bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sperm Encapsulation from 1985 to Date: Technology Evolution and New Challenges in Swine Reproduction
Authors: Perteghella S , Vigani B , Crivelli B , Spinaci M , Galeati G , Bucci D , Vigo D , Torre ML , Chlapanidas T 
Published: July 2015

ContentsIn the last 30 years, encapsulation technology has been applied to different species to minimize the loss of spermatozoa after artificial insemination. In particular, the vehiculation of boar sperm cells in barium alginate membrane has proved a valid strategy to reduce the risk of polyspermy and optimize in vivo fertilizing yields. Controlled release of male gametes into the female genital tract has reduced the minimum fertilizing dose of spermatozoa. Notwithstanding these results, encapsulation has not yet reached commercial application, largely due to the additional costs of production. However, encapsulation could be useful in advanced reproductive technology, such as sex sorting, to store sorted boar semen. The controlled release of flow cytometrically sorted spermatozoa could be a promising strategy to reduce the number of cells necessary for each insemination and hence allow the widescale use of sex sorting in this species.
The Fertility of Frozen Boar Sperm When used for Artificial Insemination
Authors: Knox RV 
Published: July 2015

ContentsOne of the limits to practical use of frozen boar sperm involves the lowered fertility when used for artificial insemination. Years of studies have shown that 5–6 billion sperm (approximately 3 billion viable) used in single or multiple inseminations results in pregnancy rates most often between 60 and 70% and with litter sizes between nine and 10 pigs. Yet today, it is not uncommon for studies to report pregnancy rates from 70 to 85% and litter sizes with 11–12 pigs. While global statements about the incidence and reasons for higher fertility are not conclusive, incremental fertility improvements appear independently associated with use of a minimum number of viable sperm (1–2 billion), insemination timing that increases the probability that sperm will be present close to ovulation for groups of females, selection for boar sperm survival following cryopreservation, and modification of the freeze and thaw conditions using additives to protect sperm from oxidative damage. Studies show that techniques such as intrauterine and deep uterine insemination can provide an opportunity to reduce sperm numbers and that control of time of ovulation in groups of females can reduce the need for multiple inseminations and improve the chance forAIclose to ovulation. However, optimal and consistent fertility with cryopreserved boar sperm may require a multifaceted approach that includes boar selection and screening, strategic use of additives during the freezing and thawing process, post‐thaw evaluation of sperm and adjustments in sperm numbers forAI, assessment of female fertility and ovulation induction for single insemination. These sequenced procedures should be developed and incorporated into a quality control system for improved fertility when using minimal numbers of cryopreserved boar sperm.
Challenges and Limits Using Antimicrobial Peptides in Boar Semen Preservation
Authors: Schulze M , Grobbel M , Müller K , Junkes C , Dathe M , Rüdiger K , Jung M 
Published: July 2015

ContentsAntibiotics are of great importance for the preservation of ejaculates for livestock breading. The use of antibiotics, however, is not an appropriate compensation for a lack of hygiene standards in artificial insemination (AI) centres. Sophisticated hygiene management and the proper identification of hygienic critical control points (HCCPs) at AI centres provide the basis for counteracting the development of antibiotic resistance in contaminant bacteria and their settlement in AI centres. In recent years, efforts have been made to use antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in the preservation of boar semen. Investigations have included the testing of synthetic magainin derivatives and cyclic hexapeptides. One prerequisite for the application of AMPs is that they have a minor impact on eukaryotic cells. Bacterial selectivity, proteolytic stability, thermodynamic resistance, and mechanisms including synergistic interaction with conventional antibiotics have made cyclic hexapeptides highly promising candidates for potential application as peptide antibiotics for semen preservation.
The Real Exchange Rate and Growth in Emerging Markets: The Case of Zimbabwe
Authors: Brixiová Zuzana , Ncube Mthuli , Bicaba Zorobabel 
Published: July 2015

AbstractZimbabwe has been facing growth and external competitiveness challenges, as shown by declining shares in global exports, high current account deficits, external debt and a widening productivity gap with South Africa. Estimates of the real equilibrium exchange rate reveal periods of sizeable misalignment, both prior to 2008 and under the current multicurrency regime. Misalignment has an asymmetric impact on growth. While overvaluation hampers growth, we have not found robust evidence that undervaluation would raise it. Replacing the multicurrency regime anchored in the US dollar by the South African rand would help reduce overvaluation and stimulate exports and growth. Under any currency regime, Zimbabwe needs to implement sound macroeconomic policies and an environment conducive to investment.
Should Commodity Exporters Peg to the Export Price?
Authors: Vogel Lukas , Hohberger Stefan , Herz Bernhard 
Published: July 2015

AbstractTo account for the specific situation of commodity exporters, pegging to export prices (PEP) has been proposed elsewhere as an alternative to other conventional monetary regimes such as an exchange rate peg or inflation targeting. PEP is supposed to deliver automatic accommodation to terms‐of‐trade shocks, while retaining the credibility gain from a nominal anchor. This paper analyzes the PEP proposal in a dynamic general‐equilibrium model and compares it with a standard Taylor rule, consumer price index (CPI)‐level targeting and a nominal exchange rate peg. Judged by the degree of output stabilization, PEP performs very similar to CPI targeting for export demand as well as domestic demand shocks and underperforms in the case of shocks to the export price. The results suggest that PEP is not superior to conventional CPI targeting from a macroeconomic stabilization perspective.
Collective emotions
Authors: Sullivan Gavin Brent 
Published: July 2015

AbstractResearch on collective emotions has been limited until recently to theories of irrational crowds, scepticism about genuinely group‐level psychological phenomena and analyses of the unconscious or ritual sources of mass affective experience. However, collective emotion is now a thriving research area that combines studies from philosophy, anthropology, sociology, social psychology and neuroscience. This article examines neo‐Durkheimian theories of collective emotions and relevant contributions of discursive psychologists and other social scientists influenced by the “turn to affect.” I argue that future theoretical and empirical investigations should do the following: (1) critically examine theories focusing on diffuse emotional energy and discrete collective emotions by also exploring the generation and production of genuinely collective mixed emotions; (2) clarify problems with “bottom‐up” models of causal mechanisms through exploration of “affective practices”; and (3) explore the implications of Tuomela's () “top‐down” social ontology of “group agents” as a framework for theories and studies of collective emotion.
The challenge of authenticity for medical students
Authors: Roper Lucinda , Foster Kirsty , Garlan Karen , Jorm Christine 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe development of a professional identity occurs during medical school. Formal study of students' reflections on this process may provide insight into how to better support them.MethodsA qualitative data analysis of 56 student essays was undertaken.ResultsStudents' early interactions with patients seem to be influential in their process of identity development. Students were preoccupied with creating or preserving a professional persona in front of patients. They responded to this perceived challenge in three ways: some were concerned with controlling the experience and expression of emotion, others felt that they failed to be authentic, and the third group focused on the patient's experience of the interaction and agonised over what the patients might want.DiscussionThis article adds to the literature by highlighting the struggles medical students encounter trying to behave and feel the way they think they ought. Students may be less troubled and participate more naturally in empathic communication if they learn to access authentic emotions in their interactions with patients. This article discusses strategies for medical faculties and clinical tutors to support and encourage them to do so.Students' early interactions with patients seem to be influential in their process of identity development
The use of big data in transfusion medicine
Authors: Pendry K. 
Published: July 2015

SUMMARY‘Big data’ refers to the huge quantities of digital information now available that describe much of human activity. The science of data management and analysis is rapidly developing to enable organisations to convert data into useful information and knowledge. Electronic health records and new developments in Pathology Informatics now support the collection of ‘big laboratory and clinical data’, and these digital innovations are now being applied to transfusion medicine. To use big data effectively, we must address concerns about confidentiality and the need for a change in culture and practice, remove barriers to adopting common operating systems and data standards and ensure the safe and secure storage of sensitive personal information. In the UK, the aim is to formulate a single set of data and standards for communicating test results and so enable pathology data to contribute to national datasets. In transfusion, big data has been used for benchmarking, detection of transfusion‐related complications, determining patterns of blood use and definition of blood order schedules for surgery. More generally, rapidly available information can monitor compliance with key performance indicators for patient blood management and inventory management leading to better patient care and reduced use of blood. The challenges of enabling reliable systems and analysis of big data and securing funding in the restrictive financial climate are formidable, but not insurmountable. The promise is that digital information will soon improve the implementation of best practice in transfusion medicine and patient blood management globally.
Isoagglutinin reduction by a dedicated immunoaffinity chromatography step in the manufacturing process of human immunoglobulin products
Authors: Hoefferer Liane , Glauser Isabelle , Gaida Annette , Willimann Katharina , Marques Antunes Adriano , Siani Brigitte , Wymann Sandra , Widmer Eleonora , El Menyawi Ibrahim , Bolli Reinhard , Spycher Martin , Imboden Martin 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUNDThe passive transfer of antibodies specific to blood groups A and B (also called isoagglutinins) contained in immunoglobulin (Ig)G products for intravenous administration (IVIG) is believed to be largely responsible for rare but sometimes serious IVIG‐related hemolytic events. We present in this work a modification of the manufacturing process of Privigen—a 10% l‐proline–stabilized IVIG product—that allows extensive reduction of isoagglutinin concentrations in the final product.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSAn additional immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) step was introduced toward the end of the manufacturing process of Privigen. Isoagglutinin titers were measured using the indirect agglutination method and a published flow cytometry–based binding assay. Quality attributes, such as microorganism counts and concentration of endotoxins, IgG, IgA, IgM, aggregates, and so forth were measured using standardized procedures.RESULTSThe introduction of an IAC step in the manufacturing process of Privigen resulted in an 88% to 90% reduction in isoagglutinins between the feed of the chromatography column and the flow‐through fraction. All other product quality attributes measured were nearly identical before and after IAC. This process modification resulted in a three‐titer‐step reduction in isoagglutinin levels in the final IgG product compared to Privigen lots produced by the unmodified process.CONCLUSIONIntroducing an isoagglutinin‐specific IAC step in the manufacturing process of Privigen is an efficient strategy for reduction of anti‐A and anti‐B titers. Such reductions might help minimize the risk of hemolytic events in patients receiving IVIG therapy.
Donor screening reduces the isoagglutinin titer in immunoglobulin products
Authors: Siani Brigitte , Willimann Katharina , Wymann Sandra , Marques Antunes Adriano , Widmer Eleonora 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUNDHemolysis reaction is a rare class effect of therapy with intravenously administered human normal immunoglobulin (IVIG). Anti‐A/B isoagglutinins (isohemagglutinins) originating from donor plasma are considered a probable risk factor for hemolysis. We hypothesized that screening and exclusion of plasma obtained from donors with high isoagglutinin titers from the manufacturing process would produce a meaningful reduction of anti‐A/B isoagglutinin titers of the final IVIG product.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA donor screening method for anti‐A isoagglutinins using an automated indirect agglutination test (IAT) in gel cards was developed. Industry‐scale donor plasma pools and final IVIG product were prepared according to the manufacturing process of Privigen (human 10% liquid IVIG). Anti‐A/B isoagglutinin levels were measured by IAT, direct agglutination test, and a flow cytometry–based assay.RESULTSScreening of plasma from 705 randomly selected donors identified 6.8% donors with high anti‐A isoagglutinin titers in plasma. Exclusion of plasma from these donors resulted in a one‐titer‐step reduction of anti‐A isoagglutinin in laboratory‐scale pooled plasma. The same donor screening method applied to industry‐scale production resulted in exclusion of 5.1% of donors and produced a one‐titer‐step reduction of both anti‐A and anti‐B isoagglutinin titers in the final IVIG product.CONCLUSIONAnti‐A/B isoagglutinin titers in IVIG products can be reduced on an industrial scale through implementation of anti‐A donor screening, which may lower the risk of hemolysis after IVIG therapy.
The first case of foetal neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia caused by anti‐HPA‐1a antibodies in Asian population
Authors: Armawai M. I. , Yahya N. M. , Hassan A. , Matsuhashi M. , Santoso S. , Tsuno N. H. 
Published: July 2015

Background and ObjectivesThe foetal neonatal platelet alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is one of the most frequent clinical implications of immunization against human platelet antigen (HPA). Maternal IgG platelet alloantibodies induce the destruction of foetal platelets leading to thrombocytopenia. In Caucasian, alloantibodies against HPA‐1a are responsible for the majority of severe FNAIT. As the frequency of HPA‐1bb homozygous individuals is very low in Asia, the clinical relevance of anti‐HPA‐1a alloantibodies is doubtful in this population.Study design and methodsRecently, we studied retrospectively sera from mothers with suspected FNAIT in Malaysia, a multi‐ethnic country. Surprisingly, we found in one maternal serum antibodies which may react with HPA‐1a. In this study, this FNAIT case, suspected to be caused by the anti‐HPA‐1a alloantibody, was investigated in more details.ResultsAntibody screening analysis using HPA‐phenotyped platelets by the antigen capture assay, MAIPA, showed specific reaction with the platelets GPIIb/IIIa carrying HPA‐1a antigenic determinants. In the control experiment, this antibody did not react with GPIIb/IIIa from HPA‐1bb individuals. In addition, no reaction was observed with other HPAs expressed on GPIIb/IIIa, GPIb/IX, GPIa/IIa, CD 109 and HLA Class I, both by screening tests and by cross‐match analysis (maternal serum against paternal platelets), in MAIPA. This result could be supported by the genotyping analysis of the family members (mother HPA‐1bb, father and the index child HPA‐1a positive).ConclusionsAlthough considered rare, this case shows for the first time the clinical relevance of anti‐HPA‐1a antibody in the pathogenesis of FNAIT among Asian population.
Evaluation of Cross-Protection of a Lineage 1 West Nile Virus Inactivated Vaccine against Natural Infections from a Virulent Lineage 2 Strain in Horses, under Field Conditions
Authors: Chaintoutis Serafeim C. , Diakakis Nikolaos , Papanastassopoulou Maria , Banos Georgios , Dovas Chrysostomos I. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

Although experimental data regarding cross-protection of horse West Nile virus (WNV) vaccines against lineage 2 infections exist, the cross-protective efficacy of these vaccines under field conditions has not been demonstrated. This study was conducted to evaluate the capability of an inactivated lineage 1 vaccine (Equip WNV) to protect against natural infections from the Nea Santa-Greece-2010 lineage 2 strain. In total, 185 WNV-seronegative horses in Thessaloniki, Greece, were selected during 2 consecutive years (2011 and 2012); 140 were immunized, and 45 were used as controls. Horses were examined for signs compatible with WNV infection. Neutralizing antibody titers against the Greek strain and the PaAn001/France lineage 1 strain were determined in immunized horses. WNV circulation was detected during both years in the study area. It was estimated that 37% and 27% of the horses were infected during 2011 and 2012, respectively. Three control animals developed clinical signs, and the WNV diagnosis was confirmed. Signs related to WNV infection were not observed in the vaccinated animals. The nonvaccinated animals had a 7.58% ± 1.82% higher chance of exhibiting signs than immunized animals (
P
< 0.05). Neutralizing antibodies raised against both strains in all immunized horses were detectable 1 month after the initial vaccination course. The cross-protective capacity of the lowest titer (1:40) was evident in 19 animals which were subsequently infected and did not exhibit signs. Neutralizing antibodies were detectable until the annual booster, when strong anamnestic responses were observed (geometrical mean titer ratio [GMTR] for lineage 1 of 30.2; GMTR for lineage 2 of 27.5). The results indicate that Equip WNV is capable of inducing cross-protection against natural infections from a virulent lineage 2 WNV strain in horses.
Genomic Epidemiology of a Protracted Hospital Outbreak Caused by a Toxin A-Negative Clostridium difficile Sublineage PCR Ribotype 017 Strain in London, England
Authors: Cairns M. D. , Preston M. D. , Lawley T. D. , Clark T. G. , Stabler R. A. , Wren B. W. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

Clostridium difficile
remains the leading cause of nosocomial diarrhea worldwide, which is largely considered to be due to the production of two potent toxins: TcdA and TcdB. However, PCR ribotype (RT) 017, one of five clonal lineages of human virulent
C. difficile
, lacks TcdA expression but causes widespread disease. Whole-genome sequencing was applied to 35 isolates from hospitalized patients with
C. difficile
infection (CDI) and two environmental ward isolates in London, England. The phylogenetic analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) revealed a clonal cluster of temporally variable isolates from a single hospital ward at University Hospital Lewisham (UHL) that were distinct from other London hospital isolates.
De novo
assembled genomes revealed a 49-kbp putative conjugative transposon exclusive to this hospital clonal cluster which would not be revealed by current typing methodologies. This study identified three sublineages of
C. difficile
RT017 that are circulating in London. Similar to the notorious RT027 lineage, which has caused global outbreaks of CDI since 2001, the lineage of toxin-defective RT017 strains appears to be continually evolving. By utilization of WGS technologies to identify SNPs and the evolution of clonal strains, the transmission of outbreaks caused by near-identical isolates can be retraced and identified.
Challenges in Preparation of Cumulative Antibiogram Reports for Community Hospitals
Authors: Moehring Rebekah W. , Hazen Kevin C. , Hawkins Myra R. , Drew Richard H. , Sexton Daniel J. , Anderson Deverick J. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

Knowledge of local antimicrobial resistance is critical for management of infectious diseases. Community hospitals' compliance with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidance for creation of cumulative antibiograms is uncertain. This descriptive cohort study of antibiogram reporting practices included community hospitals enrolled in the Duke Infection Control Outreach Network. Cumulative antibiograms from 2012 were reviewed for criteria on reporting practices and compliance with CLSI guidelines. Microbiology personnel were sent a voluntary, electronic survey on antibiogram preparation practices. Data were compiled using descriptive statistics. Thirty-two of 37 (86%) hospitals provided antibiograms; 26 of 37 (70%) also provided survey responses. Twelve (38%) antibiograms specified methods used for compiling data and exclusion of duplicates. Eight (25%) reported only species with >30 isolates. Of the 24 that did not follow the 30-isolate rule, 3 (13%) included footnotes to indicate impaired statistical validity. Twenty (63%) reported at least 1 pathogen-drug combination not recommended for primary or supplemental testing per CLSI. Thirteen (41%) separately reported methicillin-resistant and -susceptible
Staphylococcus aureus
. Complete compliance with CLSI guidelines was observed in only 3 (9%) antibiograms. Survey respondents' self-assessment of full or partial compliance with CLSI guidelines was 50% and 15%, respectively; 33% reported uncertainty with CLSI guidelines. Full adherence to CLSI guidelines for hospital antibiograms was uncommon. Uncertainty about CLSI guidelines was common. Alternate strategies, such as regional antibiograms using pooled data and educational outreach efforts, are needed to provide reliable and appropriate susceptibility estimates for community hospitals.
Isothermal Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Directly from Respiratory Clinical Specimens
Authors: Petrone Brianna L. , Wolff Bernard J. , DeLaney Alexandra A. , Diaz Maureen H. , Winchell Jonas M. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

Mycoplasma pneumoniae
is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) across patient populations of all ages. We have developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay that enables rapid, low-cost detection of
M. pneumoniae
from nucleic acid extracts and directly from various respiratory specimen types. The assay implements calcein to facilitate simple visual readout of positive results in approximately 1 h, making it ideal for use in primary care facilities and resource-poor settings. The analytical sensitivity of the assay was determined to be 100 fg by testing serial dilutions of target DNA ranging from 1 ng to 1 fg per reaction, and no cross-reactivity was observed against 17 other
Mycoplasma
species, 27 common respiratory agents, or human DNA. We demonstrated the utility of this assay by testing nucleic acid extracts (
n
= 252) and unextracted respiratory specimens (
n
= 72) collected during
M. pneumoniae
outbreaks and sporadic cases occurring in the United States from February 2010 to January 2014. The sensitivity of the LAMP assay was 88.5% tested on extracted nucleic acid and 82.1% evaluated on unextracted clinical specimens compared to a validated real-time PCR test. Further optimization and improvements to this method may lead to the availability of a rapid, cost-efficient laboratory test for
M. pneumoniae
detection that is more widely available to primary care facilities, ultimately facilitating prompt detection and appropriate responses to potential
M. pneumoniae
outbreaks and clusters within the community.