bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Troponin assays in the assessment of the equine myocardium
Authors: Rossi T. M. , Pyle W. G. , Maxie M. G. , Pearl D. L. , Physick‐Sheard P. W. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryIn 2000, troponin assays were adopted as the test of choice for detection of myocardial injury in man. This decision was made after extensive testing and followed a 60 year search for a biomarker of myocardial damage with sufficient analytical sensitivity and specificity. This has led to proliferation of assays for use in human medicine, each requiring extensive testing and validation before it could be made available on the open market for human use. The search for ever‐more analytically sensitive assays and for a standard reference material continues. The adoption of troponin testing in veterinary medicine followed shortly after its development for use in man, providing a much‐needed means of detecting and monitoring myocardial damage in horses. However, application of these tests in veterinary medicine has exclusively involved use of assays designed for and clinically validated in human patients. There is no mandated requirement for test validation in veterinary medicine and, while many of these assays have been shown to be capable of detecting equine troponin, the wide diversity of available tests, lack of validation, absence of protocols for their use and lack of standardisation make their application problematic. The objective of this review article is to address this issue, offering guidance where data are available and encouraging caution where there are none. Ultimately, the overall goal of this review is to examine critically the use of troponin assays in the horse and to promote the accurate and appropriate interpretation of valid results.
Coreceptor tropism determined by genotypic assay in HIV‐1 circulating in Thailand, where CRF01_AE predominates
Authors: Phuphuakrat A , Phawattanakul S , Pasomsub E , Kiertiburanakul S , Chantratita W , Sungkanuparph S 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesChemokine (C‐C motif) receptor 5 (CCR5) inhibitors are a novel class of antiretroviral agents that are promising for treatment of patients who harbour the HIV‐1 R5 strain. Data on coreceptor tropism in non‐B HIV‐1 subtypes are limited. We studied coreceptor tropism in HIV‐1 circulating in Thailand, where CRF01_AE predominates, using a genotypic assay.MethodsWe compiled V3 sequences of HIV‐1 strains circulating in Thailand during 2010–2012. Coreceptor tropism was predicted based on V3 sequences using geno2pheno version 2.5 (http://coreceptor.bioinf.mpi‐inf.mpg.de).ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐five HIV‐1‐infected patients were enrolled in this study. Ninety‐nine patients (63.9%) were antiretroviral‐naïve, and the remainder had virological failure. The median (interquartile range) CD4 cell count and HIV‐1 RNA were 220 (74–379) cells/μL and 75 374 (14 127–226 686) HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL, respectively. Of the sequences obtained from these patients, 119 (76.8%) were CRF01_AE and 22 (14.2%) were subtype B. At a false positive rate of < 5%, 61 (39.4%) HIV‐1‐infected individuals were predicted to harbour the X4 phenotype. X4 viruses were detected more frequently in the treatment‐failure group compared with the treatment‐naïve group (30.3 vs. 55.4%, respectively; P = 0.002). Those with CRF01_AE had a higher proportion of X4 viruses compared with non‐AE subtypes (47.9 vs. 11.1%, respectively; P < 0.001). By multivariate logistic regression, CRF01_AE and treatment failure were independently associated with predicted X4 phenotype [odds ratio (OR) 7.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.57–24.50; P < 0.001, and OR 3.10; 95% CI 1.50–6.42; P = 0.002, respectively].ConclusionsCRF01_AE and treatment failure are associated with the predicted X4 phenotype. In regions where CRF01_AE predominates, use of CCR5 inhibitors must be considered with caution. The phenotypic assay and its correlation with genotypes should be further investigated in CRF01_AE.
Repeat antenatal HIV testing in the third trimester: a study of feasibility and maternal uptake rates
Authors: Williams B , Costello M , McHugh E , Le Prevost M , Phil‐Ebosie A , Tilsed C , McSorley J , Murphy S , Brook G , Williams A 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesThe study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of third‐trimester antenatal HIV testing within our service after two cases of HIV seroconversion in pregnancy were noted in 2008. North American Guidelines recommend universal third‐trimester HIV testing in areas with an HIV prevalence of more than 1 per 1000. The HIV prevalence rate in our area is 3.01 per 1000.MethodsPregnant women prior to 28 weeks of gestation were recruited at booking between 1 September 2008 and 31 August 2009 and offered an additional third‐trimester HIV test. Consent was obtained and testing was performed by hospital and community midwives. Information was entered into a modified existing electronic maternity database. A qualitative e‐mail survey of midwives investigated barriers to participation in the study.ResultsA total of 4134 women delivered; three (< 0.1%) declined first‐trimester testing. Twenty‐two women (0.5%) tested HIV positive, of whom six were newly diagnosed. Overall, 2934 of 4134 women (71%) were offered and accepted a third‐trimester HIV test and had results available. Data were unavailable for 195 women (4.7%). A total of 663 of 4131 women (16%) were not offered a third‐trimester test. Of 3273 women documented as having been offered a test, 3177 (97.1%) accepted. There were no positive third‐trimester tests. Forty of 50 (80%) midwives surveyed responded with questionnaire feedback and cited lack of national policy and extra workload as barriers to performing third‐trimester testing.ConclusionsThird‐trimester testing was feasible and consent rates were high in those offered repeat testing. Third‐trimester testing has the potential to prevent paediatric HIV infection and universal testing should be considered in high‐prevalence areas.
Clinical malaria diagnosis in pregnancy in relation to early perinatal mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ezeamama AE , Duggan C , Manji KP , Spiegelman D , Hertzmark E , Bosch RJ , Kupka R , Okuma JO , Kisenge R , Aboud S , Fawzi WW 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesWe prospectively investigated fever symptoms and maternal diagnosis of malaria in pregnancy (MIP) in relation to child HIV infection among 2368 pregnant HIV‐positive women and their infants, followed up from pregnancy until 6 weeks post‐delivery in Tanzania.MethodsDoctors clinically diagnosed and treated MIP and fever symptoms during prenatal health care. Child HIV status was determined via DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for HIV mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) by the 6th week of life.ResultsMean gestational age at enrolment was 22.2 weeks. During follow‐up, 16.6% of mothers had at least one MIP diagnosis, 15.9% reported fever symptoms and 8.7% had both fever and MIP diagnosis. Eleven per cent of HIV‐exposed infants were HIV‐positive by 6 weeks. The RR of HIV MTCT was statistically similar for infants whose mothers were ever vs. never clinically diagnosed with MIP (RR 1.24; 95% CI 0.94–1.64), were diagnosed with one vs. no clinical MIP episodes (RR 1.07; 95% CI 0.77–1.48) and had ever vs. never reported fever symptoms (RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.78–1.38) in pregnancy. However, the HIV MTCT risk increased by 29% (95% CI 4–58%) per MIP episode. Infants of women with at least two vs. no MIP diagnoses were 2.1 times more likely to be HIV infected by 6 weeks old (95% CI 1.31–3.45).ConclusionsClinical MIP diagnosis, but not fevers, in HIV‐positive pregnant women was associated with an elevated risk of early HIV MTCT, suggesting that malaria prevention and treatment in pregnant HIV‐positive women may enhance the effectiveness of HIV prevention in MTCT programmes in this setting. Future studies using a laboratory‐confirmed diagnosis of malaria are needed to confirm this association.
Subsidence of the Miyako‐Sone submarine carbonate platform, east of Miyako‐jima Island, northwestern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Arai Kohsaku , Machiyama Hideaki , Chiyonobu Shun , Matsuda Hiroki , Sasaki Keiichi , Humblet Marc , Iryu Yasufumi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBathymetric mapping and observations of the seafloor using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV, Hyper‐Dolphin 3K) were carried out on the slopes of the Miyako‐Sone submarine platform, east of Miyako‐jima in the Ryukyu Islands, northwestern Pacific Ocean. The bathymetric map indicates that terraces are present at water depths of approximately 140 m, 330 m, 400 m, and 680 m on the northwestern slope of the platform. A number of NW–SE trending lineaments, probably faults, extend perpendicular to the axis of the Ryukyu Island Arc. Two ROV surveys were conducted at water depths ranging from 519 m (on the slope) to 121 m (shallowest part of the platform). The surveys revealed that well‐indurated carbonate rocks are exposed at terrace margins and on upper slopes, and that the lower slopes are covered with modern sediments consisting of unconsolidated, coarse‐sand‐sized bioclastic carbonates. Calcareous nannofossils from the well‐indurated carbonate rocks indicate a Middle–Late Pleistocene age, which suggests that the rocks correlate with the Quaternary reef and fore‐reef deposits of the Ryukyu Group (Ryukyu Limestone) on the Ryukyu Islands. No siliciclastic deposits corresponding to the upper Miocene–lower Pleistocene Shimajiri Group (as exposed on Okinawa‐jima and Miyako‐jima islands) were recovered during the surveys. Coeval well‐indurated carbonate rocks, all of which formed in a similar sedimentary environment, have been downthrown towards the west due to displacements on the western sides of normal faults. Subsidence of the Miyako‐Sone submarine platform was the result of large vertical displacements on such normal faults. The timing of initial subsidence cannot be tightly constrained, but the presence of the youngest limestone at progressively lower levels towards the west suggests the subsidence continued until after 0.265 Ma.
Effect of hyaluronan tetrasaccharides on epidermal differentiation in normal human epidermal keratinocytes
Authors: Kage M. , Tokudome Y. , Matsunaga Y. , Hariya T. , Hashimoto F. 
Published: November 2013

SynopsisObjectiveHyaluronan (HA) plays a role in keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. In addition, HA has been shown to have different biological activities depending on its molecular weight. It has been reported that HA‐mediated CD44 activation regulates keratinocyte differentiation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of HA tetrasaccharides (HA4) on the regulation of keratinocyte differentiation, CD44 gene expression and CD44‐phosphorylated protein in human keratinocytes, and compare HA4 with high molecular weight HA.MethodsNormal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) were treated at doses of 1 μg mL−1 HA or HA oligosaccharides (HA4). After treatment, cell viability was checked using an MTT (3‐(4,5‐di‐methylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Each differentiation marker and CD44 mRNA expression was detected by real‐time PCR. Each differentiation marker and CD44‐phosphorylated protein was assessed by Western blotting.ResultsHyaluronan and HA4 showed no cytotoxicity up to a dose of 1 μg mL−1. On day 3 after HA4 treatment, each differentiation marker mRNA and K10 protein level was higher than that of the control. On day 9, late differentiation marker mRNA and protein levels were increased with HA and HA4 treatment. In addition, HA4 treatment increased the expression of CD44 mRNA, CD44‐phosphorylated protein and intracellular calcium concentrations. HA4 enhanced keratinocyte differentiation and increased CD44‐phosphorylated protein levels.ConclusionHA4 may induce epidermal differentiation through phosphorylation of CD44.
Viral–bacterial interactions–therapeutic implications
Authors: Deng Jane C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractViral and bacterial respiratory tract infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, despite the development of vaccines and potent antibiotics. Frequently, viruses and bacteria can co‐infect the same host, resulting in heightened pathology and severity of illness compared to single infections. Bacterial superinfections have been a significant cause of death during every influenza pandemic, including the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. This review will analyze the epidemiology and global impact of viral and bacterial co‐infections of the respiratory tract, with an emphasis on bacterial infections following influenza. We will next examine the mechanisms by which viral infections enhance the acquisition and severity of bacterial infections. Finally, we will discuss current management strategies for diagnosing and treating patients with suspected or confirmed viral‐bacterial infections of the respiratory tract. Further investigation into the interactions between viral and bacterial infections is necessary for developing new therapeutic approaches aimed at mitigating the severity of co‐infections.
Life‐time prevalence and psychosocial correlates of adolescent direct self‐injurious behavior: A comparative study of findings in 11 European countries
Authors: Brunner Romuald , Kaess Michael , Parzer Peter , Fischer Gloria , Carli Vladimir , Hoven Christina W. , Wasserman Camilla , Sarchiapone Marco , Resch Franz , Apter Alan , Balazs Judith , Barzilay Shira , Bobes Julio , Corcoran Paul , Cosmanm Doina , Haring Christian , Iosuec Miriam , Kahn Jean‐Pierre , Keeley Helen , Meszaros Gergely , Nemes Bogdan , Podlogar Tina , Postuvan Vita , Saiz Pilar A. , Sisask Merike , Tubiana Alexandra , Varnik Airi , Wasserman Danuta 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesTo investigate the prevalence and associated psychosocial factors of occasional and repetitive direct self‐injurious behavior (D‐SIB), such as self‐cutting, ‐burning, ‐biting, ‐hitting, and skin damage by other methods, in representative adolescent samples from 11 European countries.MethodsCross‐sectional assessment of adolescents was performed within the European Union funded project, Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE), which was conducted in 11 European countries. The representative sample comprised 12,068 adolescents (F/M: 6,717/5,351; mean age: 14.9 ± 0.89) recruited from randomly selected schools. Frequency of D‐SIB was assessed by a modified 6‐item questionnaire based on previously used versions of the Deliberate Self‐Harm Inventory (DSHI). In addition, a broad range of demographic, social, and psychological factors was assessed.ResultsOverall lifetime prevalence of D‐SIB was 27.6%; 19.7% reported occasional D‐SIB and 7.8% repetitive D‐SIB. Lifetime prevalence ranged from 17.1% to 38.6% across countries. Estonia, France, Germany, and Israel had the highest lifetime rates of D‐SIB, while students from Hungary, Ireland, and Italy reported low rates. Suicidality as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms had the highest odds ratios for both occasional and repetitive D‐SIB. There was a strong association of D‐SIB with both psychopathology and risk‐behaviors, including family related neglect and peer‐related rejection/victimization. Associations between psychosocial variables and D‐SIB were strongly influenced by both gender and country. Only a minor proportion of the adolescents who reported D‐SIB ever received medical treatment.ConclusionThese results suggest high lifetime prevalence of D‐SIB in European adolescents. Prevalence as well as psychosocial correlates seems to be significantly influenced by both gender and country. These results support the need for a multidimensional approach to better understand the development of SIB and facilitate culturally adapted prevention/intervention.
Maternal sexual interactions affect offspring survival and ageing
Authors: Dowling D. K. , Williams B. R. , Garcia‐Gonzalez F. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn many species, females exposed to increased sexual activity experience reductions in longevity. Here, in Drosophila melanogaster, we report an additional effect on females brought about by sexual interactions, an effect that spans generations. We subjected females to a sexual treatment consisting of different levels of sexual activity and then investigated patterns of mortality in their offspring. We found reduced probabilities of survival, increases in the rate of senescence and a pattern of reduced mean longevities, for offspring produced by mothers that experienced higher levels of sexual interaction. We contend that these effects constitute trans‐generational costs of sexual conflict – the existence or implications of which have rarely been considered previously. Our results indicate that ongoing exposure by mothers to male precopulatory interactions is itself sufficient to drive trans‐generational effects on offspring mortality. Thus, we show that increases in maternal sexual activity can produce trans‐generational effects that permeate through to latter life stages in the offspring. This helps to elucidate the complex interplay between sex and ageing and provides new insights into the dynamics of adaptation under sexual selection.
Influence of Ethanethiol in Antioxidant Activity and in Total Phenolics Concentration of Wines. Comparative Study against Control Samples
Authors: Dias Daiane , Guarda Ananda , Wiethan Bruna A. , Claussen Luis E. , Bohrer Denise , De Carvalho Leandro M. , Do Nascimento Paulo C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe redox behavior of ethanethiol in wines was studied considering its action in presence of resveratrol and gallic acid, as well as its influence on both antioxidant activity and the values of phenol total in wines (red, white and rose). Ethanethiol acted as antioxidant in presence of resveratrol and gallic acid. Conversely, ethanethiol acted as oxidant in wine samples. This antagonism was explained by the ability of ethanethiol being stable in reduced and oxidized forms and also due the presence of several redox couples in wines. The action of ethanethiol was evaluated by following during 60 days the variations on the antioxidant activity (diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl method) as well as the total phenol (spectrophotometric method) in fortified wine samples. Control samples were also included in the study. Significant influence of ethanethiol on the total phenol was observed in all samples, while the antioxidant activity was affected only in white and rose wines.Practical ApplicationsWine consumption has been growing in recent years and nowadays this drink is appreciated almost all over the word. The main reason for that are the beneficial effects for human health. A large set of species take part in wine composition including also sulfur compounds. Among these compounds ethanethiol play an important role, since it can generate unpleasant smell with changes in the organoleptic proprieties affecting the final quality of wines. In the present work, we investigate the influence of ethanethiol on both the antioxidant activity and the phenol total concentration of wines.
Managing flood water of hill torrents as potential source for irrigation
Authors: Saher F.N. , Nasly M.A. , Kadir T.A.A. , Yahaya N.K.E.M. , Wan Ishak W.M.F. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis paper presents an integrated methodology for sustainable development planning to conserve the excess water resources. This developed methodology takes advantage of geographic information systems software to integrate its strength to manage the flood impacts. This approach is of dual purpose: first, to reduce the flash flood hazard of hill torrents; and second, to make use of flood water as a source of irrigation by conserving flood water in an earthen reservoir. The developed integrated methodology works as a decision‐making system for selection of best site selection for earthen reservoir. The results for three potential sites for earthen reservoir supports in a decision‐making process for best site for reservoir by analysing calculations for storage capacity, earthen works, and lengths of canals from reservoirs to agricultural land. This study investigated that the tools of geoinformatics have the potential to resolve the engineering challenges linked with mitigation of flood hazards. It is evident from the study that practical considerations for future turn the study into an informational tool to mitigate flood.
Risk allocation in a public–private catastrophe insurance system: an actuarial analysis of deductibles, stop‐loss, and premiums
Authors: Paudel Y. , Botzen W.J.W. , Aerts J.C.J.H. , Dijkstra T.K. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA public–private (PP) partnership could be a viable arrangement for providing insurance coverage for catastrophe events, such as floods and earthquakes. The objective of this paper is to obtain insights into efficient and practical allocations of risk in a PP insurance system. In particular, this study examines how the deductible and stop‐loss levels (retentions) for, respectively, the insured and the insurer, relate to the corresponding maximum required coverage and premium amounts under the 99.9% tail value at risk (TVaR) damage constraint. A practical example of flood insurance in the Netherlands is studied in which the (re)insurance could be provided either by a risk‐averse (private) or a risk‐neutral (public) agency, which could result in large differences in premiums.
Accounting for uncertainty and flexibility in flood risk management: comparing Real‐In‐Options optimisation and Adaptation Tipping Points
Authors: Gersonius B. , Ashley R. , Jeuken A. , Pathinara A. , Zevenbergen C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis paper provides practical experience with two climate impact and adaptation assessment methods: Real‐In‐Options (RIO) optimisation and Adaptation Tipping Points (ATP). These methods were selected because they both provide insight into and promote the ability of the system to deal with future change and thus can be used within a resilience approach. The resilience approach takes a dynamic perspective on adaptive processes and the effects of these processes at/across different spatio‐temporal scales. Although the two methods share a similar aim, they have considerable differences in orientation and application. RIO optimisation aims to minimise the expected costs of acquiring climate change resilience. To achieve this aim, it uses probabilistic climate data to identify the optimal set of adaptive strategies in response to advances in knowledge about future climate change. The ATP method is virtually independent of climate change scenarios, and in particular of probabilities of climate change. Rather, it requires input from decision makers and other stakeholders to select the preferred adaptive strategy. This paper discusses the concept, procedures, case examples and benefits/limitations of each method, examining its usefulness for informing adaptation‐related decision making. Based on this, it gives specific recommendations on which method to use under what circumstances.