bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay with two internal controls for the detection of Brucella species in tissues, blood, and feces from marine mammals
Authors: Sidor Inga F. , Dunn J. Lawrence , Tsongalis Gregory J. , Carlson Jolene , Frasca Salvatore
Published: January 2013

Brucellosis has emerged as a disease of concern in marine mammals in the last 2 decades. Molecular detection techniques have the potential to address limitations of other methods for detecting infection with Brucella in these species. Presented herein is a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method targeting the Brucella genus–specific bcsp31 gene. The method also includes a target to a conserved region of the eukaryotic mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene to assess suitability of extracted DNA and a plasmid-based internal control to detect failure of PCR due to inhibition. This method was optimized and validated to detect Brucella spp. in multiple sample matrices, including fresh or frozen tissue, blood, and feces. The analytical limit of detection was low, with 95% amplification at 24 fg, or an estimated 7 bacterial genomic copies. When Brucella spp. were experimentally added to tissue or fecal homogenates, the assay detected an estimated 1–5 bacteria/µl. An experiment simulating tissue autolysis showed relative persistence of bacterial DNA compared to host mitochondrial DNA. When used to screen 1,658 field-collected marine mammal tissues in comparison to microbial culture, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 70.4% and 98.3%, respectively. In addition to amplification in fresh and frozen tissues, Brucella spp. were detected in feces and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from culture-positive animals. Results indicate the utility of this real-time PCR for the detection of Brucella spp. in marine species, which may have applications in surveillance or epidemiologic investigations.
Development of a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping codons 136, 154, and 171 of the prnp gene and application to Brazilian sheep herds
Authors: P. de Andrade Caroline , L. de Almeida Laura , A. de Castro Luiza , Driemeier David , C. da Silva Sérgio
Published: January 2013

Scrapie is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy of sheep and goats and is associated with the deposition of an abnormal isoform of prion protein (PrPsc). This isoform presents an altered conformation that leads to its aggregation in the host’s central nervous and lymphoreticular systems. A predisposition to the prion-agent infection can be influenced by specific genotypes that are related to polymorphisms in the ovine prnp gene. The most characterized polymorphisms occur at codons 136, 154, and 171, with genotype VRQ being the most susceptible and ARR the most resistant. In the current study, a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique based on allele-specific TaqMan probes was developed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms in the prnp gene from Brazilian herds. Specific primers and TaqMan probes were designed for all 3 codons of interest. Samples from a total of 142 animals were analyzed by qPCR, followed by DNA sequencing of the amplicons. All of the genotypes determined by qPCR were in agreement with the data determined by DNA sequencing. In all 3 of the analyzed breeds, the majority of the animals were AA homozygous for the 136 codon. The most frequent genotype for codon 154 was RR, and genotypes QQ and QR were the most frequent for codon 171. The results are discussed in relation to establishing scrapie control measures and breeding programs for Brazilian herds.
Comparison of three immunoglobulin G assays for the diagnosis of failure of passive transfer of immunity in neonatal alpacas
Authors: Pinn Toby L. , Gagliardo Lucille F. , Purdy Steve R. , Appleton Judith A. , Stokol Tracy
Published: January 2013

Measurement of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) is used for the assessment of passive transfer of immunity in neonatal crias, with an IgG concentration <10 g/l being suggestive of failure of passive transfer (FPT). The purpose of the current study was to determine whether 3 commercially available immunologic assays yielded comparable results for IgG in alpacas. Serum samples from 91 alpacas were used and were stored frozen until batch analysis on the same day with the 3 assays. Immunoglobulin G was measured by radial immunodiffusion (RID) and 2 immunoturbidimetric (IT) assays (IT1, configured for automated chemistry analyzers; IT2, a point-of-care test). Median IgG concentrations were significantly different between the 3 assays, with the RID (median: 15 g/l) and IT1 (median: 16 g/l) assays, which used the same standard, yielding significantly higher IgG values than IT2 (median: 11 g/l). Results indicated a diagnostic discordance in 1–17% of samples at an IgG threshold of 10 g/l. Protein electrophoresis revealed that the RID and IT1 standard contained mostly albumin (>60%), whereas the IT2 standard consisted of beta and gamma globulins. The discrepant results between assays IT1 and IT2 were eliminated when the same standard was used (IT1: median 11 g/l; IT2: 10 g/l; n = 19 and 17, respectively). The IT1 assay had the highest precision, while the RID assay had the lowest. The results indicate that camelid IgG measurement is highly dependent on the assay standard and is not directly comparable between assays, potentially resulting in underdiagnosis of FPT in some crias.
A novel gammaherpesvirus found in oral squamous cell carcinomas in sun bears (Helarctos malayanus)
Authors: Lam Lydia , Garner Michael M. , Miller Christine L. , Milne Victoria E. , Cook Kimberly A. , Riggs Gary , Grillo James F. , Childress April L. , Wellehan James F. X.
Published: January 2013

A novel herpesvirus was detected in sun bears ( Helarctos malayanus) with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Five captive sun bears from 4 institutions in the United States presented with oral lesions ranging from erythema and mild erosions to nodular, ulcerated masses. All 5 were diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. The tumors were treated with surgical resection but recurrence, local extension, or appearance of new lesions was noted in all cases. Intralesional chemotherapy was administered in 2 cases, and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug piroxicam was administered in 3 cases. Virus was detected in 4 of the 5 bears’ tissue samples using a consensus herpesvirus polymerase chain reaction. Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that this herpesvirus is in the subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae and distinct from other known herpesviruses. The association between the herpesvirus and squamous cell carcinoma is unknown. The current study presents a novel gammaherpesvirus within the order Ursidae, with the name Ursid herpesvirus 1 proposed.
Malaria Prevention in Zambia
Authors: Steury Elinda Enright
Published: January 2013

Transcultural nursing educators can be change agents for health issues in other cultures. Yet unfamiliar disease processes and the foreign environment provide challenges that must be overcome to achieve a lasting, effective, and positive change. Rogers’s Diffusion of Innovations Model can be used to plan and implement community-focused interventions into the cultures of developing nations, specifically malaria prevention in Zambia. Transcultural nurse educators could use concepts from the model to effect change in other cultures or communities.
Factors Affecting Decision Making in Hispanics Experiencing Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Sanderson Jennifer D. M.
Published: January 2013

It was estimated that 785,000 new myocardial infarctions (MIs), 470,000 recurrent MIs, and 195,000 silent MIs will occur during 2010 in the United States. Cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, is the cause of death for 27% of Hispanic males and 31.5% of Hispanic females. There has been an increasing discrepancy between Hispanic knowledge in recognition of MI symptoms compared with non-Hispanic Whites. Only 5.6 % to 27.4 % of Hispanics know all MI symptoms and the need to immediately activate emergency medical services, compared with 11.9% to 45.8% of non-Hispanic Whites. The health belief model is used to explore the factors affecting decision making in Hispanics experiencing MI. Modifying factors explored include acculturation, language spoken, education, socioeconomic status, and access to health care. The results include recommendations for future research and clinical practice to assist in planning targeted interventions in Hispanic populations nationwide.
Health Beliefs and Practice of Breast Self-Examination Among Young Cypriot Women
Authors: Petro-Nustas Wasileh , Tsangari Haritini , Phellas Constantinos , Constantinou Costas
Published: January 2013

Purpose: Breast cancer is the leading form of cancer affecting Cypriot women. This study is aimed at examining the factors influencing the choice of Cypriot women to perform breast self-examination (BSE). Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study, with a sample of 94 young Cypriot women, was conducted. Method: The Greek version of Champion’s Health Belief Model was used. Various statistical tests were implemented. Findings: Almost all women (91.5%) had heard about BSE, and 71.3% had performed it sometime in the past. The susceptibility factor was significant in influencing women’s behavior, while barriers and self-confidence were associated with practicing BSE. Knowledge on BSE and a high level of education were positively related with the frequency of practicing BSE. Conclusions: Proper education on BSE is important in shaping young women’s attitudes. Any related health strategy should consider the concepts of Health Belief Model, especially the factors that make a female susceptible to breast cancer.
What Is the Difference Between a Hockey Mom and a Pit Bull?
Authors: Burns Sarah , Eberhardt Lindsay , Merolla Jennifer L.
Published: January 2013

This study explores what effect different campaign information frames have on voters’ evaluations of Sarah Palin using data from an online experiment. We show that descriptions highlighting more stereotypically feminine attributes cause individuals to perceive Palin as holding more feminine traits, while those highlighting more masculine attributes lead to higher assessments of her masculine traits. Those that mix feminine and masculine attributes lead to higher assessments of Palin’s masculine traits and null effects on her feminine traits. We show that Palin benefits the most in overall evaluations by being perceived as high on both masculine and feminine traits.
Changes on image texture features of breakfast flakes cereals during water absorption
Authors: Medina Wenceslao T , Quevedo Roberto A , Aguilera José M
Published: January 2013

Normally breakfast cereal flakes are consumed by pouring them into a bowl and covering them with fresh or cold milk. During this process the liquid uptake causes changes in the surface and internal matrix of breakfast cereals that influence texture and integrity. Some breakfast cereal as flakes have a translucent structure that could provide information about the solid matrix and air cells and how they change during liquid absorption. The objective of the study was to assess the image texture changes of corn flakes and frosted flakes during water absorption at 5, 15 and 25 °C, employing 11 image feature textures extracted from grey-level co-occurrence matrix and grey-level run length matrix (at three directions) and to relate the fractal dimension (FD) of images with rupture force (RF) reduction during soaking of both flakes at 5 °C. The most relevant result from principal component analysis calculated with a matrix of 54 (soaking times) × 22 (texture features), shows that it was possible to distinguish an isolated group consisting of different soaking times at the same water temperature in each breakfast cereal flakes evaluated, corroborating that superficial liquid imbibition is important during the liquid absorption process when flakes are soaked. Furthermore, standardized FD could be related to RF in the period when samples tend to search for an equilibrium state.
Characterisation of a highly saturated Irvingia gabonensis seed kernel oil with unusual linolenic acid content
Authors: Zoué Lessoy T , Bédikou Micaël E , Faulet Betty M , Gonnety Jean T , Niamké Sébastien L
Published: January 2013

The search for new sources of oil with improved characteristics has focused our attention on the characterisation of Irvingia gabonensis seed kernel oil. Physicochemical analysis have revealed the following assets: refractive index (1.42 ± 0.00), free fatty acids (2.3 ± 0.8%), peroxide value (3.33 ± 0.57 meq O2/kg), iodine value (32.43 ± 1.22 g I2/100 g), saponification value (233.75 ± 2.60 mg KOH/g), unsaponifiable matter (1.5 ± 0.02%), carotenoids (63 ± 0.01 mg β-carotene/100 g) and phospholipids (2.1 ± 0.01%). Absorbance of this oil decreased abruptly in the range of UV-B and UV-A wavelengths. Gas chromatography analysis showed that the major fatty acids were saturated, being mainly composed of lauric (C12:0, 39.35 ± 0.01%) and myristic acids (C14:0, 20.54 ± 0.01%). Nevertheless, an unusually high amount (6.44 ± 0.02%) of linolenic acid was also noted. Mass spectrometer analysis of volatile compounds highlighted the presence of various aromatic and aliphatic organic compounds. I. gabonensis seed kernel oil also showed oxidative stability at 60 °C after 12 days of storage with maximum peroxide value of 34.66 meq O2/kg. In view of these interesting characteristics, I. gabonensis seed kernel could be used as an alternative source of oil for lipid industries.
Perspectives on Obesity and Its Treatment
Authors: Menez Steven , Cheskin Lawrence , Geller Gail
Published: January 2013

Objective. To determine and compare the perspectives of the general public and health care providers (HCPs) on obesity and its treatment in rural West Virginia (WV) and Baltimore, MD. Method. Surveys were completed in both locations by the general public (WV: n = 200; Baltimore: n = 171) and HCPs (WV: n = 25; Baltimore: n = 15). Results. BMI (body mass index) ≥ 30 (WV: n = 94; Baltimore: n = 58) was associated with a stronger belief in the heritability of obesity and with the ability to control obesity by controlling food cost, compared with those with normal BMI (WV: n = 42; Baltimore: n = 57). Those with a high school education (WV: n = 112; Baltimore: n = 113) were less likely to agree that obesity is a problem in the community and that proper diet and exercise are realistic expectations, compared with those with at least some higher education. Perspectives of HCPs differed significantly from the general public in both locations. Conclusion. Many differences in perspective on obesity exist between WV and Baltimore, within both populations, and between HCPs and the general public in both settings. A better understanding of patient views is important for effective obesity management. HCPs must consider each patient’s level of understanding when discussing management and consequences of obesity. More time spent with patients who have less insight into their obesity may improve patient adherence with treatment and overall patient outcomes.
Motorcycles, body and risk: The motorcyclists’ social career
Authors: Jderu Gabriel
Published: January 2013

In this article, I approach motorcycling as a learning process. The main concept used is that of the social career, as advanced by Erving Goffman and David Matza. I highlight the specific bodily practices and risks that occur in the successive stages of a motorcyclist’s social career. Throughout their career as motorcyclists, riders learn how to manage successive risks. The riding body may be approached as a case of voluntary risk-taking, a structural factor identified in many contemporary societies. Motorcycling is thus similar to hang gliding, skydiving, scuba diving or rock climbing. The study is based on data gathered from the main online motorcycling forum in Romania, participant observation carried out among motorcyclists in Romania in 2008 and 2009, and conversations and interviews with motorcyclists. I suggest that the risk implied by using motorcycles depends on the stage that a person is at in his or her social career.
Incredible India in a global age: The cultural politics of image branding in tourism
Authors: Geary David
Published: January 2013

In 2002, the Incredible India campaign was launched on the world stage by the Government of India, Ministry of Tourism and Culture. This multimedia campaign that positions India as a premium tourist destination has since gone on to receive wide accolades in the global tourism industry through its creative and visceral images encapsulated by the iconic brand logo. In this article, I explore the formulation of the Incredible India campaign and analyze a set of images and events linked to its production and dissemination within the last eight years. Through my analysis of the evolving campaign, I argue that these images convey an important aspirational dimension that speaks to a more compelling vision of the nation and its place in the world at this historical moment. I argue that tourism campaigns, like Incredible India, are not only economic tools designed to augment tourist revenues, but they also provide a privileged platform for advancing geopolitical interests through affective and symbolic means.
‘We’ve been doing it your way long enough’: Syncretism as a critical process
Authors: Long Susi , Volk Dinah , Baines Janice , Tisdale Carmen
Published: January 2013

This article takes a new look at issues of marginalization and equity in literacy practice by focusing on the concept of syncretism and teachers’ creation of opportunities for young children to draw on knowledge from multiple worlds as, together, they construct new texts, contexts and practices. Recognizing that the strengths and needs of too many students from minoritized communities are not being met, this piece draws attention to the importance of teachers’ appreciation of syncretism as a powerful learning process for challenging discriminatory and exclusionary practices. Drawing on theories of syncretism, and critical and culturally relevant pedagogies, the authors introduce critical syncretism as a process in which teachers and children privilege traditions and practices typically marginalized in schools for the purpose of supporting achievement and broadening worldviews. The article provides examples from two primary-grade classrooms illustrating ways that the teachers made specific moves to change classroom power structures. Whereas White, middle-class, Standard English ways of knowing had been privileged by the school district’s choice of instructional materials and recommendations for teaching practice, the teachers’ new practices opened up possibilities for syncretism by embracing knowledge, languages, traditions and practices from students’ homes, communities and African heritage, as well as from school.
The Emergence of Augmented Reality (AR) as a Storytelling Medium in Journalism
Authors: Pavlik John V. , Bridges Frank
Published: January 2013

Digital technology holds the potential to transform journalism and the media in several beneficial ways, including new forms of storytelling that might better engage citizens and provide more context, nuance, and texture to reported events and issues. However, the extent to which these benefits have been realized is mixed and subject to debate. In this monograph, we examine how digital technology might transform the content of journalism through augmented reality (AR). The significance of digital storytelling through AR is manifest in its potential to engage a citizenry increasingly disengaged from traditional news and to provide more contextualized information.
Examining the Cross-Border Acquisition Strategy of Chinese Companies
Authors: Li Jiatao , Xie Zhenzhen
Published: January 2013

This study investigates how information asymmetry influences the equity shares acquired in cross-border acquisitions by Chinese firms. Taking an institution-based perspective, we propose that the extent to which Chinese acquirers react to information asymmetry in the way as predicted by economic perspectives will be influenced by the home institutions of these emerging market multinational enterprises. Based on 547 cross-border acquisitions made by Chinese acquirers from 1987 to 2007, the findings show that Chinese state-owned acquirers were less committed to an economic logic than non-state-owned acquirers. The institutional transition taking place in China in recent years has increased the importance of economic drivers for the Chinese acquirers.
Energy Drink Use and Its Relationship to Masculinity, Jock Identity, and Fraternity Membership Among Men
Authors: Wimer David J. , Levant Ronald F.
Published: January 2013

The present study examined whether previous findings linking masculinity constructs and health behaviors applied to a relatively recent health risk behavior for men, the consumption of energy drinks. In addition, it also examined whether self-identifying as a jock and being a member of a fraternity would moderate the relationships between masculinity constructs and energy drink consumption. A total of 589 men completed measures of three masculinity constructs (endorsement of traditional masculinity ideology, conformity to masculine norms, and gender role conflict), energy drink consumption, jock identity, and fraternity membership, in addition to a demographic questionnaire. Age, endorsement of traditional masculinity ideology, and conforming to the masculine norms of risk taking and primacy of work were identified to be significant predictors of energy drink consumption. Furthermore, jock identity moderated the relationship between the endorsement of traditional masculinity ideology and energy drink consumption whereas fraternity membership moderated the relationship between conforming to the masculine norm of violence and energy drink consumption. Limitations, implications, and potential future directions are discussed.
Value of anatomic landmarks in carpal tunnel surgery
Authors: Yavuz O. Y. , Uras I. , Tasbas B. , Kaya M. , Ozay R. , Komurcu M.
Published: January 2013

This study investigated which anatomic landmarks were most useful for correct and safe incision placement in carpal tunnel surgery. Kirschner wires were attached to the hands to mark previously defined landmarks. The bony attachments of the transverse carpal ligament, which were identified previously, were drawn on an anteroposterior digital x-ray of the hand, with the thumb in full abduction. The relationship between anatomic landmarks and these bony attachments were examined. In all hands, either the line along the third web space or the crease between the thenar and the hypothenar regions, or both, were on the ulnar half of the transverse carpal ligament. During incision placement, we recommend selecting the most ulnar choice between the line drawn along the third web space and the crease between the thenar and hypothenar regions in order to be at safe distance from the recurrent motor branch of the median nerve.
Fish oil attenuates liver injury caused by LPS in weaned pigs associated with inhibition of TLR4 and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain protein signaling pathways
Authors: Chen Feng , Liu Yulan , Zhu Huiling , Hong Yu , Wu Zhifeng , Hou Yongqing , Li Quan , Ding Binying , Yi Dan , Chen Hongbo
Published: January 2013

This study evaluated whether fish oil exerted a hepatoprotective effect in a LPS-induced liver injury model via regulation of TLR4 and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain protein (NOD) signaling pathways. Twenty-four piglets were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design, and the main factors included diet (5% corn oil or 5% fish oil) and immunological challenge (LPS or saline). Fish oil resulted in enrichment of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid and total (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids in liver. Less severe liver injury was observed in pigs fed fish oil, as evidenced by improved serum biochemical parameters and less severe histological liver damage. In addition, higher expression of liver tight junction proteins, and lower hepatocyte proliferation and higher hepatocyte apoptosis were observed in pigs fed fish oil. The improved liver integrity in pigs fed fish oil was concurrent with reduced hepatic mRNA expression of TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88, IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 and TNF- α receptor-associated factor 6, and NOD1, NOD2 and receptor-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 2, as well as reduced hepatic protein expression of NF-κB p65, leading to reduced hepatic pro-inflammatory mediators. These results indicate that fish oil improves liver integrity partially via inhibition of TLR4 and NOD signaling pathways under an inflammatory condition.
Axial spondyloarthritis: is there a treatment of choice?
Authors: Poddubnyy Denis
Published: January 2013

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease predominantly affecting the axial skeleton (sacroiliac joints and spine). Nonradiographic axSpA (axSpA without radiographic sacroiliitis) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS; radiographic form of axSpA) are considered nowadays as two consecutive stages of one disease. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are highly effective against the major symptoms of axSpA (pain and stiffness) and may have disease-modifying properties including retarding progression of structural damage in the spine. Therefore, NSAIDs, unless contraindicated, are the treatment of choice for the majority of patients with axSpA. Beyond NSAIDs, only tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α blockers are effective and approved for the treatment of active axSpA. Several novel drugs (i.e. monoclonal antibodies targeting interleukin-17, interleukin-12/23, inhibitors of phosphodiesterase-4 and kinases), which might be effective in axSpA, are currently under investigation. Pharmacological therapy of axSpA should always be combined with nonpharmacological treatment including education and regular exercise/physiotherapy.
Moral Mind-Sets
Authors: Napier Jaime L. , Luguri Jamie B.
Published: January 2013

Moral foundations theory contends that people’s morality goes beyond concerns about justice and welfare, and asserts that humans have five innate foundations of morality: harm and fairness (individualizing foundations) and in-group loyalty, deference to authority, and purity (binding foundations). The current research investigates whether people’s moral judgments are consistently informed by these five values, or whether individualizing and binding foundations might be differentially endorsed depending on individuals’ mind-sets. Results from our study demonstrated that when participants were experimentally manipulated to think abstractly (vs. concretely), which presumably makes their higher level core values salient, they increased in their valuations of the individualizing foundations and decreased in their valuations of the binding foundations. This effect was not moderated by political ideology. Implications and areas for future directions are discussed.
Of canons and fanons
Authors: Agnew John
Published: January 2013

As a field, geography has always been a prisoner of its times, no more obviously so than today. Texts from the past fail to speak to today's concerns. Now we are more interested in the fashionable than in the canonical.
Treasuring classic texts, engagement and the gender gap in the geographical canon
Authors: Maddrell Avril
Published: January 2013

This commentary highlights the importance of engagement with academic work in order for it to have impact within the histories and intellectual legacies of our discipline. Any canon or corpus of classics identifies excellence and impact, but like any archive is inevitably selective and indicative of contextual power-relations. The marginalisation of excellent work through lack of engagement has impoverished our disciplinary inheritance, notably through gendering our discipline's narrative and epistemology. Any emerging attempt to define even fluid and dynamic canons needs to be inclusive and reflexive.
Questions on the canon?
Authors: Powell Richard C
Published: January 2013

This short commentary uses a recent question on an Undergraduate examination paper to put pedagogy at the heart of the canon debate. It argues that different teaching practices across various institutions teaching geography have influenced constructions of canonicity, and that this impacts on Keighren et al.’s (2012) argument about the relative status of the ‘canon’ versus the ‘classic’.
Sex, politics and inhuman artistry
Authors: Clark Nigel
Published: January 2013

This commentary argues that one of the strengths of Dixon et al.'s (2012) paper is the way that it pushes a concern with inhuman entities and processes far beyond any entanglement with human lives. This takes us on a turn – strangely rare in human geography – from life or vitality into the realms of minerality. It is suggested that what makes this possible is the authors' refreshing willingness to explore aesthetic and ontological questions without feeling obliged to immediately demonstrate the political valence of these explorations.
Aestheticism and post-humanism
Authors: Saldanha Arun
Published: January 2013

There has been a trend towards aestheticising geographical themes, which in crucial ways repeats humanistic geography's valorisation of poetics, sensuousness and spirituality. Although a philosophical relationship with art is certainly indispensable to human geography, especially as it attempts to break away from its past confinement to the human perspective, this should not impede its equally indispensable relationship to politics. Deleuze, for one, would find deficient any conception of art without consideration of its immanent critical potentials.
Living rock and human bird
Authors: Instone Lesley
Published: January 2013

This commentary engages with the critical figurations of ‘human bird’ and ‘living rock’ in order to explore the imbrication of geography and aesthetics from an Antipodean perspective. The commentary takes up the invitation for creative encounters across disciplines and across differences of diverse kinds.
Of instrumentalisation of life and the vitality of matter
Authors: Zurr Ionat
Published: January 2013

The cental question explored is what kind of aesthetics strategies can be employed by artists for a post-human world. The growing field of synthetic biology reinforces the pervasive influence of the engineering mindset and aesthetics within the life science laboratories, at the very same historical moment that the artistic interventions have also entered into these spaces. The scientific laboratory, in which artists (as well as engineers) are located, thus cannot be viewed in isolation but is positioned within larger cultural networks that are organised around the maximisation of utility, efficiency and profit. The paper examines the tension between what can be referred to as the engineering aesthetics characterised by the desire and judgement of creation and control versus the aesthetics of vibrancy and agency of matter based on planned utilitarian futility excess and relinquishing of control.
ABT-199, a new Bcl-2–specific BH3 mimetic, has in vivo efficacy against aggressive Myc-driven mouse lymphomas without provoking thrombocytopenia
Authors: Vandenberg Cassandra J. , Cory Suzanne
Published: January 2013

Key Points

ABT-199, a new Bcl-2–specific BH3 mimetic, is efficacious in vivo against mouse lymphomas without provoking thrombocytopenia. Treating mouse lymphomas with BH3 mimetic ABT-737 combined with bortezomib or purvalanol achieved long-term remission.
Comparison of population-averaged and cluster-specific models for the analysis of cluster randomized trials with missing binary outcomes: a simulation study
Authors: Ma Jinhui , Raina Parminder , Beyene Joseph , Thabane Lehana
Published: January 2013

Abstracts

Background

The objective of this simulation study is to compare the accuracy and efficiency of population-averaged (i.e. generalized estimating equations (GEE)) and cluster-specific (i.e. random-effects logistic regression (RELR)) models for analyzing data from cluster randomized trials (CRTs) with missing binary responses.

Methods

In this simulation study, clustered responses were generated from a beta-binomial distribution. The number of clusters per trial arm, the number of subjects per cluster, intra-cluster correlation coefficient, and the percentage of missing data were allowed to vary. Under the assumption of covariate dependent missingness, missing outcomes were handled by complete case analysis, standard multiple imputation (MI) and within-cluster MI strategies. Data were analyzed using GEE and RELR. Performance of the methods was assessed using standardized bias, empirical standard error, root mean squared error (RMSE), and coverage probability.

Results

GEE performs well on all four measures — provided the downward bias of the standard error (when the number of clusters per arm is small) is adjusted appropriately — under the following scenarios: complete case analysis for CRTs with a small amount of missing data; standard MI for CRTs with variance inflation factor (VIF) <3; within-cluster MI for CRTs with VIF≥3 and cluster size>50. RELR performs well only when a small amount of data was missing, and complete case analysis was applied.

Conclusion

GEE performs well as long as appropriate missing data strategies are adopted based on the design of CRTs and the percentage of missing data. In contrast, RELR does not perform well when either standard or within-cluster MI strategy is applied prior to the analysis.
Intestinal biopsy is not always required to diagnose celiac disease: a retrospective analysis of combined antibody tests
Authors: Bürgin-Wolff Annemarie , Mauro Buser , Faruk Hadziselimovic
Published: January 2013

Background

The objective of this study was to compare celiac disease (CD)– specific antibody tests to determine if they could replace jejunal biopsy in patients with a high pretest probability of CD.

Methods

This retrospective study included sera from 149 CD patients and 119 controls, all with intestinal biopsy. All samples were analyzed for IgA and IgG antibodies against native gliadin (ngli) and deamidated gliadin peptides (dpgli), as well as for IgA antibodies against tissue transglutaminase and endomysium.

Results

Tests for dpgli were superior to ngli for IgG antibody determination: 68% vs. 92% specificity and 79% vs. 85% sensitivity for ngli and dpgli, respectively. Positive (76% vs. 93%) and negative (72% vs. 83%) predictive values were also higher for dpgli than for ngli. Regarding IgA gliadin antibody determination, sensitivity improved from 61% to 78% with dpgli, while specificity and positive predictive value remained at 97% (P < 0.00001). A combination of four tests (IgA anti-dpgli, IgG anti-dpgli, IgA anti- tissue transglutaminase, and IgA anti-endomysium) yielded positive and negative predictive values of 99% and 100%, respectively and a likelihood ratio positive of 86 with a likelihood ratio negative of 0.00. Omitting the endomysium antibody determination still yielded positive and negative predictive values of 99% and 98%, respectively and a likelihood ratio positive of 87 with a likelihood ratio negative of 0.01.

Conclusion

Antibody tests for dpgli yielded superior results compared with ngli. A combination of three or four antibody tests including IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase and/or IgA anti- endomysium permitted diagnosis or exclusion of CD without intestinal biopsy in a high proportion of patients (78%). Jejunal biopsy would be necessary in patients with discordant antibody results (22%). With this two-step procedure, only patients with no CD-specific antibodies would be missed.
Epidemiology and clinical presentation of the four human parainfluenza virus types
Authors: Liu Wen-Kuan , Liu Qian , Chen De-Hui , Liang Huan-Xi , Chen Xiao-Kai , Huang Wen-Bo , Qin Sheng , Yang Zi-Feng , Zhou Rong
Published: January 2013

Background

Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) are important causes of upper respiratory tract illness (URTI) and lower respiratory tract illness (LRTI). To analyse epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of the four types of human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs), patients with acute respiratory tract illness (ARTI) were studied in Guangzhou, southern China.

Methods

Throat swabs (n=4755) were collected and tested from children and adults with ARTI over a 26-month period, and 4447 of 4755 (93.5%) patients’ clinical presentations were recorded for further analysis.

Results

Of 4755 patients tested, 178 (3.7%) were positive for HPIV. Ninety-nine (2.1%) samples were positive for HPIV-3, 58 (1.2%) for HPIV-1, 19 (0.4%) for HPIV-2 and 8 (0.2%) for HPIV-4. 160/178 (88.9%) HPIV-positive samples were from paediatric patients younger than 5 years old, but no infant under one month of age was HPIV positive. Seasonal peaks of HPIV-3 and HPIV-1 occurred as autumn turned to winter and summer turned to autumn. HPIV-2 and HPIV-4 were detected less frequently, and their frequency of isolation increased when the frequency of HPIV-3 and HPIV-1 declined. HPIV infection led to a wide spectrum of symptoms, and more “hoarseness” (p=0.015), “abnormal pulmonary breathing sound” (p<0.001), “dyspnoea” (p<0.001), “pneumonia” (p=0.01), and “diarrhoea” (p<0.001) presented in HPIV-positive patients than HPIV-negative patients. 10/10 (100%) HPIV-positive adult patients (≥14 years old) presented with systemic influenza-like symptoms, while 90/164 (54.9%) HPIV-positive paediatric patients (<14 years old) presented with these symptoms (p=0.005). The only significant difference in clinical presentation between HPIV types was “Expectoration” (p<0.001). Co-infections were common, with 33.3%–63.2% of samples positive for the four HPIV types also testing positive for other respiratory pathogens. However, no significant differences were seen in clinical presentation between patients solely infected with HPIV and patients co-infected with HPIV and other respiratory pathogens.

Conclusions

HPIV infection led to a wide spectrum of symptoms, and similar clinical manifestations were found in the patients with four different types of HPIVs. The study suggested pathogenic activity of HPIV in gastrointestinal illness. The clinical presentation of HPIV infection may differ by patient age.
Evaluation of Xpert MTB/RIF and MODS assay for the diagnosis of pediatric tuberculosis
Authors: Nhu Nguyen Thi Quynh , Ha Dang Thi Minh , Anh Nguyen Duc , Thu Do Dang Anh , Duong Tran Ngoc , Quang Nguyen Dang , Lan Nguyen Thi Ngoc , Van Quyet Tran , Tuyen Nguyen Thi Bich , Ha Vo Thi , Giang Do Chau , Dung Nguyen Huy , Wolbers Marcel , Farrar Jeremy , Caws Maxine
Published: January 2013

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) in children is rarely confirmed due to the lack of effective diagnostic tools; only 10 to 15% of pediatric TB is smear positive due to paucibacillary samples and the difficulty of obtaining high-quality specimens from children. We evaluate here the accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF in comparison with the Micoroscopic observation drug susceptibility (MODS) assay for diagnosis of TB in children using samples stored during a previously reported evaluation of the MODS assay.

Methods

Ninety-six eligible children presenting with suspected TB were recruited consecutively at Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City Viet Nam between May to December 2008 and tested by Ziehl-Neelsen smear, MODS and Mycobacterial growth Indicator (MGIT, Becton Dickinson) culture. All samples sent by the treating clinician for testing were included in the analysis. An aliquot of processed sample deposit was stored at −20°C and tested in the present study by Xpert MTB/RIF test. 183 samples from 73 children were available for analysis by Xpert. Accuracy measures of MODS and Xpert were summarized.

Results

The sensitivity (%) in detecting children with a clinical diagnosis of TB for smear, MODS and Xpert were 37.9 [95% CI 25.5; 51.6], 51.7 [38.2; 65.0] and 50.0 [36.6; 63.4], respectively (per patient analysis). Xpert was significantly more sensitive than smear (P=0.046). Testing of additional samples did not increase case detection for MODS while testing of a second sputum sample by Xpert detected only two additional cases. The positive and negative predictive values (%) of Xpert were 100.0 [88.0; 100.0] and 34.1 [20.5; 49.9], respectively, while those of MODS were 96.8 [83.3; 99.9] and 33.3 [19.6; 49.5].

Conclusion

MODS culture and Xpert MTB/RIF test have similar sensitivities for the detection of pediatric TB. Xpert MTB RIF is able to detect tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance within two hours. MODS allows isolation of cultures for further drug susceptibility testing but requires approximately one week to become positive. Testing of multiple samples by xpert detected only two additional cases and the benefits must be considered against costs in each setting. Further research is required to evaluate the optimal integration of Xpert into pediatric testing algorithms.
Lung injury-dependent oxidative status and chymotrypsin-like activity of skeletal muscles in hamsters with experimental emphysema
Authors: Tonon Jair , Cecchini Alessandra Lourenço , Brunnquell Cláudia Roberta , Bernardes Sara Santos , Cecchini Rubens , Guarnier Flávia Alessandra
Published: January 2013

Background

Peripheral skeletal muscle is altered in patients suffering from emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Oxidative stress have been demonstrated to participate on skeletal muscle loss of several states, including disuse atrophy, mechanical ventilation, and chronic diseases. No evidences have demonstrated the occurance in a severity manner.

Methods

We evaluated body weight, muscle loss, oxidative stress, and chymotrypsin-like proteolytic activity in the gastrocnemius muscle of emphysemic hamsters. The experimental animals had 2 different severities of lung damage from experimental emphysema induced by 20 mg/mL (E20) and 40 mg/mL (E40) papain.

Results

The severity of emphysema increased significantly in E20 (60.52 ± 2.8, p < 0.05) and E40 (52.27 ± 4.7; crossed the alveolar intercepts) groups. As compared to the control group, there was a reduction on body (171.6 ± 15.9 g) and muscle weight (251.87 ± 24.87 mg) in the E20 group (157.5 ± 10.3 mg and 230.12 ± 23.52 mg, for body and muscle weight, respectively), which was accentuated in the E40 group (137.4 ± 7.2 g and 197.87 ± 10.49 mg, for body and muscle weight, respectively). Additionally, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), tert-butyl hydroperoxide-initiated chemiluminescence (CL), carbonylated proteins, and chymotrypsin-like proteolytic activity were elevated in the E40 group as compared to the E20 group (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). The severity of emphysema significantly correlated with the progressive increase in CL (r = −0.95), TBARS (r = −0.98), carbonyl proteins (r = −0.99), and chymotrypsin-like proteolytic activity (r = −0.90). Furthermore, augmentation of proteolytic activity correlated significantly with CL (r = 0.97), TBARS (r = 0.96), and carbonyl proteins (r = 0.91).

Conclusions

Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that muscle atrophy observed in this model of emphysema is mediated by increased muscle chymotrypsin-like activity, with possible involvement of oxidative stress in a severity-dependent manner.
Validity and feasibility of a satellite imagery-based method for rapid estimation of displaced populations
Authors: Checchi Francesco , Stewart Barclay T , Palmer Jennifer J , Grundy Chris
Published: January 2013

Background

Estimating the size of forcibly displaced populations is key to documenting their plight and allocating sufficient resources to their assistance, but is often not done, particularly during the acute phase of displacement, due to methodological challenges and inaccessibility. In this study, we explored the potential use of very high resolution satellite imagery to remotely estimate forcibly displaced populations.

Methods

Our method consisted of multiplying (i) manual counts of assumed residential structures on a satellite image and (ii) estimates of the mean number of people per structure (structure occupancy) obtained from publicly available reports. We computed population estimates for 11 sites in Bangladesh, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Haiti, Kenya and Mozambique (six refugee camps, three internally displaced persons’ camps and two urban neighbourhoods with a mixture of residents and displaced) ranging in population from 1,969 to 90,547, and compared these to “gold standard” reference population figures from census or other robust methods.

Results

Structure counts by independent analysts were reasonably consistent. Between one and 11 occupancy reports were available per site and most of these reported people per household rather than per structure. The imagery-based method had a precision relative to reference population figures of <10% in four sites and 10–30% in three sites, but severely over-estimated the population in an Ethiopian camp with implausible occupancy data and two post-earthquake Haiti sites featuring dense and complex residential layout. For each site, estimates were produced in 2–5 working person-days.

Conclusions

In settings with clearly distinguishable individual structures, the remote, imagery-based method had reasonable accuracy for the purposes of rapid estimation, was simple and quick to implement, and would likely perform better in more current application. However, it may have insurmountable limitations in settings featuring connected buildings or shelters, a complex pattern of roofs and multi-level buildings. Based on these results, we discuss possible ways forward for the method’s development.
Alteration of fatty acid metabolism in the liver, adipose tissue, and testis of male mice conceived through assisted reproductive technologies: fatty acid metabolism in ART mice
Authors: Wang Li-Ya , Le Fang , Wang Ning , Li Lei , Liu Xiao-Zhen , Zheng Ying-Ming , Lou Hang-Ying , Xu Xiang-Rong , Chen Yun-Long , Zhu Xiao-Ming , Huang He-Feng , Jin Fan
Published: January 2013

Background

Lipid metabolism plays important roles in the whole process of pregnancy. Previous studies have demonstrated abnormalities of lipid metabolism in the placentas of pregnancies obtained by assisted reproductive technology (ART). Therefore, we hypothesized that ART micromanipulation may affect lipid metabolism in offspring, and focused on the fatty acid metabolism in ART male offspring in this study.

Methods

The fatty acid metabolism in the liver, adipose tissue and testis was detected. The comparison between naturally conceived (NC), controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) mice was made to analyze the effect of ART on offspring. The mice models in this study included two age groups: adult group and old group. The fatty acid composition and the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes were analyzed by GC-MS and qRT-PCR.

Results

The fatty acid composition in the liver and adipose tissue were significantly altered in ART mice, but no significant difference was found in the testis. In adipose tissue, ART mice showed decreased monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in both adult and old mice, while the alteration of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in the adult disappeared in the old. In liver, the changes were much complex in adult mice, while increased MUFAs and decreased PUFAs were found in ART old mice. The activities of fatty acid metabolism-related enzymes and the expression of lipogenic and lipolytic proteins changed in ART groups, with the adult mice and old mice showing inconsistent alterations. Further analysis indicated that SFAs was closely associated with the alterations of fatty acid metabolism-related enzyme activities and the expression of lipogenic and lipolytic proteins. Furthermore, we also found that the effect of separated ART treatments on fatty acid metabolism varied with different ages and tissues.

Conclusions

ART treatments had effect on the fatty acid composition in adipose tissue and liver of male mice. The alteration of SFAs content was crucial for the regulation of fatty acid composition. These changes might have potential effects on the health of ART male offspring which need further investigation.