bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absence of Intracellular Ion Channels TPC1 and TPC2 Leads to Mature-Onset Obesity in Male Mice, Due to Impaired Lipid Availability for Thermogenesis in Brown Adipose Tissue
Authors: Lear Pamela V. , González-Touceda David , Porteiro Couto Begoña , Viaño Patricia , Guymer Vanessa , Remzova Elena , Tunn Ruth , Chalasani Annapurna , García-Caballero Tomás , Hargreaves Iain P. , Tynan Patricia W. , Christian Helen C. , Nogueiras Rubén , Parrington John , Diéguez Carlos
Published: December 2014

Intracellular calcium-permeable channels have been implicated in thermogenic function of murine brown and brite/beige adipocytes, respectively transient receptor potential melastin-8 and transient receptor potential vanilloid-4. Because the endo-lysosomal two-pore channels (TPCs) have also been ascribed with metabolic functionality, we studied the effect of simultaneously knocking out TPC1 and TPC2 on body composition and energy balance in male mice fed a chow diet. Compared with wild-type mice, TPC1 and TPC2 double knockout (Tpcn1/2−/−) animals had a higher respiratory quotient and became obese between 6 and 9 months of age. Although food intake was unaltered, interscapular brown adipose tissue (BAT) maximal temperature and lean-mass adjusted oxygen consumption were lower in Tpcn1/2−/− than in wild type mice. Phosphorylated hormone-sensitive lipase expression, lipid density and expression of β-adrenergic receptors were also lower in Tpcn1/2−/− BAT, whereas mitochondrial respiratory chain function and uncoupling protein-1 expression remained intact. We conclude that Tpcn1/2−/− mice show mature-onset obesity due to reduced lipid availability and use, and a defect in β-adrenergic receptor signaling, leading to impaired thermogenic activity, in BAT.
Positive, But Not Negative Feedback Actions of Estradiol in Adult Female Mice Require Estrogen Receptor α in Kisspeptin Neurons
Authors: Dubois Sharon L. , Acosta-Martínez Maricedes , DeJoseph Mary R. , Wolfe Andrew , Radovick Sally , Boehm Ulrich , Urban Janice H. , Levine Jon E.
Published: December 2014

Hypothalamic kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons express estrogen receptor α (ERα) and exert control over GnRH/LH secretion in female rodents. It has been proposed that estradiol (E2) activation of ERα in kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) suppresses GnRH/LH secretion (negative feedback), whereas E2 activation of ERα in kisspeptin neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) mediates the release of preovulatory GnRH/LH surges (positive feedback). To test these hypotheses, we generated mice bearing kisspeptin cell–specific deletion of ERα (KERαKO) and treated them with E2 regimens that evoke either negative or positive feedback actions on GnRH/LH secretion. Using negative feedback regimens, as expected, E2 effectively suppressed LH levels in ovariectomized (OVX) wild-type (WT) mice to the levels seen in ovary-intact mice. Surprisingly, however, despite the fact that E2 regulation of Kiss1 mRNA expression was abrogated in both the ARC and AVPV of KERαKO mice, E2 also effectively decreased LH levels in OVX KERαKO mice to the levels seen in ovary-intact mice. Conversely, using a positive feedback regimen, E2 stimulated LH surges in WT mice, but had no effect in KERαKO mice. These experiments clearly demonstrate that ERα in kisspeptin neurons is required for the positive, but not negative feedback actions of E2 on GnRH/LH secretion in adult female mice. It remains to be determined whether the failure of KERαKO mice to exhibit GnRH/LH surges reflects the role of ERα in the development of kisspeptin neurons, in the active signaling processes leading to the release of GnRH/LH surges, or both.
The effect of maternal diabetes on the Wnt/PCP pathway during embryogenesis as reflected in the developing mouse eye
Authors: López-Escobar Beatriz , Cano David A. , Rojas Anabel , de Felipe Beatriz , Palma Francisco , Sánchez-Alcázar José A. , Henderson Deborah , Ybot-González Patricia
Published: December 2014

Embryopathies that develop as a consequence of maternal diabetes have been studied intensely in both experimental and clinical scenarios. Accordingly, hyperglycemia has been shown to downregulate the expression of elements in the non-canonical Wnt/PCP pathway, such as the Dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (Daam1) and Vangl2. Daam1 is a formin that is essential for actin polymerization and for cytoskeletal reorganization, and it is expressed strongly in certain organs during mouse development, including the eye, neural tube and heart. Daam1gt/gt and Daam1gt/+ embryos develop ocular defects (anophthalmia or microphthalmia) similar to those detected as a result of hyperglycemia. Indeed, studying the effect of maternal diabetes on the Wnt/PCP pathway demonstrated that there was strong association with the Daam1 genotype, whereby the embryopathy observed in Daam1gt/+ mutant embryos of diabetic dams was more severe. There was evidence that embryonic exposure to glucose in vitro diminishes the expression of genes in the Wnt/PCP pathway, leading to altered cytoskeletal organization, cell shape and cell polarity in the optic vesicle. Hence, the Wnt/PCP pathway appears to influence cell morphology and cell polarity, events that drive the cellular movements required for optic vesicle formation and in turn are required to maintain the fate determination. Here, we demonstrate that the Wnt/PCP pathway is involved in the early stages of mouse eye development and that it is altered by diabetes, provoking the ocular phenotype observed in the affected embryos.
Partial genetic suppression of a loss of function mutant of the Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis-associated protease TPP1 inDictyostelium discoideum
Authors: Phillips Jonathan E. , Gomer Richard H.
Published: December 2014

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) is the most common childhood-onset neurodegenerative disease. NCL is inevitably fatal, and there is no current treatment. Children with NCL show progressive decline in movement, vision, and mental abilities and accumulation of autofluorescent deposits in neurons and other cell types. Late-infantile NCL is caused by mutations in the lysosomal protease tripeptdyl peptidase 1 (TPP1). TPP1 cleaves tripeptides from the N-terminus of proteins in vitro, but little is known about the physiological function of TPP1. TPP1 shows wide conservation in vertebrates but is not found in Drosophila, C. elegans, or S. cerevisiae. Here, we characterize ddTpp1, a TPP1 ortholog present in the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. Lysates from cells lacking ddTpp1 show reduced but not abolished ability to cleave a TPP1 substrate, suggesting that other Dictyostelium enzymes can perform this cleavage. ddTpp1 and human TPP1 localize to the lysosome in Dictyostelium, indicating conserved function and trafficking. Cells lacking ddTpp1 show precocious multicellular development and a reduced ability to form spores during development. When cultured in autophagy-stimulating conditions, cells lacking ddTpp1 rapidly decrease in size and are less viable than wild-type cells, suggesting that one function of ddTpp1 may be to limit autophagy. Cells lacking ddTpp1 show strongly impaired development in the presence of the lysosome-perturbing drug chloroquine, and this phenotype can be suppressed by a secondary mutation in the gene stpA, which encodes a protein with some similarity to mammalian oxysterol-binding proteins (OSBPs). Together, these results suggest that targeting specific proteins may be a viable way to suppress the effects of loss of TPP1 function.
Competence of professional social interaction in higher education
Authors: Blokhina A.
Published: December 2014

In educational process interaction represents a complex activity involving teacher and students. Such type of interaction is characterized by cooperation aimed at common educational goals. Nowadays, however, competence of professional social interaction is widely recognized not only as one of the key elements of higher education, but also as a part of professional set of skills. There are several approaches to the competence of professional interaction that dominate the discourse. Nevertheless it is the competence framework that explains the current processes of standardization in educational sphere. Various representatives of this approach outline different criteria and requirements for professional social interaction. In this article the author operates within the framework of I.A. Zimnaya when defining such notions as “interaction”, “communication” in terms of professional activities.
A Term of «Metodics» in the Context of Modern Llinguadidactics
Authors: Shchukin Anatoliy
Published: December 2014

The article focuses on the content of the term methodology of foreign language

teaching and its use in the field of teaching Russian as a foreign

language in the context of modern linguadidactics. The article also considers

attributions of the term “method” from the position of modern approach

to foreign language teaching (sistematic, speach of activites, competence).

The article describes the object, the subject of linguadidactics, means of

teaching in the context of communicative approach as well as the types of

modern methodics (classical, communicative, education drama, intensive,

integrative) that have extensive application in foreign and Russian language

teaching.
Trends and Problems of Legal Regulation of Relationships between State and Business
Authors: Gabov Andrey
Published: December 2014

This article analyzes some important trends and issues in the development of legal regulation of relations between the state and business. The article noted the main negative trends and challenges in the development of legislation at the present stage: the increasing instability of legal regulation; lack of priorities and evidence-based forecast, the consistency of decisions etc. These trends are accompanied by comments and examples from recent changes in the civil law. It is noted that the General result of all these negative trends is the increasing uncertainty of legal regulation, reducing its effectiveness. It is noted that the shortcomings of our legal system in part of state relations and business at the present stage amplified two significant external challenges: the creation of a Eurasian economic Union (EEU) and participation in the WTO; the adoption of a number of States sanctions against Russia in connection with the known events in Ukraine.
State and Business in the Conditions of Legal Reforms
Authors: Gubin YEvgyeniy
Published: December 2014

The article deals with the issues of cooperation between state and business, necessity to form a unified policy in the sphere of entrepreneurship and state influence on the business, inter-branch nature of legal regulation of relations between state and business, legal means and forms of state regulation of economy, legislative basis of legal regulation of business activities, correlation of state regulation and self-regulation, concrete means of state influence upon economy. The government’s role in the process of regulation of economic relationships cannot be reduced to the function of an external regulator and controller. Developing a comprehensive and long-term concept of legal support to the current economic reforms can be considered as the strategic target and tool of legal regulation of economic relationships.
On Soviet Trade Marks
Authors: Gutnikov Olyeg , Smirnova Valeriya
Published: December 2014

In modern Russia is debated the issue of legal regulation of trademarks, which are well-known in the Soviet time and freely used by many domestic enterprises for homogeneous products such as candy “Belochka”, the “Jubileynoe” cookies, chocolate “Alyonka”, cheese “Yantar”, “Druzhba”, etc. Currently has so-called battle for Soviet trademarks between rights holders, who received the trademark rights in full compliance with the Russian legislation, and the actual users, who do not have time to register them. So in the legal community are mechanisms to address issues related to trademarks: recognition of them entered into general use and lost their distinctiveness, the revocation of their registration as acts of unfair competition; the their nationalization; the introduction of prior use, their mode of collective trademarks or certification, traditional food regulation. Currently in the State Duma of the Russian Federation are considered the bills, aimed at the introduction of the right of prior use in trademarks and issuing a compulsory license. In the article are considered only the arguments against the introduction of the right of prior use and issuance of compulsory licenses in respect of trademarks.
Russian Civil Law Tradition of the Early 20th Century and the Napoleonic Code
Authors: Lipyen Syergyey
Published: December 2014

This article discusses common problems of civil law to which attention was drawn at the beginning of the twentieth century in connection with the 100th anniversary of the Napoleonic Code. In connection with the new codification of the civil law of the Russian Empire objective and subjective factors of codification activities, social value of the Civil Code, the adequacy of regulation of civil relations, as well as to further improvement of the content of civil law according to the requirements of lifetime and constantly developing social relations were considered.
Exemption from Criminal Responsibility in Cases over Crimes in the Field of Economic Activity
Authors: Makarova Oksana
Published: December 2014

In recent years in our country the steady tendency to increase of authority of the state in the sphere of business and strengthening of economic security is observed. The state finds new opportunities of effective counteraction of crime in the economic sphere, including by means of liberalization and a humanization of the criminal legislation. Among the main acts aimed at the improvement of criminal law, can be called the Federal law of December 7, 2011 No. 420-FZ “On Amendments to the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” which provides the special basis of release from criminal liability for commission of crimes in the sphere of economic activity. The specified basis is fixed in the new Article 761 “Exemption from criminal liability in cases of crimes in the sphere of economic activity” of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. In the explanatory note to this document it is noted that “such addition of the criminal law is caused by the necessity of its further humanization and counteraction to abuses in the field of investigation of economic crimes”. In the article mentioned Article 761 thoroughly analyzed in conformity with the requirements of the legal techniques and modern economic realities. The special attention is paid to the conditions of release from criminal responsibility provided for in second part of Article 761, given their critical assessment. It seems to the author that the legislator, providing special possibility of the exemption from criminal liability in cases of crimes in the sphere of economic activity had departed from the constitutional principle of equality of citizens before the law and court, having allowed thereby an inequality between the persons who have committed a crime.
Conditional-Digital Extortion, or Cyber Blacmail
Authors: Lopatina Tatyana
Published: December 2014

The article provides the author´s opinion on conditional-digital extortion, the author analises criminal law and criminology issues of understanding cyber blackmail. The article provides a forecast on the transformation of the cyber extortion into serious criminal problem. Internet extortion is viewed as a form of a theft and from the position of profit motivated violate crime against property. The article provides a conclusion that conditional-digital extortion from the criminal law point of view is a property crime, from the criminological point of view is a violate crime and a coercion to act, from the victimological point of view is a criminal behaviour. The victim of the behavior does not obey the offender´s demands and the offender uses the force. Modern internet extortion demonstrates two tendencies: a trend to establish lawfull appearance of the act and a hyperlatency.
International Legal Regulation of Nuclear Liability
Authors: KHlyestova Irina
Published: December 2014

The article is devoted to the comparative analyses of provisions of Vienna convention on civil liability for nuclear damage of 1963 and Protocol of 1997 to the convention on civil liability for nuclear damage. In particular: the provisions on nuclear damage, channeling of liability on operator of nuclear facility, principles of liability, limits liability, limitation of actions, jurisdictional division are considered. On this bases it was concluded that international legal regulation is on the way of raise of limits liability of operator of nuclear facility, applying special drawing rights of International Monetary Fund as calculation units. Legal regulation introduced by the Protocol of 1997 to the Vienna convention on civil liability for nuclear damage more responds to the victims interests taking into account the long-terms effects of a nuclear incident. The problems of the Russian Federation adherence to the Protocol of 1997 is considered
Resource Reviews
Authors: Evans Jean
Published: December 2014

Learning resources are a vital part of our development and critical to practice. We will continue to have individual book reviews but will also be selecting areas to focus on to highlight books and other materials that are useful to a specific area. We hope that this new approach will be helpful to all of our readers.
Exploring health professionals’ and women's awareness of models of maternity care evidence
Authors: Soltani Hora , Fair Frankie , Duxbury Alexandra MS
Published: December 2014

A Cochrane systematic review has shown midwifery-led continuity models of care provide explicit benefits for mothers and babies compared with other models of maternity care, with a comparable level of safety. This study explored the local impact of the review, alongside other midwifery-led care evidence and guidelines. Electronic surveys were undertaken exploring women's and health professionals’ awareness of models of maternity care evidence, including midwifery-led care and homebirth, and how they use evidence to guide their choices and practice.

A low awareness of much of the available evidence was shown among the women and the professionals. There is a need for better dissemination of information to professionals as they are women's preferred source of information about the options available for place of birth and midwifery-led care.
Twitter's potential to enhance professional networking
Authors: Power Alison
Published: December 2014

Twitter is a microblogging service where users can ‘tweet’ short messages of 140 characters. Historically it was seen as a platform for personal communication; however, more recently it has been adopted by a growing body of health professionals and academics to communicate, access, share and disseminate professional information. Tweets can include links to blogs, web pages, images, videos, journal articles or provide real-time feedback from a live event such as a conference, thereby disseminating information to a potentially global audience.

In the UK it has been suggested that its widespread acceptance by health professionals in a professional context is slow, with ‘workforce knowledge deficits or the fear of reprimand and retribution’ being cited as barriers to its adoption ( Ferguson, 2013: 746 ). Could these barriers be responsible for midwives’ hesitancy to engage with Twitter?

Twitter can be used effectively and productively for professional discourse and networking if used judiciously with appropriate privacy settings in accordance with The Code ( Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2008 ). This ‘how to’ guide will take you through the registration process, introduce you to Twitter jargon and provide you with suggestions of key accounts to follow. Finally it will provide you with an opportunity to ‘meet’ experienced and novice tweeters to demonstrate the potential for Twitter to support and inform midwifery practice.
Research roundup—January 2015
Authors: Richens Yana
Published: December 2014

In this section, a range of brief synopses of recently published articles from around the world that may be of interest to midwives is presented. The aim of this roundup is to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary, of the research papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
Needs of visitors in the intensive care unit
Authors: Plowright Catherine I
Published: December 2014

This article examines the needs of visitors to the intensive care unit and the steps that should be taken to ensure that these needs are met.
Nursing care of a superficial incisional surgical site infection
Authors: Galvani Jill F
Published: December 2014

There is a wealth of literature on surgical wound infection, but surprisingly little on the nursing management of superficial incisional wound infection. This article aims to define superficial incisional wound infection and details common management strategies.
Nursing skills and practice
Authors: Elzubeir Margaret , Sherman Michael
Published: December 2014

This article discusses the value placed on basic nursing skills and practice in preregistration diploma programmes (Project 2000). The authors argue that the current emphasis on the early acquisition of theoretical knowledge must not underestimate the importance of practising basic skills for the development of students’ confidence in clinical settings.
Key characteristics of nursing development units
Authors: Castledine George
Published: December 2014

Over the past 20 years there has been a considerable growth in the number of nursing development units (NDUs). According to Pearson (1995):
Nursing care that patients value
Authors: Milburn Margaret , Baker Mary-Jane , Gardner Pamela , Hornsby Rachel , Rogers Lynda
Published: December 2014

The delivery of nursing care should be based on meeting patients' individual needs. This article presents the findings of a small-scale study which explored the feelings that people express regarding the care they would like and receive from nurses.
Occupational stress and cognitive style in nurses: 1
Authors: Riding Richard J , Wheeler Herman H
Published: December 2014

All occupations are potentially stressful, and this is particularly so in the case of nursing, where a number of potential sources of stress interact. Cognitive style is likely to affect the way an individual reacts to different types of stress. The first part of this article will discuss the two basic dimensions of cognitive styles and their effects.
Allevyn
Authors: Williams Clare
Published: December 2014

This article describes a hydrocellular foam dressing which is able to absorb 10 times its weight in exudate, providing a cost-effective treatment option for exuding, granulating wounds.
What is research? Some definitions and dilemmas
Authors: Nolan Mike , Behi Ruhi
Published: December 2014

The second article in the research series attempts to answer the question ‘What is research?’ by addressing issues concerned with the meaning and purpose of research. The article also outlines some of the principal differences between the major approaches to research.
Negligence
Authors: Young Ann
Published: December 2014

A failure in the duty of care owed to another with resultant harm to that person.
How does the law view patient consent?
Authors: Balen Paul
Published: December 2014

Operating on a patient against his/her will is a violation recognised in law as a criminal offence which gives rise to a civil claim for compensation. Defined as a ‘battery’, it is the intentional application of force without that person's consent and without lawful excuse.
Privacy: a key nursing concept
Authors: Glen Sally , Jownally Sheila
Published: December 2014

This article discusses how intrusion of territory and personal space produces anxiety and feelings of depersonalisation in hospitalised clients. The implications of privacy as applied to nursing contexts are also examined. Finally, there is a brief discussion of the use of space by staff in terms of status and function.
Identification and healing of leg ulcers with impaired circulation
Authors: Marshall Maureen M
Published: December 2014

Leg ulcers may fail to heal because inaccurate assessment has resulted in inappropriate treatment. This article suggests a more accurate method of assessment and describes the use of zinc oxide paste bandage to heal leg ulcers where there is impaired arterial circulation.
Normalisation: what it means in practice
Authors: Barr Owen
Published: December 2014

Much of the development in the area of learning disabilities has been the result of normalisation. However, the term lacks definition. This article will explore the available definitions and outline some key components to be considered when incorporating normalisation into service provision.
Helping clients build links with their neighbours
Authors: Dunn Susan
Published: December 2014

How does the effort we put into helping clients build links with their immediate neighbours compare with the time spent getting them out of their immediate street and into the local community? This article is aimed at purchasers and providers and examines the problems associated with establishing good relationships between clients and their neighbours. It also discusses the importance of finding the right property for clients’ needs.
Grasping the research nettle in learning disabilities nursing
Authors: Kay Brian
Published: December 2014

This article addresses the need for ongoing research into clinical nursing practice in learning disabilities nursing. In particular, it explores the issues of informed consent and paternalism and promotes the development of ethics committees in learning disabilities nursing.
Haematology blood testing for anaemia
Authors: Higgins Chris
Published: December 2014

In recognition of the contribution that the clinical laboratory makes to the diagnosis and monitoring of disease, this article considers the clinical significance of some common tests performed in the haematology laboratory to investigate anaemia.
Assessment of urinary incontinence in neuroscience patients
Authors: Woodward Sue
Published: December 2014

Urinary incontinence is a common problem and is generally considered a nursing issue. This article explores the need for continence assessment and examines the continence assessment tools that are available to nurses. Do we have the right tools for the job, and what are the implications for patient care?
Death of a patient 2: a personal reflection
Authors: Poole Karen
Published: December 2014

The death of a patient and the management of bereaved relatives is perhaps one of the most challenging and most revealing aspects of caring. The second part of this article continues the structured reflection, focusing upon the personal emotions experienced by the undergraduate student nurse.
Education for specialist and advanced practice
Authors: Brown Roswyn
Published: December 2014

This article provides an overview of the recent UKCC information on the professional preparation of the specialist practitioner. In addition, it examines the sociopolitical and educational context of this development, as well as the implications and impact of specialist practice for a variety of consumers. Finally, some suggestions about the relationship between specialist and advanced practice are made.
The scope of advanced practice: action potential for practice nurses
Authors: Paniagua Hilary
Published: December 2014

Practice nursing has traditionally been regarded as a job that places little demand on the practitioner's creative abilities and specialist knowledge. In reality, practice nursing is a challenging role which has a unique contribution to make to patient care. Practice nurses are developing a wide knowledge base and analytical ability that, if initiated, will be reflected in the future of advanced nurse practitioners.
Advocacy: a specialist practitioner role
Authors: Pullen Fiona
Published: December 2014

This article explores the nursing role of advocacy, tracing its development within nursing theory and the refinement of its definition. The nursing profession's ability and suitability to fulfil this role is then questioned and the need for the specialist nurse practitioner to fulfil the role of advocate is highlighted.
Induction: moving from the specific to the general
Authors: Nolan Mike , Behi Ruhi
Published: December 2014

Classically, the scientific method comprises two main processes: deduction (theory testing) and induction (theory building). In this article, the main emphasis is on theory building and the Meleis (1991) model is described to illustrate some of the steps and stages involved.
Iodosorb and Iodoflex
Authors: Williams Clare
Published: December 2014

This article describes two products that could be used in the treatment of exuding chronic wounds. Both also have the ability to reduce the bacterial count at the wound surface.
Common problems in wound care: wound cleansing
Authors: Young Trudie
Published: December 2014

Wound cleansing is a common and often ritualistic process. The nurse has at his/her disposal a variety of techniques, equipment and cleansing solutions. This article will help to highlight myths and areas of good practice in the wound-cleansing process.
Managed care 1: an opportunity for nursing
Authors: Laxade Sylvain , Hale Claire A
Published: December 2014

Managed care is a clinical system that is currently gaining popularity in the UK. The emphasis is on quality patient care and containment of costs by reducing fragmentation of care delivery. This article describes some of the tools of a managed care system and will focus on a description of a care map and the background to the development of the concept.
The effect of concentration of tackifying agent on adhesive and skin-protective properties of ceramide 2-containing hydrocolloid dressings
Authors: Kohta M. , Iwasaki T.
Published: December 2014

Objective:

In the treatment of pressure ulcers and leg ulcers it is necessary to achieve an effective balance between adhesive and skin-protective properties. We speculated that addition of a tackifying agent (TA) to ceramide 2-containing hydrocolloid dressings would increase their adhesiveness under dry conditions and reduce their adhesiveness under wet conditions because dry tack converts to wet tack after water absorption.

Method:

We prepared ceramide 2-containing hydrocolloid dressings with varying amounts of TA. Basic characteristics of the test ceraminde dressings, such as initial tack force and peeling force, were evaluated using standard methods. Peeling force and stratum corneum (SC) removal on healthy human skin were also evaluated at 20 minutes, 7 hours, and 72 hours. In addition, the effect of 10 repeated applications on transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was investigated on the skin of hairless mice under dry and wet conditions. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

On a stainless steel substrate, initial tack force and 180° peeling force increased as TA content increased. Twenty minutes after application on human skin, peeling force and SC removal increased with increasing TA content. When TA contents were over 10%, significant differences in peeling force and SC removal were obtained compared with ceramide 2-containing hydrocolloid dressings without TA (p<0.05). However, a TA content-dependent increase in peeling force was not evident 7 hours and 72 hours after application. Under dry conditions, TEWL increased with repeated application and peeling. Conversely, no significant increases in TEWL were evident under wet conditions after 10 repeated applications and peelings.

Conclusion:

Our data demonstrate that the initial attachment of ceramide 2-containing hydrocolloid dressings to the skin increases with addition of TA. Skin damage can be avoided by conversion of the adhesive system to wet tack with water absorption.

Declaration of interest:

Masushi Kohta and Tetsuji IwasakI are employees of ALCARE Co., Ltd., Japan. This project was supported by an unrestricted grant from ALCARE.
Evaluation of bactericidal effect of three antiseptics on bacteria isolated from wounds
Authors: Kumara D.U.A , Fernando S.S.N. , Kottahachchi J. , Dissanayake D.M.B.T. , Athukorala G.I.D.D.A.D. , Chandrasiri N.S. , Damayanthi K.W.N. , Hemarathne M.H.S.L. , Pathirana A.A.
Published: December 2014

Objective:

Antiseptics are widely used in wound management to prevent or treat wound infections due to their proven wound healing properties regardless of their cytotoxicity. The objective of this study was to determine the bactericidal effects of three antiseptics on pathogens known to cause wound infections.

Method:

The study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital and a university microbiology laboratory in Sri Lanka in 2013. The three acids (acetic acid, ascorbic acid and boric acid) in increasing concentration (0.5%, 0.75% and 1%) were tested against bacterial suspensions equivalent to 0.5 McFarland standard. The Bacteria isolates used were isolated from wound and standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Results:

There were 33 (68.8%) Coliforms, 10 (20.8%) Pseudomonas species, and 5 (10.4%) strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Acetic acid at concentration of 0.5% inhibited growth of 37 (77%) and 42 (87.5%) of tested isolates when exposed for 30 and 60 minutes, respectively. However 100% inhibition was achieved at four hours. At a concentration of 0.75%, 40 (83.3%) and 44 (91.7%) were inhibited when exposed for 30 and 60 minutes, respectively, with 100% inhibition at 4 hours. At concentration of 1%, 46 (95.8%) inhibition was seen at 30 minutes and 100% inhibition at 60 minutes. Ascorbic acid, at 0.5% and 0.75 % concentrations, inhibited growth of 45(93.7%) and 47(97.9%) of isolates respectively when exposed for 30 minutes. At these two concentrations, 100% inhibition was achieved when exposed for one hour. At 1% concentration, 100% inhibition was achieved at 30 minutes. Boric acid did not show bactericidal effect at concentrations of 0.5%, 0.75 % and 1%. Pseudomonas species were inhibited at 30 minutes by 0.5% acetic acid. Bactericidal effect against all the standard strains was seen with three acids at each concentration tested from 30 minutes onwards

Conclusion:

Ascorbic acid was bactericidal for all organisms tested within the shortest exposure time at the lowest concentration compared to other two acids. Despite promising bactericidal effects, further studies warrant, as ongoing debates on toxicity of acids on tissue epithelialisation. Application of antiseptics for a shorter duration could overcome this problem without losing bactericidal activity.

Declaration of interest:

The authors have no conflict of interest and no funding was received for this study.
Research roundup: January 2015
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: December 2014

In brief

▪ Increasing breastfeeding rates could save the NHS significant amounts of money, based on the prevention of infections and necrotizing enterocolitis in infants and breast cancer in mothers ▪ Study finds that evidence linking a child's exposure to paracetamol in utero and in early infancy to asthma is often over-stated ▪ Ex-smokers and current smokers appear to have a higher risk of chronic dysmenorrhoea than those who have never smoked ▪ A Cochrane review concludes that current methods of improving adherence to medication are complex and tend to be ineffective
Improving inhaler technique
Authors: Halpin David , Holmes Steve , Calvert James , McInerney Deborah
Published: December 2014

Correct inhaler technique is essential for patients to get benefits from their therapy. The South West Respiratory Network formulated a project to develop and deliver an inhaler technique training programme for clinicians
Are placebos ethical?
Authors: Winter George
Published: December 2014

Placebos are often thought to be harmless. George Winter explores whether this is the case, or whether the use of placebos is unethical and could affect the patient–health professional relationship
Elaine Biscoe: Cinderellas no more
Authors: Biscoe Elaine
Published: December 2014

Elaine Biscoe is helping to raise awareness of practice nurses' contribution in her new role at the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England
The diversity of non-methanogenic bacteria involved in biogas production from tofu-processing wastewater
Authors: SUNARTO SUNARTO , TSAAQIFAH HANNI , PURWOKO CAHYADI , PANGASTUTI ARTINI
Published: December 2014

Sunarto, Tsaaqifah H, Purwoko C, Pangastuti A. 2014. The diversity of non-methanogenic bacteria involved in biogasproduction from tofu-processing wastewater. Biodiversitas 16: 62-68. The energy crisis is an important current issue, so diversificationof energy is needed to solve the problem. Biogas from tofu-processing wastewater is one potential alternative energy to be developedbecause it has high organic matter content. The amount of methane formed by methanogens is also influenced by the presence ofbacteria, so it is necessary to do research on the diversity of non-methanogenic bacterial communities. This study aimed to determine thediversity of non-methanogenic bacteria in anaerobic fermentation using ARDRA (Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis)method. Tofu-processing wastewater was anaerobically fermented, followed by DNA extraction, amplification of 16S rRNA markergene, and cloning. Then, restriction was done using MspI and AluI restriction enzymes, followed by sequencing of different patterns.The data were analyzed to know the diversity of non-methanogenic bacteria and the relative importance of each phylotype in thecommunity using Shannon-Wiener index of diversity (Hâ€™) and evenness (E).The results showed that there were 38 positive clones of16S rRNA genes clones. The sequencing using BLASTn analysis showed the presence of 10 species of non-methanogenic bacteria.There were four sequences with ï‚³97% similarity, indicating that the bacteria belong to species from GeneBank data. There were 6sequences that had ï‚£96% similarity with the closest relative in the database, indicating that these bacteria are new species. The Shanon-Wiener index was 1.291, categorized as low and the evenness was 0.561, categorized as low because there was dominance of a species.
Theorising the ‘deliberative father’: compromise, progress and striving to do fatherhood well
Authors: Ives Jonathan
Published: December 2014

This article presents qualitative data collected during a project funded by the Economic and Social Research Council exploring 11 men’s experience of first-time fatherhood. It draws specifically on data from interviews conducted after the birth of their child, to present three different ways that men attempt to construct ‘fairness’ in their fathering practice. It uses this data to begin to theorise the ‘deliberative father’, which is presented as a morally progressive form of fatherhood that focuses on process rather than practice. Three counter-arguments are considered, with particular attention paid to Reece’s (2013) argument against thin conceptions of ‘reflective’ parenting. The article concludes that deliberative fatherhood is not morally progressive because the process of deliberation ensures morally optimal practice. Rather, it is morally progressive because the process of deliberation makes morally optimal practice possible.
Evaluación de la calidad nutricional de galletitas dulces de bajo valor glucídico del mercado de la ciudad de Rosario, Argentina
Authors: Llopart Emilce Elina , Pérez Maria Paula , Borda-Bossana Daniela , López-Marenghini Lucrecia
Published: December 2014

Introducción: Las galletitas constituyen un grupo de productos farináceos muy diverso. Su consumo es tradicional y las variedades dulces envasadas se integran en la canasta básica de alimentos. Existen galletitas funcionales, que permiten su consumo a las personas con necesidades dietéticas especiales, como en el caso de diabéticos. El objetivo principal del estudio fue evaluar, a través del rotulado nutricional, la cantidad de grasas totales, ácidos grasos saturados y sodio presentes en las galletitas dulces de bajo valor glucídico, disponibles en las dietéticas de la ciudad de Rosario.Material y Métodos: Se categorizaron las galletitas como Adecuadas, Medianamente Adecuadas o No Adecuadas según la interpretación de los nutrientes críticos analizados basada en la metodología del “Sistema Semáforo” (Norma de Rotulado de la Agencia Nacional de Alimentos de Reino Unido).Resultados: Todas ellas se clasificaron dentro de la categoría de mediano contenido de grasas totales. Al evaluar el contenido de ácidos grasos saturados, el 71% se correspondió con la categoría mediano contenido y el 29% se clasificó dentro de la categoría de bajo contenido. El 57% presentaron un mediano contenido de sodio, el 14% se correspondió con la categoría de alto contenido y el 29% bajo contenido.Conclusiones: El 86% de las galletitas dulces de bajo valor glucídico analizadas en esta muestra se clasificaron como Medianamente Adecuadas, mientras que el resto de las mismas se clasificaron como No Adecuadas (14%). Ninguna de ellas cumplió con los requisitos nutricionales para poder ser categorizada como Adecuada.
Distortion of self-image: risk factor for obesity in children and teenagers
Authors: Rizo-Baeza Mercedes , Cortés-Castell Ernesto , Brauer Nadia , Kuzmar-Daza Isaac , Reig García-Galbis Manuel
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Self-image is important in the behaviour and lifestyle of children and adolescents. Analysing the self-image they have and the factors that might influence their distortion, can be used to prevent problems of obesity and anorexia. The main objective of present publication was to analyse the risk factors that may contribute to self-image distortion.Material and Methods: A descriptive survey study was conducted among 659 children and adolescents in two social classes (low and medium-high), measuring height and weight, calculating BMI percentile for age and gender. Body image and self-perception were registered.Results: The percentage of overweight-obesity is higher in scholars (41.8% boys, 28.7% girls) than in adolescents (30.1% and 22.2% respectively), with no difference between socioeconomic classes. The multinomial logistic regression analysis gives a risk of believing thinner higher (p=0.000) among boys OR=2.9(95%CI:1.43-3.37), school (p=0.000) OR=2.42(95%CI:1.56-3.76) and much lower (p=0.000) between normally nourished OR=0.08(95%CI:0.05-0.13), with no differences according to socioeconomic status. The risk of believing fatter is lower (p=0.000) between boys OR=0.28(95%CI:0.14-0.57), school(p=0.072) OR=0.54(95%CI:0.27-1.6), and much higher among underweight (p=0.000) OR=9x108 (95% CI:4x108-19x108).Conclusions: Are risk factors of believing thinner: males, being in a group of schoolchildren and overweight-obesity. Conversely, are risk factors of believing fatter: females, teen and above all, be thin.
A hybrid KNN-MLP algorithm to diagnose bipolar disorder
Authors: Mohammad Ghasemi Mozhgan , Khalili Mehdi
Published: December 2014

In this paper an attempt has been made to the other corner of the power of neural networks. According to the neural network in the diagnosis of diseases, we use neural network models for diagnosing bipolar disorder; bipolar disorder is the common disorder of depression mood. We have used two neural network models: MLP & KNN. With different percentages of the implementation of neural network models is discussed. And the error was calculated for each model. We can by using the MLP model achieve an error of 16% for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Comunidad de avispas Ophioninae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) en el bosque nublado Monteseco, Cajamarca, Perú
Authors: Sánchez Evelyn , Alvarado Mabel , Grados Juan
Published: December 2014

Se describe la composición de especies de la subfamilia Ophioninae (Hymenoptera: Ichneu-monidae) a lo largo de una gradiente altitudinal en el bosque nublado Monteseco, Cajamarca, Perú; colectados en los años 2009 y 2010. Se encontraron 18 especies en tres géneros de Ophioninae: Alophophion, Enicospilus y Ophion. Cinco especies son registradas por primera vez para Perú: Ophion polyhymniae Gauld, 1988, Enicospilus cubensis (Norton, 1863), E. guatemalensis(Cameron, 1886), E. cressoni Hooker, 1912 y E. mexicanus (Cresson, 1874). La composición de la subfamilia Ophioninae varía según la elevación. La mayor riqueza de Ophioninae se encontró a 2150 m (S=11) y la menor a 3116 m (S=3). Enicospilus es más diverso en zonas de baja a mediana altitud, Ophion es más diverso en zonas de mediana a elevada altitud y Alophophion ocurre predominantemente a elevada altitud.
Estudio genotóxico de una bebida experimental de quinua, kiwicha y kañiwa
Authors: Huaman Francia D.P. , Toscano Emily M. , Acosta Oscar , Rojas Diana E. , Inocente Miguel A. , Garrido Diana P. , Guevara-Fujita María L.
Published: December 2014

La evaluación genotóxica de un producto es un paso importante para determinar su viabilidad para consumo humano. Se ha elaborado una bebida experimental a base de pseudocereales de alto valor nutricional como son quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), kiwicha (Amaranthus caudatus L.) y kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen), preparada para inducir un posible efecto hipolipemiante en un grupo de personas. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el potencial genotóxico de esta bebida experimental mediante dos pruebas in vitro validadas por agencias internacionales. En la prueba de Ames se utilizaron las cepas TA98 y TA100 de Salmonella typhimurium, con y sin fracción microsomal (S9). Se evaluaron 4 dosis de bebida y además un posible efecto antimutagénico (mismas 4 dosis más mutágeno). Para la prueba de micronúcleos se usó cultivos de linfocitos con células binucleadas, en presencia de cinco dosis de la bebida. Ambas pruebas indican que la bebida estudiada en sus distintas dosis, no presenta efecto genotóxico. Sin embargo, en la evaluación del posible efecto protector de la bebida, se evidenciaría que por el contrario, se potencia el efecto mutagénico de los mutágenos empleados para cada cepa. Por lo tanto, es importante que esta bebida experimental sea sometida a pruebas adicionales in vitro e in vivo para evaluar el potencial genotóxico antes de su consumo.
Ami armihuariensis, a new species from Peru (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Theraphosinae)
Authors: Kaderka Radan
Published: December 2014

Ami armihuariensis sp. nov. from Cuzco region, Peru is described, diagnosed and figured. Males of Ami armihuariensis sp. nov. differ from all other congeners, except A. pijaos, by the presence of only one retrolateral process on male palpal tibia, from A. pijaos by the granulation in tegular area of male palpal bulb. Additionally,  photographs of A. yupanquii spermatheca  are for the first time presented in order to emphasize the characteristic shape of spermathecae in this genus.