bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of histamine receptors and effects of histamine on murine and simian colonic excitability
Authors: Kim H. , Dwyer L. , Song J. H. , Martin‐Cano F. E. , Bahney J. , Peri L. , Britton F. C. , Sanders K. M. , Koh S. D.
Published: August 2011

Background  Inflammatory responses can include recruitment of cells of hematopoietic origin to the tunica muscularis. These cells can secrete a variety of factors which can reset the gain of smooth muscle cells (SMC) and influence motor patterns. Histamine (H), a major mediator in inflammation, is released by mast cells and exerts diverse effects in SMC by binding to H receptors. The profiles of H receptor expression in animal models used to study inflammatory diseases are unknown.

Methods  Histamine receptor expression and electro‐mechanical responses to H were tested in simian and murine colonic smooth muscle using qualitative and quantitative PCR, isometric force measurements, microelectrode recordings and patch clamp techniques.

Key Results  H1, H2, and H4 receptor transcripts were expressed at similar levels in simian colonic tissue whereas only the H2 receptor transcript was detected in murine colonic tissue. Stimulation of simian colonic muscles with H caused depolarization and contraction in the presence of tetrodotoxin. Histamine activated non‐selective cation channels in simian SMC. In contrast, H caused hyperpolarization and inhibited contractions of murine colon. The hyperpolarization was inhibited by the KATP channel blocker, glibenclamide. Histamine‐activated K+ currents were inhibited by glibenclamide in murine colonic SMC.

Conclusions & Inferences  Histamine receptor expression in simian SMC was similar to that reported in humans. However, H receptor profile and responses to H were considerably different in mice. Thus, monkey colon may be a more suitable model to study how inflammatory mediators affect the gain of smooth muscle excitability.
Prediction of childhood obesity by infancy weight gain: an individual‐level meta‐analysis
Authors: Druet Céline , Stettler Nicolas , Sharp Stephen , Simmons Rebecca K. , Cooper Cyrus , Davey Smith George , Ekelund Ulf , Lévy‐Marchal Claire , Jarvelin Marjo‐Ritta , Kuh Diana , Ong Ken K.
Published: August 2011

Druet C, Stettler N, Sharp S, Simmons RK, Cooper C, Davey Smith G, Ekelund U, Lévy‐Marchal C, Jarvelin M‐R, Kuh D, Ong KK. Prediction of childhood obesity by infancy weight gain: an individual‐level meta‐analysis. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; 26: 19–26.

To assess the predictive ability of infant weight gain on subsequent obesity we performed a meta‐analysis of individual‐level data on 47 661 participants from 10 cohort studies from the UK, France, Finland, Sweden, the US and Seychelles. For each individual, weight SD scores at birth and age 1 year were calculated using the same external reference (British 1990). Childhood obesity was defined by International Obesity Task Force criteria. Each +1 unit increase in weight SD scores between 0 and 1 year conferred a twofold higher risk of childhood obesity (odds ratio = 1.97 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.83, 2.12]), and a 23% higher risk of adult obesity (odds ratio = 1.23 [1.16, 1.30]), adjusted for sex, age and birthweight. There was little heterogeneity between studies. A risk score for childhood obesity comprising weight gain 0–1 year, mother's body mass index, birthweight and sex was generated in a random 50% selection of individuals from general population cohorts with available information (n = 8236); this score showed moderate predictive ability in the remaining 50% sample (area under receiving operating curve = 77% [95% CI 74, 80%]). A separate risk score for childhood overweight showed similar predictive ability (area under receiving operating curve = 76% [73, 79%]). In conclusion, infant weight gain showed a consistent positive association with subsequent obesity. A risk score combining birthweight and infant weight gain (or simply infant weight), together with mother's body mass index and sex may allow early stratification of infants at risk of childhood obesity.
Host–Parasite interactions in Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar: what have we learned from their genomes?
Authors: WILSON I. W. , WEEDALL G. D. , HALL N.
Published: August 2011

Invasive amoebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica is a major global health problem. Virulence is a rare outcome of infection, occurring in fewer than 1 in 10 infections. Not all strains of the parasite are equally virulent, and understanding the mechanisms and causes of virulence is an important goal of Entamoeba research. The sequencing of the genome of E. histolytica and the related avirulent species Entamoeba dispar has allowed whole‐genome‐scale analyses of genetic divergence and differential gene expression to be undertaken. These studies have helped elucidate mechanisms of virulence and identified genes differentially expressed in virulent and avirulent parasites. Here, we review the current status of the E. histolytica and E. dispar genomes and the findings of a number of genome‐scale studies comparing parasites of different virulence.
Integrated tuberculosis and HIV care in a resource‐limited setting: experience from the Martin Preuss centre, Malawi
Authors: Phiri S. , Khan P. Y. , Grant A. D. , Gareta D. , Tweya H. , Kalulu M. , Chaweza T. , Mbetewa L. , Kanyerere H. , Weigel R. , Feldacker C.
Published: August 2011

Objectives  To describe the development and operation of integrated tuberculosis (TB) and HIV care at the Martin Preuss Centre, a multipartner organization bringing together governmental and non‐governmental providers of HIV and TB services in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Methods  We used a case study approach to describe the integrated TB/HIV service and to illustrate successes and challenges faced by service providers. We quantified effective TB and HIV integration using indicators defined by the World Health Organization.

Results  The custom‐designed building facilitates patient flow and infection control, and other important elements include coordinated leadership; joint staff training and meetings; and data systems prompting coordinated care. Some integrated services have worked well from the outset, such as promoting HIV testing among patients with TB (96% of patients with TB had documented HIV status in 2009). Other aspects of integrated care have been more challenging, for example achieving high uptake of antiretroviral therapy among HIV‐positive TB patients and combining data from paper and electronic systems. Good TB treatment outcomes (>85% cure or completion) have been achieved among both HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative individuals.

Conclusions  High‐quality integrated services for TB and HIV care can be provided in a resource‐limited setting. Lessons learned may be valuable for service providers in other settings of high HIV and TB prevalence.
Safety and frequency of whole blood donations from elderly donors
Authors: Müller‐Steinhardt M. , Müller‐Kuller T. , Weiß C. , Menzel D. , Wiesneth M. , Seifried E. , Klüter H.
Published: August 2011

Background  Within the coming decades, a steadily growing demand for blood products will face a shrinking blood donor population in many countries. After increasing the donor age of repeat donors for whole blood donation (WB) from 68 to 70 years in 2009 in our Blood Service, we investigated whether this is sufficient as a safe and effective strategy to sustain future blood supply.

Materials and Methods  Between 1 March 2009 and 28 February 2011, WB donations from donors aged between 69 and 70 and their proportion of total donations in 2010 were determined. We analysed adverse reaction rates in donors with respect to sex and age and calculated mean annual donation frequencies.

Results  Of all invited donors, 32·5% responded and contributed 0·98% (men) and 0·56% (women) to all WB units collected in 2010. The overall and systemic adverse reaction rate per 1·000 WB donations declined by age [men: 1·10 (95%CI: 0·84–1·35) vs. 0 (0–0·8), P < 0·0001; 0·99 (0·75–1·23) vs. 0 (0–0·8), P < 0·0001 and women: 1·80 (1·46–2·14) vs. 1·12 (0·1–2·66), P < 0·0001; 1·47 (1·17–1·78) vs. 1·12 (−0·43–2·66), P = 0·0004]. Mean donation frequencies were strongly correlated with increasing age (men: r = 0·953, P < 0·0001; women: r = 0·913, P < 0·0001) with peak values for 70‐year‐old male: 2·53 ± 1·37 vs. 1·79 ± 1·05, P < 0·0001 and female donors: 2·15 ± 1·06 vs. 1·52 ± 0·78, P < 0·0001.

Conclusions  Elderly donors have very low adverse reaction frequencies and are highly committed to donate blood. Thus, we consider donations from repeat donors aged 69–70 safe and suggest it a powerful short‐ to midterm strategy to, at least partially, overcome the challenges of the demographic change.
Macrophage polarization in the maculae of age‐related macular degeneration: A pilot study
Authors: Cao Xiaoguang , Shen Defen , Patel Mrinali M. , Tuo Jingsheng , Johnson T. Mark , Olsen Timothy W. , Chan Chi‐Chao
Published: August 2011

Macrophages can be polarized to exhibit either pro‐inflammatory M1 or pro‐angiogenic M2 phenotypes, but have high phenotypic plasticity. This pilot study investigated macrophage polarization in the macular retina and choroid of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) and non‐AMD subjects, as well as in AMD choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVM). All specimens were evaluated for routine histopathology. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction for representative M1 (CXCL11) and M2 (CCL22) transcripts were performed on macular choroidal trephines (MCT) of 19 AMD and nine non‐AMD eye bank eyes, on the microdissected macular retinal cells from the archived slides of five geographic atrophic AMD, five exudative/neovascular AMD, and eight normal autopsied eyes, and on microdissected inflammatory cells from two surgically removed CNVM that did not respond to anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. High M2‐chemokine transcript and a low ratio of M1 to M2 chemokine transcript were found in aging non‐AMD MCT. Advanced AMD maculae had a higher M1 to M2 chemokine transcript ratio compared to normal autopsied eyes. Macrophages in the two CNVM of patients unresponsive to anti‐VEGF therapy were polarized toward either M1 or M2 phenotypes. The number of M2 macrophages was increased compared to M1 macrophages in normal aging eyes. A pathological shift of macrophage polarization may play a potential role in AMD pathogenesis.
Validation of the Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review (CAMPHOR) for the Australian and New Zealand population
Authors: GANDERTON LOUISE , JENKINS SUE , MCKENNA STEPHEN P. , GAIN KEVIN , FOWLER ROBIN , TWISS JAMES , GABBAY ELI
Published: August 2011

Background and objective:  Individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) experience severely impaired quality of life. A disease‐specific patient reported outcome measure for PAH (the Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review—CAMPHOR) has recently been developed and validated in the UK, USA and Canada. It has demonstrated reliability and validity in PAH populations in these countries. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the CAMPHOR in an Australian and New Zealand (NZ) PAH population.

Methods:  Semistructured interviews were conducted with a cohort of 15 PAH patients (aged 68.9 ± 10.0 years; 11 women) to determine the relevance of the CAMPHOR and ensure the terminology and language used was understandable and appropriate for our PAH population. The test–retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity of the CAMPHOR were then examined in an Australian and NZ PAH population (n = 61, aged 56.9 ± 14.5 years; 48 women).

Results:  Data from the patient interviews confirmed that the CAMPHOR is appropriate for use in our PAH population. The three CAMPHOR scales (symptoms, activity limitations and quality of life) had excellent test–retest reliability (correlation coefficients (rs) = 0.86–0.94, P < 0.01) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficients = 0.89–0.92). The CAMPHOR also demonstrated the ability to distinguish between individuals with PAH who differed according to World Health Organisation functional class.

Conclusions:  We have shown the CAMPHOR to be valid and reliable in an Australian and NZ PAH population and recommend its use in clinical practice.
Multiplex polymerase chain reaction for six herpesviruses after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Sawada Akihisa , Koyama‐Sato Maho , Yasui Masahiro , Kondo Osamu , Ishihara Takashi , Takeshita Yasufumi , Okamura Takayuki , Nishikawa Masanori , Inoue Masami , Kawa Keisei
Published: August 2011

Background:  Herpesviruses cause life‐threatening diseases after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). It is necessary that viral diseases are identified early and safely diagnosed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for qualitative detection of the six herpesviruses simultaneously: herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2, varicella‐zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus 6B.

Methods:  Multiplex PCR was applied to patients with various clinical manifestations including central nervous system, cutaneous and mucosal complications after allogeneic HSCT, and the data were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:  Patients positive for cytomegalovirus in peripheral blood by multiplex PCR might need pre‐emptive treatment, but a positive result for EBV had no specific correlation with EBV‐associated post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease, and positive result for human herpesvirus 6B failed to show any clinical significance. The multiplex PCR was safe and helpful to diagnose viral diseases of local regions, for example, the central nervous system, skin and mucosa.

Conclusions:  It may be worthwhile to survey the six herpesviruses with multiplex PCR after HSCT.
Evaluation of the vancomycin dosage regimen based on serum creatinine used in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Irikura Mitsuru , Fujiyama Ayako , Saita Fumi , Fukushima Shiori , Kitaoka Hiroki , Fukuda Terumi , Kawase Akihiko , Kondo Yuichi , Ishitsuka Yoichi , Kondo Genzo , Maeda Toshihide , Yukawa Eiji , Irie Tetsumi
Published: August 2011

Background:  Vancomycin is frequently used for the treatment of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections; however, determining the optimal dosage for neonates is difficult because of their immature renal function.

Methods:  Serum creatinine‐based dosing was introduced in Kumamoto City Hospital Neonatal Medical Center. Serum trough concentration and therapeutic efficacy of vancomycin were evaluated before and after the introduction of the creatinine‐based dosing.

Results:  When the therapeutic range of serum trough concentration of vancomycin at steady state was set to 5–15 µg/mL, 20 trough concentrations (48.8%) were within the therapeutic range and 21 trough concentrations were outside the therapeutic range before the introduction of the serum creatinine‐based dosing. After the introduction of serum creatinine‐based dosing, 18 trough concentrations (81.8%) were within the therapeutic range and 4 trough concentrations were not, and there was an increase in the number of patients with trough concentrations in the therapeutic range (P= 0.01; Fisher's exact test).

Conclusions:  The serum creatinine‐based dosing of vancomycin is useful in maintaining the appropriate serum level of vancomycin in neonates.
Early onset of neonatal listeriosis
Authors: Jiao Ying , Zhang Wei , Ma Jianrong , Wen Chunling , Wang Ping , Wang Ying , Xing Jiwei , Liu Weiwei , Yang Liying , He Jiwen
Published: August 2011

Background:  Listeria monocytogenes infection is not commonly reported in China. Increasing the awareness of neonatal listeriosis is necessary.

Methods:  Six cases of neonatal listeriosis were diagnosed in the neonatal intensive care unit at Beijing Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital in 2008. We reviewed the clinical features, laboratory findings, timing of treatment, medications used, and the history of the mothers during pregnancy.

Results:  All six cases were preterm infants. Blood cultures were positive for L. monocytogenes. All of the mothers developed fever in the third trimester of pregnancy, and three of them ended their pregnancy the day the fever appeared. The severity of the clinical symptoms varied in each infant, and all cases were treated with antibiotics immediately after birth. All six cases were discharged from hospital in good health.

Conclusions:  Neonatal Listeria infection is generally a severe disease. Pregnant women must guard against fever and other manifestations, such as Listeria infection. Clinicians encountering such cases should be attentive to the patient's condition and should provide appropriate antibiotic treatment. Early detection and effective targeted treatment of listeriosis helps to improve the patient's survival and prognosis.
Magnetic resonance imaging volumetry and clinical analysis of epilepsy patients with unilateral hippocampal abnormality
Authors: Matsufuji Mayumi , Utsunomiya Hidetsuna , Inoue Takahito , Yasumoto Sawa , Takashima Sachio , Mitsudome Akihisa
Published: August 2011

Background:  In order to clarify the correlation between morphological characteristics and clinical features in epilepsy patients with unilateral hippocampal abnormality, morphological and morphometric magnetic resonance imaging studies were performed.

Methods:  We selected a series of childhood‐onset epilepsy patients with unilateral hippocampal abnormality. The volume of hippocampal formation and anterior temporal lobe were measured, and the hippocampal morphology was compared with their clinical features. The morphological characteristics of the hippocampal formation were classified into three groups: group I, diffuse and severe volume reduction of the hippocampal formation and anterior temporal lobe with abnormal signal; group II, focal atrophy or focal abnormal signal in the hippocampal formation; and group III, no significant volume reduction but an enlargement of the temporal horn.

Results:  All of the patients in group I had a history of status epilepticus in infancy. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) was found in three of four patients. Group II contained TLE in three and frontal lobe epilepsy in one. One patient with intractable TLE had a history of status epilepticus in infancy. Group III contained miscellaneous epilepsies, including benign partial epilepsy with centro‐temporal spikes in three of seven patients. Five patients in group III showed some characteristic features of hippocampal malrotation, which refers to incomplete hippocampal infolding.

Conclusions:  Diffuse and severe volume reduction of the hippocampal formation and anterior temporal lobe with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis was strongly associated with status epilepticus in infancy. Both hippocampal sclerosis and hippocampal malrotation suggest significant roles in the pathogenesis of epilepsy.
Initiation and short crack growth in austenitic–ferritic duplex steel‐effect of positive mean stress
Authors: POLÁK J. , PETRENEC M. , MAN J. , OBRTLÍK K.
Published: August 2011

The effect of the mean stress on the crack initiation and short crack growth of austenitic–ferritic duplex steel has been studied. High mean stresses and stress amplitudes result in appreciable mean strain relaxation and long‐term hardening. Mean stress produces unidirectional slip bands and slip steps that serve as nuclei for persistent slip bands and persistent slip markings. It leads to the acceleration of the crack initiation and production of a high density of cracks. Crack linkage contributes to the growth of short cracks. The concept of equivalent crack was used to describe the crack growth. The kinetics of short crack growth with positive mean stress is similar to that in symmetric loading, that is, exponential growth is observed. Positive mean stress results in earlier crack initiation and in the acceleration of the crack growth rate. Both factors contribute to the decrease of the fatigue life.
Biopsy‐confirmed de novo renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in renal grafts: a single‐centre management experience in a 2396 recipient cohort
Authors: Ploussard Guillaume , Chambade Damien , Meria Paul , Gaudez François , Tariel Edouard , Verine Jérôme , De Bazelaire Cédric , Peraldi Marie‐Noëlle , Glotz Denis , Desgrandchamps François , Mongiat‐Artus Pierre
Published: August 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

The renal cell carcinoma incidence among renal transplant recipients is approximately 0.5%; however, a significant increase in the number of RCC in renal grafts can be expected in the forthcoming years due to the increase in donor age and in renal graft survival.

Our findings support evidence that radiological screening of kidney recipients allows the detection of small tumors for which a conservative management by nephron sparing surgery or nonsurgically destructive techniques can be proposed with mid‐term oncological safety. Systematic tumor biopsy may also help in the management and treatment decision.

OBJECTIVE

• To study the natural history of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) development in renal grafts and their management.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• We report a single‐centre series of de novo RCC in allografts from a cohort of 2396 consecutive renal transplant recipients.

RESULTS

• In all, 17 RCCs were detected in 12 patients, representing 0.5% of kidney recipients.

• The mean patient age was 55 years and the time to RCC diagnosis since transplantation was 13 years. The mean diameter of the RCC was 23 mm.

• Biopsies were taken in all cases. Concordance between biopsy and surgical specimens was 100% for nuclear grade and pathological type.

• Four graft removals were performed and six patients underwent nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS). Two cryoablations were performed.

• Overall, nine papillary RCC, five clear cell carcinomas, and one chromophobe cell carcinoma were removed surgically. The mean follow‐up was 43 months. One local recurrence was reported in a patient treated by NSS.

CONCLUSIONS

• Our findings support evidence that radiological screening of kidney recipients allows the detection of small tumours for which a conservative management by NSS or non‐surgically destructive techniques can be proposed with mid‐term oncological safety.

• Systematic tumour biopsy may help in the management and treatment decision.

• Several questions remain unanswered such as the importance of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors in the chemoprevention of the recurrence and the genetic cell origin of RCC in renal grafts.
ISSUE FRAMING AND SECTOR CHARACTER AS CRITICAL PARAMETERS FOR GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING‐OUT IN THE UK
Authors: BAEKKESKOV ERIK
Published: August 2011

This article shows that variations in how two UK governments justified contracting‐out (issue framing), combined with shifting sector‐derived incentives for union activism (sector character), can help explain the extent of contracting‐out. Janitorial service, an activity of the UK government that should have been ‘low hanging fruit' for its prolific reformers, proved difficult to contract‐out for Thatcher's New Right Conservatives, but easier to contract‐out for Blair's New Labour. The New Right government framed contracting‐out narrowly, as merely an improvement in operational efficiency, and its reform faced unions that stood to lose a great deal from movement of janitorial jobs to private firms. In contrast, the New Labour government framed contracting‐out broadly, as a means to efficient social justice, and faced unions with low stakes in government janitors. As a consequence, UK government units could expect lower benefit and higher cost from contracting‐out janitors under Thatcher than they would under Blair.
The African Union: Founding Principles, Frameworks and Prospects
Authors: Yihdego Zeray
Published: August 2011

This paper explores some of the founding principles of the African Union (AU) and the frameworks devised to implement them. It looks at various doctrinal and practical issues pertaining to either the continent's progress towards an effective and strong continental integration or a repeat of the failings of its predecessor Organisation, the Organization of African Unity. The interlinked principles relating to democracy and the rule of law and human rights and sustainable development have been the main issues of inquiry rather than economic (and monetary), collective security or the African human rights considerations. The inquiry will offer an interdisciplinary and theoretical insight onto the normative and practical dimensions of the integration debate in Africa. By highlighting the tension between liberal and constructivist theories of institutions and various integration strategies as applied to Africa, the paper purports to identify and to critique the achievements made so far and the serious challenges ahead of the AU. It is argued that whilst the progress made thus far is significant, it would be premature to talk of the huge success or complete failure of the decade‐old AU.
Effects of chronic nicotine on heteromeric neuronal nicotinic receptors in rat primary cultured neurons
Authors: Lomazzo Ermelinda , Hussmann Gregory P. , Wolfe Barry B. , Yasuda Robert P. , Perry David C. , Kellar Kenneth J.
Published: August 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 119, 153–164.

Nicotine increases the number of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in brain. This study investigated the effects of chronic nicotine treatment on nAChRs expressed in primary cultured neurons. In particular, we studied the chronic effects of nicotine exposure on the total density, surface expression and turnover rate of heteromeric nAChRs. The receptor density was measured by [125I]epibatidine ([125I]EB) binding. Untreated and nicotine‐treated neurons were compared from several regions of embryonic (E19) rat brain. Twelve days of treatment with 10 μM nicotine produced a twofold up‐regulation of nAChRs. Biotinylation and whole‐cell binding studies indicated that up‐regulation resulted from an increase in the number of cell surface receptors as well as intracellular receptors. nAChR subunit composition in cortical and hippocampal neurons was assessed by immunoprecipitation with subunit‐selective antibodies. These neurons contain predominantly α4, β2 and α5 subunits, but α2, α3, α6 and β4 subunits were also detected. Chronic nicotine exposure yielded a twofold increase in the β2‐containing receptors and a smaller up‐regulation in the α4‐containing nAChRs. To explore the mechanisms of up‐regulation we investigated the effects of nicotine on the receptor turnover rate. We found that the turnover rate of surface receptors was > 2 weeks and chronic nicotine exposure had no effect on this rate.
‘Urban Christianity’ in the United States After World War II
Authors: Wild Mark
Published: August 2011

This article examines recent scholarship on Christian leaders, churches, and organizations in Post‐World War II Urban America. Despite the fact that the vast majority of Americans live in urban areas and that about three quarters of Americans still identify as Christian, a widespread belief that cities foster secularization has obscured the role played by urban Christianity in modern American history. In the last 15 years, numerous historians have challenged this secularization thesis by detailing the ways in which Christians attempted to build and maintain their communities within a changing metropolitan landscape after 1945. Their work makes a compelling argument for the relevance of Christianity to modern American urban history. Future scholarship on urban Christianity should build on this historiography, particularly by addressing the growth of non‐denominational and evangelical churches in U.S. cities as well as the theological dimensions of Christian community‐formation and activism.
Australian Prison Tourism: A Question of Narrative Integrity
Authors: Wilson Jacqueline
Published: August 2011

The article discusses the special nature of prison tourism in Australia, given the nation’s origins, just over two centuries ago, as a penal colony, and the significant role thus played by convicts in the development of Australian society. Prison tourism is also examined as almost the only type of ‘dark tourism’ widely undertaken within Australia. It is argued that a combination of prevailing social attitudes and the influence of certain stakeholder groups limit or skew the narratives inherent in former prison sites, with consequent negative ramifications for the historical and social integrity of the sites.
Bringing the Animals Back in: Writing Quadrupeds into the Environmental History of Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Derby Lauren
Published: August 2011

This essay argues that bringing animals into the study of Latin American and Caribbean environmental history could serve several purposes. It would forge a point of entry into the phenomenology of everyday life in rural societies, since animals stand at the nexus of the relationship between man and the land, hence nature and culture. It is through caring for beasts that one interacts with the environment in ways that get the historian one step closer to what Bourdieu termed the habitus of rural labor; beasts also shed light on women’s domestic work as they are transformed from raw to cooked. In Latin America, the animal is also an important symbolic vehicle which is charged with meaning as evidenced in jokes and tall tales, and as the preponderance of narratives of demonic creatures across Latin America indicates, can also serve as a window into popular conceptions of evil.
Forecasting Ontario's blood supply and demand
Authors: Drackley Adam , Newbold K. Bruce , Paez Antonio , Heddle Nancy
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Given an aging population that requires increased medical care, an increasing number of deferrals from the donor pool, and a growing immigrant population that typically has lower donation rates, the purpose of this article is to forecast Ontario's blood supply and demand.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We calculate age‐ and sex‐specific donation and demand rates for blood supply based on 2008 data and project demand between 2008 and 2036 based on these rates and using population data from the Ontario Ministry of Finance.

RESULTS: Results indicate that blood demand will outpace supply as early as 2012. For instance, while the total number of donations made by older cohorts is expected to increase in the coming years, the number of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in the 70+ age group is forecasted grow from approximately 53% of all RBC transfusions in 2008 (209,515) in 2008 to 68% (546,996) by 2036. A series of alternate scenarios, including projections based on a 2% increase in supply per year and increased use of apheresis technology, delays supply shortfalls, but does not eliminate them without active management and/or multiple methods to increase supply and decrease demand.

CONCLUSIONS: Predictions show that demand for blood products will outpace supply in the near future given current age‐ and sex‐specific supply and demand rates. However, we note that the careful management of the blood supply by Canadian Blood Services, along with new medical techniques and the recruitment of new donors to the system, will remove future concerns.
Temperature‐Dependent Poling Behavior of Lead‐free BZT–BCT Piezoelectrics
Authors: Li Binzhi , Blendell John E. , Bowman Keith J.
Published: August 2011

A high temperature poling method to improve the piezoelectric properties of the recently discovered lead‐free system: Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3–x(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (BZT–BCT) has been developed. The effective d33 value and strain level can be increased by 40% when samples are cooled under field through the Curie temperature. The ferroelastic domain contribution appears quite modest relative to the strain improvement. An internal bias field, induced by defect charge carriers accumulation at grain boundaries, may facilitate the intergranular interactions resulting in larger lattice strains.
Vacuum Ultraviolet–Ultraviolet, X‐Ray, and Near‐Infrared Excited Luminescence Properties of SrR2O4:RE3+ (R = Y and Gd; RE = Tb, Eu, Yb, Tm, Er, and Ho)
Authors: Zhang Jia , Wang Yuhua , Guo Linna , Huang Yan
Published: August 2011

Rare earth ions (Tb3+, Eu3+, Yb3+, Tm3+, Er3+, and Ho3+)‐doped SrR2O4 (R = Y and Gd) were prepared by solid‐state reaction, and their optical properties were investigated. Upon VUV–UV excitation, the SrY1.99O4:0.01Tb3+ exhibits a typical green emission of Tb3+ with the dominant peak located at 543 nm. In the excitation spectrum of SrY1.99O4:0.01Tb3+ monitored at 543 nm, the f–d transition of Tb3+ is observed and identified to lie in the much lower energy region compared with many other Tb3+‐doped phosphors, which can be interpreted by a strong crystal field in SrY2O4 structure. Upon X‐ray excitation, SrY1.99O4:0.01Eu3+ displays an intense red fluorescence, whose strongest emission peak is situated at 611 nm, ascribed to 5D0–7F2 transition of Eu3+. Under 980 nm laser excitation, blue, green, and yellow emissions have been achieved in Yb3+–Tm3+, Yb3+–Er3+, and Yb3+–Ho3+ co‐doped SrGd2O4, respectively. An obvious intensity ratio enhancement of green emission to red one of Er3+ was observed in Yb3+–Tm3+–Er3+ tridoped SrGd2O4 relative to Yb3+–Er3+ co‐doped samples, and the possible reason has been elucidated by a cross‐relaxation process between Tm3+ and Er3+. Laser power dependence of the up‐converted emissions and the energy level diagrams were studied to understand the upconversion mechanisms.
Electrode Defects in Multilayer Capacitors Part I: Modeling the Effect of Electrode Roughness and Porosity on Electric Field Enhancement and Leakage Current
Authors: Samantaray Malay M. , Gurav Abhijit , Dickey Elizabeth C. , Randall Clive A.
Published: August 2011

Multilayer capacitors consist of multiple, often hundreds of capacitors connected in parallel to maximize volumetric efficiency. As the dielectric and electrode layer thicknesses are scaled down, microstructural imperfections become increasingly influential on the device electrical performance. Specifically, the presence of nonplanar and discontinuous electrodes can lead to local field enhancements while the relative morphologies of two adjacent electrodes determine variations in the local dielectric thickness. To study the effects of electrode morphologies, an analytical approach is taken to calculate the field enhancement and leakage current with respect to an ideal parallel‐plate capacitor. It is shown that the electrode roughness causes the leakage current to increase with respect to that of the ideal flat parallel‐plate capacitor. To further include the effects of local curvature on electric field enhancements, finite element methods are used to calculate field distributions within capacitor structures containing rough interfaces and porosity. In these simulations, the effects of electrode pore diameters, dielectric layer thickness, and the amplitude and wavelength of the electrode roughness are studied.
Impact of the outcome of guided bone regeneration in dehiscence‐type defects on the long‐term stability of peri‐implant health: clinical observations at 4 years
Authors: Schwarz Frank , Sahm Narja , Becker Jürgen
Published: August 2011

Objectives: To investigate the impact of residual defect height (RDH) following guided bone regeneration (GBR) in dehiscence‐type defects on the long‐term stability of peri‐implant health after a period of 4 years.

Material and methods: The RDH values in dehiscence‐type defects at titanium implants were clinically assessed after 4 months of submerged healing following augmentation using a natural bone mineral (NBM) and a randomized application of either a cross‐linked‐ (VN) or a native collagen membrane (BG) (n=12 patients each). The RDH values were classified as absent (0 mm, control; n=8), minimal (1 mm, test 1; n=8), or advanced (>1 mm, test 2; n=8). Clinical parameters (i.e. bleeding on probing [BOP], probing pocket depth [PD], mucosal recession [MR]) were recorded (mesio‐, mid‐, and disto‐buccal aspects) at 4 years after prosthesis installation.

Results: The mean PD (2.9±0.7, 2.8±0.7, 2.7±0.8 mm) values at 4 years were comparable in all the groups investigated. The mean MR values tended to be increased in both the test groups (0.5±0.7, 0.4±0.6 mm, respectively), when compared with the control group (0.2±0.3 mm) (P>0.05, respectively). The mean BOP values were also increased in both the test groups (45.8±30.5%, 54.1±24.8%, respectively), even reaching statistical significance when comparing test 2 and control (29.1±21.3%) groups (P=0.02).

Conclusion: The present study indicated that (i) implants exhibiting RDH values >1 mm are at a higher risk of developing peri‐implant disease and (ii) positive RDH values may be associated with an increase in MR and may therefore compromise the overall esthetic outcome of implant therapy.

To cite this article: Schwarz F, Sahm N, Becker J. Impact of the outcome of guided bone regeneration in dehiscence‐type defects on the long‐term stability of peri‐implant health: clinical observations at 4 years. Clin. Oral Impl. Res 23, 2012; 191–196.  doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02214.x
Reversibility of experimental peri‐implant mucositis compared with experimental gingivitis in humans
Authors: Salvi Giovanni E. , Aglietta Marco , Eick Sigrun , Sculean Anton , Lang Niklaus P. , Ramseier Christoph A.
Published: August 2011

Objective: To monitor clinical, microbiological and host‐derived alterations occurring around teeth and titanium implants during the development of experimental gingivitis/mucositis and their respective healing sequence in humans.

Material and methods: Fifteen subjects with healthy or treated periodontal conditions and restored with dental implants underwent an experimental 3‐week period of undisturbed plaque accumulation in the mandible. Subsequently, a 3‐week period with optimal plaque control was instituted. At Days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42, the presence/absence of plaque deposits around teeth and implants was assessed, (plaque index [PlI]) and the gingival/mucosal conditions were evaluated (gingival index[GI]). Subgingival/submucosal plaque samples and gingival/mucosal crevicular fluid (CF) samples were collected from two pre‐determined sites around each experimental unit. CF samples were analyzed for matrix‐metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8) and interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β). Microbial samples were analyzed using DNA–DNA hybridization for 40 species.

Results: During 3 weeks of plaque accumulation, the median PlI and GI increased significantly at implants and teeth. Implant sites yielded a greater increase in the median GI compared with tooth sites. Over the 6‐week experimental period, the CF levels of MMP‐8 were statistically significantly higher at implants compared with teeth (P<0.05). The CF IL‐1β levels did not differ statistically significantly between teeth and implants (P>0.05). No differences in the total DNA counts between implant and tooth sites were found at any time points. No differences in the detection frequency were found for putative periodontal pathogens between implant and tooth sites.

Conclusion: Peri‐implant soft tissues developed a stronger inflammatory response to experimental plaque accumulation when compared with that of their gingival counterparts. Experimental gingivitis and peri‐implant mucositis were reversible at the biomarker level. Clinically, however, 3 weeks of resumed plaque control did not yield pre‐experimental levels of gingival and peri‐implant mucosal health indicating that longer healing periods are needed.

To cite this article: Salvi GE, Aglietta M, Eick S, Sculean A, Lang NP & Ramseier CA. Reversibility of experimental peri‐implant mucositis compared with experimental gingivitis in humans. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23, 2012; 182–190.  doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02220.x
The Epsilon Hinge‐Ear Region Regulates Membrane Localization of the AP‐4 Complex
Authors: Paolini Lucia , Radeghieri Annalisa , Civini Sara , Caimi Luigi , Ricotta Doris
Published: August 2011

Adaptor protein (AP) complexes are key factors for the spatial and temporal regulation of intracellular trafficking events. Four complexes (AP‐1, ‐2, ‐3, ‐4) are known, among which AP‐4 is only poorly characterized. Recent work suggests a role for AP‐4 in the intracellular trafficking of the β‐amyloid precursor protein and molecular genetics showed that the loss of functional AP‐4 is associated with congenital neuronal disorders of severe cognitive dysfunction. To unravel the molecular mechanisms controlling AP‐4 functions, we established the intracellular expression of recombinant AP‐4 complex. This approach combined with the analysis of mutant complexes allowed us to discover that the epsilon adaptin hinge‐ear region has a function in membrane recruitment of AP‐4. We further show that this process is phosphorylation dependent and involves PP2A‐like protein phosphatases and a staurosporine‐sensitive kinase. Deletion of the residues 839‐871 in the carboxy‐terminal region of the hinge of epsilon adaptin abrogated the membrane/cytosol recycling of AP‐4. As targets of phosphorylation, we identified three serine residues: S847, S868 and S871. We conclude that the terminal hinge region and the appendage of the AP‐4 epsilon subunit are involved in membrane association in a process that is controlled by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation events.
TDP‐43 and FUS/TLS: sending a complex message about messenger RNA in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?
Authors: Strong Michael J. , Volkening Kathryn
Published: August 2011

TAR DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP‐43) and fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS) have recently been linked to the pathology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). These proteins share many common features that include interaction with either DNA or RNA, participation in the formation of RNP complexes, the formation of pathological aggregates in degenerating motor neurons in ALS, and the ability to impact the RNA metabolism pathway at multiple levels from transcription to translation. Coupled with the observation that mutations in either TDP‐43 or FUS/TLS are associated with ALS, this provides further support for the integral role of altered RNA metabolism in ALS.
Chromatin remodelling: why, when & how?
Authors: Lavelle Christophe , Blossey Ralf
Published: August 2011

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Questionnaires for Assessment of Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Review and Proposal for a Standardized Screener
Authors: Giraldi Annamaria , Rellini Alessandra , Pfaus James G. , Bitzer Johannes , Laan Ellen , Jannini Emmanuele A. , Fugl-Meyer Axel R.
Published: August 2011

Introduction

There are many methods to evaluate female sexual function and dysfunction (FSD) in clinical and research settings, including questionnaires, structured interviews, and detailed case histories. Of these, questionnaires have become an easy first choice to screen individuals into different categories of FSD.

Aim

The aim of this study was to review the strengths and weaknesses of different questionnaires currently available to assess different dimensions of women's sexual function and dysfunction, and to suggest a simple screener for FSD.

Methods

A literature search of relevant databases, books, and articles in journals was used to identify questionnaires that have been used in basic or epidemiological research, clinical trials, or in clinical settings.

Main Outcome Measure

Measures were grouped in four levels based on their purposes and degree of development, and were reviewed for their psychometric properties and utility in clinical or research settings. A Sexual Complaints Screener for Women (SCS-W) was then proposed based on epidemiological methods.

Results

Although many questionnaires are adequate for their own purposes, our review revealed a serious lack of standardized, internationally (culturally) acceptable questionnaires that are truly epidemiologically validated in general populations and that can be used to assess FSD in women with or without a partner and independent of the partner's gender. The SCS-W is proposed as a 10-item screener to aid clinicians in making a preliminary assessment of FSD.

Conclusions

The definition of FSD continues to change and basic screening tools are essential to help advance clinical diagnosis and treatment, or to slate patients adequately into the right diagnostic categories for basic and epidemiological research or clinical trials.
Association Between Urinary Calculi and Erectile Dysfunction: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Chung S.-D. , Keller J. J. , Lin H.-C.
Published: August 2011

Introduction

Stone disease is associated with systemic metabolic and hormonal disorders that share common risk factors with erectile dysfunction (ED); however, few studies have investigated the association between ED and urinary calculi (UC).

Aim

This case-control study aims to estimate the association of ED with UC using a nationwide, population-based database in Taiwan.

Methods

We identified 5,620 patients with ED as the study group and randomly selected 16,860 patients as the controls. We estimated the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of having previously been diagnosed with UC according to the presence/absence of ED using conditional logistic regression after adjusting for hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hyperlipidemia.

Main Outcome Measure

We measured the prevalence and risk of UC between the cases and controls. We only included UC cases if the UC diagnosis was made previous to the index date.

Results

Of the sampled patients, 3,855 (17.2%) were found to have been diagnosed with UC prior to the index date; 1,251 (22.3%) ED patients and 2,604 (15.4%) controls had been diagnosed with UC, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, the OR in ED patients who had prior UC was 1.46 (95% CI = 1.35–1.58) when compared with controls. The ORs of UC for ED patients were somewhat higher in younger groups. In particular, when compared with controls the adjusted OR in ED patients between 40 and 49 years old for prior UC was 1.73 (95% CI = 1.48–2.02).

Conclusions

ED is associated with cases having a prior diagnosis of UC, particularly in younger populations.
The Human Female Prostate—Immunohistochemical Study with Prostate-Specific Antigen, Prostate-Specific Alkaline Phosphatase, and Androgen Receptor and 3-D Remodeling
Authors: Dietrich W. , Susani M. , Stifter L. , Haitel A.
Published: August 2011

Introduction

The constitution of glands surrounding the human female urethra has been under debate; especially regarding as to what extent they equal the male prostate. Defining their composition may help to understand the development of neoplasms arising from this tissue.

Aims

The aim of this study was to define the existence, structure, and arrangement of a possible human female prostate.

Methods

Urethras of 25 women were investigated by immunohistochemistry and stained with specific monoclonal antibodies against prostate-specific antigen (PSA, mono- and polyclonal antibody), prostate specific alkaline phosphatase (PSAP), and androgen receptor (AR). From two urethras, which underwent a totally serial work up with PSA-staining, a three-dimensional model of the urethra and the prostatic glands was created to enable 3D-perception of the results.

Main Outcome Measure

The main outcome measures used in this study were identifying glandular structures in hematoxylin-eosin-staining, positive staining with the respective antibodies, and 3-D orientation of described glands.

Results

Fourteen of 25 patients had glandular structures encircling the urethra. Twelve of 14 showed positive staining for PSA, PSAP, and AR in gland acini, while the excretory ducts, the urethra, and the surrounding stroma did not express those proteins. The strongest PSA and PSAP expression was found in apical cytoplasm of the glandular cells, and AR was confined to cell nuclei. Prostatic glands were located laterally to the distal half of the urethra.

Conclusion

A female prostate was found in every second woman in this study and can be discriminated from other urethral caverns and immature paraurethral ducts. Possible neoplasms of this source tissue expressing the prostate-specific markers may therefore be denominated as female prostate tumors.