Statistical test for ΔρDCCA : Methods and data.

In this paper the algorithm for ΔρDCCA statistical test (Guedes et al., 2018) [1] is presented. Our test begins with the simulation of four time series pairs, by an ARFIMA process. These time series has N=250 , 500, 1000, and 2000 points, see Guedes et al. (2018) [1]. The probability distribution function (PDF) is made available for all 10,000 samples, that start from the original time series, in supplementary material.

First Report of Potato spindle tuber viroid Naturally Infecting Field Tomatoes in the Dominican Republic.

In recent years, viroid disease outbreaks have resulted in serious economic losses to a number of tomato growers in North America (1,2,3). At least three pospiviroids have been identified as the causal agents of tomato disease, including Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd), Tomato chlorotic dwarf viroid (TCDVd), and Mexican papita viroid (MPVd). In the spring of 2013, a severe disease outbreak with virus-like symptoms (chlorosis and plant stunting) was observed in a tomato field located in the Dominican Republic, whose tomato production is generally exported to the United States in the winter months. The transplants were produced in house. The disease has reached an epidemic level with many diseased plants pulled and disposed of accordingly. Three samples collected in May of 2013 were screened by ELISA against 16 common tomato viruses (Alfalfa mosaic virus, Cucumber mosaic virus, Impatiens necrotic spot virus, Pepino mosaic virus, Potato virus X, Potato virus Y, Tobacco etch virus, Tobacco mosaic virus, Tobacco ringspot virus, Tomato aspermy virus, Tomato bushy stunt virus, Tomato mosaic virus, Tomato ringspot virus, Tomato spotted wilt virus, Groundnut ringspot virus, and Tomato chlorotic spot virus), a virus group (Potyvirus group), three bacteria (Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis, Pectobacterium atrosepticum, and Xanthomonas spp.), and Phytophthora spp. No positive result was observed, despite the presence of symptoms typical of a viral-like disease. Further analysis by RT-PCR using Agdia's proprietary pospiviroid group-specific primer resulted in positive reactions in all three samples. To determine which species of pospiviroid was present in these tomato samples, full-genomic products of the expected size (~360 bp) were amplified by RT-PCR using specific primers for PSTVd (4) and cloned using TOPO-TA cloning kit (Invitrogen, CA). A total of 8 to 10 clones from each isolate were selected for sequencing. Sequences from each clone were nearly identical and the predominant sequence DR13-01 was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KF683200). BLASTn searches into the NCBI database demonstrated that isolate DR13-01 shared 97% sequence identity to PSTVd isolates identified in wild Solanum (U51895), cape gooseberry (EU862231), or pepper (AY532803), and 96% identity to the tomato-infecting PSTVd isolate from the United States (JX280944). The relatively lower genome sequence identity (96%) to the tomato-infecting PSTVd isolate in the United States (JX280944) suggests that PSTVd from the Dominican Republic was likely introduced from a different source, although the exact source that resulted in the current disease outbreak remains unknown. It may be the result of an inadvertent introduction of contaminated tomato seed lots or simply from local wild plants. Further investigation is necessary to determine the likely source and route of introduction of PSTVd identified in the current epidemic. Thus, proper control measures could be recommended for disease management. The detection of this viroid disease outbreak in the Dominican Republic represents further geographic expansion of the viroid disease in tomatoes beyond North America. References: (1). K.-S. Ling and M. Bledsoe. Plant Dis. 93:839, 2009. (2) K.-S. Ling and W. Zhang. Plant Dis. 93:1216, 2009. (3) K.-S. Ling et al. Plant Dis. 93:1075, 2009. (4) A. M. Shamloul et al. Can. J. Plant Pathol. 19:89, 1997.

Estrategias para la reducción de la transmisión vertical del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y su relación con Enfermería / Estratégias para redução da transmissão vertical do vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) e sua relação com a Enfermagem

Introducción: Cerca del 40% de las personas infectadas por el vírus VIH son mujeres, feminización de la epidemia, ocurriendo de esta forma un aumento de casos de niños infectados a través de la TV. Objetivos: Identificar las estrategias utilizadas en el proceso de investigación diagnóstica de la gestante y la importancia del enfermero en este proceso. Material y Métodos: Se trata de una revisión bibliográfica en bases de datos virtuales. Resultados y Discusión: Se encontraron 56 publicaciones, de las cuales tras realizar una lectura exploratoria de sus resúmenes, fueron seleccionados 17 artículos que contienen el tema propuesto. Se establecieron las siguientes estrategias: evaluación y educación sexual del VIH, que consiste en la realización de exámenes gratuitos y consejos a las gestantes antes y después del test. Yen la adhesión a la terapia anti-retroviral, indicada para las gestantes seropositivas, percibimos que hay una gran dificultad en la continuidad del tratamiento, sin embargo los factores deben ser investigados individualmente. En estas estrategias el enfermero tiene un papel significativo en su ejecución.. Consideraciones finales: Son varios los desafios encontrados, siendo necesaria la constante actualización para la asistencia de enfermería, constituyendo la aplicación de acciones y de informaciones científicas un objetivo de la prevención y tratamiento para la disminución de la TV (AU)

Introduction: About 40% of people infected with HIV are women, called the feminization of the epidemic, in this way an increase occurs in cases among children infected through TV. Objectives: To identify the strategies used in the diagnostic investigation of pregnancy and the importance of nurses in the process. Methods: This is a bibliographic survey on the database software. Results and Discussion: There were 56 publications, of which after reading the exploratory summaries, 17 articles were selected covering the proposed topic. The following strategies were raised: HIV testing and counseling, which consists of free testing and counseling and examinations of pregnant women before and after the test. Joining the antiretroviral therapy, given to the women who are pregnant and HIV positive, we realize that continuation of the treatment is very difficult, however the factors must be investigated individually. In both the strategies the nurse has in a significant role to play in the implementation of treatment. Final considerations: There are several challenges encountered, there is a constant need to update the assistance of nursing and the implementation of actions and scientific information with the objective of prevention and treatment is aimed at the reduction of TV (AU)

Introdução: Cerca de 40% das pessoas infectadas pelo vírus HIV são mulheres, denominando a feminização da epidemia, ocorrendo desta forma um aumento de casos de crianças infectadas através da TV. Objetivos: Identificar as estratégias utilizadas no processo de investigação diagnóstica da gestante e a importância do enfermeiro nesse processo. Material e Métodos: Trata-se de um levantamento bibliográfico em base de dados virtuais. Resultados e Discussão: Foram encontradas 56 publicações, dos quais após realizada uma leitura exploratória de seus resumos, foram selecionados 17 artigos que abrangem o tema proposto. Foram levantadas as seguintes estratégias: testagem e aconselhamento do HIV, que consiste na realização de exames gratuitos e aconselhamento das gestantes antes e após o teste. E a adesão à terapia anti-retroviral, indicada para as gestantes soropositivas, percebemos que há uma grande dificuldade na continuidade do tratamento, no entanto os fatores devem ser investigados individualmente. Sendo que em ambas as estratégias o enfermeiro encontra-se em um papel significativo para execução das mesmas. Considerações finais: São vários os desafios encontrados, sendo necessária a constante atualização para a assistência de enfermagem, constituindo a aplicação de ações e de informações científicas com objetivo da prevenção e tratamento visando a diminuição da TV (AU)

Three-dimensional Doppler evaluation of single spherical samples from the placenta: intra- and interobserver reliability.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the intra- and interobserver reliability of assessment of three-dimensional power Doppler (3D-PD) indices from single spherical samples of the placenta. METHODS: Women with singleton pregnancies at 24-40 weeks' gestation were included. Three scans were independently performed by two observers; Observer 1 performed the first and third scan, intercalated by the scan of Observer 2. The observers independently analyzed the 3D-PD datasets that they had previously acquired using four different methods, each using a spherical sample: random sample extending from basal to chorionic plate; random sample with 2 cm(3) of volume; directed sample to the region subjectively determined as containing more color Doppler signals extending from basal to chorionic plate; or directed sample with 2 cm(3) of volume. The vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI) were evaluated in each case. The observers were blinded to their own and each other's results. Additional evaluation was performed according to placental location: anterior, posterior and fundal or lateral. Intra- and interobserver reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: Ninety-five pregnancies were included in the analysis. All three placental 3D-PD indices showed only weak to moderate reliability (ICC < 0.66 and ICC < 0.48, intra- and interobserver, respectively). The highest values of ICC were observed when using directed spherical samples from basal to chorionic plate. When analyzed by placental location, we found lower ICCs for lateral and fundal placentae compared to anterior and posterior ones. CONCLUSION: Intra- and interobserver reliability of assessment of placental 3D-PD indices from single spherical samples in pregnant women greater than 24 weeks' gestation is poor to moderate, and clinical usefulness of these indices is likely to be limited.

Biometry and fetal weight estimation by two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasonography: an intraobserver and interobserver reliability and agreement study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the intraobserver and interobserver reliability and agreement for the biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC), femur length (FL) and estimated fetal weight (EFW) obtained by two-dimensional ultrasound (2D-US) and three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US). METHODS: Singleton pregnant women between 24 and 40 weeks were invited to participate in this study. They were examined using 2D-US in a blinded manner, twice by one observer, intercalated by a scan by a second observer, to determine BPD, AC and FL. In each of the three examinations, three 3D-US datasets (head, abdomen and thigh) were acquired for measurements of the same parameters. We determined EFW using Hadlock's formula. Systematic errors between 3D-US and 2D-US were examined using the paired t-test. Reliability and agreement were assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), limits of agreement (LoA), SD of differences and proportion of differences below arbitrary points. RESULTS: We evaluated 102 singleton pregnancies. No significant systematic error between 2D-US and 3D-US was observed. The ICC values were higher for 3D-US in both intra- and interobserver evaluations; however, only for FL was there no overlap in the 95% CI. The LoA values were wider for 2D-US, suggesting that random errors were smaller when using 3D-US. Additionally, we observed that the SD values determined from 3D-US differences were smaller than those obtained for 2D-US. Higher proportions of differences were below the arbitrarily defined cut-off points when using 3D-US. CONCLUSION: 3D-US improved the reliability and agreement of fetal measurements and EFW compared with 2D-US.

Lower uterine segment thickness measurement in pregnant women with previous Cesarean section: reliability analysis using two- and three-dimensional transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability of two- and three-dimensional ultrasonographic measurement of the thickness of the lower uterine segment (LUS) in pregnant women by transvaginal and transabdominal approaches. METHODS: This was a study of 30 pregnant women who had had at least one previous Cesarean section and were between 36 and 39 weeks' gestation, with singleton pregnancies in cephalic presentation. Sonographic examinations were performed by two observers using both 4-7-MHz transabdominal and 5-8-MHz transvaginal volumetric probes. LUS measurements were performed using two- and three-dimensional ultrasound, evaluating the entire LUS thickness transabdominally and the LUS muscular thickness transvaginally. Each observer measured the LUS four times by each method. Reliability was analyzed by comparing the mean of the absolute differences, the intraclass correlation coefficients, the 95% limits of agreement and the proportion of differences < 1 mm. RESULTS: Transvaginal ultrasound provided greater reliability in LUS measurements than did transabdominal ultrasound. The use of three-dimensional ultrasound improved significantly the reliability of the LUS muscular thickness measurement obtained transvaginally. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonographic measurement of the LUS muscular thickness transvaginally appears more reliable than does that of the entire LUS thickness transabdominally. The use of three-dimensional ultrasound should be considered to improve measurement reliability.

Three-dimensional ultrasound fetal urinary bladder volume measurement: reliability of rotational (VOCAL) technique using different steps of rotation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the inter- and intraobserver reliability in measuring the fetal bladder volume by 3d ultrasound imaging by VOCAL. In addition a comparison of 15 degrees and 30 degrees rotation steps calculation had been performed. METHODS: Measurements (n = 240) of FB volume were performed in 30 low-risk patients with gestation times ranging from 22 to 39 weeks by two independent observers blind to each other. All fetuses were examined and no ultrasound detectable malformation was found. The volume for each FB was measured twice by the observers who used the Virtual Organ Computed-aided Analysis (VOCAL) technique. Distinct sets of 12 and 6 planes were obtained after sequential rotations of 15 degrees and 30 degrees, respectively. The internal contour of fetal bladder was determined manually and carefully as to exclude adjacent structures from volume calculation. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for the comparison of paired samples in the cases of replication within and between observers. Spearman's rank correlation was used to study the relationship among angles. Bland and Altman's graphical approach was used to investigate the agreement between observers. RESULTS: Both techniques were shown to be highly reliable. No significant difference was found between the measurements of FB volume with the VOCAL technique by varying either the steps of rotation or the observers. CONCLUSION: Excellent correlations were found for both observers in the use of rotation angles of 15 degrees and 30 degrees . Since a significantly faster evaluation was obtained by using a 30 degrees rotation step it must be preferred to assess the FB volume. Our results show that the VOCAL technique, with a plane rotation of 30 degrees , can be used in a simple way to estimate fetal urine production.

Natural Infection of Verbena and Phlox by a Recently Described Member of the Carmovirus Genus.

A novel carmovirus infecting angelonia (Angelonia angustifolia) was recently described independently by researchers in the United States, Israel, and Germany (1,2,4). Angelonia flower break virus (AnFBV) and Angelonia flower mottle virus were proposed as appropriate names for this carmovirus. The virus, causing stunting, mild leaf mottle, flower mottling, and flower breaking symptoms has been detected in naturally infected angelonia in the United States, Israel, and Germany (2,4). Here we report the first detection of natural infection of verbena (in the United States and Israel) and phlox (in the United States) by using a recently developed double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA; Agdia, Elkhart, IN). Prior to this report, verbena was considered insusceptible to carmovirus infection (3) and phlox was known as an experimental host for AnFBV (2). A comparative serological study including 27 virus species, demonstrated that DAS-ELISA did not cross-react with any viruses that commonly infect ornamentals or are related to carmoviruses, showing that the polyclonal antibodies are specific to AnFBV. Antibody specificity was confirmed by the carmovirus group PCR test (Agdia). Furthermore, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction with AnFBV specific primers (2) produced the expected 1172-bp band from all ELISA-positive samples tested. Between November 2005 and March 2006, AnFBV was detected in 181 of 567 verbena, 26 of 143 phlox, and 193 of 267 angelonia samples submitted to Agdia Testing Services by commercial ornamental propagators for virus testing. Most samples were asymptomatic, although a few exhibited mild leaf mottle. It should be noted that the number of AnFBV-infected samples might not accurately reflect the actual number of commercially produced plants infected with AnFBV because most of the samples analyzed originated from virus elimination programs. The detection of natural AnFBV infection of verbena, phlox, and angelonia suggests that AnFBV may be more widespread in the ornamental industry than previously thought. References: (1) S. Adkins et al. Phytopathology (Abstr.) 95(suppl.):S2, 2005. (2) S. Adkins et al. Phytopathology 96:460, 2006. (3) G. P. Martelli and M. Russo. Online publication. ICTVdB-The Universal Virus Database. 00.074.0.02, 2004. (4) S. Winter et al. New Disease Reports. Vol 12. Brit. Soc. Plant Pathol. Online publication, 2005.

Endoscopic ablation of Barrett's esophagus using argon plasma coagulation: a prospective study after fundoplication.

The aim of the prospective clinical study presented here is to test the effectiveness of a multimode approach consisting of argon plasma coagulation combined with laparoscopic fundoplication in the management of Barrett's esophagus. Argon plasma coagulation was performed in 19 patients with Barrett's esophagus who had previously undergone surgical antireflux treatment. The mean follow-up time was 17 months, ranging between 6 and 27 months. Squamous epithelium was completely restored in all patients. In 68.4% of cases two sessions were required. The most frequent complications were chest discomfort and retrosternal pain. In 11 patients the symptoms lasted 3 days and in six cases persisted for a longer period, requiring analgesic medication. Short-term dysphagia and odynophagia were observed in four patients.

Acquisition of Tomato spotted wilt virus by Adults of Two Thrips Species.

ABSTRACT Only larval thrips that acquire Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), or adults derived from such larvae, transmit the virus. Nonviruliferous adults can ingest virus particles while feeding on TSWV-infected plants, but such adult thrips have not been shown to transmit TSWV. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to show that thrips 1, 5, 10, and 20 days after adult emergence (DAE) fed on TSWV-infected plants acquired TSWV with virus replication and accumulation occurring in both epithelial and muscle cells of Frankliniella fusca (tobacco thrips [TT]) and F. occidentalis (western flower thrips [WFT]), as indicated by immunodetection of the nonstructural (NSs) protein encoded by the small RNA and the nucleocapsid (N) protein, respectively. Adult WFT acquired TSWV more efficiently than TT. There was no significant effect of insect age on TSWV acquisition by TT. In contrast, acquisition by adult WFT at 1 and 5 DAE was higher than acquisition at 10 and 20 DAE. Subsequent transmission competence of adult cohorts was studied by vector transmission assays. All adult thrips tested that had an acquisition access period as an adult were unable to transmit the virus. These results indicate the susceptibility of adult TT and WFT to infection of midgut cells by TSWV and subsequent virus replication and confirm earlier studies that adult thrips that feed on virus-infected plants do not transmit the virus. The role of a tissue barrier in TSWV movement and infection from midgut muscle cells to the salivary glands is discussed.

Symptom induction by Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus on Vigna unguiculata is determined by amino acid residue 151 in the coat protein.

The type strain of Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV-T) produces a bright chlorosis in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata cv. California Blackeye). The attenuated variant (CCMV-M) induces mild green mottle symptoms that were previously mapped to RNA 3. Restriction fragment exchanges between RNA 3 cDNA clones of CCMV-T and CCMV-M that generate infectious transcripts and site-directed mutagenesis indicated that the codon encoding amino acid residue 151 of the coat protein determines the symptom phenotypes of CCMV-T and CCMV-M. Amino acid 151 is within an alpha-helical structure required for calcium ion binding and virus particle stability. No differences in virion stability or accumulation were detected between CCMV-T and CCMV-M. Mutational analysis suggested that the amino acid at position 151 and not the nucleotide sequence induce the symptom phenotype. Thus, it is likely that subtle influences by amino acid residue 151 in coat protein-host interactions result in chlorotic and mild green mottle symptoms.

Dynamics of Tomato spotted wilt virus Replication in the Alimentary Canal of Two Thrips Species.

ABSTRACT Transmission of Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is dependent on virus uptake in the midgut prior to virus movement to the salivary glands. Replication of TSWV in the alimentary canal of tobacco thrips (TT, Frankliniella fusca) and western flower thrips (WFT, F. occidentalis) was investigated by immunolocalization of the nonstructural protein (NSs) encoded by the small RNA of TSWV and fluorescence microscopy. Analysis of cohorts during development from larva to adults following virus acquisition by first instar larva indicated that virus replication followed a specific time-course pattern in the foregut, regions of the midgut, salivary glands, and ligaments between the midgut and salivary glands. Initial virus replication occurred only in epithelial cells of midgut-1 but, upon infection of muscle cells, the virus moved to the midgut-2, foregut, midgut-3, and salivary glands. The ligaments between the midgut and salivary glands appeared to be a route for virus to invade the salivary glands. No virus replication was observed in the hindgut, Malpighian tubules, or tubular salivary glands. The dynamics of TSWV replication, as measured by NSs accumulation, were similar in both TT and WFT.

Is female sex an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in acute myocardial infarction?

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether female sex is a factor independently related to in-hospital mortality in acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: Of 600 consecutive patients (435 males and 165 females) with acute myocardial infarction, we studied 13 demographic and clinical variables obtained at the time of hospital admission through uni- and multivariate analysis, and analyzed their relation to in-hospital death. RESULTS: Females were older (p<0.001) and had a higher incidence of hypertension (p<0.001). Males were more frequently smokers (p<0.001). The remaining risk factors had a similar incidence among both sexes. All variables underwent uni- and multivariate analysis. Through univariate analysis, the following variables were found to be associated with in-hospital death: female sex (p<0.001), age >70 years (p<0.001), the presence of previous coronary artery disease (p=0.0004), previous myocardial infarction (p<0.001), infarction in the anterior wall (p=0.007), presence of left ventricular dysfunction (p<0.001), and the absence of thrombolytic therapy (p=0.04). Through the multivariate analysis of logistic regression, the following variables were associated with in-hospital mortality: female sex (p=0.001), age (p=0.008), the presence of previous myocardial infarction (p=0.02), and left ventricular dysfunction (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: After adjusting for all risk variables, female sex proved to be a variable independently related to in-hospital mortality in acute myocardial infarction.

Early alterations of blood pressure in normotensive and normoalbuminuric Type 1 diabetic patients.

With the objective to examine patterns of blood pressure (BP) in normotensive and normoalbuminuric Type 1 diabetic patients during 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) we studied 28 Type 1 diabetic patients aged 27+/-7.1 years with a disease duration of 9+/-6.6 years, and 28 non-diabetic normotensive subjects aged 25+/-6.5 years matched to the diabetic group for age, gender, skin color, weight, height, body mass index, clinic BP and absence of microalbuminuria. Systolic BP (sBP) and diastolic BP (dBP) were recorded for 24 h, daytime and nighttime. SBP and dBP burden, night/day BP ratios and percent nighttime BP fall were determined. Subjects with a nocturnal fall in either sBP or dBP of less than 10% of daytime values were classified as non-dippers. Both sBP (111+/-7.1 vs. 104+/-9 mmHg; P=0.003) and dBP nighttime (66+/-6.1 vs. 61+/-5.3 mmHg; P=0.001) were higher in diabetic patients than non-diabetic subjects. Night/day ratios for sBP (0.93+/-0.04 vs. 0.89+/-0.05; P=0.006) and dBP (0.86+/-0.06 vs. 0.82+/-0.06; P=0.007) were higher in diabetics. The loss of a fall in sBP was more prevalent in diabetic subjects (78 vs. 39%; P=0.007). Non-dippers for sBP and dBP in the diabetic group had higher BP burden during the nighttime (21.4+/-16.6 vs. 3.2+/-3.9%; P=0.01 and 21.9+/-10 vs. 3.7+/-5.5%; P<0.001, respectively). Our data demonstrate higher sBP and dBP during the nighttime and loss of the nocturnal fall in BP in Type 1 diabetic patients. Further prospective studies are needed to define if high BP burden in diabetic non-dippers during the night could represent a risk for nephropathy and cardiovascular disease.