bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La gestion du risque en douane : premières leçons tirées de l'expérience de quelques pays d'Afrique de l'Ouest
Authors: Geourjon Anne-Marie , Laporte Bertrand
Published: December 2012

Résumé En raison de l’accroissement des flux commerciaux et donc de leur charge de travail, les administrations douanières les plus modernes développent depuis plusieurs années des approches structurées pour analyser le risque, seul moyen efficace pour limiter les contrôles intrusifs, répondre aux besoins des opérateurs privés et sécuriser leurs opérations. Peu de pays en développement se sont engagés dans cette voie en raison de réticences fortes, tant au niveau des agents de contrôle qui ne souhaitent pas forcément changer leur façon de travailler, que des autorités qui craignent des pertes de recettes fiscales. L’article présente l’expérience de cinq pays d’Afrique de l’Ouest qui, dans le cadre de la modernisation de leur administration douanière, développent des systèmes d’analyse et de gestion du risque qui reposent notamment sur une exploitation exhaustive et systématique de l’information statistique disponible. Les premières leçons tirées de ces expériences sont encourageantes et d’autres pays devraient logiquement suivre. Actuellement réservées aux administrations douanières, ces méthodes pourraient aussi être développées au sein des administrations des impôts. Classification JEL : H26, H39, O24
A Pathogenic Role for CD4+ T Cells during Chikungunya Virus Infection in Mice
Authors: Teo Teck-Hui , Lum Fok-Moon , Claser Carla , Lulla Valeria , Lulla Aleksei , Merits Andres , Rénia Laurent , Ng Lisa F. P.
Published: December 2012

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an alphavirus that causes chronic and incapacitating arthralgia in humans. Injury to the joint is believed to occur because of viral and host immune-mediated effects. However, the exact involvement of the different immune mediators in CHIKV-induced pathogenesis is unknown. In this study, we assessed the roles of T cells in primary CHIKV infection, virus replication and dissemination, and virus persistence, as well as in the mediation of disease severity in adult RAG2−/−, CD4−/−, CD8−/−, and wild-type CHIKV C57BL/6J mice and in wild-type mice depleted of CD4+ or CD8+ T cells after Ab treatment. CHIKV-specific T cells in the spleen and footpad were investigated using IFN-γ ELISPOT. Interestingly, our results indicated that CHIKV-specific CD4+, but not CD8+, T cells are essential for the development of joint swelling without any effect on virus replication and dissemination. Infection in IFN-γ−/− mice demonstrated that pathogenic CD4+ T cells do not mediate inflammation via an IFN-γ–mediated pathway. Taken together, these observations strongly indicate that mechanisms of joint pathology induced by CHIKV in mice resemble those in humans and differ from infections caused by other arthritogenic viruses, such as Ross River virus.
The folly of vulnerability beyond epistemic injustice and the power of knowledge: A vulnerable praxis of thinking (practical theological ethos) in global conversation
Authors: Meylahn Johann-Albrecht
Published: December 2012

The diverse and divided South African context of post 1994 is the context in which the texts of reality are read (knowledge is created and reality is interpreted). This particular diverse and pluralistic reading with and within the context is sensitive to the voice of the other and thus provides an inbuilt deconstruction thereby offering a vulnerable practical theological openness to the global conversation beyond certainties. This holy folly of vulnerability was explored with regards to South Africa’s practical theological contribution to the global conversation.
Computed Tomography Mimics of Acute Appendicitis: Predictors of Appendiceal Disease Confirmed at Pathology
Authors: Duda Jeremy B. , Lynch Miranda L. , Bhatt Shweta , Dogra Vikram S.
Published: December 2012

Purpose:

Imaging and pathology findings are used to analyze the capability of computed tomography (CT) to distinguish between acute appendicitis and radiological mimickers.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective review of 5861 patients undergoing abdominopelvic CT from 2000 to 2008 for suspicion of acute appendicitis was performed. Appendix diameter, surrounding inflammation, appendicolith, and location were assessed. Only those cases were included where patients underwent surgery for acute appendicitis on CT findings. Pathology specimens were examined and those indicative of acute appendicitis were identified. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate pathology and CT signs.

Results:

A total of 969 of the 5681 patients were included in the study. Acute appendicitis was verified in 870/969 (89%) cases, while 99/969 (11%) demonstrated either chronic findings (i.e., fibrosis [32%], granulomatous disease [16%], lymphoid hyperplasia [11%]) or no abnormality. In regression models, appendiceal diameter >7 mm (odds ratio [OR] = 3.98,P< 0.0001) and mesenteric fat stranding (OR = 6.04,P< 0.0001) were associated with acute appendicitis. Nearly 87% (754/870) of acute appendicitis cases showed both signs on CT, compared with 53% (52/99) of those with other pathologic finding (P< 0.0001). In cases with non-appendicitis findings, 39% (39/99) had only one of these signs compared with 13% (112/870) of those with acute appendicitis (P< 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Diseases of the appendix other than acute appendicitis may manifest with isolated radiological findings and should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis in cases of borderline acute appendicitis.
Role of Endovascular Treatment in Pediatric Cerebral Aneurysms: A Series of Two Case Reports
Authors: Alurkar Anand , Karanamm Lakshmi Sudha Prasanna , Oak Sagar
Published: December 2012

Aneurysms in the pediatric age group are rare and have preponderance for the posterior circulation. These aneurysms are more commonly large, giant, and complex. We present two case reports of saccular aneurysms in pediatric patients who were treated successfully by endovascular technique.
Bohler's and Gissane Angles in the Indian Population
Authors: Sengodan Vetrivel C. , Amruth K. H. , Karthikeyan
Published: December 2012

Objective:

The aim of our study is to determine the normal ranges of the calcaneal parameters in the Indian population, and to compare the results with the data in the literature.

Materials and Methods:

The study was conducted at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, Coimbatore on the feet (324 in number) of male and female Indian adults. Lateral view of the ankle was taken using a digital X-ray machine. Two parameters namely Bohler`s and Gissane angles were measured, independently by two radiologists to prevent inter-observer variation.

Results:

The Bohler`s and Gissane angles for the Indian population are statistically different from those seen in the published data for other population groups, as evidenced by the P value (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Calcaneal parameters specific to the Indian population have to be taken into consideration by the orthopedic surgeon to improve the standard of calcaneal fracture treatment in India.
An Epizootic of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, Maine, USA in 2009: Outbreak Description and Entomological Studies
Authors: Lubelczyk Charles , Mutebi John-Paul , Robinson Sara , Elias Susan P. , Smith Leticia B. , Juris Sherrie A. , Foss Kimberly , Lichtenwalner Anne , Shively Kirk J. , Hoenig Donald E. , Webber Lori , Sears Stephen , Smith Robert P.
Published: December 2012

From July to September, 2009, an outbreak of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEv) occurred in five counties in Maine. The virus was isolated from 15 horses, 1 llama, and pheasants in three separate captive flocks. One wild turkey, screened before translocation, also showed exposure to the virus in January 2010. Two pools of Culiseta melanura (Coquillett) tested positive for EEEv during routine seasonal surveillance in York County in September, but none of the mosquitoes collected during rapid response surveys tested positive. There were more Cs. melanura in July, August, and September 2009 than in preceding (2006–08) and subsequent (2010–11) years. August and September Cs. melanura abundances were correlated with July rainfall, and abundance of all species combined was correlated with total rainfall for the meteorological summer. This outbreak represents a substantial expansion of the range of EEEv activity in northern New England.
Plasmodium falciparum Na+/H+ Exchanger (pfnhe-1) Genetic Polymorphism in Indian Ocean Malaria-Endemic Areas
Authors: Andriantsoanirina Valérie , Khim Nimol , Ratsimbasoa Arsene , Witkowski Benoit , Benedet Christophe , Canier Lydie , Bouchier Christiane , Tichit Magali , Durand Rémy , Ménard Didier
Published: December 2012

To date, 11 studies conducted in different countries to test the association between Plasmodium falciparum Na+/H+ exchanger gene (pfnhe-1; PF13_0019) polymorphisms and in vitro susceptibility to quinine have generated conflicting data. In this context and to extend our knowledge of the genetic polymorphism of Pfnhe gene, we have sequenced the ms4760 locus from 595 isolates collected in the Comoros (N = 250; an area with a high prevalence of chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance) and Madagascar (N = 345; a low drug-resistance area). Among them, 29 different alleles were observed, including 8 (27%) alleles not previously described. Isolates from the Comoros showed more repeats in block II (DNNND), which some studies have found to be positively associated with in vitro resistance to quinine, compared with isolates from Madagascar. Additional studies are required to better define the mechanisms underlying quinine resistance, which involve multiple gene interactions.
Vaccination and biological agents therapy for rheumatic diseases
Authors: Żuber Zbigniew , Rutkowska-Sak Lidia , Sobczyk Małgorzata , Turowska-Heydel Dorota
Published: December 2012

W artykule omówiono ogólne zasady stosowania i rodzaje szczepień profilaktycznych u osób dorosłych i u dzieci. Dokonano przeglądu literatury na temat ryzyka infekcji u pacjentów z zapalnymi chorobami reumatycznymi oraz efektywności i bezpieczeństwa stosowanych u nich szczepień. Wykazano celowość stosowania szczepień u tych chorych, z uwagi na zwiększone ryzyko infekcji, zwłaszcza gdy są oni leczeni lekami biologicznymi. Przedstawiono opracowane w 2011 r. przez EULAR rekomendacje stosowania szczepień u osób dorosłych i u dzieci z chorobami reumatycznymi.
Western blot method as a necessary step of serodiagnostics of Lyme disease
Authors: Noworyta Jacek , Machcińska Maja , Brasse-Rumin Maria , Ząbek Jakub , Gago Jolanta
Published: December 2012

Wstęp: Z uwagi na różnorodność objawów klinicznych choroby z Lyme i ich późniejsze konsekwencje zdrowotne diagnostyka serologiczna boreliozy wymaga bezwzględnego potwierdzenia obecności swoistych przeciwciał. Zastosowanie jedynie skriningowej metody ELISA, bardzo czułej, ale niezbyt swoistej, często może dawać wyniki fałszywie dodatnie. Dopiero użycie zdecydowanie bardziej swoistej metody Western blot, opartej na wykrywaniu przeciwciał klasy IgG i IgM dla antygenów rekombinowanych Borrelia burgdorferi, znacznie zwiększa wiarygodność diagnozy.

Materiał i metody: Badaniami objęto 354 surowice dodatnie w teście skriningowym ELISA na obecność przeciwciał klasy IgG i/lub IgM przeciwko B. Burgdorferi. Wyniki były weryfikowane metodą Western blot, w której zostały zastosowane swoiste rekombinowane antygeny.

Wyniki: Uzyskane wyniki znacznie różniły się w zależności od potwierdzonej klasy przeciwciał. W klasie IgG uzyskano potwierdzalność w 79,4% surowic, w klasie IgM – zaledwie w 34,2% (ryc. 1). W obu klasach przeciwciał (IgG i IgM) uzyskano korelację odsetka przeciwciał dla Borrelia potwierdzonych metodą Western blot z ich poziomem określonym metodą ELISA (ryc. 2). Szczegółowa analiza wykazała, że w klasie IgG najczęściej występowały przeciwciała przeciwko rekombinowanemu antygenowi VlsE (96,9%), a w klasie IgM przeciwko antygenowi OspC (96,8%) genogatunków B. garinii i B. Afzelii (ryc. 3).

Wnioski: Wyniki poddano szerokiej dyskusji w aspekcie użyteczności w diagnostyce i określenia etapu ewentualnego zakażenia B. Burgdorferi, a także przyczyn niskiego (zwłaszcza w klasie IgM) potwierdzania wyników dodatnich uzyskanych w metodzie skriningowej ELISA.
The fate of rheumatoid arthritis patients with total hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Słowińska Iwona , Małdyk Paweł
Published: December 2012

Cel pracy: Prześledzenie losów chorych na reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów (RZS) po operacjach endoprotezoplastyki dużych stawów kończyn dolnych.

Materiał i metody: Do badania ankietowego zakwalifikowano 100 chorych z rozpoznaniem RZS, hospitalizowanych w Klinice Reumoortopedii Instytutu Reumatologii im. prof. Eleonory Reicher w Warszawie w latach 1989–2003, u których implantowano endoprotezy stawów biodrowych i kolanowych. W badaniu wykorzystano kwestionariusz autorski oraz kwestionariusz HAQ-DI. Oceniono 57 chorych, w tym 48 kobiet i 9 mężczyzn, którym wszczepiono jedną lub dwie endoprotezy stawów biodrowych (TPB) i/lub jedną bądź dwie endoprotezy stawów kolanowych (TPK).

Wyniki: Wynik przeprowadzonych operacji jako bardzo dobry i dobry oceniło 70% chorych, a 6,7% jako zły. Subiektywna ogólna ocena stanu zdrowia nie była zgodna z subiektywną oceną stanu pooperacyjnego w operowanych stawach (ryc. 1–3). Tylko 15,8% chorych określiło swój stan zdrowia jako dobry, natomiast 33,3% jako zły. Ogółem 75,4% badanych uważało, że w porównaniu ze stanem zdrowia przed operacjami obecnie ich ogólny stan zdrowia jest lepszy. Wyniki ankiety HAQ-DI wykazały po TPB i TPK poprawę jakości życia u 46% chorych, a brak zmian u 12% pacjentów.

Wnioski: Na podstawie uzyskanych wyników można stwierdzić, że odległa ocena wpływu przeprowadzonych zabiegów chirurgicznych na jakość życia chorych na RZS jest utrudniona z uwagi na stały postęp choroby podstawowej. Ocena wpływu tych operacji na poszczególne domeny jakości życia chorych zależy od oczekiwań chorych, a im dłuższy czas trwania choroby (RZS) przed operacją, tym większe zadowolenie z przeprowadzonych zabiegów TPB i TPK. Operacje te przede wszystkim zmniejszyły ból i ograniczenia ruchowe, umożliwiły chodzenie i samodzielność w codziennych czynnościach (wstawanie, ubieranie się). Przyczyniły się również do zwiększenia aktywności społecznej chorych, a dzięki redukcji bólu poprawiły ich stan emocjonalny i zmniejszyły ograniczenia w wyborze przez nich pracy zawodowej (tab. I i II). Chorzy na RZS po przeprowadzonych nawet licznych zabiegach endoprotezoplastyki kończyn dolnych są nadal optymistycznie nastawieni do kolejnych operacji, także realoplastyki.
Hypertension in selected rheumatic diseases
Authors: Niklas Karolina , Niklas Arkadiusz , Hrycaj Paweł
Published: December 2012

Nadciśnienie tętnicze to poważny problem zdrowotny zarówno w Polsce, jak i na całym świecie. Około 10% stanowi nadciśnienie wtórne, do którego zalicza się nadciśnienie spowodowane przez choroby reumatyczne. W jego patogenezie decydującą rolę odgrywa uszkodzenie nerek lub naczyń krwionośnych prowadzące do wzrostu wolemii, wydzielania substancji wazoaktywnych czy zwiększenia oporu naczyń (ryc. 1), dlatego nadciśnienie tętnicze bardzo często towarzyszy toczniowi rumieniowatemu układowemu, zapaleniu naczyń lub twardzinie układowej. Dotyczy ono również znacznej liczby chorych na dnę moczanową. Należy także pamiętać, że część leków powszechnie stosowanych w reumatologii może wpływać na wzrost ciśnienia tętniczego czy interferować z lekami hipotensyjnymi. Z uwagi na poważne powikłania, które mogą wystąpić na skutek nadciśnienia, należy dążyć do jego wczesnego wykrycia i skutecznej terapii (tab. I).
Long-term changes in lower tropospheric baseline ozone concentrations at northern mid-latitudes
Authors: Parrish D. D. , Law K. S. , Staehelin J. , Derwent R. , Cooper O. R. , Tanimoto H. , Volz-Thomas A. , Gilge S. , Scheel H.-E. , Steinbacher M. , Chan E.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Changes in baseline (here understood as representative of continental to hemispheric scales) tropospheric O3 concentrations that have occurred at northern mid-latitudes over the past six decades are quantified from available measurement records with the goal of providing benchmarks to which retrospective model calculations of the global O3 distribution can be compared. Eleven data sets (ten ground-based and one airborne) including six European (beginning in the 1950's and before), three North American (beginning in 1984) and two Asian (beginning in 1991) are analyzed. When the full time periods of the data records are considered a consistent picture emerges; O3 has increased at all sites in all seasons at approximately 1% yr−1 relative to the site's 2000 yr mixing ratio in each season. For perspective, this rate of increase sustained from 1950 to 2000 corresponds to an approximate doubling. There is little if any evidence for statistically significant differences in average rates of increase among the sites, regardless of varying length of data records. At most sites (most definitively at the European sites) the rate of increase has slowed over the last decade (possibly longer), to the extent that at present O3 is decreasing at some sites in some seasons, particularly in summer. The average rate of increase before 2000 shows significant seasonal differences (1.08 ± 0.09, 0.89 ± 0.10, 0.85 ± 0.11 and 1.21 ± 0.12% yr−1 in spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively, over North America and Europe).
Readability of Wikipedia
Authors: Lucassen Teun , Dijkstra Roald , Schraagen Jan Maarten
Published: December 2012

Wikipedia is becoming widely acknowledged as a reliable source of encyclopedic information. However, concerns have been expressed about its readability. Wikipedia articles might be written in a language too difficult to be understood by most of its visitors. In this study, we apply the Flesch reading ease test to all available articles from the English Wikipedia to investigate these concerns. The results show that overall readability is poor, with 75 percent of all articles scoring below the desired readability score. The ‘Simple English’ Wikipedia scores better, but its readability is still insufficient for its target audience. A demo of our methodology is available at www.readabilityofwikipedia.com.
The academic online: Constructing persona through the World Wide Web
Authors: Barbour Kim , Marshall David
Published: December 2012

This paper explores the way individuals are part of the prestige economy generated by universities as institutions. It explores how the construction of online identities or persona is now an essential activity for the academic both from the perspective of university value and individual/career value. Five distinct types of academic persona are explored primarily through academics working in digital communication areas; through these cases and examples this new communication environment is explored. This paper concludes that institutions and individuals need to develop in the most pragmatic sense, online academic persona and ensure that these online ‘selfs’ are connected with authenticity to the professional work of the academic.
The cognitive surplus is made of fossil fuels
Authors: Tomlinson Bill , Silberman M. Six
Published: December 2012

People in the industrial world have a great deal of free time. Clay Shirky has described this free time, considered as a whole, as a vast “cognitive surplus,” and presents many efforts currently under way to use the cognitive surplus for prosocial ends. However, the cognitive surplus came to exist largely as a result of labor–saving devices that run on fossil fuels. Many problems relating to fossil fuels constrain how people can responsibly use the cognitive surplus to address environmental sustainability and other current concerns. We suggest that an excellent use of the present cognitive surplus is to help society prepare for an energy–scarce future — that is, a future that may not be able to support the existence of a cognitive surplus at the current level.
“Whole Teacher” Crisis: Examining Pre-service Student Teachers’ Perceptions of Professionalism
Authors: Shin Minsun
Published: December 2012

The changing nature of teacher professionalism presents an important challenge to teachereducation programs. Teacher professionalism can be broadly defined as the set of teachers’professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions. However, with the increased accountabilityand standards movement, professionalism in education often overemphasizes accountabilityby prioritizing knowledge and skills over dispositions. The move in the field toward‘professionalization’ has generally resulted in systematic reform and professionaldevelopment rather than promoted ‘professionalism.’ This paper explored pre-serviceundergraduate students’ perceptions of teacher professionalism at a major university in NewJersey. The results indicated that the students focused more on ‘performance’ and‘external/outward aspects’ and less on recognizing the complexity and dynamics of theteaching and learning process. The study argues that teacher education programs must beredesigned so that pre-service students have the opportunity to discuss and develop properdispositions, reflect upon their perceptions, and enhance teacher professionalism.
El producto de convolución de la derivada de orden de la delta de Dirac en un hipercono
Authors: Aguirre Manuel
Published: December 2012

RESUMEN VERLO EN EL PDF DESCARGABLE.
Los dos rostros indígenas de Nicaragua y Centroamérica
Authors: Salamanca Danilo
Published: December 2012

Partiendo de un resumen de los principales descubrimientos y conclusiones de la tradición de investigaciones sobre las cutturas y lenguas de Centroamérica, y en particular de la situación lingüística y las investigaciones desarrolladas en Nicaragua, este articulo argumenta que tanto la implantación de los idiomas autóctonos como las limitaciones en recursos humanos y materiales en cada una de las naciones centroamericanas hacen indispensable la creación de un programa regional de estudios linguisticos. El articulo, que es la versión escrita de la ponencia presentada en el primer congreso de la Asociación Centroamericana de lingüística (ACALlNG), enumera también algunos de los principales temas de investigación para esta recién creada organización.1. CULTURAS INDIGENAS-CENTROAMERICA. 2. REGISTRO DE LA INFORMACION-CENTROAMERICA. 3. CULTURAS INDIGENAS DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/wani.v65i0.870 Wani No.65 2012 pp.6-23
Historia oral de los creoles de Corn Island
Authors: Downs Ella Jean
Published: December 2012

A través de la historia oral, principalmente, y auxiliado por la investigación documental, este estudio rescata los conocimientos sobre el ongen, tradiciones y costumbres de la población ancestral de Com Island. Con esta publicación se corona el esfuerzo y la paciencia con que, hace veinticinco años, de manera informal inició su autora este proceso de recopilación oral de las festividades. desastres naturales y procesos políticos. económicos y religiosos, en esta paradisíaca isla del Caribe nicaragüense. También, la autora rescata el nombre y el esfuerzo de sus primeros héroes y heroínas por asegurar los servicios de salud y educación en la Isla.1. HISTORIA ORAL-INVESTIGACIONES-CORN ISLAND(NlCARAGUA)2. CREOLES-VIDA SOCIAL Y COSTUMBRES 3. TRADICION ORAL-CORN ISLAND (NICARAGUA) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/wani.v65i0.872 Wani No.65 2012 pp.41-53
Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Ortega Candil Aída , Rodríguez Rey Cristina , Carreras Delgado José Luis
Published: December 2012

Nuclear medicine plays an essential role in the correct staging of patients suffering from melanoma. Both sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and positron emission tomography (PET) represent its main diagnostic tools. SLNB is the choice procedure for lymphatic regional staging of these patients, including the result of this technique in the 2002 American Joint Cancer Committee melanoma staging. SLNB sensitivity is superior than PET/CT for the detection of lymphatic micrometastases in early stages of the disease. PET/CT is mainly used in confirming clinical metastases suspected, detection of recurrences, and recurrence restaging. PET/CT has also shown superiority against conventional diagnostic methods in the detection of distant metastases, being able to detect illness even six months earlier than those methods.
Processing of Damaged DNA Ends for Double-Strand Break Repair in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Povirk Lawrence F.
Published: December 2012

Most DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) formed in a natural environment have chemical modifications at or near the ends that preclude direct religation and require removal or other processing so that rejoining can proceed. Free radical-mediated DSBs typically bear unligatable 3′-phosphate or 3′-phosphoglycolate termini and often have oxidized bases and/or abasic sites near the break. Topoisomerase-mediated DSBs are blocked by covalently bound peptide fragments of the topoisomerase. Enzymes capable of resolving damaged ends include polynucleotide kinase/phosphatase, which restores missing 5′-phosphates and removes 3′-phosphates; tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterases I and II (TDP1 and TDP2), which remove peptide fragments of topoisomerases I and II, respectively; and the Artemis and Metnase endonucleases, which can trim damaged overhangs of diverse structure. TDP1 as well as APE1 can remove 3′-phosphoglycolates and other 3′ blocks, while CtIP appears to provide an alternative pathway for topoisomerase II fragment removal. Ku, a core DSB joining protein, can cleave abasic sites near DNA ends. The downstream processes of patching and ligation are tolerant of residual damage and can sometimes proceed without complete damage removal. Despite these redundant pathways for resolution, damaged ends appear to be a significant barrier to rejoining, and their resolution may be a rate-limiting step in repair of some DSBs.
Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity
Authors: McKeown Neil B.
Published: December 2012

This paper focuses on polymers that demonstrate microporosity without possessing a network of covalent bonds—the so-called polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIM). PIMs combine solution processability and microporosity with structural diversity and have proven utility for making membranes and sensors. After a historical account of the development of PIMs, their synthesis is described along with a comprehensive review of the PIMs that have been prepared to date. The important methods of characterising intrinsic microporosity, such as gas absorption, are outlined and structure-property relationships explained. Finally, the applications of PIMs as sensors and membranes for gas and vapour separations, organic nanofiltration, and pervaporation are described.
Effect of Sliver Nanoparticles on Wool Fibre
Authors: Perumalraj R.
Published: December 2012

Sliver nanocolloids have been synthesized by chemical reduction of sliver salt solution, characterized by SEM usage of nanoparticles. Sliver nanocolloids are treated with wool fibres and dyed wool fibres (direct and acid dyes). The physical properties, colour strength, and fastness properties have been studied for dyed wool fibres and ordinary wool fibres. It is observed that the fibres with nanotreated fibres have better strength than untreated wool fibres. It is also observed that there is considerable improvement in colour strength and colour fastness of silver nanocolloids-treated wool fibres (dyed).
Fournier’s Gangrene: Current Practices
Authors: Mallikarjuna M. N. , Vijayakumar Abhishek , Patil Vijayraj S. , Shivswamy B. S.
Published: December 2012

Fournier’s gangrene is an acute, rapidly progressive, and potentially fatal, infective necrotizing fasciitis affecting the external genitalia, perineal or perianal regions, which commonly affects men, but can also occur in women and children. There has been an increase in number of cases in recent times. Despite advanced management mortality is still high and averages 20–30%. Early diagnosis using Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis score and stratification of patients into high risk category using Fournier's Gangrene Severity Index score help in early initiation of treatment. Triple antibiotic combined with radical debridement is the mainstay of treatment. There have been many advances in management of Fournier gangrene including use of vaccum assisted closure and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. With introduction of newer devices like Flexi-Seal, fecal diversion can be done, avoiding colostomy. Reconstruction of perineal defects using skin grafts, flaps, and urethral reconstruction using gracilis flaps can reduce the morbidity associated with FG and provide acceptable functional and aesthetic outcomes.
Advances in Pressure Swing Adsorption for Gas Separation
Authors: Grande Carlos A.
Published: December 2012

Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) is a well-established gas separation technique in air separation, gas drying, and hydrogen purification separation. Recently, PSA technology has been applied in other areas like methane purification from natural and biogas and has a tremendous potential to expand its utilization. It is known that the adsorbent material employed in a PSA process is extremely important in defining its properties, but it has also been demonstrated that process engineering can improve the performance of PSA units significantly. This paper aims to provide an overview of the fundamentals of PSA process while focusing specifically on different innovative engineering approaches that contributed to continuous improvement of PSA performance.
Oral Lesions: Poor Markers of Virologic Failure in HIV-Infected Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Tami-Maury Irene , Willig James , Jolly Pauline , Vermund Sten H. , Aban Inmaculada , Hill Jeff , Wilson Craig M.
Published: December 2012

The objective of this study was to assess the use of HIV-oral lesions (OLs) as markers of virologic failure (VF) in response to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Concurrent virologic status was compared between 744 individuals with and without OL (X2). Time to VF between OL groups was compared (Kaplan-Meier), and baseline factors associated with VF were determined (Cox Hazard models). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were also computed. At baseline and 12 months, individuals with OL were more likely to have viral load≥10,000copies/ml compared to patients without OL (P<0.01). Time to VF between patients with baseline OL (mean: 17 months, 95% CI 16–18) and patients without baseline OL (mean: 19 months, 95% CI: 18–20) was statistically different. Patients who were African-American (HR 1.356; 95% CI: 1.045–0.759), ART-experienced (HR 2.298; 95% CI: 1.743–3.030), had mental disorders (HR 1.410; 95% CI: 1.078–1.843), and had high baseline viral load (HR 2.82; 95% CI: 1.661–3.137), were more likely to have VF after the first six months of ART. OL had a moderate positive predictive value for concurrent VF at 6 months (45.5%) and 18 months (33.3%), but a strong positive predictive value at 12 months (80.0%) and 24 months (100.0%). Findings of this study suggest that OLs could be poor predictors of VF in HIV-infected patients on ART therapy.
The Pathogenesis of Alphaviruses
Authors: Atkins Gregory J.
Published: December 2012

Alphaviruses are enveloped single-stranded positive sense RNA viruses of the family Togaviridae. The genus alphavirus contains nine viruses, which are of medical, theoretical, or economic importance, and which will be considered. Sindbis virus (SINV) and Semliki Forest (SFV), although of some medical importance, have largely been studied as models of viral pathogenicity. In mice, SINV and SFV infect neurons in the central nervous system and virulent strains induce lethal encephalitis, whereas avirulent strains of SFV induce demyelination. SFV infects the developing foetus and can be teratogenic. Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus, and Western Equine Encephalitis virus can induce encephalitis in horses and humans. They are prevalent in the Americas and are mosquito transmitted. Ross River virus, Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and O’nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) are prevalent in Australasia, Africa and Asia, and Africa, respectively. ONNV virus is transmitted byAnophelesmosquitoes, while the other alphaviruses are transmitted by culicine mosquitoes. CHIKV has undergone adaptation to a new mosquito host which has increased its host range beyond Africa. Salmonid alphavirus is of economic importance in the farmed salmon and trout industry. It is postulated that future advances in research on alphavirus pathogenicity will come in the field of innate immunity.
Just Membership: Between Ideals and Harsh Realities
Authors: Shachar Ayelet
Published: December 2012

In this paper, Ayelet Shachar begins by restating the main idea of her important book The Birthright Lottery : Citizenship and Global Inequality (Harvard, Harvard University Press, 2009) and then goes on to address in a constructive spirit the main themes raised by the five preceding comments written by scholars in the fields of law, philosophy and political science.
Vertebral Fracture Assessment by Dual X‐Ray Absorptiometry: A Valid Tool to Detect Vertebral Fractures in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults in a Population‐Based Survey
Authors: Domiciano Diogo S. , Figueiredo Camille P. , Lopes Jaqueline B. , Kuroishi Marcia E. , Takayama Liliam , Caparbo Valéria F. , Fuller Priscila , Menezes Paulo R. , Scazufca Márcia , Bonfa Eloisa , Pereira Rosa M. R.
Published: December 2012

Objective

Vertebral fractures are associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Since 70% of vertebral fractures are clinically silent, a radiologic image of the spine has to be acquired for the diagnosis. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of Vertebral Fracture Assessment (VFA) by dual x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) with radiographs to identify vertebral fractures in community‐dwelling older adults.

Methods

A total of 429 older adults (ages ≥65 years) were enrolled in this cohort. VFA by DXA measurements were evaluated by 2 expert rheumatologists by consensus, and spine radiographs were analyzed according to the semiquantitative method by an expert radiologist. The correlation between VFA and spine radiographs to identify vertebral fractures was analyzed by kappa scores.

Results

The prevalence of vertebral fractures in VFA and radiographs was 29.1% and 29.4%, respectively (P = 0.99). The frequency of unavailable vertebrae was significantly lower in spinal radiographs than in VFA (0.9% and 5.6%, respectively; P < 0.001), particularly in T4–T6. According to VFA, 5,013 vertebrae (96%) were identified as normal and 144 (2.7%) had grade 1, 58 (1.1%) had grade 2, and 12 (0.2%) had grade 3 fractures. The sensitivity of VFA was 72.9% and the specificity was 99.1% to identify vertebral fractures. The sensitivity increased to 92% and the specificity increased to 99.9% when excluding grade 1 deformities. A good correlation between VFA and radiographs (κ = 0.74) was observed, and the exclusion of grade 1 resulted in even better agreement (κ = 0.84).

Conclusion

In community‐dwelling older adults, VFA and radiographs had comparable performances in identifying vertebral fractures, particularly if mild deformities are excluded. Therefore, this methodology is a feasible and promising alternative to improve the management of patients with a high risk of osteoporotic fractures.
Sulfation of Various Alcoholic Groups by an Arylsulfate Sulfotransferase from Desulfitobacterium hafniense and Synthesis of Estradiol Sulfate
Authors: van der Horst Michael A. , van Lieshout Johan F. T. , Bury Aleksandra , Hartog Aloysius F. , Wever Ron
Published: December 2012

Bacterial arylsulfate sulfotransferases (AST) are enzymes that catalyse the transfer of a sulfate group from p‐nitrophenyl sulfate (p‐NPS) to a phenolic acceptor molecule. By screening of the NCBI protein database a gene coding for an AST was found in Desulfitobacterium hafniense. After expression the enzyme was purified and characterised. This AST efficiently sulfates various acceptor molecules (estrone, estradiol, enkephalin and non‐phenolic alcohols) using p‐NPS as sulfate donor. The purified AST has a pH optimum of 9.6, it is stable in the presence of 10% of DMSO, and depending on the conditions it has a melting temperature of up to 47 °C. Surprisingly, and in great contrast to all other known bacterial ASTs, this enzyme was able to use a variety of non‐phenolic alcohols as sulfate acceptor. Because of these properties, this unique enzyme is a promising tool for biotransformation processes, providing a green and simple method to specifically sulfate compounds without need for functional group protection.
The Reaction of Tertiary Anilines with Maleimides under Visible Light Redox Catalysis
Authors: Ju Xuhui , Li Dianjun , Li Weifei , Yu Wei , Bian Fengling
Published: December 2012

Tertiary anilines can be prompted to react with N‐aryl‐ and N‐benzylmaleimides to form tetrahydroquinoline products under photocatalysis using visible light irradiation, the ruthenium or iridium complexes Ru(bpy)3Cl2 or Ir(ppy)2(dtbbpy)PF6 as catalyst, and air as terminal oxidant.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Oxidation of the Porphyrin β,β′‐Pyrrolic Ring: A General and Efficient Approach to Porpholactones
Authors: Yu Yi , Lv Hongbin , Ke Xiansheng , Yang Boyan , Zhang Jun‐Long
Published: December 2012

We describe an efficient ruthenium‐catalyzed oxidation of the β,β′‐pyrrolic ring on the porphyrin periphery. Through the conversion of a β,β′‐double bond to a lactone moiety, the direct preparation of porpholactones from porphyrins is achieved, which previously suffered from needing toxic reagents, multiple synthetic steps and low yields. The generality of this method has been investigated with various porphyrins with different electronic and steric effects, even some metalloporphyrins, and so represents a general and efficient approach for the synthesis of the intriguing porpholactone derivatives.
Adsorption of lactic acid onto three ionic liquid‐modified porous polymers
Authors: Tang Baokun , Tian Minglei , Row Kyung Ho
Published: December 2012

Three ionic liquid (IL)‐modified porous polymers were synthesized and used for the adsorption of lactic acid. The experimental adsorption kinetics and equilibrium data from the IL‐modified polymers were obtained. The kinetic study revealed a low temperature to be advantageous to the adsorption process. The dependence of the level of lactic acid adsorption on the amount of polymer, initial lactic acid concentration, and pH was examined at equilibrium. The maximum efficiency was obtained using the maximum adsorbent dose. A comparison of lactic acid adsorption at different pH revealed anion exchange to be the main interaction between the lactic acid and polymers, not molecular adsorption. The amounts adsorbed were fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin equations. The equilibrium data for modified polymers (imidazole modified polymer, methylimidazole modified polymer, and ethylimidazole modified polymer) were best represented by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm with R2 values of 0.99. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Characterization of polyhydroxybutyrate biosynthesized from crude glycerol waste using mixed microbial consortia
Authors: Hu Shengjun , McDonald Armando Gabriel , Coats Erik Robert
Published: December 2012

This study focused on the characterization of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) produced from crude glycerol (CG) using mixed microbial consortia (MMC). PHB recovered from two biomass drying treatments (65°C oven drying and lyophilization) was characterized comparatively along with a commercially sourced PHB (PHB‐C). Characterization results showed that oven‐drying method caused PHB partial hydrolysis, as indicated by its lower molecular weight (Mw) (PHB‐O, 144,000 g mol−1), which further affected its physical and chemical properties. Lyophilization helped alleviate PHB hydrolysis during drying process, leading to PHB (PHB‐L) of higher Mw (309,000 g mol−1) and material properties comparable with commercial PHB. Furthermore, crystallization and morphological studies showed that PHB‐L featured faster crystallization rates and smaller spherulites as compared with PHB‐C, probably due to its lower Mw. In general, the results from this study suggested that CG‐MMC‐derived PHB‐L possessed material properties comparable with those of pure substrate/culture produced PHB. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Male and Female Fertility Assessment in the Cynomolgus Monkey Following Administration of ABT‐874, a Human Anti‐IL‐12/23p40 Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Enright Brian P. , Tornesi Belen , Weinbauer Gerhard F. , Blaich Guenter
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND

ABT‐874 is an anti‐IL‐12/23 monoclonal antibody that binds to the p40 subunit of human IL‐12 and IL‐23. As part of its preclinical safety assessment, studies were conducted to asses its potential effects on the reproductive system in male and female cynomolgus monkeys.

METHODS

Sexually mature male cynomolgus monkeys (n = 6/group) were administered once weekly subcutaneous doses of 0, 5, 25, or 100 mg/kg ABT‐874 for 13 weeks. Four monkeys/group were necropsied at the end of the 13‐week dosing period and two monkeys/group were necropsied following an 8‐week recovery period. Endpoints assessed in these males included sperm parameters such as sperm count and morphology, male reproductive hormones, and testes histopathology. Sexually mature female cynomolgus monkeys (n = 6/group) were administered subcutaneous doses of 0, 5, 25, or 100 mg/kg/week ABT‐874 for two menstrual cycles, and recovery was subsequently assessed in each of these animals over two menstrual cycles. Endpoints assessed in these females included menses and reproductive hormone levels.

RESULTS

In both the male and female fertility studies, there were no unscheduled deaths and there was no evidence of toxicity. In male monkeys, there were no ABT‐874‐related effects on sperm count or motility, histopathology of the testes or effects on testosterone and inhibin B levels. In addition, menstrual cycle length, progesterone, 17ß‐estradiol, and luteinizing hormone levels in female monkeys were comparable among control and ABT‐874‐treated groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that ABT‐874 had no adverse effects on reproductive hormones or fertility parameters in male or female cynomolgus monkeys.
Acetylcholin als non‐neuronales Signalmolekül
Authors: Hollenhorst Monika , Clauss Wolfgang , Fronius Martin
Published: December 2012

In den vergangenen Jahren wurde deutlich, dass Acetylcholin neben seiner Rolle als Neurotransmitter eine wichtige Funktion als Signalmolekül in non‐neuronalen Zellen hat. Das so genannte non‐neuronale cholinerge System (NNCS) konnte in zahlreichen Organen, wie Lunge, Haut und Plazenta nachgewiesen werden, wo es diverse physiologische Prozesse reguliert. Zusätzlich häufen sich Hinweise darauf, dass das NNCS auch bei einigen Krankheiten, wie beispielsweise Cystischer Fibrose, involviert ist. Daher ist eine detaillierte Erforschung des NNCS im Hinblick auf ein besseres Verständnis der menschlichen Physiologie und als möglicher Ansatzpunkt für verbesserte Krankheitstherapien unerlässlich.
Hilfreiche Blutsauger in der Medizin und ihre Systematik
Authors: Kutschera Ulrich
Published: December 2012

Noch vor wenigen Jahren wurden alle in Europa vorkommenden, blutsaugenden Kieferegel der Gattung Hirudo der ehemals häufigen Typus‐Art H. medicinalis zugeordnet. Heute wissen wir, dass drei geografisch getrennte Arten, der Europäische Medizinische Blutegel (H. medicinalis), der Mediterrane Bl. (H. verbana) und der Kaukasische Bl. (H. orientalis) unterschieden werden müssen. Im Blutegel‐Handel wird nicht H. medicinalis, sondern H. verbana vertrieben. Die Egel werden in der Türkei und Russland gesammelt und unter anderem in der plastischen Chirurgie eingesetzt.
An Original Electrochemical Pathway for the Synthesis of Porphyrin Oligomers
Authors: Schaming Delphine , Xia Yun , Thouvenot René , Ruhlmann Laurent
Published: December 2012

An electrosynthesis process has allowed the formation of four oligomers, containing three, four, or five macrocycles. This method is based on the nucleophilic attack of porphyrins substituted by several pendant pyridyl groups to the electrogenerated radical cation of zinc β‐octaethylporphyrin (ZnOEP), according to an ECEC processes. Thus, a control of the number of macrocycles and of the geometry of the oligomers can be performed. These new compounds have been characterized by HRMS as well as 1H NMR, UV/Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy, and electrochemistry. The results show a strong influence of the pyridinium spacers on the macrocycles.
Self‐Assembled Tetragonal Prismatic Molecular Cage Highly Selective for Anionic π Guests
Authors: García‐Simón Cristina , Garcia‐Borràs Marc , Gómez Laura , Garcia‐Bosch Isaac , Osuna Sílvia , Swart Marcel , Luis Josep M. , Rovira Concepció , Almeida Manuel , Imaz Inhar , Maspoch Daniel , Costas Miquel , Ribas Xavi
Published: December 2012

The metal‐directed supramolecular synthetic approach has paved the way for the development of functional nanosized molecules. In this work, we report the preparation of the new nanocapsule 3⋅(CF3SO3)8 with a A4B2 tetragonal prismatic geometry, where A corresponds to the dipalladium hexaazamacrocyclic complex Pd‐1, and B corresponds to the tetraanionic form of palladium 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (2). The large void space of the inner cavity and the supramolecular affinity for guest molecules towards porphyrin‐based hosts converts this nanoscale molecular 3D structure into a good candidate for host–guest chemistry. The interaction between this nanocage and different guest molecules has been studied by means of NMR, UV/Vis, ESI‐MS, and DOSY experiments, from which highly selective molecular recognition has been found for anionic, planar‐shaped π guests with association constants (Ka) higher than 109 M−1, in front of non‐interacting aromatic neutral or cationic substrates. DFT theoretical calculations provided insights to further understand this strong interaction. Nanocage 3⋅(CF3SO3)8 can not only strongly host one single molecule of M(dithiolene)2 complexes (M=Au, Pt, Pd, and Ni), but also can finely tune their optical and redox properties. The very simple synthesis of both the supramolecular cage and the building blocks represents a step forward for the development of polyfunctional supramolecular nanovessels, which offer multiple applications as sensors or nanoreactors.