bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Truth Incorporated
Authors: Rattan Gurpreet
Published: December 2015

What is the cognitive value of the concept of truth? What epistemic difference does the concept of truth make to those who grasp it? This paper employs a new perspective for thinking about the concept of truth and recent debates concerning it, organized around the question of thecognitive valueof the concept of truth. The paper aims to defend a substantively correct and dialectically optimal account of the cognitive value of the concept of truth. This perspective is employed in understanding the critical discussion around what Hartry Field (2001a) has called “the incorporation model” for extending a deflationary view of truth to foreign sentences. Field's original intentions in discussing the incorporation model were to defend the deflationary view from some counterintuitive consequences concerning the understanding of truth attributions to foreign sentences. However, more recently, philosophers unencumbered by deflationary commitments have taken over the incorporation model for their own inflationary purposes. In particular, and in my terms, these philosophers can be understood as making what I argue is the ultimately too radical suggestion that the cognitive value of the concept of truth is to allow the incorporation not only of the linguistically foreign, but also of theconceptually alien. I clarify this dialectic en route to explaining and arguing forthe cognitive inflationary view, according to which the cognitive value of the concept of truth is is to make possible the proprietary kind and quality of knowledge allowed by reflective clarity over the concepts and thoughts that one already has.
Fluctuating, warm temperatures decrease the effect of a key floral repressor on flowering time in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Burghardt Liana T. , Runcie Daniel E. , Wilczek Amity M. , Cooper Martha D. , Roe Judith L. , Welch Stephen M. , Schmitt Johanna
Published: December 2015

The genetic basis of growth and development is often studied in constant laboratory environments; however, the environmental conditions that organisms experience in nature are often much more dynamic.

We examined how daily temperature fluctuations, average temperature, day length and vernalization influence the flowering time of 59 genotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana with allelic perturbations known to affect flowering time. For a subset of genotypes, we also assessed treatment effects on morphology and growth.

We identified 17 genotypes, many of which have high levels of the floral repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC), that bolted dramatically earlier in fluctuating – as opposed to constant – warm temperatures (mean = 22°C). This acceleration was not caused by transient VERNALIZATION INSENSITIVE 3‐mediated vernalization, differential growth rates or exposure to high temperatures, and was not apparent when the average temperature was cool (mean = 12°C). Further, in constant temperatures, contrary to physiological expectations, these genotypes flowered more rapidly in cool than in warm environments. Fluctuating temperatures often reversed these responses, restoring faster bolting in warm conditions. Independently of bolting time, warm fluctuating temperature profiles also caused morphological changes associated with shade avoidance or ‘high‐temperature’ phenotypes.

Our results suggest that previous studies have overestimated the effect of the floral repressor FLC on flowering time by using constant temperature laboratory conditions.
Foucault's legacy for nursing: are we beneficiaries or intestate heirs?
Authors: Clinton Michael E. , Springer Rusla Anne
Published: December 2015

Drawing upon selected literature from the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Canada we examine how Foucault's concepts of ‘episteme’, ‘rupture’ ‘parrhesia’ ‘care of the self’, and ‘problemitization’ have been applied to particular contexts of leadership development, pedagogy, nursing knowledge, and the relationship between caring and politics. Our aims are threefold: to give examples of how selected Foucauldian concepts have been taken up in practice; to clarify how we are positioned today as nurses; and to invite more nurses to engage critically with historical inquiry and to engage in deep philosophical reflection about their relationship with nursing. We begin by examining the conditions and circumstances of Foucault's life, and conclude by posing the question in our subtitle to stimulate debate about the philosophical relevance of Foucauldian scholarship to nursing.
FOOD SECURITY AND LOW‐INCOME HOUSEHOLDS IN THE MALAYSIAN EAST COAST ECONOMIC REGION: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Alam Md. Mahmudul , Siwar Chamhuri , Wahid Abu N.M. , Talib Basri Abdul
Published: December 2015

This research, conducted to analyze the level of food security among poor and low‐income households in the east coast economic region of Malaysia, uses primary data of 460 families from the E‐Kasih poor households database, based on a cluster random sampling technique. Food security levels were measured using the United States Agency for International Development Household Food Insecurity Access model. Findings indicate that 52.8% of households are food secure, 23.3% mildly food insecure, 14.3% moderately food insecure, and 9.6% are severely food insecure. These findings are very important to assist policymakers to achieve Vision 2020 and the targets of Malaysian National Plans regarding food security, socioeconomic development, and the alleviation of poverty. The involvement of private sector and community‐based organizations are important to combat short run, seasonal, and event‐related risks, as well as for the development of appropriate mitigation and adaptation options to ensure sustainable food security at household level in Malaysia.
Serum Parathyroid Hormone Concentrations and Clinical Outcomes in ESRD: A Call for Targeted Clinical Trials
Authors: Zand Ladan , Kumar Rajiv
Published: December 2015

Secondary hyperparathyroidism almost universally accompanies end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). In some, but not all studies, elevated serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations are associated with increased fracture rates, cardiovascular disease, and mortality in ESRD. The serum concentration of PTH required for optimal bone health and reduced cardiovascular risk in such patients remains elusive. Recent clinical trials have failed to show substantial changes in morbidity and mortality following reductions of elevated serum PTH concentrations. In this review, we will assess some of the difficulties in evaluating elevated serum PTH concentrations, and their association with skeletal fractures and mortality in ESRD patients. We are of the opinion that in the context of ESRD, elevated PTH concentrations occur in conjunction with other comorbid conditions such as diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, hypertension, volume excess, preexisting heart disease, all of which have prevented establishing a precise association between elevated serum PTH concentrations and global or skeletal outcomes. Age, gender, and racial variability among groups make interpretation exceptionally difficult. Analysis of prevalent ESRD populations with secondary hyperparathyroidism should take all these factors into account. We suggest that future clinical trials which examine the usefulness of reductions in serum PTH concentrations be conducted in age, sex, and racially balanced groups, without or with minimal coexisting confounding disease. Furthermore, trials in such populations should have as their primary outcome a reduction in fractures rather than an alteration in mortality.
Proximal hamstring morphology and morphometry in men: an anatomic and MRI investigation
Authors: Storey R. N. , Meikle G. R. , Stringer M. D. , Woodley S. J.
Published: December 2015

The proximal musculo‐tendinous junction (MTJ) is a common site of hamstring strain injury but the anatomy of this region is not well defined. A morphometric analysis of the proximal MTJs of biceps femoris long head (BFlh), semitendinosus (ST), and semimembranosus (SM) was undertaken from dissection of 10 thighs from five male cadavers and magnetic resonance imaging of 20 thighs of 10 active young men. The length, volume, and cross‐sectional area of the proximal tendon, MTJ and muscle belly, and muscle‐tendon interface area were calculated. In both groups, MTJs were reconstructed three‐dimensionally. The proximal tendons and MTJs were expansive, particularly within SM and BFlh. Morphology varied between muscles although length measurements within individual muscles were similar in cadavers and young men. Semimembranosus had the longest proximal tendon (cadavers: mean 33.6 ± 2.0 cm; young men: mean 31.7 ± 1.6 cm) and MTJ (>20 cm in both groups) and the greatest muscle‐tendon interface area, followed by BFlh and ST. Mean muscle belly volumes were more than three times greater in young men than elderly male cadavers (P < 0.001). These unique morphometric data contribute to a better understanding of hamstring anatomy, an important factor in the pathogenesis of hamstring strain injury.
Epidemiology of invasive respiratory disease caused by emerging non‐Aspergillus molds in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Peghin M. , Monforte V. , Martin‐Gomez M.T. , Ruiz‐Camps I. , Berastegui C. , Saez B. , Riera J. , Solé J. , Gavaldá J. , Roman A.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Our aim was to assess the impact of positive cultures for non‐Aspergillus molds on the risk of progression to invasive fungal infection (IFI), and the effect of prophylactic nebulized liposomal amphotericin B (n‐LAB) on these pathogens.

Methods

This was an observational study (2003–2013) including lung transplant recipients (LTR) receiving lifetime n‐LAB prophylaxis, in whom non‐Aspergillus molds were isolated on respiratory culture before and after transplantation (minimum 1‐year follow‐up).

Results

We studied 412 patients, with a mean postoperative follow‐up of 2.56 years (interquartile range 1.01–4.65). Pre‐ and post‐transplantation respiratory samples were frequently positive for non‐Aspergillus molds (11.9% and 16.9% of LTR respectively). Post transplantation, 10 (2.42%) patients developed non‐Aspergillus mold infection (4 Scedosporium species, 4 Purpureocillium species, 1 Penicillium species, and 1 Scopulariopsis species); 5 (1.21%) had IFI, with 60% IFI‐related mortality. Non‐Aspergillus molds with intrinsic amphotericin B (AB) resistance were more commonly isolated in bronchoscopy samples than AB‐variably sensitive or AB‐sensitive molds (54.5% vs. 25%, P = 0.04) and were associated with a higher risk of infection (56.3% vs. 1.3%%, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

In LTR undergoing n‐LAB prophylaxis, pre‐ and post‐transplantation isolation of non‐Aspergillus molds is frequent, but IFI incidence (1.21%) is low. Purpureocillium is an emerging mold. AB‐resistant non‐Aspergillus species were found more often in bronchoscopy samples and were associated with a higher risk of infection.
Using CRISPR/Cas in three dimensions: towards synthetic plant genomes, transcriptomes and epigenomes
Authors: Puchta Holger
Published: December 2015

It is possible to target individual sequence motives within genomes by using synthetic DNA‐binding domains. This one‐dimensional approach has been used successfully in plants to induce mutations or for the transcriptional regulation of single genes. When the CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 system was discovered, a tool became available allowing the extension of this approach from one to three dimensions and to construct at least partly synthetic entities on the genome, epigenome and transcriptome levels. The second dimension can be obtained by targeting the Cas9 protein to multiple unique genomic sites by applying multiple different single guiding (sg) RNAs, each defining a different DNA‐binding site. Finally, the simultaneous use of phylogenetically different Cas9 proteins or sgRNAs that harbour different types of protein binding motives, allows for a third dimension of control. Thus, different types of enzyme activities – fused either to one type of Cas9 orthologue or to one type of RNA‐binding domain specific to one type of sgRNA – can be targeted to multiple different genomic sites simultaneously. Thus, it should be possible to induce quantitatively different levels of expression of certain sets of genes and at the same time to repress other genes, redefining the nuclear transcriptome. Likewise, by the use of different types of histone‐modifying and/or DNA (de)methylating activities, the epigenome of plants should be reprogrammable. On our way to synthetic plant genomes, the next steps will be to use complex genome engineering approaches within or between species borders to restructure and recombine natural or artificial chromosomes.
A SURVEY OF RADIOLOGISTS AND REFERRING VETERINARIANS REGARDING IMAGING REPORTS
Authors: Weissman Andrea , Solano Mauricio , Taeymans Olivier , Holmes Shannon P. , Jiménez David , Barton Bruce
Published: December 2015

An imaging report is a vital communication tool between a radiologist and clinician. In a field where in‐person communication may not be readily available, it is imperative that the report clearly relays pertinent clinical information in a timely manner. The purpose of this observational study was to describe and compare opinions and expectations of small animal general practitioners, veterinary specialists, and veterinary radiologists regarding the imaging report. Online surveys were distributed, and data were collected from 202 veterinary clinicians and 123 veterinary radiologists. The majority (89%) of clinicians were satisfied with their imaging reports and stated that they read the radiology report as soon as it was available (92%). Just less than half (48%) of clinicians indicated it was standard of care that a board‐certified veterinary radiologist read all imaging studies. Radiologists and clinicians agreed that a clinical history (98% and 94%, respectively) and clinical question (82% and 68%, respectively) were needed to generate a good radiology report. Fifty‐five percent to 70% of clinicians prefer red bulleted reports, which included incidental findings (96%); while radiologists slightly favored prose reporting (37–46%). Clinicians found it helpful when additional imaging (86%), medical (71%), and surgical recommendations (73%) were made. About one‐third of specialists who had been in practice for >11 years thought they were better able to interpret imaging for their own specialty than the radiologist. Clinicians voiced discontentment with reports that were not completed in a timely manner or did not give a prioritized differential list. Further studies are warranted to provide a more in‐depth evaluation of veterinary radiology reporting structure and style.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—THE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF A GIANT CELL TUMOR AFFECTING THE MANDIBLE IN A PYGMY GOAT
Authors: Dixon Jonathon , Weller Renate , Jeckel Sonja , Pool Roy , Mcsloy Alex
Published: December 2015

A 3‐year‐old male neutered pygmy goat presented for evaluation of a progressive mandibular swelling and inappetence. A computed tomographic (CT) scan of the head and thorax was performed under general anesthesia. Computed tomography revealed an extensive multiloculated, markedly expansile lesion within the right hemimandible, which involved the articular surface of the temporomandibular joint. The goat was euthanased due to a poor prognosis and postmortem examination confirmed the diagnostic imaging findings. Histopathology was strongly suggestive of a multinucleated giant cell tumor, therefore this condition should be considered as a differential diagnosis in goats presenting with expansile mandibular mass lesions.
Floer cohomology of -equivariant Lagrangian branes
Authors: Lekili Yankı , Pascaleff James
Published: December 2015

Building on Seidel and Solomon’s fundamental work [Symplectic cohomology and$q$-intersection numbers, Geom. Funct. Anal.22(2012), 443–477], we define the notion of a$\mathfrak{g}$-equivariant Lagrangian brane in an exact symplectic manifold$M$, where$\mathfrak{g}\subset SH^{1}(M)$is a sub-Lie algebra of the symplectic cohomology of$M$. When$M$is a (symplectic) mirror to an (algebraic) homogeneous space$G/P$, homological mirror symmetry predicts that there is an embedding of$\mathfrak{g}$in$SH^{1}(M)$. This allows us to study a mirror theory to classical constructions of Borel, Weil and Bott. We give explicit computations recovering all finite-dimensional irreducible representations of$\mathfrak{sl}_{2}$as representations on the Floer cohomology of an$\mathfrak{sl}_{2}$-equivariant Lagrangian brane and discuss generalizations to arbitrary finite-dimensional semisimple Lie algebras.
DIETARY AND EMOTIONAL FACTORS AFFECTING THE BLOOD‐PRESSURE OF CATS, OBSERVED BY EXTERIORIZATION OF THE CAROTID ARTERY
Authors: Liddell E. G. T. , Carleton H. M.
Published: December 2015

(1) An operative procedure is described for exteriorizing the carotid artery of cats.

(2) The normal carotid pressure, measured by a modified Riva‐Rocci method, is 140–170 mm. Hg.

(3) On a diet of raw meat 200 g. a day, the blood‐pressure is lower (130–140) and the weight increases by about 20 per cent.

(4) On a milk diet (300 c.c. a day), the blood‐pressure is higher (150–170) and the weight decreases to its former value.

(5) The addition of 0·8 g. histidine to the milk has no marked effect on blood‐pressure.

(6) Emotional changes are accompanied by a rise in blood‐pressure, e.g. on seeing a mouse, to 220 mm. Hg or on hearing a blue‐bottle to 190 mm. Hg.

We are indebted to Mr. A. S. Chapman for his care of the animals and to Mr. C. Carr for assistance with blood‐pressure readings.
Exercise training reduces the acute physiological severity of post‐menopausal hot flushes
Authors: Bailey Tom G. , Cable N. Timothy , Aziz Nabil , Atkinson Greg , Cuthbertson Daniel J. , Low David A. , Jones Helen
Published: December 2015

Key points

A post‐menopausal hot flush consists of profuse physiological elevations in cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating that are accompanied by reduced brain blood flow. These responses can be used to objectively quantify hot flush severity.

The impact of an exercise training intervention on the physiological responses occurring during a hot flush is currently unknown.

In a preference‐controlled trial involving 21 post‐menopausal women, 16 weeks of supervised moderate intensity exercise training was found to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and attenuate cutaneous vasodilatation, sweating and the reductions in cerebral blood flow during a hot flush.

It is concluded that the improvements in fitness that are mediated by 16 weeks of exercise training reduce the severity of physiological symptoms that occur during a post‐menopausal hot flush.

A hot flush is characterised by feelings of intense heat, profuse elevations in cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating, and reduced brain blood flow. Exercise training reduces self‐reported hot flush severity, but underpinning physiological data are lacking. We hypothesised that exercise training attenuates the changes in cutaneous vasodilatation, sweat rate and cerebral blood flow during a hot flush. In a preference trial, 18 symptomatic post‐menopausal women underwent a passive heat stress to induce hot flushes at baseline and follow‐up. Fourteen participants opted for a 16 week moderate intensity supervised exercise intervention, while seven participants opted for control. Sweat rate, cutaneous vasodilatation, blood pressure, heart rate and middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv) were measured during the hot flushes. Data were binned into eight equal segments, each representing 12.5% of hot flush duration. Weekly self‐reported frequency and severity of hot flushes were also recorded at baseline and follow‐up. Following training, mean hot flush sweat rate decreased by 0.04 mg cm2 min−1 at the chest (95% confidence interval 0.02–0.06, P = 0.01) and by 0.03 mg cm2 min−1 (0.02–0.05, P = 0.03) at the forearm, compared with negligible changes in control. Training also mediated reductions in cutaneous vasodilatation by 9% (6–12%) at the chest and by 7% (4–9%) at forearm (P ≤ 0.05). Training attenuated hot flush MCAv by 3.4 cm s−1 (0.7–5.1 cm s−1, P = 0.04) compared with negligible changes in control. Exercise training reduced the self‐reported severity of hot flushes by 109 arbitrary units (80–121, P < 0.001). These data indicate that exercise training leads to parallel reductions in hot flush severity and within‐flush changes in cutaneous vasodilatation, sweating and cerebral blood flow.
Indirect effects of acetylcholine on the electrogenic sodium pump in bull‐frog atrial muscle fibres.
Authors: Hasuo H , Koketsu K , Minota S
Published: December 2015

1. Effects of acetylcholine (ACh) on the activity of electrogenic Na+ pump in bullfrog atrial muscle fibres were examined using the single sucrose‐gap voltage clamp technique. 2. In the K+‐free solution, 10 microM‐ACh induced a large outward current (ACh‐induced current) with an increase in the membrane conductance. 3. The amplitude of the ACh‐induced current decreased to 15% of the control 10 min after application of 1 microM‐ouabain, suggesting the contribution of electrogenic Na+ pump to the ACh‐induced current. The remaining ACh‐induced current was not affected even if the concentration of ouabain was increased ten times. 4. The K+‐activated current induced by an activation of the electrogenic Na+ pump was suppressed or reversed its direction during the course of the ACh‐induced current. 5. The ACh‐induced current was completely inhibited by applications of either atropine or barium ions while the K+‐activated current was not affected. 6. Both ouabain‐sensitive and ‐insensitive ACh‐induced currents were decreased when the membrane was hyperpolarized and eliminated around ‐95 mV. 7. The ouabain‐sensitive component was decreased by increasing the external K+ concentration [K+]o; the proportions of this current to ACh‐induced current in 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 2 mM [K+]o were 54, 42, 34 and 14%, respectively. 8. The current‐voltage (i‐v) relation obtained in 2 or 4 mM [K+]o, where the currents carried by Na+ and Ca2+ were blocked by application of 1 microM‐TTX and 1 mM‐Cd2+, exhibits marked inward‐going rectification but does not show a clear N‐shaped feature. Ba2+ (1 mM) induced an inward current at the holding potential (‐80 mV) and eliminated the inward‐going rectification of the membrane. 9. These results suggest that the increase in the K+ permeability by ACh increases the concentration of K+ immediately outside of the membrane, which in turn stimulates the electrogenic Na+ pump mechanism. The physiological significance of the action of ACh on the electrogenic Na+ pump in bull‐frog atrium is discussed in relation to the background K+ current (IK,1).
Effect of a 12-Week Low vs. High Intensity Aerobic Exercise Training on Appetite-Regulating Hormones in Obese Adolescents: A Randomized Exercise Intervention Study
Authors: Prado Wagner Luiz , Lofrano-Prado Mara Cristina , Oyama Lila Missae , Cardel Michelle , Gomes Priscyla Praxedes , Andrade Maria Laura S.S. , Freitas Camila R.M. , Balagopal Prabhakaran , Hill James O.
Published: December 2015

Little is known about how the intensity of aerobic training influences appetite-regulating hormones in obese adolescents. Our goal was to assess the effect of low and high intensity aerobic trainings on food intake and appetite-regulating hormones in obese adolescents. Forty three obese adolescents (age: 13–18y, BMI: 34.48 ± 3.94 kg/m2) were randomized into high intensity training (HIT; n = 20) or low intensity training (LIT; n = 23) groups for 12 weeks. All participants also received the same nutritional, psychological and clinical counseling. Pre- and postintervention energy intake (EI) and circulating levels of insulin, leptin, peptide YY3–36 (PYY3–36) and ghrelin were measured. Adolescents in the HIT showed a reduction in total EI and an increase in PYY3–36 (p < .05). Aerobic exercise training performed at ventilatory threshold 1 intensity, reduced EI and augmented PYY3–36 in obese adolescents, compared with LIT. The data suggest that HIT and LIT have differential effects in the regulation of appetite signals and subsequent EI in obese adolescents.
Serum Concentrations of Antibodies against Outer Membrane Protein P6, Protein D, and T- and B-Cell Combined Antigenic Epitopes of Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae in Children and Adults of Different Ages
Authors: Hua Chun-Zhen , Hu Wei-Lin , Shang Shi-Qiang , Li Jian-Ping , Hong Li-Quan , Yan Jie
Published: December 2015

Nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
(NTHi) is one of the most common etiologies of acute otitis media, rhinosinusitis, and pneumonia. Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are the main focus in new vaccine development against NTHi, as the
H. influenzae
type b (Hib) vaccine does not cover noncapsulated NTHi. The OMPs P6 and protein D are the most promising candidate antigens for an NTHi vaccine, and low antibody levels against them in serum may be correlated with infection caused by NTHi. In the current study, we measured the antibody titers against P6, protein D, and their T- and B-cell combined peptide epitopes in healthy individuals of different ages. We found that children <1 month old had the lowest antibody levels against NTHi P6, protein D, and their T- and B-cell combined antigenic epitopes. Antibody titers increased at ages 1 to 6 months, peaked at 7 months to 3 years, and remained high at 4 to 6 years. The antibody titers started to decrease after 6 years and were the lowest in the 21- to 30-year group. The geometric mean titers (GMTs) of T- and B-cell combined antigenic epitopes in P6 and protein D were positively correlated with those of the protein antigens. Among 12 peptides tested, P6-61, P6-123, and protein D-167 epitopes were better recognized than others in human serum. These findings might contribute to the development of an effective serotype-independent vaccine for
H. influenzae
.
Synergy of β-Lactams with Vancomycin against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Correlation of Disk Diffusion and Checkerboard Methods
Authors: Sy Cheng Len , Huang Tsi-Shu , Chen Chii Shiang , Chen Yao-Shen , Tsai Hung-Chin , Wann Shue-Renn , Wu Kuan-Sheng , Chen Jui-Kuang , Lee Susan Shin-Jung , Liu Yung-Ching
Published: December 2015

Modified disk diffusion (MDD) and checkerboard tests were employed to assess the synergy of combinations of vancomycin and β-lactam antibiotics for 59 clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) and Mu50 (ATCC 700699). Bacterial inocula equivalent to 0.5 and 2.0 McFarland standard were inoculated on agar plates containing 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 μg/ml of vancomycin. Oxacillin-, cefazolin-, and cefoxitin-impregnated disks were applied to the surface, and the zones of inhibition were measured at 24 h. The CLSI-recommended checkerboard method was used as a reference to detect synergy. The MICs for vancomycin were determined using the Etest method, broth microdilution, and the Vitek 2 automated system. Synergy was observed with the checkerboard method in 51% to 60% of the isolates when vancomycin was combined with any β-lactam. The fractional inhibitory concentration indices were significantly lower in MRSA isolates with higher vancomycin MIC combinations (
P
< 0.05). The overall agreement between the MDD and checkerboard methods to detect synergy in MRSA isolates with bacterial inocula equivalent to McFarland standard 0.5 were 33.0% and 62.5% for oxacillin, 45.1% and 52.4% for cefazolin, and 43.1% and 52.4% for cefoxitin when combined with 0.5 and 2 μg/ml of vancomycin, respectively. Based on our study, the simple MDD method is not recommended as a replacement for the checkerboard method to detect synergy. However, it may serve as an initial screening method for the detection of potential synergy when it is not feasible to perform other labor-intensive synergy tests.
Cystic Echinococcosis
Authors: Agudelo Higuita Nelson Iván , Brunetti Enrico , McCloskey Cindy
Published: December 2015

Echinococcosis is one of the 17 neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) recognized by the World Health Organization. The two major species of medical importance are
Echinococcus granulosus
and
Echinococcus multilocularis
.
E. granulosus
affects over 1 million people and is responsible for over $3 billion in expenses every year. In this minireview, we discuss aspects of the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis or cystic hydatid disease caused by
E. granulosus
.
Blastocystis in Health and Disease: Are We Moving from a Clinical to a Public Health Perspective?
Authors: Andersen Lee O'Brien , Stensvold Christen Rune
Published: December 2015

Blastocystis
is a genus of common single-celled intestinal parasitic protists with an unsettled role in human health and disease. Being a stable component of intestinal microbiota, once established, the
Blastocystis
parasite appears more common in healthy individuals than in patients with infectious, functional, or inflammatory bowel disease. Recent data suggest that the parasite is associated with certain gut microbiota profiles and health indices. Convincing data and tools differentiating asymptomatic colonization from infection are yet to be demonstrated. Although the parasite may elicit disease under certain circumstances, the focus on
Blastocystis
may be shifting from a clinical to a public health perspective.
Performance of Copan WASP for Routine Urine Microbiology
Authors: Quiblier Chantal , Jetter Marion , Rominski Mark , Mouttet Forouhar , Böttger Erik C. , Keller Peter M. , Hombach Michael
Published: December 2015

This study compared a manual workup of urine clinical samples with fully automated WASPLab processing. As a first step, two different inocula (1 and 10 μl) and different streaking patterns were compared using WASP and InoqulA BT instrumentation. Significantly more single colonies were produced with the10-μl inoculum than with the 1-μl inoculum, and automated streaking yielded significantly more single colonies than manual streaking on whole plates (
P
< 0.001). In a second step, 379 clinical urine samples were evaluated using WASP and the manual workup. Average numbers of detected morphologies, recovered species, and CFUs per milliliter of all 379 urine samples showed excellent agreement between WASPLab and the manual workup. The percentage of urine samples clinically categorized as positive or negative did not differ between the automated and manual workflow, but within the positive samples, automated processing by WASPLab resulted in the detection of more potential pathogens. In summary, the present study demonstrates that (i) the streaking pattern, i.e., primarily the number of zigzags/length of streaking lines, is critical for optimizing the number of single colonies yielded from primary cultures of urine samples; (ii) automated streaking by the WASP instrument is superior to manual streaking regarding the number of single colonies yielded (for 32.2% of the samples); and (iii) automated streaking leads to higher numbers of detected morphologies (for 47.5% of the samples), species (for 17.4% of the samples), and pathogens (for 3.4% of the samples). The results of this study point to an improved quality of microbiological analyses and laboratory reports when using automated sample processing by WASP and WASPLab.
Verification of a Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Method for Diagnostic Identification of High-Consequence Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Tracz Dobryan M. , Antonation Kym S. , Corbett Cindi R.
Published: December 2015

We examined the utility of a single matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry method for the identification of security-sensitive biological agents (risk group 3 bacterial pathogens). The goal was 2-fold: to verify a method for inclusion into our scope of accreditation, and to assess the biological safety of extractions. We developed our sample flow to include a tube-based chemical extraction, followed by filtration, before processing on MALDI-TOF MS instruments in a containment level 2 laboratory.
Evaluation of an Immunochromatographic Assay for Rapid Detection of Penicillin-Binding Protein 2a in Human and Animal Staphylococcus intermedius Group, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, and Staphylococcus schleiferi Clinical Isolates
Authors: Arnold A. R. , Burnham C.-A. D. , Ford B. A. , Lawhon S. D. , McAllister S. K. , Lonsway D. , Albrecht V. , Jerris R. C. , Rasheed J. K. , Limbago B. , Burd E. M. , Westblade L. F.
Published: December 2015

The performance of a rapid penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a) detection assay, the Alere PBP2a culture colony test, was evaluated for identification of PBP2a-mediated beta-lactam resistance in human and animal clinical isolates of
Staphylococcus intermedius
group,
Staphylococcus lugdunensis
, and
Staphylococcus schleiferi
. The assay was sensitive and specific, with all PBP2a-negative and PBP2a-positive strains testing negative and positive, respectively.
Mouse Hepatitis Virus Infection Remodels Connexin43-Mediated Gap Junction Intercellular Communication
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Authors: Basu Rahul , Banerjee Kaveri , Bose Abhishek , Das Sarma Jayasri
Published: December 2015

Gap junctions (GJs) form intercellular channels which directly connect the cytoplasm between neighboring cells to facilitate the transfer of ions and small molecules. GJs play a major role in the pathogenesis of infection-associated inflammation. Mutations of gap junction proteins, connexins (Cxs), cause dysmyelination and leukoencephalopathy. In multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE), Cx43 was shown to be modulated in the central nervous system (CNS). The mechanism behind Cx43 alteration and its role in MS remains unexplored. Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) infection-induced demyelination is one of the best-studied experimental animal models for MS. Our studies demonstrated that MHV infection downregulated Cx43 expression at protein and mRNA levels
in vitro
in primary astrocytes obtained from neonatal mouse brains. After infection, a significant amount of Cx43 was retained in endoplasmic reticulum/endoplasmic reticulum Golgi intermediate complex (ER/ERGIC) and GJ plaque formation was impaired at the cell surface, as evidenced by a reduction of the Triton X-100 insoluble fraction of Cx43. Altered trafficking and impairment of GJ plaque formation may cause the loss of functional channel formation in MHV-infected primary astrocytes, as demonstrated by a reduced number of dye-coupled cells after a scrape-loading Lucifer yellow dye transfer assay. Upon MHV infection, a significant downregulation of Cx43 was observed in the virus-infected mouse brain. This study demonstrates that astrocytic Cx43 expression and function can be modulated due to virus stress and can be an appropriate model to understand the basis of cellular mechanisms involved in the alteration of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in CNS neuroinflammation.

IMPORTANCE
We found that MHV infection leads to the downregulation of Cx43
in vivo
in the CNS. In addition, results show that MHV infection impairs Cx43 expression in addition to gap junction communication in primary astrocytes. After infection, Cx43 did not traffic normally to the membrane to form gap junction plaques, and that could be the basis of reduced functional gap junction coupling between astrocytes. This is an important first step toward understanding how viruses affect Cx43 expression and trafficking at the cellular level. This may provide a basis for understanding how structural alterations of astrocytic gap junctions can disrupt gap junction communication between other CNS cells in altered CNS environments due to infection and inflammation. More specifically, alteration of Cx43 may be the basis of the destabilization of Cx47 in oligodendrocytes seen in and around inflammatory demyelinating plaques in MS patients.
Infection by Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Causes Near-Complete Loss of RNA Polymerase II Occupancy on the Host Cell Genome
Authors: Abrisch Robert G. , Eidem Tess M. , Yakovchuk Petro , Kugel Jennifer F. , Goodrich James A.
Published: December 2015

Lytic infection by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) triggers a change in many host cell programs as the virus strives to express its own genes and replicate. Part of this process is repression of host cell transcription by RNA polymerase II (Pol II), which also transcribes the viral genome. Here, we describe a global characterization of Pol II occupancy on the viral and host genomes in response to HSV-1 infection using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing (ChIP-seq). The data reveal near-complete loss of Pol II occupancy throughout host cell mRNA genes, in both their bodies and promoter-proximal regions. Increases in Pol II occupancy of host cell genes, which would be consistent with robust transcriptional activation, were not observed. HSV-1 infection induced a more potent and widespread repression of Pol II occupancy than did heat shock, another cellular stress that widely represses transcription. Concomitant with the loss of host genome Pol II occupancy, we observed Pol II covering the HSV-1 genome, reflecting a high level of viral gene transcription. Interestingly, the positions of the peaks of Pol II occupancy at HSV-1 and host cell promoters were different. The primary peak of Pol II occupancy at HSV-1 genes is ∼170 bp upstream of where it is positioned at host cell genes, suggesting that specific steps in transcription are regulated differently at HSV-1 genes than at host cell mRNA genes.

IMPORTANCE
We investigated the effect of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection on transcription of host cell and viral genes by RNA polymerase II (Pol II). The approach we used was to determine how levels of genome-bound Pol II changed after HSV-1 infection. We found that HSV-1 caused a profound loss of Pol II occupancy across the host cell genome. Increases in Pol II occupancy were not observed, showing that no host genes were activated after infection. In contrast, Pol II occupied the entire HSV-1 genome. Moreover, the pattern of Pol II at HSV-1 genes differed from that on host cell genes, suggesting a unique mode of viral gene transcription. These studies provide new insight into how HSV-1 causes changes in the cellular program of gene expression and how the virus coopts host Pol II for its own use.
Signatures in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVsmE660 Envelope gp120 Are Associated with Mucosal Transmission but Not Vaccination Breakthrough in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Smith S. Abigail , Kilgore Katie M. , Kasturi Sudhir Pai , Pulendran Bali , Hunter Eric , Amara Rama R. , Derdeyn Cynthia A.
Published: December 2015

Mucosal surfaces are vulnerable to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection and thus are key sites for eliciting vaccine-mediated protection. Vaccine protocols carried out at the Yerkes Primate Research Center utilized SIVmac239-based immunization strategies with intrarectal and intravaginal SIVsmE660 challenge of rhesus macaques. We investigated whether there were genetic signatures associated with SIVsmE660 intrarectal and intravaginal transmissions in vaccinated and unvaccinated monkeys. When transmitted/founder (T/F) envelope (Env) sequences from 49 vaccinated and 15 unvaccinated macaques were compared to each other, we were unable to identify any vaccine breakthrough signatures. In contrast, when the vaccinated and control T/F Envs were combined and compared to the challenge stock, residues at gp120 positions 23, 45, 47, and 70 (Ile-Ala-Lys-Asn [I-A-K-N]) emerged as signatures of mucosal transmission. However, T/F Envs derived from intrarectal and intravaginal infections were not different. Our data suggest that the vaginal and rectal mucosal environments both imposed a strong selection bias for SIVsmE660 variants carrying I-A-K-N that was not further enhanced by immunization. These findings, combined with the strong conservation of A-K-N in most HIV-2/SIVsmm isolates and the analogous residues in HIV-1/SIVcpz isolates, suggest that these residues confer increased transmission fitness to SIVsmE660.

IMPORTANCE
Most HIV-1 infections occur across a mucosal barrier, and it is therefore important to understand why these sites are vulnerable and how to protect them with a vaccine. To gain insight into these questions, we studied rhesus macaques that were vaccinated with SIVmac239 and unvaccinated controls to determine whether the SIVsmE660 viral variants that infected these two groups were different. We did not find differences between viral variants in the absence versus presence of vaccination-induced immunity, but we did find that the SIVsmE660 viral variants that infected the monkeys, regardless of vaccination, were different from the dominant population found in the viral challenge inoculum. Our data suggest that the mucosal environments of the vagina and rectum both impose a strong selection for the SIVsmE660 variants in the challenge inoculum that are most like SIV and HIVs that circulate in nature.
Low-Fidelity Polymerases of Alphaviruses Recombine at Higher Rates To Overproduce Defective Interfering Particles
Authors: Poirier Enzo Z. , Mounce Bryan C. , Rozen-Gagnon Kathryn , Hooikaas Peter Jan , Stapleford Kenneth A. , Moratorio Gonzalo , Vignuzzi Marco
Published: December 2015

Low-fidelity RNA-dependent RNA polymerases for many RNA virus mutators have been shown to confer attenuated phenotypes, presumably due to increased mutation rates. Additionally, for many RNA viruses, replication to high titers results in the production of defective interfering particles (DIs) that also attenuate infection. We hypothesized that fidelity, recombination, and DI production are tightly linked. We show that a Sindbis virus mutator replicating at a high multiplicity of infection manifests an earlier and greater accumulation of DIs than its wild-type counterpart. The isolated DIs interfere with the replication of full-length virus in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, the ability of the mutator virus to overproduce DIs could be linked to an increased recombination frequency. These data confirm that RNA-dependent RNA polymerase fidelity and recombination are inversely correlated for this mutator. Our findings suggest that defective interference resulting from higher recombination rates may be more detrimental to RNA virus mutators than the increase in mutational burden.

IMPORTANCE
Replication, adaptation, and evolution of RNA viruses rely in large part on their low-fidelity RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Viruses artificially modified in their polymerases to decrease fidelity (mutator viruses) are attenuated
in vivo
, demonstrating the important role of fidelity in viral fitness. However, attenuation was attributed solely to the modification of the viral mutation rate and the accumulation of detrimental point mutations. In this work, we described an additional phenotype of mutator viruses: an increased recombination rate leading to defective interfering particle (DI) overproduction. Because DIs are known for their inhibitory effect on viral replication, our work suggests that fidelity variants may be attenuated
in vivo
via several mechanisms. This has important implications in the development of fidelity variants as live attenuated vaccine strains.
Qualitative review of hazing in collegiate and school sports: consequences from a lack of culture, knowledge and responsiveness
Authors: Diamond Alex B , Callahan S Todd , Chain Kelly F , Solomon Gary S
Published: December 2015

Background

As with most mental health disorders, the topic of hazing is not exclusive to the student athlete. However, it is also clear that the unique set of situations faced by athletes create a set of additional and difficult challenges to their mental and physical well-being. A deep-rooted culture, a lack of knowledge about hazing and its causal relationships, and a failure to act by teammates and adults all play a role in the propagation of this danger. Also, in an era where the popular press similarly celebrates and chastises episodes of hazing, it is increasingly crucial to turn to the scientific literature for guidance.

Purpose

To provide a comprehensive review of the scientific research on hazing in sports and to make recommendations for enhancing the approach and assistance to those in need on an individual and societal level.

Study design

Qualitative literature review of hazing in collegiate and school sports.

Methods

Databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched using standardised terms, alone and in combination, including ‘hazing’, ‘bullying’, ‘sport’, ‘athlete’, ‘college’, ‘school’ and ‘youth’.

Findings

Despite increased attention to its dangers, hazing remains pervasive throughout the sports world. However, many do not recognise those actions as consistent with hazing. A change in culture, increased education and awareness, along with methodologically sound strategies for action must occur in order to reduce the ill effects and cycle of hazing. To date, current information and efforts are lacking.
Exercise Programme in Endometrial Cancer; Protocol of the Feasibility and Acceptability Survivorship Trial (EPEC-FAST)
Authors: Smits Anke , Lopes Alberto , Das Nagindra , Bekkers Ruud , Massuger Leon , Galaal Khadra
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Obesity has been associated with impaired quality of life and poorer outcomes in endometrial cancer survivors. Lifestyle interventions promoting exercise and weight reduction have been proposed for survivorship care. However, studies evaluating exercise programmes for endometrial cancer survivors are lacking.

Purpose

The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of an individualised exercise intervention for endometrial cancer survivors to improve quality of life.

Methods and analysis

This is a feasibility study in which women will undergo a 10-week exercise programme with a personal trainer. The study population comprises women with confirmed diagnosis of endometrial cancer, who have completed surgical treatment with curative intent, and are aged 18 years or older. The study will take place at the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust, UK. Feasibility will be evaluated in terms of recruitment, adherence and compliance to the programme. Secondary outcomes are quality of life, psychological distress, fatigue, pain and complication rates. In addition, the acceptability of the programme will be assessed.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained through the Exeter NRES Committee. The study results will be used to optimise the intervention content, and may serve as the foundation for a larger definitive trial. Results will be disseminated through peer-review journals, congresses, relevant clinical groups and presented on the Trust's website.

Trial registration number:

NCT02367950; pre-results.