bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Intersectionality in Language, Gender, and Sexuality Research
Authors: Levon Erez
Published: July 2015

In this paper, I argue for the need to integrate intersectionality theory more fully in language, gender, and sexuality research. I outline the basic principles of what an intersectional approach to identity and identity‐linked speech entails, focusing particularly on the belief that an adequate description of lived experience, and hence social practice, requires us to consider the ways in which multiple systems of social categorization (e.g., gender and sexuality, race/ethnicity, social class, and place) intersect with one another in dynamic and mutually constitutive ways. I review research on the linguistic perception and production of gender and sexuality that has adopted an intersectional perspective to date and argue that while certain aspects of the theory have long had a foothold in work in this area, the field's engagement with the full ramifications of intersectionality as an analytical framework has been partial. I conclude with suggestions about how to anchor a more comprehensive approach to intersectionality in sociolinguistic research.
Disruption of the salivary gland muscle in tsetse, Glossina pallidipes Austen, as a result of salivary gland hypertrophy virus infection
Authors: GUERRA L. , STOFFOLANO J. G. , BELARDINELLI M. C. , GAMBELLINI G. , TADDEI A. R. , LAGHEZZA MASCI V. , FAUSTO A. M.
Published: July 2015

The secretory region of the salivary glands in Glossina pallidipes Austen (Diptera: Glossinidae) is characterized by an external muscle layer. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy investigations provide a detailed description of the longitudinal muscle fibres and a comparison of their structure when affected by salivary gland hypertrophy virus. The virus is responsible for hypertrophy of the salivary glands in symptomatic flies, specifically of the muscle fibres, the cytoarchitecture of which is completely altered. Although observations did not reveal viral particles in the muscle cells of either asymptomatic or symptomatic flies, muscle fibres were enlarged and detached from one another and their associated basement membrane only in symptomatic flies. A decrease in type IV collagen labelling in the basement membrane of the muscles in symptomatic flies is reported and is considered a potential cause of the salivary gland muscle alteration and, possibly, myopathy. The maintenance of an organized muscular layer is essential for the normal secretion of saliva and hence its pathology in symptomatic tsetse flies could affect the normal transmission of the trypanosome that develops inside the salivary gland epithelium. Therefore, a better understanding of the possible role of the virus is essential in order to elucidate its impact on salivary deployment in symptomatic flies.
THE PARADOX OF PERFORMANCE REGIMES: STRATEGIC RESPONSES TO TARGET REGIMES IN CHINESE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Authors: LI JIAYUAN
Published: July 2015

Numerous studies have shown that rewarding or penalizing public officials for their performance in a mechanical fashion may have perverse effects, as evidenced by the strategic responses to imposed targets demonstrated by those exposed to the measurement process. Focusing attention on performance evaluation practices in Chinese local government, this research finds that implementing quantitative measurement in local authorities has triggered multiple strategic responses. Drawing on these insights from an institutional logics perspective, the study attempts to provide a theoretical account of the underlying mechanism that has led to repeatedly observed instances of organizational cheating.
Low eosinophils during bronchiolitis in infancy are associated with lower risk of adulthood asthma
Authors: Backman Katri , Nuolivirta Kirsi , Ollikainen Hertta , Korppi Matti , Piippo‐Savolainen Eija
Published: July 2015

Background

Infant bronchiolitis may be the first manifestation of asthma.

Aim

To evaluate the association of early‐childhood risk or protective factors for asthma and lung function reduction in adults 30 years after bronchiolitis in infancy.

Methods

Forty‐seven former bronchiolitis patients attended the clinical study at the median age of 29.5 years, including doctoral examination and measurement of post‐bronchodilator lung function with flow‐volume spirometry. Data on early‐life risk factors including blood eosinophil counts on admission for bronchiolitis and on convalescence 4–6 weeks after bronchiolitis were available.

Results

Low blood eosinophil count <0.25 × 10E9/l on admission for bronchiolitis was a significant protective factor and high blood eosinophil count >0.45 × 10E9/l on convalescence was a significant risk factor for asthma in adulthood independently from atopic status in infancy. Parental asthma and high blood eosinophil count >0.45 × 10E9/l during bronchiolitis were significant risk factors for irreversible airway obstruction (FEV1/FVC ratio below the 5th percentile lower limit of normality after bronchodilation).

Conclusion

Our adjusted analyses confirmed that eosinopenia during infant bronchiolitis predicted low asthma risk and eosinophilia outside infection predicted high asthma risk up to the age of 28–31 years. Parental asthma and eosinophilia during bronchiolitis were recognized as risk factors for irreversible airway obstruction.
Influence of Defensiveness on Disability in a Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Population
Authors: Franklin Zoe C. , Smith Nickolas C. , Fowler Neil E.
Published: July 2015

Objective

This study aimed to identify the following: (1) the proportion of the defensive high‐anxious personality type in a chronic pain population; (2) whether personality type affects the relationships between cognitive factors and disability.

Method

Sixty patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, referred to a hospital for treatment, completed questionnaires assessing defensiveness, trait anxiety, pain intensity, disability, depression, catastrophizing, self‐efficacy, and kinesiophobia. Personality type was assessed using the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Marlowe‐Crowne Social Desirability Scale.

Results

Within the defensive high‐anxious group, lower levels of self‐efficacy, and high levels of depression and catastrophizing most strongly predicted perceptions of disability. Interestingly, the cognitive variables failed to significantly predict disability for individuals lower in anxiety and defensiveness; however, pain intensity did have a greater effect, explaining 36% of the variance.

Conclusions

The interaction between defensiveness and anxiety plays an important role in patients' perceptions of, and outcomes from, chronic pain. Differentiating the defensive high‐anxious group revealed different patterns of relationship between a range of cognitive factors and disability. This highlights the necessity of assessing personality characteristics that include defensiveness in order to identify those individuals who may be more vulnerable to cognitive factors influencing their perceptions of disability. If personality type is identified as a predictor of poor adjustment, interventions could be customized to the unique needs of this group (eg. high defensive and anxious individuals).
Morphological and structural plasticity of grassland species in response to a gradient in saline‐sodic soils
Authors: Huang Y. , Song Y. , Li G. , Drake P. L. , Zheng W. , Li Z. , Zhou D.
Published: July 2015

The abundance and distribution of species can be ascribed to both environmental heterogeneity and stress tolerance, with the latter measure sometimes associated with phenotypic plasticity. Although phenotypic plasticity varies predictably in response to common forms of stress, we lack a mechanistic understanding of the response of species to high saline‐sodic soils. We compared the phenotypic plasticity of three pairs of high and low saline‐sodic tolerant congeners from the families Poaceae (Leymus chinensis versus L. secalinus), Fabaceae (Lespedeza davurica versus L. bicolor) and Asteraceae (Artemisia mongolica versus A. sieversiana) in a controlled pot experiment in the Songnen grassland, China. The low tolerant species, L. secalinus and A. sieversiana exhibited higher plasticity in response to soil salinity and sodicity than their paired congeners. Highly tolerant species, L. chinensis and A. mongolica, had higher values for several important morphological traits, such as shoot length and total biomass under the high saline‐sodic soil treatment than their paired congeners. In contrast, congeners from the family Fabaceae, L. davurica and L. bicolor, did not exhibit significantly different plasticity in response to soil salinity and sodicity. All species held a constant reproductive effort in response to saline‐sodic soil stress. The different responses between low and high tolerant species offer an explanation for the distribution patterns of these species in the Songnen grassland. Highly tolerant species showed less morphological plasticity over a range of saline‐sodic conditions than their paired congeners, which may manifest as an inability to compete with co‐occurring species in locations where saline‐sodic soils are absent.
Dementia in elderly inpatients admitted to medical wards in Brazil: diagnosis and comorbidity with other clinical diseases
Authors: Maia Erica , Steglich Matheus Souza , Lima Alice Ponte , Zanella Troncoso Iris Hermes , da Silva Karina Ilheu , Martins Tassiane Raquel Cunha , Correa Neto Ylmar , Lopes Marcos Antonio
Published: July 2015

Background

Specific comorbidities affect older patients with dementia admitted to general hospitals and may complicate the recognition of dementia. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of dementia among elderly inpatients admitted to hospital medical wards and to identify its distribution across clinical and sociodemographic conditions.

Methods

From June 2011 to May 2012, a sample of elderly inpatients (≥60 years old) were screened for dementia with the Mini‐Mental State Examination and the Bayer Activities of Daily Living Scale to identify cognitive and functional impairment (CFI). Subjects with CFI underwent a diagnostic procedure for dementia using the Cambridge Mental Disorders of the Elderly Examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition. The elderly inpatients also completed a standard questionnaire to investigate sociodemographic and clinical variables and a screening procedure for depression and delirium. The data obtained were submitted to univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

The sample of 224 subjects had a mean age of 71.5 years and was mostly men (62.2%), poorly educated (≤4 years of schooling: 74.6%), and married (53.4%). CFI was observed in 84 subjects (prevalence: 37.4%; 95% confidence interval: 31.1–43.7), and dementia was observed in 31 subjects (prevalence: 17.2%; 95% confidence interval: 12.3–22.1). Dementia was related to older age and the presence of delirium, stroke, and pneumonia.

Conclusions

The prevalence of CFI and dementia was high among the elderly inpatients examined. The identification of medical and sociodemographic conditions associated with a dementia diagnosis in a general hospital may be useful in the development of preventative actions.
New Artificial Insemination Technologies for Swine
Authors: Bortolozzo FP , Menegat MB , Mellagi APG , Bernardi ML , Wentz I
Published: July 2015

Contents

Better efficiency in swine artificial insemination (AI) is accomplished by reducing the necessary number of sperm cells and achieving high reproductive performance. Some strategies have been developed for use under field conditions, such as the site of sperm deposition (post‐cervical AI), a single AI with control of oestrus and ovulation (fixed‐time AI), and the better use of high genetic merit boars, to spread their genes as much as possible. To apply these technologies, it is important to understand some anatomical limits, physiological aspects and farm requirements. In this review, we point out some strategies to achieve higher efficiency on the use of sperm for AI technology application in swine species.
New Approaches to Boar Semen Evaluation, Processing and Improvement
Authors: Sutovsky P
Published: July 2015

Contents

The improvement of boar reproductive performance may be the next frontier in reproductive management of swine herd in Unites States, facilitated by better understanding of boar sperm function and by the introduction of new advanced instrumentation in the andrology field. Objective single ejaculate evaluation and individual boar fertility prediction may be possible by introducing automated flow cytometric semen analysis with vital stains (e.g. acrosomal integrity and mito‐potential),DNAfragmentation analysis and biomarkers (ubiquitin,PAWP,ALOX15, aggresome) associated with normal or defective sperm phenotypes. Measurement of sperm‐produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a helpful indicator of normal semen sample. SemenROSlevels could be managed by the addition ofROS‐scavenging antioxidants. Alternative energy regeneration substrates and sperm stimulants such as inorganic pyrophosphate and caffeine could increase sperm lifespan in extended semen and within the female reproductive system. Such technology could be combined with timed sperm release in the female reproductive system after artificial insemination. Sperm phenotype analysis by the image‐based flow cytometry will go hand in hand with the advancement of swine genomics, linking aberrant sperm phenotype to the fertility influencing gene polymorphisms. Finally, poor‐quality ejaculates could be rescued and acceptable ejaculates improved by semen purification methods such as the nanoparticle‐based semen purification and magnetic‐activated sperm sorting. Altogether, these scientific and technological advances could benefit swine industry, provided that the challenges of new technology adoption, dissemination and cost reduction are met.
Methods for Improving In Vitro and In Vivo Boar Sperm Fertility
Authors: Funahashi H
Published: July 2015

Contents

Fertility of boar spermatozoa is changed after ejaculation in vivo and in vitro. During processing for in vitro fertilization (IVF), although spermatozoa are induced capacitation, resulting in a high penetration rate, persistent obstacle of polyspermic penetration is still observed with a high incidence. For artificial insemination (AI), we still need a large number of spermatozoa and lose a majority of those in the female reproductive tract. Fertility of cryopreserved boar spermatozoa is still injured through freezing and thawing process. In the present brief review, factors affecting fertility of boar sperm during IVF, AI and cryopreservation are discussed in the context of discovering methodologies to improve it.
A Review of New Technologies that may Become Useful for in vitro Production of Boar Sperm
Authors: Gadella BM , Ferraz MA
Published: July 2015

Contents

Making sperm cells outside the original testicular environment in a culture dish has been considered for a long time as impossible due to the very complicated process of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, which altogether, encompasses a 2‐month period. However, new approaches in complex three‐dimensional co‐cell cultures, micro‐perfusion and micro‐fluidics technologies, new knowledge in the functioning, culturing and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) and their precursor cells have revolutionized this field. Furthermore, the use of better molecular markers as well as stimulatory factors has led to successful in vitro culture of stem cells either derived from germ line stem cells, from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) or from embryonic stem cells (ESC). These stem cells when placed into small seminiferous tubule fragments are able to become SSC. The SSC beyond self‐renewal can also be induced into haploid sperm‐like cells under in vitro conditions. In mouse, this in vitro produced sperm can be injected into a mature oocyte and allow post‐fertilization development into an early embryo in vitro. After transferring such obtained embryos into the uterus of a recipient mouse, they can further develop into healthy offspring. Recently, a similar approach has been performed with combining selected cells from testicular cell suspensions followed by a complete in vitro culture of seminiferous cords producing sperm‐like cells. However, most of the techniques developed are laborious, time‐consuming and have low efficiency, placing questionable that it will become useful used for setting up an efficient in vitro sperm production system for the boar. The benefits and drawbacks as well as the likeliness of in vitro pig sperm production to become applied in assisted technologies for swine reproduction are critically discussed. In this contribution, also the process of sperm production in the testis and sperm maturation is reviewed.
Sex‐Sorted Boar Sperm – An Update on Related Production Methods
Authors: Rath D , Tiedemann D , Gamrad L , Johnson LA , Klein S , Kues W , Mancini R , Rehbock C , Taylor U , Barcikowski S
Published: July 2015

Contents

As in other mammals, sex sorting of pig sperm is based on quantitative flow cytometry. A major disadvantage of the technique is the relatively low efficiency to produce enough sorted sperm for artificial insemination. However, several approaches are on the way to make sexed pig sperm available for commercial application. In this context, for example, the growing field of nanotechnology may significantly contribute to these developments, as it provides highly efficient bio‐nanoprobes, for example, based on plasmonic nanoparticles. Independent of the method, further development requires enormous investments and set‐up of logistics to get the technology into the practical pig market. Only global players will be able to establish the necessary research projects, but in the end, a significant shift of sex ratios will be available for pig producers as it is already the case for the dairy industry.
Skilled and Unskilled Immigrants and Entrepreneurship in a Developed Country
Authors: Beladi Hamid , Kar Saibal
Published: July 2015

Evidence from some OECD countries suggests that skilled immigrants are over‐represented in entrepreneurship. We offer an analytical explanation to show that it may be a direct outcome of asymmetric information between immigrants and potential employers in the rich countries. Limiting occupational choices to self‐employment and employment, we show that skilled immigrants vis‐à‐vis natives may be proportionally over‐represented in small businesses. This compensates for the income loss in the labor market. It results from higher critical risk aversion among skilled immigrants compared with natives and subsequently leads to higher average income for all immigrants in the cross‐section. Finally, we show why a lesser number of unskilled immigrants enter self‐employment and discuss the speed of income convergence between all immigrants and natives.
Estimating Distribution Costs with theEaton–Kortum Model
Authors: Yang Xuebing
Published: July 2015

Economists have mainly relied on input–output tables to calculate domestic trade costs for a relatively small number of developed countries. In this work we use an augmentedEaton–Kortum model to estimate the distribution costs of a group of consumption goods for 60 countries, which include both developing and developed countries. Our results show that developing countries are subject to much higher distribution costs, and that reductions in the distribution costs can result in large welfare gains.
Dynamic Analysis of the Exchange Rate Regime: Policy Implications for Emerging Countries in East Asia
Authors: Yoshino Naoyuki , Kaji Sahoko , Asonuma Tamon
Published: July 2015

This paper discusses exchange rate policies in East Asia. In particular, we explore whether actual policies that have been implemented by East Asian countries after the Asian Financial Crisis follow or deviate from theoretically “desirable” policies over the medium and long terms. On theoretical analysis, we show the relative superiority of a basket‐peg regime with the basket weight rule when compared with a floating regime implementing the interest rate rule or money supply rule. For countries that currently adopt a fixed exchange rate regime, they would be better off shifting toward either a basket‐peg or a floating regime over the medium term. A shift to a basket peg is more preferred when compared with a shift to a floating regime when the exchange rate fluctuations are large.
Exchange Market Pressure and Monetary Policy in Emerging Market Economies: New Evidence from Treatment‐effect Estimations
Authors: Erler Alexander , Sirries Steffen , Bauer Christian , Herz Bernhard
Published: July 2015

The way central banks react to exchange market pressure is likely to affect the subsequent economic development and the associated economic costs. In a situation of currency pressure the central bank can in principle decide to let the currency float freely, to maintain the peg or to implement a managed float policy, i.e. a mix of depreciation and intervention. As the central bank's choices are subject to self selection and endogeneity, we use propensity score matching to adequately cope with these methodical challenges. We find that monetary authorities have two options to keep down the economic costs in terms of output, namely stabilizing the exchange rate or letting the currency float freely. In contrast, a managed float under currency pressure is accompanied by the worst possible outcome with an average loss of gross domestic product (GDP) between 5% and 6%.
On the Future of Inflation Targeting in East Asia
Authors: Volz Ulrich
Published: July 2015

This article analyzes the problems associated with inflation targeting (IT) regimes in a number of East Asian countries. It scrutinizes the policy conflicts that can arise when a central bank that has adopted a formal inflation target to guide the conduct of monetary policy simultaneously manages the exchange rate and pursues financial stability objectives. To this end, it empirically investigates the importance of exchange rate and terms of trade movements as determinants of inflation rates across East Asian economies and discusses the role of central banks in guarding financial stability and the ways this may conflict with an IT regime. The article argues that IT never really has been a suitable monetary framework for East Asian countries and that it should hence be supplanted by transparent monetary frameworks that explicitly recognize the multiple goals that are being pursued by East Asian central banks.
Intravenous immunoglobulin–related hemolysis in patients treated for Kawasaki disease
Authors: Luban Naomi L.C. , Wong Edward C.C. , Henrich Lobo Rodolfo , Pary Philippe , Duke Sarah
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an idiopathic, multisystem disorder characterized by vasculitis of arteries, veins, and capillaries, affecting pediatric patients, and is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in childhood. The mainstays of therapy for KD are high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin, which are thought to prevent or modify the most serious cardiac sequelae. A well‐documented complication of high‐dose IVIG infusion in adults is hemolytic anemia due to passive transfer of anti‐A and anti‐B. Risk factors for hemolysis in another case series included patient blood group (group A, B, or AB), a high cumulative dose of IVIG, and concomitant inflammation documented by one or more markers like ferritin, fibrinogen, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or C‐reactive protein.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A 3‐year retrospective case review of patients previously recognized with apparent IVIG‐related hemolytic anemia identified by standard blood bank testing was performed at a tertiary care pediatric hospital.

RESULTS

Five patients were identified with severe anemia each requiring RBC transfusion for anemia. All five patients demonstrated a positive direct antiglobulin testing. Four of five patients had anti‐A, anti‐B, and/or anti‐A1 with elution assays. All patients had signs of extravascular hemolysis with reticulocytosis, spherocytosis, and other hemolysis markers. One child died.

CONCLUSION

Our cases represent dose‐dependent hemolysis caused by IVIG in association with severe anemia requiring transfusion with an average yearly incidence rate of 0.36%. Hemolysis is an underrecognized complication of IVIG administration. KD patients are at greater risk for anemia because of their lower baseline hemoglobin concentration, underlying acute inflammation, and oxygen requirements during acute illness.
Identification of a third feline Demodex species through partial sequencing of the 16S rDNA and frequency of Demodex species in 74 cats using a PCR assay
Authors: Ferreira Diana , Sastre Natalia , Ravera Iván , Altet Laura , Francino Olga , Bardagí Mar , Ferrer Lluís
Published: July 2015

Background

Demodex cati and Demodex gatoi are considered the two Demodex species of cats. However, several reports have identified Demodex mites morphologically different from these two species. The differentiation of Demodex mites is usually based on morphology, but within the same species different morphologies can occur. DNA amplification/sequencing has been used effectively to identify and differentiate Demodex mites in humans, dogs and cats.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim was to develop a PCR technique to identify feline Demodex mites and use this technique to investigate the frequency of Demodex in cats.

Methods

Demodex cati, D. gatoi and Demodex mites classified morphologically as the third unnamed feline species were obtained. Hair samples were taken from 74 cats. DNA was extracted; a 330 bp fragment of the 16S rDNA was amplified and sequenced.

Results

The sequences of D. cati and D. gatoi shared >98% identity with those published on GenBank. The sequence of the third unnamed species showed 98% identity with a recently published feline Demodex sequence and only 75.2 and 70.9% identity with D. gatoi and D. cati sequences, respectively. Demodex DNA was detected in 19 of 74 cats tested; 11 DNA sequences corresponded to Demodex canis, five to Demodex folliculorum, three to D. cati and two to Demodex brevis.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Three Demodex species can be found in cats, because the third unnamed Demodex species is likely to be a distinct species. Apart from D. cati and D. gatoi, DNA from D. canis, D. folliculorum and D. brevis was found on feline skin.
Contact dermatitis: a comparative and translational review of the literature
Authors: Ho Karen K. , Campbell Karen L. , Lavergne Sidonie N.
Published: July 2015

Background

Contact dermatitis (CD) is an inflammatory skin condition induced by direct contact with a specific chemical. Irritant CD (ICD) is a nonspecific inflammatory cutaneous reaction to an irritating agent. Allergic CD (ACD) is an immune‐mediated antigen‐specific skin reaction to an allergenic chemical.

Objectives and methods

The biomedical literature (human, basic science, veterinary) was reviewed to evaluate the current state of knowledge regarding CD.

Results

The incidence of human CD remains unclear, but represents up to 90–95% of all occupational skin diseases. The prevalence of CD has not been established in veterinary medicine. The pathogenesis of CD is not fully understood, but involves a complex cascade of events between resident skin cells, relocated immune cells, pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The main difference between ICD and ACD is that ACD is an antigen‐specific reaction to an allergenic irritating agent whereas ICD is not antigen‐specific. To date, there is no fully validated diagnostic test available for CD. Thus, its clinical diagnosis relies on the patient's history, clinical examination, dermatological tests and, in some cases, research‐based assays. The most important factor in CD management is the identification and avoidance of the culprit irritant or allergen. In addition, various topical and systemic therapies can be considered.

Conclusion and clinical relevance

CD is a relatively common occupational skin disease in human beings, but the prevalence in veterinary medicine is undefined. It can lead to debilitating clinical signs. Further research in human medicine and even more so in veterinary patients, will be required in order to allow for an evidence‐based approach in its diagnosis and management.
Acoustic cue weighting in the singleton vs geminate contrast in Lebanese Arabic: The case of fricative consonants
Authors: Al-Tamimi Jalal , Khattab Ghada
Published: July 2015

This paper is the first reported investigation of the role of non-temporal acoustic cues in the singleton-geminate contrast in Lebanese Arabic, alongside the more frequently reported temporal cues. The aim is to explore the extent to which singleton and geminate consonants show qualitative differences in a language where phonological length is prominent and where moraic structure governs segment timing and syllable weight. Twenty speakers (ten male, ten female) were recorded producing trochaic disyllables with medial singleton and geminate fricatives preceded by phonologically short and long vowels. The following acoustic measures were applied on the medial fricative and surrounding vowels: absolute duration; intensity; fundamental frequency; spectral peak and shape, dynamic amplitude, and voicing patterns of medial fricatives; and vowel quality and voice quality correlates of surrounding vowels. Discriminant analysis and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to assess each acoustic cue's contribution to the singleton-geminate contrast. Classification rates of 89% and ROC curves with an area under the curve rate of 96% confirmed the major role played by temporal cues, with non-temporal cues contributing to the contrast but to a much lesser extent. These results confirm that the underlying contrast for gemination in Arabic is temporal, but highlight [+tense] (fortis) as a secondary feature.
Calculated wind noise for an infrasonic wind noise enclosure
Authors: Abbott JohnPaul , Raspet Richard
Published: July 2015

A simple calculation of the wind noise measured at the center of a large porous wind fence enclosure is developed. The calculation provides a good model of the measured wind noise, with a good agreement within ±5 dB, and is derived by combining the wind noise contributions from (a) the turbulence–turbulence and turbulence–shear interactions inside the enclosure, (b) the turbulence interactions on the surface of the enclosure, and (c) the turbulence–shear interactions outside of the enclosure. Each wind noise contribution is calculated from the appropriate measured turbulence spectra, velocity profiles, correlation lengths, and the mean velocity at the center, surface, and outside of the enclosure. The model is verified by comparisons of the measured wind noise to the calculated estimates of the differing noise contributions and their sum.
Torture report prompts APA apology
Authors: Bohannon John
Published: July 2015

Admitting it colluded with U.S., psychologists group to change policies, leadership.
Salaries pump up biomedical inflation
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: July 2015

High-tech equipment is not the main driver of rising research costs.
Tonsillar Syphilis: an Unusual Site of Infection Detected by Treponema pallidum PCR
Authors: Smith John R. M. , Tsang Raymond S. W. , Kadkhoda Kamran
Published: July 2015

With the reemergence of syphilis, it is important that both clinical and public health practitioners recognize the various clinical manifestations of this disease (formerly known as “the great imitator”) and become familiar with the newer diagnostic tests. Here we report the first case of tonsillar syphilis diagnosed by PCR.
The Telomerase Inhibitor MST-312 Interferes with Multiple Steps in the Herpes Simplex Virus Life Cycle
Authors: Haberichter Jarod , Roberts Scott , Abbasi Imran , Dedthanou Phonphanh , Pradhan Prajakta , Nguyen Marie L.
Published: July 2015

The life cycle of herpes simplex virus (HSV) has the potential to be further manipulated to yield novel, more effective therapeutic treatments. Recent research has demonstrated that HSV-1 can increase telomerase activity and that expression of the catalytic component of telomerase, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), alters sensitivity to HSV-dependent apoptosis. Telomerase is a cellular enzyme that synthesizes nucleotide repeats at the ends of chromosomes (telomeres), which prevents shortening of the 3′ ends of DNA with each cell division. Once telomeres reach a critical length, cells undergo senescence and apoptosis. Here, we used a cell-permeable, reversible inhibitor of the telomerase enzyme, MST-312, to investigate telomerase activity during HSV infection. Human mammary epithelial cells immortalized through TERT expression and human carcinoma HEp-2 cells were infected with the KOS1.1 strain of HSV-1 in the presence of MST-312. MST-312 treatment reduced the number of cells displaying a cytopathic effect and the accumulation of immediate early and late viral proteins. Moreover, the presence of 20 μM to 100 μM MST-312 during infection led to a 2.5- to 5.5-log10decrease in viral titers. MST-312 also inhibited the replication of HSV-2 and a recent clinical isolate of HSV-1. Additionally, we determined that MST-312 has the largest impact on viral events that take place prior to 5 h postinfection (hpi). Furthermore, MST-312 treatment inhibited virus replication, as measured by adsorption assays and quantification of genome replication. Together, these findings demonstrate that MST-312 interferes with the HSV life cycle. Further investigation into the mechanism for MST-312 is warranted and may provide novel targets for HSV therapies.

IMPORTANCEHerpes simplex virus (HSV) infections can lead to cold sores, blindness, and brain damage. Identification of host factors that are important for the virus life cycle may provide novel targets for HSV antivirals. One such factor, telomerase, is the cellular enzyme that synthesizes DNA repeats at the ends of chromosomes during replication to prevent DNA shortening. In this study, we investigate role of telomerase in HSV infection. The data demonstrate that the telomerase inhibitor MST-312 suppressed HSV replication at multiple steps of viral infection.
Simian Varicella Virus Is Present in Macrophages, Dendritic Cells, and T Cells in Lymph Nodes of Rhesus Macaques after Experimental Reactivation
Authors: Traina-Dorge Vicki , Doyle-Meyers Lara A. , Sanford Robert , Manfredo Jennifer , Blackmon Anna , Wellish Mary , James Stephanie , Alvarez Xavier , Midkiff Cecily , Palmer Brent E. , Deharo Eileen , Gilden Don , Mahalingam Ravi
Published: July 2015

Like varicella-zoster virus (VZV), simian varicella virus (SVV) reactivates to produce zoster. In the present study, 5 rhesus macaques were inoculated intrabronchially with SVV, and 5 months later, 4 monkeys were immunosuppressed; 1 monkey was not immunosuppressed but was subjected to the stress of transportation. In 4 monkeys, a zoster rash developed 7 to 12 weeks after immunosuppression, and a rash also developed in the monkey that was not immunosuppressed. Analysis at 24 to 48 h after zoster revealed SVV antigen in the lung alveolar wall, in ganglionic neurons and nonneuronal cells, and in skin and in lymph nodes. In skin, SVV was found primarily in sweat glands. In lymph nodes, the SVV antigen colocalized mostly with macrophages, dendritic cells, and, to a lesser extent, T cells. The presence of SVV in lymph nodes, as verified by quantitative PCR detection of SVV DNA, might reflect the sequestration of virus by macrophages and dendritic cells in lymph nodes or the presentation of viral antigens to T cells to initiate an immune response against SVV, or both.

IMPORTANCE
VZV causes varicella (chickenpox), becomes latent in ganglia, and reactivates to produce zoster and multiple other serious neurological disorders. SVV in nonhuman primates has proved to be a useful model in which the pathogenesis of the virus parallels the pathogenesis of VZV in humans. Here, we show that SVV antigens are present in sweat glands in skin and in macrophages and dendritic cells in lymph nodes after SVV reactivation in monkeys, raising the possibility that macrophages and dendritic cells in lymph nodes serve as antigen-presenting cells to activate T cell responses against SVV after reactivation.
Reactivation Kinetics of HIV-1 and Susceptibility of Reactivated Latently Infected CD4+T Cells to HIV-1-Specific CD8+T Cells
Authors: Walker-Sperling Victoria E. K. , Cohen Valerie J. , Tarwater Patrick M. , Blankson Joel N.
Published: July 2015

The “shock and kill” model of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) eradication involves the induction of transcription of HIV-1 genes in latently infected CD4+T cells, followed by the elimination of these infected CD4+T cells by CD8+T cells or other effector cells. CD8+T cells may also be needed to control the spread of new infection if residual infected cells are present at the time combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is discontinued. In order to determine the time frame needed for CD8+T cells to effectively prevent the spread of HIV-1 infection, we examined the kinetics of HIV transcription and virus release in latently infected cells reactivatedex vivo. Isolated resting, primary CD4+T cells from HIV-positive (HIV+) subjects on suppressive regimens were found to upregulate cell-associated HIV-1 mRNA within 1 h of stimulation and produce extracellular virus as early as 6 h poststimulation. In spite of the rapid kinetics of virus production, we show that CD8+T cells from 2 out of 4 viremic controllers were capable of effectively eliminating reactivated autologous CD4+cells that upregulate cell-associated HIV-1 mRNA. The results have implications for devising strategies to prevent rebound viremia due to reactivation of rare latently infected cells that persist after potentially curative therapy.

IMPORTANCEA prominent HIV-1 cure strategy termed “shock and kill” involves the induction of HIV-1 transcription in latently infected CD4+T cells with the goal of elimination of these cells by either the cytotoxic T lymphocyte response or other immune cell subsets. However, the cytotoxic T cell response may also be required after curative treatment if residual latently infected cells remain. The kinetics of HIV-1 reactivation indicate rapid upregulation of cell-associated HIV-1 mRNA and a 5-h window between transcription and virus release. Thus, HIV-specific CD8+T cell responses likely have a very short time frame to eliminate residual latently infected CD4+T cells that become reactivated after discontinuation of antiretroviral therapy following potentially curative treatment strategies.
Cellular Protein WDR11 Interacts with Specific Herpes Simplex Virus Proteins at thetrans-Golgi Network To Promote Virus Replication
Authors: Taylor Kathryne E. , Mossman Karen L.
Published: July 2015

It has recently been proposed that the herpes simplex virus (HSV) protein ICP0 has cytoplasmic roles in blocking antiviral signaling and in promoting viral replication in addition to its well-known proteasome-dependent functions in the nucleus. However, the mechanisms through which it produces these effects remain unclear. While investigating this further, we identified a novel cytoplasmic interaction between ICP0 and the poorly characterized cellular protein WDR11. During an HSV infection, WDR11 undergoes a dramatic change in localization at late times in the viral replication cycle, moving from defined perinuclear structures to a dispersed cytoplasmic distribution. While this relocation was not observed during infection with viruses other than HSV-1 and correlated with efficient HSV-1 replication, the redistribution was found to occur independently of ICP0 expression, instead requiring viral late gene expression. We demonstrate for the first time that WDR11 is localized to thetrans-Golgi network (TGN), where it interacts specifically with some, but not all, HSV virion components, in addition to ICP0. Knockdown of WDR11 in cultured human cells resulted in a modest but consistent decrease in yields of both wild-type and ICP0-null viruses, in the supernatant and cell-associated fractions, without affecting viral gene expression. Although further study is required, we propose that WDR11 participates in viral assembly and/or secondary envelopment.

IMPORTANCEWhile the TGN has been proposed to be the major site of HSV-1 secondary envelopment, this process is incompletely understood, and in particular, the role of cellular TGN components in this pathway is unknown. Additionally, little is known about the cellular functions of WDR11, although the disruption of this protein has been implicated in multiple human diseases. Therefore, our finding that WDR11 is a TGN-resident protein that interacts with specific viral proteins to enhance viral yields improves both our understanding of basic cellular biology as well as how this protein is co-opted by HSV.
Bacteraemic urinary tract infection: management and outcomes in young infants
Authors: Schroeder Alan R , Shen Mark W , Biondi Eric A , Bendel-Stenzel Michael , Chen Clifford N , French Jason , Lee Vivian , Evans Rianna C , Jerardi Karen E , Mischler Matt , Wood Kelly E , Chang Pearl W , Roman Heidi K , Greenhow Tara L
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To determine predictors of parenteral antibiotic duration and the association between parenteral treatment duration and relapses in infants <3 months with bacteraemic urinary tract infection (UTI).

Design

Multicentre retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Eleven healthcare institutions across the USA.

Patients

Infants <3 months of age with bacteraemic UTI, defined as the same pathogenic organism isolated from blood and urine.

Main outcome measures

Duration of parenteral antibiotic therapy, relapsed UTI within 30 days.

Results

The mean (±SD) duration of parenteral antibiotics for the 251 included infants was 7.8 days (±4 days), with considerable variability between institutions (mean range 5.5–12 days). Independent predictors of the duration of parenteral antibiotic therapy included (coefficient, 95% CI): age (−0.2 days, −0.3 days to −0.08 days, for each week older), year treated (−0.2 days, −0.4 to −0.03 days for each subsequent calendar year), male gender (0.9 days, 0.01 to 1.8 days), a positive repeat blood culture during acute treatment (3.5 days, 1.2–5.9 days) and a non-Escherichia coli organism (2.2 days, 0.8–3.6 days). No infants had a relapsed bacteraemic UTI. Six infants (2.4%) had a relapsed UTI (without bacteraemia). The duration of parenteral antibiotics did not differ between infants with and without a relapse (8.2 vs 7.8 days, p=0.81).

Conclusions

Parenteral antibiotic treatment duration in young infants with bacteraemic UTI was variable and only minimally explained by measurable patient factors. Relapses were rare and were not associated with treatment duration. Shorter parenteral courses may be appropriate in some infants.
Intussusception of the vermiform appendix
Authors: Dickson-Lowe Richard A , Ibrahim Sherine , Munthali Lamios , Hasan Fazal
Published: July 2015

Appendicitis is a common presentation to an acute general surgical on call team. It can be a difficult diagnosis at times, particularly in sexually active young women, in whom it is often surgically challenging. This case is of a relatively straightforward diagnosis, taken for laparoscopic appendicectomy that resulted in performing an open right hemicolectomy for a necrotic, intussuscepted appendix. Histology ultimately revealed the cause of intussusception and resultant infarction of the appendix to be endometriosis.
The importance of a medical chaperone: a quality improvement study exploring the use of a note stamp in a tertiary breast surgery unit
Authors: Rose K , Eshelby S , Thiruchelvam P , Khoo A , Hogben K
Published: July 2015

Objectives

The project aim was to determine current use and documentation of medical chaperones within a major breast service unit. It explored ways of improving adherence to professional guidelines concerning chaperones.

Setting

The single centre quality improvement project was completed in a tertiary breast service unit in North West London. It was a three-stage project with initial audit in October 2013, 1st postintervention cycle in November 2013 and 2nd postintervention cycle in October 2014.

Participants

In each study cycle, data were collected from entries in clinic notes until at least 155 encounters with documented clinical examination were analysed. All notes were of female patients.

Interventions

(1) Intervention 1st cycle: presentation and discussion of chaperone guidelines alongside reminder posters and introduction of note stamp. (2) Intervention 2nd cycle: note stamp alone.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Documentation of chaperone offer, documentation of patient preference regarding chaperone, identifier (name or signature) of chaperone present and gender of examining clinician.

Results

In the 1st postintervention cycle, 69.95% documentation of chaperone offer was recorded, p<0.001, CI (59.04% to 80.76%). This result was replicated in the 2nd postintervention cycle a year later with 74.86% documentation of chaperone offer recorded, p<0.001, CI (66.41% to 83.31%). The 4.91% difference was insignificant; p=0.294, CI (14.03% to 4.21%).

Conclusions

The authors suggest that a proforma approach to medical chaperones is an effective means of ensuring adherence to best practice guidelines. A stamp, or similar, that can be embedded into documentation structure is an effective example of such an approach. Improved documentation allows any problems with adherence to guidelines to be more easily identified, helping to ensure the safeguarding of patients and staff involved in intimate examinations.
Clinical practice guidelines for hypertension in China: a systematic review of the methodological quality
Authors: Chen Yin , Hu Shilian , Wu Lei , Fang Xiang , Xu Weiping , Shen Gan
Published: July 2015

Objective

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) provide clinicians with specific recommendations for practice, but due to the increasing number of CPGs developed by diverse organisations over the past few years, there are concerns about the quality of some CPGs. This paper proposes a systematic review of the methodological quality of the CPGs for hypertension that were developed in China.

Design

A systematic review of CPGs for the management of hypertension in adult patients in China.

Data resources

Chinese electronic databases, Chinese guideline websites and Google Scholar were searched, and the reference lists of relevant publications were also screened for additional information. CPGs for the management of hypertension in adult patients were identified. The main characteristics of the CPGs were extracted, and the scaled Appraisal of Guidelines, REsearch and Evaluation II (AGREE II) domain percentages were independently evaluated by two reviewers.

Results

A total of 17 CPGs, with publication dates ranging from 2001 to 2011, were identified. There was considerable variation in the quality of the CPGs across the AGREE II domains. Overall, the domains of ‘rigor of development’ and ‘editorial independence’ were poorly addressed, with an average score of 18% and 16%, respectively. Also less well addressed were the ‘stakeholder involvement’ and ‘applicability’ domains, for which the average domain scores were 28% and 20%, respectively. The CPGs performance was less problematic in the domains of ‘scope and purpose’ and ‘clarity and presentation’, with a median of 41% for both. After considering the domain scores, 8 CPGs could be recommended with modification for use.

Conclusions

There is considerable room for improvement of the methodological quality of CPGs for hypertension in China. Greater efforts should to be devoted to ensure the explicit and transparent reporting of potential conflicts of interest of stakeholders, and to consider the quality of the evidence and grade recommendations in the CPG development process.