary right central incisor was still healthy after a follow‐up examination period of 24 months.

Conclusions:  A multidisciplinary approach with the cooperation of different practitioners can contribute to the success of a treatment plan.
Evaluation of microtensile bond strength of different fissure sealants to bovine enamel
Authors: Tunc E Sen , Bayrak S , Tuloglu N , Ertas E
Published: February 2012

Background:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) of a new fissure sealant and compare it with conventional sealants which are applied to enamel alone, and also with self‐etch and etch‐and‐rinse adhesives.

Methods:  Enamel specimens were prepared and randomly distributed into three groups according to fissure sealant (Aegis, Helioseal F, Helioseal Clear). Each group was then subdivided according to adhesive system (Clearfil S3, Single Bond, no adhesive). A universal testing machine was used to measure μTBS, and data were analysed using one‐way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests.

Results:  μTBS values for all Aegis subgroups were significantly lower than for comparable Helioseal F and Helioseal Clear subgroups (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in μTBS of Helioseal F and Helioseal Clear (p > 0.05). In the Helioseal Clear group, μTBS values for Single Bond were significantly higher than for Clearfil S3 (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found between the μTBS values of the adhesive subgroups in the Aegis or Helioseal F groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:  Sealant μTBS values may be affected by material content. The addition of an adhesive may improve μTBS values of sealant to enamel.
Clinical considerations for increasing occlusal vertical dimension: a review
Authors: Abduo J , Lyons K
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this article is to discuss the clinical considerations related to increasing the occlusal vertical dimension (OVD) when restoring a patient’s dentition. Thorough extraoral and intraoral evaluations are mandatory to assess the suitability of increasing OVD. In the literature, multiple techniques have been proposed to quantify OVD loss. However, the techniques lack consistency and reliability, which in turn affects the decision of whether to increase the OVD. Therefore, increasing OVD should be determined on the basis of the dental restorative needs and aesthetic demands. In general, a minimal increase in OVD should be applied, though a 5 mm maximum increase in OVD can be justified to provide adequate occlusal space for the restorative material and to improve anterior teeth aesthetics. The literature reflects the safety of increasing the OVD permanently, and although signs and symptoms may develop, these are usually of an interim nature. Whenever indicated, the increase in OVD should be achieved with fixed restorations rather than a removable appliance, due to the predictable patient adaptation. The exception to this is for patients with TMD, where increasing the OVD should still be achieved using removable appliances to control TMD‐associated symptoms before considering any form of irreversible procedure.
Effect of silver and fluoride ions on enamel demineralization: a quantitative study using micro‐computed tomography
Authors: Liu BY , Lo ECM , Li CMT
Published: February 2012

Background:  This study aimed to investigate the effect of silver and fluoride ions on demineralization of enamel.

Methods:  The coronal parts of 40 extracted sound premolars were prepared into tooth blocks. An unvarnished occlusal surface window (OW) and a flat buccal/lingual surface window (FW) were created for each tooth by covering all other surfaces with an acid‐resistant varnish. These blocks were randomly allocated into four groups of 10 blocks each and immersed in respective solutions for 5 minutes: Group 1 – 2.36 M silver fluoride; Group 2 – 2.36 M potassium fluoride; Group 3 – 2.36 M silver nitrate; and Group 4 – deionized water. After 7‐day immersion in a buffered demineralization solution at pH 4.4, micro‐CT scans were taken.

Results:  Mean lesion depth in the FW area for tooth blocks in AgF, KF, AgNO3 and control groups were 0 μm, 3.3 ± 10.3 μm, 156.3 ± 30.8 μm, and 173.6 ± 48.6 μm, respectively (p < 0.001). The difference in mean lesion depth between the AgNO3 and control groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Similar OW and FW lesions were observed in tooth blocks in the AgNO3 and control groups.

Conclusions:  Topical application of a 2.36 M fluoride solution can inhibit demineralization of enamel while topical application of silver ions has little effect.
Comparison of periosteal pedicle graft and subepithelial connective tissue graft for the treatment of gingival recession defects
Authors: Mahajan A , Bharadwaj A , Mahajan P
Published: February 2012

Background:  The use of periosteum as a pedicle graft in the treatment of gingival recession defects is a recent advancement. The subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) is considered the gold standard for the treatment of gingival recession defects. The present randomized controlled trial was done to compare periosteal pedicle graft (PPG) with SCTG for the treatment of gingival recession defects.

Methods:  10 males and 10 females between the ages of 16 and 40 years (mean age 25.2 years) with Miller’s Class I and II recessions ≥3 mm participated in this one‐year clinical study. They were assigned randomly to test group (PPG) and control group (SCTG). Results were evaluated based on parameters measuring patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes associated with two treatment procedures. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results:  At the end of the study, the defect coverage was 3.1 ± 0.13 mm or 92.6% in the test group compared to the control group in which the defect coverage was 2.70 ± 0.11 mm or 88.5%. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). The average residual defect was comparable between the two groups, i.e. 0.3 ± 0.67 and 0.5 ± 0.84 in the PPG and SCTG group respectively. The test group was rated higher in terms of overall patient satisfaction (p < 0.02) and comfort during and after the procedure (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:  PPG and SCTG have comparable clinical effectiveness, but PPG is superior to SCTG in terms of patient‐centred outcomes, reflecting improved patient comfort and overall patient satisfaction.
Four Multistate Outbreaks of Human Salmonella Infections Associated with Live Poultry Contact, United States, 2009
Authors: Loharikar A. , Briere E. , Schwensohn C. , Weninger S. , Wagendorf J. , Scheftel J. , Garvey A. , Warren K. , Villamil E. , Rudroff J. A. , Kurkjian K. , Levine S. , Colby K. , Morrison B. , May A. , Anderson S. , Daly E. , Marsden‐Haug N. , Erdman M. M. , Gomez T. , Rhorer A. , Castleman J. , Adams J. K. , Theobald L. , Lafon P. , Trees E. , Mitchell J. , Sotir M. J. , Behravesh C. B.
Published: February 2012

Outbreaks of human salmonellosis associated with live poultry contact have been reported since 1955. Multiple Salmonella serotypes have been associated with these outbreaks, and specific outbreak strains have been repeatedly linked to single hatcheries over multiple years. During 2009, four multistate outbreaks of human Salmonella infections associated with direct and indirect exposure to live poultry purchased from mail‐order hatcheries and agricultural feed stores were identified, resulting in 165 culture‐confirmed cases in 30 states. This report describes the epidemiologic, environmental and laboratory investigations conducted by state and local health departments, state departments of agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) and National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Case‐patients were identified through PulseNet, the national molecular subtyping network for foodborne disease surveillance, and interviewed using the CDC standard live poultry contact questionnaire that asks about poultry‐related exposures during the 7 days before illness onset. These outbreaks highlight the need to focus efforts on strategies to decrease and prevent human illness associated with live poultry contact through comprehensive interventions at the mail‐order hatchery, agricultural feed store and consumer levels. Additional consumer education and interventions at mail‐order hatcheries and venues where live poultry are sold, including agricultural feed stores, are necessary to prevent transmission of Salmonella from poultry to humans.
Portal Vein Thrombosis in 33 Dogs: 1998–2011
Authors: Respess M. , O'Toole T.E. , Taeymans O. , Rogers C.L. , Johnston A. , Webster C.R.L.
Published: February 2012

Background

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) has been reported infrequently in dogs.

Objectives

To characterize the presentation, associated disease conditions, and outcome in dogs withPVT.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs with a diagnosis ofPVTand a complete medical record.

Methods

Records were retrospectively analyzed for presentation, history, physical examination, clinicopathologic data, diagnostic imaging, treatment, and outcome.

Results

Thirty‐three dogs were included. Common clinical signs were vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, ascites, and signs of hypovolemic shock. Associated disease conditions included hepatic (14/33), neoplastic (7/33), immune (5/33), and infectious (4/33) diseases, protein‐losing nephropathy (3/33), hyperadrenocorticism (2/33), protein‐losing enteropathy (1/33), and pancreatitis (1/33). Fourteen dogs were receiving glucocorticoids at the time of diagnosis. Twenty‐nine dogs had at least 1 predisposing condition for venous thrombosis, and 11 had 2 or more. Thrombocytopenia (24/33), increased liver enzyme activity (23/33), and hypoalbuminemia (20/33) were common laboratory abnormalities. Clinical syndromes at the time ofPVTdiagnosis included shock (16/33), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), (13/33) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (3/33). Twenty‐four dogs had acute and 9 had chronicPVT. Multiple thrombi were found in 17/33 dogs. Nineteen dogs survived to discharge. Dogs treated with anticoagulant therapy were more likely, whereas those with acutePVT, multiple thromboses orSIRSwere less likely to survive.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Hepatic disease is a common pre‐existing condition in dogs withPVT.PVTshould be considered in dogs with risk factors for venous thrombosis presenting with abdominal pain, ascites, and thrombocytopenia. Studies evaluating anticoagulant therapy in the management ofPVTare warranted.
Movement ecology of human resource users: using net squared displacement, biased random bridges and resource utilization functions to quantify hunter and gatherer behaviour
Authors: Papworth Sarah K. , Bunnefeld Nils , Slocombe Katie , Milner‐Gulland E. J.
Published: February 2012

1. Understanding human resource extraction is crucial for conservation science, allowing accurate assessments of system sustainability and testing key assumptions about human resource users.

2. We apply ecological methods and principles to Global Positioning System (GPS) data on human movement to investigate the ecological and behavioural differences between human hunters and non‐hunters, a method which can be reproduced with any species which routinely return to a central place. The integration of movement ecology and habitat selection can greatly augment the applicability and scope of both disciplines, and we explore the issues that arise from integration, because of the differing data types and methods used by each approach.

3. We propose an adaptable methodological framework which can be used to combine movement ecology and habitat selection when using data from GPS tracking devices, whether from human or animal foragers. The methodology is based on three steps and can be implemented in the free downloadable statistical program R, using the full code in the Data S1.

4. First, we show that net squared displacement, coupled with nonlinear mixed‐effects models, is suitable for quantifying characteristics of small‐scale movement, such as daily travel patterns, and extracting parts of these journeys for analysis.

5. Secondly, having extracted part of a journey, biased random bridges use the auto‐correlated GIS tracking data to create a utilization distribution (UD) for each individual. This method includes movement between known locations to estimate use intensity in an area.

6. Finally, the UD can be analysed by a resource utilization function which relates the intensity of use to landscape features of an area to identify habitats selected by an individual. This can be used to predict use of the landscape at larger scales for both individuals and an entire population.

7. This methodological framework is a flexible method to accurately assess human and animal resource use and movement through the natural environment.
Antidiuretic response of a horse affected with pituitarypars intermediadysfunction to desmopressin acetate
Authors: Moses M. E. , Johnson P. J. , Messer N. T. , Wilson D. A.
Published: February 2012

Central diabetes insipidus (DI) was diagnosed in a 20‐year‐old American Quarter Horse gelding that was concomitantly affected with pituitarypars intermediadysfunction (PPID). The diagnosis of DI was supported by a positive response to administered desmopressin acetate. Diagnosis of PPID was supported by physical appearance and elevated plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentration following domperidone administration. The horse's physical condition improved following treatment with pergolide but long‐term treatment with desmopressin was not undertaken and severe polyuria and polydipsia persisted. Desmopressin acetate appears to be useful for the diagnosis of DI in mature horses concomitantly affected with PPID.
Does the clinical clerkship course improve students' attitudes towards pharmaceutical care?
Authors: Ubaka Chukwuemeka Michae , Ekwunife Obinna Ikechukw , Adibe Maxwell Ogochukw
Published: February 2012

Objective

The clinical clerkship course undertaken by final year pharmacy students to improve their pharmacotherapeutic knowledge and professional competence was tested in this study to see its effect on students' attitudes towards pharmaceutical care.

Methods

A 13-item Pharmaceutical Care Attitude Survey (PCAS) questionnaire was administered to final year pharmacy students at the University of Nigeria, before and after the 8-week-long clincal clerkship course. Statistical analyses were conducted on retrieved data.

Results

One hundred and five students (95% of the sample) completed the pre-clerkship phase and 97 students (92% of pre-clerkship students) completed the post-clerkship phase. Of the 13 items, three increased significantly (P < 0.05) – that is, improved – and there were indications that a further six improved, with two having no change and two items getting worse after the clerkship course.

Conclusion

This study showed that the clerkship course improved students' attitudes towards areas concerning professional duty but not those relating to benefit and responsibility. The importance of professional benefit needs to be emphasized by preceptors.
Myenteric neurons of the mouse small intestine undergo significant electrophysiological and morphological changes during postnatal development
Authors: Foong Jaime Pei Pei , Nguyen Trung V. , Furness John B. , Bornstein Joel C. , Young Heather M.
Published: February 2012

Key points 

Different functional types of neurons within the gut wall form circuits that regulate intestinal motility.

To examine the postnatal development of electrical properties of different classes of enteric neurons, we performed intracellular recordings from neurons in the mouse duodenum at three ages: postnatal day (P)0, P10–11 and adult.

Like adults, two main morphological classes of neurons are present at P0 and P10–11. P0 and P10–11 neurons with Dogiel type II (DII) morphology had multiple long processes that achieved their adult projection length by P10–11. However, they differed electrophysiologically from adult DII neurons in that they displayed prominent afterdepolarizing potentials.

Most electrical properties of neurons with a single long process were mature by P10–11. However, these neurons showed significant postnatal changes in morphology and projection length.

Major morphological and electrophysiological changes in enteric neurons occur postnatally, which could underlie changes in gut motility during development.
Opioid‐related (ORL1) receptors are enriched in a subpopulation of sensory neurons and prolonged activation produces no functional loss of surface N‐type calcium channels
Authors: Murali Swetha S. , Napier Ian A. , Rycroft Beth K. , Christie MacDonald J.
Published: February 2012

Key points 

The nociceptin/ORL1 receptor neuropeptide system is related to opioid systems and thought to be involved in pain modulation.

A major mechanism of action of this system is inhibition of calcium channels that control excitability of sensory nerves.

To understand the potential for drugs acting on this system to modulate pain it is important to identify the types of sensory nerve cells functionally expressing the ORL1 receptor and how they are modulated.

Here we identified a subpopulation of small, presumably pain sensing sensory nerves that are highly responsive to this neuropeptide both in their cell bodies and nerve terminals.

We then established that nociceptin/ORL1 stimulation inhibits calcium channels only while the peptide is present on the cells or their nerve terminals but does not produce long‐term down‐regulation of calcium channel function as had been previously proposed.
An Interferometric Technique for Measuring Binary Diffusion Coefficients
Authors: Grob A. K. , El-Wakil M. M.
Published: February 2012

An accurate interferometric technique for the measurement of Fick binary diffusion coefficients is described. The technique employs a Mach-Zehnder interferometer together with a high-speed stroboscope and flash-tube light source and a drum camera as a recording system. Successive concentration profiles are recorded in a modified, transient, one-dimensional Arnold diffusion model. A relative-time, relative-position method is used to analyze the interferograms, thus eliminating the uncertainties regarding the absolute diffusion time and exact position above the liquid surface in the diffusion cell as well as the overall mass transfer rate. This technique yields experimental values of the diffusion coefficient with an estimated accuracy of 1/2 percent and reproducibility of approximately ±1 percent. The binary diffusion coefficients for ten materials, four polar and six nonpolar, diffusing in air are presented. Of these, five have been studied by other investigators. The other five have not been previously reported in the literature.
Natural Convection Flow, Instability, and Transition
Authors: Gebhart B.
Published: February 2012

In any estimation of transport rates in a convection process one must be concerned whether the flow is laminar or turbulent since the transport effectiveness is very different for these two flow regimes. The increasingly active research in natural convection processes generally has included, in the past few years, intensive study of how and when laminar natural convection flows, over surfaces, become turbulent. The following presentation summarizes what is known at this time concerning the total process. Initially unstable laminar flows amplify disturbances which eventually convert the flow to turbulence. The question of initial instability of laminar flow is considered, from theory and from experimental evidence. Calculations and observations of disturbance amplification are summarized. Experimental evidence concerning transition is discussed. Finally, based on the evidence of date, conjectures are made concerning additional aspects of the overall process. A number of appropriate unanswered questions are indicated.
Critical Heat Flux Measurements in a 16-Rod Simulation of a BWR Fuel Assembly
Authors: Israel S. , Casterline J. , Matzner B.
Published: February 2012

Critical heat flux data were obtained for forced flow boiling in a 16-rod test section arranged in a square array. The tests were performed at 1000 psia and used a radial power distribution which represented the region about the hot corner in a BWR fuel assembly. The results are lower than data obtained in a 9-rod square array, having a uniform power distribution, based on the average bundle exit quality. These two sets of data are in fair agreement when compared on the basis of the highest subchannel exit quality. Comparisons of different sets of data show the effects of different rod spacers and bundle misalignment on the critical heat flux.
An Approximate Method for Multidimensional Problems of Radiative Energy Transfer in an Absorbing and Emitting Media
Authors: Glicksman L. R.
Published: February 2012

A new approximate method for dealing with radiant energy transfer in an absorbing and emitting media is presented. The approximate equations reduce to the correct optically thin and thick limits for multidimensional problems. The technique is used to predict the heat transfer between plane parallel plates and between concentric cylinders for a gray medium in radiation equilibrium. The results are in excellent agreement with previously published numerical solutions for all values of the optical thickness.
An Experimental Study of Turbulent Natural Convection Boundary Layers
Authors: Vliet G. C. , Liu C. K.
Published: February 2012

An experimental investigation on turbulent natural convection boundary layers has been conducted with water on a vertical plate of constant heat flux. Local heat transfer data are presented for laminar, transition, and turbulent natural convection, with the emphasis on the turbulent regime. The data extend to a modified Rayleigh number of 1016 for a threefold range in Prandtl number. The results indicate that natural transition occurs in the range 1012 < Ra* < 1014; i.e., fully developed turbulent flow occurs by Ra* = 104. This latter value can be as low as 2 × 1013 with the use of a trip rod. The physical structure of the turbulent boundary-layer flow was studied using the combined time-streak marker hydrogen bubble method. Temperature data and temperature corrected velocity data obtained by hot-film sensors are presented for Ra* values between 8.7 × 1013 and 7.1 × 1014. For the range of variables investigated, the major conclusions are (a) the local heat transfer coefficient exhibits a slight decrease with length, (b) confirmation that the vortex street layer in the transition region decays into a longitudinal-vortex-type structure, and (c) the outer portion of the thermal and velocity fields can be approximated by power profiles that fit almost all the data available to date.
Turbulent Heat Transfer at Low Reynolds Numbers
Authors: Lawn C. J.
Published: February 2012

A realistic velocity profile and semiempirical values for the ratio of the eddy diffusivities of momentum and heat are used to solve the heat-balance equation for the situation of fully developed gas flow in a pipe with uniform wall heat flux. The predicted heat transfer is higher than the experimental at Reynolds numbers below 104 and this is shown to be due to the inadequacy of the simple eddy-diffusivity hypothesis.
On Some Aspects of Steam Bubble Collapse
Authors: Cho S. M. , Seban R. A.
Published: February 2012

Further consideration is given to the problem of the collapse of a vapor bubble, with the bubble initially in equilibrium with an isothermal liquid of infinite extent and with the collapse produced by a sudden increase in the pressure at infinity. In the numerical analysis, made for a steam bubble surrounded by water, the energy equation is solved in finite increments rather than by use of the Plesset-Zwick method, and comparisons are made to the results of the latter method as used by Florschuetz and Chao. The assumption of zero vapor velocity is also replaced by an alternative hypothesis which allows vapor motion, and this alternative approach yields a prediction of an oscillatory collapse rather than the relatively monotonic collapse indicated by the former assumption.
Transient and Steady Heat Conduction in Arbitrary Bodies with Arbitrary Boundary and Initial Conditions
Authors: Sparrow E. M. , Haji-Sheikh A.
Published: February 2012

A method of analysis is described which yields closed-form solutions for two-dimensional heat conduction problems for bodies of arbitrary shape. Three-dimensional problems can also be treated without basic conceptual changes. The method accommodates rather general thermal boundary conditions including arbitrary spatial variations in surface temperature or in surface heat flux, or a convective (or linearized radiative) exchange with a fluid having spatially varying temperature and heat transfer coefficient. For transient problems, the initial temperature may be arbitrarily distributed. Once the solution method has been developed, its practical realization is rather direct, being facilitated by the use of widely available computer routines. A numerical example to illustrate the method is worked out.
Coupled Laminar Heat Transfer and Sublimation Mass Transfer in a Duct
Authors: Sparrow E. M. , Spalding E. C.
Published: February 2012

Consideration is given to gas flow through a parallel-plate channel whose walls are coated with a sublimable material. The duct walls are thermally insulated from the environment, with the result that the heat of sublimation is supplied by the flowing gas stream. The formulation requires simultaneous consideration of the energy and diffusion equations along with highly coupled boundary conditions. An analytical solution is facilitated by employing a linear saturation state relationship for the vapor of the subliming solid, the suitability of which is given support by numerical comparisons. The resulting eigenvalue problem does not fall within the range of the conventional Sturm-Liouville system. A special integral condition was derived which serves as an orthogonality relation, while various numerical comparisons were made to verify the computational validity of the series solution. In particular, an independent boundary-layer solution is in excellent agreement with the series solution in the region just downstream of the entrance section. Numerical results are given for various quantities of interest including the bulk and wall temperatures and mass fractions, the wall heat flux, temperature and mass fraction profiles, and the length of the development region.
Extension of the Maximum Slope Method to Arbitrary Upstream Fluid Temperature Changes
Authors: Kohlmayr G. F.
Published: February 2012

Locke’s maximum slope method for the reduction of transient heat transfer test data is extended to include arbitrary upstream fluid temperature changes. The analytical solution of the single-blow problem is used to evaluate maximum slopes which are shown to depend, in general, nonmonotonically on the number of transfer units, Ntu. It is shown that there is a critical number of transfer units, (Ntu)crit, such that, for Ntu > (Ntu)crit, the maximum slope method remains applicable. In illustration of the analysis, maximum slopes and maximum slope errors are presented for various upstream temperature changes deviating from the step change.