bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-time Quadrifocal Visual Odometry
Authors: Comport A.I. , Malis E. , Rives P.
Published: January 2010

In this paper we describe a new image-based approach to tracking the six-degree-of-freedom trajectory of a stereo camera pair. The proposed technique estimates the pose and subsequently the dense pixel matching between temporal image pairs in a sequence by performing dense spatial matching between images of a stereo reference pair. In this way a minimization approach is employed which directly uses all grayscale information available within the stereo pair (or stereo region) leading to very robust and precise results. Metric 3D structure constraints are imposed by consistently warping corresponding stereo images to generate novel viewpoints at each stereo acquisition. An iterative non-linear trajectory estimation approach is formulated based on a quadrifocal relationship between the image intensities within adjacent views of the stereo pair. A robust M-estimation technique is used to reject outliers corresponding to moving objects within the scene or other outliers such as occlusions and illumination changes. The technique is applied to recovering the trajectory of a moving vehicle in long and difficult sequences of images.
Modeling and Calibration of Inertial and Vision Sensors
Authors: Hol Jeroen D. , Schön Thomas B. , Gustafsson Fredrik
Published: January 2010

This paper is concerned with the problem of estimating the relative translation and orientation of an inertial measurement unit and a camera, which are rigidly connected. The key is to realize that this problem is in fact an instance of a standard problem within the area of system identification, referred to as a gray-box problem. We propose a new algorithm for estimating the relative translation and orientation, which does not require any additional hardware, except a piece of paper with a checkerboard pattern on it. The method is based on a physical model which can also be used in solving, for example, sensor fusion problems. The experimental results show that the method works well in practice, both for perspective and spherical cameras.
Factors Involved in the Development of Osteoarthritis after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery
Authors: Keays Susan L. , Newcombe Peter A. , Bullock-Saxton Joanne E. , Bullock Margaret I. , Keays Anthony C.
Published: January 2010

Background

The incidence of osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is disturbingly high, with reports of nearly 50% of patients developing mild to moderate osteoarthritis 6 years after surgery. Few studies have assessed the factors involved in the development of osteoarthritis.

Hypothesis: The following 10 factors will be found to be predictive of osteoarthritis

meniscectomy, chondral damage, patellar tendon grafting, age at surgery, time delay between injury and surgery, type and intensity of postsurgery sport, quadriceps strength, hamstring strength, quadriceps-to-hamstring strength ratio, and residual joint laxity.

Study Design

Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 1.

Methods

Fifty-six subjects with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were followed for 6 years after surgery. Assessment included KT-1000 arthrometer testing, isokinetic strength testing, a return-to-sport questionnaire, and a radiograph assessment. A discriminant analysis was performed to assess which of the 10 factors could discriminate between those patients who developed tibiofemoral and patellofemoral osteoarthritis and those who did not.

Results

Five factors were found to be predictive of tibiofemoral osteoarthritis. Meniscectomy (r = .72) and chondral damage (r = .41) were the strongest discriminators, followed by patellar tendon grafting (r = .37) (χ2 [7, n = 56] = 25.48; P = .001). Weak quadriceps (r = .39) and low quadriceps-to-hamstring strength ratios (r = .6) were very close discriminators (χ2 [8, n = 42] = 15.02; P = .059). For patellofemoral osteoarthritis, meniscectomy (r = .45), chondral damage (r = .75), and age at surgery (r = .65) were predictors or close predictors (χ2 [7, n = 54] = 13.30; P = .065).

Conclusion

As not all 10 factors studied were predictive of osteoarthritis, the hypothesis was only partially proven. Preventing further meniscal and chondral damage in patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency is critical. Grafting using the hamstring tendons and restoration of quadriceps-to-hamstring strength balance are associated with less osteoarthritis.
PASS Processes and Early Mathematics Skills in Dutch and Italian Kindergarteners
Authors: Kroesbergen Evelyn H. , Van Luit Johannes E. H. , Naglieri Jack A. , Taddei Stefano , Franchi Elena
Published: January 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between early mathematical skills and cognitive processing abilities for two samples of children in Italy ( N = 40) and the Netherlands ( N = 59) who completed both a cognitive test that measures Planning, Attention, Simultaneous, and Successive (PASS) processing and an early mathematical skills test. Correlations between the PASS processes as measured by the Cognitive Assessment System and math tasks showed that Planning and Simultaneous processing were most related to early math skills. Simultaneous processing was most related to the Piagetian tasks and Planning to the counting tasks. Although some differences were found between the Italian and Dutch group on their scores on both tests, the relations between PASS processes and early math skills were comparable for both groups. The results may have implications for early identification of math learning difficulties.
Lethal complications after poisoning with chloroform — case report and literature review
Authors: Lionte Cătălina
Published: January 2010

Chloroform is a potent central nervous system and respiratory depressant. The toxicities associated with chloroform frequently occur after inhalation. Hepatotoxicity is secondary to production of a toxic metabolite, with a peak elevation of liver enzymes 72 hours after exposure. Acute liver failure after chloroform inhalation is rarely described, this syndrome being produced mainly by viral hepatitis, idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury, and acetaminophen ingestion. This report describes the case of a 46-year-old woman who presented to emergency department with coma, signs of respiratory failure, and solvent odor of her breath after chloroform inhalation and binge drinking. In evolution appeared lethal acute liver failure and rhabdomyolysis, despite maximum supportive care. Necroptic examination revealed microvesicular steatosis and tubular renal necrosis, specific for chloroform toxicity. This case illustrates the dramatic impact on liver of two well-recognized hepatotoxins. Mechanisms of chloroform and alcohol-induced liver toxicity are reviewed.
Effects of Cecropia pachystachya and Larrea divaricata aqueous extracts in mice
Authors: Bigliani MC , Grondona E. , Zunino PM , Ponce AA
Published: January 2010

Our studies were performed to investigate the effects of the aqueous extracts of Cecropia pachystachya and Larrea divaricata. These plants are used in folkloric medicine in infusion and were administered orally (0.76 g/kg) to male Albino Swiss mice for 16 days, on drink intake, organ weight/body weight (OW/BW × 100) ratio, histology, broqueoalveolar fluid (BALF) and elevated plus-maze (EPM). Feeding as well as body weight were unaffected by the consumption of these extracts. There were no signs of toxicity in BALF, morbidity or mortality during the study. C. pachystachya caused an increase in relative kidney OW/BW (p ≤ .05 vs control). The macroscopic and microscopic morphologic analyses of the organs were not altered by administration of these plants. A non-anxiolytic-like activity of an aqueous extract prepared from the leaves of C. pachystachya and L. divaricata in EPM was observed. We conclude that the crude aqueous extracts of leaves tested on mice orally did not produce signs of toxicity or behavioral changes in routine histological and clinical evaluation. However, knowledge of the biological activity of many herbal medicine used in Latin American is still deficient and more studies will be needed to elucidate the possible toxic effects.
Data Display Preference, Acceptability, and Accuracy Among Urban Head Start Teachers
Authors: Hojnoski Robin L. , Caskie Grace I. L. , Gischlar Karen L. , Key Jennifer M. , Barry Amberly , Hughes Cheyenne L.
Published: January 2010

The ability to collect, organize graphically, understand, interpret, and use data to make decisions is becoming more central to the role of early childhood practitioners. One consideration in practitioner use of data is the acceptability of the method of data display. The purpose of this study was to explore Head Start teachers’ preference for and acceptability of four methods of data display. In addition, the authors examined teacher accuracy in using various methods of data display and the relation between acceptability and accuracy. Finally, the authors included teacher educational level to examine its relationship to preference, acceptability, and accuracy. In general, results from the sample of teachers ( N = 172) indicate that they had distinct preferences for specific types of data display and that acceptability varied for different methods of display. Furthermore, accuracy of use varied by method of data display, but acceptability did not appear to influence accuracy. Teacher educational level was not statistically related to teacher preference, acceptability, or accuracy. The authors discuss results in the context of the increasing use of graphic displays in early childhood contexts and associated practical implications.
What We Talk About When We Talk About Buying Sex
Authors: Niemi Johanna
Published: January 2010

This article explores the discourse on prostitution, trafficking, and buying sex. Buying sex or the purchase of sexual services, as the law says, has been a criminal act in Sweden since 1999. In the summer of 2006 Finland followed the lead, making it a crime to purchase sex from a person who has been subjected to trafficking or procuring. These reforms give a signal that the customers are responsible for increasing the international sex trade, but as the author argues, the commercial language used by the law makers may be a double-edged sword.
“He Messed Me Up”: Swedish Adolescent Girls’ Experiences of Gender-Related Partner Violence and Its Consequences Over Time
Authors: Wiklund Maria , Malmgren-Olsson Eva-Britt , Bengs Carita , Öhman Ann
Published: January 2010

This article illuminates two Swedish adolescent girls’ experiences of living in a violent relationship as teenagers and how this has affected their lives and health over time. Interviews were conducted in a youth health center. A combination of qualitative content analysis and narrative analysis describes violation, stress, trauma, coping, and agency during the period of adolescence and transition into adulthood. Despite Swedish progressive public policies on men’s violence against women, teenage girls are exposed to male partners’ violation, a severe gendered stressor. There is a need for the development of health policy and gender-responsive interventions geared specifically toward adolescent girls.
Effect of Incorporation of Various Food By-products on Some Nutritional Properties of Rice-based Extruded Foods
Authors: Yağcı S. , Göğüş F.
Published: January 2010

Various food by-products were incorporated into rice grits and submitted to extrusion cooking to produce fortified extruded food products. The blends of various formulations of durum clear flour (8—20%), partially defatted hazelnut flour (PDHF) (5—15%), fruit waste blend (3—7%) and rice grits were extruded using single screw extruder. Response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effects of process variables, namely the feed moisture content (12—18%), barrel temperature (150—175 °C) and screw speed (200—280 rpm), and change in feed composition on total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, percent starch gelatinization and starch digestibility of the extrudates. Extrusion cooking process significantly increased the level of phenolic compounds and starch digestibility of extruded products. Increasing PDHF and fruit waste content caused increase in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the extruded samples, whereas percent starch gelatinization and digestibility values decreased. Moisture content and temperature significantly influenced the total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, percent starch gelatinization and starch digestibility values. In extruded samples, positive correlations were determined between antioxidant activity and total phenolic matter and percent starch gelatinization and the starch digestibility values, respectively.
Enhancing the ability to think strategically: A learning model
Authors: Casey Andrea J. , Goldman Ellen F.
Published: January 2010

The ability to think strategically is critical for managers at multiple organizational levels, yet we know little about how this ability develops in individuals. Drawing on literature in strategy, cognitive science and adult learning, we propose a model of learning to think strategically that follows the ‘learning school’ of strategy making (Mintzberg et al., 1998). The model depicts a dynamic, interactive, and iterative experiential learning process. It identifies individual factors, work experiences and organizational factors that contribute knowledge and act together to develop the ability to think strategically. Areas for research are suggested to better understand the learning process.
Marking the 50th anniversary of the Platt Report: from exclusion, to toleration and parental participation in the care of the hospitalized child
Authors: Davies Ruth
Published: January 2010

This paper commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Platt Report in the United Kingdom and traces the history of parental hospital visiting in relation to its recommendation that, ‘Parents should be allowed to visit whenever they can, and to help as much as possible with the care of the child’ (Ministry of Health, 1959: 38). It tracks how this goal was achieved and identifies how parents moved from being excluded towards being tolerated and finally accepted as participants in their child’s care. This is set against a backdrop of changes in society, systems of healthcare and nurse education as well as trends in the care of the hospitalized children from national and international perspectives. It concludes that if we are to meet the needs of hospitalized children in the 21st century, the focus of research must now shift towards seeking their perspectives on care.
Living in the control society
Authors: Best Kirsty
Published: January 2010

• Despite growing political and academic interest in increases in surveillance brought about by digital technology, users of these technologies themselves appear to remain relatively unconcerned with surveillance, accepting the trade-off of greater usability for decreased control. This article interrogates the contradiction between people’s professed opinions and their actual behaviours, and the contradiction between public and academic discourse and people’s everyday disregard. It does so by comparing a theoretical model currently in common use for analysing surveillance, focused around a Deleuzian conception of ‘control society’, with users’ own perceptions about the relative harm of surveillance, using data drawn from a qualitative study. In this enterprise, the study seeks to advance David Lyon’s call to understand whether and how users actually consent to surveillance in their everyday lives. The study finds two main points of difference and one point of commonality between control society analyses of surveillance and users’ own perceptions and experiences of being surveilled. Whereas a control society analysis points to the increasingly simulated quality of much of the data being generated about ‘dividuals’, users themselves hold onto notions about the truth and reliability of that information. Whereas a control society analysis conceptualizes surveillance in terms of postmodern forms of control which are dispersed, slippery and leak into everyday practice, users profess an ability to target surveillance attempts within specific spaces and attached to particular information domains. Control society analyses and user experiences of surveillance do converge, however, around the third tenet emerging from this scholarship: the notion of participatory surveillance, and how consent is currently operationalized. •
‘It’s disgusting how much salt you eat!’
Authors: Inthorn Sanna , Boyce Tammy
Published: January 2010

The increasing rate of obesity is regarded by most Western societies as a serious public health problem. As the incidence of obesity has risen, so too has media attention. This study analyses 28 primetime programmes solely dedicated to obesity, broadcast on BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4 and Five between January and July 2007, and UK government press releases issued in the same period. In the context of debates about obesity and public health, media and government discourse in the UK sustain each other. Health policy in the UK increasingly favours a participative model of health and obesity programmes regard the individual as solely responsible for solving their own obesity. British government policy encourages the public to become knowledgeable about their health and take control of their weight; however the information found in primetime television is unhelpful in improving levels of knowledge. Discourses of health and morality converge, and television uses shame, not knowledge, to encourage people to take action.
Retaliate first: Memory, humiliation and male violence
Authors: Winlow Simon , Hall Steve
Published: January 2010

This article explores the ways in which memory and humiliation can shape the social engagement of persistently violent men. Drawing upon field data from two of our previous ethnographic studies conducted in the North East of England, we hope to make a few basic points about the importance of emotion and memory as constitutive and dynamic components in the core of identity. Focusing on the emotional ‘feelings’ of humiliation and regret, we will outline how violent incidents or verbal challenges from earlier stages of the individual’s life-course can be drawn upon, both directly and indirectly, as motivational and justificatory instruments in potentially violent interactions in the here and now. The intention is to propose what might be important psychosocial elements of Bourdieu’s concept of habitus and how an exposition of these elements might further our understanding of subjective violence.
Bisphosphonates in the management of idiopathic hypercalciuria associated with osteoporosis: a new trick from an old drug
Authors: Bianchi Gerolamo , Giusti Andrea , Pioli Giulio , Barone Antonella , Palummeri Ernesto , Girasole Giuseppe
Published: January 2010

Idiopathic hypercalciuria (IHC) is defined as a 24-hour urinary calcium excretion that exceeds 4 mg/kg/day, regardless of gender and in absence of systemic diseases or pharmacological treatments that may cause normocalcemic hypercalciuria (eg sarcoidosis, normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D intoxication, hyperthyroidism). Patients with IHC and nephrolithiasis often present increased bone turnover, decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and increased susceptibility to fragility fractures. Although the pathogenesis of IHC seems complex and multifactorial, recent evidences suggest that cells involved in bone resorption may play a critical role in the chain of events leading to the excessive urinary calcium excretion. Therefore, it has been proposed that bisphosphonates, potent inhibitors of bone resorption, may have beneficial effects in hypercalciuric patients with low BMD. This manuscript reports recent findings regarding the role of bone tissue in the pathogenesis of IHC, and supports the use of bisphosphonates in such conditions. It also reviews the literature on the effects of bisphosphonates in subjects with osteoporosis-associated IHC.
Residual γH2AX foci as an indication of lethal DNA lesions
Authors: Banáth Judit P , Klokov Dmitry , MacPhail Susan H , Banuelos C Adriana , Olive Peggy L
Published: January 2010

Background

Evidence suggests that tumor cells exposed to some DNA damaging agents are more likely to die if they retain microscopically visible γH2AX foci that are known to mark sites of double-strand breaks. This appears to be true even after exposure to the alkylating agent MNNG that does not cause direct double-strand breaks but does produce γH2AX foci when damaged DNA undergoes replication.

Methods

To examine this predictive ability further, SiHa human cervical carcinoma cells were exposed to 8 DNA damaging drugs (camptothecin, cisplatin, doxorubicin, etoposide, hydrogen peroxide, MNNG, temozolomide, and tirapazamine) and the fraction of cells that retained γH2AX foci 24 hours after a 30 or 60 min treatment was compared with the fraction of cells that lost clonogenicity. To determine if cells with residual repair foci are the cells that die, SiHa cervical cancer cells were stably transfected with a RAD51-GFP construct and live cell analysis was used to follow the fate of irradiated cells with RAD51-GFP foci.

Results

For all drugs regardless of their mechanism of interaction with DNA, close to a 1:1 correlation was observed between clonogenic surviving fraction and the fraction of cells that retained γH2AX foci 24 hours after treatment. Initial studies established that the fraction of cells that retained RAD51 foci after irradiation was similar to the fraction of cells that retained γH2AX foci and subsequently lost clonogenicity. Tracking individual irradiated live cells confirmed that SiHa cells with RAD51-GFP foci 24 hours after irradiation were more likely to die.

Conclusion

Retention of DNA damage-induced γH2AX foci appears to be indicative of lethal DNA damage so that it may be possible to predict tumor cell killing by a wide variety of DNA damaging agents simply by scoring the fraction of cells that retain γH2AX foci.
Breathlessness is associated with urinary incontinence in men: A community-based study
Authors: Hirayama Fumi , Lee Andy H , Hiramatsu Tetsuo , Tanikawa Yoshimasa
Published: January 2010

Background

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a distressing problem for older people. To investigate the relationship between UI and respiratory symptoms among middle-aged and older men, a community-based study was conducted in Japan.

Methods

A convenience sample of 668 community-dwelling men aged 40 years or above was recruited from middle and southern Japan. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, the Medical Research Council's dyspnoea scale and the Australian Lung Foundation's Feeling Short of Breath scale, were administered by face-to-face interviews to ascertain their UI status and respiratory symptoms.

Results

The overall prevalence of UI was 7.6%, with urge-type leakage (59%) being most common among the 51 incontinent men. The presence of respiratory symptoms was significantly higher among incontinent men than those without the condition, especially for breathlessness (45% versus 30%,p= 0.025). The odds of UI for breathlessness was 2.11 (95% confidence interval 1.10-4.06) after accounting for age, body mass index, smoking and alcohol drinking status of each individual.

Conclusions

The findings suggested a significant association between UI and breathlessness in middle-aged and older men.
Attraction of Anopheles gambiae to odour baits augmented with heat and moisture
Authors: Olanga Evelyn A , Okal Michael N , Mbadi Phoebe A , Kokwaro Elizabeth D , Mukabana Wolfgang R
Published: January 2010

Background

The search for a standard human surrogate in the form of a synthetic mosquito attractant has been the goal of many laboratories around the world. Besides alleviating the occupational risk subjected to volunteers participating in vector surveillance and control, discovery of potent attractants underpins the development and deployment of mass trapping devices for controlling mosquito-borne diseases.

Methods

A dual-port olfactometer was used to assess behavioural responses of femaleAnopheles gambiaemosquitoes towards synthetic versus natural (whole human emanations and worn socks) attractants. The synthetic attractants included a standard blend consisting of ammonia, carbon dioxide and water; and Ifakara blend 1 (IB1) consisting of various aliphatic carboxylic acids. Natural attractants were obtained from two males known to be less and highly attractive (LA and HA, respectively) to the mosquitoes. Mosquito responses to the volunteers' worn socks were also investigated. The effect of heat (25-27°C) and moisture (75-85%) on the mosquito behavioural responses was determined.

Results

A significantly higher proportion of mosquitoes was attracted to each volunteer when compared to the standard blend. Whereas the proportion of mosquitoes attracted to person LA versus IB1 (49% versus 51%, respectively; P = 0.417) or his worn socks did not differ (61% versus 39%, respectively; P = 0.163), far more mosquitoes were attracted to person HA relative to IB1 (96% versus 4%; P = 0.001) or his worn socks (91% versus 9%; P = 0.001). Person HA attracted a significantly higher proportion of mosquitoes than his worn socks, the standard blend and IB1 when these were augmented with heat, moisture or both (P = 0.001). Similar results were obtained with person LA except that the proportion of mosquitoes attracted to him versus his worn sock augmented with heat (P = 0.65) or IB1 augmented with heat and moisture (P = 0.416) did not differ significantly.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that olfactory cues are key mediators of the mosquito host-seeking process and that heat and moisture play a minor role. The need for a standard, highly stringent positive control for screening synthetic attractants is strongly highlighted.
Carnosine retards tumor growth in vivo in an NIH3T3-HER2/neu mouse model
Authors: Renner Christof , Zemitzsch Nadine , Fuchs Beate , Geiger Kathrin D , Hermes Matthias , Hengstler Jan , Gebhardt Rolf , Meixensberger Jürgen , Gaunitz Frank
Published: January 2010

Background

It was previously demonstrated that the dipeptide carnosine inhibits growth of cultured cells isolated from patients with malignant glioma. In the present work we investigated whether carnosine also affects tumor growth in vivo and may therefore be considered for human cancer therapy.

Results

A mouse model was used to investigate whether tumor growth in vivo can be inhibited by carnosine. Therefore, NIH3T3 fibroblasts, conditionally expressing the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu), were implanted into the dorsal skin of nude mice, and tumor growth in treated animals was compared to control mice. In two independent experiments nude mice that received tumor cells received a daily intra peritoneal injection of 500 μl of 1 M carnosine solution. Measurable tumors were detected 12 days after injection. Aggressive tumor growth in control animals, that received a daily intra peritoneal injection of NaCl solution started at day 16 whereas aggressive growth in mice treated with carnosine was delayed, starting around day 19. A significant effect of carnosine on tumor growth was observed up to day 24. Although carnosine was not able to completely prevent tumor growth, a microscopic examination of tumors revealed that those from carnosine treated animals had a significant lower number of mitosis (p < 0.0003) than untreated animals, confirming that carnosine affects proliferation in vivo.

Conclusion

As a naturally occurring substance with a high potential to inhibit growth of malignant cells in vivo, carnosine should be considered as a potential anti-cancer drug. Further experiments should be performed in order to understand how carnosine acts at the molecular level.
Diachronic trends of employment outcome of prevocational training in psychiatric rehabilitation
Authors: Gournellis Rossetos J , Triantafillou Eugenia S , Madianos Michael G , Tsinia Niki N , Ploumpidis Dimitris N , Tomaras Vlassis D
Published: January 2010

Background

Although many rehabilitation programmes of prevocational training for chronic mentally ill persons living in the community have been funded, there is scarce literature about the diachronic trends of their long-term employment outcome. Thus the aim of the present study was to compare the 2-year employment outcome of three groups of chronic psychiatric outpatients, having attended similar prevocational rehabilitation programmes in different periods of time.

Methods

The first group (1984 to 1986) comprised 67 rehabilitees, the second (1988 to 1989) 53 rehabilitees and the third (2000 to 2001) 56 rehabilitees. The three groups were compared with regard to employment follow-up achievements and hospitalisation rates assessed at the end of the 2-year follow-up period by a constructed overall index, encompassing employment qualitative and quantitative characteristics.

Results

The third group compared to the first and second ones presented a worse employment outcome. No differences were found among the three groups with regard to hospitalisation rates.

Conclusions

There has been a decline in the employment outcome of prevocational training during the current decade. This decline can be attributed to contextual adverse factors such as unemployment, a more demanding labour market and disability allowances offered by the state (the 'benefit trap'). Moreover, the training itself may be 'old-fashioned' enough, thus providing the trainees with inadequate skills to obtain and maintain a competitive job.
Complications related to deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in trauma: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Datta Indraneel , Ball Chad G , Rudmik Lucas , Hameed S Morad , Kortbeek John B
Published: January 2010

Deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis is essential to the appropriate management of multisystem trauma patients. Without thromboprophylaxis, the rate of venous thrombosis and subsequent pulmonary embolism is substantial. Three prophylactic modalities are common: pharmacologic anticoagulation, mechanical compression devices, and inferior vena cava filtration. A systematic review was completed using PRISMA guidelines to evaluate the potential complications of DVT prophylactic options. Level one evidence currently supports the use of low molecular weight heparins for thromboprophylaxis in the trauma patient. Unfortunately, multiple techniques are not infrequently required for complex multisystem trauma patients. Each modality has potential complications. The risks of heparin include bleeding and heparin induced thrombocytopenia. Mechanical compression devices can result in local soft tissue injury, bleeding and patient non-compliance. Inferior vena cava filters migrate, cause inferior vena cava occlusion, and penetrate the vessel wall. While the use of these techniques can be life saving, they must be appropriately utilized.
Non‐ medical prescribing in Australasia and the UK: the case of podiatry
Authors: Borthwick Alan M , Short Anthony J , Nancarrow Susan A , Boyce Rosalie
Published: January 2010

Background

The last decade has witnessed a rapid transformation in the role boundaries of the allied health professions, enabled through the creation of new roles and the expansion of existing, traditional roles. A strategy of health care ‘modernisation’ has encompassed calls for the redrawing of professional boundaries and identities, linked with demands for greater workforce flexibility. Several tasks and roles previously within the exclusive domain of medicine have been delegated to, or assumed by, allied health professionals, as the workforce is reshaped to meet the challenges posed by changing demographic, social and political contexts. The prescribing of medicines by non‐medically qualified healthcare professionals, and in particular the podiatry profession, reflects these changes.

Methods

Using a range of key primary documentary sources derived from published material in the public domain and unpublished material in private possession, this paper traces the development of contemporary UK and Australasian podiatric prescribing, access, supply and administration of medicines. Documentary sources include material from legislative, health policy, regulatory and professional bodies (including both State and Federal sources in Australia).

Results

Tracing a chronological, comparative, socio‐historical account of the emergence and development of ‘prescribing’ in podiatry in both Australasia and the UK enables an analysis of the impact of health policy reforms on the use of, and access to, medicines by podiatrists. The advent of neo‐liberal healthcare policies, coupled with demands for workforce flexibility and role transfer within a climate of demographic, economic and social change has enabled allied health professionals to undertake an expanding number of tasks involving the sale, supply, administration and prescription of medicines.

Conclusion

As a challenge to medical dominance, these changes, although driven by wider healthcare policy, have met with resistance. As anticipated in the theory of medical dominance, inter‐professional jurisdictional disputes centred on the right to access, administer, supply and prescribe medicines act as obstacles to workforce change. Nevertheless, the broader policy agenda continues to ensure workforce redesign in which podiatry has assumed wider roles and responsibilities in prescribing.
A Rac1 inhibitory peptide suppresses antibody production and paw swelling in the murine collagen-induced arthritis model of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Abreu Joana RF , Dontje Wendy , Krausz Sarah , de Launay Daphne , van Hennik Paula B , van Stalborch Anne-Marieke , ten Klooster Jean-Paul , Sanders Marjolein E , Reedquist Kris A , Vervoordeldonk Margriet J , Hordijk Peter L , Tak Paul P
Published: January 2010

Introduction

The Rho family GTPase Rac1 regulates cytoskeletal rearrangements crucial for the recruitment, extravasation and activation of leukocytes at sites of inflammation. Rac1 signaling also promotes the activation and survival of lymphocytes and osteoclasts. Therefore, we assessed the ability of a cell-permeable Rac1 carboxy-terminal inhibitory peptide to modulate disease in mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).

Methods

CIA was induced in DBA/1 mice, and in either early or chronic disease, mice were treated three times per week by intraperitoneal injection with control peptide or Rac1 inhibitory peptide. Effects on disease progression were assessed by measurement of paw swelling. Inflammation and joint destruction were examined by histology and radiology. Serum levels of anti-collagen type II antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. T-cell phenotypes and activation were assessed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. Results were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and unpaired Student t tests.

Results

Treatment of mice with Rac1 inhibitory peptide resulted in a decrease in paw swelling in early disease and to a lesser extent in more chronic arthritis. Of interest, while joint destruction was unaffected by Rac1 inhibitory peptide, anti-collagen type II antibody production was significantly diminished in treated mice, in both early and chronic arthritis. Ex vivo, Rac1 inhibitory peptide suppressed T-cell receptor/CD28-dependent production of tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ and interleukin-17 by T cells from collagen-primed mice, and reduced induction of ICOS and CD154, T-cell costimulatory proteins important for B-cell help.

Conclusions

The data suggest that targeting of Rac1 with the Rac1 carboxy-terminal inhibitory peptide may suppress T-cell activation and autoantibody production in autoimmune disease. Whether this could translate into clinically meaningful improvement remains to be shown.
Risk factors for breast cancer in postmenopausal Caucasian and Chinese-Canadian women
Authors: Tam Carolyn Y , Martin Lisa J , Hislop Gregory , Hanley Anthony J , Minkin Salomon , Boyd Norman F
Published: January 2010

Introduction

Striking differences exist between countries in the incidence of breast cancer. The causes of these differences are unknown, but because incidence rates change in migrants, they are thought to be due to lifestyle rather than genetic differences. The goal of this cross-sectional study was to examine breast cancer risk factors in populations with different risks for breast cancer.

Methods

We compared breast cancer risk factors among three groups of postmenopausal Canadian women at substantially different risk of developing breast cancer - Caucasians (N = 413), Chinese women born in the West or who migrated to the West before age 21 (N = 216), and recent Chinese migrants (N = 421). Information on risk factors and dietary acculturation were collected by telephone interviews using questionnaires, and anthropometric measurements were taken at a home visit.

Results

Compared to Caucasians, recent Chinese migrants weighed on average 14 kg less, were 6 cm shorter, had menarche a year later, were more often parous, less often had a family history of breast cancer or a benign breast biopsy, a higher Chinese dietary score, and a lower Western dietary score. For most of these variables, Western born Chinese and early Chinese migrants had values intermediate between those of Caucasians and recent Chinese migrants. We estimated five-year absolute risks for breast cancer using the Gail Model and found that risk estimates in Caucasians would be reduced by only 11% if they had the risk factor profile of recent Chinese migrants for the risk factors in the Gail Model.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that in addition to the risk factors in the Gail Model, there likely are other factors that also contribute to the large difference in breast cancer risk between Canada and China.
Pivotal Advance: Avian colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1), interleukin-34 (IL-34), and CSF-1 receptor genes and gene products
Authors: Garceau Valerie , Smith Jacqueline , Paton Ian R , Davey Megan , Fares Mario A , Sester David P , Burt David W , Hume David A
Published: January 2010

These studies demonstrate that CSF-1 and IL-34 are conserved in birds, and uses evolutionary comparisons to infer structure function relationships among vertebrate animals.

Macrophages are involved in many aspects of development, host defense, pathology, and homeostasis. Their normal differentiation, proliferation, and survival are controlled by CSF-1 via the activation of the CSF1R. A recently discovered cytokine, IL-34, was shown to bind the same receptor in humans. Chicken is a widely used model organism in developmental biology, but the factors that control avian myelopoiesis have not been identified previously. The CSF-1, IL-34, and CSF1R genes in chicken and zebra finch were identified from respective genomic/cDNA sequence resources. Comparative analysis of the avian CSF1R loci revealed likely orthologs of mammalian macrophage-specific promoters and enhancers, and the CSF1R gene is expressed in the developing chick embryo in a pattern consistent with macrophage-specific expression. Chicken CSF-1 and IL-34 were expressed in HEK293 cells and shown to elicit macrophage growth from chicken BM cells in culture. Comparative sequence and co-evolution analysis across all vertebrates suggests that the two ligands interact with distinct regions of the CSF1R. These studies demonstrate that there are two separate ligands for a functional CSF1R across all vertebrates.
Accidental Overdose of Tiotropium in a Patient with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Gregory Michael D , Mersfelder Tracey L , Jamieson Thomas
Published: January 2010

Objective:

To report a case of refractory tachycardia after an excessive dose of inhaled tiotropium.

Case Summary:

A 74-year-old male with atrial fibrillation was admitted for increased heart rate and shortness of breath. The patient's heart rate was initially stabilized between 80 and 90 beats/min with metoprolol succinate 50 mg daily. During hospitalization, he accidentally received 5 capsules of tiotropium 18 μg inhaled as a single dose (total 90 μg) and, approximately 15 minutes later, his heart rate increased from 80 to 160 beats/min. Over 5 days of hospitalization, the patient's tachycardia was difficult to control and he required multiple atrioventricular (AV) nodal blocking agents (physostigmine, metoprolol tartrate, diltiazem) for effective stabilization prior to discharge. On outpatient follow-up 11 days after the ingestion the patient's heart rate was in the 40s and the AV nodal blocking agents were proportionately decreased.

Discussion:

Tiotropium is a long-acting anticholinergic medication used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Little has been reported as to the potential systemic toxicities of tiotropium. Tachycardia is listed as a potential adverse effect, but based on a MEDLINE search (1966–July 2009) using tiotropium, tachycardia, and overdose as search terms, there have been no case reports published. Renal impairment may increase plasma concentrations of tiotropium; our patient's creatinine clearance was estimated to be below 50 mL/min. According to the Naranjo probability scale, our patient's development of tachycardia was probably associated with tiotropium inhalation.

Conclusions:

Tiotropium can be temporally implicated in a rapid heart rate following excessive ingestion. Health care professionals should be aware of tachycardic effects of tiotropium, particularly in patients with underlying structural heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and renal impairment.
Proposed Masonry Specified Compressive Strength Requirements
Authors: Bennett Richard M.
Published: January 2010

Currently the TMS 602-08, “Specification for Masonry Structures,” allows the specified compressive strength of masonry, fm′, to be determined using either the unit strength method or the prism test method. With regard to prism testing, the specification gives no requirements in terms of the number of prisms to be tested or how to use the results of the prism testing to determine the specified compressive strength. This paper summarizes the requirements of other codes and specifications and examines a statistical basis for determining a prism compressive strength, including the effects of sample size. It is recommended to use the 75th percent confidence on the ten-percentile value. This is reasonably consistent with other codes and specifications. A minimum of ten tests is recommended.
Comparing the Neural Basis of Monetary Reward and Cognitive Feedback during Information-Integration Category Learning
Authors: Daniel Reka , Pollmann Stefan
Published: January 2010

The dopaminergic system is known to play a central role in reward-based learning (Schultz, 2006), yet it was also observed to be involved when only cognitive feedback is given (Aron et al., 2004). Within the domain of information-integration category learning, in which information from several stimulus dimensions has to be integrated predecisionally (Ashby and Maddox, 2005), the importance of contingent feedback is well established (Maddox et al., 2003). We examined the common neural correlates of reward anticipation and prediction error in this task. Sixteen subjects performed two parallel information-integration tasks within a single event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging session but received a monetary reward only for one of them. Similar functional areas including basal ganglia structures were activated in both task versions. In contrast, a single structure, the nucleus accumbens, showed higher activation during monetary reward anticipation compared with the anticipation of cognitive feedback in information-integration learning. Additionally, this activation was predicted by measures of intrinsic motivation in the cognitive feedback task and by measures of extrinsic motivation in the rewarded task. Our results indicate that, although all other structures implicated in category learning are not significantly affected by altering the type of reward, the nucleus accumbens responds to the positive incentive properties of an expected reward depending on the specific type of the reward.
Pinna Cues Determine Orienting Response Modes to Synchronous Sounds in Elevation
Authors: Bremen Peter , van Wanrooij Marc M. , van Opstal A. John
Published: January 2010

To program a goal-directed orienting response toward a sound source embedded in an acoustic scene, the audiomotor system should detect and select the target against a background. Here, we focus on whether the system can segregate synchronous sounds in the midsagittal plane (elevation), a task requiring the auditory system to dissociate the pinna-induced spectral localization cues. Human listeners made rapid head-orienting responses toward either a single sound source (broadband buzzer or Gaussian noise) or toward two simultaneously presented sounds (buzzer and noise) at a wide variety of locations in the midsagittal plane. In the latter case, listeners had to orient to the buzzer (target) and ignore the noise (nontarget). In the single-sound condition, localization was accurate. However, in the double-sound condition, response endpoints depended on relative sound level and spatial disparity. The loudest sound dominated the responses, regardless of whether it was the target or the nontarget. When the sounds had about equal intensities and their spatial disparity was sufficiently small, endpoint distributions were well described by weighted averaging. However, when spatial disparities exceeded ∼45°, response endpoint distributions became bimodal. Similar response behavior has been reported for visuomotor experiments, for which averaging and bimodal endpoint distributions are thought to arise from neural interactions within retinotopically organized visuomotor maps. We show, however, that the auditory-evoked responses can be well explained by the idiosyncratic acoustics of the pinnae. Hence basic principles of target representation and selection for audition and vision appear to differ profoundly.
Distinct Mechanisms Produce Functionally Complementary Actions of Neuropeptides That Are Structurally Related But Derived from Different Precursors
Authors: Vilim Ferdinand S. , Sasaki Kosei , Rybak Jurgen , Alexeeva Vera , Cropper Elizabeth C. , Jing Jian , Orekhova Irina V. , Brezina Vladimir , Price David , Romanova Elena V. , Rubakhin Stanislav S. , Hatcher Nathan , Sweedler Jonathan V. , Weiss Klaudiusz R.
Published: January 2010

Many bioactive neuropeptides containing RFamide at their C terminus have been described in both invertebrates and vertebrates. To obtain insight into the functional logic of RFamide signaling, we investigate it here in the feeding system ofAplysia. We focus on the expression, localization, and actions of two families of RFamide peptides, the FRFamides and FMRFamide, in the central neuronal circuitry and the peripheral musculature that generate the feeding movements. We describe the cloning of the FRFamide precursor protein and show that the FRFamides and FMRFamide are derived from different precursors. We map the expression of the FRFamide and FMRFamide precursors in the feeding circuitry usingin situhybridization and immunostaining and confirm proteolytic processing of the FRFamide precursor by mass spectrometry. We show that the two precursors are expressed in different populations of sensory neurons in the feeding system. In a representative feeding muscle, we demonstrate the presence of both FRFamides and FMRFamide and their release, probably from the processes of the sensory neurons in the muscle. Both centrally and in the periphery, the FRFamides and FMRFamide act in distinct ways, apparently through distinct mechanisms, and nevertheless, from an overall functional perspective, their actions are complementary. Together, the FRFamides and FMRFamide convert feeding motor programs from ingestive to egestive and depress feeding muscle contractions. We conclude that these structurally related peptides, although derived from different precursors, expressed in different neurons, and acting through different mechanisms, remain related to each other in the functional roles that they play in the system.