bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of platelets after SVR among patients with chronic HCV infection and advanced hepatic fibrosis
Authors: van der Meer Adriaan J , Maan Raoel , Veldt Bart J , Feld Jordan J , Wedemeyer Heiner , Dufour Jean‐François , Lammert Frank , Duarte‐Rojo Andres , Manns Michael P , Zeuzem Stefan , Hofmann W Peter , de Knegt Robert J , Hansen Bettina E , Janssen Harry LA
Published: December 2015

Background and Aims:

Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may develop cirrhosis with portal hypertension, reflected by decreased platelet count and splenomegaly. This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess changes in platelet counts after antiviral therapy among chronic HCV‐infected patients with advanced fibrosis.

Methods:

Platelet counts and spleen sizes were recorded in an international cohort of patients with Ishak 4–6 fibrosis who started antiviral therapy between 1990 and 2003. Last measured platelet counts and spleen sizes were compared with their pre‐treatment values (within 6 months prior to the start of therapy). All registered platelet count measurements from 24‐week following cessation of antiviral therapy were included in repeated measurement analyses.

Results:

This study included 464 patients; 353 (76%) had cirrhosis and 187 (40%) attained sustained virological response (SVR). Among patients with SVR, median platelet count, increased by 35 × 109/L (IQR 7–62, P < 0.001). In comparison, patients without SVR showed a median decline of 17 × 109/L (IQR −5–47, P < 0.001). In a subgroup of 209 patients, median decrease in spleen size was 1.0 cm (IQR 0.3–2.0) for patients with SVR, while median spleen size increased with 0.6 cm (IQR −0.1–2.0, P < 0.001) among those without SVR. The changes in spleen size and platelet count were significantly correlated (R = −0.41, P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Among chronic HCV‐infected patients with advanced hepatic fibrosis, the platelet counts improved following SVR and the change in platelets correlated with the change in spleen size following antiviral therapy. These results suggest that HCV eradication leads to reduced portal pressure.
Helicobacter pylori vacuolating cytotoxin genotypes and preneoplastic lesions or gastric cancer risk: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Abdi Esmat , Latifi‐Navid Saeid , Latifi‐Navid Hamid , Safarnejad Bahareh
Published: December 2015

Background and Aim

Disease progression to gastric cancer (GC) occurs in only a small proportion of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infected patients. The bacterium vacuolating cytotoxin A (vacA) gene polymorphisms may determine the clinical consequences. We examined the strength of this association in adult‐infected populations and modeled the impact of mean age‐standardized incidence rates (ASRs) of GC as a hypothesized moderator variable.

Methods

Pooled relative risk (RR) estimates were calculated. Subgroup, sensitivity, and meta‐regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Totally, 33 studies (1446 cases/2697 controls) were analyzed. The vacA‐s1 genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of atrophic gastritis(AG), intestinal metaplasia(IM), and GC (RR = 1.116, 95% CI, 1.019–1.222; RR = 1.418, 95% CI, 1.035–1.942; and RR = 1.333, 95% CI, 1.115–1.593, respectively); however, the vacA m1 genotype strongly increased the risk of IM and GC, but not AG (RR = 1.571, 95% CI, 1.247–1.980 and RR = 1.431, 95% CI, 1.180–1.735, respectively). The vacA s1m1 allelic combination was linked to an increased risk of GC. The m1‐type of vacA was more potent than s1 for predicting the risk of GC within the subgroups with the mean ASRs of 11/100 000–19/100 000 and less than 10/100 000. The meta‐regression analysis indicated that the ASR of GC modified the association between H. pylori genotypes and GC risk, where the estimated risk was significantly decreased with increasing the mean ASRs of GC (P‐values = 0.025, 0.00009, and 0.0005 for s1, m1, and s1m1, respectively).

Conclusions

The H. pylori vacA‐s1 and vacA‐m1 allelic variants strongly increased susceptibility to IM and GC; however, only s1 showed an association with AG. These associations were largely influenced by geographic variations in the GC incidence rate.
Chronic hepatitis B virus in the Philippines
Authors: Gish Robert G , Sollano Jose D , Lapasaran Alex , Ong Janus P
Published: December 2015

Multiple studies have shown a high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection in the Philippines, not only in high‐risk populations but also in the general population. The most recent national study estimated HBsAg seroprevalence to be 16.7%, corresponding to an estimated 7.3 million CHB adults. The factors underlying the high prevalence of CHB and its sequelae include the inadequate use of vaccination for prevention and the lack of treatment for many Filipinos. Because without medical monitoring and treatment of CHB the risk of progression to liver failure and death is 25–30%, the ultimate medical and societal costs will be very high if the Philippines fails to properly address hepatitis B infection. It will be very important to move forward with programs that can help to ensure universal vaccination of newborns, screening and vaccination nationwide, and monitoring and treatment for CHB persons. It will also be crucial to address transmission of HBV in the health‐care setting (via contaminated needles and syringes and inadequately sterilized hospital equipment) and via injection drug use and tattooing. Because of the relatively low average per capita income and the lack of coverage by PhilHealth of outpatient visits and medications, there is an urgent need to move forward with a nationally supported program that includes education for both the general public and health‐care workers on liver disease and screening for hepatitis viruses, followed by, as appropriate, vaccination or treatment, with expanded government coverage for these for all those who could not otherwise afford it.
Rapid Effects of an Aggressive Interaction on Dehydroepiandrosterone, Testosterone and Oestradiol Levels in the Male Song Sparrow Brain: a Seasonal Comparison
Authors: Heimovics S. A. , Prior N. H. , Ma C. , Soma K. K.
Published: December 2015

Across vertebrates, aggression is robustly expressed during the breeding season when circulating testosterone is elevated, and testosterone activates aggression either directly or after aromatisation into 17β‐oestradiol (E2) in the brain. In some species, such as the song sparrow, aggressive behaviour is also expressed at high levels during the nonbreeding season, when circulating testosterone is non‐detectable. At this time, the androgen precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is metabolised within the brain into testosterone and/or E2 to promote aggression. In the present study, we used captive male song sparrows to test the hypothesis that an acute agonistic interaction during the nonbreeding season, but not during the breeding season, would alter steroid levels in the brain. Nonbreeding and breeding subjects were exposed to either a laboratory simulated territorial intrusion (L‐STI) or an empty cage for only 5 min. Immediately afterwards, the brain was rapidly collected and flash frozen. The Palkovits punch technique was used to microdissect specific brain regions implicated in aggressive behaviour. Solid phase extraction followed by radioimmunoassay was used to quantify DHEA, testosterone and E2 in punches. Overall, levels of DHEA, testosterone and E2 were higher in brain tissue than in plasma. Local testosterone and E2 levels in the preoptic area, anterior hypothalamus and nucleus taeniae of the amygdala were significantly higher in the breeding season than the nonbreeding season and were not affected by the L‐STI. Unexpectedly, subjects that were dominant in the L‐STI had lower levels of DHEA in the anterior hypothalamus and medial striatum in both seasons and lower levels of DHEA in the nucleus taeniae of the amygdala in the breeding season only. Taken together, these data suggest that local levels of DHEA in the brain are very rapidly modulated by social interactions in a context and region‐specific pattern.
Effect of Sleep Extension on the Subsequent Testosterone, Cortisol and Prolactin Responses to Total Sleep Deprivation and Recovery
Authors: Arnal P. J. , Drogou C. , Sauvet F. , Regnauld J. , Dispersyn G. , Faraut B. , Millet G. Y. , Leger D. , Gomez‐Merino D. , Chennaoui M.
Published: December 2015

Total sleep deprivation (TSD) in humans is associated with altered hormonal levels, which may have clinical relevance. Less is known about the effect of an extended sleep period before TSD on these hormonal changes. Fourteen subjects participated in two experimental counterbalanced conditions (randomised cross‐over design): extended sleep (21.00–07.00 h time in bed, EXT) and habitual sleep (22.30–07.00 h time in bed, HAB). For each condition, subjects performed two consecutive phases: six nights of either EXT or HAB. These nights were followed by 3 days in the sleep laboratory with blood sampling at 07.00 and 17.00 h at baseline (B‐07.00 and B‐17.00), after 24 and 34 h of continuous awakening (24 h‐CA, 34 h‐CA) and after one night of recovery sleep (R‐07.00 and R‐17.00) to assess testosterone, cortisol, prolactin and catecholamines concentrations. At 24 h of awakening, testosterone, cortisol and prolactin concentrations were significantly lower compared to B‐07.00 and recovered basal levels after recovery sleep at R‐07.00 (P < 0.001 for all). However, no change was observed at 34 h of awakening compared to B‐17.00. No effect of sleep extension was observed on testosterone, cortisol and catecholamines concentrations at 24 and 34 h of awakening. However, prolactin concentration was significantly lower in EXT at B‐07.00 and R‐07.00 compared to HAB (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, 24 h of awakening inhibited gonadal and adrenal responses in healthy young subjects and this was not observed at 34 h of awakening. Six nights of sleep extension is not sufficient to limit decreased concentrations of testosterone and cortisol at 24 h of awakening but may have an impact on prolactin concentration.
Quantitative comparison of cerebral artery development in metatherians and monotremes with non‐human eutherians
Authors: Ashwell Ken W. S. , Shulruf Boaz
Published: December 2015

A quantitative comparison of the internal diameters of cerebral feeder arteries (internal carotid and vertebral) and the aorta in developing non‐human eutherians, metatherians and monotremes has been made, with the aim of determining if there are differences in cerebral arterial flow between the three infraclasses of mammals such as might reflect differences in metabolism of the developing brain. There were no significant differences between eutherians and metatherians in the internal radius of the aorta or the thickness of the aortic wall, but aortic internal radius was significantly smaller in developing monotremes than therians at the < 10 mm body length range. Aortic thickness in the developing monotremes also rose at a slower rate relative to body length than in metatherians or eutherians. The sums of the internal calibres of the internal carotid and vertebral arteries were significantly lower in metatherians as a group and monotremes compared with non‐human eutherians at body lengths up to 20 mm and in metatherians at > 20 mm body length. The internal calibre of the internal carotids relative to the sum of all cerebral feeder arteries was also significantly lower in monotremes at < 10 mm body length compared with eutherians. It was noted that dasyurids differed from other metatherians in several measures of cerebral arterial calibre and aortic internal calibre. The findings suggest that: (i) both aortic outflow and cerebral arterial inflow may be lower in developing monotremes than in therians, particularly at small body size (< 20 mm); (ii) cerebral inflow may be lower in some developing metatherians than non‐human eutherians; and (iii) dasyurids have unusual features of cerebral arteries possibly related to the extreme immaturity and small size at which they are born. The findings have implications for nutritional sourcing of the developing brain in the three infraclasses of mammals.
Availability of Vending Machines and School Stores in California Schools
Authors: Cisse‐Egbuonye Nafissatou , Liles Sandy , Schmitz Katharine E. , Kassem Nada , Irvin Veronica L. , Hovell Melbourne F.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

This study examined the availability of foods sold in vending machines and school stores in United States public and private schools, and associations of availability with students' food purchases and consumption.

METHODS

Descriptive analyses, chi‐square tests, and Spearman product‐moment correlations were conducted on data collected from 521 students aged 8 to 15 years recruited from orthodontic offices in California.

RESULTS

Vending machines were more common in private schools than in public schools, whereas school stores were common in both private and public schools. The food items most commonly available in both vending machines and school stores in all schools were predominately foods of minimal nutritional value (FMNV). Participant report of availability of food items in vending machines and/or school stores was significantly correlated with (1) participant purchase of each item from those sources, except for energy drinks, milk, fruits, and vegetables; and (2) participants' friends' consumption of items at lunch, for 2 categories of FMNV (candy, cookies, or cake; soda or sports drinks).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the Child Nutrition and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Reauthorization Act of 2004, FMNV were still available in schools, and may be contributing to unhealthy dietary choices and ultimately to health risks.
Species discrimination through DNA barcoding in the genus Salacia of the Western Ghats in India
Authors: Dev Suma Arun , Anoop B. S. , Anoja Kurian , Udayan P. S. , Muralidharan E. M.
Published: December 2015

The genus Salacia (Celastraceae) is a source of many important pharmaceutical chemicals used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine in India. Owing to morphological similarities between species, the taxonomy of Salacia is complex and not fully settled. To ensure quality and assured therapeutic effects in the raw drugs from the genus, proper identification at the species level is critical. The main objective of this study was to find suitable DNA barcodes that can accurately and efficiently identify the potential medicinal species of the genus. Among the barcode loci analyzed, ITS2 exhibited the highest interspecific divergence, followed by trnH‐psbA, matK and rbcL. A clear barcoding gap was evident for the ITS2 barcode region whereas it was less conspicuous for trnH‐psbA and matK. The ITS2 barcode could discriminate all the eight analyzed Salacia species with 100% accuracy. We therefore propose barcoding with ITS2 to confirm the taxonomic identity of the raw drugs in the market. Further, the ITS2 region can be recommended for biosystematic studies in the genus.
Evaluation of Entrance Skin Dose during Catheter Ablation Procedures by Use of Reference Air‐Kerma Displayed on Angiography Systems
Authors: SEGUCHI SHIGENOBU , SAIJO TAKAYA , ISHIKAWA YOSHINOBU , NAGAO TATSUJI
Published: December 2015

Background

Our aim in this study was to estimate entrance skin doses (ESDs) to patients who underwent catheter ablation procedures, by using a reference air‐kerma (RAK) displayed on the monitor of an angiography system (displayed RAK).

Methods

The displayed RAK was calibrated with use of an air‐kerma value measured on a 20‐cm‐thick acrylic plate at the interventional reference point for the inclusion of backscattered x‐rays (calibrated RAK). The ESD evaluated from the calibrated RAK (evaluated ESD) was verified through direct ESD measurements on an anthropomorphic phantom. The values of the evaluated ESD agreed with those of the measured ESD within a statistical error of 10% for both fluoroscopy and digital cine. The patient population included 356 consecutive patients (108 female and 248 male) who underwent catheter ablation procedures in the catheter laboratory of the Nagoya Daini Red‐Cross Hospital from January 2013 to February 2014, where ablation procedures were performed for seven types of arrhythmias, i.e., atrial fibrillation (AF), atrial flutter (AFL), atrial tachycardia (AT), atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), ventricular premature contraction (VPC), ventricular tachycardia (VT), and Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome (WPW).

Results

Patients who had arrhythmias that received the highest evaluated ESD were those for AF, followed by those for VPC, AT, WPW, AFL, VT, and AVNRT.

Conclusions

Despite extremely long fluoroscopy times of up to 66.6 minutes in left anterior oblique projection, only one patient was considered to exceed a threshold dose of 2 Gy for the onset of radiation‐induced skin injuries.
Maternal psychologic problems increased the risk of childhood atopic dermatitis
Authors: Wang I. J. , Wen H. J. , Chiang T. L. , Lin S. J. , Guo Y. L.
Published: December 2015

Background

Little is known about the effect of postnatal maternal psychologic problems on the development of childhood atopic disorders.

Objectives

To assess the association between early life maternal psychologic problems and atopic dermatitis (AD) in children in a national birth cohort.

Methods

We used multistage, stratified systematic sampling to recruit 24,200 mother–newborn pairs from the Taiwan national birth registration. Maternal psychologic problems and potential confounders were gathered by the standard questionnaire at 6 months old. At 3 years of age, information about the development of AD was assessed by International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood via home interviews. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association of postnatal maternal psychologic problems (postpartum depression (PPD) and maternal mental health index) and AD.

Results

The prevalence of physician‐diagnosed AD was 10.5%. PPD increased the risk of subsequent physician‐diagnosed AD in children after adjusting for potential confounders and other maternal mental health index (aOR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.21–1.66). We observed that the risk of AD associated with PPD was not confounded by other social demographic factors such as maternal AD, maternal education, family income, breastfeeding, day care, and number of siblings.

Conclusions

Postpartum depression increased the risk of childhood AD even when other maternal mental health index and social demographic factors are considered. Early intervention of PPD might be helpful for AD prevention.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder and depression co‐occurrence: Structural relations among disorder constructs and trait and symptom dimensions
Authors: Post Loren M. , Feeny Norah C. , Zoellner Lori A. , Connell Arin M.
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in response to trauma co‐occur at high rates. A better understanding of the nature of this co‐occurrence is critical to developing an accurate conceptualization of the disorders. This study examined structural relations among the PTSD and MDD constructs and trait and symptom dimensions within the framework of the integrative hierarchical model of anxiety and depression.

Design

Study participants completed clinician‐rated and self‐report measures during a pre‐treatment assessment.

Methods

The sample consisted of 200 treatment‐seeking individuals with a primary DSM‐IV PTSD diagnosis. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the relationship between the constructs.

Results

The trait negative affect/neuroticism construct had a direct effect on both PTSD and MDD. The trait positive affect/extraversion construct had a unique, negative direct effect on MDD, and PTSD had a unique, direct effect on the physical concerns symptoms construct. An alternative model with the PTSD and MDD constructs combined into an overall general traumatic stress construct produced a decrement in model fit.

Conclusions

These findings provide a clearer understanding of the relationship between co‐occurring PTSD and MDD as disorders with shared trait negative affect/neuroticism contributing to the overlap between them and unique trait positive affect/extraversion and physical concerns differentiating them. Therefore, PTSD and MDD in response to trauma may be best represented as two distinct, yet strongly related constructs.

Practitioner points

In assessing individuals who have been exposed to trauma, practitioners should recognize that co‐occurring PTSD and MDD appears to be best represented as two distinct, yet strongly related constructs.

Negative affect may be the shared vulnerability directly influencing both PTSD and MDD; however, in the presence of both PTSD and MDD, low positive affect appears to be more specifically related to MDD and fear of physical sensations to PTSD, which is information that could be used by practitioners in the determination of treatment approach.

Overall, these findings are clinically relevant in that they may inform assessment, treatment planning, and ultimately diagnostic classification.
Two Cases of Autosomal Recessive Congenital Ichthyosis due to CYP4F22 Mutations: Expanding the Genotype of Self‐Healing Collodion Baby
Authors: Noguera‐Morel Lucero , Feito‐Rodríguez Marta , Maldonado‐Cid Paola , García‐Miñáur Sixto , Kamsteeg Erik‐Jan , González‐Sarmiento Rogelio , De Lucas‐Laguna Raúl , Hernández‐Martín Angela , Torrelo Antonio
Published: December 2015

Collodion babies are born with a tight, shiny cast that sheds in a few weeks. After shedding, most patients will display features of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI) later in life but in up to 10% of cases, the skin eventually becomes normal or only minimally involved, a phenotype called self‐healing collodion baby (SHCB), which is considered as ARCI subtype in the 2010 consensus classification of congenital ichthyosis. The term self‐improving collodion ichthyosis (SICI) has been proposed for these patients. SHCB/SICI was initially associated with mutations in the gene TGM1. However, some cases showing ALOX12B and ALOXE3 gene mutations have also been reported. We report two cases of SHCB/SICI showing homozygous mutations in the gene CYP4F22.
Iatrogenic Necrolytic Migratory Erythema in an Infant with Congenital Hyperinsulinism
Authors: Coughlin Carrie C. , Roy Sani M. , Arkin Lisa M. , Adzick N. Scott , Yan Albert C. , De León Diva D. , Rubin Adam I.
Published: December 2015

Necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) is a rare cutaneous finding characterized by painful, pruritic, scaly red patches and plaques, bullae, and superficial erosions. Typically NME is a paraneoplastic phenomenon associated with glucagonoma. We report the exceptional case of an infant who developed iatrogenic NME arising secondary to glucagon therapy for congenital hyperinsulinism.
Social Construction
Authors: Sveinsdóttir Ásta
Published: December 2015

What is social construction? This essay offers a survey of the various ways in which something could be socially constructed and then addresses briefly the questions whether social constructionism involves an untenable anti‐realism and what, if anything, unifies all social construction claims.
Foundational Questions about Concepts: Context‐sensitivity and Embodiment
Authors: Bloch‐Mullins Corinne L.
Published: December 2015

This review discusses recent work on foundational questions about concepts. The first of these questions is whether concepts are context‐independent bodies of knowledge, or context‐dependent constructs, created on the fly. The second question is whether concepts are abstract, amodal representations, or whether they are embedded within the sensory‐motor system. I discuss these two questions in light of empirical data from psychology and neuroscience, as well as theoretical considerations, and examine their implications for theories of concepts.
The Importance of Knowledge Ascriptions
Authors: Hannon Michael J.
Published: December 2015

Knowledge ascriptions of the form ‘S knows thatp’ are a central area of research in philosophy. But why do humans think and talk about knowledge? What are knowledge ascriptionsfor? This article surveys a variety of proposals about the role (or roles) of knowledge ascriptions and attempts to provide a unified account of these seemingly distinct views.
The Physicalist's Tight Squeeze:A PosterioriPhysicalismvs.A PrioriPhysicalism
Authors: Howell Robert J.
Published: December 2015

Botha prioriphysicalism anda posterioriphysicalism combine a metaphysical and an epistemological thesis. They agree about the metaphysical thesis: our world is wholly physical. Most agree that this requires everything that there is must be necessitated by the sort of truths described by physics. If we call the conjunction of the basic truths of physics P, all physicalists agree that P entails for any truth Q. Where they disagree is whether or not this entailment can be knowna priori. Thea prioriphysicalist says it can, thea posterioriphysicalist says it cannot. Thougha posterioriphysicalism is probably the dominant view, it is really a surprising and somewhat unlikely stance. In this article, the nature of the view is discussed, and two arguments are presented that should cause us to look again at the potential ofa prioriphysicalism.
The Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer from Firefly Luciferase to a Synthetic Dye and its Application for the Rapid Homogeneous Immunoassay of Progesterone
Authors: Smirnova Daria V. , Samsonova Jeanne V. , Ugarova Natalia N.
Published: December 2015

The sensitive BRET system for the homogeneous immunoassay of a low‐molecular weight antigen was developed using progesterone as an example. Two thermostable mutants of the Luciola mingrelica firefly luciferase (Luc)—the “red” mutant with λmax.em = 590 nm (RedLuc) and the “green” mutant with λmax.em = 550 nm (GreenLuc)—were tested as the donors. The water‐soluble Alexa Fluor 610× (AF) dye was selected as the acceptor because its two absorption maxima, located at 550 and 610 nm, are close to the bioluminescence maxima of the GreenLuc and RedLuc, respectively. The methods for the synthesis of the luciferase–progesterone (Luc–Pg) conjugate and the conjugate of the dye and the polyclonal antiprogesterone antibody (AF–Ab) were developed. Both conjugates retained their functional properties, had high antigen–antibody binding activity, and demonstrated a high BRET signal. The homogeneous immunoassay system based on the BRET from the firefly luciferase to the synthetic dye was established to assay progesterone as a model antigen. Optimization of the assay conditions, the composition of the reaction mixture, and the concentrations of the donor and the acceptor made it possible to reach the minimum detectable progesterone concentration of 0.5 ng mL−1.
Race structure and frequency of avirulence genes in the western Canadian Leptosphaeria maculans pathogen population, the causal agent of blackleg in brassica species
Authors: Liban S. H. , Cross D. J. , Kutcher H. R. , Peng G. , Fernando W. G. D.
Published: December 2015

Leptosphaeria maculans is the causal agent of blackleg, a serious disease on canola/rapeseed in western Canada, Australia and Europe. Genetic resistance and extended crop rotation provided effective disease control in western Canada for years but the emergence of new pathogen races has reduced the effectiveness of current management strategies. The objective of this study was to analyse L. maculans isolates derived from canola stubble in commercial fields collected in 2010 and 2011 across western Canada for the presence and frequency of avirulence (Avr) genes. A total of 674 isolates were examined for the presence of Avr alleles AvrLm1, AvrLm2, AvrLm3, AvrLm4, AvrLm6, AvrLm7, AvrLm9, AvrLepR1, AvrLepR2 and AvrLmS using a set of differential host genotypes carrying known resistance genes or PCR amplification of AvrLm1, AvrLm6 and AvrLm4–Lm7. Certain alleles were more prevalent in the pathogen population, with AvrLm6 and AvrLm7 present in >85% of isolates, while AvrLm3, AvrLm9 and AvrLepR2 were present in <10% of isolates. A total of 55 races (different combinations of Avr alleles) were detected, with the two most common ones being AvrLm2–Lm4–Lm6–Lm7 and AvrLm2–Lm4–Lm6–Lm7–LmS. Races carrying as many as seven and as few as one known Avr allele were detected. Selection pressure from the race‐specific resistance genes carried in canola cultivars has probably played a significant role in the current Avr profile, which may have also contributed to the recent increase in blackleg observed in western Canada.
Muscle and tendon adaptation in adolescent athletes: A longitudinal study
Authors: Mersmann F. , Bohm S. , Schroll A. , Boeth H. , Duda G. N. , Arampatzis A.
Published: December 2015

There is evidence that a non‐uniform adaptation of muscle and tendon in young athletes results in increased tendon stress during mid‐adolescence. The present longitudinal study investigated the development of the morphological and mechanical properties of muscle and tendon of volleyball athletes in a time period of 2 years from mid‐adolescence to late adolescence. Eighteen elite volleyball athletes participated in magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound‐dynamometry sessions to determine quadriceps femoris muscle strength, vastus lateralis, medialis and intermedius morphology, and patellar tendon mechanical and morphological properties in mid‐adolescence (16 ± 1 years) and late adolescence (18 ± 1 years). Muscle strength, anatomical cross‐sectional area (CSA), and volume showed significant (P < 0.05) but moderate increases of 13%, 6%, and 6%, respectively. The increase of patellar tendon CSA (P < 0.05) was substantially greater (27%) and went in line with increased stiffness (P < 0.05; 25%) and reduced stress (P < 0.05; 9%). During late adolescence, a pronounced hypertrophy of the patellar tendon led to a mechanical strengthening of the tendon in relation to the functional and morphological development of the muscle. These adaptive processes may compensate the unfavorable relation of muscle strength and tendon loading capacity in mid‐adolescence and might have implications on athletic performance and tendon injury risk.
HCMV Induces Macropinocytosis for Host Cell Entry in Fibroblasts
Authors: Hetzenecker Stefanie , Helenius Ari , Krzyzaniak Magdalena Anna
Published: December 2015

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an important and widespread pathogen in the human population. While infection by this β‐herpesvirus in endothelial, epithelial and dendritic cells depends on endocytosis, its entry into fibroblasts is thought to occur by direct fusion of the viral envelope with the plasma membrane. To characterize individual steps during entry in primary human fibroblasts, we employed quantitative assays as well as electron, fluorescence and live cell microscopy in combination with a variety of inhibitory compounds. Our results showed that while infectious entry was pH‐ and clathrin‐independent, it required multiple, endocytosis‐related factors and processes. The virions were found to undergo rapid internalization into large vacuoles containing internalized fluid and endosome markers. The characteristics of the internalization process fulfilled major criteria for macropinocytosis. Moreover, we found that soon after addition to fibroblasts the virus rapidly triggered the formation of circular dorsal ruffles in the host cell followed by the generation of large macropinocytic vacuoles. This distinctive form of macropinocytosis has been observed especially in primary cells but has not previously been reported in response to virus stimulation.
Transfusion‐transmitted anaplasmosis from a leukoreduced platelet pool
Authors: Fine Antonella B. , Sweeney Joseph D. , Nixon Christian P. , Knoll Bettina M.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis is an emerging tick‐borne illness. Anaplasma phagocytophilum resides intracellularly, can cause asymptomatic infection, and can survive blood component refrigeration conditions for at least 18 days. To date, eight cases of transfusion‐transmitted anaplasmosis (TTA) have been reported: seven attributed to red blood cell (RBC) units, five of which were prestorage leukoreduced using RBC leukoreduction filters, and one involving a process leukoreduced apheresis platelet (PLT) unit. Here, we report a case of TTA from a whole blood–derived PLT pool.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Donation segments from the 7 units of RBCs and two PLT pools transfused were examined. Fast protocol multiplex real‐time A. phagocytophilum polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and serologic testing for immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG antibodies to A. phagocytophilum by enzyme immunoassay were performed.

RESULTS

Transmission was confirmed by positive A. phagocytophilum PCR and serology in one of 16 donors and by positive PCR and seroconversion in the recipient.

CONCLUSION

This is the first confirmed case of TTA from a whole blood–derived PLT pool prepared from PLT concentrates leukoreduced by in‐line filtration of PLT‐rich plasma.
Regular blood donation may help in the management of hypertension: an observational study on 292 blood donors
Authors: Kamhieh‐Milz Sundrela , Kamhieh‐Milz Julian , Tauchmann Yvonne , Ostermann Thomas , Shah Yatin , Kalus Ulrich , Salama Abdulgabar , Michalsen Andreas
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is one of the leading global risks for cardiovascular events worldwide. There is preliminary evidence that regular blood donation may be beneficial.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Unselected blood donors were included in this observational study. Blood pressure (BP) was measured before and after blood donation, with participants donating between one and four occasions in a 1‐year study period.

RESULTS

In this study, 292 donors were enrolled. At baseline, 146 had elevated BP (>140/90 mmHg). In hypertensives, after four blood donations, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively) decreased from a mean of 155.9 ± 13.0 to 143.7 ± 15.0 mmHg and from 91.4 ± 9.2 to 84.5 ± 9.3 mmHg, respectively (each p < 0.001). There was a clear dose effect with decreasing BP by the increasing number of blood donations. After at least four blood donations, donors with Stage II hypertensive baseline values (≥160 mmHg SBP and/or ≥100 mmHg DBP) were found to have the most marked reduction in BP, with 17.1 mmHg (95% confidence interval [CI], −23.2 to −11.0; p < 0.0001) and 11.7 mmHg (95% CI, −17.1 to −6.1; p = 0.0006) for SBP and DBP, respectively. The decrease in BP was not significantly associated with changes of blood count or variables of iron metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Regular blood donation is associated with pronounced decreases of BP in hypertensives. This beneficial effect of blood donation may open a new door regarding community health care and cost reduction in the treatment of hypertension.
SANCIÓN ADMINISTRATIVA EN COLOMBIA
Authors: Ramírez-Torrado María Lourdes , Anibal-Bendek Hernando V.
Published: December 2015

Los resultados de investigación que se presentan en estas páginas, hacen parte del proyecto La actividad sancionadora de la administración en Colombia, estudio que tiene por objetivo principal analizar el eje central del poder sancionador de la administración: la sanción administrativa. Para el abordaje de este tema, partimos de una revisión doctrinal y legal del ius puniendi del Estado; luego, nos centramos en el concepto de sanción y sus elementos, para revisar en último lugar, las reglas extraídas básicamente de la jurisprudencia de la Corte Constitucional que se ha ocupado de la cuestión. De esto se concluye que la sanción administrativa es el pilar de este campo de intervención de la administración, que se ha desarrollado 
a partir de las respuestas del juez constitucional, y no por la iniciativa del legislador o de la comunidad científica nacional sobre el particular.
Una bohemia muy decente: Las familias en el primer volumen de la Antología Un siglo de dramaturgia chilena 1910 – 1950
Authors: Kalawski Andrés
Published: December 2015

A través de siete dramaturgias chilenas se analizan los modelos de familias presentes en sus conflictos dramáticos e imaginarios. Desde estas siete obras, se ofrece un análisis crítico que comprende tanto la dimensión sincrónica de sus constantes, así como también se concluyen las transformaciones que se advierten en un análisis diacrónico. De este modo, se sugiere una lectura de las funciones que cumple el modelo de familia representado, junto con las relaciones que establece en su vinculación contingente de la esfera pública.

 

 
Esteban Echeverría y la liquidación del contrato social
Authors: Read Justin
Published: December 2015

La crítica política revolucionaria de Esteban Echeverría indudablemente se basa en el ideal liberal de sujetos racionales y cultos, quienes libremente eligen establecer lazos fraternales entre sí para formar un pueblo unitario y nacional. Sin embargo, este ideal nunca se materializa en los espacios de los mundos que Echeverría habita (sean éstos reales o ficticios). En lugar de solamente historizar al autor, el presente ensayo lee su obra desde el punto de vista geográfico del espacio y el lugar. Esta perspectiva revela un cuerpo de escrituras que, a pesar de centrarse en el sujeto liberal, ofrece un catálogo de diversas formas de la no-subjetividad. A contrapelo de las intenciones del autor, su obra inconscientemente permite la entrada a la capital de toda una inundación de fuerzas, tanto humanas como no humanas, en un momento clave en la formación del orden jurídico constitucional en la Argentina.
De la lectura como práctica histórica en América Latina: la primera época colonial y el siglo XIX
Authors: Poblete Juan
Published: December 2015

El artículo propone una reconstrucción teórico-histórica del lugar de la lectura y los lectores en dos momentos de la historia de la cultura latinoamericana. Proyecta, entonces, a partir de los casos mexicano y del Cono Sur algunas proposiciones generalizables para la determinación de dos macromomentos (el colonizador y el decimonónico) en el estudio histórico de la lectura en América Latina. Se destacan, por una parte, las relaciones entre Iglesia, Estado y lectores; y por otra, las relaciones entre estos últimos y los textos. En ambos casos lo que se negocia y disputa socialmente son las formas de autoridad y legitimidad relativa de cada uno de los actores involucrados en la determinación del sentido, función y destino de los textos culturales. Sostengo, además, que estas relaciones son no sólo un aspecto más sino una parte fundamental de las formas de existencia y producción de la literatura en el continente.
La minificción ya no es lo que era: una aproximación a la literatura brevísima
Authors: Rojo Violeta
Published: December 2015

Los estudios sobre la minificción comenzaron en los años 80. Hoy, este género literario,  anteriormente visto como una excepción literaria o un divertimento, tiene cultores, teóricos, practicantes y miles de páginas dedicadas a su análisis. Más de 30 años después de los primeros estudios sobre minificción, es hora de hacer una revisión del género, sus denominaciones, definición, características, historia, adscripción genérica, longitud, etc. En este artículo, se revisan las teorías más importantes, mostrando diferencias y semejanzas, acuerdos y desacuerdos. 

 
O Jornal da Senhora de Noronha
Authors: Antelo Raúl
Published: December 2015

Las novelas históricas latinoamericanas forman parte de la educación cívica en que los jóvenes aprenden que pasión y nación caminan abrazadas. Muestran diversas alianzas de clase, raza y tradiciones regionales, opuestas a prácticas coloniales. Llevan a sus lectores a experiencias compartidas de cohesión social y prosperidad nacional. Es el caso de la escritora argentina Juana Manso, quien publica primero su novela en portugués (en Río de Janeiro) y luego la re-escribe en Argentina (en castellano).

 
Setecientosmonos y la modernización de la crítica literaria argentina
Authors: Pudlobne Judith
Published: December 2015

El artículo presenta una lectura crítica de la revista Setecientosmonos, publicada en la ciudad de Rosario (Argentina), entre 1964-1967, y aún poco explorada por los lectores especializados. La hipótesis que orienta esta lectura afirma que el ingreso de Nicolás Rosa, a fines de 1964, refunda la publicación. Rosa convierte una revista de jóvenes inexpertos, sin contactos con el mundo literario, en otra, también de jóvenes, ansiosos por asumir posiciones intelectuales y acercamientos teórico—críticos a la literatura. Bajo se influencia, Setecientosmonos adquiere el carácter diferencial que la vuelve un episodio significativo del proceso de modernización teórica de la crítica literaria argentina.

 
Aceptabilidad de la implementación de carriles vehiculares de alta ocupación en la Autopista Norte de Bogotá
Authors: Márquez Luis , Aldana Juan D. , Prieto Mauricio F.
Published: December 2015

This paper examines the acceptability of the implementation of a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane in the north of Bogota (Colombia), a strategy that is compatible with the policies of the mobility master plan of the city. Although the idea of using HOV lanes dates back to the 70's, it is still a valid alternative which is amply documented that produces positive impacts on travel times, accident rates, greenhouse emissions, among others. The study is based on discrete choice survey experiments which allowed calibrating a multinomial logit model. The calibrated model indicated that the acceptability of the HOV lane is very sensitive to travel times experienced by current car users. The model also identified the segment of the population with the highest acceptability for the proposal, which would consist of women over 31 years old, who travel for purposes related to work
Microwave enhanced roasting for pyrite ore samples with dielectric properties strongly dependent on temperature
Authors: Diaz Manuel , Amaya Ivan , Correa Rodrigo
Published: December 2015

This article shows the main experimental results related to the measurement of dielectric properties of Pyrite ore mineral samples as a function of temperature, and their effect on the heating behavior of the samples. It was found that the sample’s dielectric properties strongly depend on temperature. The best model for  and  that fitted the experimental data, was a Gaussian model. Besides, and under certain conditions, it was possible to roast the mineral even better than with an electric furnace, while requiring less processing time and with lower electrical energy consumption. Additional exploratory tests revealed that microwaves can be used to smelt a roasted mineral ore with time reductions of about 90%, while keeping recovery margins above 95%. Thus, we conclude that, as a next stage, the process should be directed to using a single mode applicator, for processing higher volumes of mineral at pilot plant scale.
La investigación escolar y la formación de formadores
Authors: Jaramillo-Echeverri Luis Guillermo , Aguirre-García Juan Carlos
Published: December 2015

Este ensayo explora la investigación educativa y la práctica de los maestros en el aula. Para ello, hemos relacionado, en primer lugar, el pensamiento organizacional de los maestros con las posibilidades de la investigación a partir del propio trabajo de los docentes. Luego, desde un pensamiento crítico-situado, mostramos cómo el maestro se mueve dentro del conjunto de posibilidades ofrecidas tanto por el contexto institucional como por la multiplicidad de relaciones construidas en la escuela. Finalmente, apoyados en el realismo mágico garciamarquiano, exponemos cuatro nodos que muestran las posibilidades de investigar con propósitos formativos. Como conclusión, narramos la vivencia de un maestro acerca del recreo escolar en aras de ilustrar nuestra reflexión. 
Los consumos juveniles de música en la era digital: un estudio de caso en la Zona Metropolitana de Querétaro.
Authors: Rivera magos Sergio , CarriÇo Reis Bruno Miguel
Published: December 2015

Internet trajo consigo importantes cambios en el consumo y apropiación de la música.  El siguiente trabajo tiene como objetivo explicar los consumos musicales de los jóvenes de la Zona Metropolitana de Querétaro, y el papel que las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación (TIC) juegan en ellos. Proponemos aquí, un acercamiento a la música como objeto de estudio a partir de una metodológica dialógica, escuchando los jóvenes acerca de sus prácticas musicales. Los principales hallazgos muestran como las TIC han contribuido a que la música sea un elemento omnipresente en la vida de los jóvenes del estudio de caso. También explica como la música ha pasado de ser un producto de consumo a solamente un contenido, y como los jóvenes dejaron de ser consumidores, para convertirse en oyentes.
¡La historia nuestra, Caballero! Turismo, invisibilidad y gentrificación
Authors: Garcés Dedtmar
Published: December 2015

El presente documento propone una lectura sobre la obra ¡La historia nuestra, Caballero! (Cartagena, 2008) del artista afrocartagenero Nelson Fory; para ello se vale de un registro audiovisual que permite contextualizar espacialmente la intervención. El texto, a través de la revisión de algunas fuentes, intenta argumentar la conexión que existe entre la declaración de la ciudad como Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad (1984), el enfoque que se le ha dado al tratamiento de su centro histórico, y su conexión con el turismo y los recientes procesos de gentrificación.
El museo (en el) impreso. Un acercamiento al Museo de Cuadros de Costumbres y variedades.
Authors: Galindo Cruz Diana
Published: December 2015

El presente artículo muestra a los “museos impresos” (publicaciones de carácter enciclopédico y misceláneo producidas entre los siglos XVI y XIX) como un caso particular en el desarrollo de las instituciones museísticas. A partir del estudio del Museo de cuadros de costumbres y variedades, publicación colombiana editada en 1866 por la tertulia El Mosaico, se analiza cómo los museos impresos funcionaron durante el siglo XIX latinoamericano como artefactos modernos de construcción de un sentido nacional mediante la elaboración escrita de un acervo patrimonial. Estos “museos impresos” hacían uso de gestos representacionales guiados por principios heredados de la Ilustración, y tenían objetivos educativos, políticos y económicos, como muestra del coleccionismo al servicio de agentes representativos del Estado en formación.
Percy MacKaye, el teatro y el sujeto. Un pionero de la democracia cultural
Authors: Vieites garcía Manuel Francisco
Published: December 2015

Este trabajo, nacido al amparo de una revisión crítica de la obra teórica de Percy MacKaye, tiene como objetivo considerar sus aportaciones en la definición del teatro como servicio público y en qué modo su apuesta por un teatro cívico implica la idea de una ciudad creadora y supone la recuperación del sujeto creador, en un programa de alcance federal que perseguía promover tanto la democratización cultural como la democracia cultural. También persigue mostrar la actualidad de muchas de sus formulaciones, que cabría situar en el ámbito de la Animación teatral, en un marco disciplinar compartido entre la Pedagogía social y la Pedagogía teatral. Como resultado de esa lectura crítica en el marco teórico propuesto, destacamos la relevancia y pertinencia de sus propuestas para convertir el teatro en una herramienta de participación social y de reconstrucción permanente del individuo, de la sociedad y de la democracia.
Quina, territorio y conflicto empresarial. Santander 1878-1882
Authors: Pérez Pinzón Luis Rubén
Published: December 2015

El artículo analiza el recurrente conflicto ambiental asociado con los derivados de la extracción maderera a partir de los enfrentamientos por el monopolio de las quinas en el occidente de santander y el sur de Bolívar, específicamente desde la perspectiva de la lucha entre las élites políticas federales y estatales que tomaron partido en el conflicto extractor protagonizado por los empresarios extranjeros aliados a cada uno de esos bandos durante una época de transición entre regímenes políticos. Esta guerra irregular desde 1878 hasta 1882 impidió a cada oponente el pleno dominio de baldíos y el cumplimiento de sus contratos.