bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Procedure for Temperature Adjustment of Measured Pavement Deflection Data: Based on the Long-Term Pavement Performance Seasonal Monitoring Program
Authors: Dawson Tyler , Baladi Gilbert , Musunuru Gopikrishna , Prohaska Michael , Jiang Yan (Jane)
Published: August 2016

Pavement surface deflection testing is carried out by most state highway agencies (SHAs) on a limited basis to assess the structural capacity of existing pavements and to select and design pavement treatments. One difficulty with analyzing pavement deflection data is that, for flexible pavements, the deflection is dependent on temperature. To properly use the deflection data, the data should be adjusted on the basis of the measured temperature during the data collection process. A few temperature adjustment procedures have been developed in the past, but most cannot be used globally and for all scenarios and they require input data that are generally not collected by most SHAs. This paper details a simplified process that can be easily used by SHAs to adjust the measured pavement deflection to a 21°C testing scenario, with data they routinely collect during falling weight deflectometer testing, to design pavement treatments such as asphalt overlay. During this study, sponsored by the Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) program, the LTPP database was used to develop a global procedure to adjust the measured pavement deflection to the standard testing temperature of 21°C. Most of the LTPP test sections have been subjected to deflection testing on a periodic basis; test sections included in the LTPP Seasonal Monitoring Program were subjected to frequent deflection testing over time. The 41 test sections included in the analyses had different pavement cross sections, were subjected to various maintenance activities, were located in four climatic regions, and were subjected to various traffic levels. This robust deflection database is representative of the various SHA pavement networks across North America. The results and the processes can be adopted to meet the needs of most SHAs.
Differential transcriptional regulation by alternatively designed mechanisms: A mathematical modeling approach
Authors: Yildirim Necmettin , Aktas Mehmet Emin , Ozcan Seyma Nur , Akbas Esra , Ay Ahmet
Published: August 2016

Cells maintain cellular homeostasis employing different regulatory mechanisms to respond external stimuli. We study two groups of signal-dependent transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. In the first group, we assume that repressor and activator proteins compete for binding to the same regulatory site on DNA (competitive mechanisms). In the second group, they can bind to different regulatory regions in a noncompetitive fashion (noncompetitive mechanisms). For both competitive and noncompetitive mechanisms, we studied the gene expression dynamics by increasing the repressor or decreasing the activator abundance (inhibition mechanisms), or by decreasing the repressor or increasing the activator abundance (activation mechanisms). We employed delay differential equation models. Our simulation results show that the competitive and noncompetitive inhibition mechanisms exhibit comparable repression effectiveness. However, response time is fastest in the noncompetitive inhibition mechanism due to increased repressor abundance, and slowest in the competitive inhibition mechanism by increased repressor level. The competitive and noncompetitive inhibition mechanisms through decreased activator abundance show comparable and moderate response times, while the competitive and noncompetitive activation mechanisms by increased activator protein level display more effective and faster response. Our study exemplifies the importance of mathematical modeling and computer simulation in the analysis of gene expression dynamics.
University: a universe of study and independent living opportunities for students with disabilities. Goals and critical issues
Authors: Pavone Marisa , Bellacicco Rosa
Published: August 2016

The study and inclusion experience of university students with disabilities is characterised by many complex issues but is also of great importance for personal, working and social life. Over the last two decades, international organisations have issued guidelines aimed at ensuring equal opportunities to underrepresented groups in higher education; first among them, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006)2. However, the academic quality of teaching programmes is greatly influenced by the autonomy of each university and by varying national legislations. Innovative trends move towards the model of inclusion: from the provision of services for a specific population to a structural reorganisation of the context. In Italy, the rate of students with disabilities at university has been found in quantitative and qualitative data since the early 1990s. Evidence shows that there has been a progressive increase in the number of enrolments leading in parallel to a more established provision of financial, professional and material resources. The few surveys conducted in the field, however, highlight the need to improve the quality of individualised courses and of the tools used, directing support towards a more systemic and diachronic perspective.Keywordshigher education; disability; right to education; equal opportunities; inclusion; independent living
Dyslexia in the University. Guidelines for inclusion and teaching of the University of Florence
Authors: Zappaterra Tamara
Published: August 2016

This paper reports the results of an interdisciplinary project (pedagogical, medical, engineering area) of the Centre for Research on Disability Issues, operating within the University of Florence, which provides support for students with disabilities and with Learning Disorders (LD). The project, which aims at drawing up a protocol for the inclusion and learning support for students with learning difficulties, after a first reconnaissance of user needs that have been reached with the participation of the very same protagonists (thanks to a questionnaire built on purpose and a series of focus groups) is now at the stage of guidelines drafting for inclusion and education, to be used by teachers, students and administrative staff. In the article, after a brief summary of the previous phases of the project, the reader can find the most significant elements of the guidelines for teaching, i.e. the section for teachers, whose aim is to implement a LD-friendly teaching, even at the university level, in compliance with Law 170/2010.Keywordslearning disabilities; inclusive education; special education needs; didactic tools; university
Using Long-Term Ecological Research to Promote Sustainable Whale-Watching Practices in Clayoquot Sound, British Columbia
Authors: Stevenson Kira K.
Published: August 2016

Whale watching has experienced rapid growth worldwide while management of the industry has typically lagged behind, assumed an apparent precautionary approach, and lacked an ecological understanding of the species of focus. Considering both socioeconomic and ecological factors in tandem
and not as isolated circumstances is important when managing wildlife and related tourism activities, including whale watching. The goal of this article is to address the research gap between social and ecological components in wildlife tourism management using a case study from the University
of Victoria Whale Research Lab that has been collecting ecological data surrounding gray whale presence in Clayoquot Sound, Canada for almost 30 years. Results indicate that the boat behavior with respect to whales as well as whale-watching industry pressure depend on the ecological factors
that contribute to whale presence. Based on this information, I propose five management recommendations that promote sustainable development and use of the commercial whale-watching industry.
A multi-center clinical study comparing Sansure Magb and CAP/CTM HBV tests in the quantitative detection of HBV DNA
Authors: Fu Xiaoyu , Tan Deming , Dou Xiaoguang , Chen Jinjun , Wu Juan
Published: August 2016

Introduction: As the most reliable means of diagnosing hepatitis (HBV) infection and predicting the prognosis of HBV-related chronic liver disease, the COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (CAP/CTM) assay provides a highly sensitive and accurate method for quantifying HBV DNA. However, the high cost of the COBAS reagents is prohibitive in many developing countries. Thus, we compared the Sansure magnetic bead (Magb) assay, a novel technology developed by a Chinese company, with the CAP/CTM assay. Methodology: The reproducibility and sensitivity of the Sansure Magb assay were first validated using HBV DNA reference samples. Next, the quantitative results for the two assays using 635 blood samples collected from chronic hepatitis B patients and 10 healthy controls were compared. Results: The Sansure Magb assay showed high reproducibility and was at least as sensitive and specific as the CAP/CTM assay. Among the patient samples, 407 tested positive by both methods, with 386 (94.84%) showing quantitative differences of less than 1 log unit and 21 (5.16%) showing quantitative differences of between 1 and 2 log units. The results from the assays were closely correlated. Bland-Altman plot analysis showed that only 6.6% of the data points fell outside the 95% limits of agreement, which suggests that the differences between methods are clinically acceptable. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the Sansure Magb assay is highly sensitive and reproducible. Based on its reduced cost, the Sansure Magb assay may be more applicable than the CAP/CTM assay for HBV diagnosis in developing countries such as China.
Carbapenemases and extended-spectrum β-lactamases producing Enterobacteriaceae isolated from Tunisian and Libyan hospitals
Authors: Mathlouthi Najla , Al-Bayssari Charbel , El Salabi Allaaeddin , Bakour Sofiane , Ben Gwierif Salha , Zorgani Abdulaziz A. , Jridi Yahia , Ben Slama Karim , Rolain Jean-Marc , Chouchani Chedly
Published: August 2016

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase production among clinical isolates of Enterobacteriaceae recovered from Tunisian and Libyan hospitals. Methodology: Bacterial isolates were recovered from patients in intensive care units and identified by biochemical tests and MALDI-TOF. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion and the E-test method. ESBL and carbapenemase activities were detected using standard microbiological tests. Antibiotic resistance-encoding genes were screened by PCR and sequencing. Clonal relationships between Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were carried out using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Results: A total of 87 isolates were characterized, with 51 and 36, respectively, identified as E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Overall the resistance prevalence was high for aminoglycosides (> 60%), fluoroquinolones (> 80%), and extended-spectrum cephalosporins (> 94%), and was low for imipenem (11.4%). Among this collection, 58 strains (66.6%) were ESBL producers and 10 K. pneumoniae strains (11.4%) were carbapenemase producers. The antibiotic resistance-encoding genes detected were blaCTX-M-15 (51.7%), blaTEM-1 (35.6%), several variants of blaSHV (21.8%), and blaOXA-48 (11.4%). The MLST typing of K. pneumoniae isolates revealed the presence of multiple clones and three novel sequence types. Also, close relationships between the OXA-48-producing strains from Tunisia and Libya were demonstrated. Conclusions: This study is the first paper describing the emergence of carbapenemase- and ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, sensitive to colistin, isolated in Tunisia and Libya. Active surveillance and testing for susceptibility to colistin should be implementing because resistance to colistin, mainly in Klebsiella, has been recently reported worldwide.
The Responsiveness of the Modified Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire
Authors: Peters Shannon , Ota Sylvia , Bolous Emily , Reich Erin , Chait Samantha , Feldman Brian M.
Published: August 2016

Objective.

To determine the ability of the revised version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ), the VASCHAQ, to detect clinical change over time in pediatric patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We studied the relative responsiveness of the VASCHAQ as compared to the original CHAQ-30 and revised CHAQ-38, as well as the parent-patient, physician-patient, and physician-parent concordance.

Methods.

The CHAQ-38 and VASCHAQ were administered to 30 parents and patients (if older than 8 years) with any subtype of JIA before and after the start of a new treatment. The standardized response means (SRM) were calculated for the VASCHAQ, the original CHAQ-30, and the CHAQ-38. Comparisons of SRM were made using the relative SRM. Parent-patient, physician-patient, and physician-parent concordances were assessed by calculating a series of intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results.

Twenty-seven parents and 21 patients completed questionnaires at both visits. All questionnaires demonstrated large responsiveness; however, the VASCHAQ was found to be about 25% more responsive than both the original CHAQ-30 and CHAQ-38.

Conclusion.

The VASCHAQ was moderately more responsive than the CHAQ-30 and CHAQ-38 in both parent and patient groups and should be considered for use in studies evaluating change in function over time.
Cheating the Acetabular Component Horizontally in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Eskildsen Scott M. , Moskal Peter T. , Olcott Christopher W. , Del Gaizo Daniel J.
Published: August 2016

To avoid inadvertent vertical positioning of the acetabular component during total hip arthroplasty (THA), the authors routinely “cheat” component abduction an additional 10° horizontal (goal=30°). This likely increases the incidence of components placed into abduction of less than 30°, the clinical consequences of which are not well studied. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients undergoing THA with acetabular components positioned in less than 30° of abduction as compared with those with components positioned between 30° and 50°. A retrospective review was performed of consecutive patients undergoing primary THA with horizontally cheated acetabular component position performed by a single surgeon. Patients were grouped into cohorts with either component abduction less than 30° or between 30° and 50°. Demographic data, operative data, and complications were recorded. Harris Hip Scores (HHS) and radiographic analysis were obtained from preoperative and most recent clinic visits. Between September 2004 and September 2010, 320 consecutive THA procedures were performed. A total of 149 hips had component abduction less than 30° (mean, 25.8°; range, 15.7°–29.4°). No components had greater than 50° of abduction. At an average 37-month follow-up, no significant difference in HHS was found between the 2 cohorts (
P
=.137). The horizontal cohort had no dislocations, component loosening, or osteolysis. By cheating the acetabular component more horizontal, an excessively vertical position was avoided. Component abduction less than 30° yielded equivalent clinical outcomes to component abduction between 30° and 50°. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(6):e1092–e1096.]
Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion in the Outpatient Setting
Authors: Emami Arash , Faloon Michael , Issa Kimona , Shafa Eiman , Pourtaheri Sina , Sinha Kumar , Hwang Ki S.
Published: August 2016

Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) has been shown to have long-term clinical outcomes similar to those with open TLIF and decreased perioperative morbidity. This study assessed whether this procedure can be safely performed in outpatient settings. Ninety-six consecutive patients undergoing 1- or 2-level MIS-TLIFs were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into inpatient and outpatient cohorts (36%). All had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Patient demographics, comorbidities, complications, and readmissions were examined. Early postoperative complications were stratified into wound related, infection, neurologic, implant related, and vascular injuries. Patients in the outpatient cohort were significantly younger, had lower American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status scores, and had lower Charlson Comorbidity Index scores than patients in the inpatient cohort. There were no statistically significant differences in overall postoperative complication rates, readmission rates, or final Oswestry Disability Index or visual analog scale scores between the 2 cohorts. The clinical outcomes of the outpatient TLIF procedure were similar to those of the inpatient procedure and it had an acceptable complication rate. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(6):e1218–e1222.]
Transduction of Functionally Contrasting Signals by Two Mycobacterial PPE Proteins Downstream of TLR2 Receptors
Authors: Udgata Atul , Qureshi Rahila , Mukhopadhyay Sangita
Published: August 2016

As pathogen-associated molecular pattern sensors, the TLRs can detect diverse ligands to elicit either proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory responses, but the mechanism that dictates such contrasting immune responses is not well understood. In this work, we demonstrate that proline–proline–glutamic acid (PPE)17 protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis induces TLR1/2 heterodimerization to elicit proinflammatory-type response, whereas PPE18-induced homodimerization of TLR2 triggers anti-inflammatory type responses. Ligation of TLR1/2 caused an increased recruitment of IL-1R–associated kinase (IRAK)1, MyD88, and protein kinase C (PKC)ε to the downstream TLR-signaling complex that translocated PKCε into the nucleus in an IRAK1-dependent manner. PKCε-mediated phosphorylation allowed the nuclear IRAK3 to be exported to the cytoplasm, leading to increased activation of ERK1/2, stabilization of MAPK phosphatase 1 (MKP-1), and induction of TNF-α with concomitant downregulation of p38MAPK. Silencing of TLR1 inhibited PPE17-triggered cytoplasmic export of IRAK3 as well as TNF-α induction, suggesting an important role of TLR1/2 heterodimer in regulating proinflammatory responses via the IRAK3-signaling pathway. In contrast, PPE18-mediated homodimerization of TLR2 caused poorer cytoplasmic export of nuclear IRAK3 and MKP-1 stabilization, resulting in increased p38MAPK activation. Our study hints to a novel mechanism that implicates PKCε–IRAK3–MKP-1 signaling in the regulation of MAPK activity and inflammatory cascades downstream of TLR2 in tuberculosis.
Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans Promote Telomerase Internalization and MHC Class II Presentation on Dendritic Cells
Authors: Galaine Jeanne , Kellermann Guillaume , Guillaume Yves , Boidot Romain , Picard Emilie , Loyon Romain , Queiroz Lise , Boullerot Laura , Beziaud Laurent , Jary Marine , Mansi Laura , André Claire , Lethier Lydie , Ségal-Bendirdjian Evelyne , Borg Christophe , Godet Yann , Adotévi Olivier
Published: August 2016

Telomerase is a prototype-shared tumor Ag and represents an attractive target for anticancer immunotherapy. We have previously described promiscuous and immunogenic HLA-DR–restricted peptides derived from human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and referred as universal cancer peptide (UCP). In nonsmall cell lung cancer, the presence of spontaneous UCP-specific CD4 T cell responses increases the survival of chemotherapy-responding patients. However, the precise mechanisms of hTERT’s uptake, processing, and presentation on MHC-II molecules to stimulate CD4 T cells are poorly understood. In this work, by using well-characterized UCP-specific CD4 T cell clones, we showed that hTERT processing and presentation on MHC-II involve both classical endolysosomal and nonclassical cytosolic pathways. Furthermore, to our knowledge, we demonstrated for the first time that hTERT’s internalization by dendritic cells requires its interaction with surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans. Altogether, our findings provide a novel mechanism of tumor-specific CD4 T cell activation and will be useful for the development of novel cancer immunotherapies that harness CD4 T cells.
β8 Integrin Expression and Activation of TGF-β by Intestinal Dendritic Cells Are Determined by Both Tissue Microenvironment and Cell Lineage
Authors: Boucard-Jourdin Mathilde , Kugler David , Endale Ahanda Marie-Laure , This Sébastien , De Calisto Jaime , Zhang Ailiang , Mora J. Rodrigo , Stuart Lynda M. , Savill John , Lacy-Hulbert Adam , Paidassi Helena
Published: August 2016

Activation of TGF-β by dendritic cells (DCs) expressing αvβ8 integrin is essential for the generation of intestinal regulatory T cells (Tregs) that in turn promote tolerance to intestinal Ags. We have recently shown that αvβ8 integrin is preferentially expressed by CD103+ DCs and confers their ability to activate TGF-β and generate Tregs. However, how these DCs become specialized for this vital function is unknown. In this study, we show that β8 expression is controlled by a combination of factors that include DC lineage and signals derived from the tissue microenvironment and microbiota. Specifically, our data demonstrate that TGF-β itself, along with retinoic acid and TLR signaling, drives expression of αvβ8 in DCs. However, these signals only result in high levels of β8 expression in cells of the cDC1 lineage, CD8α+, or CD103+CD11b− DCs, and this is associated with epigenetic changes in the Itgb8 locus. Together, these data provide a key illustrative example of how microenvironmental factors and cell lineage drive the generation of regulatory αvβ8-expressing DCs specialized for activation of TGF-β to facilitate Treg generation.
Evolution of the breeding range of the “italian” Wagtail Motacilla flava cinereocapilla
Authors: Ferlini Flavio
Published: August 2016

[The paper shows the evolution of the breeding distribution of the Ashy-headed Wagtail Motacilla flava cinereocapilla in the period 1820-2014. Until 1880, the subspecies nested along the coast north and east of the Adriatic Sea, with some settlements (probably of poor numerical consistency) located in suitable areas of Tuscany, Sicily and Provence; after 1880 it was observed to appear regularly in the Po Valley during migration, and afterwards to occupy the area widely as a breeder. During the nineteenth century the Po Valley underwent major transformation processes with the consequent disruption of ancient agricultural rotations, and an increase of 1°C in the average temperature was also recorded in the area. Out of all the changes that occurred, besides the abundant availability of water, the biotic factor that probably favored the expansion of the subspecies in the Po valley the most is the increase in livestock and the consequent increase in the meadowlands: the first mowing of grass coincides temporally with the hatching of yellow wagtails (often nesting in neighboring fields of wheat), offering them the opportunity to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of foraging on the open ground, with likely benefits for the reproductive success. In the first half of the twentieth century the Ashy-headed Wagtail completed the occupation of the Po Valley, and in the late 1940 a new phase began, during which it settled in new areas in central and southern Italy and Sardinia, extending its distribution area in southern France; but, above all, appearing with increasing frequency and regularity during migrations north of the Alps. These northward shifts later materialized in the settlement of several reproductive groups in France, Switzerland, Germany and Austria, always along basins of rivers or near lakes. Water seems to be the catalyst for the presence of the subspecies. This further expansion phase has probably been favored by climate changes, and in particular by the rise in temperature in the Greater Alpine Region. Favoured by this situation, the subspecies has also colonized mountain areas: in France up to 350 m.a.s.l. in the department of Isère, in Switzerland up to 1700-1800 m.a.s.l. in the Upper Engadine, in Germany up to 880 m.a.s.l. at Ammer and Grunt lakes, in Austria up to 960 m.a.s.l. in Hochfilzen and in Bosnia-Herzegovina up to 720 m.a.s.l. in the plain of Livanjsko. In the Italian Alps it reached the altitude of about 900 m.a.s.l. in Venosta Valley and up to 1000 m.a.s.l. in central Apennines. Since the last decades of the twentieth century nestings have been recorded in Spain. Instead, the breeding of the subspecies in Maghreb is still uncertain.]

 
The Indian scenario of head and neck oncology – Challenging the dogmas
Authors: Tuljapurkar Vidisha , Dhar Harsh , Mishra Aseem , Chakraborti Swagnik , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Pai Prathamesh S.
Published: August 2016

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are the most common malignancies worldwide. Asian populations bear major burden of this disease, with certain unique characteristics. Although significant research in HNCs is ongoing globally, many clinical issues still remain unanswered. We performed a literature search to find noteworthy Indian studies that changed practice of HNC as well as to look for areas for further research in this field. Many randomized controlled trials as well as large patient series are reported in the field of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgical management of HNC. Still, many areas such as palliative therapy, targeted agents, and newer chemotherapeutic agents remain unexplored. Planned collaborative research is need of the hour to provide more evidenced based.
Gastrointestinal cancers in India: Treatment perspective
Authors: Ghadyalpatil Nikhil Suresh , Supriya Chopra , Prachi Patil , Ashwin Dsouza , Avanish Saklani
Published: August 2016

GI cancer is not one cancer but is a term for the group of cancers that affect the digestive system including gastric cancer (GC), colorectal cancer (CRC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), esophageal cancer (EC), and pancreatic cancer (PC). Overall, the GI cancers are responsible for more cancers and more deaths from cancer than any other organ. 5 year survival of these cancers remains low compared to western world. Unlike the rest of the world where organ based specialities hepatobiliary, pancreatic, colorectal and esophagogastric exist , these cancers are managed in India by either a gastrointestinal surgeons, surgical oncologist, or a general surgeon with varying outcomes.The aim of this review was to collate data on GI cancers in indian continent. In colorectal cancers, data from tertiary care centres identifies the unique problem of mucinous and signet colorectal cancer. Results of rectal cancer resection in terms of technique (intersphincteric resection, extralevator aper, minimal invasive approach ) to be comparable with world literature. However long term outcome and data regarding colon cancers and nationally is needed. Gastric cancer at presentation are advanced and in surgically resected patients, there is need for a trial to compare chemoradiation vs chemotherapy alone to prevent loco regional recurrence. Data on minimal invasive gastric cancer surgery may be sparse for the same reason. Theree is a lot of data on surgical techniques and perioperatve outcomes in pancreatic cancer. There is a high volume of locally advanced gallbladder cancers with efforts on to decide whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is better for down staging. Considering GI cancers, a heterogeneous disease with site specific treatment options and variable outcomes, the overall data and outcomes are extremely variable. Young patients with pathology unique to the Indian subcontinent (for example, signet ring rectal cancer, GBCs) need focussed attention. Solution for such pathology needs to come from the Indian continent itself. Joint efforts to improve outcomes for GI cancer can be integrated under the national cancer grid program.
Summary of the published Indian data on chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Singhal Manish K. , Sengar Manju , Nair Reena
Published: August 2016

Chronic myelogenous leukemia (LML) was recognized as a distinct entity in the mid-1800s. Since Nowell and Hunagerford initiated their research on CML in1960 our understanding in CML has been increasing. Imatinib became the preferred treatment from 2000 onwards as a result of its unprecedented success. The lack of structured Indian data on CML led to the formation of a CML data cansortuim which invited CML data albiet retro spartive form around the country including major cancer service providers both government and private. We provide a summary of published Indian data on CML here.
Cytokines and Prognostic Factors in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Jammal Millena Prata , Martins-Filho Agrimaldo , Silveira Thales Parenti , Murta Eddie Fernando Candido , Nomelini Rosekeila Simões
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Ovarian cancer has a high mortality and delayed diagnosis. Inflammation is a risk factor for ovarian cancer, and the inflammatory response is involved in almost all stages of tumor development. Immunohistochemical staining in stroma and epithelium of a panel of cytokines in benign and malignant ovarian neoplasm was evaluated. In addition, immunostaining was related to prognostic factors in malignant tumors.

Method

The study group comprised 28 ovarian benign neoplasias and 28 ovarian malignant neoplasms. A panel of cytokines was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (Th1: IL-2 and IL-8; Th2: IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10; and TNFR1). Chi-square test with Yates’ correction was used, which was considered significant if less than 0.05.

Results

TNFR1, IL-5, and IL-10 had more frequent immunostaining 2/3 in benign neoplasms compared with malignant tumors. Malignant tumors had more frequent immunostaining 2/3 for IL-2 in relation to benign tumors. The immunostaining 0/1 of IL 8 was more frequent in the stroma of benign neoplasms compared with malignant neoplasms. Evaluation of the ovarian cancer stroma showed that histological grade 3 was significantly correlated with staining 2/3 for IL-2 ( P = 0.004). Women whose disease-free survival was less than 2.5 years had TNFR1 stromal staining 2/3 ( P = 0.03) more frequently.

Conclusion

IL-2 and TNFR1 stromal immunostaining are related prognostic factors in ovarian cancer and can be the target of new therapeutic strategies.
Inappropriate Feeding Behavior: One of the Important Causes of Malnutrition in 6- to 36-Month-Old Children in Myanmar
Authors: Zhao Ai , Gao Hongchong , Li Bo , Zhang Jun , Win Naing Naing , Wang Peiyu , Li Jiayin , Zhang Yumei
Published: August 2016

The complementary feeding period is an important time for children's growth and development. This study was conducted to 1) determine the feeding behaviors of 6- to 36-month-old children in Myanmar, 2) explore health effects of feeding behaviors, and 3) determine factors associated with feeding behaviors. A total of 807 children and their mothers (N = 642) were recruited from nine villages in Kachin, Shan, and Kokang, Myanmar. Feeding behaviors and sociodemographic characteristics were investigated using a validated questionnaire. Hemoglobin and anthropometric indicators were measured during the fieldwork. In our sample, 18.6%, 72.7%, and 9.8% of children were introduced to complementary foods (CFs) earlier than 4 months of age, between 4 and 8 months of age, and later than 8 months of age, respectively. For different types of CFs, up to the age of 24.1–36 months, there were still 6.5% and 4.1% of the children who had never been introduced to eggs and meat. Introduction of CFs earlier than 4 months of age was a risk factor for being underweight (age-adjusted odds ratio (ORadjust-age) = 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2–2.5) and for stunting (ORadjust-age = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1–2.3), whereas introduction of CFs later than 8 months of age was a risk factor for anemia (ORadjust-age = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.7–7.2). Mothers who had anemia (OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 2.0–6.9) tended toward early introduction of CFs. Women with a lower family income tended toward later introduction of CFs (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.3–3.3). This study demonstrated that inappropriate feeding behavior was one of the important causes of malnutrition.
Seroprevalence of Sparganosis in Rural Communities of Northern Tanzania
Authors: Kavana Nicholas , Sonaimuthu Parthasarathy , Kasanga Christopher , Kassuku Ayub , Al-Mekhlafi Hesham M. , Fong Mun Yik , Khan Mohammad Behram , Mahmud Rohela , Lau Yee Ling
Published: August 2016

In this study, the seroprevalence of sparganosis and its relationship with sociodemographic factors in northern Tanzania have been assessed. A total of 216 serum samples from two rural districts, Monduli and Babati, were tested for sparganosis using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The seroprevalence of anti-sparganum IgG antibodies was 62.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 56.1–68.9) in all age groups. There were significant associations between district (relative risk [RR] = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.42–2.69), education (RR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.15–1.70), and pet ownership with seropositivity (RR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.02–2.16) based on univariate analysis. However, only the district was significantly associated with seropositivity (odds ratio = 4.20, 95% CI = 1.89–9.32) in binary logistic regression analysis. Providing health education to people residing in sparganosis-endemic areas is likely to improve the efficacy of preventative measures and reduce human disease burden.
Diagnostic Efficacy of Molecular Techniques for Detection and Identification of Leishmania Species in Human Whole Blood and Skin Samples from Ecuador
Authors: Muñoz Erika B. , Santander Stephanie , Rojas-Silva Patricio , Cardenas Paul A. , Fornasini Marco , Cifuentes Sara C. , Salvador Daniela , Baldeón Manuel E.
Published: August 2016

Microscopic examination is the standard method for diagnosis of cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis despite its low sensitivity. This study compared the diagnosis efficacy of microscopic examination versus polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–based methods and DNA sequencing using whole blood and skin lesion samples from patients with suspected leishmaniasis. The presence of Leishmania was determined by microscopy and amplification of 18S ribosomal RNA gene from blood and skin samples of 22 patients. Twenty individuals were positive for leishmaniasis. Microscopic analysis identified 85%, whereas PCR identified 100% of positive cases from skin and 90% from blood. Cytochrome b gene (cyt-b) amplification and sequencing identified Leishmania guyanensis, Leishmania shawi, and Leishmania naiffi from skin and blood samples. This study demonstrated the usefulness of whole blood and molecular techniques for the diagnosis and species identification of leishmaniasis.
Ammonium uptake and incorporation by Chesapeake Bay phytoplankton: Short term uptake kinetics1
Authors: Wheeler Patricia A. , Glibert Patricia M. , McCarthy James J.
Published: August 2016

Using 15N‐labeled NH4+, we assessed the time‐course of NH4+ uptake, the parameters of saturation kinetics, and the rates of incorporation of NH4+ into trichloroacetic acid‐insoluble material by Chesapeake Bay phytoplankton. The amount of NH4+ taken up by the phytoplankton increased linearly with time for 2 h for all samples growing on or exposed to high concentrations (>1 µg‐atom N · liter−1) of NH4+, but extrapolations to time zero did not intercept the origin. These results could be explained by rapid isotopic equilibration of internal and external NH4+ pools. For stations for which ambient NH4+ bordered on detection limits, rapid but nonsaturable uptake was observed in 1‐ and 5‐min incubations, whereas saturation was attained in 15–60‐min incubations. The experiments on rates of NH4+ incorporation into TCA‐insoluble material demonstrated that most (>85%) of the 15N label was incorporated into the macromolecular fraction by ≈15 min. These data thus demonstrate that rates of NH4+ uptake may become limited within minutes by rates of assimilation and incorporation into macromolecules and that reported kinetic parameters reflect these metabolic rates rather than transport rates.
Methylammonium uptake by Chesapeake Bay phytoplankton: Evaluation of the use of the ammonium analogue for field uptake measurements1
Authors: Wheeler Patricia A. , McCarthy James J.
Published: August 2016

The uptake of methylammonium (MA) by Chesapeake Bay phytoplankton was measured in short term experiments by using the 14C radioisotope. This uptake was inversely related to ambient NH4+ concentrations, and the specificity for uptake of both substrates was demonstrated by competitive inhibition. At stations with low ambient NH4+, MA uptake followed saturation kinetics, but the Vmax values decreased over time during 10–60‐min incubations. Uptake rates of MA were generally lower than those of NH4+, but in short incubations (10–15 min) the Vmax values were similar.

Although MA and NH4+ are taken up by the same transport system, the utility of MA as an NH4+ analogue is restricted by the strong inhibition of MA uptake by low concentrations of NH4+ and by the fact that in some cases MA uptake primarily reflects membrane transport, whereas NH4+ uptake can also reflect metabolic assimilation. Our results show that in typical uptake experiments, NH4+ uptake is rate‐limited by either internal pool filling or metabolic assimilation rather than by the membrane transport system. As a consequence, the kinetic parameters reported in the literature for NH4+ uptake overestimate Ks and underestimate Vmax for the membrane transport system.
Relationship Between Physical Activity and Overweight and Obesity in Children: Findings From the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey National Youth Fitness Survey
Authors: Hong Ickpyo , Coker-Bolt Patty , Anderson Kelly R. , Lee Danbi , Velozo Craig A.
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE. This study examined the relationship between childhood obesity and overweight and functional activity and its enjoyment.

METHOD. A cross-sectional design was used to analyze data from the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey National Youth Fitness Survey. Multivariate logistic regression models were used.

RESULTS. Data for 1,640 children ages 3–15 yr were retrieved. Physical activity was negatively associated with risk of obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.87, 0.98]). Although children who were obese and overweight were more likely to have functional limitations (ORs = 1.58–1.61), their enjoyment of physical activity participation was not significantly different from that of the healthy-weight group.

CONCLUSION. Physical activity lowered the risk of obesity. Children who were obese had functional limitations compared with healthy-weight children, but both groups enjoyed physical activity equally. Future studies are needed to determine barriers to participation among these children in recreation and sporting activities.
Interventions to Promote Diabetes Self-Management in Children and Youth: A Scoping Review
Authors: Cahill Susan M. , Polo Katie M. , Egan Brad E. , Marasti Nadia
Published: August 2016

As children and youth with diabetes grow up, they become increasingly responsible for controlling and monitoring their condition. We conducted a scoping review to explore the research literature on self-management interventions for children and youth with diabetes. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Some of the studies reviewed combined the participant population so that children with Type 1 as well as children with Type 2 diabetes were included. The majority of the studies focused on children age 14 yr or older and provided self-management education, self-management support, or both. Parent involvement was a key component of the majority of the interventions, and the use of technology was evident in 3 studies. The findings highlight factors that occupational therapy practitioners should consider when working with pediatric diabetes teams to select self-management interventions.
Evaluation of regional isoprene emission factors and modeled fluxes in California
Authors: Misztal Pawel K. , Avise Jeremy C. , Karl Thomas , Scott Klaus , Jonsson Haflidi H. , Guenther Alex B. , Goldstein Allen H.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Accurately modeled biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) emissions are an essential input to atmospheric chemistry simulations of ozone and particle formation. BVOC emission models rely on basal emission factor (BEF) distribution maps based on emission measurements and vegetation land-cover data but these critical input components of the models as well as model simulations lack validation by regional scale measurements. We directly assess isoprene emission-factor distribution databases for BVOC emission models by deriving BEFs from direct airborne eddy covariance (AEC) fluxes (Misztal et al., 2014) scaled to the surface and normalized by the activity factor of the Guenther et al. (2006) algorithm. The available airborne BEF data from approx. 10 000 km of flight tracks over California were averaged spatially over 48 defined ecological zones called ecoregions. Consistently, BEFs used by three different emission models were averaged over the same ecoregions for quantitative evaluation. Ecoregion-averaged BEFs from the most current land cover used by the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN) v.2.1 resulted in the best agreement among the tested land covers and agreed within 10 % with BEFs inferred from measurement. However, the correlation was sensitive to a few discrepancies (either overestimation or underestimation) in those ecoregions where land-cover BEFs are less accurate or less representative for the flight track. The two other land covers demonstrated similar agreement (within 30 % of measurements) for total average BEF across all tested ecoregions but there were a larger number of specific ecoregions that had poor agreement with the observations. Independently, we performed evaluation of the new California Air Resources Board (CARB) hybrid model by directly comparing its simulated isoprene area emissions averaged for the same flight times and flux footprints as actual measured area emissions. The model simulation and the observed surface area emissions agreed on average within 20 %. We show that the choice of model land-cover input data has the most critical influence on model-measurement agreement and the uncertainty in meteorology inputs has a lesser impact at scales relevant to regional air quality modeling.
Impact of crop field burning and mountains on heavy haze in the North China
Plain: a case study
Authors: Long Xin , Tie Xuexi , Cao Junji , Huang Rujin , Feng Tian , Li Nan , Zhao Suyu , Tian Jie , Li Guohui , Zhang Qiang
Published: August 2016

Abstract. With the provincial statistical data and crop field burning (CFB) activities captured by Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), we extracted a detailed CFB emission inventory in the North China Plain (NCP). The WRF-CHEM model was applied to investigate the impact of CFB on air pollution during the period from 6 to 12 October 2014, corresponding to a heavy haze incident with high concentrations of PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 µm). The WRF-CHEM model generally performed well in simulating the surface species concentrations of PM2.5, O3 and NO2 compared to the observations; in addition, it reasonably reproduced the observed temporal variations of wind speed, wind direction and planetary boundary layer height (PBLH). It was found that the CFB that occurred in southern NCP (SNCP) had a significant effect on PM2.5 concentrations locally, causing a maximum of 34 % PM2.5 increase. Under continuous southerly wind conditions, the CFB pollution plume went through a long-range transport to northern NCP (NNCP; with several mega cities, including Beijing, the capital city of China), where few CFBs occurred, resulting in a maximum of 32 % PM2.5 increase. As a result, the heavy haze in Beijing was enhanced by the CFB, which occurred in SNCP. Mountains also play significant roles in enhancing the PM2.5 pollution in NNCP through the blocking effect. The mountains blocked and redirected the airflows, causing the pollutant accumulations along the foothills of mountains. This study suggests that the prohibition of CFB should be strict not only in or around Beijing, but also on the ulterior crop growth areas of SNCP. PM2.5 emissions in SNCP should be significantly limited in order to reduce the occurrences of heavy haze events in the NNCP region.
GFIT2: an experimental algorithm for vertical profile retrieval from near-IR
spectra
Authors: Connor Brian J. , Sherlock Vanessa , Toon Geoff , Wunch Debra , Wennberg Paul O.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. An algorithm for retrieval of vertical profiles from ground-based spectra in the near IR is described and tested. Known as GFIT2, the algorithm is primarily intended for CO2, and is used exclusively for CO2 in this paper. Retrieval of CO2 vertical profiles from ground-based spectra is theoretically possible, would be very beneficial for carbon cycle studies and the validation of satellite measurements, and has been the focus of much research in recent years. GFIT2 is tested by application both to synthetic spectra and to measurements at two Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) sites. We demonstrate that there are approximately 3° of freedom for the CO2 profile, and the algorithm performs as expected on synthetic spectra. We show that the accuracy of retrievals of CO2 from measurements in the 1.61μ (6220 cm−1) spectral band is limited by small uncertainties in calculation of the atmospheric spectrum. We investigate several techniques to minimize the effect of these uncertainties in calculation of the spectrum. These techniques are somewhat effective but to date have not been demonstrated to produce CO2 profile retrievals with sufficient precision for applications to carbon dynamics. We finish by discussing ongoing research which may allow CO2 profile retrievals with sufficient accuracy to significantly improve the scientific value of the measurements from that achieved with column retrievals.
Isotopic composition of nitrate and particulate organic matter in a
pristine dam-reservoir of western India: Implications for
biogeochemical processes
Authors: Bardhan Pratirupa , Naqvi S. W. A. , Karapurkar Supriya G. , Shenoy Damodar M. , Kurian Siby , Naik Hema
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Isotopic composition of nitrate (δ15N and δ18O) and particulate organic matter (POM) (δ15N and δ13C) were measured in Tillari Reservoir, located at the foothills of the Western Ghats, Maharashtra, western India. The reservoir that is stratified during spring-summer and autumn seasons but gets vertically mixed during the Southwest Monsoon (SWM) and winter is characterized by diverse redox nitrogen transformations in space and time. The δ15N and δ18O values of nitrate were low (δ15N = 2–10 ‰, δ18O = 5–8 ‰) during normoxic conditions but increased gradually (highest δ15N = 27 ‰, δ18O = 29 ‰) when anoxic conditions facilitated denitrification in the hypolimnion during spring-early summer. Once nitrate was fully utilized and sulphidic conditions set in, NH4+ became the dominant inorganic N species, with δ15N ranging from 1.3 to 2.6 ‰. Low δ15N (~−5 ‰) and δ13C (−37 ‰ to −32 ‰) of POM co-occuring with high NH4+ and CH4 in sulphidic bottom waters were probably the consequence of microbial chemosynthesis. Assimilation of nitrate in the epilimnion was the major controlling process on the N-isotopic composition of POM (δ15N = 2–6 ‰). Episodic low δ15N values of POM (−2 to 0 ‰) during early summer coinciding with the absence of nitrate might arise from N-fixation, although further work is required to confirm the hypothesis. δ13C-POM in the photic zone ranged between −29 ‰ and −27 ‰ for most parts of the year. The periods of mixing were characterized by uniform δ15N-NO3− and δ18O-NO3− at all depths. Higher POM (POC and PON) contents and C / N values with lower δ13C-POM during the SWM point to allochthonous inputs. Overall, this study, the first of its kind in the Indian subcontinent, demonstrates the potential of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes to gain insight into biogeochemistry of Indian reservoirs where the monsoons play an important role in controlling vertical mixing and dynamics of carbon and nutrients.