bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scale-Dependent Dispersion within the Stratified Interior on the Shelf of Northern Monterey Bay
Authors: Moniz Ryan J. , Fong Derek A. , Woodson C. Brock , Willis Susan K. , Stacey Mark T. , Monismith Stephen G.
Published: November 2013

Autonomous underwater vehicle measurements are used to quantify lateral dispersion of a continuously released Rhodamine WT dye plume within the stratified interior of shelf waters in northern Monterey Bay, California. The along-shelf evolution of the plume’s cross-shelf (lateral) width provides evidence for scale-dependent dispersion following the 4/3 law, as previously observed in both surface and bottom layers. The lateral dispersion coefficient is observed to grow to 0.5 m2 s−1 at a distance of 700 m downstream of the dye source. The role of shear and associated intermittent turbulent mixing within the stratified interior is investigated as a driving mechanism for lateral dispersion. Using measurements of time-varying temperature and horizontal velocities, both an analytical shear-flow dispersion model and a particle-tracking model generate estimates of the lateral dispersion that agree with the field-measured 4/3 law of dispersion, without explicit appeal to any assumed turbulence structure.
Protein detection through different platforms of immuno-loop-mediated isothermal amplification
Authors: Pourhassan-Moghaddam Mohammad , Rahmati-Yamchi Mohammad , Akbarzadeh Abolfazl , Daraee Hadis , Nejati-Koshki Kazem , Hanifehpour Younes , Joo Sang Woo
Published: November 2013

Different immunoassay-based methods have been devised to detect protein targets. These methods have some challenges that make them inefficient for assaying ultra-low-amounted proteins. ELISA, iPCR, iRCA, and iNASBA are the common immunoassay-based methods of protein detection, each of which has specific and common technical challenges making it necessary to introduce a novel method in order to avoid their problems for detection of target proteins. Here we propose a new method nominated as ‘immuno-loop-mediated isothermal amplification’ or ‘iLAMP’. This new method is free from the problems of the previous methods and has significant advantages over them. In this paper we also offer various configurations in order to improve the applicability of this method in real-world sample analyses. Important potential applications of this method are stated as well.
Natural OX40L expressed on human T cell leukemia virus type-I-immortalized T cell lines interferes with infection of activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells by CCR5-utilizing human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Kasahara Daigo , Takara Azusa , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Kodama Akira , Tanaka Reiko , Ansari Aftab A , Tanaka Yuetsu
Published: November 2013

Background

OX40 ligand (OX40L) co-stimulates and differentiates T cells via ligation of OX40 that is transiently induced on T cells upon activation, resulting in prolonged T cell survival and enhanced cytokine production by T cells. This view has led to the targeting of OX40 as a strategy to boost antigen specific T cells in the context of vaccination. In addition, the ligation of OX40 has also been shown to inhibit infection by CCR5-utilizing (R5) but not CXCR4-utilizing (X4) human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) via enhancement of production of CCR5-binding β-chemokines. It was reasoned that human T cell leukemia virus type-I (HTLV-1) immortalized T cell lines that express high levels of OX40L could serve as an unique source of physiologically functional OX40L. The fact that HTLV-1+T cell lines simultaneously also express high levels of OX40 suggested a potential limitation.

Results

Results of our studies showed that HTLV-1+T cell lines bound exogenous OX40 but not OX40L, indicating that HTLV-1+T cell lines express an active form of OX40L but an inactive form of OX40. Anti-OX40 non-blocking monoclonal antibody (mAb), but not blocking mAb, stained HTLV-1+T cell lines, suggesting that the OX40 might be saturated with endogenous OX40L. Functionality of the OX40L was confirmed by the fact that a paraformaldehyde (PFA)-fixed HTLV-1+T cell lines inhibited the infection of autologous activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with R5 HIV-1 which was reversed by either anti-OX40L blocking mAb or a mixture of neutralizing mAbs against CCR5-binding β-chemokines.

Conclusions

Altogether, these results demonstrated that autologous T cell lines immortalized by HTLV-1 can be utilized as a conventional source of physiologically functional OX40L.
Bovine brucellosis trends in Malaysia between 2000 and 2008
Authors: Anka Mukhtar S , Hassan Latiffah , Adzhar Azri , Khairani-Bejo Siti , Mohamad Ramlan Bin , Zainal Mohamed A
Published: November 2013

Background

Bovine brucellosis is an important disease affecting cattle characterised by abortion, still birth, reduced milk production, weak foetus and infertility in both males and females. There is wide distribution of the disease among cattle and several wildlife species. Bovine brucellosis is commonly caused by B. abortus and very occasionally B. melitensis and B. suis. The distribution of bovine brucellosis in cattle has not been described in Malaysia. In this paper we describe the distribution, pattern and trend of bovine brucellosis in Peninsular Malaysia between 2000 and 2008 based on serological data obtained from nationwide B. abortus serosurveillance activities in cattle populations.

Results

Brucella antibodies were detected in 21.8% of sampled herds (95% CI, 21.01–22.59) and 2.5% (95% CI; 2.45–2.55) of sampled cattle. The state of Pahang had the highest animal and herd-level seroprevalence of 5.3 and 43.6%, respectively. The herd-level seroprevalence varied but remained high (18-26%) over the period of study and generally increased from 2000 to 2008. Seropositive herds clustered around the central part of the peninsula within the period of the study. The months of September, October and November illustrated the highest rates with corresponding seroprevalences of 33.2, 38.4 and 33.9%, respectively. A noticeable variation was observed in the cattle-level seroprevalence, but the rate remained relatively low (<5%). The chi-square statistics showed herd size (χ2 = 1206.077, df = 2, p = 0.001), breed (χ2 = 37.429, df = 1, p = 0.001), month of sampling (χ2 = 51.596, df = 11 p = 0.001), year (χ2 = 40.08, df = 8, p = 0.001) and state (χ2 = 541.038, df = 10, p = 0.001) to be associated with increased seropositivity.

Conclusion

Bovine brucellosis is widespread among herds in Peninsular Malaysia at a low within-herd seroprevalence rate.
Cytokine signaling-1 suppressor is inducible by IL-1beta and inhibits the catabolic effects of IL-1beta in chondrocytes: its implication in the paradoxical joint-protective role of IL-1beta
Authors: Choi Yong Seok , Park Jin Kyun , Kang Eun Ha , Lee Young-Kyun , Kim Tae Kyun , Chung Jin-Haeng , Zimmerer Jason M , Carson William E , Song Yeong Wook , Lee Yun Jong
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Although IL-1β is believed to be crucial in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA), the IL-1β blockade brings no therapeutic benefit in human OA and results in OA aggravation in several animal models. We explored the role of a cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) suppressor as a regulatory modulator of IL-1β signaling in chondrocytes.

Methods

Cartilage samples were obtained from patients with knee OA and those without OA who underwent surgery for femur-neck fracture. SOCS1 expression in cartilage was assessed with immunohistochemistry. IL-1β-induced SOCS1 expression in chondrocytes was analyzed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot. The effect of SOCS1 on IL-1β signaling pathways and the synthesis of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and aggrecanase-1 was investigated in SOCS1-overexpressing or -knockdown chondrocytes.

Results

SOCS1 expression was significantly increased in OA cartilage, especially in areas of severe damage (P < 0.01). IL-1β stimulated SOCS1 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent pattern (P < 0.01). The IL-1β-induced production of MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13, and ADAMTS-4 (aggrecanase-1, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4) was affected by SOCS1 overexpression or knockdown in both SW1353 cells and primary human articular chondrocytes (all P values < 0.05). The inhibitory effects of SOCS1 were mediated by blocking p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation, and by downregulating transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) expression.

Conclusions

Our results show that SOCS1 is induced by IL1-β in OA chondrocytes and suppresses the IL-1β-induced synthesis of matrix-degrading enzymes by inhibiting IL-1β signaling at multiple levels. It suggests that the IL-1β-inducible SOCS1 acts as a negative regulator of the IL-1β response in OA cartilage.
The prognostic value of ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 repeats, member 13) deficiency in septic shock patients involves interleukin-6 and is not dependent on disseminated intravascular coagulation
Authors: Peigne Vincent , Azoulay Elie , Coquet Isaline , Mariotte Eric , Darmon Michael , Legendre Paulette , Adoui Nadir , Marfaing-Koka Anne , Wolf Martine , Schlemmer Benoit , Veyradier Agnès
Published: November 2013

Introduction

ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 repeats, member 13) deficiency has been reported in patients with sepsis but its clinical relevance and pathophysiology remain unclear. Our objectives were to assess the clinical significance, prognostic value and pathophysiology of ADAMTS13 deficiency in patients with septic shock with and without disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

Methods

This was a prospective monocenter cohort study of patients with septic shock. Von Willebrand Factor, ADAMTS13-related parameters and plasma IL-6 concentration were measured at inclusion to the study. Patients were categorized into three groups according to the presence of ADAMT13 deficiency (<30%) or DIC.

Results

This study included 72 patients with a median age of 59 years (interquartile range (IQR) 50 to 71). Each of the included patients received vasopressors; 55 (76%) were under mechanical ventilation and 22 (33%) underwent renal replacement therapy. Overall, 19 patients (26%) had DIC, and 36 patients had ADMTS13 deficiency (50%). Patients with DIC, ADAMTS13 deficiency or both were more severe at ICU admission. Mortality was higher in septic shock patients from group one. By multivariate analysis, Simplified Acute Physiology Score 2 (SAPS2) score (odds ratio (OR) 1.11/point; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.24) and ADAMTS13 activity <30% (OR 11.86; 95% CI 1.36 to 103.52) were independently associated with hospital mortality. There was no correlation between ADAMTS13 activity and the International Society for Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) score (rs = -0.97, P = 0.41) suggesting that ADAMTS13 functional deficiency and DIC were independent parameters. IL-6 level was higher in patients with ADAMTS13 activity <30% [895 (IQR 330 to 1843) pg/mL versus 83 (IQR 43 to 118), P = 0.0003).

Conclusions

Septic shock was associated with a functional deficiency of ADAMTS13, independently of DIC. ADAMTS13 functional deficiency is then a prognostic factor for mortality in septic shock patients, independently of DIC.
Practice Benchmarking in the Age of Targeted Auditing: Radiation Oncology
Authors: Langdale Ryan P. , Holland Ben F.
Published: November 2013

The authors conclude that there is no substitute for staying up to date on proper billing methodology and investing in continuing education for coders, billing personnel, and clinical staff, including physicians.
Meaningful Physician Payment Reform in Oncology
Authors: Patel Kavita K. , Morin Alexander J. , Nadel Jeffrey L. , McClellan Mark B.
Published: November 2013

The authors describe various new models of physician payment that can serve as a foundation for a shift away from the current reimbursement system for cancer care to support better outcomes and avoid preventable costs, as well as how these reforms can be supported in a blended payment model that transitions away from but still contains elements of fee-for-service payments.
Reclaiming Virtue Ethics for Economics
Authors: Bruni Luigino , Sugden Robert
Published: November 2013

Virtue ethics is an important strand of moral philosophy, and a significant body of philosophical work in virtue ethics is associated with a radical critique of the market economy and of economics. Expressed crudely, the charge sheet is this: The market depends on instrumental rationality and extrinsic motivation; market interactions therefore fail to respect the internal value of human practices and the intrinsic motivations of human actors; by using market exchange as its central model, economics normalizes extrinsic motivation, not only in markets but also in social life more generally; therefore economics is complicit in an assault on virtue and on human flourishing. We will argue that this critique is flawed, both as a description of how markets actually work and as a representation of how classical and neoclassical economists have understood the market. We show how the market and economics can be defended against the critique from virtue ethics, and crucially, this defense is constructed using the language and logic of virtue ethics. Using the methods of virtue ethics and with reference to the writings of some major economists, we propose an understanding of the purpose (telos) of markets as cooperation for mutual benefit, and identify traits that thereby count as virtues for market participants. We conclude that the market need not be seen as a virtue-free zone.
The Federal Reserve and Panic Prevention: The Roles of Financial Regulation and Lender of Last Resort
Authors: Gorton Gary , Metrick Andrew
Published: November 2013

This paper surveys the role of the Federal Reserve within the financial regulatory system, with particular attention to the interaction of the Fed's role as both a supervisor and a lender-of-last-resort. The institutional design of the Federal Reserve System was aimed at preventing banking panics, primarily due to the permanent presence of the discount window. This new system was successful at preventing a panic in the early 1920s, after which the Fed began to discourage the use of the discount window and intentionally create “stigma” for window borrowing—policies that contributed to the panics of the Great Depression. The legislation of the New Deal era centralized Fed power in the Board of Governors, and over the next 75 years the Fed expanded its role as a supervisor of the largest banks. Nevertheless, prior to the recent crisis the Fed had large gaps in its authority as a supervisor and as lender of last resort, with the latter role weakened further by stigma. The Fed was unable to prevent the recent crisis, during which its lender of last resort function expanded significantly. As the Fed begins its second century, there are still great challenges to fulfilling its original intention of panic prevention.
A Model of Phonological Processing, Language, and Reading for Students With Mild Intellectual Disability
Authors: Barker R. Michael , Sevcik Rose A. , Morris Robin D. , Romski MaryAnn
Published: November 2013

Little is known about the relationships between phonological processing, language, and reading in children with intellectual disability (ID). We examined the structure of phonological processing in 294 school-age children with mild ID and the relationships between its components and expressive and receptive language and reading skills using structural equation modeling. Phonological processing consisted of two distinct but correlated latent abilities: phonological awareness and naming speed. Phonological awareness had strong relationships with expressive and receptive language and reading skills. Naming speed had moderate relationships with these variables. Results suggest that children with ID bring the same skills to the task of learning to read as children with typical development, highlighting the fact that phonologically based reading instruction should be considered a viable approach.
Cortisol Reactivity and Performance Abilities in Social Situations in Adults with Williams Syndrome
Authors: Lense Miriam D. , Dykens Elisabeth M.
Published: November 2013

Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with hypersociability and anxiety. However, little is known about how these salient aspects of the phenotype are related or their underlying physiology. We examined cortisol reactivity in WS because cortisol is responsive to psychosocial stress. Compared to typically developing adults, adults with WS had a significant cortisol decrease in response to a challenging cognitive battery. In contrast, cortisol levels in WS stayed stable in response to a solo musical performance, and baseline cortisol levels were significantly associated with musical skill. Results indicate that people with WS respond differentially to different socially-loaded situations. Implications for salience and arousal in cognitive and social situations are discussed.
"We always come here" : investigating the social in social learning
Authors: Powis Chris
Published: November 2013

This paper investigates student choices around the 'Third Space' for learning; that which is not either a teaching space or a private space. In mapping the use of such spaces around the University of Northampton's campuses and through the use of semi-structured interviews with students as they use the spaces it constructs a model to help understand why students choose a particular space to work in and influence decisions in the deliberate creation of such spaces in future.

The research shows four, often overlapping, influences on student choice of space; resources, environment, social and emotional. That resource rich spaces that allow social interaction and learning to take place in attractive environments are popular should not be surprising but it is the emotional response to space that is of particular interest. Space attachment theory has usually centred on home or places with religious or national symbolism. This paper identifies an element of emotional resonance to areas of the university campus, especially the library, that will warrant further research.
Boundaries, Processes and Participation: Integrating peer support through a buddy scheme
Authors: Pain Roanna Alexandra
Published: November 2013

Buddying and mentoring schemes are playing an increasingly vital role in student support and integration, especially in the context of a global shift in internationalisation rationale. In this project, one cycle of improvements to a buddy scheme for exchange students was completed in accordance with three principles: ongoing orientation, the internationalisation of “home” students and staff/student liaison. Theory and student feedback were applied to professional practice, with a focus on student participation. Suggested future evaluation includes quantitative measures such as levels of participation, as well as qualitative data from surveys and focus groups. Reflective practice and the practical implementation of the three principles have contributed to the process of personal and institutional internationalisation.
Assessment and International Students – black African Social Work students
Authors: Bartoli Angie
Published: November 2013

This evaluative study focuses on the perceptions of black African (international and home) students on an under-graduate social work programme. In particular this paper will consider the more traditional assessment of examinations, where the students perceived that their grades were higher due to a familiarity with the assessment strategy. In contrast, they referred to the bewildering ‘other world’ of less familiar assessment processes which demanded a deeper level of critical thinking skills for example in assignments. This evaluation aims to consider whether the African students’ perceptions that their academic grades fared better dependent on the assessment process is in fact a reality compared to other less familiar ones.
Introduction from guest editor
Authors: Burnapp Dave
Published: November 2013

For this special edition on internationalisation, Dr Dave Burnapp contextualises the articles in relation to their origins as assignments on the PG Certificate in Enhancing the International Student Experience.
Body image and healthy lifestyle behaviors of university students
Authors: Bednarzyk Michele S. , Wright Tracy L. , Bloom Kathaleen C.
Published: November 2013

Background: Body image, one’s perception of personal physical appearance, can be positive or negative, leading to body satisfaction or body dissatisfaction. Body satisfaction and dissatisfaction affect individuals of all ages and have the potential to impact lifestyle choices. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between body image and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Participants: Undergraduate students at a state university in the southeastern United States. Methods: An email was sent, providing a link to an online survey that included: demographic, body image, and screen time questions; the Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity tool; and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II. Results: 1,056 usable surveys were returned. The participants were primarily Caucasian females (75%) who were college juniors or seniors (65.5%). The majority (71%) indicated they were satisfied with their body, although many (60.3%) wanted to alter it. Most (65.1%) had a normal BMI. Only 23.3% meet physical activity guidelines. Healthy lifestyle behaviors were engaged in “sometimes” and “often, but not routinely.” Body image was correlated with healthy lifestyle behaviors. Conclusions: Programs and resources focusing on promotion of positive body image, appropriate physical activity, and healthy eating behaviors should be the norm on college campuses.
An Enhanced Mobile Phone Dialler Application for Blind and Visually Impaired People
Authors: Yousef Rana Mohammad , Adwan Omar , Abu-Leil Murad
Published: November 2013

This paper presents the development of a new mobile phone dialler application which is designed to help blind and visually impaired people make phone calls. The new mobile phone dialler application is developed as a windows phone application to facilitate entering information to touch screen mobile phones by blind people. This application is advantageous through its innovative concept, its simplicity and its availability at an affordable cost. Feedback from users showed that this new application is easy to use and solves many problems of voice recognition applications such as inaccuracy, slowness and interpretation of unusual voices. In addition, this application has increased the users ability to dial phone numbers more independently and less stressfully.
Income Distribution and the Occupational Choices of Entrepreneurs
Authors: Schwenkenberg Julia M.
Published: November 2013

This article presents a model that analyzes the effects of redistribution on the occupational choices of entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs can either engage in costly search for projects and produce or become rent-seekers who collect rents for reversing redistribution. The model illustrates that redistribution of aggregate output is possible until a tipping point is reached. Higher levels of redistribution decrease entrepreneurship, employment, and aggregate income. Which level of redistribution is too much depends on the degree of inequality inherent in the firm quality distribution and on the power of rent-seekers to alter redistributive outcomes. An exogenous increase in the ratio of average realized output to output produced at the lowest-productivity firm reduces the gains from entrepreneurship relative to rent-seeking. This happens because entrepreneurs expend search costs to find those high-quality projects that drive up the average production value, but only a few entrepreneurs can realize these big hits. Wages and rent-seeker pay-offs, on the other hand, depend on average realized production. An increase in the power of rent-seekers further reduces the government’s options. The model implies that the government’s ability to redistribute might be declining when inequality rises.
Pharmacological anti-thrombotic prophylaxis after elective caesarean delivery in thrombophilia unscreened women: should maternal age have a role in decision making?
Authors: Gizzo Salvatore , Noventa Marco , Anis Omar , Saccardi Carlo , Zambon Alessandra , Di Gangi Stefania , Tormene Daniela , Gangemi Michele , D’Antona Donato , Nardelli Giovanni Battista
Published: November 2013

In obstetrical practice, the best prevention strategy for pregnant women aged >35 years without known thrombosis risk factors who underwent elective caesarean delivery (CD) is controversial. We performed an observational-longitudinal cohort study on pregnant women aged >35 years who delivered at term by elective caesarean section after a physiological single pregnancy to evaluate the role of maternal age in the decision-making process of whether or not to perform low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis during the post-partum period after elective CD in healthy women with unknown inherited thrombophilia status. During the 6 post-partum weeks, we followed two groups: GROUP-A (349 women treated for 7 days with low-molecular-weight heparin) and GROUP-B (180 women not treated with LMWH treatment). The outcomes were as follows: onset of thromboembolic events during the post-partum period; non-obstetrical-linked maternal haemorrhage; blood transfusion; re-laparotomy; detection of a surgical site haematoma; length of hospitalisation; and treatment suspension because of decreased platelet count. Except for the parity number, the two groups were homogeneous with regard to general features. In both the groups, we reported no cases of thromboembolic events during the follow-up period. Maternal haemorrhage requiring transfusion occurred in 16 women in GROUP-A and none in GROUP-B. Among the GROUP-A women, 11 demonstrated a surgical site haematoma and 4 required re-laparotomy. No cases of treatment suspension were reported. Pneumatic compression stockings represent a better, low cost and safe way to prevent post-partum venous thromboembolic episodes after elective caesarean section in an unscreened population. Pharmacological prophylaxis after elective caesarean section should be performed only in case of clear and known adjunctive risk factors, independent of maternal age.
New field data on reproduction, diet, and activity of Glironia venusta Thomas, 1912 (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae) in northern Brazil
Authors: da Silveira Thiago B. , de Melo Fabiano R. , Lima Jonatha E.P.
Published: November 2013

Two observations of the rare marsupial
Minimum 60 years of recording are needed to compute the sea level rate of rise in the Western South Pacific
Authors: Parker Albert
Published: November 2013

Sea levels generally oscillate with multi-decadal
periodicities worldwide with up to the quasi-60 years detected
in many tide gauges. Nevertheless, the most part of
the literature on sea levels computes apparent rates of rise
of sea levels much larger than the legitimate by using short
time windows in selected locations only covering part of a
valley-to-peak of this multi-decadal oscillation. It is shown
in this paper that along the Pacific coast of Australia the
sea levels oscillate with a frequency close to the Southern
Ocean Index (SOI) oscillation of 19 years and a lower frequency
of about 60 years. The rates of rise of sea levels
computed by linear fitting of the data recorded since the
early 1990s in selected locations of the Australian Pacific
coastline and in the tropical Pacific islands are from a valley
of the peak and valley oscillations and are much higher
than the legitimate long term values.
The Story That Is Never Told
Authors: Justus Z. S.
Published: November 2013

This narrative accounting of one night on the border with the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps deals with how identity was re-storyed in the context of fieldwork, and the implications that this re-storying had on both the researcher and on the people touched by the research.
Making Meaning of Domestic Adoption Reunion in Online Narratives
Authors: Scharp Kristina M.
Published: November 2013

This qualitative study, from the domestic adoptee perspective, reflects the analysis of thirty-seven online stories of adoptee-birth mother/family reunions. The present study contributes to existing literature on adoption reunion and extends understanding of adoption reconnection by focusing on the constitution of its meaning. Studies privileging meaning-making help unravel why certain outcomes emerge and emphasize the importance of communication in studying relationships. Framed by relational dialectics theory and examined using Baxter’s newly developed contrapuntal analysis, a dominant discursive struggle of romanticized versus pragmatic reconnection emerged. The discourse of romanticized reconnection emerged from two themes: (a) desire for physical resemblance and (b) immediate connection. Three themes constituted the discourse of pragmatic reconnection: (a) birth family as strangers, (b) desire for health information, and (c) connection not guaranteed. In addition, a hybrid utterance surfaced providing evidence of a phenomenon where new meanings are likely to emerge.
Cushing's disease presenting with gastrointestinal perforation: a case report
Authors: Hara Takuma , Akutsu Hiroyoshi , Yamamoto Tetsuya , Ishikawa Eiichi , Matsuda Masahide , Matsumura Akira
Published: November 2013

Gastrointestinal perforation is a complication associated with steroid therapy or hypercortisolism, but it is rarely observed in patients with Cushing's disease in clinical practice, and only one case has been reported as a presenting symptom. Herein, we report a rare case of Cushing's disease in which a patient presented with gastrointestinal perforation as a symptom. A 79-year-old man complained of discomfort in the lower abdomen for 6 months. Based on the endocrinological and gastroenterological examinations, he was diagnosed with Cushing's disease with a perforation of the descending colon. After consultation with a gastroenterological surgeon, it was decided that colonic perforation could be conservatively observed without any oral intake and treated with parenteral administration of antibiotics because of the mild systemic inflammation and lack of abdominal guarding. Despite the marked elevated levels of serum cortisol, oral medication was not an option because of colonic perforation. Therefore, the patient was submitted to endonasal adenomectomy to normalize the levels of serum cortisol. Subsequently, a colostomy was successfully performed. Despite its rarity, physicians should be aware that gastrointestinal perforation may be associated with hypercortisolism, especially in elderly patients, and immediate diagnosis and treatment of this life-threatening condition are essential. If a perforation can be conservatively observed, endonasal adenomectomy prior to laparotomy is an alternative treatment option for hypercortisolism.

Learning points

Thus far, only one case of gastrointestinal perforation as a presenting clinical symptom of Cushing's disease has been reported.

Physicians should be aware that gastrointestinal perforation might be associated with hypercortisolism in elderly patients because elevated levels of serum cortisol may mask the clinical signs of perforation. Because of this masking effect, the diagnosis of the perforation also tends to be delayed.

Although parenteral administration of etomidate is a standard treatment option for decreasing the elevated levels of serum cortisol, endonasal adenomectomy prior to laparotomy is an alternative treatment option if etomidate therapy is unavailable.
Health survey of ambulance workers with the help of generic questionnaire (SF-36)
Authors: Pék Emese , Mártai István , Marton József , Betlehem József
Published: November 2013

Introduction: The high work-related stress among ambulance workers is a widely known a phenomenon. Aim: The aim of the authors was to asses self-reported health status of ambulance workers. Method: An anonym self-fill-in questionnaire applying SF-36 was used among workers from the northern and western regions of Hungarian National Ambulance Service. Results: Based on the dimensions of the SF-36 questionnaire the responders considered their “Physical Functioning” the best, while “Vitality” was regarded the worst. The more time an employee have been worked at the Ambulance Service the worse his health was in the first four dimensions including “Physical Functioning”, “Role-Physical”, “Bodily Pain” and “General Health”: p<0.001. Those working in part-time jobs considered their health in all dimensions worse. The respondents who did some kind of sports hold their health in all dimensions better (p<0.001). The workers with higher body mass index regarded their health status worse, in four dimensions: “Physical Functioning” (p = 0.001), “Role-Physical” (p = 0.013), “General Health” (p<0.001) and “Role-Emotional” (p = 0.05). Conclusions: According to the subjective perception of health and measurable parameters of health status of workers proved to be insufficient. Poor physical health can lead indirectly to psychological problems, which may lower the quality of the work and can lead to high turn-over. Orv. Hetil., 154(47), 1865–1872.
Vascular functional alterations in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Nemes Attila , Forster Tamás
Published: November 2013

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a hereditary, not uncommon cardiac disease, which is associated with asymmetric thickening and hypertrophy of the interventricular septum unrelated to hemodynamic reasons. Despite hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is considered to be a disorder of the heart muscle, several associated vascular alterations have been described. The aim of the present review is to summarize vascular functional alterations in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Orv. Hetil., 154(47), 1851–1857.
Sensibilidade espécie-específica aos anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais: humanos X animais de companhia
Authors: Riboldi E. , Lima D.A. , Dallegrave E.
Published: November 2013

Este estudo forneceu subsídios para o melhor entendimento das intoxicações pelos anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais (AINES) em humanos e animais de companhia. Os principais focos foram a diferença espécie-específica e os serviços prestados por Centros de Informação Toxicológica. Para tanto, foram utilizados dados referentes às intoxicações por AINES em pessoas, cães e gatos reportadas ao CIT/RS entre 2005 e 2009. Além disso, foram abordados, comparativamente, os dados do American Association of Poison Centers (AAPCC) entre 2004 e 2008, bem como as referências na literatura acerca da sensibilidade espécie-específica. Constatou-se que a maioria das intoxicações por AINES, independentemente da espécie, abrangeu o cetoprofeno, o ibuprofeno e o diclofenaco, sendo 54% destes intencionais em humanos, destacando-se o diclofenaco. Em se tratando de animais de companhia, 73% das intoxicações em cães ocorreram pelo diclofenaco, e 60% dos acidentes em gatos foram ocasionados pelo ibuprofeno. Chama-se a atenção para a importância dos Centros de Informação Toxicológica como forma de assistência e prevenção desses acidentes, bem como para a venda indiscriminada desses fármacos, aliados à medicação extraprescrição - que leva, na maioria das vezes, cães e gatos ao óbito.
On the origin and diversification of Venezuelan freshwater fishes: the genus Gephyrocharax (Ostariophysi: Characidae) a case study
Authors: Bonilla-Rivero Ana , López-Rojas Héctor
Published: November 2013

We conducted a phylogeographic analysis of the genus Gephyrocharaxin Venezuela to evaluate geomorphologic evidence for the formation of the country's main watersheds and to establish a biogeographical hypothesis of possible diversification mechanisms of the Neotropical freshwater fish fauna. We assayed eight enzyme systems and general proteins to estimate genetic variability (H, P), intraspecific structuring in several Gephyrocharax valencia and G. venezuelae populations (FIS, FIT, and FST), and a phylogenetic approach for the three species of Gephyrocharax in Venezuela, using Corynopoma riisei as the external group. Fourteen presumptive lociindicate that populations of the three species of Gephyrocharaxanalyzed show a clear genetic inter-specific differentiation, determined by four loci with fixed alleles (GPI-B*,IDH*, ME-1*, and ME-2*). The resulting cladogram shows two major clades: a monophyletic group consisting of Gephyrocharax n. sp. and G. venezuelae(restricted to the northwest of the country) and a group formed exclusively by G. valencia (distributed along the largest geographic range). Speciation of the Venezuelan lineages of the genus Gephyrocharaxcould be explained by the origin and course movements of the present Orinoco River together with geomorphologic processes that have occurred in northern Venezuela since the Miocene.
Ituglanis agreste, a new catfish from the rio de Contas basin, northeastern Brazil (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae)
Authors: Lima Sergio M. Q. , Neves Cinara P. , Campos-Paiva Rafael M.
Published: November 2013

Ituglanis agreste, a new species of catfish, is described from a tributary stream of the rio Gongogi drainage, rio de Contas basin, Bahia State, northeastern Brazil, from a transition area between the Atlantic Rain Forest and the semi-arid Caatinga savanna. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: elongate interopercle plate with high number of odontodes (26-30), high number of ribs (5-6), fewer vertebrae (36), number of branchiostegal rays (7), number of pectoral-fin rays (i,6) and absence of s1 pore. Comparisons with other Ituglanis species and putative plesiomorphic characters are presented. Some comments about conservation of Ituglanis species from northeastern Brazil are also made.
Development and characterization of microsatellite loci of Microglanis cottoides (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae) and cross-species amplification
Authors: Souza-Shibatta Lenice , Ferreira Dhiego Gomes , Oliveira Claudio , Almeida Fernanda Simões de , Shibatta Oscar Akio , Sofia Silvia Helena
Published: November 2013

Thirteen microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in Microglanis cottoides. Of these, two were monomorphic and 11 were polymorphic. These polymorphic loci tested on 24 individuals from a wild population produced a total of 108 different alleles, with levels of variability high, ranging from 2 to 20, with an average of 8.3 alleles per locus. The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.125 to 0.958 and from 0.119 to 0.931, respectively. A high combined probability of paternity exclusion value and a low probability combined genetic identity value obtained show that the set of loci described herein displays good suitability for paternity studies and differentiation of M. cottoides. Additionally, all thirteen microsatellite primers developed for M. cottoides were tested in four other Pseudopimelodidae species and successful cross-species amplification was achieved for the majority of loci.
Induced spawning and reproductive variables of the catfish Lophiosilurus alexandri Steindachner, 1876 (Siluriformes: Pseudopimelodidae)
Authors: Santos Hélio Batista dos , Sampaio Edson Vieira , Arantes Fábio Pereira , Sato Yoshimi
Published: November 2013

Lophiosilurus alexandri is an endemic fish from the São Francisco River basin, Brazil. The aim of this study was to induce L. alexandri to spawn and to obtain data on several reproductive variables for this species. For induced spawning, adults were submitted to Cyprinus carpio pituitary homogenate (CPH). Nine of the 12 females (75%) responded positively to the treatment. The stripping of oocytes was performed 8.4 h after the second dose of CPH with the water temperature maintained at 26ºC. The number of stripped oocytes per gram of ova was 74 ± 5 oocytes g-1, and the mean oocyte diameter was 3.1 ± 0.2 and 3.6 ± 0.2 mm, before and after hydration, respectively. The oocytes were opaque, yellowish, demersal, highly adhesive, and covered by a gelatinous coat. The total fecundity was 4,534 ± 671 oocytes, and the fertilization rate was 59%. The initial and final fertilities were 2,631 ± 740 and 1,542 ± 416 embryos, respectively. Larval hatching occurred up to 56 h after fertilization, and the larvae had a total length of 8.4 ± 0.1 mm. This work provides important biological information for L. alexandri that can be used for management and conservation of this species.
Reproduction of Pimelodus maculatus(Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) in three section of Grande River basin, downstream Porto Colombia dam, south-eastern Brazil
Authors: Paschoalini Alessandro Loureiro , Perini Violeta da Rocha , Ribeiro Dirceu Marzulo , Formagio Paulo Sérgio , Rizzo Elizete , Bazzoli Nilo
Published: November 2013

The alterations to the hydrologic regime downstream from hydroelectric dams may cause an impact on the reproductive success of fishes. This study aimed to analyse the influence of the physical and chemical parameters of the water of the Grande and Pardo Rivers on gonadal maturation, oocyte diameter, follicular atresia and biological indices of Pimelodus maculatus collected from three river sections: Grande River, downstream from the Porto Colômbia dam (S1), Grande River, downstream from the confluence with the Pardo River (S2) and in the Pardo River channel (S3). Males and females captured in S1 presented significantly higher average values for total length and body weight than those captured in S2 and S3. The gonadosomatic index values were significantly higher in fish collected in S3 and the Fulton condition factor did not show significant differences in fish collected from the three sections. The oocyte diameter, the follicular cells height and the zona pellucida thickness did not show any statistical differences between the sections. Conductivity presented a significant difference between S1 and S3 and during the reproductive period, water transparency presented similar values in the two sampling sections of the Grande River, but a much lower value in the Pardo River. A low frequency of fish with reproductive activity was registered in S1, whereas in S2 and S3 higher frequencies were recorded, emphasising the need of preserving the tributaries for the reproductive success of P. maculatus of the Grande River in south-eastern Brazil.
The roles of marginal lagoons in the maintenance of genetic diversity in the Brazilian migratory fishes Prochilodus argenteus and P. costatus
Authors: Melo Bruno F. , Sato Yoshimi , Foresti Fausto , Oliveira Claudio
Published: November 2013

The rio São Francisco basin contains many endemic species, such as Prochilodus argenteus and P. costatus, which have great commercial importance. However, information about the main recruitment sites and genetic studies containing extensive sampling of these species are scarce. To investigate the roles of the marginal lagoons in the maintenance of genetic variability and in the population structure, we analyzed six microsatellite loci in nine sampling groups of P. argenteusand five sampling groups of P. costatus. Our results showed high levels of genetic variability and low values of genetic differentiation for P. argenteus (FST =0.008, P< 0.05) and for P. costatus(FST =0.031, P < 0.05). In addition, high values of gene flow combined with a small genetic distance suggest the presence of a single population for each species in the middle rio São Francisco basin. Moreover, putative migration routes involving marginal lagoons during the reproductive season could be detected, confirming the importance of these nurseries in the lifecycle of these species. Our results also indicate the necessity of adequate management of the fish resources and the conservation of the floodplains in the rio São Francisco basin.
Marine reserve networks conserve biodiversity by stabilizing communities and maintaining food web structure
Authors: Wing Stephen R. , Jack Lucy
Published: November 2013

Theory predicts that networks of fully protected marine reserves conserve biodiversity by stabilizing communities and maintaining food web structure in the face of inadequately constrained fishery exploitation. To test these ideas we examine trends in species incidence, community and trophic structure of temperate reef fishes over an eight year period within the Fiordland no‐take marine reserve network, at management zones subject to commercial fishing and at those closed to commercial exploitation but open to recreational fishers. We use information from extensive stratified subtidal surveys of the reef fish community and abundance of macroalgae, as well as oceanographic data collected in 2002, 2006 and 2010. Our analyses indicate a regional decline in species richness of exploited reef fish in areas open to fishing between 2002 and 2010. Following implementation of spatial management (2006–2010), richness of ‘exploited' species increased within marine reserves, but remained unchanged in areas open to fishing. Further, analysis of differences in community structure in this time period (2006–2010) indicate that both ‘exploited' and ‘non‐target' groups were more stable within marine reserves than were those within fished areas. Consequentially average trophic level of the community remained stable within marine reserves but declined sharply in areas open to fishing, indicating both declines in large omnivorous species and increases in forage fish within exploited regions. These analyses offer an important test of the direct and indirect effects of marine reserve networks on the dynamics of reef fish communities at the landscape scale. We demonstrate the potential for multiple no‐take reserves spread over a heterogeneous marine landscape to maintain biodiversity by stabilizing community structure and preserving intact food webs on a regional scale.
Assessment of the Latitudinal Behavior of Total Column Ozone at Nine Discrete 1º-Wide Latitude Bands, from TOMS and OMI Data
Authors: Pinedo Jose Luis , Mireles-Garcia Fernando , Rios Carlos , Garcia-Saldivar Victor Manuel , Davila-Rangel J. Ignacio , Espinosa Jose Roberto
Published: November 2013

Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) and Ozone Monitoring Instrument OMI Version 8 data, from November 1978 to February 2013, have been used to retrieve the shape and amplitude of the daily mean of the total column ozone (TCO) and their associated dispersion over eleven selected 1°-wide latitude bands. Their inter-annual variation at 44.5° S, 23.5° S, 23.5° N, 44.5° N and 59.5° N shows a quasi-regular periodic behavior. However, Polar Regions exhibit abrupt changes, whereas at the Equator a complex perturbation of periodicity is highlighted, which could be associated to the effect of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO). The discrete 1°-wide latitude bands show a stabilization of TCO levels from the late nineties, but they do not display a generalized recovery. Indeed, at the Equator, between 1997 and 2013, a 1.4% per decade decrease in the total column ozone is exhibited, which may be significant given that during the 1987-1994 period the decrease was only of 0.5%. Additionally, the discrete bands reveal the appearance of a perturbation of the inter-annual ozone variations at 59.5° S, in contrast to regular behavior in the Northern Hemisphere and at other latitudes. The perturbation apparently begins in the 1980-1984 time series and is clear and systematic after 1998.