bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mother‐to‐Child Transmission of HIV in China and the USA: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Arcella Susanna , Nayar Usha S.
Published: September 2010

This paper analyzes and compares the existing policies and programs for the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV existing in China and in the USA. The implementation of these is still imperfect and there needs to be improvements in the education (the spreading of information) and in the general health care system of China. Particular attention will be drawn to the existing barriers to the effective implementation of prevention of mother‐to‐child‐transmission. The recommendations aim to solve similar barriers in both countries and some specifically dealing with problems in China. Since HIV infection in children is caused almost entirely by prenatal transmission, it is important that the governments, in partnership with civic society organizations, make all the necessary efforts to save the lives of their newborn citizens.
The new paradigm: retinal pigment epithelium cells generated from embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Bharti Kapil , Miller Sheldon S. , Arnheiter Heinz
Published: September 2010

Compared with neural crest‐derived melanocytes, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in the back of the eye are pigment cells of a different kind. They are a part of the brain, form an epithelial monolayer, respond to distinct extracellular signals, and provide functions that far exceed those of a light‐absorbing screen. For instance, they control nutrient and metabolite flow to and from the retina, replenish 11‐cis‐retinal by re‐isomerizing all‐trans‐retinal generated during photoconversion, phagocytose daily a portion of the photoreceptors’ outer segments, and secrete cytokines that locally control the innate and adaptive immune systems. Not surprisingly, RPE cell damage is a major cause of human blindness worldwide, with age‐related macular degeneration a prevalent example. RPE replacement therapies using RPE cells generated from embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells provide a novel approach to a rational treatment of such forms of blindness. In fact, RPE‐like cells can be obtained relatively easily when stem cells are subjected to a two‐step induction protocol, a first step that leads to a neuroectodermal fate and a second to RPE differentiation. Here, we discuss the characteristics of such cells, propose criteria they should fulfill in order to be considered authentic RPE cells, and point out the challenges one faces when using such cells in attempts to restore vision.
Reconstituted HDL in Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Chenevard Rémy , Hürlimann David , Spieker Lukas , Béchir Markus , Enseleit Frank , Hermann Matthias , Flammer Andreas J. , Sudano Isabella , Corti Roberto , Lüscher Thomas F. , Noll Georg , Ruschitzka Frank
Published: September 2010

Objectives: The strong inverse relationship between plasma high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐cholesterol and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease provides the epidemiological basis that HDL is atheroprotective. Since HDL enhances cholesterol efflux and exhibits potent antiinflammatory properties, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether infusion of reconstituted HDL (rHDL) impacts on vascular function, a well‐established surrogate of atherosclerotic vascular disease, as well as markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Methods: Twenty‐nine patients with ACS were randomized to double‐blind treatment with rHDL or albumin. Endothelium‐dependent and independent vasodilatation to intraarterial acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside were measured by forearm venous occlusion plethysmography. In addition, oxidized LDL and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein were determined as markers of oxidative stress and vascular inflammation. Results: rHDL infusion increased plasma HDL (P < 0.0001) and decreased LDL (P < 0.0001). Oxidized LDL (P= 0.11), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (P= 0.12) and the response to endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent vasodilatators remained unchanged after rHDL compared to albumin infusion (14.9 ± 9.2 versus 14.5 ± 12.4, P= 0.93 and 12.8 ± 7.1 versus 13.2 ± 9.6, P= 0.27, respectively). Conclusions: An increase of HDL and a reduction of LDL notwithstanding, human rHDL did not improve vascular function in patients with ACS thus further challenging the clinical benefit of interventions, which rapidly raise HDL in ACS, particularly with the infusion of reconstituted HDL.
New Bradoriid Arthropods from the Early Cambrian Balang Formation of Eastern Guizhou, South China
Authors: PENG Jin , FENG Hongzhen , FU Xiaoping , ZHAO Yuanlong , YAO Lu
Published: September 2010

The Early Cambrian Balang Formation is comprised of mudrock and shale, which was deposited in a shelf environment in the eastern part of Guizhou, south China. The Balang Fauna, which consists of seven phyla, occurs in the middle and upper parts of the Balang Formation. Arthropods are important constituents of the Balang Fauna and include a great number of trilobites, large bivalved arthropods, and newly‐discovered well‐preserved bradoriid fossils. The bradoriids present include three genera and four species: Comptaluta inflate (Cheng, 1974) emend Hou et al., 2002; Comptaluta kailiensis sp. nov, and Alutella elongeta sp. nov, Aluta sp. This faunal assemblage in the Balang Formation is distinguished from the Tsunyiella Chang, 1964, Songlinella Yin, 1978 and Kunmingella Hou, 1956 assemblage which occurs in the Niutitang and Mingxinsi formations of the Yangtze Platform in middle region of Guizhou and which is earlier than the Balang Formation in age. However, this assemblage resembles the ComptalutaÖpik, 1968 assemblage from the Early Cambrian Heilinpu Formation in Wuding County, Yuanan Province and from the Ordian Stage of the Cambrian of Australia. The great abundance of ComptalutaÖpik, 1968 and overall taxonomic diversity of the ComptalutaÖpik, 1968 assemblage set it distinctly apart from the Alutella Kobayashi et Kato, 1951 and Aluta Hou, 1956 assemblages of the Balang Formation. Alutella Kobayashi et Kato, 1951 and Aluta Hou, 1956 also occur in the Early Cambrian Niutitang Formation of the Yangtze Platform of Guizhou. Individual Bradoriids from the Balang Formation are characterized by large size (>3 mm). The discovery of new Bradoriid assemblages not only expands the group's geographical range and assemblage affinities, but also indicates that Bradoriids migrated eastward from shallow‐water to deeper‐water environments during the Early Cambrian, indicating that they were capable of life in deeper‐water, and adaptation to a new ecological setting.
Archean Basement and a Paleoproterozoic Collision Orogen in the Huoqiu Area at the Southeastern Margin of North China Craton: Evidence from Sensitive High Resolution Ion Micro‐Probe U‐Pb Zircon Geochronology
Authors: WAN Yusheng , DONG Chunyan , WANG Wei , XIE Hangqiang , LIU Dunyi
Published: September 2010

This paper reports sensitive high resolution ion micro‐probe U‐Pb zircon ages for the “Huoqiu Group” and granitoids of the Early Precambrian basement in the Huoqiu area, southeastern margin of the North China Craton. The “Huoqiu Group” is similar in rock association and metamorphism to the khondalite series, apart from it containing considerable amounts of banded iron formation. All detrital zircons from the “Huoqiu Group” meta‐sedimentary rocks are 3.0 Ga and 2.75 Ga, without any 2.5 Ga and younger ones, as is commonly found in Paleoproterozoic khondalite series in other areas of the North China Craton. In the Huoqiu area, 2.75 Ga and 2.56 Ga granitoids have also been identified. This basement assemblage underwent strong metamorphism during the late Paleoproterozoic (∼ 1.84 Ga) tectonothermal event that is widely developed in the North China Craton. Thus the formation time of the “Huoqiu Group” can be constrained between 2.75 and 1.84 Ga in terms of detrital and metamorphic zircon ages. It is considered, combined with regional data, that there may be a Paleoproterozoic collision orogen extending in a NWW–SEE direction to the southern margin of the North China Craton.
Anaplasma phagocytophilumin Dogs in Germany
Authors: Jensen J. , Simon D. , Escobar H. M. , Soller J. T. , Bullerdiek J. , Beelitz P. , Pfister K. , Nolte I.
Published: September 2010

A total number of 111 dogs were included in the present prospective study investigating the prevalence ofAnaplasma phagocytophilumin dogs in Germany. Dogs were divided into two groups. Dogs of group 1 (n = 49) showed clinical and/or haematological signs seen in infections withA. phagocytophilum, whereas those of group 2 (n = 62) did not have any evidence of anaplasmosis. For each dog, anA. phagocytophilum16S rRNA‐nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)‐anticoagulated whole blood analysis, a microscopic evaluation of a buffy coat and a serum indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) were performed. Forty‐eight seroreactive dogs were identified altogether, which amounts to an overall point prevalence of 43.2%. There was no significant difference between the seroreactivity toA. phagocytophilumantigens among group 1 (44.9%) and 2 (41.9%) (P > 0.5). Seven dogs (6.3%) had positive PCR results. All of them were seroreactive. Six belonged to group 1. Morulae in neutrophilic granulocytes were found in two dogs of group 1 but in none of group 2. Both dogs were seroreactive. Very high antibody titres (≥1:1024) were detected significantly more frequently in dogs with clinical signs attributable to infection withA. phagocytophilum(group 1) than in those without (group 2) (P < 0.001). There was no significant correlation of overall positives or antibody titres to age, breed, sex, or whether the dogs were family or working dogs. Dogs with high tick infestation were significantly more often seroreactive toA. phagocytophilumthan those with no or low tick infestation (P = 0.007). In conclusion, there seems to be a high risk of infection withA. phagocytophilumin Germany. Results of this study suggest that severe illness solely caused byA. phagocytophilummay be possible although definitive evidence does not exist. Very high antibody titres (>1:1024) may be associated with clinical anaplasmosis.
Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Non‐O157 Shiga Toxin‐producing E. coli in Healthy Cattle, Sheep and Swine Herds in Northern Spain
Authors: Oporto B. , Esteban J. I. , Aduriz G. , Juste R. A. , Hurtado A.
Published: September 2010

Three‐hundred and forty‐five herds (17 swine, 122 dairy sheep, 124 beef and 82 dairy cattle) were investigated for prevalence of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Rectal faecal samples were selectively enriched and then examined by immunodetection techniques (Immunomagnetic Separation with anti‐E. coli O157 Dynabeads, ImmunoMagnetic cell Separation (IMS) and automated enzyme‐linked fluorescent immunoassay using VIDAS) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (rfbE and fliC genes) to assess the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7. Prevalence of non‐O157 STEC was estimated by PCR screening for stx genes of 10 lactose‐positive colonies grown on MacConkey agar after enrichment. PCR was used on all STEC isolates to detect stx1, stx2, eaeA and E‐hlyA genes. Both immunodetection methods showed a moderate–good level of agreement (κ = 0.649) but IMS showed 87.5% complementary sensitivity. Prevalence of positive herds for E. coli O157:H7 was estimated at 8.7% for sheep and 3.8% for cattle, whereas all the porcine herds tested negative. Non‐O157 STEC were also absent from swine, but were isolated more frequently from ovine (50.8%) than bovine herds (35.9%). Within‐herd prevalences of excretion of E. coli O157:H7 established by individual testing of 279 sheep (six herds) and 30 beef cattle (one herd) were 7.3% and 6.7% respectively. PCR analysis of 49 E. coli O157:H7 and 209 non‐O157 isolates showed a different distribution of virulence genes. All E. coli O157:H7 were stx2 gene‐positive, eaeA was detected in 95.9%, and the toxigenic profile stx2/eaeA/E‐hlyA was present in 75.5% of the isolates. Among the non‐O157 STEC, prevalence of eaeA was significantly lower (5.3%) and E‐hlyA was present in 50.2% of the isolates but only sporadically associated with eaeA. stx2 was predominant in non‐O157 isolates from cattle, whereas in sheep the combination stx1/stx2 was more prevalent. This study demonstrated the wide distribution of STEC in ruminant herds, which represent an important reservoir for strains that pose a potential risk for human infections.
Emergency Response Following Suspicion of an Avian Influenza Outbreak
Authors: Dalla Pozza M. , Ceolin C. , Marangon S.
Published: September 2010

The management of a suspected index case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) is crucial to the subsequent actions aimed at limiting the spread of infection and ultimately in prompt eradication of the virus. In this study, the legislative basis, basic concepts and actions behind a successful disease management programme are reviewed. These include actions at local veterinary headquarters and at farm level which must be coordinated centrally to ensure the flow of information essential to decision making. The success of any emergency intervention strategy is dependent upon the level of preparedness, including action plans to source manpower, equipment and on the degree of communication between relevant parties. Availability of information on the successes and failures in field outbreak management, will inevitably result in improved AI control worldwide.
New Perspectives in Avian Influenza Diagnosis
Authors: Cattoli G. , Terregino C.
Published: September 2010

Recent outbreaks of avian influenza (AI) occurring in Europe, in the Americas, in Asia and in Africa have provided field evidence of how challenging the control of this infection can be, particularly in densely populated poultry areas or in areas where free‐range rural village poultry and backyard flocks are present. In these areas, laboratory testing is mainly applied to trace viral circulation in a given area or in a susceptible population to implement an early warning system, rather than to diagnose the presence of the virus in a diseased flock or animal. This implies the use of rapid, sensitive and possibly cost‐effective laboratory tests adaptable to very high throughputs. As a consequence, new diagnostic approaches and technologies have been increasingly developed and applied. Molecular biology and biotechnology are providing important and precious contributions to the field of AI diagnosis, making extremely rapid, specific and sensitive techniques available. However, the use of some of these technologies is still limited, due to their costs and to the requirement of advanced technical and scientific expertise. Therefore, more conventional and well‐established techniques, should not be abandoned but rather reconsidered and improved or modified.
Bovine Cysticercosis in Cattle Slaughtered at Awassa Municipal Abattoir, Ethiopia: Prevalence, Cyst Viability, Distribution and its Public Health Implication
Authors: Abunna F. , Tilahun G. , Megersa B. , Regassa A. , Kumsa B.
Published: September 2010

A cross‐sectional study was conducted from October 2005 to April 2006 on bovine cysticercosis in cattle slaughtered at Awassa municipal abattoir with the objective of determining the prevalence ofTaenia saginatacysticercosis, cyst viability, distribution and its public health implication. Questionnaire survey involving 120 respondents was also conducted on human taeniasis. A total of 400 carcasses were examined during the study period, of which 105 (26.25%) were infected withT. saginatametacestodes. From a total of 3200 samples inspected, 500 cysticerci were detected in 141 samples, of which 221 (44.2%) were alive. The anatomical distribution of cysticerci were 65 (29.2%) heart, 56 (25.3%) shoulder muscle, 59 (26.7%) masseter, 23 (10.4%) tongue, 12 (5.4%) diaphragm, three (1.4%) liver, two (0.9%) lung and one (0.5%) kidney samples. The prevalence varied significantly between local and crossbred animals (OR = 3.15,P < 0.05), but not varied between sex, age groups and origin of the animals.T. saginatataeniasis was a widespread public health problem in the town with an overall prevalence of 64.2% (77 of 120). The potential risk factors for disease contraction were raw meat consumption, religion and occupational risks. In conclusion, the study revealed high prevalence ofT. saginatametacestodes throughout the edible organs together with existence of deep‐rooted tradition of raw meat consumption. This may magnify the public health hazards ofT. saginatain the study area.As a result, the disease deserves due attention to safeguard the public health and further promote beef industry in the country.
Substitution of Vaccinia Virus Elstree by Modified Vaccinia Virus Ankara to test the Virucidal Efficacy of Chemical Disinfectants
Authors: Hartnack S. , Essbauer S. , Truyen U.
Published: September 2010

After the eradication of variola in 1980, the smallpox vaccination was considered to be no longer required and was subsequently abandoned mainly because of possible adverse effects of vaccinia virus especially in first‐time vaccinees. Despite a growing number of humans without immunity against vaccinia virus, vaccinia virus Lister Elstree (VACV) is still prescribed for testing virucidal efficacy of chemical disinfectants in the guidelines of the German Veterinary Medical Society [Deutsche Veterinärmedizinische Gesellschaft (DVG)], the German Association for the Control of Virus Diseases [Deutsche Vereinigung zur Bekämpfung der Viruskrankheiten (DVV)] and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). To evaluate a possible substitution of VACV, with the attenuated modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) the virucidal efficacy of four different DVG‐listed commercially available chemical disinfectants representing different groups of chemicals was tested against these two viruses. Quantitative suspension tests and qualitative carrier tests with poplar wood and gauze were performed. Distinction of VACV and MVA was confirmed by cytopathogenic effects, such as differences in plaque morphology. No significant difference in disinfection efficacy between VACV and MVA was observed for any of the disinfectants tested. Implying that vaccinia virus poses a risk after inadvertent inoculation, our results show that MVA, which does not replicate in humans, should replace VACV in the chemical disinfectant testing guidelines.
Why Your Housecat’s Trite Little Bite Could Cause You Quite a Fright: A Study of Domestic Felines on the Occurrence and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Pasteurella multocida
Authors: Freshwater A.
Published: September 2010

Approximately four to five million animal bite wounds are reported in the USA each year. Domestic companion animals inflict the majority of these wounds. Although canine bites far outnumber feline bites, unlike the dog, the cat’s bite is worse than its bark; 20–80% of all cat bites will become infected, compared with only 3–18% of dog bite wounds. Pasteurella multocida is the most commonly cultured bacterium from infected cat bite wounds. Anyone seeking medical attention for a cat‐inflicted bite wound is given prophylactic/empiric penicillin or a derivative to prevent Pasteurella infection (provided they are not allergic to penicillins). In an effort to establish a carriage rate of P. multocida in the domestic feline, bacterial samples from the gingival margins of domestic northern Ohio cats (n = 409) were cultured. Isolates were tested for antibiotic sensitivity as prophylactic/empiric use of penicillin and its derivatives could potentially give rise to antibiotic resistance in P. multocida. The high carriage rate (∼90%) of P. multocida observed was found to be independent of physiological and behavioural variables including age, breed, food type, gingival scale, lifestyle and sex. High antibiotic susceptibility percentages were observed for benzylpenicillin, amoxicillin‐clavulanate, cefazolin, and azithromycin (100%, 100%, 98.37% and 94.02%, respectively) in P. multocida isolates. The high prevalence of P. multocida in the feline oral cavity indicates that prophylactic/empiric antibiotic therapy is still an appropriate response to cat bite wounds. Additionally, the susceptibility of P. multocida to penicillin and its derivatives indicates that they remain reliable choices for preventing and treating P. multocida infections.
Dynamic US contrast study of the liver: Vascular and delayed parenchymal phase
Authors: Hiroko Iijima , Shunichi Sasaki , Fuminori Moriyasu , Shiro Suzuki , Masahiro Yoshida , Toshiya Horibe , Kaoru Tsuchiya
Published: September 2010

We evaluated the time‐intensity curves of the ultrasound contrast agent, Levovist, in the aorta, portal vein and liver parenchyma in order to define distribution of the agent when it is administered by an intravenous bolus injection. Twelve healthy volunteers were studied. All 12 subjects were examined for the study of vascular phase and five of the subjects were examined for the study of delayed parenchymal phase. To evaluate vascular enhancement, transverse abdominal scanning was performed. To evaluate parenchymal enhancement, liver scanning was done just once at 14 time points up to 60 min after injection. The time‐intensity curves in the aorta and the portal vein indicated the conventional curves of blood pool agents such as iodine CT agents and gadolinium MRI agents. They showed steep initial rises and peaks at 20 s and 30 s after injection, respectively. Parenchymal enhancement reached a peak five minutes after injection, with a plateau for 20 min subsequently. It has been proved that there are two phases of Levovist contrast ultrasonography, the vascular phase and the delayed parenchymal phase.
Intestinal barrier dysfunction in developing liver cirrhosis: An in vivo analysis of bacterial translocation
Authors: Palma Pablo , Mihaljevic Nicolas , Hasenberg Till , Keese Michael , Koeppel Thomas A.
Published: September 2010

Aim:  Transmucosal passage of bacteria across the intestine, the essential step for bacterial translocation, has been identified as a key event in the pathogenesis of life‐threatening infections in cirrhosis. Existing animal models of liver cirrhosis only provide indirect information about the pathogenesis of such infections. The aim of this study has been to assess transmucosal passage and bacterial translocation directly in vivo using a rat model of developing liver cirrhosis.

Methods:  Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to two groups: controls and animals with developing liver cirrhosis induced by s.c. injection of carbon tetrachloride. In anesthetized animals a suspension of green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged E. coli was administered into the terminal ileum. Time intervals necessary for translocation of E. coli into the mucosa and muscularis were assessed by intravital microscopy and translocation of E. coli in mesentery, liver and spleen was determined microbiologically.

Results:  Bacterial kinetics at the level of the mucosa and muscularis showed significant enhancement in cirrhotic rats compared to the controls (P < 0.001). GFP‐expressing E. coli were detected in the mesentery, liver and spleen of animals with cirrhosis taken one hour after E. coli administration. However, cultures of control animals remained sterile.

Conclusion:  Intravital microscopy of fluorescent bacteria represents a novel approach to studying bacterial translocation in vivo. Here we report that this technique can be used to visualize bacterial transit in in vivo and gives further support to the transmucosal passage of bacteria across the intestine correlating with bacterial translocation in CCl4‐induced liver cirrhosis.
Effects of lamivudine on outcome after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with active replication of hepatitis B virus
Authors: Kubo Shoji , Tanaka Hiromu , Takemura Shigekazu , Yamamoto Satoshi , Hai Seikan , Ichikawa Tsuyoshi , Kodai Shintaro , Shinkawa Hiroji , Sakaguchi Hiroki , Tamori Akihiro , Habu Daiki , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: September 2010

Aim:  Patients with high serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA concentrations are at high risk of tumor recurrence after liver resection for HBV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods:  Among 24 patients with high serum HBV DNA concentrations who underwent liver resection for HBV‐related HCC, postoperative lamivudine therapy was chosen by 14 (lamivudine group). The other 10 patients were controls.

Results:  Clinicopathologic findings did not differ between the groups. Tumor‐free survival rate after surgery was significantly higher in the lamivudine than the control group (P = 0.0086). By univariate analysis, multiple tumors were also a risk factor for a short tumor‐free survival. By multivariate analysis, lack of lamivudine therapy and multiple tumors were independent risk factors for a short tumor‐free survival. In four patients YMDD mutant viruses were detected after beginning lamivudine administration; in two of them, adefovir dipivoxil was administered because of sustained serum alanine aminotransferase elevations.

Conclusion:  Lamivudine therapy improved tumor‐free survival rate after curative resection of HBV‐related HCC in patients with high serum concentrations of HBV DNA, although careful follow up proved necessary for the detection of YMDD mutant viruses.
[18F]FDG accumulation in an experimental model of multistage progression of cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Laverman Peter , Blokx Willeke A.M. , Te Morsche René H.M. , Frielink Cathelijne , Boerman Otto C. , Oyen Wim J.G. , Drenth Joost P.H.
Published: September 2010

Aim:  The diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is difficult, and due to the insidious course of the disease, most cases present at a relatively late stage. Positron emission tomography (PET), using [18F]fluoro‐2‐deoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) as a tracer is one the most powerful molecular imaging techniques available. We hypothesized that [18F]FDG accumulates at sites of early CCA development and that FDG‐PET may be of value for the early diagnosis of CCA.

Methods:  We added 300 mg/L thioacetamide to the drinking water of rats who went on to develop CCA within 20 weeks. From eight weeks onwards, groups of three rats were injected with [18F]FDG, subsequently the liver was perfused, dissected and subjected to quantitative autoradiography using a phosphor imaging system. The liver sections were stained for histology, and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) enzyme activity was determined. We correlated [18F]FDG uptake with pathological liver changes.

Results:  The experiments demonstrate that thioacetamide causes atypical bile ducts and invasive CCA. Rat livers harvested early after the start of administration of thioacetamide contained only cirrhosis and/or atypical bile ducts, but CCA and FDG accumulation were absent. At 20 weeks, all rats had developed CCA and all, except two animals with a very small carcinoma, had strongly elevated focal FDG uptake. Quantitative autoradiography revealed tumor‐to‐normal‐liver ratios as high as 5:4. In all rats with a carcinoma, there was a backdrop of cirrhosis, and interestingly cirrhotic areas did not show elevated FDG accumulation.

Conclusion:  [18F]FDG accumulates in CCA, is able to distinguish CCA from liver cirrhosis, but is probably unsuitable to detect very early CCA lesions.
Equine clinical genomics: A clinician's primer
Authors: BROSNAHAN M. M. , BROOKS S. A. , ANTCZAK D. F.
Published: September 2010

The objective of this review is to introduce equine clinicians to the rapidly evolving field of clinical genomics with a vision of improving the health and welfare of the domestic horse. For 15 years a consortium of veterinary geneticists and clinicians has worked together under the umbrella of The Horse Genome Project. This group, encompassing 22 laboratories in 12 countries, has made rapid progress, developing several iterations of linkage, physical and comparative gene maps of the horse with increasing levels of detail. In early 2006, the research was greatly facilitated when the US National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health added the horse to the list of mammalian species scheduled for whole genome sequencing. The genome of the domestic horse has now been sequenced and is available to researchers worldwide in publicly accessible databases. This achievement creates the potential for transformative change within the horse industry, particularly in the fields of internal medicine, sports medicine and reproduction. The genome sequence has enabled the development of new genome‐wide tools and resources for studying inherited diseases of the horse. To date, researchers have identified 11 mutations causing 10 clinical syndromes in the horse. Testing is commercially available for all but one of these diseases. Future research will probably identify the genetic bases for other equine diseases, produce new diagnostic tests and generate novel therapeutics for some of these conditions. This will enable equine clinicians to play a critical role in ensuring the thoughtful and appropriate application of this knowledge as they assist clients with breeding and clinical decision‐making.
Chiropractic combination treatments for back pain
Authors: Ernst E , Walker B , French S , Grant W , Green S
Published: September 2010

Walker BF, French SD, Grant W, Green S.

Combined chiropractic interventions for low‐back pain.

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010; 4: CD 005427.
Sports chiropratic in prevention of pain and injury
Authors: Lawrence DJ , Hoskins W
Published: September 2010

Hoskins W, Pollard H.

The effect of a sports chiropractic manual therapy intervention on the prevention of back pain, hamstring and lower limb injuries in semi‐elite Australian Rules footballers: a randomised controlled trial.

BMC Musculoskel Disord 2010; 11: 64.
Weak benefit of aqua lymphatic therapy for mild lymphoedema after breast cancer
Authors: Kraft K , Tidhar D , Katz‐Leurer M
Published: September 2010

Tidhar D, Katz‐Leurer M.

Aqua lymphatic therapy in women who suffer from breast cancer treatment‐related lymphedema: a randomized controlled study.

Support Care Cancer 2010; 18: 383–92.
Shark cartilage does not prolong the life of lung cancer patients
Authors: Ernst E
Published: September 2010

Lu C, Lee JJ, Komaki R, Herbst RS, Feng L, Evans WK, Choy H, Desjardins P, Esparaz BT, Truong MT, Saxman S, Kelaghan J, Bleyer A, Fisch MJ.

Chemoradiotherapy with or without AE‐941 in stage III non‐small cell lung cancer: a randomized phase III trial.

J Natl Cancer Inst 2010; 102: 859–65.
Poor acupressure study with positive conclusions
Authors: Ernst E
Published: September 2010

Hsieh LL, Liou HH, Lee LH, Chen TH, Yen AM.

Effect of acupressure and trigger points in treating headache: a randomized controlled trial.

Am J Chin Med 2010; 38: 1–14.
Schisandra extract elevates concentration of tacrolimus in blood of liver transplant patients
Authors: Awang DVC , Kong L , Jiang W
Published: September 2010

Jiang W, Wang X, Xu X, Kong L.

Effect of Schisandra sphenanthera extract on the concentration of tacrolimus in the blood of liver transplant patients.

Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 2010; 48: 224–9.
Eleven themes of patient-centred professionalism in community pharmacy: innovative approaches to consulting
Authors: Rapport Frances , Doel Marcus A , Hutchings Hayley A , Wright Sarah , Wainwright Paul , John Dai N , Jerzembek Gabrielle S
Published: September 2010

Objectives

The study aimed to clarify patient-centred professionalism within and across community pharmacy settings; position that knowledge in a modern-day environment, accessing the opinions and experiences of patients and professionals; inform the literature on the value of consultation workshops within this context; and develop a template of positive and challenging exemplars of patient-centred professionalism within these contexts.

Methods

Thirty-nine study participants contributed to extended consultation workshops. Sessions were supported by bio-photographic data of healthcare practices across a range of different settings, and a final forum event.

Key findings

Thematic analysis of qualitative data, supported by the Nominal Group Work technique, led to a template containing 11 themes of positive and challenging aspects of patient-centred professionalism: safety, professional characteristics, relationships with patients, confidentiality and privacy, accessibility, training, professional pressures, services, environment, changing professional roles and patient characteristics. Themes, while descriptive and rich, highlight difficulties in defining this notion, which is both nuanced and ambiguous. While study participants were interested in the everyday examples of practice and interaction, they were strongly influenced by their different agendas and experiences. Patients, for example, wanted a quick and efficient dispensing service, where their needs and expectations came first. Pharmacists, on the other hand, found that pressing patient demands and overarching company policies led to professional anxiety that distracted them from what they perceived to be the defining aspect of their professionalism, dispensary work.

Conclusions

The study outcomes indicate, in line with international literature, that while proud of supporting patients, many pharmacists feel demoralised, torn between pressing public and professional demands and the expectations of advice-giving in unfamiliar, formal situations within nondescript, corporate workspaces.
Discussing side effects of over-the-counter medicines: impact of adding percentage data
Authors: Seyed-Hosseini Mahsa , Taylor Jeff , Quest Dale
Published: September 2010

Objectives

Discussing side effects with patients continues to be a difficult area of practice. Questions arise as to how many should be mentioned and which ones. The way such information is presented can affect drug-taking decisions. This study examined how over-the-counter (OTC) medicine users are influenced by numerical risk estimates of side effects.

Methods

As part of a larger study on patient decision-making, 30 participants aged over 50 years were asked to consider three OTC headache medicines. They responded to one of two headache scenarios, one with symptoms described as mild but common and the other severe but rare. Participants made their selection based on drug efficacy and side effects, at first not linked to occurrence rates and then with this information provided.

Key findings

Average age was 66.6 years and the majority were female. Most were currently using some form of drug therapy. Drug choices differed in relation to mild versus severe headache scenarios. A stronger preference for drug X (50% effective and two side effects) was evident when the headaches were mild, shifting to a more effective agent (but with more side effects) when more severe. Addition of occurrence rates to the side effects had the greatest effect within the severe headache scenario, where more participants opted for the most effective agent (drug Z at 100% effective but six side effects) upon seeing the numbers. Overall, however, most kept the same drug in spite of the numerical information.

Conclusions

Inclusion of numerical data for side effects did not negatively influence potential OTC medicine users. For most, effectiveness and side effects were the concern before receiving the percentages, while effectiveness became more important when the frequency data seemed to instil a sense of reassurance.
Disruption at the
PTCHD1
Locus on Xp22.11 in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability
Authors: Noor Abdul , Whibley Annabel , Marshall Christian R. , Gianakopoulos Peter J. , Piton Amelie , Carson Andrew R. , Orlic-Milacic Marija , Lionel Anath C. , Sato Daisuke , Pinto Dalila , Drmic Irene , Noakes Carolyn , Senman Lili , Zhang Xiaoyun , Mo Rong , Gauthier Julie , Crosbie Jennifer , Pagnamenta Alistair T. , Munson Jeffrey , Estes Annette M. , Fiebig Andreas , Franke Andre , Schreiber Stefan , Stewart Alexandre F. R. , Roberts Robert , McPherson Ruth , Guter Stephen J. , Cook Edwin H. , Dawson Geraldine , Schellenberg Gerard D. , Battaglia Agatino , Maestrini Elena ,   Autism Genome Project Consortium, Jeng Linda , Hutchison Terry , Rajcan-Separovic Evica , Chudley Albert E. , Lewis Suzanne M. E. , Liu Xudong , Holden Jeanette J. , Fernandez Bridget , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Bryson Susan E. , Roberts Wendy , Szatmari Peter , Gallagher Louise , Stratton Michael R. , Gecz Jozef , Brady Angela F. , Schwartz Charles E. , Schachar Russell J. , Monaco Anthony P. , Rouleau Guy A. , Hui Chi-chung , Lucy Raymond F. , Scherer Stephen W. , Vincent John B.
Published: September 2010

Mutations of the X-linked gene
PTCHD1
are associated with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability.
A Multi-Level Systems Perspective for the Science of Team Science
Authors: Börner Katy , Contractor Noshir , Falk-Krzesinski Holly J. , Fiore Stephen M. , Hall Kara L. , Keyton Joann , Spring Bonnie , Stokols Daniel , Trochim William , Uzzi Brian
Published: September 2010

Understanding how teams function is vital because they are increasingly dominating the production of high-impact science.
Neutralizing Epitopes of Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin: Target for the Development of a Universal Vaccine against H5N1 Lineages
Authors: Prabakaran Mookkan , He Fang , Meng Tao , Madhan Selvaraj , Yunrui Tan , Jia Qiang , Kwang Jimmy
Published: September 2010

The nature of influenza virus to randomly mutate and evolve into new types with diverse antigenic determinants is an important challenge in the control of influenza infection. Particularly, variations within the amino acid sequences of major neutralizing epitopes of influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) hindered the development of universal vaccines against H5N1 lineages. Based on distribution analyses of the identified major neutralizing epitopes of hemagglutinin, we selected three vaccine strains that cover the entire variants in the neutralizing epitopes among the H5N1 lineages. HA proteins of selected vaccine strains were expressed on the baculovirus surface (BacHA), and the preclinical efficacy of the vaccine formulations was evaluated in a mouse model. The combination of three selected vaccine strains could effectively neutralize viruses from clades 1, 2.1, 2.2, 4, 7, and 8 of influenza H5N1 viruses. In contrast, a vaccine formulation containing only adjuvanted monovalent BacHA (mono-BacHA) or a single strain of inactivated whole viral vaccine was able to neutralize only clade 1 (homologous), clade 2.1, and clade 8.0 viruses. Also, the trivalent BacHA vaccine was able to protect 100% of the mice against challenge with three different clades (clade 1.0, clade 2.1, and clade 7.0) of H5N1 strains compared to mono-BacHA or inactivated whole viral vaccine. The present findings provide a rationale for the development of a universal vaccine against H5N1 lineages. Furthermore, baculoviruses displaying HA will serve as an ideal choice for a vaccine in prepandemic or pandemic situations and expedite vaccine technology without the requirement of high-level-biocontainment facilities or tedious protein purification processes.
NEW IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURE FOR CONTINUOUS-TIME RADIO FREQUENCY POWER AMPLIFIER MODEL
Authors: BACHIR SMAIL , DUVANAUD CLAUDE
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we present a new method for characterization of radio frequency Power Amplifier (PA) in the presence of nonlinear distortions which affect the modulated signal in Radiocommunication transmission system. The proposed procedure uses a gray box model where PA dynamics are modeled with a MIMO continuous filter and the nonlinear characteristics are described as general polynomial functions, approximated by means of Taylor series. Using the baseband input and output data, model parameters are obtained by an iterative identification algorithm based on Output Error method. Initialization and excitation problems are resolved by an association of a new technique using initial values extraction with a multi-level binary sequence input exciting all PA dynamics. Finally, the proposed estimation method is tested and validated on experimental data.
A COMPACT HIGH-SPEED LOW-POWER RAIL-TO-RAIL BUFFER AMPLIFIER FOR STEP-PULSE SIGNALS
Authors: LU CHIH-WEN , HSIAO CHING-MIN
Published: September 2010

A compact high-speed low-power rail-to-rail buffer amplifier, which is suitable for driving heavy capacitive loads, is proposed. The buffer amplifier is composed of a pair of push-pull output transistors with two feedback loops consisting of a pair of complementary error amplifiers and a pair of complementary common-source amplifiers. The buffer draws little current while static but has a large driving capability while transient. A mutual bias scheme is also proposed to reduce the power consumption and the die area for LCD applications. An experimental prototype buffer amplifier implemented in a 0.35 μm CMOS technology demonstrates that the settling time is 1.5 μs for a voltage swing of 0.1 ~ (VDD–0.1) V under a 600 pF capacitance load. Quiescent current of 4 μA is measured. The area of this buffer is 32 × 109 μm2.
A SINGLE-STAGE PHASE-SHIFTED FULL-BRIDGE ELECTRONIC BALLAST FOR HIGH-PRESSURE MERCURY LAMPS
Authors: CHIU HUANG-JEN , LO YU-KANG , YAO CHUN-JEN , CHUANG CHING-CHUN , TSENG MING-HSIANG , LIN JEN-JUN , HUANG HSIU-MING , KANN CHOU-CHANG
Published: September 2010

This paper presents a single-stage high-frequency full-bridge electronic ballast for high-pressure mercury lamps in high-luminance LCD projector systems. The studied electronic ballast is found to have high conversion efficiency due to its single-stage circuit with zero-voltage switching features. A high power factor can be achieved by using developed single-stage topology. The operation principles and design considerations are analyzed and discussed in detail. A laboratory prototype is designed and implemented for driving a 150 W projector lamp. The simulation and experimental waveforms are given to verify the feasibility of the proposed method.
INTELLIGENT DIAGNOSIS OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES UTILIZING ECG SIGNALS
Authors: YAN JINGYU , LU YAN , XU YANGSHENG , LIU JIA , WU XINYU
Published: September 2010

Early automatic detection of cardiovascular diseases is of great importance to provide timely treatment and reduce fatality rate. Although many efforts have been devoted to detecting various arrhythmias, classification of other common cardiovascular diseases still lacks comprehensive and intensive studies. This work aims at developing an automatic diagnosis system for myocardial infarction, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, hypertrophy, and bundle branch block, based on the clinic recordings provided by PTB Database. The proposed diagnosis system consists of the components as baseline wander reduction, beat segmentation, feature extraction, feature reduction and classification. The selected features are the location, amplitude and width of each wave, exactly the parameters of ECG dynamical model. We also propose a mean shift algorithm based method to extract these features. To demonstrate the availability and efficacy of the proposed system, we use a total of 13,564 beats to conduct a large scale experiment, where only 25% beats are utilized to train the eigenvectors of generalized discriminant analysis in the feature reduction phase and 25% beats are applied to train the support vector machine in the classification phase. The average sensitivity, specificity and positive predicitivity for the test set, containing 75% beats, are respectively 96.06%, 99.32% and 97.29%.
MODELING PNEUMATIC MUSCLE ACTUATORS: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE APPROACH
Authors: JAMWAL PRASHANT , XIE S. Q. , HUSSAIN SHAHID , AW KEAN
Published: September 2010

Robot human interaction requires use of safe, compliant and light weight actuators. Conventional linear motors and pneumatic cylinders are normally used to actuate robots to assist and augment human motions. Lately it has been realized that these actuators are not suitable and safe for applications involving human actor. Their large weight, size and stiffer design raise concerns. Pneumatic muscle actuators (PMA) on the other hand are very light weight, compact and have inherent compliance which make them potential candidate for applications involving robot human interaction. Taking on the advantages, these actuators are now being experimented for a variety of medical and rehabilitation applications. However they are not very popular due to their highly nonlinear and time dependent behavior which poses control problems. In this paper, an attempt is being made to accurately predict the uncertain and ambiguous characteristics of PMA using Artificial Intelligence (AI). Conventional tools such as analytical and numerical methods can only model a nonlinear system which is time independent. Time varying nonlinear system characteristics can be best modeled using artificial intelligence-based regression models. In this research, Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Mamdani Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) and Takagi-Sugeno (TS)-based fuzzy system are developed after carefully analyzing the time series data obtained from a real system. To achieve higher accuracy from these models, their parameters are tuned. Parameters of ANN are tuned using back propagation algorithm whereas fuzzy parameters are tuned using three different methods, namely, gradient descent method (GD), genetic algorithms (GA) and Modified Genetic Algorithm (MGA). It was found that the TS fuzzy inference system tuned by MGA provides better accuracy and can also model the time dependent behavior of PMA. The proposed TS fuzzy system is found to perform better in terms of accuracy and maximum deviation when compared to the previous approaches in the literature.
Engineering geological significance of relict periglacial activity in South and East Devon
Authors: Croot D. , Griffiths J. S.
Published: September 2010

Quaternary glacial ice barely impinged on SW England with the maximum limits of the various ice advances now being reasonably well established. In SW England a probable Anglian ice front was located in Barnstaple Bay that is likely to have occupied some of the existing land surface in the area. Elsewhere the ice front does not appear to have got beyond the north coast of Devon and Cornwall, although a till has been identified on the Isles of Scilly and a possible glacial corrie has been described on Exmoor. Beyond these limits, however, the SW region will have been subject to repeated extensive and intensive periglacial activity. The effects of periglaciation will not have been removed by any subsequent ice advances, thus the region provides an excellent area to evaluate the importance of periglacial activity to engineering geology. Information on the nature and extent of periglaciation is mainly limited to detailed studies carried out in specific areas. However, the Quaternary history of SW England has recently been summarized and these summaries refer to the extent of periglacial processes. In this paper, the nature and engineering geological implications of periglacial processes and deposits from four contrasting areas of south and east Devon are discussed.