bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diastase and Invertase Activity Changes and 5‐Hydroxymethyl‐2‐Furfural Formation in Honeys Under Influence of Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Kowalski Stanisław , Lukasiewicz Marcin
Published: May 2016

Three types of honey including lime (Tilia spp.), buckwheat (Fagopyrum spp.) and acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia) honeys were analyzed. Honeys were subjected to conventional heating at a temperature of 60°C and heated in a microwave field. Depending on the type of honey, the temperature obtained in the microwaves was in the range of 48 and 69°C. After processing, honeys were stored for 3 months in uniform condition (ambient temperature, darkness, constant humidity) and subsequently reanalyzed. Oversized decrease in the value of diastase number was found in only two cases of honeys exposed to microwave field (after storage). Under the experiment conditions, there was no clear changes in the HMF concentration The largest increase was found in the case of acacia (A‐CD) and buckwheat (B‐B) honeys. For these types of honeys, increase in HMF concentration was of 2 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg, respectively. The biggest impact of the microwave irradiation was observed on the invertase activity. All the tested honeys, especially those subjected to microwave irradiation, showed a statistically significant decrease (five times the initial value) in the activity of this enzyme. Decrease in the diastase activity in microwaved honeys was from 6.8 to 3.7° Schade in case of acacia honey (A‐B) from 27.0 to 11.6°Schade in case of buckwheat (B‐OSP) honey.

Practical Applications

The research is valuable for preserving quality of natural products, i.e., honey. The use of thermal treatment of honey is particularly important in countries with tropical climates. This is due to the danger of spontaneous fermentation of honey. Thermal processing of honey is also used for other practical reasons (filling and packaging, preventing crystallization). From practical point of view, it is worth to point out that the use of microwave irradiation, despite advantages such as shorter heat exposure time appears to be unacceptable in the case of honey processing due to its destructive effect on the enzymes present in the product.
Low‐Temperature Extraction of Jamun Juice (Indian Black Berry) and Optimization of Enzymatic Clarification Using Box‐Behnken Design
Authors: Ghosh Payel , Pradhan Rama Chandra , Mishra Sabyasachi
Published: May 2016

Extracting juice from Jamun is difficult. The fruit consists a seed inside and cell wall consists of high amount of pectin‐protein bond which makes the pulp thicker. The Box‐Behnken design is a type of response surface design which is as useful as the central composite designs but avoiding treatment combinations that are in extreme. The objective of the study is to develop a process for optimization of process parameter to obtain Jamun juice using pectinase enzyme from the strain Aspergillus niger at different temperature (30–50°C), concentration (0.01–0.1% w/v) and time (40–120 min). Physical parameters (yield, turbidity, viscosity, clarity and color) and chemical parameters (polyphenol, protein, TSS and total solid) were evaluated as response variables. Significant regression models with a coefficient of determination (R2) was established with a value more than 0.9. The recommended enzyme for clarification of juice was 0.09% enzyme concentration at 33°C for 75 min.

Practical Applications

The juice of Jamun as well as the concentrate has a high‐therapeutic value. A fresh fruit contains all the nutrients needed for good health, but because it may not always be possible to obtain fresh food, preservation becomes necessary. The cell structure of fruit contains protein‐pectin bond and high amount of tannin. Due to this nature removal of juice is difficult. Using of enzyme to clarify the juice not only increase the yield but retained the original physicochemical properties of the juice. To get the juice through out the year and to help the diabetic people this study is useful.
Activation of Nesfatin‐1‐Containing Neurones in the Hypothalamus and Brainstem by Peripheral Administration of Anorectic Hormones and Suppression of Feeding via Central Nesfatin‐1 in Rats
Authors: Saito R. , So M. , Motojima Y. , Matsuura T. , Yoshimura M. , Hashimoto H. , Yamamoto Y. , Kusuhara K. , Ueta Y.
Published: May 2016

Peripheral anorectic hormones, such as glucagon‐like peptide (GLP)‐1, cholecystokinin (CCK)‐8 and leptin, suppress food intake. The newly‐identified anorectic neuropeptide, nesfatin‐1, is synthesised in both peripheral tissues and the central nervous system, particularly by various nuclei in the hypothalamus and brainstem. In the present study, we examined the effects of i.p. administration of GLP‐1 and CCK‐8 and co‐administrations of GLP‐1 and leptin at subthreshold doses as confirmed by measurement of food intake, on nesfatin‐1‐immunoreactive (‐IR) neurones in the hypothalamus and brainstem of rats by Fos immunohistochemistry. Intraperitoneal administration of GLP‐1 (100 μg/kg) caused significant increases in the number of nesfatin‐1‐IR neurones expressing Fos‐immunoreactivity in the supraoptic nucleus (SON), the area postrema (AP) and the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) but not in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), the arcuate nucleus (ARC) or the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA). On the other hand, i.p. administration of CCK‐8 (50 μg/kg) resulted in marked increases in the number of nesfatin‐1‐IR neurones expressing Fos‐immunoreactivity in the SON, PVN, AP and NTS but not in the ARC or LHA. No differences in the percentage of nesfatin‐1‐IR neurones expressing Fos‐immunoreactivity in the nuclei of the hypothalamus and brainstem were observed between rats treated with saline, GLP‐1 (33 μg/kg) or leptin. However, co‐administration of GLP‐1 (33 μg/kg) and leptin resulted in significant increases in the number of nesfatin‐1‐IR neurones expressing Fos‐immunoreactivity in the AP and the NTS. Furthermore, decreased food intake induced by GLP‐1, CCK‐8 and leptin was attenuated significantly by pretreatment with i.c.v. administration of antisense nesfatin‐1. These results indicate that nesfatin‐1‐expressing neurones in the brainstem may play an important role in sensing peripheral levels of GLP‐1 and leptin in addition to CCK‐8, and also suppress food intake in rats.
LEVERAGED ETF IMPLIED VOLATILITIES FROM ETF DYNAMICS
Authors: Leung Tim , Lorig Matthew , Pascucci Andrea
Published: May 2016

The growth of the exchange‐traded fund (ETF) industry has given rise to the trading of options written on ETFs and their leveraged counterparts (LETFs). We study the relationship between the ETF and LETF implied volatility surfaces when the underlying ETF is modeled by a general class of local‐stochastic volatility models. A closed‐form approximation for prices is derived for European‐style options whose payoffs depend on the terminal value of the ETF and/or LETF. Rigorous error bounds for this pricing approximation are established. A closed‐form approximation for implied volatilities is also derived. We also discuss a scaling procedure for comparing implied volatilities across leverage ratios. The implied volatility expansions and scalings are tested in three settings: Heston, limited constant elasticity of variance (CEV), and limited SABR; the last two are regularized versions of the well‐known CEV and SABR models.
RflM mediates target specificity of the RcsCDB phosphorelay system for transcriptional repression of flagellar synthesis in Salmonella enterica
Authors: Kühne Caroline , Singer Hanna M. , Grabisch Eva , Codutti Luca , Carlomagno Teresa , Scrima Andrea , Erhardt Marc
Published: May 2016

The bacterial flagellum enables directed movement of Salmonella enterica towards favorable conditions in liquid environments. Regulation of flagellar synthesis is tightly controlled by various environmental signals at transcriptional and post‐transcriptional levels. The flagellar master regulator FlhD4C2 resides on top of the flagellar transcriptional hierarchy and is under autogenous control by FlhD4C2‐dependent activation of the repressor rflM. The inhibitory activity of RflM depends on the presence of RcsB, the response regulator of the RcsCDB phosphorelay system. In this study, we elucidated the molecular mechanism of RflM‐dependent repression of flhDC. We show that RcsB and RflM form a heterodimer that coordinately represses flhDC transcription independent of RcsB phosphorylation. RcsB‐RflM complex binds to a RcsB box downstream the P1 transcriptional start site of the flhDC promoter with increased affinity compared to RcsB in the absence of RflM. We propose that RflM stabilizes binding of unphosphorylated RcsB to the flhDC promoter in absence of environmental cues. Thus, RflM is a novel auxiliary regulatory protein that mediates target specificity of RcsB for flhDC repression. The cooperative action of the RcsB‐RflM repressor complex allows Salmonella to fine‐tune initiation of flagellar gene expression and adds another level to the complex regulation of flagellar synthesis.
New sophistry: self‐deception in the nursing academy
Authors: Garrett Bernard M.
Published: May 2016

In this essay, I advance an argument against the expansion and acceptance of postmodern metaphysical antirealist ideologies in the development of nursing theory in North America. I suggest mystical theoretical explanations of care, the rejection of empirical epistemology, and a return to divinity in nursing represent an intellectual dead end, as these ideas do little to help resolve real‐world health issues and also negate the need for the academic discrimination of bad ideas. I examine some of the philosophical foundations of nursing theory and deconstruct some of the more preternatural theories that have become established as the dominant conventional wisdom in the academy. It is argued that this can be characterized as a form of self‐deception, and overall has had a negative impact on advancement of the nursing profession and public health care. Reasons behind the widespread acceptance of these irrational theoretical stances in nursing and the ongoing support for mystical therapeutic interventions are explored.
Toward a science of morality: response to Christian Miller's critique
Authors: Shermer Michael
Published: May 2016

In developing a science of morality, many examples are provided not only to document the moral progress that has been made over the centuries, but also the reasons why and how this progress has been made. Instead of moralizing about human action and social problems that we find deplorable or undesirable, ever since the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment we started seeing them as problems to be solved. A science of morality begins with the discovery of rights and other moral values and emotions, starting with the recognition of the individual as an autonomous moral agent with an evolved natural desire to survive and flourish.
Real‐World Use of Prophylactic Antibiotics in Insertable Cardiac Monitor Procedures
Authors: BEINART SEAN C. , NATALE ANDREA , VERMA ATUL , AMIN ALPESH , KASNER SCOTT , DIENER HANS‐CHRISTOPH , POULIOT ERIKA , FRANCO NORELI , MITTAL SUNEET
Published: May 2016

Background

The use of prophylactic antibiotics during insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) procedures is a carryover of the common practice used with therapeutic cardiac implantable electronic devices. We sought to characterize the current practice of ICM insertion procedures to evaluate the influence of prophylactic antibiotic administration on the occurrence of infections.

Methods

We characterized insertion procedures and procedure‐related infections from an ongoing multicenter registry (Reveal LINQTM Registry). In order to accurately capture infections, only patients enrolled before or the day of insertion who also had a record of whether or not preoperative antibiotics were used were included in this analysis. Infections were defined based on the physician's assessment and reported upon occurrence. Patients were categorized into two analysis cohorts based on prophylactic antibiotic use.

Results

We analyzed 375 patients from 14 U.S. centers (age 63.1 ± 15.6 years; male 54.1%). Approximately two‐thirds of patients (66.4%) did not receive any preprocedural antibiotics. The overall infection rate was 1.1% (0.3–2.7% confidence interval [CI]) and corresponded to four events. In the group that did not receive preprocedural antibiotics, there were two minor infections (0.8%, [0.1–2.9% CI]), whereas in the group receiving preprocedural antibiotics a serious and a minor infection occurred (1.6%, [0.2–5.6% CI]); this serious infection resulted in an explant.

Conclusions

Current real‐world practice shows that ICM insertions are increasingly performed without the use of prophylactic antibiotics, which is associated with a very low infection rate.
Variation in heat shock protein expression at the latitudinal range limits of a widely‐distributed species, the Glanville fritillary butterfly (Melitaea cinxia)
Authors: Advani Nikhil K. , Kenkel Carly D. , Davies Sarah W. , Parmesan Camille , Singer Michael C. , Matz Mikhail V.
Published: May 2016

Studies of heat shock response show a correlation with local climate, although this is more often across altitudinal than latitudinal gradients. In the present study, differences in constitutive but not inducible components of heat shock response are detected among populations of the Glanville fritillary butterfly Melitaea cinxia L. that exist at the species' latitudinal range limits (Finland and Spain). The study demonstrates that macroclimatic differences between these sites should cause greater exposure of the Spanish population to higher temperatures. Thermal stress treatments are used to estimate differences in the expression of four genes potentially relevant for tolerating these temperatures. For the analysis, three heat‐shock proteins and glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G3PDH), a glycolysis enzyme that also modulates cell growth based on metabolic state, are chosen. Two constitutive differences are found between the sites. First, insects from Spain have higher levels of Hsp 21.4 than those from Finland regardless of thermal stress treatment; this protein is not inducible. Second, insects from Finland have higher levels of G3PDH. The two remaining Hsps, Hsp20.4 and Hsp90, show dramatic up‐regulation at higher temperatures, although there are no significant differences between insects from the different populations in either constitutive levels or inducibility. In nature, differences between the study populations likely occur in the expression of all four genes that were studied, although these differences would be directly climate‐induced in Hsp20.4 and Hsp90 and constitutive in Hsp21.4 and G3PDH. Inducibility may mitigate the need for constitutive variation in traits that adapt insects to local climate.
Management of bakanae and bacterial seedling blight diseases in nurseries by irradiating rice seeds with atmospheric plasma
Authors: Ochi A. , Konishi H. , Ando S. , Sato K. , Yokoyama K. , Tsushima S. , Yoshida S. , Morikawa T. , Kaneko T. , Takahashi H.
Published: May 2016

The control of seedborne rice seedling diseases in the seed beds is important to avoid epidemics in rice nurseries and paddies, which may result in severe yield loss. Recently, irradiation with plasma containing electrons, creating positive or negative ions and neutral species, has been shown to have an antimicrobial effect, probably via generation of reactive oxygen species. This study examines whether two seedborne rice seedling diseases, bakanae disease caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium fujikuroi, and bacterial seedling blight caused by Burkholderia plantarii, are suppressed by irradiation of infected rice seeds with atmospheric plasma. Seed germination and seedling growth were not inhibited in plasma‐treated healthy seeds. When F. fujikuroi‐infected rice seeds were irradiated with plasma after being immersed in sterile distilled water, bakanae disease severity index and the percentage of plants with symptoms were reduced to 18.1% and 7.8% of non‐irradiated control, respectively, depending on the duration of plasma irradiation. The bacterial seedling blight disease index was also reduced by plasma irradiation in vacuum‐inoculated seeds to 38.6% of the non‐irradiated control, and in infected seeds harvested from spray‐inoculated heads of rice plants to 40.1% of the control. Therefore, plasma irradiation seems to be effective in controlling two independent seedborne rice seedling diseases.
Limited morphological, physiological and genetic diversity of Phytophthora palmivora from cocoa in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Saul Maora J. , Liew E. C. Y. , Guest D. I.
Published: May 2016

In Papua New Guinea (PNG) cocoa (Theobroma cacao) is one of the most important cash crops grown in the tropical lowland and island regions. As in most cocoa‐growing areas, phytophthora black pod and canker cause significant yield losses. Cocoa breeding activities in PNG are focused in East New Britain province where disease control recommendations are also developed. This study tested the hypothesis that there was no diversity in the Phytophthora palmivora population causing black pod on cocoa by characterizing the variation in pathogen populations within and between the five major cocoa‐growing areas. Diseased pods were sampled hierarchically from the five locations and additional isolates were collected from soil, stem and leaf lesions, or retrieved from culture collections. Morphological characters showed continuous variation within the range described for P. palmivora. Genetic analysis revealed that the isolates belonged to one dominant clonal lineage, with restricted distributions of several other subpopulations. Lowest diversities were found in the geographically isolated Karkar Island and East Sepik province. Soil isolates showed greater genetic diversity than isolates from cocoa lesions. Intra‐farm variation was as much as inter‐farm or inter‐province variation. Both mating types were detected, although no strong evidence of sexual recombination was observed. The analysis revealed limited geographic, temporal or host specialization, suggesting continuous selection for pathogenicity from a genetic pool of P. palmivora. These findings have significant implications on the deployment of cocoa genotypes, enforcement of inter‐province quarantine and sustainable disease management strategies.
Flash flaming effectively removes appendages and improves the seed coating potential of grass florets
Authors: Guzzomi Andrew L. , Erickson Todd E. , Ling King Y. , Dixon Kingsley W. , Merritt David J.
Published: May 2016

Ecological restoration of grasslands using wild‐collected seeds is a major undertaking in many parts of the world. Impediments to effective seed use such as low seed quality, difficult‐to‐handle and bulky collections of seeds, and seed dormancy and germination constraints contribute to restoration failure. Native grass florets are typically irregular in shape, with appendages that impede efficient mechanized sowing and render agricultural technologies, such as the application of polymer seed coatings, impractical. Our goal was to investigate the application of a novel flaming device to remove floret appendages and improve geometry using Triodia wiseana (C.A. Gardner [Poaceae]), a key framework grass of arid ecosystems in north‐western Australia, as a test species. Through the modification of a rotary seed coater with an engineered flaming apparatus, a flash flaming technique was developed. We demonstrate that flash flaming is a highly effective and efficient means of removing floret appendages and subsequently improving geometry. Once flamed, the bulk density of florets was significantly increased, the application of polymer coatings was more effective, and germination was enhanced. The improved floret geometry through flaming therefore shows promise for enhancing the mechanization of direct seeding of grasses.
Legionnaires' disease caused by Legionella longbeachae: Clinical features and outcomes of 107 cases from an endemic area
Authors: Isenman Heather L. , Chambers Stephen T. , Pithie Alan D. , MacDonald Sharyn L.S. , Hegarty Justin M. , Fenwick Joanna L. , Maze Michael J. , Metcalf Sarah C.L. , Murdoch David R.
Published: May 2016

Background and objective

Legionella longbeachae is a predominant cause of Legionnaires' disease in some parts of the world, particularly in Australasia. Clinical reports of L. longbeachae infection are limited to case reports or small case series, and culture‐confirmed cases.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of L. longbeachae pneumonia in a large case series from Christchurch, New Zealand during a 4‐year period when both PCR and cultures were used as routine diagnostic tools for Legionnaires' disease. Cases of Legionella pneumophila pneumonia were reviewed for comparison.

Results

A total of 107 cases of L. longbeachae infection were identified by PCR and/or culture. The median age was 65 years (range 25–90 years), 63% were male, and most became unwell during spring or summer. Presenting clinical features were similar to those reported for community‐acquired pneumonia, with headache, myalgia and diarrhoea being common. Elevated C‐reactive protein, hyponatraemia and abnormal liver function tests were also common. History of productive cough, involvement of both lungs, and high bacterial load were independently associated with culture of Legionella from lower respiratory samples. One quarter required intensive care unit admission, and 5% died. Among patients given antimicrobial therapy before admission, those given agents without anti‐Legionella activity were more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit. Limited comparisons were made with the 19 L. pneumophila cases over the same time period.

Conclusion

Characteristics of L. longbeachae pneumonia are broadly similar to those reported for community‐acquired pneumonia from a variety of other populations, except for the spring/summer seasonality.
Income Inequality in Latin America: A Factor Component Analysis
Authors: Amarante Verónica
Published: May 2016

The decline in inequality observed in most Latin American countries after 2002 was surprisingly good news, particularly given that most developed countries were experiencing a rise in inequality at that time. Various arguments have been put forward to explain this decline, but there is still no consensus on the most plausible explanation. This article contributes to the ongoing discussion by performing inequality decompositions by factor components. We estimate the importance of each source of income in explaining the observed decline in income inequality between 2002 and 2011 in five Latin American countries. Specifically, we explore the role of the process of formalization that has taken place in regional labor markets, separating formal and informal wages and considering self‐employment incomes. In the five countries studied here informal wages and self‐employment income contributed to decreasing inequality. Formal sector wages, on the other hand, fostered inequality in all countries except Bolivia.
The Buffering Role of Social Support on the Psychosocial Wellbeing of Orphans in Rwanda
Authors: Caserta Tehetna Alemu , Punamäki Raija‐Leena , Pirttilä‐Backman Anna‐Maija
Published: May 2016

Little is known about the buffering role of social support among orphans living in Africa. This study examined (1) how perceived social support (PSS) varied across orphan‐related characteristics (e.g., orphan status, such as single, maternal or paternal, and their living environments, such as in child‐headed households, on the street, in an orphanage or in a foster home) and (2) the relative importance of sources of PSS (relatives/community/adults and peers) and functional social support (emotional/informational/instrumental and social) and its association with emotional well‐being and mental distress. The participants included 430 orphaned Rwandan children and youth aged between 10 and 25 years (Mean age= 17.74), of whom (n =179, 41.6 percent) were females and (n = 251, 58.4 percent) were males. Result showed that children living in an orphanage exhibited a higher level of PSS from all sources of social support than did children in other living environments. A higher level of PSS from relatives, communities and adults was associated with high level of emotional well‐being, and only adult support was associated with low level of mental distress. Furthermore, the functional PSS indicated that emotional support and companionship support were equally important in their association with higher levels of emotional well‐being and lower levels of mental distress. The findings highlight the importance of having different sources of social support and their functions in relation to psychosocial well‐being.
Bringing GEOSS Services into Practice: A Capacity Building Resource on Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI)
Authors: Giuliani Gregory , Lacroix Pierre , Guigoz Yaniss , Roncella Roberto , Bigagli Lorenzo , Santoro Mattia , Mazzetti Paolo , Nativi Stefano , Ray Nicolas , Lehmann Anthony
Published: May 2016

Data discoverability, accessibility, and integration are frequent barriers for scientists and a major obstacle for favorable results on environmental research. To tackle this issue, the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is leading the development of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), a voluntary effort that connects Earth Observation resources world‐wide, acting as a gateway between producers and users of environmental data. GEO recognizes the importance of capacity building and education to reach large adoption, acceptance and commitment on data sharing principles to increase the capacity to access and use Earth Observations data. This article presents “Bringing GEOSS services into practice” (BGSIP), an integrated set of teaching material and software to facilitate the publication and use of environmental data through standardized discovery, view, download, and processing services, further facilitating the registration of data into GEOSS. So far, 520 participants in 10 countries have been trained using this material, leading to numerous Spatial Data Infrastructure implementations and 1,000 tutorial downloads. This workshop lowers the entry barriers for both data providers and users, facilitates the development of technical skills, and empowers people.
Child diarrhoea and nutritional status in rural Rwanda: a cross‐sectional study to explore contributing environmental and demographic factors
Authors: Sinharoy Sheela S. , Schmidt Wolf‐Peter , Cox Kris , Clemence Zachary , Mfura Leodomir , Wendt Ronald , Boisson Sophie , Crossett Erin , Grépin Karen A. , Jack William , Condo Jeanine , Habyarimana James , Clasen Thomas
Published: May 2016

Objective

To explore associations of environmental and demographic factors with diarrhoea and nutritional status among children in Rusizi district, Rwanda.

Methods

We obtained cross‐sectional data from 8847 households in May–August 2013 from a baseline survey conducted for an evaluation of an integrated health intervention. We collected data on diarrhoea, water quality, and environmental and demographic factors from households with children <5, and anthropometry from children <2. We conducted log‐binomial regression using diarrhoea, stunting and wasting as dependent variables.

Results

Among children <5, 8.7% reported diarrhoea in the previous 7 days. Among children <2, stunting prevalence was 34.9% and wasting prevalence was 2.1%. Drinking water treatment (any method) was inversely associated with caregiver‐reported diarrhoea in the previous 7 days (PR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68–0.91). Improved source of drinking water (PR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.73–0.87), appropriate treatment of drinking water (PR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80–0.96), improved sanitation facility (PR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.82–0.97), and complete structure (having walls, floor and roof) of the sanitation facility (PR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.50–0.84) were inversely associated with stunting. None of the exposure variables were associated with wasting. A microbiological indicator of water quality was not associated with diarrhoea or stunting.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that in Rusizi district, appropriate treatment of drinking water may be an important factor in diarrhoea in children <5, while improved source and appropriate treatment of drinking water as well as improved type and structure of sanitation facility may be important for linear growth in children <2. We did not detect an association with water quality.
Undiagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis among prisoners in Malaysia: an overlooked risk for tuberculosis in the community
Authors: Al‐Darraji Haider Abdulrazzaq Abed , Altice Frederick L. , Kamarulzaman Adeeba
Published: May 2016

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence of previously undiagnosed active tuberculosis (TB) cases among prisoners in Malaysia's largest prison using an intensified TB case‐finding strategy.

Methods

From October 2012 to May 2013, prisoners housed in two distinct units (HIV‐negative and HIV‐positive) were approached to participate in the TB screening study. Consenting prisoners submitted two sputum samples that were examined using GeneXpert MTB/RIF, smear microscopy and liquid culture. Socio‐demographic and clinical information was collected and correlates of active TB, defined as having either a positive GeneXpert MTB/RIF or culture results, were assessed using regression analyses.

Results

Among the total of 559 prisoners, 442 (79.1%) had complete data; 28.7% were HIV‐infected, 80.8% were men and the average age was 36.4 (SD 9.8) years. Overall, 34 (7.7%) had previously undiagnosed active TB, of whom 64.7% were unable to complete their TB treatment in prison due to insufficient time (<6 months) remaining in prison. Previously undiagnosed active TB was independently associated with older age groups (AOR 11.44 and 6.06 for age ≥ 50 and age 40–49 years, respectively) and with higher levels of immunosuppression (CD4 < 200 cells/ml) in HIV‐infected prisoners (AOR 3.07, 95% CI 1.03–9.17).

Conclusions

The high prevalence of previously undiagnosed active TB in this prison highlights the inadequate performance of internationally recommended case‐finding strategies and suggests that passive case‐finding policies should be abandoned, especially in prison settings where HIV infection is prevalent. Moreover, partnerships between criminal justice and public health treatment systems are crucial to continue TB treatment after release.
Outcome of Jehovah's Witnesses after adult cardiac surgery: systematic review and meta‐analysis of comparative studies
Authors: Vasques Francesco , Kinnunen Eeva‐Maija , Pol Marek , Mariscalco Giovanni , Onorati Francesco , Biancari Fausto
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

The objective was to evaluate the early outcome after adult cardiac surgery in Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs) compared with controls not refusing blood transfusions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A literature review was performed through PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify any comparative study evaluating the outcome of JWs and patients not refusing blood transfusion after adult cardiac surgery.

RESULTS

Six studies comparing the outcome of 564 JWs and 903 controls fulfilled the inclusion criteria of this study. All series included a matched control cohort. Baseline characteristics of these two cohorts were similar, but JWs had higher hemoglobin (Hb) levels as reported in three studies. Pooled analysis of postoperative outcomes showed that JWs had higher postoperative levels of Hb (data from four studies: mean, 11.5 g/L vs. 9.8 g/L; p < 0.001) and significantly less postoperative blood loss (mean, 402 mL vs. 826 mL; p < 0.001) compared to controls. JWs and controls had similar early outcome. However, JWs had a nonsignificant trend toward decreased early mortality (2.6% vs. 3.6%; p = 0.318), reoperation for bleeding (3.2% vs. 4.7%; p = 0.070), atrial fibrillation (9.9% vs. 14.3%; p = 0.056), stroke (2.2% vs. 3.1%; p = 0.439), myocardial infarction (0.4% vs. 1.4%; p = 0.203), and length of stay in the intensive care unit (1.5 days vs. 2.0 days; p = 0.081).

CONCLUSION

JWs undergoing adult cardiac surgery have a nonsignificant trend toward better early outcome than controls receiving or not blood transfusions. The suboptimal quality of available studies prevents conclusive results on the possible benefits of a transfusion‐free strategy in patients not refusing blood transfusion.
Defect of the mitochondrial DNA hypervariable region as a risk factor for canine mammary tumour
Authors: Surdyka M. , Slaska B.
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to identify mutations in the hypervariable region of mitochondrial DNA in canine mammary tumours and to determine their association with the process of neoplastic transformation. A total of 93 biological samples, including blood as well as normal and neoplastic tissue samples from 31 dogs with diagnosed malignant canine mammary tumours were analysed. DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing of the D‐loop as well as bioinformatic and statistical analyses were performed. In the mitochondrial D‐loop sequence, 26 polymorphic loci and 5 mutations were identified. For the first time, D‐loop length heteroplasmy was detected in dogs with mammary tumours. The malignancy grade exerted no effect on the presence of nucleotide changes. A statistically significant association between the presence of mutations and polymorphisms and the size of dogs was demonstrated. The 100% frequency of length heteroplasmy may imply that this is a hotspot mutation of canine mammary tumour.
Association of breed and histopathological grade in canine mast cell tumours
Authors: Mochizuki H. , Motsinger‐Reif A. , Bettini C. , Moroff S. , Breen M.
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between breed and the histopathological grade of canine mast cell tumours (MCTs). A retrospective survey of pathology data of 9375 histopathologically confirmed diagnoses of cutaneous MCTs in the US was evaluated in the context of breed prevalence in over two million registered purebred dogs. Association of histopathological grade with breed, age, sex and spay/neuter status was assessed. The data indicate that the proportion of high‐grade tumours increases with advancing age, and that male and intact dogs have increased odds of developing high‐grade tumours. A significant difference in the proportion of high‐grade tumours between breeds was detected. The Pug was at significantly increased risk of developing low/intermediate‐grade tumours, but not high‐grade tumours, resulting in preponderance of less aggressive MCTs in this breed. The results of this study suggest a genetic association for the development of high‐grade MCTs.
The frequently used intraperitoneal hyponatraemia model induces hypovolaemic hyponatraemia with possible model‐dependent brain sodium loss
Authors: Overgaard‐Steensen Christian , Stødkilde‐Jørgensen Hans , Larsson Anders , Tønnesen Else , Frøkiær Jørgen , Ring Troels
Published: May 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

The brain response to acute hyponatraemia is usually studied in rodents by intraperitoneal instillation of hypotonic fluids (i.p. model). The i.p. model is described as ‘dilutional’ and ‘syndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH)’, but the mechanism has not been explored systematically and might affect the brain response. Therefore, in vivo brain and muscle response were studied in pigs.

What is the main finding and its importance?

The i.p. model induces hypovolaemic hyponatraemia attributable to sodium redistribution, not dilution. A large reduction in brain sodium is observed, probably because of the specific mechanism causing the hyponatraemia. This is not accounted for in current understanding of the brain response to acute hyponatraemia.

Hyponatraemia is common clinically, and if it develops rapidly, brain oedema evolves, and severe morbidity and even death may occur. Experimentally, acute hyponatraemia is most frequently studied in small animal models, in which the hyponatraemia is produced by intraperitoneal instillation of hypotonic fluids (i.p. model). This hyponatraemia model is described as ‘dilutional’ or ‘syndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH)’, but seminal studies contradict this interpretation. To confront this issue, we developed an i.p. model in a large animal (the pig) and studied water and electrolyte responses in brain, muscle, plasma and urine. We hypothesized that hyponatraemia was induced by simple water dilution, with no change in organ sodium content. Moderate hypotonic hyponatraemia was induced by a single i.v. dose of desmopressin and intraperitoneal instillation of 2.5% glucose. All animals were anaesthetized and intensively monitored. In vivo brain and muscle water was determined by magnetic resonance imaging and related to the plasma sodium concentration. Muscle water content increased less than expected as a result of pure dilution, and muscle sodium content decreased significantly (by 28%). Sodium was redistributed to the peritoneal fluid, resulting in a significantly reduced plasma volume. This shows that the i.p. model induces hypovolaemic hyponatraemia and not dilutional/SIADH hyponatraemia. Brain oedema evolved, but brain sodium content decreased significantly (by 21%). To conclude, the i.p. model induces hypovolaemic hyponatraemia attributable to sodium redistribution and not water dilution. The large reduction in brain sodium is probably attributable to the specific mechanism that causes the hyponatraemia. This is not accounted for in the current understanding of the brain response to acute hyponatraemia.
Dynamics of a Deployable Mesh Reflector of Satellite Antenna: Parallel Computation and Deployment Simulation1
Authors: Li Pei , Liu Cheng , Tian Qiang , Hu Haiyan , Song Yanping
Published: May 2016

The finite-element approach of absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) is a possible way to simulate the deployment dynamics of a large-scale mesh reflector of satellite antenna. However, the large number of finite elements of ANCF significantly increases the dimension of the dynamic equations for the deployable mesh reflector and leads to a great challenge for the efficient dynamic simulation. A new parallel computation methodology is proposed to solve the differential algebraic equations for the mesh reflector multibody system. The mesh reflector system is first decomposed into several independent subsystems by cutting its joints or finite-element grids. Then, the Schur complement method is used to eliminate the internal generalized coordinates of each subsystem and the Lagrange multipliers for joint constraint equations associated with the internal variables. With an increase of the number of subsystems, the dimension of simultaneous linear equations generated in the numerical solution process will inevitably increase. By using the multilevel decomposition approach, the dimension of the simultaneous linear equations is further reduced. Two numerical examples are used to validate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed parallel computation methodology. Finally, the dynamic simulation for a 500 s deployment process of a complex AstroMesh reflector with over 190,000 generalized coordinates is efficiently completed within 78 hrs.
Elliptic Motions and Control of Rotors Suspending in Active Magnetic Bearings
Authors: Yang Xiao-Dong , An Hua-Zhen , Qian Ying-Jing , Zhang Wei , Yao Ming-Hui
Published: May 2016

The nonlinear dynamics of rotors suspending in the active magnetic bearings (AMBs) with eight pole pairs are investigated. The nonlinear governing equations of two degree-of-freedom (2DOF) are obtained considering the rotor with proportional–derivative (PD) controller. By studying the conservative free vibrations of the general 2DOF nonlinear systems, three types of motions are found, namely, in-unison modal motions, elliptic modal motions, and quasi-periodic motions. The method of multiple scales is used to obtain the amplitude-phase portrait to demonstrate the three types of motions by introducing the energy ratios and phase differences. It is found that in-unison modal motions do not exist due to the symmetry feature of the rotors in the AMBs. The effect of the PD controller and damping to the vibration suppression is discussed by the idea of the rolled-up amplitude-phase portrait.
Unusual association of Turner syndrome and Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome
Authors: Meena Alpana , Daga Mradul Kumar , Dixit Rashmi
Published: May 2016

Gonadal dysgenesis and Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKHS) are the most common causes of primary amenorrhoea. Patients with gonadal dysgenesis present with primary amenorrhoea and lack of secondary sexual characteristics, which, in contrast, are present in patients with MRKHS. The coexistence of the 2 syndromes has been reported in only a few studies so far. We describe a case of a 15-year-old girl who presented with short stature and primary amenorrhoea. Investigations revealed hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, and absence of the uterus, and upper two-thirds of the vagina, with presence of the rudimentary lower third of the vagina and non-visualised bilateral ovaries on imaging. Karyotyping obtained by lymphocyte culture GTG banding revealed 45X/46XX. The patient was diagnosed as having a rare case of gonadal dysgenesis with MRKH. She was started on growth hormone therapy. The association of these syndromes is uncommon, and has further implications on fertility and pregnancy, affecting the quality of life.
‘In-stock’ fenestrated stent graft for the urgent repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Crawford Sean A , Doyle Matthew G , Tse Leonard W , Roche-Nagle Graham
Published: May 2016

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive method for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms; however, the implementation of this technique is often limited by the aortic pathology, especially in the urgent or emergent setting. An 82-year-old male with a 7.3 cm symptomatic juxtarenal aneurysm presented at our centre for assessment. He was diagnosed as a high-risk candidate for open repair and therefore, not suitable for a conventional EVAR. Fortunately, a custom two-vessel fenestrated stent graft, which was originally constructed for another patient, was available. This device was implanted with no complications and all branches remain unobstructed; clear of aneurysms at 1 year. We present the use of ‘in-stock’ fenestrated grafts as a potential option to be considered in the urgent or emergent repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Ochronosis of the knee with secondary osteoarthritis requiring total knee replacement in a patient with cryptogenic organising pneumonia
Authors: Jasper Jorrit , Metsaars Wieneke , Jansen Joris
Published: May 2016

Ochronosis is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disease caused by homogentisic acid oxidase enzyme deficiency. High homogentisic acid levels will eventually result in black deposits in skin, sclerae, connective tissues and urine (alkaptonuria). It can lead to early degeneration of connective tissues and cartilage. Ochronosis can damage normal cartilage, leading to secondary osteoarthritis. The diagnosis is often delayed because of its low prevalence and non-specific early symptoms. In our patient, the secondary osteoarthritis due to ochronosis deposits in the cartilage was treated by total knee arthroplasty, with good clinical outcome. This article reports the first case of ochronosis with secondary osteoarthritis of the knee in a patient previously diagnosed with cryptogenic organising pneumonia (COP).
Irregularly luscious lashes: difficult to say but a sinister sign to miss
Authors: Hamroush Ahmed , Cheung David
Published: May 2016

We present a case of an 84-year-old man with advanced glaucoma on multiple unilateral glaucoma medication. He had 2 years history of unilateral ocular irritation thought to be related to his medication. Patient was referred to an oculoplastic clinic and found to have segmental eyelash loss partially masked by hypertrichosis caused by glaucoma medications. His symptoms were initially thought to be related to drop-induced blepharitis. A clinical diagnosis of possible basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was made and the incisional biopsy showed infiltrative micronodular BCC. The patient underwent Mohs micrographic surgery and eyelid reconstruction with a Hughes flap and full thickness skin graft. Timely diagnosis of BCC requires a high index of suspicion, particularly when the signs are subtle.
Bullwhip Effect Analysis in Two-Level Supply Chain Distribution Network Using Different Demand Forecasting Technology
Authors: Yuan Xi Gang , Zhu Nan
Published: May 2016

Following the basic work conducted by Lee et al. [(1997a), The bullwhip effect in supply chains. Sloan Management Review, 38(3), 93–102; (1997b), Information distribution in a supply chain: The bullwhip effect. Management Science, 43(4), 546–558] and using two first-order autoregressive AR(1) models, respectively, this paper provides three quantitative models of the bullwhip effect of the two-level supply chain distribution network consisting of a single manufacturer and two retailers. The paper assumes that two retailers adopt the order point method, uses three kinds of demand forecasting technology, i.e., moving average, exponential smoothing and minimum mean square error methods, respectively, provides three corresponding models for analyzing the impact of bullwhip effect of two-level supply chain distribution network. At the same time, this paper compares and analyzes the results of the three models through simulation.
Improved Consistency Ratio for Pairwise Comparison Matrix in Analytic Hierarchy Processes
Authors: Rallabandi L. N. Pradeep Kumar , Vandrangi Ravindranath , Rachakonda Subba Rao
Published: May 2016

The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) uses pairwise comparison matrix (PCM) to rank a known set of alternatives. Sometimes the comparisons made by the experts may be inconsistent which results in incorrect weights and rankings for the AHP. In this paper, a method is proposed which identifies inconsistent elements in a PCM and revises them iteratively until the inconsistency is reduced to an acceptable level. An error function similar to chi-square is used to identify the inconsistent elements which are revised with suitable values. The method is illustrated with some numerical examples mentioned in the literature and a comparative study of the results in terms of deviation from the PCM and preservation of original information is taken up. Monte Carlo simulation experiments over a large set of random matrices indicate that the proposed method converges for the moderately inconsistent matrices.
Consistent simulation of direct-photon production in hadron collisions including associated two-jet production
Authors: Odaka Shigeru , Kurihara Yoshimasa
Published: May 2016

We have developed an event generator for direct-photon production in hadron collisions, including associated 2-jet production in the framework of the GR@PPA event generator. The event generator consistently combines [Formula: see text] + 2-jet production processes with the lowest-order [Formula: see text] + jet and photon-radiation (fragmentation) processes from quantum chromodynamics (QCD) 2-jet production using a subtraction method. The generated events can be fed to general-purpose event generators to facilitate the addition of hadronization and decay simulations. Using the obtained event information, we can simulate photon isolation and hadron-jet reconstruction at the particle (hadron) level. The simulation reasonably reproduces measurement data obtained at the large hadron collider (LHC) concerning not only the inclusive photon spectrum, but also the correlation between the photon and jet. The simulation implies that the contribution of the [Formula: see text] + 2-jet is very large, especially in low photon-[Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] 50 GeV) regions. Discrepancies observed at low [Formula: see text], although marginal, may indicate the necessity for the consideration of further higher-order processes. Unambiguous particle-level definition of the photon-isolation condition for the signal events is desired to be given explicitly in future measurements.