bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Burying Beetle Larvae Discriminate Between Individual Parents and Between Some Classes of Adults
Authors: Mäenpää Maarit I. , Andrews Clare P. , Collette Daniel , Leigh Deborah , Smiseth Per T.
Published: January 2015

Offspring begging can be triggered by a variety of acoustic, visual or chemical cues from the parents. In many birds, nestlings use information derived from these cues to discriminate between individual parents or different classes of adults. Although begging occurs in some insects, we know very little about discrimination between adults by insect larvae. Here, we examine whether begging larvae in the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides can discriminate between individual parents or different classes of adults. We found that larvae showed no discrimination between male and female beetles, but that they begged more towards breeding beetles than towards non‐breeding ones. These results were robust regardless of whether larvae had been reared in presence or absence of adult beetles, thus suggesting that larval discrimination is based on an innate template that requires no prior exposure to adult beetles. We also found that larvae begged more towards unfamiliar beetles than towards familiar ones, suggesting that they can learn to discriminate between individual parents based on cues about familiarity. We conclude that insect larvae may benefit from discriminating between different classes of adult beetles, as it allows them to lower the costs associated with begging in response to irrelevant environmental cues (costly in terms of wasted effort) and with not begging in response to the presence of caring parents (costly in terms of lost feeding opportunities).
Who's in Charge of Fixing the World's Financial System? The Un[?]der‐Appreciated Lead Role of the G20 and the FSB
Authors: Nolle Daniel E.
Published: January 2015

Many financial and economic professionals are under‐appreciative (and some, possibly, unaware) of what is stated in the second part of this paper's title: the biggest players in “fixing” the global financial system are the Group of Twenty (G20) largest and most powerful economic and financial nations, and the Financial Stability Board (FSB), the G20's main financial system reform policy‐making agent. This paper explains the nature of the G20's leadership role by presenting a stylized history of that group's emergence, assisted by the FSB, as the “premier forum” in reform of the global financial system. The paper begins with a brief explanation of what the G20 and FSB are, highlighting basic information on their membership composition and missions, and their relative financial “heft” in the global economy. Focusing on the major statements, declarations, and communiqués from G20 Leaders’ Summits beginning in late‐2008 at the depth of the global financial crisis, the paper describes the rapid emergence of the G20 as the pre‐eminent global financial system policy‐making entity. That description shows how, over the turbulent 2008–2009 period, the G20, with the aid of the newly‐created FSB, established the core elements of what remains “the” global financial system reform agenda. The study then turns to the subsequent evolution of that agenda over 2010–2012, when substantial, but uneven, progress was made in achieving major objectives. The paper concludes with a summary of the status of the G20/FSB financial system reform agenda in the aftermath of the September 2013 Leaders’ Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, an event that in a sense marked the 5‐year “anniversary” of the “Lehman Brothers moment” and the full eruption of the global financial crisis in September 2008.
Hong Kong parents' perceptions of the transference of food preparation skills
Authors: Lai‐Yeung Theresa W. L.
Published: January 2015

Food preparation skills among young adults are associated with healthy food choices, better diets and a greater likelihood of an independent, healthy adult life. This study conducted in Hong Kong aimed to investigate parents' perceptions of cooking skills; to explore the transference of cooking skills in the home setting; to identify parents' expectations regarding the transference of cooking skills; and to inform the development of educational initiatives for developing healthy eating habits. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information of the subjects' cooking experience, attitudes about cooking skills, cooking habits at home, family meal habits, transference of cooking culture in the family and the factors influencing the choice of ingredients and cooking. It was administered to 1009 Hong Kong parents (of students aged between 11 and 18, studying in 15 secondary schools). The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 12.0, SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and cross‐tabulation analyses were used to compare the responses of the parents by gender, employment status and income. The results show that parents valued cooking as important life skills for both boys and girls. Parents generally perceived their cooking skills either good (41.9%) or mediocre (54.5%), yet children are rarely taught these skills in the home. Family meals prepared primarily with fresh ingredients are still an important part of the daily routine, and mothers are dominating the roles in food choice decision, cooking and buying the ingredients for family meals. Mothers and schools are expected to be the major channel to teach children cooking skills. Findings suggest that parents are well‐disposed towards providing food and nutrition education at home, but need more support (50% reported that home should be a primary support for learning cooking skills; 36% indicated that the school should have a responsibility to teach children to cook starting in elementary school). Schools may do well to collaborate with families in food literacy education initiatives. Developing individuals' cooking skills paves the way for long‐term health benefits and the well‐being of the local population.
Immune response in the adipose tissue of lean mice infected with the protozoan parasiteNeospora caninum
Authors: Teixeira Luzia , Moreira João , Melo Joana , Bezerra Filipa , Marques Raquel M. , Ferreirinha Pedro , Correia Alexandra , Monteiro Mariana P. , Ferreira Paula G. , Vilanova Manuel
Published: January 2015

The adipose tissue can make important contributions to immune function. Nevertheless, only a limited number of reports have investigated in lean hosts the immune response elicited in this tissue upon infection. Previous studies suggested that the intracellular protozoanNeospora caninummight affect adipose tissue physiology. Therefore, we investigated in mice challenged with this protozoan if immune cell populations within adipose tissue of different anatomical locations could be differently affected. Early in infection, parasites were detected in the adipose tissue and by 7 days of infection increased numbers of macrophages, regulatory T (Treg) cells and T‐bet+cells were observed in gonadal, mesenteric, omental and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Increased expression of interferon‐γwas also detected in gonadal adipose tissue of infected mice. Two months after infection, parasiteDNAwas no longer detected in these tissues, but T helper type 1 (Th1) cell numbers remained above control levels in the infected mice. Moreover, the Th1/Treg cell ratio was higher than that of controls in the mesenteric and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Interestingly, chronically infected mice presented a marked increase of serum leptin, a molecule that plays a role in energy balance regulation as well as in promoting Th1‐type immune responses. Altogether, we show that an apicomplexa parasitic infection influences immune cellular composition of adipose tissue throughout the body as well as adipokine production, still noticed at a chronic phase of infection when parasites were already cleared from that particular tissue. This strengthens the emerging view that infections can have long‐term consequences for the physiology of adipose tissue.
A Cross‐National Investigation of the Relationship Between Infant Walking and Language Development
Authors: He Minxuan , Walle Eric A. , Campos Joseph J.
Published: January 2015

The acquisition of walking has recently been linked with infant language development (Walle & Campos, 2014). If this relation reflects the consequence of an epigenetic event, then it should be present regardless of when the infant typically begins to walk, the infant's culture, and the infant's native language. This study sought to replicate the previously reported link between walking and language development in American infants and investigate whether this relation exists cross‐nationally in typically developing Chinese infants exposed to Mandarin. Urban Chinese infants not only provide a distinct linguistic and cultural population in which to study this relation but also typically begin walking approximately 6 weeks later than American infants. Our results demonstrated that (1) walking infants in both the American and Chinese samples had greater receptive and productive vocabularies than same‐aged crawling infants, (2) differences between crawling and walking infants were proportionally similar in each sample, and (3) the walking‐language relation was present for both noun and non‐noun vocabularies. These findings provide further support of a relation between infant walking onset and language development, independent of age. Avenues for future research of the processes involved in this relation, as well as additional populations of interest to investigate, are discussed.
Project MOSI: rationale and pilot‐study results of an initiative to help protect zoo animals from mosquito‐transmitted pathogens and contribute data on mosquito spatio–temporal distribution change
Authors: Quintavalle Pastorino G. , Albertini M. , Carlsen F. , Cunningham A. A. , Daniel B. A. , Flach E. , Hofer H. , Junhold J. , Kock R. , Leather S. , Masters N. , Preziosi R. , Routh A. , Sainsbury A. W. , Sato Y. , Spencer W. , Pearce‐Kelly P.
Published: January 2015

Mosquito‐borne pathogens pose major threats to both wildlife and human health and, largely as a result of unintentional human‐aided dispersal of their vector species, their cumulative threat is on the rise. Anthropogenic climate change is expected to be an increasingly significant driver of mosquito dispersal and associated disease spread. The potential health implications of changes in the spatio–temporal distribution of mosquitoes highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance and, where necessary, vector control and other health‐management measures. The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums initiative, Project MOSI, was established to help protect vulnerable wildlife species in zoological facilities from mosquito‐transmitted pathogens by establishing a zoo‐based network of fixed mosquito monitoring sites to assist wildlife health management and contribute data on mosquito spatio–temporal distribution changes. A pilot study for Project MOSI is described here, including project rationale and results that confirm the feasibility of conducting basic standardized year‐round mosquito trapping and monitoring in a zoo environment.
Bright White‐Emitting Phosphors Ba2Gd(BO3)2Cl: Dy3+/Dy3+‐Tm3+ for Hg‐Free Lamps and White LEDs Applications
Authors: Zhao Lei , Wang Deyin , Wang Yuhua
Published: January 2015

Spectroscopic properties of Ba2Gd(BO3)2Cl: Dy3+ and Ba2Gd(BO3)2Cl: Dy3+, Tm3+ under vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) and ultraviolet (UV) light excitations were investigated. Dy3+ single‐doped Ba2Gd(BO3)2Cl showed broad absorption band in the VUV region, and bright warm white light with chromaticity coordinates (CIE) of (0.340, 0.381) upon VUV excitation at 172 nm, demonstrating this phosphor's applicability in mercury free lamps. Upon direct excitation Tm3+ from its 6F6 level to 1D2 level, the decrease of emission intensity and lifetime of Tm3+ 1D2–3F4 emission with increasing concentration of Dy3+ in Ba2Gd(BO3)2Cl: Dy3+, Tm3+ confirmed the occurrence of energy transfer from Tm3+ to Dy3+. In addition, Ba2Gd(BO3)2Cl: Dy3+, Tm3+ could be efficiently excited by 358 nm UV light and its emission color could be tuned from blue to yellow by codoping Tm3+. When 1% Tm3+ and 5% Dy3+ were codoped in the Ba2Gd(BO3)2Cl, intensive white‐emitting light with CIE of (0.352, 0.328) and correlated color temperature of 4589 K was achieved upon 358 nm excitation, revealing the potential application of Ba2Gd(BO3)2Cl: Dy3+, Tm3+ for white light‐emitting diodes (LEDs).
Influence of WO3‐Doping on the Microstructure and Electrical Properties of ZnO–Bi2O3 Varistor Ceramics Sintered at 950°C
Authors: Xiao Xiangkai , Zheng Liaoying , Cheng Lihong , Tian Tian , Ruan Xuezheng , Podlogar Mateja , Bernik Slavko , Li Guorong
Published: January 2015

The phase evolution, microstructure, and electrical properties of WO3‐doped ZnO–Bi2O3‐based varistors were investigated for different amounts x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.60 mol%) of the dopant. When x was less than 0.40, the dissolved W6+ in the β‐Bi2O3 acted as a donor in the grain boundaries and reduced the electrical properties of the ZnO varistors. However, when x was 0.40 mol%, which meant an amount of WO3 equal to that of Bi2O3, the electrical properties dramatically increased, which means the W6+ donor effect is removed at the grain boundaries because a new Bi2WO6 phase was formed in the grain‐boundary regions. The Bi2WO6 phase has high oxygen conductivity at high temperatures; it transfers more oxygen to the grain boundaries in order to further enhance the electrical properties. For x values higher than 0.40 (i.e., an addition of WO3 that is greater than the content of Bi2O3), the electrical properties were steadily reduced in comparison to the composition with x = 0.40. This could be explained by the reduced amount of Co, Mn, and Al at the grain boundaries and in the ZnO grains as a result of their incorporation into the ZnWO4 phase. The electrical properties of the ZnO grains and the grain boundaries were in agreement with the results of the impedance spectroscopy analysis.
Dependence of Semiconductor to Metal Transition of VO2(011)/NiO{100}/MgO{100}/TiN{100}/Si{100} Heterostructures on Thin Film Epitaxy and Nature of Strain
Authors: Bayati Reza , Molaei Roya , Wu Fan , Narayan Jagdish , Yarmolenko Sergey
Published: January 2015

We have studied semiconductor to metal transition (SMT) characteristics of VO2(011) thin films integrated epitaxially with Si(100) through NiO{001}/MgO{001}/TiN{001} buffer layers and correlated with the details of epitaxy and nature of residual stresses and strains across the VO2/NiO interface. Thin film epitaxy at both room and elevated temperatures is studied in detail by electron microscopy and in situ high‐temperature X‐ray diffraction techniques. The epitaxial relationship across the interface between monoclinic VO2 and NiO is determined to be (011)VO2||{100}NiO and [01]VO2||[001]NiO at room temperature. The epitaxial alignment at the temperature of growth where tetragonal VO2 is stable is determined as: (110)VO2||{100}NiO and [001]VO2||[100]NiO. A cube‐on‐cube crystallographic alignment is established across the NiO{100}/MgO{100}/TiN{100}/Si{100} interfaces. The misfit strains across the VO2/NiO interface at the growth temperature are calculated and the mechanism of strain relaxation is discussed. The out‐of‐plane orientation is found to be relaxed in both monoclinic and tetragonal states of VO2. It is shown that a compressive strain of 31.65% along the [001] direction of tetragonal VO2 is fully relaxed via matching of multiple domains. However, a small tensile misfit strain of about 5% along [10] direction cannot relax and remains in the lattice. This tensile residual strain leads to a compressive strain along [001] axis which, in turn, results in an SMT temperature slightly lower than that of freestanding strain‐free VO2. SMT characteristics of VO2(011) epilayers are assessed where an amplitude of near five orders of magnitude, and a hysteresis of less than 3.6 °C are obtained. This study introduces VO2/NiO thin film heterostructure integrated with silicon as a promising candidate for multifunctional devices with novel characteristics where a combination of sensing, manipulation, and response functions is needed.
Explaining External Perceptions: The EU and China in African Public Opinion
Authors: Keuleers Floor
Published: January 2015

While the past decade has seen a remarkable growth in research on external perceptions of the EU, this literature remains characterized by three important gaps: highly uneven geographical coverage, lack of comparisons between the EU and other actors, and a near‐exclusive focus on description to the detriment of explanation. This article introduces a novel explanatory framework for perceptions research and applies this to popular perceptions of the EU and China in 19 Sub‐Saharan African countries, shedding light on a neglected dimension of the ‘traditional’ versus ‘emerging donors’ debate. It finds, first, that China has quickly succeeded in becoming more well‐known among African populations than the EU. Second, popular perceptions do not reflect the antagonism pervading the discourse on ‘emerging donors’, with both the EU and China enjoying broad‐based popular support. Finally, preferences are a function primarily of individual experiences and outlooks, refuting earlier claims on the importance of national‐level factors.
Managing oral hygiene as a risk factor for periodontal disease: a systematic review of psychological approaches to behaviour change for improved plaque control in periodontal management
Authors: Newton J. Timothy , Asimakopoulou Koula
Published: January 2015

Background

Plaque control in patients with periodontal disease is critically dependent upon self‐care through specific oral hygiene‐related behaviours.

Objectives

To determine the relationship between adherence to oral hygiene instructions in adult periodontal patients and psychological constructs. To determine the effect of interventions based on psychological constructs on oral health‐related behaviour in adult periodontal patients.

Data Sources

The Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO.

Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods

Studies were grouped according to the study design, and appraised using an appropriate methodology, either the Newcastle‐Ottawa assessment for observational studies, or the Cochrane criteria for trials.

Results

Fifteen reports of studies were identified.

Limitations

There was a low risk of bias identified for the observational studies. Older trials suffered from high risk of bias, but more recent trials had low risk of bias. However, the specification of the psychological intervention was generally poor.

Conclusions and Implications of Key Findings

The use of goal setting, self‐monitoring and planning are effective interventions for improving oral hygiene‐related behaviour in patients with periodontal disease. Understanding the benefits of behaviour change and the seriousness of periodontal disease are important predictors of the likelihood of behaviour change.
Efficacy of inter‐dental mechanical plaque control in managing gingivitis – a meta‐review
Authors: Sälzer Sonja , Slot Dagmar E. , Van der Weijden Fridus A. , Dörfer Christof E.
Published: January 2015

Focused question

What is the effect of mechanical inter‐dental plaque removal in addition to toothbrushing, on managing gingivitis using various formats of inter‐dental self‐care in adults based on evidence gathered from existing systematic reviews?

Material & Methods

Three Internet sources were searched by a strategy designed to include systematic reviews on inter‐dental cleaning devices. Plaque and gingivitis scores were the primary parameters of interest. Characteristics of selected papers were extracted. The potential risk of bias was estimated and the acquired evidence was graded.

Results

Screening of 395 papers resulted in six systematic reviews. Two papers evaluated the efficacy of dental floss, two of inter‐dental brushes (IDB), one of woodsticks and one of the oral irrigator. Weak evidence of unclear or small magnitude was retrieved that supported dental floss, woodsticks and the oral irrigator to reduce gingivitis in addition to toothbrushing. No concomitant evidence for an effect on plaque emerged. There is moderate evidence that IDBs in combination with toothbrushing reduce both plaque and gingivitis.

Conclusion

Evidence suggests that inter‐dental cleaning with IDBs is the most effective method for inter‐dental plaque removal. The majority of available studies fail to demonstrate that flossing is generally effective in plaque removal. All investigated devices for inter‐dental self‐care seem to support the management of gingivitis, however, to a varying extend.
Efficacy of commercially available predators, nematodes and fungal entomopathogens for augmentative control of Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Woltz J. M. , Donahue K. M. , Bruck D. J. , Lee J. C.
Published: January 2015

The recent arrival of Drosophila suzukii, an invasive pest of soft‐skinned fruit with a wide host range, has resulted in increased production costs for growers and the need for additional insecticide applications each growing season. There are few effective organic insecticides for D. suzukii, and insecticide use in conventional farms may be disruptive to natural enemies, suggesting a need for effective biological control to combat D. suzukii. Commercially available natural enemies were evaluated for their potential use in augmentative releases, including: the predators Orius insidiosus and Dalotia coriaria; the entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus; and the entomopathogenic nematodes Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, Steinernema feltiae and S. carpocapsae. This suite of natural enemies was chosen to target D. suzukii adults as well as larvae in hanging or dropped fruit. Of the cultured fungal strains tested, only M. anisopliae significantly decreased D. suzukii survival, but it had low residual activity and no effect on D. suzukii fecundity. O. insidiosus decreased D. suzukii survival in simple laboratory arenas but not on potted blueberries or bagged blueberry branches outdoors. D. coriaria did not decrease D. suzukii survival in infested blueberries in simple laboratory arenas. The nematodes tested showed low infection rates and were not able to affect D. suzukii survival. Although this suite of natural enemies showed limited ability to suppress D. suzukii under the tested conditions, these and related natural enemies are present as part of the endemic natural enemy community in agricultural fields, where they may contribute to D. suzukii suppression.
Removal of Heavy Metal Contamination from Peanut Skin Extracts by Waste Biomass Adsorption
Authors: Massie B.J. , Sanders T.H. , Dean L.L.
Published: January 2015

Peanut skins are a processing waste product with potential as a low‐cost source of polyphenols for nutraceutical or functional food ingredient use. Aqueous extractions of peanut skins and subsequent concentration of these extracts can result in normally innocuous levels of heavy metals present to be increased to concentrations of human health concern. Adsorption utilizing waste biomasses is a promising method of removing these contaminants from extracts. Peanut hulls and chitosan cross‐linked beads were evaluated as possible adsorbents. The Langmuir adsorption model determined that peanut hulls were the more effective material. Peanut hulls removed 88.6 ± 1.9% of the cadmium present. Apparent removal of arsenic (21.7 ± 9.5%) showed no correlation to adsorbent dosage. Successful removal of cadmium without reduction of the phenolic content of the extracts showed that this strategy is effective for heavy metal remediation of peanut skin extracts, making them a viable source of antioxidants in food applications.

Practical Applications

Polyphenols are a rapidly increasing portion of the nutraceutical and functional food marketplace. Peanut skins are a waste product from the peanut blanching and roasting industry which have potential as a low‐cost source of polyphenols. Extraction and concentration of peanut skin extracts can cause normally innocuous levels of the heavy metal content to be increased to concentrations of concern. Adsorption utilizing waste biomasses is a promising method of removing contaminants from extracts. The present study developed peanut hulls as a possible adsorbent material for the remediation of peanut skin extracts. The results of this study will be useful to peanut growers and shellers to develop new ingredient applications for peanut skin polyphenol extracts.
Ultrasonic Enhancement on Propolis Extraction at Varied pH and Alcohol Content
Authors: Yeo Kai Liang , Leo Choe Peng , Chan Derek Juinn Chieh
Published: January 2015

Propolis extraction using hydroalcoholic solutions at varied pH was ultrasonically enhanced in order to reduce the extraction duration. The studied parameters also involved the ethanol concentration, pH and duration. The ultrasonic enhancement consisted of 14 cycles with each cycle of 10 min of ultrasonication and 10 min of cooling down. The total phenolic and the flavonoid contents of the extract samples were determined. Within 100 min, it was found that the optimum propolis extract could be collected using the solvent with ethanol concentration of 30% and pH 10 under ultrasonication. The bioactivities of the optimum extract, such as antioxidant and antibacterial attributions, were further studied. The optimum propolis extract exhibited lower antioxidant properties compared with the propolis extract produced via maceration (24 h, 70% ethanol). However, the optimum extract that exhibited slightly greater effect toward gram‐positive bacteria was the propolis extract prepared through maceration.

Practical Applications

Propolis extraction is always time‐consuming and requires great amount of ethanol. This study presented the significant improvement in propolis extraction using ultrasonication, which is biochemically safe. Ultrasonication enhances the removal and recovery of active compounds from propolis matrix during extraction because the solvent has been energized. As the process time has been greatly shortened, the scale of extraction unit can also be greatly reduced. Such technique is believed to appeal to industries that seek an economical and green alternative extraction technique to produce commercialized functional food.
The Developmental Evaluation of Aspergillus Tubingensis CTM 507 Glucose Oxidase Toxicity in Wistar Rats
Authors: Kriaa Mouna , Mnafgui Kais , Belhadj Sahla , El feki Abdelfattah , Kammoun Radhouane
Published: January 2015

The glucose oxidase (GOD) produced by the fungus Aspergillus tubingensis will be used to improve the quality of bread. The GOD preparation was assessed in a set of toxicological tests to document its safety in use. The oral administration of the GOD preparation to rats at a dose level of 0.4 mg/kg body weight/day did not cause any overt toxic effect on the survival, food intake and body weight gain throughout the 4‐week treatment period. The statistically significant changes in serum biochemical indices in treated groups like the increase in the blood glucose levels and the enzymatic activities of alpha amylase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were not concomitant with pertinent histopathological changes and were hence toxicologically inconsequential. No microscopic lesions attributable to the treatment were manifested in the experimental groups. The tested dose level has no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level for developmental toxicity in rats. This GOD can be considered as a candidate for future application especially in the food industry.

Practical Applications

The GOD has gained considerable importance in biotechnological applications. In fact, this enzyme is a potential candidate for both biomedical and agricultural field including the biological control of crop pest as well as food processing and formulation. It also has great benefits to biopharmaceutical field. Few studies have so far dealt with the toxicity of GOD. Indeed, studying the toxicity of GOD from A. tubingensis, a new isolate fungus, was necessary to assess its potential application in many other fields. Results showed that GOD preparation was not toxic and could be potentially used for large‐scale application. This study is of great interest as it gives us the chance to use the GOD preparation as a food additive and in bio‐pharmacy.
Alcohol‐Mediated Hemolysis in Dairy Yeast Isolates and Hemolytic Activities on Blood Agar Media Containing Milk and Cheese
Authors: Atanassova M. , Fernández‐Otero C. , Centeno J.A. , Garabal J.I.
Published: January 2015

Of a total of 143 presumptive yeast isolates obtained fromGalician (north‐westSpain) short‐ripened raw cow's milk starter‐free cheeses, 27 exhibited microbial alcohol‐conferred hemolytic (MACH) activity. Among theMACH‐positive isolates, eight were identified asYarrowia lipolyticaand four asKluyveromyces lactis. These isolates of potential technological interest were subjected to spot agar assays on special blood agar media prepared with skim milk, whole milk and cheese. The hemolytic activities of theK. lactisisolates were generally more evident on skim‐milk blood agar. However, the hemolytic activities of theY. lipolyticaisolates were strongest on whole‐milk blood agar and cheese blood agar, and all of these isolates displayed total or predominantly beta‐hemolysis reaction after 72‐h incubation. Despite the fact that theMACH‐positive yeast isolates assayed in the special media produce extracellular hydrolytic enzymes, particularly proteases and esterases, the hemolytic activity in these yeasts might be predisposed or triggered by environmental conditions which could be common in dairy products.

Practical Applications

Yeasts displaying alcohol‐conferred hemolytic activity (MACH) were isolated from traditional raw‐milk cheeses. Among these yeast isolates, some species of technological interest for the food industry,Yarrowia lipolyticaandKluyveromyces lactis, were identified. Despite the fact that theMACH‐positive yeast produce proteases and esterases, these dairy yeasts were able to develop alcohol‐induced hemolysis on standard media and as well as hemolysis in conditions designed to simulate dairy products. Currently, the specific virulence factors that differentiate pathogenic yeasts from innocuous ones are not conclusively known and little research has been made in relation to microbial hemolytic activities expressed both in the absence and in the presence of alcohol vapor. Hemolysis is generally associated with higher virulence in microorganisms, so new research might be needed to understand these hemolytic events predisposed/triggered by environmental growth conditions in relationship to food safety.
Removal of Patulin from Aqueous Solution Using Cross‐Linked Chitosan Beads
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Jiayu , Meng Xianghong , Liu Bingjie
Published: January 2015

Chitosan beads were prepared by the method of inverse suspension cross‐linking characterized and applied to remove patulin from aqueous solution. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to evaluate the optimum adsorption conditions and reusability. The results showed that chitosan beads were effective in removing patulin from aqueous solution. The maximum adsorption capacity of chitosan beads for patulin was 626.4 μg/g at pH 7.0, 40C for 24 h. The kinetics and isotherm models were investigated to characterize the mechanism of patulin adsorption. Adsorption process of patulin on chitosan beads could be described by pseudo second‐order model and Freundlich adsorption isotherm model. It was concluded that chitosan beads were very promising biosorbent for patulin removal from aqueous solution.

Practical Applications

This study established the basis for the removal of patulin from aqueous solution, and chitosan beads were applied to strengthen the control of patulin for the first time. Therefore, this work was of great significance in protecting human health from patulin contamination.
Evaluation of the Potential of Mid‐Infrared Spectroscopy to Assess the Microbiological Quality of Ham
Authors: Moreirinha Catarina , Nunes Alexandra , Barros António , Almeida Adelaide , Delgadillo Ivonne
Published: January 2015

The accurate reliable detection and identification of microorganisms in food is critical to public safety. Consequently, it is extremely important to develop rapid and inexpensive methods for the detection of food microorganisms in order to minimize or even replace the traditional analysis methods that are expensive and time‐consuming. In this study, the potential of mid‐infrared spectroscopy was evaluated, for the first time, to detect changes in colony forming units of microorganisms in freshly cut ham along the time. A partial least squares regression model was performed and a good linear relationship was obtained between spectra information and microbial load. It was concluded that infrared spectroscopy easily and quickly allows the separation of ham samples according to their microbial content and could be used to predict the microbial concentration from the spectra, using the fingerprint region (1,200–950 cm−1), without sample preparation or handling.

Practical Applications

As it is essential to avoid infections caused by foodborne bacteria, it is important to develop a rapid, low cost and easy to perform technique to face the increasing demands of the food industry. Mid‐infrared spectroscopy, coupled to multivariate analysis, has potential to be used as a first‐screening approach and to assess the microbial concentration in ham samples, avoiding the traditional plating methods that are time‐consuming.
A thematic analysis of experiences of varicose veins and minimally invasive surgery under local anaesthesia
Authors: Hudson Briony F , Ogden Jane , Whiteley Mark S
Published: January 2015

Aims and objectives

To gain insight into the experience of living with varicose veins and undergoing minimally invasive surgery under local anaesthesia in a private clinic.

Background

Minimally invasive surgery under local anaesthesia is replacing traditional surgical stripping for the treatment for varicose veins. Conscious surgery has previously been associated with elevated levels of anxiety and some associated pain. There is limited research exploring the experiences of patients undergoing varicose vein surgery under local anaesthesia.

Design

Qualitative semi‐structured interviews with 20 patients who took part in a mixed methods study exploring the effects of distraction on intra‐operative pain and anxiety.

Methods

Participants were interviewed eight weeks post surgery about their experiences before, during and after surgery. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes were captured (1) negative emotions associated with symptoms, (2) unpreparedness for the surgical process, (3) feeling cared for and (4) improvements in well‐being. An overarching theme of relationships was identified. Overall, varicose veins had a detrimental impact on quality of life prior to surgery. Patients felt unprepared for their procedure and experienced the operation as anxiety provoking and uncomfortable. This was much helped by the support of nursing staff in the theatre. Post surgery, patients' quality of life was reported as improved.

Conclusions

More emphasis needs to be placed on preparing patients for surgery under local anaesthesia. The role of the nurse is central to creating a caring, relaxed environment which could improve patient experience.

Relevance to clinical practice

Patients' experiences of varicose veins and their treatment both influence, and are influenced by relationships with others at all stages of the management process. Nurses play an important role in improving patient experience during surgery and care needs to be taken to ensure that patients understand and accept the processes of surgery and recovery.
Changes in Parent, Sibling, and Peer Support During the Transition to Young Adulthood
Authors: Guan Shu‐Sha Angie , Fuligni Andrew J.
Published: January 2015

Longitudinal trajectories of parent, sibling, and peer support during the transition to young adulthood were compared among 600 participants (51.1% female) from Asian, European, and Latin American backgrounds. Participants completed questionnaires at 12th grade, 2 and 4 years after high school. Results indicated that parent support increased across this period for participants from European backgrounds but remained stable for participants from Asian and Latin American backgrounds. Peer and sibling support remained relatively stable. Supports had specific implications for self‐esteem and depressive mood. On average, young adults with higher levels of support reported greater expectations to reciprocate support within the family. Together, these findings highlight the changing dynamics of family and friends during the transition to young adulthood.
Structural features of colloidal species in the human fasted upper small intestine
Authors: Müllertz Anette , Reppas Christos , Psachoulias Dimitrios , Vertzoni Maria , Fatouros Dimitrios G
Published: January 2015

Objectives

This paper aims to study the features of colloidal species in the lumen of the upper small intestine of two healthy adults at fasted state by means of electron microscopy.

Methods

Samples were aspirated from a location near the ligament of Treitz 30 min (volunteer no. 1, Aspirate30min sample) and 60 min (volunteer no. 2, Aspirate60min sample), after administration of 240 ml of an aqueous solution in the fasted state.

Key findings

In the Aspirate30min sample micelles coexist with multi-, oligo- and unilamellar vesicles. Tubular structures and long structures were frequently visualised. In the Aspirate60min sample micelles, few unilamellar vesicles, long structures and tubular structures were the dominating structural features. In both samples, multivesicular structures and faceted vesicles (previously visualised at fed state) were absent. Structural features of both samples bear similarities with previously studied samples from the lower intestine in the fasted state. Micelles and unilamellar vesicles observed in both samples closely resemble morphological characteristics of those found in fluids simulating the colloidal species in fasted upper intestinal environment.

Conclusions

Features of colloidal species in contents of fasted small intestine have similarities with fluids simulating the contents in fasted upper small intestine and with contents of lower intestine in the fasted state.
REM sleep and depressive symptoms in a population‐based study of middle‐aged and elderly persons
Authors: Luik Annemarie I. , Zuurbier Lisette A. , Whitmore Harry , Hofman Albert , Tiemeier Henning
Published: January 2015

Alterations in rapid eye movement sleep have been consistently related to depression in clinical studies. So far, there is limited evidence from population‐based studies for this association of rapid eye movement sleep alterations with depressive symptoms. In 489 participants of the Rotterdam Study, we assessed rapid eye movement sleep latency, rapid eye movement sleep duration and rapid eye movement density with ambulant polysomnography, and depressive symptoms with the Center of Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression Scale. A longer rapid eye movement sleep latency (B = 0.002, P = 0.025) and higher rapid eye movement density (B = 0.015, P = 0.046) were related to depressive symptoms after age–sex adjustment. When we excluded persons who used sleep medication or medication for the nervous system (n = 124), only rapid eye movement density remained related to depressive symptoms (B = 0.018, P = 0.027). Our results suggest that rapid eye movement density is a marker of depressive symptoms in the general population, and that associations of rapid eye movement sleep with depressive symptoms are modified by the use of medication.
Factors associated with hepatitis C virus RNA levels in early chronic infection: the InC3 study
Authors: Hajarizadeh B. , Grady B. , Page K. , Kim A. Y. , McGovern B. H. , Cox A. L. , Rice T. M. , Sacks‐Davis R. , Bruneau J. , Morris M. , Amin J. , Schinkel J. , Applegate T. , Maher L. , Hellard M. , Lloyd A. R. , Prins M. , Geskus R. B. , Dore G. J. , Grebely J. ,   the InC Study Group
Published: January 2015

Improved understanding of natural history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels in chronic infection provides enhanced insights into immunopathogenesis of HCV and has implications for the clinical management of chronic HCV infection. This study assessed factors associated with HCV RNA levels during early chronic infection in a population with well‐defined early chronic HCV infection. Data were from an international collaboration of nine prospective cohorts studying acute HCV infection (InC3 study). Individuals with persistent HCV and detectable HCV RNA during early chronic infection (one year [±4 months] postinfection) were included. Distribution of HCV RNA levels during early chronic infection was compared by selected host and virological factors. A total of 308 individuals were included. Median HCV RNA levels were significantly higher among males (vs females; 5.15 vs 4.74 log IU/mL; P < 0.01) and among individuals with HIV co‐infection (vs no HIV; 5.89 vs 4.86; P = 0.02). In adjusted logistic regression, male sex (vs female, adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.93; 95%CI: 1.01, 3.69), interferon lambda 4 (IFNL4) rs12979860 CC genotype (vs TT/CT; AOR: 2.48; 95%CI: 1.42, 4.35), HIV co‐infection (vs no HIV; AOR: 3.27; 95%CI: 1.35, 7.93) and HCV genotype G2 (vs G3; AOR: 5.40; 95%CI: 1.63, 17.84) were independently associated with high HCV RNA levels (>5.6 log IU/mL = 400 000 IU/mL). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that IFNL4 rs12979860 CC genotype, male sex, HIV co‐infection and HCV genotype G2 are associated with high HCV RNA levels in early chronic infection. These factors exert their role as early as one year following infection.
Expression of Nociceptive Ligands in Canine Osteosarcoma
Authors: Shor S. , Fadl‐Alla B.A. , Pondenis H.C. , Zhang X. , Wycislo K.L. , Lezmi S. , Fan T.M.
Published: January 2015

Background

Canine osteosarcoma (OS) is associated with localized pain as a result of tissue injury from tumor infiltration and peritumoral inflammation. Malignant bone pain is caused by stimulation of peripheral pain receptors, termed nociceptors, which reside in the localized tumor microenvironment, including the periosteal and intramedullary bone cavities. Several nociceptive ligands have been determined to participate directly or indirectly in generating bone pain associated with diverse skeletal abnormalities.

Hypothesis

Canine OS cells actively produce nociceptive ligands with the capacity to directly or indirectly activate peripheral pain receptors residing in the bone tumor microenvironment.

Animals

Ten dogs with appendicular OS.

Methods

Expression of nerve growth factor, endothelin‐1, and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 was characterized in OS cell lines and naturally occurring OS samples. In 10 dogs with OS, circulating concentrations of nociceptive ligands were quantified and correlated with subjective pain scores and tumor volume in patients treated with standardized palliative therapies.

Results

Canine OS cells express and secrete nerve growth factor, endothelin‐1, and prostaglandin E2. Naturally occurring OS samples uniformly express nociceptive ligands. In a subset of OS‐bearing dogs, circulating nociceptive ligand concentrations were detectable but failed to correlate with pain status. Localized foci of nerve terminal proliferation were identified in a minority of primary bone tumor samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Canine OS cells express nociceptive ligands, potentially permitting active participation of OS cells in the generation of malignant bone pain. Specific inhibitors of nociceptive ligand signaling pathways might improve pain control in dogs with OS.
Elevated AST‐to‐platelet ratio index is associated with increased all‐cause mortality among HIV‐infected adults in Zambia
Authors: Vinikoor Michael J. , Sinkala Edford , Mweemba Aggrey , Zanolini Arianna , Mulenga Lloyd , Sikazwe Izukanji , Fried Michael W. , Eron Joseph J. , Wandeler Gilles , Chi Benjamin H.
Published: January 2015

Background & Aims

We investigated the association between significant liver fibrosis, determined by AST‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI), and all‐cause mortality among HIV‐infected patients prescribed antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Zambia.

Methods

Among HIV‐infected adults who initiated ART, we categorized baseline APRI scores according to established thresholds for significant hepatic fibrosis (APRI ≥1.5) and cirrhosis (APRI ≥2.0). Using multivariable logistic regression we identified risk factors for elevated APRI including demographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), HIV clinical and immunological status, and tuberculosis. In the subset tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), we investigated the association of hepatitis B virus co‐infection with APRI score. Using Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression we determined the association of elevated APRI with death during ART.

Results

Among 20 308 adults in the analysis cohort, 1027 (5.1%) had significant liver fibrosis at ART initiation including 616 (3.0%) with cirrhosis. Risk factors for significant fibrosis or cirrhosis included male sex, BMI <18, WHO clinical stage 3 or 4, CD4+ count <200 cells/mm3, and tuberculosis. Among the 237 (1.2%) who were tested, HBsAg‐positive patients had four times the odds (adjusted odds ratio, 4.15; 95% CI, 1.71–10.04) of significant fibrosis compared HBsAg‐negatives. Both significant fibrosis (adjusted hazard ratio 1.41, 95% CI, 1.21–1.64) and cirrhosis (adjusted hazard ratio 1.57, 95% CI, 1.31–1.89) were associated with increased all‐cause mortality.

Conclusion

Liver fibrosis may be a risk factor for mortality during ART among HIV‐infected individuals in Africa. APRI is an inexpensive and potentially useful test for liver fibrosis in resource‐constrained settings.
Do island plant populations really have lower genetic variation than mainland populations? Effects of selection and distribution range on genetic diversity estimates
Authors: García‐Verdugo C. , Sajeva M. , La Mantia T. , Harrouni C. , Msanda F. , Caujapé‐Castells J.
Published: January 2015

Ecological and evolutionary studies largely assume that island populations display low levels of neutral genetic variation. However, this notion has only been formally tested in a few cases involving plant taxa, and the confounding effect of selection on genetic diversity (GD) estimates based on putatively neutral markers has typically been overlooked. Here, we generated nuclear microsatellite and plastid DNA sequence data in Periploca laevigata, a plant taxon with an island–mainland distribution area, to (i) investigate whether selection affects GD estimates of populations across contrasting habitats; and (ii) test the long‐standing idea that island populations have lower GD than their mainland counterparts. Plastid data showed that colonization of the Canary Islands promoted strong lineage divergence within P. laevigata, which was accompanied by selective sweeps at several nuclear microsatellite loci. Inclusion of loci affected by strong divergent selection produced a significant downward bias in the GD estimates of the mainland lineage, but such underestimates were substantial (>14%) only when more than one loci under selection were included in the computations. When loci affected by selection were removed, we did not find evidence that insular Periploca populations have less GD than their mainland counterparts. The analysis of data obtained from a comprehensive literature survey reinforced this result, as overall comparisons of GD estimates between island and mainland populations were not significant across plant taxa (N = 66), with the only exception of island endemics with narrow distributions. This study suggests that identification and removal of markers potentially affected by selection should be routinely implemented in estimates of GD, particularly if different lineages are compared. Furthermore, it provides compelling evidence that the expectation of low GD cannot be generalized to island plant populations.