bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Archaeometric Study of Volcanic Lithic Objects from The Longola (Poggiomarino) Protohistoric Site, Southern Italy: Regional Versus Extra‐Regional Provenance
Authors: Balassone G. , Santi P. , Renzulli A. , Di Maio G. , Mondillo N. , Monetti V.
Published: July 2015

The Longola protohistoric village (spanning from the late Middle Bronze Age to the sixth century bc) is a perifluvial settlement located in the Sarno River floodplain to the north‐east of Pompeii (southern Italy) and east of the Somma‐Vesuvius volcano. A great abundance of artefacts have been found at Longola and in the neighbouring areas, including a variety of volcanic stone objects, mainly related to building and to the manufacture of ordinary tools and instruments. The aim of our work is to characterize lithic objects (lava pebbles and millstones) and to understand their geological provenance by petrographic and geochemical studies. Compositions of millstone samples (porphyritic phonolitic tephrites) and of a set of pebbles (mainly phonolitic tephrites, leucite–shoshonites and trachytes) are compatible with the Somma‐Vesuvius magmas erupted before 8 ka bp. For the trachyte lithics, an additional source from the Accademia lava dome (Phlegrean Fields) cannot be ruled out. Among the pebble samples, a rhyolite and a poorly evolved trachyte clearly lie outside the compositional variation of the Somma‐Vesuvius and other volcanoes of the Naples area (e.g., Ischia and the Phlegrean Fields) and emphasize an extra‐regional provenance. Ponza Island is the best candidate for the provenance of the above two outlier samples.
Discrimination of “grazing milk” using milk fatty acid profile in the grassland dairy area in Hokkaido
Authors: Mitani Tomohiro , Kobayashi Kuniyuki , Ueda Koichiro , Kondo Seiji
Published: July 2015

Milk produced by the grazing system, referred to as “grazing milk” contains many components required for human health. The milk fatty acid (FA) profile is strongly associated with the diet on the farms. In the present study, based on the FA profile of farmer's bulk milk, we determined how to discriminate between milk produced on grazing and on a confinement system. A field survey was conducted four times (grazing and confinement season) in the Konsen (29 farms) and Okhotsk (25 farms) area in Hokkaido. Farmer's bulk milk samples and details of feeding management were collected and the FA profile of milk was measured. Milk produced during the grazing season contained less C16:0 and cis‐9 C16:0, and more C18:0, cis‐9 C18:1, trans‐11 C18:1, cis‐9,12 C18:2, cis‐9,trans‐11 C18:2 and cis‐9,12,15 C18:3 than milk produced during the confinement season. Discrimination analysis using 16 FA revealed that almost all milk samples were discriminated correctly (confinement season: 90% correct and 10% borderline, grazing season: 88% correct, 9% borderline and 3% incorrect). For farmers that were categorized incorrectly and were considered borderline in the grazing season, the dependency on pasture was low compared with that for farmers correctly discriminated. Therefore, to claim “grazing milk”, a high dependency on pasture is required for grazing dairy farmers.
Flea (Ctenocephalides felis) control efficacy of topical indoxacarb on dogs subsequently bathed with a chlorhexidine–ketoconazole shampoo
Authors: Armstrong RD , Liebenberg JE , Heaney K , Guerino F
Published: July 2015

Objective

An evaluation of the effect of chlorhexidine/ketoconazole shampoo baths on the flea control efficacy of indoxacarb applied topically to dogs.

Methods and Results

We randomly allocated 18 healthy mixed‐breed dogs to 3 groups: shampoo only; indoxacarb treated and medicated shampoo; and indoxacarb treated but not shampooed. Indoxacarb was administered on day 0 and dogs were shampooed on days 9 and 23. Dogs were infested with 100 adult Ctenocephalides felis initially 2 days before treatment and then weekly from days 7 to 28. Fleas were removed and counted 48 h post‐infestation.

Conclusion

Medicated shampoo use did not significantly reduce indoxacarb efficacy against C. felis.
Effect of local infusion of NSAID analgesics administered alone or in combination on the pain associated with band castration in calves
Authors: Paull DR , Small AH , Lee C , Labeur L , Colditz IG
Published: July 2015

Objective

To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of flunixin alone or in combination with diclofenac administered locally to the scrotum at the time of band castration of calves.

Methods

Angus bull calves (n = 40; ≈7–9 weeks old) were allocated to four treatment groups (n = 10 per group) to examine the effects of two non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory analgesics (NSAIDs) administered locally at the time of band castration: sham control; castration + flunixin; castration + flunixin + diclofenac; castration + saline. The NSAIDs and saline were administered subcutaneously into the scrotum under the band. Blood was sampled at −0.5, 0.5, 1.5, 3, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h relative to castration. Haematology parameters and plasma cortisol levels were determined in samples at all time points and plasma haptoglobin levels determined in samples collected at −0.5, 24, 48 and 72 h. Pain avoidance and postural behaviours were measured for 2 and 12 h, respectively, after castration.

Results

Band‐castrated calves exhibited significantly higher peak cortisol and higher integrated cortisol responses during the first 6 h post‐castration relative to sham controls. Individual active pain avoidance behaviours observed for 1 h post‐castration were not significantly different between treatment groups; however; the sum of the total behaviours was significantly increased by castration (P = 0.023). Postural changes included increased abnormal ventral lying for all castrated groups and decreased normal standing and increased combined abnormal postures for the flunixin‐ and saline‐treated groups. Growth rates of calves were not affected by treatments during weeks 1 and 2 post‐castration; however, growth rates of castrated calves were significantly lower than those of sham‐treated calves in week 3 post‐castration (1.41 vs 0.84, 0.75 and 0.56±0.19 kg/day for sham, flunixin‐, flunixin + diclofenac‐ and saline‐treated groups, respectively).

Conclusions

The administration of flunixin or flunixin + diclofenac intrascrotally at several sites at the time of banding did not improve the welfare of young Angus bull calves undergoing this method of castration when assessed by both physiological and behavioural parameters. In this study, band castration at 7–9 weeks of age had less effect compared with results for older calves reported previously. Further research is required to develop effective analgesic treatments that can be administered at the time of castration to large numbers of animals.
Randomised trial of the bioavailability and efficacy of orally administered flunixin, carprofen and ketoprofen in a pain model in sheep
Authors: Marini D , Pippia J , Colditz IG , Hinch G , Petherick JC , Lee C
Published: July 2015

Objective

To determine the efficacy and bioavailability of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) when administered orally to sheep.

Design

Randomised experimental design with four treatment groups: three NSAID groups and one control group (n = 10/group). The study animals were 40 18‐month‐old Merino ewes with an average weight of 31.4 ± 0.5 kg.

Methods

Treatment was given orally at 24 h intervals for 6 days at dose rates expected to achieve therapeutic levels in sheep: carprofen (8.0 mg/kg), ketoprofen (8.0 mg/kg) and flunixin (4.0 mg/kg). Oil of turpentine (0.1 mL) was injected into a forelimb of each sheep to induce inflammation and pain; responses (force plate pressure, skin temperature, limb circumference, haematology and plasma cortisol) were measured at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h post‐injection. NSAID concentrations were determined by ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography.

Results

The NSAIDs were detectable in ovine plasma 2 h after oral administration, with average concentrations of 4.5–8.4 µg/mL for ketoprofen, 2.6–4.1 µg/mL for flunixin and 30–80 µg/mL for carprofen. NSAID concentrations dropped 24 h after administration. Pain response to an oil of turpentine injection was assessed using the measures applied but no effect of the NSAIDs was observed. Although this pain model has been previously validated, the responses observed in this study differed from those in the previous study.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The three NSAIDs reached inferred therapeutic concentrations in blood at 2 h after oral administration. The oil of turpentine lameness model may need further validation.
Similar outcome of upfront‐unrelated and matched sibling stem cell transplantation in idiopathic paediatric aplastic anaemia. A study on behalf of the UK Paediatric BMT Working Party, Paediatric Diseases Working Party and Severe Aplastic Anaemia Working Party of EBMT
Authors: Dufour Carlo , Veys Paul , Carraro Elisa , Bhatnagar Neha , Pillon Marta , Wynn Rob , Gibson Brenda , Vora Ajay J. , Steward Colin G. , Ewins Anna M. , Hough Rachael E. , de la Fuente Josu , Velangi Mark , Amrolia Persis J. , Skinner Roderick , Bacigalupo Andrea , Risitano Antonio M. , Socie Gerard , Peffault de Latour Regis , Passweg Jakob , Rovo Alicia , Tichelli André , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Hochsmann Britta , Bader Peter , van Biezen Anja , Aljurf Mahmoud D. , Kulasekararaj Austin , Marsh Judith C. , Samarasinghe Sujith
Published: July 2015

We explored the feasibility of unrelated donor haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) upfront without prior immunosuppressive therapy (IST) in paediatric idiopathic severe aplastic anaemia (SAA). This cohort was then compared to matched historical controls who had undergone first‐line therapy with a matched sibling/family donor (MSD) HSCT (n = 87) or IST with horse antithymocyte globulin and ciclosporin (n = 58) or second‐line therapy with unrelated donor HSCT post‐failed IST (n = 24). The 2‐year overall survival in the upfront cohort was 96 ± 4% compared to 91 ± 3% in the MSD controls (P = 0·30) and 94 ± 3% in the IST controls (P = 0·68) and 74 ± 9% in the unrelated donor HSCT post‐IST failure controls (P = 0·02).The 2‐year event‐free survival in the upfront cohort was 92 ± 5% compared to 87 ± 4% in MSD controls (P = 0·37), 40 ± 7% in IST controls (P = 0·0001) and 74 ± 9% in the unrelated donor HSCT post‐IST failure controls (n = 24) (P = 0·02). Outcomes for upfront‐unrelated donor HSCT in paediatric idiopathic SAA were similar to MSD HSCT and superior to IST and unrelated donor HSCT post‐IST failure. Front‐line therapy with matched unrelated donor HSCT is a novel treatment approach and could be considered as first‐line therapy in selected paediatric patients who lack a MSD.
RAC1 regulate tumor necrosis factor‐α‐mediated impaired osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells
Authors: Feng Guijuan , Shen Qijie , Lian Min , Gu Zhifeng , Xing Jing , Lu Xiaohui , Huang Dan , Li Liren , Huang Shen , Wang Yi , Zhang Jinlong , Shi Jiahai , Zhang Dongmei , Feng Xingmei
Published: July 2015

Human dental pulp contains a rapidly proliferative subpopulation of precursor cells termed dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) that show self‐renewal and multilineage differentiation, including neurogenic, chondrogenic, osteogenic and adipogenic. We previously reported that tomuor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) (10 ng/mL) triggered osteogenic differentiation of human DPSCs via the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling pathway. While previous studies showed that cells treated with TNF‐α at higher concentrations showed decreased osteogenic differentiation capability. In this study we analyze the function of TNF‐α (100 ng/mL) on osteogenic differentiation of human DPSCs for the first time and identify the underlying molecule mechanisms. Our data revealed that TNF‐α with higher concentration significantly reduced mineralization and the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Further, we revealed that TNF‐α could suppress the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs via increasing the expression of RAC1, which could activate the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway and liberate β‐catenin to translocate into the nucleus. Genetic silencing of RAC1 expression using siRNA restored osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Our findings may provide a potential approach to bone regeneration in inflammatory microenvironments.
Serum preadipocyte factor 1 concentrations and risk of developing diabetes: a nested case–control study
Authors: Lee S. H. , Rhee M. , Yang H. K. , Ha H. S. , Lee J. H. , Kwon H. S. , Park Y. M. , Yim H. W. , Kang M. I. , Lee W. C. , Son H. Y. , Yoon K. H.
Published: July 2015

Aim

To determine whether preadipocyte factor 1 could be a predictive marker for the development of diabetes in people without diabetes at baseline.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based, nested case–control study of individuals who progressed to diabetes (n = 43) or prediabetes (n = 345) and control participants matched on age, sex and fasting plasma glucose concentration, who maintained normal glucose tolerance (n = 389) during a 4‐year follow‐up using data from the Chungju Metabolic disease Cohort Study. Circulating levels of preadipocyte factor 1 were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Baseline serum preadipocyte factor 1 levels showed a stepwise decrease across the glucose tolerance status groups at follow‐up (normal glucose tolerance: 10.02 ± 3.02 ng/ml; prediabetes: 9.48 ± 3.35 ng/ml; diabetes: 8.66 ± 3.29 ng/ml; P for trend, 0.0151). Individuals whose fasting plasma glucose level had increased or whose homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function had decreased at follow‐up showed significantly lower levels of preadipocyte factor 1 compared with their control group counterparts. After adjusting for age, BMI, fasting plasma glucose, serum insulin levels, systolic blood pressure and triglycerides, the incidence of diabetes was nearly threefold higher in the lowest vs. the upper three quartiles of circulating preadipocyte factor 1 (relative risk 2.794; 95% CI 1.188–6.571; P = 0.0185). Notably, these findings were significant in women but not in men.

Conclusions

Levels of circulating preadipocyte factor 1 may be a useful biomarker for identifying women at high risk of developing diabetes.
Depressive symptoms predict non‐completion of a structured exercise intervention for people with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Swardfager W. , Yang P. , Herrmann N. , Lanctôt K. L. , Shah B. R. , Kiss A. , Oh P. I.
Published: July 2015

Aim

To quantify the impact of depressive symptoms on completion of exercise‐based rehabilitation for Type 2 diabetes management.

Methods

Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale in a prospective cohort of consecutive patients with Type 2 diabetes entering a 6‐month hybrid (home‐ and clinic‐based) exercise rehabilitation programme. Attendance at exercise sessions was monitored and programme completion/non‐completion was ascertained.

Results

Of the programme participants (n=624, mean age 55.6±10.5 years, 47% male), 26.8% endorsed significant depressive symptoms (depression score ≥16) and 68.1% completed the intervention, attending 54.6±30.0% of supervised exercise sessions. Baseline depressive symptoms (depression scale score ≥16) increased the risk of non‐completion [hazard ratio 1.49 (95% CI 1.10–2.03); P = 0.010], and predicted fewer sessions attended (β=‐2.1, P= 0.002) in adjusted models. A depression score threshold of ≥10 (48.4% of participants) predicted non‐completion [hazard ratio 1.60 (95% CI 1.19–2.17); P= 0.002) with optimum accuracy. Non‐completions resulting from lack of interest (18.9 vs. 11.0%; P= 0.026) and medical complications (14.6 vs. 6.6%; P= 0.006) were more common among participants with depression scores ≥10. Greater hazard ratios for depression scores ≥10 were observed in subgroups not currently using insulin [hazard ratio 1.70 (95% CI 1.24–2.33); P= 0.001), or an antidepressant [hazard ratio 1.83 (95% CI 1.32–2.54); P<0.001].

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms were highly prevalent among participants with Type 2 diabetes entering exercise‐based rehabilitation, and even mild depressive symptoms posed a significant barrier to completion. Depression screening may help target additional supports to facilitate completion of exercise interventions for people with Type 2 diabetes.
Low 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, but not the bioavailable fraction of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, is a risk factor for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Behrens Janina R. , Rasche Ludwig , Gieß Rene M. , Pfuhl Catherina , Wakonig Katharina , Freitag Erik , Deuschle Katrin , Bellmann‐Strobl Judith , Paul Friedemann , Ruprecht Klemens , Dörr Jan
Published: July 2015

Background and purpose

Low 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels correlate with higher disease activity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it is not clear whether low 25(OH)D levels directly contribute to increased disease activity or merely represent a consequence of reduced endogenous vitamin D synthesis in more disabled MS patients. Furthermore, recent data suggest that bioavailable vitamin D, which also integrates the levels of vitamin D binding proteins and albumin, could be a biologically more relevant parameter than 25(OH)D.

Methods

Measured de‐seasonalized 25(OH)D3 and vitamin D binding protein and calculated bioavailable and free vitamin D were compared in the baseline serum samples of 76 patients with clinically isolated syndrome enrolled in a longitudinal observational study and in 76 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (HC).

Results

25(OH)D3 levels were lower in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (P = 0.002) than in HC, and more patients (8/76, 10.5%) than HC (1/76, 1.3%) had 25(OH)D3 levels <25 nmol/l (P = 0.03). In contrast, levels of 25(OH)D2, vitamin D binding protein and calculated levels of free and bioavailable vitamin D did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusions

Lower 25(OH)D3 levels already in the earliest phase of disease and in clinically hardly affected patients suggest that low 25(OH)D3 levels are rather a risk factor for than a consequence of MS. Nevertheless, because bioavailable vitamin D levels did not differ between the two groups, the mechanism underlying the association of 25(OH)D3 and MS does not appear to be related to reduced bioavailability of vitamin D.
Successful treatment with 4‐phenylbutyrate in a patient with benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 refractory to biliary drainage and bilirubin absorption
Authors: Hayashi Hisamitsu , Naoi Sotaro , Hirose Yu , Matsuzaka Yusuke , Tanikawa Ken , Igarashi Koji , Nagasaka Hironori , Kage Masayoshi , Inui Ayano , Kusuhara Hiroyuki
Published: July 2015

Aim

Benign recurrent intrahepatic cholestasis type 2 (BRIC2) is caused by mutations in ABCB11, a gene encoding the bile salt export pump (BSEP) that mediates biliary bile salt secretion, and presents with repeated intermittent cholestasis with refractory itching. Currently, no effective medical therapy has been established. We previously provided experimental and clinical evidence suggesting the therapeutic potential of 4‐phenylbutyrate (4PB) for the cholestatic attacks of BRIC2.

Methods

After examining the potential therapeutic use of 4PB treatment by in vitro studies, a patient with BRIC2 was treated p.o. with 4PB at gradually increasing doses (200, 350, and 500 mg/kg per day) for 4 months. Biochemical, histological and clinical data were collected.

Results

The patient was diagnosed with BRIC2 because he had non‐synonymous mutations (c.1211A>G [p.D404G] and 1331T>C [p.V444A]) in ABCB11, reduced hepatocanalicular expression of BSEP and low biliary bile salt concentrations. In vitro analysis showed that 4PB treatment partially restored the decreased expression of BSEP caused by p.D404G mutation. During the first 2 months of 4PB therapy at 200 and 350 mg/kg per day, the patient had no relief from his symptoms. No beneficial effect was observed after additional treatment with bilirubin absorption and endoscopic nasobiliary drainage. However, after starting treatment at a dose of 500 mg/kg per day, the patient’s liver function tests and intractable itching were markedly improved. No apparent side‐effects were observed during or after 4PB therapy. The symptoms relapsed within 1.5 months after cessation of 4PB therapy.

Conclusion

4PB therapy would have a therapeutic effect on the cholestatic attacks of BRIC2.
Using immunofluorescence (antigen) mapping in the diagnosis and classification of epidermolysis bullosa: a first report from Iran
Authors: Barzegar Mohammadreza , Asadi‐kani Zahra , Mozafari Nikoo , Vahidnezhad Hassan , Kariminejad Ariana , Toossi Parviz
Published: July 2015

Background

Immunofluorescence antigen mapping (IFM), is a newly introduced technique for diagnosis and classification of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) disease. The precise level of skin cleavage can be determined using monoclonal antibodies to EB‐specific basement membrane zone protein.

Objective

To apply IFM technique in diagnosis and classification of EB and to identify utility and limitation of this method in our clinical setting.

Methods

IFM was done according to a described protocol by Pohla‐Gubo et al. Monoclonal antibodies used for antigen mapping were against cytokeratin 5, cytokeratin 14, α6 integrin, β4 integrin, laminin 332, Collagen IV, and Collagen VII.

Results

IFM was done for 95 referred patients, compromising 49 females and 46 males, aged 5 days to 45 years (mean = 9.5 years). Ninety cases were diagnosed with EB and classified as follows: EB simplex: (n = 13), junctional EB (n = 14), dystrophic EB (n = 62), and Kindler syndrome (n = 1). Diagnosis was not made in five cases as their specimens contained no blister. Confirmatory genetic analysis was done for five junctional cases from two families with clinical features of laryngo‐onycho‐cutaneous syndrome. Genetic molecular studies showed nonsense mutations in the last codon of exon 39 of the laminin α3a (LAMA3) gene (p.Gln57X) and a donor splice site mutation in LAMA3 (IVS57+5G>A) in the first and second family, respectively.

Conclusion

IFM technique is relatively simple to perform, and interpretation of the results is not sophisticated. The proportion of inconclusive results will be decreased if the specimens contain freshly induced blister.
The association between tumor necrosis factor‐α‐308 G/A polymorphism and risk for vitiligo: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Dongze , Shi Deshun , Zhu Xiaoliang
Published: July 2015

Background

The contribution of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐308 G/A gene polymorphism (rs1800629) to risk for vitiligo is subject to controversy.

Objectives

The fundamental purpose of the present meta‐analysis was to investigate large‐scale evidence to determine the overall association between TNF‐α‐308 G/A polymorphism and susceptibility to vitiligo.

Methods

A literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases was conducted to identify all studies referring to an association between TNF‐α‐308 G/A polymorphism and vitiligo published to June 1, 2014. The principal outcome measure for evaluating the strength of the association was the crude odds ratio (OR) along with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Data were extracted, and statistical analyses were implemented using stata Version 12.0.

Results

Data for a total of 1505 vitiligo cases and 2253 controls from five case–control studies concentrating on the association between TNF‐α‐308 G/A polymorphism and vitiligo were included in this meta‐analysis. Combined analysis revealed there to be no association between this polymorphism and susceptibility to vitiligo in five genetic models under random‐effects models. A subgroup analysis by clinical type also demonstrated the absence of any association between TNF‐α‐308 G/A polymorphism and generalized vitiligo. However, a significant association was detected in the miscellaneous subgroup under the dominant model (fixed‐effects model: OR 5.69, 95% CI 4.70–6.88; P = 0.000) and overdominant model (random‐effects model: OR 5.24, 95% CI 2.26–12.17; P = 0.000).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis indicates that TNF‐α‐308 G/A polymorphism is not a genetic risk factor for vitiligo.
Does the entrance fee for a monopoly platform with monopolistic competition eliminate socially desirable products?
Authors: Chang Ming Chung , Peng Hsiao‐Ping , Ho Yan‐Ching
Published: July 2015

This paper is concerned with a monopoly platform in which firms compete by setting quantities, each producing a variety of differentiated goods. Should a firm desire to enter the platform, it must pay an entrance fee to the platform owner, as well as incur a fixed setup cost. Since the platform can be maintained at zero cost, the platform owner aims to maximize the total entrance fee revenue. When a product is introduced, it reduces the prices of the other goods, thereby adversely affecting the revenue of other firms. Under condition of free entry, the entering firm does not take this effect into account. In contrast, the platform owner does take it into account. As a result, the entrance fee may act to raise welfare by eliminating socially undesirable goods.
Poly‐ADP‐ribosyl polymerase‐14 promotes T helper 17 and follicular T helper development
Authors: Mehrotra Purvi , Krishnamurthy Purna , Sun Jie , Goenka Shreevrat , Kaplan Mark H.
Published: July 2015

Transcription factors are critical determinants of T helper cell fate and require a variety of co‐factors to activate gene expression. We previously identified the ADP ribosyl‐transferase poly‐ADP‐ribosyl polymerase 14 (PARP‐14) as a co‐factor of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 6 that is important in B‐cell and T‐cell responses to interleukin‐4, particularly in the differentiation of T helper type 2 (Th2) cells. However, whether PARP‐14 functions during the development of other T helper subsets is not known. In this report we demonstrate that PARP‐14 is highly expressed in Th17 cells, and that PARP‐14 deficiency and pharmacological blockade of PARP activity result in diminished Th17 differentiation in vitro and in a model of allergic airway inflammation. We further show that PARP‐14 is expressed in T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and Tfh cell development is impaired in PARP‐14‐deficient mice following immunization with sheep red blood cells or inactivated influenza virus. Decreases in Th17 and Tfh development are correlated with diminished phospho‐STAT3 and decreased expression of the interleukin‐6 receptor α‐chain in T cells. Together, these studies demonstrate that PARP‐14 regulates multiple cytokine responses during inflammatory immunity.
Un indicador de baja calidad del empleo aplicado al Brasil, 2002–2011
Authors: HUNEEUS Federico , LANDERRETCHE Óscar , PUENTES Esteban , SELMAN Javiera
Published: July 2015

En países con mayores niveles de informalidad y precariedad laboral es cuestionable la precisión con la que las tasas de desempleo y participación laboral y los salarios reflejan las condiciones del mercado de trabajo. En esta investigación utilizamos un indicador multidimensional de baja calidad del empleo que considera ingresos, existencia de contrato, contribución a la seguridad social y duración del empleo para analizar el mercado de trabajo brasileño entre 2002 y 2011. Los resultados muestran un aumento significativo de la calidad del empleo, especialmente en el periodo 2009–2011, y diferencias importantes entre trabajadores asalariados e independientes y por sector productivo.
Life span variation in 13 Drosophila species: a comparative study on life span, environmental variables and stress resistance
Authors: Wit J. , Loeschcke V. , Kellermann V.
Published: July 2015

Recently, heterogeneity of the environment has been suggested as an important player in the evolution of life span variation. Established ageing theories propose that life span variation is the result of coevolution with other traits, such as stress resistance. This study aimed to compare these alternative hypotheses by examining the relationship between four environmental variables and different types of stress resistance traits with life span in 13 Drosophila species originating from tropical, subtropical and temperate environments (ecotypes). Average life span was found to differ significantly both between species and sexes, but only male life span correlated with the environment and cold resistance. While controlling for phylogeny, the environmental variable precipitation seasonality and resistance against cold‐induced stress explained most variation in male life span. Furthermore, male life span varied between species in a manner represented by environmental variables linked to the different ecotypes, such that tropical species lived longer and were less cold resistant. The current results suggest that general mechanisms underlying stress resistance and life span are unlikely. In addition, our results point to the environment independently shaping variation in life span and cold resistance rather than genetic interactions.
Aloe Vera Gel and Honey‐Based Edible Coatings Combined with Chemical Dip as a Safe Means for Quality Maintenance and Shelf Life Extension of Fresh‐Cut Papaya
Authors: Kuwar Uma , Sharma Sonu , Tadapaneni Venkata Ramana Rao
Published: July 2015

The functionality of Aloe vera gel and honey (10% v/v) for quality improvement of fresh‐cut papaya was evaluated individually as well as in combination with chemical dip containing calcium chloride (2% w/v), ascorbic acid (AA) (1% w/v) and vanillin (8 mM). The changes in the physicochemical attributes such as pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, weight loss percentage, AA, total phenolic content (TPC), browning index, browning enzymes (polyphenol oxidase [PPO] and peroxidase [POX]) and microbial load of fresh‐cut papaya were evaluated during their storage at 4 ± 1C. It has been observed that A. vera gel and 10% honey in combination with chemical dip have a preventive role toward quality maintenance of fresh‐cut papaya as indicated by retention of TPC and AA, reduced microbial load and relatively low PPO and POX activity during storage period of 12 days at 4C.

Practical Applications

Aloe vera gel and honey have been widely used in food industries due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Most recently, their uses have been expanded for quality enhancement of horticultural commodities as these are found to be safe for food applications. From the present study, it is evident that these selected edible coatings derived from natural sources could maintain the quality of fresh‐cut fruit like papaya and also satisfy the consumer's need for safe food. Thus, the studied work has the practical applications in fresh‐cut industries.
Evaluation of blood pressure in feline night monkeys (Aotus azarae infulatus) under different restraint protocols
Authors: Chaves Rosa Helena de Figueiredo , Souza Nazaré Fonseca de , Imbeloni Aline Amaral , Neves Ana Cláudia de Souza , Teixeira Renan Kleber Costa , Santos Camila de Cassia dos
Published: July 2015

Background

Feline night monkeys are very susceptible to stress when handled, and because of that, the use of anesthetic and physical restraint methods should be carefully evaluated. To ensure a safer anesthesia to the animals the present study aimed to observe the influence of four restraint protocols in the blood pressure of Aotus azarae infulatus.

Methods

Blood pressure was obtained from 10 animals subjected to restraining protocols using tiletamine and zolazepam, isoflurane, ketamine and midazolam, and physical restraint and results were evaluated to determine their effect on this exam.

Results

Among the restraint protocols tested, the anesthetic isoflurane promoted lower blood pressure values and no differences were observed between values measured in both arms in all groups.

Conclusion

The results of our study suggest that all restraint protocols tested significantly alter blood pressure in this species of primates.
Between Tradition and Modernity: “Leftover” Women in Shanghai
Authors: Ji Yingchun
Published: July 2015

In recent years, single, educated women who are not yet married by their late 20s in China's major cities have been increasingly castigated as “leftover” women. After more than 3 decades of rapid socioeconomic development, marriage remains near universal and early in China. In the meantime, there has been a resurgence of patriarchal traditions. Using semistructured interviews, in this qualitative research the author sought to understand the motivations of these women and their efforts to negotiate the contradictions regarding marriage formation and career development. Six themes emerged from the women's narratives: (a) parental pressure, (b) a gender double standard of aging, (c) forced socioeconomic hypergamy, (d) the importance of compatible family backgrounds, (e) efforts to balance women's independence with support for family and men, and (f) conflicting gender ideologies. The author contextualizes these themes by analyzing how women weave traditional expectations with modern life in a transitioning China, where tradition and modernity alternately clash and converge to constitute a somewhat uneasy mosaic society.
Does Public Funding Work? A Causal Analysis of the Effects of Economic Promotion with Establishment Panel Data
Authors: Kölling Arnd
Published: July 2015

This study aimed to analyse the impact of public economic promotion on the performance of establishments. Using data from the German Institute for Employment Research (IAB) establishment panel from 1996 through 2009, we studied the effect of public funding on a number of indicators that provide insight into the topic. For this purpose, conditional difference‐in‐differences estimators were derived using a propensity score matching approach. Supported establishments were found to invest more and request more labour when the amount of public funding is considered. However, on average, establishments that have a history of previous investments also have a higher probability to receive funding than other entities. On the other hand, the evidence suggests that funded establishments reduce their investments shortly before funding. This could point to changes in the behaviour of the establishments, because of the expected economic promotion. Also, it seems that the results are permanent, when the analysis is conducted with natural values instead of logarithms. Other effects of economic promotion in Germany include increases in employment, value added and productivity.
Physical restraint: experiences, attitudes and opinions of adult intensive care unit nurses
Authors: Freeman Samantha , Hallett Christine , McHugh Gretl
Published: July 2015

Background

Patients within the adult intensive care unit have the potential to develop delirium and agitation. This can result in the patient displaying unwanted behaviours such as attempting to remove the medical devices to which they are attached. Some adult intensive care units within the UK are starting to adopt physical restraint as a method of managing unwanted behaviours.

Aim

To determine the experiences, attitudes and opinions of adult intensive care nurses in relation to the application of physical restraint.

Design

Questionnaire survey.

Methods

A postal questionnaire was distributed to all nurses (n = 192) within two purposefully selected large adult intensive care units in the UK.

Results

Data were collected between November 2012 and February 2013. The questionnaire was completed by 38·9% (n = 75) of the nurses contacted. All believed that physical restraint had a place, with the majority of the view that the reason for its application was to maintain patient safety. Some expressed discomfort about the use of physical restraint. Nurses were happy to discuss the use of restraint with families. There was a perceived need for training and support for nursing staff as well as the need for medical staff to support the decision‐making process.

Conclusion

Nurses require more support and evidence to base their decision‐making upon. They require guidance from professional bodies as well as support from medical colleagues. The findings have limited generalizability as they can only be applied to the units accessed and the response rate was poor.

Relevance to clinical practice

Alternative approaches such as pain management, sleep promotion and the involvement of relatives need to be explored before physical restraint policy can be written.

Further research is required into the safety of physical restraint, alternative methods of managing the risk of agitation and identifying predisposing factors to accidental device removal.
Natural 13C distribution in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) and consequences for allocation pattern
Authors: Lamade Emmanuelle , Tcherkez Guillaume , Darlan Nuzul Hijri , Rodrigues Rosario Lobato , Fresneau Chantal , Mauve Caroline , Lamothe‐Sibold Marlène , Sketriené Diana , Ghashghaie Jaleh
Published: July 2015

Oil palm has now become one of the most important crops, palm oil representing nearly 25% of global plant oil consumption. Many studies have thus addressed oil palm ecophysiology and photosynthesis‐based models of carbon allocation have been used. However, there is a lack of experimental data on carbon fixation and redistribution within palm trees, and important C‐sinks have not been fully characterized yet. Here, we carried out extensive measurement of natural 13C‐abundance (δ13C) in oil palm tissues, including fruits at different maturation stages. We find a 13C‐enrichment in heterotrophic organs compared to mature leaves, with roots being the most 13C‐enriched. The δ13C in fruits decreased during maturation, reflecting the accumulation in 13C‐depleted lipids. We further used observed δ13C values to compute plausible carbon fluxes using a steady‐state model of 13C‐distribution including metabolic isotope effects (12v/13v). The results suggest that fruits represent a major respiratory loss (≈39% of total tree respiration) and that sink organs such as fruits are fed by sucrose from leaves. That is, glucose appears to be a quantitatively important compound in palm tissues, but computations indicate that it is involved in dynamic starch metabolism rather that C‐exchange between organs.
Integrated Likelihood Inference in Small Sample Meta‐analysis for Continuous Outcomes
Authors: Bellio Ruggero , Guolo Annamaria
Published: July 2015

This paper proposes the use of the integrated likelihood for inference on the mean effect in small‐sample meta‐analysis for continuous outcomes. The method eliminates the nuisance parameters given by variance components through integration with respect to a suitable weight function, with no need to estimate them. The integrated likelihood approach takes into proper account the estimation uncertainty of within‐study variances, thus providing confidence intervals with empirical coverage closer to nominal levels than standard likelihood methods. The improvement is remarkable when either (i) the number of studies is small to moderate or (ii) the small sample size of the studies does not allow to consider the within‐study variances as known, as common in applications. Moreover, the use of the integrated likelihood avoids numerical pitfalls related to the estimation of variance components which can affect alternative likelihood approaches. The proposed methodology is illustrated via simulation and applied to a meta‐analysis study in nutritional science.
Arabidopsis thaliana ggt1 photorespiratory mutants maintain leaf carbon/nitrogen balance by reducing RuBisCO content and plant growth
Authors: Dellero Younès , Lamothe‐Sibold Marlène , Jossier Mathieu , Hodges Michael
Published: July 2015

Metabolic and physiological analyses of glutamate:glyoxylate aminotransferase 1 (GGT1) mutants were performed at the global leaf scale to elucidate the mechanisms involved in their photorespiratory growth phenotype. Air‐grown ggt1 mutants showed retarded growth and development, that was not observed at high CO2 (3000 μL L−1). When compared to wild‐type (WT) plants, air‐grown ggt1 plants exhibited glyoxylate accumulation, global changes in amino acid amounts including a decrease in serine content, lower organic acid levels, and modified ATP/ADP and NADP+/NADPH ratios. When compared to WT plants, their net CO2 assimilation rates (An) were 50% lower and this mirrored decreases in ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) contents. High CO2‐grown ggt1 plants transferred to air revealed a rapid decrease of An and photosynthetic electron transfer rate while maintaining a high energetic state. Short‐term (a night period and 4 h of light) transferred ggt1 leaves accumulated glyoxylate and exhibited low serine contents, while other amino acid levels were not modified. RuBisCO content, activity and activation state were not altered after a short‐term transfer while the ATP/ADP ratio was lowered in ggt1 rosettes. However, plant growth and RuBisCO levels were both reduced in ggt1 leaves after a long‐term (12 days) acclimation to air from high CO2 when compared to WT plants. The data are discussed with respect to a reduced photorespiratory carbon recycling in the mutants. It is proposed that the low An limits nitrogen‐assimilation, this decreases leaf RuBisCO content until plants attain a new homeostatic state that maintains a constant C/N balance and leads to smaller, slower growing plants.
Arabidopsis Elongator subunit 2 positively contributes to resistance to the necrotrophic fungal pathogens Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria brassicicola
Authors: Wang Chenggang , Ding Yezhang , Yao Jin , Zhang Yanping , Sun Yijun , Colee James , Mou Zhonglin
Published: July 2015

The evolutionarily conserved Elongator complex functions in diverse biological processes including salicylic acid‐mediated immune response. However, how Elongator functions in jasmonic acid (JA)/ethylene (ET)‐mediated defense is unknown. Here, we show that Elongator is required for full induction of the JA/ET defense pathway marker gene PLANT DEFENSIN1.2 (PDF1.2) and for resistance to the necrotrophic fungal pathogens Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria brassicicola. A loss‐of‐function mutation in the Arabidopsis Elongator subunit 2 (ELP2) alters B. cinerea‐induced transcriptome reprogramming. Interestingly, in elp2, expression of WRKY33, OCTADECANOID‐RESPONSIVE ARABIDOPSIS AP2/ERF59 (ORA59), and PDF1.2 is inhibited, whereas transcription of MYC2 and its target genes is enhanced. However, overexpression of WRKY33 or ORA59 and mutation of MYC2 fail to restore PDF1.2 expression and B. cinerea resistance in elp2, suggesting that ELP2 is required for induction of not only WRKY33 and ORA59 but also PDF1.2. Moreover, elp2 is as susceptible as coronatine‐insensitive1 (coi1) and ethylene‐insensitive2 (ein2) to B. cinerea, indicating that ELP2 is an important player in B. cinerea resistance. Further analysis of the lesion sizes on the double mutants elp2 coi1 and elp2 ein2 and the corresponding single mutants revealed that the function of ELP2 overlaps with COI1 and is additive to EIN2 for B. cinerea resistance. Finally, basal histone acetylation levels in the coding regions of WRKY33, ORA59, and PDF1.2 are reduced in elp2 and a functional ELP2‐GFP fusion protein binds to the chromatin of these genes, suggesting that constitutive ELP2‐mediated histone acetylation may be required for full activation of the WRKY33/ORA59/PDF1.2 transcriptional cascade.
Mannose 6‐phosphate‐independent Lysosomal Sorting of LIMP‐2
Authors: Blanz Judith , Zunke Friederike , Markmann Sandra , Damme Markus , Braulke Thomas , Saftig Paul , Schwake Michael
Published: July 2015

The lysosomal integral membrane protein type 2 (LIMP‐2/SCARB2) has been described as a mannose 6‐phosphate (M6P)‐independent trafficking receptor for β‐glucocerebrosidase (GC). Recently, a putative M6P residue in a crystal structure of a recombinantly expressed LIMP‐2 ectodomain has been reported. Based on surface plasmon resonance and fluorescence lifetime imaging analyses, it was suggested that the interaction of soluble LIMP‐2 with the cation‐independent M6P receptor (MPR) results in M6P‐dependent targeting of LIMP‐2 to lysosomes. As the physiological relevance of this observation was not addressed, we investigated M6P‐dependent delivery of LIMP‐2 to lysosomes in murine liver and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. We demonstrate that LIMP‐2 and GC reach lysosomes independent of the M6P pathway. In fibroblasts lacking either MPRs or the M6P‐forming N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)‐1‐phosphotransferase, LIMP‐2 still localizes to lysosomes. Immunoblot analyses also revealed comparable LIMP‐2 levels within lysosomes purified from liver of wild‐type (wt) and GlcNAc‐1‐phosphotransferase‐defective mice. Heterologous expression of the luminal domain of LIMP‐2 in wild‐type, LIMP‐2‐deficient and GlcNAc‐1‐phosphotransferase‐defective cells further established that the M6P modification is dispensable for lysosomal sorting of LIMP‐2. Finally, cathepsin Z, a known GlcNAc‐1‐phosphotransferase substrate, but not LIMP‐2, could be precipitated with M6P‐specific antibodies. These data prove M6P‐independent lysosomal sorting of LIMP‐2 and subsequently GC in vivo.
Determination of Work Index of Enyigba Lead Ore, Ebonyi State, South-East Nigeria
Authors: Ettu Obassi , T. Gundu D. , Abugh Ashwe , M. Akindele.
Published: July 2015

The determination of work index of Enyigba Lead Ore, Ebony State using the modified bond energy (Berry & Bruce) method was investigated. The test sample was obtained from Enyigba village in Ebonyi State. A reference material (granite) was sourced from Anguwan-Boro granite deposit, Sabo, Kaduna metropolis. A known weight of reference and test material were crushed, pulverized and ground using the laboratory ball mill machine. The cell used in grinding the two samples has twelve steel balls of diameter 3.5cm and 222g weight. The size analysis of the feed for both reference and test material was found to be 218.2 and 218.6µm, and a ball mill discharge was 189.9 and 188.9µm respectively. The granite as a reference material with work index of 15.13kwh/ short ton was used to calculate the work index of the test material which was found to be 14.37kwh/short ton, being the energy required to comminute one tone of the ore and confirmed to be within the range indicated by previous research work on lead ore.
Maxillary Cutting Guide for Executing a Simulated Osteotomy and Removing the Bony Interference During Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Kang Sang-Hoon , Kim Hak-Jin , Park Ha-Won , Lee Sang-Hwy
Published: July 2015

The results of surgical simulation need to be transferred to the operation table with precision and confidence. We want to introduce a three-dimensional (3D)-printed maxillary cutting guide to perform the simulation-based maxillary osteotomy, interference removal, and the device guide for maxillary orthognathic surgery. The orthognathic simulation is performed with a horizontal osteotomy line and the maxillary segmental movement on a computed tomography (CT)-based 3D model. The maxillary cutting guide is designed as a band-shaped template encompassing the osteotomy line, bone interference area, and guiding holes. The design is exported to a 3D printer and the cutting guide is printed with biocompatible resin materials. The cutting guide was applied to 45 orthognathic surgeries. It could assist the easy and accurate osteotomy as planned and eliminate the repeated empirical checks of the premature interference site while preventing excessive bone reduction. This device guides the surgeon to place the osteotomy line, predict and remove the bony interferences, and place holes for additional surgical devices for maxillary orthognathic surgery.