bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroepidemiological study reveals regional co‐occurrence of Lassa‐ and Hantavirus antibodies in Upper Guinea, West Africa
Authors: Klempa Boris , Koulemou Kekoura , Auste Brita , Emmerich Petra , Thomé‐Bolduan Corinna , Günther Stephan , Koivogui Lamine , Krüger Detlev H. , Fichet‐Calvet Elisabeth
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To assess the public health relevance of Lassa arenavirus and hantavirus infections in a subpopulation of recently febrile patients.

Methods

In a human seroprevalence study, we enrolled 253 participants on the basis of reported high fever during the last 3 months. They represented roughly 20% of the population of Bantou and Tanganya villages. Comprehensive serological screening and confirmatory assays (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence assay, Western blot analysis) with several Lassa virus and hantavirus antigens were used to ensure high specificity and broad detection capacity.

Results

We found a Lassa IgG prevalence of 40.3% (102/253) and a hantavirus IgG prevalence of 1.2% (3/253). The Lassa IgM prevalence reached 2.8% (7/253).

Conclusions

High Lassa virus seroprevalence in recently febrile patients indicates that Lassa fever is a significant public health problem in the region. Human hantavirus infections also occur in the region but their public health relevance remains to be determined.
Reliable diagnosis of post‐kala‐azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) using slit aspirate specimen to avoid invasive sampling procedures
Authors: Verma Sandeep , Bhandari Vasundhra , Avishek Kumar , Ramesh Venkatesh , Salotra Poonam
Published: January 2013

Objective

Confirmatory diagnosis of post‐kala‐azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is primarily based on invasive skin biopsy procedure. We evaluated the utility of minimally invasive slit aspirate specimen for serological and molecular diagnosis of PKDL. We compared the PKDL diagnosis using slit aspirate and skin biopsy specimens from the same patients.

Methods

Serological diagnosis using rK39 strip test was performed with serum and slit aspirate sample; molecular diagnosis for parasite detection and quantification was carried out by quantitative real‐time PCR (Q‐PCR) with skin biopsy and slit aspirate sample.

Results

The rK39 serological strip test was positive in all PKDL cases with both slit aspirate and serum samples (n = 50) and negative in all control cases (n = 24), giving a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 92.9–100%) and a specificity of 100% (95% CI: 86.2–100%). Quantitative‐PCR detected parasite in all PKDL slit aspirates (n = 50, sensitivity = 100%, 95% CI: 92.9–100%) and tissue biopsies (n = 46, sensitivity = 100%, 95% CI: 92.3–100; it was negative in all controls including dermal tissues (n = 24) and slit aspirates (n = 24), giving specificity of 100% (95% CI: 86.2–100%). The parasite load in tissue and slit aspirate samples was significantly (P < 0.0001) correlated (r = 0.82).

Conclusions

Slit aspirates are a simpler and minimally invasive sampling technique for initial screening by serology followed by confirmatory diagnosis of PKDL with microscopy and/or Q‐PCR. The simplified procedure has the potential for epidemiological studies and assessment of cure in PKDL.
Editorial: International aid, tobacco and the tobacco epidemic – are aid agencies culpable for investing in sin sectors like tobacco?
Authors: Lal Pranay
Published: January 2013

L'aide étrangère par les donateurs a joué un rôle important en apportant un soulagement et le développement aux pays dans le besoin. La promotion de la culture et l'industrie du tabac à travers l'aide depuis les années 1950 a eu des retombées limitées, mais un grand impact délétère sur la santé de millions de personnes. La plupart des donateurs ont un contrôle solide du tabac en place à domicile, mais continuent à promouvoir l'industrie du tabac et évitent de soutenir la lutte antitabac. Les donateurs sont‐ils coupables de leurs investissements dans la promotion du tabac?
QTL‐seq: rapid mapping of quantitative trait loci in rice by whole genome resequencing of DNA from two bulked populations
Authors: Takagi Hiroki , Abe Akira , Yoshida Kentaro , Kosugi Shunichi , Natsume Satoshi , Mitsuoka Chikako , Uemura Aiko , Utsushi Hiroe , Tamiru Muluneh , Takuno Shohei , Innan Hideki , Cano Liliana M. , Kamoun Sophien , Terauchi Ryohei
Published: January 2013

The majority of agronomically important crop traits are quantitative, meaning that they are controlled by multiple genes each with a small effect (quantitative trait loci, QTLs). Mapping and isolation of QTLs is important for efficient crop breeding by marker‐assisted selection (MAS) and for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the traits. However, since it requires the development and selection of DNA markers for linkage analysis, QTL analysis has been time‐consuming and labor‐intensive. Here we report the rapid identification of plant QTLs by whole‐genome resequencing of DNAs from two populations each composed of 20–50 individuals showing extreme opposite trait values for a given phenotype in a segregating progeny. We propose to name this approach QTL‐seq as applied to plant species. We applied QTL‐seq to rice recombinant inbred lines and F2 populations and successfully identified QTLs for important agronomic traits, such as partial resistance to the fungal rice blast disease and seedling vigor. Simulation study showed that QTL‐seq is able to detect QTLs over wide ranges of experimental variables, and the method can be generally applied in population genomics studies to rapidly identify genomic regions that underwent artificial or natural selective sweeps.
SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein‐like7 regulated microRNA408 is required for vegetative development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Huiyong , Li Lei
Published: January 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small RNAs repressing target gene expression post‐transcriptionally and are critically involved in various development processes and responses to environmental stresses. MiR408 is highly conserved in land plants and targets several transcripts encoding copper proteins. Although it has been well documented that expression level of miR408 is strongly influenced by a variety of environmental conditions including copper availability, the biological function of this miRNA is still unknown. Here we show that constitutive expression of miR408 results in enhanced growth of seedling and adult plant while knocking down miR408 level by T‐DNA insertions or the artificial miRNA technique causes impaired growth. Further, we found that constitutively activated miR408 is able to complement the growth defects of the T‐DNA lines. Regarding the molecular mechanism governing miR408 expression, we found that the transcription factors SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN‐LIKE7 (SPL7) binds to the GTAC motifs in the MIR408 promoter in response to copper deficiency. Interestingly, constitutive activation of miR408 in the spl7 background could partially rescue the severe growth defects of the mutant. Together these results demonstrate that miR408 is a powerful modulator of vegetative growth. Our finding thus reveals a novel control mechanism for vegetative development based on calculated miR408 expression in response to environmental cues.
Remittances, Inflation and Exchange Rate Regimes in Small Open Economies1
Authors: Ball Christopher P. , Lopez Claude , Reyes Javier
Published: January 2013

Remittances are private monetary transfers across borders and thus, often, involve different currencies. Yet, the rapidly growing literature on the subject often ignores the role that exchange rate regimes play in determining the effect foreign currency remittances have on a recipient economy. This study uses a theoretical model and panel vector autoregression techniques to understand the effect of remittances on GDP, inflation, real exchange rate (RER) and money supply, depending on the exchange rate regimes. Furthermore, it allows a more detailed description of the short‐run dynamics as it considers yearly but also quarterly data for 21 emerging countries. Our theoretical model predicts that remittances should temporarily increase inflation, GDP, the domestic money supply and appreciate the RER under a fixed regime, but temporarily decrease inflation, increase GDP, appreciate the RER and generate no change in the money supply under a flexible regime. These differences are largely borne out in the data. This adds to our understanding of the true effect of remittances on economies by showing that exchange rate regimes matter for the effects of remittances, especially in the short run for monetary conditions in an economy and suggests that other results in the literature that do not control for regimes may be biased.
Evaluation of theMYC_CANFAgene in Chinese Shar Peis with cobalamin deficiency
Authors: Grützner Niels , Bishop Micah A. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Jörg M.
Published: January 2013

Background

A recent genome‐wide scan using the canine minimal screening set 2 (MSS‐2) showed that cobalamin deficiency appears to be hereditary in Chinese Shar Peis and is linked to the microsatellite markersDTR13.6 andREN13N11 on canine chromosome 13.

Objective

The goal of this study was to evaluate theMYC_CANFAgene, which is the closest known gene with a distance of approximately 0.06 megabases (Mb) to the microsatellite markerDTR13.6, for any mutations in this breed.

Methods

Microsatellite markers (Myc and G15987) for genotyping and primers for sequencing were used to evaluate theMYC_CANFAgene. The genotype and gene sequence were compared between cobalamin‐deficient Shar Peis, Shar Peis with normal serum cobalamin concentrations, and theDNAsequences published as part of the Ensemble Genomic map.

Results

Neither the microsatellite markers (Myc and G15987) nor the sequences of theMYC_CANFAgene showed a significant difference among both groups of Shar Peis and the published canineDNAsequence.

Conclusions

The data presented here suggest that cobalamin deficiency in Shar Peis is not related to any mutations of theMYC_CANFAgene according to the genotyping and sequencing results in this study. Further investigations are warranted to find a potential genomic locus in proximity toDTR13.6 andREN13N11 that shows mutations in cobalamin‐deficient Shar Peis.
Detection of carcinoma micrometastases in bone marrow of dogs and cats using conventional and cell block cytology
Authors: Taylor Bonnie E. , Leibman Nicole F. , Luong Richard , Loar Andrew S. , Craft Diane M.
Published: January 2013

Background

The presence of human breast carcinoma micrometastases in bone marrow is associated with poor overall survival, poor breast‐cancer‐specific survival, poor disease‐free survival, and poor distant disease‐free survival. In veterinary practice, the detection of micrometastases as a component of clinical staging is a routine practice for lymphomas and mast cell tumors, but not for carcinomas.

Objectives

This prospective study evaluated whether the identification of micrometastases from various carcinomas in dogs and cats in bone marrow using cell block cytology is technically feasible and whether it correlates with routine cytologic examination.

Methods

Thirteen dogs and 4 cats with various types of carcinomas were available for analysis. Routine and cell block cytologic evaluation combined with immunocytochemical staining with antibodies to CKAE1/AE3 and CK7 were performed on all bone marrow samples.

Results

Bone marrow micrometastasis was demonstrated by both methods in 2 dogs with advanced disease. In one case cells were immunoreactive for both CKAE1/AE3 and CK7.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that cell block cytology is a practical and useful method for bone marrow evaluation and is suitable for cytokeratin immunocytochemical analysis.
Evaluation of fixation time using Diff‐Quik for staining of canine mast cell tumor aspirates
Authors: Jackson Dorothy E. , Selting Kim A. , Spoor Melanie S. , Henry Carolyn J. , Wiedmeyer Charles E.
Published: January 2013

Background

Mast cell tumors are the most common cutaneous tumor in the dog and are often diagnosed via fine‐needle aspiration and cytology. Many veterinary practices use Diff‐Quik stain for these cases because it is easy to use and provides rapid results. Anecdotal reports suggest that Diff‐Quik does not stain mast cell tumor granules well and that increased duration of fixation time can improve staining quality; however, this has not been prospectively evaluated.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine if varying fixation time would affect the staining quality of mast cell granules using the Diff‐Quik stain. The null hypothesis was that there would be no difference in the staining of the granules based on duration of time in the fixation solution.

Methods

Fine‐needle aspirates of cutaneous mast cell tumors were obtained from 21 dogs and distributed on multiple slides. These slides were then stained in Diff‐Quik at varying fixation times (ie, 5 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes). One slide was stained with modified Wright stain as a control. Mast cell staining quality was evaluated either by blinded clinicopathologic review (n = 12) or by computer analysis of photomicrographs (n = 6). Results were compared with histopathologic grade.

Results

There was no difference in staining quality among groups.

Conclusions

Alteration in fixation time using Diff‐Quik does not improve staining characteristics of mast cell tumors.
Evaluation of hematologic, blood gas, and select biochemical variables in ovine whole blood stored in CPDA‐1 bags
Authors: Sousa Rejane S. , Barrêto‐Júnior Raimundo A. , Sousa Isadora K. F. , Chaves Dowglish F. , Soares Herbert S. , Barros Isabella O. , Minervino Antonio H. H. , Ortolani Enrico L.
Published: January 2013

Background

The economic consequences from mortality of sheep after blood loss can be considerable. To date there are no reports addressing hematologic, blood gas, and biochemical changes in ovine blood stored in CPDA‐1 bags.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate hematologic, blood gas, and biochemical alterations resulting from storage of ovine blood in CPDA‐1 bags to establish transfusion protocols in sheep.

Methods

From each of 7 healthy 8‐month‐old sheep 450 mL of blood were collected into CPDA‐1 bags and stored for 35 days in at 3–6°C. Samples were taken from the bags at days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 35. Whole blood was used to assess PCV, MCV, RBC count, pH, pO2, pCO2, and concentrations of bicarbonate, sodium, and lactate. Plasma was used to measure potassium, hemoglobin, and glucose concentrations.

Results

The PCV remained stable throughout the storage period, while plasma hemoglobin and MCV began to increase on days 7 and 21, respectively. The RBC count began to decrease on day 21. Blood pH decreased and pCO2 increased steadily throughout the storage period. Potassium concentration increased from 3.8 to 18.3 mmol/L on day 7 and remained high thereafter. In contrast, sodium concentration began to decrease on day 7.

Conclusions

The results show that ovine blood undergoes hematologic, blood gas, and biochemical changes during storage. Further studies are required to establish RBC viability in CPDA‐1 bags after a storage period of 35 days.
Hemophagocytic syndrome in a cat with multiple myeloma
Authors: Dunbar Mark D. , Lyles Sarah
Published: January 2013

An 11‐year‐old, castrated male, Domestic Medium Hair cat was presented to the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital with a 2‐week history of upper respiratory infection and increased serum globulins, as reported by the referring veterinarian. Physical examination was unremarkable other than melanosis of the left iris, with no evidence of ocular, nasal, or respiratory disease. Laboratory abnormalities included moderate nonregenerative anemia, mild leukopenia, mild hyperfibrinogenemia, severe hyperglobulinemia, mild hypoalbuminemia, and hypocholesterolemia. Abdominal radiographs and ultrasonographic examination revealed mild splenomegaly with no other abnormalities. Thoracic radiographs revealed no abnormalities. Cytologic evaluation of fine‐needle aspirates from the spleen, liver, and bone marrow revealed numerous plasma cells and many vacuolated macrophages exhibiting marked phagocytosis of mature erythrocytes and platelets, occasionally metarubricytes and leukocytes, and rarely plasma cells. The cytologic interpretation was multiple myeloma and associated hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS). Serum protein electrophoresis revealed a monoclonal gammopathy, providing further evidence for a multiple myeloma. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report ofHPSsecondary to neoplasia in a cat.
Cestode infection in 2 dogs: cytologic findings in liver and a mesenteric lymph node
Authors: Patten Penny K. , Rich Lon J. , Zaks Karen , Blauvelt Melissa
Published: January 2013

Mesocestoidescestode infections in dogs are well known for causing severe peritonitis with larvae or larval fragments (metacestodes, tetrathyridia, or calcareous corpuscles) frequently observed cytologically in peritoneal fluid samples. This case report describes the cytologic and clinical features of 2 dogs infected with cestode larvae, with one case confirmed and the other presumed to beMesocestoidessp. In these 2 unusual cases, cestode larvae or larval fragments were found in fine‐needle aspirates of the liver and a mesenteric lymph node, but no organisms were found in peritoneal fluid samples. The data presented in this report indicate that clinical pathologists should not rule outMesocestoidessp cestodiasis based on the absence of larvae in peritoneal fluid samples from dogs.
Reference intervals for select hematologic and plasma biochemical analytes of wild Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) from the St. Lawrence River in New York
Authors: DiVincenti Louis , Wyatt Jeff , Priest Heather , Dittman Dawn , Klindt Rodger , Gordon David , Preston Andrew , Smith Thomas , Bowman Colby
Published: January 2013

Background

Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) is a long‐lived freshwater fish distributed throughout the Great Lakes region and is a threatened species in New York State. The species' unique life cycle makes it useful as an indicator of ecosystem health, and efforts to repatriate Lake Sturgeon to their historic range are underway. However, comprehensive hematologic and biochemical reference intervals that would be valuable for assessing the health status of individual animals have not been reported.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine normal hematologic and plasma biochemical reference intervals for healthy wild Lake Sturgeon.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 52 wild Lake Sturgeon caught in gill nets in the St. Lawrence River. Heparinized whole blood and plasma samples were analyzed using standard techniques. Reference intervals were calculated using the robust method following elimination of outliers and Box–Cox transformation of data.

Results

Hematologic reference intervals were as follows: PCV 17–38%, estimated WBC count 2740–23,150/μL, neutrophils 193–6121/μL, eosinophils 0–558/μL, other granulocytes/heterophils 0–488/μL, lymphocytes 1447–14,044/μL, and monocytes 55–1684/μL. Plasma biochemical reference intervals were as follows: aspartate aminotransferase 333–1746 U/L, calcium 1.85–2.80 mmol/L, chloride 95–123 mmol/L, creatine kinase 776–35,536 U/L, glucose 2.94–14.76 mmol/L, glutamate dehydrogenase 6–30 U/L, phosphate 2.03–5.81 mmol/L, potassium 2.34–4.24 mmol/L, sodium 122.9–151.1 mmol/L, total protein 2.0–4.4 g/dL, triglycerides 1.07–5.12 mmol/L, and uric acid 1–251 μmol/L.

Conclusion

Reference intervals reported here will be useful for health assessment of wild and repatriated Lake Sturgeon.
Multiple myeloma in a dog with multiple concurrent infectious diseases and persistent polyclonal gammopathy
Authors: Geigy Caroline , Riond Barbara , Bley Carla Rohrer , Grest Paula , Kircher Patrick , Lutz Hans
Published: January 2013

A 12‐year‐old, spayed female, mixed‐breed dog was presented for acute hematuria, stranguria, polyuria, and polydipsia, as well as lameness for 8 days. Previous medical history included treatment for infection with Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Leishmania infantum, and Dirofilaria immitis 6.5 years prior to presentation. Besides persistently increased antibody titers to E canis and A phagocytophilum, polyclonal gammopathy with a monoclonal spike and moderate hypercalcemia were observed. There was marked hematuria, and Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from urine. Two weeks after successful treatment of the urinary tract infection, radiographs showed an extensive destructive monostotic lesion of the right humerus. Cytologic examination of fine‐needle aspirates of this lesion revealed a neoplastic round cell population suggestive of multiple myeloma. The dog was treated with melphalan and prednisolone for suspected multiple myeloma and doxycycline for suspected ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis. Treatments lead to resolution of the clinical signs, hypercalcemia, and monoclonal gammopathy, and there was radiographic improvement of bone lesions; polyclonal gammopathy persisted. About one year after presentation the dog was still in clinical remission. This is a rare report of a dog with suspected multiple myeloma and a history of multiple chronic infectious diseases, suggesting that chronic infection and uncontrolled long‐term stimulation of the immune system could contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma.
Validation of the Celltac alpha automated hematology analyzer for canine and feline blood samples
Authors: McDaniel Barbara Jane , Hirschberger Johannes , Weber Karin
Published: January 2013

Background

Small hematology analyzers for veterinary practices improve point‐of‐care diagnostic testing for companion animals. Validation of these instruments is needed to ensure the accuracy of results.

Objectives

The objective was to validate the Celltac alpha hematology analyzer for feline and canine blood samples.

Methods

Canine and feline blood samples were analyzed on a Celltac alpha and a Sysmex XT‐2000iV. Manual methods were used for the WBC differential count, PCV, and feline platelet (PLT) count. Flagging and precision of the new instrument were analyzed. Correlation and Bland–Altman analyses were used to compare the methods.

Results

A total of 623 blood samples (363 canine, 260 feline) were analyzed. Within‐batch precision of the Celltac showed acceptable coefficients of variation (CV) for WBC count (< 4%), PLT count (< 8%), hemoglobin (HGB) concentration (< 3%), and HCT (< 3%), while precision was poor for leukocyte subpopulations. HGB concentration and WBC count had good agreement between the methods. CV for the granulocyte (GRAN) count was 2–9% in cats and 6–29% in dogs. CV for the lymphocyte (LYM) count was 8–20% in cats and 13–51% in dogs. Negative bias and a proportional systematic error were apparent for PLT count, feline HCT, and eosinophil count. Analytical error flags and incomplete results were reported for 11.8% of canine and 25.4% of feline samples.

Conclusions

Leukocytosis and leukopenia were reliably detected by the Celltac alpha. The instrument provided acceptable results for total WBC count, GRAN count, HGB concentration, and HCT in canine blood samples, but PLT count was systematically overestimated. In feline blood samples, both low and high PLT counts were inaccurate and a proportional systematic error for HCT led to overestimation of this variable. Imprecision for WBC differential counts was high.
Serum biochemical reference intervals for the Polish Konik horse (Equus cabalus gmelini Ant.)
Authors: Niedźwiedź Artur , Jaworski Zbigniew , Filipowski Henryk , Zawadzki Marcin , Wrzosek Marcin , Służewska‐Niedźwiedź Monika , Nicpoń Józef
Published: January 2013

Background

Establishment of reference intervals (RI) for serum biochemical analytes is important for monitoring the health of different breeds of horses.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to measure and report RI for serum biochemical analytes of the Polish Konik horse.

Material and methods

Blood samples were collected from 74 clinically healthy Polish Konik horses living under controlled natural conditions. These were adult primitive horses, aged 3–15 years, including 28 males (21 stallions, 7 geldings) and 46 mares. Serum analytes were measured and analyzed using a commercial automated analyzer.

Results

The following RI (medians) were comparable to previously published RI in horses: albumin 34.8–41.3 g/L (38.0); ALP 124–309 U/L (216); ALT 6–33 U/L (19); AST 300–566 U/L (433); calcium 2.8–3.2 mmol/L (3.0); chloride 95–102 mmol/L (99); cholesterol 2.1–3.4 mmol/L (2.7); CK 167–488 U/L (328); creatinine 101–170 μmol/L (136); glucose 2.7–5.3 mmol/L (4.0); lipase 303–1143 U/L (723); magnesium 0.8–1.0 mmol/L (0.9); phosphate 0.9–1.5 mmol/L (1.2); potassium 2.4–5.0 mmol/L (3.7); sodium 138–144 mmol/L (141); total bilirubin 8–16 μmol/L (11.7); total protein 63.5–78.9 g/L (71.2); triglycerides 0.0–0.3 mmol/L (0.1); urea 2.2–7.3 mmol/L (4.7).

Conclusion

Reference intervals established in this study provide a valuable preliminary baseline for assessment of serum analytes in healthy Polish Konik horses.
Significance of mastocytemia in cats
Authors: Piviani Martina , Walton Raquel M. , Patel Reema T.
Published: January 2013

Background

In cats, mastocytemia is considered to be confined to animals with mast cell tumors (MCT), whereas in dogs it is associated with diverse diseases.

Objective

The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of mastocytemia in cats.

Methods

All blood smears and buffy coat (BC) smears on which mast cells were identified over a 6‐year period were retrospectively reviewed and mast cells counted. Mastocytemic cats were classified based on their clinical diagnosis.

Results

Mastocytemia was identified on 40 blood smears and 13BCsmears from 33 cats. The incidence of mastocytemia detected in cats during routineCBCs was 0.33% (40/12,116CBCs). Twenty‐two of 33 mastocytemic cats (67%) had visceral (n = 17) or cutaneousMCT(n = 7), including 2 that had concurrent visceral and cutaneous involvement. In 3 additional cases (9%), visceralMCTwas clinically suspected, but no cytologic or histopathologic evaluation of visceral organs was performed.MCTwas excluded in 3 of 33 mastocytemic cats (9%) with a final diagnosis of lymphoid neoplasia (n = 2) and multiorgan hemangiosarcoma (n = 1). Five additional animals (15%) had a diagnosis other thanMCT, including lymphoma (n = 2) and chronic renal failure (n = 3), but no cytologic or histopathologic evaluation of the spleen was performed. Blood smears from cats with confirmedMCThad 1–113 mast cells per smear, whereas cats in whichMCTwas excluded had 1–2 mast cells per smear.

Conclusions

Data confirm that mastocytemia is rare and most commonly found in cats with visceralMCT; however, rare circulating mast cells may also be seen with neoplasms other thanMCT.
Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Three Clustered Cases Co‐Infected with Lyme Disease and Rickettsioses
Authors: Xuefei D. , Qin H. , Xiaodi G. , Zhen G. , Wei L. , Xuexia H. , Jiazhen G. , Xiuping F. , Meimei T. , Jingshan Z. , Yunru L. , Xiaoling F. , Kanglin W. , Xingwang L.
Published: January 2013

Lyme disease and rickettsioses are two common diseases in China. However, the concomitant occurrence of both diseases in a single individual has been reported infrequently in literature. We reported three related female patients admitted at Beijing Ditan Hospital from October to December 2010. They had similar epidemiological histories. At the beginning, they only got a single diagnosis, respectively, but after specific screenings, the final diagnoses were made. Because arthropods can harbour more than one disease‐causing agent, patients can be infected with more than one pathogen at the same time, so the possibility of co‐infection could be higher than what was thought previously. These observations suggested that clinicians should enhance the complete screening of arthropod‐related infectious diseases so as to make an accurate diagnosis and to avoid diagnostic errors.
Analisis Perkembangan Bursa Malaysia Dan Pasaran Saham Islam Di Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Hussin Mohd Yahya , Muhammad Fidlizan
Published: January 2013

Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis perkembangan Pasaran Saham Islam (PSI) di Malaysia dari tahun 1999 hingga tahun 2009. PSI merupakan salah satu kompenan penting dalam Bursa Malaysia. Ia merujuk kepada transaksi jual beli saham yang mempunyai aktiviti-aktiviti syarikat yang selaras dengan syariah dan diniagakan di Bursa Malaysia. Oleh yang demikian, Majlis Penasihat Syariah Suruhanjaya Sekuriti telah memperkenalkan senarai kaunter/saham lulus Syariah berdasarkan sumber utama (al-Quran dan al-Hadis) dan sumber-sumber sokongan dan manhaj penyelidikan yang dipersetujui sebagai panduan kepada para pelabur untuk turut serta dalam bidang pelaburan Islam tanpa ragu-ragu. Hasilnya, jumlah kaunter/saham lulus syariah telah menguasai lebih 88 peratus daripada jumlah keseluruhan kaunter/saham di Bursa Malaysia dengan nilai permodalan pasaran sebanyak 63.8 peratus dari jumlah keseluruhan permodalan pasaran di Malaysia pada tahun 2009.

Kata kunci: Bursa malaysia; pasaran saham Islam; majlis penasihat Syariah; parameter kuantitatif; parameter kualitatif

This article aims to analyze the development of Islamic Stock Market (ISM) in Malaysia from 1999 until 2009. ISM is one of the prominent components in Malaysian Stock Exchange (Bursa Malaysia). It refers to the sale and purchase transaction of stock that has Shariah complaint company activities and transacted in Malaysian Exchange. Due to this reason, Shariah Advisory Committee of Security Commission has established a list of Shariah compliant counters by basing on the main references (al-Quran and al-Hadith), other advocating sources and consensus research method that lead investors to participate in the field of Islamic investment without hesitation. As a result, Shariah compliant counters majored the overall number of counters in Malaysian Stock Exchange beyond 88% with capital market value of 63.8% from the overall capital market in Malaysia in 2009.

Key words: Malaysia exchange; Islamic stock market; Syariah advisory council; quantitative parameters; qualitative parameters
The mechanical uncoupler blebbistatin is associated with significant electrophysiological effects in the isolated rabbit heart
Authors: Brack Kieran E. , Narang Ravi , Winter James , Ng G. André
Published: January 2013

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does the mechanical uncoupler blebbistatin affect cardiac electrophysiology?

What is the main finding and what is its importance?

Blebbistatin significantly affects cardiac ventricular electrophysiology and induction of ventricular fibrillation. This is a new finding that has serious implications for optical mapping studies where blebbistatin is used to inhibit cardiac contraction.

Blebbistatin (BS) is a recently discovered inhibitor of the myosin II isoform and has been adopted as the mechanical uncoupler of choice for optical mapping, because previous studies suggest that BS has no significant cardiac electrophysiological effects in a number of species. The aim of this study was to determine whether BS affects cardiac electrophysiology in isolated New Zealand White rabbit hearts. Langendorff‐perfused hearts (n= 39) in constant‐flow mode had left ventricular monophasic action potential duration (MAPD) measured at apical and basal regions during constant pacing (300 ms cycle length). Standard action potential duration restitution was obtained using the single extrastimulus method with measurement of the maximal restitution slope. Ventricular fibrillation threshold was measured as the minimal current inducing sustained ventricular fibrillation with burst pacing (30 stimuli, at 30 ms intervals). Optical action potentials were recorded using the voltage‐sensitive dye di‐4‐ANEPPS. Measurements were taken at baseline and after 60 min perfusion with BS (5 μm). Blebbistatin significantly prolonged left ventricular apical (mean ± SEM; from 129.9 ± 2.9 to 170.7 ± 4.1 ms, P < 0.001, n= 8) and basal MAPD (from 135.0 ± 2.3 to 163.3 ± 5.6 ms, P < 0.001) and effective refractory period (from 141.3 ± 4.8 to 175.6 ± 3.7 ms, P < 0.001) whilst increasing the maximal slope of restitution (apex, from 0.79 ± 0.09 to 1.57 ± 0.16, P < 0.001; and base, from 0.71 ± 0.06 to 1.44 ± 0.24, P < 0.001) and ventricular fibrillation threshold (from 5.3 ± 1.1 to 17.0 ± 2.9 mA, P < 0.001). In other hearts, blebbistatin significantly prolonged optically recorded action potentials (from 136.5 ± 6.3 to 173.0 ± 7.9 ms, P < 0.05, n= 4). In control experiments, the increase of MAPD with blebbistatin was present whether the hearts were perfused in constant‐pressure mode (n= 5) or in unloaded conditions (n= 5). These data show that blebbistatin significantly affects cardiac electrophysiology. Its use in optical mapping studies should be treated with caution.
Weighted‐peak assessment of occupational exposure due to MRI gradient fields and movements in a nonhomogeneous static magnetic field
Authors: Andreuccetti D. , Contessa G. M. , Falsaperla R. , Lodato R. , Pinto R. , Zoppetti N. , Rossi P.
Published: January 2013

Purpose:

A procedure for assessing occupational exposure due to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gradient magnetic fields and movement‐induced effects in the static magnetic field is proposed and tested.

Methods:

The procedure was based on the application of theweighted‐peak method in time domain. It was tested in two 1.5 T total‐body and one 3 T head‐only scanner MRI facilities in Rome (Italy). Exposure due to switched gradient fields was evaluated in locations inside the magnet room where operators usually stay during particular medical procedures (e.g., cardiac examinations of anesthetized patients); MRI sequences were selected to approach as far as possible a representative worst case exposure scenario. Movement‐induced effects were evaluated considering the actual movements of volunteer operators during work activity, by measuring the perceived time‐varying magnetic field by a head‐worn probe. The analysis of results was based on ICNIRP 1998 and 2010 guidelines, following a weighted‐peak approach and including an ad hoc extension to the latter ones, needed to verify compliance in the frequency range 0–1 Hz.

Results:

Exposures due to switched gradient fields in 1.5 T MRI scanners mostly resulted noncompliant with ICNIRP 1998 occupational reference levels, being, at the same time, always compliant with ICNIRP 2010 ones. Gradient field levels and ICNIRP indexes were significantly lower for the 3 T unit, due to its small dimensions, as that unit was a head‐only scanner. Movement‐induced effects resulted potentially noncompliant only in the case the operator moved the head inside the bore of a 1.5 T scanner.

Conclusions:

The procedure had proven to be a sound approach to exposure assessment in MRI. Its testing allowed to draw some general considerations about exposures to gradient magnetic fields and movement‐induced effects.
The effect of head size/shape, miscentering, and bowtie filter on peak patient tissue doses from modern brain perfusion 256‐slice CT: How can we minimize the risk for deterministic effects?
Authors: Perisinakis Kostas , Seimenis Ioannis , Tzedakis Antonis , Papadakis Antonios E. , Damilakis John
Published: January 2013

Purpose:

To determine patient‐specific absorbed peak doses to skin, eye lens, brain parenchyma, and cranial red bone marrow (RBM) of adult individuals subjected to low‐dose brain perfusion CT studies on a 256‐slice CT scanner, and investigate the effect of patient head size/shape, head position during the examination and bowtie filter used on peak tissue doses.

Methods:

The peak doses to eye lens, skin, brain, and RBM were measured in 106 individual‐specific adult head phantoms subjected to the standard low‐dose brain perfusion CT on a 256‐slice CT scanner using a novel Monte Carlo simulation software dedicated for patient CT dosimetry. Peak tissue doses were compared to corresponding thresholds for induction of cataract, erythema, cerebrovascular disease, and depression of hematopoiesis, respectively. The effects of patient head size/shape, head position during acquisition and bowtie filter used on resulting peak patient tissue doses were investigated. The effect of eye‐lens position in the scanned head region was also investigated. The effect of miscentering and use of narrow bowtie filter on image quality was assessed.

Results:

The mean peak doses to eye lens, skin, brain, and RBM were found to be 124, 120, 95, and 163 mGy, respectively. The effect of patient head size and shape on peak tissue doses was found to be minimal since maximum differences were less than 7%. Patient head miscentering and bowtie filter selection were found to have a considerable effect on peak tissue doses. The peak eye‐lens dose saving achieved by elevating head by 4 cm with respect to isocenter and using a narrow wedge filter was found to approach 50%. When the eye lies outside of the primarily irradiated head region, the dose to eye lens was found to drop to less than 20% of the corresponding dose measured when the eye lens was located in the middle of the x‐ray beam. Positioning head phantom off‐isocenter by 4 cm and employing a narrow wedge filter results in a moderate reduction of signal‐to‐noise ratio mainly to the peripheral region of the phantom.

Conclusions:

Despite typical peak doses to skin, eye lens, brain, and RBM from the standard low‐dose brain perfusion 256‐slice CT protocol are well below the corresponding thresholds for the induction of erythema, cataract, cerebrovascular disease, and depression of hematopoiesis, respectively, every effort should be made toward optimization of the procedure and minimization of dose received by these tissues. The current study provides evidence that the use of the narrower bowtie filter available may considerably reduce peak absorbed dose to all above radiosensitive tissues with minimal deterioration in image quality. Considerable reduction in peak eye‐lens dose may also be achieved by positioning patient head center a few centimeters above isocenter during the exposure.
Correction factors for ionization chamber dosimetry in CyberKnife: Machine‐specific, plan‐class, and clinical fields
Authors: Gago‐Arias Araceli , Antolín Elena , Fayos‐Ferrer Francisco , Simón Rocío , González‐Castaño Diego M. , Palmans Hugo , Sharpe Peter , Gómez Faustino , Pardo‐Montero Juan
Published: January 2013

Purpose:

The aim of this work is the application of the formalism for ionization chamber reference dosimetry of small and nonstandard fields [R. Alfonso, P. Andreo, R. Capote, M. S. Huq, W. Kilby, P. Kjäll, T. R. Mackie, H. Palmans, K. Rosser, J. Seuntjens, W. Ullrich, and S. Vatnitsky, “A new formalism for reference dosimetry of small and nonstandard fields,” Med. Phys. 35, – (2008)] 10.1118/1.3005481 to the CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery system. Correction factors for intermediate calibration fields, a machine‐specific reference field (msr) and two plan‐class specific reference fields (pcsr), have been studied. Furthermore, the applicability of the new formalism to clinical dosimetry has been analyzed through the investigation of two clinical treatments.

Methods:

PTW31014 and Scanditronix‐Wellhofer CC13 ionization chamber measurements were performed for the fields under investigation. Absorbed dose to water was determined using alanine reference dosimetry, and experimental correction factors were calculated from alanine to ionization chamber readings ratios. In addition, correction factors were calculated for the intermediate calibration fields and one of the clinical treatment fields using the Monte Carlo method and these were compared with the experimental values.

Results:

Overall correction factors deviating from unity by approximately 2% were obtained from both measurements and simulations, with values below and above unity for the studied intermediate calibration fields and clinical fields for the ionization chambers under consideration. Monte Carlo simulations yielded correction factors comparable with those obtained from measurements for the machine‐specific reference field, although differences from 1% to 3.3% were observed between measured and calculated correction factors for the composite intermediate calibration fields. Dose distribution inhomogeneities are thought to be responsible for such discrepancies.

Conclusions:

The differences found between overall correction factors associated with the proposed intermediate calibration fields and the clinical fields under investigation show that depending on the clinical field and the detector used, either a machine‐specific reference field or a plan‐class specific reference field is more representative for the clinical field. Given the experimental and numerical uncertainties and the small number of clinical fields considered in this study the significance of these observations is limited and it remains unclear for the CyberKnife if there would be a significant gain in using a pcsr field rather than a msr field as reference field for relative dosimetry.
Monovalent and Multivalent Ligation of the B Cell Receptor Exhibit Differential Dependence upon Syk and Src Family Kinases
Authors: Mukherjee Sayak , Zhu Jing , Zikherman Julie , Parameswaran Ramya , Kadlecek Theresa A. , Wang Qi , Au-Yeung Byron , Ploegh Hidde , Kuriyan John , Das Jayajit , Weiss Arthur
Published: January 2013

The extent of receptor clustering determines which kinases mediate B cell receptor signaling.
Nitric Oxide Regulates Mitochondrial Fatty Acid Metabolism Through Reversible Protein
S
-Nitrosylation
Authors: Doulias Paschalis-Thomas , Tenopoulou Margarita , Greene Jennifer L. , Raju Karthik , Ischiropoulos Harry
Published: January 2013

S
-nitrosylation increases the catalytic efficiency of an enzyme critical to fatty acid β-oxidation.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 1 January 2013
Authors: Weiss Arthur , Das Jayajit , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: January 2013

B cell receptor clustering determines which kinases are required for signaling.
2012: Signaling Breakthroughs of the Year
Authors: Yaffe Michael B. , Gough Nancy R.
Published: January 2013

Synthetic biology, cancer signaling, and metabolism all made the list of breakthroughs in basic signal transduction research or the translational application of signaling knowledge.
Chronic Infection, But Limited Inflammation
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: January 2013

NO-mediated modification of the inflammasome limits tissue damage in chronic infection.
Inhibit Autophagy, STAT!
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: January 2013

Cytoplasmic STAT3 suppresses autophagy under basal conditions through a nontranscriptional mechanism.
One Gene, Two Paths to Muscle Fitness
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: January 2013

Muscle mass and endurance are regulated independently by two proteins encoded by the same gene.
Granule Calcium for Cell Killing
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: January 2013

NAADP promotes exocytosis of cytolytic granules by stimulating calcium release from the granules.
A Dendritic Cell–Based Vaccine Elicits T Cell Responses Associated with Control of HIV-1 Replication
Authors: García Felipe , Climent Nuria , Guardo Alberto C. , Gil Cristina , León Agathe , Autran Brigitte , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Martínez-Picado Javier , Dalmau Judit , Clotet Bonaventura , Gatell Josep M. , Plana Montserrat , Gallart Teresa ,   For the DCV2/MANON07-ORVACS Study Group
Published: January 2013

Therapeutic DC vaccines elicit HIV-1–specific immune responses that change viral set point in patients of cART.
Bioinspired Glue for Healing Atherosclerotic Plaques
Authors: Skarke Carsten
Published: January 2013

Adhesives inspired by marine animals may protect against atherosclerosis.
Predictive Models for Escherichia coli Concentrations at Inland Lake Beaches and Relationship of Model Variables to Pathogen Detection
Authors: Francy Donna S. , Stelzer Erin A. , Duris Joseph W. , Brady Amie M. G. , Harrison John H. , Johnson Heather E. , Ware Michael W.
Published: January 2013

Predictive models, based on environmental and water quality variables, have been used to improve the timeliness and accuracy of recreational water quality assessments, but their effectiveness has not been studied in inland waters. Sampling at eight inland recreational lakes in Ohio was done in order to investigate using predictive models for
Escherichia coli
and to understand the links between
E. coli
concentrations, predictive variables, and pathogens. Based upon results from 21 beach sites, models were developed for 13 sites, and the most predictive variables were rainfall, wind direction and speed, turbidity, and water temperature. Models were not developed at sites where the
E. coli
standard was seldom exceeded. Models were validated at nine sites during an independent year. At three sites, the model resulted in increased correct responses, sensitivities, and specificities compared to use of the previous day's
E. coli
concentration (the current method). Drought conditions during the validation year precluded being able to adequately assess model performance at most of the other sites.
Cryptosporidium
, adenovirus,
eaeA
(
E. coli
),
ipaH
(
Shigella
), and
spvC
(
Salmonella
) were found in at least 20% of samples collected for pathogens at five sites. The presence or absence of the three bacterial genes was related to some of the model variables but was not consistently related to
E. coli
concentrations. Predictive models were not effective at all inland lake sites; however, their use at two lakes with high swimmer densities will provide better estimates of public health risk than current methods and will be a valuable resource for beach managers and the public.
Efficient Colonization of the Bean Bug Riptortus pedestris by an Environmentally Transmitted Burkholderia Symbiont
Authors: Kikuchi Yoshitomo , Yumoto Isao
Published: January 2013

The bean bug
Riptortus pedestris
is specifically associated with the
Burkholderia
gut symbiont and acquires the symbiont from the environment every generation. Here, we investigated the infective dose of the symbiont by experimental administration. The 50% infective dose was remarkably low, only 80 cells, indicating efficient colonization of the symbiont.
Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Soils from Vegetable Fields with Different Cultivation Patterns
Authors: Yao Zhiyuan , Wei Gang , Wang Haizhen , Wu Laosheng , Wu Jianjun , Xu Jianming
Published: January 2013

Escherichia coli
O157:H7 survived longer in soils from plastic-greenhouse cultivation than soils from the open field. Soil pH, organic carbon levels, and the ratio of bacterial phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) to fungal PLFAs played the significant roles in survival of O157:H7. Greater attention should be paid to the control of pathogen contamination under conditions of plastic-greenhouse cultivation.