bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The utility of high-resolution intraoperative MRI in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary macroadenomas: early experience in the Advanced Multimodality Image Guided Operating suite
Authors: Zaidi Hasan A. , De Los Reyes Kenneth , Barkhoudarian Garni , Litvack Zachary N. , Bi Wenya Linda , Rincon-Torroella Jordina , Mukundan Srinivasan , Dunn Ian F. , Laws Edward R.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic skull base surgery has become increasingly popular among the skull base surgery community, with improved illumination and angled visualization potentially improving tumor resection rates. Intraoperative MRI (iMRI) is used to detect residual disease during the course of the resection. This study is an investigation of the utility of 3-T iMRI in combination with transnasal endoscopy with regard to gross-total resection (GTR) of pituitary macroadenomas.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed all endoscopic transsphenoidal operations performed in the Advanced Multimodality Image Guided Operating (AMIGO) suite from November 2011 to December 2014. Inclusion criteria were patients harboring presumed pituitary macroadenomas with optic nerve or chiasmal compression and visual loss, operated on by a single surgeon.

RESULTS

Of the 27 patients who underwent transsphenoidal resection in the AMIGO suite, 20 patients met the inclusion criteria. The endoscope alone, without the use of iMRI, would have correctly predicted extent of resection in 13 (65%) of 20 cases. Gross-total resection was achieved in 12 patients (60%) prior to MRI. Intraoperative MRI helped convert 1 STR and 4 NTRs to GTRs, increasing the number of GTRs from 12 (60%) to 16 (80%).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite advances in visualization provided by the endoscope, the incidence of residual disease can potentially place the patient at risk for additional surgery. The authors found that iMRI can be useful in detecting unexpected residual tumor. The cost-effectiveness of this tool is yet to be determined.
Prospective evaluation of the utility of intraoperative confocal laser endomicroscopy in patients with brain neoplasms using fluorescein sodium: experience with 74 cases
Authors: Martirosyan Nikolay L. , Eschbacher Jennifer M. , Kalani M. Yashar S. , Turner Jay D. , Belykh Evgenii , Spetzler Robert F. , Nakaji Peter , Preul Mark C.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the utility, specificity, and sensitivity of intraoperative confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) to provide diagnostic information during resection of human brain tumors.

METHODS

CLE imaging was used in the resection of intracranial neoplasms in 74 consecutive patients (31 male; mean age 47.5 years; sequential 10-month study period). Intraoperative in vivo and ex vivo CLE was performed after intravenous injection of fluorescein sodium (FNa). Tissue samples from CLE imaging–matched areas were acquired for comparison with routine histological analysis (frozen and permanent sections). CLE images were classified as diagnostic or nondiagnostic. The specificities and sensitivities of CLE and frozen sections for gliomas and meningiomas were calculated using permanent histological sections as the standard.

RESULTS

CLE images were obtained for each patient. The mean duration of intraoperative CLE system use was 15.7 minutes (range 3–73 minutes). A total of 20,734 CLE images were correlated with 267 biopsy specimens (mean number of images/biopsy location, in vivo 84, ex vivo 70). CLE images were diagnostic for 45.98% in vivo and 52.97% ex vivo specimens. After initiation of CLE, an average of 14 in vivo images and 7 ex vivo images were acquired before identification of a first diagnostic image. CLE specificity and sensitivity were, respectively, 94% and 91% for gliomas and 93% and 97% for meningiomas.

CONCLUSIONS

CLE with FNa provided intraoperative histological information during brain tumor removal. Specificities and sensitivities of CLE for gliomas and meningiomas were comparable to those for frozen sections. These data suggest that CLE could allow the interactive identification of tumor areas, substantially improving intraoperative decisions during the resection of brain tumors.
How many schools adopt interviews during the student admission process across the health professions in the United States of America?
Authors: Glazer Greer , Startsman Laura F. , Bankston Karen , Michaels Julia , Danek Jennifer C. , Fair Malika
Published: February 2016

Health profession schools use interviews during the admissions process to identify certain non-cognitive skills that are needed for success in diverse, inter-professional settings. This study aimed to assess the use of interviews during the student admissions process across health disciplines at schools in the United States of America in 2014. The type and frequency of non-cognitive skills assessed were also evaluated. Descriptive methods were used to analyze a sample of interview rubrics collected as part of a national survey on admissions in the health professions, which surveyed 228 schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and public health. Of the 228 schools, 130 used interviews. The most desirable non-cognitive skills from 34 schools were identified as follows: communication skills (30), motivation (22), readiness for the profession (17), service (12), and problem-solving (12). Ten schools reported using the multiple mini-interview format, which may indicate potential for expanding this practice. Disparities in the use of interviewing across health professions should be verified to help schools adopt interviews during student admissions processes.
Economy as Logic of Government
Authors: Bazzicalupo Laura
Published: March 2016

This article reflects on the radical change in the meaning and role of the economy in relation to processes of subjectivation, and to the social and political bond. The genealogy of the theological-economic paradigm, accompanying the development of the theological-political, highlights how the meaning of economy cannot be exhausted in economy strictly defined, but rather fulfils the role of the logic of government. On this path, the turn towards the bio-economic production of lives is marked by a marginalizing perspective that replaces the centrality of needs with desire (a mark of subjectivity), only so as then to rule desire through rational choice.
Base Metal Co-Fired Multilayer Piezoelectrics
Authors: Gao Lisheng , Guo Hanzheng , Zhang Shujun , Randall Clive
Published: March 2016

Piezoelectrics have been widely used in different kinds of applications, from the automobile industry to consumer electronics. The novel multilayer piezoelectrics, which are inspired by multilayer ceramic capacitors, not only minimize the size of the functional parts, but also maximize energy efficiency. Development of multilayer piezoelectric devices is at a significant crossroads on the way to achieving low costs, high efficiency, and excellent reliability. Concerning the costs of manufacturing multilayer piezoelectrics, the trend is to replace the costly noble metal internal electrodes with base metal materials. This paper discusses the materials development of metal co-firing and the progress of integrating current base metal chemistries. There are some significant considerations in metal co-firing multilayer piezoelectrics: retaining stoichiometry with volatile Pb and alkaline elements in ceramics, the selection of appropriate sintering agents to lower the sintering temperature with minimum impact on piezoelectric performance, and designing effective binder formulation for low pO2 burnout to prevent oxidation of Ni and Cu base metal.
The SALIENT Checklist: Gathering up the Ways in Which Built Environments Affect What We Do and How We Feel
Authors: Dolan Paul , Foy Chloe , Smith Sophie
Published: March 2016

In recent years, behavioural science has emerged as an additional tool to explore the impact of built environments on behaviour and wellbeing. Recognising the potential for further research in this field, we have sought to better understand how built environments affect what we do, as well as how they make us feel. We began this process through a review of the behavioural science literature, and have brought together evidence to develop a checklist for design with wellbeing in mind. In this paper, we present Sound, Air, Light, Image, Ergonomics and Tint as the mnemonic SALIENT, which forms a checklist. We outline an example where elements of the checklist have been applied in a real-world setting to examine subjective wellbeing (SWB). We present this example to illustrate how the SALIENT checklist could potentially be applied more extensively to measure the impact of built environments on wellbeing.
Friction of Human Skin against Different Fabrics for Medical Use
Authors: Vilhena Luís , Ramalho Amílcar
Published: March 2016

Knowledge of the tribology of human skin is essential to improve and optimize surfaces and materials in contact with the skin. Besides that, friction between the human skin and textiles is a critical factor in the formation of skin injuries, which are caused if the loads and shear forces are high enough and/or over long periods of time. This factor is of particular importance in bedridden patients, since they are not moving about or are confined to wheelchairs. Decubitus ulcers are one of the most frequently-reported iatrogenic injuries in developed countries. The risk of developing decubitus ulcers can be predicted by using the “Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk” that was developed in 1987 and contains six areas of risk (cognitive-perceptual, immobility, inactivity, moisture, nutrition, friction/shear), although there are limitations to the use of such tools. The coefficient of friction of textiles against skin is mainly influenced by: the nature of the textile, skin moisture content and ambient humidity. This study will investigate how skin friction (different anatomical regions) varies, rubbing against different types of contacting materials (i.e., fabrics for medical use) under different contact conditions and their relationship in the formation and prevention of decubitus ulcers.
The Role of CD44 and ERM Proteins in Expression and Functionality of P-glycoprotein in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Pokharel Deep , Padula Matthew , Lu Jamie , Jaiswal Ritu , Djordjevic Steven , Bebawy Mary
Published: March 2016

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is often attributed to the over-expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which prevents the accumulation of anticancer drugs within cells by virtue of its active drug efflux capacity. We have previously described the intercellular transfer of P-gp via extracellular vesicles (EVs) and proposed the involvement of a unique protein complex in regulating this process. In this paper, we investigate the role of these mediators in the regulation of P-gp functionality and hence the acquisition of MDR following cell to cell transfer. By sequentially silencing the FERM domain-binding proteins, Ezrin, Radixin and Moesin (ERM), as well as CD44, which we also report a selective packaging in breast cancer derived EVs, we have established a role for these proteins, in particular Radixin and CD44, in influencing the P-gp-mediated MDR in whole cells. We also report for the first time the role of ERM proteins in the vesicular transfer of functional P-gp. Specifically, we demonstrate that intercellular membrane insertion is dependent on Ezrin and Moesin, whilst P-gp functionality is governed by the integrity of all ERM proteins in the recipient cell. This study identifies these candidate proteins as potential new therapeutic targets in circumventing MDR clinically.
Homo- and Copolymerization of Ethylene and Norbornene with Anilido–Imine Chromium Catalysts
Authors: Pei Lixia , Tang Yong , Gao Haiyang
Published: March 2016

A series of anilido–imine chromium complexes have been used as precursors to catalyze homo- and copolymerization of ethylene and norbornene. The chromium complexes activated with methylalumoxane (MAO) exhibit good activities for homopolymerization of ethylene (E) to produce linear polyethylene and moderate activities for norbornene (N) polymerization to afford vinyl-type polynorbornene. Ethylene–norbornene copolymers with high incorporation of norbornene can be also produced by these catalysts. 13C NMR and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses show that the copolymers are random products, and –NNN– and –EEE– units can be observed in the microstructure of the copolymers.
Multitemporal Monitoring of Plant Area Index in the Valencia Rice District with PocketLAI
Authors: Campos-Taberner Manuel , García-Haro Franciso , Confalonieri Roberto , Martínez Beatriz , Moreno Álvaro , Sánchez-Ruiz Sergio , Gilabert María , Camacho Fernando , Boschetti Mirco , Busetto Lorenzo
Published: March 2016

Leaf area index (LAI) is a key biophysical parameter used to determine foliage cover and crop growth in environmental studies in order to assess crop yield. Frequently, plant canopy analyzers (LAI-2000) and digital cameras for hemispherical photography (DHP) are used for indirect effective plant area index (PAIeff) estimates. Nevertheless, these instruments are expensive and have the disadvantages of low portability and maintenance. Recently, a smartphone app called PocketLAI was presented and tested for acquiring PAIeff measurements. It was used during an entire rice season for indirect PAIeff estimations and for deriving reference high-resolution PAIeff maps. Ground PAIeff values acquired with PocketLAI, LAI-2000, and DHP were well correlated (R2 = 0.95, RMSE = 0.21 m2/m2 for Licor-2000, and R2 = 0.94, RMSE = 0.6 m2/m2 for DHP). Complementary data such as phenology and leaf chlorophyll content were acquired to complement seasonal rice plant information provided by PAIeff. High-resolution PAIeff maps, which can be used for the validation of remote sensing products, have been derived using a global transfer function (TF) made of several measuring dates and their associated satellite radiances.
Attitudes towards Tax Evasion in Turkey and Australia: A Comparative Study
Authors: McGee Robert , Devos Ken , Benk Serkan
Published: March 2016

The authors conducted a survey of 502 Turkish and Australian undergraduate and graduate business and economic students to determine their views regarding the ethics of tax evasion. These two groups were selected on the premise that their views represented the perceptions of two very different cultures, which has not been investigated in previous studies. The survey instrument required students to indicate their level of agreeableness to 18 general statements representing various scenarios in the socio-economic environment. The statements in the survey reflected the three main viewpoints regarding the ethics of tax evasion which have emerged from the literature to date. The results of the study show that although Turkish scores are significantly different from the Australian scores, both Turkish and Australian respondents believe that tax evasion can be ethically justifiable in certain situations, although some arguments are stronger than others.
Type of Ground Surface during Plyometric Training Affects the Severity of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage
Authors: Arazi Hamid , Eston Roger , Asadi Abbas , Roozbeh Behnam , Saati Zarei Alireza
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to compare the changes in the symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage from a bout of plyometric exercise (PE; 10 × 10 vertical jumps) performed in aquatic, sand and firm conditions. Twenty-four healthy college-aged men were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Aquatic (AG, n = 8), Sand (SG, n = 8) and Firm (FG, n = 8). The AG performed PE in an aquatic setting with a depth of ~130 cm. The SG performed PE on a dry sand surface at a depth of 20 cm, and the FG performed PE on a 10-cm-thick wooden surface. Plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), knee range of motion (KROM), maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) of the knee extensors, vertical jump (VJ) and 10-m sprint were measured before and 24, 48 and 72 h after the PE. Compared to baseline values, FG showed significantly (p < 0.05) greater changes in CK, DOMS, and VJ at 24 until 48 h. The MIVC decreased significantly for the SG and FG at 24 until 48 h post-exercise in comparison to the pre-exercise values. There were no significant (p > 0.05) time or group by time interactions in KROM. In the 10-m sprint, all the treatment groups showed significant (p < 0.05) changes compared to pre-exercise values at 24 h, and there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences between groups. The results indicate that PE in an aquatic setting and on a sand surface induces less muscle damage than on a firm surface. Therefore, training in aquatic conditions and on sand may be beneficial for the improvement of performance, with a concurrently lower risk of muscle damage and soreness.
A Review of Bioinsecticidal Activity of Solanaceae Alkaloids
Authors: Chowański Szymon , Adamski Zbigniew , Marciniak Paweł , Rosiński Grzegorz , Büyükgüzel Ender , Büyükgüzel Kemal , Falabella Patrizia , Scrano Laura , Ventrella Emanuela , Lelario Filomena , Bufo Sabino
Published: March 2016

Only a small percentage of insect species are pests. However, pest species cause significant losses in agricultural and forest crops, and many are vectors of diseases. Currently, many scientists are focused on developing new tools to control insect populations, including secondary plant metabolites, e.g., alkaloids, glycoalkaloids, terpenoids, organic acids and alcohols, which show promise for use in plant protection. These compounds can affect insects at all levels of biological organization, but their action generally disturbs cellular and physiological processes, e.g., by altering redox balance, hormonal regulation, neuronal signalization or reproduction in exposed individuals. Secondary plant metabolites cause toxic effects that can be observed at both lethal and sublethal levels, but the most important effect is repellence. Plants from the Solanaceae family, which contains numerous economically and ecologically important species, produce various substances that affect insects belonging to most orders, particularly herbivorous insects and other pests. Many compounds possess insecticidal properties, but they are also classified as molluscides, acaricides, nematocides, fungicides and bactericides. In this paper, we present data on the sublethal and lethal toxicity caused by pure metabolites and crude extracts obtained from Solanaceae plants. Pure substances as well as water and/or alcohol extracts cause lethal and sublethal effects in insects, which is important from the economical point of view. We discuss the results of our study and their relevance to plant protection and management.
Self and directed assembly: people and molecules
Authors: James Tony D
Published: March 2016

Self-assembly and directed-assembly are two very important aspects of supramolecular chemistry. As a young postgraduate student working in Canada with Tom Fyles my introduction to Supramolecular Chemistry was through the self-assembly of phospholipid membranes to form vesicles for which we were developing unimolecular and self-assembling transporter molecules. The next stage of my development as a scientist was in Japan with Seiji Shinkai where in a “Eureka” moment, the boronic acid templating unit (directed-assembly) of Wulff was combined with photoinduced electron transfer systems pioneered by De Silva. The result was a turn-on fluorescence sensor for saccharides; this simple result has continued to fuel my research to the present day. Throughout my career as well as assembling molecules, I have enjoyed bringing together researchers in order to develop collaborative networks. This is where molecules meet people resulting in assemblies worth more than the individual “molecule” or “researcher”. My role in developing networks with Japan was rewarded by the award of a Daiwa-Adrian Prize in 2013 and I was recently rewarded for developing networks with China with an Inaugural CASE Prize in 2015.
SOLAR JET–CORONAL HOLE COLLISION AND A CLOSELY RELATED CORONAL MASS EJECTION
Authors: Zheng Ruisheng , Chen Yao , Du Guohui , Li Chuanyang
Published: March 2016

Jets are defined as impulsive, well-collimated upflows, occurring in different layers of the solar atmosphere with different scales. Their relationship with coronal mass ejections (CMEs), another type of solar impulsive events, remains elusive. Using high-quality imaging data from the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly/Solar Dynamics Observatory, we show a well-observed coronal jet event, in which the part of the jet with embedding coronal loops runs into a nearby coronal hole (CH) and gets bounced in the opposite direction. This is evidenced by the flat shape of the jet front during its interaction with the CH and the V-shaped feature in the time-slice plot of the interaction region. About a half-hour later, a CME with an initially narrow and jet-like front is observed by the LASCO C2 coronagraph propagating along the direction of the post-collision jet. We also observe some 304 Å dark material flowing from the jet–CH interaction region toward the CME. We thus suggest that the jet and the CME are physically connected, with the jet–CH collision and the large-scale magnetic topology of the CH being important in defining the eventual propagating direction of this particular jet–CME eruption.
The effects of nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis on the length of hospital stay and cost
Authors: Gundeslioglu Özlem O , Tekin Recep , Cevik Saliha , Palancı Yılmaz , Yazıcıoglu Atilla
Published: February 2016

Introduction: In this study, the goal was to evaluate the impact of nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis in pediatric patients by determining the incidence of nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis, the resulting duration of hospital stay, and direct cost. To our knowledge, this is the first study in Turkey that evaluates the impact of pediatric nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis on duration of hospital stay and calculates the direct cost. Methodology: Forty-nine patients who were diagnosed with nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis and hospitalized were included in the study. Nosocomial infection rates, organ systems affected by the nosocomial infections, and patients who had nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis were identified. A direct cost analysis of patients who were diagnosed with nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis was performed using copies of the invoices for the hospital bills. Results: During the study period, there were 49 cases of nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis. The length of hospitalization was extended, on average, by more than 6.3 days in cases of nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis. The cost of hospitalization for patients with nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis was on average 1,554 ± 2,067 US dollars, compared to a cost of only 244 ± 103 US dollars for patients who did not have nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis. This difference in cost was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis is important because it significantly prolongs hospital stay and increases the social and economic burden of the hospitalization. Nosocomial rotavirus gastroenteritis can be reduced with prevention measures such as handwashing, isolation, and cohorting.
The relationship between brucellosis and vitamin D
Authors: Kurtaran Behice , Akyildiz Ozay , Candevir Ulu Aslihan , Inal Seza Ayse , Komur Suheyla , Seydaoglu Gulsah , Arslan Yusuf Kemal , Yaman Akgun , Kibar Filiz , Aksu Hasan Salih Zeki , Tasova Yesim
Published: February 2016

Introduction: This study was aimed to determine the relationship between vitamin D and soluble vitamin D receptor (VDR) levels and brucellosis, a common infection in Turkey, in which the cellular immune system is important in the course of the disease. Methodology: Patients who had been followed up in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology of Cukurova University Medical Faculty, having been diagnosed with brucellosis and who had no brucellosis treatment before, were enrolled in the study along with healthy controls. The participants’ vitamin D and soluble VDR values were recorded. Laboratory parameters of patients and controls, clinical findings, and disease course of brucellosis patients were also noted. Results: The mean age of the 86 brucellosis patients, of whom 38 (44.2%) were males and 48 (55.8%) were females, was 40.9 ± 18.4 years. Complicated course of brucellosis rate was found to be 29.1%. Vitamin D and VDR levels were lower in brucellosis patients at the time of diagnosis compared to control group. For males, vitamin D and VDR levels were higher in the control group than in the patient group. In males, VDR levels were higher than in females. A significant difference was not found between clinical forms of the disease and vitamin D and VDR levels. Conclusions: Vitamin D and VDR levels were shown to be significantly lower in brucellosis patients before treatment compared to the control group. These results suggest that vitamin D could be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of cerebral malaria imported in Albania
Authors: Ndreu Arben , Hajdari Diana , Ndoni Anduena , Shkurti Klodiana , Kraja Dhimiter , Como Najada , Bino Silva , Gjermeni Nevila , Domi Rudin , Mingomataj Ervin C
Published: February 2016

This is a case-report of two patients with cerebral malaria (CM) imported from West-African countries. Notably, this form of malaria was developed as a second disease episode, while the first episode was experienced in West Africa. These findings suggest that the second episode of malaria was caused by a different strain of Plasmodium falciparum as compared to the first one. They are the first cerebral malaria cases imported in Albania after the eradication and absence of Plasmodium for five decades. Early treatment of cerebral malaria is decisive on the duration of coma and disease’s outcome.
Genotyping and prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among women in Belém, Pará, northern Brazil
Authors: Brasiliense Danielle M , Borges Bárbara N , Ferreira Wallax A S
Published: February 2016

Introduction: Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases in women, and undetected cases of the disease are highly associated with long-term complications. Despite the high prevalence of infections in Brazil, very little is known about the distribution of C. trachomatis genovars. In this study, we determined the prevalence and genotypes of C. trachomatis in women treated at a public hospital in the Brazilian city of Belém, the capital of the state of Pará. Methodology: A total of 154 women were tested for chlamydial infection by PCR using specific primers for the C. trachomatis cryptic plasmid. Genotyping of positive samples was performed by sequencing the ompA gene and conducting further phylogenetic analysis. Results: Out of the 154 samples, 17 were found to be positive using C. trachomatis cryptic plasmid PCR. The overall prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 11%, with the highest prevalence observed in women between 16 and 20 years of age. Five genotypes were found to be associated with endocervical infection. Genotype F was most frequently found (37.5%), followed by genotypes J (25%), E (25%), I (6.25%), and D (6.25%). Conclusions: This study emphasizes the relevance of C. trachomatis infection in the young female population of the Brazilian Amazon region. It also demonstrates the diversity of genotypes involved in genital infection in this population.
Non-O1Vibrio cholerae bacteremia in an infant, first case report from Pakistan
Authors: Sarwar Samreen , Hannan Abdul , Sultana Qamar , Saleem Sidrah , Sohail Muhammad , Arshad Muhammad Usman , Rasool Karam
Published: February 2016

To the best of our knowledge, Non-O1 Vibrio cholerae (NOVC) bacteremia has never been documented in Pakistan. This case report is the first reported case of bacteremia in an infant due to NOVC in Pakistan. A neonate was admitted to a hospital with fever and no history of diarrhea. The isolate was identified biochemically and serologically and was sensitive to all the drugs tested as per CLSI 2014 guidelines.
spa typing and antimicrobial resistance of Staphylococcus aureus from healthy humans, pigs and dogs in Tanzania
Authors: Katakweba Abdul Sekemani , Muhairwa Amandus Pachificus , Espinosa-Gongora Carmen , Guardabassi Luca , Mtambo Madundo M A , Olsen John Elmerdahl
Published: February 2016

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen causing infections in humans and animals. Here we report for the first time the prevalence of nasal carriage, spa typing and antimicrobial resistance of S. aureus in a Tanzanian livestock community. Methodology: Nasal swabs were taken from 100 humans, 100 pigs and 100 dogs in Morogoro Municipal. Each swab was enriched in Mueller Hinton broth with 6.5% NaCl and subcultured on chromogenic agar for S. aureus detection. Presumptive S. aureus colonies were confirmed to the species level by nuc PCR and analysed by spa typing. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined by disc diffusion method. Results: S. aureus was isolated from 22 % of humans, 4 % of pigs and 11 % of dogs. A total of 21 spa types were identified: 13, 7 and 1 in human, dogs, and pigs, respectively. Three spa types (t314, t223 and t084) were shared between humans and dogs. A novel spa type (t10779) was identified in an isolate recovered from a colonized human. Antimicrobials tested revealed resistance to ampicillin in all isolates, moderate resistances to other antimicrobials with tetracycline resistance being the most frequent. Conclusion: S. aureus carrier frequencies in dogs and humans were within the expected range and low in pigs. The S. aureus spa types circulating in the community were generally not shared by different hosts and majority of types belonged to known clones. Besides ampicillin resistance, moderate levels of antimicrobial resistance were observed irrespective of the host species from which the strains were isolated.
Enterotoxin gene profile of Staphylococcus aureus isolates recovered from bovine milk produced in central Ethiopia
Authors: Seyoum Eyasu Tigabu , Mekonene Tesfu Kassa , Woldetsadik Daniel Asrat , Zewudie Bayleyegn Molla , Gebreyes Wondwossen Abebe
Published: February 2016

Introduction: Staphylococcal food intoxication is dependent on the production of enterotoxins, the single most important virulence factors. Various studies conducted in Ethiopia have depicted the prevalence of S. aureus in bovine milk. However, there is no published data regarding the enterotoxin gene profile of S. aureus isolates in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate enterotoxin gene carriage profile of S. aureus isolates recovered from bovine milk samples from central Ethiopia. Methodology: In this study, 109 S. aureus isolates recovered from bovine milk were analyzed for carriage of the classical enterotoxin genes. Genomic DNA extraction was performed using a commercially available kit. Two sets of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to detect the five classical enterotoxin-coding genes and the toxic shock syndrome toxin gene. Results: At least one type of S. aureus enterotoxin gene (SE) was carried in 73 (66.9%) of the isolates. The most frequently encountered gene was sea (40; 36.7%) followed by seb (19; 17.4%), see (18; 16.5%), tst (16; 14.7%), sec-1 (12; 11.01%), and sed (7; 6.4%). Of the 73 S. aureus isolates harboring at least one of the enterotoxin genes, 26 (35.6%) strains harbored more than one enterotoxin gene. Conclusions: More than half of the S. aureus isolates harbored at least one of the enterotoxin coding genes, indicating milk specimens contaminated by S. aureus could have a high chance of causing food intoxication.
Genetic characteristics of coxsackievirus A16 associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease in Nanjing, China
Authors: Yong Wei , Qiao Mengkai , Shi Limin , Wang Xuan , Wang Yan , Du Xuefei , He Min , Ding Jie
Published: February 2016

Introduction: Coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) is a main pathogen in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) worldwide. This study intended to clarify the genetic characteristics of CVA16 associated with HFMD in a defined area in Nanjing, China. Methodology: A total of 175 CVA16 strains isolated from throat swabs between 2011 and 2013 were obtained through sentinel hospitals in Nanjing. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the VP1 sequence of local CVA16 strains, and their genetic relationship with 138 CVA16 strains isolated in China and other countries of the world was compared. Results: Phylogenetic analysis based on complete VP1 sequences revealed that subgenotype B1a and B1b were predominantly circulating in Nanjing and B1b strains were spread more widely. The evolution of CVA16 strains is very conservative, with a mean distance of less than 9%. Moreover, six reported conservative regions in VP1 protein were examined, and three of them exhibited high conservation in all CVA16 genotypes except the G-10 prototype and may serve for further vaccine research. Conclusions: The CVA16 strains circulating in Nanjing, China, in 2011 to 2013 belonged to different genotypes and evolved in a conservative way. To provide further evidence for epidemiological linkage and evolutionary recombination events in CVA16, persistent surveillance of HFMD-associated pathogens is required.
Salmonella serotypeTyphi, Shigella, and intestinal parasites among food handlers at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Bayeh , Yitayew Gashaw , Amare Hiwot
Published: February 2016

Introduction:Food handlers play a major role in the transmission of Salmonella serotype Typhi (S. Typhi), Shigella, and intestinal parasites. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of S. Typhi, Shigella, and intestinal parasites among food handlers at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2014. Stool samples from 410 food handlers were examined for bacterial pathogens and parasites. Pearson’s Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used where appropriate. Results: The prevalence of S. Typhi, Shigella, and intestinal parasites among food handlers was 11 (2.7%), 5 (1.2%), and 53 (12.9%), respectively. Among eight intestinal parasites identified, the two most prevalent intestinal parasites were hookworm 26 (6.3%) and G. lamblia 13 (3.1%). Male food handlers were more likely to be positive than were female food handlers for S. Typhi and intestinal parasites. Furthermore, food handlers who had a history of regular medical checkups were less infected with intestinal parasites. Being male (AOR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.2, 4.4) and not attending medical checkups (AOR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.4, 6.1) were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection in food handlers. Male food handlers were reluctant to have regular parasitological examinations. Conclusions: There was a high proportion of food handlers with S. Typhi, Shigella, and intestinal parasites in their faces. Special emphasis should be placed on S. Typhicarriers and male food handlers. Education and periodical medical checkups for intestinal parasites and S. Typhi should be considered as intervention measures.
New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase in Jamaica
Authors: Thoms-Rodriguez Camille-Ann , Mazzulli Tony , Christian Nicole , Willey Barbara M , Boyd David A , Mataseje Laura F , Mulvey Michael R , Christie Celia DC , Nicholson Alison M
Published: February 2016

Introduction: The global dissemination of the New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM) gene among certain strains of bacteria has serious implications since the infections caused by such organisms pose a therapeutic challenge. Although the NDM gene has been detected in various parts of the world, this is the first report of its detection in the English-speaking Caribbean. The NDM producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from an Indian patient who had recently relocated to Jamaica. Methodology: Identification and susceptibility testing of the K. pneumoniae isolate was performed using the Vitek 2 automated system) in keeping with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) standards. It was identified as a metallobetalactamase producer using the Rosco KPC+MBL kit. Genotypic screening for common betalactamase (including carbapenemase) genes, was carried out  using two multiplex PCRs: one for SHV-, TEM-, CTX-M-, OXA-1-, and CMY-2-types, and one for VIM-, KPC-, IMP-, OXA-48, GES-, and NDM-types. Strain typing was conducted by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) using XbaI and multi-locus sequencing (MLS). Plasmid isolation and analysis was also performed. Results: K. pneumoniae (N11-02395), not previously associated with the dissemination of the NDM in India, Sweden or the UK, was found to harbor the NDM-1 gene on plasmid pNDM112395. Conclusion: The identification of the NDM-1 gene underscores the need for effective surveillance and infection control measures to identify and prevent spread of multidrug resistant Gram negative bacilli. Strict infection control measures implemented for this patient helped to prevent the spread of this organism to other patients.
Rapid detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and SCCmec types from nasal swabs by multiplex PCR
Authors: Cavalcante Fernanda Sampaio , Abad Eliane de Dios , Guimarães Ana Carolina Fonseca , Saintive Barbosa Simone , Ribeiro Marcia , Ferreira Dennis de Carvalho , Dos Santos Kátia Regina Netto
Published: February 2016

This item has no abstract. Follow the links below to access the full text.
As Ebola winds down, Lassa Fever reemerges yet again in West Africa
Authors: Makinde Olusesan Ayodeji
Published: February 2016

This item has no abstract. Follow the links below to access the full text.
Zika virus outbreak in Brazil
Authors: Heukelbach Jorg , Alencar Carlos Henrique , Kelvin Alyson Ann , De Oliveira Wanderson Kleber , Pamplona de Góes Cavalcanti Luciano
Published: February 2016

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is spreading rapidly within the Americas after originating from an outbreak in Brazil. We describe the current ZIKV infection epidemic in Brazil and the neurological symptoms arising. First cases of an acute exanthematic disease were reported in Brazil’s Northeast region at the end of 2014. In March 2015, autochthonous ZIKV was determined to be the causative agent of the exanthematic disease. As cases of neurological syndromes in regions where ZIKV, dengue and/or Chikungunya viruses co-circulate were reported, ZIKV was also identified in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with acute neurological syndromes and previous exanthematic disease. By the end of September 2015, an increasing number of infants with small head circumference or microcephaly were noted in Brazil’s Northeast which was estimated to be 29 cases between August and October. ZIKV was identified in blood and tissue samples of a newborn and in mothers who had given birth to infants with microcephaly and ophthalmological anomalies. In 2015, there were an estimated 440,000 - 1,300,000 Zika cases in Brazil. There have been 4,783 suspected cases of microcephaly, most of them in the Northeast of Brazil associated with 76 deaths. The Ministry of Health is intensifying control measures against the mosquito Aedes aegypti and implemented intensive surveillance actions. Further studies are needed to confirm the suspected association between ZIKV infection and microcephaly; to identify antiviral, immunotherapy, or prophylactic vaccine; to introduce diagnostic ELISA testing. Clinical and epidemiological studies must be performed to describe viral dynamics and expansion of the outbreak.
ZIKATracker: A mobile App for reporting cases of ZIKV worldwide
Authors: Kelvin Alyson Ann , Banner David , Pamplona Luciano , Alencar Carlos , Rubino Salvatore , Heukelbach Jorg
Published: February 2016

We have developed a mobile App called ZIKATracker (zikatracker.net) to voluntarily be used to report ZIKV cases on a public or private level. As the Zika virus (ZIKV) infection zones are rapidly expanding across South, Central, and North America, and reports have emerged linking ZIKV infection with developmental defects and neurological sequelae, reporting the movement and sequelae of ZIKV is essential. ZIKATracker is a multi-lingual App (English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese) freely available to anyone worldwide wishing to report a suspected or confirmed case of Zika virus and related symptoms. Knowledge gained from the use of this App will help direct the implementation of mosquito control measures in needed areas, bring aid to those affected by the Zika virus, and understand the movement and sequelae of ZIKV as it spreads through communities and across continents.
Inhibition of enteropathogens adhesion to human enterocyte-like HT-29 cells by a dairy strain of Propionibacterium acidipropionici
Authors: Zárate G. , Palacios J.M. , Villena J. , Zúñiga-Hansen M.E.
Published: March 2016

Adhesion to the host intestinal mucosa is considered relevant for orally delivered probiotics as it prolongs their persistence in the gut and their health promoting effects. Classical propionibacteria are microorganisms of interest due to their role as dairy starters as well as for their functions as probiotics. Propionibacterium acidipropionici Q4, is a dairy strain isolated from a Swiss-type cheese made in Argentina that displays probiotic potential. In the present work we assessed the ability of this strain to adhere to the human enterocyte-like HT-29 cell line and to counteract the adhesion of two common human enteropathogens, such as Escherichia coli C3 and Salmonella Enteritidis 90/390. The results were compared with those obtained with the well-known probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. P. acidipropionici Q4 showed a high adhesion capacity, even higher than the reference strain L. rhamnosus GG (42.3±4.4% and 36.2±2.3%, respectively), whereas adhesion of enteropathogens was significantly lower (25.2±2.2% for E. coli and 21.0±3.4% for S. Enteritidis). Propionibacteria as well as lactobacilli were able to inhibit by exclusion and competition the adherence of E. coli C3 and S. Enteritidis 90/390 whereas only L. rhamnosus GG displaced S. Enteritidis from HT-29 intestinal cells. Inhibition of pathogens by propionibacteria was not exerted by antimicrobials or coaggregation but was mainly due to exclusion by cell surface components, such as proteins and carbohydrates. The relevance of cell surface proteins (CSP) for preventing pathogens infection was confirmed by their concentration dependent effect observed for both pathogens: 100 µg/ml of CSP inhibited E. coli attachment almost as untreated propionibacteria, whereas it partially inhibited the attachment of S. Enteritidis. Results suggest that P. acidipropionici Q4 could be considered for the development of propionibacteria containing functional foods helpful in counteracting enteropathogen infection.
Percutaneous Approach for Removal of a Migrated Cystogastric Stent from a Pancreatic Pseudocyst: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Alshehri Shaker , Qazi Shahbaz , Khankan Azzam , Al-Muaikeel Mohammed
Published: February 2016

Stent migration into pancreatic pseudocysts during endosonographic (EUS) cystogastrostomy is a relatively rare complication. The migrated stent may induce, if it remains within the body, infection and perforation. Therefore, retrieval and/or re-stenting is necessary. Endoscopic retrieval is commonly attempted first. However, it is technically challenging and largely dependent on the skill of the endoscopists; if retrieval is unsuccessful, surgery is usually carried out. We report a case of stent migration into a pancreatic pseudocyst that was retrieved with a percutaneous approach under imaging guidance using a simple technique with available devices. A technique that enhances the role of interventional radiology in the management of this rare complication.
Des mythes aux réalités de la justice transitionnelle
Authors: Benghellab Nour
Published: March 2016

La justice transitionnelle (JT) est un processus qui se veut le pont entre la justice punitive traditionnelle et le politique et dont l’objet officiel est de cicatriser des meurtrissures du tissu social par l’apaisement des tensions au sein du corps social, la réconciliation et le pardon dans les États en transition. Sa définition reste floue parce qu’elle se veut moins un concept rigide qu’une boîte à outils à utiliser dans différents contextes de transition. Cet article vise à interroger les fondements de ce type de justice et d’en confronter missions thérapeutique, juridique et politique au regard des résultats observés. Nous présenterons d’abord le discours de légitimation dominant dans la littérature relative à la JT et qui la présente tel un processus thérapeutique et pacificateur des sociétés en transition. Constatant l’échec de cette mission affichée, nous relisons ensuite, à l’aune des théories du nationalisme, le rôle plus exact de la JT afin d’en faire ressortir d’autres dimensions plus officieuses qui justifieraient sa pérennité en dépit de ses échecs apparents.
Fatigue Properties of Aerospace Z-Pinned Composites
Authors: Mouritz Adrian P. , Pegorin Fabio , Isa Mohd Dali , Pingkarawat Khomkrit
Published: March 2016

This paper presents an experimental study into the effect of through-thickness z-pin reinforcement on the in-plane and out-of-plane (delamination) fatigue properties of carbon-epoxy composites used in aerospace structures. The in-plane fatigue strength and fatigue life (load cycles-to-failure) of aerospace composite materials are reduced by z-pins. The in-plane compressive fatigue properties decrease when the volume content of z-pins is increased. Reductions to the in-plane fatigue properties are due to microstructural damage caused by the z-pins. However, the out-of-plane (delamination) fatigue properties of composites are increased greatly by z-pins. The mode I, mode II and mixed mode I/II delamination fatigue properties increase rapidly with increasing volume content of z-pins. The improvement is due to the z-pins forming a large-scale bridging zone along the delamination which resists fatigue crack growth. The work clearly reveals that a trade-off exists between the in-plane and out-of-plane fatigue properties of z-pinned composites. Improvements to the delamination fatigue properties come at the expense of lower in-plane fatigue performance, and this is a key consideration for the design of z-pinned aerospace composite structures.
Rice Husks - Structure, Composition and Possibility of Use them at Surface Treatment
Authors: Fijalkowski Mateusz , Adach Kinga , Petráň Aleš , Kroisová Dora
Published: March 2016

Rice husks (RH) are characterized by a high content of silicon dioxide up to 23 wt. %. Silica in the form of nanoparticles creates surface layers formed in various plant parts which ensure protective properties and mechanical stability. These nanoparticles with a dimension in the range of tens of nanometers, are formed during biochemical processes and photosynthesis. Individual nanoparticles are interconnected between themselves and between layers with organic phase via cellulose fibres. Accompanying ions mainly potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium and aluminium extremely important for plant growth have also been identified in rice husks. In this research paper we investigated mechanical properties of composite epoxy resin material, which was composed of ChS Epoxy 520 filled with silica obtained from rice husks. Nanoparticles of silicon dioxide with the size in dozen of nanometers were prepared by calcination of raw plant parts. We found that the 0.1 phr of filling (0.01 g of filler + 10 g of epoxy) demonstrated a significant increase of wear resistance and decrease of coefficient of friction. An excellent adhesion between epoxy resin and silica nanoparticles was also observed. The silicon dioxide in epoxy resin plays the role of the hard phase, which transfers part of the load and protects the surface of polymer against wear. The presence of this filler does not change the mechanical properties of the original resin.