bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revision and reclassification of Lasioglossum (Evylaeus), L. (Hemihalictus) and L. (Sphecodogastra) in eastern North America (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Halictidae)
Authors: GIBBS JASON , PACKER LAURENCE , DUMESH SHEILA , DANFORTH BRYAN N.
Published: June 2013

The black species of weak-veined Lasioglossum (or Hemihalictus series) in eastern North America are revised to clarify their taxonomy and nomenclature and to facilitate identification. A subgeneric classification based upon available phylo-genetic data is applied. Lasioglossum (Sphecodogastra) is applied more broadly than any previous usage to include many species typically classified as L. (Evylaeus). The subgenus L. (Evylaeus) is retained but applied narrowly in agreement with phylogenetic results. Lasioglossum (Hemihalictus) has historically been considered monotypic but is here applied to many species of L. (Dialictus) sensu lato (equivalent to the carinaless L. (Evylaeus) of some authors). Usage of L. (Dial-ictus) is restricted primarily to species with metallic integument. Additional subgeneric synonymies for extralimital taxa are formalized and discussed. Descriptions are provided for each species with a synonymic list, diagnosis, and notes on taxonomy and biology. The recently revised Onagraceae-specialist species of L. (Sphecodogastra) are given abbreviated treatments. Notes on available DNA barcode data are given, with diagnostic characters supplied for closely related spe-cies. One new species is described: L. (Sphecodogastra) seillean Gibbs and Packer and the males of L. fedorense (Craw-ford) and L. pectinatum (Robertson) are described for the first time. The following three new synonymies are proposed: Lasioglossum (Hemihalictus) sopinci (Crawford), senior subjective synonym of Evylaeus bradleyi Mitchell; Lasioglos-sum (Hemihalictus) macoupinense (Robertson), senior subjective synonym of Halictus divergens Lovell; and Lasioglos-sum (Hemihalictus) inconditum (Cockerell), senior subjective synonym of Halictus tracyi Cockerell. Lasioglossum inconditum is here considered to be distinct from the Palaearctic species L. rufitarse (Zetterstedt). A lectotype is designat-ed for Halictus quebecensis Crawford. We present the first record of L. lustrans (Cockerell) and L. swenki (Crawford) in Canada and the first record of L. lusorium (Cresson) east of the Mississippi River. Updated keys to species are provided for the fauna of eastern North America.
Review and analysis of information on the biology and morphology of immature stages of robber flies (Diptera: Asilidae)
Authors: DENNIS D. STEVE , BARNES JEFFREY K. , KNUTSON LLOYD
Published: June 2013

Recent publications on the immature stages of robber flies (Asilidae) are reviewed and listed for the 14 currently recog­nized subfamilies (Asilinae, Bathypogoninae, Brachyrhopalinae, Dasypogoninae, Dioctriinae, Laphriinae, Leptogastri­nae, Ommatiinae, Phellinae, Stenopogoninae, Stichopogoninae, Tillobromatinae, Trigonomiminae, and Willistonininae). For the Phellinae there are only limited data on the pupal cases, and for the Tillobromatinae there are only limited data on the eggs (potential oviposition site in soil) and pupal cases. The recent literature is compared with pertinent pre-1972 pub­lications.
Taxonomic revision of the spider genera Agyneta and Tennesseellum (Araneae, Linyphiidae) of North America north of Mexico with a study of the embolic division within Micronetinae sensu Saaristo & Tanasevitch 1996
Authors: DUPÉRRÉ NADINE
Published: June 2013

The genera Agyneta Hull 1911 and Tennesseellum Petrunkevitch 1925 are revised for North America north of Mexico. The synonymy of Meioneta Hull 1920 with Agyneta Hull 1911 proposed by Saaristo 1973 is corroborated. The North American fauna north of Mexico of Agyneta now includes a total of 69 species, of which 31 are new species: A. watertoni n. sp., A. perspicua n. sp., A. aquila n. sp., A. yukona n. sp., A. darrelli n. sp., A. bucklei n. sp., A. erinacea n. sp., A. craw-fordi n. sp., A. vinki n. sp., A. panthera n. sp., A. miniata n. sp., A. danielbelangeri n. sp., A. pistrix n. sp., A. flax n. sp., A. barfoot n. sp., A. sandia n. sp., A. spicula n. sp., A. grandcanyon n. sp., A. chiricahua n. sp., A. crista n. sp., A. tuberculata n. sp., A. catalina n. sp., A. ledfordi n. sp., A. platnicki n. sp., A. bronx n. sp., A. paquini n. sp., A. girardi n. sp., A. flibus-crocus n. sp., A. delphina n. sp., A. okefenokee n. sp. and A. issaqueena n. sp. The genus Tennesseellum includes two spe-cies, with one new species, T. gollum n. sp. Ten new synonyms are recognized: Meioneta grayi Barnes 1953 = Anibontes mimus Chamberlin 1924; Meioneta dactylata Chamberlin & Ivie 1944, Meioneta officiosa (Barrows 1940) = Meioneta micaria (Emerton 1882); Meioneta imitata Chamberlin & Ivie 1944 = Meioneta leucophora Chamberlin & Ivie 1944; Meioneta ferosa (Chamberlin & Ivie 1943) = Meioneta fillmorana (Chamberlin 1919); Meioneta fuscipes Chamberlin & Ivie 1944 = Meioneta floridana (Banks 1896); Meioneta alaskensis Holm 1960 = Meioneta maritima (Emerton 1919); Meioneta meridionalis (Crosby & Bishop 1936), Meioneta zebrina Chamberlin & Ivie, 1944 = Meioneta parva (Banks 1896); Meioneta zygia (Keyserling 1886) = Meioneta fabra (Keyserling 1886). Ten informal species groups are proposed based on the study on the male palpal conformation of the embolus and radical division; these groups are not intened to be phylogenetic hypotheses. The limits and composition of the subfamily Micronetinae sensu Saaristo & Tanasevitch 1996 are discussed.
New littoral, shelf, and bathyal Paratanaidae (Crustacea: Peracarida: Tanaidacea) from New Zealand, with descriptions of three new genera
Authors: BIRD GRAHAM J. , BAMBER ROGER N.
Published: June 2013

Three new genera, Acallocheirus, Aparatanais, and Penteparatanais, and seven new species of the paratanaid subfamily Paratanaidinae are described from New Zealand. New records of three previously known species Atemtanais taikaha, Paratanais paraoa, and P. tara, are also given. Paratanais denticulatus, P. intermedius, P. malignus, P. spinanotandus,and P. vicentetis are transferred to Aparatanais. A key is given to all paratanaidin genera and the NZ Paratanais species. In NZ waters, paratanaids are now known from the littoral zone to 908 m in the bathyal regions of the Chatham Rise and Hikurangi Margin, several of the offshore species being recorded in bryozoan mats. All but one appear to be endemic but may have sibling species elsewhere, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere. Supplementary notes are given on two Aus­tralian species P. maleficus and P. perturbatius that clarify their description and diagnostic characters.
Catalogue of the Krantz Brachiopod Collection at the Science Museum of the University of Coimbra (Portugal)
Authors: SCHEMM-GREGORY MENA , HENRIQUES MARIA HELENA
Published: June 2013

The specimens of the Krantz Brachiopod Collection of the Science Museum of the University of Coimbra (Portugal) are revised according to modern taxonomy and presented in systematic order according to inventory number, type species, figured representative and, as far as possible, detailed information regarding stratigraphy and collecting localities. The collection itself contains 170 lots yielding 474 specimens and representing 15 of the 27 brachiopod orders. The material comes from Europe, Russia, and the United States and represents all Palaeozoic and Mesozoic periods; the majority of the brachiopods are from the Devonian of Germany, mostly collected in classical outcrops from the Rhenish Slate Mountains, many of which are no longer accessible.
Review of the genus Thrips and related genera (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) from Japan
Authors: MASUMOTO MASAMI , OKAJIMA SHÛJI
Published: June 2013

Members of Thrips genus-group from Japan are reviewed, and 45 species in seven genera are recognized. Nine species and one genus are newly described: Stenchaetothrips amamiensis sp. n., S. dentatus sp. n., S. pleioblasti sp. n., Thrips nonakai sp. n., T. ogasawarensis sp. n., T. shiranesanus sp. n., T. syringae sp. n., T. typicus sp. n. and Tsutsumiothrips ryukyuensis gen. et sp. n. Moreover, 14 species of two genera are newly recorded from Japan: S. langkawiensis Ng & Mound, S. undatus Wang, Thrips alni Uzel, T. aspinus Mound & Masumoto, T. brevicornis Priesner, T. brunneus Ishida, T. extensicornis Priesner, T. minutissimus Linnaeus, T. pini (Uzel), T. subnudula (Karny), T. sukki Bhatti & Lee, T. treher-nei Priesner, T. urticae Fabricius and T. vitticornis Karny. A previously recorded species, Stenchaetothrips bambusae (Shumsher) is excluded from the Japanese fauna.
Higher circulating bile acid concentrations in obese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Vincent Royce P , Omar Sohail , Ghozlan Samer , Taylor David R , Cross Gemma , Sherwood Roy A , Fandriks Lars , Olbers Torsten , Werling Malin , Alaghband-Zadeh Jamshid , Roux Carel W le
Published: June 2013

Background

Bile acids (BAs) play an important role in releasing incretin hormones via the enteroendocrine L-cell surface TGR5 receptors. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference in BA concentration at baseline and in response to a meal stimulus between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and a matched normoglycaemic group.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study of 12 patients with known T2DM and 12 matched normoglycaemic controls compared BA fractions after an overnight fast and following a standard meal.

Results

The T2DM group had higher baseline glucose (P < 0.001), but baseline total BA, total glycine conjugated BAs (GCBA) and total taurine conjugated BA (TCBA) were similar between both groups. The T2DM group compared to the normoglycaemic group had a higher post-prandial peak change in total BAs 4.28 (3.51–5.38) µmol/L vs. 0.88 (0.60–1.57) µmol/L ( P < 0.001) and peak total GCBA 2.77 (1.07–4.19) µmol/L vs. 0.94 (0.34–1.15) µmol/L ( P < 0.0001), but similar peak total TCBA 0.36 (0.02–0.76) µmol/L vs. 0.08 (0.04–0.22) µmol/L ( P=0.91).

Conclusion

The post-prandial bile acid response is elevated in obese patients with T2DM compared to matched normoglycaemic individuals.
Potential of a simple variational analysis in predicting shear modulus of laminates with cracks in 90-layers
Authors: Giannadakis Konstantinos , Varna Janis
Published: June 2013

The potential of accurate modelling of the shear modulus reduction of laminates with cracked 90-layers using models based on the minimization of the complementary energy with improved stress description in the constraint layers is evaluated.

This group of models refine Hashin’s model by introducing shape functions with unknown parameters to represent the out-of-plane shear stress distribution across the constraint layer thickness. The Hashin’s model becomes a particular case of the presented when the shape parameter approaches to zero. The most accurate shape parameters are found in the result of minimization. Three models are compared: the present variational model, Hashin’s model and the shear lag model introduced by Soutis which assumes linear out-of-plane shear stress distribution over an unknown part of the layer. It is shown in this paper that the size of this part may be determined by minimization of the complementary energy. The present model is the most accurate amongst the three, whereas Soutis’ model is more accurate than the Hashin’s model for laminates with constraint layer, thicker than the cracked layer. The comparison with finite element method results shows reasonable agreement. Agreement can be improved developing models with better description of the stress state in the cracked layer.
Predictors of Insulin Requirements Among Hospitalized Adults Receiving Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Roehl Kelly A. , Lach Kristen , Coltman Anne E. , Bacon Cheryl A. , Singh Shubha , Peterson Sarah J. , Sowa Diane C.
Published: June 2013

Objective: The objective of this quality improvement project was to determine factors predictive of parenteral nutrition (PN) insulin therapy. Methods: Patients receiving PN at a tertiary care academic medical center between January 1, 2009, and December 1, 2012, 18 years or older were included. Variables collected included demographics, medical information, and PN‐specific data. χ2 and Student t tests were used to determine differences between patients who did and did not require PN insulin. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to determine associations between characteristics. Stepwise forward logistic regression was used determine the best predictors of PN insulin. Results: A total of 1388 patients were started on PN. After adjusting for potential confounders, strong associations existed between PN insulin requirements and diabetes mellitus (DM) diagnosis (OR, 8.90; 95% CI, 4.98–15.90, P < .001), overweight/obese status (body mass index ≥25.0 kg/m2) (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.04–4.30, P = .04), intensive care unit (ICU) admission (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.03–3.11, P = .04), blood glucose (BG) on day of PN start >120 mg/dL (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.32–4.05, P = .003), mean BG >180 mg/dL while receiving PN (OR, 6.10; 95% CI, 2.18–17.04, P = .001), and hemoglobin A1c (A1c) ≥5.7% (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.84–5.50, P < .001). Among variables available at PN initiation, DM diagnosis (P < .001), A1c ≥5.7% (P < .001), BG >120 mg/dL on PN start day (P < .001), and ICU admission (P < .001) predicted the need for PN insulin.
Genetic Analysis through OtoSeq of Pakistani Families Segregating Prelingual Hearing Loss
Authors: Shahzad Mohsin , Sivakumaran Theru A. , Qaiser Tanveer A. , Schultz Julie M. , Hussain Zawar , Flanagan Megan , Bhinder Munir A. , Kissell Diane , Greinwald John H. , Khan Shaheen N. , Friedman Thomas B. , Zhang Kejian , Riazuddin Saima , Riazuddin Sheikh , Ahmed Zubair M.
Published: June 2013

Objective

To identify the genetic cause of prelingual sensorineural hearing loss in Pakistani families using a next‐generation sequencing (NGS)–based mutation screening test named OtoSeq.

Study Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Research laboratory.

Subjects and Methods

We used 3 fluorescently labeled short tandem repeat (STR) markers for each of the known autosomal recessive nonsyndromic (DFNB) and Usher syndrome (USH) locus to perform a linkage analysis of 243 multigenerational Pakistani families segregating prelingual hearing loss. After genotyping, we focused on 34 families with potential linkage to MYO7A, CDH23, and SLC26A4. We screened affected individuals from a subset of these families using the OtoSeq platform to identify underlying genetic variants. Sanger sequencing was performed to confirm and study the segregation of mutations in other family members. For novel mutations, normal hearing individuals from ethnically matched backgrounds were also tested.

Results

Hearing loss was found to co‐segregate with locus‐specific STR markers for MYO7A in 32 families, CDH23 in 1 family, and SLC26A4 in 1 family. Using the OtoSeq platform, a microdroplet PCR‐based enrichment followed by NGS, we identified mutations in 28 of the 34 families including 11 novel mutations. Sanger sequencing of these mutations showed 100% concordance with NGS data and co‐segregation of the mutant alleles with the hearing loss phenotype in the respective families.

Conclusion

Using NGS‐based platforms like OtoSeq in families segregating hearing loss will contribute to the identification of common and population‐specific mutations, early diagnosis, genetic counseling, and molecular epidemiology.
Education of gifted students in Europe
Authors: Sękowski Andrzej E , Łubianka Beata
Published: June 2013

The present article contains a review of the literature devoted to gifted education in Europe. Forms of supporting the development of gifted students provided in European schools are presented with reference to the problems of diagnosing exceptional abilities, the existence and forms of educational measures for gifted students and forms of in-service training for teachers of such students. The individual European countries have not developed a uniform system of educational provision for supporting gifted students. This variety, however, gives educationalists, psychologists, teachers and parents involved on a daily basis in the process of educating gifted students an opportunity to avail themselves of the rich practical experience.
Aerobic biological pretreatment of municipal solid waste with a high content of putrescibles: effect on landfill emissions
Authors: Gerassimidou Spyridoula , Evangelou Alexandros , Komilis Dimitrios
Published: June 2013

The objective of this work was to study the effect of aerobic biological pretreatment on the emissions of municipal solid waste (MSW) with a high content of putrescibles after landfilling. For this purpose, the organic fraction of MSW was simulated by a mixture of food waste and office paper at a 2.4:1 wet weight ratio. MSW was first pretreated aerobically for three different time periods (8, 45 and 90 days) resulting in organic matter reductions equal to 15%, 45% and 81% respectively. MSW were then placed in 160-L air-tight anaerobic bioreactors. The control anaerobic bioreactors contained untreated MSW. Anaerobic experiments lasted from 300 to 550 days. Results showed that the biogas production from untreated MSW was 372 NL dry kg-1 (average of two replications) after 530 days. The MSW that was pretreated aerobically for 45 days and 90 days yielded 130 and 62 NL dry kg-1 of biogas after 310 days and 230 days respectively. However, the 8-day (very short-term) pretreatment period led to an increase of the biogas yield (550 NL dry kg-1 after 340 days) compared with that of raw refuse. All three runs with aerobically pretreated MSW reached the steady methanogenic phase faster than raw MSW. Leachate emissions were significantly lower in the aerobically-pretreated MSWthan the untreated ones. The leachate ammonium concentrations had an increasing trend in all anaerobic reactors and reached a plateau of between 2 and 3.5 g L-1 at the end of the process.
The Utility of Infarct Volume Measurement in Pediatric Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zecavati Nassim , Singh Rani , Farias-Moeller Raquel , Olsen Cara , Carpenter Jessica L. , Kadom Nadja
Published: June 2013

This study aims to determine if stroke volume as measured on diffusion-weighted imaging is associated with neurologic outcome in children with acute arterial ischemic stroke. A cohort of patients presenting to a tertiary care children's hospital with acute ischemic stroke were studied. The relationship between stroke volume, clinical characteristics, and neurologic outcome utilizing the Glasgow Outcome Scale were analyzed. In children with poor outcome, the median volume of infarction on diffusion-weighted imaging was larger when compared with children who had a good outcome. Children with stroke volume >10% of total brain volume were more likely than patients with stroke volume <5% total brain volume to have a poor outcome. Seizures were associated with a 10.5-fold increase in the risk of a poor outcome. Stroke volume, in conjunction with clinical characteristics, can assist practitioners in identifying a subset of patients with acute ischemic stroke who might benefit from aggressive medical and/or surgical management.
Video Laryngoscopy is Associated With Increased First Pass Success and Decreased Rate of Esophageal Intubations During Urgent Endotracheal Intubation in a Medical Intensive Care Unit When Compared to Direct Laryngoscopy
Authors: Lakticova Viera , Koenig Seth J. , Narasimhan Mangala , Mayo Paul H.
Published: June 2013

Background:

To compare the complication rates of urgent endotracheal intubation (UEI) performed by pulmonary critical care medicine (PCCM) fellows and attending intensivists using a direct laryngoscope (DL) versus a video laryngoscope (VL) in a medical intensive care unit (MICU).

Methods:

We studied all UEIs performed from November 2008 through July 2012 in an 18-bed MICU in a university-affiliated hospital. All UEIs were performed by 15 PCCM fellows or attending intensivists using only the DL from November 2008 through February 2010 and the VL from March 2010 to July 2012. Throughout the entire study period, the UEI team leader recorded complications of the procedure using a standard data collection form immediately following the completion of the procedure. This permitted a comparison of complication rates between the DL and the VL.

Results:

A total of 140 UEIs were performed using the DL and 252 using the VL. Using the DL, the esophageal intubation rate was 19% and the difficult intubation rate was 22%; using the VL, the esophageal intubation rate was 0.4% and the difficult intubation rate was 7%. There was no significant difference in the rate of severe hypotension, severe desaturation, aspiration, dental injury, airway injury, or death between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:

The use of the VL for UEI performed by PCCM fellows is associated with a reduction in the rate of esophageal intubation and difficult endotracheal intubation when compared to the use of the DL.
Cell-free repair of small cartilage defects in the Goettinger minipig: The effects of BMP-7 continuously released by poly(lactic-co-glycolid acid) microspheres
Authors: Gavenis Karsten , Heussen Nicole , Hofman Martijn , Andereya Stefan , Schneider Ulrich , Schmidt-Rohlfing Bernhard
Published: June 2013

Objective

Cartilage repair of full-thickness chondral defects in the knees of Goettinger minipigs was assessed after treatment with cell-free collagen type-I gel with or without additional BMP-7 loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolid acid) microspheres.

Methods

Two full-thickness chondral defects were created in the trochlear groove of one hind leg knee in six Goettinger minipigs. Six defects were treated with a cell-free collagen type-I gel plug of 10 mm, the corresponding six defects were treated with a cell-free collagen type-I plug with poly(lactic-co-glycolid acid) microspheres loaded with recombinant BMP-7 (100 ng/ml gel). After 1 year, the animals were sacrificed. Immediately after recovery, non-destructive biomechanical testing was performed. The repair tissue quality was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and the O’Driscoll score was calculated.

Results

After 1 year, a robust cellular migration into the cell-free collagen gel plugs occurred and a hyaline-like repair tissue was found. Collagen type-II production and cellular organisation were higher in the BMP-7 microsphere group. The determination of the E-modulus, creep and relaxation revealed that mechanical properties of the BMP-7 microsphere group in summary were closer to control hyaline cartilage.

Conclusions

While all specimens revealed a homogeneous cellular distribution, ECM production, cellular organisation and mechanical properties were enhanced by continuous BMP-7 release.
Fixity and fluidity – circulations, children, and childhood
Authors: Stryker Rachael , Yngvesson Barbara
Published: June 2013

Circulation is often essentialized as a prescribed, limited, and closed form of movement, ‘fixed’ in origins and destination, in intent and outcome. However, circulation may also be understood as a form of flexible movement, non-fixity or multiple stabilities (the act of living life in multiple physical and social locations). This special issue of the journal Childhood examines a plurality of circulations as metaphors and catalysts for unsettling children and childhood as fixed ontological categories. On one hand, contributors’ attention to a phenomenology of circulations, children, and childhood identifies ‘fixed’ expected or projected developmental trajectories assumed by such adult actors as state workers, child welfare experts, lawyers, law enforcement and biomedical professionals, or adoption professionals to underpin a ‘normal childhood’ (such as that which might be grounded in a nuclear family, with an assumed fixed and stable locus of belonging). On the other hand, it identifies and literally subjectifies children who deviate from this model or ideal. Using spatial metaphors to deconstruct childhood as a fixed category ultimately yields important models for thinking about how children and childhood literally and figuratively perform as markers for both stasis and fluidity in our daily lives.
An audit of pharyngeal gonorrhoea treatment in a public sexual health clinic in Adelaide, South Australia
Authors: Hustig A , Bell C , Waddell R
Published: June 2013

Summary

In recent times there have been changes to guidelines regarding the management of gonorrhoea, from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2010 and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) in 2011. Coinciding with their release we conducted a clinical audit of our treatment protocol for gonorrhoea. In 2010, local data on the minimum inhibitory concentrations for Neisseria gonorrhoeae indicated an increase in local isolates that were less sensitive to ceftriaxone (11.6% c.f. 5.3% in 2009). We have a long history of using 250 mg of ceftriaxone to treat all standard sites of gonorrhoea infection followed with tests of cure in all cases. In a retrospective clinical audit of an 11-year period from 2000 up to and including 2010 we identified six test-of-cure failures over 11 years after treating a total of 215 patients with pharyngeal gonorrhoea.
HIV, hepatitis and syphilis prevalence and correlates of condom use during anal sex among men who have sex with men in the Republic of Moldova
Authors: Zohrabyan L , Johnston L , Scutelniciuc O , Iovita A , Todirascu L , Costin T , Plesca V , Cotelnic-Harea T , Ionascu G
Published: June 2013

Summary

Limited data on HIV prevalence and related risks among men who have sex with men (MSM) exist in the Republic of Moldova. In Chisinau and Balti, 188 and 209, respectively, men who reported having anal or oral sex in the last six months with another man, aged ≥16 years were recruited into a study in 2010 using respondent-driven sampling methods. MSM reported having multiple male and female partners and inconsistent condom use. In Chisinau, 2% of MSM were HIV seropositive, 3.7% had antibodies to hepatitis C (HCV), 5.7% had antibodies to hepatitis B (HBV) and 12.1% had syphilis. In Balti, less than 1% of MSM were HIV seropositive, 1.2% had antibodies to HCV, 3.2% had antibodies to HBV and only 0.5% had syphilis. MSM who used a condom at last anal sex with a man were less likely to reside in Chisinau, to have casual sex partners and to have had an HIV test in the last year and were more likely to know where to get an HIV test. Although HIV prevalence was low, MSM practice a number of risky sexual behaviours that may heighten the risk of further HIV transmission in this population and to the wider population.
History of intimate partner violence is associated with sex work but not sexually transmitted infection among HIV-positive female drinkers in Russia
Authors: Urada L A , Raj A , Cheng D M , Quinn E , Bridden C , Blokhina E A , Krupitsky E , Samet J H
Published: June 2013

Summary

This paper assesses the associations between intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexual risks among HIV-positive female drinkers in St Petersburg, Russia. Survey and STI data were analysed from 285 women in HERMITAGE, a secondary prevention study of HIV-positive heavy drinkers. Logistic and Poisson regression analyses assessed associations of IPV with STI and risky sex. Most women (78%) experienced IPV and 19% were STI positive; 15% sold sex. IPV was not significantly associated with STI, but was with selling sex (adjusted odds ratio = 3.56, 95% confidence interval = 1.02–12.43). In conclusion, IPV is common and associated with sex trade involvement among Russian HIV-positive female drinkers.
Assessing the quality of HIV/AIDS services at military health facilities in Zambia
Authors: Kim Y M , Banda J , Hiner C , Tholandi M , Bazant E , Sarkar S , Andrade A S A , Makwala C
Published: June 2013

Summary

After rapidly scaling up HIV/AIDS-related health services, the Zambian Defence Force (ZDF) has become concerned with assuring their quality. This evaluation assesses provider performance at eight ZDF facilities based on direct observations of 191 antenatal care (ANC) consultations and 175 follow-up consultations for antiretroviral therapy (ART). In addition, 43 ZDF health providers were interviewed about the work environment and service quality. On-the-job performance varied widely: providers completed as few as 0% and as many as 100% of tasks associated with each performance standard. Overall scores averaged 66% (range: 47–93%) for ANC consultations and 60% (range: 37–100%) for ART consultations. Perceptions of the work environment were generally positive, but 57% of providers lack confidence in their clinical skills and 42% think staffing is insufficient. These findings, which point to the unique opportunities and challenges in the military setting, will be used to guide a quality improvement initiative.
Determinants of generalized herpes simplex virus-2 epidemics: the role of sexual partner concurrency
Authors: Kenyon C , Colebunders R , Hens N
Published: June 2013

Summary

Little is known as to why some populations develop generalized herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) epidemics. Sexual network-level factors, such as the proportion of partnerships that run concurrently, are plausible explanations. In this ecological analysis, we used Spearman's correlation coefficients to assess if there is an association between population prevalence of point-concurrency and HSV-2 in a number of national and subnational populations. We found that there is an association between prevalence of point-concurrency and female HSV-2 prevalence between different countries (Spearman's rho = 0.715; P = 0.020), and within different races and ethnic groups within countries. In addition, there was a strong association between peak HIV and HSV-2 prevalence in 40–44-year-old women at an international level (Spearman's rho = 0.720; P = 0.0001). This could be indicative of populations with high HIV and HSV-2 prevalence rates having extensively connected sexual networks which puts them at increased risk of spread by both these sexually transmitted infections (STIs). No country with an HSV-2 prevalence of under 20% in their 20–24-year-old women had a generalized HIV epidemic. Thus, HSV-2 prevalence in adolescents may be a useful marker of how risky a local sexual network is for STI spread and may provide a useful early indicator of the success or failure of behavior change initiatives.
Is out-of-pocket cost a barrier to receiving repeat tests for chlamydia and gonorrhoea?
Authors: Shi L , Xie Y , Liu J , Kissinger P , Khan M
Published: June 2013

Summary

We aimed to examine whether out-of-pocket (OOP) costs associated with chlamydia (CT) and gonorrhoea (GC) screening tests is a barrier to receiving CT/GC re-screening and follow-up annual screening. A major health insurance claims database 2006–2010 was used for analysis. The date of first CT/GC diagnosis was used as the index date, and OOP costs at index date for screening tests were retrieved. A re-screening test and an annual screening were defined as tests that occurred within 90–180 days and 181–395 days of the index date, respectively. Re-screening rates were 11.7% and 10.9% and annual screening rates were 24.7% and 23.7% for CT and GC cases, respectively. Compared with the CT patients without OOP expenses, those with OOP expenses of $30 or higher had significantly reduced likelihood of receiving re-screening and annual screening. Similar results were found for GC patients. We concluded that OOP costs serve as a significant barrier to re-screening and annual screening.
Pulmonary cryptosporidiosis and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome: a case report and review
Authors: Sullivan T , Reese L , Huprikar S , Lee M
Published: June 2013

Summary

Cryptosporidium rarely affects the lungs, and is not typically associated with the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). We describe the first published case of pulmonary IRIS following the initiation of antiretroviral therapy in a patient with AIDS and pulmonary cryptosporidiosis, and discuss its implications for HIV patient care.
Non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV at St Michael's Hospital, Toronto: a retrospective review of patient eligibility and clinical outcomes
Authors: Chan A C H , Gough K , Yoong D , Dimeo M , Tan D H S
Published: June 2013

Stringent eligibility criteria, drug costs and antiretroviral toxicities are challenges in delivering HIV non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP). We reviewed patients’ nPEP eligibility and clinical outcomes at St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada to identify opportunities for improvement. Of 241 patients, 59%, 36% and 6% presented for high- (receptive anal/vaginal, blood), medium- (insertive anal/vaginal) and low-risk (oral) sexual exposures, respectively, and nearly all (93%) presented within 72 hours. Of 205 patients given nPEP, 20 were known to have discontinued nPEP prematurely: three due to costs but none due to toxicities. Two HIV seroconversions occurred in patients with suspected ongoing potential exposures. Five asymptomatic syphilis diagnoses were made among 71 tested. Only 39% and 19% of nPEP patients returned to our institution for follow-up at 3–4 and six months, respectively. Our findings underscore the feasibility and importance of nPEP programmes to HIV and sexually transmitted infection control, while identifying opportunities for improvement.
Neurocognitive impairment in HIV-infected individuals with previous syphilis
Authors: Marra C M , Deutsch R , Collier A C , Morgello S , Letendre S , Clifford D , Gelman B , McArthur J , McCutchan J A , Simpson D M , Duarte N A , Heaton R K , Grant I
Published: June 2013

Summary

Cognitive impairment is common in HIV-infected individuals, as is syphilis. Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis, invades the central nervous system early in disease. We hypothesized that HIV-infected patients with a history of syphilis or neurosyphilis would have more cognitive impairment than HIV-infected individuals without these infections. Eighty-two of 1574 enrollees in CHARTER, a prospective, observational study, had reactive serum rapid plasma reagin (RPR) tests. They were matched to 84 controls with non-reactive RPR by age, gender, ethnicity and HIV risk factor. Participants underwent comprehensive neuropsychological (NP) evaluations. RPR results were confirmed and serum fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) test reactivity determined at a central laboratory. Sera from 101 of 166 participants were FTA-ABS reactive, indicating past or current syphilis. Among the 136 individuals without confounding conditions, compared with patients who had never had syphilis, those with prior syphilis had a greater number of impaired NP test domains (1.90 SD [1.77] versus 1.25 [1.52], P = 0.03), a higher global deficit score (0.47 [0.46] versus 0.31 [0.33], P = 0.03), and more were impaired in the NP learning domain (36 [42.9%] of 84 versus 13 [25.0%] of 52, P = 0.04). These effects of prior syphilis remained after controlling for education and premorbid intelligence.
A survey of HIV care in the UK: results of British HIV Association (BHIVA) National Audit 2010
Authors: Ellis S , Curtis H , Ong ELC
Published: June 2013

Summary

The aim of the 2010 BHIVA audit was to assess the impact of the 2008 UK HIV testing guidelines on clinical practice. Here, we report one aspect of the audit comprising a survey of local testing policy and practice at centres providing adult HIV services across the UK. Selected recommendations from the 2008 national HIV testing guidelines were assessed as target outcomes and the percentages of sites and subjects meeting these recommendations were calculated. One hundred and thirty-two sites responded to the survey and many are actively promoting HIV testing locally. Sites report HIV testing is routine in genitourinary (GU) medicine and antenatal services but offered selectively in other clinical areas. Encouragingly, 21 (16%) report some local general practitioner practices are offering testing routinely to new patients at registration. However, the time to receive non-urgent HIV test results exceeds 72 hours in 29% of sites. In conclusion, HIV testing needs to continue to expand across clinical settings to reduce the number of patients living with undiagnosed infection. Laboratory turnaround time needs to improve to ensure non-urgent HIV test results are available within 72 hours.
Specialty and Associate Specialist doctors: still the dependable backbone of genitourinary medicine
Authors: Lee J D , Carlin E M , Robinson A
Published: June 2013

Workforce planning is an inexact science. Specialty and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors are rarely included in workforce analyses. Past studies have shown that SAS doctors are significant contributors to the work in genitourinary (GU) medicine clinics. This survey confirms the large amount of clinical work undertaken by SAS doctors. It appears that 51% of SAS doctors in GU plan to retire in the next 15 years and it is uncertain what effect the 2008 SAS contract will have on SAS recruitment. This information should be taken into consideration in future GUM workforce planning.
What’s in a Name? A Theoretical Exploration of the Proliferation of Labels for International Education Across the Higher Education Sector
Authors: Whitsed Craig , Green Wendy
Published: June 2013

Across the higher education sector international education has been described as experiencing a “crisis of identity.” The recent proliferation of new terms advanced to label “internationalization,” it has been suggested, represents little more than “tautology.” Here, we address questions posed by de Wit regarding this phenomenon: “Why is it new labels are emerging?” “What do they mean?” “How are they used?” And, “will they advance the debate on the future of internationalisation?” We argue the phenomenon of renaming highlights a deep unease among scholars and points to the need for further theoretical consideration of the subject/agent nexus in the context of internationalization. First, with Strauss (1997), we argue the renaming phenomenon reveals more about those attributing the labels than that which they name. Second, drawing on positioning theory we argue renaming “internationalization” can be equated to reflexive positioning in the context of uneven distributions of power across contested storylines. As such, current efforts to rename “internationalization” are not necessarily tautological; rather, they could be integral to systematic changes in understandings, activities, dispositions, and rationales across the higher education sector.
Playing the game and trying not to lose myself: a doctoral student’s perspective on the institutional pressures for research output
Authors: Prasad Ajnesh
Published: June 2013

Several management scholars have recently discussed the consequences that emerge from the institutional pressures for research output. While an important debate for the field, thus far, it has wholly neglected to account for the voices of doctoral students—arguably, the most disempowered constituents within the academy. Working from a doctoral student’s perspective, the aim of this article is to integrate anecdotal evidence with Foucault’s idea of the panopticon gaze so as to illuminate how such institutional pressures become discursively codified. As argued, one especially poignant implication that materializes from the reification of these institutional pressures is intellectual inertia. This article concludes with some consideration of how our discipline can more fruitfully serve doctoral students by holistically embracing the concept of ‘ontological empathy’ and by redefining the meaning of ‘success’. Realization of ontological empathy and the redefinition of success will provide a constructive way to move beyond the orthodoxy of how research output is currently being defined and valued.
Long-Term Adherence to Health Behavior Change
Authors: Middleton Kathryn R. , Anton Stephen D. , Perri Michal G.
Published: June 2013

The utility of lifestyle-based health promotion interventions is directly affected by participant adherence to prescribed behavior changes. Unfortunately, poor adherence to behaviors recommended in lifestyle interventions is widespread, particularly over the long term; thus, the “adherence problem” represents a significant challenge to the effectiveness of these interventions. The current review provides an overview of the adherence problem and describes a theoretical framework through which the factors that affect adherence can be understood. To further understand the difficulties individuals face when adhering to health behavior changes, we focus our discussion on the challenges associated with adherence to lifestyle behaviors recommended for weight loss and healthy weight management (ie, reductions in dietary intake and increases in physical activity). We describe strategies that improve long-term adherence to health behaviors related to healthy weight management, including the provision of extended care, skills training, improving social support, and strategies specific to maintaining changes in dietary intake and physical activity. Finally, we discuss difficulties involved in implementing long-term weight management programs and suggest practical solutions for providers.
The JAK-inhibitor ruxolitinib impairs dendritic cell function in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Heine Annkristin , Held Stefanie Andrea Erika , Daecke Solveig Nora , Wallner Stephanie , Yajnanarayana Sowmya Parampalli , Kurts Christian , Wolf Dominik , Brossart Peter
Published: June 2013

Key Points

The JAK-inhibitor ruxolitinib affects dendritic cell differentiation, phenotype, and function leading to impaired T-cell activation.
The role of the RNA chaperone Hfq in Haemophilus influenzae pathogenesis
Authors: Hempel Randy J , Morton Daniel J , Seale Thomas W , Whitby Paul W , Stull Terrence L
Published: June 2013

Background

The RNA binding protein Hfq of Haemophilus influenzae is highly homologous to Hfq from other bacterial species. In many of these other bacteria, Hfq affects the expression of a broad range of genes and enhances the ability to respond to stressful environments. However, the role of Hfq in H. influenzae is unknown.

Results

Deletion mutants of hfq were generated in the nontypeable H. influenzae strains R2866 and 86-028NP to assess the role of Hfq in these well characterized but genotypically and phenotypically divergent clinical isolates. A deletion mutation of hfq had no effect on growth of H. influenzae in nutrient rich media and had no effect on survival in several stressful conditions in vitro. However, the mutation resulted in a reduced ability to utilize heme from hemoglobin. The mutant and wild type strains were assessed for virulence and competitive fitness in models of invasive disease and otitis media. In the chinchilla model of otitis media, the hfq mutant of 86-028NP exhibited impaired competitive fitness when compared to its wild type progenitor but exhibited no apparent defect in virulence. In the infant rat model, deletion of hfq in R2866 resulted in reduced bacterial titers in blood and a shorter duration of infection when compared to the wild type strain in the competitive fitness study.

Conclusion

We conclude that Hfq is involved in the utilization of essential nutrients and facilitates infection by H. influenzae.
Prevalence of asthma and allergies in children from the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities in Cyprus: a bi-communal cross-sectional study
Authors: Lamnisos Demetris , Moustaki Maria , Kolokotroni Ourania , Koksoy Huseyin , Faiz Muharrem , Arifoglu Kenan , Milton Donald K , Middleton Nicos , Yiallouros Panayiotis K
Published: June 2013

Background

The Greek-Cypriot (G/C) and Turkish-Cypriot (T/C) communities have lived apart since 1974, with the former presumably adopting a more westernized way of life. We estimated the prevalence of asthma and allergies among children in the two communities and investigated differences in socio-demographic and lifestyle risk factors.

Methods

The ISAAC questionnaire was completed by 10156 children aged 7–8 and 13–14 years. Relative differences in asthma and allergic symptoms between the two communities were expressed as odds ratios (OR), estimated in multivariable logistic regression models before and after adjusting for participants’ risk characteristics.

Results

In contrast to our original speculation, consistently lower prevalence rates were observed for respiratory outcomes (but not eczema) among G/C compared to T/C children in both age-groups. For instance, the prevalence of current wheeze among 7–8 year-olds was 8.7% vs 11.4% (OR = 0.74, 95%, CI: 0.61, 0.90) and of current rhinoconjuctivitis 2.6% vs 4.9% (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.71). Surprisingly, the proportion reporting family history of allergy was almost double in the G/C community. With the exception of early life nursery attendance, several protective factors were more prevalent amongst T/C, such as bedroom sharing, less urbanized environment and exposure to farm animals. In contrast, exposure to tobacco smoke was more frequent in the T/C community. Controlling for risk factors did not account for the observed lower prevalence of current wheeze (in the younger age-group) and rhinoconjuctivitis (in both age-groups) among G/C children while differences in the prevalence of eczema between the two communities were no longer statistically significant.

Conclusions

A mixed picture of potential risk factors was observed in the two communities of Cyprus, not consistently favoring one over the other community since, for example, bedroom sharing and rural living but also exposure to tobacco smoke were more common among T/C children. Investigated risk factors do not fully account for the lower prevalence of asthma and allergies among G/C children, especially against a background of higher family history of allergy in this community.
Towards a novel influenza vaccine: engineering of hemagglutinin on a platform of adenovirus dodecahedron
Authors: Naskalska Antonina , Szolajska Ewa , Andreev Igor , Podsiadla Malgorzata , Chroboczek Jadwiga
Published: June 2013

Background

The production process for the current influenza vaccine takes about 6 months and its antigenic composition must be modified annually. In the attempt towards developing influenza vaccine production that would be faster, safer and cheaper we engineered an influenza vaccine in which multiple copies of hemagglutinin (HA) would be delivered by a vector, adenovirus dodecahedron (Ad Dd). Dd is a virus-like particle, formed by assembly of twelve copies of pentameric penton base (Pb) proteins responsible for virus penetration. In order to attach HA to the vector, an adaptor containing WW domains was used. The WW domain is a linear peptide fragment identified as a partner of proline-proline-x-tyrosine (PPxY) motif present at the N-terminal extremity of the Pb protein, which is a building block of Dd. That tandem of three WW domains in fusion with the protein of interest enables interaction with Dd and efficient translocation to the cytoplasm of cells in culture.

Results

Since HA is an oligomeric protein with complicated processing, we prepared six different constructs of HA (A/swan/Poland/467/2006(H5N1)) in fusion with the WW adaptor. Herein we report baculovirus expression and functional analysis of six HA-WW variants. The best behaving variant was successfully delivered into human cells in vitro.

Conclusions

Engineering of a soluble complex of HA with Dd, a virus-like particle that serves as a vector, an adjuvant and as a multivalent presentation platform, is an important step toward a novel influenza vaccine.