bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Higher Doses to Compensate for Tubing Residuals in Extended-Infusion Piperacillin-Tazobactam
Authors: Lam Wendy J , Bhowmick Tanaya , Gross Alan , Vanschooneveld Trevor C , Weinstein Melvin P
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To mathematically assess drug losses due to infusion line residuals and evaluate methods to compensate for drug loss due to residual volumes in intravenous pump tubing.

DATA SOURCES:

Literature was accessed through Ovid MEDLINE (1996-February 2013), using combinations of the search terms tubing residuals, residual volume, residual medication, intravenous infusions, intravenous injections, piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, β-lactams, equipment design, infusion pumps, extended infusion, extended administration, and prolonged infusion. In addition, select reference citations from publications identified were reviewed.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:

All articles that involved extended-infusion piperacillin-tazobactam implementation strategies were included in the review.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Infusion pump characteristics and tubing residuals can affect extended-infusion piperacillin-tazobactam dosing strategies. Two studies addressing tubing residuals were identified. Both studies recommended increasing infusion volumes to compensate for tubing residuals. One study also recommended decreasing infusion-line dead space by using alternative infusion pump systems. Study calculations suggest that higher doses of piperacillin-tazobactam may be used to account for medication left in tubing residuals if alternative infusion pump systems cannot be obtained, and increased infusion volumes are not an option.

CONCLUSIONS:

Extended-infusion piperacillin-tazobactam has been used as a method of maximizing pharmacodynamic target attainment. Use of higher doses of piperacillin-tazobactam may be a reasonable method to compensate for drug loss due to residual volumes in large-bore intravenous pump tubing.
Concomitant Administration of Pneumococcal-23 and Zoster Vaccines Provides Adequate Herpes Zoster Coverage
Authors: Wyman Marcia J , Stabi Katie L
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether concomitant administration of zoster vaccine and polysaccharide pneumococcal-23 vaccine (PPV23) provides sufficient protection against herpes zoster infections.

DATA SOURCES

Literature was retrieved through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, PubMed (inception-February 2013), and Scopus (inception-February 2013) using the key words herpes zoster, pneumococcal, vaccine, concomitant, simultaneous administration, Pneumovax, Zostavax, and barriers. In addition, reference citations from publications were used.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

All English-language articles identified from the data sources were evaluated. Two studies evaluating concomitant and nonconcomitant administration of zoster vaccine and PPV23 were included.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Current product labeling recommends a 4-week interval between zoster vaccine and PPV23 administration; however, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the CDC promote concomitant administration to prevent a missed opportunity to vaccinate. This has caused confusion among health care professionals regarding the appropriate timing of these vaccines. A randomized trial that evaluated the immunogenicity of zoster vaccine and PPV23 given together versus separated by at least 4 weeks demonstrated that the varicella zoster virus (VZV) antibody levels of concomitant versus nonconcomitant vaccination groups did not meet noninferiority requirements. However, a large retrospective cohort trial that compared the incidence of herpes zoster infections following concomitant versus nonconcomitant administration of PPV23 and zoster vaccine did not find a statistically significant between-group difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant administration of zoster vaccine and PPV23 is advocated by the CDC and FDA to improve immunization rates among vaccine-eligible individuals. Since there is no direct evidence that simultaneous administration of zoster vaccine and PPV23 puts patients at increased risk of developing herpes zoster, the vaccines should be given during the same office visit to avoid a missed opportunity to vaccinate against 2 serious diseases.
Effect of Temperature and Frequency on Visco-Elastic Dynamic Response of Asphalt Mixture
Authors: Li Peilong , Ding Zhan , Zhang Zhengqi
Published: May 2013

Asphalt mixture is a typical visco-elastic material whose dynamic response has a strong relationship to the test conditions of temperature and loading frequency. To study the dynamic response of asphalt mixture, simple performance test (SPTs) were conducted on three asphalt mixtures for different gradations and binders. The effect of test temperature and loading frequency on dynamic modulus (E*) and phase angle (δ) of asphalt mixtures are investigated. On the basis of discussing the shift factors of dynamic modulus and phase angle, a master curve is obtained. The results indicate the dynamic modulus of asphalt mixtures decreases with either an increase in temperature or a decrease in loading frequency, and the relative shift with decreasing load frequencies becomes less and less. The peak temperature of the phase angle for different loading frequencies is not the same. The dynamic modulus master curve and shift factor can reflect the effect of loading frequency and temperature on material properties, as well as describe fully the visco-elastic properties of asphalt mixture.
A Non-Destructive Evaluation Strategy for Thick Coating Evaluation on Hemispherical Steel Shells of Different Sizes with a Wide-Range ECT Sensor
Authors: Zhang Dongli , Wang Zhaoba , Chen Zhenmao , Li Yong
Published: May 2013

The goal of this paper is to develop an effective and high-precision method for thick coating evaluation in hemispherical steel shells of different sizes using eddy current technology. The key problems of the study include limited capability and low measure precision of eddy current sensor for long liftoff evaluation as well as the influence of shell thickness and curvature on liftoff-evaluation precision for coating in different size shells. To solve these problems, a wide-range sensor was proposed and the influence laws of shell sizes on signals were analyzed using a finite element method-boundary element method (FEM-BEM) hybrid program. Finally, a strategy using cubic spline interpolation method and sample database was adopted for thickness evaluation of coating in different size shells, and its applicability was validated by liftoff evaluation results.
Evaluation of Guy Anchorage Strength in Clay for Transmission Tower
Authors: Kongkitkul Warat , Srisakorn Sorawut , Chantachot Thitapan , Youwai Sompote , Jongpradist Pornkasem , Bunjongruksa Chaloempon
Published: May 2013

Due to the growth of the economy in Thailand, the electricity transmission system must be regularly maintained so that electricity is effectively and safely distributed for uses in daily life and industries. Natural disasters often cause damage to transmission towers. In addition, some damage has occurred due to vandalisms and soil excavations near transmission towers. Foundation scouring and tilting typically occur at transmission towers. In practice, repair of damage to a transmission tower typically begins with transferring the foundation pressure of the damaged tower to other firm foundation soil using a guy fixed to a guy anchor. The transmission tower is then restored to its original condition. In this study, a series of field anchorage strength tests were performed in the Bangkok metropolitan region which is well-known for its very soft to soft clay deposits. Additionally, Kunzelstab penetration tests were performed to evaluate the undrained shear strengths of the clay with depth at the test locations. The measured ultimate anchorage strengths were then compared with values estimated theoretically on the basis of measured undrained shear strengths. The measured values were found to be approximately 70 % of the theoretical values. This was probably due to the clay disturbance caused by anchor installation. Based on this fact, the ultimate anchorage strengths were then estimated for other clay conditions.
Attending Multiple Items Decreases the Selectivity of Population Responses in Human Primary Visual Cortex
Authors: Anderson David E. , Ester Edward F. , Serences John T. , Awh Edward
Published: May 2013

Multiple studies have documented an inverse relationship between the number of to-be-attended or remembered items in a display (“set size”) and task performance. The neural source of this decline in cognitive performance is currently under debate. Here, we used a combination of fMRI and a forward encoding model of orientation selectivity to generate population tuning functions for each of two stimuli while human observers attended either one or both items. We observed (1) clear population tuning functions for the attended item(s) that peaked at the stimulus orientation and decreased monotonically as the angular distance from this orientation increased, (2) a set-size-dependent decline in the relative precision of orientation-specific population responses, such that attending two items yielded a decline in selectivity of the population tuning function for each item, and (3) that the magnitude of the loss of precision in population tuning functions predicted individual differences in the behavioral cost of attending an additional item. These findings demonstrate that attending multiple items degrades the precision of perceptual representations for the target items and provides a straightforward account for the associated impairments in visually guided behavior.
In VivoRecordings of GnRH Neuron Firing Reveal Heterogeneity and Dependence upon GABAAReceptor Signaling
Authors: Constantin Stephanie , Iremonger Karl J. , Herbison Allan E.
Published: May 2013

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are the key cells regulating fertility in all mammalian species. The scattered distribution of these neurons has made investigation of their properties extremely difficult and the key goal of recording their electrical activityin vivonear impossible. The caudal-most extension of the GnRH neuron continuum brings some cells very close to the base of the brain at the level of the anterior hypothalamic area. Taking insight from this, we developed an experimental procedure in anesthetized GnRH-GFP mice that allows the electrical activity of these GnRH neurons to be recordedin vivo. On-cell recordings revealed that the majority of GnRH neurons (86%) were spontaneously active, exhibiting a range of firing patterns, although only a minority (15%) exhibited burst firing. Mean firing frequencies ranged from 0.06 to 3.65 Hz, with the most common interspike interval being ∼500 ms. All GnRH neurons tested were activated by AMPA and kisspeptin. Whereas the GABAAreceptor agonist muscimol evoked excitatory, inhibitory, or mixed effects on GnRH neuron firing, the GABAAreceptor antagonist picrotoxin resulted in a consistent suppression of firing. These observations represent the first electrical recordings of GnRH neuronsin vivo. They reveal that GnRH neuronsin vivoexhibit considerable heterogeneity in their firing patterns with both similarities and differences to firingin vitro. These variable patterns of firingin vivoare found to be critically dependent upon ongoing GABAAreceptor signaling.
A Tetra(Ethylene Glycol) Derivative of Benzothiazole Aniline Enhances Ras-Mediated Spinogenesis
Authors: Megill Andrea , Lee Taehee , DiBattista Amanda Marie , Song Jung Min , Spitzer Matthew H. , Rubinshtein Mark , Habib Lila K. , Capule Christina C. , Mayer Michael , Turner R. Scott , Kirkwood Alfredo , Yang Jerry , Pak Daniel T. S. , Lee Hey-Kyoung , Hoe Hyang-Sook
Published: May 2013

The tetra(ethylene glycol) derivative of benzothiazole aniline, BTA-EG4, is a novel amyloid-binding small molecule that can penetrate the blood–brain barrier and protect cells from Aβ-induced toxicity. However, the effects of Aβ-targeting molecules on other cellular processes, including those that modulate synaptic plasticity, remain unknown. We report here that BTA-EG4decreases Aβ levels, alters cell surface expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP), and improves memory in wild-type mice. Interestingly, the BTA-EG4-mediated behavioral improvement is not correlated with LTP, but with increased spinogenesis. The higher dendritic spine density reflects an increase in the number of functional synapses as determined by increased miniature EPSC (mEPSC) frequency without changes in presynaptic parameters or postsynaptic mEPSC amplitude. Additionally, BTA-EG4requires APP to regulate dendritic spine density through a Ras signaling-dependent mechanism. Thus, BTA-EG4may provide broad therapeutic benefits for improving neuronal and cognitive function, and may have implications in neurodegenerative disease therapy.
Mature Purkinje Cells Require the Retinoic Acid-Related Orphan Receptor-α (RORα) to Maintain Climbing Fiber Mono-Innervation and Other Adult Characteristics
Authors: Chen Xiao Ru , Heck Nicolas , Lohof Ann M. , Rochefort Christelle , Morel Marie-Pierre , Wehrlé Rosine , Doulazmi Mohamed , Marty Serge , Cannaya Vidjeacoumary , Avci Hasan X. , Mariani Jean , Rondi-Reig Laure , Vodjdani Guilan , Sherrard Rachel M. , Sotelo Constantino , Dusart Isabelle
Published: May 2013

Neuronal maturation during development is a multistep process regulated by transcription factors. The transcription factor RORα (retinoic acid-related orphan receptor α) is necessary for early Purkinje cell (PC) maturation but is also expressed throughout adulthood. To identify the role of RORα in mature PCs, we used Cre-lox mouse genetic toolsin vivothat delete it specifically from PCs between postnatal days 10–21. Up to 14 d of age, differences between mutant and control PCs were not detectable: both were mono-innervated by climbing fibers (CFs) extending along their well-developed dendrites with spiny branchlets. By week 4, mutant mice were ataxic, some PCs had died, and remaining PC soma and dendrites were atrophic, with almost complete disappearance of spiny branchlets. The innervation pattern of surviving RORα-deleted PCs was abnormal with several immature characteristics. Notably, multiple functional CF innervation was reestablished on these mature PCs, simultaneously with the relocation of CF contacts to the PC soma and their stem dendrite. This morphological modification of CF contacts could be induced even later, using lentivirus-mediated depletion ofrorafrom adult PCs. These data show that the late postnatal expression of RORα cell-autonomously regulates the maintenance of PC dendritic complexity, and the CF innervation status of the PC (dendritic vs somatic contacts, and mono-innervation vs multi-innervation). Thus, the differentiation state of adult neurons is under the control of transcription factors; and in their absence, adult neurons lose their mature characteristics and acquire some characteristics of an earlier developmental stage.
Neuroligin1 Drives Synaptic and Behavioral Maturation through Intracellular Interactions
Authors: Hoy Jennifer L. , Haeger Paola A. , Constable John R. L. , Arias Renee J. , McCallum Raluca , Kyweriga Michael , Davis Lawrence , Schnell Eric , Wehr Michael , Castillo Pablo E. , Washbourne Philip
Published: May 2013

In vitrostudies suggest that the intracellular C terminus of Neuroligin1 (NL1) could play a central role in the maturation of excitatory synapses. However, it is unknown how this activity affects synapsesin vivo, and whether it may impact the development of complex behaviors. To determine how NL1 influences the state of glutamatergic synapsesin vivo, we compared the synaptic and behavioral phenotypes of mice overexpressing a full-length version of NL1 (NL1FL) with mice overexpressing a version missing part of the intracellular domain (NL1ΔC). We show that overexpression of full-length NL1 yielded an increase in the proportion of synapses with mature characteristics and impaired learning and flexibility. In contrast, the overexpression of NL1ΔC increased the number of excitatory postsynaptic structures and led to enhanced flexibility in mnemonic and social behaviors. Transient overexpression of NL1FL revealed that elevated levels are not necessary to maintain synaptic and behavioral states altered earlier in development. In contrast, overexpression of NL1FL in the fully mature adult was able to impair normal learning behavior after 1 month of expression. These results provide the first evidence that NL1 significantly impacts key developmental processes that permanently shape circuit function and behavior, as well as the function of fully developed neural circuits. Overall, these manipulations of NL1 function illuminate the significance of NL1 intracellular signalingin vivo, and enhance our understanding of the factors that gate the maturation of glutamatergic synapses and complex behavior. This has significant implications for our ability to address disorders such as autism spectrum disorders.
Tau Accumulation Activates the Unfolded Protein Response by Impairing Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation
Authors: Abisambra Jose F. , Jinwal Umesh K. , Blair Laura J. , O'Leary John C. , Li Qingyou , Brady Sarah , Wang Li , Guidi Chantal E. , Zhang Bo , Nordhues Bryce A. , Cockman Matthew , Suntharalingham Amirthaa , Li Pengfei , Jin Ying , Atkins Christopher A. , Dickey Chad A.
Published: May 2013

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the mechanisms of neuronal loss remain largely unknown. Although tau pathology is closely correlated with neuronal loss, how its accumulation may lead to activation of neurotoxic pathways is unclear. Here we show that tau increased the levels of ubiquitinated proteins in the brain and triggered activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). This suggested that tau interferes with protein quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Consistent with this, ubiquitin was found to associate with the ER in human AD brains and tau transgenic (rTg4510) mouse brains, but this was not always colocalized with tau. The increased levels of ubiquitinated protein were accompanied by increased levels of phosphorylated protein kinase R-like ER kinase (pPERK), a marker that indicates UPR activation. Depleting soluble tau levels in cells and brain could reverse UPR activation. Tau accumulation facilitated its deleterious interaction with ER membrane and associated proteins that are essential for ER-associated degradation (ERAD), including valosin-containing protein (VCP) and Hrd1. Based on this, the effects of tau accumulation on ERAD efficiency were evaluated using the CD3δ reporter, an ERAD substrate. Indeed, CD3δ accumulated in bothin vitroandin vivomodels of tau overexpression and AD brains. These data suggest that soluble tau impairs ERAD and the result is activation of the UPR. The reversibility of this process, however, suggests that tau-based therapeutics could significantly delay this type of cell death and therefore disease progression.
The Brain's Silent Messenger: Using Selective Attention to Decode Human Thought for Brain-Based Communication
Authors: Naci Lorina , Cusack Rhodri , Jia Vivian Z. , Owen Adrian M.
Published: May 2013

The interpretation of human thought from brain activity, without recourse to speech or action, is one of the most provoking and challenging frontiers of modern neuroscience. In particular, patients who are fully conscious and awake, yet, due to brain damage, are unable to show any behavioral responsivity, expose the limits of the neuromuscular system and the necessity for alternate forms of communication. Although it is well established that selective attention can significantly enhance the neural representation of attended sounds, it remains, thus far, untested as a response modality for brain-based communication. We asked whether its effect could be reliably used to decode answers to binary (yes/no) questions. Fifteen healthy volunteers answered questions (e.g., “Do you have brothers or sisters?”) in the fMRI scanner, by selectively attending to the appropriate word (“yes” or “no”). Ninety percent of the answers were decoded correctly based on activity changes within the attention network. The majority of volunteers conveyed their answers with less than 3 min of scanning, suggesting that this technique is suited for communication in a reasonable amount of time. Formal comparison with the current best-established fMRI technique for binary communication revealed improved individual success rates and scanning times required to detect responses. This novel fMRI technique is intuitive, easy to use in untrained participants, and reliably robust within brief scanning times. Possible applications include communication with behaviorally nonresponsive patients.
Dissociable Neural Modulation Underlying Lasting First Impressions, Changing Your Mind for the Better, and Changing It for the Worse
Authors: Bhanji Jamil P. , Beer Jennifer S.
Published: May 2013

Unattractive job candidates face a disadvantage when interviewing for a job. Employers' evaluations are colored by the candidate's physical attractiveness even when they take job interview performance into account. This example illustrates unexplored questions about the neural basis of social evaluation in humans. What neural regions support the lasting effects of initial impressions (even after getting to know someone)? How does the brain process information that changes our minds about someone? Job candidates' competence was evaluated from photographs and again after seeing snippets of job interviews. Left lateral orbitofrontal cortex modulation serves as a warning signal for initial reactions that ultimately undermine evaluations even when additional information is taken into account. The neural basis of changing one's mind about a candidate is not a simple matter of computing the amount of competence-affirming information in their job interview. Instead, seeing a candidate for the better is somewhat distinguishable at the neural level from seeing a candidate for the worse. Whereas amygdala modulation marks the extremity of evaluation change, favorable impression change additionally draws on parametric modulation of lateral prefrontal cortex and unfavorable impression change additionally draws on parametric modulation of medial prefrontal cortex, temporal cortex, and striatum. Investigating social evaluation as a dynamic process (rather than a one-time impression) paints a new picture of its neural basis and highlights the partially dissociable processes that contribute to changing your mind about someone for the better or the worse.
Otoferlin Couples to Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis in Mature Cochlear Inner Hair Cells
Authors: Duncker Susanne V. , Franz Christoph , Kuhn Stephanie , Schulte Uwe , Campanelli Dario , Brandt Niels , Hirt Bernhard , Fakler Bernd , Blin Nikolaus , Ruth Peter , Engel Jutta , Marcotti Walter , Zimmermann Ulrike , Knipper Marlies
Published: May 2013

The encoding of auditory information with indefatigable precision requires efficient resupply of vesicles at inner hair cell (IHC) ribbon synapses. Otoferlin, a transmembrane protein responsible for deafness in DFNB9 families, has been postulated to act as a calcium sensor for exocytosis as well as to be involved in rapid vesicle replenishment of IHCs. However, the molecular basis of vesicle recycling in IHCs is largely unknown. In the present study, we used high-resolution liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry to copurify otoferlin interaction partners in the mammalian cochlea. We identified multiple subunits of the adaptor protein complex AP-2 (CLAP), an essential component of clathrin-mediated endocytosis, as binding partners of otoferlin in rats and mice. The interaction between otoferlin and AP-2 was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation. We also found that AP-2 interacts with myosin VI, another otoferlin binding partner important for clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). The expression of AP-2 in IHCs was verified by reverse transcription PCR. Confocal microscopy experiments revealed that the expression of AP-2 and its colocalization with otoferlin is confined to mature IHCs. When CME was inhibited by blocking dynamin action, real-time changes in membrane capacitance showed impaired synaptic vesicle replenishment in mature but not immature IHCs. We suggest that an otoferlin-AP-2 interaction drives Ca2+- and stimulus-dependent compensating CME in mature IHCs.
Regelungsentwurf für Windenergieanlagen
Authors: Shan Martin , Fischer Boris , Brosche Philipp
Published: May 2013

Moderne Windenergieanlagen sind komplexe mechatronische Systeme und bieten aus Sicht der Regelungstechnik eine Vielzahl von Möglichkeiten und Herausforderungen. Eine große Anzahl von Autoren hat sich deshalb in den letzten Jahren dem Entwurf von geeigneten Regelungssystemen für Windenergieanlagen gewidmet. Der vorliegende Überblicksbeitrag versucht, eine Anzahl von relevanten Arbeiten in einen übergreifenden Kontext einzuordnen, bezogen z. B. auf den Einsatz von Mehrgrößenreglern und die besondere Behandlung von periodischen Störsignalen. Darüber hinaus wird ein Ausblick auf zukünftige Entwicklungen wie schwimmende Windenergieanlagen oder Rotorblätter mit verteilten Aktuatoren gegeben.
Robuste Spannungsregelung von Windparks mit Q(U)-Kennlinie
Authors: Hau Melanie
Published: May 2013

Für den stabilen Betrieb des elektrischen Netzes ist die Spannungsregelung von großer Bedeutung. Sie wird durch eine Vielzahl an Stellgliedern dezentral ausgeführt. Eine Möglichkeit zur Einbindung von Windparks ist die Implementierung einer schnellen Spannungsregelung mit Q(U)-Kennlinie. In diesem Beitrag wird eine solche Regelung entworfen. Sie soll robust sein gegen Änderungen in der Einspeisung und in den Netzeigenschaften, sowie hinsichtlich Änderungen der Totzeiten in der Strecke, welche sich im Betrieb typischerweise ergeben. Der Reglerentwurf erfolgt auf Basis eines Multi-Modell-Ansatzes.
Body iron stores and the risk of type 2 diabetes in middle-aged men
Authors: Aregbesola Alex , Voutilainen Sari , Virtanen Jyrki K , Mursu Jaakko , Tuomainen Tomi-Pekka
Published: May 2013

Objective

We investigated the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) over a wide range of body iron stores.

Methods

Prospective cohort of 1613 men in the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factor study, aged 42–60 years, free of T2DM and hereditary hemochromatosis at baseline in 1984–1989. Baseline serum ferritin (sF) and serum-soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) concentrations were used to predict incident T2DM. T2DM was assessed by questionnaires, blood glucose measurements, and medication reimbursement register.

Results

There were 331 cases of incident T2DM during the mean follow-up of 16.8 years (27 098 person-years). At baseline, subjects who later developed T2DM had average sF concentrations of 191 μg/l (s.d.155) vs 151 μg/l (s.d.119) among those who remained healthy,P<0.001. In a multivariate-adjusted logistic regression, each 100 μg/l increase in sF corresponded to an average of 14% increased (odds ratio=1.14, 95% CI 1.03–1.26,P=0.009) risk of developing T2DM. In a Cox regression, a markedly increased risk of developing T2DM was observed from the fourth sF quintile (185 μg/l, the median) upward (hazard ratio (HR) first vs fifth quintile=1.5, 95% CI 1.0–2.2,P-trend=0.05). In a corresponding Cox model in sTfR, the subjects in the third quintile (1840 μg/l, the median) had the least risk (HR=0.63, 95% CI 0.42–0.97,P=0.04).

Conclusions

Body iron within the sF reference range is not an important determinant of T2DM risk, whereas high normal and above is associated with markedly increased risk. Iron depletion toward iron deficiency as assessed by sTfR is not protective against T2DM. A rule of thumb safe range could be 30–200 μg/l of sF.
The Evolution of the Anopheles 16 Genomes Project
Authors: Neafsey Daniel E , Christophides George K , Collins Frank H , Emrich Scott J , Fontaine Michael C , Gelbart William , Hahn Matthew W , Howell Paul I , Kafatos Fotis C , Lawson Daniel , Muskavitch Marc A T , Waterhouse Robert M , Williams Louise J , Besansky Nora J
Published: May 2013

We report the imminent completion of a set of reference genome assemblies for 16 species of Anopheles mosquitoes. In addition to providing a generally useful resource for comparative genomic analyses, these genome sequences will greatly facilitate exploration of the capacity exhibited by some Anopheline mosquito species to serve as vectors for malaria parasites. A community analysis project will commence soon to perform a thorough comparative genomic investigation of these newly sequenced genomes. Completion of this project via the use of short next-generation sequence reads required innovation in both the bioinformatic and laboratory realms, and the resulting knowledge gained could prove useful for genome sequencing projects targeting other unconventional genomes.
Animal Models and Integrated Nested Laplace Approximations
Authors: Holand Anna Marie , Steinsland Ingelin , Martino Sara , Jensen Henrik
Published: May 2013

Animal models are generalized linear mixed models used in evolutionary biology and animal breeding to identify the genetic part of traits. Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) is a methodology for making fast, nonsampling-based Bayesian inference for hierarchical Gaussian Markov models. In this article, we demonstrate that the INLA methodology can be used for many versions of Bayesian animal models. We analyze animal models for both synthetic case studies and house sparrow (Passer domesticus) population case studies with Gaussian, binomial, and Poisson likelihoods using INLA. Inference results are compared with results using Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods. For model choice we use difference in deviance information criteria (DIC). We suggest and show how to evaluate differences in DIC by comparing them with sampling results from simulation studies. We also introduce an R package, AnimalINLA, for easy and fast inference for Bayesian Animal models using INLA.
Photosynthetic Reaction Center Immobilization through Carboxylic Acid Terminated\Cytochrome C Linker for Applications in Photoprotein-based Bio-photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Yaghoubi Houman , Jun Daniel , Beatty J. Thomas , Takshi Arash
Published: May 2013

Bacterial photosynthetic reaction centers (RCs) are promising materials for solar energy harvesting, due to their high internal quantum efficiency. However, applications of RCs in bio-photovoltaic devices so far show relatively low external power conversion efficiency, mainly due to low efficiency of the charge transfer to the electrode. Preferential orientation of RCs on an electrode’s surface can enhance the charge transfer rate to some extent. Yet, the results of direct coupling of RCs to an Au electrode, through cysteine residues from the H-subunit, revealed that direct electron transfer is not efficient. This work focuses on a different approach to achieve high charge transfer rate between an Au electrode and RC protein complexes by employing cytochrome c (Cyt c)\carboxylic acid-terminated linker molecules. This approach preferentially orients RCs with the primary donor site to the electrode. Furthermore, Cyt c can be considered as a conductive linker, while the charge transfer mechanism through carboxylic acid-terminated linker molecules is dominated by tunneling. The photochronoamperometric results for a two electrode cell setup indicated a 156 nA.cm-2 cathodic photocurrent density; the photocurrent was measured in an electrochemical cell with ubiquinone-10 (Q2) in the electrolyte. Negligible photocurrents were observed in the case of coupled RCs to the Au via cysteine residues on H-subunit, with only Cyt c in the electrolyte. These findings contribute to the design of highly efficient bio-photovoltaic devices.
A tomografia computadorizada na avaliação do comprometimento abdominal na paracoccidioidomicose
Authors: Martinez Roberto , Bellucci Angela Delete , Fiorillo Adhemar Mario
Published: May 2013

A tomografia computadorizada foi utilizada para avaliar o comprometimento abdominal em 25 doentes deparacoccidioidomicose. Existiam lesões intra-abdominais em, respectivamente, 75%e23% dos doentes com asformas aguda ("juvenil") e crônica ( do adulto '). A alteração mais freqüente foi o aumento dos gânglios linfáticos abdominais (12/25 casos); outras lesões foram: calcificação de gânglios linfáticos em 4 casos; obstrução das vias biliares em 5 doentes ictéricos; abscessos ou calcificação esplénica em 3 casos; 2 doentes mostraram lesões incomuns: aumento e irrgularidade do pâncreas em um e múltiplos abscessos nos músculos psoas em outro. Conclui-se que a tomografia computadorizada é procedimento útil na avaliação da disseminação da paracoccidioidomicose ao abdome e no diagnóstico de suas complicações abdominais.
Leishmaniose causada por Leishmania viannia braziliensis (Lvb) um caso de evolução atípica
Authors: Costa Jackson Maurício Lopes , Vale Kyola Costa , França Flávio , Lago Ednaldo L. , Magalhães Albino V. , Marsden Philip D. , Sampaio Raimunda N.
Published: May 2013

Os autores relatam o caso de uma criança portadora de Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana causada por Leishmania braziliensis braziliensis que foi infectada durante a amamentação, desenvolvendo lesão infiltrativa e nodular nos lábios, com posterior disseminação para os seios da face, fossas nasais e pavilhão auricular e cuja evolução clinica pós-terapêutica caracterizou-se por períodos sucessivos de regressão e de reativação da lesão. Enfatizam a gravidade do caso, e as dificuldades terapêuticas com a utilização dos antimoniais pentavalentes, antimoniato-N-metil glucamina (Glucantime) e o stibogluconato de sódio(Pentostam).
Lesões cardíacas em ratos wistar inoculados com diferentes cepas do Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Chapadeiro E. , Beraldo P.S.S. , Jesus P.C. , Oliveira Jr. W.P. , Junqueira Jr. L.F.
Published: May 2013

Ratos albinos Wistar infectados com diferentes inóculos das cepas Y, Colombiana (COL) e São Felipe (12SF) do Trypanosoma cruzi desenvolveram parasitemia elevada entre 14e21 dias, a qual tomou-se desprezível ou desapareceu completamente ao final da 4ª semana. As lesões do coração foram avaliadas, semiquantitativamente, pelo sistema de "scores", conforme a intensidade e a extensão da inflamação, nas diferentes estruturas do órgão, tendo sido observado que: a) na fase inicial (aguda) da infecção, os animais mortos espontaneamente ou em conseqüência de acidente anestésico apresentaram cardite de intensidade moderada à acentuada, não havendo diferença em relação às cepas utilizadas; as diferentes estruturas do coração estavam uniformemente comprometidas; b) na fase crônica da infecção observou-se cardite degrau leve a moderado e as lesões foram mais freqüentes e intensas quanto maior o inoculo empregado; no entanto, inóculos baixos só produziram lesões quando a cepa utilizada foi a Colombiana. Trombose mural nos átrios e dilatação da ponta do ventrículo esquerdo foram observadas em 20% dos animais, independentemente da cepa. Na fase crônica 15% dos animais apresentaram miocardite crônica com fibrose, associada à hipertrofia das miocélulas. Os AA confirmam ser o rato albino suscetível à infecção chagásica e, portanto, um modelo útil no estudo das manifestações cardíacas da Doença de Chagas.
Procedência de pacientes portadores de leishmaniose tegumentar americana nas áreas endêmicas de Três Braços e Corte de Pedra - Estado da Bahia - Brasil
Authors: Costa Jackson M. L. , Tada Mauro S. , Netto Eduardo M. , Vale Kyola C. , Lago Ednaldo L. , Marsden Philip D.
Published: May 2013

De acordo com o cadastro de 1416 pacientes portadores de leishmaniose tegumentar americana (L. T.A) referentes ao período de janeiro de 1976 a maio de 1987, os autores realizaram um levantamento da procedência dos casos dessa parasitose atendidos nas áreas endêmicas de Três Braços e Corte de Pedra no estado da Bahia. Os pacientes procediam de 24 dos 89 municípios que compõem a região cacaueira da Bahia, destacando-se os municípios de Valença, Wenceslau Guimarães e Teolândia como os de maior prevalência, somando juntos 923 casos (65,1%), com 520 destes residindo em umas poucas localidades contínuas entre si, formando uma área endêmica, com transmissão ocorrendo provavelmente no peri, intradomicílio e nas lavouras de cacau e cravo localizadas nas encostas da floresta atlântica. Nota-se que a partir de 1983, houve um aumento do número de casos em toda a região, havendo evidências da leishmaniose tegumentar americana comportasse como uma doença ocupacional em toda a região estudada.
American cutaneous leishmaniasis: presentation and problems of patient management
Authors: Chulay Jeffrey D. , Oster Charles N. , McGreevy Patrick B. , Hendricks Larry D. , Kreutzer Richard D.
Published: May 2013

We report our experience with the diagnosis and treatment of 60 patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis. They were infected in Panama (55), Brazil (4) or Colombia (I). Among 35 patients with a 3 week exposure in Panama, the mean maximum incubation period was 33 days (range 4-81 days). Diagnosis was delayed an average of 93 days after onset of skin lesions, due to the patient's delay in seeking medical attention (31 days), medical personnel's delay in considering the diagnosis (45 days), and the laboratory's delay in confirming the diagnosis (17 days). Forty-four patients (73%) developed ulcers typical of cutaneous leishmaniasis. Sixteen additional patients (27%) had atypical macular, papular, squamous, verrucous or acneiform skin lesions that were diagnosed only because leishmanial cultures were obtained. Of the 59 patients treated with pentavalent antimonial drugs, only 34 (58%) were cured after the first course of treatment. Lesions which were at least 2 cm in diameter, ulcerated, or caused by Leishmania braziliensis were less likely to be cured after a single course of treatment than were lesions smaller than 2 cm, nonulcerated or caused by Leishmania mexicana or Leishmania donovani.
Comportamento da parasitemia avaliada pelo método de Strout modificado em chagásicos agudos em tratamento
Authors: Castro Cleudson , Emanuel Antonio
Published: May 2013

Em 18 pacientes com doença de Chagas aguda foi semiquantificada a parasitemia, pelo método de Strout modificado, antes e durante o tratamento. Antes da terapêutica a parasitemia variou entre 1 e 104 tripanossomos, e após o início do tratamento a parasitemia foi lida repetidamente com um intervalo, na maioria dos casos, entre dois e cinco dias, até a negativação. A dose inicial dos medicamentos foi de 10 a 15mg/kg/dia de Nifurtimox para sete pacientes, e 10 a 20mg/kg/dia de Benzonidazol para onze indivíduos. Após início do tratamento com Nifurtimox um paciente ficou o mínimo de cinco e dois o máximo de 23 dias com parasitemia enquanto com o Benzonidazol um paciente permaneceu o máximo de 15 dias.com parasitemia patente. O Benzonidazol baixou a parasitemia mais rapidamente que o Nifurtimox
Epidemiologia de um caso de doença de Chagas na Ilha do Mosqueiro - Pará
Authors: Souza Adelson A.A. de , Silveira Fernando Tobias , Miles Michael A. , Póvoa Marinete M. , Lima José Aprígio Nunes , Valente Sebastião Aldo S.
Published: May 2013

Os autores apresentam os resultados do estudo epidemiológico de um caso autóctone da fase aguda da doença de Chagas na ilha do Mosqueiro, Estado do Pará, aproximadamente 75km da capital, Belém. 0 caso já havia sido objeto de uma publicação anterior. Agora são apresentadas informações epidemiológicas. Nas proximidades da casa do paciente foram capturados em duas palmeiras de Inajá ('Maximilian regi ay e em uma de Mucajá (Acrocomia sclerocarpia) 114 triatomíneos: Rhodnius pictipes, R. robustus, Panstrongylus lignarius, P. geniculatus e Microtriatoma trinidadensis, com tripanossomas em 31 deles. Na casa do paciente foram encontrados exemplares de Rhodnius pictipes, infectados com formas metacíclicas do Trypanosoma cruzi. Em 14 marsupiais, capturados na localidade, haviam 3 infectados com organismos semelhantes ao T. cruzi. A eletroforese dos isoenzimas nos tripanossomas isolados do paciente, de R. pictipes e de Didelphis marsupialis os classificou como zimodema 1. Os autores concluem que a doença de Chagas do paciente teve origem silvestre.
Ocorrência de rotavírus e adenovírus em amostras fecais de crianças com gastrenterite, na cidade de Goiânia
Authors: Cardoso Divina das Dores P. , Brito Wilia Marta E.D. de , Martins Regina Maria Bringel , Kitajima Eliott W. , Souza Marieta P. M. , Barbosa Aristides José , Oliveira Solimar A. de , Rascopi Silvana B.
Published: May 2013

Analisaram-se 300 amostras fecais de crianças na faixa etária de até 8 anos, na cidade de Goiânia, objetivando-se determinar o percentual de rotavirus e adenovirus em processos diarréicos, frente a outros microorganismos patogênicos entéricos (bactérias ou parasitos). Rotavirus foram detectados isoladamente em 47 casos e, associando-se a outros agentes, em 21 casos. Adenovirus foram encontrados em 7 casos, sendo que em 6 ocorreram isoladamente e em 1, associaram-se a outro microrganismo. Utilizaram-se três metodologias para a análise virológica: o ensaio imunoenzimático adaptado para rotavirus e adenovirus (EIARA), a eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida (EGPA) e a imunomicroscopia eletrônica (IME). O índice de concordância entre as três metodologias foi de 92,8%, entre EGPA e EIARA de 95,8% e entre a IME e ElARA de 100,0%. Dentre as amostras de rotavirus, 97,0% mostraram perfil eletroforético longo, compatível com o subgrupo II.
Análise genética de Salmonella typhimurium ferment adoras de lactose isoladas no Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Câmara Fernando Portela , Cardoso Maria Amélia , Almeida Darcy Fontoura de
Published: May 2013

Salmonella typhimurium fermentadoras de lactose são comuns em São Paulo, porém, raras no Rio de Janeiro, onde descrevemos dois isolamentos. Um plasmídeo de 7,4 megadáltons, não auto-transferível, termorresistente e não eliminável pelo alaranjado de acridinafoi identificado em cada uma das duas linhagens isoladas no Rio de Janeiro. O fato de uma dessas linhagens ser derivada de um plasmídeo que originalmente não expressa o caráter fermentação de lactose, permite-nos especular acerca da origem deste caráter nas Salmonellas brasileiras.
Epidemia de tungíase no Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Matias Ricardo Soares
Published: May 2013

O autor relata as primeiras informações epidemiológicas sobre surtos de tungíase (Tunga penetrans) no Rio Grande do Sul.
Rate of action of schistosomicides in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Katz Naftale , Dias Emmanuel Pinto , Souza Cecilia Pereira de , Bruce John I. , Coles Gerald C.
Published: May 2013

Mice infected with adult Schistosoma mansoni were dosed with a single oral dose of 125 or 250 mg/kg oltipraz, 50 or 100 mg/kg oxamniquine, or 200 or 400 mg/kg praziquantel. The mortality rate of worms and oogram changes were determined between 1 and 16 weeks after dosing. The time required between dosing and postmortem to obtain maximum effectiveness was 1 week for praziquantel, 2 weeks for oxamniquine and 8 weeks for oltipraz. Changes in oograms persisted throughout most of the experiment, although relapse has been observed at the 4th week on.
Environmental contamination by Toxocara sp eggs in public areas of Salvador, Bahia state, Brazil
Authors: Alcântara Neuza , Bavia Emilia , Silvão Rose Mary , Carvalho Elza
Published: May 2013

A survey ofparasite eggs and cysts in soil and dog feces collected in public places of 23 boroughs of Salvador, a city in the Northeast of Brazil, was performed. High degree of contamination by Toxocara sp eggs was observed in all boroughs studied; other parasites found included: Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworms, whipworms and protozoan cysts. Parks andpublic gardens were more contaminated than streets and beachesfor all parasites, including Toxocara sp.
Uso de células de Aedes albopictus C6/36 na propagação e classificação de arbovírus das famílias Togaviridae, Flaviviridae, Bunyaviridae e Rhabdoviridae
Authors: Figueiredo Luiz Tadeu Moraes
Published: May 2013

Colônias de células de mosquito Aedes albopictus C6/36 foram infectadas com 23 arbovirus, sendo 19 destes existentes no Brasil, pertencentes às famílias Togaviridae, Flaviviridae, Bunyaviridae e Rhabdoviridae. A Replicação virai foi detectada por imunofluorescência indireta com todos os vírus estudados enquanto que o efeito citopático foi observado durante a infecção por alguns destes. No teste de imunofluorescência indireta utilizou-se fluidos ascíticos imunes de camundongos, específicos para os vírus estudados. A replicação virai caracterizada por grande produção de antígeno recomenda a utilização de células C6/36 na propagação e em tentativas de isolamento desses arbovirus. A técnica de imunofluorescência ofereceu importantes subsídios na classificação e identificação de vírus que replicam nestas células.
Freqüência de indivíduos com anticorpos sericos anti-Cysticercus cellulosae em cinco Municípios do Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Vaz Adelaide José , Hanashiro Antonio Shigueo Guskuma , Chieffi Pedro Paulo , Ferreira Antonio Walter
Published: May 2013

Considerando a importância da cisticercose humana em Saúde Pública, foi estudada a freqüência de positividade da detecção de anticorpos anti-Cysticercus cellulosae em 1.264 amostras de soro, assim distribuídas: Grupol-1.064 de indivíduos da população geral (821 adultos e 243 crianças) residentes em cinco municípios do Estado de São Paulo (São Paulo, Presidente Prudente, Santos, Campinas e Marília), Brasil; Grupo 11-200 de pacientes adultos internados em hospital psiquiátrico (Presidente Prudente). Para a pesquisa dos anticorpos séricos foi empregado o teste ELISA utilizando como suporte discos de tecido-resina. No Grupo I foram encontrados 18 (2,30%) soros reagentes entre as amostras de adultos, e 2 (0,82%) entre as das crianças; entre os doentes psiquiátricos, Grupo II, a freqüência de positividade foi de 5 %, significativamente maior (p < 0.05).
Riscos infecciosos imputados ao lixo hospitalar realidade epidemiológica ou ficção sanitária?
Authors: Zanon Uriel
Published: May 2013

Esta revisão é um convite à reflexão sobre os riscos infecciosos imputados aos resíduos sólidos hospitalares, a imposição da aquisição de incineradores e o desperdício dos escassos recursos da Previdência Social, disponíveis para a assistência hospitalar, em ações de eficácia duvidosa ou nula. Não existem fatos que comprovem que os resíduos sólidos hospitalares causem doença no hospital ou na comunidade. Apenas os cortantes ou perfurantes, tanto hospitalares quanto domésticos, e os recipientes descartáveis contendo culturas são potencialmente infectantes. Eles constituem pequena parcela do volume total e podem ser autoclavados. A incineração não é um método seguro para a esterilização dos resíduos hospitalares.
Participação do Mycoplasma pneumoniae na etiologia de infecções respiratórias agudas em Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Machado Alcyone A. , Couch Robert B. , Rossini Antonio Joaquim , Costa João Carlos da
Published: May 2013

Para avaliar a participação etiológica do Mycoplasma pneumoniae em infecções respiratórias agudas, o isolamento dessa bactéria foi tentado em secreções do aparelho respiratório de 64 pacientes (média 24 anos) com quadro respiratório aguda Foi realizada, também, a pesquisa de anticorpos específicos anti-M. pneumoniae através da reação de fixação do complemento (FC) e da reação de contra-imunoeletroforese (CIE). O M. pneumoniae não foi isolado. O diagnóstico presuntivo de infecção pelo M. pneumoniae foi feito pela FC em 3,1% (2/64) e pela CIE em 1,6% (1/64) dos pacientes. Paralelamente, em 200 indivíduos sadios, os mesmos testes sorológicos foram realizados, sendo o índice de positividade de 4% (8/200) pela CIE e de 1% (2/200) pela FC. Apesar das aiscrepâncias observadas entre os dois métodos sorológicos, a FC parece ser indicada para diagnóstico da infecção, sendo a CIE recomendada nas avaliações soroepidemiológicas. Com base nos dados do nosso estudo, a prevalência das infecções respiratórias pelo M. pneumoniae parece ser baixa em nosso meio.