bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obesity is associated with increased asthma severity and exacerbations, and increased serum immunoglobulin E in inner‐city adults
Authors: Fitzpatrick S. , Joks R. , Silverberg J. I.
Published: September 2011

Background

Obesity is associated with increased asthma and atopy.

Objective

To determine whether or not obesity in inner‐city adults is associated with increased asthma prevalence, severity and exacerbations and IgE responses.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 246 adults with asthma and other atopic disorders who were seen at an asthma clinic in New York City between 1997 and 2010. Height, weight, asthma diagnosis and symptoms, peak flow (PF), spirometry, serum IgE levels and white blood cell differentials were recorded.

Results

Asthmatic patients had higher body mass index than non‐asthmatics (median, interquartile range: 30.5, 10.2 vs. 27.8, 8.8; Mann–Whitney U‐test, P = 0.0006). Class I and II/III obesity were associated with increased asthma (I: OR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.04–5.34, P = 0.04; II/III: OR: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.36–7.74, P = 0.008). Class I and II/III obesity were associated with worsened asthma severity (ordinal logistic regression; I: OR: 4.23, 95% CI: 1.61–11.06, P = 0.003; II/III: OR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.08–7.09, P = 0.03). Class II/III obesity was associated with increased asthma exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroids (repeated measures logistic regression, OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03–1.25; P = 0.01) and increased requirement of inhaled corticosteroid for long‐term asthma management (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.29–1.62; P < 0.0001). In asthmatics, class II/III obesity was associated with decreased PF (general linear model, least squares mean ± SEM: 333.8 ± 37.4 vs. 396.2 ± 32.1 L/min; P = 0.007), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (75.2 ± 4.6 vs. 88.4 ± 5.6%; P = 0.03) and forced vital capacity (83.2 ± 4.7 vs. 109.2 ± 6.0%; P = 0.0002) and increased serum IgE (480.2 ± 88.3 vs. 269.0 ± 66.6 IU/mL; P = 0.04) and neutrophils (66.6 ± 3.7 vs. 60.1 ± 3.8%; P = 0.02). Class I obesity was also associated with increased serum IgE (458.7 ± 68.9, P = 0.03).

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Obesity in inner‐city adults may be both a risk and exacerbating factor for atopic asthma.
A multi‐method evaluation of a training course on dual diagnosis
Authors: RANI S. , BYRNE H.
Published: September 2011

Accessible summary

As more and more service providers working in addictions and mental health services in Ireland are reporting an increase in individuals presenting with dual diagnosis, there is a need for training these professionals. The dual diagnosis training course developed by the authors is the only continuing professional development training course available to these professionals in Ireland.

In this paper, we describe the first group of participants' evaluation of the dual diagnosis training course, which was delivered to service providers working with dual diagnosis service users.

Participants found the training course to be motivating and valuable to their work practice. Since completing this training course, participants were more confident in working with dual diagnosis service users.

Service user involvement, use of various teaching methods and the opportunity for inter‐agency networking are important components of inter‐professional training courses.

A training course on dual diagnosis was developed within the Irish forensic mental health service, to bridge the gap in the lack of training on dual diagnosis in Ireland. The course was designed for service providers within mental health and addiction services. Twenty participants involving nursing, social work, police and social welfare disciplines attended the first training course. A mixed methodology research design was adapted to describe participants' evaluation of the training course. Data were collected using multiple methods: pre‐ and post‐test, daily evaluation and focus group interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using the spss Version 16.0 and qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings from the pre‐ and post‐test suggest an increase in participants' knowledge of dual diagnosis and an increase in confidence in conducting groups. Daily evaluation indicates that the course content largely met participants' needs. Finally, three themes emerged from the focus group interview: increased confidence, the training course/teaching methods and personal/organizational challenges. This study implies that service providers within mental health and addiction services benefit from inter‐professional, needs and skills based courses incorporating a variety of teaching methods. The way forward for future dual diagnosis training course developments would be working in partnership with service users and carers.
Arts In‐Reach: taking ‘bricks off shoulders’ in adult mental health inpatient care
Authors: STICKLEY T. , HUI A.
Published: September 2011

Accessible summary

This research report is focusing upon arts activities on inpatient mental health units in the UK.

There is little current research about such activities.

People are often bored and feel powerless on inpatient wards.

Engaging with arts activities can help increase people's social interactions and also help people to express themselves.

This article reports upon a research study focusing on a programme of work called Arts In‐Reach. The programme was designed to provide a participatory arts programme for the adult mental health inpatient wards in a city in the UK. The aim of the research study was to explore the experiences of people who have engaged with the Arts In‐Reach programme of work. Eleven qualitative interviews were conducted among participants of the programme. Consistent with other research, this study reveals how people on the wards often feel powerless and bored. The feelings of boredom are exacerbated as people recover. Participating in the arts groups has alleviated some of those feelings. Furthermore, participation has also increased people's social interactions and given opportunity for self‐expression. The arts activities also provide a distraction for people and some appreciated being able to talk about matters other than their ‘illness’. The arts activities helped people to think about their future and how they might take their artwork forward. For some people, thinking about the future helped with restoring a sense of hope, a quality imperative for recovery.
Attitudes towards different containment measures: a questionnaire survey in Finnish adolescent psychiatry
Authors: HOTTINEN A. , VÄLIMÄKI M. , SAILAS E. , PUTKONEN H. , JOFFE G. , NODA T. , LINDBERG N.
Published: September 2011

Accessible summary

The use of containment measures in the treatment of underage patients is controversial, and empirical evidence about which containment methods are preferred is lacking.

The study aimed to investigate professionals' attitudes towards various containment measures in the field of Finnish adolescent psychiatry.

The three methods with the most approval were as‐needed medication, transfer to specialist locked wards and mechanical restraint.

The results emphasise the importance of wide‐range and in‐depth training as well as the difficulty of changing practices in psychiatric wards while attitudes are so strongly pro‐containment.

Use of containment measures in the treatment of underage patients is controversial, and empirical evidence about which containment methods are preferred is lacking. This study aimed to investigate attitudes of staff towards various containment measures in the field of adolescent psychiatry. The sample comprised 128 Finnish nurses and doctors working in closed wards with 13‐ to 17‐year‐old patients. The attitudes were studied using the Attitude to Containment Measures Questionnaire. The three methods with the most approval were as‐needed medication, transfer to specialist locked wards and mechanical restraint. The method with the least approval was the net bed. Total approval scores for the various containment measures were very similar among nurses and doctors. The differences appeared in attitudes towards mechanical restraint and constant observation, doctors showing a more critical attitude. Women tended to be more critical than men, but only intramuscular medication and mechanical restraint reached statistical significance. The results emphasize the importance of wide‐ranging and in‐depth training as well as the difficulty of changing practices in psychiatric wards while attitudes are so strongly pro‐containment.
Blood lead levels and associated sociodemographic factors among preschool children in the South Eastern region of China
Authors: Liu Jianghong , Ai Yuexian , McCauley Linda , Pinto‐Martin Jennifer , Yan Chonghuai , Shen Xiaoming , Needleman Herbert
Published: September 2011

Liu J, Ai Y, McCauley L, Pinto‐Martin J, Yan C, Shen X, Needleman H. Blood lead levels and associated sociodemographic factors among preschool children in the South Eastern region of China. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; 26: 61–69.

Children are especially vulnerable to lead toxicity, and exposure to lead has been linked to poor school performance and delinquency in children and adolescents. Even low‐level lead exposure [blood lead level (BLL) <10 µg/dL] can cause intellectual deficit. In China, BLLs in children decreased slightly after the phasing out of lead in gasoline, but few studies have examined the sociodemographic factors associated with BLL above 10 µg/dL. In this study, we sought to examine the hypothesis that sociodemographic factors predict BLLs. We measured BLLs of 1344 preschool children (3–5 years old) from the China Jintan Child Cohort Study. Children's sociodemographic and health statuses, as well as parental sociodemographic data, were collected using questionnaires. Regression models were used to explore the association between sociodemographic factors and log‐transformed BLLs as well as the relationship between sociodemographic factors and the risk of BLL ≥10 µg/dL. We found the median BLL to be 6.2 µg/dL (range: 1.8–32.0 µg/dL); 8% of children had BLLs ≥10 µg/dL. Boys had a higher median BLL (6.4 µg/dL) than girls and were more likely to have BLL ≥10 µg/dL [odds ratio = 1.77, 95% confidence interval 1.14, 2.74]. BLLs increased as children aged, with a median BLL of 6.6 µg/dL among 5‐year‐old children. Children with siblings had a higher average BLL and greater prevalence of a BLL ≥10 µg/dL than those without siblings. Living in a crowded neighbourhood was also associated with increased BLLs. Mother's lower education, father's occupation (as professional worker) and parental smoking at home were associated with increased BLLs. This study shows that children in this area still have relatively high BLLs even after the phasing out of leaded gasoline. Both children's and parental factors and community condition are associated with increased BLLs. Future efforts are needed to identify other sources of exposure and develop targeted prevention strategies.
Asthma, allergy and respiratory infections: the vitamin D hypothesis
Authors: Bozzetto S. , Carraro S. , Giordano G. , Boner A. , Baraldi E.
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: Bozzetto S, Carraro S, Giordano G, Boner A, Baraldi E. Asthma, allergy, and respiratory infections: the vitamin D hypothesis. Allergy 2012; 67: 10–17.

The recent discovery that every tissue in the human body has vitamin D receptors and that vitamin D has pleiotropic effects has prompted an increased interest in this hormone. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread and on the increase. There is no consensus on the serum vitamin D levels to consider appropriate for global health, the cutoffs for its deficiency, or the doses to use for its supplementation. Vitamin D seems to correlate closely with host reactions against various respiratory infections. Epidemiological studies have shown that low serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with a higher risk of upper and lower respiratory infections in children and a shortage of vitamin D may contribute to asthmatic patients’ symptoms and morbidity rates. There are studies highlighting associations between childhood asthma, fetal lung and/or immune development, and maternal vitamin D intake. An insufficiency of this vitamin also seems to be implicated in the onset of childhood atopy and food allergies. The hypothesis is that vitamin D could have a central role in these pathological situations and that it may represent a novel preventive and/or therapeutic strategy. This article reviews and discusses published data on the relationship between vitamin D and asthma and allergy, emphasizing the need for controlled, prospective studies on vitamin D supplementation to clarify whether it has a role in the prevention of and treatment for asthma and allergic conditions.
Parent of origin effects
Authors: Guilmatre A , Sharp AJ
Published: September 2011

Guilmatre A, Sharp AJ. Parent of origin effects.

A major weakness of most genome‐wide association studies has been their inability to fully explain the heritable component of complex disease. Nearly all such studies consider the two parental alleles to be functionally equivalent. However, the existence of imprinted genes demonstrates that this assumption can be wrong. In this review, we describe a wide variety of different mechanisms that underlie many other parent of origin and trans‐generational effects that are known to operate in both humans and model organisms, suggesting that these phenomena are perhaps not uncommon in the genome. We propose that the consideration of alternative models of inheritance will improve our understanding of the heritability and causes of human traits and could have significant impacts on the study of complex disorders.
Inheritance of and Molecular Markers for Susceptibility of Malus domestica to Fruit Ring Rot (Botryosphaeria dothidea)
Authors: Zhuang Yan , Liu Hai Tao , Li Chun Min , Wang Yi , Zhao Yong Bo , Chen Dong Mei , Han Zhen Hai , Zhang Xin Zhong
Published: September 2011

To analyse the inheritance of fruit ring rot (FRR) resistance and to screen for microsatellite markers linked to resistance/susceptibility, 875 apple hybrid seedlings (Malus domestica, Jonathan × Golden Delicious) were inoculated with five isolates of Botryosphaeria dothidea in 2 years (2008 and 2009). The results indicated that incidence and non‐incidence were qualitatively segregated, and incidence was dominant to non‐incidence. The variation in susceptibility within this population was attributed to the segregation of three major genes. For the phenotype of incidence, the severity of lesion development was a quantitative trait. From 230 published microsatellite primer pairs, six markers were identified that were linked to the susceptibility to FRR. CH04d02‐120 and Hi08g12‐190, located in LG12 and LG2, respectively, were linked to susceptibility to the pathogen isolate Mx1, and their map distances to the susceptibility loci were 8.2 and 5.1 centimorgan (cM), respectively. CH01e01‐120 and CH02c02b‐100, which were linked to susceptibility to Ls1, were located in LG14 and LG4, and the map distances to the susceptibility loci were 16.9 and 8.4 cM, respectively. CH05d11‐150 and CH03a03‐230, linked to susceptibility to Lw048, were located in LG12 and LG14; for both of them, the map distance was 13.4 cM.
Oviposition and feeding behaviour by the vine weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus on red raspberry: effects of cultivars and plant nutritional status
Authors: Clark Katherine E. , Hartley Susan E. , Brennan Rex M. , MacKenzie Katrin , Johnson Scott N.
Published: September 2011

The vine weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus is a major pest of horticultural crops worldwide, with root‐feeding larvae causing most damage. Adult oviposition aboveground may therefore influence levels of damage as the larvae are relatively immobile after oviposition.

The present study investigated feeding and oviposition behaviour on red raspberry Rubus idaeus using intact plants, ensuring that choices reflected the realistic differences in cultivar appearance and chemical composition. Previous studies investigating vine weevil feeding and oviposition on other crops have used excised plant material, which may inadvertently influence behaviour.

Adult weevils significantly preferred to feed on particular cultivars in the choice experiment (e.g. Tulameen), although they consumed significantly more foliage (0.22–1.03 cm2/day) on different raspberry cultivars (e.g. Glen Moy, Glen Rosa and a wild accession) in no‐choice situations.

In choice experiments, weevils tended to avoid laying eggs on some cultivars (e.g. Glen Moy and the wild accession). The number of eggs laid (1.91–4.32 eggs per day) did not, however, differ significantly between the cultivars in a no‐choice situation. Foliar nitrogen and magnesium concentrations were positively, although weakly, correlated with the total number of eggs laid.

The present study highlights the importance of considering both choice and no‐choice tests when assessing crop susceptibility to attack because weevils may avoid feeding on certain cultivars (e.g. Glen Moy) when given a choice, although this would cause significant damage to such cultivars if they were grown in monoculture (i.e. when there is no alternative).
Religious Leaders in the Israeli‐Palestinian Conflict: From Violent Incitement to Nonviolence Resistance
Authors: Abu‐Nimer Mohammed
Published: September 2011

Religious leaders have an important role to play in initiating, implementing, and monitoring peace processes and activities in the Israeli‐Palestinian context of conflict and peace. In the past two decades, there have been significant developments in the field of religious peacemaking in Israel and Palestine. Religious peace‐builders have been exploring different processes and models to bring change into this protracted conflict reality. This article examines the existing approaches and challenges of intervention that face interreligious dialogue and nonviolent actions in Israel‐Palestine and offers some future recommendations.
The Limits of Policy Diffusion: Introducing International Norms of Anti‐Money Laundering into China's Legal System
Authors: HEILMANN SEBASTIAN , SCHULTE‐KULKMANN NICOLE
Published: September 2011

This article examines the contribution of policy diffusion to create a regulatory system against money laundering in China. A two‐level analysis of transnational interactions and domestic law making shows how Communist Party prerogatives shape the insertion of multilateral norms into the legal system. In a contentious process of local accommodation, transnationally engaged technocratic bodies, turf‐conscious bureaucracies, and powerful party organs struggle to reconcile the goals of promoting global economic expansion, gaining international recognition, and absorbing innovative regulatory tools while preserving tight domestic control. In effect, Chinese policymakers try to utilize policy diffusion as a mechanism for negotiating and promoting the nation's global rise. Yet, when it comes to implementation, global regulatory standards are weakened or even neutralized through discretionary enforcement. The depth and robustness of normative assimilation therefore remain uncertain.
Repeatability of ocular aberration measurements in patients with keratoconus
Authors: Jinabhai Amit , Radhakrishnan Hema , O’Donnell Clare
Published: September 2011

Citation information: Jinabhai A, Radhakrishnan H & O’Donnell C. Repeatability of ocular aberration measurements in patients with keratoconus. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 588–594. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00868.x

Purpose:  To explore the repeatability of lower‐order and higher‐order ocular aberrations measured in patients with keratoconus.

Methods:  The IRX‐3 (Imagine Eyes, Paris, France) aberrometer was used to record lower‐order and higher‐order aberrations in 31 eyes of 31 patients with keratoconus. Four monocular measurements were taken consecutively for each patient. The aberrometry data were analysed up to the 5th Zernike order for a 4‐mm pupil diameter. The data were evaluated using repeated‐measures anova and Friedman analyses. Repeatability was analysed using within‐subject standard deviation (SW) and the repeatability limit (r) calculated as 1.96 ×√2 × Sw.

Results:  Of the 11 aberration terms evaluated, the repeatability of Z (2,0) (mean = 1.36 μm; SW = 0.09 μm; r = 0.26 μm); Z (2,±2) RMS (mean = 1.05 μm; SW = 0.09 μm; r = 0.24 μm) and Z (4,0) aberrations (mean = 0.34 μm; SW = 0.09 μm; r = 0.24 μm) showed the highest variability. In contrast, Z (3,±1) RMS aberrations (mean = 0.85 μm; SW = 0.06 μm; r = 0.16 μm) and Z (4,±2) RMS aberrations (mean = 0.40 μm; SW = 0.07 μm; r = 0.18 μm) showed comparatively better repeatability.

Conclusions:  The lower‐order and higher‐order aberrations measured in this group of keratoconic patients showed higher levels of variability compared to previous investigations of visually‐normal subjects. These results may be of interest to eyecare practitioners involved in the design and fitting of aberration‐controlling contact lenses for patients with keratoconus.
Endothelial cell Bcl‐2 and lymph node metastasis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tarquinio Sandra B. C. , Zhang Zhaocheng , Neiva Kathleen G. , Polverini Peter J. , Nör Jacques E.
Published: September 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 124–130

Background:  Loco‐regional spread of disease causes high morbidity and is associated with the poor prognosis of malignant oral tumors. Better understanding of mechanisms underlying the establishment of lymph node metastasis is necessary for the development of more effective therapies for patients with oral cancer. The aims of this work were to evaluate a possible correlation between endothelial cell Bcl‐2 and lymph node metastasis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and to study signaling pathways that regulate Bcl‐2 expression in lymphatic endothelial cells.

Methods:  Endothelial cells were selectively retrieved from paraffin‐embedded tissue sections of primary human OSCC from patients with or without lymph node metastasis by laser capture microdissection. RT‐PCR was used to evaluate Bcl‐2 expression in tumor‐associated endothelial cells and in tumor cells. In vitro, mechanistic studies were performed to examine the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐C on the expression of Bcl‐2 in primary human lymphatic endothelial cells.

Results:  We observed that Bcl‐2 expression is upregulated in the endothelial cells of human oral tumors with lymph node metastasis as compared to endothelial cells from stage‐matched tumors without metastasis. VEGF‐C induced Bcl‐2 expression in lymphatic endothelial cells via VEGFR‐3 and PI3k/Akt signaling. Notably, OSCC cells express VEGF‐C and induce Bcl‐2 in lymphatic endothelial cells.

Conclusions:  Collectively, this work unveiled a mechanism for the induction of Bcl‐2 in lymphatic endothelial cells and suggested that endothelial cell Bcl‐2 contributes to lymph node metastasis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Radiology, histology and short‐term outcome of asymptomatic congenital thoracic malformations
Authors: Kongstad Thomas , Buchvald Frederik , Brenøe Jørn , Petersen Bodil Laub , Tabor Ann , Nielsen Kim G
Published: September 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and short‐term outcome of our management of asymptomatic children with antenatally diagnosed congenital thoracic malformations (CTM), compared with recommendations from a recent review and meta‐analysis.

Methods:  Twenty‐two asymptomatic children with CTM, born in January 1, 2002 to January 8, 2009 were reviewed. Data on complications and respiratory symptoms were collected.

Results:  No severe respiratory symptoms were recorded. Seventeen children were referred to surgery. Complications were seen in one child. The final diagnoses were congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) in 13 children, two had sequestrations, and two had other significant malformations. Five children had minor malformations and did not undergo surgery. No malignancies were reported.

Conclusion:  Elective surgery at 1 year of age is safe and carries no apparent risk to asymptomatic children with CTM. The rate of complications was equal to that reported in a recent review and meta‐analysis.
Regional context affects native and alien plant species richness across habitat types
Authors: Gassó Núria , Pino Joan , Font Xavier , Vilà Montserrat
Published: September 2011

Question

How does large‐scale context affect native and alien species richness across different habitat types?

Location

Catalonia, NE Spain.

Methods

We analysed a set of 5309 vegetation plots from the BDBC (Biodiversity Data Bank of Catalonia) database, organized following the UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) 10 km × 10 km grid. Plots were assigned to the first or second hierarchy of EUNIS (European Nature Information System) habitat classification. For each plot, the number of native plants (including archaeophytes, i.e. alien plants introduced before 1500 ad) and neophytes (alien plants introduced after 1500 ad) was recorded. Neophytes were classified according their Raunkiaer's life form. For each UTM we selected eight predictors related to land cover composition, anthropogenic context and climate. The association of neophyte and native species richness with these predictor variables was explored by generalized linear mixed models for each terrestrial habitat type after controlling for plot area.

Results

A total of 77 different neophyte species were found distributed among the eight habitat types with fitted models. Minimum adequate models on both neophyte and native species richness were highly variable. In general, native species richness responded more to climatic variables, while neophyte species richness was associated more with human landscape factors such as distance to main roads and, secondarily, cropland cover.

Conclusions

Context factors defined on a large scale (10 km) have a significant effect on local native and neophyte species richness for many habitat types in Catalonia. Our results highlight the major influence of climatic context on native species richness and the influence of human landscape context on neophyte species richness in the study region. The inconsistency of results between habitat types suggests that this large‐scale effect might be highly idiosyncratic and dependent on species ecology and life form.
Using primary productivity as an index of coastal eutrophication: a case study in Daya Bay
Authors: Liu Huaxue , Huang Liangmin , Song Xingyu , Zhong Yu
Published: September 2011

Seasonal measurements of phytoplankton biomass [chlorophyll a (chl a)], primary production (PP) and nutrient were conducted to understand the trophic status of Daya Bay in 2008–2009. Both nitrate and phosphate concentrations in winter were higher than those in summer. Maximum chl a and PP records appeared in the summer, when a harmful algae bloom (HAB) occurred in the north‐western part of the bay. Microplankton dominated the phytoplankton community in nearshore waters, while pico‐ or nanophytoplankton was predominant in other area of the bay. High chl a and PP could often be found in the inner bay, such as the Dapeng'ao Cove and Aotou Cove. High PP values (> 20 mgC/m3/h) often appeared in waters with frequent outburst of HABs. The results suggested that PP was a suitable index of coastal eutrophication in Daya Bay.
Influenza transmission during a one‐year period (2009–2010) in a Sahelian city: low temperature plays a major role
Authors: Jusot Jean‐François , Adamou Lagaré , Collard Jean‐Marc
Published: September 2011

Please cite this paper as: Jusot J‐François et al. (2011) Influenza transmission during a one‐year period (2009–2010) in a Sahelian city: low temperature plays a major role. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/j.1750‐2659.2011.00286.x.

This work aimed at studying the link between some climatic factors and the occurrence of influenza in Niamey, Niger. Patients with influenza like illness or severe acute respiratory illness were recruited through a sentinel network. A nasopharyngeal swab was sampled and tested for influenza viruses A and B by RT‐PCR. Time series of daily counts of influenza cases and climatic factors were linked using a generalized additive model. Among the 320 patients recruited, 76 were confirmed positive for influenza. Influenza cases increased significantly with minimal temperatures and high visibility. This work brings some valuable explanation to the impact of low temperatures on influenza transmission.
Growth of Chlorella vulgaris and associated bacteria in photobioreactors
Authors: Lakaniemi Aino‐Maija , Intihar Veera M. , Tuovinen Olli H. , Puhakka Jaakko A.
Published: September 2011

The aim of this study was to test three flat plate photobioreactor configurations for growth of Chlorella vulgaris under non‐axenic conditions and to characterize and quantify associated bacterial communities. The photobioreactor cultivations were conducted using tap water‐based media to introduce background bacterial population. Growth of algae was monitored over time with three independent methods. Additionally, the quantity and quality of eukaryotes and bacteria were analysed using culture‐independent molecular tools based on denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR‐DGGE) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR). Static mixers used in the flat plate photobioreactors did not generally enhance the growth at the low light intensities used. The maximum biomass concentration and maximum specific growth rate were 1.0 g l−1 and 2.0 day−1 respectively. Bacterial growth as determined by QPCR was associated with the growth of C. vulgaris. Based on PCR‐DGGE, bacteria in the cultures mainly originated from the tap water. Bacterial community profiles were diverse but reproducible in all flat plate cultures. Most prominent bacteria in the C. vulgaris cultures belonged to the class Alphaproteobacteria and especially to the genus Sphingomonas. Analysis of the diversity of non‐photosynthetic microorganisms in algal mass cultures can provide useful information on the public health aspects and unravel community interactions.
Intercomparison of PIXE and ICP‐AES Analyses of Aeolian Dust from Owens (Dry) Lake, California
Authors: Rojo Lila , Barnes Melanie A. , Gill Thomas E.
Published: September 2011

Particle‐induced X‐ray emission (PIXE) and ICP‐AES can be combined to obtain a wider range of detected elements, augment previous data and/or to verify measured concentrations of heavy and trace metals in geological samples. Intercomparison of data sets generated by multiple techniques is challenging due to the differing processes and methods of each technique. Here, we compare elemental data obtained by both techniques for aeolian dust from Owens (Dry) Lake, California. Nineteen elements were detected by PIXE, sixteen by ICP‐AES and ten elements were detected by both techniques. Statistical analyses of data set groupings illustrated which parameters differed significantly between PIXE and ICP‐AES. Relative variation (%) showed that PIXE gave higher concentrations than ICP‐AES for Al, As, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Ni, Sr, Ti and Zn in all samples. For As, Cu, Sr and Zn, relative variation was variable between the techniques. PIXE detection limits exceeded ICP‐AES concentrations for Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Pb and Mo. Low ICP‐AES percentage recoveries of Al, Fe, K, Mn and Ti for NIST SRM 2710 indicated incomplete dissolution during digestion (EPA Method 3050B), since elements were bound in silicate structures. Variability between the two data sets is explained by differences between analytical techniques, sample preparation methods and/or variability in sample matrices.
An Intercomparison Study of the Germanium Isotope Composition of Geological Reference Materials
Authors: Escoube Raphaelle , Rouxel Olivier J. , Luais Béatrice , Ponzevera Emmanuel , Donard Olivier F.X.
Published: September 2011

Recent analytical developments in germanium stable isotope determination by multicollector ICP‐MS have provided new perspectives for the use of Ge isotopes as geochemical tracers. Here, we report the germanium isotope composition of the NIST SRM 3120a elemental reference solution that has been calibrated relative to internal isotopic standard solutions used in the previous studies. We also intercalibrate several geological reference materials as well as geological and meteoritic samples using different techniques, including online hydride generation and a spray chamber for sample introduction to MC‐ICP‐MS, and different approaches for mass bias corrections such as sample–calibrator bracketing, external mass bias correction using Ga isotopes and double‐spike normalisation. All methods yielded relatively similar precisions at around 0.1‰ (2s) for δ74/70Ge values. Using igneous and mantle‐derived rocks, the bulk silicate Earth (BSE) δ74/70Ge value was re‐evaluated to be 0.59 ± 0.18‰ (2s) relative to NIST SRM 3120a. Several sulfide samples were also analysed and yielded very negative values, down to −4.3‰, consistent with recent theoretical study of Ge isotope fractionation. The strong heavy isotope depletion in ore deposits also contrasts with the generally positive Ge isotope values found in many modern and ancient marine sediments.
From Chip to Cooling Tower Data Center Modeling: Influence of Chip Temperature Control Philosophy
Authors: Walsh Ed J. , Breen Thomas J. , Punch Jeff , Shah Amip J. , Bash Cullen E.
Published: September 2011

The chiller cooled data center environment consists of many interlinked elements that are usually treated as individual components. This chain of components and their influences on each other must be considered in determining the benefits of any data center design and operational strategies seeking to improve efficiency, such as temperature controlled fan algorithms. Using the models previously developed by the authors, this paper extends the analysis to include the electronics within the rack through considering the processor heat sink temperature. This has allowed determination of the influence of various cooling strategies on the data center coefficient of performance. The strategy of increasing inlet aisle temperature is examined in some detail and found not to be a robust methodology for improving the overall energy performance of the data center, while tight temperature controls at the chip level consistently provide better performance, yielding more computing per watt of cooling power. These findings are of strong practical relevance for the design of fan control algorithms at the rack level and general operational strategies in data centers. Finally, the impact of heat sink thermal resistance is considered, and the potential data center efficiency gains from improved heat sink designs are discussed.
Repeated Vulvovaginal Fungal Infections Cause Persistent Pain in a Mouse Model of Vulvodynia
Authors: Farmer Melissa A. , Taylor Anna M. , Bailey Andrea L. , Tuttle Alexander H. , MacIntyre Leigh C. , Milagrosa Zarah E. , Crissman Halley P. , Bennett Gary J. , Ribeiro-da-Silva Alfredo , Binik Yitzchak M. , Mogil Jeffrey S.
Published: September 2011

The development of an animal model of vulvodynia indicates that recurrent candidiasis is a potential cause of the disorder.
Exposure-based cycling crash, near miss and injury rates: The Safer Cycling Prospective Cohort Study protocol: Figure 1
Authors: Poulos Roslyn G , Hatfield Julie , Rissel Chris , Grzebieta Raphael , McIntosh Andrew S
Published: September 2011

Introduction

There are clear personal, social and environmental benefits of cycling. However, safety concerns are among the frequently cited barriers to cycling. In Australia, there are no exposure-based measures of the rates of crash or ‘near miss’ experienced by cyclists.

Design and setting

A prospective cohort study over 12 months, with all data collected via web-based online data entry.

Participants

Two thousand adults aged 18 years and older, living in New South Wales (Australia), who usually bicycle at least once a month, will be recruited from March to November 2011.

Methods

In the 12 months following enrolment, cyclists will be surveyed on six occasions (weeks 8, 16, 24, 32, 40 and 48 from the week of the enrolment survey). In these survey weeks, cyclists will be asked to provide daily reports of distance travelled; time, location and duration of trips; infrastructure used; crashes, near misses and crash-related injuries. Information on crashes and injuries will also be sought for the intervening period between the last and current survey. A subsample of participants will receive bicycle trip computers to provide objective measurement of distance travelled.

Discussion

This study protocol describes the prospective cohort study developed to assess near misses, crashes and injuries among cyclists by time and distance travelled and by type of infrastructure used, with recruited participants entering data remotely using the internet. We expect to be able to calculate event rates according to exposure overall and for different infrastructure types and to report in-depth information about event causation.
Formate can differentiate between hyperhomocysteinemia due to impaired remethylation and impaired transsulfuration
Authors: Lamarre Simon G. , Molloy Anne M. , Reinke Stacey N. , Sykes Brian D. , Brosnan Margaret E. , Brosnan John T.
Published: September 2011

Formate can differentiate between hyperhomocysteinemia due to impaired remethylation and impaired transsulfuration. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 301: E000–E000, 2011. First published September 20, 2011; 10.1152/ajpendo.00345.2011.—We carried out a1H-NMR metabolomic analysis of sera from vitamin B12-deficient rats. In addition to the expected increases in methylmalonate and homocysteine (Hcy), we observed an approximately sevenfold increase in formate levels, from 64 μM in control rats to 402 μM in vitamin B12-deficient rats. Urinary formate was also elevated. This elevation of formate could be attributed to impaired one-carbon metabolism since formate is assimilated into the one-carbon pool by incorporation into 10-formyl-THF via the enzyme 10-formyl-THF synthase. Both plasma and urinary formate were also increased in folate-deficient rats. Hcy was elevated in both the vitamin B12- and folate-deficient rats. Although plasma Hcy was also elevated, plasma formate was unaffected in vitamin B6-deficient rats (impaired transsulfuration pathway). These results were in accord with a mathematical model of folate metabolism, which predicted that reduction in methionine synthase activity would cause increased formate levels, whereas reduced cystathionine β-synthase activity would not. Our data indicate that formate provides a novel window into cellular folate metabolism, that elevated formate can be a useful indicator of deranged one-carbon metabolism and can be used to discriminate between the hyperhomocysteinemia caused by defects in the remethylation and transsulfuration pathways.
Signal integration at the level of ion channel and exocytotic function in pancreatic β-cells
Authors: MacDonald Patrick E.
Published: September 2011

Whole body energy balance is ensured by the exquisite control of insulin secretion, the dysregulation of which has serious consequences. Although a great deal has been learned about the control of insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells in the past 30 years, there remains much to be understood about the molecular mechanisms and interactions that underlie the precise control of this process. Numerous molecular interactions at the plasma membrane mediate the excitatory and amplifying events involved in insulin secretion; this includes interactions between ion channels, signal transduction machinery, and exocytotic proteins. The present Perspectives article considers evidence that key membrane and membrane-associated proteins essential to insulin secretion are regulated in concert as a functional unit, ensuring an integrated excitatory and exocytotic response to the signals that control insulin secretion.
Pharmacokinetic Study of Perioperative Intravenous Ifosfamide
Authors: Van der Speeten Kurt , Stuart O. Anthony , Mahteme Haile , Sugarbaker Paul H.
Published: September 2011

The use of cancer chemotherapy and hyperthermia as part of a surgical procedure in the management of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis has gained prominence in recent years with selected patients showing benefit. Patients with peritoneal surface malignancy following cancer resection were treated with intraperitoneal hyperthermic (41.5–42.5°C) cisplatin and doxorubicin combined with the infusion of systemic ifosfamide chemotherapy. The concentrations of ifosfamide and 4-hydroxyifosfamide were determined in plasma, peritoneal fluid, urine, and when possible, within small tumor nodules less than 1 cm. Plasma concentrations of ifosfamide exceeded peritoneal fluid levels of ifosfamide during the 90 minutes of chemotherapy infusion. Both ifosfamide and 4-hydroxyifosfamide could be recovered from peritoneal tumor nodules throughout the 90 minutes of ifosfamide continuous infusion and exceeded plasma concentrations. 4-Hydroxyifosfamide within peritoneal surface cancer nodules suggested a favorable pharmacologic endpoint in the study of ifosfamide administered in the operating room.
Endodontic and Orthodontic Management of Traumatically Intruded Teeth with Horizontal Root Fracture: A Case Report
Authors: Jacobovitz Marcos , Ramos Adriana Maria Bonadio Lopes , Lima Regina Karla de Pontes , Pappen Fernanda Geraldes , Fuks Anna B.
Published: September 2011

This report describes the case of an 8-year-old boy that was referred to endodontic and orthodontic treatment after suffering an injury that led to intrusion of the maxillary right permanent central incisor, palatal displacement of the upper right lateral incisor, and root fracture of both central incisors. Both injured teeth were immature and had open apices. The intruded tooth was repositioned by endodontic and orthodontic management. Endodontic therapy was performed in both teeth with periodical changes of calcium-hydroxide-based paste as root canal dressing and introduction of MTA as an apical barrier. The postoperative course was uneventful with clinical and radiographic success up to 3 and 1/2 years of follow up. In the present case, orthodontic repositioning combined with endodontic therapy constitued a viable alternative treatment for intrusive luxations in immature permanent teeth.
Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species during Apoptosis Induced by DNA-Damaging Agents and/or Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
Authors: Brodská Barbora , Holoubek Aleš
Published: September 2011

Reactive oxygen species play an important role in the process of apoptosis in many cell types. In this paper, we analyzed the role of ROS in DNA-damaging agents (actinomycin D or decitabine), which induced apoptosis of leukemia cell line CML-T1 and normal peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). The possibility of synergism with histone deacetylase inhibitors butyrate or SAHA is also reported. We found that in cancer cell line, ROS production significantly contributed to apoptosis triggering, while in normal lymphocytes treated by cytostatic or cytotoxic drugs, necrosis as well as apoptosis occurred and large heterogeneity of ROS production was measured. Combined treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitor did not potentiate actinomycin D action, whereas combination of decitabine and SAHA brought synergistic ROS generation and apoptotic features in CML cell line. Appropriate decrease of cell viability indicated promising therapeutic potential of this combination in CML, but side effects on normal PBL should be taken into attention.
Neuroplasticity of the Sensorimotor Cortex during Learning
Authors: Francis Joseph Thachil , Song Weiguo
Published: September 2011

We will discuss some of the current issues in understanding plasticity in the sensorimotor (SM) cortices on the behavioral, neurophysiological, and synaptic levels. We will focus our paper on reaching and grasping movements in the rat. In addition, we will discuss our preliminary work utilizing inhibition of protein kinase Mζ (PKMζ), which has recently been shown necessary and sufficient for the maintenance of long-term potentiation (LTP) (Ling et al., 2002). With this new knowledge and inhibitors to this system, as well as the ability to overexpress this system, we can start to directly modulate LTP and determine its influence on behavior as well as network level processing dependent at least in part due to this form of LTP. We will also briefly introduce the use of brain machine interface (BMI) paradigms to ask questions about sensorimotor plasticity and discuss current analysis techniques that may help in our understanding of neuroplasticity.
Quadrature Oscillators Using Operational Amplifiers
Authors: Horng Jiun-Wei
Published: September 2011

Two new quadrature oscillator circuits using operational amplifiers are presented. Outputs of two sinusoidal signals with 90° phase difference are available in each circuit configuration. Both proposed quadrature oscillators are based on third-order characteristic equations. The oscillation conditions and oscillation frequencies of the proposed quadrature oscillators are orthogonally controllable. The circuits are implemented using the widely available operational amplifiers which results in low output impedance and high current drive capability. Experimental results are included.
Retroperitoneal Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma Can Mimic a Hydatid Cyst
Authors: Erbay Gurcan , Ulusan Serife , Koc Zafer , Canpolat Emine Tuba , Calıskan Kenan
Published: September 2011

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma is the second most common soft-tissue sarcoma in adults. After the extremities, the retroperitoneal space is the second most common site of this tumor. A 50-year-old man presented with a right retroperitoneal, thick-walled, cystic multilocular mass measuring 10 × 10 cm that was thought to be a type CE 5 hydatid cyst preoperatively. However, the postoperative histopathology did not agree with the radiological findings and instead showed a malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The computed tomography and ultrasound/Doppler ultrasound findings of this retroperitoneal mass mimicked a type CE 5 hydatid cyst. We present this case because the surgical management of these two lesions differs and misdiagnosis can be problematic.
Mild Clinical Presentation of Acute Fatty Liver in the Second Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Yassin Alaeddine , Denguezli Walid , Fessi Anissa , Njim Leila , Falah Raja , Zakhama Abdelfattah , Sakouhi Mohamed
Published: September 2011

We report a case of 29 years old woman who was diagnosed with acute fatty liver of pregnancy at 23 weeks of gestation with unusual evolution (pregnancy prolonged until 36 weeks of gestation) to draw attention on the possibility of occurrence of this pathology in the second trimester of pregnancy even with a milder clinical presentation and course.
Performances Comparison for a Rotating Shaft Suspended by 4‐Axis Radial Active Magnetic Bearings via μ‐Synthesis, Loop‐Shaping Design, and Sub(H)∞with Uncertainties
Authors: Barbaraci G. , Virzi′ Mariotti G.
Published: September 2011

The control systems applied on active magnetic bearing are several. A perfect levitation is characterized by maintaining the operating point condition that is characterized by the center of stator coincident with the geometric center of shaft. The first controller implemented for this purpose is PID controller that is characterized by an algorithm that leads the amplifier to produce control current until the operating point condition is not reached, this is obtained by an integration operator. The effect of an integrator is essential but not necessary for a centered levitation for example in the robust control characterized by a dynamic model depended on plant of system so that it depends on angular speed as LQR controller does. In LQR there is not integrator so there is not a perfectly centered section of shaft with center of stator. On contrary PID controller does not depend on angular speed and it can be easily implemented according some simple rules. Predictive control is another interesting controller characterized by a multiple controller operating in different condition in order to get the minimum of cost function, but also in this case the angular speed is introduce for the same reason discussed before.