bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Attenuates Burn-Induced Neuroinflammation by Inhibiting the Galectin-3-Dependent Toll-Like Receptor-4 Pathway in a Rat Model
Authors: Wu Zong-Sheng , Lo Jing-Jou , Wu Sheng-Hua , Wang Chau-Zen , Chen Rong-Fu , Lee Su-Shin , Chai Chee-Yin , Huang Shu-Hung
Published: July 2018

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment has been proven to attenuate neuroinflammation in rats. This study aimed to determine the potential mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of HBO treatment on burn-induced neuroinflammation in rats. Thirty-six adult male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to the following six groups (n = 6 per group): (1) sham burn with sham HBO treatment, (2) sham burn with HBO treatment, (3) burn with 1-week sham HBO treatment, (4) burn with 2-week sham HBO treatment, (5) burn with 1-week HBO treatment, and (6) burn with 2-week HBO treatment. SD rats that received third-degree burn injury were used as a full-thickness burn injury model. Subsequently, we analyzed the expression of proteins involved in the galectin-3 (Gal-3)-dependent Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) pathway through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis, and Western blotting, and a behavior test was also conducted. The behavior test revealed that HBO treatment significantly suppressed mechanical hypersensitivity in the burn with HBO treatment group compared with the burn with sham HBO treatment group (p < 0.05). ELISA results showed that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) levels in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and the skin were significantly decreased in the burn with HBO treatment group compared with the burn with sham HBO treatment group (p < 0.05). Western blotting results demonstrated that HBO treatment significantly reduced the expression of Gal-3 and TLR-4 in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in the burn with HBO treatment group compared with the burn with sham HBO treatment group (p < 0.05). IHC analysis results showed that the expression of Gal-3, TLR-4, CD68, and CD45 in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord was significantly lower in the burn with HBO treatment group than in the burn with sham HBO treatment group (p < 0.05), and the expression of CD68 and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in the right hind paw skin was significantly lower. The expression of vimentin and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in the right hind paw skin was significantly higher after HBO treatment (p < 0.05). This study proved that early HBO treatment relieves neuropathic pain, inhibits the Gal-3-dependent TLR-4 pathway, and suppresses microglia/macrophage activation in a rat model.
Fenofibrate Induced Cardiac Fibrosis in Mice Deficient in the Protein Quality Control Regulator, CHIP
Authors: Ravi Saranya , Parry Traci L. , Willis Monte S. , Lockyer Pamela , Patterson Cam , Bain James R. , Stevens Robert D. , Ilkayeva Olga R. , Newgard Christopher B. , Schisler Jonathan C.
Published: July 2018

We previously reported how the loss of CHIP expression (Carboxyl terminus of Hsc70-Interacting Protein) during pressure overload resulted in robust cardiac dysfunction, accompanied by a failure to maintain ATP levels in the face of increased energy demand. In this study, we analyzed the cardiac metabolome after seven days of pressure overload and found an increase in long- and medium-chain fatty acid metabolites in wild-type hearts, a response that was attenuated in mice that lack expression of CHIP (CHIP-/-). These findings suggest that CHIP may play an essential role in regulating oxidative metabolism, pathways that are regulated in part by the nuclear receptor PPARα (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor alpha). Next, we challenged CHIP-/- mice with the PPARα agonist, fenofibrate. Surprisingly, treating CHIP-/- mice with fenofibrate for five weeks under non-pressure overload conditions resulted in a loss of skeletal muscle mass and a marked increase in cardiac fibrosis, accompanied by a decrease in cardiac function. Isolated CHIP-/- cardiac fibroblasts treated with fenofibrate did not increase synthesis of collagen or TGFβ, suggesting that the fibrosis observed in CHIP-/- hearts likely depends on signaling from other cell types or circulating factors. In conclusion, in the absence of functional CHIP expression, fenofibrate results in unexpected cardiac pathologies. These findings are particularly relevant to patients harboring loss-of-function mutations in CHIP and are consistent with a prominent role for CHIP in regulating cardiac metabolism.
Green Tea Polyphenol Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate-Sterate Inhibits the Growth of Streptococcus mutans: A Promising New Approach in Caries Prevention
Authors: Melok Amy Lynn , Lee Lee H. , Mohamed Yussof Siti Ayuni , Chu Tinchun
Published: July 2018

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is the main etiological bacteria present in the oral cavity that leads to dental caries. All of the S. mutans in the oral cavity form biofilms that adheres to the surfaces of teeth. Dental caries are infections facilitated by the development of biofilm. An esterified derivative of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin-3-gallate-sterate (EGCG-S) was used in this study to assess its ability to inhibit the growth and biofilm formation of S. mutans. The effect of EGCG-S on bacterial growth was evaluated with colony forming units (CFU) and log reduction; biofilm formation was qualitatively determined by Congo red assay, and quantitatively determined by crystal violet assay, fluorescence-based LIVE/DEAD assays to study the cell viability, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the morphological changes. The results indicated that EGCG-S was able to completely inhibit growth and biofilm formation at concentrations of 250 µg/ml. Its effectiveness was also compared with a commonly prescribed mouthwash in the United States, chlorhexidine gluconate. EGCG-S was shown to be equally effective in reducing S. mutans growth as chlorhexidine gluconate. In conclusion, EGCG-S is potentially a natural anticariogenic agent by reducing bacterial presence in the oral cavity.
Prevalence and Documentation Rates of Obesity in Hospitalized Patients: Results of a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hossain Mohammad A. , Amin Ami , Paul Anju , Qaisar Huzaif , Akula Monika , Amirpour Alireza , Gor Shreya , Giglio Sofi , Cheng Jennifer , Mathew Roy , Vachharajani Tushar , Bakr Mohamed , Asif Arif
Published: July 2018

While obesity is a serious chronic condition, its prevalence and documentation as a diagnosis has not been extensively studied in hospitalized patients. We conducted a retrospective chart review to investigate the prevalence and documentation of obesity as a diagnosis among patients admitted to our medical center. IRB approval was obtained for this retrospective study. Body mass index as per CDC, admission and discharge diagnosis of obesity and common comorbidities including hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and others, were recorded. Length of hospital stay was calculated. We also investigated whether counselling for weight loss was provided to obese patients. A total of 540 consecutive patients with mean age of 66 ± 6 years, were investigated, of which 182(34%) had normal weight, 188(35%) patients were overweight and 170(31%) patients were obese. Obese group included 55% female and 45% male. 100 (59%) had class I obesity, 43(25%) had class II obesity and 27(16%) class III obesity. Of the obese patients 40/170(23.5%) patients had obesity documented on the admission problem list and only 21(12%) had obesity documented as a discharge diagnosis. Only 3(2%) patients received appropriate counseling and referral for obesity management during the hospitalization. Comorbidities included hypertension (68%), diabetes (35%), hyperlipidemia (36%), coronary artery disease (18%), chronic kidney disease (17%), congestive heart failure (18%) and COPD (24%). The average length of stay in normal weight, overweight and obese patients was similar (4.5 ± 0.5 days). An overwhelming percentage never had weight status documented despite significant prevalence of obesity. Hospitalization offers health care providers a window of opportunity to identify obesity, communicate risks and initiate weight management interventions.
Binary Interactions, High-Speed Outflows and Dusty Disks during the Agb-to-Pn Transition
Authors: Sahai Raghvendra
Published: July 2018

It is widely believed that the dramatic transformation of the spherical outflows of AGB stars into the extreme aspherical geometries seen during the planetary nebula (PN) phase is linked to binarity and driven by the associated production of fast jets and central disks/torii. The key to understanding the engines that produce these jets and the jet-shaping mechanisms lies in the study of objects in transition between the AGB and PN phases. I discuss the results of our recent studies with high-angular-resolution (with ALMA & HST) and at high-energies (with GALEX, XMM-Newton & Chandra) of several such objects, which reveal new details of close binary interactions and high-speed outflows. These include two PPNe (the Boomerang Nebula and IRAS16342-3814), and the late carbon star, V Hya. The Boomerang is notable for a massive, high-speed outflow that has cooled below the microwave background temperature, making it the coldest object in the Universe. IRAS16342 is the prime example of the class of water-fountain PPNe (very young PPNe with high-velocity H2O masers) and shows the signature of a precessing jet. V Hya ejects high-speed bullets every 8.5 years associated with the periastron passage of a companion in an eccentric orbit. I discuss our work on AGB stars with strongly-variable high-energy (FUV, X-ray) emission, suggesting that these objects are in the early stages of binary interactions that result in the formation of accretion disks and jets.
Smoking’s Negative Effect on Pathological Grade and Stage in Patients with Primary, Single, < 3cm Bladder Cancer
Authors: Öğreden Ercan , Oğuz Ural , Demirelli Erhan , Yalçın Orhan
Published: July 2018

Introduction: We investigated the potential effect of smoking on pathological staging in clinically low-risk patients. Material-Methods: Data of 59 patients who were diagnosed with a bladder tumor for the first time and had a single lesion radiologically and endoscopically smaller than 3 cm were investigated, retrospectively. A total of 33 patients who currently smoke or smoked were classified as ever smokers group and 26 patients who did not ever smoke were classified as never smokers group. Pathological diagnoses of the patients in both groups were compared. Results: A total of 9 patients (27.3%) in ever smokers group and 18 patients (69.2%) in never smokers group had Ta disease (p<0.05). Morover, 19 patients (57.6%) in ever smokers group and 5 patients (19.2%) in never smokers group had T1 disease (p<0.05). The number of patients with low grade (LG) tumor were 8 (24.2%) and 19 (73.1%) in ever smoking and never smoking groups, respectively (p<0.05). The number of patients with high grade (HG) tumor were 25 (75.8%) and 7 (26.9%) in ever smoking and never smoking groups, respectively (p<0.05). Ta HG was detected in 9 (27.3%) patients in ever smoking group. In contrast, no patients in never smoking group had Ta HG disease (p<0.05). The number of patients with T1 HG was 17 (51.5%) in ever smoking group and 2 (7.69%) in never smoking group (p<0.05). Conclusion:Smoking seems to associate with pathologically worse stage and grade in patients with primary, single, < 3cm bladder cancer.
Thermal and Electrical Parameter Identification of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Ariza H. Eduardo , Correcher Antonio , Sánchez Carlos , Navarro-Pérez Ángel , García Emilio
Published: July 2018

PEM fuel cell is a technology successfully used in the production of energy from hydrogen, allowing the use of hydrogen as an energy vector. It is scalable for stationary and mobile applications. However, the technology demands more research. An important research topic is fault diagnosis and condition monitoring to improve the life and the efficiency and to reduce the operation costs of PEMFC devices. Consequently, there is a need of physical models that let deep analysis. These models must be accurate enough to represent the PEMFC behavior and to allow the identification of different internal signals of a PEM fuel cell. This work presents a PEM fuel cell model that uses the output temperature in a closed loop, so it can represent the thermal and the electrical behavior. The model is used to represent a NEXA Ballard 1.2 kW; therefore it is necessary to fit the coefficients to represent the real behavior. Five optimization algorithms were tested to fit the model, three of them were taken from literature and two were proposed. Finally, the model with the parameters identified was validated with real.
Evaluation of the Structure of Urban Stormwater Pipe Network Using Drainage Density
Authors: Lee Jinwoo , Chung Gunhui , Park Heeseong , Park Innjoon
Published: July 2018

In mega cities such as Seoul in South Korea, it is very important to protect the city from the flooding even for the short time of period due to the enormous amount of economic damage. In impervious area of the city, stormwater pipe network is commonly applied to discharge rainfall to the outside of catchment. Therefore, the stormwater pipe network in urban catchment should be carefully designed to discharge the runoff quickly and efficiently. In this study, different types of structures in stormwater pipe network were evaluated using the relationship between the peaks rainfall and runoff in urban catchments in South Korea. More than 400 historical rainfall events were applied in five urban catchments to estimate peak runoff from different type of network structures. Linear regression analysis was implemented to estimate peak runoffs. The coefficient of determination of the regressions were higher than 0.9 which means the regression model represent very well the relationship between the two peaks. However, the variation of the prediction becomes large as the peak rainfall increases and the variation become even larger when the network structure is branched. Therefore, it depends on the structure of stormwater pipe network. When the water paths in the pipe network is unique (branched network), the increased amount of rainfall is congested around the rainwater inlets and the uncertainty of peak runoff prediction is increased. If there are many possible water paths depending on the amount of discharge (looped network), the increased rainfall is discharged more quickly through the many water paths. This can be a way to represent the reliability of the stormwater pipe network. The structures of stormwater pipe network is evaluated using drainage density which is the length of pipes over the unit catchment area and 95% confidence interval. As a result, the 95% confidence interval is increased as the drainage density is increased because the accuracy of peak runoff prediction is decreased. As mentioned earlier, because the looped networks have many alternative water flowing paths, elimination time of rainfall from the catchments become short, the 95% confidence interval become narrow, and the reliability of peak runoff prediction become high. Therefore, it is beneficial to install looped stormwater pipe network within the affordable budget. It is important factor to determine the amount of complexity in stormwater pipe network to decrease the risk of urban flooding.
Non-Invasive Detection Method for Recycled Flash Memory Using Timing Characteristics
Authors: Sakib Sadman , Kumari Preeti , Talukder B. M. S. Bahar , Rahman Md Tauhidur , Ray Biswajit
Published: July 2018

Counterfeiting electronic components is a serious problem for the security and reliability of any electronic systems. Unfortunately, the number of counterfeit components has increased considerably after the introduction of horizontal semiconductor supply chain. In this paper, we propose a new method for detecting recycled Flash memory, a major target of the counterfeiters due to its ubiquitous usage. Proposed method is based on measurement of change in Flash array characteristics (such as erase time, program time, fail bit count, etc.) with its usage. We find that erase time is the best metric to distinguish a used Flash chip from a fresh one for the following reasons: (1) erase time shows minimal variation among different fresh memory blocks/chip and (2) erase time increases significantly with usage. We verify our method for a wide range of commercial off the shelf Flash chips from several vendors, technology nodes, storage density and storage type (single-bit per cell and multi-bit per cell). The minimum detectable chip usage varies from 0.05% to 3.0% of its total lifetime depending on the exact details of the chip.
Modelling the Effect of Weed Competition on Long-Term Volume Yield of Eucalyptus globulus Plantations Across an Environmental Gradient
Authors: Vargas Felipe , Gonzalez-Benecke Carlos A. , Rubilar Rafael , Sanchez-Olate Manuel
Published: July 2018

Several studies have quantified the responses of Eucalyptus globulus plantations to weed control on its early development (2-3 years after establishment). However, long-term results of competing vegetation effects have been rarely incorporated into growth and yield models that forecast the long-term effects of reducing the intensity of competing vegetation control and its interaction with site resource availability on stem volume production close to rotation age. We compared several models predicting stand stem volume yield of Eucalyptus globulus plantations established across a water and fertility gradient growing under different intensity levels of free area of competing vegetation maintained during the first 3 years of stand development. Four sites were selected encompassing a gradient in rainfall and amount of competing vegetation. Treatments were applied at stand establishment and were monitored periodically until age 9 years. Competing vegetation control intensity levels considered 0, 5, 20, 44 and 100% weed-free cover around individual E. globulus seedlings. Maximum competing vegetation biomass production during the first growing season were 2.9, 6.5, 2.2 and 12.9 Mg ha-1, for sites ranging from low to high annual rainfall. As expected, reductions in volume yield at age 9 years were observed as competing vegetation control intensity decreased during the first growing season. A strong relationship was established between stem volume yield loss and the intensity of competing vegetation control, the amount of competing vegetation biomass produced during the first growing season and mean annual rainfall. The slope of the relationship was different among sites and was related mainly to water and light limitations. Our results, suggest that the biomass of competing vegetation (intensity of competition) affecting site resource availability, contribute to observed long-term effects on E. globulus plantations productivity. The site with the lowest mean annual rainfall showed the highest volume yield loss at age 9 years. Sites with highest rainfall showed contrasting results related to the amount of competing vegetation biomass.
An Original Tribometer to Analyze the Behavior of Abrasive Grains in the Grinding Process
Authors: Godino Leire , Pombo Iñigo , Sanchez Jose Antonio , Izquierdo Borja
Published: July 2018

Manufacturing of grinding wheels is continuously adapting to new industrial requirements. New abrasives and new wheel configurations, together with wheel wear control allow for grinding process optimization. However, the wear behavior of the new abrasive materials is not usually studied from a scientific point of view due to the difficulty to control and monitor all the variables affecting the tribochemical wear mechanisms. In this work an original design of pin on disk tribometer is developed in a CNC grinding machine. An Alumina grinding wheel with special characteristics is employed and two types of abrasive are compared: White Fused Alumina (WFA) and Sol-Gel Alumina (SG). The implemented tribometer reaches sliding speeds of between 20 and 30 m/s and real contact pressures up to 190 MPa. The results show that the wear behavior of the abrasive grains is strongly influenced by their crystallographic structure and the tribometer appears to be a very good tool for characterizing the wear mechanisms of grinding wheels, depending on the abrasive grains.
Subscapularis Repair Is Unnecessary After Lateralized Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Roberson Troy A. , Shanley Ellen , Griscom James T. , Granade Michael , Hunt Quinn , Adams Kyle J. , Momaya Amit M. , Kwapisz Adam , Kissenberth Michael J. , Lonergan Keith T. , Tolan Stefan J. , Hawkins Richard J. , Tokish John M.
Published: July 2018

Background:

Controversy exists as to whether the subscapularis should be repaired after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the utility of repairing the subscapularis after reverse shoulder arthroplasty with regard to complications, objective findings, and patient-reported outcome measures.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the records for 99 patients who had undergone a lateralized reverse shoulder arthroplasty with (n = 58) or without (n = 41) subscapularis repair. Outcomes were compared with the Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Penn shoulder score (PSS), Veterans RAND (VR)-12, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Demographics, range of motion, and complications were also compared. A 1-way analysis of variance was performed to determine differences in performance and outcome scores, and a chi-square analysis was performed to compare the frequency of complications between groups.

Results:

There were no significant differences between the repair and no-repair groups in terms of SANE, PSS, ASES, or VR-12 scores. There also were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of postoperative ranges of forward elevation (128° versus 123°; p = 0.44) and external rotation (33° versus 29°; p = 0.29), the dislocation rate (5% versus 2%; p = 0.49), or the overall complication rate (9% versus 5%; p = 0.47).

Conclusions:

The results of the present study suggest that repair of the subscapularis tendon after lateralized reverse shoulder arthroplasty may not be necessary.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Malignant middle cerebral artery infarct: A clinical case report
Authors: Leung Kwan Yee (Queenie) , Jala Sheila , Elliott Rosalind
Published: July 2018

Background

Ischaemic stroke accounts for 87% of strokes and occurs when a clot or a thrombus blocks a blood vessel, cutting off blood flow to a part of the brain. If large areas of brain are affected, space-occupying oedema may result, leading to rapid neurological deterioration, coma and death. Malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (MMCAI) is a life-threating ischaemic stroke involving the whole middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory and comprises up to 10% of MCA infarctions.

Methods

We report the case of a 62 year old female ‘Mary’ who presented with a MMCAI together with a summary of the most recent and relevant evidence for treatment options in terms of survival and quality of life for her. We also focus on the vital role of the nurse in Mary’s care and treatment.

Results

Intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular clot retrieval (ECR) during the hyperacute phase have been shown to improve outcomes but Mary did not meet the criteria for thrombolysis and received unsuccessful ECR. Her neurological condition deteriorated so she underwent surgical decompression, which is one of the major advances for MMCAI treatment together with expert neuro critical care nursing. Mary made a good functional recovery, returning home to live independently.

Conclusion

This case highlights the need to consider all contextual and patient preferences in relation to treatment options. In addition the case emphases the vital role the neuro critical care nurse specialist plays in the complex assessment and treatment of this patient who experienced a MMCAI and underwent complex interventions.
Incidence of Oscheius onirici (Nematoda: Rhabditidae), a potentially entomopathogenic nematode from the marshlands of Wisconsin, USA
Authors: Ye Weimin , Foye Shane , MacGuidwin Ann E. , Steffan Shawn
Published: July 2018

In a search for an entomopathogenic nematode to control cranberry insect pests, three Oscheius populations (Rhabditidae) were recovered through the Galleria-bait method from one sample taken in a wild cranberry marsh in Jackson County, Wisconsin, USA. Morphological studies with light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, as well as molecular analyses of the near-full-length small subunit rDNA gene, D2/D3 expansion segments of the large subunit rDNA gene, internal transcribed spacer, and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CoxI) genes revealed this as Oscheius onirici, a species recently described from a karst cave soil of central Italy. The species belongs to the dolichura-group and is characterized by its DNA sequences; hermaphroditic reproduction; and males not found. A Bacillus-like bacterium appears to be associated with this nematode based on our microscopic and SEM observations; however its identity and persistent association with the nematode has not been confirmed. Nonetheless, this nematode is capable of infecting and killing the sparganothis fruitworm Sparganothis sulfureana Clemens (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), the brown-banded cockroach Supella longipalpa Fabricius (Blattodea: Ectobiidae), and the cranberry fruitworm Acrobasis vaccinii Riley (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), under laboratory conditions, and each in less than 72 hr. The mealworm Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), are also susceptible, but take 3.5 and 5.2 days to die, respectively. This species is a new potential bio-control agent on insects.
Distribution of Cell Envelope Proteinases Genes among Polish Strains of Lactobacillus helveticus
Authors: SKRZYPCZAK KATARZYNA W. , GUSTAW WALDEMAR Z. , WAŚKO ADAM D.
Published: July 2018

Most of the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are able to grow in milk mainly due to the activity of a complex and well-developed proteolytic system. Cell envelope-associated proteinases (CEPs) begin casein hydrolysis and allow for releasing the peptides, enclosed in the structure of native milk proteins that are essential for growth of Lactobacillus helveticus. The biodiversity of genes encoding CEPs among L. helveticus strains can have an effect on some technological parameters such as acid production, bacterial growth rate in milk as well as liberation of biologically active peptides. The study reveals significant differences in the presence of various variants of CEPs encoding genes among ten novel Polish strains and indicates the intraspecific diversity exhibited by L. helveticus. In terms of distribution of CEPs genes, four different genetic profiles were found among the microorganisms analyzed. Furthermore, the strains exhibited also various levels of proteolytic activity. Molecular analysis revealed that prtH3 is the most abundant CEPs-encoding gene among the strains investigated. The results indicate also that ecological niche and environmental conditions might affect proteolytic properties of L. helveticus strains. The greatest variety in terms of quantity of the detected CEP encoding genes was noticed in L. helveticus 141, T105 and T104 strains. In these strains, the combination of three nucleotide gene sequences (prtH/prtH2/prtH3) was identified. Interestingly, T104 and T105 exhibited the highest proteolytic activity and also the fastest dynamic of milk acidification among the tested strains of L. helveticus.
Seroprevalence of Selected Zoonotic Agents among Hunters from Eastern Poland
Authors: TOKARSKA-RODAK MAŁGORZATA , WEINER MARCIN , SZYMAŃSKA-CZERWIŃSKA MONIKA , PAŃCZUK ANNA , NIEMCZUK KRZYSZTOF , SROKA JACEK , RÓŻYCKI MIROSŁAW , IWANIAK WOJCIECH
Published: July 2018

The aim of our study was the collection of seroprevalence data for Toxoplasma gondii, Coxiella burnetii, Trichinella spp., and Francisella tularensis from hunters in Lublin Province. The antibodies against T. gondii and C. burnetii were recorded in 38.5% and 16.2% of the sera, respectively. 4.05% of the sera were seropositive for both T. gondii and C. burnetii. None of the sera tested reacted positively with F. tulariensis or Trichinella spp. Seroprevalence of T. gondii and C. burnetii is common among the hunters from Lublin Province. It seems reasonable to undertake similar research among hunters from other regions of eastern Poland.
ASSESSMENT OF THE BACTERIOCINOGENICITY OF INDIGEN LACTOBACILLUS ONTO CATTLE CARCASSES
Authors: Bataeva Dagmara S. , Sokolova Olga V. , Zajko Elena V. , Pashkova Victoria V.
Published: July 2018

Cattle carcasses of ritual slaughter (Halal) from the lateral and medial side were investigated in order to identify the indigenous strains of lactic acid microorganisms capable of producing bacteriocins. Only 14 strains, from 36 strains of microorganisms isolated from washings taken from carcasses, were used for further research and identified as lactabacilus. In the study of their bacteriocinogenicity by the method of two-layer agars of modified composition, high inhibitory efficiency was proved with respect to the growth of the pathogen Salmonella typhimurium, only 6 isolated strains of lactabacilus. The use of this method of evaluation will not only reveal the presence of the ability of the lactabacilus to produce bacteriocins, but also to study their antagonistic activity against many of the studied microorganisms, which are indicators of compliance with various modes of technological processes. The presence of such microorganisms in the meat will increase the shelf life of meat, due to the suppression of the growth of closely related lactabacilus, some of which are spoilage microorganisms, as well as the growth of opportunistic and pathogenic microflora. In addition, the use of lactabacilus with bacteriocinogenicity in the production technology of raw sausages will reduce the risk of production of unsafe products. Thus, the presence of indigenous lactabacilus in meat is an additional factor that ensures the flow of desired biochemical processes and the safety of raw smoked sausages.

Contribution

All authors bear responsibility for the work and presented data. All authors made an equal contribution to the work. Dagmara S. Bataeva developed scientific and methodological approaches to work, determined the scope of research, analyzed the data obtained, performed the narrative and corrected it after submitting to the editorial office. Olga V. Sokolova conducted a review and analysis of the literature, carried out the descriptive part Elena V. Zaiko selected research objects, carried out microbiological analysis. Victoria V. Pashkova carried out preparatory work and microbiological analysis. The authors were equally involved in writing the manuscript and bear the equal responsibility for plagiarism.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Application Methods of Organic Poultry Feather Meal to Flue‐Cured Tobacco
Authors: Bennett Nathan , Vann Matthew , Fisher Loren
Published: July 2018

Core Ideas

There is flexibility with poultry feather meal application methods.

Broadcast application before planting initiates N release earlier.

Sidedress application is more efficient in high rainfall growing seasons.

Optimal application methods of organic poultry feather meal for flue‐cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) production are unknown. Research was conducted in 2012 and 2013 to quantify the effects of two poultry feather meal sources, 13–0–0 Nature Safe and 12–1–0 Nutrimax, applied using three different methods: 100% broadcast before transplanting, 50% broadcast before transplanting + 50% sidedress, 10 d after transplanting, and 100% sidedress 10 d after transplanting. A conventional N treatment comprised of 28% liquid urea–ammonium nitrate (UAN) was split‐applied 10 d after transplanting and at layby. Leaf yield was similar between each individual organic N treatment and UAN. Nature Safe applied 100% sidedress resulted in leaf N concentration and cured leaf quality similar to UAN. In the absence of the UAN treatment, application method typically had a greater impact on measurements than feather meal source. Leaf N concentration was generally increased with the 100% sidedress application, most likely due to closer nutrient proximity relative to roots. Increased N assimilation from 100% sidedress treatments also produced a slightly darker leaf color as quantified by Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) measurements and a higher total alkaloid concentration in cured leaves. Leaf yield was similar among application methods in 2012, but was highest in the 100% sidedress treatment in 2013 due to high early season rainfall. Results from this study demonstrate the effectiveness of both feather meal sources and that 100% sidedress applications may prove ideal under a range of environmental conditions commonly encountered in North Carolina.
Detecting and managing new foliar corn diseases in the U.S.
Authors: Selfors Liam , Werts Peter , Green Thomas
Published: July 2018

Undetected or misdiagnosed crop diseases can pose significant economic threats, especially when dealing with corn, a worldwide staple crop and the most widely produced feed grain in North America. Two foliar corn diseases, tar spot and bacterial leaf streak, were confirmed for the first time in the U.S. within the last three years, and both spread rapidly to additional states. This article addresses detection, diagnosis, and suggested IPM practices. Earn 1 CEU in Integrated Pest Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/600
Modeling Water and Nutrient Movement in Sandy Soils Using HYDRUS‐2D
Authors: Kadyampakeni Davie M. , Morgan Kelly T. , Nkedi‐Kizza Peter , Schumann Arnold W. , Jawitz James W.
Published: July 2018

Models help to describe and predict complex processes and scenarios that are difficult to understand or measure in environmental management systems. Thus, model simulations were performed (i) to calibrate HYDRUS‐2D for water and solute movement as a possible decision support system for Candler and Immokalee fine sand using data from microsprinkler and drip irrigation methods, (ii) to validate the performance of HYDRUS‐2D using field data of microsprinkler and drip irrigation methods, and (iii) to investigate Br−, NO3−, and water movement using annual or seasonal weather data and variable fertigation scenarios. The model showed reasonably good agreement between measured and simulated values for soil water content (R2 = 0.87–1.00), Br (R2 = 0.63–0.96), NO3−–N (R2 = 0.66–0.98), P (R2 = 0.25–0.78), and K (R2 = 0.44–0.99) movement. The model could be successfully used for scheduling irrigation and predicting nutrient leaching for both microsprinkler and drip irrigation systems on Florida's sandy soils.

Core Ideas

The model showed good agreement between measured and simulated values.

NO3 and Br on Candler fine sand was leached out beyond the 60‐cm depth within <20 d.

NO3 and Br at Immokalee leached in 20 and 25 d, respectively.

The model appears ideal for irrigation scheduling under microirrigation.

The model is ideal for predicting nutrient leaching for on Florida's sandy soils.
TOPLUMSAL DEĞERLER SİSTEMLERİ OLARAK AİLECİLİK VE BİREYCİLİĞİN DOĞURGANLIK ÜZERİNE YANSIMALARI
Authors: Önder Erol Pelin
Published: July 2018

Düşünümsel
modern toplumlarda aile; yapısı, işlevleri ve etkileşimleri bağlamında önemli
değişimler göstermiştir; buna paralel olarak doğurganlık da, küresel çapta
hızlı ve geri döndürülmesi zor bir azalma eğilimi sergilemektedir. Bununla
birlikte topluluğun istek ve çıkarlarının ön planda tutulduğu aileciliği
vurgulayan özgeci bir düşünsel sistemden, bireyin kendini gerçekleştirmesini
önceleyen bireyci bir düşünsel sisteme geçiş son on yıllara damga vurmuştur. Bu
bağlamda İkinci Demografik Geçiş Kuramı, doğurganlığın nüfusun yenilenme
seviyesinin altında olduğu nüfuslarda bu eğilimi çözümlemede, sanayileşme,
kentleşme ve göç gibi makro olguların yanı sıra, mikro düzeyde bireylerin
değişen aile kurma ve doğurganlık davranışı tercihlerinin de göz önünde
bulundurulması gerektiğini savunmaktadır. Bu makalenin amacı, ilk olarak düşük
doğurganlığın altında yatan motivasyonların, literatürde genellikle göz ardı
edilen ailecilikten bireyciliğe geçiş gibi yeni değer yönelimleri temelinde de
ele alınması gerektiğini vurgulamak ve ikinci olarak da konuya ilişkin çözüm
önerileri getirmeye yönelik makro ve mikro açıklamaların arandığı bütünlükçü
kuramsal bir bakış açısı sunmaktır.a
Aportaciones sobre el campo magnético: historia e influencia en sistemas biológicos
Authors: Carbonell María Victoria , Flórez Mercedes , Martínez Elvira , Álvarez José
Published: July 2018

Este artículo repasa la historia del magnetismo siguiendo un orden cronológico que comienza con la evolución del conocimiento científico en las primeras civilizaciones, después en Egipto y China, seguido de la antigua Grecia y Roma. Por último, se describen también la Edad Media y la Edad Moderna. Posteriormente, se comentan los hallazgos de los investigadores más importantes en el campo del electromagnetismo como son Oersted, Biot y Savart, Ampère, Sturgeon, Faraday, Lenz, Maxwell y Coulomb. Se resumen los principios básicos del electromagnetismo, con especial énfasis en la relación entre carga eléctrica y magnetismo. Asimismo, es parte esencial la relación entre campos magnéticos y sistemas biológicos, sobre todo semillas y plantas. Con la ayuda de una minuciosa recopilación de bibliografía, se tratan en detalle los efectos sobre diversas especies de plantas que tiene el campo magnético natural de la Tierra, como magnetismo natural, y de los causados por la aplicación de campos magnéticos estacionarios.
New records of predation on eggs of Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) by Chrysopodes (Chrysopodes) Lineafrons (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) in northwestern Argentina
Authors: Ortega Eugenia S. , Veggiani Aybar Cecilia A. , Ávila Ana L. , Reguilón Carmen
Published: July 2018

Bemisia tabaci has become one of the major pests of economic importance that affects several crops worldwide. Among their natural enemies are found the Chrysopidae family, with larvae predators of different pests resulting very effective biological control agents. In order to contribute to possible use of this beneficial insect in B. tabaci biological control, the developmental time and survival of the immature stages of Chrysopodes (Chrysopodes) lineafrons was determined, as well as longevity and oviposition of the adults fed with eggs of B. tabaci. Chrysopodes (C.) lineafrons adults were collected in tomato crops in Lules department, Tucumán province. To determine the developmental duration for each instars and survival of the larvae, 90 eggs of C. (C.) lineafrons were randomly selected, of which only 71 eggs hatched; of these, 34 larvae were fed with B. tabaci eggs and 37 with Sitotroga cerealella eggs, used as control. The oviposition and longevity of the adults were recorded, both fed with the two preys. Chrysopodes (C.) lineafrons larvae consumed an average 127.04 (± 40.2) eggs of B. tabaci and 44 (± 19.04) eggs of S. cerealella per day. Mean developmental time of C. (C.) lineafrons fed with B. tabaci eggs was 45 (± 3.54) days and 35 (± 5.04) days with S. cerealella eggs. Survival of immature stages, number of eggs per adults and their longevity were higher when C. (C.) lineafrons were fed with S. cerealella eggs than with B. tabaci eggs. Chrysopodes (C.) lineafrons has proved to be an efficient predator which would represent an excellent tool for B. tabaci biological control in tomato crops.
Registro de termitas (Isoptera) asociadas a cultivos de mango (Mangifera indica) en el departamento del Magdalena, Colombia
Authors: Hurtado Hafid Y. , Manga Diego A. Manga A. , Sepúlveda-Cano Paula A.
Published: July 2018

Las termitas (Isoptera) son insectos sociales que ocasionan daños en muchos cultivos de interés económico. Teniendo en cuenta la importancia del cultivo de mango en la economía de los agricultores del departamento del Magdalena y la expansión de este cultivo en la región, se realizó un inventario inicial de las especies de termitas presentes. Se realizaron muestreos en 22 huertos ubicados en las diferentes zonas productoras del departamento del Magdalena. Se realizó una recolección manual de los especímenes de termitas en cada zona y se determinaron dos familias: Rhinotermitidae, con un género (Heterotermes); y Termitidae, con dos géneros (Microcerotermes y Nasutitermes). Se identificaron cuatro morfoespecies, dentro de las cuales Nasutitermes sp. presentó la mayor abundancia y una amplia distribución en el área de estudio, seguida de N. nigriceps, Microcerotermes sp. y Heterotermes tenuis. Se requieren nuevas observaciones en campo y laboratorio que permitan determinar los factores que afectan la distribución e incidencia de las especies de termitas en el departamento y un análisis sobre su impacto económico en el cultivo.
Aproximación al desarrollo de herramientas para un manejo costero integrado: análisis de riesgo del puerto de La Paloma (Uruguay)
Authors: García Martín , Longarete Camila , Cancela Cristina , Sanguinetti Martín , Silveira Santiago , De Alava Daniel , Roche Ingrid , Inda Hugo
Published: July 2018

El manejo costero integrado surge como una herramienta que integra un amplio espectro de actores sociales y que genera información sistematizada y comunicable para el manejo democrático y sustentable de los recursos costeros. Bajo este marco y ante el uso como terminal maderera planteado por el gobierno nacional para el puerto de la localidad de La Paloma, el presente trabajo brinda elementos para el manejo de los riesgos derivados de esta actividad. Se adoptó la metodología de Análisis de Riesgo que se llevó adelante en tres fases: la construcción de una tabla de identificación de actividades, amenazas, área geográfica, receptores de amenazas y consecuencias; estimación de probabilidad y consecuencia a través de consulta a expertos; y finalmente valorización del riesgo a través de una matriz que permitió la priorización de los riesgos más altos y desarrollar recomendaciones para su mitigación. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que la actividad del puerto requiere siempre desarrollar acciones prioritarias e inmediatas para su gestión, debido al alto impacto que tendría (Categoría de riesgo: Inaceptable). Los riesgos más importantes derivados de la actividad portuaria fueron identificados como los derivados del dragado (cambios en la sedimentación y contaminación), y del tránsito de barcos (contaminación residual y encallamiento). Estos resultados permiten generar estrategias de gestión y facilitar la interpretación de los problemas a los tomadores de decisión dentro de un proceso de manejo integrado de la operativa del puerto.
Platelet Tau Protein as a Potential Peripheral Biomarker in Alzheimer’s Disease: An Explorative Study
Authors: Mukaetova-Ladinska Elizabeta B. , Abdell-All Zeinab , Andrade Joana , da Silva Joaquim Alves , Boksha Irina , Burbaeva Gulnur , Kalaria Raj N. , T.O`Brien John
Published: July 2018

Background:

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) measures of tau and amyloid proteins have now been
largely accepted to be a diagnostic tool to aid the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but
CSF is not routinely obtained in most clinical settings. There is a need, therefore, to uncover additional
readily accessible peripheral biomarkers that will enable comprehensive detection of AD-specific proteins
in blood and blood derivates.

Objectives:

Blood platelets contain proteins found in neuronal cell lines, including tau protein. Since tau
protein is a characteristic of AD-neuropathology, platelet tau protein may be closely related to the central
nervous process occurring in neurodegeneration.

Method:

Platelets from 25 AD and 26 control subjects were analysed for the microtubule-binding and
C-terminal region, as well as two tau phosphorylation sites (Ser202/Thr205 and Thr181).

Results:

Tau protein measures did not discriminate between AD and control individuals. However, subjects
with MMSE 24-27 had elevated C-terminal end tau protein (p=0.049) compared to those with
MMSE >27, whereas older AD subjects (>80 years) showed higher t-tau protein in comparison to
younger AD (<80 years; p=0.009) and control (<80 years; p=0.011) participants.

Conclusions:

These initial findings not only confirm that platelet tau protein can be measured, but also
indicate that platelet tau measures merit further study as they may be useful in indicating early stages of
cognitive impairment. Further studies on larger number of participants are needed to confirm our findings.
Differential Cued-Stroop Performance in Cognitively Asymptomatic Older Adults with Biomarker-Identified Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Patten Ryan Van , Fagan Anne M. , Kaufman David A.S.
Published: July 2018

Background:

There exists a need for more sensitive measures capable of detecting subtle
cognitive decline due to Alzheimer's disease.

Objective:

To advance the literature in Alzheimer’s disease by demonstrating that performance on a
cued-Stroop task is impacted by preclinical Alzheimer's disease neuropathology.

Method:

Twenty-nine cognitively asymptomatic older adults completed a computerized, cued-Stroop
task in which accuracy rates and intraindividual variability in reaction times were the outcomes of interest.
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Aβ42 and tau were measured and participants were then grouped
according to a published p-tau/Aβ42 cutoff reflecting risk for Alzheimer’s disease (preclinical Alzheimer's
disease = 14; control = 15).

Results:

ANOVAs indicated that accuracy rates did not differ between the groups but 4-second delay
incongruent color-naming Stroop coefficient of variation reaction times were higher in the preclinical
Alzheimer’s disease group compared to the control group, reflecting increased within-person variability.
Moreover, partial correlations showed no relationships between cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and accuracy
rates. However, increases in coefficient of variation reaction times correlated with decreased
Aβ42 and increases in p-tau and the p-tau/Aβ42 ratio.

Conclusion:

Results supported the ability of the computerized, cued-Stroop task to detect subtle Alzheimer’s
disease neuropathology using a small cohort of cognitively asymptomatic older adults. The
ongoing measurement of cued-Stroop coefficient of variation reaction times has both scientific and
clinical utility in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.