bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STUDIES OF THE LIFE SPAN AND FATE OF PLATELETS
Authors: CASTALDI P. A. , FIRKIN B. G.
Published: September 2017

Chromium‐51 labelling of platelets has been employed to study their life span and to assess the role of the spleen in platelet dynamics in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, congestive splenomegaly and congenital hæmolytic anæmia with splenomegaly.

Surface scanning has not provided unequivocal evidence of splenic sequestration in the majority of the patients studied. It may be possible to predict the response to splenectomy in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, but larger numbers of patients require to be studied before a clear pattern can be established.

Estimations of platelet yield before and after splenectomy, together with some evidence from surface scanning, suggest that the thrombocytopenia of congestive splenomegaly with short platelet survival may be due to splenic removal of platelets.

It is suggested that, in some circumstances, the enlarged spleen may remove many platelets from the circulation. This effect may not be reflected in thrombocytopenia and may be detectable only by studies of platelet dynamics.
PAROXYSMAL NOCTURNAL HIEMOGLOBINURIA : AN ACQUIRED DYSHÆMOPOIESIS
Authors: HIRSH J. , UNGAR B. , ROBINSON J. S.
Published: September 2017

The clinical and hæmatological features of three cases of paroxysmal nocturnal hæmoglobinuria are reported. Each patient developed a second hæmatological disorder requiring treatment in its own right. The first patient (Case I) developed severe bone‐marrow hypoplasia, the second (Case II) folic acid deficiency, and the third (Case III) iron deficiency. The severe bone‐marrow hypoplasia was accepted as a feature of paroxysmal nocturnal hæmoglobinuria. Folic acid deficiency was attributed to increased demands associated with a chronic hæmolytic process. Iron deficiency was attributed to inadequate replacement of hæmoglobin and hæmosiderin iron lost in the urine.

In each case a considerable time elapsed before the correct diagnosis was made. Delay in diagnosis occurred in one case because the result of the acid‐serum test was initially negative, and in the other two cases because the correct diagnosis was not considered until later in the course of the disease.

It is suggested that a diagnosis of paroxysmal nocturnal hæmoglobinuria should be considered in every case of refractory anæmia. As shown in our three cases, the diagnosis of paroxysmal nocturnal hæmoglobinuria cannot be excluded by the temporary absence of hæmoglobinuria or hæmosiderinuria, or by negative results in the acid‐serum test even on several occasions. The circumstances in which these diagnostic criteria may be absent are discussed.

All three patients required blood transfusions to maintain their hæmoglobin value at a level compatible with a relatively normal existence. One patient (Case II) developed hæmolytic reactions to transfusions despite the use of carefully washed cells. The problem of these reactions was partly overcome by the adoption of a two‐stage transfusion régime. Additional measures were undertaken to treat complications, but these measures did not appear to influence the patients' transfusion requirements.

The name “paroxysmal nocturnal hæmoglobinuria” is considered a little inappropriate, as it is descriptive of merely one prominent feature of the disease. Although paroxysmal nocturnal hæmoglobinuria defies accurate definition at present, it is suggested that it should be regarded as an acquired dyshæmatopoiesis of unknown ætiology, which is usually, but not invariably, accompanied by nocturnal hæmoglobinuria.
THE EXCRETION RATE OF TAMM‐HORSFALL URINARY MUCOPROTEIN IN NORMALS AND IN PATIENTS WITH RENAL DISEASE
Authors: MCKENZIE J. K. , PATEL R. , McQuEEN E. G.
Published: September 2017

The excretion rate of Tamm‐Horsfall urinary mucoprotein was estimated in 15 normal subjects and in 28 patients with renal disease. The method used for estimation was appraised and possible corrections for incomplete precipitation were formulated.

Amongst normal subjects, the mean excretion rate of Tamm‐Horsfall mucoprotein was 1·83 mg. per hour per 1·73 sq. m. of body surface. “Corrected” to allow for loss by incomplete precipitation, the figure was 1·94 mg. per hour per 1·73 sq. m. There was no significant difference in excretion rates between males and females.

In patients with renal disease, a correlation was observed between overall renal function, as assessed on the basis of creatinine clearance, and rate of Tamm‐Horsfall mucoprotein excretion.

No evidence was observed in this series of relative increase in Tamm‐Horsfall mucoprotein excretion rate in pyelonephritis or in other conditions in which proteinuria was not a feature.

Patients with gross proteinuria had at times a relatively high rate of excretion of Tamm‐Horsfall mucoprotein. In five nephrotic patients, variations in excretion rate of Tamm‐Horsfall mucoprotein, which was at times considerably raised above normal, were found to occur over a period of months, and these corresponded to variations in excretion rate of total protein. Experiments designed to increase the rate of excretion of serum proteins by increasing the filtered load gave inconclusive results with regard to their effect on Tamm‐Horsfall mucoprotein excretion.

The possibility that agglutination of Tamm‐Horsfall mucoprotein with cast formation causes under certain circumstances intrarenal nephron obstruction is discussed.
FAMILIAL HYPERKALÆMIC PERIODIC PARALYSIS
Authors: ALLSOP JOHN L. , GOULSTON KERRY , JOHNSTON COLIN , KELLY DAVID , RAIL L.
Published: September 2017

Two cases of familial hyperkalæmic periodic paralysis (adynamia episodica hereditaria) are described. Attacks of weakness were precipitated in each case by the oral administration of potassium. Mild myotonia was present in one case, but striking in the other. The clinical, biochemical and electromyographic features of the patients are described. Some of the literature is reviewed.
HEREDITARY BLEEDING DISORDERS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: ROBERTSON J. H.
Published: September 2017

The clinical and laboratory findings are reviewed in 147 cases of hereditary bleeding disorders investigated in the years 1956 to 1963.

There was an unexpectedly large number of hæmophiliacs (55) in the series, many of whom were very mildly affected. The importance of mild hæmophilia as a cause of unexpected surgical bleeding is noted.

The findings in patients with von Willebrand's syndrome were very variable, and about a third had a formal bleeding time when first investigated. The difficulty in diagnosis and distinction from mild hæmophilia is discussed. Menorrhagia was found to be a very frequent presenting symptom in females with this condition.

A family affected by hereditary thrombocytopenia is described. This was considered to be a variant of the von Willebrand syndrome.

The Hicks‐Pitney test was evaluated and found to be reliable as a screening procedure in patients with less than 30% antihæmophilic globulin.
EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY IN UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION
Authors: HACKETT EARLE
Published: September 2017

Undergraduate courses in pathology rely too much on morbid anatomy and histology, and need to be balanced with experimental work. A teaching method is described whereby a chosen group of medical students gains direct experience of experimental pathology in extracurricular time, and then reports its findings back to the main class. Suitable experiments are listed, and literature is cited in which details of others may be found. The value of this approach to teaching is discussed.
FATAL CARDIAC INFARCTION DUE TO PLATELET THROMBOSIS IN AN EIGHTEEN‐YEAR‐OLD YOUTH
Authors: MATZ L. R. , WURFEL L. J. , SCHWARTZ C. J.
Published: September 2017

A case of coronary artery occlusion with cardiac infarction and aneurysm formation in a normocholesterolæmic youth, aged 18 years, is described. One of the occlusions was a recent platelet thrombus, and the other, a recanalizing occlusion, showed extensive foam cell formation, suggesting that this too was of platelet origin. In neither instance was there any demonstrable disease of the arterial wall.
Using blogs to explore the lived‐experience of life after stroke: “A journey of discovery I never wanted to take”
Authors: Thomas Caroline M. , Allison Rhoda , Latour Jos M.
Published: September 2017

Aims

To explore the lived‐experiences of stroke survivors as expressed in blogs and to discover the role the blogs play in the writers’ lives.

Background

Stroke can be a devastating, life changing event. Previous qualitative studies tend to examine one aspect of life after stroke. As stroke often has multiple effects, it is necessary to look widely at its lived‐experience. New resources which can enable researchers to explore the lived‐experience of stroke are blogs.

Design

Phenomenological exploration using an interpretive thematic analysis.

Methods

The Internet was searched for stroke survivors’ blogs (January–March 2016) using pre‐set criteria, seeking blogs with entries over an extended time (>1 year). Suitable blogs were identified and codes of meaning were identified and developed into categories, subthemes and themes.

Findings

Eight blogs were identified for analysis. Of the 40 categories, eight subthemes were assimilated; internal dialogue, emotions, transition, stroke effects, health care, “in the world”, relationships, rehabilitation. Two main themes were identified related to perspectives of lived‐experience; Internal relationship with “self” and External relationship with “the world”. Participants expressed loss and initially strove to regain their “old” lives, their focus being recovery and independence.

Conclusion

Stroke survivors must transition from their previous life to a new and initially unwelcome way of being. Rehabilitation should respect this process and support stroke survivors as they undertake this individual journey.
Salidroside suppressing LPS‐induced myocardial injury by inhibiting ROS‐mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Chen Lvyi , Liu Peng , Feng Xin , Ma Chunhua
Published: September 2017

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of salidroside (Sal) on myocardial injury in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced endotoxemic in vitro and in vivo. SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: control group, LPS group (15 mg/kg), LPS plus dexamethasone (2 mg/kg), LPS plus Sal groups with different Sal doses (20, 40 mg/kg). Hemodynamic measurement and haematoxylin and eosin staining were performed. Serum levels of creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase, the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐px), glutathione, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) were measured after the rats were killed. iNOS, COX‐2, NF‐κB and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway proteins were detected by Western blot. In vitro, we evaluated the protective effect of Sal on rat embryonic heart‐derived myogenic cell line H9c2 induced by LPS. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H9c2 cells was measured by flow cytometry, and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes CAT, SOD, GSH‐px, glutathione‐S‐transferase, TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐1β in cellular supernatant were measured. PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling was examined by Western blot. As a result, Sal significantly attenuated the above indices. In addition, Sal exerts pronounced cardioprotective effect in rats subjected to LPS possibly through inhibiting the iNOS, COX‐2, NF‐κB and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in vivo. Furthermore, the pharmacological effect of Sal associated with the ROS‐mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was proved by the use of ROS scavenger, N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine, in LPS‐stimulated H9C2 cells. Our results indicated that Sal could be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Competence Creep Revisited
Authors: Garben Sacha
Published: September 2017

How is it that regardless of the reforms introduced by the Lisbon Treaty to better contain European integration in areas of core state powers, ‘competence creep’ can continue? What is the underlying cause? And why is it problematic? This article proposes answers to these questions through a systematic (re‐)conceptualization of the problem of ‘competence creep’, arguing that it results from the cross‐cutting governance that is the legal Leitmotif of European integration as well as from ‘two‐level games’ of national governments, and that it is problematic from the viewpoint of democratic legitimacy. However, it argues that the one form of competence creep that is most commonly understood as the core problem, and on which most reforms have focused, namely indirect legislation in areas of Member State competence, is actually the least worrying type of covert integration; negative and parallel integration, soft law and co‐ordination are all far more problematic.
The vasopressin system: new insights for patients with kidney diseases
Authors: Clark W. F. , Devuyst O. , Roussel R.
Published: September 2017

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at risk of severe outcomes, such as end‐stage renal disease or cardiovascular disease, and CKD is a globally increasing health burden with a high personal and economic cost. Despite major progresses in prevention and therapeutics in last decades, research is still needed to reverse this epidemic trend. The regulation of water balance and the state of activation of the vasopressin system have emerged as factors tightly associated with kidney health, in the general population but also in specific conditions; among them, various stages of CKD, diabetes and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Basic science findings and also epidemiological evidence have justified important efforts towards interventional studies supporting causality, and opening therapeutic avenues. On the basis of recent clinical data, the blockade of V2 vasopressin receptors using tolvaptan in patients with rapidly progressing ADPKD has been granted in several countries, and a long‐term randomized trial evaluating the effect of an increase in water intake in patients with CKD is on‐going.
Reconceptualising Hierarchies: The Disaggregation and Dispersion of Headquarters in Multinational Corporations
Authors: Nell Phillip C. , Kappen Philip , Laamanen Tomi
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we provide an introduction to the Special Issue entitled ‘Divide and Rule? The Emergence and Implications of Increasingly Disaggregated and Dispersed Headquarters Activities in Contemporary Firms’. The purpose is two‐fold. First, we propose a conceptualization of headquarters activities as a dynamic system in which activities can be distributed organizationally and spatially. We explicitly break with the dominant view of the prior research on ‘the headquarters’ as a single, identifiable unit in one specific location. Second, building on the manuscripts accepted for publication in this Special Issue, we outline research implications and put forward an agenda for research on the emergence and continuous management of disaggregated and dispersed headquarters systems.
Anin vitroinvestigation of MalaysianPhytophthora palmivoraisolates and pathogenicity study on oil palm
Authors: Mohamed Azni Intan Nur Ainni , Sundram Shamala , Ramachandran Vasagi , Abu Seman Idris
Published: September 2017

Bud rot disease affecting oil palm in South American countries is reported to be caused byPhytophthora palmivora.P. palmivorais a local pathogen affecting various crops in Malaysia, and this finding caused an alarm, which prompted an investigation of pathogenicity using MalaysianP. palmivorato assess the potentials of this Oomycete to infect oil palm in Malaysia. A total of 11P. palmivoraisolates were obtained from cocoa and durian for the study. Leaf bioassays via artificial inoculation using 50,000 zoospores/ml and mycelial agar disc showed severe necrotic lesions on the infection spot of oil palm (DxP) spear leaves. Mild infection was observed in oil palm spear leaves of OxG hybrids indicating lower susceptibility againstP. palmivorainfection. Phylogenetic analysis using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) data revealed that Malaysian isolates were genetically similar to Colombian isolates supported by significant bootstrap values. The leaf bioassay results revealed that Malaysian oil palm materials are susceptible towards localP. palmivorainfection. The ColombianP. palmivoraisolates causing bud rot incidence may have evolved over a long period of time, undergone sequential genetic shift to become more virulent towards Colombian oil palm planting materials.
Novel assessment tool to detect breathing pattern disorder in patients with refractory asthma
Authors: Todd Sarah , Walsted Emil S. , Grillo Lizzie , Livingston Rebecca , Menzies‐Gow Andrew , Hull James H.
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Breathing pattern disorder (BPD) can co‐exist with and mimic asthma, acting to amplify symptoms and confound assessment of disease control, resulting in inappropriate treatment escalation. The aim of this research was to report the utility of a novel breathing pattern assessment tool (BPAT) to detect BPD in treatment‐refractory asthma.

Methods

As a component of a multidisciplinary assessment, adult patients referred with treatment‐refractory asthma underwent respiratory physiotherapy assessment to diagnose BPD. Based on this assessment, patients were classified as having asthma, asthma + BPD or BPD alone. BPAT data were collected in addition to questionnaire data (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) and Nijmegen Questionnaire (NQ)), pulmonary function and an assessment of exercise capacity.

Results

Data were retrospectively analysed for 150 (female; 69%) patients, mean (SD) age of 43 (14) years; characterized as asthma‐only (n = 54, 36%), asthma + BPD (n = 63, 42%) and BPD‐only (n = 33, 22%). Of the total population, 113 (76%) had an NQ score ≥23, but of these only 68% had physiotherapy evidence of BPD. Exercise capacity and AQLQ were lower in the asthma + BPD group than in the asthma‐only group (P < 0.05), whilst lung function was similar between groups. Sensitivity analysis indicated that a BPAT score of ≥4 corresponded to a sensitivity of 0.92 and a specificity of 0.75 for diagnosis of BPD in this cohort.

Conclusion

Breathing pattern irregularities are highly prevalent in individuals referred with treatment‐refractory asthma and can be characterized using the BPAT. Further work is needed to determine inter‐observer and within‐subject variability and ensure the BPAT is a robust clinical tool.

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Adherence to PI‐based 2nd‐line regimens in Cambodia is not simply a question of individual behaviour: the ANRS 12276 2PICAM study
Authors: Sagaon‐Teyssier Luis , Mmadi Mrenda Bakridine , Khol Vohith , Ferradini Laurent , Mam Sovatha , Ngin Sopheak , Mora Marion , Maradan Gwenaëlle , Vun Mean Chhi. , Ségéral Olivier , Nerrienet Eric , Saphonn Vonthanak , Spire Bruno
Published: September 2017

Objectives

To investigate whether adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) can be explained not only by individual factors but also by health care facilities' characteristics, among a sample of people living with HIV (PLWH) treated with PI‐based regimens in Cambodia.

Methods

The ANRS 12276 2PICAM cross‐sectional survey was conducted between February 2013 and April 2014 among PLWH followed up in 13 health care facilities. The 1316 patients in this analysis corresponded to 90% of the total number of adult patients treated with 2nd‐line PI‐based regimens in Cambodia in the study period. A variable indicating whether patients were non‐adherent (=1) or completely adherent (=0) was constructed. Health care facilities and individual characteristics were included in a two‐level logistic model to investigate their influence on patients' adherence to ART.

Results

A total of 17% of participants did not adhere to ART. Patients in health care facilities outside the capital Phnom Penh were six times more likely to be non‐adherent than those treated in health care facilities in the capital (OR: 6.15, 95% CI [1.47, 25.79]). Providing psychosocial care (provided by psychologist counsellors and/or full‐time coaches) was found to be a structural facilitator of adherence, as the probability of non‐adherence fell by 38.5% per each additional psychological worker present in health care facilities (OR: 0.62, 95% CI [0.43, 0.89]). Financial constraints were the main individual factor preventing adherence.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that inefficiencies in health care delivery are detrimental to PLWH health and to the exceptional progress currently being made by Cambodia in response to HIV. Policy makers should focus on increasing the number of psychosocial workers, especially in areas outside the capital.
A blinded, randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of lokivetmab compared to ciclosporin in client‐owned dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Moyaert Hilde , Van Brussel Leen , Borowski Stasia , Escalada Monica , Mahabir Sean P. , Walters Rodney R. , Stegemann Michael R.
Published: September 2017

Background

Lokivetmab is an injectable anti‐canine‐IL‐31 monoclonal antibody to treat clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis (AD) in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To characterize the efficacy and safety of lokivetmab, and to demonstrate its noninferiority to ciclosporin under field conditions.

Animals

Dogs with chronic AD (n = 274) were enrolled from 40 practices in Belgium, The Netherlands, France and Germany.

Methods

Animals were randomized (1:1) to oral ciclosporin (5 mg/kg/once daily) or monthly injectable lokivetmab (1–3.3 mg/kg) for three months. Eighty one animals that successfully completed the comparative phase were enrolled in a continuation phase receiving lokivetmab for an additional six months. Owners assessed pruritus on a Visual Analog Scale, skin lesions were assessed by veterinary investigators with a Canine AD Extent and Severity Index (CADESI‐03) scale.

Results

Lokivetmab was noninferior to ciclosporin for pruritus reduction on Day 28 (51.90% versus 43.72%). For Day 28 CADESI‐03 percentage reduction, noninferiority of lokivetmab (54.17) versus ciclosporin (56.86%) was not achieved. At none of the time points were mean CADESI‐03 scores significantly different between groups. Continued efficacy towards pruritus and lesions was demonstrated in the continuation phase where 76.3% of animals (n = 45) were assessed as ‘normal’ for pruritus at study end. No abnormal health events associated with lokivetmab were observed during the initial three month phase (142 dogs) or during the subsequent six month phase (81 dogs).

Conclusions and clinical importance

Lokivetmab at a minimum monthly dose of 1 mg/kg provided quick onset (within one day) of a lasting effect in reducing pruritus and skin lesions with a good safety profile.
Correction of antebrachial angulation‐rotation deformities in dogs with oblique plane inclined osteotomies
Authors: Franklin Samuel P. , Dover Ryan K. , Andrade Natalia , Rosselli Desiree , M. Clarke Kevin
Published: September 2017

Objective

To describe oblique plane inclined osteotomies and report preliminary data on outcomes in dogs treated for antebrachial angulation‐rotation deformities.

Study design

Retrospective clinical study.

Animals

Six antebrachii from 5 dogs.

Methods

Records of dogs with antebrachial angulation‐rotation deformities treated with oblique plane inclined osteotomies were reviewed. Postoperative frontal, sagittal, and transverse plane alignments were assessed subjectively, and alignment in the frontal and sagittal planes was quantified on radiographs. Outcomes were classified based on owner's and veterinarian's evaluation as full, acceptable, and unacceptable function. Complications were classified as minor, major, or catastrophic.

Results

Limb alignment was subjectively considered excellent in 1 case, good in 3 cases, and fair in 2 cases. Osseous union was achieved in all cases (mean 10.5 weeks; range, 6‐13 weeks). Outcomes were assessed by the veterinarian as return to full function in 5 cases and acceptable function in 1 case at the final in‐hospital follow‐up (mean 44 weeks; range, 6‐124 weeks). All owners classified their dogs as returning to full function at the final phone/email interview (mean 107 weeks; range, 72‐153 weeks). Implants were removed due to infection or irritation in 3/6 limbs, while the other 3 limbs had minor dermatitis secondary to postoperative external coaptation. No catastrophic complications occurred.

Conclusion

Oblique plane inclined osteotomies led to a successful outcome in all 6 limbs, but the technique can be challenging and does not always lead to optimal alignment. Future refinement of this technique could focus on the development of patient‐specific osteotomy guides to improve accuracy and precision.
Study of body fluid samples using flow cytometry: Six years of experience at the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio - Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Bogota - Colombia
Authors: Campos Alba , Trujillo Laura , López Derly , Beltrán Lina , Arias Eliana , Vélez Graciela , Infante Antonia , De los Reyes Iliana , Vizcaíno Martha , Guzmán Paula Carolina , Herrera Maria Victoria , Solano Julio , Londoño Dario , Cañas Alejandra , Pretelt Felipe , Pérez Juan Carlos , Cardozo Claudia , Fiorentino Susana , Quijano Sandra
Published: September 2017

Flow cytometry (FCM) was implemented in 2008 at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and later at the Hospital Universitario San Ignacio to examine special samples of patients with hematological malignancies and solid tumors other than bone marrow and peripheral blood for diagnosis and monitoring. This study describes the main findings of special sample evaluation over a six-year period. In all, 1070 samples of body fluids from patients with benign and malignant diseases were examined by FCM. These samples were stabilized with TransFixTM and stained with six-color immunophenotyping panels. Samples included cerebrospinal fluid, bronchoalveolar lavage, pleural fluid, pericardial fluid and ascite fluid from patients with acute and chronic leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, lymphomas, myeloma, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies and solid tumors, among others. Flow cytometry provided important information for the classification and detection of minimal numbers of tumor cells in leukemia and lymphoma cases. This work represents the first national report describing FCM implementation in special samples for diagnosis and clinical monitoring of patients with malignant and benign pathologies.
Unusual quake rattles Mexico
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: September 2017

Magnitude-8.2 earthquake may have relieved stress in Tehuantepec gap after more than 100 years of quiet.
Vector Order Determines Protection against Pathogenic Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in a Triple-Component Vaccine by Balancing CD4
+
and CD8
+
T-Cell Responses
Authors: Sauermann Ulrike , Radaelli Antonia , Stolte-Leeb Nicole , Raue Katharina , Bissa Massimiliano , Zanotto Carlo , Krawczak Michael , Tenbusch Matthias , Überla Klaus , Keele Brandon F. , De Giuli Morghen Carlo , Sopper Sieghart , Stahl-Hennig Christiane
Published: September 2017

An effective AIDS vaccine should elicit strong humoral and cellular immune responses while maintaining low levels of CD4
+
T-cell activation to avoid the generation of target cells for viral infection. The present study investigated two prime-boost regimens, both starting vaccination with single-cycle immunodeficiency virus, followed by two mucosal boosts with either recombinant adenovirus (rAd) or fowlpox virus (rFWPV) expressing SIVmac239 or SIVmac251
gag/pol
and
env
genes, respectively. Finally, vectors were switched and systemically administered to the reciprocal group of animals. Only mucosal rFWPV immunizations followed by systemic rAd boost significantly protected animals against a repeated low-dose intrarectal challenge with pathogenic SIVmac251, resulting in a vaccine efficacy (i.e., risk reduction per exposure) of 68%. Delayed viral acquisition was associated with higher levels of activated CD8
+
T cells and Gag-specific gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-secreting CD8
+
cells, low virus-specific CD4
+
T-cell responses, and low Env antibody titers. In contrast, the systemic rFWPV boost induced strong virus-specific CD4
+
T-cell activity. rAd and rFWPV also induced differential patterns of the innate immune responses, thereby possibly shaping the specific immunity. Plasma
CXCL10
levels after final immunization correlated directly with virus-specific CD4
+
T-cell responses and inversely with the number of exposures to infection. Also, the percentage of activated CD69
+
CD8
+
T cells correlated with the number of exposures to infection. Differential stimulation of the immune response likely provided the basis for the diverging levels of protection afforded by the vaccine regimen.

IMPORTANCE
A failed phase II AIDS vaccine trial led to the hypothesis that CD4
+
T-cell activation can abrogate any potentially protective effects delivered by vaccination or promote acquisition of the virus because CD4
+
T helper cells, required for an effective immune response, also represent the target cells for viral infection. We compared two vaccination protocols that elicited similar levels of Gag-specific immune responses in rhesus macaques. Only the animal group that had a low level of virus-specific CD4
+
T cells in combination with high levels of activated CD8
+
T cells was significantly protected from infection. Notably, protection was achieved despite the lack of appreciable Env antibody titers. Moreover, we show that both the vector and the route of immunization affected the level of CD4
+
T-cell responses. Thus, mucosal immunization with FWPV-based vaccines should be considered a potent prime in prime-boost vaccination protocols.
Investigation of the structural and electronic properties of CdS under high pressure: an ab initio study
Authors: Yamcicier C. , Merdan Z. , Kurkcu C.
Published: September 2017

An ab initio constant pressure study is carried out to explore the behaviour of cadmium sulfide (CdS) under high hydrostatic pressure. We have studied the structural properties of CdS using density functional theory (DFT) under pressure up to 200 GPa. CdS crystallizes in a wurtzite (WZ)-type structure under ambient conditions. CdS undergoes a structural phase transition from the hexagonal WZ-type structure with space group P63mc to cubic NaCl-type structure with space group [Formula: see text]. Another phase transition is obtained from NaCl-type structure to the orthorhombic CdS-III-type structure with space group Pmmn. The first transformation proceeds via seven intermediate states with space group Cmc21, P21, Pmn21, P21/m, Pmmn, I4/mmm, and Cmcm. The latter transformation is based on two intermediate states with space groups Immm and P21/m. These phase transitions are also studied by total energy and enthalpy calculations. According to these calculations, the phase transformations occur at about 3 and 51 GPa, respectively. Calculation results on the other basic properties, such as lattice constant, volume, and bulk modulus are also compared with those of other recent theoretical and experimental data, and generally, good agreement with the available data are obtained.
Effects of environmental variables on the calling behaviour of Northern Leopard Frogs (Lithobatespipiens) in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Sommers M.D. , Randall L.A. , Barclay R.M.R.
Published: September 2017

Breeding behaviour of Temperate Zone amphibians is influenced by environmental variables, but the initiation of calling (phenology) and influences on calling activity may vary with species and region. We investigated the influence of the timing of ice melt, water temperature, and photoperiod on the breeding phenology of the Northern Leopard Frog (Lithobates pipiens (Schreber, 1782)) in southern Alberta, Canada, using automated recording units. We also examined the influence of wind speed, relative humidity, water temperature, and time of day on calling activity. The initiation of calling varied by 13 days at our three sites, suggesting that calling was influenced more by water temperature and timing of ice melt than photoperiod. Calling was first observed 8–11 days after ice melt at water temperatures of 7.5–8 °C at our sites. No calling was detected at water temperature <5 °C. We recorded nocturnal and diurnal calling at all sites; >50% of calling was diurnal, even on days with warm overnight temperatures. Calling activity was influenced by time of day, water temperature, wind, and relative humidity. Our results suggest that date of initiation of calling varies considerably among breeding ponds and that the time of day of peak calling varies with both site and water temperature.
Hawking radiation from the holographic screen
Authors: Zhao Ying-Jie
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we generalize the Parikh–Wilczek scheme to a holographic screen in the framework of the ultraviolet self-complete quantum gravity. We calculate that the tunneling probability depends on the energy of the particle and the mass of the holographic screen. The radiating temperature has not been the standard Hawking temperature.
Quantum estimation in neutrino oscillations
Authors: Nogueira Edson C. , de Souza Gustavo , Varizi Adalberto D. , Sampaio Marcos D.
Published: September 2017

In this work, we analyze two-flavor neutrino oscillations within the framework of quantum estimation theory (QET). We compute the quantum Fischer information (QFI) for the mixing angle [Formula: see text] and show that mass measurements are the ones that achieve optimal precision. We also study the Fischer information (FI) associated with flavor measurements and show that they are optimized at specific neutrino times-of-flight. Therefore, although the usual population measurement does not realize the precision limit set by the QFI, it can in principle be implemented with the best possible sensitivity to [Formula: see text]. We investigate how these quantifiers relate to the single-particle, mode entanglement in neutrino oscillations. We demonstrate that this form of entanglement does not enhance either of them. In particular, our results show that in single-particle settings, entanglement is not directly connected with the enhancement of precision in metrological tasks.
Effect of the Organobentonite Filler on Structure and Properties of Composites Based on Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
Authors: Alekseeva Olga V. , Rodionova Anna N. , Bagrovskaya Nadezhda A. , Agafonov Alexander V. , Noskov Andrew V.
Published: September 2017

Organobentonite powder was synthesized and characterized using laser diffraction, X-ray diffraction, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption-desorption technique, and dynamic light scattering. Obtained powder was found as material with mesopores. The organobentonite particles were larger than pure bentonite one. Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) was filled with organobentonite particles by mechanical dispersion, and produced composite films were researched by the number of methods. New data relating to structure, tensile properties, and antimicrobial activity of HEC/organobentonite composites were obtained. Using results of X-ray diffraction, the reflections assigned to crystal filler in polymer material were proved. Concentration effect of the filling agent on tensile properties of composite film was revealed. Data of infrared (IR) spectrometry indicated a decrease in the density of hydrogen-bond net in HEC/organobentonite composite as compared with pristine HEC. Using microbiological tests, it was found that the HEC/organobentonite films exhibited bacteriostatic action against S. aureus and fungistatic action against molds.
Association between Exposure to Traffic-Related Air Pollution and Prevalence of Allergic Diseases in Children, Seoul, Korea
Authors: Yi Seon-Ju , Shon Changwoo , Min Kyung-Duk , Kim Hwan-Cheol , Leem Jong-Han , Kwon Ho-Jang , Hong Soyoung , Kim KyooSang , Kim Sun-Young
Published: September 2017

Although there has been suggestive evidence of the association between TRAP and ADs, findings remained inconsistent possibly due to limited population. We investigated the association between TRAP and ADs in a large population of children with rich spatial coverage and expanded age span in Seoul, Korea. TRAP exposures were estimated by categorized proximity to the nearest major road (≤150, 150–300, 300–500, and >500 m) and density of major roads within 300 meters from children’s residences. We estimated the association between two TRAP exposures and three ADs using generalized mixed model after adjusting for individual characteristics. We also investigated whether the association varied by household and regional socioeconomic status. We found associations of atopic eczema with road density [OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.01–1.15] and road proximity [1.15, 1.01–1.32; 1.17, 1.03–1.34; and 1.16, 1.01–1.34 for ≤150, 150–300, and 300–500 m, resp., compared to >500 m]. There was no association with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Effect estimates were generally the highest in the low socioeconomic region. Children living in areas surrounded by large and busy roads were likely to be at greater risks for atopic eczema, with increased vulnerability when living in deprived areas.
Relationship between Interferon Beta-1A Administration and Intracranial Vascular Tone Regulation in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dattola Vincenzo , Bonanno Lilla , Naro Antonino , Chillura Antonino , Logiudice Anna Lisa , Sessa Edoardo , Famà Fausto , Quartarone Angelo , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , Marino Silvia , Russo Margherita
Published: September 2017

Interferon beta (IFN-β) therapy is one of the most commonly prescribed immunomodulatory therapies in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). A reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), associated with IFN-β use, has been recently described. For this reason, we tested the effect of once a week intramuscular administration of IFN-β-1A on the function of cerebral vessels in a cohort of RRMS patients. Using transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound, we measured the mean blood flow velocity (MFV) in intracranial vessels 10 h after IFN-β administration. Measurements showed a significant increase in MFV compared to the baseline values in some vessels.
Seasonal Variation in Vitamin D in Association with Age, Inflammatory Cytokines, Anthropometric Parameters, and Lifestyle Factors in Older Adults
Authors: Elizondo-Montemayor Leticia , Castillo Elena C. , Rodríguez-López Carlos , Villarreal-Calderón José R. , Gómez-Carmona Merit , Tenorio-Martínez Sofia , Nieblas Bianca , García-Rivas Gerardo
Published: September 2017

Vitamin D deficiency is present even in sunny regions. Ageing decreases pre-vitamin D production in the skin and is associated with altered cytokine profile. We performed a multivariate analysis considering lifestyle factors, anthropometric, and inflammatory markers according to seasonal variation in Mexican healthy older adults. The same cohort was followed during 12 months. Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was found in 91.3% of the subjects despite living in appropriate latitude (25°40′0″N). 25(OH)D levels remained below <30 ng/mL through all seasons. Vitamin D deficiency did not correlate to sun exposure or dietary intake. Gender was the strongest associated factor, explaining a variance of 20%. Waist circumference (WC) greater than 88 cm was a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency. Age (>74 years) combined with WC (>88 cm) and BMI (>32.7) showed a high probability (90%) of vitamin D deficiency. Remarkably, an increase in one centimeter in WC decreased 25(OH)D by 0.176 ng/mL, while an increase in one point BMI decreased 25(OH)D by 0.534 ng/mL. A cutoff point of 74 years of age determined probability of vitamin D hipovitaminosis. Vitamin D deficiency was correlated with TNF-αserum levels, possibly increasing the susceptibility of older adults to a proinflammatory state and its related diseases.
Differential Diagnosis of Parotid Gland Tumors: Role of Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Heřman Jan , Sedláčková Zuzana , Vachutka Jaromír , Fürst Tomáš , Salzman Richard , Vomáčka Jaroslav , Heřman Miroslav
Published: September 2017

Aim. To create a predictive score for the discrimination between benign and malignant parotid tumors using elastographic parameters and to compare its sensitivity and specificity with standard ultrasound. Methods. A total of 124 patients with parotid gland lesions for whom surgery was planned were examined using conventional ultrasound, Doppler examination, and shear wave elastography. Results of the examinations were compared with those ones of histology. Results. There were 96 benign and 28 malignant lesions in our cohort. Blurred tumor margin alone proved to be an excellent predictor of malignancy with the sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 97%. Enlarged cervical lymph nodes, tumor vascularisation, microcalcifications presence, homogeneous echogenicity, and bilateral occurrence also discriminated between benign and malignant tumors. However, their inclusion in a predictive model did not improve its performance. Elastographic parameters (the stiffness maxima and minima ratio being the best) also exhibited significant differences between benign and malignant tumors, but again, their inclusion did not significantly improve the predictive power of the blurred margin classifier. Conclusion. Even though elastography satisfactorily distinguishes benign from malignant lesions on its own, it hardly provides any additional value in evaluation of biological character of parotid gland tumors when used as an adjunct to regular ultrasound examination.
Using Blood Donor-Derived ABO and RhD Blood Groups Helps to Detect Wrong Blood in Tube Errors in Recipients
Authors: Dellgren Christoffer , Yazer Mark H. , Sprogøe Ulrik
Published: September 2017

Background: Comparing the ABO and RhD group of a recipient's current pre-transfusion sample against their historical group is an important means of detecting wrong blood in tube (WBIT) errors. This study investigated the utility of using the donor ABO and RhD group as the historical check for recipients. Methods: A single database stores serological information on blood donors, pregnant women, and patients throughout southern Denmark. A donor ABO and RhD group can be the historical blood group should that donor later require a transfusion. This database was searched to determine how often the ABO and RhD group on a recipient's current pre-transfusion sample was discrepant with their historical donor-derived blood group. Results: During about 21 years, ABO and RhD groupings were performed on 76,455 blood donors and on 424,697 patients. There were 13,630/424,697 (3.2%) patients who had their donor-derived ABO and RhD group used as the historical comparison with the current sample; 6/13,630 (0.04%) of the current pre-transfusion samples on these patients were discrepant with the donor-derived historical group because of WBIT errors. Seven other discrepancies with the donor-derived blood group were also found. Conclusion: Accessing the donor-derived ABO and RhD group can be an important safeguard against WBIT-mediated mistransfusions.
New distributional records of Mecoptera (Insecta) from Colombia
Authors: Ardila-Camacho Adrian , Vargas Juan Felipe , Arango Carlos Julio , García-García Alexander , Machado Renato Jose Pires
Published: September 2017

We present new distributional records for two Colombian species of Bittacidae. Pazius convolutus García-García & Cadena-Castañeda, 2015 and Bittacus panamensis Byers, 1958 previously known from Cundinamarca department are herein newly recorded from Santander and Magdalena, respectively. In addition, we recorded Bittacus pignatelli Navás, 1932 in Colombia for the first time, increasing the number of species of Mecoptera in the country. Comments about mating behavior of P. convolutus, as well as a distribution map and a check-list of Colombian species of Mecoptera are included.
Two new species of Myotis (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) for Argentina
Authors: Barquez Rubén M. , Miotti Maria Daniela , Idoeta Fabricio M. , Díaz M. Mónica
Published: September 2017

Seven new species of Myotis have been recently described from South America, elevating to 20 the total number of species of the genus recognized for the region. Myotis izecksohni and Myotis lavali were recently described from the States of Río de Janeiro, Paraná and Pernambuco, Brazil. These are clearly different from all other known species of the genus in their external and cranial characters, which are exactly comparable with our specimens collected in Argentina. This allows to greatly expand the known geographic distributions for these two species. The addition to Argentina of Myotis lavali with specimens collected in the Yungas ecoregion of Salta Province, and Myotis izecksohni with specimens collected in the Fields and Weedlands ecoregion of Misiones Province, increases the known ecoregions to date for the distribution of the two species.
Type specimens of Chrysidoidea (Hymenoptera) deposited in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Santos Alvaro Doria dos , Onody Helena Carolina , Brandão Carlos Roberto Ferreira
Published: September 2017

The present catalogue lists type specimens of Chrysidoidea deposited in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZSP). The Chrysidoidea collection includes a total of 75 holotypes, 791 paratypes, 2 lectotypes, 1 paralectotype and 5 syntypes of 97 nominal species. All information contained in the labels was compiled and is presented along with additional data taken from the original descriptions, MZSP records and other sources. We present also links to high resolution photographs of holotypes, lectotypes and syntypes uploaded to the Specimage, image database of the Ohio State University.
Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Corrado Domenico , Basso Cristina , Judge Daniel P.
Published: September 2017

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy is an inherited heart muscle disorder, predisposing to sudden cardiac death, particularly in young patients and athletes. Pathological features include loss of myocytes and fibrofatty replacement of right ventricular myocardium; biventricular involvement is often observed. It is a cell-to-cell junction cardiomyopathy, typically caused by genetically determined abnormalities of cardiac desmosomes, which leads to detachment of myocytes and alteration of intracellular signal transduction. The diagnosis of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy does not rely on a single gold standard test but is achieved using a scoring system, which encompasses familial and genetic factors, ECG abnormalities, arrhythmias, and structural/functional ventricular alterations. The main goal of treatment is the prevention of sudden cardiac death. Implantable cardioverter defibrillator is the only proven lifesaving therapy; however, it is associated with significant morbidity because of device-related complications and inappropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator interventions. Selection of patients who are the best candidates for implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation is one of the most challenging issues in the clinical management.