bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In liminal tension towards giving birth
Authors: Szakolczai Arpad
Published: March 2013

The discussion on the nature of eros (love as sexual desire) in Plato’s Symposium offers us special insights concerning the potential role played by love in social and political life. While about eros, the dialogue also claims to offer a true image of Socrates, generating a complex puzzle. This article offers a solution to this puzzle by reconstructing and interpreting Plato’s theatrical presentation of his argument, making use of the structure of the plays of Aristophanes, a protagonist in the dialogue. The new image of Socrates, it is argued, signals Plato’s move beyond the way he envisioned so far his master, best visible in his introducing Diotima, a prophetess who takes over the role of guide from Socrates; and by his presenting the truth about Socrates through Alcibiades, cast into the role of a boastful intruder, a central figure in Aristophanes’ comedies. Eros and Socrates are both ‘in-between’ or liminal figures, indicating that Socrates is still entrapped in the crisis of Athenian democracy. The way out, according to the new philosophy of Plato, lies in redirecting eros from the hunting of beautiful objects that are to be possessed, to elevating the soul to the essence of beauty as a primary means for further generating beauty, in particular through engendering and educating children, thus reasserting a harmonious coexistence with the order of the cosmos.
Eros and ironic intoxication
Authors: Bonner Kieran
Published: March 2013

The Symposium addresses the relation between desire, beauty and the good life, while indicating the fascination that strong teaching arouses in followers. For Plato, unlike for moderns, power, desire and ethics are interrelated. This article takes Socrates as a case study for the Platonic understanding of this interrelation and it will put into play the grounds involved in their modern separation. It focuses on the three speakers in the dialogue who were followers of Socrates as a way of addressing the role of desire in the teacher–student relation. The article demonstrates how the radical interpretive method brings to life the challenges a strong engagement with Eros risks, especially those related to Socrates’ strong and influential teaching, while addressing and exemplifying theorizing’s need for ironic intoxication.
Lester Ward and Patrick Geddes in early American and British sociology
Authors: Lybeck Eric Royal
Published: March 2013

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, sociology was becoming established as a discipline in the United States and Great Britain. This article looks closely at the lives and work of two prominent sociologists at this time, Patrick Geddes and Lester F. Ward. As sociology was becoming established in academic departments, neither Ward’s nor Geddes’ thought managed to survive intact. A number of factors played into this process, especially the overall broadness of their perspectives, as well as the incompatibility of several of their key concerns, including gender, religion, race and education, with the eventual trajectory of the sociology and the scholars who were involved in consolidating the discipline as such.
NASA Faked the Moon Landing—Therefore, (Climate) Science Is a Hoax
Authors: Lewandowsky Stephan , Oberauer Klaus , Gignac Gilles E.
Published: March 2013

Although nearly all domain experts agree that carbon dioxide emissions are altering the world’s climate, segments of the public remain unconvinced by the scientific evidence. Internet blogs have become a platform for denial of climate change, and bloggers have taken a prominent role in questioning climate science. We report a survey of climate-blog visitors to identify the variables underlying acceptance and rejection of climate science. Our findings parallel those of previous work and show that endorsement of free-market economics predicted rejection of climate science. Endorsement of free markets also predicted the rejection of other established scientific findings, such as the facts that HIV causes AIDS and that smoking causes lung cancer. We additionally show that, above and beyond endorsement of free markets, endorsement of a cluster of conspiracy theories (e.g., that the Federal Bureau of Investigation killed Martin Luther King, Jr.) predicted rejection of climate science as well as other scientific findings. Our results provide empirical support for previous suggestions that conspiratorial thinking contributes to the rejection of science. Acceptance of science, by contrast, was strongly associated with the perception of a consensus among scientists.
The Wear and Tear of Daily Stressors on Mental Health
Authors: Charles Susan T. , Piazza Jennifer R. , Mogle Jacqueline , Sliwinski Martin J. , Almeida David M.
Published: March 2013

Researchers assert that affective responses to seemingly minor daily events have long-term implications for mental health, yet this phenomenon has rarely been investigated. In the current study, we examined how levels of daily negative affect and affective reactivity in response to daily stressors predicted general affective distress and self-reported anxiety and depressive disorders 10 years after they were first assessed. Across eight consecutive evenings, participants ( N = 711; age = 25 to 74 years) reported their daily stressors and their daily negative affect. Increased levels of negative affect on nonstressor days were related to general affective distress and symptoms of an affective disorder 10 years later. Heightened affective reactivity to daily stressors predicted greater general affective distress and an increased likelihood of reporting an affective disorder. These findings suggest that the average levels of negative affect that people experience and how they respond to seemingly minor events in their daily lives have long-term implications for their mental health.
Ethical and professional concerns in research utilisation
Authors: Snelling Paul C
Published: March 2013

Intentional rounding, a process involving the performance of regular checks on all patients following a standardised protocol, is being introduced widely in the United Kingdom. The process has been promoted by the Prime Minister and publicised by the Chief Nursing Officer at the Department of Health as well as by influential think tanks and individual National Health Service organisations. An evidence base is offered in justification. This article subjects the evidence base to critical scrutiny concluding that it consists of poor quality studies and serial misreporting of findings and a failure to consider wider concerns, including transference of evidence to differing health-care systems, and the conflation of perception and quality of care. Political promotion and wide implementation of intentional rounding despite the flimsy and questionable evidence base raise questions about the use of evidence in ethical nursing practice and the status of nursing as an autonomous profession.
Electromechanical impedance of piezoelectric transducers for monitoring metallic and non-metallic structures: A review of wired, wireless and energy-harvesting methods
Authors: Annamdas Venu GM , Radhika Madhav A
Published: March 2013

Electromechanical impedance–based structural health monitoring method had attracted several researchers in the recent past for aerospace, civil, mechanical, timber and biological structures. Smart materials such as piezoelectric (lead zirconate titanate) and macro fibre composite transducers are either surface bonded or embedded inside the host structure to be monitored. These smart materials with an applied input sinusoidal voltage interact with the structure, to sense, measure, process and detect any change in the selected variables (stress, damage) at critical locations. These can be categorized as wire-based ‘advanced non-destructive testing’, wireless-based ‘battery-powered lead zirconate titanate/macro fibre composite’ and energy harvesting–based ‘self-powered lead zirconate titanate/macro fibre composite’ methods. Most importantly, the effectiveness of these electromechanical impedance–methods can be classified into active and passive based on the properties of the material, the component and the structure to be monitored. Furthermore, they also depend on variables to be monitored and interaction mechanism due to surface bonding or embedment. This article presents some of the important developments in monitoring and the path forward in wired, wireless and energy harvesting methods related to electromechanical impedance–based structural health monitoring for metals and non-metals.
Overall mechanical behavior of nanocrystalline materials accompanied by damage evolution on grain boundaries
Authors: Chen Li , Wei Yueguang
Published: March 2013

In the present research, overall mechanical behaviors of the nanocrystalline materials considering the grain boundary damage evolutions are investigated systematically. A mixed-mode cohesive interface model is used to describe the mixed deformation and fracture process of grain boundaries. Based on the mixed-mode cohesive interface model, the grain boundary damage and damage evolution are defined and characterized. In order to describe the size effect, the strain gradient plasticity theory is used for grain materials. In the present results, the overall stress–strain relations and the corresponding damage evolution curves are obtained as functions of several independent parameters, such as the mixed separation strength, the mixed critical energy release rate, grain size, Young’s modulus as well as strain hardening exponent. The present results show that both the overall strength and ductility of the nanocrystalline materials are closely dependent on the grain boundary strength and the damage evolution behaviors. By means of the damage evolution relations, the features of the overall stress–strain curves can be clearly interpreted.
Evaluating a Community-Based Family Caregiver Training Program
Authors: Brown Janet Witucki , Chen Shu-li , Smith Pratsani
Published: March 2013

This mixed-methods, time series study investigated the effectiveness of a Family Caregiver Training Program offered by a community-based agency. The training program and the impact of the training program on the family caregivers of older community dwelling adults were evaluated using quantitative and qualitative measures. Program evaluation results were used to revise and develop a Family Caregiver Training Program responsive to needs of the caregivers. There was a significant difference on the overall Adapted Revised Caregiving Appraisal Scale that measured caregiver burden, satisfaction, mastery, impact, and demand among three survey points. These positive results demonstrated effectiveness of the Family Caregiver Training Program. An added benefit was the socialization that occurred through meeting with other family caregivers who shared the same experiences.
Residualized Relative Importance Analysis
Authors: LeBreton James M. , Tonidandel Scott , Krasikova Dina V.
Published: March 2013

The current article notes that the standard application of relative importance analyses is not appropriate when examining the relative importance of interactive or other higher order effects (e.g., quadratic, cubic). Although there is a growing demand for strategies that could be used to decompose the predicted variance in regression models containing such effects, there has been no formal, systematic discussion of whether it is appropriate to use relative importance statistics in such decompositions, and if it is appropriate, how to go about doing so. The purpose of this article is to address this gap in the literature by describing three different yet related strategies for decomposing variance in higher-order multiple regression models—hierarchical F tests (a between-sets test), constrained relative importance analysis (a within-sets test), and residualized relative importance analysis (a between- and within-sets test). Using a previously published data set, we illustrate the different types of inferences these three strategies permit researchers to draw. We conclude with recommendations for researchers seeking to decompose the predicted variance in regression models testing higher order effects.
Spoof trailers, hyperlinked spectators & the web
Authors: Ortega Vicente Rodríguez
Published: March 2013

Spoof trailers are trailers for a non-existent film that typically has a parodic tone, changing the genre of the source film or films. They may combine materials from different films in the form of mash-ups or re-order scenes or shots of a single film, altering the original title cards and voiceover narration. They may also incorporate images and sound bites from popular media artefacts. Spoof trailers have also become one of the key manners through which Internet users inscribe their creativity on the Web, defy copyright laws and re-contextualize previously existing cultural material to challenge the distinction between producers and consumers. I seek to analyse what are the aesthetic characteristics of spoof trailers, the viewing environments in which they exist and the dominant logics at work within the Internet to account for this emerging, Web-specific, form of film culture.
Becoming an ideal co-creator: Web materiality and intensive laboring practices in game modding
Authors: Hong Renyi , Chen Vivian Hsueh-Hua
Published: March 2013

This article focuses on the concept of labor in co-creation, arguing that its definition needs to be expanded to include a process of intensity. Intensity foregrounds the different degrees in which participants involve themselves in a craft, and also the elements of time, effort, and affectivity. Using game modification as a case study, the article analyzes how automated, computerized systems of evaluations, embedded into webpages, can create grounds for a self-understanding of productive abilities. Maneuvering through the three registers of industry, websites, and game modders, it examines the discourses of evaluative systems and details how participants use these technologies to self-manage and calibrate their labor. Interviews showed that the increasingly competitive drive for optimal standards of production comes at a cost to the well-being of participants. Studies of labor therefore need to consider the “intense” aspect of participatory production, and the impact it may have on its participants.
Learning and using technology in intertwined processes: A study of people with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Rosenberg Lena , Nygård Louise
Published: March 2013

People with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease are likely to be challenged by the multitude of everyday technology in today’s society. The aim of this study was to explore how they try to prohibit, avoid or solve problems in everyday technology use, maintain skills, and learn to use new technology. To explore how the participants applied and reasoned about using everyday technology in real-life situations interviews were conducted while the participants used their own technology in their homes. Interviews were conducted with 20 participants with mild cognitive impairment ( n = 10) or Alzheimer’s disease ( n = 10). The analyses were inspired from grounded theory and resulted in one core category and three sub-categories that represent sub-processes in the core. The core finding presents a continuous, intertwined process of learning and using everyday technology, highlighting how the context was interwoven in the processes. The participants used a rich variety of management strategies when approaching technology, including communication with the everyday technologies on different levels. The findings underscore that it is important to support continued use of everyday technology as long as it is valued and relevant to the person with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease. The intertwined process of learning and using everyday technology suggests how support could target different sub-processes.
Nuclear enterprise performance measurement
Authors: Hackleman Andrew S. , Johnson Alan W. , Ahner Darryl K.
Published: March 2013

The criticality of the United States Air Force nuclear enterprise demands that commanders have the best possible understanding of system performance, both in the aggregate and at the drill-down levels, sufficient to make timely corrective actions when warranted. We propose a new strategy-linked measurement system for nuclear enterprise sustainment, which includes a set of performance metrics and a new Aggregation h method for aggregating the metrics. Our metrics use United States Air Force approved or adapted metrics that accommodate weighting and enable performance comparisons between organizations or performance within the same organization over time. We demonstrate our method with generated performance data designed to test the sensitivity of our method. Our Aggregation h method provides a simple, intuitive measurement approach that enables unity of effort and influences behavior at each hierarchical level towards achieving strategic goals, and is extendable to performance measurement for other complex sustainment systems.
Hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation for sickle cell disease: current evidence and opinions
Authors: Shenoy Shalini
Published: March 2013

With rapidly expanding evidence of benefit reported by several groups, allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation has become an acceptable treatment option for sickle cell disease. It is currently the only curative therapy available. Hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation was offered primarily as a therapeutic option for severe sickle cell disease in the context of myeloablative matched sibling donor transplants over the last two decades and helped to establish the benefits of transplantation for this disorder. While this approach provided proof of principle, the disadvantages and limitations of transplantation became evident along the way. It has been recognized that transplantation for sickle cell disease does not need to adhere strictly to the principles of transplantation for malignant disorders, such as achievement of full donor cell chimerism. As reviewed here, in recent years the transplant community has set out to explore ways to make stem-cell transplantation more available to patients with the disease, define indications and better timing, and offset toxicities with novel approaches to conditioning and better supportive care.
Identity in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Schwartz Seth J. , Zamboanga Byron L. , Luyckx Koen , Meca Alan , Ritchie Rachel A.
Published: March 2013

The present article presents a review of identity status-based theory and research with adolescents and emerging adults, with some coverage of related approaches such as narrative identity and identity style. In the first section, we review Erikson’s theory of identity and early identity status research examining differences in personality and cognitive variables across statuses. We then review two contemporary identity models that extend identity status theory and explicitly frame identity development as a dynamic and iterative process. We also review work that has focused on specific domains of identity. The second section of the article discusses mental and physical health correlates of identity processes and statuses. The article concludes with recommendations for future identity research with adolescent and emerging adult populations.
Race, Ethnicity, and Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Syed Moin , Mitchell Lauren L.
Published: March 2013

Despite the tremendous growth in theory and research on emerging adulthood over the past decade, relatively little attention has been paid to the experiences of emerging adults from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds. The purpose of this article is to fill this gap by conducting a conceptual review of the literature on race, ethnicity, and emerging adulthood. We begin with a discussion of conceptual issues, clarifying terms such as emerging adults, emerging adulthood, and race and ethnicity. We then review the existing literature pertaining to the five pillars of emerging adulthood: the age of instability, possibilities, self-focus, in-betweenness, and identity explorations. Finally, we close with a discussion of major challenges to conducting research on race, ethnicity, and emerging adulthood. Taken together, this review is intended to provide a broad overview of the state of knowledge and inspire future research.
MYD88 L265P mutation in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
Authors: Poulain Stéphanie , Roumier Christophe , Decambron Audrey , Renneville Aline , Herbaux Charles , Bertrand Elisabeth , Tricot Sabine , Daudignon Agnès , Galiègue-Zouitina Sylvie , Soenen Valerie , Theisen Olivier , Grardel Nathalie , Nibourel Olivier , Roche-Lestienne Catherine , Quesnel Bruno , Duthilleul Patrick , Preudhomme Claude , Leleu Xavier
Published: March 2013

Key Points

The MYD88 locus is altered in 91% of patients with WM. MYD88 might be new target for therapeutic in WM.
Convergence analysis of an iterative scheme for Lipschitzian hemicontractive mappings in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Kang Shin Min , Rafiq Arif , Lee Sunhong
Published: March 2013

In this paper, we establish strong convergence for the iterative scheme introduced by Sahu and Petruşel associated with Lipschitzian hemicontractive mappings in Hilbert spaces.

MSC:47H10, 47J25.
A systematic comparison of the MetaCyc and KEGG pathway databases
Authors: Altman Tomer , Travers Michael , Kothari Anamika , Caspi Ron , Karp Peter D
Published: March 2013

Background

The MetaCyc and KEGG projects have developed large metabolic pathway databases that are used for a variety of applications including genome analysis and metabolic engineering. We present a comparison of the compound, reaction, and pathway content of MetaCyc version 16.0 and a KEGG version downloaded on Feb-27-2012 to increase understanding of their relative sizes, their degree of overlap, and their scope. To assess their overlap, we must know the correspondences between compounds, reactions, and pathways in MetaCyc, and those in KEGG. We devoted significant effort to computational and manual matching of these entities, and we evaluated the accuracy of the correspondences.

Results

KEGG contains 179 module pathways versus 1,846 base pathways in MetaCyc; KEGG contains 237 map pathways versus 296 super pathways in MetaCyc. KEGG pathways contain 3.3 times as many reactions on average as do MetaCyc pathways, and the databases employ different conceptualizations of metabolic pathways. KEGG contains 8,692 reactions versus 10,262 for MetaCyc. 6,174 KEGG reactions are components of KEGG pathways versus 6,348 for MetaCyc. KEGG contains 16,586 compounds versus 11,991 for MetaCyc. 6,912 KEGG compounds act as substrates in KEGG reactions versus 8,891 for MetaCyc. MetaCyc contains a broader set of database attributes than does KEGG, such as relationships from a compound to enzymes that it regulates, identification of spontaneous reactions, and the expected taxonomic range of metabolic pathways. MetaCyc contains many pathways not found in KEGG, from plants, fungi, metazoa, and actinobacteria; KEGG contains pathways not found in MetaCyc, for xenobiotic degradation, glycan metabolism, and metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides. MetaCyc contains fewer unbalanced reactions, which facilitates metabolic modeling such as using flux-balance analysis. MetaCyc includes generic reactions that may be instantiated computationally.

Conclusions

KEGG contains significantly more compounds than does MetaCyc, whereas MetaCyc contains significantly more reactions and pathways than does KEGG, in particular KEGG modules are quite incomplete. The number of reactions occurring in pathways in the two DBs are quite similar.
BATF regulates the development and function of IL-17 producing iNKT cells
Authors: Jordan-Williams Kimberly L , Poston Stacie , Taparowsky Elizabeth J
Published: March 2013

Background

BATF plays important roles in the function of the immune system. Batf null mice are deficient in both CD4+ Th17 cells and T follicular helper cells and possess an intrinsic B cell defect that leads to the complete absence of class switched Ig. In this study, Tg mice overexpressing BATF in T cells were used together with Batf null mice to investigate how altering levels of BATF expression in T cells impacts the development and function of a recently characterized population of iNKT cells expressing IL-17 (iNKT-17).

Results

BATF has a direct impact on IL-17 expression by iNKT cells. However, in contrast to the Th17 lineage where BATF activates IL-17 expression and leads to the expansion of the lineage, BATF overexpression restricts overall iNKT cell numbers while skewing the compartment in vivo and in vitro toward an iNKT-17 phenotype.

Conclusions

This work is the first to demonstrate that BATF joins RORγt as the molecular signature for all IL-17 producing cells in vivo and identifies BATF as a component of the nuclear protein network that could be targeted to regulate IL-17-mediated disease. Interestingly, these studies also reveal that while the Il17a gene is a common target for BATF regulation in Th17 and iNKT-17 cells, this regulation is accompanied by opposite effects on the growth and expansion of these two cell lineages.
Safety evaluation of the antimicrobial peptide bovicin HC5 orally administered to a murine model
Authors: Paiva Aline Dias , Fernandes Kenner Morais , Dias Roberto Sousa , dos Santos Rocha Alípio , Licursi de Oliveira Leandro , Neves Clóvis Andrade , Oliveira de Paula Sérgio , Mantovani Hilário Cuquetto
Published: March 2013

Background

Bovicin HC5 is an antimicrobial peptide that shows a broad spectrum of activity and potential for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. To gain insight about the safety of bovicin HC5 application, the histological and immunostimulatory effects of orally administrated bovicin HC5 to BALB/c mice were evaluated. BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: negative control (NC group); mice given purified bovicin HC5 (Bov group); mice given ovalbumin (positive control, PC group; a murine model of enteropathy). The mice were initially pre-sensitized, and PBS, bovicin HC5 or ovalbumin were administered for 30 days by daily gavages. Histological and morphometric analysis were performed and the relative expression of cytokines was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR.

Results

The oral administration of bovicin HC5 to BALB/c mice reduced weight gain and caused alterations in the small intestine, although absorptive changes have not been detected. The number of total goblet cells and the mucopolysaccharides production were not affected by bovicin HC5 administration. A hypertrophy of Paneth cells and an increase in the number of mitotic cells were observed in Bov group, while the number of mast cells remained unaltered. Increased expression of TNF-α, INF-γ and IL-12 was observed in the small intestine upon bovicin HC5 administration.

Conclusion

Bovicin HC5 has only minor effects on intestinal permeability and did not elicit an allergenic response upon oral administration to animal models. Considering the lowin vivotoxicity of bovicin HC5, it might be a good candidate for enteral applications.
Photobiomodulation preserves behaviour and midbrain dopaminergic cells from MPTP toxicity: evidence from two mouse strains
Authors: Moro Cécile , Torres Napoleon , El Massri Nabil , Ratel David , Johnstone Daniel M , Stone Jonathan , Mitrofanis John , Benabid Alim-Louis
Published: March 2013

Background

We have shown previously that near-infrared light (NIr) treatment or photobiomodulation neuroprotects dopaminergic cells in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) from degeneration induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in Balb/c albino mice, a well-known model for Parkinson’s disease. The present study explores whether NIr treatment offers neuroprotection to these cells in C57BL/6 pigmented mice. In addition, we examine whether NIr influences behavioural activity in both strains after MPTP treatment. We tested for various locomotive parameters in an open-field test, namely velocity, high mobility and immobility.

Results

Balb/c (albino) and C57BL/6 (pigmented) mice received injections of MPTP (total of 50 mg/kg) or saline and NIr treatments (or not) over 48 hours. After each injection and/or NIr treatment, the locomotor activity of the mice was tested. After six days survival, brains were processed for TH (tyrosine hydroxylase) immunochemistry and the number of TH+ cells in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) was estimated using stereology. Results showed higher numbers of TH+ cells in the MPTP-NIr groups of both strains, compared to the MPTP groups, with the protection greater in the Balb/c mice (30% vs 20%). The behavioural tests revealed strain differences also. For Balb/c mice, the MPTP-NIr group showed greater preservation of locomotor activity than the MPTP group. Behavioural preservation was less evident in the C57BL/6 strain however, with little effect of NIr being recorded in the MPTP-treated cases of this strain. Finally, there were differences between the two strains in terms of NIr penetration across the skin and fur. Our measurements indicated that NIr penetration was considerably less in the pigmented C57BL/6, compared to the albino Balb/c mice.

Conclusions

In summary, our results revealed the neuroprotective benefits of NIr treatment after parkinsonian insult at both cellular and behavioural levels and suggest that Balb/c strain, due to greater penetration of NIr through skin and fur, provides a clearer model of protection than the C57BL/6 strain.
Evaluation of PCR procedures for detecting and quantifying Leishmania donovani DNA in large numbers of dried human blood samples from a visceral leishmaniasis focus in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Abbasi Ibrahim , Aramin Samar , Hailu Asrat , Shiferaw Welelta , Kassahun Aysheshm , Belay Shewaye , Jaffe Charles , Warburg Alon
Published: March 2013

Background

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a disseminated protozoan infection caused by Leishmania donovani parasites which affects almost half a million persons annually. Most of these are from the Indian sub-continent, East Africa and Brazil. Our study was designed to elucidate the role of symptomatic and asymptomatic Leishmania donovani infected persons in the epidemiology of VL in Northern Ethiopia.

Methods

The efficacy of quantitative real-time kinetoplast DNA/PCR (qRT-kDNA PCR) for detecting Leishmania donovani in dried-blood samples was assessed in volunteers living in an endemic focus.

Results

Of 4,757 samples, 680 (14.3%) were found positive for Leishmania k-DNA but most of those (69%) had less than 10 parasites/ml of blood. Samples were re-tested using identical protocols and only 59.3% of the samples with 10 parasite/ml or less were qRT-kDNA PCR positive the second time. Furthermore, 10.8% of the PCR negative samples were positive in the second test. Most samples with higher parasitemias remained positive upon re-examination (55/59 =93%). We also compared three different methods for DNA preparation. Phenol-chloroform was more efficient than sodium hydroxide or potassium acetate. DNA sequencing of ITS1 PCR products showed that 20/22 samples were Leishmania donovani while two had ITS1 sequences homologous to Leishmania major.

Conclusions

Although qRT-kDNA PCR is a highly sensitive test, the dependability of low positives remains questionable. It is crucial to correlate between PCR parasitemia and infectivity to sand flies. While optimal sensitivity is achieved by targeting k-DNA, it is important to validate the causative species of VL by DNA sequencing.
A community pharmacy weight management programme: an evaluation of effectiveness
Authors: Morrison David , McLoone Philip , Brosnahan Naomi , McCombie Louise , Smith Andrea , Gordon Janie
Published: March 2013

Background

Community pharmacies may offer an accessible way of delivering weight-management programmes but there have been few trials that use clinically significant weight loss outcomes, objective measures of weight and follow-up to 12 months. We aimed to evaluate weight change among patients who used the Counterweight weight management programme delivered by community pharmacies.

Methods

The Counterweight Programme was introduced into community pharmacies in Fife, Scotland in 2009 for patients with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 or a BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 with a co-morbidity in localities in which Counterweight was not available at GP practices. The aim was to achieve an energy deficit of 500-600 kcal per day. Counterweight specialist dietitians delivered training, support and patient information materials to community pharmacies. Patient weight was measured by pharmacy staff at each weight management session. Weight data recorded at each weight management session were used to estimate weight change and attendance at 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results

Between March 2009 and July 2012, 458 patients were enrolled by the community pharmacies. Three-quarters of patients were women, mean age was 54 (SD 7.4) years and mean BMI 36.1 (SD 5.9) kg/m2. Of 314 patients enrolled for at least 12 months, 32 (10.2% on an intention to treat basis) had achieved the target weight loss of ≥5%; this was 41.6% of those who attended at 12 months representing a mean weight loss of 4.1 kg. Using Last Observation Carried Forward, 15.9% achieved the target weight loss within 12 months of enrolling. There was no significant effect of sex, baseline BMI or age on weight loss.

Conclusions

The Counterweight pharmacy programme has a similar effectiveness to other primary care based weight management programmes and should be considered as part of a range of services available to a community to manage overweight and obesity.
Changes in trabecular bone microarchitecture in postmenopausal women with and without type 2 diabetes: a two year longitudinal study
Authors: Pritchard Janet M , Giangregorio Lora M , Atkinson Stephanie A , Beattie Karen A , Inglis Dean , Ioannidis George , Gerstein Hertzel , Punthakee Zubin , Adachi Jonathan D , Papaioannou Alexandra
Published: March 2013

Background

The risk of experiencing an osteoporotic fracture is greater for adults with type 2 diabetes despite higher than normal bone mineral density (BMD). In addition to BMD, trabecular bone microarchitecture contributes to bone strength, but is not assessed using conventional BMD measurement by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The aim of this study was to compare two year changes in trabecular bone microarchitecture in women with and without type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We used a 1 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner to acquire axial images (resolution 195 μm × 195 μm × 1000 μm) of the distal radius. We report the change in the number and size of trabecular bone holes, bone volume fraction (BVTV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), number (Tb.N) and separation (Tb.Sp), endosteal area, nodal and branch density for each group. Lumbar spine and proximal femur BMD were measured with DXA (Hologic, Discovery QDR4500A) at baseline and follow-up. Using a multivariable linear regression model, we evaluated whether the percent change in the trabecular bone microarchitecture variables differed between women with and without type 2 diabetes.

Results

Of the 54 participants at baseline with valid MRI image sets, 37 participants (baseline mean [SD] age, 70.8 [4.4] years) returned for follow-up assessment after 25.4 [1.9] months. Lumbar spine BMD was greater for women with diabetes compared to without diabetes at both baseline and follow-up. After adjustment for ethnicity, women with diabetes had a higher percent increase in number of trabecular bone holes compared to controls (10[1] % versus −7 [2]%, p=0.010), however results were no longer significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons (p=0.090). There were no differences in the change in other trabecular bone microarchitecture variables between groups.

Conclusion

There were no differences in percent change in trabecular bone microarchitecture variables over two years in women with type 2 diabetes compared to women without diabetes. This study provides feasibility data, which will inform future trials assessing change in trabecular bone microarchitecture in women with type 2 diabetes. Larger studies using higher resolution imaging modalities that can assess change in trabecular and cortical bone compartments in women with type 2 diabetes are needed.
Ultra-rapid elimination of biofilms via the combustion of a nanoenergetic coating
Authors: Lee Byung-Doo , Thiruvengadathan Rajagopalan , Puttaswamy Sachidevi , Smith Brandon M , Gangopadhyay Keshab , Gangopadhyay Shubhra , Sengupta Shramik
Published: March 2013

Background

Biofilms occur on a wide variety of surfaces including metals, ceramics, glass etc. and often leads to accumulation of large number of various microorganisms on the surfaces. This biofilm growth is highly undesirable in most cases as biofilms can cause degradation of the instruments and its performance along with contamination of the samples being processed in those systems. The current “offline” biofilm removal methods are effective but labor intensive and generates waste streams that are toxic to be directly disposed. We present here a novel process that uses nano-energetic materials to eliminate biofilms in < 1 second. The process involves spray-coating a thin layer of nano-energetic material on top of the biofilm, allowing it to dry, and igniting the dried coating to incinerate the biofilm.

Results

The nanoenergetic material is a mixture of aluminum (Al) nanoparticles dispersed in a THV-220A (fluoropolymer oxidizer) matrix. Upon ignition, the Al nanoparticles react with THV-220A exothermically, producing high temperatures (>2500 K) for an extremely brief period (~100 ms) that destroys the biofilm underneath. However, since the total amount of heat produced is low (~0.1 kJ/cm2), the underlying surface remains undamaged. Surfaces with biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa initially harboring ~ 107 CFU of bacteria /cm2 displayed final counts of less than 5 CFU/cm2 after being subjected to our process. The byproducts of the process consist only of washable carbonaceous residue and gases, making this process potentially inexpensive due to low toxic-waste disposal costs.

Conclusions

This novel method of biofilm removal is currently in the early stage of development. However, it has potential to be used in offline biofilm elimination as a rapid, easy and environmentally friendly method.
Manual blood exchange transfusion does not significantly contribute to parasite clearance in artesunate-treated individuals with imported severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria
Authors: Kreeftmeijer-Vegter Annemarie R , Melo Mariana de Mendonça , de Vries Peter J , Koelewijn Rob , van Hellemond Jaap J , van Genderen Perry JJ
Published: March 2013

Background

Exchange transfusion (ET) has remained a controversial adjunct therapy for the treatment of severe malaria. In order to assess the relative contribution of ET to parasite clearance in severe malaria, all patients receiving ET as an adjunct treatment to parenteral quinine or to artesunate were compared with patients treated with parenteral treatment with quinine or artesunate but who did not receive ET. ET was executed using a standardized manual isovolumetric exchange protocol.

Methods

All patients in the Rotterdam Malaria Cohort treated for severe P. falciparum malaria at the Institute for Tropical Diseases of the Harbour Hospital between 1999 and 2011 were included in this retrospective follow-up study. Both a two-stage approach and a log-linear mixed model approach were used to estimate parasite clearance times (PCTs) in patients with imported malaria. Severe malaria was defined according to WHO criteria.

Results

A total of 87 patients with severe malaria was included; 61 received intravenous quinine, whereas 26 patients received intravenous artesunate. Thirty-nine patients received ET as an adjunct treatment to either quinine (n = 23) or artesunate (n = 16). Data from 84 of 87 patients were suitable for estimation of parasite clearance rates. PCTs were significantly shorter after administration of artesunate as compared with quinine. In both models, ET did not contribute significantly to overall parasite clearance.

Conclusion

Manual exchange transfusion does not significantly contribute to parasite clearance in artesunate-treated individuals. There may be a small effect of ET on parasite clearance under quinine treatment. Institution of ET to promote parasite clearance in settings where artesunate is available is not recommended, at least not with manually executed exchange procedures.
Reproduction of hemangioma by infection with subgroup J avian leukosis virus: the vertical transmission is more hazardous than the horizontal way
Authors: Lin Yan , Xia Jing , Zhao Yang , Wang Fuyan , Yu Songcheng , Zou Nianli , Wen Xintian , Cao Sanjie , Huang Yong
Published: March 2013

Background

Clinical cases of hemangioma associated with subgroup J avian leukosis virus (ALV-J) have been reported in commercial chicken layer flocks since 2006. We attempted to reproduce hemangioma through experimental infection with ALV-J to evaluate viral pathogenicity in layer birds and their progenies.

Results

Body weight and indexes for immune organs of chickens infected with ALV-J strain SCDY1 were lower than those in controls. Proliferation of lymphocytes was observed in many tissues, and viral integration was detected in the genome of lymphocytes at 14 days post-infection, along with virus shedding. ALV-J was also efficiently transmitted from eggs to progenies. Embryo hatchability and progeny mortality were lower than those for controls. The efficiencies of virus shedding and virus integration in the lymphocytes of progenies were higher than those in parents.

Conclusions

ALV-J is able to inhibit the growth of infected chickens, and causes damage to immune organs. Vertical transmission of ALV-J appears to be more deleterious than horizontal transmission.
Caloric restriction favorably impacts metabolic and immune/inflammatory profiles in obese mice but curcumin/piperine consumption adds no further benefit
Authors: Wang Junpeng , Vanegas Sally M , Du Xiaogang , Noble Timothy , Zingg Jean-Marc A , Meydani Mohsen , Meydani Simin Nikbin , Wu Dayong
Published: March 2013

Background

Obesity is associated with low-grade inflammation and impaired immune response. Caloric restriction (CR) has been shown to inhibit inflammatory response and enhance cell-mediated immune function. Curcumin, the bioactive phenolic component of turmeric spice, is proposed to have anti-obesity and anti-inflammation properties while piperine, another bioactive phenolic compound present in pepper spice, can enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of curcumin. This study sought to determine if curcumin could potentiate CR’s beneficial effect on immune and inflammatory responses in obesity developed in mice by feeding high-fat diet (HFD).

Methods

Mice were fed a HFD for 22 wk and then randomized into 5 groups: one group remained on HFDad libitumand the remaining 4 groups were fed a 10% CR (reduced intake of HFD by 10% but maintaining the same levels of micronutrients) in the presence or absence of curcumin and/or piperine for 5 wk, after which CR was increased to 20% for an additional 33 wk. At the end of the study, mice were sacrificed, and spleen cells were isolated. Cells were stimulated with T cell mitogens, anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies, or lipopolysaccharide to determine T cell proliferation, cytokine production, and CD4+T cell subpopulations.

Results

Compared to HFD control group, all CR mice, regardless of the presence of curcumin and/or piperine, had lower body weight and fat mass, lower levels of blood glucose and insulin, and fewer total spleen cells but a higher percentage of CD4+T cells. Additionally, they demonstrated lower production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α, a trend toward lower IL-6, and lower production of PGE2, a lipid molecule with pro-inflammatory and T cell-suppressive properties. Mice with CR alone had higher splenocyte proliferation and IL-2 production, but this effect of CR was diminished by spice supplementation. CR alone or in combination with spice supplementation had no effect on production of cytokines IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ, and IL-17, or the proportion of different CD4+T cell subsets.

Conclusion

CR on an HFD favorably impacts both metabolic and immune/inflammatory profiles; however, the presence of curcumin and/or piperine does not amplify CR’s beneficial effects.
Impact of genetic variation and geographic distribution of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus on infectivity and pig growth
Authors: Badaoui Bouabid , Grande Roberto , Calza Stefano , Cecere Maria , Luini Mario , Stella Alessandra , Botti Sara
Published: March 2013

Background

The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a devastating disease for the pig industry. In this study, we analysed the genetic variability of PRRS virus (PRRSV) as well as the relationship between the genetic variability, the geographical and temporal distribution of the PRRSV strains. Moreover, we investigated the association between the glycosylation patterns in PRRSV sequences and pigs growth.

Results

The data highlight that PRRSV strains evolve rapidly on individual farms, and temporal evolution of PRRSV is an important factor of genetic variability. Analysis of glycosylation sites in the glycoprotein 5 (GP5) ectodomain revealed that PRRSV isolates had seven combinations of putative N-linked glycosylation sites of which the N37/46/53 sites was found in 79% of the sequences. No significant relationship was found between the genetic variation of the PRRSV strains and the geographic distance. A significant relationship was found between the genetic variation and time of sampling when farm was considered as a factor in the analysis. Furthermore, the commercial semen from artificial insemination centres was not a source of PRRS transmission.

The PRRSV having the glycosylation site at position N46 (N46+) were observed to have higher burden on pigs and accordingly the corresponding infected pigs had lower average daily gain (ADG) compared with those infected with PRRSV lacking the glycosylation at N46 (N46-) position site. This study showed that the number of piglets by litter infected by PRRSV was lower for the Landrace breed than for the other studied breeds (Large White, Duroc and Pietrain).

Conclusions

The PRRSV genetic variability which is determined by a local and temporal evolution at the farm level could be considered in a perspective of prevention. Moreover, the association between the PRRSV glycosylation patterns and its virulence could be of interest for vaccine development. The differences of resistance to PRRSV infections among pig breeds might open new horizons for the genetic selection of robustness against PRRSV infection.