bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baseline Comorbidities Enhance the Risk of Treatment-Induced Depression in HCV-Infected Men
Authors: Rempel Julia D. , Krueger Carla , Minuk Gerald Y. , Wong Stephen G.M.
Published: February 2014

Background. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with clinical depression,a condition that is aggravated on interferon-based therapy. In HCV infection, men often appear more resilient to depression than women. However, men are subject to depression in diseases that tend to be comorbid in HCV-infected. Aim. This study examined whether HCV-infected men with baseline comorbidities were more or less susceptible to depression prior to and on treatment. Methods. Patients with chronic HCV infection preparing to begin treatment participated ( n = 37). The presence of baseline comorbidities was determined by pretreatment medication regimes. Depression was measured by the Beck Depression Inventory prior to and following 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of interferon therapy. Results. At baseline, cohorts with ( n = 16) and without ( n = 21) comorbidities had equivocal demographics and infection characteristics. Comorbidities did not associate with baseline depression. However, on treatment, men with baseline comorbidities demonstrated an elevated risk for the onset of de novo depression (odds ratio = 19.25; confidence interval = 1.41, 582.14; p = .008). This was not observed for women. Baseline comorbidities did not alter the need for treatment discontinuations or the ability to achieve a sustained viral response. Conclusion. The results of this study suggest that baseline comorbidities render men more susceptible to interferon treatment–induced depression.
Anthropometric and Iron Status of Adolescents From Selected Secondary Schools in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Onabanjo Oluseye Olusegun , Balogun Oladimeji Lookman
Published: February 2014

Purpose. We assessed the anthropometric and iron status of adolescents from selected secondary schools in Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, anthropometric data, nutrient data, and blood samples were collected from 127 adolescents in Nigeria. Demographic information of the adolescents was obtained in the language of choice using validated questionnaires. Anthropometric indices (weight and height), multiple iron status indicator (hemoglobin, serum ferritin, and transferrin receptor) and inflammation marker (C-reactive protein) were measured using standard procedures. Subjects were classified by body mass index (BMI) categories as underweight, normal weight, at risk of overweight, and overweight according to the World Health Organization standard. Results. The mean age of the subjects was 16.0 ± 2.3 years. Majority of the subjects (55.1%) had normal BMI values, 21.3% were underweight, and 14.2% were overweight. Boys had significantly (<0.05) higher mean intake for energy and most nutrients than girls. The dietary iron intake of the adolescents was unsatisfactory, with approximately 80% of the subjects failing to meet RNI level. Using multiple criteria of iron indicators, the prevalence of iron depletion and iron deficiency in the adolescents were 7.9% and 15.0%, respectively. The prevalence of anemia was high (24.4%), with iron deficiency anemia being the most (71%) prevalent. In both boys and girls, ferritin correlated positively with BMI, waist circumference, and waist–hip ratio. Conclusions. This study documented a high prevalence of iron deficiency and poor nutritional status among Nigeria adolescents, which can be used as basic for dietary support and nutritional education to improve their iron status.
Root maturation and dentin–pulp response to enamel matrix derivative in pulpotomized permanent teeth
Authors: Darwish Sherif S , Abd El Meguid Shadia H , Wahba Nadia A , Mohamed Ahmed A-R , Chrzanowski Wojciech , Abou Neel Ensanya A
Published: February 2014

The success of pulpotomy of young permanent teeth depends on the proper selection of dressing materials. This study aimed to evaluate the histological and histomorphometric response of dentin–pulp complex to the enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain® gel) compared to that of calcium hydroxide when used as a pulp dressing in immature young permanent dogs’ teeth. Dentin-like tissues bridging the full width of the coronal pulp at the interface between the injured and healthy pulp tissues were seen after 1 month in both groups. With time, the dentin bridge increased in thickness for calcium hydroxide but disintegrated and fully disappeared for Emdogain-treated group. Progressive inflammation and total pulp degeneration were only evident with Emdogain-treated group. The root apices of Emdogain-treated teeth became matured and closed by cementum that attached to new alveolar bone by a well-oriented periodontal ligament. In young permanent dentition, Emdogain could be a good candidate for periodontium but not dentino–pulpal complex regeneration.
Evaluation of the first year of the Oxpal Medlink: A web-based partnership designed to address specific challenges facing medical education in the occupied Palestinian territories
Authors: Penfold Rose S , Ali Mohammad A , Ali Adam M , Patel Ishita , MacGregor Thomas , Shankar Sushma , Cahill Thomas J , Finlayson Alexander ET , Mahmud Imran
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To (1) evaluate educational needs of clinical students at Al-Quds University Medical School in the West Bank; (2) address these needs where possible using synchronous distance learning, with clinicians in Oxford providing case-based tutorials to undergraduates in the West Bank via an online platform (WizIQ) and (3) assess the impact of this education.

Design

Review of online OxPal Medlink database for tutorials held between March 2012 and April 2013. Needs assessment and evaluation of student and tutor experiences through online questionnaires, focus groups and semi-structured interviews.

Setting

Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK, and Al-Quds University Medical School, Abu Dies, Palestine.

Participants

Doctors at Oxford University Hospitals and fourth-, fifth- and sixth-year medical students and faculty members at Al-Quds Medical School.

Main outcome measures

Number of tutorials, student participation, student-rated satisfaction and qualitative feedback from tutors and students.

Results

Students demonstrated strong theoretical knowledge but struggled to apply this in presentation-based scenarios. Between March 2012 and April 2013, 90 tutorials were delivered to 60 students. Feedback: >95% respondents rated tutorials as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Good’ and ‘Very’ or ‘Fairly’ relevant to their future practice in Palestine. Students reported the programme had modified their approach to patients but requested better synchronization with concurrent attachments and clarification of learning outcomes.

Conclusions

OxPal Medlink is a novel, web-based distance-learning partnership designed to overcome some of the challenges to local medical education in the occupied Palestinian territories. Evaluation of the first year indicates teaching is relevant to local practice and of high quality. This approach may have the potential to strengthen local capacity for medical education.
Rapid air infusion into the oesophagus: Motor response in patients with achalasia and nonobstructive dysphagia assessed with high‐resolution manometry
Authors: Elvevi Alessandra , Mauro Aurelio , Consonni Dario , Pugliese Delia , Tenca Andrea , Franchina Marianna , Conte Dario , Penagini Roberto
Published: February 2014

Background

Achalasia is a neurodegenerative disorder of the oesophagus. Alteration of motor activity induced by oesophageal distension has not been explored.

Objectives

To investigate this function, using high‐resolution Manometry.

Methods

This study enrolled 15 healthy subjects, 15 nonobstructive dysphagia (NOD), and 18 achalasia patients successfully treated with pneumatic dilation (six with restored peristalsis). The three groups underwent five rapid (<1 s) intraoesophageal infusions of 20‐ml air boluses, followed by eight 5‐ml water swallows.

Results

Whereas the response rate to water swallows was similar in the three groups, air infusion induced a lower response rate in achalasia (median, interquartile range: 70%, 40–100%) and, to a lesser extent, in NOD patients (100%, 60–100%) than in healthy subjects (100%, 100–100%; p  < 0.001 and p  = 0.06, respectively). However, the response rate was highly variable in achalasia patients irrespective of presence of peristalsis. Furthermore, the strength of motor response to air infusion when compared to water swallows was diminished in achalasia patients but not in healthy subjects and NOD.

Conclusions

Motor response to rapid air infusion was variably impaired in achalasia. The role of this alteration in the long‐term outcome deserves evaluation.
Antecedents and Moderators of Software Professionals’ Performance
Authors: Prasad H. C. Shiva , Suar Damodar , Taraban Roman
Published: February 2014

Software professionals’ (SPs') performance is often understood narrowly in terms of input–output productivity. This study approaches performance from a broader perspective and examines whether the emotional intelligence competencies (EICs) of SPs, the leadership style of team leaders, social capital among team members, and human resource management (HRM) practices of software firms affect performance of SPs. It also tests whether the value of and opportunities for knowledge sharing moderate such relationships. Data were collected from 441 Indian SPs in a questionnaire survey. Fifty-five team leaders assessed the performance of SPs, and SPs assessed the other constructs. Results revealed that EICs, transformational leadership style, social capital, and HRM practices positively affect performance. EICs are the most important predictors of performance. Under high (low) value of and high (low) opportunities for knowledge sharing, the antecedents influencing performance are strengthened (attenuated or nullified). The value of and opportunities for knowledge sharing are quasi-moderators. These findings have significant implications for organizing effective work teams.
Tracing the development of acute myeloid leukemia in CBL syndrome
Authors: Becker Heiko , Yoshida Kenichi , Blagitko-Dorfs Nadja , Claus Rainer , Pantic Milena , Abdelkarim Mahmoud , Niemöller Christoph , Greil Christine , Hackanson Björn , Shiraishi Yuichi , Chiba Kenichi , Tanaka Hiroko , Miyano Satoru , Döhner Konstanze , Schnittger Susanne , Henneke Philipp , Niemeyer Charlotte M. , Flotho Christian , Pfeifer Dietmar , Ogawa Seishi , Lübbert Michael
Published: February 2014

Key Points

The CBL syndrome may predispose to myeloid neoplasias other than juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia. Whole-exome sequencing identifies mutations that possibly cooperate with mutant CBL in AML development.
Comparison of oral and intravenous Alfacalcidol in chronic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Lessard Myriam , Ouimet Denis , Leblanc Martine , Nadeau-Fredette Annie-Claire , Bell Robert , Lafrance Jean-Philippe , Pichette Vincent , Vallée Michel
Published: February 2014

Background

Activated vitamin D is the mainstay of treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in chronic hemodialysis patients. However, the optimal route of administration is still debated. The aim of our study was to compare efficacy of oral vs intravenous (IV) administration of alfacalcidol in hemodialysis. A secondary objective was to determine the cost-effectiveness advantage of oral administration.

Methods

Eighty-eight chronic hemodialysis patients receiving IV alfacalcidol three times a week were included in the study. All were switched to the same dose of alfacalcidol given orally three times a week during the hemodialysis session. A budget impact analysis was performed.

Results

Mean patient age was 64 years old and 43% were males. The mean alfacalcidol dose administered was 2.1 μg three times a week. After three months, serum parathormone (PTH) levels decreased from 80 to 59 pmol/L (p = 0.001) and total serum calcium levels increased from 2.34 to 2.40 mmol/L (p = 0.002). After six months, total serum calcium levels were still significantly higher. Alfacalcidol dosage was significantly decreased during study period; the mean reduction was 0.44 μg per dose. Finally, oral administration was associated with an annual cost reduction of 197 678$CAN and an annual nursing time reduction of 25 days.

Conclusion

Our findings support that switching IV to oral administration of alfacalcidol during hemodialysis sessions may lead to a similar control of SHPT with lower doses of activated vitamin D. This is a good strategy for optimizing compliance and may allow a dose reduction because of a greater efficacy to suppress PTH. Oral administration also has significant cost-effectiveness advantages.
Epidemiological characteristics of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in Nanchang, China: a retrospective study
Authors: Xiong Chang-hui , Yan Yan , Liao Zhen , Peng Shi-hui , Wen Hai-rong , Zhang Yan-xia , Chen Shu-hua , Li Jian , Chen Hai-ying , Feng Xiao-wu , Yao Hui-qing , Huang Li , Zhang Li
Published: February 2014

Background

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is an autoimmune disease that typically follows a monophasic course and may affect any age group. The precise population-based incidence of ADEM is still unknown in most countries. In China, there is no ADEM surveillance system. The exact incidence of ADEM is difficult to estimate, and other epidemiological characteristics of ADEM are unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of ADEM in Nanchang, China.

Methods

A retrospective investigation was conducted with ADEM patients admitted to second-level and third-level hospitals in Nanchang from 2008 to 2010, aiming to analyse the epidemiologic characteristics of ADEM in the population in Nanchang. ADEM patients, defined as patients who were diagnosed according to the consensus definition of ADEM provided by the International Pediatric MS Study Group, were enrolled in the study. The data were extracted from the ADEM patients’ medical records.

Results

Forty-seven ADEM patients were investigated. The average annual incidence was 0.31/100,000; the incidence among males (0.31/100,000) was nearly equal to that among females (0.31/100,000). The median age of onset was 25.97 years old, and the peak incidence was observed in the 5- to 9-year-old age group (0.75/100,000), followed by the over-60 age group (0.55/100,000). ADEM occurs throughout the year, but it occurs most frequently in March (n = 7) and least frequently in April and July (both n = 2). The patient numbers are roughly even in the other months. In the 2 months before the onset of ADEM, 15 patients presented with a preceding infection, but none of the patients received a vaccination. An increased number of vaccination was not accompanied by a corresponding increased number of cases of ADEM.

Conclusions

The average annual incidence of ADEM was 0.31/100,000 in Nanchang. The incidence among males was nearly equal to that among females. The peak age of onset was 5–9 years old. The peak season of onset was not apparent. There was no evidence of an association between increased number of vaccines administered and number of cases of ADEM in Nanchang, China.
Retroperitoneal laparoscopic technique in treatment of complex renal stones: 75 cases
Authors: Qin Chao , Wang Shangqian , Li Pu , Cao Qiang , Shao Pengfei , Li Pengchao , Han Zhijian , Tao Jun , Meng Xiaoxin , Ju Xiaobing , Song Rijin , Li Jie , Zhang Wei , Lu Qiang , Yin Changjun
Published: February 2014

Background

In most hospitals, several options for the management of renal stones are available: shockwave lithotripsy, endourologic treatment, or surgery. Choice of treatment is based on the anatomic characteristics of the patient, and the location and size of the stones. In this study we assessed a retroperitoneal laparoscopic technique for treatment of complex renal stones.

Methods

Seventy-five patients, including 53 men and 22 women with a mean age of 47.8 years (range 18–74 y), underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopy for the treatment of complex renal stones between July 2006 and November 2012 in our hospital.

Results

The retroperitoneal laparoscopic procedures for treatment of complex renal stones were completely successful in 73 cases, while 2 cases converted to open surgery. The operative time was 85–190 min with a mean of 96 min. The estimated blood lost was 20–400 mL with a mean of 80 mL. After the operation 7 patients experienced urinary leakage. Ultrasonography, x-ray of the kidney, ureter and bladder, and intravenous urography were reviewed at post-procedural follow-up at 6–82 months. No hydronephrosis aggravation was found, and there was no calculus recurrence.

Conclusion

The merits of retroperitoneal laparoscopy for the treatment of complex renal stones include sparing the nephron, less bleeding, short hospitalization, quick postoperative recovery, and controllable procedure after training Success depends on the experience of surgeons and judicious selection of cases.
Ephrin (Eph) receptor A1, A4, A5 and A7 expression in human non-small cell lung carcinoma: associations with clinicopathological parameters, tumor proliferative capacity and patients’ survival
Authors: Giaginis Constantinos , Tsoukalas Nikolaos , Bournakis Evangelos , Alexandrou Paraskevi , Kavantzas Nikolaos , Patsouris Efstratios , Theocharis Stamatios
Published: February 2014

Background

Ephrin (Eph) receptors are frequently overexpressed in a wide variety of human malignant tumors, being associated with tumor growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of EphA1, A4, A5 and A7 protein expression in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

Methods

EphA1, A4, A5 and A7 protein expression was assessed immunohistochemically in tissue microarrays of 88 surgically resected NSCLC and was analyzed in relation with clinicopathological characteristics and patients’ survival.

Results

Elevated EphA4 expression was significantly associated with low histopathological stage and presence of inflammation (p = 0.047 and p = 0.026, respectively). Elevated EphA7 expression was significantly associated with older patients’ age, presence of fibrosis and smaller tumor size (p = 0.036, p = 0.029 and p = 0.018, respectively). EphA1, A5 and A7 expression were positively associated with tumor proliferative capacity (p = 0.047, p = 0.002 and p = 0.046, respectively). Elevated EphA4, A5 and A7 expression were identified as predictors of favourable patients’ survival at both univariate (Log-rank test, 0 = 0.019, p = 0.006 and p = 0.012, respectively) and multivariate levels (Cox-regression analysis, p = 0.029, p = 0.068 and p = 0.044, respectively).

Conclusions

The present study supported evidence that Ephs may be involved in lung cancer progression, reinforcing their utility as clinical biomarkers for patients’ management and prognosis, as also as potential targets for future therapeutic interventions.
Relaxed and composite viscosity methods for variational inequalities, fixed points of nonexpansive mappings and zeros of accretive operators
Authors: Ceng Lu-Chuan , Al-Otaibi Abdullah , Ansari Qamrul Hasan , Latif Abdul
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we present relaxed and composite viscosity methods for computing a common solution of a general systems of variational inequalities, common fixed points of infinitely many nonexpansive mappings and zeros of accretive operators in real smooth and uniformly convex Banach spaces. The relaxed and composite viscosity methods are based on Korpelevich’s extragradient method, the viscosity approximation method and the Mann iteration method. Under suitable assumptions, we derive some strong convergence theorems for relaxed and composite viscosity algorithms not only in the setting of a uniformly convex and 2-uniformly smooth Banach space but also in a uniformly convex Banach space having a uniformly Gâteaux differentiable norm. The results presented in this paper improve, extend, supplement, and develop the corresponding results given in the literature.
A Grassmann graph embedding framework for gait analysis
Authors: Connie Tee , Goh Michael Kah Ong , Teoh Andrew Beng Jin
Published: February 2014

Gait recognition is important in a wide range of monitoring and surveillance applications. Gait information has often been used as evidence when other biometrics is indiscernible in the surveillance footage. Building on recent advances of the subspace-based approaches, we consider the problem of gait recognition on the Grassmann manifold. We show that by embedding the manifold into reproducing kernel Hilbert space and applying the mechanics of graph embedding on such manifold, significant performance improvement can be obtained. In this work, the gait recognition problem is studied in a unified way applicable for both supervised and unsupervised configurations. Sparse representation is further incorporated in the learning mechanism to adaptively harness the local structure of the data. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can tolerate variations in appearance for gait identification effectively.
Comparison of physician-certified verbal autopsy with computer-coded verbal autopsy for cause of death assignment in hospitalized patients in low- and middle-income countries: systematic review
Authors: Leitao Jordana , Desai Nikita , Aleksandrowicz Lukasz , Byass Peter , Miasnikof Pierre , Tollman Stephen , Alam Dewan , Lu Ying , Rathi Suresh Kumar , Singh Abhishek , Suraweera Wilson , Ram Faujdar , Jha Prabhat
Published: February 2014

Background

Computer-coded verbal autopsy (CCVA) methods to assign causes of death (CODs) for medically unattended deaths have been proposed as an alternative to physician-certified verbal autopsy (PCVA). We conducted a systematic review of 19 published comparison studies (from 684 evaluated), most of which used hospital-based deaths as the reference standard. We assessed the performance of PCVA and five CCVA methods: Random Forest, Tariff, InterVA, King-Lu, and Simplified Symptom Pattern.

Methods

The reviewed studies assessed methods’ performance through various metrics: sensitivity, specificity, and chance-corrected concordance for coding individual deaths, and cause-specific mortality fraction (CSMF) error and CSMF accuracy at the population level. These results were summarized into means, medians, and ranges.

Results

The 19 studies ranged from 200 to 50,000 deaths per study (total over 116,000 deaths). Sensitivity of PCVA versus hospital-assigned COD varied widely by cause, but showed consistently high specificity. PCVA and CCVA methods had an overall chance-corrected concordance of about 50% or lower, across all ages and CODs. At the population level, the relative CSMF error between PCVA and hospital-based deaths indicated good performance for most CODs. Random Forest had the best CSMF accuracy performance, followed closely by PCVA and the other CCVA methods, but with lower values for InterVA-3.

Conclusions

There is no single best-performing coding method for verbal autopsies across various studies and metrics. There is little current justification for CCVA to replace PCVA, particularly as physician diagnosis remains the worldwide standard for clinical diagnosis on live patients. Further assessments and large accessible datasets on which to train and test combinations of methods are required, particularly for rural deaths without medical attention.
Using climate-FVS to project landscape-level forest carbon stores for 100 years from field and LiDAR measures of initial conditions
Authors: Gálvez Fabián B , Hudak Andrew T , Byrne John C , Crookston Nicholas L , Keefe Robert F
Published: February 2014

Background

Forest resources supply a wide range of environmental services like mitigation of increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). As climate is changing, forest managers have added pressure to obtain forest resources by following stand management alternatives that are biologically sustainable and economically profitable. The goal of this study is to project the effect of typical forest management actions on forest C levels, given a changing climate, in the Moscow Mountain area of north-central Idaho, USA. Harvest and prescribed fire management treatments followed by plantings of one of four regionally important commercial tree species were simulated, using the climate-sensitive version of the Forest Vegetation Simulator, to estimate the biomass of four different planted species and their C sequestration response to three climate change scenarios.

Results

Results show that anticipated climate change induces a substantial decrease in C sequestration potential regardless of which of the four tree species tested are planted. It was also found that Pinus monticola has the highest capacity to sequester C by 2110, followed by Pinus ponderosa, then Pseudotsuga menziesii, and lastly Larix occidentalis.

Conclusions

Variability in the growth responses to climate change exhibited by the four planted species considered in this study points to the importance to forest managers of considering how well adapted seedlings may be to predicted climate change, before the seedlings are planted, and particularly if maximizing C sequestration is the management goal.
The effect of adipose derived stromal cells on oxidative stress level, lung emphysema and white blood cells of guinea pigs model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ghorbani Ahmad , Feizpour Azadeh , Hashemzahi Milad , Gholami Lila , Hosseini Mahmoud , Soukhtanloo Mohammad , Vafaee Bagheri Farzaneh , Khodaei Esmaeil , Mohammadian Roshan Nema , Boskabady Mohammad Hossein
Published: February 2014

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a worldwide epidemic disease and a major cause of death and disability. The present study aimed to elucidate pharmacological effects of adipose derived stromal cells (ASCs) on pathological and biochemical factors in a guinea pig model of COPD. Guinea pigs were randomized into 5 groups including: Control, COPD, COPD + intratracheal delivery of PBS as a vehicle (COPD-PBS), COPD + intratracheal delivery of ASCs (COPD-ITASC) and COPD + intravenous injection of ASCs (COPD-IVASC). COPD was induced by exposing animals to cigarette smoke for 3 months. Cell therapy was performed immediately after the end of animal exposure to cigarette smoke and 14 days after that, white blood cells, oxidative stress indices and pathological changes of the lung were measured.

Results

Compared with control group, emphysema was clearly observed in the COPD and COPD-PBS groups (p < 0.001). Lung histopathologic changes of COPD-ITASC and COPD-IVASC groups showed non-significant improvement compared to COPD-PBS group. The COPD-ITASC group showed a significant increase in total WBC compared to COPD-PBS group but there was not a significant increase in this regard in COPD-IVASC group. The differential WBC showed no significant change in number of different types of leukocytes. The serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly decreased but thiol groups of broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) increased in both cell treated groups (p < 0.05 for all cases). Weight of animals decreased during smoke exposure and improved after PBS or cell therapy. However, no significant change was observed between the groups receiving PBS and the ones receiving ASCs.

Conclusion

Cell therapy with ASCs can help in reducing oxidative damage during smoking which may collectively hold promise in attenuation of the severity of COPD although the lung structural changes couldn’t be ameliorated with these pharmacological therapeutic methods.
Left ventricular remodeling with preserved function after coronary microembolization: the effect of methylprednisolone
Authors: Ma Jianying , Qian Juying , Chang Shufu , Chen Zhangwei , Jin Hang , Zeng Mengsu , Zou Yunzeng , Ge Junbo
Published: February 2014

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular remodeling after coronary microembolization (CME) and to investigate the protective effects of methylprednisolone (MTP).

Methods

CME was induced by injection of microspheres (42 μm Dynospheres) into left anterior descending artery of mini swine. The animals were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 9) received 120,000 microspheres and Group 2 (n = 7) received 120,000 microspheres following intravenous administration of 30 mg/kg MTP. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CeMRI) was performed at baseline, 6 h after intervention, and 1 week later.

Results

In Group 1, LVEF was significantly decreased at 6 h but recovered 1 week. This was accompanied by continuing left ventricular remodeling. In Group 2, LVEF remained unchanged at all assessment times. LVEF measured at 6 h and 1 week after CME in Group 1 and Group 2 was 0.39 ± 0.06 and 0.44 ± 0.04, and 0.44 ± 0.04 and 0.48 ± 0.03, respectively (Both P >0.05). Hyperenchancement at the anterior wall of the left ventricle was shown by MRI at 6 h in Group 1 but not in Group 2. The hyperenhanced area in Group 1 was 7.77 ± 1.49% of left ventricular mass.

Conclusions

The consequence of CME is left ventricular dilation with preserved LVEF. Pretreatment with MTP appears to have a cardioprotective effect on left ventricular remodeling.
Non-invasive multiresidue screening methods for the determination of pesticides in heritage collections
Authors: Rushworth Iain D , Higgitt Catherine , Smith Margaret , Gibson Lorraine T
Published: February 2014

Background

This paper describes the development of a novel non-invasive sampling and analysis method that can be used to assess the presence of volatile pesticides on objects held in heritage collections. Vapour phase sampling was conducted using sampling tubes loaded with Tenax-TA™ and trapped analytes were determined using thermal desorption-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). The results of this study are presented in a simple ‘decision tree’ diagram to provide the heritage sector with the best methods to identify the presence of pesticides in collections. To illustrate the use of the methodology developed, the results from two case studies in heritage institutions are presented.

Results

Attempts were made to measure a range of pesticides, known to have been used in heritage collections, in the vapour phase including aldrin, camphor, chloronaphthalene, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (4,4′-DDT), dichlorvos, dieldrin, endrin, a mixture of α-, β-, γ- and δ-hexachlorocyclohexane (hereafter referred to as HCH), naphthalene, and thymol. Of the analytes included in this study, as expected 4,4′-DDT was not sufficiently volatile to be detected in the vapour phase and swab sampling (using hexane) is recommended for this analyte. After method development and validation, the air inside a display case (Swiss Cottage, Isle of Wight) was sampled. The results gave a positive identification for camphor, chloronaphthalene and naphthalene. In contrast, the air around a ceremonial dance mask from the British Museum was analysed but no volatile pesticides were identified. In this case, liquid chromatographic analysis of swab samples from the mask yielded a positive identification of dichlorvos.

Conclusions

The proposed non-invasive sampling methods require sampling of a volume of air around an object. To be detected the pesticide must possess suitable volatility. It was demonstrated that camphor, chloronaphthalene, naphthalene and thymol could be successfully trapped onto Tenax TA™ sorbent tubes and pseudo-quantitatively analysed using TD-GC-MS. Dichlorvos, HCH, aldrin, dieldrin and endrin were also trapped onto Tenax TA™ and qualitatively detected by TD-GC-MS. Although a key objective of the developed methods was non-invasive sampling, the low volatility of 4,4′-DDT precluded it from vapour phase monitoring and hexane swabbing followed by HPLC analysis was required.
Zip nucleic acid: a new reliable method to increase the melting temperature of real-time PCR probes
Authors: Alvandi Ehsan , Koohdani Fariba
Published: February 2014

TaqMan genotyping with real-time PCR is a reliable method for single nucleotide polymorphism detection, which is done by probes. These oligonucleotides should be short enough to avoid mismatch hybridization, as well as having 5–10°C higher melting temperature than the primers of real-time PCR reaction. One approach for these qualities is to conjugate the probe with minor groove binder (MGB). Having no access to MGB probes, we searched for an alternative. In the current study, we used Zip Nucleic Acids (ZNA) as probes to increase its stability and melting temperature. Our aim was to genotype the -265 T/C changes of Apolipoprotein A-2 gene. We set up the real-time PCR reaction with ZNA probes, and by repeating the reactions, we confirmed the reliability of this new approach. It is now recommended to use ZNA probes, as an alternative to MGB probes, to increase the probe Tm value and its binding to target DNA.
Beneficial effects of cocoa on lipid peroxidation and inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetic patients and investigation of probable interactions of cocoa active ingredients with prostaglandin synthase-2 (PTGS-2/COX-2) using virtual analysis
Authors: Parsaeyan Nayereh , Mozaffari-Khosravi Hassan , Absalan Abdorrahim , Mozayan Mohammad Reza
Published: February 2014

Background and aim

Altered glucose metabolism, oxidative stress, lipid levels and inflammatory markers are important risk factors in diabetes, cardiovascular, and many other diseases. Cocoa has been shown to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study is twofold: to assess the effect of Cocoa on the lipid profile and peroxidation in addition to the inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetic patients, and to represent a virtual model of probable action mechanism of observed clinical effects of Cocoa consumption using in silico analysis and bioinformatics data.

Methods

One hundred subjects with type 2 diabetes were included in a randomized clinical control trial. Fifty treatment subjects received 10 grams cocoa powder and 10 grams milk powder dissolved in 250 ml of boiling water, and the other fifty control subjects received only 10 grams milk powder dissolved in 250 ml boiling water. Both groups were on the mentioned regimen twice daily for 6 weeks. Blood samples were obtained prior to Cocoa consumption and 6 weeks after intervention. Serum lipids and lipoproteins profile, malondialdehyde and inflammatory markers including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured. For statistical analysis two independent and paired samples t-test and linear regression were used. Bioinformatics and virtual analysis were performed using string data base and Molegro virtual software.

Results

Cocoa consumption lowered blood cholesterol,triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, and TNF-α, hs-CRP, IL-6 significantly (P < 0.01). The results showed that the levels of HDL-cholesterol decreased significantly (P < 0.05) but Cocoa inhibited lipid peroxidation in treatment group than control group (P < 0.0001). Virtual analysis showed that the most frequent Cocoa ingredients, (+)-Catechin and (−)-Epicatechin, can dock to the enzyme COX-2.

Conclusion

These data support the beneficial effect of Cocoa on the lipid peroxidation prevention and inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetic patients. Cocoa ingredients block the Cox-2 activation and reduce inflammatory prostanoids synthesis according to virtual analysis.
Molecular and stimulus-response profiles illustrate heterogeneity between peripheral and cord blood-derived human mast cells
Authors: Jensen Bettina M , Frandsen Pernille M , Raaby Ellen M , Schiøtz Peter Oluf , Skov Per S , Poulsen Lars K
Published: February 2014

Different protocols exist for in vitro development of HuMCs from hematopoietic stem cells, which results in distinct mast cells regarding molecular markers and activation patterns. Here, we introduce a SR profile using immunological, neurogenic, and pharmacological stimuli to characterize cellular functionality. Mast cells were obtained from three culture protocols using two types of PBdMCs (CD34+ PBdMC or CD133+ PBdMC) and one type of CBdMC (CD133+ CBdMC). We analyzed resting cells for specific mast cell markers at protein and mRNA levels, thereby creating a molecular profile. To characterize the SR profile, we stimulated cells with anti-IgE, C3a, C5a, Substance P, or Compound 48/80 and measured the release of histamine and cytokines (IL-10, IL-13, GM-CSF, TNF-α). Molecular profiling revealed that CD133+ CBdMC expressed less chymase, FcɛRIα, and CD203c but more CD117 compared with CD34+ and CD133+ PBdMC. The SR profile for histamine release illustrated a functional heterogeneity between PBdMC and CBdMC. PBdMC released >10% histamine upon stimulation with anti-IgE, C3a, Substance P, and Compound 48/80, whereas CBdMC only reacted to C3a. Cytokine secretion was only detected after anti-IgE stimulation. Here, the SR profile identified the CD133+ PBdMC as the most active cells regarding secretion of IL-10, IL-13, GM-CSF, and TNF-α. Cells from all three culture protocols, however, produced IL-10 spontaneously at comparable levels. We recommend validating mast cell cultures by means of molecular and SR profiles to characterize the mast cells and enhance consensus among studies.
Observing fracture lineaments with Euler curvature
Authors: Chopra Satinder , Marfurt Kurt J.
Published: February 2014

In the last several years, seismic-curvature attributes have been shown to be very useful in delineation of folds, flexures, and faults. Although many curvature measures have been introduced, the most-positive and most-negative principal curvatures (k1 and k2) are found to be the most useful. All other curvature measures can be derived from the two principal curvatures. For example, the components of apparent curvature projected parallel to the dip azimuth and strike of a dipping plane are useful in given tectonic and stress settings. Euler curvature is a generalization of the dip and strike components of curvature in any user-defined direction, as applied to the interpretation of surface-seismic data. This attribute is useful for interpretation of lineament features in desired azimuthal directions, for example, perpendicular to the minimum horizontal stress. If a given azimuth is known or hypothesized to be correlated with open fractures or if a given azimuth can be correlated with enhanced production or effective horizontal drilling, a Euler-curvature intensity volume can be generated for that azimuth, thereby high-grading potential sweet spots.
Standards in 4D feasibility and interpretation
Authors: Stammeijer J. G. F. , Hatchell P. J.
Published: February 2014

Standards for 4D seismic feasibility estimation and interpretation aim to simplify the 4D seismic interpretation process, facilitate understanding of results, and accelerate learning between projects and between disciplines. Standards encode those best practices that have proved to have a more or less universal relevance in the subject area and provide a convenient starting point for individuals and teams new to 4D interpretation. Standards are about casting a result into a familiar format. The main result is a quality improvement of the integration process between different disciplines; a side effect is the efficiency improvement and time saving from increased skill levels within each discipline. There are currently accepted 4D standards in the fields of F = 4D feasibility (fluid effects) P = poststack processing I = seismic inversion and 4D A = 4D interpretation and attributes S = simulator-to-seismic The primary user group is subsurface professionals in asset teams, in particular reservoir engineers, geologists, and geophysicists. Although 4D seismic is seen as a tool originating in the geophysical domain, the fact that it is about observing reservoir dynamics makes it of primary interest to reservoir engineers and geologists alike.
Brazilian carbonate reservoir: A successful seismic time-lapse monitoring study
Authors: Grochau Marcos Hexsel , Benac Pedro Monteiro , de Magalhães Alvim Leonardo , Sansonowski Rui Cesar , da Motta Pires Paulo Roberto , Villaudy Florine
Published: February 2014

Brazilian carbonate reservoirs contain huge oil-in-place volumes and are likely to have an important economic impact in global oil industry. Such carbonate reservoirs, both Albian and Aptian, are located offshore in deep water, which has an important role in development costs. In siliciclastic plays it is standard practice to use time-lapse (4D) seismic to locate wells in unswept areas, maximizing the recovery factor. However, in carbonate plays, time-lapse seismic monitoring remains challenging, with few cases of success published around the world. Carbonates differ from siliciclastic rocks in many aspects. With a varied chemical composition and complex pore connectivity, carbonates bring on a large diversity of facies, each one showing a specific seismic response. Moreover, the usually high incompressibility of the carbonate matrix reduces sensitivity to pressure and saturation changes, which are the main effects expected on a hydrocarbon field undergoing production. Considering both the economic relevance and the difficulties of using time-lapse seismic to monitor carbonate reservoirs, Petrobras created a strategic program to face this challenge, a time-lapse seismic (S4D) study of an Albian carbonate reservoir located in the Campos Basin offshore Brazil. Three legacy data were available: streamer–1987, streamer–2002, and ocean-bottom cable–2010. Extensive feasibility studies are performed as well as a meticulous prestack 4D simultaneous inversion based on the seismic data, preliminary cross-equalized to partially overcome the initial low repeatability. A multidisciplinary interpretation conducted by a team of geophysicists, geologists, and reservoir engineers finally lead to results overcoming expectations. Saturation and pressure changes are detected using P- and S-impedance attributes, consistent with production data. Results are opening perspectives for further monitoring other carbonate reservoirs, especially with new presalt Brazilian discoveries in the Campos and Santos Basins, which might have a huge economic impact.
Closing the loops using engineering-consistent 4D seismic inversion
Authors: Tian Sean , Shams Asghar , MacBeth Colin
Published: February 2014

An updating strategy is designed to iteratively close the loop among fluid-flow simulation predictions and measured production history, predicted and observed 4D seismic data, and finally predicted and inverted impedance/impedance changes. The central ingredient in this scheme is the inversion to elastic property changes from the seismic in an engineering-consistent manner. The geometry, volumetrics, and transmissibility multipliers for the reservoir model are updated in three successive stages, and success is monitored by a comparison between the seismic and fluid-flow domains. The workflow is implemented on a West African field, where reservoir model improvements are obtained in combination with a consistency among model, impedance, and seismic domains.
2012 near-surface geophysics Honorary Lecturer visits Middle East
Authors: Whitesell Laurie
Published: February 2014

Rick Miller visited the Middle East 24 November–2 December to give his keynote presentation, “Unraveling problems with near-surface geophysics: Groundwater, archaeology, geohazards, and engineering,” at the ICEG meeting in Al Ain, UAE, as his 2012 Near-surface Honorary Lecture in Doha, Qatar and Muscat, Oman. He also attended a technical committee meeting for an upcoming workshop in Bahrain on near-surface modeling and imaging.
Determining Rockfall Risk in Christchurch Using Rockfalls Triggered by the 2010–2011 Canterbury Earthquake Sequence
Authors: Massey Chris I. , McSaveney Mauri J. , Taig Tony , Richards Laurie , Litchfield Nicola J. , Rhoades David A. , McVerry Graeme H. , Lukovic Biljana , Heron David W. , Ries William , Van Dissen Russ J.
Published: February 2014

The Canterbury earthquake sequence triggered thousands of rockfalls in the Port Hills of Christchurch, New Zealand, with over 6,000 falling on 22 February 2011. Several hundred families were evacuated after about 200 homes were hit. We characterized the rockfalls by boulder-size distribution, runout distance, source-area dimensions, and boulder-production rates over a range of triggering peak ground accelerations. Using these characteristics, a time-varying seismic hazard model for Canterbury, and estimates of residential occupancy rates and resident vulnerability, we estimated annual individual fatality risk from rockfall in the Port Hills. The results demonstrate the Port Hills rockfall risk is time-variable, decreasing as the seismic hazard decreases following the main earthquakes in February and June 2011. This presents a real challenge for formulating robust land-use and reconstruction policy in the Port Hills.
Common Structural Deficiencies Identified in Canterbury Buildings and Observed versus Predicted Performance
Authors: Bech Dan , Cordova Paul , Tremayne Bill , Tam Kenneth , Weaver Benjamin , Wetzel Nicholas , Parker Will , Oliver Lisa , Fisher Jenny
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a list of common structural deficiencies identified following the Canterbury earthquakes. The deficiencies are based on detailed engineering evaluations of hundreds of buildings in Christchurch and its surrounding areas. The deficiencies identified are common to some of the more prominent collapses but are also found in buildings with limited or concealed damage. The detailed evaluations identified these deficiencies and limited the occupancy, triggered strengthening, or lead to the demolition of the structure. In addition, this paper includes a comparison of observed versus predicted performance of three concrete buildings in the Christchurch area that survived the Lyttelton event with limited damage. The predicted performance utilizes nonlinear time history analysis and is relative to the acceptance criteria specified in ASCE 41-06. In general, the observed performance was found to be better than the predicted. Sources of uncertainty and potential conservatism are evaluated including foundation stiffness, kinematic effects, and vertical accelerations.
Understanding Poor Seismic Performance of Concrete Walls and Design Implications
Authors: Sritharan Sri , Beyer Katrin , Henry Richard S. , Chai Y. H. , Kowalsky Mervyn , Bull Desmond
Published: February 2014

The 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes in New Zealand revealed (1) improved structural response resulting from historical design advancements, (2) poor structural performance due to previously identified shortcomings that had been insufficiently addressed in design practice, and (3) new deficiencies that were not previously recognized because of premature failure resulting from other design flaws. This paper summarizes damage to concrete walls observed in the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake, proposes links between the observed response and specific design concerns, and offers suggestions for improving seismic design of walls in the following areas: amount of longitudinal reinforcement in wall end regions, suitable wall thickness to minimize the potential for out-of-plane buckling, and minimum vertical reinforcement requirements.