bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional and Elevational Patterns in Vascular Epiphyte Richness on an East Asian Island
Authors: Hsu Rebecca C.‐C. , Wolf Jan H. D. , Tamis Wil L. M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe distribution of species on mountains has been related to various predictor variables, especially temperature. Thermal specialization—presumed to be more pronounced on tropical mountains than on temperate mountains—accounts for the elevational pattern of species richness and varies between organisms and geographic areas. In this study, the elevational and regional distribution patterns of 331 epiphyte species in Taiwan were explored using 39,084 botanic collections, mostly from herbaria. Species richness showed a peak in elevation at 500–1500 m. This peak could not be explained by a null model, the mid‐domain effect, suggesting that environmental variables accounted mostly for the distribution of species on the mountains. Next, species distributions were modeled to assess epiphyte regional and elevational distribution patterns. The model results not only corroborated the position of the mid‐elevation peak in richness, but also identified two mountain areas on the island with exceptionally high species richness. These areas of high epiphyte diversity coincide with areas of high rainfall in relation to the direction of the prevailing winds. Moreover, a subsequent exploratory ordination analysis showed a varied thermal preference between epiphyte subcategories (hemiepiphytes, dicotyledons, orchids, and ferns). In contrast to predictions by the elevational Rapoport's rule, ordination analysis also showed that the degree of thermal specialization increased with elevation, suggesting that highland species may be especially vulnerable to global warming.
Differentiation of histoplasma and cryptococcus in cytology smears: a diagnostic dilemma in severely necrotic cases
Authors: Ranjan R. , Jain D. , Singh L. , Iyer V. K. , Sharma M. C. , Mathur S. R. 
Published: August 2014

ObjectiveThe correct identification of fungal organisms is important for the appropriate clinical management of patients. It becomes difficult in necrotic smears when the tissue response is not clearly discernible. It is difficult to distinguish between histoplasma and cryptococcus in severely necrotic cases, where both appear as variably sized clear refractile haloes.MethodsFour cases of adrenal necrotic histoplasma infection were studied and the morphology was compared with that of non‐necrotic histoplasmosis and cases of cryptococcal infection. Eleven cases were analysed in fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) smears. Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) stain was performed to exclude tuberculosis in necrotic smears. A clinical and serology correlation was performed where available.ResultsNecrotic cases of histoplasma infection revealed negative refractile clear haloes similar to those of cryptococcus. Histoplasma showed methylene blue‐stained organisms in ZN stains, whereas the cryptococcus cases were negative. Similar methylene blue‐stained organisms were seen in non‐necrotic histoplasma infection.ConclusionAs a result of morphological overlap between cryptococcus and histoplasma, the distinction between the two fungi can be difficult in many cases. ZN staining appears to have a role in the differentiation of these fungi in severely necrotic cases. This observation needs to be validated on a larger number of cases with complete correlation with clinical, serology and treatment records.
Phytolatex synthesized gold nanoparticles as novel agent to enhance sun protection factor of commercial sunscreens
Authors: Borase H. P. , Patil C. D. , Salunkhe R. B. , Suryawanshi R. K. , Salunke B. K. , Patil S. V. 
Published: August 2014

SynopsisObjectiveTo study the potential of phytolatex (latex of Jatropha gossypifolia) fabricated gold nanoparticles as promising candidate in sunscreen formulations for enhancement in sun protection factor.MethodsIn this study, plant latex was used as reducing and capping agent to synthesize gold nanoparticles. Latex fabricated gold nanoparticles were characterized by different analytical techniques such as UV‐Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Potential of sunscreen preparations containing gold nanoparticles to protect skin from UV radiation was investigated by in vitro sun protection factor analysis. Transmission electron microscopy and UV‐Vis spectroscopy techniques were used to get insight into mechanism by which AuNPs enhance sun protection factor of sunscreen.ResultsMonodisperse gold nanoparticles were synthesized using plant latex without need of hazardous chemical reducing and capping agents. Gold nanoparticles showed surface plasmon resonance peak at 550 nm in UV‐Vis spectroscopic study. Gold nanoparticles were spherical and triangular in shape with size range of 30–50 nm. The zeta potential of gold nanoparticles was found to be −9.39 ± 0.19 mV. XRD analysis confirmed face‐centred cubic (fcc) structure of gold nanoparticles. Incorporation of latex synthesized gold nanoparticles (2 and 4 [% w/w]) into commercial sunscreens increased the sun protection factor from 2.43 ± 0.74 to 24.11 ± 0.46% than sunscreen devoid of gold nanoparticles. From UV‐Vis absorption spectroscopy and TEM analysis, it was observed that gold nanoparticles enhance the sun protection factor of commercial sunscreens due to reflection and scattering of UV radiation.ConclusionPhytolatex synthesized gold nanoparticle is novel agent to enhance sun protection factor of commercial sunscreens. Gold nanoparticles aggregation in commercial sunscreen was the main factor behind SPF enhancement. This study showed that gold nanoparticles are potent alternative to traditionally used hazardous titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreen.
Attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention: a psychometric evaluation of the Swedish version of theAPuPinstrument
Authors: Florin Jan , Bååth Carina , Gunningberg Lena , Mårtensson Gunilla 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe primary aim was to conduct a psychometric evaluation of the Attitude towards Pressure ulcer Prevention (APuP) instrument in a Swedish context. A further aim was to describe and compare attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention between registered nurses (RNs), assistant nurses (ANs) and student nurses (SNs). In total, 415 RNs, ANs and SNs responded to the questionnaire. In addition to descriptive and comparative statistics, confirmatory factor analyses were performed. Because of a lack of support for the instrument structure, further explorative and consecutive confirmatory tests were conducted. Overall, positive attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention were identified for all three groups, but SNs reported lower attitude scores on three items and a higher score on one item compared to RNs and ANs. The findings indicated no support in this Swedish sample for the previously reported five‐factor model of APuP. Further explorative and confirmative factor analyses indicated that a four‐factor model was most interpretable: (i) Priority (five items), (ii) Competence (three items), (iii) Importance (three items) and (iv) Responsibility (two items). The five‐factor solution could not be confirmed. Further research is recommended to develop a valid and reliable tool to assess nurses' attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention working across different settings on an international level.
Morphology of craters generated by hypervelocity impacts of micron‐sized polypyrrole‐coated olivine particles
Authors: Li Y. W. , Bugiel S. , Trieloff M. , Hillier Jon K. , Postberg F. , Price M. C. , Shu A. , Fiege K. , Fielding L. A. , Armes S. P. , Wu Y. Y. , Grün E. , Srama R. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTo understand the process of cosmic dust particle impacts and translate crater morphology on smoothed metallic surfaces to dust properties, correct calibration of the experimental impact data is needed. This article presents the results of studies of crater morphology generated by impacts using micron‐sized polypyrrole (PPy)‐coated olivine particles. The particles were accelerated by an electrostatic dust accelerator to high speeds before they impacted onto polished aluminum targets. The projectile diameter and velocity ranges were 0.3–1.2 μm and 3–7 km s−1. After impact, stereopair images of the craters were taken using scanning electron microscope and 3‐D reconstructions made to provide diameter and depth measurements. In this study, not just the dimensions of crater diameters and depths, but also the shape and dimensions of crater lips were analyzed. The craters created by the coated olivine projectiles are shown to have complicated shapes believed to be due to the nonspherical shape of the projectiles.
Neurovascular disturbances after implant surgery
Authors: Jacobs Reinhilde , Quirynen Marc , Bornstein Michael M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWith a steadily increasing impact of oral implant placement in daily practice, the number of reported surgical complications has also been growing. Recent studies reveal significant variation in the occurrence and morphology of neurovascular canal structures in the jaw bone. All those structures contain a neurovascular bundle, the diameter of which may be large enough to cause clinically significant damage. Therefore, it has become obvious that presurgical radiographic planning of jaw‐bone surgery should pay attention to the neurovascular structures and their likely variations, in addition to examining many other factors, such as jaw‐bone morphology and volume, bone trabecular structure and the absence of bone or tooth pathology. A critical review is accomplished to explore the potential risks for neurovascular complications after implant placement, with evidence derived from histologic, anatomic, clinical and radiologic studies. In this respect, cross‐sectional imaging can often be advocated, as it is obvious that the inherent three‐dimensional nature of jaw‐bone anatomy may clearly benefit from a detailed spatial image analysis. Although this could initially be realized by conventional computed tomography, in current practice, dentomaxillofacial cone beam computed tomography might be used, as it offers high‐quality images at low radiation dose levels and costs.
Cytometric Analysis of Surface Molecules of Leucocytes and Phagocytic Activity of Granulocytes and Monocytes/Macrophages in Cows with Pyometra
Authors: Brodzki P , Kostro K , Brodzki A , Niemczuk K , Lisiecka U 
Published: August 2014

ContentsPyometra is a serious problem in dairy cow herds, causing large economic losses due to infertility. The development of pyometra depends mainly on the immunological status of the cow. The aim of the study was a comparative evaluation of selected indicators involving non‐specific and specific immunity in cows with pyometra and in cows without inflammation of the uterus. The study was performed in 20 cows, which were divided into two groups: pyometra group and healthy group, each comprising 10 cows, based on the results of cytological and ultrasonographic tests. A flow cytometric analysis was performed for the surface molecules CD4, CD8, CD14, CD21, CD25 and CD4+CD25+ on leucocytes, and the phagocytic activity was determined from granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages in the peripheral blood and uterine washings, respectively. It was demonstrated that the percentage of phagocytic granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages in both the peripheral blood and uterine washings was significantly lower in cows with pyometra compared with the healthy group (p < 0.001). Significantly (p ≤ 0.001) lower percentage of CD4+, CD14+, CD25+ and CD4+CD25+ phenotype leucocytes was also observed in the peripheral blood of cows from the pyometra group, along with a significantly higher (p < 0.001) percentage of CD8+ and CD21+ lymphocytes as compared to the healthy group. The results of work indicate that disfunction of cell immunity coexisting with pyometra may be caused by a bacterial infection and the presence of blocking agents (IL‐10), released by the increasing number of CD8+ lymphocytes what leads to the advanced inflammation of uterus.
Mupirocin-Induced Mutations in
ileS
in Various Genetic Backgrounds of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Lee Andie S. , Gizard Yann , Empel Joanna , Bonetti Eve-Julie , Harbarth Stephan , François Patrice 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

Topical mupirocin is widely used for the decolonization of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) carriers. We evaluated the capacity of various MRSA clonotypes to develop mutations in the
ileS
gene associated with low-level mupirocin resistance. Twenty-four mupirocin-sensitive MRSA isolates from a variety of genotypes (determined by a multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat assay) were selected. Mupirocin MICs were determined by Etest. The isolates were then incubated in subinhibitory concentrations of mupirocin for 7 to 14 days. Repeat MIC determinations and sequencing of the
ileS
gene were then performed. Doubling times of isolates exposed to mupirocin and of unexposed isolates were compared. We found that exposure to mupirocin led to rapid induction of low-level resistance (MICs of 8 to 24 μg/ml) in 11 of 24 (46%) MRSA isolates. This phenomenon was observed in strains with diverse genetic backgrounds. Various mutations were detected in 18 of 24 (75%) MRSA isolates. Acquisition of mutations appeared to be a stepwise process during prolonged incubation with the drug. Among the five isolates exhibiting low-level resistance and the highest MICs, four tested sensitive after incubation in the absence of mupirocin but there was no reversion to the susceptible wild-type primary sequence. Resistance was not associated with significant fitness cost, suggesting that MRSA strains with low-level mupirocin resistance may have a selective advantage in facilities where mupirocin is commonly used. Our findings emphasize the importance of the judicious use of this topical agent and the need to closely monitor for the emergence of resistance.
Generation of Calves Persistently Infected with HoBi-Like Pestivirus and Comparison of Methods for Detection of These Persistent Infections
Authors: Bauermann F. V. , Falkenberg S. M. , Vander Ley B. , Decaro N. , Brodersen B. W. , Harmon A. , Hessman B. , Flores E. F. , Ridpath J. F. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThe identification and elimination of persistently infected (PI) cattle are the most effective measures for controlling bovine pestiviruses, including bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and the emerging HoBi-like viruses. Here, colostrum-deprived calves persistently infected with HoBi-like pestivirus (HoBi-like PI calves) were generated and sampled (serum, buffy coat, and ear notches) on the day of birth (DOB) and weekly for 5 consecutive weeks. The samples were subjected to diagnostic tests for BVDV—two reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) assays, two commercial real-time RT quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), two antigen capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ACE), and immunohistochemistry (IHC)—and to HoBi-like virus-specific RT-PCR and RT-qPCR assays. The rate of false negatives varied among the calves. The HoBi-like virus-specific RT-PCR detected HoBi-like virus in 83%, 75%, and 87% of the serum, buffy coat, and ear notch samples, respectively, while the HoBi-like RT-qPCR detected the virus in 83%, 96%, and 62%, respectively. In comparison, the BVDV RT-PCR test had a higher rate of false negatives in all tissue types, especially for the ear notch samples (missing detection in at least 68% of the samples). The commercial BVDV RT-qPCRs and IHC detected 100% of the ear notch samples as positive. While ACE based on the BVDV glycoprotein Ernsdetected infection in at least 87% of ear notches, no infections were detected using NS3-based ACE. The BVDV RT-qPCR, ACE, and IHC yielded higher levels of detection than the HoBi-like virus-specific assays, although the lack of differentiation between BVDV and HoBi-like viruses would make these tests of limited use for the control and/or surveillance of persistent HoBi-like virus infection. An improvement in HoBi-like virus tests is required before a reliable HoBi-like PI surveillance program can be designed.
Comparison of Flocked and Aptima Swabs and Two Specimen Transport Media in the Aptima Combo 2 Assay
Authors: Li Jenny , Jang Dan , Gilchrist Jodi , Smieja Marek , Ewert Ruth , MacRitchie Cindy , Chernesky Max 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

Self-collected vaginal Aptima swabs and flocked swabs in Aptima specimen transport medium and ESwabs in ESwab medium detected all 37
Chlamydia trachomatis
-infected patients from 287 women tested by the Aptima Combo assay. Prevalence rates of
C. trachomatis
,
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
, and dual infection were 12.8%, 3.1%, and 2.4%, respectively.
Clinical Characteristics of Patients Who Test Positive for Clostridium difficile by Repeat PCR
Authors: Green Daniel A. , Stotler Brie , Jackman Dana , Whittier Susan , Della-Latta Phyllis 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

The high sensitivity of PCR assays for diagnosing
Clostridium difficile
infection (CDI) has greatly reduced the need for repeat testing after a negative result. Nevertheless, a small subset of patients do test positive within 7 days of a negative test. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of these patients to determine when repeat testing may be appropriate. The results of all Xpert
C. difficile
PCR (Cepheid, Sunnyvale CA) tests performed in the clinical microbiology laboratory at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center (NYPH/CUMC) from 1 May 2011 through 6 September 2013, were reviewed. A retrospective case-control study was performed, comparing patients who tested positive within 7 days of a negative test result to a random selection of 50 controls who tested negative within 7 days of a negative test result. During the study period, a total of 14,875 tests were performed, of which 1,066 were repeat tests (7.2%). Eleven of these repeat tests results were positive (1.0%). The only risk factor independently associated with repeat testing positive was history of a prior CDI (odds ratio [OR], 19.6 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 4.0 to 19.5],
P
< 0.001). We found that patients who test positive for
C. difficile
by PCR within 7 days of a negative test are more likely to have a history of CDI than are patients who test negative with repeat PCR. This finding may be due to the high rate of disease relapse or the increased likelihood of empirical therapy leading to false-negative results in these patients.
Counteracting Effects of Cellular Notch and Epstein-Barr Virus EBNA2: Implications for Stromal Effects on Virus-Host Interactions
Authors: Rowe Martin , Raithatha Sweta , Shannon-Lowe Claire 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTA number of diverse environmental cues have been linked to B lymphocyte differentiation and activation. One such cue, Notch-2, may be particularly relevant to the biology of infection with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which colonizes the B cell compartment. Activated Notch and EBV nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA2) both function as transcriptional activators by virtue of their interactions with the transcription factor RBP-Jκ. Although EBNA2 and activated Notch appear to have partially overlapping functions, we now report that activated Notch counteracts a crucial EBNA2 function both in newly infected primary B cells and in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). EBNA2 is directly responsible for the initiation of transcription of the majority of EBV proteins associated with type III latency, leading to the outgrowth of LCLs. One of the key proteins driving this outgrowth is latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), which is regulated by an EBNA2-responsive element within its ED-L1 promoter. Activation of Notch-2 via Delta-like ligand 1 inhibits EBNA2-mediated initiation of LMP1 transcription. Furthermore, ligated Notch-2 also efficiently turns off LMP1 expression from the ED-L1 promoter in LCLs already expressing LMP1. Modulation of EBV gene expression by Notch was not confined to EBNA2-dependent events. Activated Notch-2 also inhibited EBV entry into the lytic cycle in a B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma line by upregulating the cellular transcription factor Zeb2, which represses the transcription of BZLF1. These results support the concept thatin vivo, cumulative signals from the microenvironment downregulate EBV gene expression in B cells to the latency 0 gene expression profile observed in B cells entering the peripheral blood.IMPORTANCEExperimental infection of resting B cells by Epstein-Barr virus leads to the growth transformation program of virus gene expression and the outgrowth of lymphoblastoid cell lines. Previous studies at the single-cell level revealed complex cellular and viral signaling networks regulating transcription of the viral genome. This study demonstrates that viral gene expression can also be radically altered by molecules expressed on stromal cells in the microenvironment of lymphoid tissue, specifically, Delta-like ligand 1 on stromal cells ligating Notch-2 on infected B cells. Activation of Notch interferes with the transactivation function of EBNA2, downregulates the expression of LMP1 and LMP2a, and inhibits the activation of lytic virus replication in a B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma line by preventing expression of BZLF1. The significance of these observations is that they indicate new mechanisms whereby the microenvironment in normal lymphoid tissue may facilitate the repression of viral gene expression, enabling establishment of true latency in memory B cells.