bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure degree of broilers to ochratoxin A through naturally contaminated feed
Authors: Bordini Jaqueline Gozzi , Rossi Carolina Nachi , Ono Mario Augusto , Hirooka Elisa Yoko , Sataque Ono Elisabete Yurie
Published: September 2016

The degree of exposure of broilers to ochratoxin A (OTA) in naturally contaminated feed and the hygienic quality of feeds were evaluated. Thus, total fungal count and OTA occurrence were evaluated in four feed types (pre‐starter, starter, grower and finisher) intended for broilers from a poultry breeding farm in Paraná State, Brazil. In most feed samples the total mold and yeast count were below 1.0 × 104 CFU/g, the maximum limit tolerated to assure good hygienic quality of the feed. OTA was detected in 19.1% samples at levels ranging from 0.1 to 8.26 μg/kg. The estimated daily intake of OTA was 0.015 µg/kg body weight (bw)/day (pre‐starter), 0.005 (starter), 0.028 (grower) and 0.015 µg/kg bw/day for finisher feed samples. These results indicated that the exposure degree of broilers and the risk of OTA carry‐over to human food (broiler meat) would be very low.

Practical applications

The risk of mycotoxin contamination in grains and feed is an important food safety concern. OTA is one of the most important mycotoxins contaminating broiler feed because of its potential toxic effects to humans and animals. OTA is heat stable and cannot be removed by industrial processing; therefore carry‐over of OTA to kidney, liver and muscle increase the human hazard exposure. Evaluation of the exposure degree is one of the most important parameters for the risk assessment of mycotoxins. Considering the world globalization, this study is essential because Brazil is the third largest producer of broilers worldwide and the leading exporter of chicken meat supplying 158 countries. The results of this study showed that the exposure degree of broilers and the risk of OTA carry‐over to human food (broiler meat) would be very low, indicating that the meat exported by Brazil would be safe for consumption concerning OTA.
Effect of cold and heat shock treatments on the response of Brucella melitensis to various environmental stresses
Authors: Zarei Mehdi , Pourmahdi Borujeni Mahdi , Yousefvand Amin
Published: September 2016

The effect of cold shock (10 °C for 2 h) and heat shock (42 °C for 45 min) treatments on the viability of Brucella melitensis under adverse conditions was investigated. Viability of B. melitensis cells during storage at 4 °C was significantly affected by cold shock and heat shock treatments. While cold‐shocked cells became more resistant to cold storage, a significant decrease in the viable population of heat‐shocked cells was observed. Similarly, cold‐shocked cells of B. melitensis became more resistant and heat‐shocked cells became more susceptible to acidic conditions. Although cold shock treatment did not affect the thermal tolerance of B. melitensis, heat shock treatment increased significantly the thermal tolerance of the bacterium. Nevertheless, these shock treatments, under the conditions tested, did not alter the susceptibility of B. melitensis to incubation at −18 °C and the presence of 10% NaCl.

Practical applications

In the food industry, cooling chains and heating processes could potentially induce a cold or heat shock phenomenon. Hence, this information should be taken into account in the development of food preservation measures and for conducting risk assessments on the importance of this pathogen in food processing operations.
Where Do You Feel Safest? Demographic Factors and Place of Birth
Authors: Sperlich Mickey , Gabriel Cynthia , Seng Julia
Published: September 2016

Introduction

The vast majority of planned out‐of‐hospital births in the United States occur among white women; no study has addressed whether black women prefer out‐of‐hospital birth less or whether this racial disparity is due to other causes such as constrained access. This study sought to answer the question of whether white and black women feel safest giving birth in out‐of‐hospital settings at different rates and whether this answer is associated with other socioeconomic indicators.

Methods

An interview of 634 nulliparous women during the third trimester of their pregnancy in Michigan provided data regarding where women felt safest giving birth. Feeling safest giving birth out‐of‐hospital was examined in relation to socioeconomic factors including race, age, household income, education, residence in a high‐crime neighborhood, partnered status, and type of insurance.

Results

This study found that black and white women say they feel safest giving birth in out‐of‐hospital settings at similar rates (11.5% and 13.1%, respectively). Logistic regression results showed that poverty and having education beyond high school were the only sociodemographic indicators significantly associated with feeling safest giving birth out‐of‐hospital.

Discussion

Disparities evident in planned home birth and birth center rates cannot be explained by racial differences in feelings toward out‐of‐hospital birth and should be addressed more specifically in public policy and future studies.
LOCAL FOOD, URBANIZATION, AND TRANSPORT‐RELATED GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Authors: De Cara Stéphane , Fournier Anne , Gaigné Carl
Published: September 2016

We argue that “buying local” does not necessarily reduce transport‐related greenhouse gas emissions, even if production technologies and yields are homogeneous in space. We develop a partial‐equilibrium model of rural‐urban systems where the spatial distribution of food production within and between regions is endogenous. We exhibit cases where locating some food production in the least‐urbanized regions results in lower emissions and higher welfare than if all regions are self‐sufficient. The optimal spatial allocation of food production does not exclude the possibility that some regions should be self‐sufficient, provided that their urban population sizes are neither too large nor too small.
DESTRUCTION AND REALLOCATION OF SKILLS FOLLOWING LARGE COMPANY CLOSURES
Authors: Holm Jacob Rubæk , Østergaard Christian Richter , Olesen Thomas Roslyng
Published: September 2016

This paper analyzes what happens to redundant skills and workers when large companies close down and whether their skills are destroyed or reallocated. The analysis is based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative data of the closure of four companies. Getting a job in a skill‐related industry or moving to a spinoff firm leads to skill reallocation. Thus, the result depends on regional idiosyncrasies such as industry structure and urbanization. If local policy makers and the owners exert a coordinated effort, it is possible to create success stories of less skill destruction in urban as well as peripheral regions.
GEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF 2D SEISMIC REFLECTION PROFILES ONSHORE LEBANON: IMPLICATIONS FOR PETROLEUM EXPLORATION
Authors: Nader F. H. , Browning‐Stamp P. , Lecomte J.‐C.
Published: September 2016

The first 2D seismic reflection acquisition onshore Lebanon was undertaken in 2013 by Spectrum Geo Ltd under the auspices of the Lebanese Ministry of Energy and Water. The surveys were recorded across a crustal‐scale restraining bend in the central part of the Levant Fracture System. This contribution presents a geological interpretation of processed 2D data from the 2013 campaign.

Two east‐west trending seismic profiles were acquired and processed with a total linear distance of ∼80 km. Overall, a total of 16 key seismic reflectors were identified and mapped, and 20 faults were traced on the seismic profiles which were compared to geologic sections along the same acquisition path‐lines. This helped to age‐constrain the key reflectors and to assign the proper lithostratigraphic attributes to observed seismic packages. Interval velocities were determined every 500 m along each profile using the Dix equation to approximate the depth (in metres) for each time‐picked horizon (ms), and ultimately to correlate seismic packages and measured thicknesses with known and/or extrapolated geologic rock units.

The 50 km long SLEB‐2D‐01‐13 profile (Batroun – Ainata, northern Lebanon) shows distinct seismic reflectors down to 2.5 seconds TWT. The deepest key reflector is believed to correspond to the middle Triassic evaporites which appear to have acted as a decoupling horizon. The interpreted profile displays the continuity of the overlying Qartaba structure, a potential viable exploration lead which merits further investigation.

The 30 km long SLEB‐2D‐05‐13 profile (Aley – Barr Elias, central Lebanon) shows excellent seismic imaging below the Bekaa valley, reaching 4 seconds TWT. The deepest key reflector is associated with the base‐Jurassic horizon, 6300m to 8500m below ground level. Assumed Eocene platform carbonates underlie an interpreted Oligocene argillaceous package. These may form good hydrocarbon reservoir rocks if a viable petroleum system is present.
Prototypes, Reality and the Growth Rate of Autonomous Consumption Expenditures: A Rejoinder
Authors: Lavoie Marc
Published: September 2016

I respond to Skott' (2016) main comments on Lavoie (2016), which are: first, when calibrating with plausible parameter values, the stabilizing mechanism is unlikely to operate; second, in the analysis of the simple model, I have omitted the second stationary solution; third, he implies that the constraints that need to be imposed on my simple and complex models are in contradiction with each other. I argue that Skott confutes prototypes and reality; that the second stationary solution is of little interest; and that the constraints that need to be imposed on the simple and complex variants of the model are not in contradiction with each other.
Onychomycosis secondary to onychomadesis: an underdiagnosed manifestation
Authors: Li Meirong , Chen Zhuanggui , Yin Songchao , Xue Ruzeng , Chen Zhirui , Huang Huaiqiu , Wei Ling , Lu Chun , De Hoog Gerit Sybren , Lai Wei , Feng Peiying
Published: September 2016

Onychomycosis is a rare nail disorder in early childhood, while onychomadesis is a periodic idiopathic, non‐inflammatory disease that affects the nail matrix and is common in children especially in those who suffer from viral infections. In this study, we investigated recent cases of onychomycosis subsequent to periods of onychomadesis in children. Sixteen young children (six males, 10 females) with a mean age of 36.5 months were diagnosed with onychomadesis, and 13 of the patients had a history of viral infection prior to nail changes. Direct microscopy of nail scaling was positive in 11 cases (68.8%), and culture was positive in the same number of cases. Four Candida species were isolated: Candida glabrata was the most frequent, found in eight cases (72.7%), while C. albicans, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis, each were encountered in a single case. All children were treated successfully with or without topical bifonazole therapy.
Conservation of core complex subunits shaped the structure and function of photosystem I in the secondary endosymbiont alga Nannochloropsis gaditana
Authors: Alboresi Alessandro , Le Quiniou Clotilde , Yadav Sathish K. N. , Scholz Martin , Meneghesso Andrea , Gerotto Caterina , Simionato Diana , Hippler Michael , Boekema Egbert J. , Croce Roberta , Morosinotto Tomas
Published: September 2016

Photosystem I (PSI) is a pigment protein complex catalyzing the light‐driven electron transport from plastocyanin to ferredoxin in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms. Several PSI subunits are highly conserved in cyanobacteria, algae and plants, whereas others are distributed differentially in the various organisms.

Here we characterized the structural and functional properties of PSI purified from the heterokont alga Nannochloropsis gaditana, showing that it is organized as a supercomplex including a core complex and an outer antenna, as in plants and other eukaryotic algae.

Differently from all known organisms, the N. gaditana PSI supercomplex contains five peripheral antenna proteins, identified by proteome analysis as type‐R light‐harvesting complexes (LHCr4‐8). Two antenna subunits are bound in a conserved position, as in PSI in plants, whereas three additional antennae are associated with the core on the other side. This peculiar antenna association correlates with the presence of PsaF/J and the absence of PsaH, G and K in the N. gaditana genome and proteome.

Excitation energy transfer in the supercomplex is highly efficient, leading to a very high trapping efficiency as observed in all other PSI eukaryotes, showing that although the supramolecular organization of PSI changed during evolution, fundamental functional properties such as trapping efficiency were maintained.
Mechanism of silica deposition in sorghum silica cells
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Milstein Yonat , Brami Yaniv , Elbaum Michael , Elbaum Rivka
Published: September 2016

Grasses take up silicic acid from soil and deposit it in their leaves as solid silica. This mineral, comprising 1–10% of the grass dry weight, improves plants' tolerance to various stresses. The mechanisms promoting stress tolerance are mostly unknown, and even the mineralization process is poorly understood.

To study leaf mineralization in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), we followed silica deposition in epidermal silica cells by in situ charring and air‐scanning electron microscopy. Our findings were correlated to the viability of silica cells tested by fluorescein diacetate staining. We compared our results to a sorghum mutant defective in root uptake of silicic acid. We showed that the leaf silicification in these plants is intact by detecting normal mineralization in leaves exposed to silicic acid.

Silica cells were viable while condensing silicic acid into silica. The controlled mineral deposition was independent of water evapotranspiration. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching suggested that the forming mineral conformed to the cellulosic cell wall, leaving the cytoplasm well connected to neighboring cells. As the silicified wall thickened, the functional cytoplasm shrunk into a very small space.

These results imply that leaf silica deposition is an active, physiologically regulated process as opposed to a simple precipitation.
Impacts of human‐induced environmental disturbances on hybridization between two ecologically differentiated Californian oak species
Authors: Ortego Joaquín , Gugger Paul F. , Sork Victoria L.
Published: September 2016

Natural hybridization, which can be involved in local adaptation and in speciation processes, has been linked to different sources of anthropogenic disturbance.

Here, we use genotypic data to study range‐wide patterns of genetic admixture between the serpentine‐soil specialist leather oak (Quercus durata) and the widespread Californian scrub oak (Quercus berberidifolia). First, we estimated hybridization rates and the direction of gene flow. Second, we tested the hypothesis that genetic admixture increases with different sources of environmental disturbance, namely anthropogenic destruction of natural habitats and wildfire frequency estimated from long‐term records of fire occurrence.

Our analyses indicate considerable rates of hybridization (> 25%), asymmetric gene flow fromQ. durataintoQ. berberidifolia, and a higher occurrence of hybrids in areas where both species live in close parapatry. In accordance with the environmental disturbance hypothesis, we found that genetic admixture increases with wildfire frequency, but we did not find a significant effect of other sources of human‐induced habitat alteration (urbanization, land clearing for agriculture) or a suite of ecological factors (climate, elevation, soil type).

Our findings highlight that wildfires constitute an important source of environmental disturbance, promoting hybridization between two ecologically well‐differentiated native species.
Reporting of treatment fidelity in behavioural paediatric obesity intervention trials: a systematic review
Authors: JaKa M. M. , Haapala J. L. , Trapl E. S. , Kunin‐Batson A. S. , Olson‐Bullis B. A. , Heerman W. J. , Berge J. M. , Moore S. M. , Matheson D. , Sherwood N. E.
Published: September 2016

Behavioural interventions for paediatric obesity are promising, but detailed information on treatment fidelity (i.e. design, training, delivery, receipt and enactment) is needed to optimize the implementation of more effective interventions. Little is known about current practices for reporting treatment fidelity in paediatric obesity studies. This systematic review, in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, describes the methods used to report treatment fidelity in randomized controlled trials. Treatment fidelity was double‐coded using the National Institutes of Health Fidelity Framework checklist. Three hundred articles (N = 193 studies) were included. Mean inter‐coder reliability across items was 0.83 (SD = 0.09). Reporting of treatment design elements within the field was high (e.g. 77% of studies reported designed length of treatment session), but reporting of other domains was low (e.g. only 7% of studies reported length of treatment sessions delivered). Few reported gold standard methods to evaluate treatment fidelity (e.g. coding treatment content delivered). General study quality was associated with reporting of treatment fidelity (p < 0.01) as was the number of articles published for a given study (p < 0.01). The frequency of reporting treatment fidelity components has not improved over time (p = 0.26). Specific recommendations are made to support paediatric obesity researchers in leading health behaviour disciplines towards more rigorous measurement and reporting of treatment fidelity.
Genetic analysis of hereditary gingival fibromatosis using whole exome sequencing and bioinformatics
Authors: Hwang J , Kim Y‐L , Kang S , Kim S , Kim S‐O , Lee JH , Han D‐H
Published: September 2016

Objectives

Our study aims to identify genetic variants associated with hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) by applying whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and bioinformatics analyses such as gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and protein functional network study.

Subjects and Methods

Two affected siblings whose grandparents and parents have normal gingiva were chosen for our investigation. Saliva collected from the patients and their parents were used for WES. GSEA and protein functional network study were performed to find gene groups in a biological coordination which are associated with HGF.

Results

Genetic variants for homozygotes and compound heterozygotes were analyzed and translated into 845 genes. The result from protein functional network study showed that these genetic variants were mainly observed in genes affecting fibronectin as well as the immune and autoimmune system. Additionally, three mutated genes in our HGF patients, TMCO1, RIN2, and INSR, were found through human phenotype ontology (HPO) to have potential to contribute to gingival hyperplasia.

Conclusions

Genetic analysis of HGF in this study implicated mutations in fibronectin and the immune system as triggering abnormal gingival fibromatosis.
Capnography monitoring during dental conscious sedation
Authors: Brady P. , Gallagher C. , McCarthy C. , O'Halloran K. , McCreary C. , Ioham G.
Published: September 2016

Aim

This article aims to provide some useful information on implementing capnography monitoring and interpretation in an oral surgery setting.

Materials and Methods

Information gleaned from experience in the use of microstream capnography for patients undergoing conscious sedation is presented.

Results

Waveform trend rather than quantitative measurement of end tidal carbon dioxide is emphasised for monitoring spontaneously breathing patients.

Conclusion

The information presented provides dentistry‐specific information on capnography monitoring.
Treatment of allergic children – Where is the progress (for the practicing allergist)?
Authors: Wert A. F. , Posa D. , Tsilochristou O. , Schwerk N.
Published: September 2016

For any kind of therapeutic intervention in allergic diseases such as environmental control, pharmacological, or immunomodulating treatment including educational programs, children are addressed separately from adults. Health authorities like the Food and Drug Administration in the United States of America or the European Medicine Agency in Europe request a specific ‘Pediatric investigational plan’ with studies addressing dose–response relationship, safety, and efficacy for infants, children, and adolescents. During the last 2 years, promising advances have been reported for the treatment of a variety of allergic and immunologic disorders. This review summarizes the progress in the treatment of pediatric asthma and allergic diseases, based on publications of approximately the last 2.5 years (end of 2013 until May 2016) in and beyond this journal. Meanwhile, it highlights areas with promising novel therapeutic approaches, which are likely to change treatment for allergic children in the near future.
Anemia and markers of erythropoiesis in pediatric kidney transplant recipients compared to children with chronic renal failure
Authors: Krause Irit , Davidovits Miriam , Tamary Hannah , Yutcis Maria , Dagan Amit
Published: September 2016

PTA and anemia of CKD share a similar pathogenesis. However, PTA may be disproportionate to the reduction in the GFR. Data relating to the mechanism of PTA are scarce. We evaluated the erythropoiesis parameters in pediatric kidney recipients compared to children with CKD. A total of 100 patients (54 post‐kidney TX, 46 with CKD) were enrolled in the single‐center cohort study. GFR was found to be significantly lower in the CKD group (49.7±22.4 vs 72.9±28.5 mL/min/1.73 m², P<.001); anemia was significantly more common in the TX patients (52% vs 41.3%, P<.001). Iron transferrin saturation and serum ferritin levels were lower in the CKD patients. In both groups, hemoglobin Z scores significantly correlated with GFR (R=.31, P=.07). This correlation was more prominent in the CKD group (R=.43, P=.008) compared to the TX group (R=.31, P=.04). Anemia was significantly more common in the TX patients than in the CKD patients despite a better GFR. The higher prevalence of anemia in the TX group could not be explained by an iron deficiency or reduced EPO production. We speculate that immunosuppressive therapy together with resistance to EPO may play a role in the pathogenesis of post‐transplantation anemia.
Citizen Expectations and Satisfaction in a Young Democracy: A Test of the Expectancy‐Disconfirmation Model
Authors: Petrovsky Nicolai , Mok Jue Young , León‐Cázares Filadelfo
Published: September 2016

Citizen satisfaction with public services has been shown to depend on citizens’ expectations and their perceptions of performance. If performance exceeds expectations, satisfaction is likely; if performance falls short of expectations, dissatisfaction is likely. The existing evidence on this process covers the United States and the United Kingdom. The authors generalize the idea of expectation‐driven citizen satisfaction (the “expectancy‐disconfirmation model”) theoretically and empirically to an institutional context of limited accountability and widespread citizen distrust. Using a survey of a broad cross‐section of the general adult population in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2014, this article finds support for the expectancy‐disconfirmation model in this very different context. The authors also test for an effect of the type of expectation using an embedded, randomized experiment but do not find evidence of a difference between normative and empirical expectations. Findings support the usefulness of the expectancy‐disconfirmation model in a wide range of contexts.
Public Service: A Noble Calling
Authors: Pelosi Nancy
Published: September 2016

Related Content: Chávez (PAR November/December 2016)

Related Content: Thompson (PAR November/December 2016)
Exercise training in COPD: What is it about intensity?
Authors: Morris Norman R. , Walsh James , Adams Lewis , Alision Jennifer
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACT

Most of the current guidelines for pulmonary rehabilitation recommend higher, over lower, intensity exercise training for COPD. Typically, we consider intensity of exercise training to be a key component of any exercise training programme. Whilst studies of young individuals have demonstrated that higher exercise training intensity results in greater improvements in exercise capacity, the evidence for older patients is not so clear cut. In COPD, there is limited evidence regarding the optimal intensity of exercise training. Using both physiological (peak exercise capacity) and patient‐centred (e.g. quality of life) outcomes, it remains inconclusive if higher intensity exercise training bestows any greater benefit than low‐intensity exercise. If we examine the data from interval training studies, which used both high‐ and low‐intensity interval and continuous exercise, we are able to generate more data for comparison. Unfortunately, these data are challenging to interpret due to heterogeneity in how interval training was prescribed. However, when we normalize the interval training data for training volume and examine the change in peak cycling power, there is a relationship between training intensity and increase in peak power (Wpeak, r = 0.68, P < 0.05). Hence, whilst there is an inconclusive amount of evidence to support this intervention based on studies that only examined high‐ versus low‐intensity continuous exercise, the additional data from interval training studies would suggest that higher intensity may be superior in terms of increases in Wpeak. Future studies should focus on establishing a threshold and an optimal training intensity for COPD.
Singular Values of Products of Ginibre Random Matrices
Authors: Witte N. S. , Forrester P. J.
Published: September 2016

The squared singular values of the product of M complex Ginibre matrices form a biorthogonal ensemble, and thus their distribution is fully determined by a correlation kernel. The kernel permits a hard edge scaling to a form specified in terms of certain Meijer G‐functions, or equivalently hypergeometric functions , also referred to as hyper‐Bessel functions. In the case it is well known that the corresponding gap probability for no squared singular values in (0, s) can be evaluated in terms of a solution of a particular sigma form of the Painlevé III' system. One approach to this result is a formalism due to Tracy and Widom, involving the reduction of a certain integrable system. Strahov has generalized this formalism to general , but has not exhibited its reduction. After detailing the necessary working in the case , we consider the problem of reducing the 12 coupled differential equations in the case to a single differential equation for the resolvent. An explicit fourth‐order nonlinear is found for general hard edge parameters. For a particular choice of parameters, evidence is given that this simplifies to a much simpler third‐order nonlinear equation. The small and large s asymptotics of the fourth‐order equation are discussed, as is a possible relationship of the systems to so‐called four‐dimensional Painlevé‐type equations.
Large Time Asymptotics with Error Estimates to Solutions of a Forced Burgers Equation
Authors: Satyanarayana Engu , Ahmed Mohd , Murugan V.
Published: September 2016

This article deals with a forced Burgers equation (FBE) subject to the initial function, which is continuous and summable on . Large time asymptotic behavior of solutions to the FBE is determined with precise error estimates. To achieve this, we construct solutions for the FBE with a different initial class of functions using the method of separation of variables and Cole–Hopf like transformation. These solutions are constructed in terms of Hermite polynomials with the help of similarity variables. The constructed solutions would help us to pick up an asymptotic approximation and to show that the magnitude of the difference function of the true and approximate solutions decays algebraically to 0 for large time.
Identification of a novel HLA‐DRB1*14 allele, HLA‐DRB1*14:127:01, in a Chinese Individual
Authors: Yang J. H. , Jiang Y. Q. , Sun Y. , Tang Q. J. , Xiang D.
Published: September 2016

Two nucleotide changes in codon 77 (ACC → AAT) of HLA‐DRB1*14:05:03 result in the allele, HLA‐DRB1*14:127:01.
HIV and host immunogenetics: unraveling the role of HLA‐C
Authors: Bardeskar N. S. , Mania‐Pramanik J.
Published: September 2016

Host genetic factors play a major role in determining the outcome of many infections including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Multiple host factors have been studied till date showing their varied role in susceptibility or resistance to HIV infection. HLA‐C, however, has been recently started gaining interest in researchers mind revealing its polymorphisms to have an important effect on viral load set‐points, disease progression as well as transmission. In this review report, we have compiled these significant findings of HLA‐C in HIV infection, in an attempt to highlight the need for further research in the area in different ethnic population to establish its role in the infection.
High‐dose steroid therapy in BK viremia adversely affected the long‐term graft function after kidney transplantation
Authors: Kim Hyosang , Yu Hoon , Baek Chung Hee , Han Duck Jong , Park Su‐Kil
Published: September 2016

Background

Although high‐dose steroid therapy has been attempted for the management of clinically suspected allograft rejection, before testing for BK viral activity or acute cellular rejection accompanied by BK polyomavirus nephropathy, its long‐term outcome remains unknown. We investigated the impact of high‐dose steroids on BK viral activity and long‐term graft outcomes in patients with BK viremia.

Methods

The study population comprised 144 kidney transplant recipients with BK viremia. They were divided into 2 groups based on the amount of steroids administered: low‐dose group (<2 g, n=123) or high‐dose group (≥2 g, n=21).

Results

The baseline serum BK viral loads were 5.4±1.1 log cp/mL in the low‐dose group and 6.0±1.3 in the high‐dose group (P=.054). These changed to 5.2±1.3 and 6.1±1.4, 1 month after steroid treatment (P=.03) and 4.9±1.3 and 5.9±1.4 at 2 months (P=.033), respectively. From 3 months to 1 year, the serum BK viral titers were not different between groups. Kaplan‐Meier analyses demonstrated that the rates of the decline of graft function and graft failure were higher in the high‐dose group (P=.02 and P=.04, respectively). High‐dose steroids (P=.012, hazard ratio [HR] 5.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42–17.85) and log serum BK viral load at 2 months after steroid treatment (P=.042, HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.02–2.28) were independent risk factors for the decline of graft function.

Conclusion

High‐dose steroids induced BK viral activation and subsequently resulted in poor long‐term graft function and early graft failure in patients with BK viremia.
An antimicrobial origin of transit peptides accounts for early endosymbiotic events
Authors: Wollman Francis‐André
Published: September 2016

Primary endosymbiosis, which gave rise to mitochondria or chloroplasts, required successful targeting of a number of proteins from the host cytosol to the endosymbiotic organelles. A survey of studies published in separate fields of biological research over the past 40 years argues for an antimicrobial origin of targeting peptides. It is proposed that mitochondria and chloroplast derive from microbes that developed a resistance strategy to antimicrobial peptides that consisted in their rapid internalization and proteolytic disposal by microbial peptidases.
Porcine endothelium induces DNA–histone complex formation in human whole blood: a harmful effect of histone on coagulation and endothelial activation
Authors: Yoo Hyun Ju , Kim Ji‐Eun , Gu Ja Yoon , Lee Sae Bom , Lee Hyun Joo , Hwang Ho Young , Hwang Yoohwa , Kim Young Tae , Kim Hyun Kyung
Published: September 2016

Background

Neutrophils play a role in xenograft rejection. When neutrophils are stimulated, they eject the DNA–histone complex into the extracellular space, called neutrophil extracellular traps (NET). We investigated whether NET formation actively occurs in the xenograft and contributes to coagulation and endothelial activation.

Methods

Human whole blood was incubated with porcine aortic endothelial cells (pEC) from wild‐type or α1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene‐knockout (GTKO) pigs. In the supernatant plasma from human blood, the level of the DNA–histone complex was measured by ELISA, and thrombin generation was measured using a calibrated automated thrombogram. Histone‐induced tissue factor and adhesion molecule expression were measured by flow cytometry.

Results

pEC from both wild‐type and GTKO pigs significantly induced DNA–histone complex formation in human whole blood. The DNA–histone complex produced shortened the thrombin generation time and clotting time. Histone alone dose‐dependently induced tissue factor and adhesion molecule expression in pEC. Aurintricarboxylic acid pretreatment partially inhibited pEC‐induced DNA–histone complex formation.

Conclusions

DNA–histone complex actively generated upon xenotransplantation is a novel target to inhibit coagulation and endothelial activation. To prevent tissue factor and adhesion molecule expression, a strategy to block soluble histone may be required in xenotransplantation.
Lyme Disease Surveillance in New York State: an Assessment of Case Underreporting
Authors: White J. , Noonan‐Toly C. , Lukacik G. , Thomas N. , Hinckley A. , Hook S. , Backenson P. B.
Published: September 2016

Despite the mandatory nature of Lyme disease (LD) reporting in New York State (NYS), it is believed that only a fraction of the LD cases diagnosed annually are reported to public health authorities. Lack of complete LD case reporting generally stems from (i) lack of report of provider‐diagnosed cases where supportive laboratory testing is not ordered or results are negative (i.e. provider underreporting) and (ii) incomplete case information (clinical laboratory reporting only with no accompanying clinical information) such that cases are considered ‘suspect’ and not included in national and statewide case counts (i.e. case misclassification). In an attempt to better understand LD underreporting in NYS, a two‐part study was conducted in 2011 using surveillance data from three counties. Case misclassification was assessed by obtaining medical records on suspect cases and reclassifying according to the surveillance case definition. To assess provider underreporting, lists of patients for whom ICD‐9‐CM code 088.81 (LD) had been used were reported to NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH). These lists were matched to the NYSDOH case reporting system, and medical records were requested on patients not previously reported; cases were then classified according to the case definition. When including both provider underreporting and case misclassification, approximately 20% (range 18.4–24.6%) more LD cases were identified in the three‐county study area than were originally reported through standard surveillance. The additional cases represent a minimum percentage of unreported cases; the true percentage of unreported cases is likely higher. Unreported cases were more likely to have a history of erythema migrans (EM) rash and were more likely to be young paediatric cases. Results of the study support the assertion that LD cases are underreported in NYS. Initiatives to increase reporting should highlight the importance of reporting clinically diagnosed EM and be targeted to those providers most likely to diagnose LD, specifically providers treating paediatric patients.
Synaptic transmission at the endbulb of Held deteriorates during age‐related hearing loss
Authors: Xie Ruili , Manis Paul B.
Published: September 2016

Key points

Synaptic transmission at the endbulb of Held was assessed by whole‐cell patch clamp recordings from auditory neurons in mature (2–4 months) and aged (20–26 months) mice.

Synaptic transmission is degraded in aged mice, which may contribute to the decline in neural processing of the central auditory system during age‐related hearing loss.

The changes in synaptic transmission in aged mice can be partially rescued by improving calcium buffering, or decreasing action potential‐evoked calcium influx.

These experiments suggest potential mechanisms, such as regulating intraterminal calcium, that could be manipulated to improve the fidelity of transmission at the aged endbulb of Held.

Age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) is associated with changes to the auditory periphery that raise sensory thresholds and alter coding, and is accompanied by alterations in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission, and intrinsic excitability in the circuits of the central auditory system. However, it remains unclear how synaptic transmission changes at the first central auditory synapses during ARHL. Using mature (2–4 months) and old (20–26 months) CBA/CaJ mice, we studied synaptic transmission at the endbulb of Held. Mature and old mice showed no difference in either spontaneous quantal synaptic transmission or low frequency evoked synaptic transmission at the endbulb of Held. However, when challenged with sustained high frequency stimulation, synapses in old mice exhibited increased asynchronous transmitter release and reduced synchronous release. This suggests that the transmission of temporally precise information is degraded at the endbulb during ARHL. Increasing intraterminal calcium buffering with EGTA‐AM or decreasing calcium influx with ω‐agatoxin IVA decreased the amount of asynchronous release and restored synchronous release in old mice. In addition, recovery from depression following high frequency trains was faster in old mice, but was restored to a normal time course by EGTA‐AM treatment. These results suggest that intraterminal calcium in old endbulbs may rise to abnormally high levels during high rates of auditory nerve firing, or that calcium‐dependent processes involved in release are altered with age. These observations suggest that ARHL is associated with a decrease in temporal precision of synaptic release at the first central auditory synapse, which may contribute to perceptual deficits in hearing.
Porous Structure Fabrication Using a Stereolithography-Based Sugar Foaming Method
Authors: Song Xuan , Zhang Zhuofeng , Chen Zeyu , Chen Yong
Published: September 2016

Porous structure has wide application in industry due to some of its unique properties such as low density, low thermal conductivity, high surface area, and efficient stress transmission. Both templating and foaming agent methods have been used to fabricate porous structures. However, these methods can only fabricate simple geometries. In recent years, many studies have been done to use additive manufacturing (AM), e.g., stereolithography apparatus (SLA), in the fabrication of porous structure; however, the porosity that can be achieved is relatively small due to the limited accuracy in building microscale features on a large area. This paper presents a projection-based SLA process to fabricate porous polymer structures using sugar particles as the foaming agent. With a solid loading of 50 wt.% of sugar in photocurable resin, the method can achieve a structure with much higher porosity. As shown in our results, the method can increase the porosity of fabricated scaffold structures by two times when compared to the current SLA method.
Optimization of High Stress Abrasive Wear of Polymer Blend Ethylene and Vinyl Acetate Copolymer/HDPE/MA-g-PE/OMMT Nanocomposites
Authors: Namdeo Rajeev , Tiwari Sudhir , Manepatil Smita
Published: September 2016

High stress (two-body) abrasive wear behavior of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MA-g-PE) compatibilized ethylene and vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/high-density polyethylene (HDPE) polymer blend added with organophilic montmorillonite nanoclay in increasing quantity (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 phr) has been evaluated in this study. Comparative volume losses and specific wear rates of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) using two-body abrasion tester are discussed. Specific abrasive wear rate is optimized under different loads and sliding distances with different abrasive grade papers as per Taguchi L18 orthogonal array. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) is employed to determine the significance of factors influencing wear. Confirmation experiments are performed to predict and verify the improvement in observed values with the optimal combination level of control factors. It is observed that maximum wear volume loss and specific wear rate occur at 10 N load and 8 m sliding distance in all polymer nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images are used to analyze wear mechanisms under different experimental conditions.
Improving hyperthermia treatment planning for the pelvis by accurate fluid modeling
Authors: Schooneveldt G. , Kok H. P. , Balidemaj E. , Geijsen E. D. , van Ommen F. , Sijbrands J. , Bakker A. , de la Rosette J. J. M. C. H. , Hulshof M. C. C. M. , de Reijke T. M. , Crezee J.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

Hyperthermia is an established (neo)adjuvant treatment modality for a number of pelvic malignancies. Optimal treatment of these tumors requires robust treatment planning, but up until now, the urinary bladder was not modeled accurately, making current simulations less reliable. The authors improved the dielectric and thermophysical model of the urinary bladder in their treatment planning system, and showed the improvements using phantom experiments.

Methods

The authors suspended a porcine bladder in muscle tissue equivalent gel and filled it with 120 ml 0.9% saline. The authors heated the phantom during 15 min with their deep hyperthermia device, using clinical settings, and measured the temperature both inside and outside the bladder. The authors simulated the experiment, both using the clinically used treatment planning system, and using the improved model featuring correct dielectric properties for the bladder content and an enhanced thermophysical model, enabling the simulation of convection.

Results

Although the dielectric changes have an impact throughout the phantom, the dominant effect is a higher net heat absorption in the bladder. The effects of changing the thermophysical model are limited to the bladder and its surroundings, but result in a very different temperature profile. The temperatures predicted by the simulations using the new bladder model were in much better agreement with the measurements than those predicted by currently used treatment planning system.

Conclusions

Modeling convection in the urinary bladder is very important for accurate hyperthermia treatment planning in the pelvic area.
Computer aided diagnosis of prostate cancer: A texton based approach
Authors: Rampun Andrik , Tiddeman Bernie , Zwiggelaar Reyer , Malcolm Paul
Published: September 2016

Purpose

In this paper the authors propose a texton based prostate computer aided diagnosis approach which bypasses the typical feature extraction process such as filtering and convolution which can be computationally expensive. The study focuses the peripheral zone because 75% of prostate cancers start within this region and the majority of prostate cancers arising within this region are more aggressive than those arising in the transitional zone.

Methods

For the model development, square patches were extracted at random locations from malignant and benign regions. Subsequently, extracted patches were aggregated and clustered using k‐means clustering to generate textons that represent both regions. All textons together form a texton dictionary, which was used to construct a texton map for every peripheral zone in the training images. Based on the texton map, histogram models for each malignant and benign tissue samples were constructed and used as a feature vector to train our classifiers. In the testing phase, four machine learning algorithms were employed to classify each unknown sample tissue based on its corresponding feature vector.

Results

The proposed method was tested on 418 T2‐W MR images taken from 45 patients. Evaluation results show that the best three classifiers were Bayesian network (Az = 92.8% ± 5.9%), random forest (89.5% ± 7.1%), and k‐NN (86.9% ± 7.5%). These results are comparable to the state‐of‐the‐art in the literature.

Conclusions

The authors have developed a prostate computer aided diagnosis method based on textons using a single modality of T2‐W MRI without the need for the typical feature extraction methods, such as filtering and convolution. The proposed method could form a solid basis for a multimodality magnetic resonance imaging based systems.
Re‐examining TG‐142 recommendations in light of modern techniques for linear accelerator based radiosurgery
Authors: Faught Austin M. , Trager Michael , Yin Fang‐Fang , Kirkpatrick John , Adamson Justus
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The recent development of multifocal stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) using a single isocenter volumetric modulated arc theory (VMAT) technique warrants a re‐examination of the quality assurance (QA) tolerances for routine mechanical QA recommended by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group Report Number 142. Multifocal SRS can result in targets with small volumes being at a large off‐axis distance from the treatment isocenter. Consequently, angular errors in the collimator, patient support assembly (PSA), or gantry could have an increased impact on target coverage.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective analysis of dose deviations caused by systematic errors in PSA, collimator, and gantry angle at the tolerance level for routine linear accelerator QA as recommended by TG‐142. Dosimetric deviations from multifocal SRS plans (N = 10) were compared to traditional single target SRS using dynamic conformal arcs (N = 10). The chief dosimetric quantities used in determining clinical impact were V100% and D99% of the individual planning target volumes and V12Gy of the healthy brain.

Results

Induced errors at tolerance levels showed the greatest change in multifocal SRS target coverage for collimator rotations (±1.0°) with the average changes to V100% and D99% being 5% and 6%, respectively, with maximum changes of 33% and 20%. A reduction in the induced error to half the TG‐142 tolerance (±0.5°) demonstrated similar changes in coverage loss to traditional single target SRS assessed at the recommended tolerance level. The observed change in coverage for multifocal SRS was reduced for gantry errors (±1.0°) at 2% and 4.5% for V100% and D99%, respectively, with maximum changes of 18% and 12%. Minimal change in coverage was noted for errors in PSA rotation.

Conclusions

This study indicates that institutions utilizing a single isocenter VMAT technique for multifocal disease should pay careful attention to the angular mechanical tolerances in designing a robust and complete QA program.
Differential roles of AVP and VIP signaling in the postnatal changes of neural networks for coherent circadian rhythms in the SCN
Authors: Ono Daisuke , Honma Sato , Honma Ken-ichi
Published: September 2016

SCN neuronal networks undergo differential and redundant regulations of AVP and VIP during postnatal development in mice.
A Model for Transposition of the Colistin Resistance Gene
mcr-1
by IS
Apl1
Authors: Snesrud Erik , He Susu , Chandler Michael , Dekker John P. , Hickman Alison B. , McGann Patrick , Dyda Fred
Published: September 2016

Analysis of
mcr-1
-containing sequences identified a common ∼2,607-bp DNA segment that in many cases is flanked on one or both ends by IS
Apl1
. We present evidence that
mcr-1
is mobilized by an IS
Apl1
composite transposon which has, in some cases, subsequently lost one or both copies of IS
Apl1
. We also show that
mcr-1
can be mobilized in some circumstances by a single upstream copy of IS
Apl1
in conjunction with the remnants of a downstream IS
Apl1
.