bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender Differences in the Developmental Links Between Conduct Problems and Depression Across Early Adolescence
Authors: Klostermann Susan , Connell Arin , Stormshak Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2014

Various developmental models have attempted to explain the relationship between antisocial behavior and depressive symptoms in youth, often proposing intermediary processes such as social and academic functioning. However, few studies have tested these developmental models fully, particularly in mixed‐gender samples. The current study strives to fill this gap in the literature, examining these processes in an early adolescent sample. Results indicated both direct and indirect paths between antisocial behavior and depression. In addition, potentially important gender differences were found. These results underscore the importance of examining direct and indirect links between symptoms of depression and antisocial behavior and suggest that there may be important developmental differences between girls and boys in the relationship between these symptoms.
Peer Influence on Prosocial Behavior in Adolescence
Authors: van Hoorn Jorien , van Dijk Eric , Meuwese Rosa , Rieffe Carolien , Crone Eveline A.
Published: September 2014

Adolescence is a time of increased sensitivity to peer influence, which creates vulnerabilities but also opportunities. In this study, we examined the influence of peers on prosocial behavior in 12‐ to 16‐year‐old adolescents (N = 197). We utilized a public goods game in which participants made decisions about the allocation of coins between themselves and the group. Participants received manipulated peer feedback on a subset of decisions. Results indicate a significant interaction between feedback condition (prosocial, antisocial, or no feedback) and allocation choices: Prosocial behavior increased after prosocial feedback and decreased after antisocial feedback. These findings support the idea that peer influence creates not only vulnerabilities, but also opportunities for healthy prosocial development and social adjustment learning.
Ebola virus disease: potential use of melatonin as a treatment
Authors: Tan Dun‐Xian , Korkmaz Ahmet , Reiter Russel J. , Manchester Lucien C.
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this report is to emphasize the potential utility for the use of melatonin in the treatment of individuals who are infected with the Ebola virus. The pathological changes associated with an Ebola infection include, most notably, endothelial disruption, disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organ hemorrhage. Melatonin has been shown to target these alterations. Numerous similarities between Ebola virus infection and septic shock have been recognized for more than a decade. Moreover, melatonin has been successfully employed for the treatment of sepsis in many experimental and clinical studies. Based on these factors, as the number of treatments currently available is limited and the useable products are not abundant, the use of melatonin for the treatment of Ebola virus infection is encouraged. Additionally, melatonin has a high safety profile, is readily available and can be orally self‐administered; thus, the use of melatonin is compatible with the large scale of this serious outbreak.
Antarctic shallow water benthos in an area of recent rapid glacier retreat
Authors: Pasotti Francesca , Manini Elena , Giovannelli Donato , Wölfl Anne‐Cathrin , Monien Donata , Verleyen Elie , Braeckman Ulrike , Abele Doris , Vanreusel Ann
Published: September 2014

The West Antarctic Peninsula is one of the fastest warming regions on Earth. Faster glacier retreat and related calving events lead to more frequent iceberg scouring, fresh water input and higher sediment loads, which in turn affect shallow water benthic marine assemblages in coastal regions. In addition, ice retreat creates new benthic substrates for colonization. We investigated three size classes of benthic biota (microbenthos, meiofauna and macrofauna) at three sites in Potter Cove (King George Island, West Antarctic Peninsula) situated at similar water depths but experiencing different disturbance regimes related to glacier retreat. Our results revealed the presence of a patchy distribution of highly divergent benthic assemblages within a relatively small area (about 1 km2). In areas with frequent ice scouring and higher sediment accumulation rates, an assemblage mainly dominated by macrobenthic scavengers (such as the polychaete Barrukia cristata), vagile organisms and younger individuals of sessile species (such as the bivalve Yoldia eightsi) was found. Macrofauna were low in abundance and very patchily distributed in recently ice‐free areas close to the glacier, whereas the pioneer nematode genus Microlaimus reached a higher relative abundance in these newly exposed sites. The most diverse and abundant macrofaunal assemblage was found in areas most remote from recent glacier influence. By contrast, the meiofauna showed relatively low densities in these areas. The three benthic size classes appeared to respond in different ways to disturbances likely related to ice retreat, suggesting that the capacity to adapt and colonize habitats is dependent on both body size and specific life traits. We predict that, under continued deglaciation, more diverse, but less patchy, benthic assemblages will become established in areas out of reach of glacier‐related disturbance.
Integrative taxonomic description of Plakina kanaky, a new polychromatic sponge species from New Caledonia (Porifera: Homoscleromorpha)
Authors: Ruiz César , Ivanišević Julijana , Chevaldonné Pierre , Ereskovsky Alexander V. , Boury‐Esnault Nicole , Vacelet Jean , Thomas Olivier P. , Pérez Thierry
Published: September 2014

Four similar sponges of different colors, all unknown to science, were collected in submarine caves of New Caledonia. We aimed at determining whether the four chromotypes represented different species or phenotypic variations of a unique new species. We used an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphologic, molecular and metabolomic analyses. The main traits that define these specimens are a skeleton made of monolophose, trilophose and tetralophose calthrops only, high chemical diversity and a high abundance and diversity of prokaryotic symbionts. The symbiotic community includes two unique prokaryote morphotypes, which are described for the first time in Homoscleromorpha, and appeared to be vertically transmitted. Although several features slightly differ among chromotypes, the most parsimonious conclusion was to propose a single new species Plakina kanaky sp. nov. Our phylogenetic analysis indicated the paraphyly of the Plakina genus, with P. kanaky sp. nov. belonging to a clade that includes Plakina jani and Plakina trilopha. The present work demonstrates that integrative taxonomy should be used in order to revise the entire Plakinidae family and especially the non‐monophyletic genus Plakina.
Limited indirect fitness benefits of male group membership in a lekking species
Authors: Lebigre Christophe , Alatalo Rauno V. , Soulsbury Carl D. , Höglund Jacob , Siitari Heli
Published: September 2014

In group living species, individuals may gain the indirect fitness benefits characterizing kin selection when groups contain close relatives. However, tests of kin selection have primarily focused on cooperatively breeding and eusocial species, whereas its importance in other forms of group living remains to be fully understood. Lekking is a form of grouping where males display on small aggregated territories, which females then visit to mate. As females prefer larger aggregations, territorial males might gain indirect fitness benefits if their presence increases the fitness of close relatives. Previous studies have tested specific predictions of kin selection models using measures such as group‐level relatedness. However, a full understanding of the contribution of kin selection in the evolution of group living requires estimating individuals' indirect fitness benefits across multiple sites and years. Using behavioural and genetic data from the black grouse (Tetrao tetrix), we show that the indirect fitness benefits of group membership were very small because newcomers joined leks containing few close relatives who had limited mating success. Males' indirect fitness benefits were higher in yearlings during increasing population density but marginally changed the variation in male mating success. Kin selection acting through increasing group size is therefore unlikely to contribute substantially to the evolution and maintenance of lekking in this black grouse population.
High‐resolution anorectal manometry in newborns: normative values and diagnostic utility in Hirschsprung disease
Authors: Tang Y.‐F. , Chen J.‐G. , An H.‐J. , Jin P. , Yang L. , Dai Z.‐F. , Huang L.‐M. , Yu J.‐W. , Yang X.‐Y. , Fan R.‐Y. , Li S.‐J. , Han Y. , Wang J.‐H. , Gyawali C. P. , Sheng J.‐Q.
Published: September 2014

Background

Conventional methods of screening for Hirschsprung disease (HD) in newborns (barium enema, BE; anorectal manometry, ARM; rectal suction biopsy, RSB) have limitations and/or are invasive. High‐resolution anorectal manometry (HR‐ARM) is a minimally invasive technique that has potential to overcome most of these limitations, but normative data and performance characteristics have not been reported in newborns. The aims of our study were to assess anorectal sphincter metrics including resting pressure (RP), anal canal length (ACL), and rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) in healthy and asymptomatic newborns, and to explore the role of HR‐ARM in the diagnosis of HD using these normal parameters.

Methods

All procedures were performed using solid state HR‐ARM equipment (Medical Measurement Systems, Enchede, The Netherland) by a single operator. In the first phase, 180 asymptomatic newborns (term newborns 95, preterm newborns 85) were studied, and anal RP, ACL, and RAIR were measured. In the second phase, 16 newborns with clinical manifestations of HD were studied (9 of whom had histopathologic confirmation), and parameters compared to asymptomatic newborns.

Key Results

Normative RP values were higher in term newborns compared with preterm newborns (p < 0.05), and correlated with age. Progressive maturation of the anal sphincter was evident with chronologic age, both in preterm and term newborns. RAIR was present in all normal subjects. Using absent RAIR as indicative of HD, HR‐ARM had a sensitivity 89% and specificity of 83% compared to RSB; these performance characteristics were better than BE (sensitivity 78%, specificity 17%), with significantly higher diagnostic accuracy (80% vs 53%, respectively, p = 0.009).

Conclusions & Inferences

Anorectal sphincter pressure progressively matures with incremental increase in RP during the first months of life. HR‐ARM is an effective and safe method that complements the diagnosis of HD in newborns.
The Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and its Receptor (EGFR) During Post‐Natal Testes Development in the Yak
Authors: Pan Y , Cui Y , Yu S , Zhang Q , Fan J , Abdul Rasheed B , Yang K
Published: September 2014

Contents

Growth factors play critical role in cell proliferation, regulate tissue differentiation and modulate organogenesis. Several growth factors have been identified in the testes of various mammalian species in last few years. In present investigation, the objective was to determine the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in yak testicular tissue by relative quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), Western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) from mRNA and protein levels. The testicular tissues were collected from male yak at 6 and 24 months old. Results of RT‐PCR and WB showed that the expression quantity of EGF and EGFR at 24 months of age was higher than at 6 months, and the increase rate of EGFR on mRNA and protein levels was higher than the increase rate EGF during post‐natal testes development. Positive staining for EGF and EGFR was very low and mainly localized to Leydig cells testes at 6 months of age with immunohistochemistry, and seminiferous tubules were not observed. At 24 month of age, both the EGF and EGFR could be detected in Leydig cells, peritubular myoid cells, sertoli cells and germ cells of the yak testes. However, EGF and EGFR were localized to preferential adluminal compartment and basal compartment in the seminiferous tubules, respectively. In conclusion, the findings in present studies suggest that EGF and EGFR as important paracrine and/or autocrine regulators in yak testes development and spermatogenesis.
Influence of Dietary Zinc on Semen Traits and Seminal Plasma Antioxidant Enzymes and Trace Minerals of Beetal Bucks
Authors: Rahman HU , Qureshi MS , Khan RU
Published: September 2014

Contents

Zinc (Zn) is a potent antioxidant and plays a key role in scavenging free radicals. We hypothesized that supplementation of Zn would reduce the oxidative damage, which is linked with poor sperm quality. Sixteen bucks of similar average age (2 years) and body weight (41 kg) were randomly divided into four groups viz., 1, 2, 3 and 4 supplemented with zinc sulphate into the diet at the rate of 0, 50, 100 and 200 mg/buck/day, respectively, for 3 months. At the end of the experiment, semen samples were collected and assessed. Seminal plasma was separated to find the concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and trace minerals (Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe). The results revealed that semen volume (1.85 ± 0.01 ml) and sperm motility (88.23 ± 5.77%) increased significantly (p < 0.05) in supplemented groups compared with the control specifically in group 3. SOD (10.66 ± 0.23 inhibition rate %) and GPx (23.55 ± 0.49 mU/ml) increased significantly (p < 0.05) in group 3 with no effect on AST and ALT. Among seminal plasma trace elements, no significant change (p > 0.05) was observed. From the present results, we concluded that zinc sulphate at the rate of 100 mg/buck/day improved semen traits and seminal plasma antioxidant capacity in Beetal bucks.
T cell Reconstitution in Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Prognostic Significance of Plasma Interleukin‐7
Authors: Kielsen K. , Jordan K. K. , Uhlving H. H. , Pontoppidan P. L. , Shamim Z. , Ifversen M. , Heilmann C. , Nielsen C. H. , Sengeløv H. , Ryder L. P. , Müller K. G.
Published: September 2014

Infections and acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) are major causes of treatment‐related mortality and morbidity following allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Both complications depend on reconstitution of the T‐lymphocyte population based on donor T cells. Although it is well established that Interleukin‐7 (IL‐7) is a cytokine essential for de novo T cell development in the thymus and homoeostatic peripheral expansion of T cells, associations between circulating levels of IL‐7 and T cell reconstitution following HSCT have not been investigated previously. We prospectively measured IL‐7 levels in 81 patients undergoing myeloablative HSCT with either sibling donor or an unrelated donor. Plasma IL‐7 levels peaked at day +7 post‐transplant (1.3–82.4 pg/ml), at the time of maximal lymphopaenia. In multivariate analysis, peak levels of IL‐7 were significantly higher in patients treated with anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG) compared with those not treated with ATG (P = 0.0079). IL‐7 levels at day +7 were negatively associated with T cell counts at day +30 to +60 (at day +60: CD3+: β = −10.6 × 106 cells/l, P = 0.0030; CD8+: β = −8.4 × 106 cells/l, P = 0.061; CD4+: β = −2.1 × 106 cells/l, P = 0.062) in multivariate analyses. In adults, high IL‐7 levels were associated with increased risk of grade II‐IV aGVHD (OR = 5.4, P = 0.036) and reduced overall survival (P = 0.046). The present data indicate that high plasma levels of IL‐7 in the early post‐transplant period are predictive for slow T cell reconstitution, increased risk of aGVHD and increased mortality following HSCT.
Sildenafil, nifedipine and acetazolamide do not allow for blood flow through intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses during exercise while breathing 100% oxygen
Authors: Elliott Jonathan E. , Friedman Jonathan M. , Futral Joel E. , Goodman Randall D. , Lovering Andrew T.
Published: September 2014

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Compared with exercise while breathing room air, blood flow through intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses during exercise while breathing 100% O2 is prevented/reduced, presumably due to vasoconstriction of these vessels. We sought to investigate the effect of sildenafil, nifedipine and acetazolamide, which are known modulators of pulmonary vascular tone, on the hyperoxia‐induced reduction in blood flow through intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses during exercise.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We show that,independently, sildenafil, nifedipine and acetazolamide do not prevent the hyperoxia‐induced reduction in blood flow through intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses during exercise. These data provide the first insight into the regulation of intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses during exercise while breathing 100% O2.

Blood flow through intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses (IPAVAs) is known to increase in healthy humans during exercise while breathing room air, but is prevented or significantly reduced during exercise while breathing 100% O2, potentially due to vasoconstriction of IPAVAs. Thus, pharmacological interventions that target known pathways regulating the cardiopulmonary circulation may be able to prevent the hyperoxia‐induced reduction in IPAVA blood flow () during exercise. In nine healthy human subjects, we investigated the effects of sildenafil (100 mg p.o.), nifedipine (20 mg p.o.) and acetazolamide (250 mg p.o. three times a day for 3 days) on at rest and during cycle ergometer exercise at 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 W, while breathing room air (normoxia) and 100% O2 (hyperoxia). Transthoracic saline contrast echocardiography and a 0–5 bubble scoring system were used to detect and assess qualitatively; ultrasound was used to assess the blood flow velocity oftricuspid regurgitation and the left ventricular outflow tract blood flow to calculate pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and cardiac output, respectively. Without drugs, bubble scores increased significantly to ≥2 at 150 W in normoxia and to ≤2 at 200 W in hyperoxia. Only nifedipine consistently increased cardiac output at rest and during low‐intensity exercise in normoxia and hyperoxia. However, there was no detectable effect of any drug on ; specifically, bubble scores were the same during exercise in either normoxia or hyperoxia. Accordingly, the reduction in during exercise while breathing 100% O2 is likely not to be due to the independent pharmacological mechanisms of action associated with sildenafil, nifedipine or acetazolamide.
Cathepsin B contributes to Na+ hyperabsorption in cystic fibrosis airway epithelial cultures
Authors: Tan Chong Da , Hobbs Carey , Sameni Mansoureh , Sloane Bonnie F. , Stutts M. Jackson , Tarran Robert
Published: September 2014

Key points

The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) is hyperactive in cystic fibrosis (CF) airway epithelia, and contributes to excessive Na+ absorption and dehydration of the airway surface liquid (ASL) that lines the lungs – a major cause of CF lung disease.

The CF gene product (CFTR) is a cAMP‐regulated anion channel and how CFTR dysfunction contributes to ENaC hyperactivity is poorly understood. Of note, ENaC must be proteolytically cleaved to be active.

CF ASL is moderately acidic, due to the absence of HCO3− secretion through CFTR. The acid protease cathepsin B is present in the apical membrane of airway epithelia and is secreted into the ASL, suggesting that this protease may be active in the acidic CF environment.

We have found that cathepsin B induces activation of ENaC in both Xenopus laevis oocytes and in airway epithelia. Cathepsin B is also highly expressed in airway epithelia derived from patients with CF.

Inhibition of cathepsin B prevents Na+/ASL hyperabsorption in CF airway cultures, suggesting a hitherto unrecognized role for this protease in CF pathogenesis. Treatments directed at normalizing CF ASL pH or inhibiting cathepsin B may be useful in the treatment of CF lung disease.

In cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease, the absence of functional CF transmembrane conductance regulator results in Cl−/HCO3− hyposecretion and triggers Na+ hyperabsorption through the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), which contribute to reduced airway surface liquid (ASL) pH and volume. Prostasin, a membrane‐anchored serine protease with trypsin‐like substrate specificity has previously been shown to activate ENaC in CF airways. However, prostasin is typically inactive below pH 7.0, suggesting that it may be less relevant in acidic CF airways. Cathepsin B (CTSB) is present in both normal and CF epithelia and is secreted into ASL, but little is known about its function in the airways. We hypothesized that the acidic ASL seen in CF airways may stimulate CTSB to activate ENaC, contributing to Na+ hyperabsorption and depletion of CF ASL volume. In Xenopus laevis oocytes, CTSB triggered α‐ and γENaC cleavage and induced an increase in ENaC activity. In bronchial epithelia from both normal and CF donor lungs, CTSB localized to the apical membrane. In normal and CF human bronchial epithelial cultures, CTSB was detected at the apical plasma membrane and in the ASL. CTSB activity was significantly elevated in acidic ASL, which correlated with increased abundance of ENaC in the plasma membrane and a reduction in ASL volume. This acid/CTSB‐dependent activation of ENaC was ameliorated with the cell impermeable, CTSB‐selective inhibitor CA074, suggesting that CTSB inhibition may have therapeutic relevance. Taken together, our data suggest that CTSB is a pathophysiologically relevant protease that activates ENaC in CF airways.
Annealing effect for SnS thin films prepared by high-vacuum evaporation
Authors: Revathi Naidu , Bereznev Sergei , Loorits Mihkel , Raudoja Jaan , Lehner Julia , Gurevits Jelena , Traksmaa Rainer , Mikli Valdek , Mellikov Enn , Volobujeva Olga
Published: September 2014

Thin films of SnS are deposited onto molybdenum-coated soda lime glass substrates using the high-vacuum evaporation technique at a substrate temperature of 300 °C. The as-deposited SnS layers are then annealed in three different media: (1) H2S, (2) argon, and (3) vacuum, for different periods and temperatures to study the changes in the microstructural properties of the layers and to prepare single-phase SnS photoabsorber films. It is found that annealing the layers in H2S at 400 °C changes the stoichiometry of the as-deposited SnS films and leads to the formation of a dominant SnS2 phase. Annealing in an argon atmosphere for 1 h, however, causes no deviations in the composition of the SnS films, though the surface morphology of the annealed SnS layers changes significantly as a result of a 2 h annealing process. The crystalline structure, surface morphology, and photosensitivity of the as-deposited SnS films improves significantly as the result of annealing in vacuum, and the vacuum-annealed films are found to exhibit promising properties for fabricating complete solar cells based on these single-phase SnS photoabsorber layers.
Study of high-resolution electron-beam resists for applications in low-temperature lithography
Authors: Gschrey Manuel , Schmidt Ronny , Kaganskiy Arsenty , Rodt Sven , Reitzenstein Stephan
Published: September 2014

The authors report on the application of PMMA, hydrogen silsesquioxane, and AZ nLOF 2070 for electron-beam lithography at temperatures ranging from room temperature down to 6 K. Here, the low temperature range is of particular interest with respect to deterministic quantum-device processing using in-situ cathodoluminescence lithography. With decreasing temperature all resist under investigation show a decrease in sensitivity. In addition, an anomaly is observed for positive-tone PMMA for which the sensitivity rises for temperatures below 30 K. This behavior is explained in terms of a modified chain-scission mechanism that takes into account the sublimation of CO. Furthermore, our studies reveal evidence for a strong influence of the formation of volatile reaction products on PMMA. Alongside swelling of the negative-tone PMMA, an overall increased etch resistance as compared to unexposed PMMA and a decrease in sensitivity of almost one order of magnitude could be observed. This leads us to the assumption that the network-formation in negative-tone PMMA is attributed to a carbonization process rather than cross-linking.
Large-grained Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 integrated into polycrystalline-silicon thin-film transistor for system-on-glass applications
Authors: Park Jae Hyo , Kim Hyung Yoon , Joo Seung Ki , Son Se Wan , Byun Chang Woo , Ahn Donghwan
Published: September 2014

In this work, the authors fabricated 1-transistor ferroelectric random access memory based on polycrystalline-silicon (poly-Si) on a glass substrate. A novel technique was used to form a large single-grained Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) layer as the gate insulator. Generally, the crystallization temperature of PZT is 800 °C, which is beyond the limits for a glass substrate; however, here the authors developed a selectively nucleated lateral crystallization technique to minimize the crystallization temperature and grow 40 μm grains of PZT. Pt layer using rapid thermal annealing at 650 °C for a short time, and grew a single seed by tube-furnace at 550 °C for 2 h. Our device demonstrated excellent electrical properties with long retention time, which only decreased by 9% after 104 s, and good fatigue characteristics, which only decreased by 4% after 104 cycles.
Thiouracil-Forming Bacteria Identified and Characterized upon Porcine
In Vitro
Digestion of Brassicaceae Feed
Authors: Kiebooms Julie A. L. , Wauters Jella , Vanden Bussche Julie , Houf Kurt , De Vos Paul , Van Trappen Stefanie , Cleenwerck Ilse , Vanhaecke Lynn
Published: September 2014

In recent years, the frequent detection of the banned thyreostat thiouracil (TU) in livestock urine has been related to endogenous TU formation following digestion of glucosinolate-rich Brassicaceae crops. Recently, it was demonstrated that, upon
in vitro
digestion of Brassicaceae, fecal bacteria induce TU detection in livestock (porcine livestock > bovines). Therefore, the present study was intended to isolate and identify bacteria involved in this intestinal TU formation upon Brassicaceae digestion and to gain more insight into the underlying mechanism in porcine livestock. Twenty porcine fecal inocula (gilts and multiparous sows) were assessed through static
in vitro
colonic-digestion simulations with rapeseed. After derivatization and extraction of the fecal suspensions, TU was analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS
2
). On average, lower TU concentrations were observed in fecal colonic simulations in gilts (8.35 ng g
−1
rapeseed ± 3.42 [mean ± standard deviation]) than in multiparous sows (52.63 ng g
−1
± 16.17), which correlates with maturation of the gut microbial population with age. Further exploration of the mechanism showed cell-dependent activity of the microbial conversion and sustained TU-forming activity after subjection of the fecal inoculum to moderate heat over a time span of up to 30 min. Finally, nine TU-producing bacterial species were successfully isolated and identified by a combination of biochemical and molecular techniques as
Escherichia coli
(
n
= 5),
Lactobacillus reuteri
(
n
= 2),
Enterococcus faecium
(
n
= 1), and
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
arizonae
(
n
= 1). This report demonstrates that endogenous formation of TU is Brassicaceae induced and occurs under colonic conditions most likely through myrosinase-like enzyme activity expressed by different common intestinal bacterial species.
Impact of Photocatalysis on Fungal Cells: Depiction of Cellular and Molecular Effects on Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Thabet Sana , Simonet France , Lemaire Marc , Guillard Chantal , Cotton Pascale
Published: September 2014

We have investigated the antimicrobial effects of photocatalysis on the yeast model
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. To accurately study the antimicrobial mechanisms of the photocatalytic process, we focused our investigations on two questions: the entry of the nanoparticles in treated cells and the fate of the intracellular environment. Transmission electronic microscopy did not reveal any entry of nanoparticles within the cells, even for long exposure times, despite degradation of the cell wall space and deconstruction of cellular compartments. In contrast to proteins located at the periphery of the cells, intracellular proteins did not disappear uniformly. Disappearance or persistence of proteins from the pool of oxidized intracellular isoforms was not correlated to their functions. Altogether, our data suggested that photocatalysis induces the establishment of an intracellular oxidative environment. This hypothesis was sustained by the detection of an increased level of superoxide ions (O
2
°
−
) in treated cells and by greater cell cultivability for cells expressing oxidant stress response genes during photocatalytic exposure. The increase in intracellular ROS, which was not connected to the entry of nanoparticles within the cells or to a direct contact with the plasma membrane, could be the result of an imbalance in redox status amplified by chain reactions. Moreover, we expanded our study to other yeast and filamentous fungi and pointed out that, in contrast to the laboratory model
S. cerevisiae
, some environmental strains are very resistant to photocatalysis. This could be related to the cell wall composition and structure.
Shared Binding Sites for the Bacillus thuringiensis Proteins Cry3Bb, Cry3Ca, and Cry7Aa in the African Sweet Potato Pest Cylas puncticollis (Brentidae)
Authors: Hernández-Martínez Patricia , Vera-Velasco Natalia Mara , Martínez-Solís María , Ghislain Marc , Ferré Juan , Escriche Baltasar
Published: September 2014

Bacillus thuringiensis
Cry3Bb, Cry3Ca, and Cry7Aa have been reported to be toxic against larvae of the genus
Cylas
, which are important pests of sweet potato worldwide and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. However, relatively little is known about the processing and binding interactions of these coleopteran-specific Cry proteins. The aim of the present study was to determine whether Cry3Bb, Cry3Ca, and Cry7Aa proteins have shared binding sites in
Cylas puncticollis
to orient the pest resistance strategy by genetic transformation. Interestingly, processing of the 129-kDa Cry7Aa protoxin using commercial trypsin or chymotrypsin rendered two fragments of about 70 kDa and 65 kDa. N-terminal sequencing of the trypsin-activated Cry7Aa fragments revealed that processing occurs at Glu
47
for the 70-kDa form or Ile
88
for the 65-kDa form. Homologous binding assays showed specific binding of the two Cry3 proteins and the 65-kDa Cry7Aa fragment to brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) from
C. puncticollis
larvae. The 70-kDa fragment did not bind to BBMV. Heterologous-competition assays showed that Cry3Bb, Cry3Ca, and Cry7Aa (65-kDa fragment) competed for the same binding sites. Hence, our results suggest that pest resistance mediated by the alteration of a shared Cry receptor binding site might render all three Cry toxins ineffective.
Microfluidic Quantitative PCR for Simultaneous Quantification of Multiple Viruses in Environmental Water Samples
Authors: Ishii Satoshi , Kitamura Gaku , Segawa Takahiro , Kobayashi Ayano , Miura Takayuki , Sano Daisuke , Okabe Satoshi
Published: September 2014

To secure food and water safety, quantitative information on multiple pathogens is important. In this study, we developed a microfluidic quantitative PCR (MFQPCR) system to simultaneously quantify 11 major human viral pathogens, including adenovirus, Aichi virus, astrovirus, enterovirus, human norovirus, rotavirus, sapovirus, and hepatitis A and E viruses. Murine norovirus and mengovirus were also quantified in our MFQPCR system as a sample processing control and an internal amplification control, respectively. River water contaminated with effluents from a wastewater treatment plant in Sapporo, Japan, was collected and used to validate our MFQPCR system for multiple viruses. High-throughput quantitative information was obtained with a quantification limit of 2 copies/μl of cDNA/DNA. Using this MFQPCR system, we could simultaneously quantify multiple viral pathogens in environmental water samples. The viral quantities obtained using MFQPCR were similar to those determined by conventional quantitative PCR. Thus, the MFQPCR system developed in this study can provide direct and quantitative information for viral pathogens, which is essential for risk assessments.
Bacilysin from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 Has Specific Bactericidal Activity against Harmful Algal Bloom Species
Authors: Wu Liming , Wu Huijun , Chen Lina , Xie Shanshan , Zang Haoyu , Borriss Rainer , Gao Xuewen
Published: September 2014

Harmful algal blooms, caused by massive and exceptional overgrowth of microalgae and cyanobacteria, are a serious environmental problem worldwide.In the present study, we looked forBacillusstrains with sufficiently strong anticyanobacterial activity to be used as biocontrol agents. Among 24 strains,Bacillus amyloliquefaciensFZB42 showed the strongest bactericidal activity againstMicrocystis aeruginosa, with a kill rate of 98.78%. The synthesis of the anticyanobacterial substance did not depend on Sfp, an enzyme that catalyzes a necessary processing step in the nonribosomal synthesis of lipopeptides and polyketides, but was associated with thearogene cluster that is involved in the synthesis of thesfp-independent antibiotic bacilysin. Disruption ofbacB, the gene in the cluster responsible for synthesizing bacilysin, or supplementation with the antagonistN-acetylglucosamine abolished the inhibitory effect, but this was restored when bacilysin synthesis was complemented. Bacilysin caused apparent changes in the algal cell wall and cell organelle membranes, and this resulted in cell lysis. Meanwhile, there was downregulated expression ofglmS,psbA1,mcyB, andftsZ—genes involved in peptidoglycan synthesis, photosynthesis, microcystin synthesis, and cell division, respectively. In addition, bacilysin suppressed the growth of other harmful algal species. In summary, bacilysin produced byB. amyloliquefaciensFZB42 has anticyanobacterial activity and thus could be developed as a biocontrol agent to mitigate the effects of harmful algal blooms.
Structural Insights into 2,2′-Azino-Bis(3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid) (ABTS)-Mediated Degradation of Reactive Blue 21 by Engineered Cyathus bulleri Laccase and Characterization of Degradation Products
Authors: Kenzom T. , Srivastava P. , Mishra S.
Published: September 2014

Advanced oxidation processes are currently used for the treatment of different reactive dyes which involve use of toxic catalysts. Peroxidases are reported to be effective on such dyes and require hydrogen peroxide and/or metal ions.
Cyathus bulleri
laccase, expressed in
Pichia pastoris
, catalyzes efficient degradation (78 to 85%) of reactive azo dyes (reactive black 5, reactive orange 16, and reactive red 198) in the presence of synthetic mediator ABTS [2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)]. This laccase was engineered to degrade effectively reactive blue 21 (RB21), a phthalocyanine dye reported to be decolorized only by peroxidases. The 816-bp segment (toward the C terminus) of the
lcc
gene was subjected to random mutagenesis and enzyme variants (Lcc35, Lcc61, and Lcc62) were selected based on increased ABTS oxidizing ability. Around 78 to 95% decolorization of RB21 was observed with the ABTS-supplemented Lcc variants in 30 min. Analysis of the degradation products by mass spectrometry indicated the formation of several low-molecular-weight compounds. Mapping the mutations on the modeled structure implicated residues both near and far from the T1 Cu site that affected the catalytic efficiency of the mutant enzymes on ABTS and, in turn, the rate of oxidation of RB21. Several inactive clones were also mapped. The importance of geometry as well as electronic changes on the reactivity of laccases was indicated.
Ciprofloxacin Residues in Municipal Biosolid Compost Do Not Selectively Enrich Populations of Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Youngquist Caitlin P. , Liu Jinxin , Orfe Lisa H. , Jones Stephen S. , Call Douglas R.
Published: September 2014

Biosolids and livestock manure are valuable high-carbon soil amendments, but they commonly contain antibiotic residues that might persist after land application. While composting reduces the concentration of extractable antibiotics in these materials, if the starting concentration is sufficiently high then remaining residues could impact microbial communities in the compost and soil to which these materials are applied. To examine this issue, ciprofloxacin was added to biosolid compost feedstock to achieve a total concentration of 19 ppm, approximately 5-fold higher than that normally detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) (1 to 3.5 ppm). This feedstock was placed into mesh bags that were buried in aerated compost bays. Once a week, a set of bags was removed and analyzed (treated and untreated, three replicates of each; 4 weeks). Addition of ciprofloxacin had no effect on the recovery of resistant bacteria at any time point (
P
= 0.86), and a separate bioassay showed that aqueous extractions from materials with an estimated 59 ppm ciprofloxacin had no effect on the growth of a susceptible strain of
Escherichia coli
(
P
= 0.28). Regression analysis showed that growth of the susceptible strain of
E. coli
can be reduced given a sufficiently high concentration of ciprofloxacin (
P
< 0.007), a result that is consistent with adsorption being the primary mechanism of sequestration. While analytical methods detected biologically significant concentrations of ciprofloxacin in the materials tested here, the culture-based methods were consistent with the materials having sufficient adsorptive capacity to prevent typical concentrations of ciprofloxacin residues from selectively enriching populations of resistant bacteria.
The burden of selected congenital anomalies amenable to surgery in low and middle-income regions: cleft lip and palate, congenital heart anomalies and neural tube defects
Authors: Higashi Hideki , Barendregt Jan J , Kassebaum Nicholas J , Weiser Thomas G , Bickler Stephen W , Vos Theo
Published: September 2014

Objective

To quantify the burden of selected congenital anomalies in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) that could be reduced should surgical programmes cover the entire population with access to quality care.

Design

Burden of disease and epidemiological modelling.

Setting

LMICs from all global regions.

Population

All prevalent cases of selected congenital anomalies at birth in 2010.

Main outcome measures

Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).

Interventions and methods

Surgical programmes for three congenital conditions were analysed: clefts (lip and palate); congenital heart anomalies; and neural tube defects. Data from the Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study were used to estimate the combination of fatal burden that could be addressed by surgical care and the additional long-term non-fatal burden associated with increased survival.

Results

Of the estimated 21.6 million DALYs caused by these three conditions in LMICs, 12.4 million DALYs (57%) are potentially addressable by surgical care among the population born with such conditions. Neural tube defects have the largest potential with 76% of burden amenable by surgery, followed by clefts (59%) and congenital heart anomalies (49%). Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia have the greatest proportion of surgically addressable burden for clefts (68%), North Africa and Middle East for congenital heart anomalies (73%), and South Asia for neural tube defects (81%).

Conclusions

There is an important and neglected role surgical programmes can play in reducing the burden of congenital anomalies in LMICs.
Has the incidence of empyema in Scottish children continued to increase beyond 2005?
Authors: Nath Stuart , Thomas Matt , Spencer David , Turner Steve
Published: September 2014

Background

The incidence of empyema increased dramatically in children during the 1990s and early 2000s. We investigated the relationship between changes in the incidence of childhood empyema in Scotland following the 2006 introduction of routine heptavalent conjugate pneumococcal vaccination (PCv-7) and the 2010 introduction of the 13-valent (PCV-13) vaccine.

Methods

This was a whole-population study of Scottish hospital admissions between 1981 and 2013 using ICD (International Classification of Diseases)-9 and ICD-10 diagnostic codes for empyema. The number of admissions for pneumonia and croup was also captured to give insight into secular trends in admissions with other related and unrelated respiratory presentations.

Results

There were 217 admissions with empyema between 1981 and 2005 (mean incidence 9 cases/million/year) and 323 between 2006 and 2013 (mean incidence 47 cases/million/year), p<0.001. The introduction of conjugate vaccines in 2006 was associated with an overall increase in admissions for empyema of 2.0 (95% CI 1.4 to 2.8) per 100 000 children, however, the incidence rate ratio for empyema admission between 2010 and 2013 was lower relative to 2006–2009 (0.78 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.98)). Secular changes in pneumonia, but not croup, were comparable with those for empyema.

Conclusions

The incidence of empyema in Scottish children initially rose in children aged 1 to 9 years after the introduction of routine conjugate pneumococcal vaccination, however, empyema incidence has fallen since 2010 when the PCV-13 was introduced.
Validity and reliability of measurement of capillary refill time in children: a systematic review
Authors: Fleming Susannah , Gill Peter , Jones Caroline , Taylor James A , Van den Bruel Ann , Heneghan Carl , Thompson Matthew
Published: September 2014

Background

Most guidelines recommend the use of capillary refill time (CRT) as part of the routine assessment of unwell children, but there is little consensus on the optimum method of measurement and cut-off time.

Methods

We searched Medline (from 1948), Embase (from 1980) and CINAHL (from 1991) to June 2014 to identify studies with information on the normal range of CRT in healthy children, the validity of CRT compared with reference standard measures of haemodynamic status, reliability and factors influencing measurement of CRT, such as body site, pressing time and temperature.

Findings

We included 21 studies on 1915 children. Four studies provided information on the relationship between CRT and measures of cardiovascular status, 13 provided data on the normal range of CRT, 7 provided data on reliability and 10 assessed the effect of various confounding factors. In children over 7 days of age, the upper limit of normal CRT is approximately 2 s when measured on a finger, and 4 s when measured on the chest or foot, irrespective of whether the child is feverish or not. Longer pressing times and ambient temperature outside 20°C–25°C are associated with longer CRT. Evidence suggests that the use of stopwatches reduces variability between observers.

Interpretation

We recommend use of the following standardised CRT method of measurement: press on the finger for 5 s using moderate pressure at an ambient temperature of 20°C–25°C. A capillary refill time of 3 s or more should be considered abnormal.
Electronic risk assessment for venous thromboembolism: investigating physicians’ rationale for bypassing clinical decision support recommendations
Authors: Nwulu Ugochi , Brooks Hannah , Richardson Suzanna , McFarland Lorraine , Coleman Jamie J
Published: September 2014

Objective

The underutilisation of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is still a problem in the UK despite the emergence of national guidelines and incentives to increase the number of patients undergoing VTE risk assessments. Our objective was to examine the reasons doctors gave for not prescribing enoxaparin when recommended by an electronic VTE risk assessment alert.

Design

We used a qualitative research design to conduct a thematic analysis of free text entered into an electronic prescribing system.

Setting

The study took place in a large University teaching hospital, which has a locally developed electronic prescribing system known as PICS (Prescribing, Information and Communication System).

Participants

We extracted prescription data from all inpatient admissions over a 7-month period in 2012 using the audit database of PICS.

Intervention

The completion of the VTE risk assessment form introduced into the hospital-wide electronic prescribing and health records system is mandatory. Where doctors do not prescribe VTE prophylaxis when recommended, they are asked to provide a reason for this decision. The free-text field was introduced in May 2012.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Free-text reasons for not prescribing enoxaparin when recommended were thematically coded.

Results

A total of 1136 free-text responses from 259 doctors were collected in the time period and 1206 separate reasons were analysed and coded. 389 reasons (32.3%) for not prescribing enoxaparin were coded as being due to ‘clinical judgment’; in 288 (23.9%) of the responses, doctors were going to reassess the patient or prescribe enoxaparin; and in 245 responses (20.3%), the system was seen to have produced an inappropriate alert.

Conclusions

In order to increase specificity of warnings and avoid users developing alert fatigue, it is essential that an evaluation of user responses and/or end user feedback as to the appropriateness and timing of alerts is obtained.
Helicopter-based in-water resuscitation with chest compressions: a pilot study
Authors: Winkler Bernd E , Hartig Frank , DuCanto James , Koch Andreas , Georgieff Michael , Lungwitz Yannick P , Muth Claus-Martin
Published: September 2014

Background

Drowning is a relevant worldwide cause of severe disability and death. The delay of ventilations and chest compressions is a crucial problem in drowning victims. Hence, a novel helicopter-based ALS rescue concept with in-water ventilation and chest compressions was evaluated.

Methods

Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and vascular access were performed in a self-inflating Heliboat platform in an indoor wave pool using the Fastrach intubating laryngeal mask, the Oxylator resuscitator, Lund University Cardiopulmonary Assist System (LUCAS) chest compression device and EZ-IO intraosseous power drill. The time requirement and physical exertion on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were compared between a procedure without waves and with moderate swell.

Results

Measurement of the elapsed time of the various stages of the procedure did not reveal significant differences between calm water and swell: Ventilation was initiated after 02:48 versus 03:02 and chest compression after 04:20 versus 04:18 min; the intraosseous cannulisation was completed after 05:59 versus 06:30 min after a simulated jump off the helicopter. The attachment of the LUCAS to the mannequin and the intraosseous cannulisation was rated significantly more demanding on the VAS during swell conditions.

Conclusions

CPR appears to be possible when performed in a rescue platform with special equipment. The novel helicopter-based strategy appears to enable the rescuers to initiate CPR in an appropriate length of time and with an acceptable amount of physical exertion for the divers. The time for the helicopter to reach the patient will have to be very short to minimise neurological damage in the drowning victim.