bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for adaptation from standing genetic variation on an antimicrobial peptide gene in the mussel Mytilus edulis
Authors: Gosset Célia C. , Do Nascimento Joana , Augé Marie‐Thérèse , Bierne Nicolas
Published: May 2014

Genome scans of population differentiation identify candidate loci for adaptation but provide little information on how selection has influenced the genetic structure of these loci. Following a genome scan, we investigated the nature of the selection responsible for the outlying differentiation observed between populations of the marine mussel Mytilus edulis at a leucine/arginine polymorphism (L31R) in the antimicrobial peptide MGD2. We analysed DNA sequence polymorphisms, allele frequencies and population differentiation of polymorphisms closely linked to L31R, and pairwise and third‐order linkage disequilibria. An outlying level of population differentiation was observed at L31R only, while no departure from panmixia was observed at linked loci surrounding L31R, as in most of the genome. Selection therefore seems to affect L31R directly. Three hypotheses can explain the lack of differentiation in the chromosomal region close to L31R: (i) hitchhiking has occurred but migration and recombination subsequently erased the signal, (ii) selection was weak enough and recombination strong enough to limit the hitchhiking effect to a very small chromosomal region or (iii) selection acted on a pre‐existing polymorphism (i.e. standing variation) at linkage equilibrium with its background. Linkage equilibrium was observed between L31R and linked polymorphisms in every population analysed, as expected under the three hypotheses. However, linkage disequilibrium was observed in some populations between pairs of loci located upstream and downstream to L31R, generating a complex pattern of third‐order linkage disequilibria which is best explained by the hypothesis of selection on a pre‐existing polymorphism. We hypothesise that selection could be either balanced, maintaining alleles at different frequencies depending on the pathogen community encountered locally by mussels, or intermittent, resulting in sporadic fluctuations in allele frequency.
Accumulation of heptaprenyl diphosphate sensitizes Bacillus subtilis to bacitracin: implications for the mechanism of resistance mediated by the BceAB transporter
Authors: Kingston Anthony W. , Zhao Heng , Cook Gregory M. , Helmann John D.
Published: May 2014

Heptaprenyl diphosphate (C35‐PP) is an isoprenoid intermediate in the synthesis of both menaquinone and the sesquarterpenoids. We demonstrate that inactivation of ytpB, encoding a C35‐PP utilizing enzyme required for sesquarterpenoid synthesis, leads to an increased sensitivity to bacitracin, an antibiotic that binds undecaprenyl pyrophosphate (C55‐PP), a key intermediate in cell wall synthesis. Genetic studies indicate that bacitracin sensitivity is due to accumulation of C35‐PP, rather than the absence of sesquarterpenoids. Sensitivity is accentuated in a ytpB menA double mutant, lacking both known C35‐PP consuming enzymes, and in a ytpB strain overexpressing the HepST enzyme that synthesizes C35‐PP. Conversely, sensitivity in the ytpB background is suppressed by mutation of hepT or by supplementation with 1,4‐dihydroxy‐2‐naphthoate, a co‐substrate with C35‐PP for MenA. Bacitracin sensitivity results from impairment of the BceAB and BcrC resistance mechanisms by C35‐PP: in a bceAB bcrC double mutant disruption of ytpB no longer increases bacitracin sensitivity. These results suggest that C35‐PP inhibits both BcrC (a C55‐PP phosphatase) and BceAB (an ABC transporter that confers bacitracin resistance). These findings lead to a model in which BceAB protects against bacitracin by transfer of the target, C55‐PP, rather than the antibiotic across the membrane.
Field evaluation of the response ofAedes albopictus(Stegomyia albopicta) to three oviposition attractants and different ovitrap placements using black and clear autocidal ovitraps in a rural area of Same,Timor‐Leste
Authors: ANDERSON E. M. , DAVIS J. A.
Published: May 2014

Known oviposition attractants or stimulants were compared, singly and in combination, using inexpensive autocidal ovitraps designed to trap emerging adults, in a rural area ofTimor‐Leste during the dry season. In this area, the dengue vectorAedes albopictus(Stegomyia albopicta)Skuse (Diptera:Culicidae) was abundant, butAedes aegypti(Stegomyia aegypti) L. was not detected. The attractants were: (a) a compound found inAedeseggs (dodecanoic acid); (b) components of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium‐based (NPK) fertilizer, and (c) infusions of discarded cigarette butts. A solution of ammonium phosphate and potassium nitrate was significantly more attractive to gravidAe. albopictusthan water only. Dodecanoic acid and cigarette butt infusions were not significantly more attractive than the control; however, they attracted various otherDiptera and many non‐culicid larvae developed in ovitraps in which these substances were used; thus, the presence of eggs or larvae of other species may have deterredAedesoviposition. Significantly moreAedeseggs were found in ovitraps under vegetation than in ovitraps placed inside houses or against external walls. Clear‐sided ovitraps in which black mesh was placed over a black ring floating on the water surface collected significantly fewer eggs than black ovitraps with identically placed mesh and rings.
A national survey of renal replacement therapy prescribing practice for acute kidney injury in Malaysian intensive care units
Authors: Jamal Janattul‐Ain , Mat‐Nor Mohd‐Basri , Mohamad‐Nor Fariz‐Safhan , Udy Andrew A , Lipman Jeffrey , Roberts Jason A
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To describe renal replacement therapy (RRT) prescribing practices in Malaysian intensive care units (ICU), and compare this with previously published data from other regions.

Method

A survey was sent to physicians responsible for prescribing RRT in major ICU throughout Malaysia. The questionnaire sought information on the physicians' background, and detailed information regarding RRT settings.

Results

Nineteen physicians from 24 sites throughout Malaysia responded to the survey (response rate 79.2%). Sixteen respondents were intensivists (84%), 2 were anaesthetists (11%) and one was a nephrologist (5%). The majority (58%) used continuous venovenous haemofiltration (CVVH) as the treatment of choice for acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients. RRT prescription was predominantly practitioner‐dependent (63%), while 37% reported use of a dedicated protocol. The mean blood flow rate and effluent flow rate used for continuous RRT (CRRT) were 188.9 ± 28.9 mL/min and 30.6 ± 4.7 mL/kg/h respectively. Replacement fluid solutions containing both lactate and bicarbonate were commonly used during CRRT, applied both pre‐ and post‐dilution.

Conclusion

CRRT was the first‐choice modality used to treat AKI in critically ill patients. CVVH was the most common CRRT technique used, while other RRT modalities were used less frequently. Overall, RRT practices were similar to those observed in other regions, although the modality and settings used were slightly different, likely due to local availability.
Influence of allograft weight to recipient bodyweight ratio on outcome of cadaveric renal transplantation
Authors: Codas Ricardo , Danjou Fabrice , Dagot Celine , Martin Xavier , Morelon Emmanuel , Badet Lionel , Hanf William , Petruzzo Palmina
Published: May 2014

Aim

One of the factors that may affect survival and function of kidney graft is its functional mass.

Methods

In a prospective study, we investigated the impact of the ratio between donor kidney weight in grams and recipient bodyweight in kilograms (DKW/RBW) on creatinine clearance, inulin clearance, and proteinuria: 154 kidneys from deceased donors were weighed and the mean kidney weight was 227 ± 59 g, the bodyweight of the recipients was 64 ± 19 kg.

Results

This study showed significant lower values of modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) in patients with DKW/RBW ratio 2.5 g/kg and between 2.5 and 4.5 g/kg compared with those with DKW/RBW ratio >4.5 g/kg as well as in patients with DKW/RBW ratio <3 g/kg and between 3 and 4 g/kg compared with those with DKW/RBW ratio >4 g/kg; moreover a random coefficient model showed a different time evolution in creatinine clearance values in patients with DKW/RBW ≤ 3 g/kg when compared with patients with DKW/RBW ratio >4 g/kg. There were significant lower values of inulin clearance in patients with DKW/RBW ratio between 2.5 and 4.5 g/kg compared with those with DKW/RBW ratio >4.5 g/kg at 12 post‐transplant months and a significantly greater occurrence and earlier appearance of proteinuria in the recipients with DKW/RBW ratio <2.5 g/kg. DKW/RBW ratio did not influence DGF incidence and graft survival. Donor and recipient gender, number of acute rejection episodes and donor age also significantly influenced MDRD values.

Conclusions

Measurements of graft weight as well as donor kidney and recipient body matching should be recommended as influencing renal function.
The effect of five probiotic lactobacilli strains on the growth and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Lin X , Chen X , Chen Y , Jiang W , Chen H
Published: May 2014

Objective

To compare the effects of five probiotic lactobacilli strains on the growth and biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans (MS).

Materials and Methods

Five probiotic lactobacilli bacteria (LB), Lactobacillus casei Shirota, Lactobacillus casei LC01, Lactobacillus plantarum ST‐III, Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc‐37, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, were used as test strains effecting on the Streptococci strain S. mutans UA159 in this study. The effect of LB strains and their supernatants on the viability of the MS was evaluated. Then, the effect of LB strains on the growth of MS biofilm formation was observed by fluorescence microscope.

Results

All of the LB strains inhibited the growth of MS at concentrations of 1 × 108 and 3 × 108 CFU ml−1 (P < 0.05). Untreated (without pH adjustment and ultrafiltration) LB supernatants from all of the LB strains inhibited the growth of MS (P < 0.05) as well. After pH adjustment and ultrafiltration (treated), only supernatants from L. casei Shirota and L. rhamnosus HN001 inhibited the growth of MS (P < 0.05). MS biofilm formation was also inhibited by all untreated supernatants and by the treated supernatants of L. casei Shirota and L. rhamnosus HN001 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

All five probiotic lactobacilli strains inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of MS, likely through the production of an acid environment, bacteriocin‐like poly peptides, or both, and the effects on MS were dependent on the LB strains used.
Injury Location and Mechanism for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Nationwide Population‐Based Case–Control Study in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Yi‐Chia , Li Hung‐Yuan , Lin Feng‐Sheng , Cheng Ya‐Jung , Huang Chi‐Hsiang , Chou Wei‐Han , Huang Hsing‐Hao , Lin Cheng‐Chieh , Lin Che‐Chen , Sung Fung‐Chang , Wei Jung‐Nan
Published: May 2014

Background

Few studies have investigated the relationship between injury location, mechanism and their association with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). We conducted a nationwide database survey to explore this issue.

Methods

This was a population‐based case–control study. Five hundred and eighty‐nine patients with at least one ambulatory visit or admission with a principal diagnosis of CRPS from 2004 to 2009 were selected. For each CRPS patient, ten age‐ and sex‐matched non‐CRPS subjects were randomly selected. The odds ratios (PLoS One. 2013;8:e57205) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of risk factors for CRPS were derived from multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

Injury was a risk factor for CRPS (OR, 2.96; 95% CI, 2.18 to 4.02) independent of age and sex. In adjusted models, open wound on the upper limbs (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.54) conferred higher CRPS risk. Injury mechanisms including nerve and spinal cord injury (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.44 to 4.08), muscle and joint sprain and strain (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.40 to 2.03), superficial injury (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.51), and contusion (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.74), but not fracture, increased the risk of CRPS.

Conclusion

Injury in the extremities rather than the trunk is an important risk factor for CRPS. Certain injury mechanisms confer higher risk of CRPS. This nationwide study demonstrated that injury increased CRPS nearly threefold. Open wound, sprain and strain, superficial injury, contusion, and nerve and spinal cord injury are main injury mechanisms. Injury in the extremities confers a higher risk of CRPS.
Chromatin barcodes as biomarkers for melanoma
Authors: Bastonini Emanuela , Jeznach Magdalena , Field Megan , Juszczyk Katarzyna , Corfield Emily , Dezfouli Mehrnoush , Ahmat Nurfilza , Smith Aimee , Womersley Howard , Jordan Philip , Ramadass Aroul , Akoulitchev Alexandre , Goding Colin R.
Published: May 2014

The major barrier to effective cancer therapy is the presence of genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity within cancer cell populations that provides a reservoir of therapeutically resistant cells. As the degree of heterogeneity present within tumours will be proportional to tumour burden, the development of rapid, robust, accurate and sensitive biomarkers for cancer progression that could detect clinically occult disease before substantial heterogeneity develops would provide a major therapeutic benefit. Here, we explore the application of chromatin conformation capture technology to generate a diagnostic epigenetic barcode for melanoma. The results indicate that binary states from chromatin conformations at 15 loci within five genes can be used to provide rapid, non‐invasive multivariate test for the presence of melanoma using as little as 200 μl of patient blood.
Growth inhibitory effects of large subunit ribosomal proteins in melanoma
Authors: Kardos Gregory R. , Dai Mu‐Shui , Robertson Gavin P.
Published: May 2014

Ribosome biogenesis can modulate protein synthesis, a process heavily relied upon for cancer cell proliferation. In this study, involvement of large subunit ribosomal proteins (RPLs) in melanoma has been dissected and RPLs categorized based on modulation of cell proliferation and therapeutic targeting potential. Based on these results, two categories of RPLs were identified: the first causing negligible effects on cell viability, p53 expression, and protein translation, while the second category decreased cell viability and inhibited protein synthesis mediated with or without p53 protein stabilization. RPL13 represents the second category, where siRNA‐mediated targeting inhibited tumor development through decreased cellular proliferation. Mechanistically, decreased RPL13 levels increased p53 stability mediated by RPL5 and RPL11 binding to and preventing MDM2 from targeting p53 for degradation. The consequence was p53‐dependent cell cycle arrest and decreased protein translation. Thus, targeting certain category 2 RPL proteins can inhibit melanoma tumor development mediated through the MDM2‐p53 pathway.
Features of multiple pregnancies obtained by in vitro fertilization or spontaneously
Authors: Çakar Emel , Kavuncuoğlu Sultan , Aldemir Esin Yıldız , Çetinkaya Merih , Güzeltaş Alper , Arslan Gülseren
Published: May 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognosis of infants born to multiple pregnancies obtained by in vitro fertilization (IVF) or spontaneously.

Methods

The records of multiple pregnancies in Bakirkoy Maternity and Children's Hospital between February 2008 and January 2009 were investigated. Maternal, perinatal and postnatal data of multiple pregnancies were evaluated. The congenital anomalies determined by physical examination and/or imaging studies in the prenatal, natal and postnatal period and the difference between groups in terms of morbidity and mortality were investigated as well.

Results

A total of 401 spontaneous multiple pregnancies and 128 IVF multiple pregnancies were included in the study. Rate of multiple pregnancies for live births and IVF rate were 3.8% and 0.79%, respectively. The mean maternal age was 30.1 years (21–43) in the IVF group and 27.9 years (13–43) in the spontaneous group (P < 0.05). The cesarean delivery rate was 100% in the IVF group and 78% in the spontaneous group (P = 0.002). Premature rupture of membranes rate was 9.8% in the IVF group and 3.6% in the spontaneous group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Multiple pregnancies constitute an important health problem due to high perinatal risks and increased health costs. We found maternal age, premature rupture of membranes and cesarean delivery rate significantly high in the IVF group. No significant differences were found between spontaneous and IVF multiple pregnancies in terms of demographic features, hospitalization stay and rate, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, mortality and congenital malformation.
Risk of Ocular Exposure to Biologically Effective UV Radiation in Different Geographical Directions
Authors: Wang Fang , Hu Liwen , Gao Qian , Gao Yanyan , Liu Guangcong , Zheng Yang , Liu Yang
Published: May 2014

To quantify ocular exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and to assess the risk of eye damage in different geographical directions due to UVR exposure, we used a spectrometer and a manikin to measure horizontal ambient and ocular exposure UVR in different geographical directions at four different locations at the Northern Hemisphere. Describing the relationship of exposure to risk of eye damage requires the availability of UV hazard weighting function. So, we used the UV hazard weighting function (ICNIRP) proposed by International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection to determine the biologically effective UV irradiance (UVBEeye) and then cumulative effective radiant exposure (Heye) to shown the risk of eye. We found that in different geographical directions, distributions of ocular exposure to UVR were markedly different from those of horizontal ambient UVR. When the midday maximum SEA > 50°, eye received more UVR from the east and west directions during the morning and evening hours, respectively. However, when the midday maximum SEA < 50°, eye received more UVR from the south direction at noon. The results of this research indicate that the higher risk of eye caused by UVR varies according to the midday maximum SEA corresponding to different geographical direction.
Resistance against rhizomania disease via RNA silencing in sugar beet
Authors: Zare B. , Niazi A. , Sattari R. , Aghelpasand H. , Zamani K. , Sabet M. S. , Moshiri F. , Darabie S. , Daneshvar M. H. , Norouzi P. , Kazemi‐Tabar S. K. , Khoshnami M. , Malboobi M. A.
Published: May 2014

Rhizomania is one of the most damaging and widely spread diseases in major sugar beet growing regions of the world. The causal agent, beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV), is transmitted via the fungus Polymyxa betae, which retains it in the field for years. In this study, an RNA silencing mechanism was employed to induce resistance against rhizomania using intron‐hairpin RNA (ihpRNA) constructs. These constructs were based on sequences of the BNYVV 5′‐untranslated region of RNA‐2 or the flanking sequence encoding P21 coat protein, with different lengths and orientations. Both transient and stable transformation methods produced effective resistance against rhizomania correlated with the transgene presence. Among the constructs, those generating ihpRNA structures with small intronic loops produced the highest frequencies of resistant events. The inheritance of transgenes and resistance was confirmed over generations in stably transformed plants.
Maternal Alcohol Consumption during Pregnancy and the Risk of Orofacial Clefts in Infants: a Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Bell Jane C. , Raynes‐Greenow Camille , Turner Robin M. , Bower Carol , Nassar Natasha , O'Leary Colleen M.
Published: May 2014

Background

The teratogenic effects of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy include anomalies of craniofacial structures derived from the cranial neural crest cells. The presence of specific craniofacial anomalies contributes to the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Cleft lip and palate [orofacial clefts (OFCs)], also derived from the cranial neural crest cells, are common congenital anomalies, but their relationship with prenatal alcohol consumption is unknown.

Methods

To evaluate the association between maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy and the occurrence of OFCs in infants, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analyses of published studies. We examined the associations between any alcohol consumption, binge level drinking, and heavy and moderate levels of consumption vs. no or low levels of consumption.

Results

After screening 737 publications, we identified 33 studies (23 case–control and 10 cohort studies). There was considerable heterogeneity in individual study design, quality measures and study results. Findings from random effects meta‐analyses suggest no relationship between prenatal alcohol consumption and the occurrence of OFCs {pooled odds ratios for any alcohol intake and binge level drinking respectively: cleft lip with or without cleft palate 1.00 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86, 1.16] from 18 349 participants in 13 studies, 1.04 [95% CI 0.87, 1.24] [8763 individuals, 4 studies]; cleft palate only 1.05 [95% CI 0.92, 1.21] [21 459 individuals, 17 studies], 0.94 [95% CI 0.74, 1.21] [7730 participants, 4 studies]}.

Conclusions

While we found no association between alcohol consumption during pregnancy and OFCs in infants, the influence of study design, particularly in relation to alcohol exposure measurement and OFC ascertainment cannot be ignored.
Changing your mind before it is too late: The electrophysiological correlates of online error correction during response selection
Authors: Roger Clémence , Núñez Castellar Elena , Pourtois Gilles , Fias Wim
Published: May 2014

Inhibiting actions when they are no longer appropriate is essential for adaptive goal‐directed behavior. In this study, we used high‐density EEG and a standard flanker task to explore the spatiotemporal dynamics of cognitive control and inhibitory mechanisms aimed to prevent the commission of errors. By recording hand‐related electromyographic activity, we could disentangle successful from unsuccessful inhibition attempts. Our results confirm that (a) the latency of the error‐related negativity (ERN; or Ne) component is too late to be associated with these online inhibitory mechanisms, and (b) instead, a frontal slow negative component with an earlier time course was associated with the implementation of online inhibition. These findings are consistent with single‐cell recordings in monkeys showing that the supplementary motor area provides cognitive control signals to the primary motor cortex to exert online inhibition and in turn rectify the course of erroneous actions.
Systematic review: Assessing the impact of drinking water and sanitation on diarrhoeal disease in low‐ and middle‐income settings: systematic review and meta‐regression
Authors: Wolf Jennyfer , Prüss‐Ustün Annette , Cumming Oliver , Bartram Jamie , Bonjour Sophie , Cairncross Sandy , Clasen Thomas , Colford John M. , Curtis Valerie , De France Jennifer , Fewtrell Lorna , Freeman Matthew C. , Gordon Bruce , Hunter Paul R. , Jeandron Aurelie , Johnston Richard B. , Mäusezahl Daniel , Mathers Colin , Neira Maria , Higgins Julian P. T.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To assess the impact of inadequate water and sanitation on diarrhoeal disease in low‐ and middle‐income settings.

Methods

The search strategy used Cochrane Library, MEDLINE & PubMed, Global Health, Embase and BIOSIS supplemented by screening of reference lists from previously published systematic reviews, to identify studies reporting on interventions examining the effect of drinking water and sanitation improvements in low‐ and middle‐income settings published between 1970 and May 2013. Studies including randomised controlled trials, quasi‐randomised trials with control group, observational studies using matching techniques and observational studies with a control group where the intervention was well defined were eligible. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Ottawa–Newcastle scale. Study results were combined using meta‐analysis and meta‐regression to derive overall and intervention‐specific risk estimates.

Results

Of 6819 records identified for drinking water, 61 studies met the inclusion criteria, and of 12 515 records identified for sanitation, 11 studies were included. Overall, improvements in drinking water and sanitation were associated with decreased risks of diarrhoea. Specific improvements, such as the use of water filters, provision of high‐quality piped water and sewer connections, were associated with greater reductions in diarrhoea compared with other interventions.

Conclusions

The results show that inadequate water and sanitation are associated with considerable risks of diarrhoeal disease and that there are notable differences in illness reduction according to the type of improved water and sanitation implemented.
Biochemical comparison of four commercially available C1 esterase inhibitor concentrates for treatment of hereditary angioedema
Authors: Feussner Annette , Kalina Uwe , Hofmann Peter , Machnig Thomas , Henkel Georg
Published: May 2014

Background

For safe and efficacious treatment of hereditary angioedema, C1 esterase inhibitor (C1‐INH) concentrates should have high purity and high amounts of functional protein. As no pharmacopoeia requirements exist for C1‐INH concentrate lot release, biochemical characteristics as declared by the manufacturers may not be compared directly. This study compared the characteristics and purity profiles of four commercially available C1‐INH concentrates.

Study Design and Methods

The analysis included one transgenic (Ruconest) and three plasma‐derived (Berinert, Cetor, Cinryze) C1‐INH concentrates. C1‐INH antigen concentration was determined by nephelometry, total protein (specific activity) with a Bradford assay, purity by size‐exclusion chromatography and gel electrophoresis, and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was performed.

Results

Functionality (inversely proportional to antigen‐to‐activity ratio) was lowest for Ruconest (1.67), followed by Cetor (1.42), Berinert (1.24), and Cinryze (1.22). Specific activity (U/mg) and purity (%) were highest in Ruconest (12.13; 98.6) and Berinert (11.57; 97.0), followed by Cinryze (10.41; 89.5) and Cetor (9.01; 88.6). Main protein bands were found for all plasma‐derived products at approximately 105 kDa, and for Ruconest, at approximately 98 kDa. Additional bands in the plasma‐derived products were α1‐antichymotrypsin, ceruloplasmin, Factor C3 (Cinryze/Cetor), and immunoglobulin heavy constant mu (Berinert).

Conclusion

Ruconest has a very high purity profile but is not identical to the human C1‐INH protein. Of the plasma‐derived products, Berinert has the highest purity profile. The impact of the nontherapeutic proteins identified has not yet been evaluated. For harmonization of the analysis for drug release, we recommend the establishment of regulatory requirements for purity determination and the implementation of threshold levels in C1‐INH concentrates.
Acute transfusion reactions at a national referral hospital in Uganda: a prospective study
Authors: Waiswa Musa K. , Moses Ali , Seremba Emmanuel , Ddungu Henry , Hume Heather A.
Published: May 2014

Background

Very little has been published about acute transfusion reactions (ATRs) in developing countries. This study was undertaken to determine the incidence, type, imputability, severity, and possible associated factors of ATRs observed in a university‐affiliated hospital in Uganda.

Study Design and Methods

We prospectively followed the transfusion of blood units issued over a 7‐week period from the hospital blood bank during regular working hours to nonbleeding patients. For each transfusion, we recorded the patient's status before, during, at the end of, and 4 hours after transfusion. Three physicians independently reviewed all reports of suspected ATRs and related hospital charts. Using predefined criteria, the presence, type, imputability, and severity of ATRs were adjudicated by consensus of two of three physicians. Factors potentially associated with ATRs were analyzed for statistical significance.

Results

A total of 507 transfusions were analyzed. Fifty‐three acute transfusion events were recorded and 49 of 53 or 9.6% of the 507 transfusions were confirmed to be ATRs by physician consensus: 24 febrile, seven allergic, five hypertensive, three hypotensive, three transfusion‐associated circulatory overload, two acute hemolytic, and five others. Imputability of ATRs was definite, probable, or possible in 45 of 49 ATRs (92% of ATRs or 8.9% of transfusions) and judged to be severe in nine of 45. No significant associated factors were identified.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that ATRs may occur more commonly in resource‐limited settings than in high‐income countries. Although some reactions are unavoidable, improved surveillance of transfusions and implementation of transfusion guidelines could improve the safety of transfusions in these settings.
Microbiological safety of the first clinical pig islet xenotransplantation trial in New Zealand
Authors: Wynyard Shaun , Nathu Divya , Garkavenko Olga , Denner Joachim , Elliott Robert
Published: May 2014

Background

Xenotransplantation using pig cells, tissues, or organs may be associated with the transmission of porcine microorganisms and the development of zoonoses. Among all porcine microorganisms porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) represent a special risk because they are integrated in the genome of all pigs and able to infect human cells. In previous preclinical and retrospective clinical trials of xenotransplantation, no transmission of PERV was observed. The first clinical trial of (alginate‐encapsulated) porcine islet cell transplantation in New Zealand, which was approved by the New Zealand Government as an open‐label phase I/IIa safety/efficacy trial, offers the possibility to analyze microbiological safety in a prospective clinical study.

Methods

Before the trial started, a multilevel testing strategy was used to screen for 26 microorganisms in donor pigs of the Auckland Island strain and the islet cell preparations used for treatment. Donor testing was performed using molecular methods including multiplex real‐time PCR. Blood samples from 14 pig islet cell recipients were also investigated by molecular biological methods at weeks 1, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 52 post‐transplant for the transmission of porcine microorganisms. Sera were also monitored at these time points for antibodies against PERVs.

Results

Beginning in 2009, fourteen patients with severe unaware hypoglycemia were treated with one of four different dosages of alginate‐encapsulated porcine islets ranging from 5000–20 000 islet equivalents delivered in a single dose. No transmission of either PERVs or other porcine microorganisms was detected by PCR and immunological methods.

Conclusion

These findings support previous results and strongly indicate the safety of xenotransplantation as performed here.
Serological and Virological Surveillance of Avian Influenza A Virus H9N2 Subtype in Humans and Poultry in Shanghai, China, Between 2008 and 2010
Authors: Wang Q. , Ju L. , Liu P. , Zhou J. , Lv X. , Li L. , Shen H. , Su H. , Jiang L. , Jiang Q.
Published: May 2014

We report the serological evidence of low‐pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) H9N2 infection in an occupational poultry‐exposed population and a general population. A serological survey of an occupational poultry‐exposed population and a general population was conducted using a haemagglutinin‐inhibiting (HI) assay in Shanghai, China, from January 2008 to December 2010. Evidence of higher anti‐H9 antibodies was found in serum samples collected from poultry workers. During this period, 239 H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) were isolated from 9297 tracheal and cloacal paired specimens collected from the poultry in live poultry markets. In addition, a total of 733 influenza viruses were isolated from 1569 nasal and throat swabs collected from patients with influenza‐like symptoms in a sentinel hospital, which include H3N2, H1N1, pandemic H1N1 and B, but no H9N2 virus was detected. These findings highlight the need for long‐term surveillance of avian influenza viruses in occupational poultry‐exposed workers.
Mid‐ to late term hypoxia in the mouse alters placental morphology, glucocorticoid regulatory pathways and nutrient transporters in a sex‐specific manner
Authors: Cuffe J. S. M. , Walton S. L. , Singh R. R. , Spiers J. G. , Bielefeldt‐Ohmann H. , Wilkinson L. , Little M. H. , Moritz K. M.
Published: May 2014

Key points

Maternal hypoxia is a common perturbation that may impair fetal development and programme sex specific disease outcomes in offspring.

There is growing interest in the role of the placenta in mediating the effects of maternal hypoxia on fetal development, particularly in late gestation during maximal fetal growth.

Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to play a role in hypoxia induced impairment of placental development. Here we investigated the role of glucocorticoids and glucose regulation.

This study shows that fetal sex determines placental adaptations to maternal hypoxia: while maternal hypoxia increased maternal glucose and corticosterone levels in both sexes, placental adaptations to impaired maternal physiology were more evident in female fetuses, in which factors responsible for the regulation of glucocorticoids and nutrient transport were most severely affected by maternal hypoxia.

Maternal hypoxia is a common perturbation that can disrupt placental and thus fetal development, contributing to neonatal impairments. Recently, evidence has suggested that physiological outcomes are dependent upon the sex of the fetus, with males more susceptible to hypoxic insults than females. This study investigated the effects of maternal hypoxia during mid‐ to late gestation on fetal growth and placental development and determined if responses were sex specific. CD1 mice were housed under 21% or 12% oxygen from embryonic day (E) 14.5 until tissue collection at E18.5. Fetuses and placentas were weighed before collection for gene and protein expression and morphological analysis. Hypoxia reduced fetal weight in both sexes at E18.5 by 7% but did not affect placental weight. Hypoxia reduced placental mRNA levels of the mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors and reduced the gene and protein expression of the glucocorticoid metabolizing enzyme HSD11B2. However, placentas of female fetuses responded differently to maternal hypoxia than did placentas of male fetuses. Notably, morphology was significantly altered in placentas from hypoxic female fetuses, with a reduction in placental labyrinth blood spaces. In addition mRNA expression of Glut1, Igf2 and Igf1r were reduced in placentas of female fetuses only. In summary, maternal hypoxia altered placental formation in a sex specific manner through mechanisms involving placental vascular development, growth factor and nutrient transporter expression and placental glucocorticoid signalling. This study provides insight into how sex differences in offspring disease development may be due to sex specific placental adaptations to maternal insults.
Stokes Flow Characteristics in a Cylindrical Quadrant Duct With Rotating Outer Wall
Authors: Wang Zongyong , Zhao Jiayu , Wu Jianhua
Published: May 2014

The Stokes flow in a cylindrical quadrant duct with a rotating wall was analytically and numerically studied. Based on mathematics and fluid dynamics theory, the analytical expressions of three velocity components were achieved by solving a Poisson's equation and a biharmonic equation. Especially, a closed-form analytical expression of axial velocity was obtained, which can greatly improve the calculating accuracy and speed in analyzing Stokes flow. The velocity distributions for different Reynolds numbers were investigated numerically to insure the accuracy of the analytical results at low Reynolds numbers and to confirm the error range of the analytic results at higher Reynolds numbers. The conclusion indicates that there exists an infinite sequence of eddies that decrease exponentially in size towards the sectorial vertex. The width of the first eddy region reached 99.4% of the sector radius; the sum of the width of other eddies is only 0.6% of the sector radius, which cannot be easily displayed graphically, while the sequence of eddies contributes to form the chaotic flow. The maximum deviations of the velocity components between the analytical results and simulated ones are all less than 1% when Re < 0.1, which verifies the validity and accuracy of the analytical expressions in the creeping flow regime. The analytical expressions are not only suitable for creeping flow but also for laminar flow with smaller Reynolds number (Re < 50).
Shear Behavior of Bovine Scleral Tissue
Authors: Argento Alan , Kim Wonsuk , Rozsa Frank W. , DeBolt Kori L. , Zikanova Sophia , Richards Julia R.
Published: May 2014

Ocular tissue properties have been widely studied in tension and compression for humans and a variety of animals. However, direct shear testing of the tissues of the sclera appear to be absent from the literature even though modeling, analyses, and anatomical studies have indicated that shear may play a role in the etiology of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). In this work, the mechanical behavior of bovine scleral tissue in shear has been studied in both out-of-plane and in-plane modes of deformation. Stress–strain and relaxation tests were conducted on tissue specimens at controlled temperature and hydration focusing on trends related to specimen location and orientation. There was generally found to be no significant effect of specimen orientation and angular location in the globe on shear stiffness in both modes. The in-plane response, which is the primary load carrying mode, was found to be substantially stiffer than the out-of-plane mode. Also, within the in-plane studies, tissue further from the optic nerve was stiffer than the near tissue. The viscosity coefficient of the tissue varied insignificantly with distance from the optic nerve, but overall was much higher in-plane than out-of-plane.
An Enhanced Graph Representation and Heuristic Tabu Search Approach for Flexible and Efficient 3D Shape Matching
Authors: Sun Yuhang , Chen Liping , Huang Yunbao , Wan Sha
Published: May 2014

3D shape matching is widely used in engineering design for model retrieval, shape similarity assessment or collaborative development. In this paper, an enhanced graph representation and heuristic tabu search based approach is presented to enable flexible and efficient 3D shape matching. The core idea includes (1) generic shape features are recognized from boundary representation (B-rep) of 3D shape as many as possible to incorporate domain design knowledge, (2) an enhanced graph representation of 3D shape is constructed by mixing faces of B-rep and recognized features, to achieve meaningful matching results at low-level of faces or high-level of features satisfying various design intents, and (3) a tabu list of possible improper matches is built to reduce the search space so that the optimal result can be efficiently obtained. Finally, Two examples are demonstrated to show that both two levels of 3D shape matching results can be efficiently obtained for various design intents in the engineering applications, only not more than 18% computation time is required when compared with a typical shape matching method, and it takes only 20 s when the number of matching nodes is more than 460.
Study on In-Flow Fluidelastic Instability of Triangular Tube Arrays Subjected to Air Cross Flow
Authors: Nakamura Tomomichi , Fujita Yoshiaki , Sumitani Takuya
Published: May 2014

The in-flow instability of cylinder arrays corresponds to the in-plane instability of U-bend tubes in steam generators. This rarely occurring phenomenon has recently been observed in a nuclear power plant in the U.S. For this reason, the importance of studying this instability has recently increased. The fluidelastic instability of a cylinder array caused by cross-flow was found to easily occur in air-flow and hardly in water-flow in our previous report. The present report introduces the results of this phenomenon in several patterns of triangular cylinder arrays in air-flow. The pitch spacing between cylinders is one of the parameters, which varies from P/D = 1.2 to 1.5, for a five-by-five cylinder array. The instability is examined both in the in-flow direction and in the transverse direction. The test cylinders are supported with thin plates to move in one direction. The number and the location of the flexibly supported cylinders are the other parameters. Differences between the instability in the in-flow and in the transverse direction are found. Among these differences the most important is the fact that the fluidelastic instability has not been observed for a single flexible cylinder in the in-flow direction, although it is observed in the transverse direction. However, the present preliminary results suggest that the in-flow instability may be estimated with the Connors' type formula as likely as in the transverse direction case.
Structure Analysis of a Low Reynolds Number Turbulent Submerged Jet Interacting With a Free Surface
Authors: Wen Qian , Dong Kim Hyun , Zheng Liu Ying , Chun Kim Kyung
Published: May 2014

In this study, the spatial structures of a submerged turbulent jet interacting with a free surface were investigated experimentally. The jet axis was located at three different depths (H/D = 2, H/D = 4 and H/D = 6) beneath the free surface and the Reynolds number was fixed as 3480. Laser-induced fluorescence technique was used for qualitative visualization and the time-resolved particle image velocimetry technique was used for the quantitative measurements. The dynamics of the flow structures were examined further using the proper orthogonal decomposition analysis technique. The results revealed that the dynamic characteristics of large-scale turbulent motions were significantly different with the submerged depths. In case of H/D = 2, the dominant spatial structures displayed a surface vibration induced reverse flow along the boundary, and its subsequent deflection changed the flow structures in the horizontal center plane. The violent free surface vibration caused an unsteady up-and-down motion of the flow structures and had a “squeeze effect” on the flow structures. In case of H/D = 4, the upwelling motion of some vortices in the jet and their subsequently downward entrainment motion significantly changed the dominant spatial structures both in the vertical and horizontal central planes. When the jet was fully attached to the free surface, the vortical structures underwent a merging and restructuring process due to the vertical confinement of the free surface. In case of H/D = 6, the dominant spatial structures both in the vertical and horizontal central planes showed an approximately symmetric pattern, indicating that the dominant structures were not changed by the free surface. After attached to the free surface, the jet did not undergo a merging and restructuring process as shown in case of H/D = 4.
Improving Erosion Resistance of Hydroturbine Steel Using Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Grewal H. S. , Arora H. S. , Singh H. , Agrawal Anupam , Mukherjee S.
Published: May 2014

In the present work, the slurry erosion behavior of friction stir processed (FSPed) hydroturbine steel (CA6NM) was investigated. For comparison, the erosion performance of unprocessed CA6NM steel was evaluated under similar conditions. Friction stir processing (FSP) is a microstructural refinement tool which is useful in enhancing the bulk and surface properties of materials. An in-depth characterization of both steels was done using an optical microscope (OM), a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) technique, and micro- and nano-indentation techniques. The FSP of the steel helped in reducing the erosion rates by 50% to 60%, depending upon the impingement angle. The improved performance of the FSPed steel in comparison to unprocessed steel was attributed to microstructural refinement, which increased the hardness and yield strength. At an oblique impingement angle, plowing, along with microcutting, was observed to be the dominant erosion mechanism. At a normal impingement angle, the material removal process was controlled by the platelet mechanism of erosion. A modified form of the mathematical model for predicting the erosion rates of the ductile materials, proposed by authors earlier, was also presented. This modified model based upon the theory of plasticity was able to predict the erosion rates with an accuracy of ±20%.
Predictive Control for Manual Plasma Arc Pipe Welding
Authors: Li Xiangrong , Zhang YuMing
Published: May 2014

Plasma arc welding (PAW) has several advantages over traditional gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process. However, due to its sensitivity to welding parameters, this process has not been widely used in industry, especially for manual welding applications where variations in welding parameters are substantial. This paper introduces and implements a model predictive control (MPC) method to adjust welding current in order to compensate the effects from these variations during manual plasma welding operation. A linear model with adequate accuracy has been selected for the design of control system. Closed-loop control experiments verified the effectiveness of developed control system.
Study of the interactions of proteins with a solid surface using complementary acoustic and optical techniques
Authors: Diaconu Gabriela , Schäfer Thomas
Published: May 2014

Membrane water treatment processes suffer severely from (bio)fouling phenomena, defined as an undesired deposition and build-up of adsorbed materials, which alters the membrane performance. The control of membrane (bio)fouling is directly related to first the (bio)foulant agent—membrane surface interactions arising at a much earlier stage during the process. This study aims at real time characterization of interaction between proteins and polymeric membrane surface. The adsorbed organic mass, water content, and the corresponding viscoelastic properties of adsorbed proteins on the polymeric membrane surface were investigated by combining the acoustic quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring technique with the optical surface plasmon resonance technique. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and avidin were used as model protein, and a polysulfone (PSU) was included as reference polymeric membrane. The results showed that both proteins tested were irreversibly adsorbed on the spin-coated polysulfone surface. The “dry” amount of irreversible BSA and avidin adsorbed on the PSU surface was found to be 292 and 380 ng/cm2, respectively, and the corresponding water contents were 50% and 58%. Consequently, BSA adsorption on the PSU surface yielded a thinner, flat, and more compact (rigid) layer while avidin adsorbed in a thicker layer with higher surface mass density, a more diffuse, viscoelastic layer, and in addition, it undergoes larger conformational/orientational changes.