bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Four‐Millimeter‐Long Posterior‐Mandible Implants: 5‐Year Outcomes of a Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Slotte Christer , Grønningsaeter Arne , Halmøy Anne‐Marie , Öhrnell Lars‐Olof , Mordenfeld Arne , Isaksson Sten , Johansson Lars‐Åke
Published: July 2014

Background

There is lack of evidence on long‐term success of short dental implants in reduced alveolar bone.

Purpose

In this prospective 5‐year study, survival and marginal bone loss of 4‐mm implants, which supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) in severely resorbed posterior mandibles, were evaluated.

Material and Methods

In 28 patients, evaluation of 86 osseointegrated 4‐mm‐long implants, which supported a 3‐ or a 4‐unitFDPby crown splinting without the use of pontics or cantilevers, was performed over a 5‐year period.

Results

Three subjects dropped out for non‐study reasons: one subject had her three implants removed after 1 year and two subjects died (six implants). Five implants in three subjects were lost between 3 and 5 years. Twenty‐four subjects and 71 implants were active at the 5‐year follow‐up (92.2% survival). After 1 year, significant (p < .001) mean (standard error of the mean [SEM]) 0.44‐mm (0.05) marginal bone loss occurred. At 2, 3, and 5 years, mean (SEM) bone loss of 0.57 mm (0.06), 0.55 mm (0.07), and 0.53 mm (0.08) occurred, respectively (no significant change after 1 year). At 5 years, average plaque levels were 13.3%; 69% of the implants were plaque free. On average, mucosal bleeding occurred at 8.1% of the implants. During 5 years, two subjects experienced uncomplicated bridge loosening. No other complications occurred during the study.

Conclusion

Four‐millimeter implants can supportFDPsin severely resorbed posterior mandibles for 5 years with healthy peri‐implant conditions.
The effects of fibrinogen concentration on fibrin/atelocollagen composite gel: an in vitro and in vivo study in rabbit calvarial bone defect
Authors: Kim Beom‐Su , Kim Hyung‐Jin , Choi Jung‐Goo , You Hyung‐Keun , Lee Jun
Published: July 2014

Objective

This study aimed to optimize the fibrinogen concentration in fibrin and atelocollagen (AT‐COL) (fibrin/AT‐COL) composite gel for improving bone regeneration.

Methods and materials

The fibrin/AT‐COL composite gels were fabricated using various fibrinogen concentrations, and the microstructure and mechanical properties of the resulting composite gels analyzed. The cytocompatibility of the composite gels was examined using human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSCs). Furthermore, in nine rabbits, the in vivo bone regeneration efficiency was evaluated using a rabbit calvarial defects model at 2 weeks (n = 3), 4 weeks (n = 3), and 8 weeks (n = 3).

Results

Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the formation of a fibrin layer matrix and collagen fibril networks. The composite gel containing 40 mg/ml fibrinogen showed a densely packed fibrin matrix and displayed superior mechanical properties. Cells cultured in the composite gels prepared with 5–20 mg/ml fibrinogen appeared elongated, with a spindle‐like morphology. At a higher fibrinogen concentration (40 mg/ml), many cells were rounded and showed limited viability. In an in vivo study, at 8 weeks, the volume of fibrin/AT‐COL gel (P = 0.02) was significantly higher than that of fibrin gel alone in the newly formed bone. Histological analysis revealed more islands of newly formed bone filling the central area of the defect in the fibrin/AT‐COL gel‐implanted animals.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that optimization of the fibrinogen content of fibrin/AT‐COL composites should be beneficial for bone tissue engineering.
Learning to Manipulate and Categorize in Human and Artificial Agents
Authors: Morlino Giuseppe , Gianelli Claudia , Borghi Anna M. , Nolfi Stefano
Published: July 2014

This study investigates the acquisition of integrated object manipulation and categorization abilities through a series of experiments in which human adults and artificial agents were asked to learn to manipulate two‐dimensional objects that varied in shape, color, weight, and color intensity. The analysis of the obtained results and the comparison of the behavior displayed by human and artificial agents allowed us to identify the key role played by features affecting the agent/environment interaction, the relation between category and action development, and the role of cognitive biases originating from previous knowledge.
Topical long‐term therapy of psoriasis with vitamin D3 analogues, corticosteroids and their two compound formulations: position paper on evidence and use in daily practice
Authors: Augustin Matthias , Mrowietz Ulrich , Bonnekoh Bernd , Rosenbach Thomas , Thaçi Diamant , Reusch Michael , Ardabili Michael , Reich Kristian
Published: July 2014

Background

Current data from daily practice show that vitamin D3 analogues, corticosteroids and their fixed combination products are used heterogeneously for topical long‐term treatment of psoriasis.

Aim

To evaluate scientific evidence about topical long‐term therapy with vitamin D3 analogues, corticosteroids and their two‐compound‐products in psoriasis vulgaris and scalp psoriasis and to develop daily practice recommendations.

Methods

Systematic literature review via PubMed® and Embase® and informal expert consensus.

Results

The search strategy identified 21 relevant clinical trials. Best evidence regarding topical long term treatment was available for the two‐compound‐formulation containing calcipotriene and betamethasone. In a comparative trial in psoriasis vulgaris the two‐compound‐formulation showed superior tolerability and cost effectiveness compared to monotherapy. In scalp psoriasis the two‐compound‐gel was superior compared to calcipotriene monotherapy. Standardized and simplified treatment application modes resulted in a better clinical outcome comparing to on‐demand therapies.

Daily practice recommendations

Patients should be proactively involved in the choice of treatment, formulation and mode of application. Besides long‐term treatment with the two‐compound‐formulation other treatment regimens including calcipotriene monotherapy can also be considered. Due to a favorable risk‐benefit ratio in maintenance trials and due to better cost‐effectiveness the application of two‐compound‐products once or twice a week after initial therapy is recommended.
Mechanism and effectiveness of safflower oil against female Queensland fruit fly Bactrocera tryoni
Authors: Hidayat Y. , Heather N. , Hassan E.
Published: July 2014

Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae), infests many horticultural fruit crops in the eastern part of Australia. Farmers usually apply synthetic insecticides to control this pest. Little is known on the use of plant products especially vegetable oils for fruit fly control although they are considered to be safer than synthetic insecticides. In this study, safflower oil was investigated for its mechanism and effectiveness against female B. tryoni. In a laboratory test, safflower oil treatments (2.5 and 5.0 ml l−1) reduced the number of fly punctures on treated artificial fruits, no matter whether pre‐punctures were present or absent. Safflower oil treatments also reduced the number of fly landings and eggs laid, but only when the treated artificial fruits were without pre‐punctures. These results confirmed that safflower oil is active against female B. tryoni mainly by preventing this fruit fly from making oviposition punctures, not by discouraging them from depositing eggs or by repelling them. The slippery nature of safflower oil is considered to be responsible for a reduction in the susceptibility of artificial fruit to fruit fly punctures. Further investigation using fruit‐bearing tomato plants (a no‐choice test) in a glasshouse situation revealed that safflower oil application at concentrations of 10 and 15 ml l−1 reduced the number of oviposition punctures but failed to reduce the number of eggs laid. To increase efficacy of safflower oil under field conditions, multiple tools may be needed to reduce fruit fly populations and oviposition behaviour, such as the addition of trap‐crops, provision of artificial oviposition sites, or mixing the insecticides with the oil.
Divergence in plant and microbial allocation strategies explains continental patterns in microbial allocation and biogeochemical fluxes
Authors: Averill Colin
Published: July 2014

Allocation trade‐offs shape ecological and biogeochemical phenomena at local to global scale. Plant allocation strategies drive major changes in ecosystem carbon cycling. Microbial allocation to enzymes that decompose carbon vs. organic nutrients may similarly affect ecosystem carbon cycling. Current solutions to this allocation problem prioritise stoichiometric tradeoffs implemented in plant ecology. These solutions may not maximise microbial growth and fitness under all conditions, because organic nutrients are also a significant carbon resource for microbes. I created multiple allocation frameworks and simulated microbial growth using a microbial explicit biogeochemical model. I demonstrate that prioritising stoichiometric trade‐offs does not optimise microbial allocation, while exploiting organic nutrients as carbon resources does. Analysis of continental‐scale enzyme data supports the allocation patterns predicted by this framework, and modelling suggests large deviations in soil C loss based on which strategy is implemented. Therefore, understanding microbial allocation strategies will likely improve our understanding of carbon cycling and climate.
Unifying elemental stoichiometry and metabolic theory in predicting species abundances
Authors: Ott David , Digel Christoph , Rall Björn C. , Maraun Mark , Scheu Stefan , Brose Ulrich
Published: July 2014

While metabolic theory predicts variance in population density within communities depending on population average body masses, the ecological stoichiometry concept relates density variation across communities to varying resource stoichiometry. Using a data set including biomass densities of 4959 populations of soil invertebrates across 48 forest sites we combined these two frameworks. We analyzed how the scaling of biomass densities with population‐averaged body masses systematically interacts with stoichiometric variables. Simplified analyses employing either only body masses or only resource stoichiometry are highly context sensitive and yield variable and often misleading results. Our findings provide strong evidence that analyses of ecological state variables should integrate allometric and stoichiometric variables to explain deviations from predicted allometric scaling and avoid erroneous conclusions. In consequence, our study provides an important step towards unifying two prominent ecological theories, metabolic theory and ecological stoichiometry.
The impact of oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy for colorectal cancer on the autonomous nervous system
Authors: Dermitzakis E. V. , Kimiskidis V. K. , Eleftheraki A. , Lazaridis G. , Konstantis A. , Basdanis G. , Tsiptsios I. , Georgiadis G. , Fountzilas G.
Published: July 2014

Background

The oxaliplatin (ΟΧΑ)‐based regimens FOLFOX and XELOX can cause peripheral neuropathy. It is unknown if ΟΧΑ, alone or in combination regimens, affects the Autonomous Nervous System (ANS). Accordingly, we evaluated the impact of ΟΧΑ‐based chemotherapy on the ANS.

Methods

We enrolled 36 patients with colorectal cancer, treated with adjuvant mFOLFOX6 or XELOX chemotherapy, and 22 healthy volunteers. For the assessment of ANS function, participants completed a questionnaire and underwent neurophysiological examination at three time points (baseline, 3–4 months and 6–8 months after the first chemotherapy cycle). ANS testing included assessment of the adrenergic cardiovascular function (orthostatic hypotension‐OH), parasympathetic heart innervation (ratio 30/15) and Sympathetic Skin Response (SSR).

Results

The values of the 30/15 ratio were significantly reduced at the two time point assessments compared to baseline (Wilcoxon signed ranks test, both P < 0.001), while patients had more often diastolic OH at the 6–8 month evaluation compared to baseline (P = 0.039). In contrast, SSR was not affected. The incidence of positive responses in the questionnaire assessing the subjective impact of symptoms attributable to ANS dysfunction was higher at the two time points compared to baseline (P = 0.036 and P = 0.020).

Conclusions

Oxaliplatin‐based chemotherapy is associated with significant effects on the adrenergic cardiovascular reaction and the parasympathetic heart innervation, whereas SSR remains untouched.
Somatosensory system hyperexcitability in alternating hemiplegia of childhood
Authors: Vollono C. , Rinalduzzi S. , Miliucci R. , Vigevano F. , Valeriani M.
Published: July 2014

Background and purpose

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) is a rare neurological disease characterized by recurrent paroxysmal attacks of hemiplegia. The aim of the study was to assess the recovery cycle of the somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) in a group of AHC patients.

Methods

Seven AHC patients and 10 control age‐matched subjects (CS) were recruited. Right and left median nerve SEPs were recorded. The somatosensory system excitability was assessed by calculating the SEP changes after paired electrical stimuli. All patients were studied during the interictal phase, whilst four patients were studied also during the ictal phase.

Results

In AHC patients during the interictal phase, the amplitudes of the cervical N13 and of the cortical N20, P24 and N30 responses showed a faster recovery than in CS. In AHC patients during the ictal phase, the cortical N20 recovery cycle was prolonged compared with the interictal phase.

Conclusions

A shortened SEP recovery cycle in AHC during the interictal phase suggests multilevel somatosensory system hyperexcitability in AHC. A partial recovery of this phenomenon during the ictal phase possibly reflects a functional reset of the somatosensory system. Overall, there is a disinhibition of the somatosensory system in AHC, a functional change of brain function associated with a possible involvement of the Na+/K+ channels. This abnormality and its partial recovery during the attacks might be linked to the pathophysiological and genetic mechanisms of the disease.
Multiple sclerosis clinical course and cardiovascular disease risk – Swedish cohort study
Authors: Roshanisefat H. , Bahmanyar S. , Hillert J. , Olsson T. , Montgomery S.
Published: July 2014

Background and purpose

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk amongst multiple sclerosis (MS) patients appears raised, but few studies have examined CVD risk amongst an unselected MS patient group. MS course may be relevant for CVD risk. Our aim was to assess CVD risk and variation by course in MS patients.

Methods

The Multiple Sclerosis Register identified 7667 patients who received an MS diagnosis between 1964 and 2005. They were matched by age, period, region and sex with 76 045 members of the general population without MS using Swedish registers. Poisson regression compared the two cohorts to estimate the relative risk for CVD, overall, as well as grouped and individual CVD diagnoses.

Results

MS patients had an increased adjusted relative risk (with 95% confidence intervals; number of MS cohort events) for CVD of 1.31 (1.22–1.41; n = 847), with some variation by course: relapsing−remitting 1.38 (1.17–1.62; n = 168); secondary progressive 1.30 (1.18–1.53; n = 405) and primary progressive 1.15 (0.93–1.41; n = 108). The association for the relapsing−remitting course was not significant after excluding the first year of follow‐up. Overall incidence rates per 1000 person‐years for CVD are 11.8 (11.06–12.66) for the MS cohort and 8.8 (8.60–9.05) for the non‐MS cohort. The most pronounced association was for deep vein thrombosis: relapsing−remitting 2.16 (1.21–3.87; n = 14), secondary progressive 3.41 (2.45–4.75; n = 52) and primary progressive 3.57 (1.95–6.56; n = 15). MS was associated with ischaemic stroke but largely during the first year of follow‐up. MS was associated with a decreased relative risk for angina pectoris and atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions

There is a significantly increased relative risk for CVD in MS, particularly for venous thromboembolic disorders in progressive MS, suggesting immobility as a possible factor. An increased frequency of ischaemic stroke in MS is most probably due to surveillance bias resulting from diagnostic investigations for MS. There is no increased relative risk for ischaemic heart disease in MS and atrial fibrillation appears to be less common than amongst the general population.
Epigenetics in extracellular matrix remodeling and hyaluronan metabolism
Authors: Vigetti Davide , Viola Manuela , Karousou Evgenia , Deleonibus Sara , Karamanou Konstantina , De Luca Giancarlo , Passi Alberto
Published: July 2014

Cell behavior is determined by both genetic and environmental factors. The cell microenvironment is not only a scene in which various actors play a role, but is itself an active participant, able to influence many cellular responses by binding signaling molecules or by modulating intracellular signaling cascades. Further, extracellular matrix remodeling is a critical step to allow physiological as well as pathological processes. As environmental factors are able to modulate gene expression by epigenetic modifications, this review focuses on new aspects of the regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling enzymes. Moreover, as one of the main components of cell microenvironment is the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan, novel findings regarding the control of hyaluronan synthesis are discussed in terms of epigenetics and from the post‐translational point of view.
The Dynamic Relations between Market Returns and Two Types of Risk with Business Cycles
Authors: Jiang Xiaoquan , Lee Bong‐Soo
Published: July 2014

We examine the dynamic relations among market returns, market (MV), and idiosyncratic (IV) around business cycles. Compared to the conventional view, which treats MV and IV separately, we first find that excess return on the market anticipates negative MV and IV, suggesting market return's role as an economic indicator, with the relation stronger in recessions. Second, IV helps predict positive MV, mainly in early part of recessions, suggesting a dynamic evolution from IV to MV. Third, MV helps predict negative IV, suggesting MV may substitute IV to some extent.
What Drives ETF Flows?
Authors: Clifford Christopher P. , Fulkerson Jon A. , Jordan Bradford D.
Published: July 2014

The value of exchange traded fund (ETF) assets has increased from $66 billion in 2000 to almost a trillion dollars in 2010. We use this massive expansion in ETF assets to study what drives ETF flows. Using a data set of over 500 ETFs from 2001 to 2010, we show that ETF investors chase returns in the same way as mutual fund investors. While there is an active debate about whether return chasing by mutual fund investors represents the pursuit of superior talent, the existence of return chasing in this passively managed environment should not represent a search for skilled managers. We also show that ETF flows increase following high volume, small spreads, and high price/net asset value ratios. Finally, we find little evidence of superior market timing in ETF flows. Our results suggest that return chasing in both mutual funds and ETFs is more likely the result of naïve extrapolation bias on the part of investors that has contributed to the growth of the ETF industry.
Exit, Survival, and Competitive Equilibrium in Dealer Markets
Authors: Chung Kee H. , Chuwonganant Chairat
Published: July 2014

In this study we analyze dealer exit, survival, and competitive equilibrium in the NASDAQ Stock Market using data from a unique period that entails major changes in regulatory and competitive environments. We decompose the forces that affect dealer survival into market factors and dealer attributes. Market factors encompass those variables that affect the demand for and profitability of dealer services as a whole. Variation in survival probability across dealers results mainly from their competitive advantages in business strategies, information, quote aggressiveness, access to order flow, and economies of scale. On the whole, our results suggest that dealer markets exhibit a Darwinian survival of the fittest.
Retracing the evolutionary history of Nothofagus in its geo‐climatic context: new developments in the emerging field of phylogeology
Authors: Acosta M. C. , Mathiasen P. , Premoli A. C.
Published: July 2014

Phylogeographic studies have made a significant contribution to the interpretation of genetic lineage distribution in response to climate changes, such as during glaciation events of the Neogene. However, the effects of ancient landscapes associated with global sea level rises, tectonic processes, and climatology driving lineage evolution have been largely overlooked. These effects can be tested in widespread lineages of cold‐tolerant species that have endured cooling, and thus, phylogeographic patterns may reflect large‐scale processes that were not reset by the ice ages. We hereby combine geological evidence from marine sedimentary basins, Andean orogeny, and climatology with molecular dating and statistical phylogeography to infer how geological and climatic processes affected the distribution of lineages in cold‐tolerant Nothofagus species during the Cenozoic. A total of 239 populations along the entire range of all species within the genus Nothofagus (N. antarctica, N. betuloides, N. dombeyi, N. nitida, and N. pumilio) were sampled and analyzed by sequencing three non‐coding regions of the chloroplast. We found 30 chloroplast DNA haplotypes that were geographically structured. Molecular dating calibrated with fossils revealed that ancestral lineages appeared in Eocene/Oligocene, whereas most divergences took place during the Miocene; in turn, Bayesian skyline plots showed that population expansion occurred in the Early Pleistocene (1.5–1 million years ago). Lineage divergence from all wide‐ranging Nothofagus was spatially and temporally concordant with episodic marine transgressions and warmer times in Patagonia during Eocene/Miocene Epochs. Long‐lasting stable raised areas preserved haplotype diversity throughout Patagonia, from where cold‐tolerant taxa expanded their ranges during pre‐Quaternary times. The detailed study of such ancient divergences is novel and allows us to infer the effects of geological processes on distribution patterns of ancient lineages, that is, phylogeology.
Incidence and risk factors for inhibitor development in previously untreated severe haemophilia A patients born between 2005 and 2010
Authors: Vézina C. , Carcao M. , Infante‐Rivard C. , Lillicrap D. , Stain A. M. , Paradis E. , Teitel J. , Rivard G. E. ,   the Association of Hemophilia Clinic Directors of Canada and of the Canadian Association of Nurses in Hemophilia Care
Published: July 2014

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inhibitor development (ID) in previously untreated patients (PUPs) with severe haemophilia A (FVIII ≤ 0.01 IU mL−1). All Canadian Haemophilia Treatment Centres completed a questionnaire on patients born between September 2005 and August 2010 and followed for up to 7 years. Eligible patients had at least 20 exposure days (ED) or had developed an inhibitor. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for risk factors to develop an inhibitor were estimated using unconditional logistic regression. A total of 99 haemophilia A PUPs were studied. Thirty‐four (34%) developed an inhibitor (24/34 of high titre). Inhibitors developed in 25/63 (40%) patients with a high‐risk mutation. ID was most frequent in Aboriginals (86%). Dose intensity (IU kg−1 day−1 X number of ED) at first exposure to factor VIII (FVIII) was associated with a crude OR increase of 1.10 (95% CI: 0.99–1.23) with each increase of 100 dose‐intensity units. Haemarthrosis and intracranial bleeding as the indication for first exposure to FVIII concentrate were associated with a crude OR for ID of 7.63 (95% CI: 2.14–27.17) and 5.08 (95% CI: 1.11–23.31) respectively. ID according to FVIII concentrate used was: Advate ® 18/50 (36%), Kogenate FS® or Helixate FS® 15/36 (42%), Wilate® 0/11 and Xyntha® 1/2. In multivariate analysis, Aboriginal ethnicity (OR = 11.69; 95% CI: 1.11–122.86) and haemarthrosis (OR = 4.49; 95% CI: 1.08–18.61) were statistically significant. The cumulative incidence of ID in severe haemophilia A PUPs was 34% and varied according to ethnicity, type of bleeding at first ED, type of FVIII product and dose intensity at first exposure.
Microencapsulation of Turmeric Oleoresin by Spray Drying and In Vitro Release Studies of Microcapsules
Authors: Aniesrani Delfiya D.S. , Thangavel K. , Natarajan N. , Kasthuri R. , Kailappan R.
Published: July 2014

The present work reports on the microencapsulation of turmeric oleoresin by spray drying using different ratios of maltodextrin and gum arabic (100:0–0:100) as wall material. Solvent‐extracted and commercial oleoresin microcapsules prepared using gum arabic alone as wall material and spray dried at the inlet air temperature of 175C showed higher encapsulation efficiency of 71.74 and 73.67%, maximum curcumin of 3.41 and 3.39 g/100 g and oleoresin content of 7.16 and 7.29 g/100 g, respectively. Stability of microcapsules against light, oxygen and heat was higher than the nonencapsulated oleoresin. In vitro release study showed initial burst release followed by a controlled release of curcumin from microcapsules over a period of 1 week.

Practical Applications

Turmeric oleoresin is an approved natural colorant that is prepared by solvent extraction of turmeric powder. It is a mixture of curcumin, volatile oil, nonvolatile fatty and resinous material, and other active ingredients. Curcumin has a number of potentially beneficial biological activities such as antitumor, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory properties. But it is readily decomposed when exposed to bright light, high temperature or oxidative conditions. Microencapsulation of turmeric oleoresin protects it against destructive changes, converts it into a free‐flowing powder and controls the release of curcumin. Because the prepared turmeric oleoresin microcapsules are in the powder form, it can be used easily as a natural colorant in foods. Also oleoresin microcapsule provides longtime retention of curcumin in the stomach, thus helping in better and complete absorption of curcumin. Hence, these microcapsules can be used as a therapeutic agent.
Prediction of the Growth Behavior of Aeromonas hydrophila Using a Novel Modeling Approach: Support Vector Machine
Authors: Liu Jing , Guan Xiao , Schaffner Donald W.
Published: July 2014

A new technique called support vector machine (SVM), which is used to predict the microbial growth, is presented in this paper. Experimental data on temperature, pH and NaCl from a previously published paper were modeled as inputs, and the kinetic growth parameters, including generation time (GT) and lag phase duration (LPD), were used as outputs of the SVM model. The results derived from SVM model, published artificial neural network (ANN) model and a traditional statistical model were compared using several evaluation criteria: accuracy factor (Af), bias factor (Bf), mean relative percentage residual, mean absolute relative residual, root mean square residual, internal validation (Q2) and external validation (Q2ext). Graphical plots were also used for model comparison. The results show that SVM outperforms ANN and statistical model on predicting microbial GT and LPD, especially when predicting data not used for model development. Sensitivity analyses of the three environmental factors show that the most influential on LPD of Aeromonas hydrophila is temperature, followed by pH and NaCl, and the most influential on GT is pH, followed by temperature and then NaCl.

Practical Applications

Aeromonas hydrophila is a foodborne microorganism, which has been isolated from seafood, red meat, poultry, vegetables and water. Predictive microbiology describes microbial behavior using mathematical models to predict the microbiological safety and quality of a food. A nonlinear modeling technique, termed support vector machine (SVM), is proposed to predict lag phase duration and generation time of A. hydrophila. Statistical criteria show that SVM has a better predictive performance for the generation time and lag phase duration than neural network and traditional statistical models. Sensitivity analyses of the SVM can reveal which condition is the most influential factor on the lag phase duration and generation time, respectively. Therefore, SVM could become an alternative to other modeling approaches, all of which are faster than traditional microbiological experiments.
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity and Safety Aspect of Enterococcus Italicus GGN10 Strain Isolated from Tunisian Bovine Raw Milk
Authors: Gaaloul Necima , Ben Braiek Olfa , Berjeaud Jean Marc , Arthur TIMOTHY , Cavera Veronica L. , Chikindas Michael L. , Hani Khaled , Ghrairi Taoufik
Published: July 2014

Screening of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from Tunisian raw bovine milk has resulted in the isolation of an Enterococcus italicus strain designated as GGN10, which has demonstrated a bacteriocin‐like activity against Listeria spp. Antibacterial activity in the culture supernatant was lost after treatment with proteolytic enzymes, whereas it was stable over a wide range of pH (2–10). The treatment of extracellular extract of this strain at 100C did not cause loss of antimicrobial activity. The bacteriocin yield reached a maximum of 67,677.1 AU/mL at the beginning of the exponential growth phase and remained stable during 24 h of incubation. Amplification of bacteriocin genes revealed entA and entB genes present in GGN10. In addition, this result was confirmed by the bacteriocin's reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography purification and mass spectrometry analysis. This is the first report on enterocins A and B production by this newly isolated strain. Safety elucidation and antibiotics susceptibility of E. italicus GGN10 was conducted using polymerase chain reaction analysis. No commonly associated pathogenicity islands were identified. An enzymatic study revealed GGN10 as a high producer of acid phosphatase and aminopeptidase, which are important features in flavor and texture development during fermentation. Thus, E. italicus GGN10 produces antimicrobial substances and other biologically active substances of importance for food preservation.

Practical Applications

The potential advantages of discovering new lactic acid bacteria strains offer new possibilities in terms of food application, which may have potent socioeconomic applications. Studies on the local microflora in raw milk contribute to the understanding of both the environment and how selected wild strains can be used with fermented foods. In this study, the strain Enterococcus italicus GGN10 isolated from raw milk was identified as a means of providing a powerful tool for inhibiting pathogenic organisms such as Listeria monocytogenes in dairy foods.
Development and Validation of a Predictive Model for the Growth of Salmonella enterica in Chicken Meat
Authors: Zhou Kang , Zhong Kaicheng , Long Chao , Han Xinfeng , Liu Shuliang
Published: July 2014

The growth of Salmonella in chicken meat at different temperatures and water activities was studied. The DMFit software (Institute of Food Reseach, Norwich, UK), based on the Baranyi model, was used to fit growth curves and obtain growth parameters. When temperature or water activity increased, the maximum growth rate increased and the lag time decreased. The developed secondary model was validated by published reports and 422 data from ComBase, which suggest that the model could be used to safely predict the growth of Salmonella in chicken. In this study, the correlation between growth parameters and growth conditions was also investigated using unified and separated models. These models were validated using a different Salmonella strain, isolated from chicken meat, and also with independent data from literatures and ComBase. The values of accuracy and bias factor are 0.99, 1.22 for unified model, and 0.98 and 1.08 for separated model, which suggested the predictions of the models were in a safe and acceptable range. The evaluation suggested robustness of the models and the statistical results of the models show goodness‐of‐fit.

Practical Applications

There is no significant difference between unified and separated models, so the data tested in laboratory media could be easily used in real food after the mathematical process using unified model. This is important in predictive microbiology, as it can be readily used to control the potential hazard in food and maintain food safety.
Effect of Temperature on the Growth and Ochratoxin A Production of the Aspergillus section Nigri Members Isolated from Dried Figs
Authors: Mutlu‐Ingok Aysegul , Karbancioglu‐GUler Funda
Published: July 2014

This study investigated the effects of temperature and incubation time on the growth and ochratoxin A production of three isolates of Aspergillus carbonarius and one Aspergillus niger agg. isolate obtained from dried figs. Optimum growth for all isolates were at 30C while minimum lag phase durations for A. carbonarius isolates were at 25C and for A. niger agg. at 30C. For ochratoxin A (OTA) production, lower optimum temperature values were determined for Aspergillus section Nigri members in comparison to growth temperature. Optimum OTA production was observed at 15–20C and 25C by A. carbonarius and A. niger agg., respectively. Significant amounts of OTA could be accumulated after 3 or 5 days of incubation depending on the isolates. Temperature significantly influenced the growth rate and the extension of lag phase and OTA production of all tested isolates (P < 0.05), whereas incubation time was only significant for OTA production by A. niger agg.

Practical Applications

This study contributes to a better understanding of the effect of temperature and incubation time on ochratoxin A (OTA) production of the Aspergillus section Nigri isolated from dried figs. Our results indicated that Aspergillus section Nigri members isolated from dried figs are able to grow and produce OTA in a wide range of temperature (15–40C), and also A. carbonarius may be the main source of OTA in dried figs because of their higher OTA production capacities. Only 3 or 5 days of incubation were required for OTA accumulation, so the length of drying and storage processes could provide sufficient time for the growth and accumulation of OTA in dried figs. Our results may help develop management strategies and drying methods at constant temperature to reduce OTA contamination on dried figs.
Plasma proteins in the acquired denture pellicle enhance substrate surface free energy and Candida albicans phospholipase and proteinase activities
Authors: Custodio William , Silva Wander J. , Paes Leme Adriana F. , Cury Jaime A. , Del Bel Cury Altair A.
Published: July 2014

Aim

The objective of the present study was to determine if blood plasma proteins could change the proteome of the acquired denture pellicle by label‐free quantitative proteomics. As pellicle proteome modulates the interaction between substrates and Candida cells, we investigated its effect on the surface free energy (SFE) of the coated resin and on Candida albicans phospholipase and aspartyl proteinase activities.

Methods

Poly(methylmethacrylate) discs were exposed to saliva (control) or saliva enriched with blood plasma (experimental group). The pellicle proteome was analyzed by mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography. SFE was determined by acid‐base technique. After biofilm formation, phospholipase and proteinase activities were determined accordingly to classic plate methods. Data were analyzed by two‐way anova and Tukey test (P < 0.05).

Results

α‐Amylase, cystatins, mucins, and host‐immune system proteins were the main proteins identified in the control group. Fibrinogen and albumin were observed only in the experimental group. Coated discs of the experimental group presented an increased SFE (P < 0.05). For both enzymes tested, the experimental group showed higher proteolytic activity (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Blood plasma changes the proteome of the acquired denture pellicle, increasing surface free energy and the activity of Candida albicans phospholipase and aspartyl proteinase.
Validation of the Malay version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale and the prevalence of dental anxiety in a Malaysian population
Authors: Sitheeque Mohaideen , Massoud Moustafa , Yahya Suzana , Humphris Gerry
Published: July 2014

Aim

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Malay version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and to determine the prevalence of dental anxiety and associated factors in a Malaysian population.

Methods

A Malay‐language questionnaire with questions to elicit demographic and dental care‐related information, and the Malay version of the MDAS, were administered to 455 patients at the dental outpatient clinics of the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Factor analysis and internal consistency statistics were generated. A test–retest of the questionnaire was performed with 30 participants.

Results

Cronbach's alpha was 0.854, indicating good internal consistency. Factor analysis yielded results showing good validity. Approximately 3.5% of the participants expressed the highest levels of anxiety. Dental anxiety was significantly higher among females than males. Age correlated inversely with dental anxiety. Individuals seeking dental care only if a problem appeared had significantly more anxiety than regular attendees. Patients who postponed treatment because of fear had significantly higher anxiety levels than those who delayed treatment for other reasons. Past adverse dental experience exacerbated dental anxiety.

Conclusion

The Malay version of the MDAS had good reliability and validity. Anxiety levels found in the Malaysians studied were comparable to participants from other countries.
Adhesive bonding to pulp chamber dentin after different irrigation regimens
Authors: Nagpal Rajni , Manuja Naveen , Pandit Inder Kumar
Published: July 2014

Aim

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and NaOCl irrigation on the microleakage and interfacial morphology of adhesives bonded to pulp chamber dentin.

Methods

The pulp chamber roof of 72 extracted permanent molars was removed. Samples were equally divided into six groups. Pulp chamber dentin was bonded with either Adper Easy One (group 1), Adper Prompt L‐Pop (group 2), or Adper Single Bond 2 (Group 3), after irrigation with either normal saline (groups 1a, 2a, 3a) or 17% EDTA and 5.25% NaOCl (groups 1b, 2b, 3b). Composite resin restorations were placed in the pulp chamber. Ten samples per group were subjected to microleakage test and scanning electron microscopic analysis was done in two samples from each group. Data were statistically analyzed using Mann–Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests at a significance level of P < 0.05.

Results

EDTA and NaOCl irrigation of the pulp chamber significantly reduced microleakage in Adper Easy One. However, it had no significant effect on the microleakage of Adper Prompt L‐Pop and Adper Single Bond 2.

Conclusions

EDTA and NaOCl irrigation of the pulp chamber was not deleterious to the bonding of any of the adhesives tested. While this irrigation regimen had no significant effect on the microleakage of Adper Prompt L‐Pop and Adper Single Bond 2, it significantly reduced the microleakage scores in Adper Easy One.
Nerve growth factor inhibits osmotic swelling of rat retinal glial (Müller) and bipolar cells by inducing glial cytokine release
Authors: Garcia Tarcyane Barata , Pannicke Thomas , Vogler Stefanie , Berk Benjamin‐Andreas , Grosche Antje , Wiedemann Peter , Seeger Johannes , Reichenbach Andreas , Herculano Anderson Manoel , Bringmann Andreas
Published: July 2014

Osmotic swelling of neurons and glial cells contributes to the development of retinal edema and neurodegeneration. We show that nerve growth factor (NGF) inhibits the swelling of glial (Müller) and bipolar cells in rat retinal slices induced by barium‐containing hypoosmotic solution. NGF also reduced Müller and bipolar cell swelling in the post‐ischemic retina. On the other hand, NGF prevented the swelling of freshly isolated Müller cells, but not of isolated bipolar cells, suggesting that NGF induces a release of factors from Müller cells that inhibit bipolar cell swelling in retinal slices. The inhibitory effect of NGF on Müller cell swelling was mediated by activation of TrkA (the receptor tyrosine kinase A), but not p75NTR, and was prevented by blockers of metabotropic glutamate, P2Y1, adenosine A1, and fibroblast growth factor receptors. Basic fibroblast growth factor fully inhibited the swelling of freshly isolated Müller cells, but only partially the swelling of isolated bipolar cells. In addition, glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor and transforming growth factor‐β1, but not epidermal growth factor and platelet‐derived growth factor, reduced the swelling of bipolar cells. Both Müller and bipolar cells displayed TrkA immunoreactivity, while Müller cells were also immunostained for p75NTR and NGF. The data suggest that the neuroprotective effect of NGF in the retina is in part mediated by prevention of the cytotoxic glial and bipolar cell swelling.

image

Cytotoxic cell swelling contributes to retinal neurodegeneration. Nerve growth factor (NGF) inhibits the osmotic swelling of glial cells by acting at TrkA, release of bFGF, and opening of K+ and Cl− channels. The NGF‐induced glial release of cytokines like bFGF inhibits the osmotic swelling of bipolar cells, suggesting that the neuroprotective effect of NGF is in part mediated by prevention of cytotoxic cell swelling.
Early language socialization and language shift: Kazakh as Baby Talk
Authors: Smagulova Juldyz
Published: July 2014

This paper draws attention to the key role of a caregiver's bilingual language practices in the process of language shift. It argues that certain multilingual practices actually discourage children's multilingualism and devalue the language at the same time as they provide preverbal children with direct input. The analysis is based on data collected in Russophone urban families of ethnic Kazakhs. Drawing from work on registers and footing, the paper demonstrates that in these families the Kazakh language, while quantitatively prevailing in caregiver's speech, systematically co‐occurs with Baby Talk – a specific register directed to infants and toddlers in their preverbal stage. The metapragmatic typification of talking Kazakh to non‐agentive objects‐of‐minding, and talking Russian to autonomous social agents, suggests that language practices envision expert members of the local community as Russian speaking. This ideology sustains the ongoing language shift to Russian despite families’ aspiration to raise Kazakh‐Russian bilingual children.
“Sexplorando”: Sexual Practices and Condom Use among an Internet-Based Sample of Men and Women in Puerto Rico
Authors: Rodriguez-Diaz Carlos E. , Collazo Erika , Dodge Brian , Roman-Rivera Aixa , Candelaria-Rosa Exa , Colon-Colon Marcilyn , Herbenick Debby
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Despite the wealth of literature addressing sexual practices and condom use among men and women, very little data are available among Hispanic/Latino populations and in the Caribbean Region. This study adds to the existing literature on sexual practices and condom use in Puerto Rico (PR) and provides comparisons based on sex given the need for more current information on the sexual characteristics and condom use rates among understudied populations.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the rates of sexual practices and condom use among adults, aged 21–49, in PR.

Methods

We report the prevalence of lifetime and recent (past 3 months) sexual practices by sex, as event-level condom use rates, and condom familiarity and accessibility in an online-based sample of adult men and women in PR.

Main Outcome Measures

The main variables assessed include sociodemographic characteristics, solo and partnered sexual practices, and condom use frequencies, as well as familiarity and accessibility to male and female condoms.

Results

Overall, 93% of the sample reported having been sexually active (engaged in oral, vaginal, and/or anal sex) in their lifetime and 78% reported sexual practices in the past 3 months. As in other studies Hispanic/Latino populations, reported rates of anal intercourse (AI) among both men and women were relatively high. Overall, a greater proportion of men reported condom use during all sexual practices (41% vaginal intercourse (VI); 65% receptive AI; 46% insertive AI) than women (22% VI; 18% AI).

Conclusions

These findings provide current sexual practice and condom use frequency rates that can aid in the understanding of the particular sexual health needs of Hispanic/Latino populations as well as of other groups in the Caribbean. It also serves for the development of future studies and sexual health promotion programs, including comprehensive sexual health care.
The Impossibility of Capitalist Instantaneous Production
Authors: Park Man‐Seop
Published: July 2014

Many recent production/growth models use a property, which we call the ‘Hicksian Case’, that, in instantaneous production, interest accruing to a non‐durable input (an input used up in an instant) is negligible over the unit period of production (an instant of time). No proper proof of the Hicksian Case has been put forward in the literature. We provide a rigorous proof of the case. Then, following the same logic as is used for the proof, we demonstrate that instantaneous production is logically impossible in a ‘no‐nonsense’ capitalist economy.
Savanna fire and the origins of the ‘underground forests’ of Africa
Authors: Maurin Olivier , Davies T. Jonathan , Burrows John E. , Daru Barnabas H. , Yessoufou Kowiyou , Muasya A. Muthama , van der Bank Michelle , Bond William J.
Published: July 2014

The origin of fire‐adapted lineages is a long‐standing question in ecology. Although phylogeny can provide a significant contribution to the ongoing debate, its use has been precluded by the lack of comprehensive DNA data. Here, we focus on the ‘underground trees’ (=geoxyles) of southern Africa, one of the most distinctive growth forms characteristic of fire‐prone savannas.

We placed geoxyles within the most comprehensive dated phylogeny for the regional flora comprising over 1400 woody species. Using this phylogeny, we tested whether African geoxyles evolved concomitantly with those of the South American cerrado and used their phylogenetic position to date the appearance of humid savannas.

We found multiple independent origins of the geoxyle life‐form mostly from the Pliocene, a period consistent with the origin of cerrado, with the majority of divergences occurring within the last 2 million yr. When contrasted with their tree relatives, geoxyles occur in regions characterized by higher rainfall and greater fire frequency.

Our results indicate that the geoxylic growth form may have evolved in response to the interactive effects of frequent fires and high precipitation. As such, geoxyles may be regarded as markers of fire‐maintained savannas occurring in climates suitable for forests.