bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhinovirus frequently detected in elderly adults attending an emergency department
Authors: Pierangeli Alessandra , Scagnolari Carolina , Selvaggi Carla , Verzaro Simona , Spina Maria Teresa , Bresciani Emanuela , Antonelli Guido , Bertazzoni Giuliano
Published: September 2011

The general aim was to investigate the burden of respiratory virus illness in a hospital emergency department, during two different epidemic seasons. Consecutive patients attending an emergency department during two study periods (February/March 2009 and 2010) were enrolled using broad inclusion criteria (fever/preceding fever and one of a set of ICD‐9 codes suggestive of respiratory illness); nasopharyngeal washes were tested for the most common respiratory viruses using PCR‐based methods. Influenza A virus was detected in 24% of samples collected in February/March 2009, whereas no samples tested positive for influenza during February/March 2010 (pandemic H1N1 Influenza A having circulated earlier in October–December 2009). Rhinovirus (HRV) was detected in 16% and 8% of patients recruited over the two study periods, respectively. Other respiratory viruses were detected rarely. Patient data were then analyzed with specific PCR results, comparing the HRV‐positive group with virus‐positive and no virus‐detected groups. Individuals over 65 years old with HRV presented with signs, symptoms and underlying conditions and were admitted to hospital as often as the other enrolled patients, mainly for dyspnoea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease acute exacerbation. Conversely, younger individuals with HRV, although presenting with respiratory signs and symptoms, were generally diagnosed with non‐respiratory conditions. HRV was detected frequently in elderly patients attending the emergency department for respiratory distress without distinguishing clinical features. Molecular diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections and surveillance of infectious diseases should include tests for HRV, as this virus is associated frequently with hospitalization of the elderly. J. Med. Virol. 83:2043–2047, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Empirical models for matrix cracking in a CFRP cross‐ply laminate under static‐ and cyclic‐fatigue loadings
Authors: Ogi Keiji , Takahashi Manabu , Yashiro Shigeki
Published: September 2011

This paper presents empirical models for predicting matrix crack density in a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) cross‐ply laminate under static‐fatigue and cyclic‐fatigue loadings. First, a modified slow crack growth (SCG) law, that covers the whole range of stress ratio R of tension‐tension fatigue (0 ≤ R ≤ 1), was proposed. The modified SCG law and three conventional SCG laws were then combined with Weibull's probabilistic failure concept for predicting fatigue matrix crack density in a cross‐ply laminate. Matrix crack density was expressed as a function of R, the maximum stress in the transverse ply and the number of cycles. Next, fatigue tests were performed for R of 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 1 to determine the applicability of these four models. Finally, constant fatigue life (CFL) diagrams were investigated based on the modified model. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
A poem to carp about? Poem 16–3828 of theMan'yōshūcollection
Authors: Palmer Edwina
Published: September 2011

The poem discussed has long been regarded as a “nonsense” poem that was extemporized as part of some kind of poetry game at Court. This article presents evidence to demonstrate that through the use of puns anddouble entendrethe poet in fact ingeniously devised a witty scatological verse. Rather than “nonsense”, the poem is discovered to offer covertly a deeply satirical social commentary on the contemporaneous relationships between men and women, aristocrats and outcastes.
Centroid and envelope dynamics of charged particle beams in an oscillating wobbler and external focusing lattice for heavy ion fusion applications
Authors: Qin Hong , Davidson Ronald C. , Logan B. Grant
Published: September 2011

Recent heavy ion fusion target studies show that it is possible to achieve ignition with direct drive and energy gain larger than 100 at 1 MJ. To realize these advanced, high-gain schemes based on direct drive, it is necessary to develop a reliable beam smoothing technique to mitigate instabilities and facilitate uniform deposition on the target. The dynamics of the beam centroid can be explored as a possible beam smoothing technique to achieve a uniform illumination over a suitably chosen region of the target. The basic idea of this technique is to induce an oscillatory motion of the centroid for each transverse slice of the beam in such a way that the centroids of different slices strike different locations on the target. The centroid dynamics is controlled by a set of biased electrical plates called “wobblers.” Using a model based on moments of the Vlasov-Maxwell equations, we show that the wobbler deflection force acts only on the centroid motion, and that the envelope dynamics are independent of the wobbler fields. If the conducting wall is far away from the beam, then the envelope dynamics and centroid dynamics are completely decoupled. This is a preferred situation for the beam wobbling technique, because the wobbler system can be designed to generate the desired centroid motion on the target without considering its effects on the envelope and emittance. A conceptual design of the wobbler system for a heavy ion fusion driver is briefly summarized.
Early morphological productivity in Hungarian: evidence from sentence repetition and elicited production
Authors: GÁBOR BÁLINT , LUKÁCS ÁGNES
Published: September 2011

This paper investigates early productivity of morpheme use in Hungarian children aged between 2 ; 1 and 5 ; 3. Hungarian has a rich morphology which is the core marker of grammatical functions. A new method is introduced using the novel word paradigm in a sentence repetition task with masked inflections (i.e. a disguised elicited production task). Results suggest that Hungarian nominal and verbal suffixes can be used productively before the age of three. Children showed greater productivity with nominal than with verbal suffixes, and no productivity with novel suffixes; greater input variability facilitated productive use. These findings confirm that although morphological productivity is an early achievement, it is a gradual process influenced by several characteristics (e.g. syntactic category and variability) of the input. They also confirm that the new method is an effective way of testing morphological knowledge even at younger ages where other ways of eliciting grammatical knowledge often fail.
A Novel Algorithm for the Determination of Bacterial Cell Volumes That is Unbiased by Cell Morphology
Authors: Zeder M. , Kohler E. , Zeder L. , Pernthaler J.
Published: September 2011

The determination of cell volumes and biomass offers a means of comparing the standing stocks of auto- and heterotrophic microbes of vastly different sizes for applications including the assessment of the flux of organic carbon within aquatic ecosystems. Conclusions about the importance of particular genotypes within microbial communities (e.g., of filamentous bacteria) may strongly depend on whether their contribution to total abundance or to biomass is regarded. Fluorescence microscopy and image analysis are suitable tools for determining bacterial biomass that moreover hold the potential to replace labor-intensive manual measurements by fully automated approaches. However, the current approaches to calculate bacterial cell volumes from digital images are intrinsically biased by the models that are used to approximate the morphology of the cells. Therefore, we developed a generic contour based algorithm to reconstruct the volumes of prokaryotic cells from two-dimensional representations (i.e., microscopic images) irrespective of their shape. Geometric models of commonly encountered bacterial morphotypes were used to verify the algorithm and to compare its performance with previously described approaches. The algorithm is embedded in a freely available computer program that is able to process both raw (8-bit grayscale) and thresholded (binary) images in a fully automated manner.
Forming-free resistive switching behavior in Nd2O3, Dy2O3, and Er2O3 films fabricated in full room temperature
Authors: Pan Tung-Ming , Lu Chih-Hung
Published: September 2011

In this study, we reported the forming-free resistive switching behavior in the Ru/RE2O3/TaN (RE = Nd, Dy, and Er) memory devices using thin Nd2O3, Dy2O3, and Er2O3 films fabricated with full room temperature process. The dominant conduction mechanisms of the Ru/RE2O3/TaN devices in the low-resistance state and high-resistance state are Ohmic behavior. The Ru/Dy2O3/TaN memory device exhibited high resistance ratio, nondestructive readout, reliable data retention, and good endurance. Ru/Dy2O3/TaN memory device has a great potential for the application in nonvolatile resistive switching memory.
Cerebellar vermis is a target of projections from the motor areas in the cerebral cortex
Authors: Coffman Keith A. , Dum Richard P. , Strick Peter L.
Published: September 2011

The cerebellum has a medial, cortico-nuclear zone consisting of the cerebellar vermis and the fastigial nucleus. Functionally, this zone is concerned with whole-body posture and locomotion. The vermis classically is thought to be included within the “spinocerebellum” and to receive somatic sensory input from ascending spinal pathways. In contrast, the lateral zone of the cerebellum is included in the “cerebro-cerebellum” because it is densely interconnected with the cerebral cortex. Here we report the surprising result that a portion of the vermis receives dense input from the cerebral cortex. We injected rabies virus into lobules VB–VIIIB of the vermis and used retrograde transneuronal transport of the virus to define disynaptic inputs to it. We found that large numbers of neurons in the primary motor cortex and in several motor areas on the medial wall of the hemisphere project to the vermis. Thus, our results challenge the classical view of the vermis and indicate that it no longer should be considered as entirely isolated from the cerebral cortex. Instead, lobules VB–VIIIB represent a site where the cortical motor areas can influence descending control systems involved in the regulation of whole-body posture and locomotion. We argue that the projection from the cerebral cortex to the vermis is part of the neural substrate for anticipatory postural adjustments and speculate that dysfunction of this system may underlie some forms of dystonia.
Predictive model for sustaining biodiversity in tropical countryside
Authors: Mendenhall Chase D. , Sekercioglu Cagan H. , Brenes Federico Oviedo , Ehrlich Paul R. , Daily Gretchen C.
Published: September 2011

Growing demand for food, fuel, and fiber is driving the intensification and expansion of agricultural land through a corresponding displacement of native woodland, savanna, and shrubland. In the wake of this displacement, it is clear that farmland can support biodiversity through preservation of important ecosystem elements at a fine scale. However, how much biodiversity can be sustained and with what tradeoffs for production are open questions. Using a well-studied tropical ecosystem in Costa Rica, we develop an empirically based model for quantifying the “wildlife-friendliness” of farmland for native birds. Some 80% of the 166 mist-netted species depend on fine-scale countryside forest elements (≤60-m-wide clusters of trees, typically of variable length and width) that weave through farmland along hilltops, valleys, rivers, roads, and property borders. Our model predicts with ∼75% accuracy the bird community composition of any part of the landscape. We find conservation value in small (≤20 m wide) clusters of trees and somewhat larger (≤60 m wide) forest remnants to provide substantial support for biodiversity beyond the borders of tropical forest reserves. Within the study area, forest elements on farms nearly double the effective size of the local forest reserve, providing seminatural habitats for bird species typically associated with the forest. Our findings provide a basis for estimating and sustaining biodiversity in farming systems through managing fine-scale ecosystem elements and, more broadly, informing ecosystem service analyses, biodiversity action plans, and regional land use strategies.
Arf6 regulates AP-1B–dependent sorting in polarized epithelial cells
Authors: Shteyn Elina , Pigati Lucy , Fölsch Heike
Published: September 2011

The epithelial cell–specific clathrin adaptor complex AP-1B facilitates the sorting of various transmembrane proteins from recycling endosomes (REs) to the basolateral plasma membrane. Despite AP-1B’s clear importance in polarized epithelial cells, we still do not fully understand how AP-1B orchestrates basolateral targeting. Here we identify the ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6) as an important regulator of AP-1B. We show that activated Arf6 pulled down AP-1B in vitro. Furthermore, interfering with Arf6 function through overexpression of dominant-active Arf6Q67L or dominant-negative Arf6D125N, as well as depletion of Arf6 with short hairpin RNA (shRNA), led to apical missorting of AP-1B–dependent cargos. In agreement with these data, we found that Arf6 colocalized with AP-1B and transferrin receptor (TfnR) in REs. In addition, we observed specific recruitment of AP-1B into Arf6-induced membrane ruffles in nonpolarized cells. We conclude that activated Arf6 directs membrane recruitment of AP-1B, thus regulating AP-1B’s functions in polarized epithelial cells.
BCL6-mediated repression of p53 is critical for leukemia stem cell survival in chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Hurtz Christian , Hatzi Katerina , Cerchietti Leandro , Braig Melanie , Park Eugene , Kim Yong-mi , Herzog Sebastian , Ramezani-Rad Parham , Jumaa Hassan , Müller Martin C. , Hofmann Wolf-Karsten , Hochhaus Andreas , Ye B. Hilda , Agarwal Anupriya , Druker Brian J. , Shah Neil P. , Melnick Ari M. , Müschen Markus
Published: September 2011

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is induced by the oncogenic BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase and can be effectively treated for many years with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, unless CML patients receive life-long TKI treatment, leukemia will eventually recur; this is attributed to the failure of TKI treatment to eradicate leukemia-initiating cells (LICs). Recent work demonstrated that FoxO factors are critical for maintenance of CML-initiating cells; however, the mechanism of FoxO-dependent leukemia initiation remained elusive. Here, we identified the BCL6 protooncogene as a critical effector downstream of FoxO in self-renewal signaling of CML-initiating cells. BCL6 represses Arf and p53 in CML cells and is required for colony formation and initiation of leukemia. Importantly, peptide inhibition of BCL6 in human CML cells compromises colony formation and leukemia initiation in transplant recipients and selectively eradicates CD34+ CD38− LICs in patient-derived CML samples. These findings suggest that pharmacological inhibition of BCL6 may represent a novel strategy to eradicate LICs in CML. Clinical validation of this concept could limit the duration of TKI treatment in CML patients, which is currently life-long, and substantially decrease the risk of blast crisis transformation.
Development, specificity and sublethal effects of symbiont‐conferred resistance to parasitoids in aphids
Authors: Schmid Maike , Sieber Raphael , Zimmermann Yannick‐Serge , Vorburger Christoph
Published: September 2011

1. One of the most exciting recent discoveries in the field of ecological immunology has been that insects employ the help of heritable symbionts as a defence against parasitoids and pathogens. Aphids commonly harbour the facultative bacterial endosymbiont Hamiltonella defensa, which is known to increase their resistance to parasitoids. It is unknown how this resistance develops during the aphids’ ontogeny, following the transmission bottleneck between mother and offspring, and how specific symbiont‐conferred defences are.

2. We addressed these issues in the black bean aphid, Aphis fabae, by exposing aphids of different age classes to the parasitoid Lysiphlebus fabarum. The susceptibility of aphids that were either naturally or experimentally infected with H. defensa was compared with that of uninfected aphids.

3. Susceptibility to parasitoids decreased with aphid age, but aphids harbouring H. defensa showed an earlier and/or steeper decline to lower levels of susceptibility than aphids without this symbiont. This is consistent with the hypothesis that during aphid development, symbiont‐conferred resistance builds up with bacterial population growth, which we documented using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

4. Parasitoids that successfully overcame the symbiont‐conferred resistance still suffered from sublethal effects of H. defensa. They exhibited lower emergence, delayed development and reduced size compared with parasitoids developing in aphids without H. defensa.

5. The most striking result was a strong interaction on the rates of parasitism between aphid sublines infected with different isolates of H. defensa and the parasitoid lines they were exposed to, suggesting a high specificity of symbiont‐conferred resistance.

6. Based on these results, we conclude that when faced with hosts possessing H. defensa, aphid parasitoids are under selection to preferentially attack the youngest host stages and/or to discriminate against symbiont‐protected aphids. Furthermore, the specificity induced by H. defensa in the interaction between host and parasitoid is likely to have important consequences for co‐evolution. It may result in negative frequency‐dependent selection and thus promote genotypic variation.
Thermoluminescence and P700 redox kinetics as complementary tools to investigate the cyclic/chlororespiratory electron pathways in stress conditions in barley leaves
Authors: Peeva Violeta N. , Tóth Szilvia Z. , Cornic Gabriel , Ducruet Jean‐Marc
Published: September 2011

Cyclic electron flow around photosystem I drives additional proton pumping into the thylakoid lumen, which enhances the protective non‐photochemical quenching and increases ATP synthesis. It involves several pathways activated independently. In whole barley leaves, P700 oxidation under far‐red illumination and subsequent P700+ dark reduction kinetics provide a major probe of the activation of cyclic pathways. Two ‘intermediate’ and ‘slow’ exponential reduction phases are always observed and they become faster after high light illumination, but dark inactivation of the Benson–Calvin cycle causes the emergence of both a transient in the P700 oxidation and a ‘fast’ phase in the P700+ reduction. We investigate here the afterglow (AG) thermoluminescence emission as another tool to detect the activation of cyclic electron pathways from stroma reductants to the acceptor side of photosystem II. This transfer is activated by warming, yielding an AG band at about 45°C. However, treatments that accelerate the ‘intermediate’ and ‘slow’ P700+ reduction phases (brief anoxia, hexose infiltration, fast dehydration of excised leaves) also produced a downshift of this AG band. This pathway ascribable to NADPH dehydrogenase (NDH) would be triggered by a deficit in ATP, while the ‘fast’ reduction phase corresponding to the ferredoxin plastoquinone reductase pathway is triggered by an overreduction of the photosystem I acceptor pool and is undetected in thermoluminescence. Contrastingly, slow dehydration of unwatered plants did not cause faster reduction of P700+ nor temperature downshift of the AG band, that is no induction of the NDH pathway, whereas an increased intensity of the AG band indicated a strong NADPH + ATP assimilatory potential.
Gastrointestinal manifestations of leukemia
Authors: Ebert Ellen C , Hagspiel Klaus D
Published: September 2011

Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations of leukemia occur in up to 25% of patients at autopsy, generally during relapse. Its presence varies with the type of leukemia and has been decreasing over time due to improved chemotherapy. Gross leukemic lesions are most common in the stomach, ileum, and proximal colon. Leukemia in the esophagus and stomach includes hemorrhagic lesions from petechiae to ulcers, leukemic infiltrates, pseudomembranous esophagitis, and fungal esophagitis. Lesions in the small and large bowel are usually hemorrhagic or infiltrative. Infiltration of lymphoreticular organs, mainly spleen, liver, and lymph nodes, is more prominent in chronic than acute leukemia. Neutropenic enterocolitis, a necrotizing process involving the cecum, ascending colon, and terminal ileum, is increasing in incidence due to greater intensity of chemotherapy. Distension of bowel leads to mucosal breaches, permitting entry of organisms that grow profusely in the absence of neutrophils. Ischemic necrosis follows, leading to perforation and/or peritonitis. Patients present with fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension and tenderness. Ultrasound and computed tomography scans show thickening of the bowel wall. Treatment is supportive with surgery for necrosis and perforation. The main GI causes of death in leukemia are hemorrhage, infection, and necrotizing enterocolitis.
Changes in serum prolactin, sex hormones and thyroid function with alternate nightly nocturnal home haemodialysis
Authors: VAN EPS CAROLYN , HAWLEY CARMEL , JEFFRIES JANINE , JOHNSON DAVID W , CAMPBELL SCOTT , ISBEL NICOLE , MUDGE DAVID W , PRINS JOHANNES
Published: September 2011

Aim:  Uraemia is associated with hyperprolactinaemia, low total (TT) and free (FT) serum testosterone, high luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and, in women, anovulatory cycles and premature menopause. We hypothesize that extended hours haemodialysis may improve these derangements.

Methods:  This is an observational cohort study of 30 men (age 54 ± 13 years, body mass index (BMI) 28.1 ± 5.8 kg/m2) and seven women (age 41 ± 11 years, BMI 32.2 ± 11.2 kg/m2) established on chronic home haemodialysis (3–5 h, 3.5–5 sessions weekly) who were converted to nocturnal home haemodialysis (6–9 h, 3.5–5 sessions weekly). Serum was collected at baseline and 6 months for measurement of TT, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), LH, FSH, prolactin, thyroid‐stimulating hormone and thyroxine.

Results:  In the male patients (n = 25), serum prolactin significantly fell (281 (209.5–520) vs 243 (187–359) mU/L, P = 0.001) and TT (12.6 ± 5.8 vs 15.2 ± 8.1 nmol/L, P = 0.06) and FT (281 ± 118 vs 359 ± 221 pmol/L, P = 0.01) increased. SHBG, LH and FSH were unchanged. At 6 months, two of the three women under 40 years of age had return of regular menses after being amenorrhoeic or having prolonged and irregular menses at baseline. There were insufficient women in this study to further analyse changes in sex hormone levels. Thyroid function tests remained stable.

Conclusion:  Alternate nightly nocturnal haemodialysis significantly improves hyperprolactinaemia and hypotestosteronaemia in men. Menstrual cycling may be re‐established in young women. The effect of these changes on fertility has not been established. Patients should be counselled about the possibility of increased fertility before conversion to extended hours haemodialysis regimens.
Patient experience of hypoglycaemia unawareness in Type 1 diabetes: are patients appropriately concerned?
Authors: Rogers H. A. , de Zoysa N. , Amiel S. A.
Published: September 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 321–327 (2012)

Objective  Risk of severe hypoglycaemia is increased by absence of subjective awareness of hypoglycaemia and reduced by avoidance of minor hypoglycaemia. For many, problems persist despite educational strategies that work for others. We explored psychological factors that might inhibit the efforts of an individual in hypoglycaemia avoidance.

Methods  People with Type 1 diabetes and hypoglycaemia unawareness gave semi‐structured interviews exploring their perceptions and experiences of their condition. Identified factors were grouped into categories and analysed to establish links and form a grounded theory in a constant comparative analysis. A questionnaire was devised from the qualitative analysis to identify patients with problematic beliefs about their hypoglycaemia.

Results  Saturation (no new themes emerging) was reached with 17 patients. Responses fell into two groups: high concern and low concern regarding hypoglycaemia unawareness. Those in the first group described severe hypoglycaemia as aversive and wanted to regain awareness. The second group included three patients in whom unawareness was not associated with severe hypoglycaemia, nevertheless unhelpful attitudes which inhibited hypoglycaemia avoidance were expressed. Responses from this group fell into categories: (1) normalizing the presence of unawareness; (2) underestimating its consequences; (3) wanting to avoiding the ‘sick role’; and (4) overestimating the consequences of hyperglycaemia.

Conclusions  A qualitative analysis of patient interviews identified deficits in education, technology and motivation in hypoglycaemia unawareness. Interventions can therefore be tailored to target underlying problems that prevent individual patients from regaining awareness. A brief assessment tool was devised to categorize patients’ hypoglycaemia unawareness accordingly. Psychological interventions should be developed to address the problems of ‘low concern’ regarding hypoglycaemia unawareness.
Microstructure–Stiffness Relationships of Common Yew and Norway Spruce
Authors: Bader T. K. , Hofstetter K. , Eberhardsteiner J. , Keunecke D.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Yew (Taxus baccata L.) exhibits among conifers a unique macroscopic elastic behaviour. For example, it shows a comparatively low longitudinal elastic modulus related to its comparatively high density. We herein explore the microstructural origin of these peculiarities, aiming at the derivation of microstructure–stiffness relationships. We measure stiffness properties of yew at different hierarchical levels and compare them to corresponding stiffnesses of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karsten). Cell wall stiffness is investigated experimentally by means of nanoindentation in combination with microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. On the macroscopic level, we perform uniaxial tension and ultrasonic tests. Having at hand, together with previously reported stiffnesses, a consistent data set of mechanical, chemical and physical properties across hierarchical levels of wood, we discuss influences of microstructural characteristics at different scales of observation. Moreover, a micromechanical model is applied to predict trends of effects of the microstructure on the investigated stiffness properties. On the cell wall level, particularly, the amount of cellulose and its orientation – which was earlier reported to be distinctly different for yew and spruce – result in differences between the two considered species. On the macroscopic scale, model predicted effects of the annual ring structure on transverse stiffness and shear stiffness are found to be smaller than effects of the microfibril angle and mass density.
Antiplatelet and antithrombotic effect of F 16618, a new thrombin proteinase‐activated receptor‐1 (PAR1) antagonist
Authors: Dumas M , Nadal‐Wollbold F , Gaussem P , Perez M , Mirault T , Létienne R , Bourbon T , Grelac F , Le Grand B , Bachelot‐Loza C
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE New antithrombotic agents with the potential to prevent atherothrombotic complications are being developed to target receptors on platelets and other cells involved in plaque growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiplatelet effects of F 16618, a new non‐peptidic PAR1 (thrombin receptor) antagonist.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We investigated the inhibitory effect of F 16618 on human platelet aggregation ex vivo, in whole blood and washed platelets, by using a multiple‐electrode platelet aggregometer based on impedance and an optical aggregometer, respectively. Its effects on whole‐blood haemostasis (clot parameters) were analysed with the ROTEM thromboelastometry device and the platelet function analyser PFA‐100. A guinea‐pig model of arterial thrombosis was used to investigate its effects on thrombus formation in vivo.

KEY RESULTS F 16618 inhibited PAR1 agonist peptide (SFLLR‐peptide)‐induced washed platelet aggregation ex vivo. This effect was concentration‐dependent and exhibited a competitive inhibition profile. Washed platelet aggregation, as well as P‐selectin expression induced by thrombin, were significantly inhibited by 10 µM F 16618. In whole‐blood experiments, 20 µM F 16618 inhibited SFLLR‐induced platelet aggregation by 49%. In contrast, it had no effect on whole‐blood haemostasis. In the guinea‐pig model of carotid thrombosis, 0.32 mg·kg−1 F 16618 doubled the occlusion time.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS F 16618 was shown to have strong antithrombotic activity in vivo and moderate antiplatelet effects ex vivo. As these effects were not associated with major effects on physiological haemostasis, this molecule is a good antiplatelet drug candidate for use either alone or in combination with current treatments.
Veterans More Likely to Start Hemodialysis with an Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Parikh Dipen S. , Inrig Jula K. , Kipp Adam , Szczech Lynda A. , McClellan William , Patel Uptal D.
Published: September 2011

Hemodialysis via arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality when compared to alternative vascular accesses, yet few patients in the United States start dialysis with AVFs. Recent studies have demonstrated higher quality of care for many conditions in Veterans Affairs’ Medical Centers (VAMC); however, differences in quality of vascular access care are unknown. We used patient‐level data (6/05–5/06) from Medicare claims (n = 25,912) to compare the proportions of AVF among incident patients at VAMC‐affiliated (n = 20) and unaffiliated dialysis (n = 1631) facilities. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine whether associations of access type with facility type were independent. Compared to non‐VAMC patients, a larger proportion of VAMC patients started dialysis with AVFs (20.9% versus 11.6% in non‐VAMC patients; OR 1.99, [95% CI 1.55–2.56]). Although attenuated, this finding persisted in models adjusted for demographics (OR 1.65 [95% CI 1.28–2.13]) and demographics with comorbidities (OR 1.70 [95% CI 1.31–2.20]). However, after accounting for pre end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) care, similar proportions of VAMC and non‐VAMC patients started hemodialysis with an AVF (OR 1.28 [95% CI 0.98–1.66]). In conclusion, patients receiving care at VAMC‐associated facilities were more likely to start hemodialysis with AVFs, perhaps because of better pre‐ESRD care. Nonetheless, AVF rates remain suboptimal, indicating a need for ongoing vascular access evaluation and improvement.
PLASTICITY OF THE PSYCHROPHILIC GREEN ALGA CHLAMYDOMONAS RAUDENSIS (UWO 241) (CHLOROPHYTA) TO SUPRAOPTIMAL TEMPERATURE STRESS1
Authors: Possmayer Marc , Berardi Gino , Beall Benjamin F. N. , Trick Charles G. , Hüner Norman P. A. , Maxwell Denis P.
Published: September 2011

Chlamydomonas raudensis  H. Ettl (UWO 241) is a psychrophilic green alga endemic to Lake Bonney, Antarctica. The objective of this study was to investigate the response of UWO 241 to incubation at 24°C, a temperature close to optimum for related mesophilic species. Using chl a fluorescence analysis, shifting cells from a growth temperature of 10°C–24°C resulted in a decline in PSII photochemical efficiency with light energy being directed away from photochemistry and toward dissipative pathways. Using the SYTOX Green assay, it was determined that UWO 241 cells die when incubated at 24°C under growth irradiance with a half‐time of 34.9 h. The role of light in cell death was minor as cell death occurred in darkness at 24°C with a half‐time of 43.7 h. To examine the plasticity of UWO 241 to temperature stress, 10°C‐grown cells were shifted to 24°C for 12 h and then returned to 10°C to recover. The 12 h incubation at 24°C, which resulted in <10% cell death, led to declines in both light‐saturated rates of photosynthesis and respiration, PSII photochemistry and energy partitioning, and changes to transcript abundances—those associated with the light‐harvesting protein of PSII and ferredoxin declining rapidly, whereas transcripts of specific heat‐shock proteins (HSPs) increased. Within 24–48 h of being transferred back to 10°C, all parameters returned to levels occurring in 10°C‐grown cells. This research shows, for the first time, that 24°C is a temperature that is lethal to UWO 241, and yet this organism displays considerable physiological and molecular plasticity.
Housekeeping Gene Variability in the Liver of Alcoholic Patients
Authors: Boujedidi Hédia , Bouchet‐Delbos Laurence , Cassard‐Doulcier Anne‐Marie , Njiké‐Nakseu Micheline , Maitre Sophie , Prévot Sophie , Dagher Ibrahim , Agostini Hélène , Voican Cosmin S. , Emilie Dominique , Perlemuter Gabriel , Naveau Sylvie
Published: September 2011

Background:  Quantification of gene expression using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) requires normalization to an endogenous reference gene termed housekeeping gene (HKG). Many of the commonly used HKGs are regulated and vary under experimental conditions and disease stages. Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is associated with several different liver histological lesions that may modulate HKG expression. We investigated the variability of commonly used HGKs (18S, β‐actin, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate [GAPDH], and arginine/serine‐rich splicing factor [SFRS4]) in the liver of patients with ALD.

Methods:  Fifty consecutive patients at different stages of ALD underwent liver biopsy. The stability of HKG was assessed according to liver histological lesions.

Results:  β‐actin had the highest coefficient of dispersion (COD) (23.9). β‐actin tended to decrease with steatosis and to increase with alcoholic hepatitis; β‐actin also increased in patients with both alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis. GAPDH and SFRS4 COD were 2.8 and 2.1, respectively. GAPDH was decreased with steatosis and increased with alcoholic hepatitis and fibrosis. 18S had the lowest COD (1.4). Both 18S and SFRS4 levels were not significantly modified with respect to all alcohol‐induced liver histological lesions.

Conclusions:  In patients with ALD, the most constantly expressed HKGs are 18S and SFRS4. These genes are appropriate reference genes for normalization of RT‐qPCR in the liver of patients with ALD. The use of other HKGs such as β‐actin or GAPDH would lead to misinterpretation of the results.
Subsyndromal Delirium in Older Long‐Term Care Residents: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes
Authors: Cole Martin G. , McCusker Jane , Voyer Philippe , Monette Johanne , Champoux Nathalie , Ciampi Antonio , Vu Minh , Belzile Eric
Published: September 2011

Objectives

To determine the incidence of, risk factors for, and outcomes of subsyndromal delirium (SSD) in older long‐term care (LTC) residents and, secondarily, to explore the use of a more‐restrictive definition of SSD.

Design

Cohort study with repeated weekly assessments for up to 6 months.

Setting

Seven LTC facilities in Montreal and Quebec City, Canada.

Participants

One hundred four LTC residents aged 65 and older and free of delirium core symptoms at baseline.

Measurements

The Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), Delirium Index (DI), Hierarchic Dementia Scale (HDS), and Barthel Index (BI) were completed at baseline. The MMSE, CAM, and DI were repeated weekly for 6 months. SSD1 required one or more CAM core symptoms; SSD2, a more‐restrictive definition, required two or more CAM core symptoms. Outcomes at 6 months were decline on the MMSE, HDS, and BI; mortality; and a composite outcome.

Results

Sixty‐eight of 104 residents had SSD1. In survival analysis, the incidence was 5.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.1–6.7) per 100 person‐weeks of follow‐up. In multivariate analysis, risk factors were male sex and more‐severe cognitive impairment at baseline. The differences in outcomes between residents with and without SSD1 were small and not statistically significant. SSD2 had a lower incidence (1.3, 95% CI = 0.9–1.9), similar risk factors, and statistically significantly worse cognitive outcomes.

Conclusion

SSD2 appears to be a clinically important disorder in older LTC residents. Despite limited statistical power, these findings have potentially important implications for clinical practice and research in LTC settings.
Staging the Severity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Older Persons Based on Spirometric Z‐Scores
Authors: Vaz Fragoso Carlos A. , Concato John , McAvay Gail , Klar Yaggi H. , Van Ness Peter H. , Gill Thomas M.
Published: September 2011

Objectives

Among older persons, the use of spirometric Z‐scores as calculated by the Lambda‐Mu‐Sigma (LMS) method has a strong scientific rationale for establishing a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but its clinical validity in staging COPD severity is not yet known. The current study has therefore evaluated the association between LMS‐staged COPD and health outcomes, in two separate cohorts of older persons.

Design

Longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

The Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS, N = 3,248) and the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES‐III, N = 1,354).

Participants

Community‐living white participants aged 65 to 80.

Measurements

Using spirometric data, COPD was staged as mild, moderate, or severe based on LMS‐derived Z‐scores. Clinical validity was then evaluated according to all‐cause mortality, respiratory symptoms (chronic bronchitis, dyspnea, or wheezing), and moderate to severe dyspnea (available in CHS only).

Results

In CHS, the LMS staging of COPD as mild, moderate, and severe was associated with mortality (adjusted HR (aHR) = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15–1.94; aHR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.03–1.67; and aHR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.70–2.36, respectively) and with respiratory symptoms (adjusted OR (aOR)  = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.12–2.56; aOR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.28–2.73; and aOR = 3.99, 95% CI = 2.91–5.48, respectively). Also in CHS, moderate and severe, but not mild, LMS‐staged COPD was associated with moderate to severe dyspnea (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.24–3.75; aOR = 3.98, 95% CI = 2.77–5.74; and aOR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.35–2.01, respectively). Similar associations were found for mortality and respiratory symptoms in NHANES‐III, except mild severity was not associated with mortality (aHR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.62–1.40).

Conclusion

In white older persons, the spirometric staging of COPD severity based on LMS‐derived Z‐scores was associated with several clinically relevant health outcomes. These results support the use of the LMS method for staging the severity of COPD in older populations.
Differences in Mortality Associated with Dementia in U.S. Blacks and Whites
Authors: Gillum Richard F. , Obisesan Thomas O.
Published: September 2011

Objectives

To test the hypothesis that the geographic pattern of mortality with dementia coded on the death certificate varies according to race and that racial differences vary according to geography in the United States.

Design

Analysis of the U.S. multiple‐cause‐of‐death files for 1999 to 2004.

Setting

United States.

Participants

Decedents with dementia coded as underlying or contributing cause of death on the death certificate.

Measurements

Age‐adjusted death rates for U.S. Census geographic divisions for blacks and whites aged 65 and older.

Results

From 1999 to 2004, the U.S. age‐adjusted annual death rate per 100,000 for dementia was 628 in blacks and 647 in whites. The difference between rates in blacks and whites ranged from −130 deaths per 100,000 (−36%) in the Middle Atlantic region to +55 (+8%) in the South Atlantic division. Blacks had higher rates in three divisions and whites in five. In the Middle Atlantic and in the United States as a whole, blacks were relatively more likely to receive a diagnosis of unspecified dementia or senility (66%) than Alzheimer's disease (30%) than whites (58% and 41%, respectively).

Conclusion

Although overall rates were similar, geographic variation in racial differences in rates of death with dementia occurred between U.S. regions. Further research is needed to assess geographic and racial variation in artifacts of certification versus biological variation as possible causes of variation to enhance utility of mortality data for disease monitoring and health‐disparities research.
Incidental Extracardiac Findings in Cardiac Computed Tomography Performed before Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: MARTINS RAPHAËL PEDRO , MURESAN LUCIAN , SELLAL JEAN‐MARC , MANDRY DAMIEN , RÉGENT DENIS , JARMOUNI SOUMAYA , GROBEN LAURENT , ZINZIUS PIERRE‐YVES , SCHWARTZ JÉRÔME , BREMBILLA‐PERROT BÉATRICE , MAGNIN‐POUL ISABELLE , ANDRONACHE MARIUS , ALIOT ETIENNE , DE CHILLOU CHRISTIAN
Published: September 2011

Background:
 Radiofrequency ablation has became a validated therapeutic technique for symptomatic drug refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is used to evaluate left atrial (LA) anatomy in order to improve AF ablation. The analysis of noncardiac structures during cardiac CT may identify clinically significant incidental findings (IFs). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of IF in patients undergoing AF catheter ablation.

Methods:
 Between February 2008 and March 2010, all patients planned for a first procedure of AF or LA tachycardia (LAT) ablation underwent a cardiac CT scan and were retrospectively included in this study. Extracardiac IFs were considered to be present if an abnormality was identified without previous clinical suspicion or known disease.

Results:
 Two hundred and fifty patients (55.2 ± 9.6 years of age, 82.4% men) were enrolled (133 paroxysmal, 43 persistent, 58 permanent AF, and 16 LAT). Fifty‐eight patients (23.2%) had a total of 76 IFs. Patients with IF were significantly older (59.5 ± 8.2 vs 53.8 ± 9.7 years old, P < 0.001). No relationship existed between the type of arrhythmia and IF existence. The majority of IFs were pulmonary (50%), with 15.8% of pulmonary emphysema. Two cases of lung cancer and of pulmonary fibrosis, 15 mediastinal adenopathies, and three congenital coronary arteries anomalies were found.

Conclusions:
 Cardiac CT scan is a useful tool to evaluate LA morphology before AF ablation. However, as a considerable prevalence of IF was found in our study, extracardiac structures should be routinely analyzed to detect unknown conditions, which could require specific management. (PACE 2011; 34:1665–1670)
CD8 T cells and E‐cadherin in host responses against oropharyngeal candidiasis
Authors: Quimby K , Lilly EA , Zacharek M , McNulty K , Leigh JE , Vazquez JE , Fidel Jr PL
Published: September 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 153–161

Background:  Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) is the most common oral infection in HIV+ persons. Previous studies suggest a role for CD8+ T cells against OPC when CD4+ T cells are lost, but enhanced susceptibility to infection occurs when CD8+ T‐cell migration is inhibited by reduced tissue E‐cadherin.

Objective:  To conduct a longitudinal study of tissue CD8+ T‐cells and E‐cadherin expression before, during, and after the episodes of OPC.

Methods:  Oral fungal burden was monitored and tissue was evaluated for CD8+ T cells and E‐cadherin over a 1‐year period in HIV+ persons with a history of, or an acute episode of, OPC.

Results:  While longitudinal analyses precluded formal interpretations, point prevalence analyses of the data set revealed that when patients experiencing OPC were successfully treated, tissue E‐cadherin expression was similar to that in patients who had not experienced OPC, and higher numbers of CD8+ T cells were distributed throughout OPC− tissue under normal expression of E‐cadherin.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that (1) reduction in tissue E‐cadherin expression in patients with OPC+ is not permanent, and (2) high numbers of CD8+ T cells can be distributed throughout OPC− tissue under normal E‐cadherin expression. Together, these results extend our previous studies and continue to support a role for CD8+ T cells in host defense against OPC.
Differences in mRNA expression of calpains, calpastatin isoforms and calpain/calpastatin ratios among bovine skeletal muscles
Authors: MUROYA Susumu , NEATH Kate E. , NAKAJIMA Ikuyo , OE Mika , SHIBATA Masahiro , OJIMA Koichi , CHIKUNI Koichi
Published: September 2011

Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of calpain‐1 (µ‐calpain), ‐2 (m‐calpain), ‐3 (p94), small subunit (calpain‐4; 28 kDa), and three types of calpastatin (CSTN) isoform were investigated for 10 skeletal muscles of Holstein cattle by real‐time and/or semi‐quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Noticeably, effect of muscle type was observed on 28 kDa expression (P < 0.001) with a tendency of higher 28 kDa expression in myosin heavy chain (MyHC)‐2x‐rich muscles compared to MyHC‐slow‐rich muscles. The CSTN‐I and –III expression in Longissimus thoracis (LT) showed the lowest value among the muscles tested. Moreover, 28 kDa/CSTN‐I ratio was higher in the diaphragm (DP), psoas major (PM), and LT than those in the lingual muscles (TN), masseter (MS) and pectoralis (PP) (P < 0.05). Calpain‐1/CSTN I, calpain‐2/CSTN I in LT and PM were higher than that in TN (P < 0.05). Calpain‐3/CSTN‐I and ‐III in LT and/or PM showed higher values than that in TN (P < 0.05). These results indicated that the calpain and CSTN expressions are regulated by muscle type, suggesting especially by muscle fiber type. Calpains/CSTN‐I ratios, especially 28 kDa/CSTN‐I, may account for higher extent of post mortem proteolysis previously observed in LT and PM muscles.
Relationship between Braden scale score and pressure ulcer development in patients admitted in trauma intensive care unit
Authors: Iranmanesh Sedigheh , Rafiei Hossein , Sabzevari Sakineh
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the scores of Braden scale and pressure ulcer development among critically ill patients. All patients who admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) in 3 months (during July–October 2010) were surveyed with Braden scale. Patients who gained higher score of Braden scale were at lower risk for pressure ulcer development compared with the other patients. Braden scale is a useful tool for predicting pressure ulcer development in trauma ICU patients. Also, factors such as age and level of consciousness may influence pressure ulcer development.
New insights on the bursting formation of star clusters in the Large Magellanic Cloud
Authors: Piatti Andrés E.
Published: September 2011

We present the results on the age estimates of 36 Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) clusters obtained for the first time from CCD Washington CT1T2 photometry. By using the (T1, C−T1) and (T1, T1−T2) diagrams, we estimated ages for the cluster sample using the δT1 index. We confirm that the studied cluster sample belong to the ∼2 Gyr bursting formation epoch of the LMC. Furthermore, when rebuiling the cluster age distribution – taken into account the estimated age errors – we found that the number of clusters with ages between 1 and 3 Gyr now doubles that of the known bursting cluster population, which suggests that the tidal interaction between both Magellanic Clouds and, perhaps, also the Milky Way, was more stronger than expected.