bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the effect of palaeodrainages versus habitat stability on genetic divergence in riverine systems: study of a Neotropical fish of the Brazilian coastal Atlantic Forest
Authors: Thomaz Andréa T. , Malabarba Luiz R. , Bonatto Sandro L. , Knowles L. Lacey
Published: September 2015

Aim

Patterns of genetic variation within freshwater fish populations may reflect the historical impact of climate change on either sea‐level or environmental conditions. Past sea‐level changes enlarged palaeodrainages and so connected currently isolated rivers, whereas changes in environmental conditions reduced forest cover and may have constrained the movement of fish specialized to this habitat. We assayed genetic variation in Hollandichthys multifasciatus, a freshwater fish endemic to the Atlantic Forest of coastal Brazil, to test the relative importance of these factors in shaping current patterns of genetic divergence.

Location

River drainages along the south‐eastern Brazilian coast.

Methods

A GIS was used to reconstruct palaeodrainages during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). Niche modelling was used to infer areas of stability for the southern Atlantic Forest sensu stricto (present and LGM). The contribution of river connections inside or outside areas of stability was evaluated using a calibrated phylogeny, analyses of molecular variance, and Bayesian skyline plots from two mtDNA loci.

Results

Analyses of 182 individuals from 26 populations and 12 palaeodrainages indicated that structure associated with palaeodrainages explains 75% of the genetic variation among populations, with estimated divergence times occurring within the Pleistocene. The variation explained by palaeodrainages and estimated population sizes was unrelated to the ecological stability of the region.

Main conclusions

This study demonstrates the importance of Pleistocene palaeodrainages in structuring genetic divergence patterns. The analyses suggest that past connections due to sea‐level retreat played a significant role in the diversification of the ichthyofauna along the Brazilian coastal drainages. Moreover, the lack of a signature of habitat stability in structuring genetic variation suggests that refugia may be less important in structuring genetic diversity for freshwater species than for terrestrial species. In addition, our work highlights the utility of a GIS‐based approach to recover past connections among coastal basins. Understanding these connections is crucial for studying diversification of riverine organisms and for identifying areas of conservation priority.
Effect of minoxidil topical foam on frontotemporal and vertex androgenetic alopecia in men: a 104‐week open‐label clinical trial
Authors: Kanti V. , Hillmann K. , Kottner J. , Stroux A. , Canfield D. , Blume‐Peytavi U.
Published: September 2015

Background

Topical minoxidil formulations have been shown to be effective in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA) for 12 months. Efficacy and safety in both frontotemporal and vertex regions over longer application periods have not been studied so far.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of 5% minoxidil topical foam (5% MTF) in the frontotemporal and vertex areas in patients with moderate AGA over 104 weeks.

Methods

An 80‐week, open‐label extension phase was performed, following a 24‐week randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study in men with AGA grade IIIvertex to VI. Group 1 (n = 22) received ongoing 5% MTF for 104 weeks, Group 2 (n = 23) received placebo topical foam (plaTF) until week 24, followed by 5% MTF until week 104 during the extension phase. Frontotemporal and vertex target area non‐vellus hair counts (f‐TAHC, v‐TAHC) and cumulative hair width (f‐TAHW, v‐TAHW) were assessed at baseline and at weeks 24, 52, 76 and 104.

Results

In Group 1, f‐TAHW and f‐TAHC showed a statistically significant increase from baseline to week 52 and week 76, respectively, returning to values comparable to baseline at week 104. No significant differences were found between baseline and week 104 in v‐TAHC in Group 1 as well as f‐TAHC, v‐TAHC, f‐TAHW and v‐TAHW values in Group 2.

Conclusions

5% MTF is effective in stabilizing hair density, hair width and scalp coverage in both frontotemporal and vertex areas over an application period of 104 weeks, while showing a good safety and tolerability profile with a low rate of irritant contact dermatitis.
Validation of the Chinese version of the CogState computerised cognitive assessment battery in Taiwanese patients with heart failure
Authors: Chou Cheng‐Chen , Pressler Susan J , Giordani Bruno , Fetzer Susan Jane
Published: September 2015

Aims and objectives

To evaluate the validity of the Chinese version of the CogState battery, a computerised cognitive testing among patients with heart failure in Taiwan.

Background

Cognitive deficits are common in patients with heart failure and a validated Chinese measurement is required for assessing cognitive change for this population. The CogState computerised battery is a measurement of cognitive function and has been validated in many languages, but not Chinese.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A convenience sample consisted of 76 women with heart failure and 64 healthy women in northern Taiwan. Women completed the Chinese version of the CogState battery and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Construct validity of the Chinese version of the battery was evaluated by exploratory factor analysis and known‐group comparisons. Convergent validity of the CogState tasks was examined by Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results

Principal components factor analysis with promax rotation showed two factors reflecting the speed and memory dimensions of the tests. Scores for CogState battery tasks showed significant differences between the heart failure and healthy control group. Examination of convergent validity of the CogState found a significant association with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.

Conclusion

The Chinese CogState Battery has satisfactory construct and convergent validity to measure cognitive deficits in patients with heart failure in Taiwan.

Relevance to clinical practice

The Chinese CogState battery is a valid instrument for detecting cognitive deficits that may be subtle in the early stages, and identifying changes that provide insights into patients’ abilities to implement treatment accurately and consistently. Better interventions tailored to the needs of the cognitive impaired population can be developed.
Commercial and Industrial Demand Response Under Mandatory Time‐of‐Use Electricity Pricing
Authors: Jessoe Katrina , Rapson David
Published: September 2015

This paper is the first to evaluate the impact of a large‐scale field deployment of mandatory time‐of‐use (TOU) pricing on the energy use of commercial and industrial firms. The regulation imposes higher prices during hours when electricity is generally more expensive to produce. We exploit a natural experiment that arises from the rules governing the program to present evidence that TOU pricing induced negligible change in overall usage, peak usage and peak load. As such, economic efficiency was not increased. Bill levels and volatility exhibit minor shifts, suggesting that concerns about increased expenditure and customer risk exposure have been overstated.
Global distribution of fin whalesBalaenoptera physalusin the post‐whaling era (1980–2012)
Authors: Edwards Elizabeth F. , Hall Candice , Moore Thomas J. , Sheredy Corey , Redfern Jessica V.
Published: September 2015

The global distribution of fin whalesBalaenoptera physalusis not fully understood. Existing maps can be divided into two conflicting categories: one showing a continuous global distribution and another showing an equatorial hiatus (gap in the global distribution) between approximately 20°Nand 20°S. Questions also remain about the seasonal distribution of fin whales.

To explore the suggested equatorial hiatus and seasonal distribution patterns, we synthesised information on fin whale distribution in the post‐whaling era (1980–2012) from published literature, publicly available reports and studies conducted by various organisations. We created four seasonally stratified maps showing line‐transect density estimates, line‐transect survey effort, acoustic detections, and sightings.

An equatorial hiatus in the global distribution of fin whales during the post‐whaling era is supported by numerous line‐transect surveys and by the rarity of equatorial acoustic detections and sightings, and corroborated by whaling era reports, morphological analyses, and genetic analyses.

Our synthesis of post‐whaling era data is consistent with results from other studies indicating that fin whales are more abundant at higher latitudes during warmer months and more abundant at lower latitudes (although these latitudes are still greater than 20°) during colder months. However, our synthesis and results from other studies also indicate that some fin whales in both hemispheres remain in higher latitudes (50°–60° north or south) during colder months and in lower latitudes (to approximately 20°–30° north or south) during warmer months, indicating that seasonal fin whale movements differ from the seasonal migrations of blue whalesBalaenoptera musculusand humpback whalesMegaptera novaeangliae.

Our maps of global fin whale distribution provide a comprehensive picture of current knowledge and highlight important geographical and temporal data gaps. Surveys should be conducted within the identified data gaps in order to increase fine‐scale spatial and temporal knowledge of distribution patterns, improve fin whale taxonomy, and identify areas of elevated fin whale densities that may require management of threats, such as ship strikes.
RESISTING CLOSURE: THE PASSACAGLIA FINALE FROM GYÖRGY LIGETI'S LE GRAND MACABRE
Authors: EDWARDS PETER
Published: September 2015

The Passacaglia finale from György Ligeti's Le Grand Macabre (1974–7, rev. 1996) has been described as a point of stylistic crisis, marking Ligeti's return to more traditional compositional means. Consonances and tonal allusions in the music are regarded as indicative of this retrospective tendency. However, notions of functional hierarchy or even pitch centres do little to explicate the underlying processes that contribute to the sense of perpetual unfurling in the Passacaglia. Contained within the resistance to tonal teleology is a process of differentiation in the pitch material. In this respect, the Passacaglia might be considered a further development in Ligeti's continuing effort to inject process into musical material, albeit with increasing levels of intervallic transparency. I further substantiate this argument by situating the analytical findings in this article in a historical context.
Augustine as Improvisational Theologian: The Musical Nature of Augustine's Thought
Authors: Crawford Nathan
Published: September 2015

In this article, I explore the nature of Augustine's theological thinking. My thesis is that Augustine is an “improvisational theologian,” meaning his theology begins from the place that an improvisational musician's thinking does: attunement. In order to prove this thesis, I have three sections. The first is an analysis of the type of thinking that takes place in improvisational music, showing how it is predicated upon an idea of attunement. Second, I explore the improvisational nature of Augustine's thought by seeing how attunement is also at work in his thinking. In order to do this, I show how he develops a musical worldview in De Musica and how this guides his subsequent thinking in De Doctrina Christiana and Confessions. I conclude by briefly pointing to different contemporary theological issues that this reading of Augustine can enrich.
In vitro and non‐invasive in vivo effects of the cannabinoid‐1 receptor agonist AM841 on gastrointestinal motor function in the rat
Authors: Abalo R. , Chen C. , Vera G. , Fichna J. , Thakur G. A. , López‐Pérez A. E. , Makriyannis A. , Martín‐Fontelles M. I. , Storr M.
Published: September 2015

Background

Cannabinoids have been traditionally used for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, but the associated central effects, through cannabinoid‐1 receptors (CB1R), constitute an important drawback. Our aims were to characterize the effects of the recently developed highly potent long‐acting megagonist AM841 on GI motor function and to determine its central effects in rats.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were used for in vitro and in vivo studies. The effect of AM841 was tested on electrically induced twitch contractions of GI preparations (in vitro) and on GI motility measured radiographically after contrast administration (in vivo). Central effects of AM841 were evaluated using the cannabinoid tetrad. The non‐selective cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212‐2 (WIN) was used for comparison. The CB1R (AM251) and CB2R (AM630) antagonists were used to characterize cannabinoid receptor‐mediated effects of AM841.

Key Results

AM841 dose‐dependently reduced in vitro contractile activity of rat GI preparations via CB1R, but not CB2R or opioid receptors. In vivo, AM841 acutely and potently reduced gastric emptying and intestinal transit in a dose‐dependent and AM251‐sensitive manner. The in vivo GI effects of AM841 at 0.1 mg/kg were comparable to those induced by WIN at 5 mg/kg. However, at this dose, AM841 did not induce any sign of the cannabinoid tetrad, whereas WIN induced significant central effects.

Conclusions & Inferences

The CB1R megagonist AM841 may potently depress GI motor function in the absence of central effects. This effect may be mediated peripherally and may be useful in the treatment of GI motility disorders.
Effect of neostigmine on gastroduodenal motility in patients with suspected gastrointestinal motility disorders
Authors: Parthasarathy G. , Ravi K. , Camilleri M. , Andrews C. , Szarka L. A. , Low P. A. , Zinsmeister A. R. , Bharucha A. E.
Published: September 2015

Background

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (ACIs), e.g., neostigmine, are known to increase upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) motility and are used to treat acute colonic pseudoobstruction. However, their effects on gastroduodenal motility in humans are poorly understood. Our hypotheses were that, in patients with suspected GI motility disorders, neostigmine increases gastric and small intestinal motor activity, and these effects are greater in patients with cardiovagal neuropathy, reflecting denervation sensitivity.

Methods

In this open label study, the effects of neostigmine (1 mg intravenously) on gastroduodenal motor activity recorded with manometry were assessed in 28 patients with a suspected GI motility disorder. Cardiovagal function was assessed with the heart rate response to deep breathing and GI transit by scintigraphy.

Key Results

The final diagnoses were gastroparesis (6 patients), gastroparesis with intestinal neuropathy (3 patients), intestinal neuropathy or pseudoobstruction (5 patients), functional dyspepsia (6 patients), chronic abdominal pain (3 patients), mechanical small intestinal obstruction (3 patients), and pelvic floor dysfunction (2 patients). Neostigmine increased both antral and intestinal phasic pressure activity (p < 0.001). Neostigmine increased antral and intestinal pressure activity in 81% and 50% of patients with reduced postprandial antral and intestinal contractile responses to meal, respectively. The antroduodenal pressure response to neostigmine was not higher in patients with cardiovagal dysfunction.

Conclusions & Inferences

Neostigmine increased antral and intestinal motor activity in patients with hypomotility, including intestinal dysmotility. These responses to neostigmine were not greater in patients with cardiovagal dysfunction. The use of longer‐acting ACIs for treating antroduodenal dysmotility warrant further study.
Risk factors for myopia in a discordant monozygotic twin study
Authors: Ramessur Rishi , Williams Katie M. , Hammond Christopher J.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

Monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs discordant for disease allow careful examination of environmental factors whilst controlling for genetic variation. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in environmental risk factors in MZ twins discordant for myopia.

Methods

Sixty four MZ twin pairs discordant for refractive error were interviewed. Discordant twins were selected from 1326 MZ twin pairs from the TwinsUK adult twin registry with non‐cycloplegic autorefraction. Discordancy was defined as ≥2 Dioptres (D) difference in spherical equivalent (SphE) and discordant for class of refractive error.

In a 35‐item telephone questionnaire twins were separately asked (and scored) about the risk factors urban/rural residence, occupational status and highest educational level. They responded with more (1), less (−1) or the same (0) as their twin on time spent outside, playing outdoor sport, and on close work aged <16 and 16–25 years. The lower SphE twin's score was subtracted from the higher SphE twin's score, and mean values of the difference calculated for each variable.

Results

Sixty four twin pairs were included (mean age 56, range 30–79 years; mean difference in refraction 3.35 D, S.D. 1.55 D, median difference 2.78 D). Within discordant MZ twin pairs, the more myopic twin was associated with having a higher occupational status (mean score between 16 and 25 years −0.11; 95% CI −0.19 to −0.04; mean score aged >25 years −0.23, 95% CI −0.28 to −0.17), being resident in urban area (mean score −0.26; 95% CI −0.33 to −0.18) and performing more close work (mean score <16 years −0.11; 95% CI −0.18 to −0.05; mean score aged 16–25 years −0.17, 95% CI −0.24 to −0.10) than their twin. The twins who spent more time outdoors (mean score <16 years 0.09; 95% CI 0.03–0.15; mean score aged 16–25 years 0.28, 95% CI 0.15–0.41) or performed more outdoors sports (mean score <16 years 0.13; 95% CI 0.04–0.21; mean score aged 16–25 years 0.23, 95% CI 0.10–0.36) were less likely to be myopic than their twin.

Conclusions

This study has confirmed known environmental risk factors for myopia. These data will allow selection of discordant twins for epigenetic analysis to advance knowledge of mechanisms of refractive error development.
Bottom‐Up Costing Within Medium Term Expenditure Frameworks: A Survey of Practices in Selected OECD Countries
Authors: Di Francesco Michael , Barroso Rafael
Published: September 2015

The public financial management literature stresses the importance of bottom‐up costing of budget programs within a medium term expenditure framework (MTEF), however, comparatively little attention is paid to its practical implementation. This paper helps close this gap by surveying MTEF costing practices in four countries: Australia, Austria, Canada, and the Netherlands. The research utilizes questionnaire responses and interview data from national finance ministries, as well as review of government policy documents. The paper finds that current program costing practices fall short of the declared objectives of MTEFs, and the focus of costing and cost information remains incremental budget decision processes.
Commercial‐scale biotherapeutics manufacturing facility for plant‐made pharmaceuticals
Authors: Holtz Barry R. , Berquist Brian R. , Bennett Lindsay D. , Kommineni Vally J.M. , Munigunti Ranjith K. , White Earl L. , Wilkerson Don C. , Wong Kah‐Yat I. , Ly Lan H. , Marcel Sylvain
Published: September 2015

Rapid, large‐scale manufacture of medical countermeasures can be uniquely met by the plant‐made‐pharmaceutical platform technology. As a participant in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Blue Angel project, the Caliber Biotherapeutics facility was designed, constructed, commissioned and released a therapeutic target (H1N1 influenza subunit vaccine) in <18 months from groundbreaking. As of 2015, this facility was one of the world's largest plant‐based manufacturing facilities, with the capacity to process over 3500 kg of plant biomass per week in an automated multilevel growing environment using proprietary LED lighting. The facility can commission additional plant grow rooms that are already built to double this capacity. In addition to the commercial‐scale manufacturing facility, a pilot production facility was designed based on the large‐scale manufacturing specifications as a way to integrate product development and technology transfer. The primary research, development and manufacturing system employs vacuum‐infiltrated Nicotiana benthamiana plants grown in a fully contained, hydroponic system for transient expression of recombinant proteins. This expression platform has been linked to a downstream process system, analytical characterization, and assessment of biological activity. This integrated approach has demonstrated rapid, high‐quality production of therapeutic monoclonal antibody targets, including a panel of rituximab biosimilar/biobetter molecules and antiviral antibodies against influenza and dengue fever.
Effects of heat and drought stress on post‐illumination bursts of volatile organic compounds in isoprene‐emitting and non‐emitting poplar
Authors: Jud Werner , Vanzo Elisa , Li Ziru , Ghirardo Andrea , Zimmer Ina , Sharkey Thomas D. , Hansel Armin , Schnitzler Jörg‐Peter
Published: September 2015

Over the last decades, post‐illumination bursts (PIBs) of isoprene, acetaldehyde and green leaf volatiles (GLVs) following rapid light‐to‐dark transitions have been reported for a variety of different plant species. However, the mechanisms triggering their release still remain unclear. Here we measured PIBs of isoprene‐emitting (IE) and isoprene non‐emitting (NE) grey poplar plants grown under different climate scenarios (ambient control and three scenarios with elevated CO2 concentrations: elevated control, periodic heat and temperature stress, chronic heat and temperature stress, followed by recovery periods). PIBs of isoprene were unaffected by elevated CO2 and heat and drought stress in IE, while they were absent in NE plants. On the other hand, PIBs of acetaldehyde and also GLVs were strongly reduced in stress‐affected plants of all genotypes. After recovery from stress, distinct differences in PIB emissions in both genotypes confirmed different precursor pools for acetaldehyde and GLV emissions. Changes in PIBs of GLVs, almost absent in stressed plants and enhanced after recovery, could be mainly attributed to changes in lipoxygenase activity. Our results indicate that acetaldehyde PIBs, which recovered only partly, derive from a new mechanism in which acetaldehyde is produced from methylerythritol phosphate pathway intermediates, driven by deoxyxylulose phosphate synthase activity.
Evaluation of oxidative metabolism and oxidative DNA damage in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Alici Demet , Bulbul Feridun , Virit Osman , Unal Ahmet , Altindag Abdurrahman , Alpak Gokay , Alici Hayri , Ermis Berna , Orkmez Mustafa , Taysi Seyithan , Savas Haluk
Published: September 2015

Aims

There are limited published data about the role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). In addition, oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage have not been investigated together in OCD. In this study, we aimed to evaluate oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage in patients with OCD.

Methods

Forty‐two patients with OCD who were diagnosed in the Psychiatry Clinic of Gaziantep University and 38 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Serum 8‐hydroxideoxiguanosine (8‐OHdG), total antioxidant status, total oxidant status evaluation and oxidative stress index calculation were conducted in Gaziantep University Biochemical Laboratory.

Results

There were no significant differences in the total antioxidant status, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index levels between the patients and control group. However, 8‐OHdG levels were significantly higher in OCD patients than controls (P = 0.022). In addition, 8‐OHdG levels were significantly lower in patients who took treatment than in patients who were newly diagnosed (P = 0.016).

Conclusions

In our study, we found that oxidative DNA damage increased in OCD patients even though oxidative stress was normal. In addition, DNA damage was lower in patients who were treated compared to those without treatment.
Dengue Disease Risk Mental Models in the City of Dhaka, Bangladesh: Juxtapositions and Gaps Between the Public and Experts
Authors: Dhar‐Chowdhury Parnali , Haque C. Emdad , Driedger S. Michelle
Published: September 2015

Worldwide, more than 50 million cases of dengue fever are reported every year in at least 124 countries, and it is estimated that approximately 2.5 billion people are at risk for dengue infection. In Bangladesh, the recurrence of dengue has become a growing public health threat. Notably, knowledge and perceptions of dengue disease risk, particularly among the public, are not well understood. Recognizing the importance of assessing risk perception, we adopted a comparative approach to examine a generic methodology to assess diverse sets of beliefs related to dengue disease risk. Our study mapped existing knowledge structures regarding the risk associated with dengue virus, its vector (Aedes mosquitoes), water container use, and human activities in the city of Dhaka, Bangladesh. “Public mental models” were developed from interviews and focus group discussions with diverse community groups; “expert mental models” were formulated based on open‐ended discussions with experts in the pertinent fields. A comparative assessment of the public's and experts’ knowledge and perception of dengue disease risk has revealed significant gaps in the perception of: (a) disease risk indicators and measurements; (b) disease severity; (c) control of disease spread; and (d) the institutions responsible for intervention. This assessment further identifies misconceptions in public perception regarding: (a) causes of dengue disease; (b) dengue disease symptoms; (c) dengue disease severity; (d) dengue vector ecology; and (e) dengue disease transmission. Based on these results, recommendations are put forward for improving communication of dengue risk and practicing local community engagement and knowledge enhancement in Bangladesh.
The Framing of Public Knowledge Controversies in the Media: A Comparative Analysis of the Portrayal of Badger Vaccination in the English National, Regional and Farming Press
Authors: Naylor Rhiannon , Manley Will , Maye Damian , Enticott Gareth , Ilbery Brian , Hamilton‐Webb Alice
Published: September 2015

Science has a powerful role in society. It can fuel innovation, shape policy and influence public opinion. However, science can also be highly controversial and subject to substantial disagreement and debate. Such debates are often evident in the media which regularly reports on areas of disagreement and debate. This article draws on the case‐study of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), which has become a highly politicised issue in recent years, to explore media representation of public knowledge controversies. The disease has received substantial policy and media attention, particularly in relation to badgers and their role in its spread. This article focuses on the ways in which the various debates associated with bTB and its control are presented in the press, with a specific emphasis on badger vaccination. An in‐depth discourse analysis compares regional, national and farming press, and identifies a number of complex dualisms against which the debate is framed. These dualisms help to explain the unclear policy direction and constant divisions between those who do and do not support badger vaccination, and the continued status of bTB control as a public knowledge controversy.
Forms of Food Transition: Sociocultural Factors Limiting the Diets' Animalisation in France and India
Authors: Fourat Estelle , Lepiller Olivier
Published: September 2015

Animal‐source food consumption is considered a key element in studying and characterising shifts in food diets. But it is most often studied from the macro‐nutritional and macro‐economic perspectives of the ‘nutrition transition’ model. This article advocates the need for a socio‐anthropological examination of the animal‐source food consumption, involved in the transition phenomena. Based on a review of the literature on two different cases (India and France) our study sheds light on social and cultural factors of ‘de‐animalisation’ processes, and advocates an alternative approach to transitions in food. This has led us to examine different forms of animal‐source food consumption and their evolutions at smaller social scales, taking into account sociocultural factors such as the symbolic dimensions of food, the eaters' viewpoints, the processes of sociocultural differentiation, the sociocultural identities, the contexts of choice and consumption or the role of critical reflexivity in the evolution of diets, particularly in the phenomena of ‘de‐animalisation’. Finally, this article raises a number of further questions for researchers interested in the issue of diet transition process.
Human T‐lymphotropic virus and transfusion safety: does one size fit all?
Authors: Marano Giuseppe , Vaglio Stefania , Pupella Simonetta , Facco Giuseppina , Catalano Liviana , Piccinini Vanessa , Liumbruno Giancarlo Maria , Grazzini Giuliano
Published: September 2015

Human T‐cell leukemia viruses (HTLV‐1 and HTLV‐2) are associated with a variety of human diseases, including some severe ones. Transfusion transmission of HTLV through cellular blood components is undeniable. HTLV screening of blood donations became mandatory in different countries to improve the safety of blood supplies. In Japan and Europe, most HTLV‐infected donors are HTLV‐1 positive, whereas in the United States a higher prevalence of HTLV‐2 is reported. Many industrialized countries have also introduced universal leukoreduction of blood components, and pathogen inactivation technologies might be another effective preventive strategy, especially if and when generalized to all blood cellular products. Considering all measures available to minimize HTLV blood transmission, the question is what would be the most suitable and cost‐effective strategy to ensure a high level of blood safety regarding these viruses, considering that there is no solution that can be deemed optimal for all countries.
Use of intravenous insulin aspart for treatment of naturally occurring diabetic ketoacidosis in dogs
Authors: Walsh Eric S. , Drobatz Kenneth J. , Hess Rebecka S.
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To characterize the utility and safety of IV insulin aspart in the treatment of diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) in dogs and to determine the times to resolution of hyperglycemia, ketonemia, and acidemia in dogs treated with IV insulin aspart.

Design

Prospective noncontrolled single arm study of dogs with DKA between February 2010 and March 2011.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Six dogs with spontaneous DKA and blood glucose (BG) concentration >13.8 mmol/L (250 mg/dL), pH between 7.0 and 7.35, and blood beta‐hydroxybutyrate >2.0 mmol/L were treated with an IV continuous rate infusion (CRI) of aspart insulin. The time to biochemical resolution of DKA was defined as the time interval from when the IV CRI of aspart insulin began until marked hyperglycemia (BG concentration >13.8 mmol/L [250 mg/dL]), acidemia (venous pH <7.35), and ketonemia (beta‐hydroxybutyrate concentration >2.0 mmol/L) resolved. Aspart insulin was administered as an IV CRI at an initial dose of 0.09 U/kg/h. The dose was adjusted according to a previously published protocol.

Measurements and Main Results

The median time to biochemical resolution of DKA in dogs treated with insulin aspart was 28 hours (range, 20–116 h). Mean BG concentration decreased significantly from the time IV fluid resuscitation began (32.0 mmol/L [576 mg/dL]; range, 14.9–38.9 mmol/L [268–700 mg/dL]) until 6 hours later when IV aspart insulin CRI began (20.1 mmol/L [363 mg/dL]; range, 9.4–26.1 mmol/L [169–470 mg/dL],P= 0.03). No adverse effects were observed in association with IV insulin aspart administration. Median cost of hospitalization was US$3,477 (range, US$1,483–10,469). Median total units per kilogram of administered IV insulin aspart was 2.97 U/kg (range, 2.04–10.52 U/kg).

Conclusions

Intravenous CRI of insulin aspart is a safe and effective treatment for DKA in dogs. IV fluid resuscitation is recommended prior to insulin administration.
Online Prediction of Temperature and Stress in Steam Turbine Components Using Neural Networks
Authors: Dominiczak Krzysztof , Rządkowski Romuald , Radulski Wojciech , Szczepanik Ryszard
Published: September 2015

Considered here are nonlinear autoregressive neural networks (NETs) with exogenous inputs (NARX) as a mathematical model of a steam turbine rotor used for the online prediction of turbine temperature and stress. In this paper, the online prediction is presented on the basis of one critical location in a high-pressure (HP) steam turbine rotor. In order to obtain NETs that will correspond to the temperature and stress the critical rotor location, a finite element (FE) rotor model was built. NETs trained using the FE rotor model not only have FEM accuracy but also include all nonlinearities considered in an FE model. Simultaneous NETs are algorithms which can be implemented in turbine controllers. This allows for the application of the NETs to control steam turbine stress in industrial power plants.
Rotational spectra of N2+: An advanced undergraduate laboratory in atomic and molecular spectroscopy
Authors: Bayram S. B. , Arndt P. T. , Freamat M. V.
Published: September 2015

We describe an inexpensive instructional experiment that demonstrates the rotational energy levels of diatomic nitrogen, using the emission band spectrum of molecular nitrogen ionized by various processes in a commercial ac capillary discharge tube. The simple setup and analytical procedure is introduced as part of a sequence of educational experiments employed by a course of advanced atomic and molecular spectroscopy, where the study of rotational spectra is combined with the analysis of vibrational characteristics for a multifaceted picture of the quantum states of diatomic molecules.
Using artistic drawings to create physics problems
Authors: Planinšič Gorazd
Published: September 2015

Drawings, figures, and sketches are common companions of traditional physics problems. Usually, teachers use them as supplements to the text of the problem. If the text can be understood without a sketch or a drawing, many teachers would see no reason to add it. On the other hand, some teachers like to use drawings (or photos) even when this is not necessary, mostly to make handouts more attractive for the students. But drawings (cartoons, art, photos) can play a more active, or proactive (or even provocative), role in physics problems. Here we present some new suggestions of how to use drawings (cartoons, art, etc.) in physics problems. The nontraditional problems in this paper use the new types of problems introduced in a recently published textbook.
Seasonal Analysis of Mucosal Immunological Function and Physical Demands in Professional Australian Rules Footballers
Authors: Coad Sam , Gray Bon , McLellan Christopher
Published: September 2015

Purpose:

To assess match-to-match variations in salivary immunoglobulin A concentration ([s-IgA]) measured at 36 h postmatch throughout an Australian Football League (AFL) premiership season and to assess the trends between 36-h-postmatch [s-IgA] and match-play exercise workloads throughout the same season.

Methods:

Eighteen elite male AFL athletes (24 ± 4.2 y, 187.0 ± 7.1 cm, 87.0 ± 7.6 kg) were monitored on a weekly basis to determine total match-play exercise workloads and 36-h-postmatch [s-IgA] throughout 16 consecutive matches in an AFL premiership season. Global positioning systems (GPS) with integrated triaxial accelerometers were used to measure exercise workloads (PlayerLoad) during each AFL match. A linear mixed-model analyses was conducted for time-dependent changes in [s-IgA] and player load.

Results:

A significant main effect was found for longitudinal postmatch [s-IgA] data (F16,240 = 3.78, P < .01) and PlayerLoad data (F16,66 = 1.98, P = .03). For all matches after and including match 7, a substantial suppression trend in [s-IgA] 36-h-postmatch values was found compared with preseason baseline [s-IgA].

Conclusion:

The current study provides novel data regarding longitudinal trends in 36-h-postmatch [s-IgA] for AFL athletes. Results demonstrate that weekly in-season AFL match-play exercise workloads may result in delayed mucosal immunological recovery beyond 36 h postmatch. The inclusion of individual athlete-monitoring strategies of [s-IgA] may be advantageous in the detection of compromised postmatch mucosal immunological function for AFL athletes.
“If You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say, Then Don’t Say Anything At All”: Positive Appearance-related Commentary and Physical Activity
Authors: Cline Lindsay , Gammage Kimberley L.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Despite the well-documented benefits of physical activity, North Americans remain insufficiently inactive. Consequently, determining what motivates individuals to engage in physical activity becomes increasingly important. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the frequency of negative appearance-related commentary and positive appearance-related commentary could predict physical activity behavior.

Methods:

Participants were young adult women (N = 192) who completed a series of questionnaires to assess the frequency of appearance-related commentary they received and their physical activity behavior.

Results:

A hierarchical regression analysis indicated the overall regression was significant, F (4,187) = 4.73, P < .001, R2adj = .07, ΔR2 = .07), with positive weight/shape appearance-related commentary (β = 470.27, P < .001) significantly predicting physical activity behavior, while controlling for body mass index.

Conclusions:

Providing positive reinforcement via positive weight/shape compliments may be beneficial to motivate physical activity participation.
Reduced Transplacental Transfer of a Subset of Epstein-Barr Virus-Specific Antibodies to Neonates of Mothers Infected with Plasmodium falciparum Malaria during Pregnancy
Authors: Ogolla Sidney , Daud Ibrahim I. , Asito Amolo S. , Sumba Odada P. , Ouma Collins , Vulule John , Middeldorp Jaap M. , Dent Arlene E. , Mehta Saurabh , Rochford Rosemary
Published: September 2015

Over 35% of children in a region of malaria endemicity are infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) by 6 months of age. This susceptibility may be linked to impaired transplacental transfer of antibodies. In this study, we determined the effect of malaria exposure during pregnancy on the transfer of EBV-specific maternal antibodies in a region of western Kenya that experiences endemic malaria. Pregnant mothers were recruited and followed up until delivery to determine levels of neonatal malaria exposure. Levels of EBV lytic (viral capsid antigen [VCA], Z transcriptional activator [Zta], and early diffuse antigen complex [EAd]) and EBV latent (EBV nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1]) and tetanus-specific IgG antibodies were measured in 70 paired maternal and cord blood samples using a Luminex-bead-based assay. A high proportion (63%) of the infants were exposed to malariain utero. Levels of EBV- and tetanus-specific antibodies were similar in malaria-infected mothers and in mothers who had no detectable malaria infection. Malaria-exposed neonates had significantly lower levels of anti-EBNA1, anti-Zta, and anti-EAd antibodies than were seen in their mothers.In uteromalaria exposure resulted in significant reductions in transplacental transfer of anti-VCA-p18 and anti-EBNA1 antibodies of 13% and 22%, respectively. Neonates received significantly low levels of anti-Zta and anti-EAd antibodies irrespective of malaria exposure levels. In multivariate analysis,in uteromalaria exposure was associated with a significant reduction in the transfer of anti-VCA-p18 and anti-EBNA1 antibodies to the neonates (P= 0.0234 andP= 0.0017, respectively). Malaria during pregnancy results in differential levels of transfer of EBV-specific antibodies from the mother to the fetus. The impaired transplacental transfer of some antibodies may lead to the malaria-exposed neonates being susceptible to early EBV infection.
Proteins Selected in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis by an Immunoproteomic Approach with Potential Serodiagnosis Applications for Tegumentary Leishmaniasis
Authors: Duarte Mariana C. , Pimenta Daniel C. , Menezes-Souza Daniel , Magalhães Rubens D. M. , Diniz João L. C. P. , Costa Lourena E. , Chávez-Fumagalli Miguel A. , Lage Paula S. , Bartholomeu Daniela C. , Alves Maria Julia M. , Fernandes Ana Paula , Soto Manuel , Tavares Carlos A. P. , Gonçalves Denise U. , Rocha Manoel O. C. , Coelho Eduardo A. F.
Published: September 2015

The serodiagnosis of human tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) presents some problems, such as the low level of antileishmanial antibodies found in most of the patients, as well as the cross-reactivity in subjects infected by other trypanosomatids. In the present study, an immunoproteomic approach was performed aimed at identification of antigens in total extracts of stationary-phase promastigote and amastigote-like forms ofLeishmania(Viannia)braziliensisusing sera from TL patients. With the purpose of reducing the cross-reactivity of the identified proteins, spots recognized by sera from TL patients, as well as those recognized by antibodies present in sera from noninfected patients living in areas where TL is endemic and sera from Chagas disease patients, were discarded. TwoLeishmaniahypothetical proteins and 18 proteins with known functions were identified as antigenic. The study was extended with some of them to validate the results of the immunoscreening. The coding regions of five of the characterized antigens (enolase, tryparedoxin peroxidase, eukaryotic initiation factor 5a, β-tubulin, and one of the hypothetical proteins) were cloned in a prokaryotic expression vector, and the corresponding recombinant proteins were purified and evaluated for the serodiagnosis of TL. The antigens presented sensitivity and specificity values ranging from 95.4 to 100% and 82.5 to 100%, respectively. As a comparative antigen, a preparation ofLeishmaniaextract showed sensitivity and specificity values of 65.1 and 57.5%, respectively. The present study has enabled the identification of proteins able to be employed for the serodiagnosis of TL.
Improved Detection by Next-Generation Sequencing of Pyrazinamide Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates
Authors: Maningi Nontuthuko E. , Daum Luke T. , Rodriguez John D. , Mphahlele Matsie , Peters Remco P. H. , Fischer Gerald W. , Chambers James P. , Fourie P. Bernard
Published: September 2015

The technical limitations of common tests used for detecting pyrazinamide (PZA) resistance in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
isolates pose challenges for comprehensive and accurate descriptions of drug resistance in patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). In this study, a 606-bp fragment (comprising the
pncA
coding region plus the promoter) was sequenced using Ion Torrent next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect associated PZA resistance mutations in 88 recultured MDR-TB isolates from an archived series collected in 2001. These 88 isolates were previously Sanger sequenced, with 55 (61%) designated as carrying the wild-type
pncA
gene and 33 (37%) showing mutations. PZA susceptibility of the isolates was also determined using the Bactec 460 TB system and the Wayne test. In this study, isolates were recultured and susceptibility testing was performed in Bactec 960 MGIT. Concordance between NGS and MGIT results was 93% (
n
= 88), and concordance values between the Bactec 460, the Wayne test, or
pncA
gene Sanger sequencing and NGS results were 82% (
n
= 88), 83% (
n
= 88), and 89% (
n
= 88), respectively. NGS confirmed the majority of
pncA
mutations detected by Sanger sequencing but revealed several new and mixed-strain mutations that resolved discordancy in other phenotypic results. Importantly, in 53% (18/34) of these isolates,
pncA
mutations were located in the 151 to 360 region and warrant further exploration. In these isolates, with their known resistance to rifampin, NGS of
pncA
improved PZA resistance detection sensitivity to 97% and specificity to 94% using NGS as the gold standard and helped to resolve discordant results from conventional methodologies.
FilmArray Respiratory Panel Assay: Comparison of Nasopharyngeal Swabs and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Samples
Authors: Azadeh Natalya , Sakata Kenneth K. , Brighton Anjuli M. , Vikram Holenarasipur R. , Grys Thomas E.
Published: September 2015

The FilmArray respiratory panel (FARP) reliably and rapidly identifies 17 viruses and 3 bacterial pathogens. A nasopharyngeal swab FARP (NP FARP) is performed for many patients with respiratory symptoms. For patients who are acutely ill or immunocompromised or fail to improve, a bronchoalveolar lavage sample FARP (BAL FARP) is performed in addition to the NP FARP. To date, no studies have compared the yield of a BAL FARP with that of an NP FARP. We retrospectively studied all patients who had a BAL FARP within 7 days after an NP FARP between June 2013 and May 2014. Demographic information, comorbidities, FARP results, and all microbiologic data from BAL fluid were collected. Eighty-six patients had a BAL FARP performed within 7 days (mean, 1.6; median, 1) after an NP FARP. Of these, 66 (77%) had concordant BAL and NP FARP results: 15 (23%) had the same pathogen identified from the NP and BAL FARPs, and 51 (77%) had concordant negative FARP results. In 18 of the 86 patients (21%), a pathogen was detected from the NP FARP; of these, 15 (83%) had a concordant match on a subsequent BAL FARP, and the remaining 3 had negative BAL FARPs. In 17 of the 86 patients (20%), pathogens were identified from the BAL FARPs that were not detected by the NP FARPs; of these, 16 (94%) had initial negative NP FARPs. The data suggest that once a pathogen is identified by an NP FARP, a subsequent BAL FARP is unlikely to add new microbiologic information. However, a BAL FARP may provide new, useful microbiologic information when performed within 7 days after a negative NP FARP.
Determination of Disk Diffusion and MIC Quality Control Guidelines for Solithromycin, a Novel Fluoroketolide Antibacterial, against Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Riedel Stefan , Ross James E. , Farrell David J. , Flamm Robert K. , Jones Ronald N.
Published: September 2015

This solithromycin quality control study was performed to establish quality control (QC) ranges for the
N. gonorrhoeae
ATCC 49226 control strain for MIC agar dilution testing (AD) and zones by disk diffusion testing (DD). The following ranges were established: AD, 0.03 to 0.25 μg/ml, and DD, 33 to 43 mm. In January 2015, the CLSI Subcommittee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing approved these ranges, which will be important when evaluating solithromycin against clinical isolates of
N. gonorrhoeae
.