bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stocking Density Effects on Production Characteristics and Body Composition of Market Size Cobia, Rachycentron canadum, Reared in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
Authors: Riche Marty A. , Weirich Charles R. , Wills Paul S. , Baptiste Richard M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractCulture density in excess of a critical threshold can result in a negative relationship between stocking density and fish production. This study was conducted to evaluate production characteristics of juvenile cobia, Rachycentron canadum, reared to market size in production‐scale recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) at three different densities. Cobia (322 ± 69 g initial weight) were reared for 119 d at densities to attain a final in‐tank biomass of 10, 20, or 30 kg/m3. The specific objective was to determine the effects of in‐tank crowding resulting from higher biomass per unit rearing volume independent of system loading rates. Survival was ≥96% among all treatments. Mean final weight ranged from 2.13 to 2.15 kg with feed conversion efficiencies of 65–66%. No significant differences were detected in growth rate, survival, feed efficiency, or body composition. This study demonstrates that cobia can be reared to >2 kg final weight at densities ≤30 kg/m3 under suitable environmental conditions without detrimental effects on production.
Image analysis of liver collagen using sirius red is more accurate and correlates better with serum fibrosis markers than trichrome
Authors: Huang Yi , de Boer W. Bastiaan , Adams Leon A. , MacQuillan Gerry , Rossi Enrico , Rigby Paul , Raftopoulos Spiro C. , Bulsara Max , Jeffrey Gary P. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundCollagen proportional area (CPA) determined by quantitative digital image analysis better quantifies liver fibrosis than histological stage; however, its clinical use has been limited by non‐standardized methods.AimThis study aimed to compare CPA obtained using different staining methods, magnifications and biopsy sizes.MethodsTwo hundred and forty‐nine patients with chronic hepatitis C who had a liver biopsy and serum fibrosis markers performed were included. CPA was measured either using a sirius red (CPAs) or a trichrome (CPAt) stain.ResultsCPAs measured at 20× and 40× magnifications generated similar outcomes with interclass correlation (ICC) coefficient of 0.98. Compared with trichrome, sirius red staining had much less variation with an ICC coefficient of 0.99 for slides stained in the same batch and 0.92 in different batches. Mean CPAs was higher than mean CPAt by 3.53%, P < 0.001. Morphological analysis found that sirius red detected delicate fibrous septa and spurs better than trichrome. Both CPAs and CPAt correlated well with Metavir stage, whereas CPAs had better ability to detect cirrhosis with the area under ROC curve of 0.95. Overall CPA had superior correlation with serum markers of fibrosis in Metavir F2–F4 than that in F0–F1 and CPAs correlated better with serum fibrosis markers than CPAt in Metavir F0–F1. Multivairate analysis found that HA, α2‐macroglobulin, platelet count and albumin were independently correlated with CPAs and only HA was independently correlated with CPAt.ConclusionsSirius red staining for CPA determination was more accurate and reliable for quantifying hepatic collagen compared with trichrome staining.
The effect of coffee consumption on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B virus endemic area
Authors: Jang Eun Sun , Jeong Sook‐Hyang , Lee Sang Hyub , Hwang Sung Ho , Ahn So Yeon , Lee Jaebong , Park Young Soo , Hwang Jin Hyoek , Kim Jin‐Wook , Kim Nayoung , Lee Dong Ho , Kim Hyun Young 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsCoffee consumption is inversely related to the risk of cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the protective effect of coffee drinking against the risk of HCC was not established in HBV‐prevalent region. To elucidate the relationship between lifetime coffee consumption and the risk of HCC development under the consideration of replication status of HBV.MethodsA hospital‐based case–control study was performed in 1364 subjects. A total of 258 HCC patients, 480 health‐check examinees (control 1, HCE) and 626 patients with chronic liver disease other than HCC (control 2, CLD) were interviewed on smoking, alcohol and coffee drinking using a standardized questionnaire. HBV e‐antigen (HBeAg) status and serum HBV DNA levels were measured in patients infected with HBV.ResultsAfter adjustment for age, gender, obesity, DM, presence of hepatitis virus (except for HCE) and lifetime alcohol drinking/smoking, a high lifetime coffee consumption (≥20 000 cups) was an independent protective factor against HCC, in each analyses using healthy and risky control groups respectively (HCE group, OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.33–0.95; CLD group, OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.36–0.85). However, the high coffee consumption did not affect the HCC risk in patients with HBV (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.36–1.14) after adjustment for HBeAg status, serum HBV DNA level and antiviral therapy.ConclusionsA high lifetime coffee consumption was negatively associated with a HCC development. However, this difference of coffee exposure with the HCC group was reduced in chronic hepatitis B patients by the dominant role of viral replication.
Justifying Desires
Authors: Kriegel Uriah 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAccording to an influential conception of reasons for action, the presence of a desire or some other conative state in the agent is a necessary condition for the agent's having a reason for action. This is sometimes known as internalism. This article presents a case for the considerably stronger thesis, which we may call hyper‐internalism, that the presence of a desire is a sufficient condition for the agent's having a (prima facie) reason for action.
ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3 regulates abscisic acid‐responsive gene expression with the nuclear factor Y complex through the ACTT‐core element in Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Yotsui Izumi , Saruhashi Masashi , Kawato Takahiro , Taji Teruaki , Hayashi Takahisa , Quatrano Ralph S. , Sakata Yoichi 
Published: April 2013

Summary

The phytohormone ABA and the transcription factor ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 3 (ABI3)/VIVIPAROUS 1 (VP1) function in protecting embryos during the desiccation stage of seed development. In a similar signaling pathway, vegetative tissue of the moss Physcomitrella patens survives desiccation by activating downstream genes (e.g. LEA1) in response to ABA and ABI3.

We show that the PpLEA1 promoter responds to PpABI3 primarily through the ACTT‐core element (5′‐TCCACTTGTC‐3′), while the ACGT‐core ABA‐responsive element (ABRE) appears to respond to ABA alone. We also found by yeast‐two‐hybrid screening that PpABI3A interacts with PpNF‐YC1, a subunit of CCAAT box binding factor (CBF)/nuclear factor Y (NF‐Y). PpNF‐YC1 increased the activation of the PpLEA1 promoter when incubated with PpABI3A, as did NF‐YB, NF‐YC, and ABI3 from Arabidopsis.

This new response element (ACTT) is responsible for activating the ABI3‐dependent ABA response pathway cooperatively with the nuclear factor Y (NF‐Y) complex. These results further define the regulatory interactions at the transcriptional level for the expression of this network of genes required for drought/desiccation tolerance.

This gene regulatory set is in large part conserved between vegetative tissue of bryophytes and seeds of angiosperms and will shed light on the evolution of this pathway in the green plant lineage.
Community health workers – a resource for identification and referral of sick newborns in rural Uganda
Authors: Kayemba Nalwadda Christine , Guwatudde David , Waiswa Peter , Kiguli Juliet , Namazzi Gertrude , Namutumba Sarah , Tomson Göran , Peterson Stefan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo determine community health workers' (CHWs) competence in identifying and referring sick newborns in Uganda.MethodsCase‐vignettes, observations of role‐plays and interviews were employed to collect data using checklists and semistructured questionnaires, from 57 trained CHWs participating in a community health facility–linked cluster randomised trial. Competence to identify and refer sick newborns was measured by knowledge of newborn danger signs, skills to identify sick newborns and effective communication to mothers. Proportions and median scores were computed for each attribute with a pre‐defined pass mark of 100% for knowledge and 90% for skill and communication.ResultsFor knowledge, 68% of the CHWs attained the pass mark. The median percentage score was 100 (IQR 94 100). 74% mentioned the required five newborn danger signs unprompted. ‘Red umbilicus/cord with pus’ was mentioned by all CHWs (100%), but none mentioned chest in‐drawing and grunting as newborn danger signs. 63% attained the pass mark for both skill and communication. The median percentage scores were 91 (IQR 82 100) for skills and 94 (IQR 89, 94) for effective communication. 98% correctly identified the four case‐vignettes as sick or not sick newborn. ‘Preterm birth’ was the least identified danger sign from the case‐vignettes, by 51% of the CHWs.ConclusionCHWs trained for a short period but effectively supervised are competent in identifying and referring sick newborns in a poor resource setting.
A method of measuring gold nanoparticle concentrations by x‐ray fluorescence for biomedical applications
Authors: Wu Di , Li Yuhua , Wong Molly D. , Liu Hong 
Published: April 2013

Purpose:This paper reports a technique that enables the quantitative determination of the concentration of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) through the accurate detection of their fluorescence radiation in the diagnostic x‐ray spectrum.Methods:Experimentally, x‐ray fluorescence spectra of 1.9 and 15 nm GNP solutions are measured using an x‐ray spectrometer, individually and within chicken breast tissue samples. An optimal combination of excitation and emission filters is determined to segregate the fluorescence spectra at 66.99 and 68.80 keV from the background scattering. A roadmap method is developed that subtracts the scattered radiation (acquired before the insertion of GNP solutions) from the signal radiation acquired after the GNP solutions are inserted.Results:The methods effectively minimize the background scattering in the spectrum measurements, showing linear relationships between GNP solutions from 0.1% to 10% weight concentration and from 0.1% to 1.0% weight concentration inside a chicken breast tissue sample.Conclusions:The investigation demonstrated the potential of imaging gold nanoparticles quantitativelyin vivo for in‐tissue studies, but future studies will be needed to investigate the ability to apply this method to clinical applications.
Anthracene-Polyamine Conjugates Inhibit
In Vitro
Proliferation of Intraerythrocytic Plasmodium falciparum Parasites
Authors: Niemand Jandeli , Burger Pieter , Verlinden Bianca K. , Reader Janette , Joubert Annie M. , Kaiser Annette , Louw Abraham I. , Kirk Kiaran , Phanstiel Otto , Birkholtz Lyn-Marie 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Anthracene-polyamine conjugates inhibit the
in vitro
proliferation of the intraerythrocytic human malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s) in the nM to μM range. The compounds are taken up into the intraerythrocytic parasite, where they arrest the parasite cell cycle. Both the anthracene and polyamine components of the conjugates play a role in their antiplasmodial effect.
Sensitive and Specific Serodiagnosis of Leishmania infantum Infection in Dogs by Using Peptides Selected from Hypothetical Proteins Identified by an Immunoproteomic Approach
Authors: Chávez-Fumagalli Miguel A. , Martins Vivian T. , Testasicca Miriam C. S. , Lage Daniela P. , Costa Lourena E. , Lage Paula S. , Duarte Mariana C. , Ker Henrique G. , Ribeiro Tatiana G. , Carvalho Fernando A. A. , Régis Wiliam C. B. , dos Reis Alexandre B. , Tavares Carlos A. P. , Soto Manuel , Fernandes Ana Paula , Coelho Eduardo A. F. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTIn Brazil, the percentage of infected dogs living in areas where canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is endemic ranges from 10 to 62%; however, the prevalence of infection in dogs is probably higher than figures reported from serological studies. In addition, problems with the occurrence of false-positive or false-negative results in the serodiagnosis of CVL have been reported. The present work analyzed the potential of synthetic peptides mapped from hypothetical proteins for improvement of the serodiagnosis ofLeishmania infantuminfection in dogs. From 26 identified leishmanial proteins, eight were selected, considering that no homologies between these proteins and others from trypanosomatide sequence databases were encountered. The sequences of these proteins were mapped to identify linear B-cell epitopes, and 17 peptides were synthesized and tested in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the serodiagnosis ofL. infantuminfection in dogs. Of these, three exhibited sensitivity and specificity values higher than 75% and 90%, respectively, to differentiateL. infantum-infected animals fromTrypanosoma cruzi-infected animals and healthy animals. SolubleLeishmaniaantigen (SLA) showed poor sensitivity (4%) and specificity (36%) to differentiateL. infantum-infected dogs from healthy andT. cruzi-infected dogs. Lastly, the three selected peptides were combined in different mixtures and higher sensitivity and specificity values were obtained, even when sera fromT. cruzi-infected dogs were used. The study's findings suggest that these three peptides can constitute a potential tool for more sensitive and specific serodiagnosis ofL. infantuminfection in dogs.
Development of Doxycycline MIC and Disk Diffusion Interpretive Breakpoints and Revision of Tetracycline Breakpoints for Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Dallas Steven D. , McGee Lesley , Limbago Brandi , Patel Jean B. , McElmeel M. Leticia , Fulcher Letitia C. , Lonsway David R. , Jorgensen James H. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

A study was performed to derive susceptibility testing interpretive breakpoints for doxycycline with
Streptococcus pneumoniae
and to reassess breakpoints for tetracycline using the requirements defined in Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) document M23-A3. Tetracycline and doxycycline MICs and disk diffusion zone sizes were determined on 189 isolates selected from the 2009-2010 CDC Active Bacterial Core surveillance strain collection according to the testing methods described in CLSI documents M07-A8 and M02-A10. Tetracycline and doxycycline MICs and zones were compared to each other directly, and the reproducibility of MICs and zone diameters for both drugs was determined. Scattergrams of tetracycline MICs versus corresponding zone diameters and doxycycline MICs versus zones were prepared, and analysis indicated that the present CLSI tetracycline MIC and disk breakpoints did not fit the susceptibility data for doxycycline. Doxycycline was 1 to 3 dilutions more potent than tetracycline, especially in strains harboring the
tetM
resistance determinant.
tetM
was detected in ≥90% of isolates having tetracycline MICs of ≥4 μg/ml and in ≥90% with doxycycline MICs of ≥1. Limited pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) data coupled with application of the error-rate bounded method of analysis suggested doxycycline-susceptible breakpoints of either ≤0.25 μg/ml or ≤0.5 μg/ml, with intermediate and resistant breakpoints 1 and 2 dilutions higher, respectively. The disk diffusion zone diameter correlates were susceptible at ≥28 mm, intermediate at 25 to 27 mm, and resistant at ≤24 mm. Revised lower tetracycline MIC breakpoints were suggested as susceptible at ≤1 μg/ml, intermediate at 2 μg/ml, and resistant at ≥4 μg/ml. Suggested tetracycline disk diffusion zones were identical to those of doxycycline.
Impact of Routine Real-Time PCR Testing of Imported Malaria over 4 Years of Implementation in a Clinical Laboratory
Authors: Shokoples Sandra , Mukhi Shamir N. , Scott Allison N. , Yanow Stephanie K. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

In clinical laboratories, diagnosis of imported malaria is commonly performed by microscopy. However, the volume of specimens is generally low and maintaining proficiency in reading blood smears, particularly at the species level, is challenging in this setting. To address this problem, the Provincial Laboratory for Public Health (ProvLab) in Alberta, Canada, implemented real-time PCR for routine confirmation of all smear-positive samples in the province. Here we report our experience over a 4-year period (2008 to 2012) with this new diagnostic algorithm. While detection of
Plasmodium falciparum
by microscopy alone was accurate, real-time PCR served as an important adjunct to microscopy for the identification of non-
falciparum
species. In 18% of cases, the result was reported as non-
falciparum
or the species could not be identified by microscopy alone, and in all cases, the species was resolved by real-time PCR. In another 4% of cases, the species was misidentified by microscopy. To enhance surveillance for malaria, we integrated our demographic, clinical, and laboratory data into a new system developed by the Canadian Network for Public Health Intelligence, called the Malaria System for Online Surveillance (SOS). Using this application, we characterized our patient populations and travel history to identify risk factors associated with malaria infection abroad.
Epidemic Spread of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Marais Ben J. , Mlambo Charmaine K. , Rastogi Nalin , Zozio Thierry , Duse Adriano G. , Victor Thomas C. , Marais Else , Warren Robin M. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Numerous reports have documented isolated transmission events or clonal outbreaks of multidrug-resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strains, but knowledge of their epidemic spread remains limited. In this study, we evaluated drug resistance, strain diversity, and clustering rates in patients diagnosed with multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) Central TB Laboratory in Johannesburg, South Africa, between March 2004 and December 2007. Phenotypic drug susceptibility testing was done using the indirect proportion method, while each isolate was genotyped using a combination of spoligotyping and 12-MIRU typing (12-locus multiple interspersed repetitive unit typing). Isolates from 434 MDR-TB patients were evaluated, of which 238 (54.8%) were resistant to four first-line drugs (isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and streptomycin). Spoligotyping identified 56 different strains and 28 clusters of variable size (2 to 71 cases per cluster) with a clustering rate of 87.1%. Ten clusters included 337 (77.6%) of all cases, with strains of the Beijing genotype being most prevalent (16.4%). Combined analysis of spoligotyping and 12-MIRU typing increased the discriminatory power (Hunter Gaston discriminatory index [HGDI] = 0.962) and reduced the clustering rate to 66.8%. Resolution of Beijing genotype strains was further enhanced with the 24-MIRU-VNTR (variable-number tandem repeat) typing method by identifying 15 subclusters and 19 unique strains from twelve 12-MIRU clusters. High levels of clustering among a variety of strains suggest a true epidemic spread of MDR-TB in the study setting, emphasizing the urgency of early diagnosis and effective treatment to reduce transmission within this community.
First Case of Pulmonary Disease Caused by a Mycobacterium avium Complex Strain of Presumed Veterinary Origin in an Adult Human Patient
Authors: Kim Su-Young , Shin Sung Jae , Lee Nam Yong , Koh Won-Jung 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

We report the first case of pulmonary disease caused by a strain of
Mycobacterium avium
complex of presumed veterinary origin in an elderly patient. All serial isolates were identified by multilocus sequence analysis based on
rpoB
,
hsp65
, and 16S rRNA fragments. Disease persisted despite macrolide-based combination antibiotic therapy.
Fifty Percent Tissue Culture Infective Dose Assay for Determining the Titer of Infectious Human Herpesvirus 8
Authors: Nadgir Sagar V. , Hensler Heather R. , Knowlton Emilee R. , Rinaldo Charles R. , Rappocciolo Giovanna , Jenkins Frank J. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

We have developed a human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID
50
) assay using the T1H6-DC-SIGN cell line. Infection of T1H6-DC-SIGN cells with HHV-8 induces expression of β-galactosidase, which was used to determine TCID
50
levels. Validation of TCID
50
values was performed by immunofluorescence assay of HHV-8 infection of immature dendritic cells at various TCID
50
doses.
Mobile Digital Fluorescence Microscopy for Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
Authors: Tapley Asa , Switz Neil , Reber Clay , Davis J. Lucian , Miller Cecily , Matovu John Baptist , Worodria William , Huang Laurence , Fletcher Daniel A. , Cattamanchi Adithya 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Access to sputum smear microscopy in high-tuberculosis (TB)-burden regions is limited by a scarcity of microscopes and experienced technicians. We evaluated the accuracy of CellScope, a novel digital fluorescence microscope that may expand access to microscopy. The study utilized smear microscopy slides prepared from sputum specimens submitted by consecutive adults with ≥2 weeks of cough who were admitted to Mulago Hospital (Kampala, Uganda). Conventional light-emitting diode (LED) fluorescence microscopy (FM) and mycobacterial culture were performed by experienced technicians. Two U.S.-based postgraduate researchers without prior microscopy experience restained, imaged, and interpreted the slides using CellScope. We assessed whether sensitivity and specificity of CellScope-based LED FM was noninferior to conventional LED FM by using a preselected margin of inferiority of 15%. Of 525 patients included, 72% were HIV seropositive and 39% had culture-confirmed TB. The proportions of positive results were similar with CellScope and conventional LED FM (34% versus 32%, respectively;
P
= 0.32), and agreement was substantial. CellScope accuracy was within the noninferiority margin for both sensitivity (63% versus 70%; difference, −7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], −13% to −1%) and specificity (85% versus 92%; difference, −7%; 95% CI, −12% to −3%). A subanalysis of 43 slides evaluated by each CellScope reader found substantial interreader reliability (custom-weighted kappa, 0.65) and variable intrareader reliability (custom-weighted kappa, 0.11 versus 0.48). CellScope offers promise for expanding microscopy services. Future studies should evaluate the device when operated by health workers in low-resource settings, the feasibility of image transmission and analysis by experienced microscopists, and the accuracy of automated image analysis algorithms.