bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rofecoxib inhibits retinal neovascularization via down regulation of cyclooxygenase‐2 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression
Authors: Liu Ning‐ning , Sun Yi‐zhou , Zhao Ning , Chen Lei
Published: December 2014

Background

To explore the anti‐angiogenesis mechanism of Rofecoxib and determine whether Rofecoxib can be a therapeutic agent for the prevention of retinal neovascularization using a model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods

ROP was induced by exposing mice to 75% oxygen from postnatal day 7 (P7) to P12, then to room air from P12 to P17. Sixteen mice were in each of the three groups: untreated ROP group as positive control, Rofecoxib‐treated ROP group and the normal group (age‐matched mice maintained in room air from birth to P17 as negative control). The localized expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein and mRNA in retinal blood vessels was assessed using immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Mice in the Rofecoxib‐treated group had a significantly reduced retinal neovascular tufts compared with those in the untreated ROP group. COX‐2 and VEGF protein and mRNA expression levels were increased in the untreated ROP group, compared with the normal group. Rofecoxib decreased retinal angiogenesis by inhibiting COX‐2 and VEGF expression. The expression levels of VEGF and COX‐2 were positively correlated at mRNA and protein levels.

Conclusions

COX‐2 and VEGF expressions were both involved in the regulation of angiogenesis and had the same cellular localization. Expression of COX‐2 correlated positively with VEGF in retinal neovascularization. Rofecoxib attenuated retinal angiogenesis by inhibiting the expression of COX‐2 and VEGF mRNA and protein.
Driving outcomes: learning to drive, resilience and young people living in residential care
Authors: Berridge David
Published: December 2014

There are continuing concerns about the experiences offered to older adolescents being looked after (‘in care’) in the UK and, especially, to care leavers. Questions are asked about the limitations of State care compared with normal family life. This paper reports on an initiative to provide driving lessons to a group of six young men living in residential homes in one city. It links with resilience theory – how individuals can have relatively good outcomes despite early adversity. A qualitative study was undertaken to explore the effects of the initiative, including individual interviews with young men, heads of homes in which they lived and children's services managers. The overall results indicated that the initiative was very worthwhile. The lessons were a significant part of young people's lives. Possible effects on young people were divided into personal, instrumental and social. Benefits were reported from all parties concerning young people's self‐esteem and self‐confidence, as well as in forging close relationships with supportive adults. Driving would not be seen as a panacea for complex personal histories and structural problems, yet this small experiment suggests that driving lessons could be of disproportionate benefit and there is a moral obligation to provide them in any case.
How Cognitive Load Influences Speakers' Choice of Referring Expressions
Authors: Vogels Jorrig , Krahmer Emiel , Maes Alfons
Published: December 2014

We report on two experiments investigating the effect of an increased cognitive load for speakers on the choice of referring expressions. Speakers produced story continuations to addressees, in which they referred to characters that were either salient or non‐salient in the discourse. In Experiment 1, referents that were salient for the speaker were non‐salient for the addressee, and vice versa. In Experiment 2, all discourse information was shared between speaker and addressee. Cognitive load was manipulated by the presence or absence of a secondary task for the speaker. The results show that speakers under load are more likely to produce pronouns, at least when referring to less salient referents. We take this finding as evidence that speakers under load have more difficulties taking discourse salience into account, resulting in the use of expressions that are more economical for themselves.
Challenges of optimizing glycaemic control in children with Type 1 diabetes: a qualitative study of parents' experiences and views
Authors: Lawton J. , Waugh N. , Barnard K. D. , Noyes K. , Harden J. , Stephen J. , McDowell J. , Rankin D.
Published: December 2014

Aims

To explore the difficulties parents encounter in trying to achieve clinically recommended blood glucose levels and how they could be better supported to optimize their child's glycaemic control.

Methods

In‐depth interviews were conducted with 54 parents of children with Type 1 diabetes (≤ 12 years). Data were analysed thematically.

Results

Parents described being reluctant and finding it difficult to keep their child's blood glucose levels consistently within clinically recommended ranges. As well as worrying about their child's ability to detect/report hypoglycaemia, parents highlighted a multitude of factors that had an impact on their child's blood glucose levels and over which they could exercise little control. These included: leaving their child with other caregivers who could not be trusted to detect hypoglycaemia; difficulties remotely monitoring and regulating their child's food consumption and activity; and physical and social changes accompanying childhood development. Most parents used two sets of blood glucose targets, with clinically recommended targets employed when their child was in their immediate care and higher targets when in the care of others. Parents described health professionals as lacking understanding of the difficulties they encountered keeping blood glucose within target ranges and needing more empathetic, tailored and realistic advice.

Conclusion

It is not parents' fear of hypoglycaemia in isolation that leads to decisions to raise their child's blood glucose but, rather, parental fear in conjunction with other factors and considerations. Hence, to improve diabetes management in children, these factors may need to be addressed; for instance, by training others in diabetes management and using new technologies. Changes to consultations are also recommended.
Role of Multimodality Imaging in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Ramineni Rajesh , Almomani Ahmed , Kumar Arnav , Ahmad Masood
Published: December 2014

The treatment of aortic stenosis (AS) has reached an exciting stage with the introduction of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). It is the treatment of choice in patients with severe AS who are considered very high risk for surgical valve replacement. Multimodality imaging (MMI) plays a crucial role in TAVR patient selection, intra‐procedure guidance, and follow‐up. With the ever‐increasing scope for TAVR, a better understanding of MMI is essential to improve outcomes and prevent complications.
Long‐Term Cardiac Remodeling in Elite Athletes: Assessment by Tissue Doppler and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Demirelli Selami , Sam Cemil Tugrulhan , Ermis Emrah , Degirmenci Husnu , Sen Ilhan , Arisoy Arif , Arslan Kursat , Duman Hakan , Simsek Ziya
Published: December 2014

Aims

Currently, it remains unclear whether there are differences in the long‐term physiologic and adaptive changes in an athlete's heart, varying by the type of exercise undertaken. In this study, we used standard and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) to evaluate the long‐term effects of cardiac remodeling, which persisted many years after retiring from professional sports (marathon running and wrestling).

Methods and Results

Twenty‐four marathon runners, 25 wrestlers, and 24 healthy subjects were included in the study. Left ventricular (LV) strain (S) and strain rate (Sr) were evaluated by apical two‐ (2C), three‐ (3C), and four‐chamber (4C) imaging. Global S and Sr were calculated by averaging the 3 apical views. The participants' mean age was comparable across the 3 groups. Weight, body mass index, LV mass, LV mass index, and relative diastolic wall thickness were higher in wrestlers than the other groups (P < 0.001). Systolic and diastolic functions, evaluated using conventional echocardiography, were comparable among the 3 groups. 2C, 3C, and 4C longitudinal strain (LS), global LS (GLS), and global Sr systolic filling (SrS) values were comparable between the marathon runners and control group; however, GLS, LS‐2C, GLSrS, SrS‐3C, and SrS‐2C values were significantly increased in wrestlers compared with the control group.

Conclusions

Myocardial changes in wrestlers and marathon runners who quit sports after an extensive period were evaluated using standard echocardiographic and STE parameters. Although they had stopped playing active sports more than 10 years earlier, both the structural and functional properties of the heart were maintained in wrestlers.
Observing terrestrial ecosystems and the carbon cycle from space
Authors: Schimel David , Pavlick Ryan , Fisher Joshua B. , Asner Gregory P. , Saatchi Sassan , Townsend Philip , Miller Charles , Frankenberg Christian , Hibbard Kathy , Cox Peter
Published: December 2014

Terrestrial ecosystem and carbon cycle feedbacks will significantly impact future climate, but their responses are highly uncertain. Models and tipping point analyses suggest the tropics and arctic/boreal zone carbon–climate feedbacks could be disproportionately large. In situ observations in those regions are sparse, resulting in high uncertainties in carbon fluxes and fluxes. Key parameters controlling ecosystem carbon responses, such as plant traits, are also sparsely observed in the tropics, with the most diverse biome on the planet treated as a single type in models. We analyzed the spatial distribution of in situ data for carbon fluxes, stocks and plant traits globally and also evaluated the potential of remote sensing to observe these quantities. New satellite data products go beyond indices of greenness and can address spatial sampling gaps for specific ecosystem properties and parameters. Because environmental conditions and access limit in situ observations in tropical and arctic/boreal environments, use of space‐based techniques can reduce sampling bias and uncertainty about tipping point feedbacks to climate. To reliably detect change and develop the understanding of ecosystems needed for prediction, significantly, more data are required in critical regions. This need can best be met with a strategic combination of remote and in situ data, with satellite observations providing the dense sampling in space and time required to characterize the heterogeneity of ecosystem structure and function.
Variability of genomic constitutions of festulolium (Festuca × Lolium) within and among cultivars
Authors: Kubota Akito , Akiyama Yukio , Ueyama Yasufumi
Published: December 2014

Festulolium is an intergeneric hybrid between Lolium and Festuca species that may possess the agronomic advantages of both genera. As a result of DNA recombination, the chromosomes in festulolium are striped with DNA from the two genera. Using genomic in situ hybridization and image analysis techniques, we determined the genomic constitution of festulolium using the ratio of Festuca‐specific genome regions to the whole genome (the F ratio). The F ratio of a festulolium cultivar is expected to reveal its phenotypic tendency, particularly quantitative traits that differ clearly between Lolium and Festuca, such as persistency, drought resistance and seed yield. The objective of this study was to clarify the variability of the F ratio among cultivars, in order to determine how many plants were required to estimate the F ratio of a cultivar. We investigated the F ratios of five cultivars and found that they were significantly different. ‘Paulita’ had the highest F ratio (approximately 33%), followed by ‘Tandem’ and ‘Tohoku 1’ (approximately 18%) and ‘Evergreen’ and ‘Icarus’ (approximately 6%). Given the unbiased variance in the F ratios of ‘Icarus,’ which had the largest number of tested plants, we concluded that seven plants were more than sufficient to distinguish among cultivars whose F ratios differed by 10 points at a significance level of 0.05.
Conditional survival analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Facciorusso Antonio , Del Prete Valentina , Antonino Matteo , Neve Viviana , Amoruso Annabianca , Crucinio Nicola , Di Leo Alfredo , Barone Michele
Published: December 2014

Aim

Survival estimates are commonly reported as survival from the first observation, but future survival probability changes based on the survival time already accumulated after therapy, otherwise known as conditional survival (CS). The aim of the study was to describe CS according to different prognostic variables in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods

Data on 125 very early/early HCC patients treated with RFA between 1999 and 2007 were analyzed. Actuarial survival estimates were computed by means of Kaplan–Meier method and compared by log–rank test. The 5‐year CS was calculated with stratification by several predictors for patients who had already survived up to 5 years from diagnosis.

Results

Median overall survival (OS) was 72 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 58–86). Age, Child–Pugh (CP), α‐fetoprotein (AFP), Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score and type of recurrence (early vs late) were significant predictors of OS. The 5‐year CS rates of the entire study cohort assessed at 1, 2, 3 and 5 years from the treatment were 49%, 48%, 30% and 34%, respectively. Subgroup analysis confirmed age and CP as significant predictors of CS at all time points, while the CS of subgroups stratified by AFP and CLIP did not differ significantly from the 3rd year after RFA onward, as more advanced patients had probably escaped early recurrence.

Conclusion

CS analysis showed that the impact of different variables influencing OS is not linear over time after RFA. Information derived from the study can improve the current management of HCC patients.
A randomized controlled trial of single‐class maintenance therapy with abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine after standard triple antiretroviral induction therapy: final 96‐week results from the FREE study
Authors: Sprenger HG , Langebeek N , Mulder PGH , ten Napel CHH , Vriesendorp R , Hoepelman AIM , Legrand JC , Koopmans PP , Bravenboer B , ten Kate RW , Groeneveld PHP , Bierman WFW , van der Werf TS , Gisolf EH , Richter C
Published: December 2014

Objectives

The aim of the study was to test the antiviral efficacy of a triple nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) regimen, with potential beneficial metabolic effects, as maintenance therapy after induction with dual NRTIs and a boosted protease inhibitor (PI).

Methods

An open‐label, noninferiority study was carried out. Antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐naïve patients with CD4 count ≤ 350 cells/μL and HIV‐1 RNA > 30 000 copies/mL (n = 207) were treated with zidovudine/lamivudine and lopinavir/ritonavir. After achieving HIV‐1 RNA < 50 copies/mL on two consecutive occasions between weeks 12 and 24 after baseline, 120 patients (baseline: median HIV‐1 RNA 5.19 log10 copies/mL; median CD4 count 180 cells/μL) were randomized to receive abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine (ABC/3TC/ZDV) (n = 61) or to continue the PI‐based ART (n = 59).

Results

For the proportions of patients (intention‐to‐treat; missing = failure) with HIV‐1 RNA < 400 copies/mL (PI group, 66%; ABC/3TC/ZDV group, 71%) and < 50 copies/mL (PI group, 63%; ABC/3TC/ZDV group, 62%) at 96 weeks, switching to ABC/3TC/ZDV was noninferior compared with continuing the PI regimen; the difference in failure rate (ABC/3TC/ZDV minus PI) was −4.4 percentage points [95% confidence interval (CI) −21.0 to +12.3 percentage points] and +0.4 percentage points (95% CI −16.9 to +17.7 percentage points), respectively. In the per protocol analysis, the difference in virological failure for HIV‐1 RNA > 400 copies/mL (0 of 39 patients in the PI group and two of 45 patients in the NRTI group) and for HIV‐1 RNA > 50 copies/mL (two of 39 and three of 45 patients, respectively) was +4.4 percentage points (95% CI −2.1 to +11.0 percentage points) and +1.5 percentage points (95% CI −8.6 to +11.7 percentage points), respectively, also showing noninferiority. Serum lipids significantly improved in the NRTI group, but not in the PI arm.

Conclusions

A single‐class NRTI regimen after successful induction with standard ART had similar antiviral efficacy compared to continuation of a PI‐based regimen at 96 weeks after baseline, with improved serum lipids.
Effects of lupin incorporation on the physical properties and stability of bioactive constituents in muffins
Authors: Rumiyati Rumiyati , James Anthony P. , Jayasena Vijay
Published: December 2014

Germinated Australian sweet lupin (ASL) flour (after germination for 7 days) was incorporated into muffin formulation at 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% of dried muffin weight. The effect on the physical characteristics of muffins including height, diameter, colour and texture (hardness, cohesiveness, springiness and chewiness) was measured. The stability of phenolic, phytosterol compounds and the antiradical activity of the muffins before and after baking (190 °C, 25 min) were determined. The level of incorporation of germinated ASL flour affected the volume, colour, hardness and muffin texture. Muffins incorporated with germinated ASL flour at the levels used in this research exhibited higher concentrations of total phenolic compounds, phytosterol and antiradical activity than those in control muffins. The baking process did not significantly reduce the phenolic compounds, phytosterol and antiradical activity.
Extraction, structure and biofunctional activities of laminarin from brown algae
Authors: Kadam Shekhar U. , Tiwari Brijesh K. , O'Donnell Colm P.
Published: December 2014

Brown algae are rich sources of bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, peptides, omega‐3 fatty acids, carotenoids, phenolics, vitamins and minerals. Laminarin is low‐molecular‐weight polysaccharide and bioactive compound present in brown algae. Laminarin is found in the fronds of Laminaria and Saccharina species. Laminarin, a storage β‐glucan, is composed of (1,3)‐β‐d‐glucan and some β‐(1,6)‐intrachain links. The reported content of laminarin from brown algae is up to levels of 35% on dry basis, which varies depending on species, harvesting season, habitat and method of extraction. Laminarin has many reported biofunctional activities including antitumour, anti‐apoptotic, anti‐inflammatory, anticoagulant and antioxidant activity. Biofunctional activities of laminarin can be enhanced after suitable chemical modifications, sulphation and novel processing techniques. Studies on feeding of laminarin‐rich extracts to animals indicate it's suitability as functional ingredient for food applications. This paper reviews the main sources, structure and extraction of laminarin with its biofunctional activities.
Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.): a rich source of bioactive compounds and its potential health benefits
Authors: Chuyen Hoang V. , Nguyen Minh H. , Roach Paul D. , Golding John B. , Parks Sophie E.
Published: December 2014

Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng.) is a tropical vine originating from South and South‐East Asia. Gac fruit has traditionally been used in Asia to provide red colour for cuisines and enhance visional health. Recently, Gac fruit has emerged as a potential source of carotenoids, especially lycopene and β‐carotene. Carotenoids and other identified bioactives from this fruit including phenolics, flavonoids and trypsin inhibitors are associated with many beneficial bioactivities such as antioxidant, anticancer and provitamin A activities. In addition to the traditional utilisation, commercial products like Gac powder and Gac oil have been manufactured as natural colourants and medicinal supplements. This paper is a review of the scientific literature on the nutritional composition, biological activities and processing of Gac fruit.
Frequency, types and factors associated with potentially harmful drug interactions in ambulatory elderly patients in Nigeria†
Authors: Yusuff Kazeem B , Okoh Chinyere Nma
Published: December 2014

Objective

To determine the frequency, types and factors associated with potentially harmful drug interactions among ambulatory elderly (≥65 years) patients in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods

A 4-week cross-sectional study was conducted among 229 elderly patients who consented and were prescribed two or more medicines within a 4-week study period at a major 256-bed secondary care facility in Ibadan, Nigeria. Chi-square and risk ratio were used to identify the factors associated with the potentially harmful drug–drug interactions.

Key findings

Potentially harmful drug–drug interactions were identified in about two-thirds (65%, 149/229) of the patients. The risk of occurrence drug interactions was significantly higher among patients who had at least six prescribed medicines (relative risk: 7.8 (95% confidence interval, 6.9 to 9.5) (P < 0.001)), and a significant majority were also females (73.8%) (110) (P < 0.001). The most frequent interacting drug combination was angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and amiloride + hydrochlorothiazide (34.7%).

Conclusion

Potentially harmful drug interactions that are significantly associated with high multiple prescribing are considerable among elderly patients in Nigeria.
Oral hygiene‐related self‐efficacy as a predictor of oral hygiene behaviour: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Woelber Johan P. , Bienas Helena , Fabry Goetz , Silbernagel Waltraud , Giesler Marianne , Tennert Christian , Stampf Susanne , Ratka‐Krüger Petra , Hellwig Elmar
Published: December 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess whether oral hygiene‐related self‐efficacy is correlated with current oral hygiene and might influence the outcome of oral hygiene instruction.

Materials and Methods

Hundred and twenty‐six patients filled out questionnaires about oral hygiene‐related self‐efficacy, general self‐efficacy, oral hygiene‐related knowledge and demographic variables. Plaque and gingival inflammation were measured and an individual oral hygiene plan was conducted. After 6 months, oral hygiene indices were assessed again.

Results

Women had significantly higher scores in oral hygiene‐related self‐efficacy than men (women mean 60.40 ± 9.41; men mean 56.04 ± 11.55; p = 0.039) and oral hygiene‐related self‐efficacy was significantly correlated with general self‐efficacy independent from the age of the patients (r = 0.3114, p = 0.0004). Higher scores in oral hygiene‐related self‐efficacy were significantly correlated with lower scores of gingival bleeding for non‐smoking patients (r = −0.301, p = 0.0066), usage of a professional tooth cleaning within these 6 months (p = 0.0406), reappearance to the follow‐up appointment (p = 0.0303), and higher goals in inter‐dental cleaning plans (p = 0.0189).

Conclusion

Oral hygiene‐related self‐efficacy is an influencing factor in the oral hygiene behaviour and has the potential to predict patients’ oral hygiene outcomes.
Is cognitive bias modification training truly beneficial for adolescents?
Authors: Chan Stella W.Y. , Lau Jennifer Y.F. , Reynolds Shirley A.
Published: December 2014

Background

Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM) has been shown to change interpretation biases commonly associated with anxiety and depression and may help ameliorate symptoms of these disorders. However, its evidence base for adolescents is scarce. Previous results have been hard to interpret because of methodological issues. In particular, many studies have used negative bias training as the control condition. This would tend to inflate any apparent benefits of CBM compared to a neutral control. Most studies also only examined the effects of a single training session and lacked follow‐up assessment or ecologically valid outcome measures.

Method

Seventy‐four adolescents, aged 16–18 years, were randomised to two sessions of CBM training or neutral control. Interpretation bias and mood were assessed three times: at baseline, immediately post‐training and 1 week post‐training. A controlled experimental stressor was also used, and responses to everyday stressors were recorded for 1 week after training to assess responses to psychological challenges. Feedback for the training programme was collected.

Results

The CBM group reported a greater reduction in negative affect than control participants. However, other hypothesised advantages of CBM were not demonstrated. Regardless of training group, participants reported increased positive interpretations, decreased negative interpretations, reduced depressive symptoms and no change in trait anxiety. The two groups did not differ in their stress reactivity. After controlling for group differences in training performance, all the mood effects disappeared.

Conclusions

When tested under stringent experimental conditions the effects of CBM in healthy adolescents appear to be minimal. Future studies should concentrate on participants with elevated cognitive biases and/or mood symptoms who may be more sensitive to CBM.
Proximate Composition, Acute Toxicity and Antioxidative Property of Lactarius tenuicystidiatus, a New Species
Authors: Chen Xin‐Hua , Li Jing‐Jing , Zhao Bo‐Qiang
Published: December 2014

The proximate composition, nutritional value and antioxidative activity of a new species Lactarius tenuicystidiatus and other three widely consumed Lactarius species (L. deterrimus, L. volemus sensu lato and L. hatsudake) from Southwest China were determined. The acute oral toxicity test of L. tenuicystidiatus was performed in mice. L. tenuicystidiatus mushroom presented higher protein (18.13 g/100 g dry weight [DW]) and crude fiber (12.26 g/100 g DW) contents, but lower ash level than the other three Lactarius species. Oleic acid (21.8 mg/g DW) and linoleic acid (17.7 mg/g DW) were major fatty acid components in L. tenuicystidiatus. Glutamine (4.88 mg/g DW) was the most abundant amino acid followed by glutamic acid, arginine and threonine in L. tenuicystidiatus. Some unusual nonprotein amino acids, γ‐amino‐n‐butyric acid, L‐α‐amino‐n‐butyric acid and ornithine were also found. In the case of reducing power, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and metal chelating activity, L. tenuicystidiatus possessed more antioxidant than other three Lactarius species. Moreover, acute oral toxicity study demonstrated that L. tenuicystidiatus was safe after oral administration to both male and female mice. Thus, the combination of rich nutritional composition and bioactivity in the new wild mushroom make it appropriate for functional food and nutritional supplements.

Practical Applications

Lactarius tenuicystidiatus is a new species from Southwest China that may be edible, delicious and popular in a limited area. It is therefore necessary to examine nutritional value, biology activity and the toxicity of the new mushroom. This study clearly demonstrates the proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and antioxidative activity of L. tenuicystidiatus. For the purpose of comparison, other three widely consumed Lactarius species are also analyzed to evaluate the nutritional value of L. tenuicystidiatus. It is suggested that the extract of the mushroom species evaluated here could be of use as an easily accessible source of natural antioxidant for the nourishment. The acute oral toxicity study demonstrated that L. tenuicystidiatus was safe after oral administration to both male and female mice. Thus, the new wild mushroom can be used as an ideal resource for a natural health food because of its abundant nutritive components and antioxidant activity.
Spermatogenesis and auxospore structure in the multipolar centric diatom Hydrosera
Authors: Idei Masahiko , Sato Shinya , Nagasato Chikako , Motomura Taizo , Toyoda Kensuke , Nagumo Tamotsu , Mann David G.
Published: December 2014

Spermatogenesis and auxospore development were studied in the freshwater centric diatom Hydrosera triquetra. Spermatogenesis was unusual, lacking depauperating cell divisions within the spermatogonangium. Instead, a series of mitoses occurred within an undivided cell to produce a multinucleate plasmodium with peripheral nuclei, which then underwent meiosis. 32 or 64 sperm budded off from the plasmodium leaving a large residual cell containing all the chloroplasts. Similar development apparently occurs in Pleurosira, Aulacodiscus, and Guinardia, these being so distantly related that independent evolution of plasmodial spermatogenesis seems likely. After presumed fertilization, the Hydrosera egg cell expanded distally to form a triangular end part. However, unlike in other triangular diatoms (Lithodesmium, Triceratium), the development of triradiate symmetry was not controlled by the “canonical” method of a perizonium that constrains expansion to small terminal areas of the auxospore wall. Instead, the auxospore wall lacked a perizonium and possessed only scales and a dense mat of thin, apparently entangled strips of imperforate silica. No such structures have been reported from any other centric diatoms, the closest analogs being instead the incunabular strips of some raphid diatoms (Nitzschia and Pinnularia). Whether these silica structures are formed by the normal method (intracellular deposition within a silica deposition vesicle) is unknown. As well as being more rounded than vegetative cells, the initial cell is aberrant in its structure, since it has a less polarized distribution of the “triptych” pores characteristic of the species.
Microstylis schneideri sp. nov. (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae) from Colombia
Authors: Szlachetko Dariusz L. , Kolanowska Marta
Published: December 2014

A new species of the genus Microstylis, M. schneideri is described and illustrated based on Colombian material. The taxonomic affinities of the new species are briefly discussed.
Association Between ETFA Genotype and Activity of Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase and Glutathione Peroxidase in Cryopreserved Sperm of Holstein–Friesian Bulls
Authors: Hering DM , Lecewicz M , Kordan W , Kamiński S
Published: December 2014

Contents

The aim of this study was to determine whether C/T missense mutation within the ETFA gene is associated with sperm antioxidant enzymatic activity. One hundred and twenty Holstein–Friesian bulls were genotyped by the PCR‐RFLP technique (MwoI). Commercial straws of frozen‐thawed semen were used to evaluate the activity of three antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Among all bulls investigated, genotype CT was the most frequent (44.2%), in comparison with CC (42.5%) and TT (13.3%). Significant differences in glutathione peroxidase activity were observed between homozygous individuals (CC vs TT) with heterozygous CT having intermediate values. Dismutase activity was significantly associated with ETFA genotype, although only bulls with the CT genotype were significantly different from bulls carrying the CC genotype. The activity of catalase showed a similar trend (but was not statistically significant). In conclusion, we found that bulls with the ETFA TT genotype produce sperm with the highest glutathione peroxidase activity and can therefore be more efficiently protected from reactive oxygen. The mechanism of this interaction needs to be elucidated in future research.
A Rare Case of Polyorchidism in a Cat with Four Intra‐abdominal Testes
Authors: Roca‐Ferrer J , Rodríguez E , Ramírez GA , Moragas C , Sala M
Published: December 2014

Contents

Polyorchidism is a rare congenital anomaly defined as the presence of more than two histologically proven testes. We report a case of a 9‐month‐old European cat with four intra‐abdominal testes. The diagnosis was performed by means of ultrasonography, intra‐operative examination and histological confirmation. The case reported here presents an extremely rare anomaly, as no previous studies in veterinary medicine have reported the presence of four testes. This case suggests that supernumerary testes should be included as differential diagnoses for intra‐abdominal masses.
Effect of the Interaction Between Cryoprotectant Concentration and Cryopreservation Method on Frozen/Thawed Chicken Sperm Variables
Authors: Abouelezz FMK , Castaño C , Toledano‐Díaz A , Esteso MC , López‐Sebastián A , Campo JL , Santiago‐Moreno J
Published: December 2014

Contents

This work examines the effect of the interaction between different concentrations of two cryoprotectants – glycerol (GLY) and dimethylacetamide (DMA) – and two methods of cryopreservation – pellets produced by plunging into liquid nitrogen and gradual in‐straw freezing – on frozen/thawed chicken sperm variables. Sperm was cryopreserved using: (i) 6%DMA, following the in‐straw and the pellet methods (ii) 11%GLY, following the in‐straw and the pellet methods; and (iii) 8%GLYin the in‐straw method and 3%DMAin the pellet method (i.e. reduced cryoprotectant concentrations). When 6%DMAwas used as the cryoprotectant, no differences were seen between the in‐straw and pellet methods in terms of frozen/thawed sperm variables or fertility (10.8% and 12.8%, respectively). The viability and motility variables of the frozen/thawed sperm produced using the in‐straw method with 11%GLYwere higher (p < 0.05) than those recorded for the sperm preserved using the same cryoprotectant and concentration in the pellet method. However, fertility was extremely low in both groups (2.1% and 4.2% for the in‐straw and pellet methods, respectively). Finally, the use of 8%GLYin the in‐straw method returned higher sperm viability, intact acrosome and motility values than the use of 3%DMAin the pellet method (p < 0.01). No differences were seen, however, in the fertility results obtained (28.8% and 25.0%, respectively). These results suggest that cryoprotectant concentrations can be reduced and still provide acceptable fertility rates.
Fatty Acid Composition of Eggs and its Relationships to Egg and Larval Viability from Domesticated Common Sole (Solea solea) Breeders
Authors: Parma L , Bonaldo A , Pirini M , Viroli C , Parmeggiani A , Bonvini E , Gatta PP
Published: December 2014

Contents

The study of lipids and fatty acids (FAs) has been used in the assessment of egg quality because their composition can influence the fertilization rate, hatching, survival and growth of marine fish larvae. For these reasons, the lipid content (TL) and fatty acid composition of common sole (Solea solea) eggs were measured and correlated to egg and larval viability parameters throughout an entire reproductive season. Seventeen batches of fertile eggs obtained from natural spawning of captive breeders were characterized for the TL, FA profile, hatching rate (HR) and survival rate of larvae (SR) at 0–6 days post‐hatching (dph). The egg FA composition reflected the composition of the feed supplied to the broodstock during summer and autumn (before and during vitellogenesis) rather than that supplied during the spawning season. In general, the egg FA profile showed minimal differences among the early‐, mid‐ and late‐spawning periods (possibly due to the change of the diet and/or water temperature) indicating that it is possible to obtain a similar egg quality in terms of egg FA profile over 2 months of spawning. Saturated FAs and monounsaturated FAs (MUFA) were positively correlated with HR, while TL, 22 : 6n‐3 (DHA), 20 : 4n‐6 (ARA), polyunsaturated FAs of the (n‐3) series (n‐3 PUFA) and polyunsaturated FAs of the (n‐6) series were negatively correlated (p ≤ 0.05). MUFA, 20 : 5n‐3 (EPA), n‐6/n‐3 were positively correlated with SR, while DHA, n‐3 PUFA, DHA/EPA were negatively correlated (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, the feed supplied before and during vitellogenesis has a major role in determining the egg FA profile in common sole. The relationships found between TL and FAs with egg and larval viability parameters differ from many other farmed marine fish species, which may suggest the need for a specific broodstock feed for this species.
Oral findings in a family with Tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Ammari Michelle Mikhael , Ribeiro de Souza Ivete Pomarico , Maia Lucianne Cople , Primo Laura Guimarães
Published: December 2014

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder with a multisystemic character that may present alterations in multiple organ systems, including oral manifestations. This case report describes a family (mother and two sons) with TSC that underwent a multidisciplinary approach, emphasizing their oral manifestations and highlights the adequate approach taken. The children presented many and distinct features of TSC in different systems; however the family revealed similar oral manifestations. The oral findings were dental enamel pits on permanent teeth and spread gingival fibromas on both jaws. The dental planning was the same for all three patients and included guidelines on oral hygiene and dietary habits, fluoride therapy and a preventive approach through six‐month reevaluations. In multisystemic disorders, early multidisciplinary action is vital to provide comprehensive care and reduce or even prevent complications from the condition, thus ensuring the patient's quality of life.
Visible Cohesion: A Comparison of Reference Tracking in Sign, Speech, and Co‐Speech Gesture
Authors: Perniss Pamela , Özyürek Asli
Published: December 2014

Establishing and maintaining reference is a crucial part of discourse. In spoken languages, differential linguistic devices mark referents occurring in different referential contexts, that is, introduction, maintenance, and re‐introduction contexts. Speakers using gestures as well as users of sign languages have also been shown to mark referents differentially depending on the referential context. This article investigates the modality‐specific contribution of the visual modality in marking referential context by providing a direct comparison between sign language (German Sign Language; DGS) and co‐speech gesture with speech (German) in elicited narratives. Across all forms of expression, we find that referents in subject position are referred to with more marking material in re‐introduction contexts compared to maintenance contexts. Furthermore, we find that spatial modification is used as a modality‐specific strategy in both DGS and German co‐speech gesture, and that the configuration of referent locations in sign space and gesture space corresponds in an iconic and consistent way to the locations of referents in the narrated event. However, we find that spatial modification is used in different ways for marking re‐introduction and maintenance contexts in DGS and German co‐speech gesture. The findings are discussed in relation to the unique contribution of the visual modality to reference tracking in discourse when it is used in a unimodal system with full linguistic structure (i.e., as in sign) versus in a bimodal system that is a composite of speech and gesture.
Prolonged post‐thaw shelf life of red cells frozen without prefreeze removal of excess glycerol
Authors: Lelkens C. C. M. , de Korte D. , Lagerberg J. W. M.
Published: December 2014

Background and Objectives

The use of a functionally closed system (ACP215, Haemonetics) for (de)glycerolization of RBCs allows for prolonged post‐thaw storage. Currently, glycerolization is followed by supernatant glycerol reduction before freezing. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of supernatant glycerol reduction before freezing on the stability of thawed, deglycerolized RBCs during subsequent cold storage.

Materials and Methods

Leucoreduced RBCs were stored for 6 days at 2–6°C before glycerolization. The RBCs were pooled and split, and glycerol was added using the ACP215 to a final concentration of 40%. Units were either frozen as such (n = 4) or supernatant reduced before freezing (n = 4). After storage at −80°C, the units were thawed, deglycerolized and resuspended in SAGM. An additional sixteen units, frozen without supernatant reduction, were resuspended in either AS‐3 (n = 8) or SAGM (n = 8) after deglycerolization. During cold storage (2–6°C), the red cells were analysed for their stability and in vitro quality.

Results

The freeze‐thaw‐wash recovery was comparable for both volume reduced and non‐reduced units. During post‐thaw storage in SAGM, non‐glycerol reduced units showed significantly less potassium leakage and haemolysis and higher ATP levels. AS‐3 strongly reduced haemolysis during post‐thaw storage of non‐glycerol reduced units: haemolysis remained below 0·8% for up to 28 days of storage.

Conclusion

Omitting glycerol supernatant reduction before freezing simplifies the cryopreservation procedure and increases the stability and therefore the outdating period of thawed RBCs. This increases the practical applicability of cryopreserved RBCs in both civil (rare blood) and military blood transfusion practice.
Amelioration of lesions associated with 24‐hour suboptimal platelet storage at 16 °C by a p38MAPK inhibitor, VX‐702
Authors: Wagner S. J. , Skripchenko A. , Seetharaman S. , Kurtz J.
Published: December 2014

Background and Objectives

Previous studies with p38MAPK inhibitors at room temperature demonstrated that they improve a large number of platelet storage parameters, but cannot substantially inhibit p38MAPK activation nor protect against widespread decrements in platelet quality parameters during 4 °C storage. In this study, platelet quality parameters and inhibition of p38MAPK by VX‐702 were studied after incubation of platelets at 16 °C without agitation, suboptimal storage conditions which produce moderate platelet decrements.

Materials and Methods

Trima apheresis units were collected and aliquoted into three 60‐ml CLX storage bags: (i) a control aliquot which was held at 20–24 °C with constant agitation; (ii) a test aliquot which was held at 20–24 °C with agitation until Day 2, when it was reincubated at 16 ± 1 °C for 24 ± 0·5 h without agitation and then returned 20–24 °C with agitation; (iii) a test aliquot containing 1 μm VX‐702 stored in an identical fashion as aliquot 2. Aliquots were tested for an array of platelet storage parameters and p38MAPK activation on Days 1, 4 and 7.

Results

Many platelet storage parameters and p38MAPK activation were adversely affected by 24‐h incubation at 16 °C without agitation. With the exception of ESC, addition of VX‐702 prevented p38MAPK activation and the decrements in most observed parameters.

Conclusion

Unlike 4 °C storage, VX‐702 prevents activation of p38MAPK and decrements in many platelet storage parameters after exposure to 16 °C without agitation for 24 h.
Protocol for the validation of microbiological control of cellular products according to German regulators recommendations – Boon and Bane for the manufacturer
Authors: Störmer M. , Radojska S. , Hos N. J. , Gathof B. S.
Published: December 2014

In order to generate standardized conditions for the microbiological control of HPCs, the PEI recommended defined steps for validation that will lead to extensive validation as shown in this study, where a possible validation principle for the microbiological control of allogeneic SCPs is presented. Although it could be demonstrated that automated culture improves microbial safety of cellular products, the requirement for extensive validation studies needs to be considered.
An Alternative Approach to the Definition of Profile Modifications in High-Contact-Ratio Spur Gears
Authors: Velex Ph. , Bruyère J. , Gu X.
Published: December 2014

An alternative formulation for the definition of profile modifications in high-contact-ratio (HCR) spur gears is presented which makes it possible to select optimum relief with regard to transmission error (TE) fluctuations over a range of loads. General guidelines are presented which can help design optimum relief with minimum effort. It is also confirmed that two-slope profile relief can improve the dynamic behavior of HCR spur gears.
An Investigation of Morphology Dependent Charge Storage in Polypyrrole Membranes
Authors: Northcutt Robert G. , Thornton John M. , Sundaresan Vishnu Baba
Published: December 2014

PPy-based membranes exchange ions with electrolyte through reversible redox processes and hence are best suited as electrodes for batteries and super capacitors. The energy density of batteries and super capacitors are dependent on the specific capacitance of the conducting polymer and can be represented through a mechanistic model for ion transport. Through this model, the specific capacitance of polypyrrole-based membranes is shown to be dependent on the number of accessible redox sites at the electrolyte-polymer interface. The accessibility of redox sites at the electrolyte-polymer interface can be increased by controlling the morphological properties and distribution of dopant in the polymer backbone. Thus, by nanostructuring and by controlling the distribution of the dopant in the polymer, we have shown that the capacitance of PPy-based membranes can be increased to 490 F.g−1 for a 50 mV.sec−1 scan rate and 0.6 g.cm−2 specific mass. Despite this value of specific capacitance being the highest reported for PPy-based membranes to date, it is estimated that only 69% of active redox sites are used for ion storage and hence can be increased further. Maximizing specific capacitance requires an understanding of spatial distribution of redox sites in the polymer backbone and its corresponding chemoelectrical activity. In order to generate a spatial map of ion storage in PPy-based membranes, this article presents for the first time a shear-force (SF) based topography imaging and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) imaging of the PPy(DBS) under reduced and oxidized conditions. From a correlated topography and chemoelectrical activity of PPy-based membrane, the data shows the availability of redox sites in the polymer and it is projected that this result will enhance the design and nanostructuring of PPy-based membranes and distribution of dopant in the backbone.
Reciprocity of Linear Systems With Smart Materials Utilized for Precise Measurement Techniques
Authors: Marschner Uwe , Pfeifer Günther , Starke Eric
Published: December 2014

In electromechanical measurement techniques, passive transducers and passive electrical networks often interact. In some applications, continua are part of the system, in which fields are formed and waves are propagated. If networks, continua and electromechanical transducers feature sufficient amplitude linear behavior in their environment (e.g., in a small region around the operating point) and all elements of the system having constant parameters during the measurement period, the skillful application of the inherent reciprocity of these systems can lead to surprisingly useful benefits. This is shown by actual examples from metrology. Although the facts of the matter are well known, its potential is often overlooked or disregarded in measurement technique.
Vibration Control of a New Bed Stage System for Ambulance Using MR Dampers
Authors: Chae Hee-Dong , Choi Seung-bok , Oh Jong-Seok
Published: December 2014

This paper proposes a new bed stage for patients in ambulance vehicle in order to improve ride quality in term of vibration control. The vibration of patient compartment in ambulance can cause a secondary damage to a patient and a difficulty for a doctor to perform emergency care. The bed stage is to solve vertical, rolling, and pitching vibration in patient compartment of ambulance. Four MR (magneto-rheological) dampers are equipped for vibration isolation of the stage. Firstly, a mathematical model of stage is derived followed by the measurement of vibration level of patient compartment of real ambulance vehicle. Then, the design parameters of bed stage is undertaken via computer simulation. Skyhook, PID and LQR controllers are used for vibration control and their control performances are compared.