bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive evaluation of hepatic fibrosis in hepatitis C virus‐infected patients using ethoxybenzyl‐magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Nojiri Shunsuke , Kusakabe Atsunori , Fujiwara Kei , Shinkai Noboru , Matsuura Kentaro , Iio Etsuko , Miyaki Tomokatsu , Joh Takashi
Published: February 2013

Background and Aims

Liver biopsy is the gold standard test to determine the grade of fibrosis, but there are associated problems. Because gadolinium‐ethoxybenzyl‐diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid is secreted partially in hepatocytes and bile, it is possible that ethoxybenzyl‐magnetic resonance imaging (EOB‐MRI) correlates with liver function and liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to compare the fibrosis seen in liver biopsy samples to the signal intensity of the hepatobiliary phase measured on EOB‐MRI in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients.

Methods

Two hundred twenty‐four (estimation 149, validation 75) HCV‐infected patients with histologically proven liver tissue who underwent EOB‐MRI were studied. Overall, fibrosis staging was 15/24/19/46/45 for F0/F1/F2/F3/F4, respectively. A 1.5‐Tesla magnetic resonance system was used, and the regions of interest of the liver were measured. Four methods were used: (i) relative enhancement: (post‐enhanced signal intensity [SI] − pre‐enhanced intensity)/pre‐enhanced intensity; (ii) liver‐to‐intervertebral disk ratio (LI): post‐enhanced (liver SI/interdisc SI)/pre‐enhanced (liver SI/inter disc SI); (iii) liver‐to‐muscle ratio: post‐enhanced (liver SI/muscle SI)/pre‐enhanced (liver SI/muscle SI); and (iv) liver‐to‐spleen ratio: post‐enhanced (liver SI/spleen SI)/pre‐enhanced (liver SI/spleen SI).

Results

To discriminate F0‐1 versus F2‐4 or F0‐2 versus F3‐4 or F0‐3 versus F4, LI at 25 min (LI25) had the highest area under receiver operating characteristic (0.88, 0.87, and 0.87, respectively) in these four methods and also in the validation set.

Conclusion

LI at 25 min seems to be a useful method to determine the staging of fibrosis as a non‐invasive method in HCV‐infected hepatitis or cirrhosis patients.
Flexible spectral imaging color enhancement plus probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscopy for gastric intestinal metaplasia detection
Authors: Pittayanon Rapat , Rerknimitr Rungsun , Wisedopas Naruemon , Ridtitid Wiriyaporn , Kongkam Pradermchai , Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Angsuwatcharakon Phonthep , Mahachai Varocha , Kullavanijaya Pinit
Published: February 2013

Background and Aim

Probe‐based confocal laser endomicroscope (pCLE) has been applied for the early detection and confirmation of many gastrointestinal neoplasms; however, its use in gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) detection has not yet been validated. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic yield of magnifying flexible spectral imaging color enhancement (ME‐FICE) plus pCLE for GIM detection.

Methods

Sixty patients with previous histology confirmed as GIM underwent a surveillance EGD. Standard and 100× ME‐FICE were used as a screening mode to depict GIM by light‐blue crest, large long crest, and villous pattern criteria. Then, pCLE was followed to confirm the presence of GIM. In each patient, two biopsies were obtained from one positive area, and the other two were taken from the negative area. All specimens were interpreted by a clinically blinded pathologist. The reading results by ME‐FICE and by ME‐FICE plus pCLE were assessed for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value (NPV), false‐positive rate, false‐negative rate, and accuracy.

Results

Of the 59 areas suspicious for GIM in 45 patients, 44 areas were confirmed as GIM by histology. The overall criteria from ME‐FICE plus pCLE provided the highest sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, NPV, and accuracy at 96%, 90%, 86%, 97%, and 92%, respectively. There were two false‐negatives (4%) and seven false‐positives (10%). No early gastric cancer was detected in any.

Conclusion

Combining ME‐FICE with pCLE provides high sensitivity and NPV for GIM detection. The prompt histology reading by this technique may avoid unnecessary biopsy (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01489397).
Prevalence of viruses in stool of premature neonates at a neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Naing Zin , Rayner Benjamin , Killikulangara Ananthen , Vunnam Krishna , Leach Steven , McIver Christopher J , Scott Gillian M , Craig Maria E , Lui Kei , Rawlinson William D
Published: February 2013

Aim

Premature neonates represent a population highly vulnerable to infection. This study aims to profile viral colonisation of gut and the associated clinical manifestations among premature neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Australia.

Methods

In a cohort of 75 premature neonates born at less than 32 weeks gestation, who were followed for 4 weeks following admission to a NICU in Sydney, Australia, multiplex polymerase chain reaction assays were used to determine viral presence in stool, and clinical data were examined.

Results

Overall, viral RNA or DNA was detected in 24/419 (5.7%) of specimens, including norovirus genogroup 2 (1.9%), enterovirus (1.2%), herpes simplex virus‐2 (1.2%), cytomegalovirus (0.7%), Epstein‐Barr virus (0.5%) and rotavirus (0.2%). Viral infection was detected in 13/75 (17%) of premature neonates at some time point, including five (7%) neonates shedding more than one type of virus in stool. A higher rate of infection was observed among premature neonates with intrauterine growth restriction (56%) compared with those infants born appropriate for gestational age (12%. P = 0.006).

Conclusion

The overall viral detection rate in stool of 5.7% (affecting 17% of neonates) indicates viral infections are an important health risk for premature infants in NICU.
Leukotriene C4 aggravates bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice
Authors: Hirata Hirokuni , Arima Masafumi , Fukushima Yasutsugu , Sugiyama Kumiya , Tokuhisa Takeshi , Fukuda Takeshi
Published: February 2013

Background and objective

Synthesis of cysteinyl leukotrienes (cys‐LT) is thought to cause inflammatory disorders such as bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis. Recent reports have suggested that leukotriene C4 (LTC4) is an important regulator of pulmonary fibrosis. This study examined the effect of LTC4 in LTC4 synthase‐overexpressed transgenic mice with bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis. The function of lung‐derived fibroblasts from transgenic mice was also investigated.

Methods

Bleomycin was administrated to transgenic mice and wild‐type (WT) mice by intratracheal instillation. Concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐4 and ‐13, interferon‐γ, and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after the administration of bleomycin. Lung tissue was examined histopathologically on day 14. In addition, lung‐derived fibroblasts from transgenic and WT mice were cultured for 7 days. Expression of TGF‐β1 mRNA was measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Both the pathological scores for pulmonary fibrosis (3.8 ± 0.4 vs 2.0 ± 0.1, P < 0.05) and the levels of IL‐4 (12.1 ± 2.3 vs <7.8 pg/mL, P < 0.05), IL‐13 (26.5 ± 5.2 vs <7.8 pg/mL, P < 0.01) and TGF‐β1 (211.1 ± 30.2 vs 21.3 ± 1.2 pg/mL, P < 0.01) on day 14 were significantly greater in transgenic than in WT mice. Furthermore, the reduction of LTC4 by pranlukast hydrate, a cys‐LT1 receptor antagonist, in fibroblasts from transgenic significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the expression of TGF‐β1 mRNA (by ∼50%) compared with those from WT mice.

Conclusions

Overexpression of LTC4, amplifies bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Our findings suggest a role for LTC4 in lung fibrosis.
NYC4, the rice ortholog of Arabidopsis THF1, is involved in the degradation of chlorophyll – protein complexes during leaf senescence
Authors: Yamatani Hiroshi , Sato Yutaka , Masuda Yu , Kato Yusuke , Morita Ryouhei , Fukunaga Kenji , Nagamura Yoshiaki , Nishimura Minoru , Sakamoto Wataru , Tanaka Ayumi , Kusaba Makoto
Published: February 2013

Yellowing/chlorophyll breakdown is a prominent phenomenon in leaf senescence, and is associated with the degradation of chlorophyll – protein complexes. From a rice mutant population generated by ionizing radiation, we isolated nyc4‐1, a stay‐green mutant with a defect in chlorophyll breakdown during leaf senescence. Using gene mapping, nyc4‐1 was found to be linked to two chromosomal regions. We extracted Os07g0558500 as a candidate for NYC4 via gene expression microarray analysis, and concluded from further evidence that disruption of the gene by a translocation‐related event causes the nyc4 phenotype. Os07g0558500 is thought to be the ortholog of THF1 in Arabidopsis thaliana. The thf1 mutant leaves show variegation in a light intensity‐dependent manner. Surprisingly, the Fv/Fm value remained high in nyc4‐1 during the dark incubation, suggesting that photosystem II retained its function. Western blot analysis revealed that, in nyc4‐1, the PSII core subunits D1 and D2 were significantly retained during leaf senescence in comparison with wild‐type and other non‐functional stay‐green mutants, including sgr‐2, a mutant of the key regulator of chlorophyll degradation SGR. The role of NYC4 in degradation of chlorophyll and chlorophyll – protein complexes during leaf senescence is discussed.
Countability in world Englishes
Authors: HALL CHRISTOPHER J. , SCHMIDTKE DANIEL , VICKERS JAMIE
Published: February 2013

In this study we explored variation in the countability of nouns in Outer Circle, Expanding Circle and lingua franca Englishes, a phenomenon which is frequently cited as a marker of Inner Circle norms in TESOL and of endonormative and emerging varieties in the Outer and Expanding Circles. We inspected a set of mass nouns likeinformationandequipmentin the VOICE corpus and websites from Outer and Expanding Circle country domains. We also evaluated potential causes of variation, investigating differences between Outer and Expanding Circles and the contribution of substrate influence. Our data show notable and widespread countable use of nouns that are generally non‐count in Inner Circle Englishes, but such usage is highly infrequent overall. There appears to be greater variation in the Outer than the Expanding Circle, but little evidence of a determining role for substrate influence. We conclude that the prominence given to countability as a marker of ‘nativeness’ and ‘non‐nativeness’ is unhelpful, in both the prescriptive context of TESOL and the descriptive contexts of world Englishes and English as a Lingua Franca. We advocate the use of web‐based corpora to investigate lexico‐grammatical variation in lingua franca usage and to reveal the ‘plurilithic’ nature of English.
Complete Genome of a Genotype I Japanese Encephalitis Virus Isolated from a Patient with Encephalitis in Vientiane, Lao PDR
Authors: Aubry Fabien , Vongsouvath Manivanh , Nougairède Antoine , Phetsouvanh Rattanaphone , Sibounheuang Bountoy , Charrel Rémi , Rattanavong Sayaphet , Phommasone Koukeo , Sengvilaipraserth Onanong , de Lamballerie Xavier , Newton Paul N. , Dubot-Pérès Audrey
Published: February 2013

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) (
Flaviviridae
,
Flavivirus
) is an arthropod-borne flavivirus transmitted by
Culex
species mosquitoes. We report here the complete genome of the JEV genotype I strain JEV_CNS769_Laos_2009 isolated from an infected patient in Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) (Laos).
Complete Genome of
Enterobacteriaceae
Bacterium Strain FGI 57, a Strain Associated with Leaf-Cutter Ant Fungus Gardens
Authors: Aylward Frank O. , Tremmel Daniel M. , Bruce David C. , Chain Patrick , Chen Amy , Walston Davenport Karen , Detter Chris , Han Cliff S. , Han James , Huntemann Marcel , Ivanova Natalia N. , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Markowitz Victor , Mavrommatis Kostas , Nolan Matt , Pagani Ioanna , Pati Amrita , Pitluck Sam , Deshpande Shweta , Goodwin Lynne , Woyke Tanja , Currie Cameron R.
Published: February 2013

The
Enterobacteriaceae
bacterium strain FGI 57 was isolated from a fungus garden of the leaf-cutter ant
Atta colombica
. Analysis of its single 4.76-Mbp chromosome will shed light on community dynamics and plant biomass degradation in ant fungus gardens.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome after bevacizumab therapy in a normotensive patient
Authors: Abbas Ola , Shamseddin Ali , Temraz Sally , Haydar Ali
Published: February 2013

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurological disorder characterised by distinct radiological features. Common precipitants of this disorder include acute medical illness, hypertensive crisis, eclampsia, immunosuppressive therapy and chemotherapy. We present the case of a patient with advanced ovarian carcinoma who developed PRES shortly after receiving bevacizumab (Avastin), an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor. The patient's medical history and clinical presentation both suggest bevacizumab as the precipitator for PRES. This agent has been often overlooked as a possible cause of this rare neurological syndrome.
Why does my shoulder hurt? A review of the neuroanatomical and biochemical basis of shoulder pain
Authors: Dean Benjamin John Floyd , Gwilym Stephen Edward , Carr Andrew Jonathan
Published: February 2013

If a patient asks ‘why does my shoulder hurt?’ the conversation will quickly turn to scientific theory and sometimes unsubstantiated conjecture. Frequently, the clinician becomes aware of the limits of the scientific basis of their explanation, demonstrating the incompleteness of our understanding of the nature of shoulder pain. This review takes a systematic approach to help answer fundamental questions relating to shoulder pain, with a view to providing insights into future research and novel methods for treating shoulder pain. We shall explore the roles of (1) the peripheral receptors, (2) peripheral pain processing or ‘nociception’, (3) the spinal cord, (4) the brain, (5) the location of receptors in the shoulder and (6) the neural anatomy of the shoulder. We also consider how these factors might contribute to the variability in the clinical presentation, the diagnosis and the treatment of shoulder pain. In this way we aim to provide an overview of the component parts of the peripheral pain detection system and central pain processing mechanisms in shoulder pain that interact to produce clinical pain.
ON WEAK INTERACTIONS AS SHORT-DISTANCE MANIFESTATIONS OF GRAVITY
Authors: ONOFRIO ROBERTO
Published: February 2013

We conjecture that weak interactions are peculiar manifestations of quantum gravity at the Fermi scale, and that the Fermi constant is related to the Newtonian constant of gravitation. In this framework one may understand the violations of fundamental symmetries by the weak interactions, in particular parity violations, as due to fluctuations of the spacetime geometry at a Planck scale coinciding with the Fermi scale. As a consequence, gravitational phenomena should play a more important role in the microworld, and experimental settings are suggested to test this hypothesis.
"Analyzing gossip in workplace email" by Tanushree Mitra and Eric Gilbert, with Ching-man Au Yeung as coordinator
Authors: Mitra Tanushree , Gilbert Eric
Published: February 2013

We spend a significant part of our lives chatting about other people. In other words, we all gossip. Although sometimes a contentious topic, various researchers have shown gossip to be fundamental to social life---from small groups to large, formal organizations. Adopting the Enron email dataset and natural language techniques, we present the first study of gossip in a large CMC corpus. We find that workplace gossip is common at all levels of the organizational hierarchy, with people most likely to gossip with their peers and that it is more likely for an email to contain gossip if targeted to a smaller audience. Also, gossip appears as often in personal exchanges as it does in formal business communication. Exploring the sentiment of gossip, we observe that gossip is in fact quite often negative. Our study provides empirical evidence of an under-researched yet important societal phenomenon and provides empirical insights by testing existing gossip theories originating from anthropology, on a real world large email dataset.
Polarization or Pluralism? Language, Identity, and Attitudes toward American Culture among Algeria’s Youth
Authors: Benstead Lindsay J. , Benstead Lindsay J. , Reif Megan
Published: February 2013

Muslim and Arab identities have long been instrumentalized to forge unifying national and regional identities. The impact of Algeria’s post-colonial Arabization policies that educated people in Standard Arabic (to the exclusion of dialectal Arabic, Berber, or French) on economic cleavages and attitudes has been underexplored. Algeria has been described as polarized, with cultural and religious cleavages between Arabs and Berbers and traditionalists and modernists blamed for the country’s instability. Questions from a 2004 survey of 820 Algerian students allow us to distinguish between maternal language and preference for Standard Arabic or French used in professional settings. We analyze the influence of mother tongue, religiosity, and socioeconomic status on Arabophone or Francophone language orientation and whether there is evidence for the common assumption that Algeria is polarized politically and culturally among the three main language groups. Berber speakers and less religious students are more likely to complete the written survey in French, but socioeconomic status is a more important determinant of language choice. Francophone orientation is associated with more positive attitudes about Western and American culture, suggesting that Arabization has indeed produced a society somewhat polarized between a Francophone elite and a large population of students trained in Standard Arabic who cannot find jobs in the public and private sectors still demanding French skills. The findings point to the utility of using survey research to understand sociolinguistic patterns and including nuanced measures of language distinct from ethnicity and mother tongue in diglossic societies to analyze social cleavages and their relationship to attitudes about politics, culture, and foreign policy. The results also emphasize the need for educational reform, expansion of employment opportunities, and democratization to reduce the potential for conflict among Algerian youth.
Structures of Bragg Scatter Observed with the Polarimetric WSR-88D
Authors: Melnikov Valery M. , Doviak Richard J. , Zrnić Dusan S. , Stensrud David J.
Published: February 2013

Enhancements to signal processing and data collection in the dual-polarization Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) to increase its detection capability yield observations of “fine” structures from Bragg scatterers. Several types of the fine structures observed in and above the boundary layer are discussed. These Bragg scatter structures include the top of the convective boundary layer, nonprecipitating clouds, strong convective plumes above the boundary layer, and a layer of weak reflections associated with decaying boundary layer turbulence. A conclusion that data from polarimetric WSR-88Ds can be used to obtain the depth of the convective boundary layer is made.
Activity of ponatinib against clinically-relevant AC220-resistant kinase domain mutants of FLT3-ITD
Authors: Smith Catherine C. , Lasater Elisabeth A. , Zhu Xiaotian , Lin Kimberly C. , Stewart Whitney K. , Damon Lauren E. , Salerno Sara , Shah Neil P.
Published: February 2013

Key Points

Ponatinib exhibits activity against AC220-resistant FLT3-ITD/F691 gatekeeper mutations. Ponatinib is highly ineffective against FLT3-ITD activation loop mutations, particularly at the D835 residue.
Niemann-Pick disease type C clinical database: cognitive and coordination deficits are early disease indicators
Authors: Stampfer Miriam , Theiss Susanne , Amraoui Yasmina , Jiang Xuntian , Keller Sigrid , Ory Daniel S , Mengel Eugen , Fischer Christine , Runz Heiko
Published: February 2013

Background

The neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder Niemann-Pick disease type C (NP-C) is characterized by a broad clinical variability involving neurological, psychiatric and systemic signs. Diverse patterns of disease manifestation and progression considerably delay its diagnosis. Here we introduce the NP-C clinical database (NPC-cdb) to systematically obtain, store and analyze diagnostic and clinical findings in patients with NP-C. We apply NPC-cdb to study NP-C temporal expression in a large German-Swiss patient cohort.

Methods

Current and past medical history was systematically acquired from 42 patients using tailored questionnaires. Manifestation of 72 distinct neuropsychiatric signs was modeled over the course of disease. The sequence of disease progression was re-constructed by a novel clinical outcome scale (NPC-cdb score).

Results

The efficiency of current clinical diagnostic standards negatively correlates with duration of disease (p<3.9x10-4), suggesting insufficient sensitivity in patients early in the disease process. Neurological signs considered as typical for NP-C were frequent (e.g., cognitive impairment 86%, ataxia 79%, vertical supranuclear gaze palsy 76%) and their presence co-occurred with accelerated diagnosis. However, less specific neuropsychiatric signs were reported to arise considerably more early in the disease process (e.g., clumsiness -4.9±1.1 y before diagnosis). Most patients showed a steady disease progression that correlated with age at neurological onset. However, a distinct subcohort (n=6) with initially steadily progressing disease later showed a 2.9-fold accelerated progression that was associated with the onset of seizures (p<7x10-4), suggesting seizures as predictive for a poor prognosis.

Conclusions

Considering early, but less specific neuropsychiatric signs may accelerate the path to diagnosing NP-C in a patient.
Exploring potential chemical markers by metabolomics method for studying the processing mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine using RPLC-Q-TOF/MS: a case study of Radix Aconiti
Authors: Li Yubo , Wang Yuming , Su Lina , Li Lixin , Zhang Yanjun
Published: February 2013

Background

Pao zhi is a common traditional approach that usually occurs before most herbs are prescribed whereby during processing, secondary plant metabolites are transformed, thus helping to increase potency, reduce toxicity and altering their effects. Using Radix Aconiti (Chuan Wu, CW) as a model herb, suitable chemical markers are crucial for studying the processing mechanisms of these herbs.

Results

In this study, the comprehensive metabolomic characters of CW and Prepared CW (ZCW) by RPLC-Q-TOF/MS were investigated to guarantee clinical safety. Multivariate analyses successfully identified specific metabolite changes between CW and ZCW. In addition, 22 key biomarkers responsible for the detoxifying actions of pao zhi were discovered. The processing mechanism of CW were discussed according to the identified metabolites. This method is efficient, providing more accurate characterisations of traditional pao zhi detoxification.

Conclusions

The proposed strategy proves that RPLC-Q-TOF/MS-based metabolomic analysis does not only explore chemical markers but can also provide a comprehensive understanding of the transformation mechanisms underlying pao zhi.
Mycobiota and mycotoxins present in finished fish feeds from farms in the Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil
Authors: Barbosa Tatiana S , Pereyra Carina M , Soleiro Carla A , Dias Erica O , Oliveira Aguida A , Keller Kelly M , Silva Pedro PO , Cavaglieri Lilia R , Rosa Carlos AR
Published: February 2013

The aim of the present study was to determine species of the fungal genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Penicillium and fumonisin B1 (FB1), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), and ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination from feed intended for fish farms. A total of 60 samples were sampled from tilapia farms in the Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The quantitative enumeration of fungi as colony-forming units per gram of feed (CFU/g) was performed using the surface spread method in different culture media. The results were expressed as fungal isolation frequency and relative density. Fungal total counts ranged from <1 × 102 to 4.7 × 104 CFU/g. Fusarium counts were not observed. Among toxigenic genera, Aspergillus (68%) was the most prevalent, followed by Penicillium species (60%). Aspergillus niger aggregate (36%), Aspergillus flavus (35%), and Penicillium citrinum (71%) were the most prevalent species. A high percentage of samples (98%) were contaminated with FB1 levels, while 55% and 3.3% were contaminated with AFB1 and OTA, respectively. The simultaneous occurrence of these mycotoxins emphasizes the need for further research in the area to better assess the risk to the health of fish farms and their implications for the health of consumers of this meat.
Activation of the immune system incurs energetic costs but has no effect on the thermogenic performance of house sparrows during acute cold challenge
Authors: King Marisa O. , Swanson David L.
Published: February 2013

Trade-offs between the immune system and other condition dependent life-history traits (reproduction, predator avoidance, and somatic growth) have been well documented in both birds and mammals. However, no studies have examined the impact of immune activation on thermoregulatory performance during acute cold exposure. Because of their high surface-area-to-volume ratios, small birds incur high energetic costs associated with thermoregulation during cold exposure. Consequently, we predicted that the immune system and the thermoregulatory system would compete for energetic resources. To test this, we immunologically challenged adult house sparrows (Passer domesticus) with 5 mg/kg of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce an acute phase response (APR) and measured both resting (RMR = minimum metabolic rate) and summit (Msum = maximal metabolic rate during cold exposure) metabolic rates. We found that birds injected with LPS had significantly higher RMR and Msum than birds injected with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), indicating that LPS-treated birds were able to support both the cost of immune activation and that of thermoregulation under conditions eliciting maximal thermogenic performance. These results suggest that, in the absence of a pathogen, birds that experience short-term activation of the immune system have higher energetic costs during cold exposure, but immune activation does not compromise maximum thermoregulatory performance.
Electronically Stimulated Degradation of Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Schmidt J. , Bothe K. , Macdonald D. , Adey J. , Jones R. , Palmer D. W.
Published: February 2013

Carrier lifetime degradation in crystalline silicon solar cells under illumination with white light is a frequently observed phenomenon. Two main causes of such degradation effects have been identified in the past, both of them being electronically driven and both related to the most common acceptor element, boron, in silicon: (i) the dissociation of iron-boron pairs and (ii) the formation of recombination-active boron-oxygen complexes. While the first mechanism is particularly relevant in metal-contaminated solar-grade multicrystalline silicon materials, the latter process is important in monocrystalline Czochralski-grown silicon, rich in oxygen. This paper starts with a short review of the characteristic features of the two processes. We then briefly address the effect of iron-boron dissociation on solar cell parameters. Regarding the boron-oxygen-related degradation, the current status of the physical understanding of the defect formation process and the defect structure are presented. Finally, we discuss different strategies for effectively avoiding the degradation.
Defects Induced by Helium Implantation: Impact on Boron Diffusivity
Authors: Cayrel F. , Alquier D. , Dubois C. , Jerisian R.
Published: February 2013

High dose helium implantation followed by a suitable thermal treatment induces defects such as cavities and dislocations. Gettering efficiency of this technique for metallic impurities has been widely proved. Nevertheless, dopants, as well as point defects, interact with this defect layer. Due to the presence of vacancy type defects after helium implantation, boron diffusion can be largely influenced by such a buried layer. In this paper, we study the influence of helium induced defects on boron diffusion. The boron diffusion in presence of these defects has been analyzed as a function of different parameters such as distance between boron profile and defect layer and defect density. Our results demonstrate that the major impact known as boron enhanced diffusion can be partially or completely suppressed depending on parameters of experiments. Moreover, these results clarify the interaction of boron with extended He-induced defects.
Vegetation context influences the strength and targets of pollinator‐mediated selection in a deceptive orchid
Authors: Sletvold Nina , Grindeland John Magne , Ågren Jon
Published: February 2013

Clarifying the relationship between environmental context and the adaptive significance of floral traits is fundamental for an understanding of spatial and temporal variation in pollinator‐mediated selection. We manipulated vegetation height and pollination regime of the orchid Dactylorhiza lapponica in a factorial design to test whether pollinator‐mediated selection on floral traits is stronger in tall than in short vegetation, and whether this difference is larger for visual traits affecting pollinator attraction than for traits affecting pollination efficiency. In tall vegetation, pollinators mediated strong selection for taller plants (change in selection gradient for pollination, Δβpoll = 0.33), more flowers (Δβpoll = 0.34), and longer spurs (Δβpoll = 0.42). In short vegetation, there was no significant selection on plant height, and pollinator‐mediated selection on number of flowers and spur length was reduced by 52% and 25%, respectively. The results demonstrate experimentally that vegetation context can markedly influence the strength of pollinator‐mediated selection on visual display traits, and indicate that this effect is weaker for traits affecting pollination efficiency. The study illustrates how crossed manipulations of environmental factors can reveal the causal links between ecological context and selection on floral traits.
Comparison of biofilm formation and water quality when water from different sources was stored in large commercial water storage tanks
Authors: van der Merwe Venessa , Duvenage Stacey , Korsten Lise
Published: February 2013

Rain-, ground- and municipal potable water were stored in low density polyethylene storage tanks for a period of 90 days to determine the effects of long-term storage on the deterioration in the microbial quality of the water. Total viable bacteria present in the stored water and the resultant biofilms were enumerated using heterotrophic plate counts. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Colilert-18® tests were performed to determine if the faecal indicator bacteria Escherichia coli was present in the water and in the biofilm samples collected throughout the study. The municipal potable water at the start of the study was the only water source that conformed to the South African Water Quality Guidelines for Domestic Use. After 15 days of storage, this water source had deteriorated microbiologically to levels considered unfit for human consumption. E. coli was detected in the ground- and potable water and ground- and potable biofilms periodically, whereas it was detected in the rainwater and associated biofilms at every sampling point. Imperfections in the UV resistant inner lining of the tanks were shown to be ecological niches for microbial colonisation and biofilm development. The results from the current study confirmed that long-term storage can influence water quality and increase the number of microbial cells associated with biofilms on the interior surfaces of water storage tanks.
Calibrating an optimal condition model for solar water disinfection in peri-urban household water treatment in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Okurut Kenan , Wozei Eleanor , Kulabako Robinah , Nabasirye Lillian , Kinobe Joel
Published: February 2013

In low income settlements where the quality of drinking water is highly contaminated due to poor hygienic practices at community and household levels, there is need for appropriate, simple, affordable and environmentally sustainable household water treatment technology. Solar water disinfection (SODIS) that utilizes both the thermal and ultra-violet effect of solar radiation to disinfect water can be used to treat small quantities of water at household level to improve its bacteriological quality for drinking purposes. This study investigated the efficacy of the SODIS treatment method in Uganda and determined the optimal condition for effective disinfection. Results of raw water samples from the study area showed deterioration in bacteriological quality of water moved from source to the household; from 3 to 36 cfu/100 mL for tap water and 75 to 126 cfu/100 mL for spring water, using thermotolerant coliforms (TTCs) as indicator microorganisms. SODIS experiments showed over 99.9% inactivation of TTCs in 6 h of exposure, with a threshold temperature of 39.5 ± 0.7°C at about 12:00 noon, in the sun during a clear sunny day. A mathematical optimal condition model for effective disinfection has been calibrated to predict the decline of the number of viable microorganisms over time.
Anticipating Apocalypse: Power Structures and the Periphery in Doris Lessing’s the Fifth Child and Ben, in the World
Authors: Islam Muhammad Saiful
Published: February 2013

This article argues that unremitting conflicts between the power centres and the individuals from the borderline spaces of the society characterise Doris Lessing’s novels The Fifth Child and Ben, in the World. The paper seeks to further the argument by applying Michel Foucault’s early work on power and Zygmunt Bauman’s theory on liquid, thus postmodern, fear to manifest the implosion of the contemporary civilization that lives on global/local disparities and operates through subversive surveillance.
Maternal Glucocorticoid Treatment as a Model for Examining Foetal Gender-Specific Effects on the Bone Metabolism of Neonatal Piglets
Authors: Tomaszewska Ewa , Dobrowolski Piotr
Published: February 2013

The aim of the study was to investigate gender-specific effects of a maternal treatment with dexamethasone (DEX) at multiple maximum therapeutic doses during the last 25 d of pregnancy on the bone tissue metabolism in neonatal piglets. BMD and BMC were measured. The geometry, histomorphometry, and mechanical properties of bones were determined. The assessment of selected hormones, cytokines, and amino acids was performed in 35-day-old piglets. DEX administered prenatally inhibited neonatal bone development, as well as bone mineral density, and geometrical and mechanical properties of bones. Neonatal GC-induced bone loss was linked with disturbed somatotropic axis function and decreased serum concentration of GH in male piglets and decreased concentration of IGF-1 in females. Prenatal DEX treatment led to an increase in the concentration of insulin and enhanced activity of bone specific alkaline phosphatase in piglets of both genders.
Occurrence of Genes Encoding Virulence Factors in Bordetella Bronchiseptica Strains Isolated from Infected and Healthy Pigs
Authors: Stępniewska Katarzyna , Markowska-Daniel Iwona
Published: February 2013

The objective of the study was to determine genotypic profiles of Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bbr) strains, based on the occurrence of genes encoding virulence factors, such as flagella (fla), dermonecrotoxin (dnt), and exogenous ferric siderophore receptor (bfrZ), using PCR. 209 tested Bbr strains were obtained from Polish swine herds with different health status (with progressive atrophic rhinitis - PAR, suspected for PAR, and unknown). In total, seven different Bbr genotypes were determined. In 39.2% of Bbr isolates all three genes were present. In 41.1% of the isolates only two genes were detected. The most common genotype dnt+bfrZ-fla+ was present in 60 (28.5%) Bbr strains, 65% of them were obtained from farms with PAR. Twenty five (12%) Bbr isolates were identified as dnt-bfrZ+fla+ genotype and, as above, they were more frequently isolated from clinical cases of disease (84%). Among 31 (14.8%) strains only fla gene was evident, and in nine (4.3%) only dnt gene was present. There were no Bbr strains with bfrZ gene only. These results confirm the heterogenicity among Bbr strains.
Is Poultry Exudate a Missing Link in Spreading Campylobacter SP. In Poland?
Authors: Daczkowska-Kozon Elżbieta Grażyna , Sawicki Wojciech , Czekajło-Kołodziej Urszula
Published: February 2013

The aim of the work was to find out what is the prevalence and burden of Campylobacter sp. in the poultry exudates, what are the predominant species, how diverse they are, and can poultry exudates be considered as the essential carriers of campylobacters posing a health risk of campylobacteriosis in Poland. Broilers’ and turkeys’ exudates, collected directly from the bulk containers at the day of delivery were subjected to pre-enrichment and direct plate counting according to ISO 10272 (1995) with presumptive C.
jejuni strains subjected to confirmatory genetic identification by the nested PCR and RAPD typing. The results indicated that over 90% of the exudates tested carried Campylobacter sp., with their number being significantly higher in broilers’ (103 to105 cfu mL-1) compared to turkeys’ (102 to 104 cfu mL-1) (P≤0.05), and essentially higher (P≤0.05) for the broiler parts’ “skin on” exudates. C.
jejuni was the only species present in the turkeys’ and predominant in broilers’ parts’ exudates. RAPD-typing of the isolates revealed 14 distinct RAPD types with the majority of C. jejuni isolates considered to be closely related.
Screening of Paenibacillus Larvae Spores in Apiaries from Eastern Poland. Nationwide Survey. Part I
Authors: Pohorecka Krystyna , Skubida Marta , Bober Andrzej , Zdańska Dagmara
Published: February 2013

Screening of the prevalence of Paenibacillus larvae spores in honey bee colonies in apiaries from 162 districts, belonging to nine provinces was carried out during 2009-2011. The honey samples were examined by the use of a culture method. Based on the number of CFUs grown on Columbia sheep blood agar medium, the level of infection and probability of American foulbrood outbreak was estimated. Altogether, 6,510 pooled honey samples from 32,550 bee colonies located in 2,294 apiaries were collected. P. larvae was identified in 45% of the surveyed apiaries. The widest distribution of P. larvae was found in the Małopolskie province. Culture-positive honey samples were obtained for 71% of the apiaries and in a half of them, the level of spores was high. In the Warmińsko-Mazurskie province, the presence of the bacterium was detected in 58% of the apiaries. In the remaining provinces, from 26% to 47% of the apiaries were contaminated with P. larvae spores
Lead in the Blood of Dogs Living in Variously Contaminated Environment
Authors: Monkiewicz Jerzy , Rogowska Katarzyna A. , Mielnikiewicz Anna , Grosicki Andrzej
Published: February 2013

The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentration of lead in blood of dogs from Polish urban polluted areas including the Lower Silesia Region (LSR; 102 dogs), KGHM Polish Copper Region (PCR; 102 dogs), and Upper Silesia Industrial Region (USIR; 102 dogs). Moreover, it was investigated whether age, height, gender, and weight influence blood lead concentrations in the dogs. The mean concentrations of lead in dogs from LSR, PCR, and USIR were 16.18 μg/L, 31.82 μg /L, and 32.53 μg /L, respectively. In the same age groups of dogs, the concentrations of lead were the smallest and significantly lower in LSR than those reported in PCR and USIR. Mean blood concentrations of lead demonstrated a decreasing tendency in regard to the height of the examined dogs - 30.00 μg /L (low dogs), 27.37 μg /L (medium dogs), and 25.12 μg /L (high dogs).These findings indicate that blood lead concentrations mainly depend on lead contamination of the dogs’ habitat. In all regions examined, lead concentrations significantly increased with the length of the dogs’ life. Height, weight, and gender had no significant effect on lead content.
Malignant transformation of a chronic leg ulcer: a case report / Maligna alteracija hronične venske ulceracije na podkolenici: prikaz slučaja
Authors: Kostić Kristina , Mladenović Tomislav , Zečević Radoš
Published: February 2013

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumor of epidermal keratinocytes which may arise de novo, or at already affected skin areas of different etiology, including chronic vascular ulcers (CVUs). We present a 74-year-old female patient, hospitalized in the Department of Dermatology, with venous ulceration of the lower right leg, 10x5 cm in size, with well-demarcated edges, and the base covered with fibrin and granulation tissue. The ulceration appeared 7 years ago, while 3 years ago it spread rapidly with pain in the right lower leg. In the beginning, the patient was treated with local and systemic antibiotic therapy. Later, hydrocoloid dressings and compressive bandages were applied, and after that hyperoxygenation was performed in the hyperbaric chamber. Although the above-mentioned therapy was applied correctly, it was not efficient. Since malignant alteration was suspected, two biopsies were taken and in both, histopathologic analysis showed granulation tissue without dysplasia. The third biopsy, however, performed a month after the second one, revealed a squamous cell carcinoma. After further investigations, amputation of the right lower leg was suggested. Therefore, in cases with extended CVUs without no adequate therapeutical response during a long period of time, malignant transformation should be considered, and multiple biopsies at various sites should be performed.
Tuberous sclerosis complex - a case report / Kompleks tuberozne skleroze – prikaz slučaja
Authors: Petrova Nada , Gocev Gjorgji , Angelovska Elena
Published: February 2013

Tuberous sclerosis complex is a multisystem, autosomal dominant disorder affecting children and adults, which results from mutations in either of two genes, TSC1 (encoding hamartin) or TSC2 (encoding tuberin). Tuberous sclerosis complex often causes disabling neurologic disorders, including epilepsy, mental retardation, and autism. Major features of the disease include dermatologic manifestations, such as facial angiofibromas, renal angiomyolipomas, and pulmonary lymphangiomyomatosis. We report a 20-year-old woman with epilepsy and subnormal intelligence, who was admitted for evaluation of multiple facial papules that have gradually increased in number over the past 15 years. She had been previously diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis complex based on findings of cardiac ventricular rhabdomyomas, tuberosclerotic nodules of glial proliferation in the cerebral cortex, and renal angiomyolipoma. The facial papules were angiofibromas, confirming the clinical presentation of tuberous sclerosis complex. Detailed examination of the skin and mucosa revealed Shagreen patches, nontraumatic subungual and gingival fibroma, all features of tuberous sclerosis complex. A multidisciplinary team approach was used for diagnosis and medical care of tuberous sclerosis complex in order to treat many organ systems affected by tuberous sclerosis in our patient. The patient received antiepileptic medications, while rapamycin was recommended.
Neurofibromatosis type I (von Recklinghausen’s disease): A Report of Three Cases / Neurofibromatoza tip I (von Recklinghausenova bolest): prikaz tri slučaja
Authors: Kostić Kristina , Dinić Miroslav , Mijušković Željko , Zolotarevski Lidija , Kandolf-Sekulović Lidija , Zečević Radoš
Published: February 2013

Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is an autosomal dominant, multisystemic disease that usually affects the skin, nervous system and bones. Diagnosis is made by matching at least two of the following 7 diagnostic criteria: six or more caféau- lait macules over 15 mm in diameter, two or more neurofibromas, axillary and/or inguinal freckles, optic glioma, two or more Lisch’s nodules (iris hamartoma), changes in the bones in the form of sphenoid dysplasia, thinning of the cortex of long bones and existence of neurofibromatosis in the first degree relatives. We report three patients, two men and a woman aged 18 to 33 years, in whom the first changes occurred at puberty, and there was no positive family history in any of them. All three patients had café-au-lait spots over 15 mm in diameter and numerous localized neurofibromas on the skin of the trunk and extremities that were histologically verified. In two patients, ophthalmic examinations recorded Lisch’s nodules in the iris. In one of the patients, MRI of the head, revealed presence of oval lesions with diameters of 10-15 mm, which may correspond to neurofibromas, and in the other patient fibrous dysplasia of the femur and tibia were observed. Psychological testing in one patient revealed IQ at the lower limits of average (IQ 68). After the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type I, the patients were given advice about the disease and a plan for the monitoring and control of possible symptoms, and also the possibility of genetic testing during pregnancy. A multidisciplinary approach is required for diagnosing and monitoring of patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.
Urticaria pigmentosa in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome – a case report / Urtikarija pigmentoza kod obolelog od sindroma stečene imunodeficijencije – prikaz slučaja
Authors: Stojanović Slobodan , Brkić Snežana , Jovanović Marina , Vučković Nada
Published: February 2013

The authors present a case of a man with urticaria pigmentosa and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome - AIDS. The patient was diagnosed as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) - positive in the year 2000, at the Infectious Diseases Clinic, Clinical Center of Vojvodina in Novi Sad. Urticaria pigmentosa was detected (nine years later) during a dermatological examination at the Dermatovenerology Department of the Outpatient Clinic, Clinical Center of Vojvodina. Urticaria pigmentosa is the most common manifestation of cutaneous mastocytosis. The patient was taking long term antiviral therapy for several years. Approximately 2 years after the onset of urticaria pigmentosa, this patient developed septicemia and ascites along with hepatosplenomegaly, liver damage, chronic cholecystitis, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and relative eosinophilia. The patient had increased total serum IgE levels and tested positive for 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in a 24-hour urine test from the very beginning of urticaria pigmnentosa and during the course of his illness. Immunohistochemical results of dermal biopsy of the affected area confirmed the diagnosis of urticaria pigmentosa. Histology findings confirmed presence of typical dermal mast cell infiltrates with distinct oval and spindle granules that were CD117+ and CD1a-. Systemic mastocytosis was excluded by liver and bone marrow biopsies. To our knowledge, we present the third case of associated mastocytosis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome published in world literature so far, in order to indicate the possible interaction between HIV infection and mast cells.