bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A granular‐cell odontogenic tumour occurring alongside orofacial granulomatosis: a report of the first case
Authors: Fletcher S.M. , Chengot P. , Dalghous A. , Mizen K.
Published: March 2014

This article describes a case of a granular‐cell odontogenic tumour occurring in the mandible of a 19‐year‐old woman alongside a presentation of orofacial granulomatosis. The granular‐cell odontogenic tumour is an extremely rare lesion, with fewer than 40 documented cases, and orofacial granulomatosis is itself an uncommon condition. The simultaneous occurrence of the two lesions has not previously been described.
New carnivoraforms from the early Eocene of Europe and their bearing on the evolution of the Carnivoraformes
Authors: Solé Floréal
Published: March 2014

Two new mammalian carnivoraform species, Uintacyon hookeri sp. nov. and Quercygale smithi sp. nov., are described from the early Eocene of Europe. U. hookeri sp. nov. is recorded in Mutigny (MP8 + 9, PE IV), Avenay (MP8 + 9, PE V), Brasles, Condé‐en‐Brie (MP8 + 9) and Cuis (MP 10), while Q. smithi sp. nov. comes from Mutigny and Mancy (MP10). Because the two species are not recorded in earliest Eocene localities such as Dormaal and Le Quesnoy (MP7, PE I), it is proposed that they dispersed after the main phase of the Mammal Dispersal Event. U. hookeri sp. nov. supports the existence of terrestrial connections with North America, while Q. smithi sp. nov. implies possible faunal exchange with Asia. This evidence for the evolution of the Carnivoraformes supports: (1) a rapid decrease in their diversity after the Mammal Dispersal Event; and (2) the existence of a mammal turnover event in Europe during the early Eocene. The discovery of a new species of Quercygale, which is generally considered as the closest carnivoraform to the crown‐group Carnivora, shows that the genus had already lost the M3 by the early Eocene and supports an important, but very poorly known, radiation of the carnivoraforms at least during the earliest early Eocene.
Floral volatiles: from biosynthesis to function
Authors: MUHLEMANN JOËLLE K. , KLEMPIEN ANTJE , DUDAREVA NATALIA
Published: March 2014

Floral volatiles have attracted humans' attention since antiquity and have since then permeated many aspects of our lives. Indeed, they are heavily used in perfumes, cosmetics, flavourings and medicinal applications. However, their primary function is to mediate ecological interactions between flowers and a diverse array of visitors, including pollinators, florivores and pathogens. As such, they ultimately ensure the plants' reproductive and evolutionary success. To date, over 1700 floral volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been identified. Interestingly, they are derived from only a few biochemical networks, which include the terpenoid, phenylpropanoid/benzenoid and fatty acid biosynthetic pathways. These pathways are intricately regulated by endogenous and external factors to enable spatially and temporally controlled emission of floral volatiles, thereby fine‐tuning the ecological interactions facilitated by floral volatiles. In this review, we will focus on describing the biosynthetic pathways leading to floral VOCs, the regulation of floral volatile emission, as well as biological functions of emitted volatiles.
Metabolic engineering of volatile isoprenoids in plants and microbes
Authors: VICKERS CLAUDIA E. , BONGERS MAREIKE , LIU QING , DELATTE THIERRY , BOUWMEESTER HARRO
Published: March 2014

The chemical properties and diversity of volatile isoprenoids lends them to a broad variety of biological roles. It also lends them to a host of biotechnological applications, both by taking advantage of their natural functions and by using them as industrial chemicals/chemical feedstocks. Natural functions include roles as insect attractants and repellents, abiotic stress protectants in pathogen defense, etc. Industrial applications include use as pharmaceuticals, flavours, fragrances, fuels, fuel additives, etc. Here we will examine the ways in which researchers have so far found to exploit volatile isoprenoids using biotechnology. Production and/or modification of volatiles using metabolic engineering in both plants and microorganisms are reviewed, including engineering through both mevalonate and methylerythritol diphosphate pathways. Recent advances are illustrated using several case studies (herbivores and bodyguards, isoprene, and monoterpene production in microbes). Systems and synthetic biology tools with particular utility for metabolic engineering are also reviewed. Finally, we discuss the practical realities of various applications in modern biotechnology, explore possible future applications, and examine the challenges of moving these technologies forward so that they can deliver tangible benefits. While this review focuses on volatile isoprenoids, many of the engineering approaches described here are also applicable to non‐isoprenoid volatiles and to non‐volatile isoprenoids.
Direct and indirect chemical defences against insects in a multitrophic framework
Authors: GOLS RIETA
Published: March 2014

Plant secondary metabolites play an important role in mediating interactions with insect herbivores and their natural enemies. Metabolites stored in plant tissues are usually investigated in relation to herbivore behaviour and performance (direct defence), whereas volatile metabolites are often studied in relation to natural enemy attraction (indirect defence). However, so‐called direct and indirect defences may also affect the behaviour and performance of the herbivore's natural enemies and the natural enemy's prey or hosts, respectively. This suggests that the distinction between these defence strategies may not be as black and white as is often portrayed in the literature. The ecological costs associated with direct and indirect chemical defence are often poorly understood. Chemical defence traits are often studied in two‐species interactions in highly simplified experiments. However, in nature, plants and insects are often engaged in mutualistic interactions with microbes that may also affect plant secondary chemistry. Moreover, plants are challenged by threats above‐ and belowground and herbivory may have consequences for plant–insect multitrophic interactions in the alternative compartment mediated by changes in plant secondary chemistry. These additional associations further increase the complexity of interaction networks. Consequently, the effect of a putative defence trait may be under‐ or overestimated when other interactions are not considered.
Transnational governance and the re‐centered state: Sustainability or legality?
Authors: Bartley Tim
Published: March 2014

After two decades in which transnational governance of production processes has typically meant voluntary subscription to privately developed standards, some transnational rulemaking projects are promoting mandatory compliance with law. The emerging timber legality regime is one example of this, and scholars' efforts to theorize this regime have produced provocative new analyses of interactions between public and private standards. Recent analyses, including those in this issue, predict that the new legality regime will bolster voluntary initiatives that certify sustainable forests. Based on research in Indonesia and China, I argue that this prediction is questionable and that the rise of the timber legality regime could constrict, rather than expand the space for global private authority. Further, I argue that it would not be entirely a bad thing if the legality regime overtook sustainability certification. Behind these specific arguments are general perspectives on how domestic circumstances shape transnational business governance and on the role of states in pluralistic fields of governance – both issues that are obscured by more architectural approaches.
DoesCalifornia needDelaware? ExplainingIndonesian,Chinese, andUnitedStates support for legality compliance of internationally traded products
Authors: Cashore Benjamin , Stone Michael W.
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the emergence and institutionalization of a unique form of transnational business governance (TBG): legality verification (LV) systems, which track products along global supply chains. Instead of imposing wide ranging global standards commonly applied through “gold standard” certification systems,LVhelps domestic governments enforce their own laws. Three processes help explain whyIndonesia (as a producer),China (as a manufacturer) and theUnitedStates (as a consumer) moved, in the 2000s, from lukewarm interest or opposition to formalized support: how triggers enabled by economic interdependence are pulled; how ceding of instrument/process state sovereignty may reinforce substantive sovereignty; and historical institutional processes that shift organizational interests and problem definitions. Looking backward, the empirical results are consistent with a “Delaware effect” in which economic globalization is asserted to lead to a “ratcheting down” of environmental and social standards. Looking forward, we theorize about, and identify the conditions through which, widespread coalitions in support of theinstitutionofLV, may pave the way for a “ratcheting up” process that is consistent with, but nuances,Vogel's “California effect.”
State of the Art in Risk Analysis of Workforce Criticality Influencing Disaster Preparedness for Interdependent Systems
Authors: Santos Joost R. , Herrera Lucia Castro , Yu Krista Danielle S. , Pagsuyoin Sheree Ann T. , Tan Raymond R.
Published: March 2014

The objective of this article is to discuss a needed paradigm shift in disaster risk analysis to emphasize the role of the workforce in managing the recovery of interdependent infrastructure and economic systems. Much of the work that has been done on disaster risk analysis has focused primarily on preparedness and recovery strategies for disrupted infrastructure systems. The reliability of systems such as transportation, electric power, and telecommunications is crucial in sustaining business processes, supply chains, and regional livelihoods, as well as ensuring the availability of vital services in the aftermath of disasters. There has been a growing momentum in recognizing workforce criticality in the aftermath of disasters; nevertheless, significant gaps still remain in modeling, assessing, and managing workforce disruptions and their associated ripple effects to other interdependent systems. The workforce plays a pivotal role in ensuring that a disrupted region continues to function and subsequently recover from the adverse effects of disasters. With this in mind, this article presents a review of recent studies that have underscored the criticality of workforce sectors in formulating synergistic preparedness and recovery policies for interdependent infrastructure and regional economic systems.
Validation and Application of Models to Predict Facemask Influenza Contamination in Healthcare Settings
Authors: Fisher Edward M. , Noti John D. , Lindsley William G. , Blachere Francoise M. , Shaffer Ronald E.
Published: March 2014

Facemasks are part of the hierarchy of interventions used to reduce the transmission of respiratory pathogens by providing a barrier. Two types of facemasks used by healthcare workers are N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and surgical masks (SMs). These can become contaminated with respiratory pathogens during use, thus serving as potential sources for transmission. However, because of the lack of field studies, the hazard associated with pathogen‐exposed facemasks is unknown. A mathematical model was used to calculate the potential influenza contamination of facemasks from aerosol sources in various exposure scenarios. The aerosol model was validated with data from previous laboratory studies using facemasks mounted on headforms in a simulated healthcare room. The model was then used to estimate facemask contamination levels in three scenarios generated with input parameters from the literature. A second model estimated facemask contamination from a cough. It was determined that contamination levels from a single cough (≈19 viruses) were much less than likely levels from aerosols (4,473 viruses on FFRs and 3,476 viruses on SMs). For aerosol contamination, a range of input values from the literature resulted in wide variation in estimated facemask contamination levels (13–202,549 viruses), depending on the values selected. Overall, these models and estimates for facemask contamination levels can be used to inform infection control practice and research related to the development of better facemasks, to characterize airborne contamination levels, and to assist in assessment of risk from reaerosolization and fomite transfer because of handling and reuse of contaminated facemasks.
Interdependence and Contagion in Global Asset Markets
Authors: Beirne John , Gieck Jana
Published: March 2014

We assess interdependence and contagion across three asset classes (bonds, stocks, and currencies) for over 60 economies over the period 1998–2011. Using a global VAR, we test for changes in the transmission mechanism—both within and cross‐market changes—during periods of global financial turbulence. Contagion effects within‐market are notable in Latin American and Emerging Asian equities. In addition, in times of financial crisis, we find that US equity shocks lead to risk aversion by investors in equities and currencies globally and in some emerging market bonds. Euro area shocks are significant mainly within the bond market.
Interaction between gastrocnemius muscle weakness and moderate exercise deteriorates joint integrity in rat knee
Authors: Ozawa J. , Kaneguchi A. , Tanaka R. , Kawamata S. , Kurose T. , Moriyama H. , Kito N. , Kawaguchi N. , Matsuura N.
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the effect on the knee joint of the interaction between ankle muscle weakness and moderate exercise. Gastrocnemius muscle weakness was induced by intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin type A (BTX) in rats. Low‐speed treadmill running (12 m/min for 60 min) was applied for 6 weeks in rats with and without BTX. Untreated animals were used as controls. After BTX injection, the gastrocnemius muscle weakness was confirmed by 3‐D motion analysis in kinematic features of the hindlimb during locomotion as an increased maximal dorsiflexion angle during the stance phase. Serum biomarker analysis by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay revealed that low‐speed running decreased the catabolic effect on type II collagen. However, the inhibition of catabolism induced by running exercise was significantly counteracted by BTX injection. In addition, thinning of the cartilage layer and a reduction in the chondrocyte density was also found in the tibial plateau of the knee in the BTX‐injected rats after running for 6 weeks. These data suggest that moderate exercise have a positive effect on joint homeostasis. However, ankle muscle weakness may alter the mechanical environment of the knee and impair the integrity of joint cartilage with moderate exercise.
Dashed Hopes, Dashed Selves? A Sociometer Perspective on Self‐esteem Change Across the Transition to Secondary School
Authors: Poorthuis Astrid M. G. , Thomaes Sander , van Aken Marcel A. G. , Denissen Jaap J. A. , Orobio de Castro Bram
Published: March 2014

The transition from primary to secondary school challenges children's psychological well‐being. A cross‐transitional longitudinal study (N = 306; mean age = 12.2 years) examined why some children's self‐esteem decreases across the transition whereas other children's self‐esteem does not. Children's expected social acceptance in secondary school was measured before the transition; their actually perceived social acceptance was measured after the transition. Self‐esteem and Big Five personality traits were measured both pre‐ and posttransition. Self‐esteem changed as a function of the discrepancy between children's expected and actually perceived social acceptance. Furthermore, neuroticism magnified self‐esteem decreases when children's ‘hopes were dashed'—when they experienced disappointing levels of social acceptance. These findings provide longitudinal support for sociometer theory across the critical transition to secondary school.
Membrane attack complex generation increases as a function of time in stored blood
Authors: Hu X. , Patel R. P. , Weinberg J. A. , Marques M. B. , Ramos T. N. , Barnum S. R.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To determine if the complement system, a potent mediator of inflammation, contributes to haemolysis during red blood cell (RBC) storage.

Background

RBCs in storage undergo structural and biochemical changes that may result in adverse patient outcomes post‐transfusion. Complement activation on leukodepletion and during storage may contribute to the RBC storage lesion.

Methods/Materials

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of aliquots of leukoreduced RBC units, stored for 1–6 weeks, for the levels of C3a, C5a, Bb, iC3b, C4d and C5b‐9 [membrane attack complex (MAC)] by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

We observed that only MAC levels significantly increased in RBC units as a function of storage time. We also observed that the level of C5b‐9 bound to RBCs increased as a function of storage time.

Conclusion

MAC levels increased over time, suggesting that MAC is the primary complement‐mediated contributor to changes in stored RBCs. Inhibition of the terminal complement pathway may stabilise RBC functionality and extend shelf life.
Antibody against immunoglobulin E contained in blood components as causative factor for anaphylactic transfusion reactions
Authors: Abe Takaaki , Shimada Eiko , Takanashi Minoko , Takamura Takeshi , Motoji Kyosuke , Okazaki Hitoshi , Satake Masahiro , Tadokoro Kenji
Published: March 2014

Background

Determining the mechanism underlying the development of transfusion reactions is important in transfusion therapy. Two bags of fresh‐frozen plasma obtained from a donor (index donor) were implicated in two cases of anaphylactic transfusion reactions.

Study Design and Methods

The serum prepared from the index donor plasma transfused into the second patient (Patient 2) was evaluated using cord blood–derived mast cells (CBMCs) incubated with Patient 2 plasma. The component in the serum required for the degranulation was determined and quantified by chromatography in combination with degranulation assay, Western blot analysis, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The component in the plasma required for CBMC sensitization was determined using human immunoglobulin (Ig)E or normal plasma in place of Patient 2 plasma in the assay. Sera collected from the index donor between 2001 and 2008 were examined for the CBMC degranulation factor.

Results

The donor serum activated CBMCs incubated with Patient 2 plasma. The IgG fraction of the donor serum induced degranulation of CBMCs sensitized with IgE or plasma containing a normal IgE concentration. The IgG anti‐IgE at a concentration higher than 2200 ng/mL, which showed CBMC degranulation activity, was detected in the donor sera for at least 7 years.

Conclusion

Transfusion of a high concentration of the anti‐IgE in the donor plasma was suggested to induce mast cell degranulation in the patients leading to the development of anaphylactic transfusion reactions. Antibodies existing in not only the patient circulation but also the transfused blood might cause transfusion‐induced anaphylaxis.
Transfusion of older stored blood worsens outcomes in canines depending on the presence and severity of pneumonia
Authors: Wang Dong , Cortés‐Puch Irene , Sun Junfeng , Solomon Steven B. , Kanias Tamir , Remy Kenneth E. , Feng Jing , Alimchandani Meghna , Quezado Martha , Helms Christine , Perlegas Andreas , Gladwin Mark T. , Kim‐Shapiro Daniel B. , Klein Harvey G. , Natanson Charles
Published: March 2014

Background

In experimental pneumonia we found that transfused older blood increased mortality and lung injury that was associated with increased in vivo hemolysis and elevated plasma cell‐free hemoglobin (CFH), non–transferrin‐bound iron (NTBI), and plasma labile iron (PLI) levels. In this study, we additionally analyze identically treated animals that received lower or higher bacterial doses.

Study Design and Methods

Two‐year‐old purpose‐bred beagles (n = 48) challenged intrabronchially with Staphylococcus aureus (0 [n = 8], 1.0 × 109 [n = 8], 1.25 × 109 [n = 24], and ≥1.5 × 109 [n = 8] colony‐forming units/kg) were exchange transfused with either 7‐ or 42‐day‐old canine universal donor blood (80 mL/kg in four divided doses).

Results

The greater increases in CFH with older blood over days after exchange proved relatively independent of bacterial dose. The lesser increases in CFH observed with fresher blood were bacterial dose dependent potentially related to bacterial hemolysins. Without bacterial challenge, levels of CFH, NTBI, and PLI were significantly higher with older versus fresher blood transfusion but there was no significant measurable injury. With higher‐dose bacterial challenge, the elevated NTBI and PLI levels declined more rapidly and to a greater extent after transfusion with older versus fresher blood, and older blood was associated with significantly worse shock, lung injury, and mortality.

Conclusion

The augmented in vivo hemolysis of transfused older red blood cells (RBCs) appears to result in excess plasma CFH and iron release, which requires the presence of established infection to worsen outcome. These data suggest that transfused older RBCs increase the risks from infection in septic subjects.
Prophylactic erythropoietin exacerbates ventilation‐induced lung inflammation and injury in preterm lambs
Authors: Polglase Graeme R. , Barton Samantha K. , Melville Jacqueline M. , Zahra Valerie , Wallace Megan J. , Siew Melissa L. , Tolcos Mary , Moss Timothy J. M.
Published: March 2014

Key points

Erythropoietin (EPO) has been suggested as a potential treatment for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants.

Ventilation‐induced lung injury (VILI) is a major cause of BPD in preterm neonates. We investigated whether early high‐dose EPO (i.v. 5000 IU kg−1) administration can reduce lung inflammation and injury resultant from VILI in ventilated preterm lambs.

Early high‐dose EPO administration increased mRNA expression of early markers of lung inflammation and injury and systemic injury controls.

Early high‐dose EPO worsened histological assessment of inflammation, airway wall thickness, haemorrhage and total injury compared to controls.

Early high‐dose EPO may increase the incidence and severity of respiratory disease in ventilated, preterm neonates.

Ventilation‐induced lung injury (VILI) of preterm neonates probably contributes to the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Erythropoietin (EPO) has been suggested as a therapy for BPD. The aim of this study was to determine whether prophylactic administration of EPO reduces VILI in preterm newborn lambs. Lambs at 126 days of gestation (term is 147 days) were delivered and ventilated with a high tidal volume strategy for 15 min to cause lung injury, then received gentle ventilation until 2 h of age. Lambs were randomized to receive intravenous EPO (5000 IU kg−1: Vent+EPO; n = 6) or phosphate‐buffered saline (Vent; n = 7) soon after birth: unventilated controls (UVC; n = 8) did not receive ventilation or any treatment. Physiological parameters were recorded throughout the experimental procedure. Samples of lung were collected for histological and molecular assessment of inflammation and injury. Samples of liver were collected to assess the systemic acute phase response. Vent+EPO lambs received higher , and oxygenation during the first 10 min than Vent lambs. There were no differences in physiological indices beyond this time. Total lung injury score, airway wall thickness, inflammation and haemorrhage were higher in Vent+EPO lambs than in Vent lambs. Lung inflammation and early markers of lung and systemic injury were elevated in ventilated lambs relative to unventilated lambs; EPO administration further increased lung inflammation and markers of lung and systemic injury. Prophylactic EPO exacerbates VILI, which may increase the incidence and severity of long‐term respiratory disease. More studies are required before EPO can be used for lung protection in preterm infants.
Subcellular distribution of glycogen and decreased tetanic Ca2+ in fatigued single intact mouse muscle fibres
Authors: Nielsen Joachim , Cheng Arthur J. , Ørtenblad Niels , Westerblad Håkan
Published: March 2014

Key points

Muscle glycogen (the storage form of glucose) is consumed during muscle work and the depletion of glycogen is thought to be a main contributor to muscle fatigue.

In this study, we used a novel approach to first measure fatigue‐induced reductions in force and tetanic Ca2+ in isolated single mouse muscle fibres following repeated contractions and subsequently quantify the subcellular distribution of glycogen in the same fibre. Using this approach, we investigated whether the decreased tetanic Ca2+ induced by repeated contractions was associated with glycogen depletion in certain subcellular regions.

The results show a positive correlation between depletion of glycogen located within the myofibrils and low tetanic Ca2+ after repetitive stimulation.

We conclude that subcellular glycogen depletion has a central role in the decrease in tetanic Ca2+ that occurs during repetitive contractions.

In skeletal muscle fibres, glycogen has been shown to be stored at different subcellular locations: (i) between the myofibrils (intermyofibrillar); (ii) within the myofibrils (intramyofibrillar); and (iii) subsarcolemmal. Of these, intramyofibrillar glycogen has been implied as a critical regulator of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release. The aim of the present study was to test directly how the decrease in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) during repeated tetanic contractions relates to the subcellular glycogen distribution. Single fibres of mouse flexor digitorum brevis muscles were fatigued with 70 Hz, 350 ms tetani given at 2 s (high‐intensity fatigue, HIF) or 10 s (low‐intensity fatigue, LIF) intervals, while force and [Ca2+]i were measured. Stimulation continued until force decreased to 30% of its initial value. Fibres were then prepared for analyses of subcellular glycogen distribution by transmission electron microscopy. At fatigue, tetanic [Ca2+]i was reduced to 70 ± 4% and 54 ± 4% of the initial in HIF (P < 0.01, n = 9) and LIF (P < 0.01, n = 5) fibres, respectively. At fatigue, the mean inter‐ and intramyofibrillar glycogen content was 60–75% lower than in rested control fibres (P < 0.05), whereas subsarcolemmal glycogen was similar to control. Individual fibres showed a good correlation between the fatigue‐induced decrease in tetanic [Ca2+]i and the reduction in intermyofibrillar (P = 0.051) and intramyofibrillar (P = 0.0008) glycogen. In conclusion, the fatigue‐induced decrease in tetanic [Ca2+]i, and hence force, is accompanied by major reductions in inter‐ and intramyofibrillar glycogen. The stronger correlation between decreased tetanic [Ca2+]i and reduced intramyofibrillar glycogen implies that sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release critically depends on energy supply from the intramyofibrillar glycogen pool.
Microtrenching-free two-step reactive ion etching of 4H-SiC using NF3/HBr/O2 and Cl2/O2
Authors: Tseng Yuan-Hung , Tsui Bing-Yue
Published: March 2014

In this paper, the authors performed a reactive ion etch of a 4H-SiC substrate with a gas mixture of NF3, HBr, and O2, resulting in a microtrenching-free etch. The etch rate was 107.8 nm/min, and the selectivity over the oxide hard mask was ∼3.85. Cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy showed no microtrenching compared with etches using plasmas of NF3, NF3/HBr, and NF3/O2. Analyzing a variety of HBr/O2 mixing ratios, the authors discuss the additive effect of each gas and their respective potential mechanisms for alleviating microtrenching. To increase the radius of gyration of the bottom corners, they introduced a second etch step with Cl2/O2 plasma. Fabricating simple metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors on the two-step etched surface, the authors found that the electrical characteristics of the etched sample were nearly the same as the nonetched sample.
Signal to noise ratio comparisons for ultrasound attenuation slope estimation algorithms
Authors: Omari Eenas A. , Varghese Tomy
Published: March 2014

Purpose:

Attenuation imaging has a promising role in the detection of tissue abnormalities. The authors have previously compared three different frequency domain ultrasound attenuation estimation methods, for accuracy and bias. The mean estimated attenuation value in a region of interest has been the determining factor of how well a method performs; however, the noise level has not been quantified for attenuation estimated using different methods.

Methods:

The authors compare three different frequency domain ultrasound attenuation estimation methods [the reference phantom method (RPM), the centroid downshift method (CEN), and the hybrid method (HYB)] using the signal to noise ratio (SNR) metric. Both simulated and experimental tissue‐mimicking phantoms are used in the performance comparison study, evaluating the impact of the variation in acoustical properties.

Results:

For attenuation estimation in a tissue‐mimicking phantom with a known attenuation coefficient of 0.5 dB/cm/MHz, all the three methods estimated the attenuation coefficient to be ≈ 0.49 dB/cm/MHz for a transmit center frequency of 6 MHz, however, the signal to noise ratio obtained was found to be 8.5, 5.7, and 2.2 for the HYB, RPM, and CEN methods, respectively. These results demonstrate the need for the SNR metric in the comparison of different algorithms and to evaluate the impact of varying different ultrasound system and tissue parameters.

Conclusions:

In this paper, the authors demonstrate that although the estimated mean attenuation value with a region of interest may be closely estimated using different methods, the signal to noise ratio obtained of the estimates can vary significantly. The centroid downshift method presented with the lowest signal‐to‐noise ratio of the methods compared. The hybrid method was the least susceptible to changes in the acoustical properties and provided unbiased attenuation coefficient estimates with the highest signal‐to‐noise ratios.
Multi‐institutional dosimetric and geometric commissioning of image‐guided small animal irradiators
Authors: Lindsay P. E. , Granton P. V. , Gasparini A. , Jelveh S. , Clarkson R. , van Hoof S. , Hermans J. , Kaas J. , Wittkamper F. , Sonke J.‐J. , Verhaegen F. , Jaffray D. A.
Published: March 2014

Purpose:

To compare the dosimetric and geometric properties of a commercial x‐ray based image‐guided small animal irradiation system, installed at three institutions and to establish a complete and broadly accessible commissioning procedure.

Methods:

The system consists of a 225 kVp x‐ray tube with fixed field size collimators ranging from 1 to 44 mm equivalent diameter. The x‐ray tube is mounted opposite a flat‐panel imaging detector, on a C‐arm gantry with 360° coplanar rotation. Each institution performed a full commissioning of their system, including half‐value layer, absolute dosimetry, relative dosimetry (profiles, percent depth dose, and relative output factors), and characterization of the system geometry and mechanical flex of the x‐ray tube and detector. Dosimetric measurements were made using Farmer‐type ionization chambers, small volume air and liquid ionization chambers, and radiochromic film. The results between the three institutions were compared.

Results:

At 225 kVp, with 0.3 mm Cu added filtration, the first half value layer ranged from 0.9 to 1.0 mm Cu. The dose‐rate in‐air for a 40 × 40 mm2 field size, at a source‐to‐axis distance of 30 cm, ranged from 3.5 to 3.9 Gy/min between the three institutions. For field sizes between 2.5 mm diameter and 40 × 40 mm2, the differences between percent depth dose curves up to depths of 3.5 cm were between 1% and 4% on average, with the maximum difference being 7%. The profiles agreed very well for fields >5 mm diameter. The relative output factors differed by up to 6% for fields larger than 10 mm diameter, but differed by up to 49% for fields ≤5 mm diameter. The mechanical characteristics of the system (source‐to‐axis and source‐to‐detector distances) were consistent between all three institutions. There were substantial differences in the flex of each system.

Conclusions:

With the exception of the half‐value layer, and mechanical properties, there were significant differences between the dosimetric and geometric properties of the three systems. This underscores the need for careful commissioning of each individual system for use in radiobiological experiments.
KCNQ1, KCNE2, and Na
+
-Coupled Solute Transporters Form Reciprocally Regulating Complexes That Affect Neuronal Excitability
Authors: Abbott Geoffrey W. , Tai Kwok-Keung , Neverisky Daniel L. , Hansler Alex , Hu Zhaoyang , Roepke Torsten K. , Lerner Daniel J. , Chen Qiuying , Liu Li , Zupan Bojana , Toth Miklos , Haynes Robin , Huang Xiaoping , Demirbas Didem , Buccafusca Roberto , Gross Steven S. , Kanda Vikram A. , Berry Gerard T.
Published: March 2014

Complexes of solute transporters and potassium channels that reciprocally regulate each other may contribute to seizure susceptibility.
Allergen Affinity
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: March 2014

One receptor uses different signals to achieve different outcomes.
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Studies of the Biological Activity of Novel Arylimidamides against Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: De Araújo J. S. , Da Silva C. F. , Batista D. G. J. , Da Silva P. B. , Meuser M. B. , Aiub C. A. F. , da Silva M. F. V. , Araújo-Lima C. F. , Banerjee M. , Farahat A. A. , Stephens C. E. , Kumar A. , Boykin D. W. , Soeiro M. N. C.
Published: March 2014

Fifteen novel arylimidamides (AIAs) (6 bis-amidino and 9 mono-amidino analogues) were assayed against
Trypanosoma cruzi
in vitro
and
in vivo
. All the bis-AIAs were more effective than the mono-AIAs, and two analogues, DB1967 and DB1989, were further evaluated
in vivo
. Although both of them reduced parasitemia, protection against mortality was not achieved. Our results show that the number of amidino-terminal units affects the efficacy of arylimidamides against
T. cruzi
.
Trends and Seasonal Variation in Outpatient Antibiotic Prescription Rates in the United States, 2006 to 2010
Authors: Suda Katie J. , Hicks Lauri A. , Roberts Rebecca M. , Hunkler Robert J. , Taylor Thomas H.
Published: March 2014

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are an increasing threat to the effectiveness of antibiotics. The majority of antibiotics are prescribed in primary care settings for upper respiratory tract infections. The purpose of this study was to describe seasonal trends in outpatient antibiotic prescriptions (Rx) in the United States over a 5-year period. This study was a retrospective, cross-sectional observation of systemic antibiotic prescriptions in the outpatient setting from 2006 to 2010. Winter months were defined as the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year. Antibiotic prescribing rates were calculated (prescriptions/1,000 population) using annual U.S. Census Bureau population data. Over 1.34 billion antibiotic prescriptions were dispensed over the 5-year period. The antibiotic prescription (Rx) rate decreased from 892 Rx/1,000 population in 2006 to 867 Rx/1,000 population in 2010. Penicillins and macrolides were the primary antibiotic classes prescribed, but penicillin prescribing decreased while macrolide prescribing increased over the study period. Overall, antibiotic prescriptions were 24.5% higher in winter months than in the summer, with the largest difference (28.8%) in 2008 and the smallest (20.4%) in 2010. This seasonality was consistently drug class dependent, driven by 75% and 100% increases in penicillin and macrolide prescriptions, respectively, in the winter months. The mean outpatient antibiotic prescription rate decreased in the United States from 2006 to 2010. More antibiotic prescribing, predominately driven by the macrolide and penicillin classes, in the outpatient setting was observed in the winter months. Understanding annual variability in antibiotic use can assist with designing interventions to improve the judicious use of antibiotics.
Mechanism of Escherichia coli Resistance to Pyrrhocoricin
Authors: Narayanan Shalini , Modak Joyanta K. , Ryan Catherine S. , Garcia-Bustos Jose , Davies John K. , Roujeinikova Anna
Published: March 2014

Due to their lack of toxicity to mammalian cells and good serum stability, proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PR-AMPs) have been proposed as promising candidates for the treatment of infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacterial pathogens. It has been hypothesized that these peptides act on multiple targets within bacterial cells, and therefore the likelihood of the emergence of resistance was considered to be low. Here, we show that spontaneous
Escherichia coli
mutants resistant to pyrrhocoricin arise at a frequency of approximately 6 × 10
−7
. Multiple independently derived mutants all contained a deletion in a nonessential gene that encodes the putative peptide uptake permease SbmA. Sensitivity could be restored to the mutants by complementation with an intact copy of the
sbmA
gene. These findings question the viability of the development of insect PR-AMPs as antimicrobials.
OXA-253, a Variant of the Carbapenem-Hydrolyzing Class D β
-
Lactamase OXA-143 in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Girlich Delphine , Damaceno Quésia S. , Oliveira Adriana Cristina , Nordmann Patrice
Published: March 2014

The carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D β-lactamase OXA-253 was identified in an
Acinetobacter baumannii
clinical isolate belonging to sequence type 113 (ST113) in Brazil. OXA-253 shares 93.8% amino acid identity with OXA-143. The
bla
OXA-253
gene is located on a ca. 20-kb plasmid. The genetic environment of the
bla
OXA-253
gene shares the highest identity with ubiquitous GR2 group plasmids usually carrying
bla
OXA-24/-40
genes.
Clostridium hathewayibacteraemia and surgical site infection after uterine myomectomy
Authors: Dababneh Ala S , Nagpal Avish , Palraj Bharath Raj Varatharaj , Sohail M Rizwan
Published: March 2014

A 42-year-old woman with uterine fibroids underwent myomectomy. She developed postoperative sepsis and bloodstream infection withClostridium hathewayisecondary to an infected haematoma. The patient was readmitted after failure of oral antibiotic therapy and underwent intrauterine drainage followed by prolonged parenteral antibiotic therapy. The patient was followed for 1 year and did not have any relapse of infection.
Resolution of idiopathic granulomatous orbital inflammation with intraorbital triamcinolone
Authors: McElnea Elizabeth M , Hynes Sean , Fahy Gerry T
Published: March 2014

A 77-year-old man presented with a right lower eyelid swelling. Biopsy and histopathology of the lesion identified idiopathic granulomatous orbital inflammation. Clinical resolution of this patient's orbital mass was achieved with injection of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide, perilesionally, at three sites in the right orbit. Such treatment may thus form an alternative to oral corticosteroid therapy in the management of granulomatous orbital inflammation.
Pancytopenia in Lyme disease
Authors: Mehrzad Raman , Bravoco Joseph
Published: March 2014

We present a 49-year-old man with subacute onset of fever, weakness, shortness of breath, unilateral lower extremity oedema and pancytopenia who was found to have positive serology for Lyme disease. The patient presented with an intravascular haemolytic pattern on laboratory findings where an extensive infectious disease and haematological workup ruled out ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, HIV, hepatitis B and other parasitic infections. This left a very atypical presentation of Lyme disease.
Metachronous biliary carcinoma with intraductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma 13 years after curative resection of hilar bile duct cancer
Authors: Maekawa Hisatsugu , Fujikawa Takahisa , Tanaka Akira
Published: March 2014

We report a case of a 68-year-old woman with metachronous bile duct cancer and a pancreatic adenocarcinoma. She had undergone extended left hepatic lobectomy for hilar bile duct carcinoma. However, when she was admitted to our hospital 13 years later for an annual follow-up, abdominal CT revealed a mass in the dilated remnant of her lower bile duct. This was diagnosed as a second primary tumour, a pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed and 15 months after the second operation, she remains recurrence-free. Nineteen cases of patients with metachronous bile duct carcinomas were identified in the literature and have been reviewed.
Brachial neuritis following a corticosteroid injection
Authors: Robinson Matthew , Fulcher Mark
Published: March 2014

This report presents a case of brachial neuritis following a subacromial corticosteroid injection. The patient developed an anterior interosseous neuropathy shortly after the injection, with no other trigger being identified. This neuropathy has unfortunately not shown any sign of recovery at 2 years. The authors propose that corticosteroid injection be added to the list of possible triggering events of brachial neuritis and highlight the frequent use of oral corticosteroids in its treatment. (1) The injection of local anaesthetic and corticosteroid should be considered as a potential trigger for brachial neuritis. (2) Brachial neuritis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients presenting with severe arm pain and weakness. (3) The nerves originating from the upper trunk of the brachial plexus are most commonly affected. (4) The anterior interosseous nerve is involved in one-third of cases.
Trends in the prevalences of congenital anomalies and age at motherhood in a southern European region: a population-based study
Authors: Cambra K , Ibañez B , Urzelai D , Portillo I , Montoya I , Esnaola S , Cirarda F B
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To estimate the prevalences of the main groups of congenital anomalies and to assess their trend over time.

Design

Population-based study of prevalences.

Setting

The Basque Country, Spain.

Participants

All births and all congenital anomalies diagnosed prenatally, at birth or during the first year of age, in all hospitals of the country, from 1999 to 2008.

Main outcomes measures

Total diagnosed prevalences and prevalences at birth of all chromosomal and non-chromosomal anomalies, Down's syndrome, anomalies of the nervous system, urinary, limbs, digestive system and congenital heart defects.

Results

Mean age (SD) of women at childbirth and the proportion of them over 35 years of age shifted from 32.1 (4.5) years, with 18.3% in 1999–2001, to 32.3 (4.7) years, with 23.9% in 2006–2008. Between 1999 and 2008, 991 cases of chromosomal anomalies and 3090 of non-chromosomal anomalies were diagnosed, which yields, respectively, total prevalences of 5.2‰ and of 16.2‰. Among chromosomal anomalies, Down's syndrome is the most frequent (2.9‰). With marginal statistical significance, the results point at an increasing trend in total diagnosed chromosomal anomalies, but a decreasing one in prevalences at birth. Among non-chromosomal congenital anomalies, congenital heart defects are the most frequent (5.2‰) one. Rates of all non-chromosomal, urinary and limb anomalies grew during the study period, whereas those of congenital heart defects and anomalies of the digestive system did not change significantly.

Conclusions

In the Basque Country, rates of chromosomal anomalies are higher than the overall estimated prevalence in European countries, and continue to increase slightly, which may be related to the rise in maternal age. Rates of non-chromosomal anomalies are within the European frequent range of values, and the increases observed need to be checked in the following years.
Expectations and illness perceptions as predictors of benefit recipiency among workers with common mental disorders: secondary analysis from a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Løvvik Camilla , Shaw William , Øverland Simon , Reme Silje Endresen
Published: March 2014

Objective

Common mental disorders (CMDs) are among the leading causes of sick leave, and more knowledge on factors related to work participation and return-to-work (RTW) in CMDs is needed. The aim of this study was to investigate RTW-expectations and illness perceptions as predictors of benefit recipiency in CMDs.

Design

Study participants were enrolled in a randomised controlled trial and reported CMDs as a main obstacle for work participation. Three prespecified subgroups were included: people at risk of going on sick leave, people on sick leave (>3 weeks) or people on long-term benefits. Baseline questionnaire data and registry data at baseline and 6 months were used to investigate predictors of benefit recipiency at 6-month follow-up. Benefit recipiency included sickness benefits, disability pension, work assessment allowance and unemployment benefits.

Results

In this study, uncertain and negative RTW-expectations were strong predictors of benefit recipiency at 6 months follow-up. Illness perceptions predicted benefit recipiency in the unadjusted model, but not in the fully adjusted model. In the subgroup on sick leave, uncertain and negative RTW-expectations predicted benefit recipiency, while in the subgroup of people at risk of going on sick leave, negative RTW-expectations predicted benefit recipiency. In the subgroup on long-term benefits, only female gender predicted benefit recipiency.

Conclusions

For people with CMDs, uncertain and negative RTW-expectations predict later benefit recipiency, and expectations seem particularly important for those at risk of or on sick leave. For those at risk of sick leave, benefit recipiency at follow-up denoted a transition onto sick leave or long-term benefit, while those on sick leave had remained so or were receiving long-term benefits. Addressing RTW-expectations in occupational healthcare services or vocational rehabilitation might be beneficial in early stages or even prior to a sick leave episode.

Trial registration

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov,NCT01146730.