bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond the domestication of nature? Restructuring the relationship between nature and technology in car commercials
Authors: Aupers Stef , Houtman Dick , Achterberg Peter , de Koster Willem , Mascini Peter , van der Waal Jeroen , Roeland Johan
Published: February 2012

It is often assessed that the construction of nature, technology and the relation between both is in the midst of a restructuring without specifying exactly what different articulations can be distinguished and how they differ from the modern notion of nature being separated from and domesticated by technology. Through an analysis of car commercials, this study develops a typology of constellations of nature and technology. Besides the well-known modern dichotomy of nature versus technology, with the latter being superior to the former, three types of articulations were found: technology as a flexible and superior technological mimicry of nature; technological mastery as harmful to nature; and nature and technology as two holistically connected realms. Implications for theories about the changing nature of nature and the restructuring of the relationship between nature and technology are discussed.
Practices, Attitudes, and Beliefs Associated With Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Use Among Cancer Patients
Authors: Arthur Kristen , Belliard Juan Carlos , Hardin Steven B. , Knecht Kathryn , Chen Chien-Shing , Montgomery Susanne
Published: February 2012

Introduction. The high prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among cancer patients (40%-83%) receiving conventional treatment and the complex relationship between the psychosocial factors that may contribute to or result from CAM use requires further understanding. The authors conducted a descriptive mixed-methods pilot study to understand CAM practices, attitudes, and beliefs among cancer patients at the Loma Linda University Medical Center. Methods. This was the qualitative phase of the study, and no hypotheses were set. A total of 23 face-to-face interviews were conducted, and thematic coding was used to analyze 22 interview transcriptions. There were 14 CAM users (64%) and 8 nonusers (36%). Findings. The themes present among those who used CAM were the following: physicians viewed as one aspect of health care options, a holistic view on well-being, satisfaction with CAM use, and 3 key coping methods (confrontive, supportive, and optimistic) to confront cancer. Themes were not independent of each other. Two themes were present among nonusers; nonusers trusted their physician and were more likely to express evasive coping methods. Discussion. Perceptions and behavioral patterns are complex predictors of CAM use. A better understanding of CAM, medical pluralism, and the perceptions of patients would help health care providers deliver a better quality of care. The promotion of integrative care may help health care providers better identify medical pluralism and would shift focus to patient-centered care.
Situating community safety: Emergent professional identities in communities of practice
Authors: Henry Alistair
Published: February 2012

Community safety has often been studied from an institutional perspective as an important adaptation to late modernity, or from a practice perspective as a set of professional activities that are of especial interest because they are developed across institutional boundaries, through partnerships. This article will introduce Wenger’s communities of practice perspective in order to demonstrate how both of these strands of research need to be understood together. Drawing upon an empirical study of the development and working of community safety partnerships in Scotland it will explore the ways in which professional identities and practices around the concept of community safety have been negotiated through practitioners’ participation in emergent communities of practice that need to be understood within the particular institutional, social and political contexts that frame them. It will be argued that to understand practice as ‘situated’ in Wenger’s terms is to acknowledge the dynamic and mutually constitutive relations that connect institutions and lived experience. Such an analysis suggests that there is much transformative potential in partnerships, and that theorizing on broad national and international trajectories of transformation needs to be tested through the study of locally negotiated practice.
Latin American Foot and Ankle Surgery Today
Authors: Abello Sergio
Published: February 2012

Latin American medical orthopedic sub specialties have evolved a lot during the past decade. Foot and ankle surgery for instance, has gained high level of proficiency and competence throughout the international scientific communities. This may be due to the availability of new technology in osteosyntheses, orthopedic devices and surgical instruments used to optimize results, regardless of the low economic resources Latin American countries possess. Also, foot and ankle surgery training is being promoted by several International Medical associations that pursuit scientific knowledge and strengthen the practice. Day to day, more Latin American universities offer Fellowships for on-going training.
Lovastatin Content of Commercially Available Red Yeast Rice Supplements
Authors: Gregory Philip J. , Pettit Rebecca , Cochrane Zara Risoldi , Wilson Amy F. , Abe Andrew M.
Published: February 2012

Red yeast rice is a commonly used supplement in North America, primarily promoted for lowering cholesterol. The fermentation process for producing red yeast rice naturally produces a small concentration of lovastatin and related compounds. The authors evaluated label information and contacted manufacturers to inquire about lovastatin content in 117 commercially available red yeast rice supplement products. Only 14% of the products evaluated included information about lovastatin content on the label. More than 80% of the products had no information on the label and the manufacturer was not able or willing to provide any information about lovastatin content. Many consumers who choose to take red yeast rice choose to do so in order to avoid conventional prescription medications such as statin drugs. Most of these consumers do not realize that red yeast rice can contain the prescription drug lovastatin. Red yeast rice manufacturers often do not disclose to consumers that these products contain lovastatin.
Stroke With Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea (SWiTCH)
Authors: Ware Russell E. , Helms Ronald W.
Published: February 2012

Stroke is a devastating complication of sickle cell anemia (SCA) with high recurrence if untreated. Chronic transfusions reduce recurrent strokes but have associated morbidities including iron overload. Stroke With Transfusions Changing to Hydroxyurea (SWiTCH) was a multicenter phase 3 randomized trial comparing standard treatment (transfusions/chelation) to alternative treatment (hydroxyurea/phlebotomy) for children with SCA, stroke, and iron overload. SWiTCH was a noninferiority trial with a composite primary end point, allowing an increased stroke risk but requiring superiority for removing iron. Subjects on standard treatment received monthly transfusions plus daily deferasirox iron chelation. Subjects on alternative treatment received hydroxyurea plus overlap transfusions during dose escalation to maximum tolerated dose (MTD), followed by monthly phlebotomy. Subjects on standard treatment (N = 66) maintained 30% sickle hemoglobin (HbS) and tolerated deferasirox at 28.2 ± 6.0 mg/kg/d. Subjects on alternative treatment (N = 67) initiated hydroxyurea and 60 (90%) reached MTD at 26.2 ± 4.9 mg/kg/d with 29.1% ± 6.7% fetal hemoglobin (HbF). Adjudication documented no strokes on transfusions/chelation but 7 (10%) on hydroxyurea/phlebotomy, still within the noninferiority stroke margin. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute closed SWiTCH after interim analysis revealed equivalent liver iron content, indicating futility for the composite primary end point. Transfusions and chelation remain a better way to manage children with SCA, stroke, and iron overload. This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00122980.
Extracellular matrix alterations in experimental Leishmania amazonensis infection in susceptible and resistant mice
Authors: Silva-Almeida Mariana , Carvalho Luiz OP , Abreu-Silva Ana L , Souza Celeste SF , Hardoim Daiana J , Calabrese Kátia S
Published: February 2012

Leishmania is inoculated, by the bite of an infected sandfly, into the skin of the host, where the promastigotes are phagocyted by dermal macrophages. The dermal region comprises cells and abundant extracellular matrix. Studies show that matrix metalloproteinases play an important role in host defense responses against pathogens in mammals and that their activities lead to the production of antimicrobial peptides. The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in the distribution of fibronectin and laminin as well as in the elastic system fibres during the course of infection caused by Leishmania amazonensis in mice with distinct genetic backgrounds of susceptibility to this parasite. The results showed that BALB/c presented an enhancement of fibronectin during the course of infection when compared to their control group while the infected or non-infected C3H.He showed a decrease of this protein at end of the experiment. Laminin, on the other hand, remained unaltered in both strains. Also in both BALB/c and C3H.He mice the elastic and elaunin fibres remained unchanged while the oxytalan fibres decreased along the experiment. Ninety days after the infection C3H.He mice had recovered their capacity to produce oxytalan fibres.
Cell-mediated and humoral immune responses in pigs following primary and challenge-exposure to Lawsonia intracellularis
Authors: Cordes Henriette , Riber Ulla , Jensen Tim K , Jungersen Gregers
Published: February 2012

To investigate immune responses upon re-infection withLawsonia intracellularis, local and peripheral humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to primary and challenge inoculations were studied in 22 pigs. Pigs were orally inoculated with virulentL. intracellularisat the age of 5-6 weeks, treated with antibiotics and challenged with a re-inoculation (RE) at the age of 12 weeks. Treatment control (TC) pigs received only the primary inoculation and challenge control (CC) pigs received only the secondary inoculation at 12 weeks of age. Following this regimen, all RE pigs were protected against the re-infection as defined by reduced colonisation and pathology of intestinal mucosa, absence of bacterial shedding and without increase in serum acute phase protein response. In the protected RE pigs, serum IgG responses were variable with both high and low responders. Serum IgA responses were not boosted by the re-inoculation, since identical intestinal IgA responses developed in response to the inoculation in both the susceptible CC pigs and the protected RE pigs. A memory recall cell-mediated immune response developed in RE pigs which was significantly stronger compared to the primary response in age-matched CC pigs as assessed by whole blood IFN-γ assay and by calculation of IFN-γ integrated median fluorescence intensity (iMFI) after flow cytometry. The major IFN-γ producing cells were identified as CD8+and CD4+CD8+double positive lymphocytes. The results indicate that cell-mediated immune responses are likely mediators of protective immunity againstL. intracellularis, with CD8+effector cells and CD4+CD8+double positive memory T cells as main contributors to the antigen-specific IFN-γ production.
A naturally occurring carotenoid, lutein, reduces PDGF and H2O2 signaling and compromises migration in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Lo Huey-Ming , Tsai Yih-Jeng , Du Wen-Yuan , Tsou Chih-Jen , Wu Wen-Bin
Published: February 2012

Background

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a potent stimulator of growth and motility of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Abnormalities of PDGF/PDGF receptor (PDGFR) are thought to contribute to vascular diseases and malignancy. We previously showed that a carotenoid, lycopene, can directly bind to PDGF and affect its related functions in VSMCs. In this study we examined the effect of the other naturally occurring carotenoid, lutein, on PDGF signaling and migration in VSMCs.

Methods

Western blotting was performed to examine PDGF and H2O2 signaling. Flowcytometry was used to determine PDGF binding to VSMCs. Fluorescence microscopy was performed to examine intracellular ROS production. Modified Boyden chamber system (Transwell apparatus) was used for migration assay.

Results

Lutein reduced PDGF signaling, including phosphorylation of PDGFR-β and its downstream protein kinases/enzymes such as phospholipase C-γ, Akt, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Although lutein possesses a similar structure to lycopene, it was striking that lutein inhibited PDGF signaling through a different way from lycopene in VSMCs. Unlike lycopene, lutein not only interacted with (bound to) PDGF but also interfered with cellular components. This was evidenced that preincubation of PDGF with lutein and treatment of VSMCs with lutein followed by removing of lutein compromised PDGF-induced signaling. Lutein reduced PDGF-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and attenuated ROS- (H2O2-) induced ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activation. A further analysis indicated lutein could inhibit a higher concentration of H2O2-induced PDGFR signaling, which is known to act through an oxidative inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase. Finally, we showed that lutein functionally inhibited PDGF-induced VSMC migration, whereas its stereo-isomer zeaxanthin did not, revealing a special action of lutein on VSMCs.

Conclusions

Our study reveals a differential action mechanism of lutein from other reported caroteinoids and suggests a possible beneficial effect of lutein but not zeaxanthin on prevention of vascular diseases.
Lipid raft/caveolae signaling is required for Cryptococcus neoformans invasion into human brain microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Long Min , Huang Sheng-He , Wu Chun-Hua , Shackleford Gregory M , Jong Ambrose
Published: February 2012

Background

Cryptococcus neoformans has a predilection for central nervous system infection. C. neoformans traversal of the blood brain barrier, composed of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC), is the crucial step in brain infection. However, the molecular mechanism of the interaction between Cryptococcus neoformans and HBMEC, relevant to its brain invasion, is still largely unknown.

Methods

In this report, we explored several cellular and molecular events involving the membrane lipid rafts and caveolin-1 (Cav1) of HBMEC during C. neoformans infection. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to examine the roles of Cav1. The knockdown of Cav1 by the siRNA treatment was performed. Phosphorylation of Cav1 relevant to its invasion functions was investigated.

Results

We found that the host receptor CD44 colocalized with Cav1 on the plasma membrane, and knockdown of Cav1 significantly reduced the fungal ability to invade HBMEC. Although the CD44 molecules were still present, HBMEC membrane organization was distorted by Cav1 knockdown. Concomitantly, knockdown of Cav1 significantly reduced the fungal crossing of the HBMEC monolayer in vitro. Upon C. neoformans engagement, host Cav1 was phosphorylated in a CD44-dependent manner. This phosphorylation was diminished by filipin, a disrupter of lipid raft structure. Furthermore, the phosphorylated Cav1 at the lipid raft migrated inward to the perinuclear localization. Interestingly, the phospho-Cav1 formed a thread-like structure and colocalized with actin filaments but not with the microtubule network.

Conclusion

These data support that C. neoformans internalization into HBMEC is a lipid raft/caveolae-dependent endocytic process where the actin cytoskeleton is involved, and the Cav1 plays an essential role in C. neoformans traversal of the blood-brain barrier.
Does place of residence affect risk of suicide? a spatial epidemiologic investigation in Kentucky from 1999 to 2008
Authors: Saman Daniel M , Walsh Sabrina , Borówko Anna , Odoi Agricola
Published: February 2012

Background

Approximately 32,000 people take their own lives every year in the United States. In Kentucky, suicide mortality rates have been steadily increasing since 1999. Few studies in the United States have assessed spatial clustering of suicides. The purpose of this study was to identify high-risk clusters of suicide at the county level in Kentucky and assess the characteristics of those suicide cases within the clusters.

Methods

A spatial epidemiological study was undertaken using suicide data for the period January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2008, obtained from the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. Descriptive analyses using Pearson's chi-square test and t-test were performed to determine whether differences existed in age, marital status, year, season, and suicide method between males and females, and between cases inside and outside high-risk spatial clusters. Annual age-adjusted cumulative incidence rates were also calculated. Suicide incidence rates were spatially smoothed using the Spatial Empirical Bayesian technique. Kulldorff's spatial scan statistic was applied on all suicide cases at the county level to identify counties with the highest risks of suicide. Temporal cluster analysis was also performed.

Results

There were a total of 5,551 suicide cases in Kentucky from 1999 to 2008, of which 5,237 (94%) were included in our analyses. The majority of suicide cases were males (82%). The average age of suicide victims was 45.4 years. Two statistically significant (p < 0.05) high-risk spatial clusters, involving 15 counties, were detected. The county level cumulative incidence rate in the most likely high-risk cluster ranged from 12.4 to 21.6 suicides per 100,000 persons. The counties inside both high-risk clusters had relative risks ranging from 1.24 to 1.38.

Conclusions

Statistically significant high-risk spatial clusters of suicide were detected at the county level. This study may be useful for guiding future research and intervention efforts. Future studies will need to focus on these high-risk clusters to investigate reasons for these occurrences.
Mechanical pain sensitivity of deep tissues in children - possible development of myofascial trigger points in children
Authors: Han Ting-I , Hong Chang-Zern , Kuo Fang-Chuan , Hsieh Yueh-Ling , Chou Li-Wei , Kao Mu-Jung
Published: February 2012

Background

It is still unclear when latent myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) develop during early life. This study is designed to investigate the mechanical pain sensitivity of deep tissues in children in order to see the possible timing of the development of latent MTrPs and attachment trigger points (A-TrPs) in school children.

Methods

Five hundreds and five healthy school children (age 4- 11 years) were investigated. A pressure algometer was used to measure the pressure pain threshold (PPT) at three different sites in the brachioradialis muscle: the lateral epicondyle at elbow (site A, assumed to be the A-TrP site), the mid-point of the muscle belly (site B, assumed to be the MTrP site), and the muscle-tendon junction as a control site (site C).

Results

The results showed that, for all children in this study, the mean PPT values was significantly lower (p < 0.05) at the assumed A-TrP site (site A) than at the other two sites, and was significantly lower (p < 0.05) at the assumed MTrP site (site B) than at the control site (site C). These findings are consistent if the data is analyzed for different genders, different dominant sides, and different activity levels.

Conclusions

It is concluded that a child had increased sensitivity at the tendon attachment site and the muscle belly (endplate zone) after age of 4 years. Therefore, it is likely that a child may develop an A-Trp and a latent MTrP at the brachioradialis muscle after the age of 4 years. The changes in sensitivity, or the development for these trigger points, may not be related to the activity level of children aged 7-11 years. Further investigation is still required to indentify the exact timing of the initial occurrence of a-Trps and latent MTrPs.
Stimulation of Peripheral Kappa Opioid Receptors Inhibits Inflammatory Hyperalgesia via Activation of the PI3Kγ/AKT/nNOS/NO Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cunha Thiago M , Souza Guilherme R , Domingues Andressa C , Carreira Eleonora U , Lotufo Celina M , Funez Mani I , Verri Waldiceu A , Cunha Fernando Q , Ferreira Sergio H
Published: February 2012

Background:

In addition to their central effects, opioids cause peripheral analgesia. There is evidence showing that peripheral activation of kappa opioid receptors (KORs) inhibits inflammatory pain. Moreover, peripheral μ-opioid receptor (MOR) activation are able to direct block PGE2-induced ongoing hyperalgesia However, this effect was not tested for KOR selective activation. In the present study, the effect of the peripheral activation of KORs on PGE2-induced ongoing hyperalgesia was investigated. The mechanisms involved were also evaluated.

Results:

Local (paw) administration of U50488 (a selective KOR agonist) directly blocked, PGE2-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in both rats and mice. This effect was reversed by treating animals with L-NMMA or N-propyl-L-arginine (a selective inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, nNOS), suggesting involvement of the nNOS/NO pathway. U50488 peripheral effect was also dependent on stimulation of PI3Kγ/AKT because inhibitors of these kinases also reduced peripheral antinociception induced by U50488. Furthermore, U50488 lost its peripheral analgesic effect in PI3Kγ null mice. Observations made in vivo were confirmed after incubation of dorsal root ganglion cultured neurons with U50488 produced an increase in the activation of AKT as evaluated by western blot analyses of its phosphorylated form. Finally, immunofluorescence of DRG neurons revealed that KOR-expressing neurons also express PI3Kγ (≌ 43%).

Conclusions:

The present study indicates that activation of peripheral KORs directly blocks inflammatory hyperalgesia through stimulation of the nNOS/NO signaling pathway which is probably stimulated by PI3Kγ/AKT signaling. This study extends a previously study of our group suggesting that PI3Kγ/AKT/nNOS/NO is an important analgesic pathway in primary nociceptive neurons.
Anatomical relations of the superficial sensory branches of the radial nerve: a cadaveric study with clinical implications
Authors: Samarakoon Lasitha B , Lakmal Kasun C , Thillainathan Sharmila , Bataduwaarachchi Vipula R , Anthony Dimonge J , Jayasekara Rohan W
Published: February 2012

Background

Anatomically, it is difficult to give a systematic description of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN). Our aim was to describe the exact relationship of the SBRN to fixed bony points of radial styloid and Lister's tubercle, and to the cephalic vein. We also compared our data with other international studies.

Methods

The study was a descriptive anatomical study. Twenty-five forearms were dissected. Measurements were made from predefined fixed reference points.

Results

The mean distance to the point of emergence of the nerve from the radial styloid was 8.54 cm (SD = 1.32). The nerve branched at a mean distance of 5.57 cm (SD = 1.43) from the radial styloid. The mean distance to the point where the most medial and most lateral branches of the nerve crossing the wrist joint, measured from the Lister's tubercle were 2.51 cm (SD = 0.53) and 3.90 cm (SD = 0.64). In 17 specimens(68%) cephalic vein crossed the SBRN superficially once. Mean distance from the radial styloid to the most distal point where the vein crossed the nerve was 5.10 cm. Diffefrence between mean distance to the point of emergence and branching point, when compared with other international studies were not statistically significant. (P value > 0.05)

Conclusions

We recommend avoiding transverse incisions in the snuffbox region between 2.51 cm and 3.90 cm from the Listers tubercle. We also recommend avoiding cannulation of the cephalic vein in the distal forearm.
Studies of the transmissibility of the agent of bovine spongiform encephalopathy to the domestic chicken
Authors: Moore Jo , Hawkins Stephen AC , Austin Anthony R , Konold Timm , Green Robert B , Blamire Ian W , Dexter Ian , Stack Michael J , Chaplin Melanie J , Langeveld Jan PM , Simmons Marion M , Spencer Yvonne I , Webb Paul R , Dawson Michael , Wells Gerald AH
Published: February 2012

Background

Transmission of the prion disease bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) occurred accidentally to cattle and several other mammalian species via feed supplemented with meat and bone meal contaminated with infected bovine tissue. Prior to United Kingdom controls in 1996 on the feeding of mammalian meat and bone meal to farmed animals, the domestic chicken was potentially exposed to feed contaminated with the causal agent of BSE. Although confirmed prion diseases are unrecorded in avian species a study was undertaken to transmit BSE to the domestic chicken by parenteral and oral inoculations. Transmissibility was assessed by clinical monitoring, histopathological examinations, detection of a putative disease form of an avian prion protein (PrP) in recipient tissues and by mouse bioassay of tissues. Occurrence of a progressive neurological syndrome in the primary transmission study was investigated by sub-passage experiments.

Results

No clinical, pathological or bioassay evidence of transmission of BSE to the chicken was obtained in the primary or sub-passage experiments. Survival data showed no significant differences between control and treatment groups. Neurological signs observed, not previously described in the domestic chicken, were not associated with significant pathology. The diagnostic techniques applied failed to detect a disease associated form of PrP.

Conclusion

Important from a risk assessment perspective, the present study has established that the domestic chicken does not develop a prion disease after large parenteral exposures to the BSE agent or after oral exposures equivalent to previous exposures via commercial diets. Future investigations into the potential susceptibility of avian species to mammalian prion diseases require species-specific immunochemical techniques and more refined experimental models.
Feasibility, reliability, and clinical validity of the Test of Attentional Performance for Children (KiTAP) in Fragile X syndrome (FXS)
Authors: Knox Andrew , Schneider Andrea , Abucayan Floridette , Hervey Crystal , Tran Christina , Hessl David , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth
Published: February 2012

Background

Attention and inhibition are core executive-function deficits in FRagile X syndrome (FXS). This pilot study evaluated the feasibility, reproducibility, and clinical relevance of the KiTAP, a computer-based pictorial measure of attention and inhibition with an enchanted-castle theme, in an FXS cohort.

Methods

The 8-subtest KiTAP battery (as many subtests as each could perform) was given to 36 subjects with FXS, of variable age and cognitive/behavioral functioning, and 29 were retested, with an interval of 2 to 4 weeks between sessions. Subjects were rated by parents on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community Edition (ABC-C) and Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2). Feasibility, ceiling and basal effects, and data range and distribution analyses were used to eliminate outliers and invalid data points. Reproducibility of scores was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and validity/clinical relevance was assessed by correlating KiTAP scores with ABC-C and BASC-2 scores.

Results

Most of the participants with FXS were able to complete the Alertness, Distractibility, Flexibility, and Go/NoGo subtests.About 50 to 60% completed the Visual Scanning and Vigilance subtests, and 20 to 25% completed the Sustained Attention and Divided Attention subtests. A panel of seven scores from four subtests were identified as feasible for most subjects, lacked excessive ceiling, basal, or learning effects, exhibited an acceptable range and distribution of scores, had good reproducibility (ICC > 0.7), and correlated with behavioral ratings for hyperactivity or attention (P< 0.01). Only minor differences in performance on the KiTAP were seen between mental age-matched cohorts of subjects with FXS and non-FXS intellectual disability.

Conclusions

The KiTAP can be administered to cohorts with FXS over a wide range of function with valid reproducible scores. With additional validation, it could represent a useful outcome measure for assessment of attention/executive-function abilities in clinical trials targeted to these core deficits in FXS.
Patient safety in pre-hospital emergency tracheal intubation: a comprehensive meta-analysis of the intubation success rates of EMS providers
Authors: Lossius Hans Morten , Røislien Jo , Lockey David J
Published: February 2012

Introduction

Pre-hospital airway management is a controversial subject, but there is general agreement that a small number of seriously ill or injured patients require urgent emergency tracheal intubation (ETI) and ventilation. Many European emergency medical services (EMS) systems provide physicians to care for these patients while other systems rely on paramedics (or, rarely, nurses). The ETI success rate is an important measure of provider and EMS system success and a marker of patient safety.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of Medline and EMBASE to identify all of the published original English-language articles reporting pre-hospital ETI in adult patients. We selected all of the studies that reported ETI success rates and extracted information on the number of attempted and successful ETIs, type of provider, level of ETI training and the availability of drugs on scene. We calculated the overall success rate using meta-analysis and assessed the relationships between the ETI success rate and type of provider and between the ETI success rate and the types of drugs available on the scene.

Results

From 1,070 studies initially retrieved, we identified 58 original studies meeting the selection criteria. Sixty-four per cent of the non-physician-manned services and 54% of the physician-manned services reported ETI success rates but the success rate reporting was incomplete in three studies from non-physician-manned services. Median success rate was 0.905 (0.491, 1.000). In a weighted linear regression analysis, physicians as providers were significantly associated with increased success rates, 0.092 (P = 0.0345). In the non-physician group, the use of drug-assisted intubation significantly increased the success rates. All physicians had access to traditional rapid sequence induction (RSI) and, comparing these to non-physicians using muscle paralytics or a traditional RSI, there still was a significant difference in success rate in favour of physicians, 0.991 and 0.955, respectively (P = 0.047).

Conclusions

This comprehensive meta-analysis suggests that physicians have significantly fewer pre-hospital ETI failures overall than non-physicians. This finding, which remains true when the non-physicians administer muscle paralytics or RSI, raises significant patient safety issues. In the absence of pre-hospital physicians, conducting basic or advanced airway techniques other than ETI should be strongly considered.
Introduction to this special section: Carbonate research in China
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Enru
Published: February 2012

Carbonate reservoirs in western China have tremendous potential and are the key area for oil and gas exploration in that country. Compared to conventional carbonate reservoirs, discovering and characterizing this kind of reservoir is much more difficult and presents significant challenges. Solutions to the major geophysical problems began with a detailed analysis of exploration issues for such complex carbonate reservoirs and, subsequently, a set of techniques for complex carbonate reservoir prediction was established. These include highly accurate seismic acquisition, prestack amplitude-preserved processing including prestack depth migration, new rock physics models, prestack elastic inversion, seismic multiattribute optimization and integrated prediction, fracture detection using prestack data with limited azimuthal distribution, and fluid identification based on prestack inversion. Additionally, to solve some special problems, diffraction wavefield separation and imaging algorithms were developed for better imaging of caves. Q-migration and nonstationary deconvolution algorithms were also developed for resolution enhancement. Application of these techniques to field data has proven effective, and drilling results show good agreement with our research. Nevertheless, the field is still in its infancy.
Receiver-coupling effects in seismic waveform inversions
Authors: Maurer Hansruedi , Greenhalgh Stewart A. , Manukyan Edgar , Marelli Stefano , Green Alan G.
Published: February 2012

Seismic waveform-inversion offers opportunities for detailed characterization of the subsurface. However, its full potential can only be exploited when any systematic source and receiver effects are either carefully avoided or appropriately accounted for during the inversions. Repeated crosshole measurements in the Mont Terri (Switzerland) underground laboratory have revealed that receiver coupling may significantly affect the seismic waveforms. More seriously, coupling conditions may vary during the course of a monitoring experiment. To address this problem, we have developed a novel scheme that estimates medium properties, frequency-dependent source functions, and frequency-dependent receiver-coupling factors. We demonstrate the efficacy of the new scheme via a synthetic 2D crosshole experiment in which realistic receiver-coupling factors are incorporated. Because determination of medium parameters and estimation of source functions and receiver-coupling factors are largely separated, the method can be easily adapted to any other waveform-inversion problem, including elastic, anisotropic, 2.5D, or 3D situations.
Robust prestack Q-determination using surface seismic data: Part 1 — Method and synthetic examples
Authors: Reine Carl , Clark Roger , van der Baan Mirko
Published: February 2012

The accurate determination of seismic attenuation, or [Formula: see text], is useful for signal enhancement and reservoir characterization. To arrive at the necessary accuracy however, a number of issues must be addressed in the measurement technique. Specifically, spectral interference from closely spaced reflections is a major concern, in addition to the assumptions and errors associated with the raypath geometries of the reference and measured reflections. We have developed a robust method for measuring attenuation from prestack surface seismic gathers that helps minimize these issues. In our prestack [Formula: see text]-inversion technique; the presence of spectral interference was first reduced by making use of a variable-window time-frequency transform. To minimize the effects of the remaining interference, we then made use of an inversion scheme operating simultaneously in the frequency and traveltime-difference coordinates. A by-product of this inversion was a collection of the frequency-independent amplitude changes, which in the absence of geometric spreading, contains valuable amplitude variation with angle information, free from attenuation amplitude losses. Furthermore, under the assumption of locally 1D velocity and attenuation distributions, we made use of the [Formula: see text] transform to operate on traces of constant horizontal slowness. This allowed angle-dependent effects in the overburden such as attenuation anisotropy and source or receiver directivity to be eliminated. In the second part of our study, published separately, this technique was also demonstrated upon a shallow 3D seismic survey, and the measurements compared to another Q-estimation technique, as well as measurements from a vertical seismic profile.
Seismically regularized controlled-source electromagnetic inversion
Authors: Brown Vanessa , Key Kerry , Singh Satish
Published: February 2012

Marine controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) data can be highly sensitive to the presence of resistive hydrocarbon bearing layers in the subsurface. Yet, due to the relatively poor depth resolution of CSEM data and the smoothness constraints imposed by electromagnetic (EM) inversion methods, the resulting resistivity models are often highly smoothed-out, typically underestimating the reservoir resistivity and overestimating its thickness. Conversely, seismic full-waveform inversion (FWI) can accurately recover the depths of seismic velocity changes, yet, is relatively insensitive the presence of hydrocarbons. In spite of their low depth resolution, CSEM data have been shown to be highly sensitive to the resistivity-thickness product of buried resistive layers, suggesting that if the thickness of a target layer can be constrained a priori, very accurate resistivity estimates may be obtained. We developed a method for leveraging the high depth resolution of FWI into a standard CSEM inversion algorithm so that the resulting resistivity models have depth constraints imposed by the seismic structure and consequently may obtain more accurate resistivity estimates. The seismically regularized CSEM inversion that we propose is conceptually similar to minimum-gradient support (MGS) regularization, but it uses regularization weights based on gradients in the seismic velocity model rather than the self-reinforcing model resistivity gradients used in the typical MGS scheme. A suite of synthetic model tests showed how this approach compares with standard smooth and MGS inversions for a range of rock types and hence, levels of correlation between the seismic and resistivity structures, showing that a significantly improved resistivity model can be obtained when the velocity and resistivity profiles are correlated in depth. We also found that this regularization weighting method can be extended to use depth constraints from geophysical data other than seismic velocity models. Tests on a real data example from the Pluto gas field demonstrated how the regularization weights can also be set using a nearby well log, resulting in a more compact estimate of the reservoir resistivity than possible with a standard smooth inversion.
Seismic Damage to Bridges during the 27 February 2010 Magnitude 8.8 Chile Earthquake
Authors: Schanack Frank , Valdebenito Galo , Alvial Jorge
Published: February 2012

The 27 February 2010 Chile earthquake is currently the fifth-strongest earthquake measured in the world. Despite this fact, the damage to the road infrastructure can be classified as moderate. Of the 6,000 state bridges in the affected region, only about 30 bridges had to be closed to traffic. This paper includes the most pertinent results of a field investigation of the seismic damage to 100 bridges. The majority of the bridges exhibited only minor damage such as concrete spalling, expansion joint damage, and settlement of the embankment. However, severe damage was reported in 19 bridges, including web rupture due to a missing end diaphragm, a span collapse due to insufficient anchorage and missing stoppers, a span collapse due to a small seat length, and cracking at the welding notch in the steel girders. The most important lessons learned are described and recommendations for future bridge designs are given.
Experimental and Analytical Studies of Hospital Piping Assemblies Subjected to Seismic Loading
Authors: Zaghi Arash E. , Maragakis E. Manos , Itani Ahmad , Goodwin Elliott
Published: February 2012

The seismic characteristics of welded and threaded hospital piping assemblies were investigated with and without seismic restrainers under various intensities of seismic loading using a biaxial shake table. Experimental results showed that the restrainers limited the displacements; however, they did not reduce the acceleration responses. No leakage was detected in the welded assembly up to a drift ratio of 4.3%; however, threaded piping suffered minor leaks at a drift ratio of 2.2% and experienced connection failure at a drift ratio of 4.3%. A simplified computational model was developed and calibrated with experimental data using SAP2000. The effective stiffness of the seismic restrainers was determined to be 10% of full stiffness due to their initial slack. The analyses showed that the dynamic response of the piping system as braced in these experiments with similar boundary conditions was predominantly kinematic with minimal inertial effects.
Numerical Evaluation of Nonlinear Response of Broad Cylindrical Steel Tanks under Multidimensional Earthquake Motion
Authors: Ozdemir Zuhal , Souli Mhamed , Yasin M. Fahjan
Published: February 2012

In this paper, a fluid-structure interaction (FSI) algorithm of the finite element method (FEM), which can take into account the effects of geometric and material nonlinearities of the tank, buckling of the tank shell, and nonlinear sloshing behavior of the contained liquid, is utilized to evaluate the actual behavior of broad cylindrical steel tanks when subjected to strong earthquake motions. In order to clarify a key question—whether anchoring would prevent earthquake damage to tanks—numerical analyses are carried out on the same tank model having two different support conditions: anchored and unanchored. In addition to two horizontal components of ground motion, the vertical component is also taken into account in order to determine the relative importance of vertical ground motion in the behavior of tanks. The consistency of provisions presented in current design codes and numerical analysis results is evaluated.
Performance of the San Salvatore Regional Hospital in the 2009 L'Aquila Earthquake
Authors: Price H. John , De Sortis Adriano , Schotanus Marko
Published: February 2012

The San Salvatore Hospital in Coppito was closed shortly after the 6 April 2009 L'Aquila earthquake, even though the buildings on its campus experienced only limited and localized structural damage. The decision to close part or all of an essential facility such as a hospital can be easily made in the heat of the moment after a disaster, but reopening even portions of such a facility is far more complex and raises a large number of operational issues. A documented pre-established program for post-event safety inspections, as well as training in its implementation for both on-site and backup personnel, is vital to the continued operation of any essential facility. While continued operation after an event may be the targeted goal, it may not actually be fully achieved, in particular for older facilities, and some disruption is to be expected. Management of realistic expectations is a vital part of the program for post-event safety inspections.
Shake Table Tests on One-Quarter Scale Models of Masonry Houses Retrofitted with PP-Band Mesh
Authors: Sathiparan Navaratnarajah , Mayorca Paola , Meguro Kimiro
Published: February 2012

This paper introduces a technically feasible and economically affordable retrofitting option for seismically vulnerable masonry structures in developing countries using polypropylene bands (PP-bands). The results of the basic material tests and shake table tests on building models show that the PP-band retrofitting technique can enhance the safety of both existing and new masonry buildings, even during severe ground motions, for instance an earthquake with a Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) seismic intensity of 7. Therefore, the proposed method is an optimum solution for promoting safer building construction in developing countries and can contribute to earthquake disaster mitigation in the future.
Targeted Pituitary Overexpression of Pituitary Adenylate-Cyclase Activating Polypeptide Alters Postnatal Sexual Maturation in Male Mice
Authors: Moore Joseph P. , Yang Rong Q. , Winters Stephen J.
Published: February 2012

The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is present in high concentrations within the hypothalamus, suggesting that it may be a hypophysiotropic factor, whereas pituitary expression suggests a paracrine function. PACAP stimulates gonadotropin secretion and enhances GnRH responsiveness. PACAP increases gonadotropin α-subunit (αGSU), lengthens LHβ, but reduces FSHβ mRNA levels in adult pituitary cell cultures in part by increasing follistatin. PACAP stimulates LH secretion in rats; however, acceptance of PACAP as a regulator of reproduction has been limited by a paucity of in vivo studies. We created a transgenic mouse model of pituitary PACAP overexpression using the αGSU subunit promoter. Real-time PCR was used to evaluate PACAP, follistatin, GnRH receptor, and the gonadotropin subunit mRNA in male transgenic and wild-type mice of various ages. Transgenic mice had greater than 1000-fold higher levels of pituitary PACAP mRNA; and immunocytochemistry, Western blot, and ELISA analyses confirmed high peptide levels. FSH, LH, and testosterone levels were significantly suppressed, and the timing of puberty was substantially delayed in PACAP transgenic mice in which gonadotropin subunit and GnRH receptor mRNA levels were reduced and pituitary follistatin expression was increased. Microarray analyses revealed 1229 of 45102 probes were significantly (P < 0.01) different in pituitaries from PACAP transgenic mice, of which 83 genes were at least 2-fold different. Genes involved in small molecule biochemistry, cancer, and reproductive system diseases were the top associated networks. The GnRH signaling pathway was the top canonical pathway affected by pituitary PACAP excess. These experiments provide the first evidence that PACAP affects gonadotropin expression and sexual maturation in vivo.
Minireview: The Role of the Autonomic Nervous System in Mediating the Glucagon Response to Hypoglycemia
Authors: Taborsky Gerald J. , Mundinger Thomas O.
Published: February 2012

In type 1 diabetes, the impairment of the glucagon response to hypoglycemia increases both its severity and duration. In nondiabetic individuals, hypoglycemia activates the autonomic nervous system, which in turn mediates the majority of the glucagon response to moderate and marked hypoglycemia. The first goal of this minireview is therefore to illustrate and document these autonomic mechanisms. Specifically we describe the hypoglycemic thresholds for activating the three autonomic inputs to the islet (parasympathetic nerves, sympathetic nerves, and adrenal medullary epinephrine) and their magnitudes of activation as glucose falls from euglycemia to near fatal levels. The implication is that their relative contributions to this glucagon response depend on the severity of hypoglycemia. The second goal of this minireview is to discuss known and suspected down-regulation or damage to these mechanisms in diabetes. We address defects in the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous system, and in the islet itself. They are categorized as either functional defects caused by glucose dysregulation or structural defects caused by the autoimmune attack of the islet. In the last section of the minireview, we outline approaches for reversing these defects. Such reversal has both scientific and clinical benefit. Scientifically, one could determine the contribution of these defects to the impairment of glucagon response seen early in type 1 diabetes. Clinically, restoring this glucagon response would allow more aggressive treatment of the chronic hyperglycemia that is linked to the debilitating long-term complications of this disease.