bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A second new species of Isotogastrura Thibaud & Najt (Collembola: Isotogastruridae) from Brazil
Authors: Da Silveira Tatiana Cristina , De Mendonça Maria Cleide , Da-Silva Elidiomar Ribeiro
Published: July 2014

A new species, Isotogastrura praiana sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on the specimens collected from Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil. The new species is more similar to Mexican Isotogastrura ahuizolti Palacios-Vargas & Thibaud with respect to presence of two pre labral microchaetae and six sensillae on fourth antennal segments. Diagnostic features of new species are absence of sensilla D and presence of sensilla E on fourth antennal segments, distributing dorsal tubercles from second thoracic segment to third abdominal segment and greyish body color.
Large B-Cell Lymphomas Poor in B Cells and Rich in PD-1+ T Cells Can Mimic T-Cell Lymphomas
Authors: Ohgami Robert S. , Zhao Shuchun , Natkunam Yasodha
Published: July 2014

Objectives:

To characterize the clinicopathologic features of cases of large B-cell lymphomas, poor in B cells and densely rich in programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)+ reactive T cells, which can mimic T-cell lymphomas.

Methods:

A single-institute retrospective review of cases between 2010 and 2013 was performed.

Results:

Of 178 cases of large B-cell lymphomas, eight cases of large B-cell lymphomas poor in B cells and diffusely rich in sheets of PD-1+ T cells were identified. These cases either were initially misdiagnosed as a T-cell lymphoma or substantiated a broader differential diagnosis including a T-cell lymphoma. Five cases were T-cell histiocyte–rich large B-cell lymphomas, and three cases were diagnosed as large B-cell lymphomas rich in T cells. In three of these cases, a subset of the PD-1+ T cells showed either morphologic nuclear atypia or atypical expression of T-cell antigens on flow cytometry and/or immunohistochemistry.

Conclusions:

Large B-cell lymphomas poor in B cells and rich in T cells can have diffuse sheets of reactive PD-1+ T cells, some with atypical morphologic and immunophenotypic features mimicking a T-cell lymphoma. Careful assessment of the immunoarchitecture and background inflammatory and stromal cells can prevent erroneous diagnoses in such cases.
Agrobiodiversitätsforschung braucht transdisziplinäre Zugänge
Authors: Hummel Diana
Published: July 2014

Die biologische Vielfalt geht in der Landwirtschaft weltweit dramatisch zurück – besonders gravierend ist der Verlust der Agrobiodiversität in Entwicklungs- und Transformationsländern. Um die Ernährungssicherheit der dort leben den Kleinbäuerinnen
und -bauern zu gewährleisten und Anpassungen an den Klimawandel voranzubringen, sind transdiszipli näre Methoden gefragt.
Wavelength-modulated heterodyne grating shearing interferometry for precise displacement measurement
Authors: Hsieh Hung-Lin , Lee Ju-Yi , Chung Yu-Che
Published: July 2014

A wavelength-modulated heterodyne grating shearing interferometry using a birefringent crystal is proposed for two-dimensional displacement measurement. There is a difference in the optical path lengths of the p- and s- polarizations of the light beam in the birefringent crystal because of the double refraction caused by the birefringence. By passing through the unequal-path-length optical configuration, the wavelength-modulated light beam is converted into a heterodyne light beam having two frequencies. The modulated heterodyne light beam is further combined with grating-shearing interferometry based on the quasi-common-optical-path (QCOP) design concept. According to the working principle and the Jones calculation, the displacement information of a moving grating can be obtained by means of the optical phase variation resulting from the grating. Theoretical analysis shows that the measurement sensitivity of the proposed method is about 0.134°/nm. The experimental results indicate that the resolution is about 10 nm for the centimetric-level measurement range.
The XJC-correspondence
Authors: Pirio Luc , Russo Francesco
Published: July 2014

For any

n
≥
3

${n\geq 3}$

, we prove that there are equivalences between

•

irreducible n-dimensional non-degenerate complex projective varieties

𝑿
⊂

ℙ

2
⁢
n

+
1

${{\boldsymbol{X}}\subset\mathbb{P}^{2n+1}}$

different from rational normal scrolls and 3-covered by cubic curves, up to projective equivalence,

•

n-dimensional complex Jordan algebras

𝑱

${{\boldsymbol{J}}}$

of rank 3, up to isotopy,

•

quadro-quadric Cremona transformations

𝑪
:

ℙ

n
-
1

⇢

ℙ

n
-
1

${{\boldsymbol{C}}:\mathbb{P}^{n-1}\dashrightarrow\mathbb{P}^{n-1}}$

of the complex projective space of dimension

n
-
1

${n-1}$

, up to linear equivalence.

These three equivalences form what we call the

𝑋𝐽𝐶

${\mathit{XJC}}$

-correspondence.

We also provide some applications to the classification of particular
types of varieties in the class defined above and of quadro-quadric Cremona transformations.
Lactide synthesis optimization: investigation of the temperature, catalyst and pressure effects
Authors: Ehsani Morteza , Khodabakhshi Khosrow , Asgari Mohammad
Published: July 2014

The most applicable method to produce polylactic acid (PLA) is via ring opening polymerization of lactide, which involves three steps: polycondensation of low-molecular-weight PLA (LMW PLA), depolymerization or dimerization of a prepolymer into a cyclic dimer of lactic acid (lactide) and ring opening polymerization of lactide to achieve high-molecular-weight PLA. This work aimed to optimize the reaction conditions of lactide synthesis. Reactions at different temperatures and pressures were carried out in the presence of tin (II) oxide, tin (II) chloride, tin (II) octate, antimony trioxide, sulfuric acid and no catalyst in a semi-batch reactor. Different analytical techniques such as gas chromatography, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy have been used to evaluate the LMW PLA properties, rate of lactide synthesis and racemization. Results showed that the highest rate of conversion occurred in the presence of tin (II) chloride and octate. Synthesis rate increased with the increase in reaction temperature and the decrease in pressure. Increasing temperature also resulted in higher amounts of optical and chemical impurities in the crude lactide.
Electrospun PMMA/AB nanofiber composites for hydrogen storage applications
Authors: Alipour Javad , Shoushtari Ahmad Mousavi , Kaflou Ali
Published: July 2014

In this work, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/ammonia borane (AB) nanofiber composites were fabricated and the synergetic nanoconfinement effect of nanofibers on dehydrogenation temperature and the removal of unwanted by-products of AB (NH3 BH3) were studied. The results of the dehydrogenation of PMMA/AB samples showed an exothermic reaction temperature of 112°C, which is significantly lower than that of pure AB (120°C). Furthermore, the interaction between AB molecules and PMMA nanofiber structures decreased the enthalpy of exothermic decomposition, from -21.00 to -10.66 kJ/mol H2, suggesting that this type of AB nanofiber composite can provide a convenient reversible hydrogen storage material. Based on the thermogravimetric analysis curves, the use of PMMA to support AB in composite structures resulted in a decrease in AB weight loss from 60.00 to 11.10 wt.% which, in turn, could vigorously reduce the emission of by-product impurities. Based on the obtained results, the strategy of supporting AB in nanofiber structures can be presented as a practical solution to maintain lower operational temperatures and to reduce undesirable volatile products in the dehydrogenation process of AB.
Study of the relationship in pregnant women between hepatitis B markers and a placenta positive for hepatitis B surface antigen
Authors: Wei Junni , Xue Shulian , Zhang Junfeng , Wang Suping , Wang Bo
Published: July 2014

Aims: A placenta with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the main reasons for transplacental transmission during pregnancy. This study aims to explore the factors influencing the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the placenta and the synergistic effect of these factors.

Methods: A total of 155 placentae and blood specimens were collected from HBsAg-positive mothers and their newborns. HBsAg in placenta was detected using the immunohistochemistry method. HBV serum markers were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods.

Results: The results showed that hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive, or HBV DNA positive status, is significantly associated with an HBsAg-positive placenta. A synergistic effect was present. The hazard ratio for a HBsAg-positive placenta in mothers with HBeAg and HBV DNA was 1.97 times higher than the sum of the independent relative risk of each separate effect (synergy index, S=1.97). There was a statistically significant association between HBsAg in newborns and HBsAg in placenta, and the risk of newborns with HBsAg was greater (odds ratio values 3.33 and 5.31, respectively) when placental cells close to the fetal side were HBsAg positive.

Conclusions: Being positive for HBeAg and/or HBV DNA are significant risk factors for HBsAg in the placenta. HBsAg can pass through the placenta via cellular transfer, possibly contributing to transplacental transmission.
Novel application of three-dimensional HDlive imaging in prenatal diagnosis from the first trimester
Authors: Pooh Ritsuko Kimata , Kurjak Asim
Published: July 2014

Recent development of three-dimensional (3D) high definition (HD) ultrasound has resulted in remarkable progress in visualization of early embryos and fetuses in sonoembryology. The new technology of HDlive assesses both structural and functional developments in the first trimester with greater reliably than two-dimensional (2D) ultrasound. The ability to visualize not only fetal face, hands, fingers, feet, and toes, but also amniotic membranes, is better with volumetric ultrasound than 2D ultrasound. In this article, detailed and comprehensive structures of normal and abnormal fetuses depicted by 3D HDlive are presented, including various faces of Down’s syndrome and holoprosencephaly, as well as low-set ear and finger/toe abnormalities from the first trimester. Three-dimensional HDlive further “humanizes” the fetus, enables detailed observation of the fetal face in the first trimester as shown in this article, and reveals that a small fetus is not more a fetus but a “person” from the first trimester. There has been an immense acceleration in understanding of early human development. The anatomy and physiology of embryonic development is a field where medicine exerts greatest impact on early pregnancy at present, and it opens fascinating aspects of embryonic differentiation. Clinical assessment of those stages of growth relies heavily on 3D/four-dimensional (4D) HDlive, one of the most promising forms of noninvasive diagnostics and embryological phenomena, once matters for textbooks are now routinely recorded with outstanding clarity. New advances deserve the adjective “breathtaking”, including 4D parallel study of the structural and functional early human development.
The “Domestication Syndrome” in Mammals: A Unified Explanation Based on Neural Crest Cell Behavior and Genetics
Authors: Wilkins Adam S , Wrangham Richard W , Fitch W Tecumseh
Published: July 2014

Charles Darwin, while trying to devise a general theory of heredity from the observations of animal and plant breeders, discovered that domesticated mammals possess a distinctive and unusual suite of heritable traits not seen in their wild progenitors. Some of these traits also appear in domesticated birds and fish. The origin of Darwin’s “domestication syndrome” has remained a conundrum for more than 140 years. Most explanations focus on particular traits, while neglecting others, or on the possible selective factors involved in domestication rather than the underlying developmental and genetic causes of these traits. Here, we propose that the domestication syndrome results predominantly from mild neural crest cell deficits during embryonic development. Most of the modified traits, both morphological and physiological, can be readily explained as direct consequences of such deficiencies, while other traits are explicable as indirect consequences. We first show how the hypothesis can account for the multiple, apparently unrelated traits of the syndrome and then explore its genetic dimensions and predictions, reviewing the available genetic evidence. The article concludes with a brief discussion of some genetic and developmental questions raised by the idea, along with specific predictions and experimental tests.
Інтенсивність окисних процесів у мікросомній фракції печінки щурів за умов різного забезпечення поліненасиченими жирними кислотами
Authors: Ketsa O. V. , Zazulyk M. V. , Himchak M. V.
Published: July 2014

The effect of fat compositions with the varying ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of families ω-3 and ω-6 on oxidation process intensity in microsomal fraction of rat liver has been investigated. The aim of the study was to investigate the level of markers of oxidative modification of lipids and proteins in microsomal fraction of rat liver. Fat components in the experiment diets were presented by sunflower oil, soybean oil and fish oil. Rats were fed using one of the fillowing 5 diets for the period of 4 weeks: 1) AIN-93 diet with 7% sunflower oil and fish oil, with the inclusion of linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in the ratio of ω-6:ω-3 – 7:1 (control diet); 2) AIN-93 diet with 7% soybean oil, with the inclusion of linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid in the ratio of 7:1; 3) the diet containing only ω-6 PUFAs; 4) the diet containing only ω-3 PUFAs; 5) the diet without PUFAs. The fatty acid compositions of the diets were analysed by gas chromatography. We measured the primary and secondary lipoperoxidation products, proteins carbonyl derivatives and SH-groups of proteins. It was shown that inclusion of linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid in the ratio of 7:1 or ω-6 PUFAs into the animal diet increased lipid peroxidation in microsomal fraction of the rat liver as compared with the control group. Only ω-6 PUFAs increased the oxidative modification of proteins in microsomal fraction of the rat liver as compared with the control rat group. High dose of ω-3 PUFAs – eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid had no influence on free radical oxidation of lipids and proteins. Using the diet without PUFAs increased oxidation process intensity in microsomal fraction of rat liver. According to our study, ω-6 PUFAs increased the oxidative modification of lipids and proteins in microsomal fraction of the rat liver. ω-3 PUFAs, in particular, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, increased lipid and protein resistance to oxidative modification in microsomal fraction of the rat liver.
Механізми стійкості до антибіотиків представників родини Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Kotsyuba K. R. , Voronkova O. S. , Vіnnіkov A. І. , Shevchenko T. M.
Published: July 2014

The paper deals with the basic medical scheme of antibiotics use for treatment of lesions caused by enterobacteria and mechanisms of resistance of Enterobacteriaceae to different classes of antibiotics. It is known that the main mechanisms of resistance to antibiotics are enzymatic inactivation, modification of the target, efflux, violation of conduct through the membrane and formation of metabolic shunt. The most common cases of resistance to beta-lactams among Enterobacteriaceae relate to production of plasmid and chromosomal beta-lactamases, violation of the permeability of the outer membrane, and modification of target penicillin binding proteins. Active release of antibiotics from the cell, or efflux, in Enterobacteriaceae is used for maintaining resistance to tetracyclines, macrolides, carbapenems. Genes of efflux system are localized on plasmids and contribute to rapid spreading among Enterobacteriaceae. Mutations are the basis of resistance to novobiocinum and rifampicinum. Enzymatic inactivation by modifying is typical for resistance to aminoglycosides. Three groups of enzymes are engaged in the process, by adding the molecule of acetic acid, phosphate or adenine. Joining of these groups is irreversible and leads to complete loss of biological activity of the antibiotic. Resistance to aminoglycosides appears also due to inhibition of drug penetration, that is associated with genetically determined mechanisms of electron transport through the membrane. Resistance to quinolones and fluoroquinolones is associated with the modification of topoisomerase II and IV which are targets of these groups of antibiotics. Resistance is possible as a result of changes in the structure of the target, breaching of penetration into the cell, and active release from the cell. The highest level of resistance is develope in the case of two- or three-stage mutations in one or the other, or both, subunits in different genes. At the same time, for breaching of the bacterial cell it is enough to suppress the activity of only one enzyme associated with different functions of both topoisomerases. Another mechanism of resistance to quinolones is the reduction of permeability through bacterial outer membrane, that it’s possible due to decreasing of permeability of porine channels. In this case, decreasing of permeability efficacy takes place not only for quinolones, but also for other classes of antibitics. In addition, reduced sensitivity to quinolones efflux may play the significant role. For clinical strains of microorganisms, cross-resistance to various drugs, associated with simultaneous production of various enzymes that inactivate antibiotics, is typical.
Активність матриксних металопротеїназ ММП2 та ММП9 у пацієнтів з мієло- та лімфопроліферативними захворюваннями
Authors: Gordiienko I. A.
Published: July 2014

MMP2 and MMP9 matrix metalloproteinases due to their ability to destroy basement membranes collagen and remodeling extracellular matrix (ECM) in the micro-environment of blood progenitor cells in the bone marrow play the important role in hematopoiesis. Displacement of normal hematopoiesis and dissemination of malignant cells in proliferative diseases of blood is also accompanied by catalytic ECM rearrangement. However, it is not known exactly how activity of MMP2 and MMP9 changes in various forms of leukemia and how it is affected by chemotherapeutic drugs. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of anthracycline antibiotics (daunorubicin and adriablastin) on MMP2 and MMP9 activity in blood plasma of patients with acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma. It was established that proMMP9 activity was significantly reduced (0,03 ± 0,01 rel. u.) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia before the treatment, however, after chemotherapy, it increased approximately 7 times. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma were accompanied by significant increase of MMP9 activity. Application of daunorubicin led to decrease of proMMP9 activity (0,25 ± 0,10 rel. u.) in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. ProMMP9 activity was significantly reduced (16 times) and that of MMP9 increased in case of multiple myeloma. In studying of MMP2 activity it did not significantly change. The conclusion is that the ratio of proMMP9/MMP9 can be used as the additional criterion for monitoring the effectiveness of chemotherapy of proliferative diseases of blood.
Використання специфічних біомаркерів донних риб Керченської протоки для оцінки забруднення водних біоресурсів
Authors: Sukharenko H. V.
Published: July 2014

The modern ecology situation in waters of the Kerch Strait requires assessment of disturbances in biotopes and monitoring of the degree of impact of industrial pollutants on ecosystem. Deposit of oil products after the 2007 year ships’ accidents might have considerable impact on the water biocenosis area. The investigation of cytoskeleton marker of astrocytes glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in brain of the bullhead (Neogobius fluviatilis), which is the typical representative of the commercial ground fish of the Kerch Strait, has been carried out. The results of comparative analysis of GFAP content in the brain of fish from the Kerch Bay near-shore waters and fish from conditionally clear area of Vorskla river shows the reliable (2.18 times) increasing of GFAP in the area of industrial pollution. Rising GFAP content indicates the astrogliosis development as a result of metabolic disturbances which can be induced by higher content of oil products in the near-bottom biotopes of the Kerch Bay. Increase in lipid peroxidation level was observed in the brain of fish from the Kerch Bay. The results provided with regard to violations of the state of astrocyte cytoskeleton and oxidative stress in the brain of bullhead from the Kerch Bay prove the sublethal biology effect of industrial pollutants in hydrobionts from this area. Results of this investigation also indicate the necessity of continuous ecology monitoring and comprehensive study of hydrobiont populations in the industrial regions and ecological disaster zones.
Вплив гіпертиреозу на процеси навчання та стан гліальних проміжних філаментів головного мозку щурів
Authors: Kyrychenko S. V. , Nedzvetsky V. S.
Published: July 2014

The influence of hyperthyreosis on oxidative stress, state of glial intermediate filaments and memotry was investigated. Significant increasing of lipid peroxidation products into both hippocampus and cortex and change for the worse of memory was observed. Analysis of the behavioral reactions of rats in the test of passive avoidance conditioned reflex showed that the acquisition of skills of all groups of animals did not differ by time waiting period (latent period). Time saving memory test conditioned reflex of passive avoidance was excellent in the group of rats treated with thyroxine compared with controls. The change of polypeptide GFAP was observed in hippocampus and cortex. Both soluble and filamentous forms of GFAP increased in hippocampus of rat with hyperthyreosis. In filament fractions, increase in the intensity of 49 kDa polypeptide band was found. In the same fraction of insoluble cytoskeleton proteins degraded HFKB polypeptides with molecular weight in the region of 46–41 kDa appeared. Marked increase of degraded polypeptides was found in the soluble fraction of the brain stem. The intensity of the intact polypeptide (49 kDa), as well as in the filament fraction, significantly increased. It is possible that increasing concentrations of soluble subunits glial filaments may be due to dissociation of own filaments during the reorganization of cytoskeleton structures. Given the results of Western blotting for filament fraction, increased content of soluble intact 49 kDa polypeptide is primarily the result of increased expression of HFKB and only partly due to redistribution of existing filament structures. Calculation and analysis of indicators showed high correlation between the increase in content and peroxidation products of HFKB. These results indicate the important role of oxidative stress in the induction of astroglial reactive response under conditions of hyperthyroidism. This data shows the possibility of the glial cell cytoskeleton reconstruction under effect of thyroid hormones.
Enhanced Osteoblast Proliferation and Corrosion Resistance of Commercially Pure Titanium Through Surface Nanostructuring by Ultrasonic Shot Peening and Stress Relieving
Authors: Jindal Shitu , Bansal Rajesh , Singh Bijay P. , Pandey Rajiv , Narayanan Shankar , Wani Mohan R. , Singh Vakil
Published: July 2014

This investigation was carried out to study the effect of a novel process of surface modification, surface nanostructuring by ultrasonic shot peening, on osteoblast proliferation and corrosion behavior of commercially pure titanium (c p-Ti) in simulated body fluid. A mechanically polished disc of c p-Ti was subjected to ultrasonic shot peening with stainless steel balls to create nanostructure at the surface. A nanostructure (<20 nm) with inhomogeneous distribution was revealed by atomic force and scanning electron microscopy. There was an increase of approximately 10% in cell proliferation, but there was drastic fall in corrosion resistance. Corrosion rate was increased by 327% in the shot peened condition. In order to examine the role of residual stresses associated with the shot peened surface on these aspects, a part of the shot peened specimen was annealed at 400°C for 1 hour. A marked influence of annealing treatment was observed on surface structure, cell proliferation, and corrosion resistance. Surface nanostructure was much more prominent, with increased number density and sharper grain boundaries; cell proliferation was enhanced to approximately 50% and corrosion rate was reduced by 86.2% and 41% as compared with that of the shot peened and the as received conditions, respectively. The highly significant improvement in cell proliferation, resulting from annealing of the shot peened specimen, was attributed to increased volume fraction of stabilized nanostructure, stress recovery, and crystallization of the oxide film. Increase in corrosion resistance from annealing of shot peened material was related to more effective passivation. Thus, the surface of c p-Ti, modified by this novel process, possessed a unique quality of enhancing cell proliferation as well as the corrosion resistance and could be highly effective in reducing treatment time of patients adopting dental and orthopedic implants of titanium and its alloys.
Context of the beginning of tobacco use in different social groups
Authors: Panaino Edina Ferreira , Soares Cássia Baldini , Campos Célia Maria Sivalli
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE: analyze contextual aspects of the beginning of tobacco use in different social groups, from everyday representations about the act of smoking.METHODS: five focus groups were conducted to promote discussion about the context of beginning of tobacco use, with groups of people who represented different patterns of social reproduction. The data analysis was based on the theory of social representations, which contextualizes how each group presents the tobacco consumption.RESULTS: the contexts of the beginning of tobacco use were diverse, according to patterns of social reproduction; there were common representations to all groups, but there were also unique representations of each social group. Tobacco is represented as indispensable for groups in unstable social reproduction situations, and as an instrument of pleasure and stress relief for those who can access other material assets.CONCLUSIONS: the study contributed to exposing the concepts on tobacco consumption that are socially disseminated, which can serve as an instrument to planning programs and health actions.
Mental health is the most important factor influencing quality of life in elderly left behind when families migrate out of rural China
Authors: Xie Jian-fei , Ding Si-qing , Zhong Zhu-qing , Yi Qi-feng , Zeng Sai-nan , Hu Jun-hua , Zhou Jian-da
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVES: to investigate the quality of life and the associated factors on left behind elderly in rural China.METHOD: the research was conducted cluster sampling to select 456 elderly left behind when family members migrated out of rural China to participate in a cross-sectional study by completing a general data questionnaire and Quality of Life questionnaire.RESULTS: 91.5% of the elderly requested psychological counseling and education. For the elderly, scores for mental health (39.56±13.73) were significantly lower compared with Chinese standard data (61.6±13.7) (P<0.001). Age, chronic disease type, gender, residence pattern and economic support from children were the main psychological factors influencing this population.CONCLUSION: mental health is the most important factor influencing quality of life of elderly left behind when family members migrated out of rural China. Our study suggested a need to widely establish a general practitioner team for psychological intervention for improving rural elderly people's Quality of Life level, especially in the psychological domain.
Efeito do ângulo do jato nas características técnicas de um canhão hidráulico
Authors: Prado Giuliani do , Faria Lessandro C. , Oliveira Henrique F. E. de , Colombo Alberto
Published: July 2014

Avaliaram-se os efeitos de diferentes ângulos de saída do jato de água de um canhão hidráulico, combinados com diferentes diâmetros de bocais e pressões de serviço, sobre o raio de alcance e perfil radial de distribuição de água. A caracterização técnica do canhão hidráulico foi realizada em bancada de ensaios de aspersores da Universidade Federal de Lavras, em Lavras, MG, totalizando 24 diferentes condições operacionais. O raio de alcance do aspersor foi estimado pelo ajuste de uma equação potencial em função do diâmetro do bocal (18 e 22 mm), da pressão de serviço (294, 392, 490 e 588 kPa) e do ângulo de lançamento do jato de água (16, 22 e 28º). Além disto, foi realizada uma análise percentual da distribuição do volume de água aplicado ao longo do raio de alcance do aspersor. As reduções no alcance horizontal do jato de água foram mais pronunciadas em condições de baixas pressões e para o ângulo de jato de 16º; ocorre uma redução no raio de alcance do aspersor de 3,4 a 4,0%, a cada 3º de redução do ângulo de lançamento de 28º; ângulos de lançamento do jato maiores que 22º, associados com pressões de serviço superiores a 392 kPa, resultam em maiores volumes de água aplicados entre 60 e 80% do raio de alcance do aspersor.
Reliability of a rapid hematology stain for sputum cytology
Authors: Gonçalves Jéssica , Pizzichini Emilio , Pizzichini Marcia Margaret Menezes , Steidle Leila John Marques , Rocha Cristiane Cinara , Ferreira Samira Cardoso , Zimmermann Célia Tânia
Published: July 2014

Objective: To determine the reliability of a rapid hematology stain for the cytological analysis of induced sputum samples. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study comparing the standard technique (May-Grünwald-Giemsa stain) with a rapid hematology stain (Diff-Quik). Of the 50 subjects included in the study, 21 had asthma, 19 had COPD, and 10 were healthy (controls). From the induced sputum samples collected, we prepared four slides: two were stained with May-Grünwald-Giemsa, and two were stained with Diff-Quik. The slides were read independently by two trained researchers blinded to the identification of the slides. The reliability for cell counting using the two techniques was evaluated by determining the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for intraobserver and interobserver agreement. Agreement in the identification of neutrophilic and eosinophilic sputum between the observers and between the stains was evaluated with kappa statistics. Results: In our comparison of the two staining techniques, the ICCs indicated almost perfect interobserver agreement for neutrophil, eosinophil, and macrophage counts (ICC: 0.98-1.00), as well as substantial agreement for lymphocyte counts (ICC: 0.76-0.83). Intraobserver agreement was almost perfect for neutrophil, eosinophil, and macrophage counts (ICC: 0.96-0.99), whereas it was moderate to substantial for lymphocyte counts (ICC = 0.65 and 0.75 for the two observers, respectively). Interobserver agreement for the identification of eosinophilic and neutrophilic sputum using the two techniques ranged from substantial to almost perfect (kappa range: 0.91-1.00). Conclusions: The use of Diff-Quik can be considered a reliable alternative for the processing of sputum samples.
Simultaneous interstitial pneumonitis and cardiomyopathy induced by venlafaxine
Authors: Ferreira Pedro Gonçalo , Costa Susana , Dias Nuno , Ferreira António Jorge , Franco Fátima
Published: July 2014

Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used as an antidepressant. Interindividual variability and herb-drug interactions can lead to drug-induced toxicity. We report the case of a 35-year-old female patient diagnosed with synchronous pneumonitis and acute cardiomyopathy attributed to venlafaxine. The patient sought medical attention due to dyspnea and dry cough that started three months after initiating treatment with venlafaxine for depression. The patient was concomitantly taking Centella asiatica and Fucus vesiculosus as phytotherapeutic agents. Chest CT angiography and chest X-ray revealed parenchymal lung disease (diffuse micronodules and focal ground-glass opacities) and simultaneous dilated cardiomyopathy. Ecocardiography revealed a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 21%. A thorough investigation was carried out, including BAL, imaging studies, autoimmune testing, right heart catheterization, and myocardial biopsy. After excluding other etiologies and applying the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale, a diagnosis of synchronous pneumonitis/cardiomyopathy associated with venlafaxine was assumed. The herbal supplements taken by the patient have a known potential to inhibit cytochrome P450 enzyme complex, which is responsible for the metabolization of venlafaxine. After venlafaxine discontinuation, there was rapid improvement, with regression of the radiological abnormalities and normalization of the LVEF. This was an important case of drug-induced cardiopulmonary toxicity. The circumstantial intake of inhibitors of the CYP2D6 isoenzyme and the presence of a CYP2D6 slow metabolism phenotype might have resulted in the toxic accumulation of venlafaxine and the subsequent clinical manifestations. Here, we also discuss why macrophage-dominant phospholipidosis was the most likely mechanism of toxicity in this case.
Bioinspired electrohydrodynamic ceramic patterning of curved metallic substrates
Authors: Nithyanandan Anouska , Mahalingam Suntharavathanan , Huang Jie , Rehman Sarrawat , Draper Edward , Edirisinghe Mohan
Published: July 2014

Template-assisted electrohydrodynamic atomisation (TAEA) has been used for the first time to pattern curved metallic surfaces. Parallel lines of ceramic titania (TiO2) were produced on titanium substrates, convex and concave with diameters of ~25 mm, at the ambient temperature. Optimal results were obtained with 4 wt% TiO2in ethanol suspension deposited over 300 s during stable cone-jetting at 20 µl/min, 10kV and collection distance 80 mm. A high degree of control over pattern line width, interline spacing and thickness were achieved. Nanoindentation load-displacement curves were continuous for the full loading and unloading cycle, indicating good adhesion between pattern and substrate. At a loading rate of 1 μN/s and a hold time of 1 s, pattern hardness decreased as load increased up to 7 μN and remained at 0·1 GPa up to higher loads. Elastic modulus behaved similarly, and both were not sensitive to loading rate. The effect of heat treatment to further consolidate the patterned deposits was also investigated. Hardness of the patterns was not markedly affected by heating. This work shows that TAEA is highly controllable and compatible on a range of substrate geometries. Extending TAEA capabilities from flat to curved surfaces, enabling the bioactive patterning of different surface geometries, takes this technology closer to orthopaedic engineering applications.
Leadership, the essential ingredient in asset management
Authors: Kellick Paul
Published: July 2014

Local government asset management has come of age in both Australia and New Zealand, and professional associations such as New Zealand Asset Management Support (Nams) and Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (Australasia) develop and deliver a variety of training programs and manuals to ensure asset management practitioners have access to what they need to know. Why then do some organisations fail to gain traction in their asset management (AM) efforts and officers complain they get no support from above? This paper posits that the missing AM ingredient in many organisations is leadership. It builds on previous work by the author on the key success factors in developing a strategic asset management framework and includes the results of a feedback survey undertaken during an Asset Management Study Tour of New Zealand in 2010. Rather than approach asset management as a technical issue, this paper will examine it from a number of ‘leadership’ perspectives, including change management, cultural change, process management and quality management. AM requires strong leadership to improve and maintain its position in local government integrated planning, and this paper will establish a case for improved leadership in AM.
Bird sky networks: How do avian scavengers use social information to find carrion?
Authors: Cortés-Avizanda Ainara , Jovani Roger , Donázar José Antonio , Grimm Volker
Published: July 2014

The relative contribution of personal and social information to explain individual and collective behavior in different species and contexts is an open question in animal ecology. In particular, there is a major lack of studies combining theoretical and empirical approaches to test the relative relevance of different hypothesized individual behaviors to predict empirical collective patterns. We used an individual‐based model to confront three hypotheses about the information transfer between social scavengers (Griffon Vultures, Gyps fulvus) when searching for carrion: (1) Vultures only use personal information during foraging (“nonsocial” hypothesis); (2) they create long chains of vultures by following both other vultures that are flying towards carcasses and vultures that are following other vultures that are flying towards carcasses (“chains of vultures” hypothesis); and (3) vultures are only attracted by other vultures that are sinking vertically to a carcass (“local enhancement” hypothesis). The chains of vultures hypothesis has been used in existing models, but never been confronted with field data. Testing is important, though, because these hypotheses could have different management implications. The model was parameterized to mimic the behavior and the densities of both Griffon Vultures and carcasses in a 10 000‐km2 study area in northeastern Spain. We compared the number of vultures attending simulated carcasses with those attending 25 continuously monitored experimental carcasses in the field. Social hypotheses outperformed the nonsocial hypothesis. The chains of vultures hypothesis overestimated the number of vultures feeding on carcasses; the local enhancement hypothesis fitted closely to the empirical data. Supported by our results, we discuss mechanistic and adaptive considerations that reveal that local enhancement may be the key social mechanism behind collective foraging in this and likely other avian scavengers and/or social birds. It also highlights the current need for more studies confronting alternative models of key behaviors with empirical patterns in order to understand how collective behavior emerges in animal societies.
Litter and Root Manipulations Provide Insights into Soil Organic Matter Dynamics and Stability
Authors: Lajtha Kate , Bowden Richard D. , Nadelhoffer Knute
Published: July 2014

Understanding controls on C stored in soil organic matter (SOM) is of critical importance to models of biospheric C sequestration. Although ecosystem C models assume a strong relationship between plant litter inputs and soil C accumulation, there is little experimental evidence to support this assumption. The Detritus Input and Removal Treatments (DIRT) experiment at Harvard Forest was designed to assess how rates and sources of plant litter inputs control the accumulation and dynamics of organic matter in soils across decadal time scales. Carbon and SOM quantity and quality were measured in O horizon and mineral soil in five treatments: control, double litter, no litter, no roots, and no inputs. After 20 yr of manipulation, doubling litter inputs did not increase bulk soil C or N content, light or heavy fraction pools of C, or measures of labile C. However, the activities of two key enzymes (β‐glucosidase and phosphomonoesterase) increased 30% with litter additions. Exclusion of either aboveground litter or root inputs resulted in sharp declines in O‐horizon C and N but smaller decreases in total mineral soil C and N. However, decreases in light fraction C and soil respiration were significant in removal treatments. Litter exclusion resulted in an 18% decline in total profile mineral soil C, whereas root exclusion resulted in a 9% decline, indicating the importance of aboveground inputs to long‐term C pools. Soil C pools in this forest do not respond linearly or immediately to aboveground or belowground litter inputs, and thus efforts to sequester C by managing productivity and associated litter inputs will probably not result in increased C storage in short time frames.
Effects of Detrital Inputs and Roots on Carbon Saturation Deficit of a Temperate Forest Soil
Authors: Mayzelle M.M. , Krusor M.L. , Lajtha K. , Bowden R.D. , Six J.
Published: July 2014

Soil C sequestration has been proposed as a tool for addressing climate change. However, models used to predict soil C sequestration do not account for C saturation and functional differences among soil C pools. In this study, we examined differences in soil C pool content of a forest soil in Pennsylvania following 20 yr of detrital manipulation (i.e., control, no roots, no leaf litter, no inputs, double leaf litter). Detrital input treatments had a highly significant (ANOVA, F = 10.6, p < 0.0001) effect on soil C in the 0‐ to 5‐cm soil depth. However, soil C pools responded differently to the different treatments: the intra‐microaggregate silt + clay, intra‐microaggregate particulate organic matter (POM), and silt + clay within large macroaggregates in plots receiving no detrital inputs had significantly lower C concentrations (1.1, 2.5, and 0.4 g C kg−1 soil, respectively) than the control, double‐leaf‐litter, and no‐roots plots. Carbon in coarse POM within small macroaggregates was significantly lower in double‐leaf‐litter (4.5 g C kg−1 soil) and no‐leaf‐litter plots (6.6 g C kg−1 soil) than all other treatments (15.3–28 g C kg−1 soil). The intra‐microaggregate fractions in double‐leaf‐litter plots had greater C concentrations than in the control plots; along with moderate C concentrations in all bulk soil samples, this suggests that the soil is not yet approaching C saturation. This study reinforces the use of microaggregates within large macroaggregates as a diagnostic fraction for changes in soil C content and demonstrates that altering the organic matter source and quantity significantly affects soil C sequestration dynamics. Consideration of these factors will enable improved assessment of soil C sequestration capacity and management.
Low-Dose Otelixizumab Anti-CD3 Monoclonal Antibody DEFEND-1 Study: Results of the Randomized Phase III Study in Recent-Onset Human Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Aronson Ronnie , Gottlieb Peter A. , Christiansen Jens S. , Donner Thomas W. , Bosi Emanuele , Bode Bruce W. , Pozzilli Paolo ,   the DEFEND Investigator Group
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE

Previous studies demonstrated that the anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody otelixizumab, administered at a total dose of 48–64 mg, can slow the loss of C-peptide in recent-onset type 1 diabetes patients, with frequent reactivation of Epstein Barr virus (EBV). The DEFEND-1 (Durable Response Therapy Evaluation for Early or New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes) trial was designed to test whether a lower dose of otelixizumab could preserve C-peptide secretion in new-onset type 1 diabetes patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was performed in sites in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Two hundred eighty-one patients were randomized to treatment with 3.1 mg otelixizumab administered over 8 days or placebo. The primary end point of the study was the change in C-peptide area under the curve (AUC) from a 2-h mixed-meal tolerance test at month 12.

RESULTS

The change in 2-h C-peptide AUC was not different between placebo-treated patients and otelixizumab-treated patients (−0.20 vs. −0.22 nmol/L, P = 0.81). Secondary end points, including HbA1c, glucose variability, and insulin dose, were also not statistically different between the two groups. More patients in the otelixizumab group than in the placebo group experienced adverse events, mostly grade 1 or grade 2. There was no EBV reactivation (viral load >10,000 copies/106 peripheral blood mononuclear cells) in the otelixizumab group, in contrast with previously published studies at higher doses of otelixizumab.

CONCLUSIONS

Otelixizumab was well tolerated in patients with recent-onset type 1 diabetes at a total dose of 3.1 mg, but did not achieve preservation of levels of C-peptide or other markers of metabolic control.
Cultures of Diabetic Foot Ulcers Without Clinical Signs of Infection Do Not Predict Outcomes
Authors: Gardner Sue E. , Haleem Ambar , Jao Ying-Ling , Hillis Stephen L. , Femino John E. , Phisitkul Phinit , Heilmann Kristopher P. , Lehman Shannon M. , Franciscus Carrie L.
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE

We examined associations between ulcer bioburden and ulcer outcomes in neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) that lacked clinical signs of infection.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Three dimensions of bioburden (i.e., microbial load, microbial diversity, and the presence of likely pathogens) were measured at baseline using swab cultures obtained by Levine’s technique. Subjects were assessed every 2 weeks for 26 weeks to determine the rate of healing and development of infection-related complications. Foot ulcers were off-loaded using total-contact casts and routinely debrided. To establish associations between bioburden and rate of healing, Cox proportional hazards and least squares regression were used after adjusting for ulcer depth, surface area, and duration.

RESULTS

A total of 77 subjects completed the study. Sixty-five (84.4%) had ulcers that healed during follow-up; weeks-to-closure ranged from 2 to 26 (median 4.0). Mean (± SD) percent reduction in surface area/week was 25.0% (± 23.33). Five (6.5%) of the DFUs developed an infection-related complication. None of the bioburden dimensions (i.e., microbial load, microbial diversity, or presence of likely pathogens) was significantly associated with weeks-to-closure or percent reduction in surface area per week. Weeks-to-closure was best predicted by ulcer duration, depth, and surface area (c-statistic = 0.75).

CONCLUSIONS

Culturing DFUs that showed no clinical signs of infection had no predictive value for outcomes of DFUs managed with total-contact casts and routine debridement. These findings support recommendations of the Infectious Disease Society of America that culturing and antibiotics should be avoided in treating DFUs that show no clinical signs of infection.
Hematogones in the Peripheral Blood of a 5½-Month-Old Boy with Cyclic Neutropenia Due to Heterozygous, Novel ELANE Gene Mutation p.Q97P, c.290 A>C
Authors: Juranovic Tajana , O'Suoji Chibuzo C. , Sivakumaran Theru A. , Zhang Kejian , Estallila Oscar C. , Jelic Tomislav M.
Published: July 2014

We have identified a novel point mutation in the ELANE gene of a 5.5-month-old boy with severe cyclic neutropenia, and we are reporting for the first time, to our knowledge, the presence of hematogones in the peripheral blood of an infant. The novel point mutation occurred at base number 290 in codon 97, where adenine was replaced with cytosine. The mutation caused the replacement of amino acid glutamine with amino acid proline in the activation domain of the elastase 2 enzyme. The heterozygous mutation generated severe cyclic neutropenia, granulocytic maturation arrest, an increased number of hematogones (26% of marrow cells) in the bone marrow, an absence of neutrophils, and the presence of stage 3 (mature) hematogones in the peripheral blood. The percentage of hematogones in the peripheral blood was inversely proportional to the absolute number of neutrophils. Leukemic number of blast-like cells (hematogones) in the bone marrow, blast-like cells in the peripheral blood, marked neutropenia, and the arrest of granulopoiesis might suggest an acute leukemia. However, the finding of characteristic flow cytometric features of hematogones should help to avoid a wrong diagnosis.