bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing the diversity of active bacteria in soil by comprehensive stable isotope probing of DNA and RNA with H218O
Authors: Rettedal Elizabeth A. , Brözel Volker S.
Published: February 2015

Current limitations in culture‐based methods have lead to a reliance on culture‐independent approaches, based principally on the comparative analysis of primary semantides such as ribosomal gene sequences. DNA can be remarkably stable in some environments, so its presence does not indicate live bacteria, but extracted ribosomal RNA (rRNA) has previously been viewed as an indicator of active cells. Stable isotope probing (SIP) involves the incorporation of heavy isotopes into newly synthesized nucleic acids, and can be used to separate newly synthesized from existing DNA or rRNA. H218O is currently the only potential universal bacterial substrate suitable for SIP of entire bacterial communities. The aim of our work was to compare soil bacterial community composition as revealed by total versus SIP‐labeled DNA and rRNA. Soil was supplemented with H218O and after 38 days the DNA and RNA were co‐extracted. Heavy nucleic acids were separated out by CsCl and CsTFA density centrifugation. The 16S rRNA gene pools were characterized by DGGE and pyrosequencing, and the sequence results analyzed using mothur. The majority of DNA (~60%) and RNA (~75%) from the microcosms incubated with H218O were labeled by the isotope. The analysis indicated that total and active members of the same type of nucleic acid represented similar community structures, which suggested that most dominant OTUs in the total nucleic acid extracts contained active members. It also supported that H218O was an effective universal label for SIP for both DNA and RNA. DNA and RNA‐derived diversity was dissimilar. RNA from this soil more comprehensively recovered bacterial richness than DNA because the most abundant OTUs were less numerous in RNA than DNA‐derived community data, and dominant OTU pools didn't mask rare OTUs as much in RNA.
Serotonergic markers in Parkinson's disease and levodopa‐induced dyskinesias
Authors: Cheshire Perdita , Ayton Scott , Bertram Kelly L. , Ling Helen , Li Abi , McLean Catriona , Halliday Glenda M. , O'Sullivan Sean S. , Revesz Tamas , Finkelstein David I. , Storey Elsdon , Williams David R.
Published: February 2015

Preclinical animal models implicate serotonin neurons in the pathophysiology of levodopa (l‐dopa)–induced dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease (PD), but effective treatment remains elusive. We examined the relationship between serotonin and l‐dopa–induced dyskinesias in a pathologically confirmed cohort of PD patients. We obtained brain tissue from 44 PD cases and 17 age‐matched controls and assessed monoamine levels and the serotonin and dopamine transporters in the striatum, and the extent of dopaminergic and serotonergic cell preservation in the substantia nigra (SN) and the dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN), respectively. As expected, PD patients demonstrated a severe loss of all dopaminergic markers, including dopamine (P < 0.0001) and the dopamine transporter (P < 0.0001) in the striatum, and dopaminergic neurons (P < 0.001) in the SN, compared with controls. Marked serotonin loss was observed in the caudate (but not putamen) in PD patients compared with controls (P < 0.001), but no difference was found in the levels of the serotonin transporter in the striatum or density of serotonergic neurons in the DRN between these groups, suggesting a functional but not structural change in the serotonergic system in PD. No difference was seen in levels of serotonergic and dopaminergic markers in the striatum between PD patients with and without dyskinesias, or between cases separated according to the clinical severity of their dyskinesias. The absence of a correlation between striatal serotonin markers and the incidence and severity of l‐dopa–induced dyskinesias suggests that an intact and functioning serotonergic system is not a risk factor for developing dyskinesias in PD. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Chorea due to diabetic hyperglycemia and uremia: Distinct clinical and imaging features
Authors: Kim Young Jin , Kim Sang Joon , Kim Juyeon , Kim Mi‐Jung , Kim Ki‐Ju , Yoon Hyukjun , Kim Sung Reul , Chung Sun Ju
Published: February 2015

This study was undertaken to describe the clinical and imaging characteristics of patients with chorea associated with nonketotic hyperglycemia (C‐NKH) in comparison with patients with chorea associated with uremia (C‐URE). We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of consecutive 10 C‐NKH and five C‐URE patients who were treated between January 1, 2001 and January 31, 2013. Women were more frequently affected by C‐NKH (70% vs. 30%) and C‐URE (80% vs. 20%) compared with men. The C‐NKH patients demonstrated T1–hyperintense and inhomogeneous lesions in the basal ganglia, whereas C‐URE patients demonstrated T2‐hyperintense and homogeneous lesions in the basal ganglia. The mean time for chorea resolution after treatment was significantly shorter in C‐NKH patients than in C‐URE patients (4.4 ± 2.6 d vs. 73.8 ± 14.2 d, respectively; P = 0.005). The clinical and imaging features are remarkably different between C‐NKH and C‐URE patients, suggesting distinct pathogenic mechanisms. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The distally based, venous supercharged anterolateral thigh flap
Authors: Lin Cheng‐Hung , Zelken Jonathan , Hsu Chung‐Chen , Lin Chih‐Hung , Wei Fu‐Chan
Published: February 2015

The distally‐based anterolateral thigh flap is an attractive option for proximal leg and knee coverage but venous congestion is common. Restoration of antegrade venous drainage via great saphenous vein supercharge to the proximal flap vein is proposed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare outcomes of 18 large, distally‐based anterolateral thigh flaps with and without venous augmentation on the basis of flap size, venous congestion, and clinical course. The average age of 12 men and 6 women was 35.9‐year old (range, 16–50 years old). Wounds resulting from trauma, burn sequela, sarcoma, and infection were localized to the knee, proximal leg, knee stump and popliteal fossa. The mean defect was 17.6 × 9.4 cm2 (range, 6 × 7 cm2 to 22 × 20 cm2). The mean flap size was 21.4 × 8.8 cm2 (range, 12 × 6 to 27 × 12 cm2). There were 14 cases in the venous supercharged group and 4 cases in the group without supercharge. The mean size of flaps in the venous supercharged group was significantly larger than that in the group without supercharge (22.6 ± 3.8 × 9.1 ± 1.7 cm vs. 17.5 ± 4.4 × 7.8 ± 1.7 cm, P = 0.03). Venous congestion occurred in all four flaps without supercharge that lasted 3–7 days and partial flap loss occurred in two cases. There was no early venous congestion and partial flap loss in supercharged flaps but venous congestion secondary to anastomotic occlusion developed in two cases. Early exploration with vein grafting resolved venous congestion in one case. Late exploration in the other resulted in flap loss. Preventive venous supercharge is suggested for the large, distally‐based anterolateral thigh flap. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:20–28, 2016.
Immune‐mediated destruction of ovarian follicles associated with the presence of HSP90 antibodies
Authors: Choudhury Asmita , Khole Vrinda V.
Published: February 2015

We previously established that the presence of autoantibodies to heat‐shock protein 90 (HSP90) is one common causes of female infertility, and demonstrated that its presence leads to detrimental effects on ovarian and reproductive function in mice. The pathophysiological mechanism and alteration in the immune physiology, however, remain unknown. We therefore carried out detailed analysis of various immune cells in the spleen and ovary following immunization of C57BL/6 female mice to generate antibodies to HSP90 in the general circulation. We observed a significant increase in levels of CD45− cells; CD4+ T cells; Ly6G6C+ cells; and CD11b+ Ly6G+ cells in the spleen of these mice, which correlate with the increased anti‐HSP90 antibody production. Ovarian‐ and granulosa‐cell populations also showed increased infiltration of CD45+ leukocytes and neutrophil and monocyte populations, which may have led to the observed ovarian follicular degeneration that predominantly manifested as empty follicles. A decrease in the number of functional ovarian follicles was also associated with a decrease in the level of Gdf9 gene expression. Thus, changes in the immune physiology of the spleen and ovary that leads to the generation of antibodies to HSP90 can also bring about the destruction of ovarian follicles. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 81–89, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification and verification of differentially expressed genes in the caprine hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis that are associated with litter size
Authors: Feng Tao , Cao Gui‐Ling , Chu Ming‐Xing , Di Ran , Huang Dong‐Wei , Liu Qiu‐Yue , Pan Zhang‐Yuan , Jin Mei , Zhang Ying‐Jie , Li Ning
Published: February 2015

Litter size is a favorable economic trait for the goat industry, but remains a complex trait controlled by multiple genes in multiple organs. Several genes have been identified that may affect embryo survival, follicular development, and the health of fetuses during pregnancy. Jining Grey goats demonstrate the largest litter size among goat breeds indigenous to China. In order to better understand the genetic basis of this trait, six suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) cDNA libraries were constructed using pooled mRNAs from hypothalamuses, pituitaries, and ovaries of sexually mature and adult polytocous Jining Grey goats, as testers, versus the pooled corresponding mRNAs of monotocous Liaoning Cashmere goats, as drivers. A total of 1,458 true‐positive clones —including 955 known genes and 481 known and 22 unknown expressed sequence tags—were obtained from the SSH libraries by sequencing and alignment. The known genes were categorized into cellular processes and signaling information storage and processing, and metabolism. Three genes (FTH1, GH, and SAA) were selected to validate the SSH results by quantitative real‐time PCR; all three were up‐regulated in the corresponding tissues in the tester group indicating that these are candidate genes associated with the large litter size of Jining Grey goats. Several other identified genes may affect embryo survival, follicular development, and health during pregnancy. This study provides insights into the mechanistic basis by which the caprine hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis affects reproductive traits and provides a theoretical basis for goat production and breeding. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 132–138, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three dimensional reconstruction by electron microscopy in the life sciences: An introduction for cell and tissue biologists
Authors: Miranda Kildare , Girard‐Dias Wendell , Attias Marcia , de Souza Wanderley , Ramos Isabela
Published: February 2015

Early applications of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in the life sciences have contributed tremendously to our current understanding at the subcellular level. Initially limited to two‐dimensional representations of three‐dimensional (3D) objects, this approach has revolutionized the fields of cellular and structural biology–being instrumental for determining the fine morpho‐functional characterization of most cellular structures. Electron microscopy has progressively evolved towards the development of tools that allow for the 3D characterization of different structures. This was done with the aid of a wide variety of techniques, which have become increasingly diverse and highly sophisticated. We start this review by examining the principles of 3D reconstruction of cells and tissues using classical approaches in TEM, and follow with a discussion of the modern approaches utilizing TEM as well as on new scanning electron microscopy‐based techniques. 3D reconstruction techniques from serial sections and (cryo) electron‐tomography are examined, and the recent applications of focused ion beam‐scanning microscopes and serial‐block‐face techniques for the 3D reconstruction of large volumes are discussed. Alternative low‐cost techniques and more accessible approaches using basic transmission or field emission scanning electron microscopes are also examined. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 530–547, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MRI relaxation in the presence of fictitious fields correlates with myelin content in normal rat brain
Authors: Hakkarainen Hanne , Sierra Alejandra , Mangia Silvia , Garwood Michael , Michaeli Shalom , Gröhn Olli , Liimatainen Timo
Published: February 2015

Purpose

Brain myelin plays an important role in normal brain function. Demyelination is involved in many degenerative brain diseases, thus quantitative imaging of myelin has been under active investigation. In previous work, we demonstrated the capability of the method known as Relaxation Along a Fictitious Field (RAFF) in the rotating frame of rank n (RAFFn) to provide image contrast between white and gray matter in human and rat brains. Here, we provide evidence pointing to myelin being the major source of this contrast.

Methods

RAFFn relaxation time constant (TRAFFn) was mapped in rat brain ex vivo. TRAFFn was quantified in 12 different brain areas. TRAFFn values were compared with multiple other MRI metrics (T1, T2, continuous wave T1ρ, adiabatic T1ρ and T2ρ, magnetization transfer ratio), and with histologic measurements of cell density, myelin and iron content.

Results

Highest contrast between white and grey matter was obtained with TRAFFn in the rotating frames of ranks n = 4 and 5. TRAFFn values correlated strongly with myelin content, whereas no associations between TRAFFn and iron content or cell density were found.

Conclusion

TRAFFn with n = 4 or 5 provides a high sensitivity for selective myelin mapping in the rat brain. Magn Reson Med 75:161–168, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcriptome and proteome of human hepatocellular carcinoma reveal shared metastatic pathways with significant genes
Authors: Shen Huali , Zhong Fan , Zhang Yang , Yu Hongxiu , Liu Yinkun , Qin Lunxiu , He Fuchu , Tang Zhaoyou , Yang Pengyuan
Published: February 2015

Previously isolated pathways screened from individual genes were investigated at either the transcriptional or translational level; however, the consistency between the pathways screened at the gene expression levels was obscure in metastatic human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To elucidate this question, we performed a transcriptomic (16 353 genes) and proteomic (7861 proteins) analysis simultaneously on six metastatic HCC cell lines against two nonmetastatic HCC cell lines, with all HBV traceable and close genetic‐backgrounds for a comparative study. The quantitative and integrated results showed that significant genes were screened differentially with 351 transcripts from the transcriptome and 304 proteins from the proteome, with limited overlapping genes (7%). However, we discovered that these discrete 351 transcripts and 304 proteins screened share extrusive significant‐pathways/networks with a 77% overlap, including active TGF‐β, RAS, NFκB, and Wnt, and inactive HNF4A, which are responsible for HCC metastasis. We conclude that the discrete, but significant genes predicted by either ome play intrinsically important roles in the linkage of responsible pathways shared by both omes in HCC metastasis.
Synthesis of tertiary amine‐based pH‐responsive polymers by RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Zhu Liping , Powell Samantha , Boyes Stephen G.
Published: February 2015

Well‐defined tertiary amine‐based pH‐responsive homopolymers and block copolymers were synthesized via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using 4‐cyanopentanoic acid dithiobenzoate (CPAD) as the RAFT agent for homopolymers and a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) macro‐RAFT agent for the block copolymers. 1H NMR and gel permeation chromatography results confirmed the successful synthesis of these homopolymers and block copolymers. Kinetics studies indicated that the formation of both the homopolymers and the block copolymers were well defined. The pKa titration experiments suggested that the homopolymers and the related block copolymers have a similar pKa. The dynamic light scattering investigation showed that all of the block copolymers underwent a sharp transition from unimers to micelles around their pKa and the hydrodynamic diameter (Dh) was not only dependent on the molecular weight but also on the composition of the block copolymers. The polymer solution of PEG‐b‐PPPDEMA formed the largest micelle compare to the PEG‐b‐PDPAEMA and PEG‐b‐PDBAEMA with a similar molecular weight. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1010–1022
Physics‐based modeling and experimental implications of trap‐assisted tunneling in InGaN/GaN light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Mandurrino Marco , Verzellesi Giovanni , Goano Michele , Vallone Marco , Bertazzi Francesco , Ghione Giovanni , Meneghini Matteo , Meneghesso Gaudenzio , Zanoni Enrico
Published: February 2015

In a combined experimental and numerical investigation, we present the effects of trap‐assisted tunneling on the sub‐threshold forward bias characteristics of a blue InGaN/GaN single‐quantum‐well LED test structure grown on a SiC substrate. The different role of donor‐ and acceptor‐like traps has been studied, for the information it can provide on the role played by point defects. Using the energy Et and trap density Nt as the only tunneling‐related fitting parameters, the behavior of the measured I(V) curves is well reproduced by our model over a wide current and temperature range. The very good agreement between simulations and experiments suggests that trap‐assisted forward tunneling is one of the most relevant contributions to the current flow below the optical turn‐on of the diode.
Crystalline property analysis of semipolar (20–21) GaN on (22–43) patterned sapphire substrate by X‐ray microdiffraction and transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Arauchi Takuji , Takeuchi Shotaro , Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Nakamura Yoshiaki , Yamane Keisuke , Okada Narihito , Imai Yasuhiko , Kimura Shigeru , Tadatomo Kazuyuki , Sakai Akira
Published: February 2015

We have investigated the microscopic crystalline morphology such as lattice plane tilting and defects in semipolar (20–21) GaN films grown on (22–43) patterned sapphire substrates (PSS) by using position‐dependent ω–2θ map measurement of X‐ray microdiffraction (XRMD) combined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results of the position‐dependent ω–2θ map measurement for the GaN (20–21) plane showed periodic variation of the diffraction spot shapes depending on the patterning pitch of the PSS. Broadening of the diffraction spots in the terrace area and single diffraction spots in the grooved one were also observed. These results indicate that the lattice plane tilting of the GaN film depends on the PSS structure and the presence of the defective GaN film on the terrace area where basal plane stacking‐fault generation occurred, as confirmed by TEM.
Precise Manipulation and Patterning of Protein Crystals for Macromolecular Crystallography Using Surface Acoustic Waves
Authors: Guo Feng , Zhou Weijie , Li Peng , Mao Zhangming , Yennawar Neela H. , French Jarrod B. , Huang Tony Jun
Published: February 2015

Advances in modern X‐ray sources and detector technology have made it possible for crystallographers to collect usable data on crystals of only a few micrometers or less in size. Despite these developments, sample handling techniques have significantly lagged behind and often prevent the full realization of current beamline capabilities. In order to address this shortcoming, a surface acoustic wave‐based method for manipulating and patterning crystals is developed. This method, which does not damage the fragile protein crystals, can precisely manipulate and pattern micrometer and submicrometer‐sized crystals for data collection and screening. The technique is robust, inexpensive, and easy to implement. This method not only promises to significantly increase efficiency and throughput of both conventional and serial crystallography experiments, but will also make it possible to collect data on samples that were previously intractable.
Feuerverzinken im Brückenbau
Authors: Ungermann Dieter , Rademacher Dennis , Oechsner Matthias , Simonsen Fabian , Friedrich Susanne , Lebelt Peter
Published: February 2015

In dem hier vorgestellten Forschungsprojekt wurden durch die TU Dortmund, die MPA Darmstadt und das Institut für Korrosionsschutz Dresden GmbH der wissenschaftliche und technische Nachweis eines sicheren Einsatzes der Feuerverzinkung im Stahl‐ und Verbundbrückenbau erbracht (Teil 1 s. Stahlbau, H. 1/2015). Durch Laborbelastungen und Freibewitterung konnte die Korrosionsschutzwirkung der Feuerverzinkung für bis zu 100 Jahre, d. h. über die gesamte rechnerische Lebensdauer einer Brücke hinweg, nachgewiesen werden. Durch zusätzliche Entwicklung einer Ausführungsanweisung für Montagestöße können damit die ökologischen und ökonomischen Vorteile gegenüber den aktuell eingesetzten Korrosionsschutzsystemen genutzt werden.

Hot‐dip galvanizing in bridge construction – Part 2: Using hot‐dip galvanizing as a lifetime corrosion protection for bridge constructions. In the here presented research project the scientific and technical evidence for the safe use of hot‐dip galvanizing for steel and composite bridges were provided by TU Dortmund, MPA Darmstadt and Institut für Korrosionsschutz Dresden GmbH. By laboratory tests and natural weathering the evidence of the corrosion protection of hot dip galvanizing for up to 100 years, i. e. over the entire calculated life of a bridge, could be provided. With the additional developed design guide for mounting joints the environmental and economic advantages over the currently applied corrosion protection systems can be used.
Verbessertes Näherungsverfahren für Hohlsteifen orthotroper Fahrbahnplatten
Authors: Fechner Max
Published: February 2015

Orthotrope Fahrbahnplatten von Stahlbrücken werden häufig mit trapezförmigen Hohlsteifen gefertigt. Die Berechnung der Längsrippen und des Deckblechs kann z. B. über vereinfachte Annahmen mit herausgelösten Teilsystemen oder als komplexes Modell nach der Finite‐Elemente‐Methode geführt werden. Letztere bedingt zumeist einen hohen Aufwand und setzt Erfahrung sowie gute Kenntnis des Anwenders voraus, um Fehler in der Modellierung zu vermeiden. Daher werden Deckblech und Längsrippen in der Regel als Einzelsysteme betrachtet. Dies führt bei dem bisher üblichen Näherungsverfahren vor allem infolge von Radlasten zu deutlich überschätzten Schnittgrößen. Die Optimierung dieses Berechnungsverfahrens zeigt, dass die Spannungen in Längsrippen und Deckblech unter Radlasten besser erfasst werden können und den Ergebnissen der FEM sehr nahe kommen.

Improved approximation procedure for hollow stiffeners of orthotropic deck plates. Orthotropic deck plates of steel bridges are often built with trapezoidal hollow stiffeners. The calculation of the longitudinal ribs and the deck plate can be performed by simplified assumptions with extracted subsystems or complex models based on the finite element method. The latter usually requires a lot of effort as well as experience and good knowledge of the user in order to avoid errors in the modelling. Therefore, the deck plate and the longitudinal ribs are generally examined as individual systems. For the usual approximation procedures, this results in significantly overestimated internal forces, especially in consequence of wheel loads. The optimization of this calculation method shows that the stresses in the longitudinal ribs and in the deck plate can be determined better under wheel loads and come very close to the results of the FEM.
Anregungen für die Hochhäuser von morgen − Internationaler Hochhaus Preis 2014
Authors: Möller Eberhard
Published: February 2015

Die Jury des Internationalen Hochhaus Preises (IHP) 2014 hat entschieden: Die Wohnhochhäuser Bosco Verticale von Boeri Studio in Mailand gewinnen den Wettbewerb um das weltweit innovativste Hochhaus. Damit ist ein Projekt prämiert, das Pionierarbeit für die Bepflanzung von Hochhäusern geleistet hat und als Prototyp für die Städte der Zukunft gehandelt wird. Aus über 800 Hochhäusern, fertiggestellt innerhalb der letzten zwei Jahre, hat das Deutsche Architekturmuseum (DAM) 26 Gebäude aus 17 Ländern ausgewählt, die gemeinsam mit dem Preisträger in der Ausstellung “BEST HIGHRISES 2014/15 − Internationaler Hochhaus Preis 2014“ bis zum 1. Februar 2015 in Frankfurt am Main zu sehen waren.

Suggestions for the Skyscrapers of tomorrow − International Highrise Award 2014. The jury of the International Highrise Award (IHP) 2014 resolved unanimously: the residential highrise Bosco Verticale in Milan, desigend by Boeri Studio, has won the prize for the world’s most innovative highrise. The IHP 2014 awarded a project that blazes the trail for greened highrises and can be considered a prototype for the cities of tomorrow. From over 800 highrises that were commissioned worldwide over the last two years, Deutsches Architekturmuseum (DAM) nominated 26 outstanding buildings from 17 different countries. The exhibition “BEST HIGHRISES – INTERNATIONAL HIGHRISE AWARD 2014” presents not only the winner but also the 26 nominated projects in Frankfurt/Main and was open till February 1st, 2015.
Steel bridges – numerical simulation of total service life including fracture mechanic concepts
Authors: Lener Gerhard
Published: February 2015

The assessment of the total service life of a steel structure should gain importance in the near future due to the increasing significance of building preservation and building modernization. The main cause of the failure of existing structural steelwork under cyclic loading effects is material fatigue. Most steel structures are, however, failure‐tolerant. For economic reasons, this behaviour can be considered by including the crack propagation phase in the assessment. This contribution presents newly developed software tools and the results of some simulations of the total lifetimes of existing structures.
Long‐term corrosion protection for bridge cables with butyl rubber tapes using the ATIS Cableskin® system
Authors: Nützel Oswald , Saul Reiner
Published: February 2015

ATIS Cableskin® is a corrosion protection system for bridge cables which uses proven materials to strike out in a new direction. These innovative ideas mean that, for the first time, corrosion protection work on scaffolds and in enclosures will be a thing of the past, and the costs and traffic restrictions are massively reduced. It is worth highlighting the extremely long lifetime of this corrosion protection.
Biochemical, histopathological, and transmission electron microscopic ultrastructural changes in mice after exposure to silver nanoparticles
Authors: Ansari Mohammad Azam , Khan Haris M. , Khan Aijaz A. , Alzohairy Mohammad A. , Waseem Mohammad , Ahmad Mohammad Kaleem , Mahdi Abbas Ali
Published: February 2015

Four‐week‐old mice, weighing about 25–35 g were divided into five groups (8 mice in each group): vehicle control, low‐ (0.5 g/kg), middle‐ (1 g/kg), high‐ (3 g/kg), and exceptionally high‐dose (5 g/kg). After first and second weeks of intraperitoneal exposure to AgNPs, biochemical, histopathological, and electron microscopic ultrastructural changes were investigated. No significant changes were observed in SGOT and ALP levels after first week of exposure, while the level of SGPT significantly increased (p < 0.05) in 2nd week treated mice, indicating that inflammatory of liver might be induced by high‐dose (3 and 5 g/kg) of AgNPs. No obvious changes were observed for UA and BUN in all groups of treated mice. However, significant (p < 0.05) decrease in CR level was noticed in all groups of treated mice only at high‐dose (3 and 5 g/kg). No remarkable changes in lipid profile were observed. Light microscopic histopathological investigation shows that first week treatment had not perceptible effect on the cytoarchitecture on liver, kidney, and spleen; while, second week treatment had only sporadic mild effects on these organs. However, no ultrastructural electron microscopic changes were observed in liver, kidney, and spleen of mice treated with 0.5, 1, and 3 g/kg of AgNPs when sacrificed on first and second week; while, exceptionally high‐dose (5 g/kg) of AgNPs resulted in slight nuclear chromatin condensation and irregularities in nuclear membrane. The results suggested that AgNPs could be well tolerated in mice when given intraperitoneally and no death has been found during the experiment in any groups of treated mice. Interestingly, significant (<0.05) decrease in glucose levels in all experiment group is suggestive of curious hypoglycemic role of AgNPs warranting further study to explore its possible therapeutic potential in hyperglycemic conditions as well as its mechanism of action at molecular level. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 945–956, 2016.
Serum alpha‐fetoprotein in the three trimesters of pregnancy: effects of maternal characteristics and medical history
Authors: Bredaki F. E. , Sciorio C. , Wright A. , Wright D. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: February 2015

Objective

To define the contribution of maternal variables which influence the measured level of maternal serum alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) in screening for pregnancy complications.

Methods

Maternal characteristics and medical history were recorded and serum AFP was measured in women with a singleton pregnancy attending for three routine hospital visits at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6, 19 + 0 to 24 + 6 and 30 + 0 to 34 + 6 weeks' gestation. For pregnancies delivering phenotypically normal live births or stillbirths ≥ 24 weeks' gestation, variables from maternal demographic characteristics and medical history that are important in the prediction of AFP were determined from a linear mixed‐effects multiple regression.

Results

Serum AFP was measured in 17 071 cases in the first trimester, 8583 in the second trimester and 8607 in the third trimester. Significant independent contributions to serum AFP were provided by gestational age, maternal weight, racial origin, gestational age at delivery and birth‐weight Z‐score of the neonate of the previous pregnancy and interpregnancy interval. Cigarette smoking was found to significantly affect serum AFP in the first trimester only. The machine used to measure serum AFP was also found to have a significant effect. Random‐effects multiple regression analysis was used to define the contribution of maternal variables that influence the measured level of serum AFP and express the values as multiples of the median (MoMs). The model was shown to provide an adequate fit of MoM values for all covariates, both in pregnancies that developed pre‐eclampsia and in those without this pregnancy complication.

Conclusions

A model was fitted to express measured serum AFP across the three trimesters of pregnancy as MoMs, after adjusting for variables from maternal characteristics and medical history that affect this measurement. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Effect of cervical cerclage on rate of cervical shortening
Authors: Drassinower D. , Vink J. , Pessel C. , Vani K. , Brubaker S. G. , Zork N. , Ananth C. V.
Published: February 2015

Objective

Although cerclage has been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent preterm birth in a high‐risk patient population, the mechanism by which this occurs is not well understood. Our objective was to evaluate whether cerclage affects the rate of cervical shortening taking into account exposure to 17‐hydroxyprogesterone and vaginal progesterone.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of women who had serial cervical length measurements due to a history of spontaneous preterm delivery. Demographic data, obstetric history, progesterone administration, delivery information and serial cervical length measurements were collected. The rate of cervical shortening was compared in women with and without cerclage. Subgroup analyses were performed to compare rates of cervical shortening by indication for cerclage (history indicated vs ultrasound indicated) and outcome in the current pregnancy (cerclage vs no cerclage among those who delivered preterm).

Results

A total of 414 women were included of whom 32.4% (n = 134) had a cerclage. There was no difference in the rate of cervical shortening between the cerclage (0.8 mm/week) and no‐cerclage (1.0 mm/week, P = 0.43) groups. The rates of cervical shortening among history‐indicated and ultrasound‐indicated cerclage groups were similar (0.9 vs 1.3 mm/week, respectively, P = 0.2). Among patients with a preterm delivery in the index pregnancy, the rates of cervical shortening among those with (1.31 mm/week) and without (1.28 mm/week, P = 0.78) cerclage were also similar.

Conclusion

Cervical shortening among women with cerclage occurs at a similar rate to that among women without a cerclage, regardless of indication for cerclage or pregnancy outcome. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Why is socially‐just climate change adaptation in sub‐Saharan Africa so challenging? A review of barriers identified from empirical cases
Authors: Shackleton Sheona , Ziervogel Gina , Sallu Susannah , Gill Thomas , Tschakert Petra
Published: February 2015

To enhance understanding of the process of climate change adaptation and to facilitate the planning and implementation of socially‐just adaptation strategies, deeper consideration of the factors that impede adaptation is required. In response, scholars have increasingly identified barriers to adaptation in the literature. But, despite this progress, knowledge of barriers that hamper adaptation in developing countries remains limited, especially in relation to underlying causes of vulnerability and low adaptive capacity. To further improve understanding of barriers to adaptation and identify gaps in the state‐of‐the‐art knowledge, we undertook a synthesis of empirical literature from sub‐Saharan Africa focusing on vulnerable, natural resource‐dependent communities and livelihoods. Our review illustrates that: (1) local‐level studies that reveal barriers to adaptation are diverse, although there is a propensity for studies on small‐holder farmers; (2) many of the studies identify several barriers to adaptation, but appreciation of their interactions and compounded impacts remains scarce; and (3) most of the barriers uncovered relate broadly to biophysical, knowledge, and financial constraints on agricultural production and rural development. More hidden and under‐acknowledged political, social, and psychological barriers are rarely mentioned, unless captured in studies that specifically set out to investigate these. We finish our review by highlighting gaps in understanding and by suggesting future research directions, focusing on issues of social justice. We argue that research on barriers needs to start asking why these barriers emerge, how they work together to shape adaptation processes, who they affect most, and what is needed to overcome them. WIREs Clim Change 2015, 6:321–344. doi: 10.1002/wcc.335

This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Learning from Cases and Analogies
Effect of feeding Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) root as prebiotic on nutrient utilization, fecal characteristics and serum metabolite profile of captive Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) fed a meat‐on‐bone diet
Authors: Pradhan S.K. , Das A. , Kullu S.S. , Saini M. , Pattanaik A.K. , Dutta N. , Sharma A.K.
Published: February 2015

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of incorporatingJerusalem artichoke(JA) as a prebiotic in the diet of Indian leopards (n = 11 adults) fed a meat‐on‐bone diet. The trial consisted of three periods (A1, B, and A2). Each period comprised 17 days of adaptation and four days of collection. During the control periods (A1and A2), the leopards were fed their normal zoo diets of 2.5–3 kg of buffalo meat‐on‐bone six days a week without any supplement. During trial B, meat‐on‐bone diets of the leopards were supplemented with JA at 2% of dietary dry matter (DM). Meat consumption was similar among the treatments. Supplementation of JA decreased the digestibility of crude protein (P < 0.01). Digestibilities of organic matter and ether extract were similar among the treatments. Serum concentrations of urea and triglycerides were lower (P < 0.05) when JA was added to the diet. Incorporation of JA to the basal diet increased fecal concentrations of acetate (P < 0.01), butyrate (P < 0.01), lactate (P < 0.01),Lactobacillusspp., andBifidobacteriumspp. (P < 0.01) with a simultaneous decrease in the concentration of ammonia (P < 0.01),Clostridiaspp. (P < 0.01), and fecal pH (P < 0.01). Fecal microbial profiles and hind gut fermentation were improved, without any adverse effects on feed consumption, nutrient utilization, and serum metabolite profiles. Results of this experiment showed that feeding JA at 2% DM in the whole diet could be potentially beneficial for captive Indian leopards fed meat‐on‐bone diets. Zoo Biol. 34:153–162, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Captive care and welfare considerations for beavers
Authors: Campbell‐Palmer Róisín , Rosell Frank
Published: February 2015

Beavers (Castorspp.) tend not to be a commonly held species and little published material exists relating to their captive care. We review published material and discuss husbandry issues taking into account the requirements of wild beavers. As social mammals with complex chemical communication systems and with such an ability to modify their environments, studies of wild counterparts suggest the captive requirements of beavers may actually be more sophisticated than generally perceived. Common field techniques may have practical application in the captive setting. Their widespread utilisation in conservation, including reintroductions, translocations and habitat management, also requires components of captive care. As welfare science advances there is increasing pressure on captive collections to improve standards and justify the keeping of animals. Conservation science is increasingly challenged to address individual welfare standards. Further research focusing on the captive care of beavers is required. Zoo Biol. 34:101–109, 2015. © 2015 The Authors.Zoo Biologypublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Percutaneous ureteral stent placement for the treatment of a benign ureteral obstruction in a Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae)
Authors: Delk Katie W. , Wack Raymund F. , Burgdorf‐Moisuk Anne , Palm Carrie A. , Zwingenberger Allison , Glaiberman Craig B. , Ferguson Kenneth H. , Culp William T. N.
Published: February 2015

A 15‐year‐old, 113 kg intact male Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae) was evaluated for weight loss, polydipsia, and intermittent hematuria. The tiger was immobilized for diagnostic testing including blood work, urinalysis, and abdominal ultrasound. Laboratory testing demonstrated macro‐ and microhematuria, azotemia, and an increased urine protein:creatinine ratio. Abdominal ultrasound revealed bilateral ureterolithiasis as well as hydronephrosis and ureteral dilation. Ultrasonography performed 5 months later revealed worsening of the right‐sided hydronephrosis and hydroureter and a decrease in the severity of dilation on the left side presumably from passage of the left‐sided ureteral calculi. Nephroureteral decompression via the placement of a stent was elected. A pigtail ureteral catheter (8.2 French diameter) was placed in the right ureter via an antegrade percutaneous approach utilizing ultrasound and fluoroscopic‐guidance. Following stent placement, macrohematuria resolved although microhematuria was noted in opportunistic urine samples. Five months after stent placement, the azotemia had mildly progressed, the urine protein:creatinine ratio was improved, the right hydronephrosis and hydroureter had completely resolved, and the ureteral stent remained in the appropriate position. The tiger had clinically improved with a substantial increase in appetite, weight, and activity level. Ureteral stenting allowed for nephroureteral decompression in the captive large felid of this report, and no complications were encountered. Ureteral stenting provided a minimally invasive method of managing ureteral obstruction in this patient and could be considered in future cases due to the clinical improvement and low morbidity. Zoo Biol. 34:193–197, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
The Potential and Perspective of Peroral Endoscopic Esophageal Myotomy for Achalasia
Authors: Fuchs K. H. , Schulz T. , Varga G. , Babic B. , Breithaupt W.
Published: February 2015

The therapeutic spectrum of this disorder consists of medical therapy, endoscopic balloon dilatation, endoscopic Botox injection, open or laparoscopic cardia myotomy, and most recently transesophageal endoscopic myotomy (POEM peroral endoscopic myotomy). The most important requirement is a well‐experienced team in interventional flexible endoscopy. The endoscopist as well as the assisting staff should have experience in advanced therapeutic endoscopic techniques and hemostasis to handle all necessary endoscopic instruments such as injection needles, needle knife, triangle knife, coagulation graspers, and endoscopic clip handling and closures. In addition, advanced surgical and especially laparoscopic skills and experience as well as surgical knowledge about esophageal disease must be available in case of conversion and/or consultation. Prior to this procedure, the patient undergoes a detailed diagnostic work‐up to confirm the diagnosis of achalasia. The procedures are performed in general anesthesia. The patient is brought in a supine position, and the abdomen is free for inspection and palpation during the procedure. The myotomy can be performed in different locations around the esophageal circumference. In Europe, several centers with large experience in esophageal disease, laparoscopy, and especially advanced interventional endoscopy have started to introduce this POEM‐technique in their clinical practice. Initial success and low complication rates are quite promising and show a great future perspective for this technique. In the USA, POEM is a procedure with a substantial increase in numbers performed in the past years with a low complication rate. The largest series are performed in Asia with a great clinical success. The perspective of POEM may be the lesser access trauma. Its potential can be also realized in Redo cases, where experienced centers have initial experience with POEM after POEM and POEM after LHMD.
Quality of Life Following Repair of Large Hiatal Hernia is Improved but not Influenced by Use of Mesh: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Koetje Jan H. , Irvine Tanya , Thompson Sarah K. , Devitt Peter G. , Woods Simon D. , Aly Ahmad , Jamieson Glyn G. , Watson David I.
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Laparoscopic surgery is the treatment of choice for repair of large hiatus hernia, but can be followed by recurrence. Repair with prosthetic mesh has been recommended to prevent recurrence, although complications following mesh repair have generated disagreement about whether or not mesh should be used. The early objective and clinical results of a randomized trial of repair with mesh versus sutures have been reported, and revealed few differences. In the current study, we evaluated quality of life outcomes within this trial at follow‐up to 2 years.

Methods

In a multicenter prospective double‐blind randomized trial three methods for repair of large hiatus hernia were compared: sutures versus repair with absorbable mesh (Surgisis) versus non‐absorbable (Timesh). Quality of life assessment using the Short‐Form 36 (SF‐36) questionnaire was undertaken at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. SF‐36 outcomes (8 individual scales and 2 composite scales) were determined for each group, and compared between groups, and across different follow‐up points.

Results

126 patients were enrolled—43 sutures, 41 absorbable mesh and 42 non‐absorbable mesh. 115 (91.3 %) completed a preoperative questionnaire, and 113 (89.7 %) completed the post‐operative questionnaire at 3 months, 116 (92.1 %) at 6 months, 114 (90.5 %) at 12 months, and 91 (72.2 %) at 24 months. The SF‐36 Physical and Mental Component Scores (PCS and MCS) improved significantly following surgery, and this improvement was sustained across 24 months follow‐up (p < 0.001 for PCS and MCS at each follow‐up point). There were no significant differences between the groups for the component scores or the eight SF‐36 subscale scores at each follow‐up time. 29 individuals had a recurrence at 6 months follow‐up, of which 9 were symptomatic. The PCS were higher in patients with recurrence versus without (p < 0.01), and in patients with a symptomatic recurrence versus asymptomatic recurrence versus no recurrence (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

SF‐36 measured quality of life improved significantly after repair of large hiatal hernia at up to 2 years follow‐up, and there were no differences in outcome for the different repair techniques. The use of mesh versus no mesh in repair of large hiatal hernia did not influence quality of life.
Evolution of Patient Outcomes Over 14 Years in a Mature, Inclusive Canadian Trauma System
Authors: Moore Lynne , Turgeon Alexis F. , Lauzier François , Émond Marcel , Berthelot Simon , Clément Julien , Bourgeois Gilles , Lapointe Jean
Published: February 2015

Background

The introduction of trauma systems in many countries worldwide has been shown to improve injury survival. However, few data are available on the long‐term evolution of outcomes other than mortality. The objective of this study was to describe trends in mortality, unplanned readmission, complications, and length of stay in a mature inclusive trauma system from 1999 to 2012.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was based on the inclusive trauma system of Quebec, Canada. Data were drawn from the trauma registry linked to the hospital discharge database. Time trends were evaluated using generalized linear mixed models with a correction for hospital clusters and cohort effects.

Results

Between 1999 and 2012, risk‐adjusted mortality decreased from 5.8 to 4.2 % for all patients and from 14.9 to 13.1 % for major trauma (p < 0.0001). Mean LOS decreased from 9.5 days to 8.0 days for all patients and from 15.5 days to 11.5 days for major trauma (p < 0.0001). Unplanned readmission and complication rates remained stable over the observation period at around 6.6 and 11.6 % for all patients and 7.6 and 25.6 % for major trauma, respectively.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that there have been significant decreases in patient mortality and hospital length of stay in the inclusive trauma system of Québec over the last decade. Results also suggest that efforts should be made to reduce in‐hospital complications and unplanned readmissions. Future research should attempt to identify determinants of observed decreases in mortality and LOS and assess whether similar improvements have occurred in functional outcomes.