bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation rate is associated with differential protein expression and enriched functions in human seminal plasma
Authors: Intasqui Paula , Camargo Mariana , Del Giudice Paula T. , Spaine Deborah M. , Carvalho Valdemir M. , Cardozo Karina H. M. , Zylbersztejn Daniel S. , Bertolla Ricardo P.
Published: May 2013

Objective

To analyse the proteomic profile of seminal plasma with the aim of identifying the proteins and post‐genomic pathways associated with sperm DNA fragmentation.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional study including 89 subjects from a human reproduction service was carried out.

All semen samples were assessed for sperm DNA fragmentation using a comet assay.

Results from 60 sperm were analysed using Komet 6.0.1 software and the ‘Olive tail moment’ variable was used to stratify these into low and high sperm DNA fragmentation groups.

Seminal plasma proteins from the two groups were pooled and used for proteomic analysis.

Quantitative data were used for functional enrichment studies.

Results

Seventy‐two proteins were identified or quantified in seminal plasma. Of these, nine were differentially expressed in the low group and 21 in the high group. Forty‐two proteins were conserved between these groups.

Functional enrichment analysis indicated that sperm DNA fragmentation was related to functions such as lipoprotein particle remodelling and regulation, fatty acid binding and immune response.

Proteins found exclusively in the low group may be involved in correcting spermatogenesis and/or improving sperm function. Proteins in the high group were associated with increased innate immune response, sperm motility and/or maturation and inhibition of mitochondrial apoptosis.

Conclusion

Protein expression and post‐genomic pathways of seminal plasma differ according to the rate of sperm DNA integrity.
N‐FIRM OLIGOPOLY WITH GENERAL ISO‐ELASTIC DEMAND
Authors: Beard Rodney
Published: May 2013

In this note oligopoly with iso‐elastic demand is analysed. Unlike previous studies we consider general iso‐elastic demand rather than the case of unit elasticity. An n‐firm Nash‐Cournot equilibrium for the case of heterogeneous constant marginal costs is derived. The main result is a closed‐form solution that shows the dependency of the equilibrium on the elasticity of demand and the share of industry costs. The result has applications to a wide range of areas in oligopoly theory by allowing comparisons across markets with different elasticities of demand.
Behavioural syndromes and social insects: personality at multiple levels
Authors: Jandt Jennifer M. , Bengston Sarah , Pinter‐Wollman Noa , Pruitt Jonathan N. , Raine Nigel E. , Dornhaus Anna , Sih Andrew
Published: May 2013

Animal personalities or behavioural syndromes are consistent and/or correlated behaviours across two or more situations within a population. Social insect biologists have measured consistent individual variation in behaviour within and across colonies for decades. The goal of this review is to illustrate the ways in which both the study of social insects and of behavioural syndromes has overlapped, and to highlight ways in which both fields can move forward through the synergy of knowledge from each. Here we, (i) review work to date on behavioural syndromes (though not always referred to as such) in social insects, and discuss mechanisms and fitness effects of maintaining individual behavioural variation within and between colonies; (ii) summarise approaches and principles from studies of behavioural syndromes, such as trade‐offs, feedback, and statistical methods developed specifically to study behavioural consistencies and correlations, and discuss how they might be applied specifically to the study of social insects; (iii) discuss how the study of social insects can enhance our understanding of behavioural syndromes—research in behavioural syndromes is beginning to explore the role of sociality in maintaining or developing behavioural types, and work on social insects can provide new insights in this area; and (iv) suggest future directions for study, with an emphasis on examining behavioural types at multiple levels of organisation (genes, individuals, colonies, or groups of individuals).
Middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity in response to lower body positive pressure
Authors: Perry Blake G. , Schlader Zachary J. , Raman Aaron , Cochrane Darryl J. , Lucas Samuel J. E. , Mündel Toby
Published: May 2013

Lower body positive pressure (LBPP) has been used in the treatment of haemorrhagic shock and in offsetting g‐force induced fluid shifts. However, the middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (MCAv) response to supine LBPP is unknown. Fifteen healthy volunteers (mean ± SD: age, 26 ± 5 year; body mass, 79 ± 10 kg; height, 174 ± 9 cm) completed 5 minutes of 20 and 40 mm Hg LBPP, in a randomized order, separated by 5 minutes rest (baseline). Beat‐to‐beat MCAv and blood pressure, partial pressure of end‐tidal carbon dioxide (PETCO2) and heart rate were recorded and presented as the change from the preceding baseline. All measures were similar between baseline periods (all P>0·30). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased by 7 ± 6 (8 ± 7%) and 13 ± 7 mm Hg (19 ± 11%) from baseline during 20 and 40 mm Hg (P<0·01), respectively. The greater MAP increase at 40 mm Hg (P<0·01 versus 20 mm Hg) was mediated via a greater increase in total peripheral resistance (P<0·01), with heart rate, cardiac output (Model flow) and PETCO2 remaining unchanged (all P>0·05) throughout. MCAv increased from baseline by 3 ± 4 cm s−1 (5 ± 5%) during 20 mm Hg (P = 0·003), whilst no change (P = 0·18) was observed during 40 mm Hg. Our results indicate a divergent response, in that 20 mm Hg LBPP‐induced modest increases in both MCAv and MAP, yet no change in MCAv was observed at the higher LBPP of 40 mm Hg despite a further increase in MAP.
Training the Translational Research Teams of the Future: UC Davis—HHMI Integrating Medicine into Basic Science Program
Authors: Knowlton Anne A. , Rainwater Julie A. , Chiamvimonvat Nipavan , Bonham Ann C. , Robbins John A. , Henderson Stuart , Meyers Frederick J.
Published: May 2013

There is a need for successful models of how to recruit, train, and retain bench scientists at the earliest stages of their careers into translational research. One recent, promising model is the University of California Davis Howard Hughes Medical Institute Integrating Medicine into Basic Science (HHMI‐IMBS) program, part of the HHMI Med into Grad initiative. This paper outlines the HHMI‐IMBS program's logic, design, and curriculum that guide the goal of research that moves from bedside to bench. That is, a curriculum that provides graduate students with guided translational training, clinical exposure, team science competencies, and mentors from diverse disciplines that will advance the students careers in clinical translational research and re‐focusing of research to answer clinical dilemmas. The authors have collected data on 55 HHMI‐IMBS students to date. Many of these students are still completing their graduate work. In the current study the authors compare the initial two cohorts (15 students) with a group of 29 control students to examine the program success and outcomes. The data indicate that this training program provides an effective, adaptable model for training future translational researchers. HHMI‐IMBS students showed improved confidence in conducting translational research, greater interest in a future translational career, and higher levels of research productivity and collaborations than a comparable group of predoctoral students.
Initiation of Aspirin Therapy Modulates Angiogenic Protein Levels in Women with Breast Cancer Receiving Tamoxifen Therapy
Authors: Holmes Chris E. , Jasielec Jagoda , Levis Jamie E. , Skelly Joan , Muss Hyman B.
Published: May 2013

Aspirin has a range of antineoplastic properties linked to inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes in tumor cells, platelet inhibition and to inhibition of angiogenesis. We undertook a prospective study to determine the influence of a 45‐day course of aspirin therapy on circulating and intraplatelet levels of selected proangiogenic (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]) and antiangiogenic (thrombospondin‐1 [TSP‐1]) proteins, and platelet protein release in women diagnosed with breast cancer who were receiving tamoxifen therapy. Initiation of aspirin therapy increases serum and intraplatelet levels of TSP‐1 without a corresponding increase in VEGF levels. Following aspirin therapy, VEGF levels decreased (relative to pretreatment levels) while TSP‐1 returned to pretreatment levels. Plasma TSP‐1 and VEGF levels did not change on aspirin therapy. Aspirin use also decreased thrombin receptor mediated release of TSP‐1 and VEGF from platelets. The selective impact on platelet angiogenic protein content and release supports one mechanism by which aspirin can modify the angiogenic balance in women receiving tamoxifen therapy. Aspirin therapy appears to favor an overall antiangiogenic balance in women with breast cancer who are receiving tamoxifen therapy.
The Financialization of Micro‐Credit
Authors: Aitken Rob
Published: May 2013

The financial crisis which crested in 2008/2009 sparked much debate regarding the future of global financial governance. Echoing the ways in which that crisis entailed a particular intrusion of ‘high finance’ into everyday lives, the main contention of this article is that critical analyses of finance would benefit from training attention onto the intersections between global finance and the level of the everyday and the mundane. To explore this intersection, this article reviews the increasing ways in which micro‐credit has been financialized. This process of micro/financialization, I argue, has been accomplished in very particular ways which have brought micro‐credit networks and their borrowers more fully into the spaces of global capital markets. This development, however, confronts vulnerable populations of micro‐borrowers with serious risks of various sorts. Most importantly, micro/financialization risks exporting — and globalizing — some of the riskiest parts of financial practices to the ‘poorest of the poor’. I conclude the article by noting the ways in which this involves a particularly dangerous extension of what some commentators have referred to as the ‘democratization of finance’.
Social Struggles as Epistemic Struggles
Authors: Icaza Rosalba , Vázquez Rolando
Published: May 2013

This contribution offers a view on social struggles as epistemic struggles to critically engage with the Activism 2010+ debate. Our core idea is that social struggles that stand up against depoliticization, economic exploitation and cultural alienation cannot be adequately understood through the same rationality that underlies the processes that they are breaking with. We invite a reading of social struggles as open questions to the dominant ways of thinking and ordering of the real. Our way of doing this is by developing a view of the Zapatistas uprising in Chiapas, Mexico, and the Battle of Seattle, USA, as political events that have challenged the epistemic hegemony of modernity, its instrumental rationality and its chronological temporality. In so doing, we establish a relation between the political ideas of Hanna Arendt and those of decolonial thought, as a means to connect traditions of critique that belong to different genealogies (Western critical thought and Latin American decolonial thought) and which correspond to different conceptions of modernity and social justice. Bringing together these different traditions of critique is a key analytical step to move beyond one‐sided universalisms into forms of argumentation that are built on the possibility of dialogue across a plurality of epistemic locations. This is a modest move in the much‐needed search for epistemic justice.
The incidence of type 2 diabetes in the United Kingdom from 1991 to 2010
Authors: Holden S. E. , Barnett A. H. , Peters J. R. , Jenkins‐Jones S. , Poole C. D. , Morgan C. L. , Currie C. J.
Published: May 2013

Aims

To characterize the incidence of type 2 diabetes in the UK over the previous 20 years; and determine if there has been an increase in people aged 40 years or less at diagnosis.

Methods

For this retrospective cohort study, patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between 1991 and 2010 were identified from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). Patient data were grouped into 5‐year intervals by year of diagnosis and age at diagnosis. A standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was determined (1991–1995 = 100). The percentage of newly diagnosed patients for each age group and aged ≤40 years was calculated for each 5‐year calendar period. The incidence rate by age and 5‐year calendar period was also determined.

Results

In 2010, the crude incidence rate of type 2 diabetes was 515 per 100,000 population. The overall SIR increased to 158 (95% CI 157–160, p < 0.001), 237 (235–238, p < 0.001) and 275 (273–276, p < 0.001) for 1996–2000, 2001–2005 and 2006–2010, respectively. For those ≤40, the respective values were 217 (209–226, p < 0.001), 327 (320–335, p < 0.001) and 598 (589–608, p < 0.001). An increase in incidence occurred with increasing 5‐year calendar period. The incidence of type 2 diabetes was higher for males after the age of 40 and higher for females aged ≤40. The percentage of patients aged ≤40 years at diagnosis increased with each increasing 5‐year calendar period (5.9, 8.4, 8.5 and 12.4%, respectively).

Conclusions

There was a significant increase in the incidence of diagnosed type 2 diabetes between 1991 and 2010 and the proportion of people diagnosed at a relatively early age has increased markedly.
Serum level of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 is associated with the outcome of patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma treated with the R‐CHOP regimen
Authors: Nakamura Nobuhiko , Goto Naoe , Tsurumi Hisashi , Takemura Masao , Kanemura Nobuhiro , Kasahara Senji , Hara Takeshi , Yasuda Ichiro , Shimizu Masahito , Sawada Michio , Yamada Toshiki , Seishima Mitsuru , Takami Tsuyoshi , Moriwaki Hisataka
Published: May 2013

Background

Serum soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (sTNFR2) concentration predicted the clinical outcome of patients with aggressive non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma including diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) treated with CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone) in our previous study. However, after rituximab (R) was introduced in clinical practice, R‐CHOP replaced CHOP as the standard therapy for DLBCL.

Patients and methods

In this study, we re‐evaluated the prognostic significance of serum sTNFR2 in 154 patients with DLBCL treated with R‐CHOP.

Results

Five‐yr overall survival (5‐yr OS) rates with sTNFR2 ≥20 ng/mL and <20 ng/mL were 29.2% and 83.3% (P < 0.0001), respectively, and the corresponding 5‐yr progression‐free survival (5‐yr PFS) rates were 26.9% and 76.4% (P < 0.0001), respectively. A multivariate analysis revealed that serum sTNFR2 and complete remission (CR) were independent prognostic factors for both OS (CR: P < 0.0001, sTNFR2: P = 0.0001) and PFS (CR: P < 0.0001, sTNFR2: P = 0.0001). The prognosis of patients with poor risk groups according to the revised International Prognostic Index who also had high serum sTNFR2 was especially poor.

Conclusion

Serum sTNFR2 might be a powerful prognostic factor for patients with DLBCL in the rituximab era.
The carbohydrate switch between pathogenic and immunosuppressive antigen‐specific antibodies
Authors: Collin Mattias , Ehlers Marc
Published: May 2013

IgG antibodies have one conserved N‐glycosylation site at Asn 297 in each of their constant heavy chain regions. These Fc glycans influence the overall structure and pro‐ or anti‐inflammatory effector functions of IgG antibodies. The biantennary core glycan structure, consisting of four N‐acetyl‐glucosamine (GlcNAc) and three mannose residues, can be further decorated with fucose, a bisecting GlcNAc and terminal galactose or galactose plus sialic acid. Non‐galactosylated (agalactosylated; G0) IgG antibodies have long been associated with pro‐inflammatory effector functions in autoimmune patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In contrast, it has been shown that sialylated IgGs are responsible for anti‐inflammatory effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG; purified IgG from pooled human plasma), which is administered at high doses (2 g/kg) for the systemic treatment of autoimmune patients. It has become increasingly evident that pro‐inflammatory immune responses, such as autoimmune reactions, primarily induce antigen‐specific G0 IgGs, whereas tolerance induces immunosuppressive galactosylated and sialylated IgGs. Under physiological conditions, differentially glycosylated IgGs mediate their pro‐ or anti‐inflammatory effector functions obviously as immune complexes (IC) in an antigen‐specific manner. Therefore, antigen‐specific galactosylated and sialylated IgGs may be a promising therapeutic tool for re‐establishing tolerance against defined (self‐) antigens in autoimmune or allergic patients. Here, we summarize these findings and outline our viewpoint on the development and function of differentially glycosylated antigen‐specific IgG antibodies.
Mass‐flowering crops increase richness of cavity‐nesting bees and wasps in modern agro‐ecosystems
Authors: Diekötter Tim , Peter Franziska , Jauker Birgit , Wolters Volkmar , Jauker Frank
Published: May 2013

Considerable uncertainties exist on how increased biofuel cropping affects biodiversity. Regarding oilseed rape, the most common biofuel crop in the EU, positive responses of flower‐visiting insects to plentiful nectar and pollen seem apparent. However, previous investigations on this insect guild revealed conflicting results, potentially because they focused on different taxonomic groups representing a narrow range of ecological traits and considered only short time periods. Here, using trap nests in landscapes with independent gradients in area of oilseed rape and seminatural habitats, we assessed the whole community of cavity‐nesting bees and wasps, including early‐ and late‐emerging species. Our study's temporal resolution allowed determination of flowering and postflowering effects of oilseed rape on these species' richness, abundance, and mortality. Species richness of cavity‐nesting bees and wasps significantly increased with oilseed rape, although nesting activity was considerably higher after mass flowering. In addition to increasing richness independently of oilseed rape, the amount of seminatural habitat in the landscape was the sole positive driver of insect abundance once the community's dominant species was accounted for as a covariate. Thus, growth of the co‐occurring species' community is not stimulated by the resource pulse provided by oilseed rape early in the year, but by persistent resources provided by seminatural habitats after mass flowering. Early individuals of bivoltine species' first generations accumulated in seminatural habitats when these habitats were scarce, but became increasingly diluted when habitat availability increased. Once established, later foraging females generally benefited from the resource availability of seminatural habitats when initializing the second generation. We conclude that mass‐flowering crops, despite covering only a short interval of the community's main activity phase, benefit bee and wasp species richness. However, seminatural habitats are crucial in maintaining viable communities of flower‐visiting insects at the landscape scale, mitigating potential negative effects of high land‐use intensities in modern agro‐ecosystems.
Preparing, Working, Recovering: Gendered Experiences of Night Work among Women and their Families
Authors: Lowson Elizabeth , Arber Sara
Published: May 2013

The negative physiological consequences of night work are well evidenced, but there has been limited research on the gendered consequences of night work for partnered women with children. This paper examines women's experiences of night work by drawing on qualitative interview and audio sleep diary data with 20 UK female nurses working non‐regular rotating shifts, together with interview and diary data from their male partners and children. The analysis shows how the lived experience of women's night work is characterized by three phases, which we discuss within a timescape perspective. Alongside changes to paid work and sleep during the period of night shifts, the ‘preparation’ and ‘recovery’ phases of women's night work involve intense periods of considerable additional unpaid and unrecognized work and anxiety. Gendered expectations for household management and family wellbeing mean that women night workers undertake considerable responsibility for complex planning before night shifts begin, and re‐enter established domestic routines within hours after night shifts end. Women maintain continuity for their families by actively managing the impacts of night work. This enables the fulfilment and ‘display’ of successful and normative gendered patterns of domestic responsibility, which appears to be central to women's own coping with night shifts.
Rapid musculoskeletal ultrasound for painful episodes in adult haemophilia patients
Authors: Ceponis A. , Wong‐Sefidan I. , Glass C. S. , von Drygalski A.
Published: May 2013

Little objective information exists about musculoskeletal bleeding patterns in haemophilic arthropathy. Bleeding is assumed to be the cause of painful joints or muscles. Clotting factor treatment is provided empirically, but often does not alleviate pain. We hypothesized that perception of pain aetiology is unreliable, and introduced point‐of‐care high‐resolution musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) to differentiate intra‐articular bleeds vs. joint inflammation, and intra‐muscle bleeds vs. other regional pain syndromes. To assess painful musculoskeletal episodes in adult haemophiliacs, we used rapid MSKUS, employing grey scale and power Doppler examination. Forty episodes in 30 adult haemophiliacs were evaluated. Thirty three of the 40 episodes were patient‐reported as ‘bleeding’, five as ‘arthritis‐type’ pain and two as ‘undecided’. Of the 33 bleeding reports, only 12 were confirmed by MSKUS; the other episodes revealed other pathology. In contrast, three of five perceived arthritis flares were reclassified as bleeds. Similarly, physician assessment was incorrect in 18 of 40 instances. Swelling and warmth were present in approximately half of confirmed bleeding and non‐bleeding episodes, and therefore not useful clinically. Few of the painful episodes were symptom controlled at the time of MSKUS. Management changed based on objective imaging findings in >70% of episodes, which resulted in symptom improvement >60% of the time. Significant discrepancies exist between MSKUS findings and patient/physician‐perceived pain classification as bleeding or other musculoskeletal symptoms. Current practice of prescribing clotting factor or conservative measures based on pain perception seems inadequate and suggests that point‐of‐care imaging should be included into modern haemophilia care.
N‐Acetylglucosamine modulates function of the skin fibroblasts
Authors: Połubinska A. , Cwalinski J. , Baum E. , Bręborowicz A.
Published: May 2013

Synopsis

Background

Fibroblasts are an important component of the skin determining its properties. N‐Acetylglucosamine (NAG) is the substrate for hyaluronan synthesis, and it also has anti‐inflammatory and anti‐senescent activity in mesothelial cells.

Methods

We tested in in vitro‐cultured human skin fibroblasts how supplementation of culture medium with NAG 10 mmol L−1 changes properties of these cells.

Results

Fibroblasts cultured in presence of NAG produced more proteins and that was mainly due to increased synthesis of collagen (+33% vs. control, P < 0.05). Hyaluronan synthesis was increased (+107% vs. control, P < 0.001), but interleukin‐6 synthesis was reduced (−22% vs. control, P < 0.05). Fibroblasts cultured in medium with NAG 10 mmol L−1 demonstrated improved ability to heal the injured layer of cells (+34% vs. control, P < 0.05). Additionally senescence of fibroblasts undergoing replicative ageing in the presence of NAG was less pronounced, as reflected by smaller increase in the population doubling time (−70% vs. control, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

We conclude that NAG induced changes in the skin fibroblasts' properties maybe important for prevention of the age‐dependent changes in its structure and function.
Cyanogenic potential of fresh and frozen cassava on retail sale in three Irish cities: a snapshot survey
Authors: O'Brien Gerard M. , Weir Ruth R. , Moody Kirsty , Liu Phoebe W. S.
Published: May 2013

Imported cassava roots can be found on retail sale in several Irish cities and towns. Fresh roots (n = 36 roots) and peeled frozen root pieces (n = 28 packs) were randomly purchased from five retailers in Belfast, Dublin and Limerick and assayed for cyanogenic potential (CNp). Total CNp of fresh root parenchyma varied from 37.5 to 242.9 mg kg−1 as HCN, dry weight basis – dwb), averaging 104.4 mg kg−1 HCN (dwb). Total CNp of frozen root parenchyma (n = 28 packs) ranged from 28.5 to 258.6 mg kg−1 HCN (dwb), averaging 81.7 mg kg−1 HCN (dwb). Around 78% of fresh roots, and 93% of packs of frozen parenchyma, complied with the Codex Alimentarius definition of ‘sweet’ cassava, but most (86.1% and 64.3%, respectively) exceeded European Union NETTOX recommendations for total CNp. In around one‐third of frozen parenchyma packs, nonglycosidic cyanogens accounted for 83–100% of total CNp. The toxicological implications are briefly discussed.
Optimisation of sunflower oil deodorising: balance between oil stability and other quality attributes
Authors: Suliman Talal E. , Meng Zong , Li Jin Wei , Jiang Jiang , Liu Yuanfa
Published: May 2013

The effect of deodorising on basic quality attributes of sunflower oil (free fatty acids, colour, oil stability, total tocopherols) was investigated. The results revealed that the levels of all these quality attributes decreased significantly during the deodorising step. The processing parameters of sunflower oil deodorisation were optimised using response surface methodology. The results revealed the effects of process parameters (temperature, time) on free fatty acids (FFA), colour (LCY and LCR), oil stability index (OSI) and total tocopherols (VE). These new models can be used as a tool to identify optimum deodorisation conditions within chosen constraints. Based on the optimisation of high oil stability with minimum retained FFA and colour, deodorisation parameters can be defined. At a constant vacuum, 3 mmHg vacuum, a temperature range of 200–250 °C and deodorisation time of 30–90 min were defined. An optimum temperature and time appear to be 218–224 °C and 59–64 min, respectively.
Effect of microwave‐assisted extraction on the release of polyphenols from ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Authors: Rahath Kubra Ismail , Kumar Devender , Rao Lingamallu Jagan Mohan
Published: May 2013

The significance of different variables viz. temperature, time and solvent at constant power in microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) process of ginger was studied and compared with conventional method. Aqueous ethanol (50%) provided higher yields of extract as well as the highest release of total polyphenols (TPP) than alcoholic solvents. The reason could be the high dielectric constant of aqueous ethanol as compared to alcohols. Microwave heating being a volumetric process, an exposure time of 1 min was found to be sufficient. The better penetration of microwaves and greater solubility at higher temperature resulted in higher yield of TPP and [6]‐gingerol. The resultant extract showed higher radical scavenging activity (RSA) values. Thus, MAE allowed higher recoveries compared to conventional extraction process, with improvement in the quantity and quality of extract in very short period of time.
Antifungal properties of Zinc‐compounds against toxigenic fungi and mycotoxin
Authors: Savi Geovana D. , Bortoluzzi Adailton J. , Scussel Vildes M.
Published: May 2013

Antifungal and antimycotoxin properties of zinc (Zn) compounds were evaluated against toxigenic strains of Fusarium graminearum, Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus flavus. In addition, was verified the activity of these Zn‐compounds on conidia production, hyphae morphological alterations, mortality and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The Zn‐compounds treatments utilised were zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs), zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) and zinc perchlorate (Zn(ClO4)2). The Zn‐compounds effect on growth diameter of fungal colony was concentration dependent. Two treatments (ZnSO4 and Zn(ClO4)2) completely inhibited the fungal growth and their ability to produce mycotoxins. The conidia production of all fungi also was reduced after the treatment with Zn‐compounds. Morphological alterations occurred in the treated fungi showing hyphae damage. The treatments led to cell death and ROS production observed in the fungi hyphae. ZnSO4 and Zn(ClO4)2 were the compounds that showed better results as antifungal, presenting antimycotoxin activity and caused alterations in the fungi cell structure.
Estimating microbial survival parameters from dynamic survival data using Microsoft Excel
Authors: Chen Guibing
Published: May 2013

Reliable survival parameter estimation is an essential part of building predictive models for microbial survival. It has been demonstrated that these parameters can be accurately identified using a one‐step regression approach that fits a survival model to multiple dynamic data sets at once. However, the existing methods are not quite user‐friendly because their application requires relatively high computer skills. In this study, a recursive equation for the Weibull model was used to construct microbial survival curves under dynamic conditions. Based on this, a procedure was developed to estimate survival parameters by fitting the equation to dynamic survival data sets using the built‐in functions and Solver of Microsoft Excel. The results showed that the method provided an easy and accurate way for estimating microbial survival parameters.
Supercritical CO2 extraction of oleanolic acid from grape pomace
Authors: Chronopoulou Laura , Agatone Angelo C. , Palocci Cleofe
Published: May 2013

In this work, we investigated the possibility to extract oleanolic acid through supercritical fluid extraction from waste materials such as grape pomace, which can represent a yet unexploited source of highly added‐value products. Preliminary supercritical fluid extractions were performed on dried grape skin samples and compared with solid–liquid extraction. After optimising extraction parameters such as temperature, pressure and extraction time, the ratio between supercritical and solid–liquid extraction yields was approximately 1/5. Supercritical CO2 extractions were also carried out on dried grape pomace samples. In this case, the ratio between supercritical and solid–liquid extraction yields was increased up to 1/3, thanks to a combination of static and dynamic extraction and the use of ethanol as modifier. This extraction technique proved successful in extracting oleanolic acid from grape pomace samples with extraction yields that were comparable with those obtained with well‐established extraction techniques such as solid–liquid extraction.
The experiences of internationally educated nurses in the southeastern United States of America
Authors: Wheeler R.M. , Foster J.W. , Hepburn K.W.
Published: May 2013

Background

US healthcare facilities have addressed nursing shortages in part by recruiting internationally educated nurses (IENs), and studies suggest IENs may make up a significant percentage of the nursing workforce in urban hospitals. Despite the economic recession of 2008–2012, international nurse migration is expected to continue. Little is known about IENs in the southeastern USA, and no studies have compared their perspectives to those of their US counterparts.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding about the experiences of IENs compared to those of US registered nurses (RNs) practising in two urban hospitals in southeastern USA.

Methods

This study involved two rounds of semi‐structured interviews of 82 IENs and US RNs. Interviews focused on themes relating to education, barriers to practice, intent to stay in nursing and IENs’ migration experiences.

Findings and Discussion

Most IENs interviewed migrated to the USA after 1990 to join their family and do not plan to return to their home countries to practise. Most IENs initially received their Associate Degree in Nursing; many have obtained their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. IENs and newly licensed US RNs faced similar barriers when they began practising in the USA, but IENs faced additional challenges adjusting to the attitudes of US patients, the perceived lack of respect for nurses and delivering total patient care.

Conclusions

IENs would benefit from orientation regarding the cultural differences in the USA. In other ways, their challenges are similar to those of US RNs; policies regarding education, recruitment and retention could target both groups together.
Investigating prejudice toward men perceived to be Muslim: cues of foreignness versus phenotype
Authors: Brown Lisa M. , Awad Germine H. , Preas Elizabeth J. , Allen Valerie , Kenney Jerry , Roberts Stephanie , Lusk L. Brooke
Published: May 2013

Possible factors in prejudice toward Muslims and those perceived to be Muslims were investigated. We specifically investigated cues of foreignness that may communicate threat. Using a 2 (Complexion: dark vs. light) × 2 (Dress: Middle Eastern vs. Western) × 2 (Name: Allen vs. Mohammed) between‐subjects design, we expected cues of foreignness (dress and name) to have a greater impact on perceptions of targets than phenotype (complexion). Participants reviewed portraits of young men varying in the manipulated characteristics and gave their impressions. Generally, complexion did not affect perceptions, but portraits in Middle Eastern dress were rated less positively. There was a name by dress interaction in which Allen in Western dress was rated least negatively. Implications for future research are discussed.
Aspirations for a cooperative community and support for mental health advocacy: a shared orientation through opinion‐based group membership
Authors: Gee Alison , McGarty Craig
Published: May 2013

This research examines the role of aspirations for cooperative relations between people with mental disorders and other community members in influencing commitment to stigma‐reducing practices and promoting positive social change. Two studies demonstrated that a measure of aspirations for a cooperative community is distinct from social and community identification measures and strongly predicts positive beliefs and behavioral intentions. Findings support the proposal that these aspirations reflect a shared ideology for members of an opinion‐based group that support mental health advocacy. The findings provide evidence that the aspirations construct adds to knowledge about collective identities and offers a useful tool for designing stigma reduction and social‐change strategies for the benefit of people with mental disorders.
Disambiguating discriminatory acts of typical versus atypical perpetrators: the moderating role of need for cognitive closure
Authors: Bucchianeri Michaela M. , Corning Alexandra F.
Published: May 2013

Three studies tested the interaction of the prototype effect, the notion that ambiguous behavior is more likely to be perceived as discriminatory when the executor is prototypical; and the need for cognitive closure, the tendency to seize on an answer. Study 1 provided bolstering evidence of the prototype effect's moderation by need for cognitive closure. Ambiguously sexist behavior enacted by a prototypical (male) executor was perceived as more discriminatory than the same behavior exhibited by a nonprototypical (female) executor, and this effect was exacerbated by higher trait levels of need for cognitive closure. In Studies 2 and 3, via situational induction, prototype reliance again was exacerbated, such that it overrode the influence of individual‐difference levels of need for cognitive closure.
The measurement of mistrust among religious group members inNorthernIreland
Authors: McAloney Kareena , Stringer Maurice , Mallett John
Published: May 2013

Cultural mistrust is a protective mechanism employed by minority group members when risk of victimization from majority group members is high. InNorthernIreland, depending on the context, bothCatholics andProtestants may perceive themselves at risk of discrimination, and use similar protective strategies. This study examined the appropriateness of theCulturalMistrustInventory in assessing mistrust among members of different religious groups withinNorthernIreland. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses resulted in an 11‐item, 3‐factor measure of religious mistrust. Mistrust appears to be experienced by bothCatholics andProtestants, regardless of group status; with males reporting significantly higher levels of mistrust of the “other” group. Higher levels of mistrust were associated with higher psychological distress.
Obesity as a status cue: perceived social status and the stereotypes of obese individuals
Authors: Vartanian Lenny R. , Silverstein Keri M.
Published: May 2013

Two studies examined the relationship between social status and obesity stereotypes. In Study 1, obese individuals were seen as having lower status than non‐obese individuals, and status ratings were positively correlated with common obesity stereotypes. In Study 2, targets were depicted as overweight or lean, and as having a high‐status or low‐status job. High‐status heavy targets were rated as less lazy and more competent than were their low‐status counterparts, but status did not impact ratings of sloppiness or warmth. The findings indicate that obesity can serve as a status cue. Furthermore, the findings provide preliminary evidence that status is related to the attribution of certain stereotypes to obese individuals, while also highlighting the multifaceted nature of obesity stereotypes.
Domain‐based perceptions of risk: a case study of lay and technical community attitudes toward managed aquifer recharge
Authors: Leviston Zoe , Browne Alison L. , Greenhill Murni
Published: May 2013

Despite growing water scarcity, communities in many parts of the developed world often reject technically and economically sound options for water augmentation. This paper reports findings from a study investigating risk perceptions associated with a proposed managed aquifer recharge scheme inAustralia.Q Methodology was used to compare decision‐making frameworks of lay community and “technical expert” participants. Technical expert participants were also asked to approximate the decision‐making framework of a “typical” community member. The emerging contrasts between lay community frameworks and those approximated by technical experts suggest that there are prevailing yet errant assumptions about lay community attitudes toward new technologies. The findings challenge the characterization of the lay community and technical experts as being in entrenched opposition with one another.
Situational motivational profiles and performance with elite performers
Authors: Gillet Nicolas , Vallerand Robert J. , Paty Benjamin
Published: May 2013

InStudy 1, a sample of tennis players ranked at the national level (n = 173) completed aFrench version of theSituationalMotivationScale the day before a tennis competition. Results revealed the presence of a three‐cluster solution. Differences among clusters on subsequent sport performance were significant. Specifically, athletes with the least self‐determined motivational profile obtained the lowest levels of performance.Study 2 (n = 319) replicated the findings ofStudy 1 with a larger sample of national level tennis players. Overall, these results suggest that it is useful to analyze individuals' situational motivational profiles using a cluster analysis to understand the complex link between motivation and performance.
Cotton GhBAK1 Mediates Verticillium Wilt Resistance and Cell Death
Authors: Gao Xiquan , Li Fangjun , Li Maoying , Kianinejad Ali S. , Dever Jane K. , Wheeler Terry A. , Li Zhaohu , He Ping , Shan Libo
Published: May 2013

Virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) offers a powerful approach for functional analysis of individual genes by knocking down their expression. We have adopted this approach to dissect gene functions in cotton resistant to Verticillium wilt, one of the most devastating diseases worldwide. We showed here that highly efficient VIGS was obtained in a cotton breeding line (CA4002) with partial resistance to Verticillium wilt, and GhMKK2 and GhVe1 are required for its resistance to Verticillium wilt. Arabidopsis AtBAK1/SERK3, a central regulator in plant disease resistance, belongs to a subfamily of somatic embryogenesis receptor kinases (SERKs) with five members, AtSERK1 to AtSERK5. Two BAK1 orthologs and one SERK1 ortholog were identified in the cotton genome. Importantly, GhBAK1 is required for CA4002 resistance to Verticillium wilt. Surprisingly, silencing of GhBAK1 is sufficient to trigger cell death accompanied with production of reactive oxygen species in cotton. This result is distinct from Arabidopsis in which AtBAK1 and AtSERK4 play redundant functions in cell death control. Apparently, cotton has only evolved SERK1 and BAK1 whereas AtSERK4/5 are newly evolved genes in Arabidopsis. Our studies indicate the functional importance of BAK1 in Verticillium wilt resistance and suggest the dynamic evolution of SERK family members in different plant species.
Beneficial effect of a multimerized immunoglobulin Fc in an animal model of inflammatory neuropathy (experimental autoimmune neuritis)
Authors: Niknami Marzieh , Wang Min‐Xia , Nguyen Toan , Pollard John D.
Published: May 2013

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is one of the first‐line therapies for inflammatory neuropathies. Clinical use of IVIg for these disorders is limited by expense and availability. Here, we investigated a synthetic product alternative to IVIg. The aim of this study was to test the therapeutic efficacy of a novel recombinant polyvalent murine IgG2a Fc compound (stradomer™) in experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN). Seventy‐four Lewis rats were immunized with myelin, randomized into three groups, and were treated with albumin, IVIg, or stradomer at 1% of IVIg dose. Rats were assessed clinically, electrophysiologically, and histologically. The clinical disease severity was evaluated by clinical grading and weight changes. The electrophysiological studies recorded motor conduction velocity (MCV), amplitudes, and latencies of the evoked compound muscle action potential (CMAP) and spinal somatosensory evoked potential. The treatment efficacy of the IVIg and stradomer groups was compared to the albumin (control) group. We demonstrate that stradomer has a similar therapeutic efficacy to human IVIg in EAN. Rats receiving stradomer or IVIg showed significantly lower clinical scores and less prominent weight loss compared with controls. A statistically significant improvement in both MCV and the amplitudes of distal and proximal evoked CMAP was observed in the stradomer and IVIg groups. Finally, treatment with both IVIg and stradomer resulted in statistically less inflammation and demyelinating changes in the sciatic nerve as evidenced by lower histological grade. These results reveal the potential of using fully recombinant multimerized immunoglobulin Fc instead of IVIg for treating inflammatory neuropathies.
Effects of Motivational Interviewing Intervention on Blackouts Among College Freshmen
Authors: Kazemi Donna M. , Levine Maureen J. , Dmochowski Jacek , Nies Mary A. , Sun Linman
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Alcohol and illicit drug abuse is a serious public health issue facing college students. This study examined the impact of motivational interviewing (MI) as an intervention on the rate of blackouts among freshmen who engaged in high‐risk drinking and illicit drug use.

Design

A sample of 188 volunteer freshmen from a university were administered the Daily Drinking Questionnaire, the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index, and the Government Performance and Results Act at baseline and again at 6 months postintervention. MI was applied at baseline and then again at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.

Methods

Generalized estimated equations and logistic regression models were used to determine associations between the rate of blackouts and time, ethnicity, gender, illicit drug use, and alcohol consumption.

Findings

At 6 months, the rate of blackouts decreased from 40% at baseline to 16% (p < .0001). The average number, time, and days of drinking and frequency of drug use also decreased significantly (p < .0001). An association between rate of blackouts and gender was observed, but not with ethnicity.

Conclusions

MI had an impact on reducing alcohol consumption and the rate of blackouts among college freshmen who were engaging in high‐risk drinking and illicit drug use.

Clinical Relevance

The findings support the importance of using MI with freshmen college students to decrease drinking and the associated negative consequences, including blackouts, which has particular relevance for advanced practice registered nurses, physicians, and community health nurses who conduct MI as an intervention with college students.
Self‐Fulfilling Liquidity Dry‐Ups
Authors: MALHERBE FREDERIC
Published: May 2013

I analyze a model in which holding cash imposes a negative externality: it worsens future adverse selection in markets for long‐term assets, which impairs their role for liquidity provision. Adverse selection worsens when potential sellers of long‐term assets hold more cash because then fewer sales reflect cash needs, and proportionally more sales reflect private information. Moreover, future market illiquidity makes current cash holding more appealing. This feedback effect may result in hoarding behavior and a market breakdown, which I interpret as a self‐fulfilling liquidity dry‐up. This mechanism suggests that imposing liquidity requirements on financial institutions may backfire.
Experimentally created unilateral anterior crossbite induces a degenerative ossification phenotype in mandibular condyle of growing Sprague‐Dawley rats
Authors: Zhang X. , Dai J. , Lu L. , Zhang J. , Zhang M. , Wang Y. , Guo M. , Wang X. , Wang M.
Published: May 2013

The effect of unilateral anterior crossbite on the remodelling of mandibular condyle needs to be investigated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of experimentally created unilateral anterior crossbite on the remodelling of mandibular condyle and explore the changes in the expression of relevant transcription factors and growth factors. The experimental unilateral anterior crossbite was created in 6‐week‐old female growing rats by bonding metal tubes to the left pairs of incisors. Remodelings of mandibular condylar cartilage was assessed histologically at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Protein and mRNA levels of Sox9, runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), Osterix (Osx), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), transforming growth factor beta receptor 2 (TGFβr2) and type X collagen (ColX) were investigated by immunohistochemistry and real‐time PCR, while alkaline phosphatise (ALP) by histochemistry and real‐time PCR. Decreased ratio of hypertrophic cartilage layer was noticed in the 4w experimental group versus controls. At all the time points, the expression of Sox9 and ALP increased but that of TGFβ1 and TGFβr2 decreased in experimental groups (P < 0·05). The expression of Runx2, Osx and Col X increased at 2w, but decrease at 4w (P < 0·05). The results that obvious cartilage degradation and altered expression of related transcription factors and growth factors were detected in the mandibular condyles of the experimental group suggested that the present unilateral anterior crossbite plays an adverse role in the TMJ, and thus leading to the degenerative endochondral ossification.