bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical and molecular genetics study of a granular cell astrocytoma: A case report of malignant transformation to a glioblastoma
Authors: Ishii Taiji , Mizukawa Katsu , Sasayama Takashi , Sasaki Hikaru , Hayashi Saeko , Nakamizo Satoshi , Tanaka Hirotomo , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Hara Shigeo , Hirai Chihoko , Itoh Tomoo , Kohmura Eiji
Published: September 2012

We treated a 56‐year‐old woman who had a right temporal lobe tumor found by chance after a traffic accident. MRI confirmed a heterogeneously enhanced tumor in the temporal lobe with large peritumoral edema extending to the superior parietal lobe. The patient underwent tumor resection. The tumor consisted largely of distinct cells with discrete borders and granular cytoplasm. In granular cells, the accumulation of PAS‐positive granules was observed. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated positive staining for GFAP, S‐100, and oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 and negative staining for synaptophysin. CD68 was negative in granular cells, but positive in stromal cells. Ki‐67 labeling index was quite low. The tumor was diagnosed as a granular cell astrocytoma (GCA). Postoperative radiotherapy combined with temozolomide was administered. One month after chemoradiotherapy, the tumor occurred in the parietal lobe, and a tumorectomy was performed. The tumor was composed of poorly differentiated astrocytic tumor cells with prominent microvascular proliferation and necrosis. A small number of granular cells were locally observed and the tumor was diagnosed as a glioblastoma. O6‐methylguanine–DNA methyltransferase promoter methylation was detected in the GCA but not in the glioblastoma. Isocitrate dehydrogenase mutations were not detected in either tumor. Comparative genomic hybridization analysis demonstrated that no chromosomal abnormality was found in the GCA; however, a gain of chromosomes 7 and 19 and a loss of chromosomes 10 and 9p21 (CDKN2A) were found in the glioblastoma. p53 was strongly expressed in both the GCA and glioblastoma. The tumor progressed despite extensive chemotherapy, and the patient died 1 year after the initial treatment. Our immunohistochemical, genetic and chromosomal analyses indicate that the glioblastoma was transformed from the GCA.
Factors affecting the psychological functioning of Australian adults with chronic pain
Authors: Viggers Lorna C. , Caltabiano Marie L.
Published: September 2012

The role of resilience, for adults facing ongoing adversity in the form of chronic medical conditions, has received little attention in the past. This research investigated the impact of resilience and coping strategies on the psychological functioning of 87 Australian adults with chronic pain, using a self‐report questionnaire. It included the McGill Pain Questionnaire, the Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale, the Coping Strategies Questionnaire, the 36‐item Short Form Health Survey, and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Using hierarchical regression, after the effects of pain severity, catastrophizing, and ignoring the pain were controlled for, resilience was significantly associated with mental health‐related quality of life (β = 0.18, P < 0.05), depression (β = −0.31, P < 0.01), and anxiety (β = −0.20, P < 0.05). In the final model for depression, resilience had a stronger association than pain severity. Resilience did not, however, influence individual's perceptions of their physical health‐related quality of life. The link between resilience and mental health‐related quality of life outcomes provides initial evidence for the potential application of resilience related interventions to pain management programs.
IS HISPANIC POPULATION DISPERSION INTO RURAL COUNTIES CONTRIBUTING TO LOCAL ECONOMIC GROWTH?
Authors: COATES DENNIS , GINDLING T. H.
Published: September 2012

In the 1990s, rural counties in the United States, which had been losing population, became the destinations for an increasing number of Hispanics, slowing and in some cases reversing population declines. In this paper, we examine whether faster growth in the Hispanic population is linked to faster growth in income per capita in rural counties. Our results indicate strong support for the hypothesis that population growth caused by the increase in Hispanics, whether from international immigrants, migrants from within the United States, or from natural growth in families, has fueled increased economic growth in those small, rural communities whose populations had been in decline during the 1970s or the 1980s. (JEL J15, J61, R11)
Cardiovascular risk factors and carotid intima‐media thickness are associated with lower cognitive performance in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Fabbiani M , Ciccarelli N , Tana M , Farina S , Baldonero E , Di Cristo V , Colafigli M , Tamburrini E , Cauda R , Silveri MC , Grima P , Di Giambenedetto S
Published: September 2012

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between metabolic comorbidities, cardiovascular risk factors or common carotid intima‐media thickness (cIMT) and cognitive performance in HIV‐infected patients.

Methods

Asymptomatic HIV‐infected subjects were consecutively enrolled during routine out‐patient visits at two clinical centres. All patients underwent an extensive neuropsychological battery and assessment of metabolic comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors. Moreover, cIMT was assessed by ultrasonography. Cognitive performance was evaluated by calculating a global cognitive impairment (GCI) score obtained by summing scores assigned to each test (0 if normal and 1 if pathological).

Results

A total of 245 patients (median age 46 years; 84.1% with HIV RNA < 50 copies/mL; median CD4 count 527 cells/μL) were enrolled in the study. Cardiovascular risk factors were highly prevalent in our population: the most frequent were dyslipidaemia (61.2%), cigarette smoking (54.3%) and hypertension (15.1%). cIMT was abnormal (≥ 0.9mm) in 31.8% of patients. Overall, the median GCI score was 2 [interquartile range (IQR) 1–4]; it was higher in patients with diabetes (P = 0.004), hypertension (P = 0.030) or cIMT ≥ 0.9 mm (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, it was confirmed that diabetes (P = 0.007) and cIMT ≥ 0.9 mm (P = 0.044) had an independent association with lower cognitive performance. In an analysis of patients on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), abacavir use was independently associated with a better cognitive performance (P = 0.011), while no association was observed for other drugs or neuroeffectiveness score.

Conclusions

Diabetes, cardiovascular risk factors and cIMT showed a strong association with lower cognitive performance, suggesting that metabolic comorbidities could play a relevant role in the pathogenesis of HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders in the recent cART era.
Unmet Needs of Families of School‐Aged Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Brown Hilary K. , Ouellette‐Kuntz Hélène , Hunter Duncan , Kelley Elizabeth , Cobigo Virginie
Published: September 2012

Background  To aid decision making regarding the allocation of limited resources, information is needed on the perceived unmet needs of parents of school‐aged children with an autism spectrum disorder.

Materials and Methods  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted of 101 Canadian families of school‐aged children with an autism spectrum disorder.

Results  Commonly reported unmet needs were for social activities for the child (78.2%), information about services (77.2%) and continuous service provision (74.3%).

Conclusions  This study provides insight into needs which have not been met by the service system. Information about the unmet needs of children with an autism spectrum disorder and their families may help policy makers and service providers to develop resources and services that are responsive to their client group.
An Adolescent Boy with Urticaria to Water: Review of Current Treatments for Aquagenic Urticaria
Authors: McGee Jean S. , Kirkorian A. Yasmine , Pappert Amy S. , Milgraum Sandy S.
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  We report the case of an adolescent boy with aquagenic urticaria unresponsive to oral antihistamine therapy. We successfully treated his condition by topical application of a petrolatum‐containing cream as a protective coating. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing the use of topical therapy alone to treat aquagenic urticaria in a child. Based on the effectiveness, safety profile, and ease of use, clinicians may wish to consider this regimen as a first‐line therapy.
Tuberculous Dactylitis Presenting as Paronychia with Pseudopterygium and Nail Dystrophy
Authors: Khanna Deepshikha , Chakravarty Payal , Agarwal Anil , Gupta Ruchika
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  Scrofuloderma is a type of secondary tuberculosis (TB) arising from contiguous involvement of skin by an underlying tuberculous focus in the lymph nodes or bones. It may occasionally be the presenting feature of osteoarticular TB. Tuberculous dactylitis is the involvement of the small tubular bones of the hands and feet, and most cases occur in children younger than 6 years of age. Fingers are more commonly involved than toes, and painless swelling of a digit is the usual presentation. Involvement of the toes is rare, with only a few reported cases. The indolent clinical course leads to a delay in diagnosis, and bone shortening with joint deformity is the usual outcome, especially in tuberculous dactylitis affecting the foot. We report here a case of tuberculous dactylitis of the great toe and scrofuloderma affecting the nail fold presenting as painless paronychia with pseudopterygium and nail dystrophy. Nail involvement led to an early presentation and timely diagnosis and treatment before progression to permanent bone or joint deformity.
Sunscreen Use and Melanocytic Nevi in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: de Maleissye Marie‐Florence , Beauchet Alain , Saiag Phillippe , Corrêa Marcelo , Godin‐Beeckmann Sophie , Haeffelin Martial , Mahé Emmanuel
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  We conducted a systematic review of the association between melanocytic nevi (MN) in childhood and sunscreen use. A bibliographic search was conducted between November 2008 and January 2009 using the following key words on MEDLINE and EMBASE: child*, in combination with naevi, nevi, naevus, nevus and sunscreen, sun protection. We also used Medical Subject Headings [sunscreening agents], or [radiation protection] with [nevus, pigmented]. A first screening was done on title and abstract reading. Randomized trials and cohort and cross‐sectional studies analyzing the relationship between the use of sunscreen and MN in children were selected. Three reviewers abstracted data from each article. The three sets of results were compared for concordance and rereviewed if necessary. Fifteen articles were included (20,743 children). The studies were not consistent in terms of the ages of the children, MN count methods, or sunscreen use assessment. Owing to this heterogeneity, we were unable to pool the studies and conduct a meta‐analysis. Twelve studies did not report that the use of sunscreen had a protective effect against MN development. Three studies reported a lower MN count when sunscreen was applied. This systematic review underlines the methodologic differences between studies. Eight of 15 studies reported a positive association between sunscreen application and MN count. Differences in MN counts, overexposure to sun, and inadequate sunscreen application on fair‐skinned children could explain the disparity in the results. There is still no evidence of a protective effect of sunscreen against MN development in children.
Visual Impairment Caused by Periorbital Edema in an Infant with Acute Hemorrhagic Edema of Infancy
Authors: Freitas Priscila , Bygum Anette
Published: September 2012

Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI) is a cutaneous vasculitis seen in children. Many consider it to be a clinical variant of Schönlein–Henoch purpura, but others regard it as a separate entity because of its benign nature, age of onset, lack of visceral involvement, and frequent absence of vascular immunoglobulin A deposition. It is clinically characterized by large “cockade” or rosette‐shaped, annular, purpuric lesions involving the face and extremities; erythematous edema; and mild fever. It seems to appear secondary to a history of viral or bacterial infection, course of antibiotics, or vaccination. Because of the unknown etiology and benign character, which leads to spontaneous complete recovery, there is no specific treatment necessary for AHEI, and according to the literature, systemic corticosteroids do not seem to alter the course of the disease. We report the case of an 11‐month‐old boy who manifested massive periorbital edema along with all of the clinical characteristics of this entity and showed clear improvement of the symptoms after a 24‐hour administration of systemic corticosteroid therapy. Given the positive effect of this therapy, we propose that systemic corticosteroids should be used to ameliorate the acute manifestations and avoid the rapid progression of the disease.
The Impact of Nonagility on Service Level and Project Duration*
Authors: Glowacka Karolina J. , Lowe Timothy J. , Wendell Richard E.
Published: September 2012

“Why projects are late” is a fundamental issue in theory and in practice. One well‐established explanation is that a project's network structure can be a significant factor—the “fatter” or more parallel the project, the later the project completion. Herein we show that a lack of agility, which may frequently arise in projects when there are external resources, can also be a significant factor in project delays—both in more serial‐like projects as well as more parallel ones. Specifically, this article formally characterizes the concept of agility in projects, shows how a lack of agility can have a significant impact on a project, and gives some general properties on agility with respect to a project's structure.
Comparison of Stakeholder Perspectives on Current Regulatory and Reporting Reforms
Authors: Wagner Joël , Zemp Alexandra
Published: September 2012

Abstract

In the European insurance industry, regulatory and reporting frameworks are currently subject to far‐reaching reforms. We focus on four of these frameworks, namely the Solvency II framework, insurance guaranty systems, the proposed IFRS 4 Phase II international accounting standards, and Market Consistent Embedded Value reporting. We present these frameworks, analyze them from the insurance company's management, investors, and policyholder perspectives, and compare them. Our analysis implies that the four frameworks need to be considered jointly, due to various interrelations and interactions. We argue that a coordinated introduction will be necessary to ensure that the regulatory burden is reduced and synergies can be utilized in the event of all four frameworks being implemented as planned. Furthermore, we analyze the challenges of a holistic, comprehensive approach to insurance reporting and regulation and its implementation in order to achieve the goals set by the frameworks.
Oral health‐related quality of life is important for patients, but what about populations?
Authors: Slade Gary D.
Published: September 2012

Objectives

To review population‐based research into oral health‐related quality of life.

Methods

Narrative review of selected publications.

Results

In the 1970s, there were two incentives to assess nonclinical aspects of health: (i) a desire to understand the impacts of disease on individuals’ quality of life; and (ii) a search for population‐level measures that might better quantify the impact of health care systems on populations. Dental researchers responded to those incentives, creating dozens of questionnaires that assess individuals’ ratings of subjective oral health and quality of life. This has been a boon for clinical dental research, for example, by showing marked improvements in subjective oral health in patients receiving implant‐supported dentures. Also, health surveys show poorer subjective oral health among disadvantaged population groups. However, the same measures show only modest benefits of general dental care. Furthermore, several population surveys show that today's young adults, who grew up with widespread exposure to preventive dental programs, have poorer subjective oral health than earlier generations that experienced unprecedented levels of oral disease. Yet to materialize is the hope that ‘socio‐dental indicators’ of subjective oral health might provide a meaningful metric to demonstrate population‐level benefits of dental care. A fundamental limitation is that population health is a contextual measure, not merely the aggregated health status of individuals within the population.

Conclusion

While researchers have successfully broken with clinical dogma by assessing subjective dimensions of individuals’ oral health, they have failed to explicitly ask people to assess the oral health of the community in which they live.
Effectiveness of water fluoridation in caries prevention
Authors: Rugg‐Gunn Andrew J. , Do Loc
Published: September 2012

Objectives

To review the effectiveness of adjusted fluoridation of public water supplies in the prevention of dental caries, with emphasis on results of studies published worldwide since 1990 and to discuss aspects of the design and reporting of these studies compared with those published before 1990.

Method

Studies published worldwide, in any language, reporting the effect of water fluoridation in terms of the dmf/DMF caries index between 1990 and 2010 were examined. The literature search was by professional Internet search, back‐tracking from references given in publications, hand‐searching all issues of four journals and by contacting colleagues in relevant countries. For the dmf index, age 5 year was preferred, and for the DMF index, age 12 year or older was preferred. The results were compared with results obtained from worldwide literature search prior to 1990 by the same author.

Results

Fifty‐nine studies of adjusted water fluoridation were identified, yielding 83 evaluations (30 recording dmft/s and 53 recording DMFT/S) from 10 countries. These numbers are lower than pre‐1990 results of 113 studies (66 for primary and 86 for permanent teeth) from 23 countries. For the USA, for example, four studies were indentified since 1990 compared with 61 studies before 1990. The most number of recent reports came from Brazil and Australia. There were fewer reports of per cent caries reductions (% CR) above 50% in the recent studies. 86% of the post‐1990 investigations were concurrent control cross‐sectional studies and, of these, 52% used multivariate statistical analysis to adjust for confounding factors. In the eight studies that provided dmf/DMF data before and after adjustment for confounders, the % CR were little affected by these adjustments.

Conclusions

Fewer studies have been published recently. More of these have investigated effect at the multi‐community, state or even national level. The dmf/DMF index remains the most widely used measure of effect. % CR were lower in recent studies, and the ‘halo’ effect was discussed frequently. Nevertheless, reductions were still substantial. Statistical control for confounding factors is now routine, although the effect on per cent reductions tended to be small. Further thought is needed about the purpose of evaluation and whether measures of effect and study design are appropriate for that purpose.
Embedding a population oral health perspective in the dental curriculum
Authors: Allen Finbarr
Published: September 2012

Over the past 40 years, oral healthcare has changed dramatically as a consequence of changing disease profiles and population demography. However, dental disease continues to be highly prevalent and costly to treat. Furthermore, it has been recognized that there are inequalities, with tooth loss being influenced by social, cultural and economic factors. Undergraduate education has been task oriented, with a heavy emphasis on training in technical aspects of treating disease. However, oral healthcare education needs to include a population health perspective, and each professional programme should describe appropriate learning outcomes for population oral health. This includes the need to understand health systems and health trends, and to have knowledge of the evidence base for community prevention strategies and health promotion. A key challenge in embedding population oral health into the curriculum is to break down traditional boundaries in the curriculum and to make teaching of this subject context specific and interdisciplinary. Embedding population oral health offers the potential to create synergies between educators and health service providers with the ultimate benefit of producing a reflective and holistic oral health practitioner. There are challenges, but it is important to produce graduates whose attitudes and clinical practices will be shaped by a sound knowledge of population oral health.
Envisioning an oral healthcare workforce for the future
Authors: Nash David A.
Published: September 2012

Health is critical to human well‐being. Oral health is an integral component of health. One is not healthy without oral health. As health is essential to human flourishing, it is important that an oral healthcare delivery system and workforce be developed and deployed which can help ensure all citizens have the potential to access oral health care. As such access does not generally exist today, it is imperative to advance the realization of this goal and to develop a vision of an oral healthcare workforce to functionally support access. Public funding of basic oral health care is an important element to improving access. However, funding is only economically feasible if a workforce exists that is structured in a manner such that duties are assigned to individuals who have been uniquely trained to fulfill specific clinical responsibilities. An essential element of any cost‐effective organizational system must be the shared responsibility of duties. Delegation must occur in the oral health workforce if competent, cost‐effective care is to be provided. Desirable members of the oral health team in an efficient and effective system are as follows: generalist dentists who are educated as physicians of the stomatognathic system (oral physicians), specialist dentists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dually trained hygienists/therapists (oral health therapists), oral prosthetists (denturists), and expanded function dental assistants (dental nurses).
Recent increase in allergic reactions to methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone: is methylisothiazolinone the culprit?
Authors: Geier Johannes , Lessmann Holger , Schnuch Axel , Uter Wolfgang
Published: September 2012

Background. The frequency of sensitization to methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)/ methylisothiazolinone (MI) observed in the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) was constantly around 2.1% from 1998 to 2009. After that, it increased to 3.9% in 2011, paralleled by an increase in the frequency of allergic reactions to MI in the preservative series from 1.9% in 2009 to 4.4% in 2011. MI without MCI has increasingly been used as a preservative in cosmetics and skin care products in recent years.

Objectives. To epidemiologically investigate the possible reasons for this development and to analyse concomitant reactions to MCI/MI and MI.

Methods. A retrospective analysis of IVDK data from 2009 to 2011 was performed.

Results. Stratified data analysis revealed pronounced increases in reactivity to MCI/MI and MI in females, face dermatitis patients, and patients tested because of suspected cosmetic intolerance. The proportion of MI‐positive patients among those reacting to MCI/MI increased from 43% to 59% between 2009 and 2011.

Conclusion. More widespread consumer exposure has most likely led to the increase in primary sensitization to MI and subsequently to a rise in MCI/MI reactions resulting from immunological cross‐reactions. A reduction in the maximum use concentration of MI seems advisable. MI should be patch tested in the baseline series.
Triphenyl phosphite, a new allergen in polyvinylchloride gloves
Authors: Suuronen Katri , Pesonen Maria , Henriks‐Eckerman Maj‐Len , Aalto‐Korte Kristiina
Published: September 2012

Background. Contact allergy to polyvinylchloride (PVC) gloves has been reported relatively seldom. In spring 2011, 5 of our patients had patch test reactions to PVC gloves. We obtained a collection of PVC raw materials from industrial producers and suppliers of chemical compounds to be patch tested on patients with suspected PVC glove contact allergy.

Objectives. To report the first results of these new test substances.

Methods. The patients were patch tested with the newly obtained test substances, plastics and glues series, and isocyanates and isocyanate prepolymers. We analysed nine PVC glove samples for triphenyl phosphate and its derivatives.

Results. Two patients reacted to a technical PVC antioxidant and one of its components, triphenyl phosphite (TPP). Contact allergy to TPP was very strong in 1 patient, and was the main cause of her hand dermatitis, whereas the other patient also had other contact allergies explaining her symptoms. Three patients reacted to their PVC gloves, but the specific allergen was not identified. Six PVC glove samples contained TPP at concentrations of 0.004–0.099%. TPP transforms into triphenyl phosphate during storage.

Conclusions. TPP represents a new allergen in PVC gloves. It was detected in several PVC gloves in fairly high concentrations.
Dental Trauma Guide: A source of evidence‐based treatment guidelines for dental trauma
Authors: Andreasen Jens Ove , Lauridsen Eva , Gerds Thomas Alexander , Ahrensburg Søren Steno
Published: September 2012

Abstract –  Diagnosis and treatment for traumatic dental injuries are very complex owing to the multiple trauma entities represented by six luxation types and nine fracture types affecting both the primary and the permanent dentition. When it is further considered that fracture and luxation injuries are often combined, the result is that more than 100 trauma scenarios exist, when the two dentitions are combined. Each of these trauma scenarios has a specific treatment demand and prospect for healing. With such a complexity in diagnosis and treatment, it is obvious that even experienced practitioners may have problems in selecting proper treatment for some of these trauma types. To remedy this situation, an Internet‐based knowledge base consisting of 4000 dental trauma cases with long‐term follow up is now available to the public and the professions on the Internet using the address http://www.DentalTraumaGuide.org. It is the aspiration that the use of this Guide may lead the practitioner to offer an evidence‐based diagnosis and treatment.
Allium maraschicum sp. nov. (Alliaceae) from Turkey
Authors: Koçyiğit Mine , Özhatay Neriman
Published: September 2012

Allium maraschicum M. Koçyiğit & N. Özhatay sp. nov. (sect. Codonoprasum Reich.) from southeast Anatolia (C6 Kahramanmaraş, Turkey) is described and illustrated. Diagnostic characters, a description, detailed illustrations and taxonomic comments on the species are given. It is compared with the related species A. kurtzianum Asch. & Sint. ex Kollmann. The geographic distribution of the new and related species is given.
Nocturia Potentially Influences Maintenance of Sexual Function in Elderly Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: ISHIZUKA Osamu , MATSUYAMA Hideyasu , SAKAI Hideki , MATSUBARA Akio , NAGAOKA Akira , TAKAHASHI Satoru , TAKEDA Masayuki , OZONO Seiichiro , SHIROKI Ryoichi , SHUIN Taro , HARA Isao , KAKIZAKI Hidehiro , TSUKAMOTO Taiji , YAMANISHI Tomonori , YOKOYAMA Osamu , KAKEHI Yoshiyuki , NISHIZAWA Osamu ,   the KING Study Group
Published: September 2012

Objective: This study examined the relationship between bothersome symptoms of nocturia and erectile function.

Methods: Subjects comprised patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Patients were prospectively followed on treatment with the alpha‐1 blocker naftopidil for 8 weeks. Patient backgrounds and efficacy of naftopidil associated with LUTS and sexual activity were evaluated.

Results: The percentage of patients who identified nocturia as the most bothersome symptom was 30.2% (n = 135), representing the highest percentage among International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) items. The number of patients with nocturia as the most bothersome symptom plateaued at an IPSS for nocturia of two or three points. In contrast, the number of patients with slow stream as the most bothersome symptom increased with symptom severity according to IPSS for slow stream. Logistic regression analysis on association between nocturia and erectile function confirmed that the odds ratio was 1.41 (P < 0.05). Naftopidil showed excellent efficacy related to male LUTS, but International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF5) total score was almost unchanged. Among patients with nocturia improved by naftopidil, IIEF5 total score was significantly changed in the group with IPSS nocturia score ≤1 as compared to the group with IPSS nocturia score ≥2 per night (P = 0.038).

Conclusion: Nocturia the most bothersome symptom correlated with aging. Nocturia could associate erectile dysfunction, and keeping the frequency of nocturia at ≤1 episode might be meaningful for maintaining quality of life in elderly men.
First Report of Fusarium proliferatum Causing Rot of Stored Garlic Bulbs (Allium sativum L.) in Italy
Authors: Tonti Stefano , Prà Mauro Dal , Nipoti Paola , Prodi Antonio , Alberti Ilaria
Published: September 2012

During 2011, Fusarium rot of stored garlic was detected on bulbs of ‘Aglio Bianco’ (white garlic) in Piacenza, Ferrara and Rovigo districts. Bulbs, harvested in July, were asymptomatic. During conservation in the drying sheds, approximately thirty percent of bulbs appeared emptied and softened. Fusarium proliferatum was consistently recovered from infected bulbs. The morphological identification was confirmed by Translation Elongation Factor 1‐alpha gene sequencing. Koch postulates were checked through pathogenicity tests. The disease has already been reported in Serbia, Germany, Spain, United States, China and India, but to our knowledge, this is the first report of F. proliferatum garlic bulb rot in Italy.
Translation and World Literature
Authors: Chaudhuri Supriya
Published: September 2012

Translation plays an important role in creating the category of ‘world literature’, a term that has acquired new currency in this era of globalization. Commenting on essays by Susan Stanford Friedman, Rebecca Beasley, Jessica Berman, Eric Bulson and Laura Doyle, I suggest that the global spread of modernism and its local flowerings need to be understood through the vigorous translation activity that accompanied it. I focus on vernacular modernisms in India between the 1920s and 1960s in order to show that the impact of translation was by no means unidirectional or targeted towards the West. Translation from both European and non‐European languages was an indispensable element in the climate of Indian modernist writing, especially as printed in the poetry magazines of the early twentieth century. The simultaneously local and cosmopolitan character of this modernist literary corpus, far more important and extensive than Indian literature in English, can only be understood through a continuation of the project of modernism’s translations.
Altrenogest Treatment Associated with a Farrowing Induction Protocol to Avoid Early Parturition in Sows
Authors: Gaggini TS , Perin J , Arend LS , Bernardi ML , Wentz I , Bortolozzo FP
Published: September 2012

Contents

This study investigated the effect of altrenogest treatment on the farrowing development of sows, and birth weight (BW) and piglet survival until the third day of life. Three control groups were used: (i) sows that farrowed spontaneously before 114 day of gestation (CONT <114); (ii) sows that spontaneously farrowed at ≥114 day of gestation (CONT ≥114); (iii) sows that farrowed at ≥114 day with cloprostenol treatment (CONTCLOPR). Other sows were treated with altrenogest (Regumate®) for 3 days (days 111, 112 and 113 of gestation): one group gave birth spontaneously (ALT) and the other group received altrenogest until day 113 and cloprostenol on day 114 (ALTCLOPR). There were no differences (p > 0.05) in farrowing duration, BW, coefficient of variation (CV) of BW, stillborn piglets, mummified foetuses, percentage of light piglets and survival until Day 3 between sows with and without cloprostenol treatment, in both control (CONT ≥114 vs CONTCLOPR) and altrenogest‐treated sows (ALT vs ALTCLOPR). Further comparisons were performed taking into account three groups: sows with early delivery (CONT <114 – farrowing before 114 days of gestation; n = 56), sows with longer gestation (CONT ≥114 – with and without cloprostenol treatment sows; n = 103) and ALT sows (with and without cloprostenol treatment; n = 105). Gestation length of CONT ≥114 and ALT sows was similar (p > 0.05), but higher than in CONT <114 sows. There were no differences (p > 0.05) between groups in farrowing duration, CV of BW, and percentages of stillborn piglets and mummified foetuses. Sows of CONT <114 group had a larger litter size and a lower BW than sows of the other two groups (p < 0.05). Sows of CONT <114 group had a higher percentage of lighter piglets and a lower piglet survival rate (p < 0.05) than ALT sows. In conclusion, altrenogest treatment proved to be an efficient method to avoid early parturition in 3–5 parity sows resulting in heavier piglets at birth.
Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Antibody‐Dependent Enhancement of Dengue Virus Infection in Humans
Authors: Flipse Jacky , Wilschut Jan , Smit Jolanda M.
Published: September 2012

Dengue is the most common arthropod‐borne viral infection in humans with ∼50 million cases annually worldwide. In recent decades, a steady increase in the number of severe dengue cases has been seen. Severe dengue disease is most often observed in individuals that have pre‐existing immunity against heterotypic dengue subtypes and in infants with low levels of maternal dengue antibodies. The generally accepted hypothesis explaining the immunopathogenesis of severe dengue is called antibody‐dependent enhancement of dengue infection. Here, circulating antibodies bind to the newly infecting virus but do not neutralize infection. Rather, these antibodies increase the infected cell mass and virus production. Additionally, antiviral responses are diminished allowing massive virus particle production early in infection. The large infected cell mass and the high viral load are prelude for severe disease development. In this review, we discuss what is known about the trafficking of dengue virus in its human host cells, and the signalling pathways activated after virus detection, both in the absence and presence of antibodies against the virus. This review summarizes work that aims to better understand the complex immunopathogenesis of severe dengue disease.
The glutamatergic system as a target for neuropathic pain relief
Authors: Osikowicz Maria , Mika Joanna , Przewlocka Barbara
Published: September 2012

New findings

What is the topic of this review?

This paper presents a review of the literature of glutamate receptors and transporters in neuropathic pain and the role of glia in these effects. Specifically, pharmacological interventions aimed at inhibiting group I mGluRs and/or potentiating group II and III mGluR‐mediated signalling is discussed.

What advances does this highlight?

Recent discoveries show that metabotropic glutamate receptors play a role in neuropathic pain, and give substantial evidence of glial participation in these effects.

Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian CNS. The understanding of glutamatergic transmission in the nervous system has been greatly expanded with the discovery and investigation of the family of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Metabotropic glutamate receptors are localized at nerve terminals, postsynaptic sites and glial cells and thus, they can influence and modulate the action of glutamate at different levels in the synapse. Moreover, there is substantial evidence of glial participation in glutamate nociceptive processes and neuropathic pain. Metabotropic glutamate receptors have been shown to play a role in neuropathic pain, which is one of the most troublesome illnesses because the therapy is still not satisfactory. Recently, the development of selective mGluR ligands has provided important tools for further investigation of the role of mGluRs in the modulation of chronic pain processing. This paper presents a review of the literature of glutamate receptors in neuropathic pain and the role of glia in these effects. Specifically, pharmacological interventions aimed at inhibiting group I mGluRs and/or potentiating group II and III mGluR‐mediated signalling is discussed. Moreover, we introduce data about the role of glutamate transporters. They are responsible for the level of glutamate in the synaptic cleft and thus regulate the effects of all three groups of mGluRs and, in consequence, the activity of this system in nociceptive transmission. Additionally, the question of how the modulation of the glutamatergic system influences the effectiveness of analgesic drugs used in neuropathic pain therapy is addressed.
Effects of Outlet Boundary Conditions on the Reacting Flow Field in a Swirl-Stabilized Burner at Dry and Humid Conditions
Authors: Terhaar Steffen , Bobusch Bernhard C. , Paschereit Christian Oliver
Published: September 2012

During the design and testing process of swirl-stabilized combustors, it is often impractical to maintain identical outlet boundary conditions. Furthermore, it is a common practice to intentionally change the acoustic boundary conditions of the outlet in order to suppress thermoacoustic instabilities. In the presented work the susceptibility of the reacting flow field to downstream perturbations is assessed by the application of an area contraction at the outlet. Since combustion and fuel composition are shown to be important parameters for the influence of the boundary conditions on the flow field, highly steam diluted flames are investigated in addition to dry flames at different equivalence ratios and degrees of swirl. The applied measurement techniques include particle image velocimetry, laser doppler velocimetry, and emission analysis. The results reveal a clear correlation of the susceptibility of the flow field to downstream perturbations to both the inlet swirl number and the amount of dilatation caused by the flame. The concept of an effective swirl number downstream of the flame is applied to the results and is proven to be the dominating parameter. A theoretical explanation for the influence of this parameter is provided by the usage of the well known theory of subcritical and supercritical swirling flows, where perturbations can propagate upstream solely in subcritical flows via standing waves. Knowledge of the flow state is of particular importance for the evaluation of combustion tests with differing exit boundary conditions and the results emphasize the need for realistic exit boundary conditions for numerical simulations.
A Model to Determine the Effect of Tool Diameter on the Critical Feed Rate for Ductile-Brittle Transition in Milling Process of Brittle Material
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Rahman Mustafizur , Yoke San Wong
Published: September 2012

This paper presents analytical and experimental results of ductile-mode machining of brittle material by milling process. In milling process of brittle material, feed per edge is the predominant parameter to achieve ductile-mode machining and hence it limits the permissible material removal rate. An analytical model has been proposed to evaluate the effect of tool diameter on the critical feed per edge for ductile-brittle transition in milling process of brittle material. The proposed model has been validated experimentally by performing microcutting tests on tungsten carbide workpiece by milling process. It has been established by the model and the experimental results that an end-mill of larger diameter improves the critical feed per edge for ductile-brittle transition in milling process of brittle material.
Discrepancies in performance for heterojunction organic field-effect transistors with different channel lengths
Authors: Yu Xinge , Yu Junsheng , Huang Wei , Han Shijiao
Published: September 2012

Organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) with pentacene/1,1′-bis(di-4-tolylaminophenyl) cyclohexane heterojunction structures were fabricated, and semiconductor field-effect transistor characteristics were examined for heterojunction OFETs with different channel lengths to investigate discrepancies in threshold voltage. Compared with the OFETs with short channel length, the OFETs with long channel length demonstrated a much lower threshold voltage. The decrease in threshold voltage was attributed to the reduction of charge carrier traps, and trap variation for transistors with different channel lengths was studied in detail.
Secondary ion mass spectrometry on the helium ion microscope: A feasibility study of ion extraction
Authors: Dowsett David , Wirtz Tom , Vanhove Nico , Pillatsch Lex , Sijbrandij Sybren , Notte John
Published: September 2012

The combination of the high-brightness He+/Ne+ atomic level ion source with secondary ion mass spectrometry detection capabilities opens up the prospect of obtaining chemical information with high lateral resolution and high sensitivity on the Zeiss ORION helium ion microscope (HIM). The analytical performance in terms of lateral resolution and sensitivity was investigated. The effect of the secondary ion extraction field on the probe size of the HIM and the transmission of the extraction system were studied using SIMION. Probe sizes <10 nm and sensitivities in the ppm range are possible using a set of extraction electrodes consistent with the geometry of the ORION instrument.
Effect of radiation induced current on the quality of MR images in an integrated linac‐MR system
Authors: Burke Ben , Wachowicz K. , Fallone B. G. , Rathee Satyapal
Published: September 2012

Purpose:

In integrated linac‐MRI systems, the RF coils are exposed to the linacˈs pulsed radiation, leading to a measurable radiation induced current (RIC). This work (1) visualizes the RIC in MRI raw data and determines its effect on the MR image signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) (b) examines the effect of linac dose rate on SNR degradations, (c) examines the RIC effect on different MRI sequences, (d) examines the effect of altering the MRI sequence timing on the RIC, and (e) uses a postprocessing method to reduce the RIC signal from the MR raw data.

Methods:

MR images were acquired on the linac‐MR prototype system using various imaging sequences (gradient echo, spin echo, and bSSFP), dose rates (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 MU/min) and repetition times (TR) with the gradient echo sequence. The images were acquired with the radiation beam either directly incident or blocked from the RF coils. The SNR was calculated for each of these scenarios, showing a loss in SNR due to RIC. Finally, a postprocessing method was applied to the imagek‐space data in order to remove partially the RIC signal and recover some of the lost SNR.

Results:

The RIC produces visible spikes in thek‐space data acquired with the linacˈs radiation incident on the RF coils. This RIC leads to a loss in imaging SNR that increases with increasing linac dose rate (15%–18% loss at 250 MU/min). The SNR loss seen with increasing linac dose rate appears to be largely independent of the MR sequence used. Changing the imaging TR had interesting visual effects on the appearance of RIC in k‐space due to the timing between the linacˈs pulsing and the MR sequence, but did not change the SNR loss for a given linac dose rate. The use of a postprocessing algorithm was able to remove much of the RIC noise spikes from the MR image k‐space data, resulting in the recovery of a significant portion, up to 81% (Table II), of the lost image SNR.

Conclusions:

The presence of RIC in MR RF coils leads to a loss of SNR which is directly related to the linac dose rate. The RIC related loss in SNR is likely to increase for systems that are able to provide larger than 250 MU/min dose. Some of this SNR loss can be recovered through the use of a postprocessing algorithm, which removes the RIC artefact from the imagek‐space.
Evolution of the Capsular Operon of Streptococcus iniae in Response to Vaccination
Authors: Millard Candice M. , Baiano Justice C. F. , Chan Candy , Yuen Benedict , Aviles Fabian , Landos Matt , Chong Roger S. M. , Benedict Suresh , Barnes Andrew C.
Published: September 2012

Streptococcus iniae
causes severe septicemia and meningitis in farmed fish and is also occasionally zoonotic. Vaccination against
S. iniae
is problematic, with frequent breakdown of protection in vaccinated fish. The major protective antigens in
S. iniae
are the polysaccharides of the capsule, which are essential for virulence. Capsular biosynthesis is driven and regulated by a 21-kb operon comprising up to 20 genes. In a long-term study, we have sequenced the capsular operon of strains that have been used in autogenous vaccines across Australia and compared it with the capsular operon sequences of strains subsequently isolated from infected vaccinated fish. Intriguingly, strains isolated from vaccinated fish that subsequently become infected have coding mutations that are confined to a limited number of genes in the
cps
operon, with the remainder of the genes in the operon remaining stable. Mutations in strains in diseased vaccinated fish occur in key genes in the capsular operon that are associated with polysaccharide configuration (
cpsG
) and with regulation of biosynthesis (
cpsD
and
cpsE
). This, along with high ratios of nonsynonymous to synonymous mutations within the
cps
genes, suggests that immune response directed predominantly against capsular polysaccharide may be driving evolution in a very specific set of genes in the operon. From these data, it may be possible to design a simple polyvalent vaccine with a greater operational life span than the current monovalent killed bacterins.
Differential Involvement of β-Glucosidases from Hypocrea jecorina in Rapid Induction of Cellulase Genes by Cellulose and Cellobiose
Authors: Zhou Qingxin , Xu Jintao , Kou Yanbo , Lv Xinxing , Zhang Xi , Zhao Guolei , Zhang Weixin , Chen Guanjun , Liu Weifeng
Published: September 2012

Appropriate perception of cellulose outside the cell by transforming it into an intracellular signal ensures the rapid production of cellulases by cellulolytic
Hypocrea jecorina
. The major extracellular β-glucosidase BglI (CEL3a) has been shown to contribute to the efficient induction of cellulase genes. Multiple β-glucosidases belonging to glycosyl hydrolase (GH) family 3 and 1, however, exist in
H. jecorina
. Here we demonstrated that CEL1b, like CEL1a, was an intracellular β-glucosidase displaying
in vitro
transglycosylation activity. We then found evidence that these two major intracellular β-glucosidases were involved in the rapid induction of cellulase genes by insoluble cellulose. Deletion of
cel1a
and
cel1b
significantly compromised the efficient gene expression of the major cellulase gene,
cbh1
. Simultaneous absence of BglI, CEL1a, and CEL1b caused the induction of the cellulase gene by cellulose to further deteriorate. The induction defect, however, was not observed with cellobiose. The absence of the three β-glucosidases, rather, facilitated the induced synthesis of cellulase on cellobiose. Furthermore, addition of cellobiose restored the productive induction on cellulose in the deletion strains. The results indicate that the three β-glucosidases may not participate in transforming cellobiose beyond hydrolysis to provoke cellulase formation in
H. jecorina
. They may otherwise contribute to the accumulation of cellobiose from cellulose as inducing signals.