bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact properties of woven reinforced sandwich composite panels for automotive applications
Authors: Aly Nermin Mohamed , Saad Mohamed Abdalla , Sherazy Ehab Haider , Kobesy Osama Mahrous , Almetwally Alsaid Ahmed
Published: January 2012

Fiber-reinforced materials are widely used in many industrial applications including civil engineering, automotives, marine, aviation, etc. This is due to their high strength to weight ratios compared to metal structures. One of the major applications of composites is the structural components for automotives such as bumpers, fenders, hoods, door panels. For such applications, impact strength is required since it is directly related to the passenger safety requirements. Sandwich structures are extensively used in automobiles; the understanding of their behaviors under impact conditions is extremely important for the design and manufacturing of these engineering structures. In this study, 27 types of woven fabrics were produced using polyester fibers as warp threads with different structure parameters such as weft yarn material, picks densities, and weaving structures to be used as skin layers and nonwoven fabric was used as core layer. The sandwich composite specimens were prepared using the said woven fabrics with two types of thermoset resins and fabricated via the hand lay up method. The impact properties of the sandwich specimens produced were evaluated to choose the best samples performance to be used in automotive applications. It was found that the impact properties are strongly affected by woven fabric structure parameters and the resin properties.
Removal of microbes and air pollutants passing through nonwoven polypropylene filters by activated carbon and nanosilver colloidal layers
Authors: Khajavi Ramin , Bahadoran Mohammad Mehdi Shirmohammady , Bahador Abbas , Khosravi Atefeh
Published: January 2012

Due to their high capacity, nonwoven textiles have been used for a long time as potential filters to remove harmful air pollutants. In this study, needle-punch polypropylene layers were treated with powder activated carbon and nanosilver particle through pad drying and spray techniques, respectively. The morphology of treated layers was observed by a scanning electron microscope and laboratory apparatus were used to evaluate effects of microbe elimination from samples of passing polluted air. The gas adsorption efficiency of fabricated filter was measured by an air pollution device. Results showed that samples treated with activated carbon absorbed 38%, 100% and 100% of CO, NO and NO2 gases, respectively, compared with pristine samples. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were completely removed from passing air by nanosilver-coated layer.
Comparison Between Local and General Anesthesia for Carotid Endarterectomy: Early and Late Results
Authors: Gürer Onur , Yapıcı Fikri , Yapıcı Nihan , Özler Azmi , Işık Ömer
Published: January 2012

Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the results between general and local anesthesia (LA) for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods: Three hundred and twenty-nine patients in whom 365 CEA procedures were performed between January 1990 and September 2001, were included in this study. Results: Operation time, shunt usage rates, hospitalization time ( P < .0001), and permanent stroke rates ( P < .05) were significantly lower in group with LA. For long-term period (121.3 ± 37.45 vs 98.6 ± 28.98 months), no significant difference was observed in these 2 group with respect to restenosis rates, neurological events, and deaths. Conclusions: Despite the lack of significant difference between LA and general anesthesia in terms of restenosis, neurological events, and death in the long-term period; LA is more preferable due its associated advantages including availability of testing the consciousness of the patients by direct contact, reduced use of shunts, shorter hospitalization periods, and less prevalence of permanent stroke in the short-term period.
Results of a New Human Recombinant Thrombin for the Treatment of Arterial Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Malgor Rafael D. , Labropoulos Nicos , Gasparis Antonios P. , Landau David S. , Tassiopoulos Apostolos K.
Published: January 2012

Objective: To evaluate the results of a new thrombin sealant (Recothrom) for the treatment of arterial pseudoaneurysms (PDAs). Methods: We reviewed 47 consecutive patients prospectively entered in a dedicated data set who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous thrombin injection to treat PDA. End points were PDA recurrence, need for reintervention, and related complications such as limb ischemia or allergic reactions. Results: Twenty-six patients were females (55%) and the median age of the entire group was 71 years (range, 45-87). The mean size of the PDA was 2.3 ± 0.9 cm. The mean injected volume was 2.4 ± 1.4 mL containing 500 ± 320 units. Recurrence of the PDA occurred in 4 (8.5%) patients and was not related to anticoagulation status, body habitus, platelets levels, or use of antiplatelets. All recurred PDAs were successfully sealed with a second (n = 3) and a third injection (n = 1). There was no distal embolization or allergic reactions and no surgical intervention was required. Conclusion: The new human recombinant thrombin (Recothrom) is a safer nonimmunogenic option with similar success rates of other fibrin glue sealants.
Case study analysis of Defense Experimentation to support Network Enabled Capability development
Authors: Arnott Shane D , Lindsay Peter A
Published: January 2012

Defense Experimentation (DE) using modeling and simulation (M&S) is increasingly being adopted as a means to better understand complex defense capability problems. This is being given added impetus by the amplified focus on Network Enabled Capability (NEC) and the rising use of advanced information and communications technology within military operations. This paper presents analysis of observed data trends from a broad range of DE experiments performed within capability development programs for the United Kingdom and Australian Governments over the period of 2001–2010. A range of variables were tracked concerning the experiment’s nature, the DE method employed, M&S technology utilized and human resources used across the experiment life cycle. Time and effort results are presented here, broken down by DE method and life-cycle phase. The paper also analyses where reuse took place in the experiment life cycle, and how time and effort were affected by the number of problem-owner and provider stakeholders involved. The insights yielded are expected to help DE planners improve estimation and scheduling of human resources. In turn, this is intended to facilitate delivery of more effective NEC concept development and experimentation.
How May the School Nurse Use Data Effectively?
Authors: Sheetz Anne Harris
Published: January 2012

Consistent with their colleagues in other health care settings, school nurses function in a data-driven society. Collecting, analyzing, and sharing data with stakeholders are critical responsibilities for both improving school nursing practice and interpreting its importance to others. School nurses have unique opportunities to collect and use data in a variety of capacities affecting the health and education of children and adolescents. Moving into data-driven practice offers exciting surprises—and demands abilities to identify questions, understand data limitations, create and implement performance improvement programs, and use findings for evidence-based practice and advocacy.
Harnessing the Power of Student Health Data
Authors: Johnson Kathleen H. , Guthrie Sharon
Published: January 2012

School nurses manage an immense amount of student health information, making electronic documentation systems essential to provide effective care for students. This article describes the elements of and rationale for using an electronic documentation system, the use of standardized nursing languages, and strategies for successfully implementing an electronic documentation system.
Rating Los Angeles' Top Cop
Authors: Cohen Marks Mara A. , Stout Christopher
Published: January 2012

Many scholars have analyzed the approval for the police force but few have examined the factors that influence support for the police chief. This is a surprising omission, given the high visibility of most police chiefs places them squarely in the arena of local politics where support constitutes a key strategic asset. Examining two polls of Los Angeles residents conducted in 2002 and 2007 when a different chief of police was nearing the end of his first 5-year term of office—one African American and one White—we find that the police chief receives more support when residents believe that the police force is performing well. We also find that Black residents expressed greater support for police chiefs whose race is the same as their own. Overall, the results provide insight into how and where police chiefs may draw support in an era where police chief turnover is increasing. Moreover, the results indicate that the ascension of an African American to the upper echelons of the police department may be an effective way to improve minority relations with law enforcement.
Identity and Hate Crime on Canadian Campuses
Authors: Perry Barbara
Published: January 2012

Canadian college and university campuses are commonly thought of as places that foster tolerance and diversity. However, these institutions are also sites where students are victimized by hate crimes. The purpose of this study is to document the degree to which Canadian students are victimized by hate crimes. This article presents observations on what is, to my knowledge, the first Canadian survey of hate crime motivated by race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and disability on Canadian college and university campuses. The main objective of this study was to conduct a random sample survey of the incidents and prevalence of hate crime on two Canadian campuses: one a college and another a university. The author argues that hate crime plays an important role in challenging the increasing presence and visibility of women, the lestbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, and visible minorities on Canadian campuses.
Violent Victimization of Hispanic College Students
Authors: Hart Timothy C. , Rennison Callie Marie
Published: January 2012

This study explores nonfatal violent victimization of Hispanic college students using data from the National Crime Victimization Survey. It compares annual victimization rates characterizing Hispanic students to non-Hispanic students and similarly aged Hispanics not enrolled in college. Results suggest a dramatic decline in student violent victimization rates for Hispanic and non-Hispanic students as well as Hispanics not enrolled in college over the past several years. Differences in the rates of violent victimization among Hispanic college students are identified, including factors related to characteristics of the victim, offender, and criminal incident. Finally, results are discussed in terms of their implications on future research as well as campus policies and administration.
The C-type lectin receptor CLEC9A mediates antigen uptake and (cross-)presentation by human blood BDCA3+ myeloid dendritic cells
Authors: Schreibelt Gerty , Klinkenberg Lieke J. J. , Cruz Luis J. , Tacken Paul J. , Tel Jurjen , Kreutz Martin , Adema Gosse J. , Brown Gordon D. , Figdor Carl G. , de Vries I. Jolanda M.
Published: January 2012

CLEC9A is a recently discovered C-type lectin receptor involved in sensing necrotic cells. In humans, this receptor is selectively expressed by BDCA3+ myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), which have been proposed to be the main human cross-presenting mDCs and may represent the human homologue of murine CD8+ DCs. In mice, it was demonstrated that antigens delivered with antibodies to CLEC9A are presented by CD8+ DCs to both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and induce antitumor immunity in a melanoma model. Here we assessed the ability of CLEC9A to mediate antigen presentation by human BDCA3+ mDCs, which represent < 0.05% of peripheral blood leukocytes. We demonstrate that CLEC9A is only expressed on immature BDCA3+ mDCs and that cell surface expression is lost after TLR-mediated maturation. CLEC9A triggering via antibody binding rapidly induces receptor internalization but does not affect TLR-induced cytokine production or expression of costimulatory molecules. More importantly, antigens delivered via CLEC9A antibodies to BDCA3+ mDCs are presented by both MHC class I (cross-presentation) and MHC class II to antigen-specific T cells. We conclude that CLEC9A is a promising target for in vivo antigen delivery in humans to increase the efficiency of vaccines against infectious or malignant diseases.
Comprehensive transcriptome analysis reveals novel genes involved in cardiac glycoside biosynthesis and mlncRNAs associated with secondary metabolism and stress response in Digitalis purpurea
Authors: Wu Bin , Li Ying , Yan Haixia , Ma Yimian , Luo Hongmei , Yuan Lichai , Chen Shilin , Lu Shanfa
Published: January 2012

Background

Digitalis purpurea is an important ornamental and medicinal plant. There is considerable interest in exploring its transcriptome.

Results

Through high-throughput 454 sequencing and subsequent assembly, we obtained 23532 genes, of which 15626 encode conserved proteins. We determined 140 unigenes to be candidates involved in cardiac glycoside biosynthesis. It could be grouped into 30 families, of which 29 were identified for the first time in D. purpurea. We identified 2660 mRNA-like npcRNA (mlncRNA) candidates, an emerging class of regulators, using a computational mlncRNA identification pipeline and 13 microRNA-producing unigenes based on sequence conservation and hairpin structure-forming capability. Twenty five protein-coding unigenes were predicted to be targets of these microRNAs. Among the mlncRNA candidates, only 320 could be grouped into 140 families with at least two members in a family. The majority of D. purpurea mlncRNAs were species-specific and many of them showed tissue-specific expression and responded to cold and dehydration stresses. We identified 417 protein-coding genes with regions significantly homologous or complementary to 375 mlncRNAs. It includes five genes involved in secondary metabolism. A positive correlation was found in gene expression between protein-coding genes and the homologous mlncRNAs in response to cold and dehydration stresses, while the correlation was negative when protein-coding genes and mlncRNAs were complementary to each other.

Conclusions

Through comprehensive transcriptome analysis, we not only identified 29 novel gene families potentially involved in the biosynthesis of cardiac glycosides but also characterized a large number of mlncRNAs. Our results suggest the importance of mlncRNAs in secondary metabolism and stress response in D. purpurea.
Sculpting the maturation, softening and ethylene pathway: The influences of microRNAs on tomato fruits
Authors: Zuo Jinhua , Zhu Benzhong , Fu Daqi , Zhu Yi , Ma Yuanzheng , Chi Lihong , Ju Zheng , Wang Yunxiang , Zhai Baiqiang , Luo Yunbo
Published: January 2012

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a ubiquitous class of short RNAs, play vital roles in physiological and biochemical processes in plants by mediating gene silencing at post-transcriptional (PTGS) level. Tomato is a model system to study molecular basis of fleshy fruit ripening and senescence, ethylene biosynthesis and signal transduction owing to its genetic and molecular tractability. To study the functions of miRNAs in tomato fruit ripening and senescence, and their possible roles in ethylene response, the next generation sequencing method was employed to identify miRNAs in tomato fruit. Bioinformatics and molecular biology approaches were combined to profile the miRNAs expression patterns at three different fruit ripening stages and by exogenous ethylene treatment.

Results

In addition to 7 novel miRNA families, 103 conserved miRNAs belonging to 24 families and 10 non-conserved miRNAs matching 9 families were identified in our libraries. The targets of many these miRNAs were predicted to be transcriptional factors. Other targets are known to play roles in the regulation of metabolic processes. Interestingly, some targets were predicted to be involved in fruit ripening and softening, such as Pectate Lyase, beta-galactosidase, while a few others were predicted to be involved in ethylene biosynthesis and signaling pathway, such as ACS, EIN2 and CTR1. The expression patterns of a number of such miRNAs at three ripening stages were confirmed by stem-loop RT-PCR, which showed a strong negative correlation with that of their targets. The regulation of exogenous ethylene on miRNAs expression profiles were analyzed simultaneously, and 3 down-regulated, 5 up-regulated miRNAs were found in this study.

Conclusions

A combination of high throughput sequencing and molecular biology approaches was used to explore the involvement of miRNAs during fruit ripening. Several miRNAs showed differential expression profiles during fruit ripening, and a number of miRNAs were influenced by ethylene treatment. The results suggest the importance of miRNAs in fruit ripening and ethylene response.
Rootstock-regulated gene expression patterns associated with fire blight resistance in apple
Authors: Jensen Philip J , Halbrendt Noemi , Fazio Gennaro , Makalowska Izabela , Altman Naomi , Praul Craig , Maximova Siela N , Ngugi Henry K , Crassweller Robert M , Travis James W , McNellis Timothy W
Published: January 2012

Background

Desirable apple varieties are clonally propagated by grafting vegetative scions onto rootstocks. Rootstocks influence many phenotypic traits of the scion, including resistance to pathogens such as Erwinia amylovora, which causes fire blight, the most serious bacterial disease of apple. The purpose of the present study was to quantify rootstock-mediated differences in scion fire blight susceptibility and to identify transcripts in the scion whose expression levels correlated with this response.

Results

Rootstock influence on scion fire blight resistance was quantified by inoculating three-year old, orchard-grown apple trees, consisting of 'Gala' scions grafted to a range of rootstocks, with E. amylovora. Disease severity was measured by the extent of shoot necrosis over time. 'Gala' scions grafted to G.30 or MM.111 rootstocks showed the lowest rates of necrosis, while 'Gala' on M.27 and B.9 showed the highest rates of necrosis. 'Gala' scions on M.7, S.4 or M.9F56 had intermediate necrosis rates. Using an apple DNA microarray representing 55,230 unique transcripts, gene expression patterns were compared in healthy, un-inoculated, greenhouse-grown 'Gala' scions on the same series of rootstocks. We identified 690 transcripts whose steady-state expression levels correlated with the degree of fire blight susceptibility of the scion/rootstock combinations. Transcripts known to be differentially expressed during E. amylovora infection were disproportionately represented among these transcripts. A second-generation apple microarray representing 26,000 transcripts was developed and was used to test these correlations in an orchard-grown population of trees segregating for fire blight resistance. Of the 690 transcripts originally identified using the first-generation array, 39 had expression levels that correlated with fire blight resistance in the breeding population.

Conclusions

Rootstocks had significant effects on the fire blight susceptibility of 'Gala' scions, and rootstock-regulated gene expression patterns could be correlated with differences in susceptibility. The results suggest a relationship between rootstock-regulated fire blight susceptibility and sorbitol dehydrogenase, phenylpropanoid metabolism, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, and endocytosis, among others. This study illustrates the utility of our rootstock-regulated gene expression data sets for candidate trait-associated gene data mining.
Demographic, knowledge, attitudinal, and accessibility factors associated with uptake of cervical cancer screening among women in a rural district of Tanzania: Three public policy implications
Authors: Lyimo Frida S , Beran Tanya N
Published: January 2012

Background

Cervical cancer is an important public health problem worldwide, which comprises approximately 12% of all cancers in women. In Tanzania, the estimated incidence rate is 30 to 40 per 100,000 women, indicating a high disease burden. Cervical cancer screening is acknowledged as currently the most effective approach for cervical cancer control, and it is associated with reduced incidence and mortality from the disease. The aim of the study was to identify the most important factors related to the uptake of cervical cancer screening among women in a rural district of Tanzania.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted with a sample of 354 women aged 18 to 69 years residing in Moshi Rural District. A multistage sampling technique was used to randomly select eligible women. A one-hour interview was conducted with each woman in her home. The 17 questions were modified from similar questions used in previous research.

Results

Less than one quarter (22.6%) of the participants had obtained cervical cancer screening. The following characteristics, when examined separately in relation to the uptake of cervical cancer screening service, were significant: husband approval of cervical cancer screening, women's level of education, women's knowledge of cervical cancer and its prevention, women's concerns about embarrassment and pain of screening, women's preference for the sex of health provider, and women's awareness of and distance to cervical cancer screening services. When examined simultaneously in a logistic regression, we found that only knowledge of cervical cancer and its prevention (OR = 8.90, 95%CI = 2.14-16.03) and distance to the facility which provides cervical cancer screening (OR = 3.98, 95%CI = 0.18-5.10) were significantly associated with screening uptake.

Conclusions

Based on the study findings, three recommendations are made. First, information about cervical cancer must be presented to women. Second, public education of the disease must include specific information on how to prevent it as well as screening services available. Third, it is important to provide cervical cancer screening services within 5 km of where women reside.
Malaria control in Bhutan: case study of a country embarking on elimination
Authors: Yangzom Thinley , Gueye Cara Smith , Namgay Rinzin , Galappaththy Gawrie NL , Thimasarn Krongthong , Gosling Roly , Murugasampillay Shiva , Dev Vas
Published: January 2012

Background

Bhutan has achieved a major reduction in malaria incidence amid multiple challenges. This case study seeks to characterize the Bhutan malaria control programme over the last 10 years.

Methods

A review of the malaria epidemiology, control strategies, and elimination strategies employed in Bhutan was carried out through a literature review of peer-reviewed and grey national and international literature with the addition of reviewing the surveillance and vector control records of the Bhutan Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme (VDCP). Data triangulation was used to identify trends in epidemiology and key strategies and interventions through analysis of the VDCP surveillance and programme records and the literature review. Enabling and challenging factors were identified through analysis of socio-economic and health indicators, corroborated through a review of national and international reports and peer-review articles.

Findings

Confirmed malaria cases in Bhutan declined by 98.7% from 1994 to 2010. The majority of indigenous cases were due to Plasmodium vivax (59.9%) and adult males are most at-risk of malaria. Imported cases, or those in foreign nationals, varied over the years, reaching 21.8% of all confirmed cases in 2006.

Strategies implemented by the VDCP are likely to be related to the decline in cases over the last 10 years. Access to malaria diagnosis in treatment was expanded throughout the country and evidence-based case management, including the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) for P. falciparum, increasing coverage of high risk areas with Indoor Residual Spraying, insecticide-treated bed nets, and long-lasting insecticidal nets are likely to have contributed to the decline alongside enabling factors such as economic development and increasing access to health services.

Conclusion

Bhutan has made significant strides towards elimination and has adopted a goal of national elimination. A major challenge in the future will be prevention and management of imported malaria infections from neighbouring Indian states. Bhutan plans to implement screening at border points to prevent importation of malaria and to targeted prevention and surveillance efforts towards at-risk Bhutanese and migrant workers in construction sites.
c-KIT receptor expression is strictly associated with the biological behaviour of thyroid nodules
Authors: Tomei Sara , Mazzanti Chiara , Marchetti Ivo , Rossi Leonardo , Zavaglia Katia , Lessi Francesca , Apollo Alessandro , Aretini Paolo , Di Coscio Giancarlo , Bevilacqua Generoso
Published: January 2012

Background

A large amount of information has been collected on the molecular tumorigenesis of thyroid cancer. A low expression of c-KIT gene has been reported during the transformation of normal thyroid epithelium to papillary carcinoma suggesting a possible role of the gene in the differentiation of thyroid tissue rather than in the proliferation. The initial presentation of thyroid carcinoma is through a nodule and the best way nowadays to evaluate it is by fine-needle aspiration (FNA). However many thyroid FNAs are not definitively benign or malignant, yielding an indeterminate or suspicious diagnosis which ranges from 10 to 25% of FNAs. BRAF mutational analysis is commonly used to assess the malignancy of thyroid nodules but unfortunately it still leaves indeterminate diagnoses. The development of molecular initial diagnostic tests for evaluating a thyroid nodule is needed in order to define optimal surgical approach for patients with uncertain diagnosis pre- and intra-operatively.

Methods

In this study we extracted RNA from 82 FNA smears, 46 malignant and 36 benign at the histology, in order to evaluate by quantitative Real Time PCR the expression levels of c-KIT gene.

Results

We have found a highly preferential decrease rather than increase in transcript of c-KIT in malignant thyroid lesions compared to the benign ones. To explore the diagnostic utility of c-KIT expression in thyroid nodules, its expression values were divided in four arbitrarily defined classes, with class I characterized by the complete silencing of the gene. Class I and IV represented the two most informative groups, with 100% of the samples found malignant or benign respectively. The molecular analysis was proven by ROC (receiver operating characteristic) analysis to be highly specific and sensitive improving the cytological diagnostic accuracy of 15%.

Conclusion

We propose the use of BRAF test (after uncertain cytological diagnosis) to assess the malignancy of thyroid nodules at first, then the use of the c-KIT expression to ultimately assess the diagnosis of the nodules that otherwise would remain suspicious. The c-KIT expression-based classification is highly accurate and may provide a tool to overcome the difficulties in today's preoperative diagnosis of thyroid suspicious malignancies.
Peripheral leukocyte counts and outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Agnihotri Shruti , Czap Alexandra , Staff Ilene , Fortunato Gil , McCullough Louise D
Published: January 2012

Background

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating disease that carries a 30 day mortality of approximately 45%. Only 20% of survivors return to independent function at 6 months. The role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of ICH is increasingly recognized. Several clinical studies have demonstrated an association between inflammatory markers and outcomes after ICH; however the relationship between serum biomarkers and functional outcomes amongst survivors has not been previously evaluated. Activation of the inflammatory response as measured by change in peripheral leukocyte count was examined and assessment of mortality and functional outcomes after ICH was determined.

Findings

Patients with spontaneous ICH admitted to a tertiary care center between January 2005 and April 2010 were included. The change in leukocyte count was measured as the difference between the maximum leukocyte count in the first 72 hours and the leukocyte count on admission. Mortality was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were mortality at 1 year, discharge disposition and the modified Barthel index (MBI) at 3 months compared to pre-admission MBI. 423 cases were included. The in-hospital mortality was 30.4%. The change in leukocyte count predicted worse discharge disposition (OR = 1.258, p = 0.009). The change in leukocyte count was also significantly correlated with a decline in the MBI at 3 months. These relationships remained even after removal of all patients with evidence of infection.

Conclusions

Greater changes in leukocyte count over the first 72 hours after admission predicted both worse short term and long term functional outcomes after ICH.
Development of persistent HCV genotype 3a infection cell culture model in huh-7 cell
Authors: Asad Sultan , Ijaz Bushra , Ahmad Waqar , Kausar Humera , Sarwar Muhammad Tahir , Gull Sana , Shahid Imran , Khan Muhammad Kazim , Hassan Sajida
Published: January 2012

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the major health concerns globally, with genotype 3a as the most prevalent in Pakistan. Lack of efficient HCV genotype 3a small animal models as well as genomic replicons has hampered the complete understanding of its life cycle, pathogenesis and therapeutic options. In this study we aimed to develop a persistent HCV genotype 3a infectious cell culture model.

Methods

We inoculated Huh-7 cells with HCV genotype 3a serum. Cells and media supernatant were collected at different time periods up to 40th day post infection. Culture media supernatant was also collected to find out its ability to infect naive Huh-7 cells.

Results

HCV replication was confirmed at both RNA and protein level through Real Time RCR and western blot using HCV core as marker. In order to validate the persistence of our model for HCV genotype 3a replication we inhibited the HCV replication through core specific siRNAs. The HCV RNA was detected intracellularly from the day one post infection up till 40th day, while HCV core protein was detected from the second day up to 40th day consistently. In culture media supernatant HCV RNA was also actively detected conferring its ability to infect the naive Huh-7 cells. Furthermore, core specific siRNA showed significant inhibition at 24th hour post transfection both at RNA and protein level with progressive increase in the expression of core gene after 3rd day. It clearly depicts that the Huh-7 successfully retained the HCV replication after degradation of siRNA.

Conclusion

Finally, we report that our persistent infection cell culture model consistently replicate HCV genotype 3a for more than 1 month.
Neurotrophic Factor Changes in the Rat Thick Skin following Chronic Constriction Injury of the Sciatic Nerve
Authors: Peleshok Jennifer C , Ribeiro-da-Silva Alfredo
Published: January 2012

Background:

Cutaneous peripheral neuropathies have been associated with changes of the sensory fiber innervation in the dermis and epidermis. These changes are mediated in part by the increase in local expression of trophic factors. Increase in target tissue nerve growth factor has been implicated in the promotion of peptidergic afferent and sympathetic efferent sprouting following nerve injury. The primary source of nerve growth factor is cells found in the target tissue, namely the skin. Recent evidence regarding the release and extracellular maturation of nerve growth factor indicate that it is produced in its precursor form and matured in the extracellular space. It is our hypothesis that the precursor form of nerve growth factor should be detectable in those cell types producing it. To date, limitations in available immunohistochemical tools have restricted efforts in obtaining an accurate distribution of nerve growth factor in the skin of naïve animals and those with neuropathic pain lesions. It is the objective of this study to delineate the distribution of the precursor form of nerve growth factor to those cell types expressing it, as well as to describe its distribution with respect to those nerve fibers responsive to it.

Results:

We observed a decrease in peptidergic fiber innervation at 1 week after the application of a chronic constriction injury (CCI) to the sciatic nerve, followed by a recovery, correlating with TrkA protein levels. ProNGF expression in CCI animals was significantly higher than in sham-operated controls from 1–4 weeks post-CCI. ProNGF immunoreactivity was increased in mast cells at 1 week post-CCI and, at later time points, in keratinocytes. P75 expression within the dermis and epidermis was significantly higher in CCI-operated animals than in controls and these changes were localized to neuronal and non-neuronal cell populations using specific markers for each.

Conclusions:

We describe proNGF expression by non-neuronal cells over time after nerve injury as well as the association of NGF-responsive fibers to proNGF-expressing target tissues. ProNGF expression increases following nerve injury in those cell types previously suggested to express it.
Descriptive review and evaluation of the functioning of the International Health Regulations (IHR) Annex 2
Authors: Anema Aranka , Druyts Eric , Hollmeyer Helge G , Hardiman Maxwell C , Wilson Kumanan
Published: January 2012

Background

The International Health Regulations (IHRs) (2005) was developed with the aim of governing international responses to public health risks and emergencies. The document requires all 194 World Health Organization (WHO) Member States to detect, assess, notify and report any potential public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) under specific timelines. Annex 2 of the IHR outlines decision-making criteria for State-appointed National Focal Points (NFP) to report potential PHEICs to the WHO, and is a critical component to the effective functioning of the IHRs.

Methods

The aim of the study was to review and evaluate the functioning of Annex 2 across WHO-reporting States Parties. Specific objectives were to ascertain NFP awareness and knowledge of Annex 2, practical use of the tool, activities taken to implement it, its perceived usefulness and user-friendliness. Qualitative telephone interviews, followed by a quantitative online survey, were administered to NFPs between October, 2009 and February, 2010.

Results

A total of 29 and 133 NFPs participated in the qualitative and quantitative studies, respectively. Qualitative interviews found most NFPs had a strong working knowledge of Annex 2; perceived the tool to be relevant and useful for guiding decisions; and had institutionalized management, legislation and communication systems to support it. NFPs also perceived Annex 2 as human and disease-centric, and emphasized its reduced applicability to potential PHEICs involving bioterrorist attacks, infectious diseases among animals, radio-nuclear and chemical spills, and water- or food-borne contamination. Among quantitative survey respondents, 88% reported having excellent/good knowledge of Annex 2; 77% reported always/usually using Annex 2 for assessing potential PHEICs; 76% indicated their country had some legal, regulatory or administrative provisions for using Annex 2; 95% indicated Annex 2 was always/usually useful for facilitating decisions regarding notifiability of potential PHEICs.

Conclusion

This evaluation, including a large sample of WHO-reporting States Parties, found that the IHR's Annex 2 is perceived as useful for guiding decisions about notifiability of potential PHEICs. There is scope for the WHO to expand training and guidance on application of the IHR's Annex 2 to specific contexts. Continued monitoring and evaluation of the functioning of the IHR is imperative to promoting global health security.
Adult gaucher disease in southern Tunisia: report of three cases
Authors: Ben Rhouma Faten , Kallel Faten , Kefi Rym , Cherif Wafa , Nagara Majdi , Azaiez Hela , Jedidi Ines , Elloumi Moez , Abdelhak Sonia , Mseddi Sondes
Published: January 2012

Background

Gaucher disease (GD) is the most frequent lysosomal storage disorder; type 1 is by far the most common form. It is characterized by variability in age of onset, clinical signs and progression. It is usually diagnosed in the first or second decade of life with the appearance of bone pains, splenomegaly and thrombocytopenia, but the disease may be diagnosed at any age between 1 and 73 years. In the present study, we report 3 cases with late onset of GD in whom the disease was a surprise finding including one patient with Parkinson disease. This late onset is described as an adult form of Gaucher disease.

Findings

Molecular investigation showed mutational homogeneity in Tunisian adult patients suffering from GD. Indeed, all patients carry the p.N370S mutation: two patients at a homozygous state and one patient at compound heterozygous state.

Conclusion

The p.N370S mutation presents a large variability in the onset of the disease and its clinical manifestation supporting the view that GD should be considered as a continuum phenotype rather than a predefined classification.

Virtual Slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1701276661617840.
Responsiveness of a patient in a persistent vegetative state after a coma to weekly injections of autologous activated immune cells: a case report
Authors: Fellerhoff Barbara , Laumbacher Barbara , Wank Rudolf
Published: January 2012

Introduction

An 82-year-old Caucasian woman had remained in a persistent vegetative state after a coma of seven months duration, which occurred after a stroke with hemiplegia, nine years previously. The persistent vegetative state could be reversed in part by weekly injections with activated immune cells. After therapy, our patient responded to commands in addition to regaining spontaneous movements of both arms and the ability to swallow. This is the first report on the treatment with activated immune cells of a patient in a persistent vegetative state after a coma.

Case presentation

An 82-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a persistent vegetative state subsequent to a coma. She retained respiratory and autonomic functions. As contact was not possible, physiotherapy was passive. Her skin was yellowish, and our patient did not move by herself. Vomiting repeatedly resulted from tube feeding. After a once-weekly treatment with activated immune cells sampled from our patient's blood and activatedin vitro, several of her functions gradually returned. Our patient opened her eyes in the requested direction and turned her head toward people entering the room. She 'supported' nursing efforts, as the nurse noted a loss of spastic motions. The strength in both her arms returned, and she spontaneously moved her arm on the side experiencing hemiplegia. After three months, our patient could stick out her tongue upon demand. Finally, the swallow reflexes of our patient started to return. However, tube feeding was continued, and our patient died after aspiration of vomit following a feeding.

Conclusion

The success of treatment with autologous activated immune cells in this patient may have resulted from the production of neuroactive substances, such as neurotrophin-3 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, by activated immune cells. The deterioration of our patient could be reversed, as demonstrated by the restoration of motor strength in her hemiplegic side. In addition, our patient was able to induce motor responses upon request. It seems reasonable to conclude that activated immune cells may improve the chronic vegetative state in some patients.
The foot posture index, ankle lunge test, Beighton scale and the lower limb assessment score in healthy children: a reliability study
Authors: Evans Angela M , Rome Keith , Peet Lauren
Published: January 2012

Background

Outcome measures are important when evaluating treatments and physiological progress in paediatric populations. Reliable, relevant measures of foot posture are important for such assessments to be accurate over time. The aim of the study was to assess the intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of common outcome measures for paediatric foot conditions.

Methods

A repeated measures, same‐subject design assessed the intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of measures of foot posture, joint hypermobility and ankle range: the Foot Posture Index (FPI‐6), the ankle lunge test, the Beighton scale and the lower limb assessment scale (LLAS), used by two examiners in 30 healthy children (aged 7 to 15 years). The Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire (OxAFQ‐C) was completed by participants and a parent, to assess the extent of foot and ankle problems.

Results

The OxAFQ‐C demonstrated a mean (SD) score of 6 (6) in adults and 7(5) for children, showing good agreement between parents and children, and which indicates mid‐range (transient) disability. Intra‐rater reliability was good for the FPI‐6 (ICC = 0.93 ‐ 0.94), ankle lunge test (ICC = 0.85‐0.95), Beighton scale (ICC = 0.96‐0.98) and LLAS (ICC = 0.90‐0.98). Inter‐rater reliability was largely good for each of the: FPI‐6 (ICC = 0.79), ankle lunge test (ICC = 0.83), Beighton scale (ICC = 0.73) and LLAS (ICC = 0.78).

Conclusion

The four measures investigated demonstrated adequate intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability in this paediatric sample, which further justifies their use in clinical practice.
Foot health education for people with rheumatoid arthritis: the practitioner's perspective
Authors: Graham Andrea S , Hammond Alison , Williams Anita E
Published: January 2012

Background

Patient education is considered to be a key role for podiatrists in the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patient education has undoubtedly led to improved clinical outcomes, however no attempts have been made to optimise its content or delivery to maximise benefits within the context of the foot affected by rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to identify the nature and content of podiatrists’ foot health education for people with RA. Any potential barriers to its provision were also explored.

Methods

A focus group was conducted. The audio dialogue was recorded digitally, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a structured, thematic approach. The full transcription was verified by the focus group as an accurate account of what was said. The thematic analysis framework was verified by members of the research team to ensure validity of the data.

Results

Twelve members (all female) of the north west Podiatry Clinical Effectiveness Group for Rheumatology participated. Six overarching themes emerged: (i) the essence of patient education; (ii) the content; (iii) patient‐centred approach to content and timing; (iv) barriers to provision; (v) the therapeutic relationship; and (vi) tools of the trade.

Conclusion

The study identified aspects of patient education that this group of podiatrists consider most important in relation to its: content, timing, delivery and barriers to its provision. General disease and foot health information in relation to RA together with a potential prognosis for foot health, the role of the podiatrist in management of foot health, and appropriate self‐management strategies were considered to be key aspects of content, delivered according to the needs of the individual. Barriers to foot health education provision, including financial constraints and difficulties in establishing effective therapeutic relationships, were viewed as factors that strongly influenced foot health education provision. These data will contribute to the development of a patient‐centred, negotiated approach to the provision of foot health education for people with RA.
Safety, pharmacokinetics, and biologic activity of pateclizumab, a novel monoclonal antibody targeting lymphotoxin α: results of a phase I randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Emu Brinda , Luca Diana , Offutt Carolyn , Grogan Jane L , Rojkovich Bernadette , Williams Marna B , Tang Meina T , Xiao Jim , Lee June H , Davis John C
Published: January 2012

Introduction

Pateclizumab (MLTA3698A) is a humanized mAb against lymphotoxin α (LTα), a transiently expressed cytokine on activated B and T cells (Th1, Th17), which are implicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. This study was conducted to assess the safety, tolerability, < NOTE: For clarity and per AMA/S-W Style, please restore the use of Oxford/serial commas (ie: David likes vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate ice cream) throughout. and biologic activity of single and multiple doses of intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) pateclizumab in RA patients.

Methods

The single ascending dose (SAD) phase in patients with stable RA consisted of six cohorts (4:1 active:placebo at 0.3 mg/kg IV, 1.0 mg/kg IV, 1.0 mg/kg SC, 3.0 mg/kg IV, 3.0 mg/kg SC, and 5.0 mg/kg IV; n = 5/cohort). In the multiple ascending dose (MAD) phase, patients with prespecified RA disease activity received three doses of pateclizumab or placebo (4:1) every 2 weeks (1.0 mg/kg SC, n = 10; 3.0 mg/kg SC, n = 20; or 5.0 mg/kg IV, n = 5). Safety and tolerability were assessed throughout, and clinical activity was determined after three doses (Week 6).

Results

We observed no serious adverse events (AEs) or dose-limiting toxicities, and the majority of AEs were mild to moderate. The pharmacokinetic profiles were linear, and clearance was independent of dose. Reductions in levels of serum CXCL13 were observed, supporting the biologic activity of pateclizumab on the LTα pathway. Patients receiving pateclizumab in the 3.0 mg/kg MAD group (3.0 mg/kg SC) demonstrated ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 response rates at week 6 of 75%, 56% and 25%, respectively, compared with 57%, 29%, and 0% in the placebo group. The median Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, C-reactive protein, reduction was 28% for pateclizumab, versus 8.4% for placebo.

Conclusions

Pateclizumabwas generally well-tolerated in RA patients. Preliminary evidence of clinical activity was observed in active RA patients at the dose level targeted for clinical effect.