bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Supplementation of Taurine or Trehalose in Extender on Immunolocalization of Tyrosine Phosphoproteins in Buffalo and Cattle (Karan Fries) Cryopreserved Spermatozoa
Authors: Kumar R , Singh VK , Chhillar S , Atreja SK 
Published: October 2012

ContentsThe present study assessed the effects of incorporation ofTaurine orTrehalose in extender on immunolocalization of tyrosine phosphoproteins, Cryocapacitation and other sperm quality parameters (motility, viability and membrane integrity) in post‐thawed sperm fromBuffalo (Murrah) andCattle (KaranFries). Six ejaculates from six individual bulls from both species were chosen at random and split into four aliquots: one aliquot without dilution (fresh sample), another diluted in egg yolk tris‐citrate (EYTC) extender and the rest of aliquots withEYTCdilution supplemented with taurine (50 mm) or trehalose (100 mm), respectively, and cryopreserved. Following cryopreservation, semen were thawed and assessed for standard semen quality parameters. Extent of capacitation in cryopreserved spermatozoa was measured by inducingin vitroacrosome reaction followed by dual staining. Immunolocalization of tyrosine phosphoproteins was carried out by immunocytochemistry using primary antibody clonepT‐154 (anti‐phosphotyrosine antibody) andFITC‐conjugated secondary antibody. Immunofluorescent signals were analysed for level of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in spermatozoa. Post‐thaw semen evaluation showed supplementation of taurine or trehalose toEYTCextender significantly (p < 0.05) increased motility, viability and membrane integrity of spermatozoa in both species. Percentage of cryocapacitated spermatozoa was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in cattle as compared to buffalo and degree of cryocapacitaion of spermatozoa decreased significantly (p < 0.05) upon supplementation of additives in both the species. It was also found that tyrosine phosphoproteins were localized differentially in fresh and cryopreserved spermatozoa. Supplementation of taurine or trehalose to freezing extender changed the localization of tyrosine phosphoproteins in cryopreserved spermatozoa similar to fresh in both the species. The results obtained clearly indicated that supplementation of taurine or trehalose toEYTCprior to cryopreservation improvesBuffalo andCattle sperm quality in terms of cryocapacitation and immunolocalization of tyrosine phosphoproteins during freezing–thawing process.
Effects of Pre‐Weaning Energy Substitutions on Post‐Weaning Follicle Development, Steroid Hormones and Subsequent Litter Size in Primiparous Sows
Authors: Chen TY , Stott P , Bouwman EG , Langendijk P 
Published: October 2012

ContentsThe present study investigated the effects of pre‐weaning energy substitutions on follicular development, endocrine characteristics and subsequent litter size in primiparous sows. Sows were fed a standard lactation diet (14.1 DE MJ/kg) and then allocated to a Control (C, n = 24), Fat (F, n = 23), Sugar (S, n = 23) or post‐weaning Regumate (positive control; R, n = 22) treatment at 9 days before weaning of the C, F and S treatments. During the treatment period (8 days), 1 kg of the lactation diet was substituted with 1 kg of a fat‐rich (F, 23.85 DE MJ/kg) or sugar‐rich (S, 15.75 DE MJ/kg) substitution for F and S sows, respectively. For the R treatment, sows were weaned 8 days earlier than other treatments and fed a lactation diet at 3.5 kg with two doses of altrenogest as topdressing from 1 day before weaning until the day on which the other sows were weaned. The F treatment aimed to increase energy intake, and the S treatment aimed to elevate post‐prandial glucose and insulin concentrations. Weaning‐to‐ovulation interval tended to be reduced in the S treatment compared with C (p = 0.06) and F (p = 0.08) treatments. Body weight (BW) loss during the treatment period, post‐weaning follicle development, plasma oestradiol and pre‐weaning leptin did not differ among C, F and S sows, although BW loss was lower and leptin was higher in the R treatment. Post‐ovulatory progesterone concentration in the S treatment was higher (p < 0.05). Sows in the S and R treatments had a greater proportion of litters with larger litter sizes (p < 0.05). The outcome suggests that increasing circulating insulin and glucose concentrations during late lactation or a week of metabolic recovery positively improves subsequent litter size in primiparous sows.
Voronoff to virion: 1920s testis transplantation and AIDS
Authors: Bajic Petar , Selman Steven H. , Rees Michael A. 
Published: October 2012

Bajic P, Selman SH., Rees MA. Voronoff to virion: 1920s testis transplantation and AIDS. Xenotransplantation 2012; 19: 337–341. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: Background: We address accusations linking AIDS with testis transplantation performed by a French surgeon, Serge Voronoff (1866–1951), and their implications in the future of animal‐to‐human organ transplantation.Methods: Biographical literature on Voronoff and scientific literature on xenotransplantation and the origin of HIV were reviewed.Results: In the 1920s, Serge Voronoff transplanted testes from primates into humans to revitalize them sexually and physically, making him one of the first surgeons to perform xenotransplantation–transplanting live tissues between species. In recent years, some have postulated that Voronoff’s transplants may have caused or contributed to the AIDS epidemic. However, consensus among virologists holds that HIV most likely originated from a chimpanzee virus known as simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIV) which many agree was transmitted to humans during the hunting of primates in the early 1900s. As these accusations have never been addressed, evidence is reviewed which refutes the claims. HIV isolate studies are summarized, which show that SIV was most likely transferred to humans from a chimpanzee species different from those used by Voronoff. Furthermore, literature suggests that Voronoff’s experiments were performed in Europe and the United States, not central Africa.Conclusions: Over 100 000 people await organ transplants, making the prospect of using animal organs to meet demand increasingly favorable. The accusations against Voronoff and others have led to increased concern over cross‐species disease transfer. The evidence presented refutes those claims and is used to explain the need for further research into xenotransplantation.
Micromechanics-Derived Scaling Relations for Poroelasticity and
Strength of Brittle Porous Polycrystals
Authors: Fritsch Andreas , Hellmich Christian , Young Philippe 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
There are lots of ceramic geological and biological materials whose microscopic load carrying behavior is not dominated by bending of structural units, but by the three-dimensional interaction of disorderedly arranged single crystals. A particularly interesting solution to capture this so-called polycrystalline behavior has emerged in the form of self-consistent homogenization methods based on an infinite amount of nonspherical (needle or disk-shaped) solid crystal phases and one spherical pore phase. Based on eigenstressed matrix-inclusion problems, together with the concentration and influence tensor concept, we arrive at the following results: Young’s modulus and the poroelastic Biot modulus of the porous polycrystal scale linearly with the Young’s modulus of the single crystals, the former independently of the Poisson’s ratio of the single crystals. Biot coefficients are independent of the single crystals’ Young’s modulus. The uniaxial strength of a pore pressure-free porous polycrystal, as well as the blasting pore pressure of a macroscopic stress-free polycrystal, scale linearly with the tensile strength of the single crystals, independently of all other elastic and strength properties of the single crystals. This is confirmed by experiments on a wide range of bio- and geomaterials, and it is of great interest for numerical simulations of structures built up by such polycrystals.
Quality correction factors of composite IMRT beam deliveries: Theoretical considerations
Authors: Bouchard Hugo 
Published: October 2012

Purpose:In the scope of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) dosimetry using ionization chambers, quality correction factors of plan‐class‐specific reference (PCSR) fields are theoretically investigated. The symmetry of the problem is studied to provide recommendable criteria for composite beam deliveries where correction factors are minimal and also to establish a theoretical limit for PCSR deliverykQ factors.Methods:The concept of virtual symmetric collapsed (VSC) beam, being associated to a given modulated composite delivery, is defined in the scope of this investigation. Under symmetrical measurement conditions, any composite delivery has the property of having akQ factor identical to its associated VSC beam. Using this concept of VSC, a fundamental property of IMRT kQ factors is demonstrated in the form of a theorem. The sensitivity to the conditions required by the theorem is thoroughly examined.Results:The theorem states that if a composite modulated beam delivery produces a uniform dose distribution in a volumeVcyl which is symmetric with the cylindrical delivery and all beams fulfills two conditions in Vcyl: (1) the dose modulation function is unchanged along the beam axis, and (2) the dose gradient in the beam direction is constant for a given lateral position; then its associated VSC beam produces no lateral dose gradient in Vcyl, no matter what beam modulation or gantry angles are being used. The examination of the conditions required by the theorem lead to the following results. The effect of the depth‐dose gradient not being perfectly constant with depth on the VSC beam lateral dose gradient is found negligible. The effect of the dose modulation function being degraded with depth on the VSC beam lateral dose gradient is found to be only related to scatter and beam hardening, as the theorem holds also for diverging beams.Conclusions:The use of the symmetry of the problem in the present paper leads to a valuable theorem showing thatkQ factors of composite IMRT beam deliveries are close to unity under specific conditions. The theoretical limit is determined based on the property of PCSR deliveries to provide a uniform dose in the target volume. The present approach explains recent experimental observations and proposes ideal conditions for IMRT reference dosimetry. The result of this study could potentially serve as a theoretical basis for reference dosimetry of composite IMRT beam deliveries or for routine IMRT quality assurance.
Prevention of a wrong‐location misadministration through the use of an intradepartmental incident learning system
Authors: Ford Eric C. , Smith Koren , Harris Kendra , Terezakis Stephanie 
Published: October 2012

Purpose:A series of examples are presented in which potential errors in the delivery of radiation therapy were prevented through use of incident learning. These examples underscore the value of reporting near miss incidents.Methods:Using a departmental incident learning system, eight incidents were noted over a two‐year period in which fields were treated “out‐of‐sequence,” that is, fields from a boost phase were treated, while the patient was still in the initial phase of treatment. As a result, an error‐prevention policy was instituted in which radiation treatment fields are “hidden” within the oncology information system (OIS) when they are not in current use. In this way, fields are only available to be treated in the intended sequence and, importantly, old fields cannot be activated at the linear accelerator control console.Results:No out‐of‐sequence treatments have been reported in more than two years since the policy change. Furthermore, at least three near‐miss incidents were detected and corrected as a result of the policy change. In the first two, the policy operated as intended to directly prevent an error in field scheduling. In the third near‐miss, the policy operated “off target” to prevent a type of error scenario that it was not directly intended to prevent. In this incident, an incorrect digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) was scheduled in the OIS for a patient receiving lung cancer treatment. The incorrect DRR had an isocenter which was misplaced by approximately two centimeters. The error was a result of a field from an old plan being scheduled instead of the intended new plan. As a result of the policy described above, the DRR field could not be activated for treatment however and the error was discovered and corrected. Other quality control barriers in place would have been unlikely to have detected this error.Conclusions:In these examples, a policy was adopted based on incident learning, which prevented several errors, at least one of which was potentially severe. These examples underscore the need for a rigorous, systematic incident learning process within each clinic. The experiences reported in this technical note demonstrate the value of near‐miss incident reporting to improve patient safety.
Audiovisual biofeedback improves diaphragm motion reproducibility in MRI
Authors: Kim Taeho , Pollock Sean , Lee Danny , O'Brien Ricky , Keall Paul 
Published: October 2012

Purpose:In lung radiotherapy, variations in cycle‐to‐cycle breathing results in four‐dimensional computed tomography imaging artifacts, leading to inaccurate beam coverage and tumor targeting. In previous studies, the effect of audiovisual (AV) biofeedback on the external respiratory signal reproducibility has been investigated but the internal anatomy motion has not been fully studied. The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that AV biofeedback improves diaphragm motion reproducibility of internal anatomy using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Methods:To test the hypothesis 15 healthy human subjects were enrolled in an ethics‐approved AV biofeedback study consisting of two imaging sessions spaced ∼1 week apart. Within each session MR images were acquired under free breathing and AV biofeedback conditions. The respiratory signal to the AV biofeedback system utilized optical monitoring of an external marker placed on the abdomen. Synchronously, serial thoracic 2D MR images were obtained to measure the diaphragm motion using a fast gradient‐recalled‐echo MR pulse sequence in both coronal and sagittal planes. The improvement in the diaphragm motion reproducibility using the AV biofeedback system was quantified by comparing cycle‐to‐cycle variability in displacement, respiratory period, and baseline drift. Additionally, the variation in improvement between the two sessions was also quantified.Results:The average root mean square error (RMSE) of diaphragm cycle‐to‐cycle displacement was reduced from 2.6 mm with free breathing to 1.6 mm (38% reduction) with the implementation of AV biofeedback (p‐value < 0.0001). The average RMSE of the respiratory period was reduced from 1.7 s with free breathing to 0.3 s (82% reduction) with AV biofeedback (p‐value < 0.0001). Additionally, the average baseline drift obtained using a linear fit was reduced from 1.6 mm/min with free breathing to 0.9 mm/min (44% reduction) with AV biofeedback (p‐value = 0.012). The diaphragm motion reproducibility improvements with AV biofeedback were consistent with the abdominal motion reproducibility that was observed from the external marker motion variation.Conclusions:This study was the first to investigate the potential of AV biofeedback to improve the motion reproducibility of internal anatomy using MRI. The study demonstrated the significant improvement in diaphragm motion reproducibility using AV biofeedback combined with MRI. This system can potentially provide clinically beneficial motion management of internal anatomy in MRI and radiotherapy.
Preliminary Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Standard Intravenous Immunoglobulins in Pregnant Women with Primary Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Polilli Ennio , Parruti Giustino , D'Arcangelo Francesca , Tracanna Elisa , Clerico Luigi , Savini Vincenzo , D'Antonio Francesco , Rosati Maurizio , Manzoli Lamberto , D'Antonio Domenico , Nigro Giovanni 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT
Hyperimmune globulins were reported to prevent and treat fetal cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy. Here, we report that infusions of standard human intravenous immunoglobulin significantly increase CMV IgG titers and avidity indexes in pregnant women, paving the way to their use for passive transfer of maternal CMV humoral immunity to fetuses. Preliminary data on perinatal outcomes of the first 67 newborns are encouraging.
Draft Genome Sequence Determination for Cystic Fibrosis and Chronic Granulomatous Disease Burkholderia multivorans Isolates
Authors: Varga John J. , Losada Liliana , Zelazny Adrian M. , Brinkac Lauren , Harkins Derek , Radune Diana , Hostetler Jessica , Sampaio Elizabeth P. , Ronning Catherine M. , Nierman William C. , Greenberg David E. , Holland Steven M. , Goldberg Joanna B. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Burkholderia multivorans
is a Gram-negative bacterium and a member of the
Burkholderia cepacia
complex, which is frequently associated with respiratory infections in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). We are reporting the genome sequences of 4
B. multivorans
strains, 2 from CF patients and 2 from CGD patients.
Draft Genome Sequence of Fusobacterium nucleatum ChDC F128, Isolated from a Periodontitis Lesion
Authors: Park Soon-Nang , Kong Si-Won , Kim Hwa-Sook , Park Mo-Se , Lee Jee-Won , Cho Eugene , Lim Yun Kyong , Choi Mi-Hwa , Chang Young-Hyo , Shin Jeong Hwan , Park Hong-Seog , Choi Sang-Haeng , Kook Joong-Ki 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Fusobacterium nucleatum
is classified into five subspecies.
F. nucleatum
ChDC F128 was isolated from a periodontitis lesion and proposed as a new subspecies based on the comparison of the nucleotide sequences of the RNA polymerase beta subunit and zinc protease genes. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the strain.
Genome Sequence of Lactococcus raffinolactis Strain 4877, Isolated from Natural Dairy Starter Culture
Authors: Meslier Victoria , Loux Valentin , Renault Pierre 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

The nonstarter lactic acid bacterium
Lactococcus raffinolactis
is prevalent in a wide range of environments, such as the dairy environment, but little is known about this species. Here, we present the draft genome of
Lactococcus raffinolactis
strain 4877, isolated from a natural mesophilic dairy starter culture.
Prevention of False Resistance Results Obtained in Testing the Susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to Pyrazinamide with the Bactec MGIT 960 System Using a Reduced Inoculum
Authors: Piersimoni Claudio , Mustazzolu Alessandro , Giannoni Federico , Bornigia Stefano , Gherardi Giancarlo , Fattorini Lanfranco 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

The susceptibility of 211 clinical isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (201
M. tuberculosis
and 10
Mycobacterium bovis
isolates) to pyrazinamide (PZA) was assessed by the nonradiometric Bactec MGIT 960 system (M960). Detection of PZA resistance was followed by a repeat testing using a reduced inoculum (RI) of 0.25 ml instead of 0.5 ml. According to the first M960 analysis, resistance was observed in 55 samples. In the RI assay, 32 samples turned out to be susceptible and 23 proved to be resistant (58.2% false positivity). The Bactec 460 assay confirmed as resistant those strains detected by the RI assay, while discrepant results were found susceptible. Mutation analysis performed on 13
M. tuberculosis
isolates detected
pncA
mutations in 11 samples. On the basis of our data, we suggest using the RI assay to confirm all PZA resistance results obtained with the standard M960 assay. Further studies are required to confirm our findings.
European Surveillance for Pantropic Canine Coronavirus
Authors: Decaro Nicola , Cordonnier Nathalie , Demeter Zoltan , Egberink Herman , Elia Gabriella , Grellet Aurélien , Le Poder Sophie , Mari Viviana , Martella Vito , Ntafis Vasileios , von Reitzenstein Marcela , Rottier Peter J. , Rusvai Miklos , Shields Shelly , Xylouri Eftychia , Xu Zach , Buonavoglia Canio 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Highly virulent pantropic canine coronavirus (CCoV) strains belonging to subtype IIa were recently identified in dogs. To assess the distribution of such strains in Europe, tissue samples were collected from 354 dogs that had died after displaying systemic disease in France (
n
= 92), Hungary (
n
= 75), Italy (
n
= 69), Greece (
n
= 87), The Netherlands (
n
= 27), Belgium (
n
= 4), and Bulgaria (
n
= 1). A total of 124 animals tested positive for CCoV, with 33 of them displaying the virus in extraintestinal tissues. Twenty-four CCoV strains (19.35% of the CCoV-positive dogs) detected in internal organs were characterized as subtype IIa and consequently assumed to be pantropic CCoVs. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of the 5′ end of the spike protein gene showed that pantropic CCoV strains are closely related to each other, with the exception of two divergent French viruses that clustered with enteric strains.
Screening of Male Patients for Trichomonas vaginalis with Transcription-Mediated Amplification in a Community with a High Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infection
Authors: Munson Kimber L. , Napierala Maureen , Munson Erik , Schell Ronald F. , Kramme Timothy , Miller Cheryl , Hryciuk Jeanne E. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Trichomonas vaginalis
infection in males has been largely uncharacterized. Past reports indicated increased susceptibility to other sexually transmitted infection (STI) agents such as human immunodeficiency virus and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
with concurrent
T. vaginalis
infection. This warrants a more thorough review of male
T. vaginalis
incidence. A retrospective 3-year investigation of transcription-mediated amplification (TMA)-based urethral swab and first-void urine screening for
T. vaginalis
within a regional health care system was performed to address
T. vaginalis
prevalence in males. Of 622 total samples tested, 6.6% were positive for
T. vaginalis
. Delineation of all specimens by ZIP code of patient residence revealed 11 predominant ZIP codes with respect to testing volume and detection rates. Within these 11 ZIP codes, representing 78.3% of total testing volume, urine was the preferred specimen source compared to urethral swabs. Seven of these 11 ZIP codes contained majority African American populations. The aggregate
T. vaginalis
detection rate trended higher than that of the remaining four ZIP codes, which were comprised primarily of Caucasian populations (8.9% versus 5.0%, respectively;
P
= 0.15). The average age of a
T. vaginalis
-infected male (39.9 years) was significantly greater than those for
Chlamydia trachomatis
or
N. gonorrhoeae
(27.6 and 25.9 years, respectively;
P
< 0.001). Given the significant rate of
T. vaginalis
detection, with age distribution analogous to that reported in females, TMA-based detection of
T. vaginalis
can be a routine constituent within a comprehensive STI screening panel for males in high-prevalence STI communities.