bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Application of Flow Cytometry as a Rapid and Sensitive Screening Method to Detect Contamination of Vitreous Humor Samples and Avoid Miscalculation of the Postmortem Interval
Authors: Cordeiro Cristina , Seoane Rafael , Camba Ana , Lendoiro Elena , Rodríguez‐Calvo María S. , Vieira Duarte N. , Muñoz‐Barús José I.
Published: April 2015

Research into maximizing the speed, precision, and reliability of estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) has been a recurring object of investigation and methodologies based on the vitreous humor (VH) have provided good results. However, contamination from causes not readily apparent, such as blood, can occur, and thus lead not only to an erroneous estimation of PMI, but also interfere with the correct identification of other substances in the VH. We have developed a flow cytometry method which quantifies blood contamination and is able to detect erythrocytes in 1:750,000 dilution of contaminated VH which affects the results of hypoxanthine. It is an improvement on the previous more complex mass spectrometry method, being faster, more sensitive, and readily available. As such, it could be proposed for the rapid screening of appropriate samples by detecting and eliminating blood contaminated samples from PMI estimation.
Spatial and temporal spread of Citrus tristeza virus and its aphid vectors in the North western area of Morocco
Authors: Elhaddad Abdesslam , ElAmrani Amal , Fereres Alberto , Moreno Aranzazu
Published: April 2015

First report of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV,Closterovirus) in Morocco datesback to 1961 in collections of citrus varieties. An exhaustive survey of citrus in the north of the country in 2009 revealed that CTV was spread all over the citrus production area. We attempted to evaluate the relative contribution of different aphid species in the spread of CTV disease in a Citrus reticulata orchard at the Loukkous region during 2 years (2012 and 2013). The overall CTV incidence estimated in the experimental site increased from 17.8% in 2012 to 31.15% in 2013. The most abundant aphid species colonising clementine trees was Aphis spiraecola and A. gossypii. Both aphid species reached their maximum peaks during the spring season. The rate of viruliferous aphids, estimated by real‐time RT‐PCR of single aphid, revealed that 35.4% of winged A. gossypii and 28.8% of winged A. spiraecola were viruliferous, confirming a high inoculum pressure in the area surrounding the experimental site. The aphid species Toxoptera citricida, which is able to transmit the aggressive isolates of CTV, was not found in the Loukkous region. The study of the spatial distribution of the CTV showed that in general, the disease was randomly distributed in the field. Overall, the results seem to indicate that A. spiraecola may be considered as the major aphid species contributing to CTV spread in our experimental conditions. The prevalence of mild strains in the region and the high level of aphid flight activity could explain the rapid evolution of CTV incidence in the experimental area.
Laser scanning for the documentation and management of heritage sites within the Emirate of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Holden L.D. , Silcock D.M. , Arrowsmith C.A. , Al Hassani M.
Published: April 2015

The Emirate of Fujairah in the UAE has many important cultural and archaeological sites. These include the Fujairah and Al‐Bithnah forts and the Al‐Bidyah Mosque. With increasing tourism patronage and development of major infrastructure projects in and around Fujairah, these sites are increasingly under threat. Their present condition requires careful mapping for proper management and future preservation efforts. This paper presents a research project that is developing a method for surveying and recording important archaeological sites. Using terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), a number of surveys were undertaken in and around the emirate. These surveys enabled a documentation of their present condition and will form an ongoing baseline study to monitor the impact of increased tourist patronage and climate change at these sites. We also investigate and make basic comparisons between our approach and the Structure from Motion (SfM) technique.
Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis and other severe drug eruptions from over the counter medications: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kline Amy , Fischer Gayle
Published: April 2015

We present a case of acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis in an 11‐year‐old girl who used Duro‐Tuss, an over‐the‐counter cough mixture containing pholcodine, and present a comprehensive review of the literature on severe drug reactions resulting from using non‐prescription medications. This case reinforces the importance of taking a complete medication history.
Determination of CD64 for the Diagnosis of Bacterial Chronic Prostatitis
Authors: Qian Li , Li Shi‐Bao , Zhou Yan , Teng Shi‐Jie , Guo Jing‐Jing
Published: April 2015

Problem

CD64 is a 72‐kDa transmembrane glycoprotein, the highest affinity receptor of immunoglobulin (IgG), and a member of the IgG superfamily. The CD64 expression by leukocytes in the prostatic fluid was determined by flow cytometry to explore the clinical significance of this glycoprotein in the diagnosis of chronic prostatitis (CP).

Method of study

Prostatic fluid samples collected from 116 CP patients and 27 normal cases were subjected to bacterial culture and leukocyte CD64 expression determination using flow cytometry with monoclonal antibodies.

Results

The leukocyte CD64 expression levels of the pathogen groups were significantly higher than those of the normal groups, especially those of Staphylococcus simulans (3879.26 ± 764.52/cell) and Staphylococcus auricularis (2903.14 ± 137.61/cell). The leukocyte CD64 expression in the prostatic fluid was more rapidly and accurately detected by flow cytometry than by bacterial culture.

Conclusions

CD64 expression by leukocytes in the prostatic fluid correlated with bacterial infection and may serve as a marker for the early diagnosis of CP.
Proposal of success criteria for strabismus surgery in patients with Graves' orbitopathy based on a systematic literature review
Authors: Jellema Hinke Marijke , Braaksma‐Besselink Yvette , Limpens Jacqueline , von Arx Georg , Wiersinga Wilmar M. , Mourits Maarten P.
Published: April 2015

Proposal of success criteria for strabismus surgery for patients with Graves' orbitopathy (GO) based on a systematic review of the literature. We performed a systematic search of OVID MEDLINE, OVID Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and the publisher subset of PubMed, to identify studies reporting on success criteria of strabismus surgery in GO. In addition, we handsearched several orthoptic journals and proceedings of strabismological congresses. Of the 789 articles retrieved, 42 articles described success criteria for strabismus surgery in GO. Most studies defined success in terms of a subjective diplopia‐free field in primary and down gaze. Almost half of the studies used a graded scale (excellent, good, acceptable and failure) to describe the outcome of surgery. Three of the eligible studies described a tool to quantify the field of single vision in detail. Quality of life was not reported as an outcome measure in any of the published studies. In conclusion, success criteria for strabismus surgery in patients with GO are poorly defined and no consensus is available. The lack of standardization hampers comparative studies and thus the search for the best surgical treatment for diplopia in patients with GO. Therefore, we propose strict success criteria including a tool for quantification of remaining diplopia plus a disease‐specific quality of life questionnaire (the GO‐QoL).
Behind the stage of deliberate self‐persuasion: When changes in valence of associations to an attitude object predict attitude change
Authors: Lu Tong , Lord Charles G. , Yoke Kristin
Published: April 2015

Modern theory and research on evaluative processes, combined with a comprehensive review of deliberate self‐persuasion (Maio & Thomas, 2007, Pers. Soc. Psychol. Bull., 11, 46), suggest two types of strategies people can use to construct new, more desired attitudes. Epistemic strategies change the perceived valence of associations activated by the attitude object. Teleologic strategies, in contrast, keep undesired associations from being activated in the first place, thus obviating the need to change their perceived valence. Change in perceived valence of associations therefore might predict attitude change better when people pursue epistemic than teleologic strategies for deliberate self‐persuasion. This hypothesis gained convergent support from three studies in which use of epistemic versus teleologic strategies was measured as an individual difference (Study 1) and manipulated (studies 2 and 3). The results of these studies supported the theoretical distinction between the two strategies and suggested further research directions.
AppFusion: Interactive Appearance Acquisition Using a Kinect Sensor
Authors: Wu Hongzhi , Zhou Kun
Published: April 2015

We present an interactive material acquisition system for average users to capture the spatially varying appearance of daily objects. While an object is being scanned, our system estimates its appearance on‐the‐fly and provides quick visual feedback. We build the system entirely on low‐end, off‐the‐shelf components: a Kinect sensor, a mirror ball and printed markers. We exploit the Kinect infra‐red emitter/receiver, originally designed for depth computation, as an active hand‐held reflectometer, to segment the object into clusters of similar specular materials and estimate the roughness parameters of BRDFs simultaneously. Next, the diffuse albedo and specular intensity of the spatially varying materials are rapidly computed in an inverse rendering framework, using data from the Kinect RGB camera. We demonstrate captured results of a range of materials, and physically validate our system.
miR‐454 is down‐regulated in osteosarcomas and suppresses cell proliferation and invasion by directly targeting c‐Met
Authors: Niu Guangfeng , Li Bin , Sun Jianmin , Sun Li
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone malignancy of children and young adults. Increasing evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are associated with cancer development, but, little is known concerning the role of miR‐454 in osteosarcoma.

Materials and methods

qRT‐PCR was performed to detect expression of miR‐454 in osteosarcoma cell lines and tissues. To understand its role in osteosarcoma, we reintroduced expression of miR‐454 in the MG‐63 cell line by transfection with miR‐454 mimics or inhibitors. CCK‐8 assay and an invasion assay were used to detect the functional role of miR‐454. Luciferase assay and western blot analysis were performed to detect the target gene of miR‐454.

Results

miR‐454 was found to be down‐regulated in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. Its over‐expression inhibited tumour growth and invasion and its down‐regulation promoted cell proliferation and invasion. Subsequent investigation revealed that c‐Met was a direct and functional target of miR‐454 in osteosarcoma. Overexpression of miR‐454 impaired c‐Met‐induced cell proliferation and invasion. Finally, miR‐454 was found to be inversely correlated to c‐Met expression in human osteosarcoma tissues.

Conclusions

Reduced‐expression of miR‐454 in osteosarcoma cells promoted tumour growth by targeting c‐Met, thus miR‐454 may be a potential therapy target for this tumour.
Early and effective treatment of KCNQ2 encephalopathy
Authors: Pisano Tiziana , Numis Adam L. , Heavin Sinéad B. , Weckhuysen Sarah , Angriman Marco , Suls Arvid , Podesta Barbara , Thibert Ronald L. , Shapiro Kevin A. , Guerrini Renzo , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Marini Carla , Cilio Maria Roberta
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To describe the antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment of patients with early infantile epileptic encephalopathy due to KCNQ2 mutations during the neonatal phase and the first year of life.

Methods

We identified 15 patients and reviewed the electroclinical, neuroimaging, and AED treatment data.

Results

Seizure onset was between 1 and 4 days of age with daily tonic asymmetric, focal and clonic seizures in nine patients and status epilepticus in the remaining six. Electroencephalography (EEG) showed multifocal epileptiform abnormalities in nine patients and a burst‐suppression pattern in six. All patients were trialed with adequate daily doses of several AEDs before they reached seizure freedom. Six patients (40%) achieved seizure control within 2 weeks of carbamazepine (CBZ) administration and five (33%) were seizure‐free with phenytoin (PHT). The last four patients (27%) were successfully treated with topiramate (TPM) (two patients), levetiracetam (LEV) (one), and a combination of LEV with TPM (one). Most patients reached seizure freedom within the first year of life and remained seizure‐free thereafter. Twelve patients had moderate‐to‐severe developmental delay at follow‐up. However, the two patients whose seizures ceased within a few days of onset showed only mild cognitive impairment.

Significance

Our findings suggest that drugs acting on sodium channels including CBZ and PHT should be considered as first‐line treatment in patients with KCNQ2 encephalopathy. Voltage‐gated sodium and potassium channels co‐localize at the neuronal membrane. Therefore, the efficacy of drugs acting as sodium‐channel blockers could be linked to their modulating effect on both channels. The type of KCNQ2 mutation might influence AED response as well as developmental outcome. Early recognition of KCNQ2 encephalopathy followed by the most appropriate and effective treatment may be important for reducing the neurodevelopmental impairment associated with this disorder.
A mouse model of Alzheimer's disease displays increased susceptibility to kindling and seizure‐associated death
Authors: Chan Jianxiong , Jones Nigel C. , Bush Ashley I. , O'Brien Terence J. , Kwan Patrick
Published: April 2015

People with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are up to 10 times more likely to develop epilepsy than the age‐matched general population. However, given that only a proportion of patients with AD develop epilepsy, it is likely that additional factors may be required for the epilepsy to emerge. This study aimed to better understand the relationship between AD pathology and seizure susceptibility. It also aimed to investigate a “two‐hit” hypothesis for seizure susceptibility through amygdala kindling of rodent AD models. Aged AD mice (Tg2576 model) and wild‐type (WT) mice underwent electrical amygdala kindling. Compared with WT mice, Tg2576 mice had significantly lower afterdischarge threshold. Significantly fewer stimulations were required for the Tg2576 mice to reach the first class V seizure. Higher death rate was observed with Tg2576 mice in the kindling group. Both sham and kindled Tg2576 animals had increased levels of sprouting in the supragranular layer of the dentate gyrus compared with the WT counterparts. These findings support the “two‐hit” hypothesis and represent a potentially novel research model to help better understand the relationship between AD pathology and epilepsy.
Do Lending Relationships Affect Corporate Financial Policies?
Authors: Aslan Hadiye
Published: April 2015

This paper provides new evidence on how lending relationships impact firms’ financing and investment decisions. I find that lending relationships have a significant impact on leverage ratios, issuance choices, and the investment structures of relationship borrowers. The influence of relationships is heightened for financially constrained firms. I find a significant decrease in leverage, net debt issuing, and investment activity in the aftermath of lender‐specific shocks to lending relationships, including announcements of bank write‐downs and downgrades in banks’ credit ratings. My findings are robust to controlling for confounding effects that might arise due to unobserved demand and relationship changes.
Quantitative estimation of overpressure caused by gas generation and application to the Baiyun Depression in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea
Authors: Guo X. W. , Liu K. Y. , He S. , Yang Z. , Dong T. T.
Published: April 2015

Hydrocarbon generation can yield high fluid pressures in sedimentary basins as the conversion of solid kerogen to hydrocarbons can result in an increase in fluid volume. To quantify the relationship between gas generation and overpressure in source rocks, a set of equations for computing the pressure change due to gas generation has been derived. Those equations can be used to quantitatively estimate overpressure generated by type III kerogen in source rocks by considering gas generation and leakage, gas dissolution in formation water and residual oil, thermal cracking of oil to gas, and hydrocarbon episodic expulsion from source rocks. The equations also take consideration of other factors including source rock porosity, transformation ratio, total organic carbon (TOC), hydrogen index, and compressibility of kerogen, oil, and water. As both oil and gas are taken into account in the equations, they can also be used to estimate the evolution of overpressure caused by hydrocarbon generation of type I and type II kerogen source rocks. Sensitivity analyses on the type III kerogen source rock indicate that hydrogen index is the most influential parameter for overpressure generation, while TOC and residual gas coefficient (β: ratio of residual gas over the total gas generated) have a moderate effect. Overpressure can be generated even if the gas leakage/loss in the source rock is up to 80% of the total gas generated. This suggests that the internal pressure seal of the source rock is not a critical factor on the pressure change as long as the source rocks are capable of sealing liquid oil. The equations were applied to evaluate the overpressure in the Eocene–Oligocene Enping Formation source rocks due to hydrocarbon generation in the Baiyun Depression, the Pearl River Mouth Basin by considering the source rock properties, hydrocarbon generation history, and hydrocarbon expulsion timing. Two episodes of overpressure development due to gas generation and release were modeled to have occurred in the Enping Formation source rock since 16 Ma. The overpressure release at 10.2–5.3 Ma via hydrocarbon expulsion was apparently related to the Dongsha phase of tectonic deformation, whereas the pressure release at 2–0 Ma was due to pressure generation that was exceeded the fracture‐sealing pressure in the source rocks.
Entrepreneurial Team Cognition: A Review
Authors: de Mol Eva , Khapova Svetlana N. , Elfring Tom
Published: April 2015

Entrepreneurial team scholars highlight the importance of studying entrepreneurial team cognition in gaining a better understanding of why some entrepreneurial teams are capable of developing teamwork leading to successful entrepreneurial outcomes while others are not. However, in the absence of a clear definition of entrepreneurial team cognition, researchers continue to employ a vast diversity of potentially related concepts. To bring clarity to this fragmented area of research, the authors performed a systematic literature review of papers concerned with entrepreneurial team cognition published in the leading management and entrepreneurship journals over the past 20 years. This review was guided by two main research questions: (a) what is entrepreneurial team cognition, and (b) how does entrepreneurial team cognition interact with inputs, processes and outcomes. Based on the published literature, key properties of the concept are identified, and an overarching definition of entrepreneurial team cognition composed of these properties is introduced. Next, the review outlines how entrepreneurial team cognition interacts with other variables within a comprehensive input‐mediator‐output framework. Finally, the review addresses how future research can build on the proposed definition and framework to advance the theoretical depth and empirical investigation of entrepreneurial team cognition.
The NLRP1 inflammasomes
Authors: Chavarría‐Smith Joseph , Vance Russell E.
Published: April 2015

Inflammasomes are cytosolic protein complexes that serve as platforms for the recruitment and activation of the pro‐inflammatory CASPASE‐1 protease. CASPASE‐1 activation leads to processing and maturation of the cytokines interleukin‐1β and interleukin‐18 and a lytic form of cell death termed pyroptosis. Inflammasome assembly is initiated by cytosolic sensors in response to microbial infections. Many of these sensors, including NLRP1 (NLR family, pyrin domain containing 1), are described to form an inflammasome, but until recently, the mechanism of inflammasome activation and its physiological functions in host defense have remained unclear. In the last few years, important advances in our understanding of NLRP1 biology have been achieved. In this review, we discuss the activation of NLRP1 by various stimuli, including Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin, Toxoplasma gondii, muramyl dipeptide, and host intracellular ATP depletion. The role NLRP1 plays in pathogen recognition and resistance during infection is also discussed, as is the regulation of NLRP1 by host and viral proteins. We conclude by discussing the unexpected differences in the mechanism of NLRP1 inflammasome activation, as compared to the activation of other inflammasomes, such as the NAIP (NLR family, apoptosis inhibitory protein)/NLRC4 inflammasomes.
A theory‐guided school‐based intervention in order to improve adolescents' oral self‐care: a cluster randomized trial
Authors: Aleksejūnienė Jolanta , Brukienė Vilma , Džiaugyte Lina , Pečiulienė Vytautė , Bendinskaitė Rūta
Published: April 2015

Aim

To evaluate the efficiency of social‐cognitive theory‐guided oral hygiene interventions in adolescents and to identify predictors of adolescents' self‐care practice.

Design

A cluster randomized trial included 197 15‐ to 16‐year‐olds from two secondary schools. The intervention group received three face‐to‐face educational hands‐on sessions facilitated by a dentist and adolescents worked in pairs. Individual dental plaque levels were measured at baseline, after intervention, at six and at 12 months. The structured questionnaire inquired about gender, family socio‐economic status (baseline), and different social‐cognitive domain variables (baseline, six, and 12 months).

Results

At baseline, there were no statistically significant differences in dental plaque scores between the intervention and control groups (P = 0.183). At the 6‐month follow‐up, the intervention group had significantly less dental plaque than the control group (P = 0.047), but the intergroup difference in dental plaque levels was not significant at the 12‐month follow‐up (P = 0.400). Variations in dental plaque levels at different time periods were explained by the following predictors: family's socio‐economic status, social‐cognitive domain variables, group affiliation, and baseline plaque levels.

Conclusions

Social‐cognitive theory‐guided interventions improved oral self‐care of adolescents in the short term. After the intervention was discontinued, the improvement in oral self‐care of adolescents lasted for another 5 months.
Les frontières mouvantes des relations professionnelles: l'exemple sud‐africain
Authors: WEBSTER Edward
Published: April 2015

Les mouvements sociaux et les relations du travail agitées qu'a connus l'Afrique du Sud après l'apartheid donnent une idée des transformations qui pourraient toucher la représentation des travailleurs et les relations professionnelles à l'avenir. Les syndicats traditionnels sont en difficulté face à des phénomènes comme la marginalisation, les inégalités et la pauvreté, qui appellent l'organisation de travailleurs jusqu'à présent exclus de la base syndicale. Parallèlement, la mondialisation ouvre des possibilités de nouvelles formes d'organisation et d'innovations institutionnelles. Ce qui en sortira dépendra de la façon dont les acteurs du monde du travail prennent en compte les travailleurs marginalisés.
Uneven Accuracy of Home Blood Pressure Measurement: A Multicentric Survey
Authors: Flacco Maria Elena , Manzoli Lamberto , Bucci Marco , Capasso Lorenzo , Comparcini Dania , Simonetti Valentina , Gualano Maria Rosaria , Nocciolini Manuela , D'Amario Claudio , Cicolini Giancarlo
Published: April 2015

Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) is increasingly commonly performed, but the concordance between patient HBPM measurement technique and prevailing recommendations has not been well‐assessed according to the literature. The authors performed a multicentric survey to evaluate the degree of patients' adherence to current recommendations on HBPM, and investigate potential predictors of a higher‐quality self‐measurement. A structured questionnaire was administered to 725 Italian outpatient hypertensive patients (mean age, 52.2±14.4 years). Overall, ≥10 recommended procedures were followed by 52.8% of the participants; only 1.0% followed all recommendations. A total of 49.7% of participants rested for ≥5 minutes before the measurement, 36.8% recorded BP more than once in each measurement session, and 34.3% used a chair or bed saddle to support their back. Less than 40% of the patients received some form of training by health professionals. After multivariate analysis, patients receiving/reading instructions showed higher‐quality HBPM (P<.01). The accuracy of HBPM needs to be improved, and more efforts should be devoted to provide patient training on HBPM, especially on the less‐frequently followed recommendations.
Engineering clinically relevant volumes of vascularized bone
Authors: Roux Brianna M. , Cheng Ming‐Huei , Brey Eric M.
Published: April 2015

Vascularization remains one of the most important challenges that must be overcome for tissue engineering to be consistently implemented for reconstruction of large volume bone defects. An extensive vascular network is needed for transport of nutrients, waste and progenitor cells required for remodelling and repair. A variety of tissue engineering strategies have been investigated in an attempt to vascularize tissues, including those applying cells, soluble factor delivery strategies, novel design and optimization of bio‐active materials, vascular assembly pre‐implantation and surgical techniques. However, many of these strategies face substantial barriers that must be overcome prior to their ultimate translation into clinical application. In this review recent progress in engineering vascularized bone will be presented with an emphasis on clinical feasibility.
Exaggerated male genitalia intensify interspecific reproductive interference by damaging heterospecific female genitalia
Authors: Kyogoku D. , Sota T.
Published: April 2015

Male–male competition over fertilization can select for harmful male genital structures that reduce the fitness of their mates, if the structures increase the male's fertilization success. During secondary contact between two allopatrically formed, closely related species, harmful male genitalia may also reduce the fitness of heterospecific females given interspecific copulation. We performed a laboratory experiment to determine whether the extent of genital spine exaggeration in Callosobruchus chinensis males affects the fitness of C. maculatus females by injuring their reproductive organs. We found that males with more exaggerated genital spines were more likely to injure the females via interspecific copulation and that the genital injury translated into fecundity loss. Thus, as predicted, reproductive interference by C. chinensis males on C. maculatus females is mediated by exaggeration of the genital spine, which is the evolutionary consequence of intraspecific male–male competition. Harmful male traits, such as genital spines, might generally affect the extent of interaction between closely related species.
Narrative medicine and decision‐making capacity
Authors: Mahr Greg
Published: April 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

The author proposes a new model for the assessment of decision‐making capacity based on the principles of narrative medicine. The narrative method proposed by the author addresses the hidden power realtionships implicit in the current model of capacity assessment.

Methods

Sample cases are reviewed using the traditional model in comparison with the narrative model.

Results

Narrative medicine provides an effective model for the assessment of decision‐making capacity.

Conclusions

Deficiencies in the traditional model capacity assessment can be effectively addressed using narrative strategies.
Biomass and Sterol Production from Vegetal Substrate Fermentation Using Agaricus brasiliensis
Authors: Mokochinski João Benhur , Sovrani Vanessa , Dalla Santa Herta Stutz , Felsner Maria Lurdes , Sawaya Alexandra Christine Helena Frankland , González‐Borrero Pedro Pablo , Bataglion Giovana Anceski , Eberlin Marcos Nogueira , Torres Yohandra Reyes
Published: April 2015

Agaricus brasiliensis was cultivated in vegetal substrates through submerged and solid‐state fermentation. We aimed to determine which combination of fermentation methods and substrates would allow greater production of biomass and sterols for applications in nutraceutical foods. Six vegetal substrates were tested: wheat and malt grains, apple, grape and pineapple pomaces, and pineapple peel. Average ergosterol and total sterol levels ranged from 324 to 1,267 μg/g and from 701 to 2,659 μg/g, respectively. The extraction of ergosterol from biomass was optimized by experimental design. As a consequence, a simple and efficient extraction procedure was achieved. Seven sterols were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in fermented samples, and ergosterol and β‐sitosterol were the most abundant. All substrates allowed a good development of A. brasiliensis mycelium with outstanding results for malt in submerged phase.

Practical Applications

The vegetal substrates wheat grains, malt grains, apple pomace, grape pomace, pineapple pomace and pineapple peel promote a good development of Agaricus brasiliensis mycelium through solid‐state fermentation and submerged fermentation techniques. Some of those substrates are discarded by the food industry. The results in this study indicate that vegetal residues from food industry could be effectively used as substrates to produce edible and medicinal mushrooms and sterols. Production of mycelium from the methods employed proved to be simple, fast, reproducible and efficient. Biomass production using residues from food industry adds value to these residues and at the same time solves disposal problems of agricultural by‐products.
Nurses' experiences of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation in intensive care units: a qualitative study
Authors: Sjöberg Fredric , Schönning Emil , Salzmann‐Erikson Martin
Published: April 2015

Aims and objectives

To describe the nurses' experiences of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation in intensive care units.

Background

Research in the area of resuscitation is primarily concentrated on medical and biophysical aspects. The subjective experiences of those who perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and their emotions are more seldom addressed.

Design

Qualitative descriptive design.

Methods

Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were used (n = 8). Data were analysed with content analysis.

Results

Three categories describe the experiences of nurses: training and precardiopulmonary resuscitation; chaos and order during cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and debriefing postcardiopulmonary resuscitation. The study results indicate that the health care staff find it necessary to practice cardiopulmonary resuscitation, as it provides them with a basic feeling of security when applying it in actual situations.

Conclusion

We argue that postcardiopulmonary resuscitation debriefing must be viewed in the light of its eigenvalue with a specific focus on the staff's experiences and emotions, and not only on the intention of identifying errors.

Relevance to clinical practice

Debriefing is of the utmost importance for the nurses. Clinical leaders may make use of the findings of this study to introduce debriefing forums as a possible standard clinical procedure.
A genetic variant in the promoter of phosphate‐activated glutaminase is associated with hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Mayer L. B. , Krawczyk M. , Grünhage F. , Lammert F. , Stokes C. S.
Published: April 2015

Background

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a serious complication of liver cirrhosis. Recently, a microsatellite in the promoter region of the phosphate‐activated glutaminase (GLS ) gene was associated with the risk of HE. The aim of the present study was to investigate, using the critical flicker frequency (CFF) test, whether the described GLS variant increases the risk of developing HE in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

We recruited 158 patients (66% men; mean age 59 years, range 23–86) with liver cirrhosis. Mean model for end‐stage liver disease score was 13.8 (range 5–35); 48% of patients presented with Child–Pugh score B or C. The presence and severity of HE were determined by the CFF test, with frequencies ≤39 Hz denoting cases. GLS variants were genotyped by sequencing the microsatellite in the promoter region and were classified as short, long or short–long forms (depending on the length of the macrosatellite alleles).

Results

In total, 53% of patients had abnormal CFF results (i.e. ≤39 Hz; range for entire cohort 26–57). The GLS microsatellite distribution amongst patients was short form (20%), long form (32%) and short–long form (48%) and was consistent with Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. CFF values differed significantly between groups (P = 0.043). Carriers of the GLS long microsatellite had a significantly higher risk of HE according to multivariate analyses (odds ratio 3.23, 95% confidence interval 1.46–7.13, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

CFF results were significantly lower amongst carriers of the GLS long microsatellite. Our findings support the role of the GLS long microsatellite in the development of HE; this could be important for identifying susceptible patients and for the prevention of this condition.
Preschool Children's Self‐Reports of Fruit and Vegetable Knowledge, Preference, and Messages Encouraging Consumption
Authors: Hansen Andrew R. , Alfonso Moya L. , Hackney Amy A. , Luque John S.
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Fruit and vegetable consumption (FVC) is associated with a reduced risk of diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Only one third of children aged 4‐8 years consume the recommended 5 servings a day. Studies involving school‐aged children (6‐11 years) demonstrate that positive outcome expectancies can mediate FVC. There is a lack of similar studies involving preschool‐aged (<5 years) children. The purpose of this study was to assess preschool children's knowledge and preference of fruits and vegetables, messages they recall hearing related to FVC, and how they perceive these messages.

METHODS

Children (N = 192) were individually interviewed with a play‐based picture card game followed by a mealtime environment reenactment open‐ended interview. Fruit and vegetable messages were operationalized using Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Descriptive statistics and associations are reported.

RESULTS

Each child recalled an average of 2.27 messages associated with FVC. Positive outcome expectancies, negative outcome expectancies, and prompts were most frequently recalled. Statistically significant differences in knowledge, preference, and messages were observed based on income.

CONCLUSIONS

Children as young as age 4 years understand positive outcome expectancies. Experimental trials are warranted to determine if tailored expectancy messages mediate FVC among preschool children.
Impact of School Staff Health on Work Productivity in Secondary Schools in Massachusetts
Authors: Alker Heather J. , Wang Monica L. , Pbert Lori , Thorsen Nancy , Lemon Stephenie C.
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Healthy, productive employees are an integral part of school health programs. There have been few assessments of work productivity among secondary school staff. This study describes the frequency of 3 common health risk factors—obesity, depressive symptoms, and smoking—and their impact on work productivity in secondary school employees.

METHODS

Employees of secondary schools in Massachusetts (N = 630) participated in a longitudinal weight gain prevention intervention study. Assessment completed at baseline, 1‐year and 2‐year follow‐up included survey assessments of health risk factors as well as measurements for height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). The survey also included a depression inventory and Work Limitations Questionnaire. Data analysis included multivariate mixed effect models to identify productivity differences in relation to BMI, depressive symptoms, and smoking in this population stratified by position type (teacher and other school staff).

RESULTS

The sample included 361 teachers and 269 other school staff. Obesity, depressive symptoms, and smoking were significantly associated with work productivity, including workdays missed because of health concerns (absenteeism) and decreases in on‐the‐job productivity because of health concerns (presenteeism).

CONCLUSIONS

Three common health conditions, namely obesity, depressive symptoms, and smoking, adversely affect the productivity of high school employees.
Identifying Product Attributes and Consumer Attitudes that Impact Willingness to pay for a Nutraceutical‐Rich Juice Product
Authors: Lawless L.J.R. , Drichoutis A.C. , Nayga R.M. , Threlfall R.T. , Meullenet J.F.
Published: April 2015

The impact of participant characteristics and product sensory attributes on willingness to pay (WTP) for a nutraceutical‐rich juice blend (75% Concord grapes + 12% pomegranate + 13% black cherry) was measured using sensory evaluations and a nonhypothetical Becker–DeGroot–Marschak mechanism. Participants (n = 228) were placed into four treatment groups: Info (received a potential health statement), Taste (evaluated the sensory attributes of the juice blend), InfoTaste (evaluated the sensory attributes of the juice blend and received the potential health statement) and Control (neither tasted nor received the potential health statement about the juice blend). Participants evaluated overall liking and just‐about‐right (JAR) attributes and completed incentivized risk and time preference survey tasks. The participants' average WTP for the nutraceutical‐rich juice blend was $3.45 per bottle. Risk preference did not affect WTP, but the time preference coefficient (−8.87) indicated that higher time discount rates (lower future orientation) were associated with lower WTP within the Info group. WTP increased by $0.25 for every unit increase in sweetness, $0.20 per every unit decrease in black cherry flavor and $0.29 per every unit decrease in bitterness toward JAR. Consumer questionnaires with additional measures of consumer attitudes (e.g. future orientation) could better identify target markets. Moreover, penalty analysis which calculates the cost of attributes not being JAR in monetary units could benefit product optimization.

Practical Applications

Potential exists to use innovative methods from other fields to increase the breadth of sensory‐oriented research. Using nonhypothetical willingness‐to‐pay mechanisms in parallel with sensory evaluation allows the identification of consumer characteristics, attitudinal factors (including risk and time preferences) and product sensory attributes that affect consumers' willingness to pay for products. Due to consumer trade‐offs between health and taste, understanding consumer characteristics and attitudes that drive purchase behavior is essential for health‐oriented product categories. Furthermore, understanding the cost (in terms of consumers' willingness to pay) of specific sensory attributes not being “optimal” may provide more concrete direction to product formulators because willingness to pay is less abstract than more common measures such as overall liking.
Synergistic interaction between diene valepotriates from V
aleriana glechomifolia Meyer (Valerianaceae) and classical antidepressants: an isobolographic analysis
Authors: Müller Liz G , Stolz Eveline D , Betti Andresa H , Herzfeldt Vivian , Rates Stela M K
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Combinations of different classes of antidepressants (including herbal adjuvants) have been used as an alternative means of achieving better results in the treatment of depressed patients. However, studies characterizing the interactions between herbal adjuvants and antidepressants are lacking. This study is the first to investigate the interaction between diene valepotriates (VAL) from Valeriana glechomifolia, a species with antidepressant-like effects, and imipramine (IMI), desipramine (DESI) and bupropion (BUP). The interactions were assessed via isobolographic analyses, which represent a tool for evaluating interactions between drugs.

Methods

The interaction between VAL and each antidepressant was evaluated in mice given concurrent oral administration of each drug with fixed ED50 ratios and subjected to a forced swimming test (FST). Spontaneous locomotion was measured in the open field test.

Key findings

The drug combinations produced a dose-dependent anti-immobility effect in the FST without altering mouse locomotor activity. Isobolographic analysis revealed that VAL resulted in synergistic interactions in combination with each of the antidepressants tested.

Conclusion

The synergistic interactions between VAL and IMI, DESI and BUP highlight the potential for VAL to serve as adjuvants to antidepressant drugs and suggest that VAL does not directly target the same sites on neuronal transporters as the antidepressants.
Enhanced small interfering RNA delivery into cells by exploiting the additive effect between photo-sensitive peptides and targeting ligands
Authors: Lin Wen , Xie Xiangyang , Yang Yanfang , Liu Hui , Fu Xudong , Chen Ying , Liu Hong , Yang Yang
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To enhance the targeting delivery efficiency of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to tumour cells, a novel multifunctional liposome (PSP/NGR-L) comodified with photo-sensitive cell-penetrating peptides (PSP) and asparagine-glycine-arginine peptide (NGR) was constructed and investigated.

Methods

PSP was conjugated to 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-maleimide(polyethylene glycol)-2000 (DSPE-PEG2000-MAL) to generate DSPE-PEG2000-PSP and used to form PSP/NGR-L, the features of the liposomes were determined. HT-1080 and MCF-7 cells were used for cellular uptake tests, and the cellular uptake pathways were identified. Intracellular trafficking and endosomal escape were also evaluated. In-vitro siRNA transfection evaluations were carried out in HT-1080 cells.

Key findings

The encapsulation efficiencies of liposomes were about 80%, and the mean particle sizes were around 100 nm. The targeting specificity of PSP/NGR-L was significantly enhanced via NGR navigation and ultraviolet (UV) light illumination. The internalization of PSP/NGR-L in HT-1080 cells was mediated by more than one cellular uptake mechanisms. The constructed nanocarrier could escape from the endosome to produce its effects in the cellular cytoplasm with the help of UV illumination. PSP/NGR-L could down-regulate expression of c-myc and augmented cell apoptosis in HT-1080 cells.

Conclusions

The application of combined PSP and NGR modifications may be a new approach for the selectively targeted delivery of siRNA to cancer cells.
A conceptual framework for the spatial analysis of functional trait diversity
Authors: Biswas Shekhar R. , Mallik Azim U. , Braithwaite Nicholas T. , Wagner Helene H.
Published: April 2015

Functional trait diversity is a popular tool in modern ecology, mainly used to infer assembly processes and ecosystem functioning. Patterns of functional trait diversity are shaped by ecological processes such as environmental filtering, species interactions and dispersal that are inherently spatial, and different processes may operate at different spatial scales. Adding a spatial dimension to the analysis of functional trait diversity may thus increase our ability to infer community assembly processes and to predict change in assembly processes following disturbance or land‐use change.

Richness, evenness and divergence of functional traits are commonly used indices of functional trait diversity that are known to respond differently to large‐scale filters related to environmental heterogeneity and dispersal and fine‐scale filters related to species interactions (competition). Recent developments in spatial statistics make it possible to separately quantify large‐scale patterns (variation in local means) and fine‐scale patterns (variation around local means) by decomposing overall spatial autocorrelation quantified by Moran's coefficient into its positive and negative components using Moran eigenvector maps (MEM). We thus propose to identify the spatial signature of multiple ecological processes that are potentially acting at different spatial scales by contrasting positive and negative components of spatial autocorrelation for each of the three indices of functional trait diversity.

We illustrate this approach with a case study from riparian plant communities, where we test the effects of disturbance on spatial patterns of functional trait diversity. The fine‐scale pattern of all three indices was increased in the disturbed versus control habitat, suggesting an increase in local scale competition and an overall increase in unexplained variance in the post‐disturbance versus control community. Further research using simulation modeling should focus on establishing the proposed link between community assembly rules and spatial patterns of functional trait diversity to maximize our ability to infer multiple processes from spatial community structure.
Production of an active anti‐CD20‐hIL‐2 immunocytokine in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Marusic Carla , Novelli Flavia , Salzano Anna M. , Scaloni Andrea , Benvenuto Eugenio , Pioli Claudio , Donini Marcello
Published: April 2015

Anti‐CD20 murine or chimeric antibodies (Abs) have been used to treat non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) and other diseases characterized by overactive or dysfunctional B cells. Anti‐CD20 Abs demonstrated to be effective in inducing regression of B‐cell lymphomas, although in many cases patients relapse following treatment. A promising approach to improve the outcome of mAb therapy is the use of anti‐CD20 antibodies to deliver cytokines to the tumour microenvironment. In particular, IL‐2‐based immunocytokines have shown enhanced antitumour activity in several preclinical studies. Here, we report on the engineering of an anti‐CD20‐human interleukin‐2 (hIL‐2) immunocytokine (2B8‐Fc‐hIL2) based on the C2B8 mAb (Rituximab) and the resulting ectopic expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. The scFv‐Fc‐engineered immunocytokine is fully assembled in plants with minor degradation products as assessed by SDS‐PAGE and gel filtration. Purification yields using protein‐A affinity chromatography were in the range of 15–20 mg/kg of fresh leaf weight (FW). Glycopeptide analysis confirmed the presence of a highly homogeneous plant‐type glycosylation. 2B8‐Fc‐hIL2 and the cognate 2B8‐Fc antibody, devoid of hIL‐2, were assayed by flow cytometry on Daudi cells revealing a CD20 binding activity comparable to that of Rituximab and were effective in eliciting antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity of human PBMC versus Daudi cells, demonstrating their functional integrity. In 2B8‐Fc‐hIL2, IL‐2 accessibility and biological activity were verified by flow cytometry and cell proliferation assay. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a recombinant immunocytokine based on the therapeutic Rituximab antibody scaffold, whose expression in plants may be a valuable tool for NHLs treatment.