bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B serological changes following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Teh B.W. , Slavin M.A. , Szer J. , Sasadeusz J.J.
Published: July 2012

Hepatitis B (HBV) reverse seroconversion (RS) in immunocompromised patients with serological evidence of past HBV infection (hepatitis B surface antigen [sAg] negative, core antibody [cAb] positive) has been reported with increasing frequency following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo‐HSCT). We performed a retrospective review of serial HBV serological testing in patients who had undergone allo‐HSCT at our center between 2000 and 2006. We identified 12 patients with serological evidence of past HBV, including 1 case of RS. Although 7 of these 12 patients had no changes in serological markers detected after transplantation, 5 of them had declining levels of hepatitis B surface antibodies [sAb], with 2 to < 10 IU/mL. The remaining 4 patients with past HBV had loss of antiHBcAb. An additional 14 patients developed isolated antiHBcAb post allo‐HSCT in the setting of receiving HBV screened (HBsAg, antiHBcAb) negative donor stem cells. Monitoring of HBV serological markers (including antiHBsAb) and HBV DNA levels pre allo‐HSCT in recipients and donors, and post allo‐SCT in recipients, would allow early detection and treatment of RS and identify new acquisition of HBV.
An outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outpatients: good outcome without specific antiviral treatment
Authors: Mendes E.T. , Ramos J. , Peixoto D. , Dulley F. , Alves T. , Vilas Boas L.S. , Batista M.V. , da Silva D.P. , Levin A.S. , Shikanai‐Yasuda M.A. , Costa S.F.
Published: July 2012

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of seasonal respiratory viral infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT) patients. The efficacy of treatment, however, remains controversial. We describe an outbreak of 31 cases of RSV that occurred in an HSCT outpatient care unit in the fall season from March through May 2010, with a good outcome without any specific antiviral treatment.

Methods

During these 3 months, 222 nasal wash samples were tested and, of these, 31 outpatients were positive for RSV. In 2009, 99 samples had been tested and only 10 outpatients were positive for RSV in the same period.

Results

Seven (22.5%) patients had severe neutropenia (<500 cells/μL); severe lymphopenia (<200 cells/μL) was present in 13 (41.9%) patients, and 14 (45%) had received intravenous broad‐spectrum antibiotics. Hospitalization was necessary only for 8 patients (25.8%); 20 had lower respiratory tract infection (64.5%). Only 1 patient died as a result of proven invasive aspergillosis.

Conclusion

This report suggests that HSCT outpatients with no risk factors may not always require specific treatment for RSV.
Social Citizenship and Social Security Fraud in the UK and Australia
Authors: McKeever Gráinne
Published: July 2012

This article examines the nature of social citizenship for social security claimants in the UK and Australia, focusing on claimants suspected or convicted of minor social security fraud. It argues that claimants are excluded from social citizenship and that social security fraud legislation reinforces this exclusion. It proposes that social citizenship be redefined to more closely mirror T. H. Marshall's vision of social citizenship, and suggests a new policy framework within which minor social security fraud could be decriminalized.
HUMAN CAPITAL LOCATION CHOICE: ACCOUNTING FOR AMENITIES AND THICK LABOR MARKETS*
Authors: Brown W. Mark , Scott Darren M.
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT A growing literature has found a positive association between human capital and long‐run employment growth across cities. These studies have increased interest in understanding the location choices of university degree holders, a group often used as a proxy measure of human capital. Based on data from the 2001 Canadian Census of Population, this paper investigates determinants of the location choices of degree and nondegree holders. With a multinomial logit model, it tests a series of hypotheses about the differential effects of thick labor markets and amenities on the location choice of these groups across metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas in Canada.
SPATIAL CONVERGENCE OF REGIONS REVISITED: A SPATIAL MAXIMUM LIKELIHOOD PANEL APPROACH*
Authors: Pfaffermayr Michael
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT This paper argues that one should account for the endogeneity of important explanatory variables and the initial differences in technological efficiency when analyzing spatial income convergence among regions. In addition, the approach of Wooldridge (2005), who proposes a convenient solution to the initial condition problem in dynamic panels, proves to be fruitful. In a panel of 211 European regions observed from 1980 to 2005, the estimated speed of convergence is substantially higher, on average, than the legendary 2 percent found in many cross‐section studies. Moreover, it exhibits pronounced variation across regions due to factor mobility and knowledge spillovers.
THE IMPACT OF MIXED LAND USE ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY VALUES*
Authors: Koster Hans R.A. , Rouwendal Jan
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT Contemporary European urban planning policies aim to mix land uses in compact neighborhoods. It is presumed that mixing land uses yields socioeconomic benefits and therefore has a positive effect on housing values. In this paper, we investigate the impact of mixed land use on housing values using semiparametric estimation techniques. We demonstrate that a diverse neighborhood is positively valued by households. There are various land use types that have a positive impact on house prices, e.g., business services and leisure. Land uses that are incompatible with residential land use are, among others, manufacturing and wholesale. It appears that households are willing to pay about 2.5 percent more for a house in a mixed neighborhood. We also show that there is substantial heterogeneity in willingness to pay for mixed land use. For example, only apartment occupiers are willing to pay for an increase in diversity, whereas households living in other house types are not willing to pay for diversity.
Risk factors in facial hyperpigmentation in Maghrebian population – a case–control study
Authors: Benchikhi H. , Atide N. , Jroundi I. , Humbert P. , Lakhdar H.
Published: July 2012

Synopsis

Triggering factors seem to be multiple in the pathogenesis of facial hyperpigmentation (FH), as dark skin types, pregnancy, sun exposure… The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for FH in Maghrebian population. Patients with FH were included in a case‐controlled study. Following data were recorded: age, sex, parity, phototype, FH and hormonal‐related history, endocrinological features, sunlight exposure, specific cultural behaviours, use of topic corticosteroids and sunscreens. One hundred women (mean age 29.5 ± 13.7 years) were included with 200 age‐matched controls. Duration of FH was 32.9 ± 42.2 months. There was a statistically significant relation between FH and hirsutism (P = 0.009), troubles of menstruations (P = 0.008), but not with acne (P = 0.23) and contraceptive oral (P = 0.06) drugs or with history of thyroid disorders (P = 0.13). For cultural factors, there were a statistical significant relation with rubbing by flannel glove (P < 0.05), use of dark soap (P = 0.009) and traditional masks (P < 0.05) but both groups were used to go to hammam. A strong relation was observed between FH and use of topical corticosteroids: 40% in the FH group vs. 5% in the control group (P < 0.05). Both groups used to apply sunscreens: 70% in the FH group and 67% in the control group where as there were no differences in the two groups for sun exposure. No statistical differences were observed regarding to age, phototypes and grade of parity. Our study demonstrated a relation between FH and hyperestrogenemia, rubbing with a friction glove, use of moroccan traditional masks and application of topical steroids. The eviction of all these triggering factors could be an adjuvant recommendation in the assessment of FH.
Irritable oppositional defiance and callous unemotional traits: is the association partially explained by peer victimization?
Authors: Barker Edward D. , Salekin Randall T.
Published: July 2012

Background:  Irritability is a subdimension of ODD, which predicts mainly to internalizing disorders, and to a lesser extent, conduct problems and callous‐unemotional traits. Given that youth with similar dispositions as the irritable types – as well as youth high in callous‐unemotional (CU) traits – have both been reported to experience high levels of victimization by peers, the authors examined an extension of the failure model (Patterson & Capaldi, 1990): that irritability increases peer victimization, which, in turn, predicts both CU and internalizing symptoms.

Sample:  Using data from 5,923 mother‐child pairs participating in The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, the authors tested the outcomes of internalizing difficulties and callous‐unemotional traits (based on mother report at age 13) via the predictors (at ages 8 and 10) of irritability (mother report) and the experience of peer victimization (youth report).

Results:  Irritability and peer victimization (age 10) directly predicted both CU and internalizing difficulties (age 13). Contrary to strict interpretation of the failure model, the significant indirect pathway described peer victimization (age 8) as increasing irritability (age 10), which, in turn, increased both CU and internalizing difficulties (age 13).

Conclusion:  Results suggest that – for youth with irritable dispositions – co‐occurring CU and internalizing difficulties can be acquired via adverse experiences in the social environment.
Uncoupling of eNOS causes superoxide anion production and impairs NO signaling in the cerebral microvessels of hph‐1 mice
Authors: Santhanam Anantha Vijay R. , d’Uscio Livius V. , Smith Leslie A. , Katusic Zvonimir S.
Published: July 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 1211–1218.

In this study, we used the GTP cyclohydrolase I‐deficient mice, i.e., hyperphenylalaninemic (hph‐1) mice, to test the hypothesis that the loss of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) in cerebral microvessels causes endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling, resulting in increased superoxide anion production and inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide signaling. Both homozygous mutant (hph‐1−/−) and heterozygous mutant (hph‐1+/− mice) demonstrated reduction in GTP cyclohydrolase I activity and reduced bioavailability of BH4. In the cerebral microvessels of hph‐1+/− and hph‐1−/− mice, increased superoxide anion production was inhibited by supplementation of BH4 or NOS inhibitor‐ L‐ NG‐nitro arginine‐methyl ester, indicative of eNOS uncoupling. Expression of 3‐nitrotyrosine was significantly increased, whereas NO production and cGMP levels were significantly reduced. Expressions of antioxidant enzymes namely copper and zinc superoxide dismutase, manganese superoxide dismutase, and catalase were not affected by uncoupling of eNOS. Reduced levels of BH4, increased superoxide anion production, as well as inhibition of NO signaling were not different between the microvessels of male and female mice. The results of our study are the first to demonstrate that, regardless of gender, reduced BH4 bioavailability causes eNOS uncoupling, increases superoxide anion production, inhibits eNOS/cGMP signaling, and imposes significant oxidative stress in the cerebral microvasculature.
What determines pine naturalization: species traits, climate suitability or forestry use?
Authors: McGregor Kirsty F. , Watt Michael S. , Hulme Philip E. , Duncan Richard P.
Published: July 2012

Aim

Species attributes, biogeographic features and human factors have all been shown to discriminate between invasive and non‐invasive plant species. However, the relative importance of these factors, their generality in determining invasion outcomes across different regions and their ability to discriminate success and failure at different stages of the invasion process have not been established.

Location

New Zealand (NZ) and Great Britain (GB).

Methods

For species in the genus
Pinus, we used boosted regression trees to identify factors associated with success or failure at the introduction and naturalization stages in each region.

Results

Human factors, notably the forestry use index, were the strongest determinants of which species from the global pool were introduced to both NZ and GB. Species with a close climate match were also more likely to be introduced to NZ but not to GB. Human factors and climate match were also the strongest determinants of which introduced species became naturalized in both NZ and GB, although the order of importance differed (human factors followed by climate match for NZ and vice versa for GB). Species attributes (life‐history traits and the Z‐score) had much less ability to discriminate successful and failed species at both the introduction and naturalization stages in these two regions.

Main conclusions

We show for the first time that human factors are more important than either species or biogeographic traits in determining the likelihood of a species being introduced or becoming naturalized. The similarity between two different regions in the factors found to be important in success at both these invasions stages points to potentially general mechanisms underlying these processes. The strong human component to introduction and naturalization highlights a potential conflict between future afforestation using alien species with conservation and management aims in the surrounding landscape, given that the factors desirable for forestry species are also those that may promote invasion.
Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor improves neovascularization by increasing circulating endothelial progenitor cells
Authors: Huang Chun‐Yao , Shih Chun‐Ming , Tsao Nai‐Wen , Lin Yi‐Wen , Huang Po‐Hsun , Wu Shinn‐Chih , Lee Ai‐Wei , Kao Yung‐Ta , Chang Nen‐Chung , Nakagami Hironori , Morishita Ryuichi , Ou Keng‐Liang , Hou Wen‐Chi , Lin Cheng‐Yen , Shyu Kuo‐Gi , Lin Feng‐Yen
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Current methods used to treat critical limb ischaemia (CLI) are hampered by a lack of effective strategies, therefore, therapeutic vasculogenesis may open up a new field for the treatment of CLI. In this study we investigated the ability of the DPP‐4 inhibitor, sitagliptin, originally used as a hypoglycaemic agent, to induce vasculogenesis in vivo.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Sitagliptin were administered daily to C57CL/B6 mice and eGFP transgenic mouse bone marrow‐transplanted ICR mice that had undergone hindlimb ischaemic surgery. Laser Doppler imaging and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the degree of neovasculogenesis and circulating levels of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) respectively. Cell surface markers of EPCs and endothelial NOS (eNOS) in vessels were studied.

KEY RESULTS Sitagliptin elevated plasma glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) levels in mice subjected to ischaemia, decreased plasma dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) concentration, and augmented ischaemia‐induced increases in stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1) in a dose‐dependent manner. Blood flow in the ischaemic limb was significantly improved in mice treated with sitagliptin. Circulating levels of EPCs were also increased after sitagliptin treatment. Sitagliptin also enhanced the expression of CD 34 and eNOS in ischaemic muscle. In addition, sitagliptin promoted EPC mobilization and homing to ischaemic tissue in eGFP transgenic mouse bone marrow‐transplanted ICR mice.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Circulating EPC levels and neovasculogenesis were augmented by the DPP‐4 inhibitor, sitagliptin and this effect was dependent on an eNOS‐related pathway in a mouse model of hindlimb ischaemia. The results indicate that oral administration of sitagliptin has therapeutic potential as an inducer of vasculogenesis.
MCM7 expression predicts post‐operative prognosis for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Yan‐Ming , Zhang Xiao‐Feng , Cao Lu , Li Bin , Sui Cheng‐Jun , Li Yu‐Min , Yin Zheng‐Feng
Published: July 2012

Background

Dysregulation of minichromosome maintenance protein 7 (MCM7) was previously identified in multiple human malignancies. The clinical significance of MCM7 expression is yet to be delineated in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Paired cancerous and non‐cancerous specimens from 87 patients with HCC who underwent resection were used for the immunohistochemical evaluation of MCM7 expression. Effect of sorafenib on the expression of MCM7 was tested in two human HCC cell lines SMMC‐7721 and PLC/PRF/5.

Results

Non‐cancerous tissues were negative for immunohistochemical staining for MCM7 expression. Nuclear MCM7 was expressed in 42 of 87 HCC (48.2%) and was correlated with hepatitis B virus infection (P = 0.020), intrahepatic metastasis (P = 0.022) and vascular invasion (P = 0.013). Moreover, its expression was correlated with shorter overall survival (P = 0.033). Multivariate analysis showed that MCM7 expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival(P = 0.041). Sorafenib inhibited the expression of MCM7 in a concentration‐dependent manner in vitro.

Conclusions

The current findings suggested that MCM7 expression may be a useful predictor of prognosis in patients with HCC after resection. Adjuvant therapy with sorafenib might be a valuable therapeutic strategy for MCM7‐positive HCC patients.
Role of chemical processes on shear zone formation: an example from the Grimsel metagranodiorite (Aar massif, Central Alps)
Authors: GONCALVES P. , OLIOT E. , MARQUER D. , CONNOLLY J. A. D.
Published: July 2012

Alpine deformation in the Grimsel granodiorite (Aar massif, Central Alps) at greenschist facies conditions (6.5 ± 1 kbar for 450°C ± 25°C) is characterized by the development of a network of centimetre to decametre localized shear zones that surround lenses of undeformed granodiorite. Localization of deformation is assumed to be the result of a first stage of extreme localization on brittle precursors (nucleation stage) followed by a transition to ductile deformation and lateral propagation into the weakly deformed granodiorite (widening stage). A paradox of this model is that the development of the ductile shear zone is accompanied by the crystallization of large amounts of phyllosilicates (white mica and chlorite) that maintains a weak rheology in the localized shear zone relative to the host rock so that deformation is localized and prevents shear zone widening. We suggest that chemical processes, and more particularly, the metamorphic reactions and metasomatism occurring during re‐equilibration of the metastable magmatic assemblage induced shear zone widening at these P–T–X conditions. These processes (reactions and mass transfer) were driven by the chemical potential gradients that developed between the thermodynamically metastable magmatic assemblage at the edge of the shear zone and the stable white mica and chlorite rich ultramylonite formed during the first stage of shear zone due to localized fluid infiltration metasomatism. P–T and chemical potential projections and sections show that the process of equilibration of the wall rocks (μ–μ path) occurs via the reactions: kf + cz + ab + bio + MgO + H2O = mu + q + CaO + Na2O and cz + ab + bio + MgO + H2O = chl + mu + q + CaO + Na2O. Computed phase diagram and mass balance calculations predict that these reactions induce relative losses of CaO and Na2O of ∼100% and ∼40% respectively, coupled with hydration and a gain of ∼140% for MgO. Intermediate rocks within the strain gradient (ultramylonite, mylonite and orthogneiss) reflect various degrees of re‐equilibration and metasomatism. The softening reaction involved may have reduced the strength at the edge of the shear zone and therefore promoted shear zone widening. Chemical potential phase diagram sections also indicate that the re‐equilibration process has a strong influence on equilibrium mineral compositions. For instance, the decrease in Si‐content of phengite from 3.29 to 3.14 p.f.u, when white mica is in equilibrium with the chlorite‐bearing assemblage, may be misinterpreted as the result of decompression during shear zone development while it is due only to syn‐deformation metasomatism at the peak metamorphic condition. The results of this study suggest that it is critical to consider chemical processes in the formation of shear zones particularly when deformation affects metastable assemblages and mass transfer are involved.
The Effects of Self‐Diagnostic Information on Risk Perception of Internet Addiction Disorder: Self‐Positivity Bias and Online Social Support1
Authors: LING I‐LING , CHUANG SHIH‐CHIEH , HSIAO CHIH‐HUI
Published: July 2012

This article demonstrates how self‐diagnostic information (presence of symptoms on an inventory) influences the risk perception of Internet addiction disorder (IAD). The authors also highlight 2 tendencies—self‐positivity bias and online social support—that are characteristics of risk perception of IAD. In 3 studies, it was found that if no contextual information was provided, respondents estimated their risk of IAD as higher than when contextual information (symptoms) was provided. They were also less prone to self‐positivity (i.e., the disposition for people to estimate their risk as lower than others). Finally, our research provides evidence that online social support moderates these effects.
Tissue changes of extraction sockets in humans: a comparison of spontaneous healing vs. ridge preservation with secondary soft tissue healing
Authors: Barone Antonio , Ricci Massimiliano , Tonelli Paolo , Santini Stefano , Covani Ugo
Published: July 2012

Introduction

As a consequence of extraction, the height of the buccal wall tends to decrease and results in the disappearance of bundle bone. To modify bone remodelling after extraction, various ridge preservation techniques have been proposed. The present research was drawn up with the following considerations in mind: to evaluate and to compare changes of hard and soft tissues in post‐extraction sockets which received a ridge preservation procedure, with post‐extraction sockets which had healed naturally.

Materials and methods

Each patient was randomly allocated to a test or control group using a specific software package. After extraction, the sockets were carefully inspected and any granulation tissue was removed. The control sites received silk sutures to stabilize the clot without any grafting material. The test sites were grafted with corticocancellous porcine bone and a collagen membrane. All experimental sites had the membranes left exposed to the oral cavity with a secondary wound healing. The thickness of the buccal alveolar bone, if present, was carefully measured at the time of tooth extraction using a calliper at 1 mm from the edge of the wall. The following clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 4 months at implant placement: vertical bone changes, horizontal bone changes and width of keratinized gingiva. The length, diameter and need for additional bone augmentation were assessed for both groups at the time of implant insertion.

Results

The control group showed vertical bone resorption of 1 ± 0.7 mm, 2.1 ± 0.6 mm, 1 ± 0.8 mm and 2 ± 0.73 mm at the mesial, vestibular, distal and lingual sites respectively. Moreover, changes in horizontal dimension showed an average resorption of 3.6 ± 0.72 mm. The test sites showed a horizontal bone remodelling of 0.3 ± 0.76 mm, 1.1 ± 0.96 mm, 0.3 ± 0.85 mm, 0.9 ± 0.98 mm at the mesial, vestibular, distal and lingual sites respectively. The horizontal bone resorption at the test sites was 1.6 ± 0.55 mm. The keratinized gingiva showed a coronal shift of 0.7 mm in the control group when compared to 1.1 mm in the test group. In addition, 42% of sites in the control group required an additional bone augmentation at implant placement, when compared to 7% in the test sites.

Conclusions

This study clearly points out that an alveolar ridge preservation technique performed with collagenated porcine bone and a resorbable membrane – according to the procedure reported in this study – was able to limit the contour changes after tooth extraction. Finally, the test sites showed a better preservation of facial keratinized tissue when compared to control sites; grafted sites allowed the placement of longer and wider implants when compared to implants inserted in non‐grafted sites.
Spatio‐temporal patterns of fish assemblage structure in a coastal plain stream: appropriate scales reveal historic tales
Authors: Geheber Aaron D. , Piller Kyle R.
Published: July 2012

Quantifying assemblage structure across spatio‐temporal scales is ecologically important and further aids in the understanding of community organisation processes. Currently, few studies have assessed assemblage structure across generous magnitudes of scale, and influences of processes (biotic and abiotic) responsible for structuring assemblages are still questioned. Using community and hydrologic data collected over a 22‐year period from a stretch of river nearing 150 km, we examined spatio‐temporal fish assemblage structural patterns in a temperate coastal plain stream. Results indicated that significant changes in assemblage structure across time were influenced by environmental disturbances, including drought and hurricane events. Assemblages were restructured in a punctuated manner directly following these events, and complete recovery of initial assemblage structure did not occur across the study period. Additionally, we found spatial differentiations between upstream and downstream assemblages, which were driven by greater abundances of several species in downstream sites. Our results suggest that assemblage structure is influenced by environmental variation, specifically, extreme disturbance events and spatial habitat heterogeneity.
Fracture resistance of human root dentin exposed to calcium hydroxide intervisit medication at various time periods: an  in vitro study
Authors: Zarei Mina , Afkhami Farzaneh , Malek Poor Zahra
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium hydroxide on the fracture resistance of human root dentin at different time intervals. After root canal preparation, one hundred single‐rooted premolar human teeth were randomly divided into two equal groups. After placement of calcium hydroxide paste within the canal, one group of teeth was divided into 5 subgroups and incubated for a period of 1 week or 1, 3, 6, or 12 months at 37°C and 100% humidity. The second group of teeth was also divided into 5 subgroups and incubated under the same conditions without placement of calcium hydroxide paste. After mounting the teeth in a Zwick test machine, the force required to break each tooth was determined. Data analysis was performed using the one‐ and two‐way analysis of variance tests. The results demonstrated that the mean force needed to cause fracture differed significantly between the two groups during the first, third and sixth months of incubation (P = 0.001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.035, respectively), and the amount of force necessary for fracture was greater in the control group. Therefore, it would appear from this study that using calcium hydroxide as a long‐term intracanal dressing showed a significant decrease in peak load at fracture when compared with the control groups at the end of the first, third and sixth months of treatment and would suggest that using Ca(OH)2 for periods longer than 1 month should be used with caution.
Fatty acid‐binding protein expression in the gastrointestinal tract of calves and cows
Authors: HAYASHI Hideaki , MARUYAMA Sachiko , FUKUOKA Madoka , KOZAKAI Takaharu , NAKAJIMA Keiichi , ONAGA Takenori , KATO Seiyu
Published: July 2012

Fatty acid‐binding protein (FABP) has high affinity for long‐chain fatty acids and appears to participate in the metabolism and intracellular transport of lipids. Liver‐ and intestinal‐type FABP (L‐FABP and I‐FABP, respectively) are expressed in the small intestine. However, in the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants, expression and localization of FABPs are unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression of I‐FABP and L‐FABP in the gastrointestinal tract of cattle. I‐ and L‐FABP had higher messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression levels in the duodenum and jejunum relatively to other gastrointestinal regions in both calves and cows. Furthermore, L‐FABP mRNA and protein expression were high in the colon. Both these protein types were confirmed to be in the cytosol of jejunal epithelial cells, where they were found in the villi rather than in the crypts. We concluded that duodenal and jejunal FABPs might be involved in the metabolism of fatty acids mainly in epithelial cells in cattle.
Spectrum and ionization rate of low-energy Galactic cosmic rays
Authors: Nath Biman B. , Gupta Nayantara , Biermann Peter L.
Published: July 2012

We consider the rate of ionization of diffuse and molecular clouds in the interstellar medium by Galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) in order to constrain its low-energy spectrum. We extrapolate the GCR spectrum obtained from PAMELA at high energies (≥200 GeV nucleon−1) and a recently derived GCR proton flux at 1–200 GeV from observations of gamma-rays from molecular clouds, and find that the observed average Galactic ionization rate can be reconciled with this GCR spectrum if there is a low-energy cut-off for protons at 10–100 MeV. We also identify the flattening below a few GeV as being due to (a) decrease of the diffusion coefficient and dominance of convective loss at low energy and (b) the expected break in energy spectrum for a constant spectral index in momentum. We show that the inferred CR proton spectrum of Φ ∝ E−1.7±0.2kin for Ekin ≤ few GeV is consistent with a power-law spectrum in momentum p−2.45± 0.4, which we identify as the spectrum at source. Diffusion loss at higher energies then introduces a steepening by E−α with α ∼ 1/3, making it consistent with high-energy measurements.
What do nurse practitioners do? Analysis of a skills survey of nurse practitioners
Authors: Laustsen Gary
Published: July 2012

Purpose

To report findings from a survey, analysis, and evaluation of the frequency and criticality of clinical skills and procedures (CSPs) used by nurse practitioners (NPs). In addition, data regarding NP demographic, geographic, and educational preparation were also obtained.

Data sources

Participants were a convenience sample of 452 NPs in Oregon (31% response rate).

Conclusions

Findings point to the importance of assessing both frequency and criticality of practice skills. Demographic and geographic data reflected significant dichotomies between urban and rural practice. Rural NPs face challenges of providing care with more distant physician specialists and reported the use of a greater number of CSPs. A majority of participants reported learning most of the CSPs used in practice outside of their NP educational programs. The frequency and criticality of CSPs utilized in practice are both important considerations for NP clinicians and educators.

Implications for practice

NPs planning to practice in rural areas may need broader exposure and training in CSPs. An understanding of CSPs used by NPs may better inform administrative, reimbursement, licensure, and certification issues for advanced practice nursing. NP clinicians and faculty involved in NP education should seek to promote improved congruence between the CSPs taught in programs and those used in clinical practice.
Conceptualising ‘racism’ in criminal law
Authors: Goodall Kay
Published: July 2012

‘Hate’ crime has attracted intense debate, but surprisingly little has been written on how best to draft and interpret hate crime legislation. The dominant conceptual models derive from US scholarship. Although valuable, they pay insufficient attention to principles of criminal law and to how hate crime law is perceived. This paper explores these problems through a discussion of legal approaches to, and lay perceptions of, racism, as embodied in the racially aggravated offence. It proposes a model which offers a more just alternative.
Urea cycle disorder—argininosuccinic lyase deficiency
Authors: Mehta Neeta , Kirk Pia Chatterjee , Holder Ray , Precheur Harry V.
Published: July 2012

An increased level of ammonia in the bloodstream, or hyperammonemia, is a symptom associated with metabolic disorders referred to as inborn errors of metabolism. Urea cycle disorder is a congenital abnormality or absence of one of the six enzymes involved in the elimination of ammonia. Administration of certain medications, high protein diet, excessive exercise, surgical procedures, or trauma can precipitate symptoms of mental confusion, seizure‐like activity, and ataxia. This paper reviews the literature with insight into current treatment and management options of the disorder and modification of treatment for the dental patient.
Caryophyllales: Evaluating phylogenetic signal in trnK intron versus matK
Authors: CRAWLEY Sunny S. , HILU Khidir W.
Published: July 2012

Abstract  We assess the phylogenetic information in trnK intron at the ordinal level using the Caryophyllales and compare it with that derived from matK. The trnK gene is split into two exons by an intron that includes the matK gene. The plastid trnK is a tRNA gene encoding Lysine(UUU), whereas the matK gene is a putative group II intron maturase. The two regions are usually coamplified, and trnK intron is partially sequenced but its sequences are often excluded from phylogenetic reconstruction at deep historic levels. This study shows that the two regions are comparable in proportion of variable sites, possess a comparable pattern of substitution rates per site, and display similar phylogenetic informativeness profiles and per‐site informativeness. Phylogenetic analyses show strong congruence between phylogenetic trees based on matK and trnK intron partitioned datasets from 45 genera representing 30 of the 34 recognized Caryophyllales families. The trnK intron alone provides a relatively well‐resolved topology for the order. Combining the trnK intron with matK sequence data resulted in six most parsimonious trees, differing only in the placement of Claytonia (Portulacaceae) within the noncore group. A well‐supported major basal split in the order into core and noncore Caryophyllales with Rhabdodendraceae, Simmondsiaceae, and Asteropeiaceae as sister to remaining core lineages is evident in partitioned and combined analyses. The placement of these three families has been disputable, impacting the overall backbone topology of the Caryophyllales. This study demonstrates the cost effectiveness of using the trnK intron along with matK (both substitutions and insertions/deletions) at deeper phylogenetic level.
Bilateral ceratohyoidectomy for the resolution of clinical signs associated with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy
Authors: Bras J. J. , Davis E. , Beard W. L.
Published: July 2012

Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) is a progressive bilateral disease of unknown aetiology that most commonly affects adult horses. Irrespective of aetiology, THO frequently results in pain or fracture of the petrous temporal bone during normal movement of the tongue and larynx. In an effort to decrease pain and reduce the likelihood of petrous temporal bone fracture, partial stylohyoidectomy and ceratohyoidectomy have been developed. Serious complications have been reported following stylohyoidectomy and therefore the current recommendation is to perform unilateral ceratohyoidectomy. Benefits of ceratohyoidectomy include a lower risk of vascular and nerve damage and a reduced risk of clinical signs recurrence when compared with stylohyoidectomy. This report describes a case of THO in which clinical signs recurred approximately 2 years after unilateral ceratohyoidectomy was performed. Due to this complication, resection of the contralateral ceratohyoid bone was performed, which resulted in complete resolution of clinical signs. Although the clinical signs are frequently unilateral, the disease is most commonly a progressive bilateral condition and some horses may not have complete resolution of clinical signs when unilateral ceratohyoidectomy is performed. Therefore, if clinical signs persist after unilateral ceratohyoidectomy, a therapeutic consideration should include bilateral ceratohyoidectomy. This report suggests a favourable short‐term prognosis for a horse treated with bilateral ceratohyoidectomy.
Successful treatment of a horse with presumed parasitic encephalitis
Authors: Wilford S. , Weller R. , Dunkel B.
Published: July 2012

Verminous myeloencephalitis is a rare, but predominately fatal, cause of neurological disease in horses. A 6‐year‐old mare was admitted to the Royal Veterinary College Equine Referral Hospital following acute onset of depression, central unilateral blindness and compromised vision in the opposite eye. Based on pronounced eosinophilic inflammation detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and diagnostic imaging findings indicating a space‐occupying lesion within the brain, a presumptive diagnosis of aberrant parasitic migration causing parasitic encephalitis was made. Treatment consisted of anti‐inflammatories and high doses of an anthelmintic. The horse's condition improved, the neurological deficits and observed space‐occupying lesion within the brain resolved completely and the mare returned to full work. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report describing complete recovery from suspected aberrant parasite migration in the CNS and will hopefully encourage treatment of suspected cases in the future.
The proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament in the horse: How precise are ultrasonographic measurements?
Authors: ZAUSCHER J. M. , ESTRADA R. , EDINGER J. , LISCHER C. J.
Published: July 2012

Reasons for performing study: To evaluate intra‐ and interobserver variability in ultrasonographic measurements of the proximal aspect of the suspensory ligament (PSL) in the horse.

Hypothesis: A minimum difference of ≥20% is required to differentiate reliably between physiological and pathological alterations related to dimensions.

Materials and methods: Two operators examined the PSL in all 4 limbs of 14 horses twice using different techniques and different probes with and without standoff pads. Measurements were taken from the longitudinal and transverse images. Inter‐ and intraoperator variability was evaluated using agreement indices (AI) and the 95% limits of agreement (LOA).

Results: On the longitudinal scan the mean inter‐ and intraoperator AIs for dorsopalmar/‐plantar thickness were both ≥0.89 and the 95% LOA were within target values for almost all intra‐ and interoperator comparisons. Similar mean AIs and 95% LOA were calculated for the dorsopalmar/‐plantar thickness on the transverse image. For lateromedial width, cross‐sectional area and circumference on the transverse scan, the mean inter‐ and intraoperator AIs ranged between 0.81 and 0.95 and the 95% LOA were higher than target values regardless of the imaging technique used. In general, better values for AIs and 95% LOA were achieved in the fore‐ compared with the hindlimb.

Conclusion and clinical relevance: Acceptable precision was identified within and between operators only for the dorsopalmar/‐plantar thickness in longitudinal and in transverse scanning directions. For the lateromedial width, cross‐sectional area and circumference, a relatively large variability was identified. This aspect has to be considered if these parameters are to be used for objective measurement of the PSL from the transverse ultrasound image.
Varicella-Zoster Virus-Specific Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay Responses and Zoster-Associated Pain in Herpes Zoster Subjects
Authors: Tyring Stephen K. , Stek Jon E. , Smith Jeffrey G. , Xu Jin , Pagnoni Marco , Chan Ivan S. F. , Silber Jeffrey L. , Parrino Janie , Levin Myron J.
Published: July 2012

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)-specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI) responses were compared over time following an episode of herpes zoster (HZ) with those of age-, race-, and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) without HZ, using a validated gamma interferon (IFN-γ) enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay. The zoster brief-pain inventory (ZBPI) was used to assess zoster-associated pain. HZ patients (
n
= 140) had significantly higher IFN-γ ELISPOT responses to VZV antigen than did HC (
n
= 140). ELISPOT geometric mean count (GMC) responses (with 95% confidence intervals [CI]) for subjects who presented within 72 h were as follows: for HZ patients ≥ 60 years of age, at day 0 the GMC was 110 and at week 2 the GMC was 235; for HZ patients 21 to 59 years of age, at day 0 the GMC was 111 and at week 2 the GMC was 198; for HC ≥ 60 years of age, at day 0 the GMC was 19 and at week 2 the GMC was 18; and for HC 21 to 59 years of age, at day 0 the GMC was 59 and at week 2 the GMC was 56. The mean pain score (95% CI) across age groups at 1 week postrash (
n
= 106) was 6.0 (5.5, 6.5) and at 2 weeks postrash (
n
= 119) was 3.5 (2.9, 4.0). The percentage of HZ patients with substantial pain (score ≥ 3) at 6 weeks postrash increased with age from 8% for patients 21 to 49 years of age to 16% for patients 50 to 59 years of age to 22% for patients ≥ 60 years of age. The VZV-specific CMI response was substantially boosted by an episode of HZ, as measured by ELISPOT results. Older adults had lower VZV-specific cellular immunity than younger subjects at baseline, but the boosting effect of HZ was substantial for all age groups. HZ patients experienced considerable zoster-associated acute (1 to 2 weeks after rash) pain across age groups, while chronic pain increased with age.
The Campylobacter jejuni Dps Homologue Is Important forIn VitroBiofilm Formation and Cecal Colonization of Poultry and May Serve as a Protective Antigen for Vaccination
Authors: Theoret James R. , Cooper Kerry K. , Zekarias Bereket , Roland Kenneth L. , Law Bibiana F. , Curtiss Roy , Joens Lynn A.
Published: July 2012

In this work, we investigated theCampylobacter jejuni dps(DNA binding protein from starved cells) gene for a role in biofilm formation and cecal colonization in poultry.In vitrobiofilm formation assays were conducted with stationary-phase cells in cell culture plates under microaerophilic conditions. These studies demonstrated a significant (>50%) reduction in biofilm formation by theC. jejuni dpsmutant compared to that by the wild-type strain. Studies in poultry also demonstrated the importance of thedpsgene in host colonization byC. jejuni. Real-time PCR analysis of mRNA extracted from the cecal contents of poultry infected with wild-typeC. jejuniindicated that thedpsgene is upregulated 20-fold during poultry colonization. Cecal colonization was greater than 5 log CFU lower in chicks infected with thedpsmutant than chicks infected with the wild-typeC. jejunistrain. Moreover, thedpsmutant failed to colonize 75% of the chicks following challenge with 105CFU. Preliminary studies were conducted in chicks by parenteral vaccination with a recombinant Dps protein or through oral vaccination with a recombinant attenuatedSalmonella entericastrain synthesizing theC. jejuniDps protein. No reduction inC. jejuniwas noted in chicks vaccinated with the parenteral recombinant protein, whereas, a 2.5-log-unit reduction ofC. jejuniwas achieved in chicks vaccinated with the attenuatedSalmonellavector after homologous challenge. Taken together, this work demonstrated the importance of Dps for biofilm formation and poultry colonization, and the study also provides a basis for continued work using the Dps protein as a vaccine antigen when delivered through aSalmonellavaccine vector.
No Evidence for Xenotropic Murine Leukemia-Related Virus Infection in Sweden Using Internally Controlled Multiepitope Suspension Array Serology
Authors: Blomberg Jonas , Blomberg Fredrik , Sjösten Anna , Sheikholvaezin Ali , Bölin-Wiener Agnes , Elfaitouri Amal , Hessel Sanna , Gottfries Carl-Gerhard , Zachrisson Olof , Öhrmalm Christina , Jobs Magnus , Pipkorn Rüdiger
Published: July 2012

Many syndromes have a large number of differential diagnoses, a situation which calls for multiplex diagnostic systems. Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), also named chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a common disease of unknown etiology. A mouse retrovirus, xenotropic murine leukemia-related virus (XMRV), was found in ME/CFS patients and blood donors, but this was not corroborated. However, the paucity of serological investigations on XMRV in humans prompted us to develop a serological assay which cover many aspects of XMRV antigenicity. It is a novel suspension array method, using a multiplex IgG assay with nine recombinant proteins from the
env
and
gag
genes of XMRV and 38 peptides based on known epitopes of vertebrate gammaretroviruses. IgG antibodies were sought in 520 blood donors and 85 ME/CFS patients and in positive- and negative-control sera from animals. We found no differences in seroreactivity between blood donors and ME/CFS patients for any of the antigens. This did not support an association between ME/CFS and XMRV infection. The multiplex serological system had several advantages: (i) biotinylated protein G allowed us to run both human and animal sera, which is essential because of a lack of XMRV-positive humans; (ii) a novel quality control was a pan-peptide positive-control rabbit serum; and (iii) synthetic XMRV Gag peptides with degenerate positions covering most of the variation of murine leukemia-like viruses did not give higher background than nondegenerate analogs. The principle may be used for creation of variant tolerant peptide serologies. Thus, our system allows rational large-scale serological assays with built-in quality control.
NlpI Facilitates Deposition of C4bp on Escherichia coli by Blocking Classical Complement-Mediated Killing, Which Results in High-Level Bacteremia
Authors: Tseng Yu-ting , Wang Shainn-Wei , Kim Kwang Sik , Wang Ying-Hsiang , Yao Yufeng , Chen Chien-Cheng , Chiang Chi-Wu , Hsieh Pao-Chuan , Teng Ching-Hao
Published: July 2012

Neonatal meningitisEscherichia coli(NMEC) is the most common Gram-negative organism that is associated with neonatal meningitis, which usually develops as a result of hematogenous spread of the bacteria. There are two key pathogenesis processes for NMEC to penetrate into the brain, the essential step for the development ofE. colimeningitis: a high-level bacteremia and traversal of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Our previous study has shown that the bacterial outer membrane protein NlpI contributes to NMEC binding to and invasion of brain microvascular endothelial cells, the major component cells of the BBB, suggesting a role for NlpI in NMEC crossing of the BBB. In this study, we showed that NlpI is involved in inducing a high level of bacteremia. In addition, NlpI contributed to the recruitment of the complement regulator C4bp to the surface of NMEC to evade serum killing, which is mediated by the classical complement pathway. NlpI may be involved in the interaction between C4bp and OmpA, which is an outer membrane protein that directly interacts with C4bp on the bacterial surface. The involvement of NlpI in two key pathogenesis processes of NMEC meningitis may make this bacterial factor a potential target for prevention and therapy ofE. colimeningitis.