bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family members' reports of the technology use of family members with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Palmer S. B. , Wehmeyer M. L. , Davies D. K. , Stock S. E.
Published: October 2011

Background  A nationwide survey of family members of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities ranging in age from birth through adulthood was conducted to replicate a similar effort by Wehmeyer and update the knowledge base concerning technology use by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Method  Survey responses provided information about use of technology for mobility, hearing and vision, communication, independent living, and in the area of computer use. In addition, survey items queried the use of electronic and information technology devices such as use of email, mobile telephones and digital cameras.

Results  Survey results showed that although the use of computers for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is more prevalent, other technology use frequency is much the same as in the late 1990s. However, technology needs did vary among school‐age individuals over time.

Conclusion  Implications of results for technology use of people with disabilities are discussed through the lens of frequency of use and needs for individuals with disabilities.
Insomnia in untreated sleep apnea patients compared to controls
Authors: BJÖRNSDÓTTIR ERLA , JANSON CHRISTER , GÍSLASON THORARINN , SIGURDSSON JÓN F. , PACK ALLAN I. , GEHRMAN PHILIP , BENEDIKTSDÓTTIR BRYNDÍS
Published: October 2011

Insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often coexist, but the nature of their relationship is unclear. The aims of this study were to compare the prevalence of initial and middle insomnia between OSA patients and controls from the general population as well as to study the influence of insomnia on sleepiness and quality of life in OSA patients. Two groups were compared, untreated OSA patients (n = 824) and controls ≥ 40 years from the general population in Iceland (n = 762). All subjects answered the same questionnaires on health and sleep and OSA patients underwent a sleep study. Altogether, 53% of controls were males compared to 81% of OSA patients. Difficulties maintaining sleep (DMS) were more common among men and women with OSA compared to the general population (52 versus 31% and 62 versus 31%, respectively, P < 0.0001). Difficulties initiating sleep (DIS) and DIS + DMS were more common among women with OSA compared to women without OSA. OSA patients with DMS were sleepier than patients without DMS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale: 12.2 versus 10.9, P < 0.001), while both DMS and DIS were related to lower quality of life in OSA patients as measured by the Short Form 12 (physical score 39 versus 42 and mental score 36 versus 41, P < 0.001). DIS and DMS were not related to OSA severity. Insomnia is common among OSA patients and has a negative influence on quality of life and sleepiness in this patient group. It is relevant to screen for insomnia among OSA patients and treat both conditions when they co‐occur.
The thermal constant of the onchocerciasis vector Simulium damnosum s.l. in West Africa
Authors: CHEKE R. A.
Published: October 2011

The minimum water temperature for development (t0) and the thermal constant (K) for the development of immature stages of Simulium damnosum s.l. (Diptera: Simuliidae) in West Africa were estimated as 20.1 °C and 93 day‐degrees, respectively, based on analyses of published data on development rates of eggs, larvae and pupae at different water temperatures (24.0 °C and 31.5 °C). Thus, at a constant water temperature of 30.0 °C (approximately 10 °C above t0), adult flies would emerge about 9 days after oviposition. Analysis of a dataset probably restricted to S. damnosum s.s., but for which the temperature for the egg stage varied, revealed a much lower t0 (16.3 °C) and a much higher K (181 day‐degrees), suggesting that the insects' thermal relations may be cytoform‐specific. The results will aid control decisions and predictions of possible effects of climate change on sizes and geographic distributions of populations of onchocerciasis vectors in West Africa.
Critical Role of γ4 Chain in the Expression of Functional Vγ4Vδ1 T Cell Receptor of Gastric Tumour‐Infiltrating γδT Lymphocytes
Authors: Jiang Y. , Tang F. , Li Z. , Cui L. , He W.
Published: October 2011

Vγ4Vδ1 T cell receptor (TCRγ4δ1)‐expressing γδT cells were the most dominant subset in gastric tumour‐infiltrating γδT cells (γδTIL) we recently analyzed. To study the essential roles of γ and δ chains in assembly and function of TCRγ4δ1, we sequenced and constructed them into lentiviral vectors for the reconstitution of TCRγ4δ1 using different modalities of transduction. We were able to efficiently reconstitute TCRγ4δ1 with functional activities when both γ4 and δ1 chains are coexpressed in TCR‐negative J.RT3‐T3.5 cells. However, the expression of δ1 chain is greatly diminished when γ4 expression is absent, suggesting that the coexpressing γ4 is critical in maintaining the folding and stability of δ1 product. To functionally study the reconstituted TCRγ4δ1, we examined the cytolytic activity of TCRγ4δ1‐reconstituted J.RT3‐T3.5 cells and cytokine secretion and found the receptors are fully functional, but their functionality also requires the presence of γ4. Our results demonstrated that γ4 is critical for the stability of δ1 and the function of TCRγ4δ1.
Effects of Composition and Share of Seed Coatings on the Mobilization Efficiency of Cereal Seeds During Germination
Authors: Gorim L. , Asch F.
Published: October 2011

Cereal production systems are increasingly threatened by suboptimal water supply or intermittent drought spells early in the planting season. Seed coated with hydrophilic materials or hydro‐absorbers that increase the amount of water available for germination and seedling development is a promising approach to improving stand establishment under changing conditions. Barley, rye and wheat grains with combinations of hydro‐absorber, humic acid and Biplantol® in different shares of the total seed mass were germinated in plates at 25 °C on moist filter paper. Germination rates, resource partitioning and mobilization efficiency were assessed and compared with those of uncoated seeds. Results show a strong influence of coat thickness and composition on the germination rate and the efficiency of mobilization of carbohydrates stored in the endosperm. In general, coating significantly reduced germination rate and total germination as compared to uncoated seeds in all cereals tested. Differences in coating thickness had a distinct effect on germination rate for most combinations of coatings and species. Germination rates increased with increasing coat size. This effect was most pronounced for coatings containing hydro‐absorbers and least pronounced for coatings containing humic acid or Biplantol®. Coating generally increased the amount of carbohydrates partitioned to the roots, and thick coating increased the efficiency of grain reserve mobilization compared with the uncoated seeds. Differences between species and the implications for coating‐related changes in germination metabolism are discussed.
Characterization of Drought‐Tolerance Traits in Nodulated Soya Beans: The Importance of Maintaining Photosynthesis and Shoot Biomass Under Drought‐Induced Limitations on Nitrogen Metabolism
Authors: Fenta B. A. , Driscoll S. P. , Kunert K. J. , Foyer C. H.
Published: October 2011

Drought is the single most important factor limiting soya bean (Glycine max L. Merr.) yields in the field. The following study was therefore undertaken to identify phenotypic markers for enhanced drought tolerance in nodulated soya beans. Leaf and nodule parameters were compared in three genotypes: Prima 2000, glyphosate‐resistant A5409RG and Jackson, which had similar shoot biomass and photosynthesis rates at the third trifoliate leaf stage under water‐replete conditions. When water was withheld at the third trifoliate leaf stage, photosynthesis, nodule numbers, nodule biomass and symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) were greatly decreased. Significant cultivar–drought interactions were observed with respect to photosynthesis, which also showed a strong positive correlation with nodule SNF, particularly under drought conditions. Prima leaves had high water‐use efficiencies, and they also maintained high photosynthetic electron transport efficiencies under long‐term drought. Moreover, Prima had the highest shoot biomass under both water‐replete and drought conditions. A‐5409RG was the most drought‐sensitive genotype showing early closure of stomata and rapid inhibition of photosynthesis in response to drought. In addition to classifying the genotypes in relation to drought tolerance, the results demonstrate that the ability to sustain shoot biomass under nitrogen limitation is an important parameter, which can be easily applied in germplasm screening for drought tolerance in soya bean.
In vitro Embryo Production in Llamas (Lama glama) from In vivo Matured Oocytes with Raw Semen Processed with Androcoll‐E using Defined Embryo Culture Media
Authors: Trasorras V , Giuliano S , Chaves G , Neild D , Agüero A , Carretero M , Pinto M , Baca Castex C , Alonso A , Rodríguez D , Morrell JM , Miragaya M
Published: October 2011

Contents

The aim of this study was to carry out in vitro fertilization using spermatozoa selected with Androcoll‐E™ and to evaluate the efficiency of the culture medium DMEM‐F12 for in vitro embryo development in the llama. Twelve adult females from 18 superstimulated (67%) were used as oocyte donors. They were superstimulated with 1500 IU of eCG and after 5 days, received a single dose of buserelin. Twenty hours post‐injection, follicular aspiration was conducted by flank laparotomy. Semen collections were performed under general anesthesia by electroejaculation of the male. The ejaculates were processed with a solution of collagenase (0.1%) and an Androcoll‐E™ column was used to improve the sample. Sixty nine COCs were recovered from 79 aspirated follicles (87% recovery). Only expanded COCs were used (n = 67); they were randomly placed in groups of 1–5 in Fertil‐TALP and the sperm suspension (20 × 106 live spermatozoa/ml) was added to each fertilization microdroplet. After 24 h, they were randomly placed in one of two culture media: SOF (n = 34) or DMEM‐F12 (n = 33) and incubated for 6 days in humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2, 5% O2 and 90% N2 at 38°C. The blastocyst rate was 20% (7/34) in SOF medium (3 hatched, 2 expanded and 2 early blastocysts) and 15% (5/33) in DMEM medium (all expanded blastocysts). In conclusion, using Androcoll‐E™ it is possible to select good quality spermatozoa from llama ejaculates for in vitro fertilization and to produce blastocysts in DMEM‐F12 medium. This is also the first time that hatched llama blastocysts have been produced after culture in a defined medium such as SOFaa.
Influence of Sexual Stimulation and the Administration of Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin on Plasma Testosterone Levels in Dogs
Authors: Santana M , Batista M , Alamo D , Cabrera F , González F , Gracia A
Published: October 2011

Contents

The influence of sexual stimulation and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) administration on plasma testosterone concentrations was assessed in five male Beagles. Each dog was exposed to three experimental treatments: C treatment (Control, no stimulation), hCG treatment (dogs were SC injected with 1000 IU of hCG) and sexually stimulated (SS) treatment where semen was collected from the males. All dogs were exposed to all treatments, one per week for three consecutive weeks, with a 1 week of rest between treatments. Blood samples were taken with the same time intervals (0, 10, 30, 60 and 120 min) relative to treatments. Plasma testosterone concentrations were determined with a solid‐phase I125 radioimmunoassay. In the control treatment, the testosterone plasma levels did not show significant changes throughout the tested period (mean values ranging between 2.8 and 4.7 ng  / ml); the hCG group presented a significant increase (p < 0.05) in plasma testosterone levels 30 min after hCG administration and had the highest value (8.7 ng  / ml) at 120 min post‐hCG. Finally, the SS group revealed a slight reduction in testosterone concentration immediately after ejaculation, but the values remained nearly unaltered until 120 min after semen collection. When the groups were compared, the hCG group showed higher plasma testosterone values (p < 0.05) than did the C and SS groups, starting at 30 min and continuing until the end of sampling. This study demonstrates that sexual stimulation associated with semen collection does not produce transitory modifications in plasma testosterone concentrations.
Bovine Oocyte Meiotic Inhibition Before In Vitro Maturation and Its Value to In Vitro Embryo Production: Does it Improve Developmental Competence?
Authors: Bilodeau‐Goeseels S
Published: October 2011

Contents

The efficiency of bovine in vitro embryo production has remained low despite extensive effort to understand the effects of culture conditions, media composition and supplementation. As bovine oocytes resume meiosis spontaneously when cultured, it was hypothesized that preventing meiosis in vitro before in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) would allow more oocytes to acquire developmental competence. This article reviews some of the factors involved in meiotic arrest as well as the effects of meiotic inhibition before IVM on bovine oocytes developmental competence following IVF. Follicular components and cAMP‐elevating agents can delay or inhibit meiosis in various proportions of oocytes; however, few studies have examined their effects on development following IVM and IVF because they are not practical (follicular components) or have a transient effect on meiosis (cAMP‐elevating agents). Protein synthesis or phosphorylation inhibition prevented meiosis in high percentages of oocytes; however, these non‐specific inhibitions led to lower developmental competence compared with non‐arrested oocytes. Maturation promoting factor (MPF) inhibition with specific inhibitors has been examined in several studies. Despite faster maturation following removal from inhibition and some structural damage to the oocytes, MPF inhibition generally led to blastocyst rates similar to control, non‐arrested oocytes. Future work will involve evaluating the effects on arrested oocytes of molecules that can improve developmental competence in non‐arrested oocytes. It is also anticipated that new IVM systems that take into consideration new knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the control of meiosis will be developed. Moreover, global gene expression analysis studies will also provide clues to the culture conditions required for optimal expression of developmental competence.
Western Australian emergency department presentations related to child maltreatment and intentional injury: Population level study utilising linked health and child protection data
Authors: O'Donnell Melissa , Nassar Natasha , Jacoby Peter , Stanley Fiona
Published: October 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study is to determine the proportion of child maltreatment‐related emergency department (ED) presentations in Western Australia (WA) and describe the type of injuries associated with them. It is also to investigate the proportion of maltreatment‐related ED presentations resulting in hospitalisation, the proportion referred to the Department for Child Protection and their outcomes.

Methods:  This is a retrospective cohort study of all children aged 0–17 years residing in WA from 2001 to 2005 who had an ED presentation recorded in the ED Data Collection. This study used de‐identified administrative data linked across the Departments of Health and Child Protection.

Results:  Only 0.03% of ED presentations were identified as maltreatment related and 0.2% for all intentional injury presentations. One in five children with maltreatment‐related ED presentations was admitted to hospital and a similar proportion had a notification to Department for Child Protection and 87% of these subsequently substantiated.

Conclusions:  This study showed that there are limitations with ED data for child maltreatment surveillance in WA and raises concerns that there may be missed opportunities for identifying maltreatment and for referring families for further assessment and support. Recommendations are provided to improve maltreatment surveillance and ED data, particularly for the identification of external causes of injury.
Comments on the taxonomic treatment of Micractinium reisseri (Chlorellaceae, Trebouxiophyceae), a common endosymbiont in Paramecium
Authors: Hoshina Ryo
Published: October 2011

Micractinium reisseri Hoshina, Iwataki et Imamura (Chlorellaceae, Trebouxiophyceae), an alga symbiotic with the ciliate Paramecium bursaria (Ehrenberg) Focker, was recently renamed M. conductrix (K. Brandt) Pröschold et Darienko. The name ‘conductrix’ was originally given to an algal endosymbiont of Hydra, a genus of Hydrozoa. Here, I outline key differences between symbionts of hydra and Paramecium, and therefore, argue against the validity of the taxonomic treatment of M. reisseri by Pröschold and colleagues.
Obesity, obstructive sleep apnoea and metabolic syndrome
Authors: LAM JAMIE CHUNG MEI , MAK JUDITH CHOI WO , IP MARY SAU MAN
Published: October 2011

OSA is increasingly recognized as a major health problem in developed countries. Obesity is the most common risk factor in OSA and hence, the prevalence of OSA is undoubtedly rising given the epidemic of obesity. Recent data also suggest that OSA is highly associated with the metabolic syndrome, and it is postulated that OSA contributes to cardiometabolic dysfunction, and subsequently vasculopathy.

Current evidence regarding the magnitude of impact on ultimate cardiovascular morbidity or mortality attributable to OSA‐induced metabolic dysregulation is scarce. Given the known pathophysiological triggers of intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation in OSA, the potential mechanisms of OSA–obesity–metabolic syndrome interaction involve sympathetic activation, oxidative stress, inflammation and neurohumoral changes. There is accumulating evidence from human and animal/cell models of intermittent hypoxia to map out these mechanistic pathways.

In spite of support for an independent role of OSA in the contribution towards metabolic dysfunction, a healthy diet and appropriate lifestyle modifications towards better control of metabolic function are equally important as CPAP treatment in the holistic management of OSA.
The science behind the 7th edition Tumour, Node, Metastasis staging system for lung cancer
Authors: MARSHALL HENRY M. , LEONG STEVEN C. , BOWMAN RAYLEEN V. , YANG IAN A. , FONG KWUN M.
Published: October 2011

The Tumour, Node, Metastasis (TNM) system for classifying lung cancer is the cornerstone of modern lung cancer treatment and underpins comparative research; yet is continuously evolving through updated revisions. The recently published Union for International Cancer Control 7th Edition TNM Classification for lung cancer addresses many of its predecessor's shortcomings and has been subject to rigorous evidence‐based methodology. It is based on a retrospective analysis of over 80 000 lung cancer patients treated between 1990 and 2000 carried out by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. The dataset was truly international and included patients treated by all modalities. Extensive internal and external validation of the findings has ensured that the recommendations are robust and generalizable. For the first time, a single classification system has been shown to be applicable not only to non‐small cell lung cancer, but also to be of prognostic significance in small cell lung cancer and bronchopulmonary carcinoid tumours.

We review the history of the Union for International Cancer Control TNM staging system, the changes in the most recent 7th edition and the strength of the scientific basis motivating these changes. Limitations of the current staging edition are explored, post‐publication independent validation studies are reviewed, and the future of TNM staging for lung cancer is discussed.
Effects of the geomorphometric characteristics of the local terrain on floristic composition in the central Brazilian Amazon
Authors: DA CONCEIÇÃO BISPO POLYANNA , DE MORISSON VALERIANO MÁRCIO , DOS SANTOS JOÃO ROBERTO
Published: October 2011

The objective of this study was to identify the effects of local geomorphometry on the abundance, richness and floristic composition of tree species in the central Brazilian Amazon. Forty‐six 0.25‐ha plots in different phyto‐ecologic sites were sampled, and their trees were inventoried. Geomorphometric data (elevation, slope, aspect, plan and profile curvatures) were derived from Shuttle Radar Topography Mission data. A detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) was used to examine the floristic distribution patterns among plots. In addition, geomorphometric variables were submitted to multiple regression analysis to identify the variables influencing floristic composition (represented by the first DCA component), abundance and species richness. Correlation analyses between the number of individuals from each species and the first DCA component were performed to evaluate the contribution of each species. Analysis of the results could not confirm an effect of geomorphometry alone on species richness and abundance, although floristic composition was significantly influenced by profile curvature and elevation. Despite the relatively low variation in altitude at the study site, species were found to be sensitive to terrain peculiarities such as elevation and profile curvature, which can constrain particular ecologic niches and contribute to the spatial distribution patterns of species.
Self‐retaining barbed suture for parenchymal repair during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy; initial clinical experience
Authors: Olweny Ephrem O. , Park Samuel K. , Seideman Casey A. , Best Sara L. , Cadeddu Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

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

This paper reports on outcomes for SRBS during conventional laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. In addition to an improvement in warm ischaemia time, we found that SRBS use during LPN may be beneficial in reducing rates of clinically significant haemorrhage.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of a self‐retaining barbed suture (SRBS) in achieving a secure and haemostatic renorrhaphy during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN).

To compare perioperative outcomes for LPN with SRBS with those for LPN with conventional polyglactin suture, with specific attention to warm ischaemia time, blood loss and need for postoperative bleeding interventions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent LPN between June 2007 and October 2010 were identified through an Institutional Review Board approved registry of oncological patients.

Before July 2009, parenchymal repair after tumour excision was performed using absorbable polyglactin suture (Group 1), and subsequently, using SRBS (Group 2).

Demographic, clinical, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared for each group.

RESULTS

LPN was performed in 49 patients in Group 1 and 29 in Group 2.

Baseline demographic and clinical features, estimated blood loss, and transfusion and embolization rates were statistically similar for the cohorts.

Mean warm ischaemia time (±SD) was significantly shorter for the SRBS group (26.4 ± 8.3 vs 32.8 ± 7.9; P= 0.0013).

Bleeding requiring intervention (open conversion or transfusion ± embolization) was more common for Group 1 (9/49, 18.4% vs 1/29, 3.4%; P= 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of SRBS for parenchymal repair during LPN in humans is safe and is associated with a significant reduction in warm ischaemia time.

SRBS use during LPN may also reduce rates of clinically significant bleeding.

Prospective, larger studies to confirm the value of SRBS use in minimally invasive partial nephrectomy are warranted.
High Gleason grade carcinoma at a positive surgical margin predicts biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy and may guide adjuvant radiotherapy
Authors: Savdie Richard , Horvath Lisa G. , Benito Ruth Pe , Rasiah Krishan K. , Haynes Anne‐Maree , Chatfield Mark , Stricker Phillip D. , Turner Jennifer J. , Delprado Warwick , Henshall Susan M. , Sutherland Robert L. , Kench James G.
Published: October 2011

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

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

Only 30–35% of patients with positive surgical margins after radical prostatectomy develop recurrent disease. Adjuvant radiotherapy reduces the rate of biochemical relapse or metastasis and improves overall survival after radical prostatectomy. Various pathological factors, such as location and extent of positive margins, have been proposed as possible prognostic factors in men with margin‐positive prostate cancer, however, the recent International Society of Urological Pathology consensus meeting in Boston noted that there is limited data on the significance of Gleason grade of the carcinoma at a positive margin.

The present study shows that the presence of high grade prostate cancer, i.e. Gleason pattern 4 or 5, at a positive surgical margin is an independent predictor of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Moreover, patients with lower grade carcinoma at the margin have a similar prognosis to men with negative margins. Hence, assessment of Gleason grade at the site of positive margin may aid optimal selection of patients for adjuvant radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

To establish predictors of biochemical recurrence by analysing the pathological characteristics of positive surgical margins (PSMs), including Gleason grade of the carcinoma at the involved margin.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Clinicopathological and outcome data on 940 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) between 1997 and 2003 were collected.

Of these, 285 (30.3%) patients with PSMs were identified for pathological review, including assessment of location of margin, linear extent, number of PSMs, plane of margin and Gleason grade (3 vs 4 or 5) at the margin.

RESULTS

At a median follow‐up of 82 months, the biochemical recurrence rate of the PSM cohort was 29%.

On univariate analysis, the presence of Gleason grade 4 or 5 at the margin (34.4% of cases) was significantly associated with biochemical recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 2.80, 95% confidence interval [CI]= 1.82–4.32, P < 0.001) compared with the presence of Gleason grade 3.

Linear extent of margin involvement was also associated with recurrence (P= 0.009).

Single vs multiple margin involvement, location, and plane of the involved margin were not significant predictors of recurrence.

On multivariate analysis, Gleason grade 4 or 5 at the margin remained an independent predictor of recurrence (HR 2.14, 95% CI = 1.29–4.03, P= 0.003).

CONCLUSION

The Gleason grade at the site of a PSM identifies patients at increased risk of biochemical recurrence and should aid stratification of patients for adjuvant radiation therapy.
Percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of virtual tumours in canine kidney using Global Positioning System‐like technology
Authors: Hung Andrew J. , Ma Yanling , Zehnder Pascal , Nakamoto Masahiko , Gill Inderbir S. , Ukimura Osamu
Published: October 2011

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

We have previously shown that percutaneous radiofrequency ablation guided by image‐fusion technology allows for precise needle placement with real time ultrasound superimposed with pre‐loaded imaging, removing the need for real‐time CT or MR guidance. Emerging technology also allows real‐time tracking of a treatment needle within an organ in a virtually created 3D format.

To our knowledge, this is the first study utilising a sophisticated ultrasound‐based navigation system that uses both image‐fusion and real‐time probe‐tracking technologies for in‐vivo renal ablative intervention.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the feasibility, accuracy and efficacy of ultrasonography (US)‐guided percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the canine kidney model using novel Global Positioning System‐like probe tracking technology.

Virtual tumours in the canine kidney were ablated in vivo by percutaneous RFA guided exclusively by two‐dimensional (2D) US and a virtual navigation system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Gold fiducial markers were inserted into renal parenchyma to serve as centres of virtual tumours.

After capturing 2D US images, navigation software created a three‐dimensional planning model of the kidney, and superimposed it onto the live US image.

Percutaneous RFA was guided by multiplanar navigation, showing real‐time probe positions within the superimposed images, to treat each virtual tumour with a single treatment.

Navigator software predicted the percentage of tumour treated; treated kidney specimens were examined to evaluate projection and targeting accuracy.

RESULTS

In total, 32 virtual tumours (median diameter 16 mm, range 10–24 mm) were treated in 16 canine kidneys.

Median (range) error between ‘fiducial tumour centre’ and ‘treated area centre’ was 1.8 (0–25) mm.

Targeting accuracy improved with experience: median (range) error decreased from 6.3 (2–25) mm in an initial 12 tumours to 1.3 (0–9.0) mm in the last 20 tumours (P= 0.008).

The percentage (range) of tumour actually treated improved significantly from the initial series at 23% (0–100%) to 100% (51–100%) (P < 0.001).

Overall, navigator‐reported and pathologically confirmed treatment percentages were correlated significantly (r= 0.5; P= 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous renal RFA guided exclusively by real‐time 2D US with multiplanar Global Positioning System‐like probe tracking is feasible and accurate.

Near‐future technologies, including elastic fusion overlay and anticipation of soft‐tissue deformation, will further augment this guidance system.
Effective treatment of diabetes caused by activating ABCC8/SUR1 mutation with glimepiride
Authors: Karges B. , Schnur D. , Ellard S. , Kentrup H. , Karges W.
Published: October 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 692–693 (2012)
A novel glycogen synthase kinase‐3 inhibitor 2‐methyl‐5‐(3‐{4‐[(S )‐methylsulfinyl]phenyl}‐1‐benzofuran‐5‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole decreases tau phosphorylation and ameliorates cognitive deficits in a transgenic model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Onishi Tomohiro , Iwashita Hiroki , Uno Yumiko , Kunitomo Jun , Saitoh Morihisa , Kimura Eiji , Fujita Hisashi , Uchiyama Noriko , Kori Masakuni , Takizawa Masayuki
Published: October 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 10.1111/j.1471‐4159.2011.07532.x

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder leading to a progressive loss of cognitive function and is pathologically characterized by senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3) is involved in AD pathogenesis. GSK‐3 is reported not only to phosphorylate tau, a major component of neurofibrillary tangles, but also to regulate the production of amyloid β, which is deposited in senile plaques. Therefore, pharmacological inhibition of GSK‐3 is considered an attractive therapeutic approach. In this study, we report the pharmacological effects of a novel GSK‐3 inhibitor, 2‐methyl‐5‐(3‐{4‐[(S)‐methylsulfinyl]phenyl}‐1‐benzofuran‐5‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (MMBO), which displays high selectivity for GSK‐3 and brain penetration following oral administration. MMBO inhibited tau phosphorylation in primary neural cell culture and also in normal mouse brain. When administered to a transgenic mouse model of AD, MMBO significantly decreased hippocampal tau phosphorylation at GSK‐3 sites. Additionally, chronic MMBO administration suppressed tau pathology as assessed by AT8‐immunoreactivity without affecting amyloid β pathology. Finally, in behavioral assessments, MMBO significantly improved memory and cognitive deficits in the Y‐maze and in novel object recognition tests in the transgenic AD mouse model. These results indicate that pharmacological GSK‐3 inhibition ameliorates behavioral dysfunction with suppression of tau phosphorylation in an AD mouse model, and that MMBO might be beneficial for AD treatment.
Post‐political spatial planning in England: a crisis of consensus?
Authors: Allmendinger Phil , Haughton Graham
Published: October 2011

This paper argues that spatial planning in England needs to be analysed as a form of neoliberal spatial governance, underpinned by a variety of post‐politics that has sought to replace antagonism and agonism with consensus. Conflict has not been removed from planning, but it is instead more carefully choreographed and in some cases displaced or otherwise residualised. This has been achieved through a variety of mechanisms including partnership‐led governance arrangements and inclusive though vague objectives and nomenclature around sustainable growth. Other consequences include the emergence of soft space scales of planning often deploying fuzzy boundaries that blur more concrete policy implications and objectives. Opposition to this post‐political form of planning has led to new avenues for dissent that challenge spatial planning and its consensual underpinnings, ironically paving the way for the radical ‘rollback’ planning reforms of the Coalition government.
Supramolecular structures and dyeing properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) industrial yarns for seat‐belt webbings
Authors: Cho Daehwan , Han Kyuchan , Koh Joonseok
Published: October 2011

The effects of spinning conditions and additives on the physical and dyeing properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) industrial yarns were investigated by analysing their supramolecular structures. Four poly(ethylene terephthalate) yarns for seat‐belt webbing were prepared with different formulations and under different spinning conditions. Instrumental characterisation of the internal morphologies and physical properties confirmed that the structural characteristics are influenced by the draw ratio, heat‐setting temperature and copolymer added, and that there are close correlations between the supramolecular structure and the physical and dyeing properties. In particular, the draw ratio was the most dominating factor, influencing both the mechanical properties and the dyeability.
The synthesis, photophysical and thermal properties of new anthrapyrimidine colorants
Authors: Menon Sreejit R , Shankarling Ganapati S
Published: October 2011

The thermal and photostability of novel anthrapyrimidine‐containing colorants obtained by the condensation of various substituted aromatic amines with 6‐bromo‐7H‐benzo[e]perimidin‐7‐one are described. The colorants were characterised by proton nuclear magnetic resonance, elemental analysis and mass spectra. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that these colorants are thermally stable up to 250 °C. The UV–visible absorption spectra of the colorants were studied in solvents of differing polarity; the colorants exhibited slight positive solvatochromism. The photostability studies in dimethyl sulphoxide solvent were recorded by monitoring photodegradation of the colorants spectrophotometrically using a standard calibration curve. All the colorants exhibited excellent photostability. The light fastness study of two colorants in polypropylene showcases their ability as useful colorants for plastics.
Risk Perceptions in a Resource Community and Communication Implications: Emotion, Stigma, and Identity
Authors: Miller Barbara , Sinclair Janas
Published: October 2011

Communication targeting resource communities, sites of potentially damaging industries such as forestry, mining, and logging, requires an understanding of risk perceptions among residents living within these communities. Among concerns facing these communities is social stigmatization, an actual or feared negative psychological experience associated with living in a community with an undesirable industry. This study of a coal‐mining resource community was conducted with the purpose of exploring a range of perceptions associated with ongoing exposure to a resource industry, including the experience of social stigma. This study used focus group interviews with stakeholders to highlight the personal voices of the resource community experience. A model of stakeholders’ perceptions of industry risks and benefits is introduced, and important distinctions between hypothetical risk perceptions and perceptions of resource community stakeholders are explored. Implications for communicating with resource communities are also discussed.
Equation Reliability of Soil Ingestion Estimates in Mass‐Balance Soil Ingestion Studies
Authors: Stanek III Edward J. , Xu Bo , Calabrese Edward J.
Published: October 2011

Exposure to chemicals from ingestion of contaminated soil may be an important pathway with potential health consequences for children. A key parameter used in assessing this exposure is the quantity of soil ingested, with estimates based on four short longitudinal mass‐balance soil ingestion studies among children. The estimates use trace elements in the soil with low bioavailability that are minimally present in food. Soil ingestion corresponds to the excess trace element amounts excreted, after subtracting trace element amounts ingested from food and medications, expressed as an equivalent quantity of soil. The short duration of mass‐balance studies, different concentrations of trace elements in food and soil, and potential for trace elements to be ingested from other nonsoil, nonfood sources contribute to variability and bias in the estimates. We develop a stochastic model for a soil ingestion estimator based on a trace element that accounts for critical features of the mass‐balance equation. Using results from four mass‐balance soil ingestion studies, we estimate the accuracy of soil ingestion estimators for different trace elements, and identify subjects where the difference between Al and Si estimates is larger (>3RMSE) than expected. Such large differences occur in fewer than 12% of subjects in each of the four studies. We recommend the use of such criteria to flag and exclude subjects from soil ingestion analyses.
Right Atrial Septal Pouch—A Potential Nidus for Thrombosis
Authors: Wayangankar Siddharth A. , Patel Jigar , Latif Faisal , Sivaram Chittur
Published: October 2011

During embryological development, an incomplete fusion of septum primum (SP) and septum secundum (SS) occurring cranially results in an inverted pouch‐like structure with its base opening into the right atrium. This has been recently termed as right atrial septal pouch (RASP). Whether this pouch predisposes to intracardiac thrombosis by creating a milieu of localized stasis is unknown. Although some case reports have alluded to thromboembolic potential of left atrial septal pouch with similar origin, there has been no description regarding RASP acting as a thrombogenic nidus. We present a case of thrombus in the RASP with sequential imaging. (Echocardiography 2012;29:E1‐E4)
Formulation of an Aqueous Titania Suspension and its Patterning with Ink‐Jet Printing Technology
Authors: Kuscer Danjela , Stavber Gaj , Trefalt Gregor , Kosec Marija
Published: October 2011

We present a general protocol for processing cost‐beneficial, environmentally benign aqueous‐type suspensions containing metal‐oxide nanostructured particles, and their patterning with piezoelectric ink‐jet printing technology. The critical issues relevant to ink‐jet printing are the preparation and stabilization of nanosized particles in a fluid and adjusting its physical properties to the values appropriate for a particular ink‐jet printer mechanism. We discuss and illustrate, on a model titania system, the processing of a highly stable, colloidal, water‐based suspension containing particles not bigger than 570 nm, prepared by a ball‐milling process. For the ink‐jet printing experiments, the surface tension and the viscosity of the suspension were modified by the addition of a small amount of the appropriate non‐ionic amphiphiles and glycerol. The formation of droplets, their positioning on the substrate, and the shape and uniformity of the dots on the substrate are discussed and correlated with the fluid properties via the inverse Ohnesorge number Z. It was shown successfully that uniform, regular‐shaped TiO2 dots with a diameter of 30 μm and a good positioning accuracy on Si/SiO2 substrates could be obtained by jetting a fluid with Z values of 5 and 9 using a piezoelectric ink‐jet printer with a nozzle diameter of 21 μm operating at an amplitude of 13 V and a frequency of 5 kHz.
Human health effects of dioxins: cancer, reproductive and endocrine system effects
Authors: Kogevinas M.
Published: October 2011

Polychlorinated dioxins, furans and polychlorinated benzene constitute a family of toxic persistent environmental pollutants. In Europe, environmental concentrations increased slowly throughout this century until the late 1980s. Dioxins have been shown to be carcinogenic in animals and humans. In humans, excess risks were observed for all cancers, without any specific cancer predominating. In specific cohorts, excess risks were observed for reproductive cancers (breast female, endometrium, breast male, testis) but, overall, the pattern is inconsistent. In animals, endocrine, reproductive and developmental effects are among the most sensitive to dioxin exposure. Decreased sperm counts in rats and endometriosis in rhesus monkeys occur at concentrations 10 times higher than current human exposure. In humans, results are inconsistent regarding changes in concentrations of reproductive hormones. A modification of the sex ratio at birth was described in Seveso. There exist no data on effects such as endometriosis or time‐to‐pregnancy. Small alterations in thyroid function have occasionally been found. Increased risk for diabetes was seen in Seveso and a herbicide applicators cohort but, overall, results were inconsistent. Experimental data indicate that endocrine and reproductive effects should be among the most sensitive effects in both animals and humans. Epidemiological studies have evaluated only a few of these effects.
Hydroxylated PCBs (OH‐PCBs) as potential endocrine disrupters ‐ exposures and toxic effects
Authors: BERGMAN Å. , BROUWER A. , HAGMAR L. , MEERTS I. , SJÖDIN A.
Published: October 2011

Background: Lipophilic and persistent environmental pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls are well known to accumulate in wildlife and human adipose tissue. The compounds are however more or less rapidly metabolised and eliminated from the body as water soluble conjugates unless the compounds are transformed to reactive intermediates leading to non‐reversible binding of the substances to biomacromolecules, to other persistent and lipophilic metabolites such as aryl methyl sulfones or transformed to metabolites with specific protein (receptor) binding properties. Hydroxylated PCB (OH‐PCBs) metabolites have been shown to bind to the thyroxine transporting protein transthyretin (TTR) and thus potentially act as endocrine disrupters. Results and Discussion: In the present study the occurrence of OH‐PCBs that are retained in human serum has been studied. As many as 26 OH‐PCBs have been identified and in addition several other halogenated monocyclic phenols have been identified in the human blood. Major OH‐PCBs have been quantified in a cohort of men living around the Baltic Sea eating variable amounts of fat fish from this contaminated area. Comparisons were made to the levels of other major environmental pollutants, incl. PCB. The relative amounts of 10–20% of OH‐PCB to PCB congeners indicate that this type of PCB metabolites may be of toxico‐logical significance. Several of the OH‐PCBs and other phenols have been shown to be potent competitors for thyroxine binding to TTR. Also, one of the dominating OH‐PCB metabolites, 2,3,3′,4′,5‐pentachloro‐4‐biphenylol (4‐OH‐CB107) has been shown to dramatically reduce plasma thyroid hormone levels (>90%) in fetal rats. Further, 4‐OH‐CB107 has been shown to affect the behavioural outcome as well as the reproductive cycle (i.e., prolonged diestrous) in rat offspring exposed to 4‐OH‐CB107 in utero.
Relative LWS cone opsin expression determines optomotor thresholds in Malawi cichlid fish
Authors: Smith A. R. , Ma K. , Soares D. , Carleton K. L.
Published: October 2011

Associating quantitative genetic traits with quantitative behaviors is a relatively unexplored region of sensory neurobiology. The visual system is an ideal place to test models associating these levels of sensory perception. In this study, we reared cichlid fish from Lake Malawi in different ambient light environments. We then tested the visual sensitivities of these fish using the optomotor response (OMR) behavioral paradigm and measured the relative expression of cone opsin genes. We found that the light environment experienced by fish during development can alter gene expression, particularly as it applies to the long wavelength‐sensitive (LWS) opsin gene. Also, fish from different rearing conditions exhibited different behavioral sensitivities. We combined these data with predictions of opsin pigment absorption by the different OMR stimuli to determine which cone types are most likely to influence the OMR behavior. While we hypothesized that this behavior would be controlled by a random‐wiring model reflecting the expression of both medium wavelength‐sensitive (MWS) and LWS opsins, our models suggest that only the LWS pigment is required to predict behavior. Furthermore, analyses show that LWS expression variation accounts for ∼20% of the observed behavioral variance. This work confirms that sensory gene expression influences behavior in a predictable fashion. It also suggests that the neural wiring of basal visual pathways in cichlid fish may differ from that observed in mammals and zebrafish, but is similar to that described in goldfish. This finding has important implications for the evolution of the magnocellular neural pathway in teleosts.
Decentering the Dean: Locating Jonathan Swift in Ireland and Grub Street
Authors: Oakleaf David
Published: October 2011

Placing Swift in Grub Street and Ireland, scholars are revealing an intransigent Church‐of‐Ireland clergyman whose sectarian and ethnic hostilities resist English political categories like Whig, Tory, and Jacobite. Even monumental editions capture the uncertain, contested terrain he inhabited, revealing a self‐proclaimed Ancient who is startlingly modern.
Articles 7 and 8 of theTRIPS Agreement: A Force for Convergence within the InternationalIPSystem
Authors: Slade Alison
Published: October 2011

Articles 7 and 8 of theAgreement onTrade‐RelatedAspects ofIntellectualPropertyRights (TRIPS Agreement) provide express recognition for policy objectives that are fundamental to international intellectual property (IP) protection. Not only do they identify the goals of technological innovation and dissemination, but they also acknowledge the wider public interest agenda behind theTRIPS Agreement. While Articles 7 and 8 have acquired influence at a policy level through theDohaMinisterialDeclaration and theDeclaration onTRIPSandPublicHealth, their use within theWorldIntellectualPropertyOrganisation (WIPO)DevelopmentAgenda and theAnti‐CounterfeitingTradeAgreement (ACTA) has resulted in both an enhanced status within the wider policy arena and an enhanced legal significance, most notably in discussions on enforcement. By transcending treaty and forum boundaries, these provisions not only influence interpretative practice, they also encourage a convergence of policy objectives that facilitates greater coherency within the international system, and linksIPwith other areas of socio‐economic importance. In other words, Articles 7 and 8 are poised to provide the foundation for a new legal and policy perspective on internationalIPregulation that is fully supportive of social as well as economic development inallparticipating nations.