bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Milky Way mass galaxies with X-shaped bulges are not rare in the local Universe
Authors: Laurikainen E. , Salo H. , Athanassoula E. , Bosma A. , Herrera-Endoqui M.
Published: August 2014

Boxy/Peanut/X-shaped (B/P/X) bulges are studied using the 3.6 μm images from the Spitzer Survey of Stellar Structure in Galaxies, and the Ks-band images from the Near-IR S0 galaxy Survey. They are compared with the properties of barlenses, defined as lens-like structures embedded in bars, with sizes of ∼50 per cent of bars and axial ratios of ∼0.6–0.9. Based on observations (extending Laurikainen et al.) and recent simulation models, we show evidence that barlenses are the more face-on counterparts of B/P/X-shaped bulges. Using unsharp masks 18 new X-shaped structures are identified, covering a large range of galaxy inclinations. The similar masses and red B−3.6 μm colours of the host galaxies, and the fact that the combined axial ratio distribution of the host galaxy discs is flat, support the interpretation that barlenses and X-shapes are physically the same phenomenon. In Hubble types −3 ≤ T ≤ 2 even half of the bars contain either a barlens or an X-shaped structure. Our detailed 2D multicomponent decompositions for 29 galaxies, fitting the barlens/X-shape with a separate component, indicate very small or non-existent classical bulges. Taking into account that the structures we study have similar host galaxy masses as the Milky Way (MW), our results imply that MW mass galaxies with no significant classical bulges are common in the nearby Universe.
Infliximab Therapy in Pediatric Patients 7 Years of Age and Younger
Authors: Kelsen Judith R. , Grossman Andrew B. , Pauly‐Hubbard Helen , Gupta Kernika , Baldassano Robert N. , Mamula Petar
Published: August 2014

Background:

Infliximab (IFX) is efficacious for induction and maintenance of remission in pediatric patients with moderate‐to‐severe inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It has, however, not been studied in patients 7 years old and younger. Our aim was to characterize efficacy and safety of IFX therapy in this cohort.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study of patients with IBD ages 7 years and younger, treated with IFX between 1999 and 2011. Medical records were reviewed for age of diagnosis, disease phenotype, therapy, surgery, IFX infusion dates, dose, and intervals. Outcome measures included physician global assessment, corticosteroid requirement, and adverse events.

Results:

Thirty‐three children (ages 2.4–7 years) were included. Twenty patients had Crohn disease, 4 had ulcerative colitis, and 9 had indeterminate colitis. Maintenance of IFX therapy at 1, 2, and 3 years was 36%, 18%, and 12%, respectively. Patients of age 5 years and younger had the lowest rates of maintenance of therapy at 25% at year 1, and 10% at years 2 and 3 combined. Nine percent of all of the patients demonstrated response measured by the physician global assessment and were steroid free at 1 year. There were 8 infusion reactions. There were no malignancies, serious infections, or deaths.

Conclusions:

IFX demonstrated a modest response rate and a low steroid‐sparing effect in patients with IBD 7 years old and younger. Although this is a limited study, there appears to be a trend for decreased sustained efficacy with IFX in this age group, particularly in children 5 years old and younger, when compared with the previously published literature in older children.
Exosome platform for diagnosis and monitoring of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Taylor Douglas D. , Gercel-Taylor Cicek
Published: August 2014

We have previously demonstrated the release of membranous structures by cells into their extracellular environment, which are termed exosomes, microvesicles or extracellular vesicles depending on specific characteristics, including size, composition and biogenesis pathway. With activation, injury, stress, transformation or infection, cells express proteins and RNAs associated with the cellular responses to these events. The exosomes released by these cells can exhibit an array of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids linked to these physiologic events. This review focuses on exosomes associated with traumatic brain injury, which may be both diagnostic and a causative factor in the progression of the injury. Based on current data, exosomes play essential roles as conveyers of intercellular communication and mediators of many of the pathological conditions associated with development, progression and therapeutic failures and cellular stress in a variety of pathologic conditions. These extracellular vesicles express components responsible for angiogenesis promotion, stromal remodelling, signal pathway activation through growth factor/receptor transfer, chemoresistance, immunologic activation and genetic exchange. These circulating exosomes not only represent a central mediator of the pro-inflammatory microenvironment linked with secondary brain injury, but their presence in the peripheral circulation may serve as a surrogate for biopsies, enabling real-time diagnosis and monitoring of neurodegenerative progression.
Extracellular-vesicle type of volume transmission and tunnelling-nanotube type of wiring transmission add a new dimension to brain neuro-glial networks
Authors: Agnati Luigi F. , Fuxe Kjell
Published: August 2014

Two major types of intercellular communication are found in the central nervous system (CNS), namely wiring transmission (WT; point-to-point communication via private channels, e.g. synaptic transmission) and volume transmission (VT; communication in the extracellular fluid and in the cerebrospinal fluid). Volume and synaptic transmission become integrated because their chemical signals activate different types of interacting receptors in heteroreceptor complexes located synaptically and extrasynaptically in the plasma membrane. In VT, we focus on the role of the extracellular-vesicle type of VT, and in WT, on the potential role of the tunnelling-nanotube (TNT) type of WT. The so-called exosomes appear to be the major vesicular carrier for intercellular communication but the larger microvesicles also participate. Extracellular vesicles are released from cultured cortical neurons and different types of glial cells and modulate the signalling of the neuronal–glial networks of the CNS. This type of VT has pathological relevance, and epigenetic mechanisms may participate in the modulation of extracellular-vesicle-mediated VT. Gerdes and co-workers proposed the existence of a novel type of WT based on TNTs, which are straight transcellular channels leading to the formationin vitroof syncytial cellular networks found also in neuronal and glial cultures.
Multifaceted effects of oligodendroglial exosomes on neurons: impact on neuronal firing rate, signal transduction and gene regulation
Authors: Fröhlich Dominik , Kuo Wen Ping , Frühbeis Carsten , Sun Jyh-Jang , Zehendner Christoph M. , Luhmann Heiko J. , Pinto Sheena , Toedling Joern , Trotter Jacqueline , Krämer-Albers Eva-Maria
Published: August 2014

Exosomes are small membranous vesicles of endocytic origin that are released by almost every cell type. They exert versatile functions in intercellular communication important for many physiological and pathological processes. Recently, exosomes attracted interest with regard to their role in cell–cell communication in the nervous system. We have shown that exosomes released from oligodendrocytes upon stimulation with the neurotransmitter glutamate are internalized by neurons and enhance the neuronal stress tolerance. Here, we demonstrate that oligodendroglial exosomes also promote neuronal survival during oxygen–glucose deprivation, a model of cerebral ischaemia. We show the transfer from oligodendrocytes to neurons of superoxide dismutase and catalase, enzymes which are known to help cells to resist oxidative stress. Additionally, we identify various effects of oligodendroglial exosomes on neuronal physiology. Electrophysiological analysis using
in vitro
multi-electrode arrays revealed an increased firing rate of neurons exposed to oligodendroglial exosomes. Moreover, gene expression analysis and phosphorylation arrays uncovered differentially expressed genes and altered signal transduction pathways in neurons after exosome treatment. Our study thus provides new insight into the broad spectrum of action of oligodendroglial exosomes and their effects on neuronal physiology. The exchange of extracellular vesicles between neural cells may exhibit remarkable potential to impact brain performance.
Epigenetic setting and reprogramming for neural cell fate determination and differentiation
Authors: Imamura Takuya , Uesaka Masahiro , Nakashima Kinichi
Published: August 2014

In the mammalian brain, epigenetic mechanisms are clearly involved in the regulation of self-renewal of neural stem cells and the derivation of their descendants, i.e. neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, according to the developmental timing and the microenvironment, the ‘niche’. Interestingly, local epigenetic changes occur, concomitantly with genome-wide level changes, at a set of gene promoter regions for either down- or upregulation of the gene. In addition, intergenic regions also sensitize the availability of epigenetic modifiers, which affects gene expression through a relatively long-range chromatinic interaction with the transcription regulatory machineries including non-coding RNA (ncRNA) such as promoter-associated ncRNA and enhancer ncRNA. We show that such an epigenetic landscape in a neural cell is statically but flexibly formed together with a variable combination of generally and locally acting nuclear molecules including master transcription factors and cell-cycle regulators. We also discuss the possibility that revealing the epigenetic regulation by the local DNA–RNA–protein assemblies would promote methodological innovations, e.g. neural cell reprogramming, engineering and transplantation, to manipulate neuronal and glial cell fates for the purpose of medical use of these cells.
Regulation of histone H3K4 methylation in brain development and disease
Authors: Shen Erica , Shulha Hennady , Weng Zhiping , Akbarian Schahram
Published: August 2014

The growing list of mutations implicated in monogenic disorders of the developing brain includes at least seven genes (
ARX, CUL4B, KDM5A, KDM5C, KMT2A, KMT2C, KMT2D
) with loss-of-function mutations affecting proper regulation of histone H3 lysine 4 methylation, a chromatin mark which on a genome-wide scale is broadly associated with active gene expression, with its mono-, di- and trimethylated forms differentially enriched at promoter and enhancer and other regulatory sequences. In addition to these rare genetic syndromes, dysregulated H3K4 methylation could also play a role in the pathophysiology of some cases diagnosed with autism or schizophrenia, two conditions which on a genome-wide scale are associated with H3K4 methylation changes at hundreds of loci in a subject-specific manner. Importantly, the reported alterations for some of the diseased brain specimens included a widespread broadening of H3K4 methylation profiles at gene promoters, a process that could be regulated by the UpSET(KMT2E/MLL5)-histone deacetylase complex. Furthermore, preclinical studies identified maternal immune activation, parental care and monoaminergic drugs as environmental determinants for brain-specific H3K4 methylation. These novel insights into the epigenetic risk architectures of neurodevelopmental disease will be highly relevant for efforts aimed at improved prevention and treatment of autism and psychosis spectrum disorders.
Two amino acid substitutions in the haemagglutinin of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus decrease direct-contact transmission in guinea pigs
Authors: He Liang , Jiang Kaijun , Wu Qiwen , Duan Zhiqiang , Xu Haixu , Liu Jingjing , Cui Zhu , Gu Min , Wang Xiaoquan , Liu Xiaowen , Liu Xiufan
Published: August 2014

The 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza A virus spread across the globe and caused the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century. Many of the molecular factors that contributed to the airborne transmission of this pandemic virus have been determined; however, the direct-contact transmission of this virus remains poorly understood. In this study, we report that a combination of two mutations (N159D and Q226R) in the haemagglutinin (HA) protein of the representative 2009 H1N1 influenza virus A/California/04/2009 (CA04) caused a switch in receptor binding preference from the α2,6-sialoglycan to the α2,3-sialoglycan receptor, and decreased the binding intensities for both glycans. In conjunction with a significantly decreased replication efficiency in the nasal epithelium, this limited human receptor binding affinity resulted in inefficient direct-contact transmission of CA04 between guinea pigs. Our findings highlight the role of the HA gene in the transmission of the influenza virus.
H3S28 phosphorylation is a hallmark of the transcriptional response to cellular stress
Authors: Sawicka Anna , Hartl Dominik , Goiser Malgorzata , Pusch Oliver , Stocsits Roman R. , Tamir Ido M. , Mechtler Karl , Seiser Christian
Published: August 2014

The selectivity of transcriptional responses to extracellular cues is reflected by the deposition of stimulus-specific chromatin marks. Although histone H3 phosphorylation is a target of numerous signaling pathways, its role in transcriptional regulation remains poorly understood. Here, for the first time, we report a genome-wide analysis of H3S28 phosphorylation in a mammalian system in the context of stress signaling. We found that this mark targets as many as 50% of all stress-induced genes, underlining its importance in signal-induced transcription. By combining ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, and mass spectrometry we identified the factors involved in the biological interpretation of this histone modification. We found that MSK1/2-mediated phosphorylation of H3S28 at stress-responsive promoters contributes to the dissociation of HDAC corepressor complexes and thereby to enhanced local histone acetylation and subsequent transcriptional activation of stress-induced genes. Our data reveal a novel function of the H3S28ph mark in the activation of mammalian genes in response to MAP kinase pathway activation.
Branching Out in Roots: Uncovering Form, Function, and Regulation
Authors: Atkinson Jonathan A. , Rasmussen Amanda , Traini Richard , Voß Ute , Sturrock Craig , Mooney Sacha J. , Wells Darren M. , Bennett Malcolm J.
Published: August 2014

Root branching is critical for plants to secure anchorage and ensure the supply of water, minerals, and nutrients. To date, research on root branching has focused on lateral root development in young seedlings. However, many other programs of postembryonic root organogenesis exist in angiosperms. In cereal crops, the majority of the mature root system is composed of several classes of adventitious roots that include crown roots and brace roots. In this Update, we initially describe the diversity of postembryonic root forms. Next, we review recent advances in our understanding of the genes, signals, and mechanisms regulating lateral root and adventitious root branching in the plant models Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), maize (Zea mays), and rice (Oryza sativa). While many common signals, regulatory components, and mechanisms have been identified that control the initiation, morphogenesis, and emergence of new lateral and adventitious root organs, much more remains to be done. We conclude by discussing the challenges and opportunities facing root branching research.
Radial Transport of Nutrients: The Plant Root as a Polarized Epithelium
Authors: Barberon Marie , Geldner Niko
Published: August 2014

In higher plants, roots acquire water and soil nutrients and transport them upward to their aerial parts. These functions are closely related to their anatomical structure; water and nutrients entering the root first move radially through several concentric layers of the epidermis, cortex, and endodermis before entering the central cylinder. The endodermis is the innermost cortical cell layer that features rings of hydrophobic cell wall material called the Casparian strips, which functionally resemble tight junctions in animal epithelia. Nutrient uptake from the soil can occur through three different routes that can be interconnected in various ways: the apoplastic route (through the cell wall), the symplastic route (through cellular connections), and a coupled trans-cellular route (involving polarized influx and efflux carriers). This Update presents recent advances in the radial transport of nutrients highlighting the coupled trans-cellular pathway and the roles played by the endodermis as a barrier.
Crystal structure of tetrakis(μ-N-phenylacetamidato)-κ4N:O;κ4O:N-bis[(2-methylbenzonitrile-κN)rhodium(II)](Rh—Rh)
Authors: Eagle Cassandra T. , Atem-Tambe Nkongho , Kpogo Kenneth K. , Tan Jennie , Cook Kevin M.
Published: August 2014

The complex molecule of the title compound, [Rh2{N(C6H5)COCH3}4(C8H7N)2], exhibits inversion symmetry. The four acetamidate ligands bridging the dirhodium core are arranged in a 2,2-transmanner with two N atoms and two O atoms coordinating to each RhIIatomtransto one another. The Neq—Rh—Rh—Oeqtorsion angles on the acetamidate bridge vary between −4.07 (5) and −6.78 (7)°. The axial nitrile ligands complete the distorted octahedral coordination sphere of each RhIIatom and show a nonlinear coordination with Rh—N—C bond angles of 151.6 (3) and 152.5 (3)°. The bond lengths of the two nitrile triple bonds are 1.133 (5) and 1.137 (5) Å.
Crystal structure ofN-[4-amino-5-cyano-6-(methylsulfanyl)pyridin-2-yl]-2-(cyclohexylsulfanyl)acetamide
Authors: Mague Joel T. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Akkurt Mehmet , Hussein Bahgat R. M. , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: August 2014

In the title molecule, C15H20N4OS2, the acetamido fragment is nearly coplanar with the pyridyl ring [C—N—C—C torsion angle = −4.1 (2)°], while the cyclohexylsulfanyl portion protrudes from this plane [N—C—C—S torsion angle = −40.8 (6)°]. In the crystal, alternating pairwise N—H...O and N—H...N hydrogen bonds across inversion centres form chains along [101], which are associated into stepped layersviaoffset π–π stacking between pyridyl rings [centroid–centroid distance = 3.566 (1) Å]. The cyclohexyl group and the two atoms of the S—C bond attached to it are disordered over two sets of sites with site-occupancy factors of 0.8845 (18) and 0.1155 (18).
Crystal structure of (3,5-dibromo-2-hydroxyphenyl){1-[(naphthalen-1-yl)carbonyl]-1H-pyrazol-4-yl}methanone
Authors: Ishikawa Yoshinobu , Motohashi Yuya
Published: August 2014

In the title compound, C21H12Br2N2O3, a 1,4-diaroyl pyrazole derivative, the dihedral angles between the naphthalene ring system and the pyrazole ring, the pyrazole and benzene rings, and the naphthalene ring system and benzene ring are 50.0 (2), 51.1 (2) and 1.34 (16)°, respectively. The phenolic proton forms an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond with the adjacent carbonyl O atom. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers. The dimers are linked by C—H...Br hydrogen bonds, forming double stranded chains along [01-1]. The chains are linked by π–π interactions between the pyrazole rings and between the naphthalene and benzene rings [centroid–centroid distances = 3.592 (4) and 3.632 (4) Å, respectively].
Structural disorder and transformation in crystal growth: direct observation of ring-opening isomerization in a metal–organic solid solution
Authors: Jiang Ji-Jun , He Jian-Rong , Lü Xing-Qiang , Wang Da-Wei , Li Guo-Bi , Su Cheng-Yong
Published: August 2014

A rare example is reported in which discrete Ag2L2ring and (AgL)∞chain motifs [L=N,N′-bis(3-imidazol-1-yl-propyl)-pyromellitic diimide] co-crystallize in the same crystal lattice with varying ratios and degrees of disorder. Crystal structures obtained from representative crystals reveal compatible packing arrangements of the cyclic and polymeric isomers within the crystal lattice, which enables them to co-exist within a crystalline solid solution. A feasible pathway for transformation between the isomers is suggestedviafacile rotation of the coordinating imidazolyl groups. This chemical system could provide a chance for direct observation of ring-opening isomerization at the crystal surface. Mass spectrometry and1H NMR titration show a dynamic equilibrium between cyclic and oligomeric species in solution, and a potential crystallization process is suggested involving alignment of precursors directed by aromatic stacking interactions between pyromellitic diimide units, followed by ring-opening isomerization at the interface between the solid and the solution. Both cyclic and oligomeric species can act as precursors, with interconversion between them being facile due to a low energy barrier for rotation of the imidazole rings. Thermogravimetric analysis and variable-temperature powder X-ray diffraction indicate a transition to a different crystalline phase around 120°C, which is associated with loss of solvent from the crystal lattice.
Experimentally linking disturbance, resources and productivity to diversity in forest ground‐layer plant communities
Authors: Burton Julia I. , Mladenoff David J. , Forrester Jodi A. , Clayton Murray K.
Published: August 2014

Disturbance can function to maintain diversity within forest communities; however, specific mechanisms and the relationship to productivity are not well understood.

We examined these linkages in forest ground‐layer plant communities using a replicated, manipulative field experiment. Treatments included a range of gap sizes and untreated controls. We assessed spatial and temporal responses over the first three years following gap creation.

Light transmittance and soil water content increased with gap size, while rates of colonization and species richness increased after a critical threshold. Subsequent increases in productivity were associated with declines in species richness, increased rates of local extirpation and a unimodal relationship between species richness and productivity at the individual quadrat scale (4 m2).

The richness and productivity of vines, shrubs and especially graminoids, increased within 200–380 m2 gaps treatments. However, the productivity of forbs and tree seedlings did not, showing possible drought sensitivity overriding treatments. Spatial and temporal partitioning of gaps occurred as a result of interactions between species traits and environmental conditions. Significantly, productivity and richness showed complex relationships with canopy structure.

Synthesis. Our results show that richness increases to an asymptote after a critical threshold in disturbance severity initially. Decreases in species richness over time associated with increases in productivity may eventually result in the unimodal relationship predicted by the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. However, species composition continues to differ with canopy gap size, suggesting a range of canopy gap sizes is required to maintain the greatest diversity of plant species over broader spatial and temporal scales.
Democratic Meta-Deliberation: Towards Reflective Institutional Design
Authors: Landwehr Claudia
Published: August 2014

Theories of deliberative democracy are popular for their promise that in a deliberative polity, democracy can realise both participatory politics and rational policies. However, they are also confronted with the allegation that by qualifying essentially non-democratic practices as deliberative, they inadvertently (or not) become accomplices in the trend towards post-democratic governance. A central example of such a development is the rise of non-majoritarian bodies to which governments delegate decision making, thereby de-politicising conflicts and turning democratic discourses into technocratic ones. This article adopts a systemic perspective on deliberative democracy, asking whether non-majoritarian forums can be legitimated in a democratic system and whether they can contribute to their deliberative quality. It is argued that the legitimation of delegated decision-making is not possible without a culture and practice of democratic meta-deliberation which enables reflective institutional design.
Korean Television Dramas and the Political Economy of City Promotion
Authors: Oh Youjeong
Published: August 2014

This article examines the ways in which urban processes are associated with the production of culture. It does so by exploring how Korean cities sponsor drama. The historically conditioned and economically neglected status of regional cities, combined with elected local leaders' desire to promote their own areas, has led to a strategy to publicize them by leveraging the popularity of Korean television dramas in Asia. Two distinct types of drama sponsorship by cities — the construction of outdoor settings for drama and ‘city placement’ — manifest the interactions between story‐making and place‐making. The affective process that blends city sites with the characters, storylines and emotional flows of TV drama imbues those sites with a dramatic quality that stimulates the audience's empathy and persuasively motivates them to actually visit the places they have seen televised. Thanks to the broad penetration of television drama, sponsorship by cities has strikingly boosted drama‐driven tourism. Nevertheless, reflecting the speculative nature of TV drama, city promotion through this medium has had limited stability and sustainability. In sum, this article demonstrates that the production of Korean television dramas is deeply associated with the material and spatial conditions in Korean cities.
Effect of postpartum time and season on the physicochemical characteristics of Murciano‐Granadina goat colostrum
Authors: Ruiz Patricia , Seseña Susana , Rieiro Ignacio , Palop María Llanos
Published: August 2014

Changes in the physicochemical composition of Murciano‐Granadina goat colostrum were studied with postpartum time and season. Samples that were taken immediately after partum showed the best characteristics, with the highest concentrations of proteins, solids, urea and immunoglobulin G (IgG). Samples obtained in the spring showed the highest concentration of total IgG at all postpartum times assayed. Exhaustive statistical analysis showed that the physicochemical composition of the colostrum was greatly affected by the postpartum time and only slightly affected by the season. The high protein and total IgG concentrations make goat colostrum an interesting product for uses beyond the traditional ones.
Recent Advances in Data Mining Techniques and Their Applications in Hyperspectral Image Processing for the Food Industry
Authors: Dai Qiong , Sun Da‐Wen , Xiong Zhenjie , Cheng Jun‐Hu , Zeng Xin‐An
Published: August 2014

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) facilitates better characterization of intrinsic and extrinsic properties of foods by integrating traditional spectral and image techniques, in which careful and sophisticated data processing plays an important role. In the past decade, much progress has been made on applying various algorithms to deal with hyperspectral images. This review first introduces the general procedure of hyperspectral data analysis and then illustrates the most typically and commonly used algorithms for denoising, feature selection, model establishment, and evaluation, as well as their applications for assessing food quality, safety, and authenticity. Finally, brief summaries for regression and classification methods are presented. This article will provide a guideline for data mining in the future development of HSI in the food field.
Solid‐State Protein–Carbohydrate Interactions and Their Application in the Food Industry
Authors: Soltanizadeh Nafiseh , Mirmoghtadaie Leila , Nejati Fatemeh , Najafabadi Leila Izadi , Heshmati Maryam Khakbaz , Jafari Maryam
Published: August 2014

The growing interest in food component interactions, especially the solid‐state protein–carbohydrate ones, has led to a growing body of knowledge on the effects of these interactions on the physical, chemical, and structural properties of compositionally complex food systems. The goal of the present review is to survey the critical mechanisms involved in protein–carbohydrate interactions as a key step toward the rational formulation and processing of protein‐ and carbohydrate‐rich foods to produce products with desirable properties without adverse reactions. The hypotheses proposed on the stabilizing effects of carbohydrates on proteins and the role of different types of sugars in the extent of these interactions are reviewed in this article. Another aspect of this review involves the successful drying of proteins by spray‐drying, freeze‐drying, and supercritical‐fluid‐drying using carbohydrates. Finally, applications of these interesting phenomena to produce important food products including milk powder, infant formulas, bakery products, and fruit and vegetable juice powders are investigated.
Listeria monocytogenes in Aquatic Food Products—A Review
Authors: Jami Mansooreh , Ghanbari Mahdi , Zunabovic Marija , Domig Konrad J. , Kneifel Wolfgang
Published: August 2014

With the increased demand for lightly preserved and/or ready‐to‐eat (RTE) food products, the prevalence of the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes has increased, which is a public health concern. The goal for this review is to discuss the incidence, epidemiological importance, and contamination routes of L. monocytogenes in various aquatic ecosystems, seafood products, and processing environments and to summarize the data obtained since the 1990s. L. monocytogenes primarily enters the food‐production chain by cross‐contamination in production plants, making this pathogen a major threat to the seafood industry. This pathogen generally contaminates food products at low or moderate levels, but the levels involved in listeriosis outbreaks are significantly higher. The majority of isolates from aquatic products belong to serotype 1/2a, and outbreaks have been linked to highly similar or even indistinguishable strains. Several seafood‐processing plants are colonized by specific “in‐house” flora containing special DNA subtypes of L. monocytogenes. In such cases, L. monocytogenes populations can persist and/or multiply despite the inherent obstacles to their growth in food preservation and manufacturing operations. Therefore, food‐processing facilities must be designed carefully with an emphasis on effective cleaning and disinfecting operations in the production line.
Irradiation for Mold and Mycotoxin Control: A Review
Authors: Calado Thalita , Venâncio Armando , Abrunhosa Luís
Published: August 2014

The mycotoxin issue requires constant vigilance from economic, regulatory, and scientific agents to minimize its toxicological effects on human and animals. The implementation of good practices to avoid fungal growth and mycotoxin production on agricultural commodities is essential to achieve most restrictive safety standards; however, the contribution of novel technologies that may act on postharvesting and poststorage situations may be equally important. Several methodologies, more or less technologically advanced, may be used for this purpose. In this work, we review the role, contribution, and impact of irradiation technology to control the presence of fungi and mycotoxins in food and in feed. The effect of this technology on the viability of mold spores and on the elimination of mycotoxins is reviewed. A critical evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of irradiation in this context is presented.
Gas Chromatography‐Combustion‐Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry for Traceability and Authenticity in Foods and Beverages
Authors: van Leeuwen Katryna A. , Prenzler Paul D. , Ryan Danielle , Camin Federica
Published: August 2014

As consumers demand more certainty over where their food and beverages originate from and the genuineness of ingredients, there is a need for analytical techniques that are able to provide data on issues such as traceability, authenticity, and origin of foods and beverages. One such technique that shows enormous promise in this area is gas chromatography‐combustion‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐IRMS). As will be demonstrated in this review, GC‐C‐IRMS is able to be applied to a wide array of foods and beverages generating data on key food components such as aroma compounds, sugars, amino acids, and carbon dioxide (in carbonated beverages). Such data can be used to determine synthetic and natural ingredients; substitution of 1 ingredient for another (such as apple for pear); the use of synthetic or organic fertilizers; and origin of foods and food ingredients, including carbon dioxide. Therefore, GC‐C‐IRMS is one of the most powerful techniques available to detect fraudulent, illegal, or unsafe practices in the food and beverages industries and its increasing use will ensure that consumers may have confidence in buying authentic products of known origin.
Formation, Degradation, and Detoxification of Putrescine by Foodborne Bacteria: A Review
Authors: Wunderlichová Leona , Buňková Leona , Koutný Marek , Jančová Petra , Buňka František
Published: August 2014

Biogenic amines (BAs) represent a considerable toxicological risk in some food products. Putrescine is one of the most common BAs in food. Its increased occurrence in food may lead to alimentary poisoning, due to enhancement of the toxic effects of other BAs, and also to lower quality of food, this amine is potentially carcinogenic. Increased occurrence of putrescine in food is mainly due to the bacterial metabolism of the Gram‐negative as well as Gram‐positive bacteria present. The bacterial metabolism of putrescine is very specific due to its complexity (in comparison with the metabolism of other BAs). There are 3 distinct known pathways leading toward the formation of putrescine, in some splices involving up to 6 different enzymes. The existence of more metabolic pathways and the possibility of their simultaneous use by different bacteria complicate the specification of the best conditions for food production and storage, which could lead to a lower content of putrescine. This review provides a summary of the existing knowledge about putrescine production and detection (mainly detection of specific genes for different enzymes using polymerase chain reaction) in both starter and contaminating microorganisms. Thus, this comprehensive review gives a useful overview for further research.
Intra‐genomic variation in G + C content and its implications for DNA stable isotope probing
Authors: Youngblut Nicholas D. , Buckley Daniel H.
Published: August 2014

Combining deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA‐based) stable isotope probing (DNA‐SIP) with high‐throughput sequencing provides a powerful culture‐independent means to link microbial metabolic function to genomic information and taxonomic identity. DNA buoyant density (BD) in isopycnic gradients is dependent on both isotope incorporation and G + C content. G + C content varies across a genome but is constrained at rrn operons; hence, the ability to resolve isotopically labelled DNA from unlabelled DNA in SIP may vary between small subunit‐ribosomal nucleic acid (SSU rRNA) amplicon and shotgun‐read sequencing applications. We tested this hypothesis by evaluating the G + C content of genomic DNA fragments that encompassed either an SSU rRNA template (‘amplicon‐fragments’) or a shotgun read template (‘shotgun‐fragments’). We find that, contrary to expectations, the BD distribution of amplicon‐fragments is non‐normal and can be highly skewed. Furthermore, the BD distribution of amplicon‐fragments can differ substantially from that of shotgun‐fragments from the same genome. Our findings demonstrate the impact of G + C content on the downstream applications of DNA‐SIP, which will aid in proper experimental design and the development of statistical tests to accurately identify sequences derived from isotopically labelled DNA.
Transcriptional responses of the bacterial antagonist Serratia plymuthica to the fungal phytopathogen Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Neupane Saraswoti , Finlay Roger D. , Alström Sadhna , Elfstrand Malin , Högberg Nils
Published: August 2014

Rhizobacteria with biocontrol ability exploit a range of mechanisms to compete successfully with other microorganisms and to ensure their growth and survival in the rhizosphere, ultimately promoting plant growth. The rhizobacterium Serratia plymuthica AS13 is able to promote oilseed rape growth and improve seedling survival in the presence of the fungal pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani AG 2‐1; however, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the antagonism of Serratia is limited. To elucidate possible mechanisms, genome‐wide gene expression profiling of S. plymuthica AS13 was carried out in the presence or absence of R. solani. We used RNA sequencing methodology to obtain a comprehensive overview of Serratia gene expression in response to R. solani. The differential gene expression profiles of S. plymuthica AS13 revealed significantly increased expression of genes related to the biosynthesis of the antibiotic pyrrolnitrin (prnABCD), protease production and transporters. The results presented here provide evidence that antibiosis is a major functional mechanism underlying the antagonistic behaviour of S. plymuthica AS13.
A trans‐outer membrane porin‐cytochrome protein complex for extracellular electron transfer by Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA
Authors: Liu Yimo , Wang Zheming , Liu Juan , Levar Caleb , Edwards Marcus J. , Babauta Jerome T. , Kennedy David W. , Shi Zhi , Beyenal Haluk , Bond Daniel R. , Clarke Thomas A. , Butt Julea N. , Richardson David J. , Rosso Kevin M. , Zachara John M , Fredrickson James K. , Shi Liang
Published: August 2014

The multi‐heme, outer membrane c‐type cytochrome (c‐Cyt) OmcB of Geobacter sulfurreducens was previously proposed to mediate electron transfer across the outer membrane. However, the underlying mechanism has remained uncharacterized. In G. sulfurreducens, the omcB gene is part of two tandem four‐gene clusters, each is predicted to encode a transcriptional factor (OrfR/OrfS), a porin‐like outer membrane protein (OmbB/OmbC), a periplasmic c‐type cytochrome (OmaB/OmaC) and an outer membrane c‐Cyt (OmcB/OmcC) respectively. Here, we showed that OmbB/OmbC, OmaB/OmaC and OmcB/OmcC of G. sulfurreducens PCA formed the porin‐cytochrome (Pcc) protein complexes, which were involved in transferring electrons across the outer membrane. The isolated Pcc protein complexes reconstituted in proteoliposomes transferred electrons from reduced methyl viologen across the lipid bilayer of liposomes to Fe(III)‐citrate and ferrihydrite. The pcc clusters were found in all eight sequenced Geobacter and 11 other bacterial genomes from six different phyla, demonstrating a widespread distribution of Pcc protein complexes in phylogenetically diverse bacteria. Deletion of ombB‐omaB‐omcB‐orfS‐ombC‐omaC‐omcC gene clusters had no impact on the growth of G. sulfurreducens PCA with fumarate but diminished the ability of G. sulfurreducens PCA to reduce Fe(III)‐citrate and ferrihydrite. Complementation with the ombB‐omaB‐omcB gene cluster restored the ability of G. sulfurreducens PCA to reduce Fe(III)‐citrate and ferrihydrite.
Biology and epidemics of Candidatus Liberibacter species, psyllid‐transmitted plant‐pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Haapalainen M.
Published: August 2014

Candidatus Liberibacter species are Gram‐negative bacteria that live as phloem‐limited obligate parasites in plants, and are associated with several plant diseases. These bacteria are transmitted by insects called psyllids, or jumping plant lice, which feed on plant phloem sap. Citrus huanglongbing (yellow shoot) or citrus greening disease is associated with three different species of Ca. Liberibacter – Ca. L. asiaticus, Ca. L. africanus and Ca. L. americanus – all originally found on different continents. Ca. L. asiaticus is the most severe pathogen, spread by Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri and causing devastating epidemics in several countries. Ca. L. africanus occurs in Africa where it is spread by the African citrus psyllid Trioza erytreae. Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum is associated with diseases in several solanaceous plants, and transmitted by potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli. Zebra chip disease is causing large damage in potato crops in North America. In Europe Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum is associated with diseases of the Apiaceae family of plants, carrot and celery, and transmitted by psyllids Trioza apicalis and Bactericera trigonica. When Ca. Liberibacter is suspected as the disease agent, the diagnosis is confirmed by DNA‐based detection methods. Ca. Liberibacter‐associated plant diseases can be controlled by using healthy plant propagation material, eradicating symptomatic plants, and by controlling the psyllid populations spreading the disease.
Patterns of change in implementation of state alcohol control policies in the United States, 1999–2011
Authors: Nelson Toben F. , Xuan Ziming , Blanchette Jason G. , Heeren Timothy C. , Naimi Timothy S.
Published: August 2014

Aims

To examine state alcohol control policy implementation by policy efficacy and intent.

Design

A descriptive longitudinal analysis of policy implementation.

Setting

The United States, 1999–2011.

Participants

Fifty states and the District of Columbia.

Measurements

Twenty‐nine state‐level policies were rated based on an implementation rating (IR; range = 0.0–1.0) gathered from the Alcohol Policy Information System, government and industry reports and other sources; and expert judgment about policy efficacy for addressing binge drinking and alcohol‐impaired driving among the general population and youth, respectively.

Findings

On average, implementation of the most effective general population policies did not change [mean IR = 0.366 in 1999; 0.375 in 2011; slope for annual change = 0.001; 95% confidence interval (CI) for the slope −0.001, 0.002]. In contrast, implementation increased over time for less effective policies (mean IR = 0.287 in 1999; 0.427 in 2011; slope for annual change compared with most effective policies = 0.009; slope 95% CI = 0.002–0.007), for youth‐oriented policies (mean IR = 0.424 in 1999; 0.511 in 2011; slope for annual change compared with most effective policies = 0.007; slope 95% CI = 0.005–0.009), and for impaired driving policies (mean IR = 0.493 in 1999; 0.608 in 2011; slope for annual change compared with most effective policies = 0.0105; slope 95% CI = 0.007–0.014).

Conclusions

Implementation of politically palatable state alcohol policies, such as those targeting youth and alcohol‐impaired driving, and less effective policies increased during 1999–2011 in the United States, while the most effective policies that may maximally protect public health remained underused.
Forecasting the breaching of the control threshold for Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus in oilseed rape
Authors: Eickermann Michael , Junk Jürgen , Hoffmann Lucien , Beyer Marco
Published: August 2014

The cabbage stem weevil Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus (Mrsh.) (Col.: Curculionidae) is a common pest in oilseed rape Brassica napus L. throughout Europe.

The abundance of the cabbage stem weevil was monitored in field surveys by using yellow water traps between 2007 and 2012 at five locations in Luxembourg. We forecast the abundance of the cabbage stem weevil at levels above the control threshold in oilseed rape in springtime.

If mean winter temperatures between 5 and 13 February are closer to 4.0 °C than to −2.4 °C, no breaching of the control threshold is to be expected in the subsequent March. The monitoring effort might be saved in those years.

Leave‐one‐out cross‐validation revealed that whether the control threshold was exceeded could be correctly predicted based on the observed temperature differences identified in 22 out of 27 cases (81.5%) in the present study.

The present approach can be easily transferred to regions where air temperature data are available, although it should not be used without prior local validation.
Epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lung: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Ameratunga Malaka , Pavlakis Nick , Gebski Val , Broad Adam , Khasraw Mustafa
Published: August 2014

Aim

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are well established in treating metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinoma, especially patients with activating EGFR mutations. EGFR mutations are rare in pulmonary squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). There are conflicting data supporting the efficacy of EGFR‐TKIs in advanced lung SCC. We analyzed the impact of EGFR‐TKIs on progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in unselected patients with lung SCC.

Methods

We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing EGFR‐TKIs alone with placebo in patients with metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer. RCTs in all settings (front line/maintenance/subsequent) were included. The primary outcome was OS in the SCC population. We used published hazard ratios (HRs), and when unavailable, unpublished data were sought. Pooled estimates of treatment effect on OS and PFS were calculated using the fixed‐effects inverse variance weighted method.

Results

Eight eligible RCTs were included: 2 first‐line, 6 second‐line or beyond, evaluating 1781 patients. Data were available for OS in four studies (second‐line; N = 1420) and for PFS in four studies (3 second‐line, 1 first‐line; N = 788). EGFR‐TKIs significantly prolonged OS with a HR of 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.78–1.00, P = 0.04), and significantly prolonged PFS with a HR of 0.77 (95% CI 0.65–0.92, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

EGFR mutations are rare in lung SCC. However, EGFR‐TKIs have a modest therapeutic effect compared to placebo in unselected patients with advanced pulmonary SCC, and can be considered in these patients. EGFR‐mutation‐independent mechanisms may explain efficacy of EGFR inhibitors in this setting.
Effect of diet‐ and lifestyle‐based metabolic risk‐modifying interventions on preeclampsia: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Allen Rebecca , Rogozinska Ewelina , Sivarajasingam Priya , Khan Khalid S. , Thangaratinam Shakila
Published: August 2014

Objective

To evaluate the effect of dietary and lifestyle interventions with the potential to modify metabolic risk factors on the risk of preeclampsia.

Data sources

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane from inception until February 2013. Randomized trials in pregnant women evaluating the effect of dietary and lifestyle interventions with the potential to modify metabolic risks such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and hypertension on the risk of preeclampsia were included.

Study selection

Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data and assessed quality. Results were summarized as pooled relative risks (RR) for dichotomous data.

Results

Eighteen studies (8712 women) met our search criteria for inclusion. Six studies evaluated diet (2695 women), six studied mixed interventions with diet, physical activity and lifestyle (1438 women) and six assessed essential fatty acid supplementation (4579 women). The interventions overall reduced the risk of preeclampsia (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69–0.94; p = 0.006 I2 = 0%) compared with the control group. Dietary interventions reduced the risk of preeclampsia by 33% (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.53–0.85; p = 0.001; I2 = 0%). There was no reduction in the risk of preeclampsia with mixed interventions (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.66–1.32, p = 0.68, I2 = 0%) or fatty acid supplementation (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.71–1.18; p = 0.49, I2 = 15%). Meta‐regression showed a borderline impact of gestational diabetes status (p = 0.05) on the observed effect.

Conclusion

Dietary and lifestyle interventions have the potential to reduce the risk of preeclampsia. The effect of additional therapeutic interventions in women with gestational diabetes mellitus on preeclampsia is not known.