bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subtype and regional regulation of prion biomarkers in sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease
Authors: Llorens Franc , Zafar Saima , Ansoleaga Belén , Shafiq Mohsin , Blanco Rosi , Carmona Marga , Grau‐Rivera Oriol , Nos Carlos , Gelpí Ellen , del Río José Antonio , Zerr Inga , Ferrer Isidre
Published: August 2014

Aims

Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) is a rapid progressive neurological disease leading to dementia and death. Prion biomarkers are altered in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of CJD patients, but the pathogenic mechanisms underlying these alterations are still unknown. The present study examined prion biomarker levels in the brain and CSF of sporadic CJD (sCJD) cases and their correlation with neuropathological lesion profiles.

Methods

The expression levels of 14‐3‐3, Tau, phospho‐Tau and α‐synuclein were measured in the CSF and brain of sCJD cases in a subtype‐ and region‐specific manner. In addition, the activity of prion biomarker kinases, the expression levels of CJD hallmarks and the most frequent neuropathological sCJD findings were analysed.

Results

Prion biomarkers levels were increased in the CSF of sCJD patients; however, correlations between mRNA, total protein and their phosphorylated forms in brain were different. The observed downregulation of the main Tau kinase, GSK3, in sCJD brain samples may help to explain the differential phospho‐Tau/Tau ratios between sCJD and other dementias in the CSF. Importantly, CSF biomarkers levels do not necessarily correlate with sCJD neuropathological findings.

Interpretation

Present findings indicate that prion biomarkers levels in sCJD tissues and their release into the CSF are differentially regulated following specific modulated responses, and suggest a functional role for these proteins in sCJD pathogenesis.
Herbivore‐induced plant volatiles: targets, perception and unanswered questions
Authors: Heil Martin
Published: August 2014

Plants respond to mechanical wounding, herbivore feeding or infection by pathogens with the release of volatiles. Small C6 molecules termed green‐leaf volatiles form a general element in most of these blends; however, the overall composition is usually sufficiently specific that other organisms are able to determine the nature of the attacker. Receivers of herbivore‐induced volatile organic compounds (HI‐VOCs) comprise distant parts of the same plant (‘within‐plant signalling’), neighbouring plants (‘plant–plant signalling’), herbivores, and multiple carnivores that respond to the ‘plant's cry for help’, such as parasitoids and hyperparasitoids, entomopathogenic nematodes, and predatory mites, beetles, bugs and birds. In spite of intensive research efforts, many central questions still remain. How do plants perceive volatiles? What is the relative impact of each of the interactions with different receivers of HI‐VOCs on the fitness of the emitting plant and that of the interacting organisms? How long can these compounds remain stable in the atmosphere? Why are VOC‐mediated effects on herbivores and beneficial organisms not used as a common tool in sustainable agriculture? Here, I briefly summarize the ecological effects of HI‐VOC perception and discuss the most pertinent questions raised by participants at the 32nd New Phytologist Symposium in Buenos Aires.
Controls on foliar nutrient and aluminium concentrations in a tropical tree flora: phylogeny, soil chemistry and interactions among elements
Authors: Metali Faizah , Abu Salim Kamariah , Tennakoon Kushan , Burslem David F. R. P.
Published: August 2014

Foliar elemental concentrations are predictors of life‐history variation and contribute to spatial patterns in biogeochemical cycling. We examined the contributions of habitat association, local soil environment, and elemental interactions to variation in foliar elemental concentrations in tropical trees using methods that account for phylogeny.

We sampled top‐soils and leaves of 58 tropical trees in heath forest (HF) on nutrient‐poor sand and mixed dipterocarp forest (MDF) on nutrient‐rich clay soils. A phylogenetic generalized least squares method was used to determine how foliar nutrient and aluminium (Al) concentrations varied in response to habitat distribution, soil chemistry and other elemental concentrations.

Foliar nitrogen (N) and Al concentrations were greater for specialists of MDF than for specialists of HF, while foliar calcium (Ca) concentrations showed the opposite trend. Foliar magnesium (Mg) concentrations were lower for generalists than for MDF specialists. Foliar element concentrations were correlated with fine‐scale variation in soil chemistry in phylogenetically controlled analyses across species, but there was limited within‐species plasticity in foliar elemental concentrations. Among Al accumulators, foliar Al concentration was positively associated with foliar Ca and Mg concentrations, and negatively associated with foliar phosphorus (P) concentrations.

The Al‐accumulation trait and relationships between foliar elemental and Al concentrations may contribute to species habitat partitioning and ecosystem‐level differences in biogeochemical cycles.
Individual‐based modelling of resource competition to predict density‐dependent population dynamics: a case study with white storks
Authors: Zurell Damaris , Eggers Ute , Kaatz Michael , Rotics Shay , Sapir Nir , Wikelski Martin , Nathan Ran , Jeltsch Florian
Published: August 2014

Density regulation influences population dynamics through its effects on demographic rates and consequently constitutes a key mechanism explaining the response of organisms to environmental changes. Yet, it is difficult to establish the exact form of density dependence from empirical data. Here, we developed an individual‐based model to explore how resource limitation and behavioural processes determine the spatial structure of white stork Ciconia ciconia populations and regulate reproductive rates. We found that the form of density dependence differed considerably between landscapes with the same overall resource availability and between home range selection strategies, highlighting the importance of fine‐scale resource distribution in interaction with behaviour. In accordance with theories of density dependence, breeding output generally decreased with density but this effect was highly variable and strongly affected by optimal foraging strategy, resource detection probability and colonial behaviour. Moreover, our results uncovered an overlooked consequence of density dependence by showing that high early nestling mortality in storks, assumed to be the outcome of harsh weather, may actually result from density dependent effects on food provision. Our findings emphasize that accounting for interactive effects of individual behaviour and local environmental factors is crucial for understanding density‐dependent processes within spatially structured populations. Enhanced understanding of the ways animal populations are regulated in general, and how habitat conditions and behaviour may dictate spatial population structure and demographic rates is critically needed for predicting the dynamics of populations, communities and ecosystems under changing environmental conditions.
Towards a cohesive, holistic view of top predation: a definition, synthesis and perspective
Authors: Sergio Fabrizio , Schmitz Oswald J. , Krebs Charles J. , Holt Robert D. , Heithaus Michael R. , Wirsing Aaron J. , Ripple William J. , Ritchie Euan , Ainley David , Oro Daniel , Jhala Yadvendradev , Hiraldo Fernando , Korpimäki Erkki
Published: August 2014

Research on the ecology of top predators – upper trophic level consumers that are relatively free from predation once they reach adult size – has provided regular contributions to general ecology and is a rapidly expanding and increasingly experimental, multidisciplinary and technological endeavour. Yet, an exponentially expanding literature coupled with rapid disintegration into specialized, disconnected subfields for study (e.g. vertebrate predators versus invertebrate predators, community ecology versus biological control etc.) increasingly means that we are losing a coherent, integrated understating of the role and importance of these species in ecosystems. This process of canalization is likely to hinder sharing of scientific discovery and continued progress, especially as there is a growing need to understand the generality of the top–down forcing, as demonstrated for some members of this group. Here, we propose ways to facilitate synthesis by promoting changes in mentality and awareness among specialists through increased debate and collaboration, conceptual reviews and a series of exemplary case studies. The strategy will rely on the collective contribution by all scientists in the field and will strive to consolidate and formalise top‐order predation as a holistic, cohesive, cross‐taxonomical field of research studying the ecology, evolution and behaviour of apex predators and their capability to exert top–down forcing on lower trophic levels.

Synthesis

The ongoing global loss of top predators and their recolonization of various regions are causing a rapid upsurge of studies on these species and a consequent fragmentation of this field into disconnected, specialized subcompartments: this will weaken efforts to produce synthetic generalisations of broader ecological interest. Here, we show that top predation provides regular contributions to general ecology, is well grounded in theoretical ecology and is a rapidly expanding and increasingly experimental, multidisciplinary and technological field of research. The novelty of this forum lies in providing a concise synthesis of this area of ecology, in attempting to formalise “top predation” as a specific, inter‐connected area of investigation, and in proposing a marked change of mentality by stressing the need for cross‐taxonomic approaches enabling broader views of the role of predators in ecosystems.
Coordination of aboveground and belowground responses to local‐scale soil fertility differences between two contrasting Jamaican rain forest types
Authors: Wardle David A. , Bellingham Peter J. , Kardol Paul , Giesler Reiner , Tanner Edmund V. J.
Published: August 2014

There is growing interest in understanding how declining soil fertility in the prolonged absence of major disturbance drives ecological processes, or ‘ecosystem retrogression’. However, there are few well characterized study systems for exploring this phenomenon in the tropics, despite tropics occupying over 40% of the Earth's terrestrial surface. We studied two types of montane rain forest in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica that represent distinct stages in ecosystem development, i.e. an earlier stage with shallow organic matter and a late stage with deep organic matter (hereafter ‘mull’ and ‘mor’ stages). We characterized responses of soil fertility and plant, soil microbial and nematode communities to the transition from mull to mor and whether these responses were coupled. For soil abiotic properties, we found this transition led to lower amounts of both nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) and an enhanced N to P ratio. This led to shorter‐statured and less diverse forest, and convergence of tree species composition among plots. At the whole community (but not individual species) level foliar and litter N and P diminished from mull to mor, while foliar N to P and resorption efficiency of P relative to N increased, indicating increasing P relative to N limitation. We also found impairment of soil microbes (but not nematodes) and an increasing role of fungi relative to bacteria during the transition. Our results show that retrogression phenomena involving increasing nutrient (notably P) limitation can be important drivers in tropical systems, and are likely to involve aboveground–belowground feedbacks whereby plants produce litter of diminishing quality, impairing soil microbial processes and thus reducing the supply of nutrients from the soil for plant growth. Such feedbacks between plants and the soil, mediated by plant litter and organic matter quality, may serve as major though often overlooked drivers of long term environmental change.
Quantification of critical factors affecting fitness of the sugary1 mutant in maize
Authors: Djemel Abderrahmane , Ordás Bernardo , Khelifi Lakhdar , Ordás Amando , Revilla Pedro
Published: August 2014

Fitness of sugary1 (su1) is affected by some critical traits that depend on the genotypes and environments, while their effects have not been quantified with convincing statistical methods. The objective of this work was to identify and quantify the critical factors of su1 fitness with different genotypes and environments. We used two pairs of field corn inbreds that differentially affected su1 viability to develop F1, F2, BC1 and BC2. After selfing, Su1 and su1 kernels were evaluated under controlled environmental conditions and in field trials. Multiple regressions showed that dry weight of juvenile plant was affected by early vigour (plant size, colour and health) and emergence in cold conditions; ear weight by plant appearance, number of plants and chlorophyll content; number of ears by plant appearance, number of plants, chlorophyll content and female flowering; and kernel weight by ear weight, number of plants, row number and ear length. The main critical factors for su1 fitness were early vigour and emergence under cold conditions at initial stages, while several adult traits were related with final fitness.
Prevalence and outcomes of renal transplantation in children with intellectual disability
Authors: Wightman Aaron , Young Bessie , Bradford Miranda , Dick André , Healey Patrick , McDonald Ruth , Smith Jodi
Published: August 2014

To describe the prevalence and outcomes of renal transplantation in children with ID we performed a retrospective cohort analysis of all children receiving a first kidney‐alone transplant in the UNOS dataset from 2008 to 2011. Recipients with definite, probable, and without ID were compared using chi‐square tests. Kaplan–Meier curves were constructed for patient and graft survival. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the association between ID and graft failure and patient survival. Over the study period, 332 children with definite (117) or probable (215) ID underwent first renal transplant, accounting for 16% of all first pediatric renal transplants (n = 2076). Children with definite ID were not significantly different from children without ID with respect to sex, ethnicity, or prevalence of acute rejection. ID was associated with increased likelihood of deceased donor source. ID was not significantly associated with decreased graft or patient survival. In this first large‐scale study, up to 16% of first pediatric renal transplants were performed in children with ID. Short‐term graft and patient survival after transplant were equivalent between children with and without ID. Further research is needed to examine long‐term outcomes of transplant in this population.
Heat shock proteins mediate trade‐offs between early‐life reproduction and late survival in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Okada Yasukazu , Teramura Kohei , Takahashi Kazuo H.
Published: August 2014

Ageing and the resulting increased likelihood mortality are the inescapable fate of organisms because selection pressures on genes that exert their function late in life is weak, promoting the evolution of genes that enhance early‐life reproductive performance at the same time as sacrificing late survival. Heat shock proteins (HSP) are known to buffer various environmental stresses and are also involved in protein homeostasis and longevity. The characteristics of genes for HSPs (hsp) imply that they affect various life‐history traits, which in turn affect longevity; however, little is known about the effects of hsp genes on life‐history traits and their interaction with longevity. In the present study, the effects of hsp genes on multiple fitness traits, such as locomotor activity, total fecundity, early fecundity and survival time, are investigated in Drosophila melanogaster Meigen using RNA interference (RNAi). In egg‐laying females, RNAi knockdown of six hsp genes (hsp22, hsp23, hsp67Ba, hsp67Bb, hsp67Bc and hsp27‐like) does not shorten survival but rather increases it. Knockdown of five of those genes on an individual basis reduces early‐life reproduction, suggesting that several hsp genes mediate the trade‐off between early reproduction and late survival. The data indicate a positive effect of hsp genes on early reproduction and also negative effects on survival time, supporting the antagonistic pleiotropic effects predicted by the optimality theory of ageing.
10‐year Anniversary of the New Product Development, R&D, and Project Management Department in Production and Operations Management—Progress, Thoughts, and Perspectives
Authors: Kavadias Stylianos (Stelios)
Published: August 2014

The issue you are about to browse offers an opportunity to share many thanks, some observations, and a few forward‐looking thoughts about the department I have had the honor to edit over the last 4 years. It also offers an opportunity to expand the discussion beyond the boundaries of the particular department of Production and Operations Management (POM), and to take stock of the evolution path of the academic community that has formed around the department and its research topics over the past 10 years.
Mitochondrial dysfunction mediated by cytoplasmic acidification results in pollen tube growth cessation in Pyrus pyrifolia
Authors: Gao Yongbin , Zhou Hongsheng , Chen Jianqing , Jiang Xueting , Tao Shutian , Wu Juyou , Zhang Shaoling
Published: August 2014

The length of pollen tubes grown in synthetic media is normally shorter than those grown in vivo. However, the mechanism(s) underlying the cessation of pollen tube growth under culture conditions remain(s) largely unknown. Here, we report a previously unknown correlation between vacuolar function and the cell's ability to sustain mitochondrial functions in pear pollen tubes. The pear pollen tubes in vitro grew slowly after 15 hours post‐cultured (HPC) and nearly ceased growth at 18 HPC. There was increased malondialdehyde content and membrane ion leakage at 15 HPC compared with 12 HPC. Furthermore, cytoplasmic acidification mainly mediated by decreased vacuolar H+‐ATPase [V‐ATPase, Enzyme Commission (EC)
3.6.1.3] activity was observed in pollen tubes after 15 HPC, and this further resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction, including mitochondrial structure disruption, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and decreases in both oxygen consumption and ATP production. Our findings suggest that vacuoles and mitochondria intimately linked in regulating pollen tube elongation.
Interpersonal motives and social‐evaluative threat: Effects of acceptance and status stressors on cardiovascular reactivity and salivary cortisol response
Authors: Smith Timothy W. , Jordan Kevin D.
Published: August 2014

Social‐evaluative threat evokes increases in salivary cortisol and heightened cardiovascular reactivity. However, the types or content of social threats underlying these physiological responses are not clearly delineated in direct comparisons. Based in interpersonal theory, the present study manipulated high and low levels of acceptance threat (i.e., evaluation of likability, potential for inclusion) and status threat (i.e., evaluation of competence, leadership potential) during a modified Trier Social Stress Test, using a sample of 137 undergraduates (73 women). Both acceptance threat and status threat heightened salivary cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure responses to the task. Hence, concerns about social inclusion or connection with others and concerns about social standing or status can contribute independently to physiological stress responses.
Positive Effects of Melatonin Treatment on the Reproductive Performance of Young Border Leicester Rams Mated to Merino Ewes in Spring: Preliminary Observations
Authors: Kleemann DO , Kelly JM , Arney LJ , Farley IL , Tilbrook AJ , Walker SK
Published: August 2014

Contents

Poor reproductive performance of Merino ewe flocks when mated to Border Leicester rams during spring may be due to seasonality of the Border Leicester breed. Two approaches were taken to test this assumption. Six young (12 months old) or six mixed‐age (12, 24 and ≥36 months old) Border Leicester rams were either treated or not treated with melatonin implants (2 × 2 design) 6 weeks before the four groups of rams were each put with approximately 300 Merino ewes for an 8‐week mating period. Implants were inserted in early September (experiment 1). The second approach was to yard or not yard ewes and mixed‐age rams on several occasions during the first 3 weeks of the mating period (experiment 2). Pregnancy rate and twinning percentage were assessed by ultrasonography. In experiment 1, melatonin treatment in young rams increased (p < 0.001) pregnancy rate from 5.0% to 92.6%, but mixed‐age rams did not respond (90.7% vs 89.5% for melatonin and non‐melatonin treatments, respectively). Twinning rate was similar (p > 0.05) for ewes mated to either melatonin or non‐melatonin‐treated young rams (36.8% vs 40.0%, respectively), whereas melatonin significantly improved (p < 0.05) twinning rate in those ewes mated to mixed‐age rams (49.1% vs 36.1%). After 6 weeks of melatonin treatment, scrotal circumference was greater (p < 0.05) in both young and mixed‐aged rams than in untreated counterparts. In experiment 2, yarding of ewes and rams overnight on several occasions early in the mating period reduced (p < 0.001) pregnancy rate compared with non‐yarded counterparts (89.5% vs 65.5%). Twinning rate was not affected (37.7% vs 36.1%, respectively). In summary, melatonin treatment of Border Leicester rams significantly improved flock reproductive performance in spring due to improved pregnancy rates with young rams and improved litter size with mixed‐age rams.
Molecular Characterization of Oxytocin Receptor Gene in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Arunmozhi N , Singh SK , Sarath T , Agarwal SK , Doiphode A , Shankar U
Published: August 2014

Contents

Buffaloes are known for their productivity as compared to average yielding cows due to higher fat percentage, better feed conversion ability and disease resistance. On the other hand, the reproductive performances of buffaloes are often considered as poor owing to late sexual maturity, weak/silent oestrus, repeat breeder and prolonged intercalving interval. The study of cascade of events during oestrus and oestrous cycle can be useful for the improvement of reproductive efficiency of buffaloes. More precisely, the hormonal changes initiated at the molecular level within the animal determine the reproductive nature of the species. Nucleotide/protein sequence analysis serves as a vital tool in analysing the binding of the hormones for their effect or functions. In this study, we have reported cloning and characterization of the complete coding (cDNA) sequence of oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) in buffaloes. Buffalo OXTR gene contains an uninterrupted ORF of 1176 nucleotides corresponding to an inferred polypeptide length of 391 amino acids (aa). The molecular weight of the deduced aa sequence was found to be 43 kDa with an isoelectric point of 9.253 and 16.328 charge at pH 7.0. The deduced protein sequence consists of 38 strongly basic (+) (K,R), 22 strongly acidic (−) (D,E), 186 hydrophobic (A, I, L, F, W, V) and 95 Polar (N, C, Q, S, T, Y) aa. Results indicated that aspartate (D) at aa position 85 and D, R and C at aa positions 136, 137 and 138, respectively, are conserved in buffaloes. The buffalo OXTR gene shared a per cent similarity ranging from 84.7 to 98.1 and 88.5 to 97.7 at nucleotide and deduced aa sequence levels, respectively, with that of other species. Phylogram constructed on the basis of either nucleotide or deduced aa sequences of buffalo OXTR gene showed that buffalo, cattle and sheep have diverged from human and swine and formed a separate clad. The buffalo sequence has shown maximum similarity and closeness with cattle followed by sheep both at nucleotide and at aa level.
Influence of distinct asthma phenotypes on lung function following weight loss in the obese
Authors: Chapman David G. , Irvin Charles G. , Kaminsky David A. , Forgione Patrick M. , Bates Jason H.T. , Dixon Anne E.
Published: August 2014

Background and objective

There appears to be two distinct clinical phenotypes of obese patients with asthma—those with early‐onset asthma and high serum IgE (TH2‐high), and those with late‐onset asthma and low serum IgE (TH2‐low). The aim of the present study was to determine in the two phenotypes of obese asthma the effect of weight loss on small airway function.

Methods

TH2‐low (n = 8) and TH2‐high (n = 5) obese asthmatics underwent methacholine challenge before and 12 months following bariatric surgery. Dose–response slopes as measures of sensitivity to airway closure and narrowing were measured as maximum % fall forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s/FVC, respectively, divided by dose. Resting airway mechanics were measured by forced oscillation technique.

Results

Weight loss reduced sensitivity to airway closure in TH2‐low but not TH2‐high obese asthmatics (pre‐post mean change ± 95% confidence interval: 1.8 ± 0.8 doubling doses vs −0.3 ± 1.7 doubling doses, P = 0.04). However, there was no effect of weight loss on the sensitivity to airway narrowing in either group (P = 0.8, TH2‐low: 0.8 ± 1.0 doubling doses, TH2‐high: −1.1 ± 2.5 doubling doses). In contrast, respiratory resistance (20 Hz) improved in TH2‐high but not in TH2‐low obese asthmatics (pre‐post change median interquartile range: 1.5 (1.3–2.8) cmH2O/L/s vs 0.6 (−1.8–0.8) cmH2O/L/s, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

TH2‐low obese asthmatics appear to be characterized by increased small airway responsiveness and abnormalities in resting airway function that may persist following weight loss. However, this was not the case for TH2‐high obese asthmatics, highlighting the complex interplay between IgE status and asthma pathophysiology in obesity.
Acute physical activity and delayed attention in primary school students
Authors: Gallotta M. C. , Emerenziani G. P. , Franciosi E. , Meucci M. , Guidetti L. , Baldari C.
Published: August 2014

To examine the influence of different types of exertion on immediate and delayed attention in 116 primary school children divided in three groups of exertion [cognitive exertion – CE (school curricular lesson), physical exertion – PE (traditional physical education lesson), mixed cognitive and physical exertion – CPE (coordinative physical education lesson)]. CPE was the combination of physical load due to the practice of physical exercises and of cognitive load requested to perform movement‐based problem solving tasks requiring accurate timing, temporal estimations, temporal production, and spatial adjustments. Children's attentional capacity was tested before (pre) and after (at 0 min and at 50 min post) a CE, a PE, or a CPE lesson, using the d2‐test of attention, and analyzed using a 3 × 3 × 2 mixed analysis of covariance with exertion type and time as within factors, gender as between factor, and baseline data as covariate. Effect sizes were calculated as partial eta squared (ƞ2). Results showed that participants' attentional performance was significantly affected by exertion type (P < 0.0001), by time (P < 0.0001) and by exertion type × time interactions (P < 0.0001). The effect sizes ranged from medium (0.039) to large (0.437). Varying the type of exertion has different beneficial influences on the level of attention in school children.
Class Formation and Class Identity: Birth, Death, and Possibilities for Renewal
Authors: Eidlin Barry
Published: August 2014

While social class served as a powerful organizing identity for much of the 19th and 20th centuries, many doubt its contemporary relevance. This article examines the formation and development of theories of class identity over the past century. From a debate largely among Marxists in the early 20th century about the conditions under which the working class will mobilize to defend its interests – moving from a “class in itself” to a “class for itself” – the question of the relationship between individuals' class position, social interests, and political mobilization attracted greater attention among social scientists following World War II. However, postwar socioeconomic transformations led some to argue for the “death of class” as a central organizing principle for modern social and political life. While others countered that class identities remained relevant, the sharp decline in class‐based organization in the late 20th century led scholars to develop more nuanced understandings of the relationship between individuals' class position and collective identities. Although current scholarship shows that there is no natural translation of class identities into collective action, the reality of growing socioeconomic inequality, along with the resurgence of social and political mobilizations to contest that growth, suggests that class identities retain the capacity to unite.
Asynchronous Geospatial Processing: An Event‐Driven Push‐Based Architecture for the OGC Web Processing Service
Authors: Westerholt Rene , Resch Bernd
Published: August 2014

Geospatial processing tasks like solar potential analyses or floodplain investigations within flood scenarios are often complex and deal with large amounts of data. If such analysis operations are performed in distributed web‐based systems, technical capabilities are mostly not sufficient. Major shortcomings comprise the potentially long execution times and the vast amount of messaging overhead that arise from common poll‐based approaches. To overcome these issues, an approach for an event‐driven architecture for web‐based geospatial processing is proposed within this article. First, this article presents a thorough qualitative discussion of different available technologies for push‐based notifications. The aim of this discussion is to find the most suitable push‐based messaging technologies for application with OGC Web Processing Services (WPS). Based on this, an event‐driven architecture for asynchronous geospatial processing with the WPS is presented, building on the Web Socket Protocol as the transport protocol and the OGC Event Service as the message‐oriented middleware. The proposed architecture allows pushing notifications to clients once a task has completed. This paradigm enables the efficient execution of web‐based geospatial processing tasks as well as the integration of geographical analyses into event‐driven real‐time workflows.
Assessing the quality of care in a new nation: South Sudan's first national health facility assessment
Authors: Berendes Sima , Lako Richard L. , Whitson Donald , Gould Simon , Valadez Joseph J.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

We adapted a rapid quality of care monitoring method to a fragile state with two aims: to assess the delivery of child health services in South Sudan at the time of independence and to strengthen local capacity to perform regular rapid health facility assessments.

Methods

Using a two‐stage lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) design, we conducted a national cross‐sectional survey among 156 randomly selected health facilities in 10 states. In each of these facilities, we obtained information on a range of access, input, process and performance indicators during structured interviews and observations.

Results

Quality of care was poor with all states failing to achieve the 80% target for 14 of 19 indicators. For example, only 12% of facilities were classified as acceptable for their adequate utilisation by the population for sick‐child consultations, 16% for staffing, 3% for having infection control supplies available and 0% for having all child care guidelines. Health worker performance was categorised as acceptable in only 6% of cases related to sick‐child assessments, 38% related to medical treatment for the given diagnosis and 33% related to patient counselling on how to administer the prescribed drugs. Best performance was recorded for availability of in‐service training and supervision, for seven and ten states, respectively.

Conclusions

Despite ongoing instability, the Ministry of Health developed capacity to use LQAS for measuring quality of care nationally and state‐by‐state, which will support efficient and equitable resource allocation. Overall, our data revealed a desperate need for improving the quality of care in all states.
Oral susceptibility of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) from Senegal for dengue serotypes 1 and 3 viruses
Authors: Gaye Alioune , Faye Oumar , Diagne Cheikh T. , Faye Ousmane , Diallo Diawo , Weaver Scott C. , Sall Amadou A. , Diallo Mawlouth
Published: August 2014

Objective

To investigate the potential for domestic and wild populations of Aedes aegypti from Dakar and Kedougou to develop a disseminated infection after exposure to DENV‐3 and DENV‐1.

Methods

We have exposed sylvatic and urban population of Ae. aegypti from Senegal to bloomeals containing dengue serotype 1 and 3. At different incubation period, individual mosquito legs/wings and bodies were tested for virus presence using real time RT–PCR to estimate the infection and dissemination rates.

Results

The data indicated low susceptibility to DENV‐3 (infection: 2.4–15.2%, and dissemination rates: 0–8.3%) and higher susceptibility to DENV‐1 (infection and dissemination rates up to 50%).

Conclusion

Aedes aegypti from Senegal seem able to develop a disseminated infection of DENV‐1 and DENV‐3. Further studies are needed to test their ability to transmit the two serotypes.
Unexpected roles for ancient proteins: flavone 8‐hydroxylase in sweet basil trichomes is a Rieske‐type, PAO‐family oxygenase
Authors: Berim Anna , Park Jeong‐Jin , Gang David R.
Published: August 2014

Most elucidated hydroxylations in plant secondary metabolism are catalyzed by oxoglutarate‐ or cytochrome P450‐dependent oxygenases. Numerous hydroxylations still evade clarification, suggesting that they might be performed by alternative enzyme types. Here, we report the identification of the flavone 8‐hydroxylase (F8H) in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) trichomes as a Rieske‐type oxygenase. Several features of the F8H activity in trichome protein extracts helped to differentiate it from a cytochrome P450‐catalyzed reaction and identify candidate genes in the basil trichome EST database. The encoded ObF8H proteins share approximately 50% identity with Rieske‐type protochlorophyllide a oxygenases (PTC52) from higher plants. Homology cloning and DNA blotting revealed the presence of several PTC52‐like genes in the basil genome. The transcripts of the candidate gene designated ObF8H‐1 are strongly enriched in trichomes compared to whole young leaves, indicating trichome‐specific expression. The full‐length ObF8H‐1 protein possesses a predicted N‐terminal transit peptide, which directs green fluorescent protein at least in part to chloroplasts. The F8H activity in crude trichome protein extracts correlates well with the abundance of ObF8H peptides. The purified recombinant ObF8H‐1 displays high affinity for salvigenin and is inactive with other tested flavones except cirsimaritin, which is 8‐hydroxylated with less than 0.2% relative activity. The efficiency of in vivo 8‐hydroxylation by engineered yeast was improved by manipulation of protein subcellular targeting. blast searches showed that occurrence of several PTC52‐like genes is rather common in sequenced plant genomes. The discovery of ObF8H suggests that Rieske‐type oxygenases may represent overlooked candidate catalysts for oxygenations in specialized plant metabolism.
Low‐risk transfusion‐related acute lung injury donor strategies and the impact on the onset of transfusion‐related acute lung injury: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Müller Marcella C.A. , van Stein Danielle , Binnekade Jan M. , van Rhenen Dick J. , Vlaar Alexander P.J.
Published: August 2014

Background

Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the leading cause of transfusion‐related mortality. In the past decade blood banks have implemented low‐risk TRALI donor strategies, including a male‐only donor policy for plasma‐containing blood products to prevent onset of TRALI. We performed a meta‐analysis to determine whether use of low‐risk TRALI donor strategies for plasma indeed reduces onset of TRALI.

Study Design and Methods

We searched MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 1995 up to January 2013. Two reviewers independently extracted data on study characteristics, methods, and outcomes. Primary endpoint was onset of TRALI. Subgroup analyses were performed for patient populations prone to develop TRALI and general patient populations.

Results

Ten articles were included. Meta‐analysis using a random‐effects model taking into account all transfused products showed a significant reduction for the risk of TRALI after implementation of low‐risk TRALI donor strategies (odds ratio [OR], 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42‐0.88). Data from patient populations prone to develop TRALI showed a significant reduction of TRALI risk (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.29‐0.90), while data from general patient populations showed a similar nonsignificant trend (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.40‐1.09). Results were similar when taking only plasma products into account (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.42‐0.92).

Conclusion

The introduction of low‐risk TRALI donor strategies for plasma‐containing products results in a reduction of TRALI.
Trends in red blood cell transfusion and 30‐day mortality among hospitalized patients
Authors: Roubinian Nareg H. , Escobar Gabriel J. , Liu Vincent , Swain Bix E. , Gardner Marla N. , Kipnis Patricia , Triulzi Darrell J. , Gottschall Jerome L. , Wu Yan , Carson Jeffrey L. , Kleinman Steven H. , Murphy Edward L. ,   NHLBI Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation Study (REDS‐III)
Published: August 2014

Background

Blood conservation strategies have been shown to be effective in decreasing red blood cell (RBC) utilization in specific patient groups. However, few data exist describing the extent of RBC transfusion reduction or their impact on transfusion practice and mortality in a diverse inpatient population.

Study Design and Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using comprehensive electronic medical record data from 21 medical facilities in Kaiser Permanente Northern California. We examined unadjusted and risk‐adjusted RBC transfusion and 30‐day mortality coincident with implementation of RBC conservation strategies.

Results

The inpatient study cohort included 391,958 patients who experienced 685,753 hospitalizations. From 2009 to 2013, the incidence of RBC transfusion decreased from 14.0% to 10.8% of hospitalizations; this change coincided with a decline in pretransfusion hemoglobin (Hb) levels from 8.1 to 7.6 g/dL. Decreased RBC utilization affected broad groups of admission diagnoses and was most pronounced in patients with a nadir Hb level between 8 and 9 g/dL (n = 73,057; 50.8% to 19.3%). During the study period, the standard deviation of risk‐adjusted RBC transfusion incidence across hospitals decreased by 44% (p < 0.001). Thirty‐day mortality did not change significantly with declines in RBC utilization in patient groups previously studied in clinical trials nor in other subgroups.

Conclusions

After the implementation of blood conservation strategies, RBC transfusion incidence and pretransfusion Hb levels decreased broadly across medical and surgical patients. Variation in RBC transfusion incidence across hospitals decreased from 2010 to 2013. Consistent with clinical trial data, more restrictive transfusion practice did not appear to impact 30‐day mortality.
Pathogen reduction by ultraviolet C light effectively inactivates human white blood cells in platelet products
Authors: Pohler Petra , Müller Meike , Winkler Carla , Schaudien Dirk , Sewald Katherina , Müller Thomas H. , Seltsam Axel
Published: August 2014

Background

Residual white blood cells (WBCs) in cellular blood components induce a variety of adverse immune events, including nonhemolytic febrile transfusion reactions, alloimmunization to HLA antigens, and transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease (TA‐GVHD). Pathogen reduction (PR) methods such as the ultraviolet C (UVC) light‐based THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets system were developed to reduce the risk of transfusion‐transmitted infection. As UVC light targets nucleic acids, it interferes with the replication of both pathogens and WBCs. This preclinical study aimed to evaluate the ability of UVC light to inactivate contaminating WBCs in platelet concentrates (PCs).

Study Design and Methods

The in vitro and in vivo function of WBCs from UVC‐treated PCs was compared to that of WBCs from gamma‐irradiated and untreated PCs by measuring cell viability, proliferation, cytokine secretion, antigen presentation in vitro, and xenogeneic GVHD responses in a humanized mouse model.

Results

UVC light was at least as effective as gamma irradiation in preventing GVHD in the mouse model. It was more effective in suppressing T‐cell proliferation (>5‐log reduction in the limiting dilution assay), cytokine secretion, and antigen presentation than gamma irradiation.

Conclusions

The THERAFLEX UV‐Platelets (MacoPharma) PR system can substitute gamma irradiation for TA‐GVHD prophylaxis in platelet (PLT) transfusion. Moreover, UVC treatment achieves suppression of antigen presentation and inhibition of cytokine accumulation during storage of PCs, which has potential benefits for transfusion recipients.
In vitro evaluation of the inhibitory effect of canine serum, canine fresh frozen plasma, freeze–thaw‐cycled plasma, and Solcoseryl™ on matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9
Authors: Chow Derek W. Y. , Chau Ying , Yeung Wai Kit , Westermeyer Hans D.
Published: August 2014

Objective

Compare the efficacy of canine serum, fresh frozen plasma (FFP), freeze–thaw‐cycled plasma (FTCP), and Solcoseryl™ at inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 in vitro.

Procedure

Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 activity in the presence of serum, FFP, FTCP, or Solcoseryl™ was assayed using a commercially available fluorogenic gelatinase activity kit.

Results

Matrix metalloproteinases 2 activity in the presence of serum, FFP, FTCP, and Solcoseryl™ was 20.84%, 5.76%, 8.10%, and 83.03%, respectively of uninhibited MMP 2 activity. MMP 9 activity in the presence of serum, FFP, FTCP, and Solcoseryl™ was 57.36%, 58.35%, 49.35%, and −8.69%, respectively of uninhibited MMP 9 activity.

Conclusion

Serum, FFP, and FTCP exhibit similar levels of MMP 2 and 9 inhibitions. Solcoseryl™ causes minimal MMP 2 inhibition, but profound MMP 9 inhibition.
Analysis of leucocyte antibodies, cytokines, lysophospholipids and cell microparticles in blood components implicated in post‐transfusion reactions with dyspnoea
Authors: Maślanka K. , Uhrynowska M. , Łopacz P. , Wróbel A. , Smoleńska‐Sym G. , Guz K. , Lachert E. , Ostas A. , Brojer E.
Published: August 2014

Background and Objectives

Post‐transfusion reactions with dyspnoea (PTR) are major causes of morbidity and death after blood transfusion. Transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) and transfusion‐associated circulatory overload (TACO) are most dangerous, while transfusion‐associated dyspnoea (TAD) is a milder respiratory distress. We investigated blood components for immune and non‐immune factors implicated in PTR.

Material and Methods

We analysed 464 blood components (RBCs, PLTs, L‐PLTs, FFP) transfused to 271 patients with PTR. Blood components were evaluated for 1/antileucocyte antibodies, 2/cytokines: IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, sCD40L, 3/lysophosphatidylcholines (LysoPCs), 4/microparticles (MPs) shed from plateletes (PMPs), erythrocytes (EMPs) and leucocytes (LMPs).

Results

Anti‐HLA class I/II antibodies or granulocyte‐reactive anti‐HLA antibodies were detected in 18·2% of blood components (RBC and FFP) transfused to TRALI and in 0·5% of FFP transfused to TAD cases. Cytokines and LysoPCs concentrations in blood components transfused to PTR patients did not exceed those in blood components transfused to patients with no PTR. Only EMPs percentage in RBCs transfused to patients with TRALI was significantly higher (P < 0·05) than in RBCs transfused to patients with no PTR.

Conclusion

Immune character of PTR was confirmed mainly in 1/5 TRALI cases. Among non‐immune factors, only MPs released from stored RBCs are suggested as potential mediators of TRALI. Our results require further observations in a more numerous and better defined group of patients.
INITIAL INFLUENCE OF RIGHT VERSUS LEFT LATERAL RECUMBENCY ON THE RADIOGRAPHIC FINDING OF DUODENAL GAS ON SUBSEQUENT SURVEY VENTRODORSAL PROJECTIONS OF THE CANINE ABDOMEN
Authors: Vander Hart Daniel , Berry Clifford R.
Published: August 2014

Identification of the duodenum and potential abnormalities on survey abdominal radiographs is often difficult unless it contains gas. This study investigated the effect of patient positioning on the presence of duodenal gas in survey abdominal radiographs. One hundred dogs receiving a three‐view survey abdominal radiographic study were enrolled in a prospective, randomized study where all dogs were divided into two groups. Group A (n= 51) dogs had a left lateral projection first, followed by a ventrodorsal projection, ending with a right lateral projection. Group B (n= 49) dogs had a right lateral projection first, followed by a ventrodorsal projection, ending with a left lateral projection. The presence of gas within the duodenum and level of distribution of gas throughout the duodenum were recorded for all three projections. In addition, the presence or absence of duodenal pseudoulcers was evaluated on all three projections for each dog. The results for the two groups were compared using Chi‐square analysis with aP‐value of less than 0.05 being considered significant. Results showed that dogs first placed in left lateral recumbency were significantly more likely to have duodenal gas on the subsequent ventrodorsal and right lateral radiographic projections compared to dogs first placed in right lateral recumbency (P‐value < 0.0001). Pseudoulcers were seen in 11 dogs that had duodenal gas making the visualization of pseudoulcers on survey abdominal radiographs somewhat commonplace. This study emphasizes the benefit of using initial left lateral abdominal projections prior to other views for subsequent evaluation of the duodenum.
PREVALENCE AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SMALL TYMPANIC BONE SPICULES AND DRUMSTICK‐LIKE HYPEROSTOTIC TYMPANIC BONE SPICULES IN THE MIDDLE EAR CAVITY OF DOGS
Authors: Parzefall Birgit , Rieger Alexandra , Volk Holger A. , Maierl Johann , Brühschwein Andreas , Blutke Andreas
Published: August 2014

Rounded, sessile, hyperattenuating structures detected in computed tomography (CT) studies of canine tympanic bullae have been termed “otoliths.” These have been proposed to represent dystrophic mineralizations or heterotopic bone formations in the middle ear that are potentially related to chronic otitis media. Aims of the current study were to describe the prevalence, macroscopic, and histological features of structures consistent with “otoliths” in the canine tympanic cavity. Tympanic bullae from 50 routinely necropsied dogs and 139 retrospectively retrieved CT scans of canine clinical cases were examined. Small tympanic bone spicules with pointed or clubbed tips essentially arising from the free margin of the septum bullae were bilaterally present in the tympanic cavities of all 50 of the necropsied dogs. In 48% of the dogs, “otolith”‐like CT‐detectable bone spicules carrying drumstick‐like hyperostoses that were 1–6 mm in diameter were also present. In the retrospective survey of bulla CT scans of 139 cases, the prevalence of hyperostotic tympanic bone spicules (HTBS) was 20%. Findings from the current study indicated that the presence of small tympanic bone spicules in adult dogs is most likely due to physiological bone growth in the septum bullae and that HTBS represent osseous proliferations of small tympanic bone spicules. However, the factors inducing formation of hyperostotic spicules from small tympanic bone spicules remain unknown. The high prevalence of HTBS displaying a similar appearance in bulla CT scans in dogs suggests that these spicules should be included in a differential diagnosis list for “otoliths.”