bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution and frequency of Bru1, a major brown rust resistance gene, in the sugarcane world collection
Authors: Parco Arnold S. , Hale Anna L. , Avellaneda Mavir C. , Hoy Jeffrey W. , Kimbeng Collins A. , Pontif Michael J. , McCord Per H. , Ayala‐Silva Tomas , Todd James R. , Baisakh Niranjan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBrown rust, caused by Puccinia melanocephala, is an important disease of sugarcane worldwide. Molecular markers for a major brown rust resistance gene, Bru1, were used to screen a total of 1,282 clones in the World Collection of Sugarcane and Related Grasses (WCSRG) to determine the distribution and frequency of the gene in Saccharum species and related genera. Bru1 was found across all species within the Saccharum complex, but the frequency varied among species. Bru1 was more prevalent in S. robustum clones (59.1%), whereas it occurred in low frequency and exhibited the highest level of variability as determined by the presence of one or both markers (18.8%) in clones of S. spontaneum. Bru1 frequency was highest in the two secondary cultivated species, S. barberi (79.3%) and S. sinense (71.8%). The frequency of Bru1 was 26.4% and 21.0% in S. officinarum and interspecific hybrid clones, respectively. Knowledge of the distribution and frequency of Bru1 in the WCSRG will complement efforts to characterize diversity in the Saccharum complex for the expected expanded use of marker‐assisted selection in the future.
Resolution rate of pulmonary sarcoidosis and its related factors in a Japanese population
Authors: Hattori Takeshi , Konno Satoshi , Shijubo Noriharu , Ohmichi Mitsuhide , Yamaguchi Tetsuo , Nishimura Masaharu 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveA number of previous studies have reported on the rate of resolution of pulmonary sarcoidosis and its associated factors. However, most of the studies were conducted several decades ago and no similar surveys have been conducted in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of resolution of pulmonary sarcoidosis and its related factors in recently diagnosed patients, and to compare the results with those from previous studies.MethodsThis study included 306 patients who had been newly diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis between 2000 and 2009 in Sapporo, Japan. Chest radiographical findings were assessed at the initial visit and at the 2‐ or 5‐year observation points. The rates of resolution on chest radiographs and the association with clinical manifestations were evaluated.ResultsThe resolution rates were 17.9% at the 2‐year and 29.9% at the 5‐year observation point. These rates were lower than those reported in the earlier surveys. Younger subjects (aged <40 years) showed resolution more often (P < 0.05). The absence of extra‐pulmonary organ involvement was associated with resolution at 5 years (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe clinical course of pulmonary sarcoidosis may be changing, showing a tendency not to resolve. At least in part, this may be due to the ageing of the Japanese population.
Training and proficiency in endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration: A systematic review
Authors: Sehgal Inderpaul S. , Dhooria Sahajal , Aggarwal Ashutosh N. , Agarwal Ritesh 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTEndobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is currently the modality of choice for evaluation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy. However, there is still uncertainty regarding the training methodology and the number of procedures required to attain proficiency in EBUS. Herein, we performed a systematic review of studies selected from PubMed, EmBase and Scopus databases describing the training and assessment of proficiency during EBUS, specifically studies investigating various methods for training, its outcome and the number of procedures required to overcome the learning curve for EBUS. Twenty‐seven (simulator‐based learning (n = 8), tools for assessing competence in EBUS‐TBNA (n = 5) and threshold numbers needed to attain proficiency in EBUS‐TBNA (n = 16)) studies were identified. An EBUS simulator accurately stratified individuals based on the level of experience in performing EBUS. Training received on a simulator was comparable with traditional apprentice‐based training. Importantly, skills acquired on a simulator could be transferred to real‐world patients. The number needed to overcome the initial learning curve of EBUS varied from 10 to 100 in individual studies with a mean of 37–44 procedures. Tools such as EBUS‐STAT (EBUS skill and task assessment tool) and EBUSAT (EBUS skill and assessment tool) were effective in evaluating the EBUS trainees.We conclude that an EBUS simulator or EBUS assessment tools can objectively assess the training of an EBUS trainee. Simulator‐based training is a useful modality in EBUS training. The number of procedures needed to overcome the initial learning curve is about 40. Centres involved in EBUS training could incorporate simulator‐based training in their curriculum before allowing operators to perform EBUS on patients.
‘Unfit for human consumption’: a study of the contamination of formula milk fed to young children in East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Gibson Sarah , Sahanggamu Daniel , Fatmaningrum Dewi , Curtis Val , White Sian 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo examine levels of bacterial contamination in formula feeding bottles in Sidoarjo, East Java, and to assess the preparation practices that may have been responsible.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 92 randomly selected households with children under the age of two who were bottle‐fed formula. In each household, we carried out video observation of mothers/caregivers preparing bottles, and examined samples of formula for coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli (E. coli). In‐depth interviews were conducted with a subsample of 20 mothers.ResultsA total of 88% of the formula feeds were contaminated with total coliforms at a level >10 MPN/ml, and 45% contained E. coli. These feeds were defined as ‘unfit for human consumption’. In the video observations, none of the mothers complied with all five WHO‐recommended measures of hygienic formula feed preparation. Only two mothers washed their hands with soap prior to formula preparation. Most mothers also failed to clean or sterilise the bottle and clean the preparation area. In‐depth interviews confirmed that such suboptimal hygiene practices were common.ConclusionThe high levels of contamination found highlight that bottles are an important faecal‐oral exposure pathway resulting from poor hygiene practices during bottle preparation.
Clinical features and treatment response of cutaneous leishmaniasis in North‐West Ethiopia
Authors: Fikre Helina , Mohammed Rezika , Atinafu Saba , van Griensven Johan , Diro Ermias 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveCutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) receives far less attention than visceral leishmaniasis. Nevertheless, CL is predominantly caused by a unique species in Ethiopia (L. aethiopica), which is known to cause severe forms such as diffuse (DCL) and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL). We report on the number and type of CL cases diagnosed, the clinical features, the treatments and treatment outcomes in North‐West Ethiopia.MethodsThis is a retrospective chart record analysis of CL patients treated at the Leishmania Research and Treatment Center (LRTC) of the University of Gondar, Ethiopia.ResultsFrom 178 CL patients seen between January 2014 and December 2015, a total of 154 chart records were retrieved. These included 80 localised CL (LCL), 7 DCL and 67 MCL. The median age was 23 years; 71.4% were male. Most (n = 121, 78.6%) of the lesions were on the face. The median time since onset was 12 months (6–24 months), and 28.6% presented after a trial of traditional medicine. The treatment of all forms of CL mainly consisted of 30 days of IM antimonial injections. Of these, 51/133 (38.3%) required treatment extension or change due to nonresponse. Three cases were treated with liposomal amphotericin B or miltefosine (two received the combination), of which two responded well.ConclusionCL was found to be complicated and difficult to treat. MCL was common, and patients presented after long delays. There is an urgent need to look for better treatment options for CL and improve access to care.
Nutritional status is the major factor affecting grip strength of African HIV patients before and during antiretroviral treatment
Authors: Filteau S. , PrayGod G. , Woodd S. L. , Friis H. , Heimburger D. C. , Koethe J. R. , Kelly P. , Kasonka L. , Rehman A. M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectivesLow grip strength is a marker of frailty and a risk factor for mortality among HIV patients and other populations. We investigated factors associated with grip strength in malnourished HIV patients at referral to ART, and at 12 weeks and 2–3 years after starting ART.MethodsThe study involved HIV‐infected Zambian and Tanzanian participants recruited to the NUSTART trial when malnourished (body mass index <18.5 kg/m2) and requiring ART. The relationship of grip strength to nutritional, infectious and demographic factors was assessed by multivariable linear regression at referral for ART (n = 1742) and after 12 weeks (n = 778) and 2–3 years of ART (n = 273).ResultsIn analyses controlled only for sex, age and height, most nutrition and infection‐related variables were associated with grip strength. However, in multivariable analyses, consistent associations were seen for fat‐free mass index, mid‐upper arm circumference, haemoglobin and systolic blood pressure, and a variable association with fat mass index in men. C‐reactive protein and CD4 count had limited independent effects on grip strength, while receiving tuberculosis treatment was associated with weaker grip strength.ConclusionsIn this population of originally malnourished HIV patients, poor grip strength was more strongly and independently associated with nutritional than with infection and inflammation variables. Programmes to improve health and survival of HIV patients should incorporate nutritional assessment and management and could use grip strength as a functional indicator of improving nutrition.
Proteomic analysis reveals the enhancement of human serum apolipoprotein A‐1(APO A‐1) in individuals infected with multiple dengue virus serotypes
Authors: Manchala Nageswar Reddy , Dungdung Ranjeet , Pilankatta Rajendra 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectivesHuman serum protein profiling of the individual infected with multiple dengue virus serotypes for identifying the potential biomarkers and to investigate the cause for the severity of dengue virus infection.MethodsDengue virus NS1‐positive serum samples were pooled into two groups (S2 and S3) based on the molecular serotyping and number of heterotypic infections. The pooled serum samples were subjected to two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DGE) to identify the differentially expressed proteins. The peptide masses of upregulated protein were detected by matrix‐assisted laser desorption–ionisation time‐of‐flight MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry and analysed by MASCOT search engine. The results were compared with the control group (S1). The commonly upregulated protein was validated by quantitative ELISA and compared with control as well as single serotypic infected samples.ResultsBased on 2DGE, total thirteen proteins were differentially upregulated in S2 and S3 groups as compared to control. Some of the upregulated proteins were involved in mediating the complement activation of immune response. The apolipoprotein A‐1 (APO A‐1) was upregulated in S2 and S3 groups. Upon validation, APO A‐1 levels were increased in line with the number of heterotypic infection of dengue viruses.ConclusionHeterotypic infection of dengue viruses upregulate the serum proteins involved in the complement pathway in the early phase of infection. There was a significant increase in the level of APO A‐1 in three different serotypic infections of dengue virus as compared to control. Further, the role of APO‐A1 can be explored in elucidating the mechanism of dengue pathogenesis.
Hematologic reference intervals and age effect in European Strigiformes
Authors: Agusti Montolio Susana , Molina López Rafael , Cray Carolyn , Lavín González Santiago , Nicolás Francisco Olga , Marco Sánchez Ignasi , Casas‐Díaz Encarna , Cuenca Valera Rafaela 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundThe clinical importance of hematologic testing in avian veterinary medicine is reflected in the increasing number of studies for the establishment of hematologic RIs of Strigiformes and other species. Age is an important physiologic factor in birds and the effect on hematology variable should be understood.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine baseline data of hematologic variables in 5 species of Iberian Strigiformes in different age classes.MethodsNocturnal birds of prey were sampled at Wildlife Health Centers. Packed cell volume was determined by the microhematocrit centrifugation method, and RBC and WBC counts were determined using the direct hemocytometer count method with Natt and Herrick solution. Hemoglobin concentration was measured spectrophotometrically. The MCV, MCHC, and MHC were calculated using the standard formulas. The differential WBC count was performed by the routine microscopic evaluation of 200 cells on a blood smear manually stained with Wright stain. Thrombocyte blood count estimate was obtained from the blood film.ResultsNo differences were observed between juveniles and adults for any variable evaluated in Tawny owl, Little owl, Scops owl, Long‐eared owl, and Barn owl. In addition, PCV, RBC, and HGB of chicks were statistically significantly lower than in juveniles and adults, and total WBC was significantly higher in Tawny owl, Little owl, Scops owl, and Long‐eared owl.ConclusionsOur findings provide evidence that laboratory data from chicks of Strigiformes are different compared to juveniles and adults; therefore, separate RIs were defined.
High‐Intensity Statin Therapy Is Associated With Improved Survival in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease
Authors: Raymond Foley T. , Singh Gagan D. , Kokkinidis Damianos G. , Choy Ho‐Hin K. , Pham Tai H. , Amsterdam Ezra A. , Rutledge John C. , Waldo Stephen W. , Armstrong Ehrin J. , Laird John R. 
Published: July 2017

Background

The relative benefit of higher statin dosing in patients with peripheral artery disease has not been reported previously. We compared the effectiveness of low‐ or moderate‐intensity (
LMI
) versus high‐intensity (
HI
) statin dose on clinical outcomes in patients with peripheral artery disease.

Methods and Results

We reviewed patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease who underwent peripheral angiography and/or endovascular intervention from 2006 to 2013 who were not taking other lipid‐lowering medications. HI statin use was defined as atorvastatin 40–80 mg or rosuvastatin 20–40 mg. Baseline demographics, procedural data, and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Among 909 patients, 629 (69%) were prescribed statins, and 124 (13.6%) were treated with
HI
statin therapy. Mean low‐density lipoprotein level was similar in patients on
LMI
versus
HI
(80±30 versus 87±44 mg/dL,
P
=0.14). Demographics including age (68±12 versus 67±10 years,
P
=0.25), smoking history (76% versus 80%,
P
=0.42), diabetes mellitus (54% versus 48%,
P
=0.17), and hypertension (88% versus 89%,
P
=0.78) were similar between groups (
LMI
versus
HI
). There was a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (56% versus 75%,
P
=0.0001) among patients on
HI
statin (versus
LMI
). After propensity weighting,
HI
statin therapy was associated with improved survival (hazard ratio for mortality: 0.52; 95% confidence interval, 0.33–0.81;
P
=0.004) and decreased major adverse cardiovascular events (hazard ratio: 0.58; 95% confidence interval 0.37–0.92,
P
=0.02).

Conclusions

In patients with peripheral artery disease who were referred for peripheral angiography or endovascular intervention,
HI
statin therapy was associated with improved survival and fewer major adverse cardiovascular events compared with
LMI
statin therapy.
On Lower Bounds for Variance And Moments of Unimodal Distributions
Authors: Sharma R. , Bhandari R. , Saini R. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: We provide an elementary proof of the lower bound for the variance of continuous unimodal distributions and obtain analogous bounds for the higher order central moments. A lower bound for the rth central moment of discrete distribution is given and compared favorably with a related bound for discrete unimodal distribution in literature.
Some Series of Row-Column Designs with Multiple Units Per Cell
Authors: Datta Anindita , Jaggi Seema , Varghese Cini , Varghese Eldho 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT: Row-column designs with multiple units per cell are used when the number of treatments is substantially large with limited number of replicates controlling heterogeneity in two directions. Here, some methods of constructing row-column designs with multiple units per cell with equal/unequal cell sizes have been developed that are structurally complete, i.e. all the cells corresponding to the intersection of row and column receive at least two treatments. Properties of these classes of designs have been studied and all the methods result in designs in which the elementary contrasts of treatment effects are estimated with same variance. One series of row-column designs with unequal replications has also been obtained. Effciency of the designs obtained has also been worked out.
The PIR/PUR Ratio: A Novel Timer Conversion Tfst with High Correlation to the Factory Mutual Calorimeter for HCFC-141b Blown Polyisocyanurate Foams
Authors: Burns S. B. , Schmidt E. L. 
Published: July 2017

In response to the environmental dangers posed by CFC-11 use, rigid polyisocyanurate foam insulation manufacturers are currently making the transition to HCFC-141b. This change has forced manufacturers to requalify their commercial roofing products on the Factory Mutual Calorimeter. Factory Mutual certification is demanded by the marketplace, but the cost of attainment is high. With HCFC-141b technology being perfected, and its eventual replacement looming on the horizon, it is evident a great deal of Calorimeter testing will be required in the near future. There are a number of small scale tests in existence to measure fire resistance, but their effectiveness as predictors of Calorimeter performance has not been fully assessed. Trimer conversion is a crucial aspect of the fire resistance of polyisocyanurate foam, but a convenient and inexpensive measurement has not been documented. This paper introduces such a novel trimer conversion test, the PIR/PUR ratio. A high degree of correlation exists between Calorimeter results and the PIR/PUR ratio. Strong correlations also exist between the Calorimeter and certain other small scale tests. However, relying on only one test to predict calorimeter performance is insufficient. Consideration must be given to all relevant tests. Forming a composite index from the individually relevant test results, using weighted factor techniques, provides the best indication of Calorimeter performance. The information in this paper should enable polyisocyanurate insulation manufacturers to make better predictions of Calorimeter performance, avoiding costly failures.
Zero-ODP Blowing Agents for Polyurethane Foams
Authors: Creazzo J. A. , Hammel H. S. , Cicalo K. J. , Schindler P. 
Published: July 2017

As we move toward final phaseout of chlorofluorocarbon blowing agents, new compounds and technologies are emerging to produce the polyurethane foams essential to so many products. In considering zero-ozone-depleting compounds that are currently available, the potential hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) candidates are gases at ambient conditions. Development programs are under way to understand feasibility and demonstrate use of one candidate, HFC-134a, to replace CFC-11. This paper summarizes basic data developed to support commercial process conversion from CFC-11 to HFC-134a. Topics include a comparison of physical properties, results of vapor pressure and solubility studies with different polyols, effects of different surfactants on HFC-134a solubility, confirmation of product stability in foaming applications, B-side system viscosity effects, and materials-of-construction compatibility data. With respect to processing, the paper summarizes experience developed in modifying equipment to handle higher B-side mixing and storage pressures and discusses effects of process settings on foam quality. Finally, the paper summarizes results of commercializing 134a/polyurethane foam systems for both insulating and non-insulating applications.
The Effect of Tertiary Amine Catalyst Systems for Lower Density Rigid Foam with HCFC-141b
Authors: Harada S. , Isayama Y. , Kitagawa H. , Morii M. , Fukushima T. 
Published: July 2017

The replacement of blowing agent from CFC-11 to HCFCs is proceeding in rigid polyurethane foam applications in order to meet the revised Montreal Protocol. The foams using HCFCs, however, have about 5 to 10% higher thermal conductivity than that using CFC, owing to the high thermal conductivity of HCFCs. Though improved HCFC blown foams have realized similar thermal conductivity to conventional CFC-11 blown foams, these foams have about 15 to 20% higher densities. This performance level can not be accepted as an insulation foam for refrigeration appliances. Kao Corporation has developed new catalyst systems, which is Kaolizer KLP-200 series. The use of our new catalysts for HCFC-141b blown foams can realize low thermal conductivity, derived from formation of finer cell structure by acceleration of initial gelling reaction, and has performance to improve flowability in the foaming process at the same time. These characteristics give about 10 to 15% lower density foams than that using conventional catalysts in comparison with similar thermal conductivity. In addition, the formulation using Kaolizer KLP-200K can reduce the level of HCFC-141b compared with that using conventional catalysts to obtain the expected thermal conductivity of the foams, provided these foams have the same density. This paper describes the effect of Kaolizer KLP-200K for HCFC-141b blown rigid foam. The system using Kaolizer KLP-200K results in lower density foam and reduced HCFC-141b compared to that using conventional catalysts. Moreover, Kaolizer KLP-200 is effective for cyclopentane blown rigid foam.
Diffusion Bonding and Testing of Boron-Aluminum Composites
Authors: Joseph E. , Myers E.J. , Stuhrke W.F. 
Published: July 2017

The tensile behavior of unidirectionally reinforced boron fila ment-aluminum composites was evaluated for a wide range of diffusion bonding parameters and a method of detailed analysis of the stress-strain behavior developed and described. The effect of these variations in processing conditions on the tensile behavior, including the fracture morphology of the resulting composites, was assessed. The value of the composite tensile strength at the opti mum combinations of time and temperature in the experimental situation was from 120 to 130 percent of the calculated rule of mixtures value. This demonstrated synergism is discussed and explained in terms of the developed internal multiaxial stress states in the composites. The bond between the aluminum and the boron filament was investigated by electron microscope replica techniques. The replicas demonstrated that a strong bond between the filament and the metal matrix exists by showing failure in the metal rather than the bond area upon filament extraction. The significance of the various diffusion bonding parameters in terms of the development of the multiaxially produced synergism is discussed in terms of the further development of these tech nologically important aluminum-boron composites.