bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole‐Brain Proton MR Spectroscopic Imaging in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Levin Bonnie E. , Katzen Heather L. , Maudsley Andrew , Post Judith , Myerson Connie , Govind Varan , Nahab Fatta , Scanlon Blake , Mittel Aaron
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To examine the distributions of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) observed metabolites in Parkinson's disease (PD) throughout the whole brain.

METHODS

Twelve PD patients and 18 age‐matched controls were studied using neuropsychological testing, MRI and volumetric MR spectroscopic imaging. Average values of signal normalized metabolite values for N‐acetyl‐aspartate, total‐creatine, and total‐choline (NAA, total‐Cre, total‐Cho, respectively) and their ratios were calculated for gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) in each lobar brain region.

RESULTS

Analyses revealed altered metabolite values in PD subjects relative to controls within the GM of the temporal lobe (right: elevated Cre, P = .027; decreased NAA/Cre, P = .019; decreased Cho/Cre, P = .001 and left: decreased NAA/Cre; P = .001, decreased Cho/Cre, P = .007); the right occipital lobe (decreased NAA, P = .032 and NAA/Cre, P = .016); and the total cerebrum GM (decreased NAA/Cre, P = .029). No meaningful correlations were obtained between abnormal metabolite values and the neuropsychological measures.

CONCLUSIONS

PD is associated with widespread alterations of brain metabolite concentrations, with a primary finding of increased creatine. Higher creatine values in our PD sample may reflect greater neuronal energy expenditure early in the disease process that is compensatory. This is the first whole brain MRS study of PD that has examined metabolite changes across a large fraction of the brain volume, including the cortical mantle.
Evaluating of Small Intracranial Aneurysms by 64‐Detector CT Angiography: A Comparison with 3‐Dimensional Rotation DSA or Surgical Findings
Authors: Zhang He , Hou Chang , Zhou Zhi , Zhang Hao , Zhou Gen , Zhang Gui
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The diagnostic performance of 64‐detector computed tomographic angiography (CTA) for detection of small intracranial aneurysms (SIAs) was evaluated.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 112 consecutive patients underwent 64‐detector CTA before volume‐rendering rotation digital subtraction angiography (VR‐RDSA) or surgery. VR‐RDSA or intraoperative findings or both were used as the gold standards. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV), as measures to detect or rule out SIAs, were determined by patient‐based and aneurysm size‐based evaluations.

RESULTS

The reference standard methods revealed 84 small aneurysms in 71 patients. The results of patient‐based 64‐detector CTA evaluation for SIAs were: accuracy, 98.2%; sensitivity, 98.6%; specificity, 97.6%; PPV, 98.6%; and NPV, 97.6%. The aneurysm‐based evaluation results were: accuracy, 96.8%; sensitivity, 97.6%; specificity, 95.1%; PPV, 97.6%; and NPV, 95.1%. Two false‐positive and two false‐negative findings for aneurysms <3 mm in size occurred in the 64‐detector CTA analysis.

CONCLUSION

The diagnostic performance of 64‐detector CTA did not improve much compared with 16‐detector CTA for detecting SIAs, especially for very small aneurysms. VR‐RDSA is still necessary for patients with a history of subarachnoid hemorrhage if the CTA findings are negative.
R. A. Fisher – 50 Years on
Authors: Edwards A. E. W. , Bodmer Walter
Published: December 2012

Sir Ronald Aylmer Fisher, the founder of modern statistics, died 50 years ago this year. Significance marks the anniversary.
Dissecting signaling and functions of adhesion G protein–coupled receptors
Authors: Araç Demet , Aust Gabriela , Calebiro Davide , Engel Felix B. , Formstone Caroline , Goffinet André , Hamann Jörg , Kittel Robert J. , Liebscher Ines , Lin Hsi‐Hsien , Monk Kelly R. , Petrenko Alexander , Piao Xianhua , Prömel Simone , Schiöth Helgi B. , Schwartz Thue W. , Stacey Martin , Ushkaryov Yuri A. , Wobus Manja , Wolfrum Uwe , Xu Lei , Langenhan Tobias
Published: December 2012

G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprise an expanded superfamily of receptors in the human genome. Adhesion class G protein–coupled receptors (adhesion‐GPCRs) form the second largest class of GPCRs. Despite the abundance, size, molecular structure, and functions in facilitating cell and matrix contacts in a variety of organ systems, adhesion‐GPCRs are by far the most poorly understood GPCR class. Adhesion‐GPCRs possess a unique molecular structure, with extended N‐termini containing various adhesion domains. In addition, many adhesion‐GPCRs are autoproteolytically cleaved into an N‐terminal fragment (NTF, NT, α‐subunit) and C‐terminal fragment (CTF, CT, β‐subunit) at a conserved GPCR autoproteolysis–inducing (GAIN) domain that contains a GPCR proteolysis site (GPS). These two features distinguish adhesion‐GPCRs from other GPCR classes. Though active research on adhesion‐GPCRs in diverse areas, such as immunity, neuroscience, and development and tumor biology has been intensified in the recent years, the general biological and pharmacological properties of adhesion‐GPCRs are not well known, and they have not yet been used for biomedical purposes. The “6th International Adhesion‐GPCR Workshop,” held at the Institute of Physiology of the University of Würzburg on September 6–8, 2012, assembled a majority of the investigators currently actively pursuing research on adhesion‐GPCRs, including scientists from laboratories in Europe, the United States, and Asia. The meeting featured the nascent mechanistic understanding of the molecular events driving the signal transduction of adhesion‐GPCRs, novel models to evaluate their functions, and evidence for their involvement in human disease.
Progression of Blind‐Side Hypermelanosis after Metamorphosis in Cultured Flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus
Authors: Kang Duk‐Young , Kim Hyo‐Chan
Published: December 2012

We recorded the initial appearance of pigmentation on the blind side in olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, and investigated the morphological features of abnormal blind‐side pigmentation in hypermelanic juveniles at the microscopic level. In addition, we examined the development of malpigmentation on the blind side of flounder during early development, from 24 to 94 days after hatching (d.a.h.). A total of 60 flounder were collected every 7 d and assessed for quantitative pattern changes in abnormal blind‐side pigmentation. The primitive spot and the first patch were visible under a microscope and to the naked eye appeared at 38 d.a.h. (total length [TL] = 18.3 ± 0.4 mm, body weight [BW] = 57.6 ± 4.1 mg) and 45 d.a.h. (TL = 28.1 ± 0.7 mm, BW = 213.0 ± 14.9 mg), respectively, around the area between the anus and pelvic fin or caudal edge of the trunk. The malpigmented patch was composed of adult‐type melanophores, xanthophores, and iridophores, indicating that it can reversely change its color according to background color, as that on the eyed side in both color and pattern. The pigmented patches subsequently became more distinctive and large in appearance and spread across the entire body on the blind side of the fish.
Swimming Characteristics and Fertilizing Capacity of Meiogynogenetic Summer Flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, Spermatozoa
Authors: Brown Ryan T. , Colburn Heidi R. , Berlinsky David L. , Ziolkowski Alex , Nardi George C.
Published: December 2012

Summer flounder exhibit sexually dimorphic growth rates, with females growing considerably faster and larger than males. In an effort to produce monosex (all female) populations, meiogynogenetic fish were produced and raised at male‐determining temperatures. Upon attaining sexual maturity, spermatozoa characteristics from normal and meiogynogenetic (meiogyn) summer flounder were compared using computer‐assisted sperm analysis. Sperm concentration was lower for meiogyn fish, but not when normalized for body weight, and swimming characteristics of each group were similar. In a fertilization trial using pooled eggs from two females, sperm from normal and meiogyn males had equal fertilization success, but fewer embryos produced from meiogyn sperm survived through development. Twenty‐four hour survival of hatched larvae was equal from both groups (>96%). Sperm from meiogyn males was used to fertilize eggs from seven domesticated female broodstock during commercial production. Mean fertilization and hatch were 56.0 ± 6.8% and 32.7 ± 8.9%, respectively, resulting in the production of 304,450 larvae.
Settlement, Survival, and Post‐Larval Growth of Red Abalone, Haliotis rufescens, on Polycarbonate Plates Treated with Germlings of Ulva sp.
Authors: Muñoz Pamela , Ambler Rattcliff , Bulboa Cristian
Published: December 2012

The adequate development of the first stages of the red abalone, Haliotis rufescens, is an important step for the successful commercial cultivation of this species. The companies cultivating H. rufescens in Chile utilize plastic plates, colonized by a mixture of diatoms, as settlement substrate and food for larvae, but with poor results on abalone survival and growth. Here, we report the utilization of recruitment plates conditioned with Ulva sp. germlings, in order to evaluate larval settlement, survival and growth rate of H. rufescens postlarvae. The results were compared with traditional methods as control. Settlement was lower with Ulva sp. (52 ± 3%) than the control treatment (86 ± 2%). However, at Day 15, the post‐larval survival in the control group was lower than the Ulva sp. treatment, reaching 59 ± 18% and 77 ± 8%, respectively. Survival decreased on Day 30 in both treatments. The specific growth rate of the postlarvae was higher in plates conditioned with Ulva sp. (1.9 ± 0.1% growth/d), than control plates (0.8 ± 0.1% growth/d). Our results support the use of germlings of Ulva sp. on plastic plates as a good option for the cultivation of the first stage of development of the red abalone, improving the post‐larval growth rate, with a positive impact on commercial farms.
Comparison of Phenate and Salicylate Methods for Determination of Total Ammonia Nitrogen in Freshwater and Saline Water
Authors: Le Phuong Thuy T. , Boyd C. E.
Published: December 2012

A study was conducted to compare the precision and accuracy of the phenate method and the salicylate method for determining total ammonia nitrogen concentration in water over a wide range of salinities. The two methods provided results that were highly correlated (P < 0.01) as follows: freshwater, n = 29, r = 0.996; low salinity (≫4 ppt), n = 17, r = 0.994; high salinity (≫24 ppt), n = 11, r = 0.981. Considering all samples the regression equation for the two methods was Y = 0.939X + 0.0038 where X = salicylate method (mg/L) and Y = phenate method (mg/L); the r value was 0.984 (P < 0.01), the slope differed from 1.0 (P < 0.05), but the intercept was not different from 0.0 (P > 0.05). In replicate analyses of the same samples, the salicylate method often gave a higher mean concentration of total ammonia nitrogen than was obtained with the phenate method. Also, precision was usually better for the salicylate method. Accuracy, as determined by spike recovery, was slightly superior for the salicylate method. The findings suggest that the salicylate method is a preferable alternative to the phenate methods for use in freshwater and saline water aquaculture applications.
Reactive Hot Pressing of ZrC–SiC Ceramics at Low Temperature
Authors: Wang Xin‐Gang , Zhang Guo‐Jun , Xue Jia‐Xiang , Tang Yun , Huang Xiao , Xu Chang‐Ming , Wang Pei‐Ling
Published: December 2012

Composites of ZrC–SiC with relative densities in excess of 98% were prepared by reactive hot pressing of ZrC and Si at temperature as low as 1600°C. The reaction between ZrC and Si resulted in the formation of ZrC1−x, SiC, and ZrSi. Low‐temperature densification of ZrC−SiC ceramics is attributed to the formed nonstoichiometric ZrC1−x and Zr–Si liquid phase. Adding 5 wt% Si to ZrC, the three‐point bending strength of formed ZrC0.8–13.4 vol%SiC ceramics reached 819 ± 102 MPa with hardness and toughness being 20.5 GPa and 3.3 MPa·m1/2, respectively.
Microstructure Evolution of Titanium Nitride Film during Vacuum Kinetic Spraying
Authors: Cao Fei , Park Hyungkwon , Bae Gyuyeol , Heo Jeeae , Lee Changhee
Published: December 2012

Single crystal titanium nitride powder was used to fabricate titanium nitride films using a vacuum kinetic spray (VKS) process. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (FETEM) were used to investigate the microstructure of the as‐fabricated films under different process conditions. Plastic deformation features (i.e., amorphization, rotated grain, slip bands, and distorted lattices in the transition structure) revealed an elastic‐to‐inelastic transition of titanium nitride particles at high strain rate and high pressure induced by hypervelocity impact, which was considered vital for grain refinement and film growth during the process.
Clinical and microbiological effects of systemic antimicrobials combined to an anti‐infective mechanical debridement for the management of aggressive periodontitis: a 12‐month randomized controlled trial
Authors: Silva‐Senem Mayra Xavier e , Heller Débora , Varela Victor Macedo , Torres Maria Cynesia Barros , Feres‐Filho Eduardo Jorge , Colombo Ana Paula Vieira
Published: December 2012

Aim

To compare the 1‐year clinical and microbiological outcomes of an enhanced anti‐infective therapy with versus without systemic antimicrobials in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP).

Methods

In this 12‐month randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial, 35 individuals assigned to a control (n = 17) or test group (n = 18) received full‐mouth supra and subgingival ultrasonic debridement followed by scaling and root planing with chlorhexidine rinsing, brushing, and irrigation. Subjects received either amoxicillin (AMX, 500 mg) + metronidazole (MET, 250 mg) or placebos, TID for 10 days. Subgingival samples were obtained and analysed for their composition by checkerboard. Data were subjected to non‐parametric tests.

Results

Both therapeutic protocols resulted in similar significant clinical improvement for most parameters at 1 year (p < 0.01). The AMX + MET group exhibited shallower residual pockets than the placebo (p = 0.05). Most periodontal pathogens decreased, whereas beneficial bacteria increased in counts in both groups over time (p < 0.0012). High levels of some periodontal and other microbial pathogens were associated with disease persistence regardless treatment.

Conclusions

The enhanced anti‐infective mechanical therapy is comparable with its combination with systemic AMX+MET for most clinical parameters and for maintaining low levels of periodontal pathogens for up to 1 year after treatment of GAP.
Marriage and Family Therapy: Examining The Impact of Licensure on An Evolving Profession
Authors: West Charles , Jeff Hinton W. , Grames Heath , Adams Mary Ann
Published: December 2012

Regulatory responsibilities for the profession of marriage and family therapy have shifted from the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) to state regulatory boards. The impact of these changes has not been adequately addressed. The purpose of this article is to highlight many of these changes and explore their implications. The educational, experience, and supervision requirements of states regulating the profession of marriage and family therapy in 2007 are examined using descriptive data from 47 regulatory entities and then compared with the current (2012) regulatory standards from 51 regulatory entities. In turn, these are compared with AAMFT prelicensure clinical membership requirements. Results indicate a marked difference between AAMFT prelicensure and state licensure requirements in both 2007 and 2012, but that state requirements continue to evolve. Additionally, the changing roles of the AAMFT and the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) within the profession are explored.
An automated rapid detection system using the quenching probe method for detecting interleukin 28B and inosine triphosphatase single nucleotide polymorphisms in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Takahashi H. , Mizuta T. , Oeda S. , Isoda H. , Nakashita S. , Kawaguchi Y. , Izumi N. , Hirai M. , Kurose K. , Iwane S. , Eguchi Y. , Kimura S. , Anzai K. , Ozaki I.
Published: December 2012

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the interleukin 28B gene (IL28B) are good pretreatment predictors of anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy with interferon. SNPs of the inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) gene are associated with reduced haemoglobin levels during treatment with ribavirin. The i‐densy™ (Arkray, Inc.), which is based on the quenching probe (QP) method, automatically detects target genes in blood samples by fluorescence quenching within 100 min. Using a QP and primer set, a gene amplification response is generated that can quickly and easily detect a specific gene's arrangement by fluorometry. The present study was conducted to compare the utility of i‐densy (QP method) with that of conventional direct sequencing (DS) for detecting SNPs in the IL28B and ITPA genes in chronic hepatitis C patients. Between June 2011 and January 2012, 73 consecutive patients underwent genotyping of IL28B, and 54 patients underwent genotyping of ITPA. All of the patients were seropositive for HCV‐RNA. The IL28B and ITPA genotypes were tested for bi‐allelic polymorphisms in rs8099917 (T/T, T/G and G/G; minor allele, G) and rs1127354 (C/C, C/A and A/A; minor allele, A), respectively. The results obtained with the QP method were identical to those obtained with the conventional DS method. The frequency of the IL28B genotypes TT, GT and GG were 74%, 24.7% and 1.4%, respectively, and those of the ITPA genotypes CC, AC and AA were 68.5%, 29.6% and 1.9%, respectively. These results indicate that the i‐densy using the QP method can automatically, quickly and easily identify genotypes of IL28B and ITPA.
The structure and repertoire of small interfering RNAs in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis reveal diversification in the trypanosomatid RNAi pathway
Authors: Atayde Vanessa D. , Shi Huafang , Franklin Joseph B. , Carriero Nicholas , Notton Timothy , Lye Lon‐Fye , Owens Katherine , Beverley Stephen M. , Tschudi Christian , Ullu Elisabetta
Published: December 2012

Among trypanosomatid protozoa the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi) has been investigated in Trypanosoma brucei and to a lesser extent in Leishmania braziliensis. Although these two parasitic organisms belong to the same family, they are evolutionarily distantly related raising questions about the conservation of the RNAi pathway. Here we carried out an in‐depth analysis of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) associated with L. braziliensis Argonaute1 (LbrAGO1). In contrast to T. brucei, Leishmania siRNAs are sensitive to 3′ end oxidation, indicating the absence of blocking groups, and the Leishmania genome does not code for a HEN1 RNA 2′‐O‐methyltransferase, which modifies small RNA 3′ ends. Consistent with this observation, ∼ 20% of siRNA 3′ ends carry non‐templated uridines. Thus siRNA biogenesis, and most likely their metabolism, is different in these organisms. Similarly to T. brucei, putative mobile elements and repeats constitute the major Leishmania siRNA‐producing loci and AGO1 ablation leads to accumulation of long transcripts derived from putative mobile elements. However, contrary to T. brucei, no siRNAs were detected from other genomic regions with the potential to form double‐stranded RNA, namely sites of convergent transcription and inverted repeats. Thus, our results indicate that organism‐specific diversification has occurred in the RNAi pathway during evolution of the trypanosomatid lineage.
Low‐molecular‐weight thiol‐dependent antioxidant and antinitrosative defences in Salmonella pathogenesis
Authors: Song Miryoung , Husain Maroof , Jones‐Carson Jessica , Liu Lin , Henard Calvin A. , Vázquez‐Torres Andrés
Published: December 2012

We found herein that the intracytoplasmic pool of the low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) thiol glutathione (GSH) is readily oxidized in Salmonella exposed to nitric oxide (NO). The hypersusceptibility of gshA and gshB mutants lacking γ‐glutamylcysteine and glutathione synthetases to NO and S‐nitrosoglutathione indicates that GSH antagonizes the bacteriostatic activity of reactive nitrogen species. Metabolites of the GSH biosynthetic pathway do not affect the enzymatic activity of classical NO targets such as quinol oxidases. In contrast, LMW thiols diminish the nitrosative stress experienced by enzymes, such as glutamine oxoglutarate amidotransferase, that contain redox active cysteines. LMW thiols also preserve the transcription of Salmonella pathogenicity island 2 gene targets from the inhibitory activity of nitrogen oxides. These findings are consistent with the idea that GSH scavenges reactive nitrogen species (RNS) other than NO. Compared with the adaptive response afforded by inducible systems such as the hmp‐encoded flavohaemoprotein, gshA, encoding the first step of GSH biosynthesis, is constitutively expressed in Salmonella. An acute model of salmonellosis has revealed that the antioxidant and antinitrosative properties associated with the GSH biosynthetic pathway represent a first line of Salmonella resistance against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species engendered in the context of a functional NRAMP1R divalent metal transporter.
The group A streptococcal collagen‐like protein‐1, Scl1, mediates biofilm formation by targeting the extra domain A‐containing variant of cellular fibronectin expressed in wounded tissue
Authors: Oliver‐Kozup Heaven , Martin Karen H. , Schwegler‐Berry Diane , Green Brett J. , Betts Courtney , Shinde Arti V. , Van De Water Livingston , Lukomski Slawomir
Published: December 2012

Wounds are known to serve as portals of entry for group A Streptococcus (GAS). Subsequent tissue colonization is mediated by interactions between GAS surface proteins and host extracellular matrix components. We recently reported that the streptococcal collagen‐like protein‐1, Scl1, selectively binds the cellular form of fibronectin (cFn) and also contributes to GAS biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces. One structural feature of cFn, which is predominantly expressed in response to tissue injury, is the presence of a spliced variant containing extra domain A (EDA/EIIIA). We now report that GAS biofilm formation is mediated by the Scl1 interaction with EDA‐containing cFn. Recombinant Scl1 proteins that bound cFn also bound recombinant EDA within the C‐C’ loop region recognized by the α9β1 integrin. The extracellular 2‐D matrix derived from human dermal fibroblasts supports GAS adherence and biofilm formation. Altogether, this work identifies and characterizes a novel molecular mechanism by which GAS utilizes Scl1 to specifically target an extracellular matrix component that is predominantly expressed at the site of injury in order to secure host tissue colonization.
Submucosal, oropharyngeal heterotopia of parathyroid
Authors: Triantafyllou A.
Published: December 2012

Histological, histochemical and immunmohistochemical observations on ectopic parathyroid tissue in the oropharynx are described. Embryological inferences and clinical significance of this type of heterotopia are discussed in conjunction with a review of the very rare literature.
An Investigation of Uterine Nitric Oxide Production in Mares Susceptible and Resistant to Persistent Breeding‐Induced Endometritis and the Effects of Immunomodulation
Authors: Woodward EM , Christoffersen M , Campos J , Horohov DW , Scoggin KE , Squires E , Troedsson MHT
Published: December 2012

Contents

The first objective of this study was to evaluate intrauterine nitric oxide (NO) and endometrial inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in mares susceptible or resistant to persistent breeding‐induced endometritis (PBIE) within 24 h after breeding. Mares susceptible (n = 6) or resistant (n = 6) toPBIEwere inseminated over five cycles, and uterine secretions and endometrial biopsies were collected before and 2, 6, 12 and 24 h after insemination. Uterine secretions were analysed forNOand biopsies were analyzed for iNOSexpression. A second experiment evaluated the effect of treatment with dexamethasone or mycobacterial cell wall extract (MCWE) on uterineNOproduction and endometrial iNOSmRNAexpression. Six susceptible mares were inseminated over three cycles with (i) killed spermatozoa without treatment (control), (ii) killed spermatozoa with 50 mg of dexamethasone IV or (iii)MCWE IV24 h prior to insemination with killed spermatozoa. Six resistant mares were inseminated with killed spermatozoa as a control. Six hours after breeding, uterine biopsies and secretions were collected and evaluated forNOand iNOSmRNA. In Experiment 1, resistant mares had an increase in iNOSmRNAexpression 2 h post‐breeding compared to baseline (p = 0.045), 12 h (p = 0.014) and 24 h (p = 0.001). Susceptible mares had higher expression 2 h compared to 6 h (p = 0.046). No differences were observed in mRNAor protein expression of iNOSbetween resistant and susceptible mares. Resistant mares had a relatively steady amount of total intrauterineNOover 24 h, while susceptible mares had an increase over time, with a significantly higher increase in totalNOthan resistant mares at 6 (p = 0.04) and 12 h (p = 0.032). In Experiment 2, no differences were observed for iNOSmRNAexpression. Susceptible mares had increasedNOwhen compared to resistant mares (p = 0.008) andMCWEdecreasedNO(p = 0.047).
Integrating tuberculosis and HIV services in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Legido‐Quigley Helena , Montgomery Catherine M. , Khan Palwasha , Atun Rifat , Fakoya Ade , Getahun Haileyesus , Grant Alison D.
Published: December 2012

Objectives

Given the imperative to scale up integrated tuberculosis (TB) and HIV services in settings where both are of major public health importance, we aimed to synthesise knowledge concerning implementation of TB/HIV service integration.

Methods

Systematic review of studies describing a strategy to facilitate TB and HIV service integration, searching 15 bibliographic databases including Medline, Embase and the Cochrane library; and relevant conference abstracts.

Results

Sixty‐three of 1936 peer‐reviewed articles and 70 of 170 abstracts met our inclusion criteria. We identified five models: entry via TB service, with referral for HIV testing and care; entry via TB service, on‐site HIV testing, and referral for HIV care; entry via HIV service with referral for TB screening and treatment; entry via HIV service, on‐site TB screening, and referral for TB diagnosis and treatment; and TB and HIV services provided at a single facility. Referral‐based models are most easily implemented, but referral failure is a key risk. Closer integration requires more staff training and additional infrastructure (e.g. private space for HIV counselling; integrated records). Infection control is a major concern. More integrated models hold potential efficiencies from both provider and user perspective. Most papers report ‘outcomes’ (e.g. proportion of TB patients tested for HIV); few report downstream ‘impacts’ such as outcomes of TB treatment or antiretroviral therapy. Very few studies address the perspectives of service users or staff, or costs or cost‐effectiveness.

Conclusions

While scaling up integrated services, robust comparisons of the impacts of different models are needed using standardised outcome measures.
Flow cytometric assessment of agonist‐induced P‐selectin expression as a measure of platelet quality in stored platelet concentrates
Authors: Middelburg Rutger A. , Roest Mark , Ham Jannemieke , Coccoris Miriam , Zwaginga Jaap Jan , van der Meer Pieter F.
Published: December 2012

Background

Platelet (PLT) function in PLT concentrates declines during storage and is further affected by pathogen reduction treatment. Flow cytometric assessment of agonist‐induced P‐selectin expression can be used to assess PLT function in patients with thrombocytopenia. The aim of this study was to evaluate how this functional test relates to established in vitro measures of PLT function.

Study Design and Methods

Six units of PLTs in plasma and 6 units of riboflavin and ultraviolet (Mirasol, TerumoBCT)‐treated PLTs in plasma were sampled on Days 2, 6, 8, and 10 after donation. PLT concentration, Annexin 5A staining, ThromboLUX (LightIntegra) thrombelastography, and P‐selectin expression, both in unstimulated PLTs and in response to concentration series of adenosine diphosphate, collagen‐related peptide, and thrombin receptor–activating peptide (TRAP), were measured.

Results

For PLTs in plasma Annexin 5A expression increased by 0.60% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40%‐0.80%) and P‐selectin expression increased by 1.2% (95% CI, 0.80%‐1.6%) per day. Responsiveness to TRAP simultaneously decreased by 1.3% (95% CI, 0.80%‐1.8%) per day. After Mirasol treatment ThromboLUX scores decreased 3.3 points (95% CI, 0.2‐6.4 points) from 22 to 19 points, Annexin 5A expression increased by 4.8% (95% CI, 3.3%‐6.2%), and P‐selectin expression increased by 13% (95% CI, 10%‐16%), all averaged over the entire storage period. Responsiveness to TRAP simultaneously decreased by 19% (95% CI, 17%‐21%).

Conclusions

Our results suggest flow cytometric measurement of agonist‐induced P‐selectin expression can measure PLT quality decline over the entire range encountered during 10‐day storage of both standard PLTs and Mirasol‐treated PLTs in plasma.
Weak D phenotypes caused by intronic mutations in the RHD gene: four novel weak D alleles identified in the Chinese population
Authors: Ye Luyi , He Yunlei , Gao Huanhuan , Guo Zhonghui , Zhu Ziyan
Published: December 2012

Background

Although more than 80 weak D types have been reported, many rare alleles probably remain unidentified. However, direct evidence that associates intronic mutations in the RHD gene with weak D types is lacking.

Study Design and Methods

Blood samples were obtained from Shanghai Blood Center. D– samples typed in routine laboratories were tested using a monoclonal immunoglobulin M reagent, an indirect antiglobulin test, and a commercial panel of monoclonal anti‐D (Diagast D‐Screen). RHD nucleotide sequencing that included adjacent flanking intron regions was performed. The RHD zygosity was determined. Bioinformatics analysis was performed.

Results

Four different RHD alleles were identified among six blood samples, namely, RHD IVS3+3G>C, RHD IVS6‐14del3, RHD IVS4+5G>A, and RHD IVS4+5G>T. The serologic tests were consistent with weak D phenotypes. The bioinformatics results indirectly suggest that these sequence changes affect splicing.

Conclusion

This study is the first to describe weak D types caused by intronic variations near the splice sites in the RHD gene, which is supported by the genotyping results combined with serologic profiles and bioinformatics analysis. The identification of the four novel RHD alleles represents a new significant addition to the molecular bases that underlie weak D, which would deepen our understanding of the mechanism of the low expression of the RhD antigen. These nucleotide changes are predicted to have regulatory effects on RHD splicing.
Synthesis of diamond nanotips for enhancing the plasma illumination characteristics of capacitive-type plasma devices
Authors: Lou Shiu-Cheng , Chen Chulung , Teng Kuang-Yau , Tang Chien-Yao , Lin I-Nan
Published: December 2012

The enhancement of the plasma illumination characteristics of capacitive-type plasma devices (CP-devices) utilizing diamond-coated Si-nanotips as cathodes was systematically investigated. The enhanced electron field emission (EFE) properties of the diamond films resulted in improved plasma illumination characteristics of the devices. Microcrystalline diamond films grown using ultrananocrystalline diamond as a nucleation layer (MCD/UNCD) possessed a lower turn-on field for inducing the EFE process with a higher EFE current density and resulted in a better plasma illumination performance for the CP-devices compared with those made from MCD films grown directly on Si-substrates without the nucleation layer. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that, in a two-step microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process, the second step altered the granular structure of the UNCD nuclear layer instead of growing a layer of large-grain diamond film on top of the UNCD nucleation layer, resulting in a duplex microstructure. The MCD/UNCD films contained large diamond aggregates evenly distributed among the ultrasmall-grain matrix, with the induction of a few layers of graphite, surrounding the large aggregates. The presence of the graphene-like phase is presumed to be the prime factor resulting in the superior EFE properties of the MCD/UNCD films and the better plasma illumination characteristics of the CP-devices.
Novel Cholix Toxin Variants, ADP-Ribosylating Toxins in Vibrio cholerae Non-O1/Non-O139 Strains, and Their Pathogenicity
Authors: Awasthi Sharda Prasad , Asakura Masahiro , Chowdhury Nityananda , Neogi Sucharit Basu , Hinenoya Atsushi , Golbar Hossain M. , Yamate Jyoji , Arakawa Eiji , Tada Toshiji , Ramamurthy T. , Yamasaki Shinji
Published: December 2012

Cholix toxin (ChxA) is a recently discovered exotoxin in
Vibrio cholerae
which has been characterized as a third member of the eukaryotic elongation factor 2-specific ADP-ribosyltransferase toxins, in addition to exotoxin A of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and diphtheria toxin of
Corynebacterium diphtheriae
. These toxins consist of three characteristic domains for receptor binding, translocation, and catalysis. However, there is little information about the prevalence of
chxA
and its genetic variations and pathogenic mechanisms. In this study, we screened the
chxA
gene in a large number (
n
= 765) of
V. cholerae
strains and observed its presence exclusively in non-O1/non-O139 strains (27.0%; 53 of 196) and not in O1 (
n
= 485) or O139 (
n
= 84). Sequencing of these 53
chxA
genes generated 29 subtypes which were grouped into three clusters designated
chxA
I,
chxA
II, and
chxA
III.
chxA
I belongs to the prototype, while
chxA
II and
chxA
III are newly discovered variants. ChxA II and ChxA III had unique receptor binding and catalytic domains, respectively, in comparison to ChxA I. Recombinant ChxA I (rChxA I) and rChxA II but not rChxA III showed variable cytotoxic effects on different eukaryotic cells. Although rChxA II was more lethal to mice than rChxA I when injected intravenously, no enterotoxicity of any rChxA was observed in a rabbit ileal loop test. Hepatocytes showed coagulation necrosis in rChxA I- or rChxA II-treated mice, seemingly the major target for ChxA. The present study illustrates the potential of ChxA as an important virulence factor in non-O1/non-O139
V. cholerae
, which may be associated with extraintestinal infections rather than enterotoxicity.
Clinical management of severe fluorosis in an adult
Authors: Farid Huma , Khan Farhan Raza
Published: December 2012

Dental fluorosis is defined as hypomineralisation of enamel resulting from excessive ingestion of fluoride (more than 1 ppm) during tooth development. Mild-to-moderate forms of dental fluorosis are often unnoticed by the patients whereas severe fluorosis presents with dark brown-to-black discolouration of teeth along with enamel pitting and hypoplasia. Such discolouration results in an unpleasing appearance as well as psychological distress to the affected individual. Dental fluorosis can be managed by bleaching, micro/macroabrasion, veneering or crowning. The choice between different treatment options depends on the severity of fluorosis and patients’ aesthetic demands. The aim of this case report was to describe the stepwise oral rehabilitation of an adult with severe fluorosis along with multiple carious teeth. After restoration of carious teeth and extraction of unsalvageable teeth, bleaching and full-coverage restorations were used for the management of fluorosis.
Remarkable recovery in an infant presenting with extensive perinatal cervical cord injury
Authors: Ul Haq Israr , Gururaj A K
Published: December 2012

Cervical-cord damage is a complication of a difficult delivery, and results in spinal shock with flaccidity progressing to spastic paralysis. Conventionally, outlook for such patients is extremely poor and most will recover only slightly from quadriplegia and autonomic dysfunction. Here, we report a case in which the extent of damage considerably contrasted with the outcome and recovery. A full-term baby girl born by difficult vaginal delivery displayed bilateral flaccid paralysis of the lower limbs with absent spontaneous movements, weakness of both upper limbs, hyporeflexia in all limbs and axial hypotonia. MRI of cervicothoracic spine exhibited raised signal intensity in the dorsal aspects of C7 to T1 signifying myelopathy. MRI at 4 months revealed a near-total transection of the cervical cord. However, at 6 months, the child could move all lower limbs independently with a marked increase in power. There was no spasticity, wasting or incontinence. Reflexes had also returned.
Polymer fume fever
Authors: Shimizu Taro , Hamada Osamu , Sasaki Akinori , Ikeda Mari
Published: December 2012

A 29-year-old Japanese man presented with fever, dyspnoea and non-productive cough after massive inhalation of evaporant from a polytetrafluoroethylene-coated cooking pan. Chest CT scan showed diffuse interstitial infiltration in both lungs. Based on the patient history, images and the pan he brought to the hospital, polymer fume fever was strongly suspected. His symptoms dramatically improved over the following 2 days after admission.
An unusual presentation of a calcified thyroid gland
Authors: Lyons Rebecca , Waters Peadar S , Sugrue Conor , Kerin Michael J
Published: December 2012

A multinodular goitre with cystic degeneration with haemorrhage and subsequent calcification is a common occurrence in long-standing multinodular goitres. But extensive enlargement and calcification causing obstructive symptoms including dysphagia and tracheal shift has not been commonly reported in the literature. Our patient, an 82-year-old man presented with long-standing dysphagia and tracheal shift. His case proved challenging with the retrosternal location of the calcified gland, needing a collar neck incision and a manubriotomy to assess the thyroid. There was a large calcified shell to the gland that made mobilising and removing the gland very difficult. Histology revealed a large multinodular goitre with a large calcified cyst representing previous cyst haemorrhage which underwent calcification. Symptoms resolved postsurgical intervention.
Shedding some light on cold acclimation, cold adaptation, and phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Hüner Norman P.A. , Bode Rainer , Dahal Keshav , Busch Florian A. , Possmayer Marc , Szyszka Beth , Rosso Dominic , Ensminger Ingo , Krol Marianna , Ivanov Alexander G. , Maxwell Denis P.
Published: December 2012

In the past, the role of light as an energy source was largely ignored in research focused on cold acclimation and freezing tolerance in plants. However, cold acclimation is an energy-requiring process. We summarize research illustrating that photoautrophs as diverse as cyanobacteria (Plectonema boryanum), green algae (Chlorella vulgaris, Dunaliella salina, Chlamydomonas raudensis), crop plants (Triticum aestivum L., Secale cereale L., Brassica napus L.), and conifers (Pinus banksiana) L.) tailor the structure and function of the photosynthetic apparatus to changes in temperature and irradiance to maintain cellular energy balance called photostasis. Modulation of either temperature or irradiance results in a similar imbalance in cellular energy that is sensed through changes in chloroplastic excitation pressure. Thus, concepts of photostasis and excitation pressure provide the context through which one can explain the congruence of phenotypic plasticity and photosynthetic performance associated with cold acclimation and photoacclimation. Photosynthetic organisms can sense changes in temperature and irradiance through modulation of the redox state of the photosynthetic electron transport chain, which, in turn, governs phenotype through the regulation of nuclear gene expression and chloroplast biogenesis. We suggest that elucidation of the molecular mechanism(s) by which excitation pressure regulates phenotypic plasticity and photosynthetic performance will be essential in addressing the challenge of maintaining or perhaps enhancing crop productivity under the suboptimal growth conditions predicted to occur as a consequence of climate change.
A selective, inexpensive probe for UV-induced damage in nucleic acids
Authors: El-Yazbi Amira F. , Loppnow Glen R.
Published: December 2012

Absorption of UV light by nucleic acids can result in the formation of molecular lesions in DNA and RNA, leading to mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, and cell death. In this work, hairpin oligonucleotide probes, which have previously been shown to be selective for DNA damage, are used. The hypochromic effect, which arises from the formation of the target–hairpin hybrid when there is no damage, is used to measure the amount of UV damage by measuring the amount of single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides. With accumulated UV exposure, the target–hairpin hybrid concentration decreases and the absorbance increases, enabling detection of UV-induced DNA damage. Our results show that the selectivity for DNA damage of the hypochromism probe is comparable with the molecular beacon probes, detecting between one and three lesions in an oligonucleotide. In addition, this probe is more than 10 times cheaper than molecular beacon probes. However, it shows lower sensitivity to DNA damage. This makes its use recommended for high-throughput, qualitative analysis of DNA damage. This introduces a simple, fast, mix-and-read assay for the detection of DNA damage.
The provenance of Middle Jurassic sandstones in the Scotian Basin: petrographic evidence of passive margin tectonics 1This article is one of a series of papers published in this CJES Special Issue on the theme of Mesozoic–Cenozoic geology of the Scotian Basin. 2Geological Survey of Canada Contribution 20110319.
Authors: Li Gang , Pe-Piper Georgia , Piper David J.W.
Published: December 2012

The tectonic and geomorphological evolution of the Scotian margin and its hinterland is poorly known between Late Triassic rifting and the Early Cretaceous progradation of major deltas. This study determined sedimentary provenance of Middle Jurassic Mohican Formation sandstones from three wells using heavy minerals and mineral chemistry. Indicator minerals such as xenotime, altered ilmenite, and varietal types of garnet and tourmaline are similar to those in Hauterivian–Barremian sandstones in the western Scotian Basin, which are almost exclusively derived from the Meguma terrane. The wells adjacent to the Canso Ridge have more zircon and less ilmenite, indicating a greater contribution of polycyclic reworking, but with an ultimate source in the Meguma terrane. Zircon and ilmenite were likely derived in part from Carboniferous sandstones in eastern mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island. Any river drainage from the inboard terranes of the Appalachians either was diverted through the Fundy Basin or entered the easternmost Scotian Basin, where the Mohican Formation is 5.5 km thick, along the linear continuation of the southwest Grand Banks transform. Such sediment did not reach the Canso Ridge, suggesting that the Cobequid–Chedabucto fault zone in Orpheus graben was not a significant physiographic feature. This tectonically controlled paleogeography in the Middle Jurassic is quite different from that during active rifting in the Late Triassic – Early Jurassic. Middle Jurassic quiescence was followed in the Tithonian – Early Cretaceous by renewed tectonic uplift associated with rifting of Grand Banks from Iberia and Labrador from Greenland.
Early Cretaceous volcanism in the Scotian Basin 1This article is one of a series of papers published in this CJES Special Issue on the theme of Mesozoic–Cenozoic geology of the Scotian Basin.
Authors: Bowman Sarah J. , Pe-Piper Georgia , Piper David J.W. , Fensome Robert A. , King Edward L.
Published: December 2012

Early Cretaceous volcanism is widespread in the eastern Scotian Basin. The stratigraphic position of volcanic rocks within wells was re-evaluated and the volcanological character of the rocks was refined by study of cuttings and well logs. Hauterivian–Barremian volcanic rocks on the SW Grand Banks and Aptian–Albian volcanic rocks in the Orpheus Graben and SE Scotian Shelf resulted from Strombolian type eruptions. More extensive Hawaiian type flows were mapped from seismic profiles near the Mallard and Brant wells on the SW Grand Banks and they appear to have been derived from local basement highs with a positive magnetic anomaly interpreted as volcanic centres. Igneous rocks in the Hesper well on the SE Scotian Shelf are the erosional remnant of basaltic flows that terminated at the paleoshoreline. They correlate with basalt flows both in extensive outcrop on Scatarie Ridge and in several Orpheus Graben wells. The interpretation of the Hesper basalts as an erosional remnant of more extensive basalt flows is consistent with detrital petrographic evidence for substantial uplift of the inboard part of the Scotian Basin in the Hauterivian–Aptian. Widespread volcanic activity indicates a regional and long-lived magma source, which resulted in elevated regional heat flow. Effects of this heat flow are seen in sedimentary rocks of the Sable Subbasin and it had a discernable impact on hydrocarbon maturation.
Detrital zircon geochronology and polycyclic sediment sources, Upper Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous of the Scotian Basin, southeastern Canada 1This article is one of a series of papers published in this CJES Special Issue on the theme of Mesozoic–Cenozoic geology of the Scotian Basin.
Authors: Piper David J.W. , Pe-Piper Georgia , Tubrett Mike , Triantafyllidis Stavros , Strathdee Greg
Published: December 2012

Sources of Tithonian–Albian sediment in the Scotian Basin are interpreted from detrital zircon geochronology to test previous hypotheses about the sources and pathways of sediment to thick deltaic successions that are important hydrocarbon reservoirs. Sediment provenance influences reservoir quality, but also provides information on tectonism during rifting of the North Atlantic Ocean. More than 760 zircons were dated by laser ablation U–Pb methods from nine offshore wells and one borehole on land and were characterized by external morphology, internal zoning, and Th/U ratio. A Meguma terrane source to the LaHave Platform was confirmed by peaks in detrital zircon abundance at 550–650 Ma, 1.0–1.2 Ga, and ∼2.1 Ga. Samples from the Sable Subbasin show a large peak in detrital zircon abundance at ∼1050 Ma, with lower peaks from 400–650, ∼1480, ∼1650, ∼1860 Ma and 2.7 Ga, characteristic of inboard Appalachian terranes of Laurentide affinity. Many late Paleozoic to Neoproterozoic zircons are euhedral or subhedral, and apparently first cycle, as are a few older zircons that indicate transport from the rising rift shoulder in southern Labrador as far north as the Makkovik Province (∼1860 Ma). About half the zircons are rounded and polycyclic. Samples from the Abenaki Subbasin are similar, but late Paleozoic to Neoproterozoic zircons are rare and ∼40% of the Mesoproterozoic zircons are subhedral, implying a different Laurentide source through the Humber valley. Euhedral–subhedral unzoned zircons yielded two groups of Cretaceous dates: ∼105 Ma from the Cree Member, and ∼120 Ma from the Missisauga Formation.