bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertensive Rats are Tolerant to Mild Exercise
Authors: Hargett Leslie A. , Hartman Lauren J. , Scruggs April K. , McLendon Jared M. , Haven April K. , Bauer Natalie N.
Published: April 2015

A frequently used end point of clinical outcomes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is the 6‐minute walk distance. Furthermore, some data suggest that mild to moderate exercise as an intervention in stable PAH is beneficial. Some of these questions have been recapitulated in the monocrotaline and hypoxia animal models of pulmonary hypertension. However, mild exercise and walk distance as end points have not been rigorously examined in the severe progressive Sugen 5416/hypoxia/normoxia (Su/Hx/Nx) animal model of PAH at each stage of worsening disease. Our hypothesis was that animals that were preselected as runners would have increased walk times and improved right ventricle/left ventricle plus septum (RV/LV+S) ratios, echocardiography, and histology compared with nonexercised Su/Hx/Nx animals. We examined four groups of rats: Su/Hx/Nx sedentary, Su/Hx/Nx exercised, control sedentary, and control exercised. Echocardiography was performed at 5, 8, and 13 weeks to assess right ventricular inner diameter in diastole and left ventricular eccentricity index. We found no difference between exercised and sedentary Su/Hx/Nx rats, and both were worsened compared with controls. Rats were euthanized at 13 weeks, and we found that neither RV/LV+S nor the occurrence of occlusive lesions were influenced by exercise. Most interesting, however, was that despite progressive PAH development, exercised Su/Hx/Nx rats showed no decrease in time or distance for treadmill exercise. In all, our data suggest that, despite severe PAH development, Su/Hx/Nx rats retain the same treadmill exercise capacity as control animals.
The Subprime Virus
Authors: Engel Kathleen C. , McCoy Patricia A.
Published: April 2015

The subprime crisis shook the American economy to its core. How did it happen? Where was the government? Did anyone see the crisis coming? Will the new financial reforms avoid a repeat performance? This book answers these questions as it tells the story behind the subprime crisis. The book offers a reasoned account of the actions that produced the greatest economic collapse since the Great Depression. The book reveals how consumer abuses in a once obscure corner of the home mortgage market led to the near meltdown of the world's financial system. The book also delves into the roles of federal banking and securities regulators, who knew of lenders' hazardous mortgages and of Wall Street's addiction to high stakes financing, but did nothing until the crisis erupted.
Part 1 Constitutionalism and Islam: Conceptual Issues, 1.1 Constitutionalism in Islamic Countries: A Contemporary Perspective of Islamic Law
Authors: Mohammad Hashim Kamali
Published: April 2015

This chapter begins with a brief characterization of Islamic constitutional law and its underdeveloped status as compared with other branches of Islamic law. It then highlights salient differences between the Islamic and Western approaches to constitutional law and briefly discusses Islam and secularism. The next section provides a general characterization of the Islamic system of rule under four sub-headings. The first of these defines government in Islam as a trust (amānah); the second describes it as a limited and thus non-totalitarian government; the third addresses the Islamic system of rule as a qualified democracy; and the last characterizes it as a civilian not a theocratic system of government. The final section summarizes the main results of the preceding analysis and offers some tentative conclusions on the relationship between Islamic government and democratic constitutionalism.
Part 2 Interrelations between Constitutionalism and Sharī’ah: Antagonism or Complementarity?, 2.3 Constitutionalism in the Maghreb: Between French Heritage and Islamic Concepts
Authors: Thierry Le Roy
Published: April 2015

This chapter reviews the constitutional experience—if not of constitutionalism—of three countries in North Africa: Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. It addresses questions such as: What influence do constitutions in the Maghreb have on the rule of law? How do constitutional law and Islamic law combine? Can we still speak about a French legal model in the Maghreb?
Part 2 Interrelations between Constitutionalism and Sharī’ah: Antagonism or Complementarity?, 2.5 Secularism in Islamic Countries: Turkey as a Model
Authors: Ergun Özbudun
Published: April 2015

This chapter first discusses the secularization of the Ottoman Empire in the nineteenth century. It then covers the distinct character of Turkish secularism; the Turkish Constitutional Court as defender of assertive secularism; and recent controversies on secularism: the headscarf ban, the İmam Hatip schools, and the Qur' ān courses. The chapter concludes that the present Turkish system of assertive secularism can serve as a model in any other part of the Muslim world. However, if Turkey manages to reach a reasonable compromise on some version of passive secularism, it could indeed be an inspiring model demonstrating the compatibility of Islam, democracy, and secularism.
Part 3 Institutional Control of Constitutionalism, 3.2 Constitutional Jurisdiction and Its Limits in the Maghreb
Authors: Imen Gallala-Arndt
Published: April 2015

In the wake of the “Arab spring” constitutional reform is enjoying a prominent place in the debates on the future of the Maghreb countries. The potential and actual amendments of relevant constitutions are captivating the attention of all the political actors in and outside the region, since these new or amended constitutions will be the primary tools for the institutionalization of political change. This chapter examines the constitutions in the Maghreb before the pro-democratic upheavals. This helps explain, at least partly, the reasons for the unrest and puts into perspective the size of the challenges faced by the Maghreb countries in the process of constitutional reform and their prospects for success.
Part 5 Emerging Constitutions in Islamic Countries, 5.6 The Protection of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories
Authors: Eugene Cotran , Emma Brown
Published: April 2015

This chapter discusses the protection given to fundamental freedoms and human rights in the Palestinian Territories and the work of the Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights in converting legislative intention into practical reality within Palestine. An understanding of the context in which the Commission operates is essential to understand the significance of the Commission's role in not only protecting fundamental freedoms and human rights in Palestine, but also in the ongoing process of developing democracy in the Palestinian Territories.
Part 5 Emerging Constitutions in Islamic Countries, 5.9 The Separation of Powers and the Problem of Constitutional Interpretation in Afghanistan
Authors: Mohammad Qasim Hashimzai
Published: April 2015

This chapter examines constitution-building in Afghanistan. It discusses the constitutional history of Afghanistan (1923–2001); the creation of the New Constitution (2001–2004); the separation of powers in the Afghan Constitution; other important features of the constitution of 2004; and the problem of constitutional interpretation. It concludes that while the Afghan Constitution of 2004 is among the most progressive and modern in the Islamic world, the interpretation of the constitution poses considerable difficulties. Apparent contradictions between Islamic and secular laws must be resolved, and the separation of powers between the government, the National Assembly, and the Supreme Court must be clarified.
Multiplex Real-time PCR Detection and Differentiation of Colletotrichum Species Infecting Soybean
Authors: Yang Hui-Ching , Haudenshield James S. , Hartman Glen L.
Published: April 2015

Colletotrichum species are fungal plant pathogens of worldwide significance. Colletotrichum species were isolated from soybean with anthracnose symptoms in five states in the United States from 2009 to 2013. Among 240 isolates collected, four Colletotrichum species were initially identified by morphological and sequence analysis, including C. chlorophyti, C. incanum, C. truncatum, and Colletotrichum sp. (henceforth Glomerella glycines, the name of its sexual state). To increase diagnostic efficiency and accuracy, real-time multiplex PCR assays based on a double-stranded DNA-binding dye coupled with dissociation curve analysis were designed, using a region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene to discern these four Colletotrichum species. Two sets of duplex, real-time PCR assays were established and species differentiation was based upon amplicon melting point temperatures (Tm) in the dissociation curve analysis. The Set 1 duplex assay distinguished C. chlorophyti and G. glycines, and the Set 2 duplex assay distinguished C. incanum and C. truncatum. Successful detection was achieved with as little as 1 pg DNA. The assays were especially useful for differentiating C. chlorophyti, C. incanum, and C. truncatum, which have similar morphological features. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, another pathogen associated with soybean anthracnose, was not resolved from G. glycines by the melting curve analysis. The two duplex real-time PCR assays were used to screen more than 200 purified Colletotrichum isolates, showing that they were rapid and effective methods to detect and differentiate Colletotrichum species infecting soybean.
Basil Downy Mildew (Peronospora belbahrii): Discoveries and Challenges Relative to Its Control
Authors: Wyenandt Christian A. , Simon James E. , Pyne Robert M. , Homa Kathryn , McGrath Margaret T. , Zhang Shouan , Raid Richard N. , Ma Li-Jun , Wick Robert , Guo Li , Madeiras Angela
Published: April 2015

Basil (Ocimum spp.) is one of the most economically important and widely grown herbs in the world. Basil downy mildew, caused by Peronospora belbahrii, has become an important disease in sweet basil (O. basilicum) production worldwide in the past decade. Global sweet basil production is at significant risk to basil downy mildew because of the lack of genetic resistance and the ability of the pathogen to be distributed on infested seed. Controlling the disease is challenging and consequently many crops have been lost. In the past few years, plant breeding efforts have been made to identify germplasm that can be used to introduce downy mildew resistance genes into commercial sweet basils while ensuring that resistant plants have the correct phenotype, aroma, and tastes needed for market acceptability. Fungicide efficacy studies have been conducted to evaluate current and newly developed conventional and organic fungicides for its management with limited success. This review explores the current efforts and progress being made in understanding basil downy mildew and its control.
Significance and Epidemiological Aspects of Late-Season Infections in the Management of Potato Zebra Chip
Authors: Rush C. M. , Workneh F. , Rashed A.
Published: April 2015

Zebra chip (ZC) of potato is putatively caused by the fastidious, phloem-limited bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso), which is transmitted by the potato psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli). The disease, which significantly impacts both crop yield and quality, was first identified in the United States from south Texas in 2000. It reached epidemic levels in north Texas and certain production areas in Colorado, Nebraska, and New Mexico from 2004 to 2007 and it caused severe losses in fields in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho in 2011. The potato plant is susceptible to infection at all developmental stages, but disease management programs have focused on vector control through early and repeated insecticide applications, in an effort to minimize early to midseason infections which are most damaging. Growers often terminate spray programs 2 to 3 weeks prior to crop harvest due to lack of visible treatment effects on crop yield or quality. However, recent studies on vector transmission and host−pathogen interactions have revealed that late-season infections pose a significant, previously unrecognized, threat to crop quality. The pathogen can move from an infected leaf to tubers within 2 days; however, tubers infected less than 1 week before harvest will remain asymptomatic and the pathogen will be undetectable. When these tubers are placed into storage they are assumed to be disease free. However, Lso can continue to multiply in respiring tubers during storage, resulting in reduced tuber quality. Likewise, if plants become infected a few days before vines are killed, ZC can continue to develop in infected tubers before they are harvested. Perspectives on the significance of late-season infections and some of the more important issues associated with those infections are discussed.
High-resolution X-ray emission spectroscopy with transition-edge sensors: present performance and future potential
Authors: Uhlig J. , Doriese W. B. , Fowler J. W. , Swetz D. S. , Jaye C. , Fischer D. A. , Reintsema C. D. , Bennett D. A. , Vale L. R. , Mandal U. , O'Neil G. C. , Miaja-Avila L. , Joe Y. I. , El Nahhas A. , Fullagar W. , Parnefjord Gustafsson F. , Sundström V. , Kurunthu D. , Hilton G. C. , Schmidt D. R. , Ullom J. N.
Published: April 2015

X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) is a powerful element-selective tool to analyze the oxidation states of atoms in complex compounds, determine their electronic configuration, and identify unknown compounds in challenging environments. Until now the low efficiency of wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectrometer technology has limited the use of XES, especially in combination with weaker laboratory X-ray sources. More efficient energy-dispersive detectors have either insufficient energy resolution because of the statistical limits described by Fano or too low counting rates to be of practical use. This paper updates an approach to high-resolution X-ray emission spectroscopy that uses a microcalorimeter detector array of superconducting transition-edge sensors (TESs). TES arrays are discussed and compared with conventional methods, and shown under which circumstances they are superior. It is also shown that a TES array can be integrated into a table-top time-resolved X-ray source and a soft X-ray synchrotron beamline to perform emission spectroscopy with good chemical sensitivity over a very wide range of energies.
Recombinant production, crystallization and crystal structure determination of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase fromLeishmania (Viannia) braziliensis
Authors: Reis Renata Almeida Garcia , Lorenzato Eder , Silva Valeria Cristina , Nonato Maria Cristina
Published: April 2015

The enzyme dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) is a flavoenzyme that catalyses the oxidation of dihydroorotate to orotate in thede novopyrimidine-biosynthesis pathway. In this study, a reproducible protocol for the heterologous expression of active dihydroorotate dehydrogenase fromLeishmania (Viannia) braziliensis(LbDHODH) was developed and its crystal structure was determined at 2.12 Å resolution.L. (V.) braziliensisis the species responsible for the mucosal form of leishmaniasis, a neglected disease for which no cure or effective therapy is available. Analyses of sequence, structural and kinetic features classifyLbDHODH as a member of the class 1A DHODHs and reveal a very high degree of structural conservation with the previously reported structures of orthologous trypanosomatid enzymes. The relevance of nucleotide-biosynthetic pathways for cell metabolism together with structural and functional differences from the respective host enzyme suggests that inhibition ofLbDHODH could be exploited for antileishmanicidal drug development. The present work provides the framework for further integratedin vitro,in silicoandin vivostudies as a new tool to evaluate DHODH as a drug target against trypanosomatid-related diseases.
The X-ray structure ofPlasmodium falciparumdihydroorotate dehydrogenase bound to a potent and selectiveN-phenylbenzamide inhibitor reveals novel binding-site interactions
Authors: Deng Xiaoyi , Matthews David , Rathod Pradipsinh K. , Phillips Margaret A.
Published: April 2015

Plasmodiumspecies are protozoan parasites that are the causative agent of malaria. Malaria is a devastating disease, and its treatment and control have been hampered by the propensity of the parasite to become drug-resistant. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) has been identified as a promising new target for the development of antimalarial agents. Here, the X-ray structure ofP. falciparumDHODH bound to a potent and selectiveN-phenylbenzamide-based inhibitor (DSM59) is described at 2.3 Å resolution. The structure elucidates novel binding-site interactions and shows how conformational flexibility of the enzyme leads to the ability to bind diverse chemical structures with high affinity. This information provides new insight into the design of high-affinity DHODH inhibitors for the treatment of malaria.
Printed electrodes for flexible, light-weight solid-state supercapacitors – a feasibility study
Authors: Sagu Jagdeep S. , York Nicola , Southee Darren , Wijayantha K.G.U.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on the feasibility of the manufacture of printed rechargeable power sources incorporating, in the first instance, electrode structures from the previous study, and moving on to improved electrode structures fabricated, via flexographic printing, using commercially available inks. It has been shown previously that offset lithography, a common printing technique, can be used to make electrodes for energy storage devices such as primary cells.

Design/methodology/approach

– A pair of the original Ag/C electrodes, printed via offset lithography, were sandwiched together with a PVA-KOH gel electrolyte and then sealed. The resultant structures were characterised using electrochemical techniques and the performance as supercapacitors assessed. Following these studies, electrode structures of the same dimensions, consisting of two layers, a silver-based current collector covered with a high surface area carbon layer, were printed flexographically, using inks, on a melinex substrate. The characterisation and assessment of these structures, as supercapacitors, was determined.

Findings

– It was found that the supercapacitors constructed using the offset lithographic electrodes exhibited a capacitance of 0.72 mF/cm2 and had an equivalent series resistance of 3.96 Ω. The structures fabricated via flexography exhibited a capacitance of 4 mF/cm2 and had an equivalent series resistance of 1.25 Ω The supercapacitor structures were subjected to bending and rolling tests to determine device performance under deformation and stress. It was found that supercapacitor performance was not significantly reduced by bending or rolling.

Originality/value

– This paper provides insight into the use of printed silver/carbon electrodes within supercapacitor structures and compares the performance of devices fabricated using inks for offset lithographic printing presses and those made using commercially available inks for flexographic printing. The potential viability of such structures for low-end and cheap energy storage devices is demonstrated.
Correlation analysis of wettability, intermetallic compound formation and PCB contamination
Authors: Steiner Frantisek , Rendl Karel , Wirth Vaclav
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to verify how solder joint properties correlate with soldering profile set-up. These characteristics act against each other. All observed properties may significantly affect the quality and reliability of solder joints. The purpose is also to design recommendations for manufacturers of electronic assemblies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The samples for experiment were reflowed by using a laboratory reflow oven. A LEXT laser confocal microscope was used for wetting angle and intermetallic compound (IMC) thickness measurement. The ionic contamination was measured by using a contaminometer.

Findings

– The appropriate choice of soldering profile is very important for the reliability of electronic assemblies. The higher temperatures or longer preheating and soldering times improve the wetting angle. Likewise, there is also the activation of all the fluxes. The result is low contamination with printed circuit boards (PCBs). On the other hand, we must not forget that higher temperatures and longer soldering time also affect the thickness of the IMC. The outer limits recommended by the manufacturer were selected for the soldering profile set-up. Even within these limits, it is possible to achieve an improvement in the wetting angle, an improvement in levels of PCB contamination and an increase in the thickness of the IMC. This paper presents the results achieved for solders Sn42Bi57.6Ag0.4, Sn96.5Ag3Cu0.5 and Sn97Ag3.

Originality/value

– The gained knowledge on the correlation between IMC thickness, solderability of PCB and PCB contamination caused by different soldering profile set-ups can help to prevent reliability problems because each of the named effects has a significant influence on reliability.
Effects of within‐plant variability in seed weight and tannin content on foraging behaviour of seed consumers
Authors: Shimada Takuya , Takahashi Akiko , Shibata Mitsue , Yagihashi Tsutomu
Published: April 2015

Individual plants provide a habitat patch for foragers where the sought‐after resources (e.g. leaves, fruits and seeds) are clustered in locally dense aggregations. Characteristics of these resources often vary greatly even within individual plants, which is known as within‐plant or subindividual variation. To best describe properties of the patch (individual plants), the higher moments of trait‐value distributions must be included in addition to the mean values. However, the question whether differences in within‐plant variability of a given trait influence the foraging behaviours of consumers has been mostly untested.

To test the hypothesis that differences in within‐plant variation of traits can influence the patch selection behaviour of seed consumers, we used the mean, coefficient of variation (CV) and skewness of within‐plant distributions of two Quercus serrata (Thunb) seed traits (weight and tannin content) as descriptors of plant phenotypes. We then examined the relationships between these descriptors and patch selection by the wood mouse Apodemus speciosus, where individual Quercus trees formed a foraging patch for seed removal.

We collected 8594 seeds from 26 individual trees in a forest in northern Japan. We then measured their weight and tannin content, marked and returned them to the locations where they were found, and traced their fates in relation to seed removal by the wood mouse. Tannin content was nondestructively estimated using near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

There was notable within‐plant variation in seed weight and tannin content. Generalized additive modelling revealed that trees with a large mean and CV of seed weight and those with a small CV and skewness of tannin content had a high frequency of seed removal.

These results highlight the importance of considering the within‐plant distribution of seed trait values, in addition to the mean trait values of individual seeds, when describing plant phenotypes. The inclusion of these data is essential to understand the ecological and evolutionary processes at work in plant–animal interactions.
How to not speak the ‘F‐word’: Federalism between mirage and imperative in the euro crisis
Authors: Borriello Arthur , Crespy Amandine
Published: April 2015

The recent financial and debt crisis has resuscitated the debate about European federalism – a theme that seemed not to have survived the painful constitutional adventure that ended with the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in 2009. With the adoption of significant policy and institutional measures for tightening macroeconomic and budgetary coordination (including a constitutionally enshrined debt brake), the reforms of the monetary union have undisputedly brought the European Union further on the path towards an ever closer union. In an era where EU integration has been increasingly politicised, and Euroscepticism has been on the rise and exploited by anti‐system parties, national leaders have to face a political hiatus and respond to increased needs for symbolic and discursive legitimation of further federalisation. This is all the more crucial for French and German leaders who have brokered the main decisions during the crisis of the eurozone. Against this background, the purpose of this article is not to assess whether, or to what extent, the recent reforms of economic and monetary union have made the EU more federal. Rather, the purpose is to tackle the following puzzle: How have EU leaders legitimised the deepening of federal integration in a context where support for more European federalism is at its lowest? To elucidate this, a lexicographic discourse analysis is conducted based on all speeches held by the German Chancellor Merkel and the two French Presidents Sarkozy and Hollande, previous to, or after European summits from early 2010 until the spring of 2013. The findings indicate that federalism is both taboo and pervasive in French and German leaders' discourse. The paradox is barely apparent, though. While the ‘F‐word’ is rarely spoken aloud, two distinctive visions co‐exist in the French and German discourse. The coming of age of a political union through constitutional federalism is pictured as ineluctable, yet as a distant mirage out of reach of today's decision makers. At the same time, the deepening of functional federalism in order to cope with economic interdependence is a ubiquitous imperative that justifies further integration. The persisting gap between the constitutional and the functional vision of European federalism has crucial implications. Insofar as the Union is held responsible for not delivering successful economic policy, political leaders will fail to legitimise both functional and constitutional federalism.
The pathogenetic role of rod‐shaped bacteria containing intracellular granules in the vellus hairs of a patient with perioral dermatitis: A comparison with perioral corticosteroid‐induced rosacea
Authors: Maeda Azusa , Ishiguro Naoko , Kawashima Makoto
Published: April 2015

The cause of perioral dermatitis is still unknown. We previously reported that rod‐shaped bacteria (RB) containing intracellular granules were detected in cases of perioral dermatitis at a high incidence. The aim of this study was to study further the role of RB in perioral dermatitis. Altogether 10 patients with perioral dermatitis and eight patients with perioral corticosteroid‐induced rosacea, who were referred to our department from 2009 to 2014, were examined for the presence of RB, using the tape‐stripping toluidine blue method. RB were detected on the surfaces of the roots of vellus hairs from lesions in nine of the 10 patients with perioral dermatitis. In contrast, RB were not detected in any of the eight patients with perioral corticosteroid‐induced rosacea. No RB were found in the perioral areas of other types of facial dermatitis, including atopic dermatitis and seboerrheic dermatitis or in 16 healthy controls. We treated four of the patients with perioral dermatitis with minocycline hydrochloride and five with cefcapene pivoxil hydrochloride hydrate. Three of the patients with perioral dermatitis who were treated with minocycline hydrochloride were cured in 3 to 8 weeks, while the five patients treated with cefcapene pivoxil hydrochloride hydrate were cured in 2 to 9 weeks. These results strongly suggest that RB (possible fusobacteria) play an important role in perioral dermatitis and that this is probably a distinct clinical entity from corticosteroid‐induced rosacea. Cefcapene pivoxil hydrochloride hydrate seems to be an effective treatment for perioral dermatitis associated with RB.
Renal Transplantation by Automatic Anastomotic Device in a Porcine Model
Authors: Lo Monte Attilio Ignazio , Damiano Giuseppe , Palumbo Vincenzo Davide , Spinelli Gabriele , Buscemi Giuseppe
Published: April 2015

Automatic vascular staplers for vascular anastomoses in kidney transplantation may dramatically reduce the operative time and, in particular, warm ischemia time, thus increasing the outcome of transplantation. Ten pigs underwent kidney auto‐transplantation by automatic anastomotic device. Kidneys were collected by laparotomy with selective ligations at the renal hilum and perfused with cold storage solution. To overcome the shortage in length of renal hilum, a tract of the internal jugular vein was harvested to increase the length of the vessels. The anastomoses were totally performed by the use of the anastomotic device. On 10 kidney transplants, nine were successful and no complications occurred. Renal resistive indexes showed a slight increase in the immediate postoperative period returning normal at 10 days of follow‐up. We demonstrated the possibility to perform renal vascular anastomoses by means of an automatic anastomotic device. This instrument developed for coronary bypass surgery by virtue of the small caliber of the vessels could be adopted on a larger scale for renal transplantation. The reduced warm ischemia time needed for anastomosis may help to achieve a better outcome for the graft and expand the pool of marginal donors in renal transplantation.
Atraumatic Pulsatile Leukocyte Circulation for Long‐Term In Vitro Dynamic Culture and Adhesion Assays
Authors: Mazza Giulia , Stoiber Martin , Pfeiffer Dagmar , Schima Heinrich
Published: April 2015

Low flow rate pumping of cell suspensions finds current applications in bioreactors for short‐term dynamic cell culture and adhesion assays. The aim of this study was to develop an atraumatic pump and hemodynamically adapted test circuit to allow operating periods of at least several hours. A computer‐controlled mini‐pump (MP) was constructed based on non‐occlusive local compression of an elastic tube with commercial bi‐leaflet valves directing the pulsatile flow into a compliant circuit. Cell damage and activation in the system were tested with whole blood in comparison with a set with a conventional peristaltic pump (PP). Activation of circulating THP‐1 monocytes was tested by measuring the expression of CD54 (ICAM‐1). Additionally, monocyte‐endothelial interactions were monitored using a parallel‐plate flow chamber with an artificial stenosis. The system required a priming volume of only 20 mL, delivering a peak pulsatile flow of up to 35 mL/min. After 8 h, blood hemolysis was significantly lower for MP with 11 ± 3 mg/dL compared with PP with 100 ± 16 mg/dL. CD142 (tissue factor) expression on blood monocytes was 50% lower for MP. With MP, THP‐1 cells could be pumped for extended periods (17 h), with no enhanced expression of CD54 permitting the long‐term co‐culture of THP‐1 with endothelial cells and the analysis of flow pattern effects on cell adhesion. A low‐damage assay setup was developed, which allows the pulsatile flow of THP‐1 cells and investigation of their interaction with other cells or surfaces for extended periods of time.
Pharmacokinetics of Certoparin During In Vitro and In Vivo Dialysis
Authors: Krieter Detlef H. , Fink Susanne , Dorsch Oliver , Harenberg Job , Melzer Nima , Wanner Christoph , Lemke Horst‐Dieter
Published: April 2015

The efficacy and safety of certoparin in the prophylaxis of clotting during hemodialysis have recently been proven. Different to other low‐molecular weight heparins (LMWHs), certoparin does not accumulate in maintenance dialysis patients for unknown reasons. The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of the dialysis procedure on the removal of certoparin. In a subgroup of the MEMBRANE study consisting of 12 patients, the pharmacokinetics of certoparin during hemodialysis was determined by means of the anti‐Xa activity. In addition, the elimination of certoparin into continuously collected dialysate was assessed. Further, in vitro experiments with human blood‐simulating high‐flux hemodialysis and hemofiltration were performed to quantify the elimination and the sieving coefficients SK of the two LMWHs certoparin and enoxaparin compared with unfractionated heparin (UFH). The surrogate marker middle molecules inulin and myoglobin served as reference solutes during the experiments. Finally, the adsorption of 125iodine‐radiolabeled certoparin onto the synthetic dialysis membrane was quantified. The clinical study reconfirmed the absence of bioaccumulation of certoparin with anti‐Xa activities between <0.01 and 0.02 IU/mL after 24 h. A short plasma half‐life time of 2.0 ± 0.7 h was determined during hemodialysis. Of the total certoparin dose injected intravenously prior to hemodialysis, only 2.7% was eliminated into dialysate. The in vitro experiments further revealed only 6% of certoparin to be adsorbed onto the dialysis membrane. The anti‐Xa activities of certoparin and enoxaparin slowly declined during in vitro hemofiltration to 87.3 ± 5.5 and 82.5 ± 9.4% of baseline, respectively, while inulin and myoglobin concentrations rapidly decreased. The anti‐Xa activity of UFH remained unchanged. The SK of both LMWH and UFH was very low in hemofiltration and particularly in hemodialysis with values ≤0.1. The elimination kinetics during hemodialysis suggests strong protein‐binding of certoparin. Different from LMWH significantly cleared by the kidneys, the relatively short half‐life time of certoparin of only 2 h during hemodialysis allows a more reliable control of the anti‐coagulatory effects and decreases the risk of bleeding complications. Dialytic removal does not significantly contribute to the clearance of certoparin in maintenance dialysis patients.
Red blood cell transfusions are associated with HLA class I but not H‐Y alloantibodies in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Nickel Robert S. , Hendrickson Jeanne E. , Yee Marianne M. , Bray Robert A. , Gebel Howard M. , Kean Leslie S. , Miklos David B. , Horan John T.
Published: April 2015

Blood transfusions can induce alloantibodies to antigens on red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells and platelets, with these alloantibodies affecting transfusion and transplantation. While transfusion‐related alloimmunization against RBC antigens and human leucocyte antigens (HLA) have been studied, transfusion‐related alloimmunization to minor histocompatibility antigens (mHA), such as H‐Y antigens, has not been clinically characterized. We conducted a cross‐sectional study of 114 children with sickle cell disease (SCD) and tested for antibodies to 5 H‐Y antigens and to HLA class I and class II. Few patients had H‐Y antibodies, with no significant differences in the prevalence of any H‐Y antibody observed among transfused females (7%), transfused males (6%) and never transfused females (4%). In contrast, HLA class I, but not HLA class II, antibodies were more prevalent among transfused than never transfused patients (class I: 33% vs. 13%, P = 0·046; class II: 7% vs. 8%, P = 0·67). Among transfused patients, RBC alloantibody history but not amount of transfusion exposure was associated with a high (>25%) HLA class I panel reactive antibody (Odds ratio 6·8, 95% confidence interval 2·1–22·3). These results are consistent with immunological responder and non‐responder phenotypes, wherein a subset of patients with SCD may be at higher risk for transfusion‐related alloimmunization.
Green neutrophil and monocyte inclusions – time to acknowledge and report
Authors: Hodgson Timothy O. , Ruskova Anna , Shugg Clare J. , McCallum Vivian J. , Morison Ian M.
Published: April 2015

Bright green inclusions in neutrophils have been reported as a sign of impending patient death. Here we report a series of 20 patients in whom green inclusions were identified in neutrophils or monocytes. Thirteen (65%) of the patients died within days of the detection of the inclusions. A common feature to almost all patients was ischaemic or hypoxic hepatitis which, in fatal cases, was associated with lactic acidosis. Light and electron microscopy indicated that the inclusions were lipid‐rich, probably derived from lipofuscin‐like material released from necrotic liver parenchymal cells. The majority of patients were known to be seriously ill at the time of detection of neutrophil inclusions. We recommend that the detection of green inclusions, which we refer to as ‘critical green inclusions’, is acknowledged and reported by laboratories and correlated with clinical findings.
Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in patients with spinal cord injury: long‐term urodynamic findings
Authors: Schöps Tim‐Friedjof , Schneider Marc P. , Steffen Frank , Ineichen Benjamin V. , Mehnert Ulrich , Kessler Thomas M.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To investigate long‐term urodynamic findings in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD).

Patients and Methods

A consecutive series of 246 patients with SCI (≥5 years since injury) and NLUTD were prospectively evaluated at a single university SCI centre. Data of the latest and earliest available urodynamic investigation were compared.

Results

Most of the patients had a thoracic SCI and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale of A. The mean (sd) duration of SCI to the latest available urodynamic investigation was 17 (10) years and the mean patient age was 51 (14) years. At the earliest and latest available urodynamic investigation, more than half of the patients relied on intermittent self‐catheterisation. During the course of disease, there was a relevant increase of patients undergoing onabotulinumtoxinA injections into the detrusor from 12% to 33%. Urodynamic findings at the earliest and latest available urodynamic investigation were within the safe limits and there were significant differences between both groups for maximum cystometric capacity (P < 0.001), compliance (P < 0.001) and maximum detrusor pressure during storage phase (P = 0.008). Vesico‐uretero‐renal reflux was detected in ≈5% and it was generally low grade.

Conclusions

Most of our regularly followed patients with NLUTD due to SCI for a mean of 17 years had urodynamic findings within the safe limits. Vesico‐uretero‐renal reflux was quite rare and generally low grade. Thus, regular follow‐up with urodynamic investigation allowing for a patient‐tailored management seems beneficial warranting randomised controlled longitudinal studies.
L'appréciation de la performance du système de santé et des services sociaux du Québec : L'approche du Commissaire à la santé et au bien‐être
Authors: Sossa Olivier , Ganache Isabelle
Published: April 2015

Sommaire

Le Québec s'est doté d'un Commissaire à la santé et au bien‐être pour apporter un éclairage pertinent au débat public et à la prise de décision gouvernementale dans le but de contribuer à l'amélioration de l'état de santé et de bien‐être des citoyens. Au fil des années, le Commissaire a développé une expertise dans le domaine de l'évaluation de la performance fondée sur le croisement de différentes connaissances et sources d'information, et qui intègre l'éthique et la participation citoyenne. Dans cet article, nous présentons la méthode du Commissaire, ses résultats, ainsi que les enjeux et les défis qui y sont associés.
Les enjeux de l'évaluation de la performance : Dépasser les mythes
Authors: Thiebaut Georges‐Charles , Champagne François , Contandriopoulos André‐Pierre
Published: April 2015

Sommaire

Depuis les années 90, la plupart des pays occidentaux se sont dotés de cadres et d'outils d'évaluation de la performance des organisations et des systèmes de santé. Paradoxalement, malgré l'abondance de ces instruments, ce champ reste face à plusieurs enjeux théoriques, méthodologiques et d'utilisation qui sont irrésolus. Conceptuellement, la notion de performance et les éléments qui la composent sont flous et peu ancrés théoriquement. Méthodologiquement, on assiste à une multiplication de mesures ne répondant pas toujours aux critères de fiabilité, de validité et d'utilité, et ne permettant pas de saisir la complexité de ce concept. Enfin en termes d'utilisation, les résultats de l'évaluation ne sont pas utilisés à leur plein potentiel afin de permettre une amélioration continue de la performance. Cet article a pour objectif d'analyser ces enjeux en déconstruisant les mythes qui freinent le développement de cadres innovants et mieux adaptés aux besoins des décideurs. Il vise également, afin de répondre à ces enjeux, à proposer des innovations sur la base du modèle d'évaluation globale et intégrée des systèmes de santé.
Future expectations of young people leaving youth care in Flanders: the role of personal and social capital in coping with expected challenges
Authors: Van Audenhove Sharon , Vander Laenen Freya
Published: April 2015

What do young people leaving youth care think about their future? How do they view their transition between youth care and adulthood? These questions were answered by 71 young people leaving youth care in Flanders. The analysis of the interviews showed that three groups of young people can be distinguished when it comes to their expectations regarding the transition: those with positive future expectations that do not expect any difficulties during their transition, those with positive future expectations expecting difficulties that will eventually pass, and those with negative future expectations, who do not expect their transition difficulties will pass. Most respondents think the future is looking bright, because they are about to graduate or have graduated, and/or because they are intrinsically motivated to deal with their anticipated transition difficulties. Young people with negative future expectations do not stress their intrinsic motivation. Some of them think a (future) partner and their parents will be able to support them through their difficulties; they do not consider professional support as helpful, however.
Prosthetic hygiene and functional efficacy in completely edentulous patients: satisfaction and quality of life during a 5‐year follow‐up
Authors: Martín‐Ares María , Barona‐Dorado Cristina , Guisado‐Moya Blanca , Martínez‐Rodríguez Natalia , Cortés‐Bretón‐Brinkmann Jorge , Martínez‐González José Mª
Published: April 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare satisfaction with function and hygiene maintenance in completely edentulous elderly patients rehabilitated with implant‐supported fixed prostheses, overdentures, and conventional prostheses.

Materials and methods

A total of 150 geriatric patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 (CD) patients rehabilitated with complete dentures; Group 2 (FP) patients with implant‐supported fixed prostheses; Group 3 (OD) patients with overdentures. The patients responded to a questionnaire based on the Oral Health Impact Profile and the Dental Impact Profile to evaluate satisfaction with their prostheses. Data were analyzed using ANOVA F and the Kruskal–Wallis nonparametric test, with significance established as P < 0.05.

Results

Significant differences were found between the three groups. For oral hygiene, the group with overdentures showed better results, and the group with fixed prostheses was more satisfied with function.

Conclusions

Satisfaction among these completely edentulous patients varied in relation to prosthetic type. The level of general satisfaction among patients with implant‐supported prostheses was greater than the group using conventional dentures. Patients rehabilitated with fixed prostheses enjoyed a higher level of satisfaction than patients with overdentures.
The Video Interaction Guidance approach applied to teaching communication skills in dentistry
Authors: Quinn S. , Herron D. , Menzies R. , Scott L. , Black R. , Zhou Y. , Waller A. , Humphris G. , Freeman R.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To examine dentists' views of a novel video review technique to improve communication skills in complex clinical situations.

Materials and Methods

Dentists (n = 3) participated in a video review known as Video Interaction Guidance to encourage more attuned interactions with their patients (n = 4). Part of this process is to identify where dentists and patients reacted positively and effectively. Each dentist was presented with short segments of video footage taken during an appointment with a patient with intellectual disabilities and communication difficulties. Having observed their interactions with patients, dentists were asked to reflect on their communication strategies with the assistance of a trained VIG specialist.

Results

Dentists reflected that their VIG session had been insightful and considered the review process as beneficial to communication skills training in dentistry. They believed that this technique could significantly improve the way dentists interact and communicate with patients. The VIG sessions increased their awareness of the communication strategies they use with their patients and were perceived as neither uncomfortable nor threatening.

Discussion

The VIG session was beneficial in this exploratory investigation because the dentists could identify when their interactions were most effective. Awareness of their non‐verbal communication strategies and the need to adopt these behaviours frequently were identified as key benefits of this training approach. One dentist suggested that the video review method was supportive because it was undertaken by a behavioural scientist rather than a professional counterpart.

Conclusion

Some evidence supports the VIG approach in this specialist area of communication skills and dental training.
Effect of K2SO4 concentration on extractability and isotope signature (δ13C and δ15N) of soil C and N fractions
Authors: Makarov M. I. , Malysheva T. I. , Menyailo O. V. , Soudzilovskaia N. A. , Van Logtestijn R. S. P. , Cornelissen J. H. C.
Published: April 2015

Determination of the labile soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fractions and measurement of their isotopic signatures (δ13C and δ15N) has been used widely for characterizing soil C and N transformations. However, methodological questions and comparison of results of different authors have not been fully solved. We studied concentrations and δ13C and δ15N of salt‐extractable organic carbon (SEOC), inorganic (N–NH4+ and N–NO3−) and organic nitrogen (SEON) and salt‐extractable microbial C (SEMC) and N (SEMN) in 0.05 and 0.5 m K2SO4 extracts from a range of soils in Russia. Despite differences in acidity, organic matter and N content and C and N availability in the studied soils, we found consistent patterns of effects of K2SO4 concentration on C and N extractability. Organic C and N were extracted 1.6–5.5 times more effectively with 0.5 m K2SO4 than with 0.05 m K2SO4. Extra SEOC extractability with greater K2SO4 concentrations did not depend on soil properties within a wide range of pH and organic matter concentrations, but the effect was more pronounced in the most acidic and organic‐rich mountain Umbrisols. Extractable microbial C was not affected by K2SO4 concentrations, while SEMN was greater when extracted with 0.5 m K2SO4. We demonstrate that the δ13C and δ15N values of extractable non‐microbial and microbial C and N are not affected by K2SO4 concentrations, but use of a small concentration of extract (0.05 m K2SO4) gives more consistent isotopic results than a larger concentration (0.5 m).