bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UNC5B receptor deletion exacerbates DSS‐induced colitis in mice by increasing epithelial cell apoptosis
Authors: Ranganathan Punithavathi , Jayakumar Calpurnia , Li Dean Y. , Ramesh Ganesan
Published: April 2014

The netrin‐1 administration or overexpression is known to protect colon from acute colitis. However, the receptor that mediates netrin‐1 protective activities in the colon during colitis remains unknown. We tested the hypothesis that UNC5B receptor is a critical mediator of protective function of netrin‐1 in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis using mice with partial deletion of UNC5B receptor. DSS colitis was performed in mice with partial genetic UNC5B deficiency (UNC5B+/− mice) or wild‐type mice to examine the role of endogenous UNC5B. These studies were supported by in vitro models of DSS‐induced apoptosis in human colon epithelial cells. WT mice developed colitis in response to DSS feeding as indicated by reduction in bw, reduction in colon length and increase in colon weight. These changes were exacerbated in heterozygous UNC5B knockout mice treated with DSS. Periodic Acid‐Schiff stained section shows damages in colon epithelium and mononuclear cell infiltration in WT mice, which was further increased in UNC5B heterozygous knockout mice. This was associated with large increase in inflammatory mediators such as cytokine and chemokine expression and extensive apoptosis of epithelial cells in heterozygous knockout mice as compared to WT mice. Overexpression of UNC5B human colon epithelial cells suppressed DSS‐induced apoptosis and caspase‐3 activity. Moreover, DSS induced large amount of netrin‐1 and shRNA mediated knockdown of netrin‐1 induction exacerbated DSS‐induced epithelial cell apoptosis. Our results suggest that UNC5B is a critical mediator of cell survival in response to stress in colon.
The Cultivation of Genetically Modified Organisms in the European Union: A Necessary Trade‐Off?
Authors: Randour François , Janssens Cédric , Delreux Tom
Published: April 2014

This article analyzes the reasons why in 2010 the European Commission proposed a legislative framework on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that could give some powers back to the Member States. This legislative proposal is puzzling since it moves the centre of decision‐making regarding the cultivation of GMOs from the EU level back to the domestic level and it also contradicts the generally acknowledged behaviour of the Commission as a competence maximizer. Using a multilevel governance perspective and based on an extensive literature review and semi‐structured interviews, the article examines the dynamics and relationships between the various levels of governance that generated pressures on the Commission to issue this counterintuitive proposal. The findings suggest that the Commission is making a (necessary) trade‐off between, on the one hand, the respect of international obligations and the preservation of the internal market, and on the other hand, internal pressures towards stricter regulation of GMOs.
Mitochondrial DNA as a tool for reconstructing past life‐history traits in mammals
Authors: Figuet E. , Romiguier J. , Dutheil J. Y. , Galtier N.
Published: April 2014

Reconstructing the ancestral characteristics of species is a major goal in evolutionary and comparative biology. Unfortunately, fossils are not always available and sufficiently informative, and phylogenetic methods based on models of character evolution can be unsatisfactory. Genomic data offer a new opportunity to estimate ancestral character states, through (i) the correlation between DNA evolutionary processes and species life‐history traits and (ii) available reliable methods for ancestral sequence inference. Here, we assess the relevance of mitochondrial DNA – the most popular molecular marker in animals – as a predictor of ancestral life‐history traits in mammals, using the order of Cetartiodactyla as a benchmark. Using the complete set of 13 mitochondrial protein‐coding genes, we show that the lineage‐specific nonsynonymous over synonymous substitution rate ratio (dN/dS) is closely correlated with the species body mass, longevity and age of sexual maturity in Cetartiodactyla and can be used as a marker of ancestral traits provided that the noise introduced by short branches is appropriately dealt with. Based on ancestral dN/dS estimates, we predict that the first cetartiodactyls were relatively small animals (around 20 kg). This finding is in accordance with Cope's rule and the fossil record but could not be recovered via continuous character evolution methods.
Identification and characterization of a novel lymphocystis disease virus isolate from cultured grouper in China
Authors: Huang X , Huang Y , Xu L , Wei S , Ouyang Z , Feng J , Qin Q
Published: April 2014

Grouper Epinephelus spp. is one of the most important mariculture fish species in China and South‐East Asian countries. The emerging viral diseases, evoked by iridovirus which belongs to genus Megalocytivirus and Ranavirus, have been well characterized in recent years. To date, few data on lymphocystis disease in grouper which caused by lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) were described. Here, a novel LCDV isolate was identified and characterized. Based on the sequence of LCDV major capsid protein (MCP) and DNA polymerase gene, we found that the causative agents from different species of diseased groupers were the same one and herein were uniformly defined as grouper LCDV (GLCDV). Furthermore, H&E staining revealed that the nodules on the skin were composed of giant cells that contained inclusion bodies in the cytoplasm. Numerous virus particles with >210 nm in diameter and with hexagonal profiles were observed in the cytoplasm. In addition, phylogenetic analysis based on four iridovirus core genes, MCP, DNA polymerase, myristoylated membrane protein (MMP) and ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), consistently showed that GLCDV was mostly related to LCDV‐C, followed by LCDV‐1. Taken together, our data firstly provided the molecular evidence that GLCDV was a novel emerging iridovirus pathogen in grouper culture.
Transmission of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) from Dendronereis spp. (Peters) (Nereididae) to penaeid shrimp
Authors: Haryadi D , Verreth J A J , Verdegem M C J , Vlak J M
Published: April 2014

Dendronereis spp. (Peters) (Nereididae) is a common polychaete in shrimp ponds built on intertidal land and is natural food for shrimp in traditionally managed ponds in Indonesia. White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), an important viral pathogen of the shrimp, can replicate in this polychaete (Desrina et al. 2013); therefore, it is a potential propagative vector for virus transmission. The major aim of this study was to determine whether WSSV can be transmitted from naturally infected Dendronereis spp. to specific pathogen‐free (SPF) Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) through feeding. WSSV was detected in naturally infected Dendronereis spp. and Penaeus monodon Fabricius from a traditional shrimp pond, and the positive animals were used in the current experiment. WSSV‐infected Dendronereis spp. and P. monodon in a pond had a point prevalence of 90% and 80%, respectively, as measured by PCR. WSSV was detected in the head, gills, blood and mid‐body of Dendronereis spp. WSSV from naturally infected Dendronereis spp was transmitted to SPF L. vannamei and subsequently from this shrimp to new naïve‐SPF L. vannamei to cause transient infection. Our findings support the contention that Dendronereis spp, upon feeding, can be a source of WSSV infection of shrimp in ponds.
Brown adipose tissue and its therapeutic potential
Authors: Lidell M. E. , Betz M. J. , Enerbäck S.
Published: April 2014

Obesity and related diseases are a major cause of human morbidity and mortality and constitute a substantial economic burden for society. Effective treatment regimens are scarce, and new therapeutic targets are needed. Brown adipose tissue, an energy‐expending tissue that produces heat, represents a potential therapeutic target. Its presence is associated with low body mass index, low total adipose tissue content and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Knowledge about the development and function of thermogenic adipocytes in brown adipose tissue has increased substantially in the last decade. Important transcriptional regulators have been identified, and hormones able to modulate the thermogenic capacity of the tissue have been recognized. Intriguingly, it is now clear that humans, like rodents, possess two types of thermogenic adipocytes: the classical brown adipocytes found in the interscapular brown adipose organ and the so‐called beige adipocytes primarily found in subcutaneous white adipose tissue after adrenergic stimulation. The presence of two distinct types of energy‐expending adipocytes in humans is conceptually important because these cells might be stimulated and recruited by different signals, raising the possibility that they might be separate potential targets for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we will discuss important features of the energy‐expending brown adipose tissue and highlight those that may serve as potential targets for pharmacological intervention aimed at expanding the tissue and/or enhancing its function to counteract obesity.
Effects of type 1 and type 2 diabetes on the pharmacokinetics of tramadol enantiomers in patients with neuropathic pain phenotyped as cytochrome P450 2D6 extensive metabolizers
Authors: de Moraes Natália Valadares , Lauretti Gabriela Rocha , Lanchote Vera Lucia
Published: April 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of poorly controlled type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of tramadol enantiomers in patients with neuropathic pain.

Methods

Nondiabetic patients (control group, n = 12), patients with T1DM (n = 9) or T2DM (n = 9), all with neuropathic pain and phenotyped as cytochrome P450 2D6 extensive metabolizers, received a single oral dose of 100 mg racemic tramadol. Serial blood samples were collected over a 24-h period.

Key findings

Patients with T1DM showed reduced Cmax of both tramadol enantiomers. The plasma concentrations of the active (+)-M1 were significantly reduced in T1DM (area under the curve plasma concentration versus time (AUC∞): 313.1 ng·h/ml) when compared with nondiabetic patients (AUC∞: 1246.6 ng·h/ml). The fraction unbound of (+)-M1 was increased in patients with T1DM. Patients with T1DM and T2DM showed reduced AUC and increased fraction unbound of (−)-M1.

Conclusions

The reduced total plasma concentrations of the active (+)-M1 in patients with T1DM may not be of clinical relevance because they are counterbalanced by the increased fraction unbound.
Effect of additional vitaminEand zinc supplementation on immunological changes in peripartumSahiwal cows
Authors: Chandra G. , Aggarwal A. , Kumar M. , Singh A. K. , Sharma V. K. , Upadhyay R. C.
Published: April 2014

This study was conducted to exploit ameliorative effect of additional vitamin E and/or zinc supplementation on immune response of peripartum Sahiwal cows. Thirty‐two pregnant dry Sahiwal cows were blocked into four treatment groups (n = 8), namely control, zinc (Zn), vitamin E (Vit E) and zinc + vitamin E (Zn + Vit E). Feeding regimen was same in all the groups except that the Sahiwal cows in the zinc‐, vitamin E‐ and zinc + vitamin E‐fed groups were additionally supplemented with 60 mg Zn/kgDM, 1000 IUvitamin E and 60 mg/kg + 1000IUZn + vitamin E, respectively, from day 60 pre‐partum to day 90 post‐partum. Blood samples were collected on days −60, −45, −30, −15, −7, −3, 0, 3, 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 with respect to day of parturition and analysed for total immunoglobulin (TIG), immunoglobulin G (IgG), interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), vitamin E (Vit E) and zinc (Zn) status. Before calving, cows showed a decrease in plasmaTIG, IgG,IL‐2, Vit E and Zn levels. However, increased levels of plasmaTIG, IgG,IL‐2, Vit E and Zn were observed after calving. After calving, Sahiwal cows supplemented with Zn + Vit E had higher plasmaTIG, IgG andIL‐2 in comparison with cows of control and Zn + Vit E‐fed groups. In the present study, plasma vitamin E level was higher in Vit E‐fed and Zn + Vit E‐fed cows; however, zinc level was higher in Zn‐ and Zn + Vit E‐supplemented cows. In conclusion, a reduced immune response during peripartum period in Sahiwal cows was ameliorated by dietary vitamin E and zinc supplementation.
Predicting environmental gradients with fern species composition in Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: Zuquim Gabriela , Tuomisto Hanna , Jones Mirkka M. , Prado Jefferson , Figueiredo Fernando O.G. , Moulatlet Gabriel M. , Costa Flavia R.C. , Quesada Carlos A. , Emilio Thaise
Published: April 2014

Aim

A major problem for conservation in Amazonia is that species distribution maps are inaccurate. Consequently, conservation planning needs to be based on other information sources such as vegetation and soil maps, which are also inaccurate. We propose and test the use of biotic data on a common and relatively easily inventoried group of plants to infer environmental conditions that can be used to improve maps of floristic patterns for plants in general.

Location

Brazilian Amazonia.

Methods

We sampled 326 plots of 250 m × 2 m separated by distances of 1–1800 km. Terrestrial fern individuals were identified and counted. Edaphic data were obtained from soil samples and analysed for cation concentration and texture. Climatic data were obtained from Worldclim. We used a multivariate regression tree to evaluate the hierarchical importance of soils and climate for fern communities and identified significant indicator species for the resultant classification. We then tested how well the edaphic properties of the plots could be predicted on the basis of their floristic composition using two calibration methods, weighted averaging and k‐nearest neighbour estimation.

Results

Soil cation concentration emerged as the most important variable in the regression tree, whereas soil textural and climatic variation played secondary roles. Almost all the plot classes had several fern species with high indicator values for that class. Soil cation concentration was also the variable most accurately predicted on the basis of fern community composition (R2 = 0.65–0.75 for log‐transformed data). Predictive accuracy varied little among the calibration methods, and was not improved by the use of abundance data instead of presence–absence data.

Conclusions

Fern species composition can be used as an indicator of soil cation concentration, which can be expected to be relevant also for other components of rain forests. Presence–absence data are adequate for this purpose, which makes the collecting of additional data potentially very rapid. Comparison with earlier studies suggests that edaphic preferences of fern species have good transferability across geographical regions within lowland Amazonia. Therefore, species and environmental data sets already available in the Amazon region represent a good starting point for generating better environmental and floristic maps for conservation planning.
Everyday Narratives on Race and Health in Brazil
Authors: Pagano Anna
Published: April 2014

In 2006, Brazil approved a groundbreaking policy aimed at reducing significant racial health inequalities among its citizens. Like health disparities programs in the United States, Brazil's policy is based on the assumptions that racial identity and racism are important health determinants and that citizens who identify as “black” suffer disproportionately from a number of health problems. How do these assumptions compare to Brazilian citizens’ conceptions of racial identity and health inequalities? To address this question, I present ethnographic data from two years of fieldwork in Brazilian public clinics and low‐income neighborhoods. I show that a majority of research participants made no connection between race and better or worse health. Of those who perceived health inequalities by race, most believed that white Brazilians had more health problems than black or brown Brazilians. Finally, I consider the implications of these ethnographic findings for Brazil's health disparities campaign.
The Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi ltrR‐ompR‐ompC‐ompF genes are involved in resistance to the bile salt sodium deoxycholate and in bacterial transformation
Authors: Villarreal J. M. , Becerra‐Lobato N. , Rebollar‐Flores J. E. , Medina‐Aparicio L. , Carbajal‐Gómez E. , Zavala‐García M. L. , Vázquez A. , Gutiérrez‐Ríos R. M. , Olvera L. , Encarnación S. , Martínez‐Batallar A. G. , Calva E. , Hernández‐Lucas I.
Published: April 2014

A characterization of the LtrR regulator, an S. Typhi protein belonging to the LysR family is presented. Proteomics, outer membrane protein profiles and transcriptional analyses demonstrated that LtrR is required for the synthesis of OmpR, OmpC and OmpF. DNA–protein interaction analysis showed that LtrR binds to the regulatory region of ompR and then OmpR interacts with the ompC and ompF promoters inducing porin synthesis. LtrR‐dependent and independent ompR promoters were identified, and both promoters are involved in the synthesis of OmpR for OmpC and OmpF production. To define the functional role of the ltrR‐ompR‐ompC‐ompF genetic network, mutants in each gene were obtained. We found that ltrR, ompR, ompC and ompF were involved in the control of bacterial transformation, while the two regulators and ompC are necessary for the optimal growth of S. Typhi in the presence of one of the major bile salts found in the gut, sodium deoxycholate. The data presented establish the pivotal role of LtrR in the regulatory network of porin synthesis and reveal new genetic strategies of survival and cellular adaptation to the environment used by Salmonella.
Renal histological features of school‐age children with asymptomatic haematuria and/or proteinuria: A multicenter study
Authors: Zhai Yihui , Xu Hong , Shen Qian , Cao Qi , Zhu Guanghua , Wei Minjiang , Sun Li , Liu Haimei , Rao Jia , Fang Xiaoyan , Chen Jing , Guo Wei
Published: April 2014

Aim

The risk of asymptomatic haematuria and/or proteinuria development into chronic progressive glomerulonephritis (CPG) is unclear. The indications for renal biopsy and follow‐up on these asymptomatic children remain controversial.

Methods

A multicenter, retrospective study was performed to investigate the renal histological features of school‐age children with asymptomatic urine abnormalities.

Results

A total of 112 asymptomatic children's renal biopsy data were studied. Most of the children (71%) received a renal biopsy because of isolated microscopic haematuria (IH), and these children were predominantly (60%) proven to have only mild lesions in the glomeruli. Approximately 30% of the children were biopsied because of asymptomatic proteinuria with or without microscopic haematuria (HP or isolated asymptomatic proteinuria (IP)), and these children were mostly (44–83%) indicated to have CPG, such as IgA nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and Alport syndrome. The junior high school students had a greater percentage of HP than the primary school children. IgA nephropathy was the most common diagnosis in children who received renal biopsy because of HP.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that IP and especially HP may have a high risk of development into CPG. IH, however, has a relatively low risk of severe histological lesions. Thus, IH per se might not be suggested as an indication for early renal biopsy. Long‐term follow‐up is necessary for these asymptomatic children.
Experimental reduction of pollinator visitation modifies plant–plant interactions for pollination
Authors: Lázaro Amparo , Lundgren Rebekka , Totland Ørjan
Published: April 2014

The strength of interactions between plants for pollination depends on the abundance of plants and pollinators in the community. The abundance of pollinators may influence plant associations and densities at which individual fitness is maximized. Reduced pollinator visitation may therefore affect the way plant species interact for pollination. We experimentally reduced pollinator visitation to six pollinator‐dependent species (three from an alpine and three from a lowland community in Norway) to study how interactions for pollination were modified by reduced pollinator availability. We related flower visitation, pollen limitation and seed set to density of conspecifics and pollinator‐sharing heterospecifics inside 30 dome‐shaped cages partially covered with fishnet (experimental plots) and in 30 control plots. We expected to find stronger interactions between plants in experimental compared to controls plots. The experiment modified plant–plant interactions for pollination in all the six species; although for two of them neighbourhood interactions did not affect seed set. The pollen limitation and seed set data showed that reduction of pollinator visits most frequently resulted in novel and/or stronger interactions between plants in the experimental plots that did not occur in the controls. Although the responses were species‐specific, there was a tendency for increasing facilitative interactions with conspecific neighbours in experimental plots where pollinator availability was reduced. Heterospecifics only influenced pollination and fecundity in species from the alpine community and in the experimental plots, where they competed with the focal species for pollination. The patterns observed for visitation rates differed from those for fecundity, with more significant interactions between plants in the controls in both communities. This study warns against the exclusive use of visitation data to interpret plant–plant interactions for pollination, and helps to understand how plant aggregations may buffer or intensify the effects of a pollinator loss on plant fitness.
Kisspeptin, c‐Fos and CRFR Type 2 Co‐expression in the Hypothalamus after Insulin‐Induced Hypoglycaemia
Authors: Fergani C , Routly JE , Jones DN , Pickavance LC , Smith RF , Dobson H
Published: April 2014

Contents

Normal reproductive function is dependent upon availability of glucose and insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia is a metabolic stressor known to disrupt the ovine oestrous cycle. We have recently shown that IIH has the ability to delay the LH surge of intact ewes. In the present study, we examined brain tissue to determine: (i) which hypothalamic regions are activated with respect to IIH and (ii) the effect of IIH on kisspeptin cell activation and CRFR type 2 immunoreactivity, all of which may be involved in disruptive mechanisms. Follicular phases were synchronized with progesterone vaginal pessaries and at 28 h after progesterone withdrawal (PW), animals received saline (n = 6) or insulin (4 IU/kg; n = 5) and were subsequently killed at 31 h after PW (i.e., 3 h after insulin administration). Peripheral hormone concentrations were evaluated, and hypothalamic sections were immunostained for either kisspeptin and c‐Fos (a marker of neuronal activation) or CRFR type 2. Within 3 h of treatment, cortisol concentrations had increased whereas plasma oestradiol concentrations decreased in peripheral plasma (p < 0.05 for both). In the arcuate nucleus (ARC), insulin‐treated ewes had an increased expression of c‐Fos. Furthermore, the percentage of kisspeptin cells co‐expressing c‐Fos increased in the ARC (from 11 to 51%; p < 0.05), but there was no change in the medial pre‐optic area (mPOA; 14 vs 19%). CRFR type 2 expression in the lower part of the ARC and the median eminence was not altered by insulin treatment. Thus, disruption of the LH surge after IIH in the follicular phase is not associated with decreased kisspeptin cell activation or an increase in CRFR type 2 in the ARC but may involve other cell types located in the ARC nucleus which are activated in response to IIH.
Mitochondrial Patterns in Bovine Oocytes with Different Meiotic Competence Related to Their in vitro Maturation
Authors: Jeseta M , Ctvrtlikova Knitlova D , Hanzalova K , Hulinska P , Hanulakova S , Milakovic I , Nemcova L , Kanka J , Machatkova M
Published: April 2014

Contents

This study was designed to specify chromatin and mitochondrial patterns in bovine oocytes with different meiotic competence in relation to maturation progress, resumption of meiosis, MII onset and completion of maturation. Oocytes with greater or lesser meiotic competence, recovered separately from medium (MF) and small follicles (SF), were categorized according to morphology. Four oocyte categories, healthy and light‐atretic MF and healthy and light‐atretic SF oocytes were matured and collected at 0, 3, 7, 16 and 24 h of maturation. Specific differences in terms of chromatin and mitochondrial patterns were found among the maturing oocyte categories. Resumption of meiosis was accelerated in light‐atretic oocytes, as compared with healthy oocytes, regardless of their meiotic competence. More competent oocytes activated mitochondria twice during maturation, before resumption of meiosis and before completion of maturation, while less competent oocytes did it only once, before completion of maturation. Changes in mitochondrial activity differed in light‐atretic compared with healthy in both more and less competent oocytes. Healthy meiotically more competent oocytes formed clusters and produced ATP for the whole time of maturation until its completion, while light‐atretic more competent oocytes and healthy less competent oocytes reduced these activities earlier, at MII onset. Contrary to these oocyte categories, light‐atretic less competent oocytes increased cluster formation significantly before resumption of meiosis. It can be concluded that bovine oocytes with different meiotic competence and health differed in the kinetics of mitochondrial patterns during maturation.
Regression Analysis of Current Status Data Under the Additive Hazards Model with Auxiliary Covariates
Authors: Feng Yanqin , Ma Ling , Sun Jianguo
Published: April 2014

This paper discusses regression analysis of current status or case I interval‐censored failure time data arising from the additive hazards model. In this situation, some covariates could be missing because of various reasons, but there may exist some auxiliary information about the missing covariates. To address the problem, we propose an estimated partial likelihood approach for estimation of regression parameters, which makes use of the available auxiliary information. The method can be easily implemented, and the asymptotic properties of the resulting estimates are established. To assess the finite sample performance of the proposed method, an extensive simulation study is conducted and indicates that the method works well.
Cytological grading of canine cutaneous mast cell tumours
Authors: Scarpa Filippo , Sabattini Silvia , Bettini Giuliano
Published: April 2014

A cytological grading for mast cell tumours (MCTs) would be highly desirable, allowing to select the most appropriate therapeutic intervention prior to surgery. This study evaluates the applicability on fine‐needle aspirations (FNAs) of the novel Kiupel grading system, based on number of mitoses, multinucleated cells, bizarre nuclei and presence of karyomegaly. Fifty consecutive cases with pre‐operative cytological diagnosis were included. In cytological specimens, approximately 1000 cells were evaluated, and the histological grade was assessed on the corresponding resected specimens. On cytology, the above parameters were significantly different between histologically low‐grade and high‐grade tumours (P < 0.001). The cytograding correctly predicted the histological grade in 47 cases (accuracy, 94%; sensitivity, 84.6%; specificity, 97.3%). Two high‐grade MCTs (4%) were not detected on cytology. The cytograding can provide helpful insights to assist clinical decisions in most cases. However, the risk of underestimation in a minority of patients represents a limit to the overall utility of the technique.
Accelerated Escherichia coli inactivation in the dark on uniform copper flexible surfaces
Authors: Rtimi Sami , Sanjines Rosendo , Bensimon Michël , Pulgarin César , Kiwi John
Published: April 2014

The bacterial inactivation of Escherichia coli on Cu/CuO-polyester surfaces prepared by direct current magnetron sputtering was investigated in the dark and under actinic light (360 nm≤ λ ≤ 720 nm; 4.1 mW/cm2) as used commonly in hospital facilities. In the dark, complete bacterial inactivation (6log10 reduction) was observed within 150 min and under actinic light within 45 min. Sputtered samples led to nanoparticulate uniform Cu/CuO films ∼70 nm thick. The deposition rate used was 2.2×1015 atoms/cm2 s as determined by profilometry. X-ray fluorescence was used to determine the sample Cu-content and transmission electron microscopy determined Cu-particles ∼20 ± 5 nm in size. The film optical absorption was observed to increase with Cu-content of the sample by diffuse reflection spectroscopy. The bacterial inactivation involved redox processes between Cu/CuO-polyester and the bacteria as observed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. During sample recycling, the amount of Cu-release was determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. The values required for E. coli inactivation were below the cytotoxicity level threshold allowed for mammalian cells. The E. coli inactivation by Cu/CuO-polyester seems to involve an oligodynamic effect since bacterial inactivation was achieved at very low Cu-concentrations.
Bloomberg Sports: Information Overload Goes Abroad
Authors: Kealy Patrick , Shastri Yatin , Battistini Francisco , Durrell Tyler , Huh Jeong , Agha Nola
Published: April 2014

Bloomberg Sports uses sports analytics to create advanced decision tools for professional teams and fantasy sports users. Their success in both the business and consumer markets stems from vital partnerships with Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM), Yahoo!, ESPN, and CBSSports. In a period of increased domestic competition, Bloomberg Sports is searching for the most appropriate international growth strategy. This expansion effort recently was aided by a new joint venture with IMG. By analyzing the market, industry, competitors, and products, important decisions can be made to help Bloomberg Sports expand and grow.
Psychophysiological Responses to Overloading and Tapering Phases in Elite Young Soccer Players
Authors: Freitas Camila G. , Aoki Marcelo S. , Franciscon Clovis A. , Arruda Ademir F.S. , Carling Christopher , Moreira Alexandre
Published: April 2014

This study investigated the effect of a 2-week overloading training phase followed by a 2-week tapering phase on internal training load (ITL), salivary cortisol, stress tolerance, and upper respiratory tract infections symptoms (URTI) in 11 male young soccer players (16.0 ± 0.5 yrs). Ratings of perceived exertion (session-RPE) were taken after each training session (N = 194) to determine ITL. Saliva sampling was conducted at the end of each week and cortisol concentration assessed by ELISA. DALDA and WURSS-21 questionnaires were administered every week to evaluate stress tolerance and severity of URTI respectively. The number of athletes reporting URTI symptoms was recorded. The overloading phase promoted greater ITL and a higher resting cortisol concentration than the tapering phase (P < .05). While no significant changes in stress tolerance or URTI severity were observed, the number of athletes reporting URTI symptoms was higher during the overloading phase. A significant correlation was observed between symptoms of stress and severity of URTI (rs=-.71; P = .01). The results indicate that an integrated approach using psychological measures (session-RPE and DALDA), self-reports of URTI symptoms, and endocrine responses (cortisol) to training are pertinent for monitoring young soccer players.
The Relationship Between Objectively Measured Physical Activity, Salivary Cortisol, and the Metabolic Syndrome Score in Girls
Authors: DuBose Katrina D. , McKune Andrew J.
Published: April 2014

The relationship between physical activity levels, salivary cortisol, and the metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) score was examined. Twenty-three girls (8.4 ± 0.9 years) had a fasting blood draw, waist circumference and blood pressure measured, and wore an ActiGraph accelerometer for 5 days. Saliva samples were collected to measure cortisol levels. Previously established cut points estimated the minutes spent in moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. A continuous MetSyn score was created from blood pressure, waist circumference, high-density-lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride, and glucose values. Correlation analyses examined associations between physical activity, cortisol, the MetSyn score, and its related components. Regression analysis examined the relationship between cortisol, the MetSyn score, and its related components adjusting for physical activity, percent body fat, and sexual maturity. Vigorous physical activity was positively related with 30 min post waking cortisol values. The MetSyn score was not related with cortisol values after controlling for confounders. In contrast, HDL was negatively related with 30 min post waking cortisol. Triglyceride was positively related with 30 min post waking cortisol and area under the curve. The MetSyn score and many of its components were not related to cortisol salivary levels even after adjusting for physical activity, body fat percentage, and sexual maturity.
A Pediatric Correlational Study of Stride Interval Dynamics, Energy Expenditure and Activity Level
Authors: Ellis Denine , Sejdic Ervin , Zabjek Karl , Chau Tom
Published: April 2014

The strength of time-dependent correlations known as stride interval (SI) dynamics has been proposed as an indicator of neurologically healthy gait. Most recently, it has been hypothesized that these dynamics may be necessary for gait efficiency although the supporting evidence to date is scant. The current study examines over-ground SI dynamics, and their relationship with the cost of walking and physical activity levels in neurologically healthy children aged nine to 15 years. Twenty participants completed a single experimental session consisting of three phases: 10 min resting, 15 min walking and 10 min recovery. The scaling exponent (α) was used to characterize SI dynamics while net energy cost was measured using a portable metabolic cart, and physical activity levels were determined based on a 7-day recall questionnaire. No significant linear relationships were found between a and the net energy cost measures (r < .07; p > .25) or between α and physical activity levels (r = .01, p = .62). However, there was a marked reduction in the variance of α as activity levels increased. Over-ground stride dynamics do not appear to directly reflect energy conservation of gait in neurologically healthy youth. However, the reduction in the variance of α with increasing physical activity suggests a potential exercise-moderated convergence toward a level of stride interval persistence for able-bodied youth reported in the literature. This latter finding warrants further investigation.
Assessing Modes and Frequency of Commuting to School in Youngsters: A Systematic Review
Authors: Herrador-Colmenero Manuel , Pérez-García Manuel , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Chillón Palma
Published: April 2014

The first objective was to review and analyze self-reported measures used for assessing mode and frequency of commuting to and from school in youngsters (4–18.5 years old). The secondary objective was to conduct a qualitative appraisal of the identified studies. We searched five online databases: PubMed, SportDiscus, ProQuest, National Transportation Library, and Web of Knowledge. Four categories of search terms were identified: self-report, active transportation, school-aged children and school. Titles and abstracts were reviewed to determine whether the studies met the inclusion criteria. The quality of the reporting of the measures was assessed using a tailored list. The electronic search strategy produced 5,898 studies. After applying the inclusion criteria, we identified 158 studies. Sixty-three studies (39.8%) specified the question about modes of commuting to school. One hundred seven studies (67.7%) directly questioned the study subjects (i.e., children and/or adolescents). Twenty studies (12.7%) posed a valid and reliable question. The quality assessment of the self-report measures was medium. The self-report measures used in the literature for assessing commuting to school tend to be heterogeneous and make difficult interstudies comparisons. Therefore we put forward the idea of a standard question designed to elicit reliable, comparable information on commuting to school.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Submaximal Exercise-Based Equations to Predict Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Young People
Authors: Ferrar Katia , Evans Harrison , Smith Ashleigh , Parfitt Gaynor , Eston Roger
Published: April 2014

Many equations to predict maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) from submaximal exercise tests have been proposed for young people, but the composition and accuracy of these equations vary greatly. The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze all submaximal exercise-based equations to predict V̇O2max measured via direct gas analysis for use with young people. Five databases were systematically searched in February 2013. Studies were included if they used a submaximal, exercise-based method to predict V̇O2max; the actual V̇O2max was gas analyzed; participants were younger than 18 years; and equations included at least one submaximal exercise-based variable. A meta-analysis and narrative synthesis were conducted. Sixteen studies were included. The mean equation validity statistic was strong, r = .786 (95% CI 0.747–0.819). Subgroup meta-analysis suggests exercise mode may contribute to the overall model, with running- and walking-based predictive equations reporting the highest mean r values (running r = .880; walking r = .821) and cycling the weakest (r = .743). Selection of the most appropriate equation should be guided by factors such as purpose, logistic limitations, appropriateness of the validation sample, the level of study bias, and the degree of accuracy. Suggestions regarding the most accurate equation for each exercise mode are provided.
Physical Activity for Weight Loss in Children: Is There Any Compensatory Mechanism?
Authors: Thivel David , Duché Pascale
Published: April 2014

Although physical activity is primarily considered for its effects on energy expenditure for prevention and treatment of both overweight and obesity, its role in the regulation and control of energy balance seems more complex. Not only does physical activity affect energy expenditure, it also leads to modifications in energy intake and appetite that have been identified in children and that should be considered for weight loss. It also appears that it may not systematically favor increased energy expenditure due to individual differences in compensatory responses. This brief paper summarizes the pediatric evidence regarding those potential compensatory responses to physical activity and suggests that these compensatory responses of increasing physical activity levels may depend on children’s adiposity status.
Best Practice Recommendations for Prevention of Sudden Death in Secondary School Athletes: An Update
Authors: Pryor Riana R. , Huggins Robert A. , Casa Douglas J.
Published: April 2014

The aim of the recent Inter-Association Task Force held in Washington, D.C. at the 2013 Youth Safety Summit determined best practice recommendations for preventing sudden death in secondary school athletics. This document highlights the major health and safety practices and policies in high school athletics that are paramount to keep student athletes safe. The purpose of this commentary is to review the findings of the document developed by the task force and to provide possible areas where research is needed to continue to educate medical practitioners, players, coaches, and parents on ways to prevent tragedies from occurring during sport.
A Developmental Switch of Axon Targeting in the Continuously Regenerating Mouse Olfactory System
Authors: Ma Limei , Wu Yunming , Qiu Qiang , Scheerer Hayley , Moran Andrea , Yu C. Ron
Published: April 2014

Axon Routing in the Olfactory System

The olfactory system of mice entails a developmental program that wires neurons expressing similar olfactory receptors into glomeruli together. Although the adult olfactory system continues to produce and incorporate new neurons, it cannot withstand severe damage (see the Perspective by

Cheetham and Belluscio

).

Ma
et al.

(p.
194
) and
Tsai and Barnea
(p.
197
) examined the difference in responses between early development and adulthood. Manipulating the expression of an odorant receptor or the activity of the olfactory neurons altered olfactory neuron axonal pathfinding. The results suggest that the guidance systems used differ between early development and adulthood: Early axons find their own way, but later-in-life axons can only follow existing pathways.
Flies Evade Looming Targets by Executing Rapid Visually Directed Banked Turns
Authors: Muijres Florian T. , Elzinga Michael J. , Melis Johan M. , Dickinson Michael H.
Published: April 2014

Taking Flight

Anyone who has tried to swat a fly knows that their powers of avoidance are impressive. Executing such rapid avoidance requires that the sensory recognition of an approaching threat be translated into evasive movement almost instantaneously.

Muijres
et al.

(p.
172
) used high-speed videos and winged robots to show that flies respond to approaching threats by making rapid banked turns initiated through subtle wing changes over just a few wing beats. The rapid nature of the turns suggests the existence of dedicated sensory-motor circuits that allow the flies to respond within a fraction of a second.
The Advantages of Extra Entanglement
Authors: Widera Artur
Published: April 2014

An ensemble of 40 ultracold atoms forms an entangled state when just one of the atoms is excited.

[Also see Report by

Haas
et al.

]
Pulsar Beams—Big and Bright
Authors: Romani Roger W.
Published: April 2014

Recent studies of gamma-ray beams emitted from rotating neutron stars are providing a better understanding of the mechanism underlying pulsars.
Patterning Cues from the Altruistic Sibling
Authors: Bayer Martin
Published: April 2014

The endosperm acts as a signaling hub to orchestrate developmental processes in the
Arabidopsis
seed.

[Also see Research Article by

Costa
et al.

]
An Olfactory Critical Period
Authors: Cheetham Claire E. , Belluscio Leonardo
Published: April 2014

A critical period of plasticity allows neuronal circuitry of the mammalian olfactory system to develop.

[Also see Reports by

Ma
et al.

and
Tsai and Barnea
]
Are Bats Spreading Ebola Across Sub-Saharan Africa?
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: April 2014

As health workers struggle to contain the Ebola virus that has already killed more than 100 people, scientists are searching for clues about where the outbreak came from.
Human Activity May Have Triggered Fatal Italian Earthquakes, Panel Says
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin
Published: April 2014

An unpublished report concludes that increased activity in a nearby oil field may have played a role in a pair of deadly earthquakes that struck Italy in 2012.
A Balkan Riddle's Serendipitous Solution
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: April 2014

Starting in the 1950s, researchers hunted for the cause of an unusual chronic kidney disease afflicting farming communities in the Balkans. It took a mishap with Chinese herbal medicine in Belgium and the dogged sleuthing of molecular epidemiologists to arrive at the culprit.
LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES: The Digital PCR Revolution
Authors: Perkel Jeffrey M.
Published: April 2014

"Like finding a needle in a haystack" is an overused expression, but when it comes to some biological scavenger hunts, it fits. Researchers studying rare variant biomarkers often find themselves on the lookout for faint genetic signals against an overwhelming background, sometimes as little as a single positive in 100,000 negatives or more. Such a situation cries out for polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique uniquely capable of capturing the proverbial needle. But standard PCR won't do—it is a qualitative technique—and neither will quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), which often lacks the necessary accuracy and sensitivity. These days, there's a third and increasingly popular option: digital PCR (dPCR). By discretizing those 100,000 molecules in a large number of individual reactions, dPCR makes the rare positive surprisingly easy to find.
Evaluation of Anticoagulants for Serologic Assays of Cholera Vaccination
Authors: Yang Jae Seung , Kang Seok-Seong , Yun Cheol-Heui , Han Seung Hyun
Published: April 2014

Blood collected with an anticoagulant is beneficial for simultaneous evaluation of immune cells and humoral components such as antibodies. However, it is critical that the anticoagulant does not affect quantitative and qualitative analyses of antibodies. In the present study, we examined the potential interference of the widely used anticoagulants heparin, EDTA, and acid citrate dextrose (ACD) on vibriocidal antibody activities and
Vibrio cholerae
lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-specific IgG, IgM, and IgA levels in the plasma and sera obtained from cholera patients or vaccinees. Serum vibriocidal antibody titer was inhibited in the presence of EDTA or ACD but not in the presence of heparin. Moreover, 100% (8/8) of the vibriocidal antibody titers of plasma samples obtained from the vaccinees in tubes containing heparin were identical to the titers of matched sera when compared with 37.5% (3/8) and 50% (4/8) of the plasma samples prepared with EDTA and ACD, respectively. Among LPS-specific Igs, the Pearson correlation coefficient (
r
) for IgA in serum and plasma was low (
r
= 0.716), and the coefficients for IgG and IgM were relatively high (
r
= 0.997 and
r
= 0.945, respectively) in heparinized plasma samples compared with the coefficient for IgG and IgM of EDTA- and ACD-treated plasma. Our results suggest that heparin is an appropriate anticoagulant for the collection of blood when measuring vibriocidal activities and antibody levels in plasma samples.
Prevalence of Isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae Putative Serotype 6E in South Korea
Authors: Baek Jin Yang , Park In Ho , Song Jae-Hoon , Ko Kwan Soo
Published: April 2014

The prevalence of serogroup 6 among 1,206
Streptococcus pneumoniae
clinical isolates collected from Korean hospitals over three periods (1996 to 2001, 2004 to 2006, and 2008 to 2009) was investigated. The number of serogroup 6 isolates increased from 9.7 to 17.5% over the three periods. While the proportion of serotype 6A and 6D isolates increased significantly, that of serotype 6B isolates decreased. Twenty-four isolates (2.0%) were typed as the recently identified putative serotype 6E or genetic variants of serotype 6B. The results suggest that the lack of change in frequency of serotype 6B, in spite of the introduction of the PCV7 vaccine as seen in previous studies in South Korea, might be due mainly to the improper inclusion of putative serotype 6E in serotype 6B. All but three serotype 6E isolates belonged to CC90, indicating their clonal expansion.
Improving Oral Human Papillomavirus Detection Using Toothbrush Sampling in HIV-Positive Men Who Have Sex with Men
Authors: Ong Jason J. , Read Tim , Chen Marcus , Walker Sandra , Law Matthew , Bradshaw Catriona , Garland Suzanne M. , Tabrizi Sepehr N. , Cornall Alyssa , Grulich Andrew , Hocking Jane , Fairley Christopher K.
Published: April 2014

Pre- and postabrasion oral rinse samples (ORS) and a toothbrush sample detected human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA in at least one sample among 45 (26%) of 173 HIV-positive men who have sex with men. There was moderate agreement for HPV genotype detection between the preabrasion and postabrasion ORS (κ = 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37 to 0.61). There was good agreement between postabrasion ORS and toothbrushes (κ = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.80). The sensitivities for HPV genotypes detected were 80% (95% CI, 69 to 88) for preabrasion ORS, 65% (95% CI, 54 to 76) for postabrasion ORS, and 75% (95% CI, 63 to 84) for toothbrushes.