bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison Between Two Experimental Procedures for Cyclic Plastic Characterization of High Strength Steel Sheets
Authors: Broggiato G. B. , Campana F. , Cortese L. , Mancini E.
Published: August 2012

In finite element analysis of sheet metal forming the use of combined isotropic-kinematic hardening models is advisable to improve stamping simulation and springback prediction. This choice becomes compulsory to model recent materials such as high strength steels. Cyclic tests are strictly required to evaluate the parameters of these constitutive models. However, for sheet metal specimens, in case of simple axial tension-compression tests, buckling occurrence during compression represents a serious drawback. This is the reason why alternative set-ups have been devised. In this paper, two experimental arrangements (a cyclic laterally constrained tension-compression test and a three-point fully reversed bending test) are compared so as to point out the advantages and the disadvantages of their application in tuning the well-known Chaboche’s hardening model. In particular, for tension-compression tests, a new clamping device was specifically designed to inhibit compressive instability. Four high strength steel grades were tested: two dual phases (DP), one transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) and one high strength low alloy material (HSLA). Then, the Chaboche’s model was calibrated through inverse identification methods or by means of analytical expressions when possible. The proposed testing procedure proved to be successful in all investigated materials. The achieved constitutive parameters, obtained independently from the two experimental techniques, were found to be consistent. Their accuracy was also been assessed by applying the parameter set obtained from one test to simulate the other one, and vice versa. Clues on what method provides the better transferability are given.
Void detection in copper interconnects using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy
Authors: Tsigkourakos Menelaos , Vandervorst Wilfried , Hantschel Thomas , Franquet Alexis , Conard Thierry , Carbonell Laureen
Published: August 2012

The formation of small voids in narrow sub-50 nm Cu interconnect lines during their fabrication is a major challenge for the development of integrated circuits. Focused ion beam sectioning and scanning electron microscopy imaging are being used for void detection during process development, but as they are destructive, they are less suited for in-line metrology. Therefore, the authors developed a nondestructive method based on energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy where voids can be detected as changes in x-ray intensity due to the direct proportionality of the generated characteristic x-ray intensity with the amount of copper atoms contained in the interaction volume. The procedure allows the detection of small voids down to 15 nm in a fast and nondestructive way. This is possible for thin and chemically mechanically polished Cu interconnects where intensity variations due to thickness variations can be ignored.
Effect of O2 gas partial pressure on mechanical properties of Al2O3 films deposited by inductively coupled plasma-assisted radio frequency magnetron sputtering
Authors: Fujiyama Hirokazu , Sumomogi Tsunetaka , Nakamura Masayoshi
Published: August 2012

The effect of O2 partial pressure on the mechanical properties of Al2O3 films is studied. Using films prepared by inductively coupled plasma-assisted radio frequency magnetron sputtering, the deposition rate of Al2O3 decreases rapidly when oxygen is added to the argon sputtering gas. The internal stresses in the films are compressive, with magnitude decreasing steeply from 1.6 GPa for films sputtered in pure argon gas to 0.5 GPa for films sputtered in argon gas at an O2 partial pressure of 0.89 × 10−2 Pa. Stress increases gradually with increasing O2 partial pressure. Using a nanoindentation tester with a Berkovich indenter, film hardness was measured to be about 14 GPa for films sputtered in pure argon gas. Hardness decreases rapidly on the addition of O2 gas, but increases when the O2 partial pressure is increased. Adhesion, measured using a Vickers microhardness tester, increases with increasing O2 partial pressure. Electron probe microanalyzer measurements reveal that the argon content of films decreases with increasing O2 partial pressure, whereas the O to Al composition ratio increases from 1.15 for films sputtered in pure argon gas to 1.5 for films sputtered in argon gas at O2 partial pressures over 2.4 × 10−2 Pa. X-ray diffraction measurements reveal that films sputtered in pure argon gas have an amorphous crystal structure, whereas γ-Al2O3 is produced for films sputtered in argon gas with added O2 gas. Atomic force microscopy observations reveal that the surface topography of sputtered Al2O3 films changes from spherical to needlelike as O2 partial pressure is increased. Fracture cross sections of the films observed by scanning electron microscopy reveal that the film morphology exhibits no discernible features at all O2 partial pressures.
Validation of a postinjection transmission method for actual rat brain PET
Authors: Kim Jin Su , Yu A. Ram , Kim Kyeong Min , Oh Seung Jun , Ryu Jin Sook , Kim Hee‐Joung , Lim Sang Moo
Published: August 2012

Purpose:

Postinjection transmission positron emission tomography (PET) may be useful for shortening the total scan time. In this study, the effect of post‐transmission scanning was assessed using PET on a phantom (NU4) and actual rat brain.

Methods:

Transmission was performed using57Co for 15 min. After a 15‐min pre‐transmission scan, emission PET was performed in list mode for 1 h, followed by an additional 15‐min post‐transmission scan. To compare the pre‐transmission and post‐transmission results, we measured nonuniformity, the recovery coefficient, and the spillover ratio (SOR) using NU4 and rat phantoms. The authors also assessed cerebral glucose metabolism using 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET and the binding potential for 18F‐fluorinated N‐3‐fluoropropyl‐2‐β‐carboxymethoxy‐3‐β‐(4‐iodophenyl)nortropane (FP‐CIT) in rat brain for differences between pre‐transmission and post‐transmission scanning.

Results:

Nonuniformity and the SORs for air and water were comparable on the pre‐transmission and post‐transmission scans. With FDG‐PET, after attenuation and scatter corrections no differences were observed in the brain regions on the pre‐transmission and post‐transmission scans. With FP‐CIT‐PET, the binding potentials were also not significantly different.

Conclusions:

In the present study, we validated a post‐transmission method for PET of the rat brain. Post‐transmission PET was reliable, and the results were comparable to those of pre‐transmission PET. Post‐transmission PET eliminates the early tracer uptake time in the PET imaging, making it possible to determine uptake in the conscious subject, which may provide more realistic, “normal” metabolic measurements. Thus, post‐transmission PET may be a useful option for increasing the number of subjects who can be evaluated.
Is There a Role for Acupuncture in the Treatment of Tendinopathy?
Authors: Neal Bradley Stephen , Longbottom Jennie
Published: August 2012

Tendinopathy is a debilitating condition in athletic and sedentary populations for which a gold standard treatment strategy does not yet exist. While the pathophysiology of tendinopathy is well understood, a debate remains as to the nature of the pain mechanism in tendinopathy which makes treatment selection challenging. This clinical discussion presents evidence to suggest that acupuncture may have a role in the treatment of tendinopathy, through the facilitation of tendon blood flow and fibroblastic activity, making recommendations for further research.
Evaluation of electrical aversion therapy for inappropriate sexual behaviour after traumatic brain injury: a single case experimental design study
Authors: ter Mors Bert Jan , van Heugten Caroline M , van Harten Peter N
Published: August 2012

Inappropriate sexual behaviour after acquired brain injury is a severe complication. Evidence for effective treatment is not available. Electrical aversion therapy (EAT) is a behavioural therapeutic option used in persons with intellectual disabilities, which might be suitable for brain-injured individuals for whom other therapies are not effective. The effect of EAT in brain injury has not been investigated previously. A single case experimental design was used. In an ABBA (baseline-treatment-treatment-withdrawal) design the frequency of the target behaviour (ie, inappropriate sexual behaviour) in a 40-year-old man was measured daily. A total of 551 measurements were recorded. A significant reduction of the target behaviour was seen after the first treatment phase (baseline 12.18 (2.59) vs 3.15 (3.19) mean target behaviours daily); this reduction remained stable over time. We conclude that EAT was effective in this patient with inappropriate sexual behaviour due to severe brain injury. EAT can therefore be considered in therapy resistant inappropriate sexual behaviour in brain-injured patients.
Perforation of the right ventricle during cardiac resynchronisation therapy upgrade not related to a coexisting persistent left superior vena cava
Authors: Providência Rui , Paiva Luís V , Cação Romeu , Mota Paula
Published: August 2012

Right ventricle (RV) perforation is a complication that may arise during device implants. We present the case of a patient undergoing cardiac resynchronisation therapy upgrade that was complicated with an RV perforation. The lead was successfully repositioned with a good final outcome. Despite being uncommon, persistence of the left superior vena cava is the most frequent venous cardiac anomaly and may pose challenges during the implant procedure, namely when the right superior vena cava (RSVC) is absent. Still, in this patient it was not related to the event, as the leads were advanced through the RSVC.
Somatoform abdominal pain in surgery: is SD worthy of surgical attention? Case reports and literature review
Authors: Abd Elwahab Sami Medani , Doherty Eva , Elsheikh Hashim
Published: August 2012

Somatoform disorders (SD) or medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) are a group of disorders that represent a group of symptoms that cannot be explained by an organic or physical pathology. These disorders are widely prevalent, and, if unrecognised, SD may lead medical professionals to embark on tests or procedures which may inflict unnecessary iatrogenic complications. Despite the high prevalence, they are only poorly included in medical training curricula, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In this article, we review the literature and present two cases. The first one presented with a recurrent acute abdomen had an unnecessary CT abdomen. The second case had laparoscopy for acute right-sided abdominal pain which turned out to be normal, and was readmitted again after a short period with acute urine retention which resolved spontaneously following discussion with the patient and family. Both cases were referred for psychiatric assessment and their family doctors were informed.
Initial expression of the Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome in consanguine family
Authors: Singh Anand Pratap , Chaitra T R , Singh Surendra Pratap , Kulkarni Adwait Uday
Published: August 2012

A rare case of Papillon-Lefevre syndrome is discussed with clinicoradiological presentation. The purpose of the case report is to make the medical community aware of this rare syndrome and its association with consanguinity. Papillon-Lefevre syndrome is an extremely rare genodermatosis of autosomal-recessive inheritance which usually manifests itself between the ages of 6 months to 4 years characterised by diffuse palmoplanter hyperkeratosis (keratoderma), and rapidly progressive and devastating periodontitis, affecting the primary as well as permanent dentition. Papillon-Lefevre syndrome results from a combination of host and bacterial factors, including recessive gene, consanguinity, specific periodontal pathogens and lack of thorough oral hygiene. The present case report describes Papillon-Lefevre syndrome and its association with consanguinity in a 3-year-old girl.
An abdominal mass in a 4-year-old child
Authors: Counsell Heather
Published: August 2012

The author describes a 4-year-old boy who presented to the accident and emergency department after a mass in his abdominal wall had been rapidly enlarging for at least a week. There was a delay in management due to difficulty reaching the diagnosis. Once obtained, a CT scan revealed the true diagnosis; an infected intramuscular haematoma arising from the right abdominal oblique muscles. This was large enough to displace the right lobe of the liver medially. The patient was treated with surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotics.
Salicylate toxicity from ingestion of traditional massage oil
Authors: Muniandy Rajesh Kumar , Sinnathamby Vellan
Published: August 2012

A 16-month-old child developed a brief generalised tonic–clonic fitting episode and vomiting at home, after accidental ingestion of traditional massage oil. As the patient presented with clinical features of salicylate toxicity, appropriate management was instituted. He was admitted to the intensive care unit for multiorgan support. The child was discharged well 1 week after the incident. Methyl-salicylate is a common component of massage oils which are used for topical treatment of joint and muscular pains. However, these massage oils may be toxic when taken orally. Early recognition of the salicylate toxicity is very important in producing a good patient outcome.
The process of recovery of a schizoaffectively disordered mind: a psychoanalytic theory of the functional psychoses, the psychodynamic pentapointed cognitive construct theory
Authors: Steggles Gillian Ruth May
Published: August 2012

A schizoaffectively disordered young woman made a small study of her mind while she was in psychoanalytic psychotherapy so that she might understand herself better. She worked closely with her psychoanalyst, and with the researcher who wrote up her case. She had a very difficult time for 30 years, but by the end of that time emerged completely recovered and with a great zest for life. This paper provides rare positive/constructive data about the processes involved in a case of schizoaffective disorder that involved manic as well as depressive and schizophrenic symptoms, and also the patient's stages of recovery. It demonstrates how psychiatric and psychoanalytic principles are inextricably linked together both in understanding this patient's ordeals and in her successful treatment, and suggests the clinical potential for theoretical and practical engagement between psychiatry and psychoanalysis.
A fateful kiss: the use of CT coronary angiogram in the diagnosis of non-cardiac chest pathology
Authors: Topan Rabia , Hyde Tom
Published: August 2012

A 34-year-old dental nurse presented with a 2-day history of retrosternal chest pain that was constant and ‘burning’ in nature. She was otherwise fit and well, no significant prior medical history and no ischaemic heart disease risk factors. Clinical examination was entirely normal apart from pyrexia of 38.3°C. Admission ECG showed ST depression in the inferior and anterolateral leads suggestive of myocardial ischaemia, consequently a CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) was performed. This showed normal coronary arteries, incidental distal oesophageal thickening was seen. Further history taking revealed that her youngest daughter had recently suffered from cold sores. The patient went on to have a diagnostic procedure, an oesophagogastroduodenoscopy. Biopsies confirmed acute oesophagitis with features suggestive of herpes virus infection. The patient responded promptly to oral acyclovir. This case highlights the value of CT coronary angiogram in identifying non-cardiac pathology in patients with a low pretest probability of coronary artery disease.
Flail tricuspid valve secondary to blunt chest trauma
Authors: Srinivas Sunil Kumar , Patil Shivanand , Ramalingam Rangaraj , Bhairappa Shivakumar
Published: August 2012

A 78-year-old man admitted with complaints of breathlessness of 1 year and typical chest pain of 2 months duration. He had a blunt chest trauma 7 years back. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe tricuspid regurgitation due to a flail anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve. It also revealed global left ventricular dysfunction. Flail tricuspid valve causing severe regurgitation is usually due to mechanical trauma. Since it is well tolerated for years, the diagnosis may be delayed or missed entirely. Echocardiography has allowed easier diagnosis of this condition resulting in earlier and, hence, more effective treatment.
Persistently elevated alkaline phosphatase
Authors: Verma Jitin , Gorard David A
Published: August 2012

A 32-year-old overweight asymptomatic man was found to have a persistently raised serum alkaline phosphatase at 250–300 U/l (normal range <130). Other liver function tests were unremarkable apart from an initial marginally elevated alanine transaminase, which normalised with weight reduction. Abdominal imaging revealed a fatty liver but an extensive serological search for significant hepatobiliary disease was negative. Subsequent isoenzyme electrophoresis revealed normal liver and bone fractions of alkaline phosphatase but a grossly elevated intestinal fraction. Elevated intestinal fraction of alkaline phosphatase should be considered in the investigation of unexplained alkaline phosphatase, particularly when the usual associated hepatobiliary and bony pathologies are not present. Although an elevated intestinal fraction of alkaline phosphatase can be linked to significant gastrointestinal pathology, this case report highlights that it can be a benign biochemical finding.
Septic arthritis of the pubic symphysis fromPseudomonas aeruginosa: reconsidering traditional risk factors and symptoms in the elderly patient
Authors: To Fergus , Tam Penny , Villanyi Diane
Published: August 2012

A high-functioning 82-year-old man presented with lower lumbar pain and pubic tenderness. On admission he was afebrile with a normal white count. A grossly elevated C reactive protein was noted. CT scan of the pelvis showed a fluid collection anterior to the pubic symphysis and to the right of the midline measuring 2.0 × 2.2 cm.Pseudomonas aeruginosawas cultured from the fluid collection. The patient had no history of intravenous drug use, pelvic surgeries, malignancies or trauma. We report what we believe is the first documented case ofP aeruginosainfection of the pubic symphysis in an elderly patient that did not have any of the traditional risk factors associated with neitherP aeruginosaseptic arthritis nor infections of the pubic symphysis. Instead, we propose that phimosis with chronic infection of the foreskin and balanitis may have led to septic arthritis.
Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis leading to an amputation
Authors: Evgeniou Evgenios , Iyer Srinivasan
Published: August 2012

Flexor tenosynovitis is an aggressive closed-space infection of the digital flexor tendon sheaths of the hand. We present a case of pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis in an immunocompromised patient and discuss the importance of early diagnosis and referral to a specialist hand surgery unit. A 61-year-old man visited his general practitioner because of swelling and tenderness of his left index finger. The patient was discharged on oral antibiotics but returned 4 days after because of deterioration of his symptoms and was referred to a plastic surgery unit. A diagnosis of flexor tenosynovitis was made and the patient required multiple debridements in theatre, resulting in the amputation of the infected finger. Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis is a relatively common but often misdiagnosed hand infection. Patients with suspected flexor tenosynovitis should be referred and treated early to avoid significant morbidity, especially when risk factors for poor prognosis are present.
Fresh frozen plasma in the treatment of ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema
Authors: Stewart Michael , McGlone Ray
Published: August 2012

Angioedema secondary to the use of ACE-inhibitors is well recognised, with a high rate of airway intervention required. Several treatments have been described, but little evidence exists for any of them. We describe the successful use of fresh frozen plasma in two cases.
Bifid mandibular condyle: CT and MRI appearance
Authors: Tutar Onur , Bas Ahmet , Gülsen Gökçe , Bayraktarov Elmar
Published: August 2012

Bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) is a rare asymptomatic morphological alteration with no predilection for age group or gender. Its morphology varies from a shallow groove to two condylar heads with separate necks, oriented mediolaterally or anteroposteriorly. This report describes an unusual case of bilateral mediolateral bifid condyle in a 24-year-old female patient with the main complaint of mouth-opening limitation. MRI and CT findings revealed bilateral bifid condyle.
Understanding variation in primary medical care: a nine-country qualitative study of clinicians’ accounts of the non-clinical factors that shape antibiotic prescribing decisions for lower respiratory tract infection
Authors: Brookes-Howell Lucy , Hood Kerenza , Cooper Lucy , Little Paul , Verheij Theo , Coenen Samuel , Godycki-Cwirko Maciek , Melbye Hasse , Borras-Santos Alicia , Worby Patricia , Jakobsen Kristin , Goossens Herman , Butler Christopher C
Published: August 2012

Objectives

There is a wide variation between European countries in antibiotic prescribing for patients in primary care with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) that is not explained by case mix and clinical factors alone. Variation in antibiotic prescribing that is not warranted by differences in illness and clinical presentation may increase selection of resistant organisms, contributing to the problem of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to investigate clinicians’ accounts of non-clinical factors that influence their antibiotic prescribing decision for patients with LRTI, to understand variation and identify opportunities for addressing possible unhelpful variation.

Design

Multicountry qualitative semistructured interview study, with data subjected to a five-stage analytic framework approach (familiarisation, developing a thematic framework from interview questions and emerging themes, indexing, charting and interpretation), and with interviewers commenting on preliminary analytic themes.

Setting

Primary care.

Participants

Eighty primary care clinicians randomly selected from primary care research networks based in nine European cities.

Results

Clinicians’ accounts identified non-clinical factors imposed by the healthcare system operating within specific regional primary care research networks, including patient access to antibiotics before consulting a doctor (Barcelona and Milan), systems to reduce patient expectations for antibiotics (Southampton and Antwerp) and lack of consistent treatment guidelines (Balatonfüred and Łódź). Secondly, accounts revealed factors related to specific characteristics of clinicians regardless of network (professional ethos, self-belief in decision-making and commitment to shared decision-making).

Conclusions

Addressing healthcare system factors (eg, limiting patients’ self-management with antibiotics before consulting in primary care, increased public awareness and provision of more consistent guidelines) may assist in reducing unhelpful variation in antibiotic prescribing. Promoting clinicians’ receptivity to change, confidence in decision-making and readiness to invest in explaining prescribing decisions may also be beneficial. As factors were emphasised differently between networks, local flexibility in interventions is likely to maximise effectiveness.
Recorded quality of primary care for patients with diabetes in England before and after the introduction of a financial incentive scheme: a longitudinal observational study
Authors: Kontopantelis Evangelos , Reeves David , Valderas Jose M , Campbell Stephen , Doran Tim
Published: August 2012

Background

The UK's Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) was introduced in 2004/5, linking remuneration for general practices to recorded quality of care for chronic conditions, including diabetes mellitus. We assessed the effect of the incentives on recorded quality of care for diabetes patients and its variation by patient and practice characteristics.

Methods

Using the General Practice Research Database we selected a stratified sample of 148 English general practices in England, contributing data from 2000/1 to 2006/7, and obtained a random sample of 653 500 patients in which 23 920 diabetes patients identified. We quantified annually recorded quality of care at the patient-level, as measured by the 17 QOF diabetes indicators, in a composite score and analysed it longitudinally using an Interrupted Time Series design.

Results

Recorded quality of care improved for all subgroups in the pre-incentive period. In the first year of the incentives, composite quality improved over-and-above this pre-incentive trend by 14.2% (13.7–14.6%). By the third year the improvement above trend was smaller, but still statistically significant, at 7.3% (6.7–8.0%). After 3 years of the incentives, recorded levels of care varied significantly for patient gender, age, years of previous care, number of co-morbid conditions and practice diabetes prevalence.

Conclusions

The introduction of financial incentives was associated with improvements in the recorded quality of diabetes care in the first year. These improvements included some measures of disease control, but most captured only documentation of recommended aspects of clinical assessment, not patient management or outcomes of care. Improvements in subsequent years were more modest. Variation in care between population groups diminished under the incentives, but remained substantial in some cases.
Can initial clinical assessment exclude thoracolumbar vertebral injury?
Authors: Gill Dinendra Singh , Mitra Biswadev , Reeves Fairleigh , Cameron Peter A , Fitzgerald Mark , Liew Susan , Varma Dinesh
Published: August 2012

Introduction

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that all blunt trauma patients, presenting with a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score of 15, without intoxication or neurological deficit, and no pain or tenderness on log-roll can have any thoracolumbar fracture excluded without imaging.

Materials and Methods

All patients diagnosed with a thoracolumbar fracture presenting to the emergency department of a major trauma centre and having an initial GCS score of 15 were included in the study. Variables collected included type of fracture, mechanism of injury, the presence of pain or tenderness on log-roll, ethanol levels and prehospital opioid analgesia.

Results

There were 536 patients with thoracolumbar fractures, of which 508 (94.8%) patients had either pain, tenderness or had received prehospital opioid analgesia. A small subgroup of 28 (5.2%) patients who received no prehospital opioid analgesia, did not complain of pain and had no tenderness to the thoracolumbar spine elicited on log-roll. This subgroup was significantly older (p=0.033) and a high proportion of patients (64.3%) had a concurrent fracture of the cervical spine. Within this subgroup, a clinically significant unstable thoracic fracture was present in three patients, with all three patients exhibiting symptoms and signs of neurological injury or having a concurrent cervical vertebral fracture.

Conclusions

In this population of blunt trauma patients with a GCS score of 15, not under the influence of alcohol or prehospital morphine administration, the absence of pain or tenderness on log-roll can exclude a clinically significant lumbar vertebral fracture, but does not exclude a thoracic fracture.
Validation of tissue microarrays in oral epithelial dysplasia using a novel virtual-array technique
Authors: Nankivell Paul Christopher , Williams Hazel , Bartlett John M S , Mehanna Hisham
Published: August 2012

Background

Malignant transformation risk in oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) is currently determined by histological assessment. The subjectivity of this approach has led to interest in identifying prognostic biomarkers. Tissue microarrays (TMA) can reduce the utilization of the finite resources of a pathological archive. However, the selectivity involved in TMA construction necessitates the need to ensure that individual cores are representative of the overall features of the donor specimen. We aimed to validate, for the first time, the use of the TMA technique in OED by using a novel virtual array technique.

Methods

Sections from 38 cases of OED were stained with H&E and 6 immunohistochemical (IHC) biomarkers. All were then digitally scanned. Virtual cores were generated by image capturing a 0.6mm2area of the IHC slide that corresponded to the same dysplastic area marked on the H&E slide. Two trained blinded observers scored both whole slides and virtual cores independently. The degree of reliability in scores between the individual raters and between virtual TMA cores and slides was assessed using both interclass correlation coefficient (ICCC) and weighted κ statistics.

Results

Excellent inter-observer reliability was demonstrated with all the immunohistochemical markers. ICCC ranged from 0.67−1.0 and κ scores >0.8. There was also a high reliability in the scores between whole slides and virtual TMAs, with ICCC of between 0.66 and 0.89 for the 6 markers.

Conclusions

This study validates the use of TMAs in OED using a variety of biomarkers. We also report a novel method for achieving this using a novel virtual-array technique.
Navigating non-positivity in neighbourhood studies: an analysis of collective efficacy and violence
Authors: Ahern Jennifer , Cerdá Magdalena , Lippman Sheri A , Tardiff Kenneth J , Vlahov David , Galea Sandro
Published: August 2012

Background

In multilevel studies, strong correlations of neighbourhood exposures with individual and neighbourhood confounders may generate problems with non-positivity (ie, inferences that are ‘off-support’). The authors used propensity restriction and matching to (1) assess the utility of propensity restriction to ensure analyses are ‘on-support’ and (2) examine the relation between collective efficacy and violence in a previously unstudied city.

Methods

Associations between neighbourhood collective efficacy and violent victimisation were estimated in data from New York City in 2005 (n=4000) using marginal models and propensity matching.

Results

In marginal models adjusted for individual confounders and limited to observations ‘on-support’, under conditions of high collective efficacy, the estimated prevalence of violent victimisation was 3.5/100, while under conditions of low collective efficacy, it was 7.5/100, resulting in a difference of 4.0/100 (95% CI 2.6 to 5.8). In propensity-matched analysis, the comparable difference was 4.0/100 (95% CI 2.1 to 5.9). In analyses adjusted for individual and neighbourhood confounders and limited to observations ’on-support’, the difference in violent victimisation associated with collective efficacy was 3.1/100 (95% CI 1.2 to 5.2) in marginal models and 2.4/100 (95% CI 0.2 to 4.5) in propensity-matched analysis. Analyses without support restrictions produced surprisingly similar results.

Conclusions

Under conditions of high collective efficacy, there was about half the prevalence of violence compared with low collective efficacy. The results contribute to a growing body of evidence that suggests collective efficacy may shape violence, and illustrate how careful techniques can be used to disentangle exposures from highly correlated confounders without relying on model extrapolation.
Urban neighbourhood unemployment history and depressive symptoms over time among late middle age and older adults
Authors: Wight Richard G , Aneshensel Carol S , Barrett Christopher , Ko Michelle , Chodosh Joshua , Karlamangla Arun S
Published: August 2012

Background

Little is known about how a neighbourhood's unemployment history may set the stage for depressive symptomatology. This study examines the effects of urban neighbourhood unemployment history on current depressive symptoms and subsequent symptom trajectories among residentially stable late middle age and older adults. Contingent effects between neighbourhood unemployment and individual-level employment status (ie, cross-level interactions) are also assessed.

Methods

Individual-level survey data are from four waves (2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006) of the original cohort of the nationally representative US Health and Retirement Study. Neighbourhoods are operationalised with US Census tracts for which historical average proportion unemployed between 1990 and 2000 and change in proportion unemployed between 1990 and 2000 are used to characterise the neighbourhood's unemployment history. Hierarchical linear regressions estimate three-level (time, individual and neighbourhood) growth models.

Results

Symptoms in 2000 are highest among those residing in neighbourhoods characterised by high historical average unemployment beginning in 1990 and increasing unemployment between 1990 and 2000, net of a wide range of socio-demographic controls including individual-level employment status. These neighbourhood unemployment effects are not contingent upon individual-level employment status in 2000. 6-year trajectories of depressive symptoms decrease over time on average but are not significantly influenced by the neighbourhood's unemployment history.

Conclusions

Given the current US recession, future studies that do not consider historical employment conditions may underestimate the mental health impact of urban neighbourhood context. The findings suggest that exposure to neighbourhood unemployment earlier in life may be consequential to mental health later in life.
Healing of saccular aneurysms following platinum coil embolization: lack of improved efficacy with vitamin C supplementation
Authors: Dai Daying , Yong-Hong Ding , Rezek Issa , Lewis Debra A , Kallmes David F , Kadirvel Ramanathan
Published: August 2012

Background and purpose

To test the hypothesis that systemic administration of vitamin C, through its action of stimulating collagen synthesis and crosslinking, would decrease the recurrence and improve the occlusion of experimental aneurysms treated with platinum coils.

Methods

Experimental aneurysms were created in female rabbits and were embolized with platinum coils (>30% packing density). The animals were divided into three groups: group 1 (n=6) rabbits served as controls, group 2 (n=5) rabbits were fed with a vitamin C supplemented feed and group 3 (n=8) rabbits were medicated with vitamin C pills. Digital subtraction angiography was used to evaluate stability after embolization. Subjects were euthanized at 12 weeks after coil implantation, and serum vitamin C levels were then measured. Histological samples were examined with a grading system (range 0–12) based on the neck and dome features. Masson Trichrome staining was used to evaluate collagen deposition. Parametric data were analyzed with one way analysis of variance and non-parametric data were examined using a Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

There were no significant differences between groups in mean aneurysm size. Mean serum vitamin C concentration was significantly higher in group 3 and group 2 compared with group 1, while vitamin C levels between group 2 and group 3 were statistically comparable. Coil compaction was noted in one of six subjects in group 1 and in three of eight subjects in group 3. All of the remaining aneurysms in the test and control groups showed stable occlusion. There were no significant differences in histological scores or collagen deposition among groups.

Conclusions

Vitamin C supplementation following platinum coil embolization does not demonstrate improvement of long term occlusion rates of aneurysms.
HIV and STI control in El Salvador: results from an integrated behavioural survey among men who have sex with men
Authors: Creswell Jacob , Guardado Maria Elena , Lee Janet , Nieto Ana Isabel , Kim Andrea A , Monterroso Edgar , Paz-Bailey Gabriela
Published: August 2012

Objective

This cross-sectional study investigates HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STI), and risk behaviours among men who have sex with men (MSM) in two cities in El Salvador.

Methods

Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit MSM in the cities of San Salvador and San Miguel, El Salvador. Participants responded to questions about HIV risk behaviours; and blood, urine and anal swabs were collected. Blood samples were tested for herpes simplex type 2, syphilis and HIV infection. Urine and anal samples were tested by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) forChlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalium. HIV-positive samples were tested with the BED capture enzyme immunoassay to distinguish recent from longstanding HIV infection. We estimated population-adjusted prevalence of behavioural variables, STI and HIV, and identified risk factors for HIV.

Results

The final sample included 596 and 195 MSM in San Salvador and San Miguel, respectively. Consistent condom use was low across all partner types as was recent HIV testing. RDS-adjusted HIV prevalence was 10.8% (95% CI 7.4% to 14.7%) in San Salvador, and 8.8% (95% CI 4.2% to 14.5%) in San Miguel. The proportion of recent testing among HIV-positive samples was 20%. Prevalence of any bacterial STI by PRC testing was 12.7% (95% CI 8.2% to 17.5%) in San Salvador, and 9.6% (95% CI 4.9% to 15.4%) in San Miguel.

Conclusions

We found a high prevalence of HIV, high levels of recent infection, and low condom usage. In El Salvador, targeted interventions towards MSM are needed to promote condom use, as well as to diagnose, treat and prevent HIV and other STIs.
Prognostic analytes in dogs with Leishmania infantum infection living in a non‐endemic area
Authors: Geisweid K. , Mueller R. , Sauter‐Louis C. , Hartmann K.
Published: August 2012

Due to increasing numbers of dogs that are imported from, or have been visiting Mediterranean countries, canine leishmaniasis has become a very important infectious disease in Germany. The aim of this study was to determine which laboratory and clinical parameters can be used as prognostic factors, whether level of antibody titre is a prognostic factor, and whether treatment leads to a better prognosis in a country in which reinfection is extremely unlikely. Data of 72 dogs infected with Leishmania infantum that had been presented to the Clinic of Small Animal Medicine of the LMU University of Munich, Germany, and whose owners answered a detailed questionnaire, were reviewed retrospectively. All dogs included in the study had clinical signs compatible with canine leishmaniasis. No correlation between the level of antibody titres (carried out by immunofluorescence assay) and survival time was found (p = 0.982). However, there was a significant correlation between survival time and presence of proteinuria (p < 0.001), hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.002), and lymphopenia (p = 0.040) in all treated dogs. Furthermore, treatment of diseased dogs resulted in a longer survival time (p = 0.003). In conclusion, levels of antibody titres did not correlate with prognosis. More useful parameters to predict shorter survival were proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia and lymphopenia. Also, treatment was correlated with a longer survival of almost two years.
Survey of quantitative antimicrobial consumption in two different pig finishing systems
Authors: Moreno M. A.
Published: August 2012

The primary objectives of this study were to: (a) collect on‐farm antimicrobial use (AMU) data in fattener pigs employing two questionnaire‐based surveys; (b) assess different quantitative measures for quantifying AMU in fattener pigs; (c) compare AMU in fattener pigs between two different management systems producing finishers: farrow‐to‐finish (FtF) farms versus finisher farms. Two questionnaires were designed both containing five groups of questions focused on the responder, the farm and AMU (eg, in‐feed, in‐drinking water and parenteral); both surveys were carried out by means of personal face‐to‐face interviews. Both surveys started with a sample size of 108 potentially eligible farms per survey; nevertheless, finally 67 finisher farms and 49 FtF farms were recruited. Overall percentages of animals exposed to antimicrobials (AM) were high (90 per cent in finisher farms and 54 per cent FtF farms); colistin (61 per cent and 33 per cent) and doxycycline (62 per cent and 23 per cent) were the most common AMs, followed by amoxicillin (51 per cent and 19 per cent) and lincomycin (49 per cent), respectively. Questionnaire‐based surveys using face‐to‐face interviews are useful for capturing information regarding AMU at the farm level. Farm‐level data per administration route can be used for comparative AMU analysis between farms. Nevertheless, for the analysis of the putative relationships between AMU and AM resistance, measures based on exposed animals or exposure events are needed.
Strategies and tools for studying the metabolism and function of γ-aminobutyrate in plants. I. Pathway structure
Authors: Shelp Barry J. , Bozzo Gale G. , Trobacher Christopher P. , Chiu Greta , Bajwa Vikramjit S.
Published: August 2012

γ-Aminobutyrate (GABA) is a ubiquitous four-C, nonprotein, amino acid that has been linked to stress, signaling, and storage in plants. In this paper, we discuss analytical, enzyme-linked, and colorimetric methods for analyzing GABA and related metabolites, and review tracer evidence for the derivation of GABA from glutamate and its subsequent catabolism to succinic semialdehyde and either succinate or γ-hydroxybutyrate. Also, we describe biochemical, complementation, bioinformatic, recombinant, and modelling strategies for identifying genes and investigating properties of the encoded proteins responsible for transport and metabolism of GABA. For Arabidopsis, evidence supports the involvement of a plasma membrane GABA transporter, a mitochondrial GABA permease, a cytosolic Ca2+/calmodulin- and pH-regulated cytosolic glutamate decarboxylase, a pyruvate- and glyoxylate-regulated mitochondrial GABA transaminase, a redox-regulated mitochondrial succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, and redox-regulated glyoxylate/succinic semialdehyde reductases located in both cytosol and plastid, respectively. This simple biochemical model does not account for species and tissue differences in the isoform complement of GABA pathway enzymes or transcriptional control of the pathway. In a companion review, we provide a more integrated view of GABA metabolism and function.
Effects of collection time and after-ripening on chemical constituents and germinability of Scotch thistle (Onopordum acanthium) cypselas
Authors: Qaderi Mirwais M. , Cavers Paul B. , Hamill Allan S. , Bernards Mark A.
Published: August 2012

Earlier studies have shown that seed germinability decreases with the physiological age of plants during seed development, but the effects of plant physiological age on the chemical constituents of fresh and after-ripened seeds and the relationship between chemicals and germination of such seeds have not been investigated fully. We studied this phenomenon in Scotch thistle ( Onopordum acanthium L.) cypselas. Mature cypselas were collected twice (early and late) from the same mother plants, which were grown under the temperature regime of 25/10 °C (14 h light, 10 h dark) in a walk-in growth chamber in 2000 and 2001. Cypselas were used fresh and after 4 months of dry storage at room temperature (∼25 °C, ∼37% relative humidity). Germination percentage, coefficient of germination rate, moisture content, wax load, lignin content, and phenolic compounds were determined for cypselas from all treatments. Germination percentages were higher for early-matured than for late-matured cypselas, and higher for after-ripened cypselas than for fresh ones. Late-matured fresh cypselas had greater moisture content than the early-matured fresh cypselas. After-ripening decreased cypsela moisture content and wax load. Plant physiological age and after-ripening did not affect lignin content. Overall, after-ripened cypselas had more phenolic compounds than fresh cypselas. Plant physiological age and after-ripening affect the chemical constituents of O. acanthium cypselas and their germination patterns.
Alternate host ranges of Cronartium flaccidum and Cronartium ribicola in northern Europe
Authors: Kaitera Juha , Hiltunen Ritva , Samils Berit
Published: August 2012

Attached and detached leaves of 60 potential host species were inoculated in the greenhouse and laboratory with aeciospores of Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch. from six Finnish locations and of Cronartium flaccidum (Alb. & Schw.) Wint. from 20 locations in Finland and Sweden in 2011. Candidate hosts represented 16 plant families: Solanaceae, Verbenaceae, Asclepiadaceae, Grossulariaceae, Paeoniaceae, Balsaminaceae, Gentianaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Loasaceae, Tropaeolaceae, Acanthaceae, Myricaceae, Phrymaceae, Plantaginaceae, Orobanchaceae, and Apocynaceae. Inoculations of C. flaccidum produced uredinia after 2 weeks and (or) telia after 4 weeks of incubation on 25 hosts. Inoculation trials identified several new hosts for C. flaccidum in Fennoscandia, namely Impatiens balsamina, Swertia fedtschenkoana, Loasa tricolor, Myrica gale, Verbena canadensis, Saxifraga spp., Paeonia obovata, and Veronica daurica. Myricaceae and Saxifragaceae represent new host families for these rusts. Cronartium ribicola formed uredinia or telia on 10 species: Ribes spp. (7 species/cultivars), Pedicularis palustris subsp. palustris, Bartsia alpina, and Loasa triphylla. Results suggest wider alternate host ranges for both C. flaccidum and C. ribicola than previously recognized. Spores were virulent regardless of their source location, suggesting a lack of host-specificity among Fennoscandian populations of Cronartium.
Allometries of coarse tree, stem, and crown measures in Douglas-fir are altered by Armillaria root disease
Authors: Cruickshank M.G. , Filipescu C.N.
Published: August 2012

We used allometric relationships to quantify Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) stem and crown adaptation to Armillaria root disease (caused by Armillaria ostoyae (Romagn.) Herink). At four sites, we measured height, diameter, height to live crown, crown width and length, sapwood area at base of live crown, and infection duration for healthy and infected Douglas-fir trees. Diseased trees were on average smaller than healthy trees for all measured variables, but there were also proportional changes between tree parts suggesting allocation shifts to disease. Infected trees were shorter in relation to stem diameter compared with healthy trees by 4% on average. Crown diameter was positively related to stem diameter (0.24 m·cm–1) but not to disease or competition. Diseased tree crown lengths were on average 0.5 m shorter for a given crown diameter than healthy trees—akin to response to light competition except this also occurred in the upper canopy. Prolonged infection reduced crown length probably through shedding of lower branches and by reducing stem apical growth, possibly related to changed hydraulic architecture or light requirements. Crown surface area was related to stem sapwood area (0.81 m2·cm–2) but unaffected by disease or competition. We discuss how shifting allocation could reveal important implications for life strategies involving whole tree adaptations to disease and tree to tree interactions, and for wood quality and forest inventory.