bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ovarian actions of resveratrol
Authors: Ortega Israel , Duleba Antoni J.
Published: August 2015

Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol found in grapes, berries, and medicinal plants, exhibits antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities and has been proposed to be a longevity‐prolonging agent. There is also growing evidence that resveratrol has cardioprotective properties and beneficial effects on both glucose and lipid metabolism. Recently, several studies have examined the use of resveratrol as a therapeutic agent to treat numerous pathological and metabolic disorders. Herein, we present insights into the mechanisms of action, biological effects, and current evidence of actions of resveratrol on the ovary. In vitro, resveratrol inhibits proliferation and androgen production by theca‐interstitial cells. Resveratrol also exerts a cytostatic, but not cytotoxic, effect on granulosa cells, while decreasing aromatization and vascular endothelial growth factor expression. In vivo, resveratrol treatment reduced the size of adipocytes and improved estrus cyclicity in the previously acyclic rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In addition, resveratrol increased the ovarian follicular reserve and prolonged the ovarian life span in rats. Taken together, resveratrol emerges as a potential therapeutic agent to treat conditions associated with androgen excess, such as PCOS. The efficacy of resveratrol in the treatment of gynecological conditions requires further investigation.
Diagnostic tools for post‐gastric bypass hypoglycaemia
Authors: Emous M. , Ubels F. L. , van Beek A. P.
Published: August 2015

In spite of its evident success, several late complications can occur after gastric bypass surgery. One of these is post‐gastric bypass hypoglycaemia. No evidence‐based guidelines exist in the literature on how to confirm the presence of this syndrome. This study aims to describe and compare the tests aimed at making a diagnosis of post‐gastric bypass hypoglycaemia and to provide a diagnostic approach based upon the available evidence. A search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane and Embase. A few questionnaires have been developed to measure the severity of symptoms in post‐gastric bypass hypoglycaemia but none has been validated. The gold standard for provocation of a hypoglycaemic event is the oral glucose tolerance test or the liquid mixed meal tolerance test. Both show a high prevalence of hypoglycaemia in post‐gastric bypass patients with and without hypoglycaemic complaints as well as in healthy volunteers. No uniformly established cut‐off values for glucose concentrations are defined in the literature for the diagnosis of post‐gastric bypass hypoglycaemia. For establishing an accurate diagnosis of post‐gastric bypass hypoglycaemia, a validated questionnaire, in connection with the diagnostic performance of provocation tests, is the most important thing missing. Given these shortcomings, we provide recommendations based upon the current literature.
Systematic review of the use of data from national childhood obesity surveillance programmes in primary care: a conceptual synthesis
Authors: Henderson E. J. , Ells L. J. , Rubin G. P. , Hunter D. J
Published: August 2015

This study reviewed the use in primary care of national surveillance data for children to determine the data's potential utility to inform policy and practice decisions on how to prevent and treat childhood obesity. We reviewed the 28 countries identified by the World Obesity Federation as having high‐quality comparable body mass index data for children. Literature published from any period up to December 2013 was included. Peer review literature was searched using Web of Science (Core Collection, MEDLINE). Grey literature was searched using the Internet by country name, programme name and national health and government websites. We included studies that (i) use national surveillance obesity data in primary care, or (ii) explore practitioner or parent perspectives about the use of such data. The main uses of national surveillance data in primary care were to identify and recruit obese children and their parents to participate in school and general practice‐based research and/or interventions, and to inform families of children's measurements. Findings indicate a need for school staff and practitioners to receive additional training and support to sensitively communicate with families. Translation of these findings into policy and practice could help to improve current uses of national child obesity surveillance data in primary care.
Current Trends in Management of Atlantoaxial Dislocation
Authors: Yin Qing‐shui , Wang Jian‐hua
Published: August 2015

Atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD), often caused by trauma, tumors or congenital malformations, is a challenging disorder of the craniocervical junction. Because of its deep location and intricate anatomic structure, the craniocervical junction is always a difficult region for spine surgery. With recent developments in medical science, great progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of AAD such that more instructive clinical classifications and efficacious treatment strategies, various novel operation techniques including innovative posterior or transoral anterior reduction, and novel fixation instruments are now widely used in clinical practice for managing AAD. However, surgeons continue to face more special characteristics and difficulty in carrying out upper cervical surgery than they encounter in other regions of the spine. Consequently, this high risk surgery should only be performed by extremely skilled and experienced surgeons and only when stringent indications have been met. Therefore, the aim of this course is to assist surgeons who are dealing with AAD by providing comprehensive information about AAD, including related anatomy, classification, clinical manifestations and diagnosis, imaging examinations and surgical techniques, thus decreasing the occurrence of complications and improving the level of diagnosis and treatment.
Sensitization to milk, egg and peanut from birth to 18 years: A longitudinal study of a cohort at risk of allergic disease
Authors: Alduraywish Shatha A. , Lodge Caroline J. , Vicendese Don , Lowe Adrian J. , Erbas Bircan , Matheson Melanie C. , Hopper John , Hill David J. , Axelrad Christine , Abramson Michael J. , Allen Katrina J. , Dharmage Shyamali C.
Published: August 2015

Background

Longitudinal data on the natural history of food sensitization beyond early childhood are scarce. We aimed to investigate the natural history of milk, egg and peanut sensitization from infancy to 18 years and assess whether early food sensitization predicted adolescent food allergy.

Methods

Sensitization to cow's milk, hen's egg and peanut was measured by skin prick testing at ages 6 months, 1, 2, 12 and 18 years in a high‐risk allergy birth cohort (n = 620). Generalized additive models investigated interactions with sex, eczema and aeroallergen sensitization in infancy. Logistic regression assessed the relationships between early food sensitization and adolescent sensitization and probable food allergy up to 18 years.

Results

The prevalence of egg and peanut sensitization peaked at 12 months, while milk sensitization peaked at both 1 and 12 years. Boys with early eczema had the highest prevalences of milk and egg sensitization throughout follow‐ups. However, neither sex nor eczema influenced the prevalence of peanut sensitization over time. New onset food sensitization beyond the age of 2 was observed in 7% of participants.

Food sensitization at 12 months was associated with increased risk of adolescent food sensitization and adolescent probable food allergy, with sensitization to more than one food allergen had the strongest predictor.

Conclusions

Food sensitization prevalence is highest in infancy and declines after 12 months of age. Boys with early‐life eczema have the highest prevalence of milk and egg sensitization. Food sensitization at 12 months can predict children at greater risk of adolescent sensitization and probable food allergy at 12 and 18 years.
Preferred Presentation of the Visual Analog Scale for Measurement of Postoperative Pain
Authors: Kjeldsen Helle Birgitte , Klausen Tobias Wirenfeldt , Rosenberg Jacob
Published: August 2015

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in pain scores with different visual analog scale (VAS) presentations and to compare those differences with a numeric rating scale. We also asked the patients for preference of the different methods.

Methods

Prior to the trial, we performed power calculations to estimate a preferred sample size, and 62 postoperative patients supplied a complete set of data to the study. Inclusion criteria were newly operated patients within the first 5 days after surgery. Every patient included was with 1‐minute intervals and presented with one of the following 100‐mm VAS lines: VAS horizontal with or without stop lines at the endings, or VAS vertical with or without stop lines. They also completed a numeric rating scale (NRS).

Results

We did not find differences in pain scores between the four VAS measures. The NRS had slightly higher pain scores than VAS, especially at low levels of pain. Patients preferred the NRS as compared to the VAS, and when choosing between the four different VAS presentations, they preferred the horizontal VAS with stop lines at the ends.

Conclusion

For daily clinical practice for guiding postoperative analgesic treatment, the NRS seems to be a good option measuring pain reliably with good patient understanding and acceptance. For pain research, where there may be more time to explain the method and when a scale with more data points may be preferred, a VAS horizontal including stop lines at the ends can be recommended.
Rare combination of congenital heart disease and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
Authors: Tanaka Yuki , Miyamoto Takashi , Yoshitake Shuichi , Naito Yuji , Kobayashi Tomio
Published: August 2015

Here, we describe a case of total anomalous pulmonary venous return with coarctation of the aorta that was diagnosed as pulmonary alveolar proteinosis at autopsy in a male infant. Surgical repair was performed at 1 day of age, but the infant died on postoperative day 51 due to respiratory insufficiency without any evidence of pulmonary venous obstruction. He had been unexpectedly diagnosed with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis and pulmonary hypoplasia on autopsy. Congenital pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a serious condition with a high mortality rate, which should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with a clinical picture of pulmonary venous obstruction, because most patients are unable to survive without proper treatment. In this report, we address specific issues that should be discussed in such cases based on our recent experience.
Deglycosylation of Toxocara excretory–secretory antigens improves the specificity of the serodiagnosis for human toxocariasis
Authors: Roldán W.H. , Elefant G. R. , Ferreira A. W.
Published: August 2015

Serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis is difficult in tropical areas where other helminthiasis are endemic. Many studies have shown that glycans from helminths may be the responsible for cross‐reactions in the immunoassays. In this study, we have evaluated the deglycosylation of the Toxocara canis excretory–secretory (TES) antigens for the detection of IgG antibodies using a panel of 228 serum samples (58 patients with toxocariasis, 75 patients with other helminth infections and 95 healthy individuals) by ELISA and Western blot assays. Our results showed that the deglycosylation of TES antigens resulted in a single fraction of 26 kDa (dTES) and was able to detect IgG antibodies with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% in both above‐mentioned assays. The rate of cross‐reactions, observed in ELISA with TES (13·3%), was significantly reduced (5·3%) when the dTES antigens were used. Likewise, the cross‐reactivity observed with the fractions of 32, 55 and 70 kDa of the TES antigens was totally eliminated when the dTES were used in the Western blot. All these results showed that the deglycosylation of the TES antigens really improves the specificity of the serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis in endemic areas for helminth infections.
Stress Response of Veterinary Students to Gynaecological Examination of Horse Mares – Effects of Simulator‐Based and Animal‐Based Training
Authors: Nagel C , Ille N , Erber R , Aurich C , Aurich J
Published: August 2015

Contents

Invasive procedures in animals are challenging for veterinary students who may perceive a gynaecological examination of mares as stressful. Simulator‐based training may reduce stress. In this study, students received equine gynaecology training 4 times either on horses (group H; n = 14) or a teaching simulator (group SIM; n = 13). One day and 14 days thereafter, their diagnostic skills were tested on horses (skills tests 1 and 2). During the skills tests, the students’ stress response was analysed by heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) parameters SDRR (standard deviation of beat‐to‐beat [RR] interval) and RMSSD (root‐mean‐square of successive RR differences), and salivary cortisol. In addition, students answered a questionnaire on their perceived stress. Sympathetic activation with increased heart rate (p < 0.001) occurred in both skills tests. In test 1, this increase was more pronounced in SIM than in H students (time × group p < 0.01). HRV decreased in students of both groups (p < 0.001). In skills test 1, this decrease was more pronounced for SIM than for H students (between groups and time × group p < 0.01 for SDRR and p < 0.05 for RMSSD). High cortisol concentrations before the skills tests may indicate an anticipatory stress response. Subjective stress perception of students was higher in skills test 1 vs 2 (p < 0.01). In skills test 2, H students felt more stressed than SIM students (p < 0.01). Self‐assessment thus differed from physiological stress parameters. In conclusion, gynaecological examination of mares evoked a moderate stress response in veterinary students, which was more evident after simulator‐based than animal‐based training.
Identifying Risk for Self‐Harm: Rumination and Negative Affectivity in the Prospective Prediction of Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury
Authors: Nicolai Katey Anne , Wielgus Madeline D. , Mezulis Amy
Published: August 2015

Research suggests nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) may function as a maladaptive strategy to regulate negative emotions, and individuals high in trait negative affectivity (NA) may be particularly at risk. Rumination, a cognitive emotion regulation strategy, may amplify negative affect, increasing the likelihood of NSSI. The current study found that high NA and high rumination interacted to predict both likelihood of engagement in NSSI and frequency of NSSI. This study provides support for the joint contribution of cognitive and temperamental factors impacting the relationship between NA and NSSI and suggests that interventions targeted at maladaptive emotion regulation strategies may help inform individualized treatment.
The Interpersonal–Psychological Theory of Suicide in College Student Suicide Screening
Authors: Ream Geoffrey L.
Published: August 2015

Suicide screening on campus is limited by effectiveness of existing questionnaires. This study tests whether Interpersonal–Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS) constructs may be more effective in screening than traditional risk factors measures like the Interactive Screening Protocol (ISP). Participants were 188 traditional‐age students from three different campuses recruited through a subject pool and peer recruiters. IPTS risk variables as a set explained all likelihood of higher risk responses to suicidality questions that was otherwise explained by risk factors, plus additional likelihood besides. Current IPTS measures are no screening “magic bullet,” but further inquiry into use of these constructs is warranted.
A new equation to estimate temperature‐corrected PaCO2 from PETCO2 during exercise in normoxia and hypoxia
Authors: González Henríquez J. J. , Losa‐Reyna J. , Torres‐Peralta R. , Rådegran G. , Koskolou M. , Calbet J. A. L.
Published: August 2015

End‐tidal PCO2 (PETCO2) has been used to estimate arterial pressure CO2 (PaCO2). However, the influence of blood temperature on the PaCO2 has not been taken into account. Moreover, there is no equation validated to predict PaCO2 during exercise in severe acute hypoxia. To develop a new equation to predict temperature‐corrected PaCO2 values during exercise in normoxia and severe acute hypoxia, 11 volunteers (21.2 ± 2.1 years) performed incremental exercise to exhaustion in normoxia (Nox, PIO2: 143 mmHg) and hypoxia (Hyp, PIO2: 73 mmHg), while arterial blood gases and temperature (ABT) were simultaneously measured together with end‐tidal PCO2 (PETCO2). The Jones et al. equation tended to underestimate the temperature corrected (tc) PaCO2 during exercise in hypoxia, with greater deviation the lower the PaCO2tc (r = 0.39, P < 0.05). The new equation has been developed using a random‐effects regression analysis model, which allows predicting PaCO2tc both in normoxia and hypoxia: PaCO2tc = 8.607 + 0.716 × PETCO2 [R2 = 0.91; intercept SE = 1.022 (P < 0.001) and slope SE = 0.027 (P < 0.001)]. This equation may prove useful in noninvasive studies of brain hemodynamics, where an accurate estimation of PaCO2 is needed to calculate the end‐tidal‐to‐arterial PCO2 difference, which can be used as an index of pulmonary gas exchange efficiency.
Mechanism of altruism approach to blood donor recruitment and retention: a review and future directions
Authors: Ferguson E.
Published: August 2015

Why do people donate blood? Altruism is the common answer. However, altruism is a complex construct and to answer this question requires a systematic analysis of the insights from the biology, economics and psychology of altruism. I term this the mechanism of altruism (MOA) approach and apply it here for understanding blood donor motivation. The answer also has enormous implications for the type of interventions we choose to adopt as a society. AMOAapproach so far shows that blood donors are a mixture of (i) warm‐glow givers (donation is emotionally rewarding) and (ii) reluctant altruists (cooperate rather than defect when free‐riding is high). Donors also show ‘saintly sinning’ with the extra ‘moral currency’ form blood donation allowing them to be less generous in other contexts. TheMOAapproach suggests why financial incentives, in terms of gifts/lottery tickets, are effective and suggests a number of novel interventions for donor recruitment: ‘voluntary reciprocal altruism’ and ‘charitable incentivisation’. The MOA approach also highlights the need for an intervention developed specifically for recipients to allow them to show their gratitude to donors and for society to celebrate blood donation. It is suggests a ‘Monument to Blood Donors’ will achieve this. The approach suggests a number of novel research questions into (i) donor self‐selection effects, (ii) conditional cooperation and (iii) construct overlap with Theory of Planned Behaviour (e.g. affective attitudes and warm‐glow). TheMOAoffers a powerful way to understand blood donor motivations around altruism and develop theoretically driven interventions.
A systems biology approach identifies new regulators of poplar root development under low nitrogen
Authors: Dash Madhumita , Yordanov Yordan S. , Georgieva Tatyana , Kumari Sapna , Wei Hairong , Busov Victor
Published: August 2015

In Populus, low nitrogen (LN) elicits rapid and vigorous lateral root (LR) proliferation, which is closely mirrored by corresponding transcriptomic changes. Using transcriptomic data, we built a genetic network encompassing a large proportion of the differentially regulated transcriptome. The network is organized in a hierarchical fashion, centered on 11 genes. Transgenic manipulations of only three of the 11 genes had a strong impact on root development under LN. These three genes encoded an F‐box protein similar to Hawaiian Skirt (PtaHWS) and two transcription factors (PtaRAP2.11 and PtaNAC1). Up‐ and downregulation of the three genes caused increased and decreased root proliferation under LN conditions, respectively. The transgenic manipulations had a strong positive effect on growth under greenhouse conditions including increased shoot and root biomass. The three genes appeared to encompass a putative yet‐unknown mechanism that underlies root development under LN. Specifically, the genes are predominantly expressed in roots and have a similar temporal response to LN. More importantly, transgenic manipulation for each of the three genes had a highly significant impact on the expression of the other two. The transgenic manipulations appear to also affect the expression of the regulatory miRNA (PtamiRNA164e) of one of the transcription factors (PtaNAC1), albeit in an opposite fashion. Consistent with a putative function of PtaHWS in proteasome degradation, treatment with proteasome inhibitor reversed the expression changes in the transgenic plants. The insights from this study will allow genetic modifications of root architecture for more efficient and dynamic nitrogen foraging in biofuel crops like poplar.
Determinants of Trade Costs and Trade Growth Accounting between India and the European Union during 1995–2010
Authors: Gaurav Abhishek , Mathur Somesh K.
Published: August 2015

This study aimed to utilise the micro‐founded measure of trade cost derived by Novy to estimate the relative bilateral trade costs of India with its European Union partners. The advantage of using such a model is that the trade costs can be derived entirely using observable trade data. The results show that Indian tariff equivalent with its major EU trading partners has declined by 20 percentage points between 1995 and 2010, with Malta and Latvia experiencing the greatest decline. The study then decomposes the bilateral trade growth to ascertain whether it is an outcome of increased domestic production or reduction in bilateral and multilateral trade barriers. Novy's model indicates that the decline in relative bilateral trade costs explains the greatest percentage of this trade growth, which is partially offset by decline in multilateral resistance terms that has diverted trade away to other trading partners primarily in South and South‐East Asia and North America.
A Perspective on the Revival of Structural (In)Stability With Novel Opportunities for Function: From Buckliphobia to Buckliphilia
Authors: Reis Pedro M.
Published: August 2015

Buckling of slender structures is traditionally regarded as a first route toward failure. Here, we provide an alternative perspective on a burgeoning movement where mechanical instabilities are exploited to devise new classes of functional mechanisms that make use of the geometrically nonlinear behavior of their postbuckling regimes. Selected examples are highlighted across length-scales to illustrate some of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
Optimizing Tire Vertical Stiffness Based on Ride, Handling, Performance, and Fuel Consumption Criteria
Authors: Soltani Amir , Goodarzi Avesta , Shojaeefard Mohamad Hasan , Saeedi Khodabakhsh
Published: August 2015

Researchers mostly focus on the role of suspension system characteristics on vehicle dynamics. However tire characteristics are also influential on the vehicle dynamics behavior. In this paper, the effects of tire vertical stiffness on the ride, handling, accelerating/braking performance, and fuel consumption of a vehicle are analytically investigated. Furthermore, a method for determining the optimum vertical stiffness of tires is presented. For these purposes, first an appropriate mathematical criterion for the ride, handling, accelerating/braking performance, and fuel consumption is developed. Next, to achieve the optimum tire characteristic, a performance index, which contains all of the above-mentioned criteria, is defined and optimized. In the proposed performance index, the tire vertical stiffness is a design variable and its optimization provides a compromise among ride, handling, accelerating/braking performance, and fuel consumption of the vehicle. Last, the analytical optimization results are confirmed by performing precise numerical simulations.
Three-dimensional ultrasound imaging of the pressure ulcer. A case report
Authors: Yabunaka Koichi , Iizaka Shinji , Nakagami Gojiro , Fujioka Masayuki , Sanada Hiromi
Published: August 2015

We report the case of a 46-year-old female who presented with a category IV pressure ulcer (PU) in the sacral region. Undermining of the PU was assessed with the aid of two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US).3D-US clearly visualized the wound in three directions and allowed determination of its volume. Our results show that volumetric analysis carried out with 3D-US enables the evaluation of wound morphology and thus better treatment of patients with PUs. The technique is simple and can be used routinely in daily wound management to assess the volume of the undermined wound.
The evolution of time-intensity curves of contrast enhanced ultrasonography in early arthritis patients with wrist involvement.
Authors: Tamas Maria Magdalena , Bondor Cosmina Ioana , Rednic Nicolae , Ghib Linda Jessica , Rednic Simona
Published: August 2015

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the evolution of time-intensity curves parameters of contrast-enhanced ultra- sonography (CEUS) after 6 months of conventional treatment in early arthritis patients with wrist involvement. Material and methods: Patients diagnosed with early rheumatoid arthritis or undifferentiated arthritis on the basis of 2010 ACR/EU- LAR classification criteria, with bilateral wrist arthritis and both radiocarpal (RC) and intercarpal (IC) synovial hypertrophy identified by grey-scale ultrasonography, were enrolled. Synovial hypertrophy was semi-quantitatively scored (grade 0-3) by grey-scale and by Power Doppler at wrist level. CEUS was performed using Sonovue. The region of interest was selected as the area corresponding to the synovial hypertrophy of the RC and IC joints. Time-intensity curves parameters were cal- culated with Contrast Dynamic Software. The minimum and the maximum values of Peak, area under the curve (AUC), and slope were selected for each patient at baseline and after 6 months of conventional treatment. The difference between the visits was noted as “Δ”. Results: Eleven patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Maximum time-intensity curves parameters’ difference significantly decreased at 6 months: Peak (30.00±5.90% vs 23.22±5.22%, p=0.008), AUC (1206.08±216.91%s vs 949.13±280.12%s, p=0.04) and slope (1.6 (1.4;2.3) %/s vs 1(0.7;1.2) %/s, p=0.03). Moderate correlations were found between maximum ΔPeak, maximum ΔAUC and maximum ΔPower Doppler grade (r=0.44, p=0.17; r=0.46, p=0.16, respec- tively). Conclusions: Peak and AUC for joints that had high baseline values significantly decreased following treatment with conventional synthetic drugs in EA patients with wrist arthritis. This decrease in Peak and AUC was moderately correlated with a decrease in US parameters. The joint with the highest values of these parameters may be used for evaluation of EA patients at follow-up.
Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in diagnosing intrathoracic tuberculous lymphadenitis.
Authors: Kiral Nesrin , Caglayan Benan , Salepci Banu , Parmaksiz Elif Torun , Fidan Ali , Comert Sevda Sener , Yavuzer Dilek , Partal Mualla
Published: August 2015

Aims: Patients with suspected tuberculosis without pulmonary lesions and with intrathoracic lymphadenopathy often pose a diagnostic challenge. The aim of this study was to describe the diagnostic utility of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in patients with isolated intrathoracic lymphadenopathy due to tuberculosis (TB). Materials and methods: Cases with tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLA) as the final diagnosis were analysed among patients in whom EBUS-TBNA had been performed. All patients underwent routine clinical assessment and a CT scan prior to EBUS-TBNA. Demographic data, pathological findings, and microbiological results were recorded. All patients received 6-month antituberculous treatment, followed-up regularly and recovered both on clinical and radiological basis. Results: Fourty-four patients were included. EBUS-TBNA diagnosed TB intrathoracic lympadenopathy in 42 (95.4%) patients. In 2 patients, EBUS-TBNA was not able to confirm a diagnosis and additional procedures were required. Cytopathological findings alone revealed TB in 32 (72.7%) patients. One of the patients (2.2%) was smear positive while microbiological investigations provided a positive culture of TB in 22 (50%) patients. TB culture was positive in 10 of 12 patients in whom cytopathologic evaluation was not able to diagnose. Addition of mycobacterium culture to cytopathologic investigation has improved the diagnostic yield from 72.7% to 95.4%. Conclusion: EBUS-TBNA is a safe and effective first line investigation for evaluat- ing isolated intrathoracic tuberculous lympadenopathy. Addition of mycobacterium culture to cytopathologic investigation improves the sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA.
Experimental design and analysis of activators regenerated by electron transfer-atom transfer radical polymerization experimental conditions for grafting sodium styrene sulfonate from titanium substrates
Authors: Foster Rami N. , Johansson Patrik K. , Tom Nicole R. , Koelsch Patrick , Castner David G.
Published: August 2015

A 24 factorial design was used to optimize the activators regenerated by electron transfer-atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET-ATRP) grafting of sodium styrene sulfonate (NaSS) films from trichlorosilane/10-undecen-1-yl 2-bromo-2-methylpropionate (ester ClSi) functionalized titanium substrates. The process variables explored were: (1) ATRP initiator surface functionalization reaction time; (2) grafting reaction time; (3) CuBr2 concentration; and (4) reducing agent (vitamin C) concentration. All samples were characterized using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Two statistical methods were used to analyze the results: (1) analysis of variance with α=0.05, using average Ti XPS atomic percent as the response; and (2) principal component analysis using a peak list compiled from all the XPS composition results. Through this analysis combined with follow-up studies, the following conclusions are reached: (1) ATRP-initiator surface functionalization reaction times have no discernable effect on NaSS film quality; (2) minimum (≤24 h for this system) grafting reaction times should be used on titanium substrates since NaSS film quality decreased and variability increased with increasing reaction times; (3) minimum (≤0.5 mg cm−2 for this system) CuBr2 concentrations should be used to graft thicker NaSS films; and (4) no deleterious effects were detected with increasing vitamin C concentration.
Technical Note: A Monte Carlo study of magnetic‐field‐induced radiation dose effects in mice
Authors: Rubinstein Ashley E. , Liao Zhongxing , Melancon Adam D. , Guindani Michele , Followill David S. , Tailor Ramesh C. , Hazle John D. , Court Laurence E.
Published: August 2015

Purpose:

Magnetic fields are known to alter radiation dose deposition. Before patients receive treatment using an MRI‐linear accelerator (MRI‐Linac), preclinical studies are needed to understand the biological consequences of magnetic‐field‐induced dose effects. In the present study, the authors sought to identify a beam energy and magnetic field strength combination suitable for preclinical murine experiments.

Methods:

Magnetic field dose effects were simulated in a mouse lung phantom using various beam energies (225 kVp, 350 kVp, 662 keV [Cs‐137], 2 MV, and 1.25 MeV [Co‐60]) and magnetic field strengths (0.75, 1.5, and 3 T). The resulting dose distributions were compared with those in a simulated human lung phantom irradiated with a 6 or 8 MV beam and orthogonal 1.5 T magnetic field.

Results:

In the human lung phantom, the authors observed a dose increase of 45% and 54% at the soft‐tissue‐to‐lung interface and a dose decrease of 41% and 48% at the lung‐to‐soft‐tissue interface for the 6 and 8 MV beams, respectively. In the mouse simulations, the magnetic fields had no measurable effect on the 225 or 350 kVp dose distribution. The dose increases with the Cs‐137 beam for the 0.75, 1.5, and 3 T magnetic fields were 9%, 29%, and 42%, respectively. The dose decreases were 9%, 21%, and 37%. For the 2 MV beam, the dose increases were 16%, 33%, and 31% and the dose decreases were 9%, 19%, and 30%. For the Co‐60 beam, the dose increases were 19%, 54%, and 44%, and the dose decreases were 19%, 42%, and 40%.

Conclusions:

The magnetic field dose effects in the mouse phantom using a Cs‐137, 3 T combination or a Co‐60, 1.5 or 3 T combination most closely resemble those in simulated human treatments with a 6 MV, 1.5 T MRI‐Linac. The effects with a Co‐60, 1.5 T combination most closely resemble those in simulated human treatments with an 8 MV, 1.5 T MRI‐Linac.
A Rare Case of Lemierre’s Syndrome in a Male Division I Collegiate Football Player
Authors: Fahsl Heather , David Shannon
Published: August 2015

During the fall preseason of 2013, a 19-year-old Division I linebacker (body mass = 104 kg; height = 189 cm) attending a college football camp developed severe throat pain, quickly followed by night sweats, fever, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and generalized body weakness. The athletic trainer believed that the athlete had a cold. Because symptoms did not improve, the athlete was referred to several physicians with different specialties and underwent standard testing. The ears, nose, and throat (ENT) physician recognized the signs and symptoms of Lemierre’s syndrome based on a previous case seen only once in his career. A computed tomography (CT) scan confirmed the presence of a peritonsillar abscess and thrombosis of the left internal jugular vein, which justified further investigation for this rare syndrome. A positive blood culture for Fusobacterium necrophorum confirmed the diagnosis of Lemierre’s syndrome. Several antibiotics and anticoagulation medications were prescribed and the athlete was closely monitored. After two months, he was cleared to play football.
Turning history into a binary code
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: August 2015

Scientists struggle to reach across a disciplinary divide to test a new theory about the evolution of religion.
Characterizing cell morphology using imaging flow cytometry
Authors: McGrath Kathleen E. , Archer David
Published: August 2015

Defining the morphological characteristics—such as the size, shape, or structure—of different cell types has played a key role in assessing the progression and status of various diseases. Imaging flow cytometry combines the visual analysis capabilities of microscopy with flow cytometry to provide researchers with a powerful tool to study cell morphology and the potential effects of therapeutic interventions. In this webinar, we will explore ways to characterize cell morphology and how this information can be applied to better understand blood disorders, including how erythrocyte morphology is used in the analysis of sickle cell disease and to identify functional intermediates in erythropoiesis.

View the Webinar
Comment on “Extreme electric fields power catalysis in the active site of ketosteroid isomerase”
Authors: Chen Deliang , Savidge Tor
Published: August 2015

Fried
et al
. (Reports, 19 December 2014, p. 1510) demonstrate electric field–dependent acceleration of biological catalysis using ketosteroid isomerase as a prototypic example. These findings were not extended to aqueous solution because water by itself has field fluctuations that are too large and fast to provide a catalytic effect. Given physiological context, when water electrostatic interactions are considered, electric fields play a less important role in the catalysis.
Comment on “Extreme electric fields power catalysis in the active site of ketosteroid isomerase”
Authors: Natarajan Aditya , Yabukarski Filip , Lamba Vandana , Schwans Jason P. , Sunden Fanny , Herschlag Daniel
Published: August 2015

Fried
et al
. (Reports, 19 December 2014, p. 1510) demonstrated a strong correlation between reaction rate and the carbonyl stretching frequency of a product analog bound to ketosteroid isomerase oxyanion hole mutants and concluded that the active-site electric field provides 70% of catalysis. Alternative comparisons suggest a smaller contribution, relative to the corresponding solution reaction, and highlight the importance of atomic-level descriptions.
Response to Comments on “Extreme electric fields power catalysis in the active site of ketosteroid isomerase”
Authors: Fried Stephen D. , Boxer Steven G.
Published: August 2015

Natarajan
et al
. and Chen and Savidge comment that comparing the electric field in ketosteroid isomerase’s (KSI’s) active site to zero overestimates the catalytic effect of KSI’s electric field because the reference reaction occurs in water, which itself exerts a sizable electrostatic field. To compensate, Natarajan
et al
. argue that additional catalytic weight arises from positioning of the general base, whereas Chen and Savidge propose a separate contribution from desolvation of the general base. We note that the former claim is not well supported by published results, and the latter claim is intriguing but lacks experimental basis. We also take the opportunity to clarify some of the more conceptually subtle aspects of electrostatic catalysis.
O–H hydrogen bonding promotes H-atom transfer from α C–H bonds for C-alkylation of alcohols
Authors: Jeffrey Jenna L. , Terrett Jack A. , MacMillan David W. C.
Published: August 2015

A trio helps activate C-H bonds in alcohols

Enzymes can accelerate chemical reactions by activating specific portions of a molecule through well-placed H bonds. Jeffrey
et al.
showcase the power of H-bonding in a synthetic context. Here, reactivity at the C centers of alcohols is selectively induced by using an H-bonding catalyst to bind the hydroxyl group of the alcohol. The adjacent C-H bonds now become susceptible to a reaction accelerated by another pair of catalysts. In combination, the trio of catalysts promotes C-C bond formation at the alcohol C within an array of competing sites.

Science
, this issue p.
1532
Genome Sequence of
Microbacterium
sp. Strain 3J1, a Highly Desiccation-Tolerant Bacterium That Promotes Plant Growth
Authors: Manzanera Maximino , García-Fontana Cristina , Vílchez Juan Ignacio , Narváez-Reinaldo Juan Jesús , González-López Jesús
Published: August 2015

The genome sequence for
Microbacterium
sp. strain 3J1, a desiccation-tolerant organism isolated from the
Nerium oleander
rhizosphere, is reported here. The genome is estimated to be approximately 3.5 Mb in size, with an average G+C content of 67.7% and a predicted number of protein-coding sequences of 3,310.
Draft Genome Sequence of Alteromonas macleodii Strain MIT1002, Isolated from an Enrichment Culture of the Marine Cyanobacterium
Prochlorococcus
Authors: Biller Steven J. , Coe Allison , Martin-Cuadrado Ana-Belen , Chisholm Sallie W.
Published: August 2015

Alteromonas
spp. are heterotrophic gammaproteobacteria commonly found in marine environments. We present here the draft genome sequence of
Alteromonas macleodii
MIT1002, which was isolated from an enrichment culture of the marine cyanobacterium
Prochlorococcus
NATL2A. This genome contains a mixture of features previously seen only within either the “surface” or “deep”
Alteromonas
ecotype.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two IMP-4-Producing Escherichia coli Sequence Type 131 Isolates in Australia
Authors: Sidjabat Hanna E. , Robson Jennifer , Paterson David L.
Published: August 2015

We report the draft genome sequences of two unrelated cases of
Escherichia coli
sequence type 131 (ST131) possessing the carbapenemase gene
bla
IMP-4
. The
E. coli
ST131 SN5 isolate also possessed
bla
SHV-12
and plasmid-mediated quinolone-resistance genes. Wider dissemination of
bla
IMP-4
may occur due to the
bla
IMP-4
-carrying L/M or HI2 plasmids among
E. coli
ST131 isolates.
It Is Not All about Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms: Comparison of Mobile Genetic Elements and Deletions in Listeria monocytogenes Genomes Links Cases of Hospital-Acquired Listeriosis to the Environmental Source
Authors: Wang Qinning , Holmes Nadine , Martinez Elena , Howard Peter , Hill-Cawthorne Grant , Sintchenko Vitali
Published: August 2015

The control of food-borne outbreaks caused by
Listeria monocytogenes
in humans relies on the timely identification of food or environmental sources and the differentiation of outbreak-related isolates from unrelated ones. This study illustrates the utility of whole-genome sequencing for examining the link between clinical and environmental isolates of
L. monocytogenes
associated with an outbreak of hospital-acquired listeriosis in Sydney, Australia. Comparative genomic analysis confirmed an epidemiological link between the three clinical and two environmental isolates. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis showed that only two SNPs separated the three human outbreak isolates, which differed by 19 to 20 SNPs from the environmental isolates and 71 to >10,000 SNPs from sporadic
L. monocytogenes
isolates. The chromosomes of all human outbreak isolates and the two suspected environmental isolates were syntenic. In contrast to the genomes of background sporadic isolates, all epidemiologically linked isolates contained two novel prophages and a previously unreported clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated (Cas) locus subtype sequence. The mobile genetic element (MGE) profile of these isolates was distinct from that of the other serotype 1/2b reference strains and sporadic isolates. The identification of SNPs and clonally distinctive MGEs strengthened evidence to distinguish outbreak-related isolates of
L. monocytogenes
from cocirculating endemic strains.
Evaluation of Performance of Two Rapid Tests for Detection of HIV-1 and -2 in High- and Low-Prevalence Populations in Nigeria
Authors: Manak Mark M. , Njoku Ogbonnaya S. , Shutt Ashley , Malia Jennifer , Jagodzinski Linda L. , Milazzo Mark , Suleiman Aminu , Ogundeji Amos A. , Nelson Robert , Ayemoba Ojor R. , O'Connell Robert J. , Singer Darrell E. , Michael Nelson L. , Peel Sheila A.
Published: August 2015

The availability of reliable human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2 (HIV-1/2) rapid tests in resource-limited settings represents an important advancement in the accurate diagnosis of HIV infection and presents opportunities for implementation of effective prevention and treatment interventions among vulnerable populations. A study of the potential target populations for future HIV vaccine studies examined the prevalence of HIV infections at six selected sites in Nigeria and evaluated the use of two rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for HIV. The populations included market workers at sites adjacent to military installations and workers at highway settlements (truck stops) who may have a heightened risk of HIV exposure. Samples from 3,187 individuals who provided informed consent were tested in parallel using the Determine (DT) and Stat-Pak (SP) RDTs; discordant results were subjected to the Uni-Gold (UG) RDT as a tiebreaker. The results were compared to those of a third-generation enzyme immunoassay screen with confirmation of repeat reactive samples by HIV-1 Western blotting. One participant was HIV-2 infected, yielding positive results on both RDTs. Using the laboratory algorithm as a gold standard, we calculated sensitivities of 98.5% (confidence interval [CI], 97.1 to 99.8%) for DT and 98.1% (CI, 96.7 to 99.6%) for SP and specificities of 98.7% (CI, 98.3 −99.1%) for DT and 99.8% (CI, 99.6 to 100%) for SP. Similar results were obtained when the sites were stratified into those of higher HIV prevalence (9.4% to 22.8%) versus those of lower prevalence (3.2% to 7.3%). A parallel two-test algorithm requiring both DT and SP to be positive resulted in the highest sensitivity (98.1%; CI, 96.7 to 99.6%) and specificity (99.97%; CI, 99.9 to 100%) relative to those for the reference laboratory algorithm.
Cross-Species Infectivity of H3N8 Influenza Virus in an Experimental Infection in Swine
Authors: Solórzano Alicia , Foni Emanuela , Córdoba Lorena , Baratelli Massimiliano , Razzuoli Elisabetta , Bilato Dania , Martín del Burgo María Ángeles , Perlin David S. , Martínez Jorge , Martínez-Orellana Pamela , Fraile Lorenzo , Chiapponi Chiara , Amadori Massimo , del Real Gustavo , Montoya María
Published: August 2015

Avian influenza A viruses have gained increasing attention due to their ability to cross the species barrier and cause severe disease in humans and other mammal species as pigs. H3 and particularly H3N8 viruses, are highly adaptive since they are found in multiple avian and mammal hosts. H3N8 viruses have not been isolated yet from humans; however, a recent report showed that equine influenza A viruses (IAVs) can be isolated from pigs, although an established infection has not been observed thus far in this host. To gain insight into the possibility of H3N8 avian IAVs to cross the species barrier into pigs,
in vitro
experiments and an experimental infection in pigs with four H3N8 viruses from different origins (equine, canine, avian, and seal) were performed. As a positive control, an H3N2 swine influenza virus A was used. Although equine and canine viruses hardly replicated in the respiratory systems of pigs, avian and seal viruses replicated substantially and caused detectable lesions in inoculated pigs without previous adaptation. Interestingly, antibodies against hemagglutinin could not be detected after infection by hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) test with avian and seal viruses. This phenomenon was observed not only in pigs but also in mice immunized with the same virus strains. Our data indicated that H3N8 IAVs from wild aquatic birds have the potential to cross the species barrier and establish successful infections in pigs that might spread unnoticed using the HAI test as diagnostic tool.

IMPORTANCE
Although natural infection of humans with an avian H3N8 influenza A virus has not yet been reported, this influenza A virus subtype has already crossed the species barrier. Therefore, we have examined the potential of H3N8 from canine, equine, avian, and seal origin to productively infect pigs. Our results demonstrated that avian and seal viruses replicated substantially and caused detectable lesions in inoculated pigs without previous adaptation. Surprisingly, we could not detect specific antibodies against hemagglutinin in any H3N8-infected pigs. Therefore, special attention should be focused toward viruses of the H3N8 subtype since they could behave as stealth viruses in pigs.
Reorganization of Nuclear Pore Complexes and the Lamina in Late-Stage Parvovirus Infection
Authors: Mäntylä Elina , Niskanen Einari A. , Ihalainen Teemu O. , Vihinen-Ranta Maija
Published: August 2015

Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection induces reorganization of nuclear structures. Our studies indicated that late-stage infection induces accumulation of nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) and lamin B1 concomitantly with a decrease of lamin A/C levels on the apical side of the nucleus. Newly formed CPV capsids are located in close proximity to NPCs on the apical side. These results suggest that parvoviruses cause apical enrichment of NPCs and reorganization of nuclear lamina, presumably to facilitate the late-stage infection.