bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Historical biogeography of Breynia (Phyllanthaceae): what caused speciation?
Authors: van Welzen Peter C. , Pruesapan Kanchana , Telford Ian R. H. , Bruhl Jeremy J.
Published: April 2015

Aim

The dated phylogeny of Breynia (including Sauropus) was used to analyse historical biogeographical patterns and to compare the speciation events with tectonic occurrences and biotic and abiotic aspects.

Location

Southeast Asia, Malesia and Australia.

Methods

Existing molecular markers (trnS–trnG, accD–psaI, PHYC and ITS) were used in beast to make a Bayesian age estimate with an exponential relaxed molecular clock. The resulting cladograms and maximum clade credibility (MCC) tree were used as input in statistical dispersal–vicariance analysis (S‐DIVA option in the rasp package).

Results

Breynia originated 25–20 Ma in Thailand (western part of northern to southern Thailand) up to peninsular Malaysia. Dispersal occurred in various directions (India+Sri Lanka, China+Indochina, Malesia+Australia) establishing widespread species. Most species evolved locally in the area of origin and a relatively high number of species form limestone endemics.

Main conclusions

There is little correlation between tectonic movements and dispersal patterns in Breynia. Only the dispersal over Wallace's Line occurred when stepping stones were in place. Speciation, especially in the area of origin seems to be linked to soil (limestone endemics) and pollination, as indicated by the presence of deviating inflorescences in B. subgen. Sauropus (no pollinators are known yet) and the obligate moth pollination in B. sect. Breynia. Moreover, B. sect. Breynia and three widespread species of B. subgen. Sauropus have (more) fleshy fruits and all these taxa generally have wide distributions, probably because of bird dispersal.
Reducing Animal Fat in Bologna Sausage Using Pre‐Emulsified Linseed Oil: Technological and Sensory Properties
Authors: Câmara Ana Karoline Ferreira Ignácio , Pollonio Marise Aparecida Rodrigues
Published: April 2015

Pre‐emulsified linseed oil with sodium caseinate was used to partially replace pork fat in commercial formulations of bologna sausage. A central composite rotational design was carried out to determine the effects of pork fat content (5–20%) and linseed oil (2.5–12.5%) on the emulsion stability, texture profile, color and sensory acceptance of the products. The fat content above 15% influenced both hardness and chewiness of the products. Only the linear effect of the independent variable linseed oil was significant for L* values (P < 0.05). The formulations containing more than 3.95% linseed oil presented higher a* values, lower b* values and improved emulsion stability. The results obtained for the technological properties corroborate the sensory evaluation, in which the attributes color, aroma and flavor had satisfactory scores for the products containing up to 3.95% linseed oil.

Practical Applications

Bologna sausages are widely consumed in Brazil but traditionally have a high content of saturated fats. Therefore, changing the lipid profile of these products is an alternative to the meat industry to offer healthier products to consumers. In this study, the replacement of pork fat by linseed oil was investigated with the aim of providing a new choice for consumption aimed at meeting the nutritional requirements without affecting the sensory and technological properties.
Detection of Cronobacter on gluB Gene and Differentiation of Four Cronobacter Species by Polymerase Chain Reaction‐Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Typing
Authors: Ye Yingwang , Ling Na , Han Yongjia , Cao Xiaodong , Wu Qingping
Published: April 2015

Cronobacter species are foodborne pathogens associated with neonatal meningitis, sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis through consumption of contaminated powdered milk. However, there are no specific targets used for differentiating Cronobacter species. The DNA‐based assay and polyphasic analysis have facilitated the detection and typing of Cronobacter species in foodborne outbreaks. In this study, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and dot hybridization for detecting Cronobacter spp. was developed targeting gluB gene, then one PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) typing assay with TaqI digestion was applied for four species differentiation within Cronobacter. Results indicated that the gluB gene is a specific target for detecting Cronobacter and the PCR‐RFLP typing assay could conveniently and rapidly differentiate Cronobacter malonaticus, C. dublinensis, C. sakazakii and C. muytjensii.

Practical Applications

In this study, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and dot hybridization targeting gluB for detecting Cronobacter was developed and a PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) typing assay with TaqI was successfully applied for differentiating four Cronobacter species. Results indicated that gluB is a specific marker for detection of Cronobacter and PCR‐RFLP targeting gluB gene product digested with TaqI could conveniently differentiate four Cronobacter species.
Automatic quantification of angiogenesis in 2D sections: a precise and timesaving approach
Authors: WEIS C. , COVI J.M. , HILGERT J.G. , LEIBIG N. , ARKUDAS A. , HORCH R.E. , KNESER U. , SCHMIDT V.J.
Published: April 2015

Introduction

The standardized characterization of angiogenesis is crucial in the field of tissue engineering as sufficient blood supply is the limiting factor of mass transfer. However, reliable algorithms that provide a straight forward and observer‐independent assessment of new vessel formation are still lacking. We propose an automatic observer‐independent quantitative method (including downloadable source code) to analyze vascularization using two‐dimensional microscopic images of histological cross‐sections and advanced postprocessing, based on a ‘positive‐ and negative‐experts’ model and a (corrected) nearest neighbour classification, in a vascularized tissue engineering model.

Materials and Methods

An established angioinductive rat arteriovenous loop model was used to compare the new automatic analysis with a common 2D method and a μCT algorithm. Angiogenesis was observed at three different time points (5, 10 and 15 days).

Results

In line with previous results, formation of functional new vessels that arose from the venous graft was evident within the three‐dimensional construct and a significant (p < 0.05) increase in vessel count and area was observed over time. The proposed automatic analysis obtained precise values for vessel count and vessel area that were similar to the manually gained data. The algorithm further provided vectorized parameterization of the newly formed vessels for advanced statistical analysis. Compared to the μCT‐based three‐dimensional analyses, the presented two‐dimensional algorithm was superior in terms of small vessel detection as well as cost and time efficiency.

Conclusions

The quantitative evaluation method, using microscopic images of stained histological sections, ‘positive‐ and negative‐experts’‐based vessel segmentation, and nearest neighbour classification, provides a user‐independent and precise but also time‐ and cost‐effective tool for the analysis of vascularized constructs. Our algorithm, which is freely available to the public, outperforms previous approaches especially in terms of unambiguous vessel classification and statistical analyses.
The effect of a supportive educational intervention developed based on the Orem's self‐care theory on the self‐care ability of patients with myocardial infarction: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mohammadpour Ali , Rahmati Sharghi Narjes , Khosravan Shahla , Alami Ali , Akhond Majid
Published: April 2015

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a supportive educational intervention developed based on the Orem's self‐care theory on the self‐care ability of patients with myocardial infarction.

Background

Patients with cardiovascular disease suffer from the lack of knowledge about the disease and consequently are not able to fulfil their own self‐care needs.

Design

This was a randomised controlled trial conducted in 2012.

Methods

We recruited a random sample of 66 patients with myocardial infarction who had been recently discharged from coronary care unit. The study setting was two university hospitals located in Khorasan, Iran. Patients were randomly allocated to either the experimental or the control groups. Patients in the experimental group received education, support, and counselling while patients in the control group received no intervention. We employed a demographic questionnaire and the Myocardial Infarction Self‐Care Ability Questionnaire for data collection and spss version 16.00 for data analysis.

Findings

After the study, patients in the experimental group had higher levels of self‐care knowledge, motivation and skills compared to the prestudy readings and the control group.

Conclusion

The supportive educational intervention developed based on the Orem's self‐care theory can improve nonhospitalised patients' self‐care ability and positively affect public health outcomes. Consequently, using the developed programme for providing follow‐up care to nonhospitalised patients is recommended.

Relevance to clinical practice

Having the ability to develop caring systems based on the nursing theories is a prerequisite to standard nursing practice. Identifying patients' educational needs is a fundamental prerequisite to patient education. Our findings revealed that the supportive educational intervention developed based on the Orem's self‐care theory can help health care providers identify and fulfil patients' self‐care needs.
Combating Weight‐Based Bullying in Schools: Is There Public Support for the Use of Litigation?
Authors: Puhl Rebecca , Luedicke Joerg , King Kelly M.
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Bullying litigation is an emerging area of law that has increased in response to serious cases of bullying at school. Weight‐based bullying is prevalent at school, but no research has examined the use of litigation to address this problem. We assessed public support for litigation approaches to address weight‐based bullying at school, and whether support for litigation varies according to the reason why a student is bullied.

METHODS

A national sample of 994 adults (49% parents) completed an online questionnaire assessing their support for litigation approaches in response to hypothetical incidents of youth bullying.

RESULTS

As many as two thirds of participants supported litigation against schools for failing to intervene and protect students from weight‐based bullying. Litigation remedies received slightly higher support in response to bullying due to race or sexual orientation compared to body weight. Participants favored litigation approaches that target schools for inadequate intervention or a bully's parents on behalf of their child's actions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study offers novel findings about public and parental views of litigation as a potential approach to address weight‐based (and other forms of) bullying, and introduces considerations about the potential role of litigation as part of broader remedies to address youth bullying.
The impact of sheep grazing on burrows for pygmy bluetongue lizards and on burrow digging spiders
Authors: Clayton J. , Bull C. M.
Published: April 2015

Grazing by domestic stock has altered and degraded natural grassland ecosystems worldwide, directly and indirectly impacting the endemic plant and animal species occupying those grasslands. The pygmy bluetongue lizard Tiliqua adelaidensis is an endangered species, restricted now to fragments of native grassland habitat in South Australia, which are predominantly grazed by sheep. These lizards exclusively occupy burrows dug by spiders, and use them as refuges, basking sites and ambush points. They do not dig their own burrows and rely on coexisting spiders for this essential resource. We asked how sheep grazing influences construction and persistence of spider burrows by comparing burrow dynamics in adjacent grazed and ungrazed grassland habitats. In ungrazed plots, spider burrows increased over one spring and summer period, particularly after a summer rain event that softened the soil. In grazed plots, more existing burrows were destroyed, presumably by sheep trampling, and fewer new burrows were constructed, leading to a net loss in burrow numbers over the same period. However, in this short study, grazing did not affect the number of pygmy bluetongue lizards or the number of lycosid spiders. Burrows that were lost tended to be shallower and to have smaller diameter entrances than those that were retained, suggesting that the best burrows for lizard refuges were more likely to persist despite sheep activity. However, heavy grazing may have negative impacts on both lizards and spiders, resulting from a reduction in available burrows and in spider digging behaviour.
Localization of quantitative trait loci for diapause and other photoperiodically regulated life history traits important in adaptation to seasonally varying environments
Authors: Tyukmaeva Venera I. , Veltsos Paris , Slate Jon , Gregson Emma , Kauranen Hannele , Kankare Maaria , Ritchie Michael G. , Butlin Roger K. , Hoikkala Anneli
Published: April 2015

Seasonally changing environments at high latitudes present great challenges for the reproduction and survival of insects, and photoperiodic cues play an important role in helping them to synchronize their life cycle with prevalent and forthcoming conditions. We have mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for the photoperiodic regulation of four life history traits, female reproductive diapause, cold tolerance, egg‐to‐eclosion development time and juvenile body weight in Drosophila montana strains from different latitudes in Canada and Finland. The F2 progeny of the cross was reared under a single photoperiod (LD cycle 16:8), which the flies from the Canadian population interpret as early summer and the flies from the Finnish population as late summer. The analysis revealed a unique QTL for diapause induction on the X chromosome and several QTL for this and the other measured traits on the 4th chromosome. Flies’ cold tolerance, egg‐to‐eclosion development time and juvenile body weight had several QTL also on the 2nd, 3rd and 5th chromosome, some of the peaks overlapping with each other. These results suggest that while the downstream output of females’ photoperiodic diapause response is partly under a different genetic control from that of the other traits in the given day length, all traits also share some QTL, possibly involving genes with pleiotropic effects and/or multiple tightly linked genes. Nonoverlapping QTL detected for some of the traits also suggest that the traits are potentially capable of independent evolution, even though this may be restricted by epistatic interactions and/or correlations and trade‐offs between the traits.
A genetic demographic analysis of Lake Malawi rock‐dwelling cichlids using spatio‐temporal sampling
Authors: Husemann Martin , Nguyen Rachel , Ding Baoqing , Danley Patrick D.
Published: April 2015

We estimated the effective population sizes (Ne) and tested for short‐term temporal demographic stability of populations of two Lake Malawi cichlids: Maylandia benetos, a micro‐endemic, and Maylandia zebra, a widespread species found across the lake. We sampled a total of 351 individuals, genotyped them at 13 microsatellite loci and sequenced their mitochondrial D‐loop to estimate genetic diversity, population structure, demographic history and effective population sizes. At the microsatellite loci, genetic diversity was high in all populations. Yet, genetic diversity was relatively low for the sequence data. Microsatellites yielded mean Ne estimates of 481 individuals (±99 SD) for M. benetos and between 597 (±106.3 SD) and 1524 (±483.9 SD) individuals for local populations of M. zebra. The microsatellite data indicated no deviations from mutation–drift equilibrium. Maylandia zebra was further found to be in migration–drift equilibrium. Temporal fluctuations in allele frequencies were limited across the sampling period for both species. Bayesian Skyline analyses suggested a recent expansion of M. zebra populations in line with lake‐level fluctuations, whereas the demographic history of M. benetos could only be estimated for the very recent past. Divergence time estimates placed the origin of M. benetos within the last 100 ka after the refilling of the lake and suggested that it split off the sympatric M. zebra population. Overall, our data indicate that micro‐endemics and populations in less favourable habitats have smaller Ne, indicating that drift may play an important role driving their divergence. Yet, despite small population sizes, high genetic variation can be maintained.
Quality of Life in Young Adult Patients with a Cardiogenetic Condition Receiving an ICD for Primary Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death
Authors: VERKERK AGNES J. , VERMEER ALEXA M. , SMETS ELLEN M. , DEKKER LUKAS R. , WILDE ARTHUR A. , VAN LANGEN IRENE M. , CHRISTIAANS IMKE , NIEUWKERK PYTHIA T.
Published: April 2015

Background

Prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) therapy prevents sudden cardiac death (SCD) among young adults with cardiogenetic conditions, but might reduce quality of life (QoL) due to potential device complications, ongoing medical appointments, and lifestyle restrictions. We investigated QoL in the first year after ICD implantation for the primary prevention of SCD and compared QoL scores with population norms.

Methods

Consecutive patients with cardiogenetic conditions (aged 18–50 years) referred to the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam to receive ICD therapy for the primary prevention of SCD between 2007 and 2009 were eligible. Patients completed questions about QoL (Short‐Form 36 Health Survey; SF‐36), depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale; CES‐D), anxiety (State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory; STAI), and the impact of receiving ICD therapy on lifestyle and work, shortly before ICD implantation and after 2 months, 6 months, and 12 months.

Results

Thirty‐five of 47 eligible patients participated. QoL was significantly reduced shortly before and 2 months after ICD implantation but improved over time and was comparable with population norms at 6 months and 12 months after ICD implantation. Yet, only about half of the patients believed they had a normal life like everyone else, and 28% had lost or changed their job due to their cardiogenetic condition and ICD therapy.

Conclusions

Receiving a diagnosis of a cardiogenetic condition and subsequent ICD implantation was accompanied with a temporarily reduced QoL and a significant negative impact on professional life. Clinicians should inform their patients of the possible QoL consequences when deciding about ICD implantation in primary prevention of SCD in cardiogenetic conditions.
Retracted: The association of hypotension with the insertion of an abdominal retractor during lower abdominal surgery in pediatric patients: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Nakayama Rika , Mihara Takahiro , Miyamoto Yoshihisa , Ka Koui
Published: April 2015

Background

The Alexis® wound retractor is composed of an inner‐ and outer‐ring, with the inner‐ring placed inside the abdominal cavity. This placement can constrict the internal organs and large vessels, especially in children, which can lead to hypotension. Our study aimed to investigate the relation between the incidence of hypotension and insertion of the wound retractor during lower abdominal surgery in pediatric patients.

Methods

We retrospectively examined 161 pediatric patients (<4 years old), who underwent lower abdominal surgery, regardless of abdominal retractor type. Hypotension was defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure of >15% from baseline. We used logistic regression to predict hypotension using the following nine parameters: age, height, weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA‐PS), sex, laterality of the operation (unilateral or bilateral), presence or absence of caudal block, wound length, and type of retractor (retractors with or without an inner‐ring).

Results

Logistic multivariate regression analysis revealed that a retractor with an inner‐ring use (odds ratio 3.28, 95% CI 1.41–7.63, P = 0.006) and younger age (odds ratio 1.07 per month, 95% CI 1.02–1.12, P = 0.010) were independent risk factors associated with hypotension following lower abdominal surgery in this age group.

Conclusions

Patient age and use of a wound retractor with an inner‐ring are independent risk factors associated with hypotension during insertion of the abdominal retractor in lower abdominal surgery.
Development of a Clinical Framework for Mirror Therapy in Patients with Phantom Limb Pain: An Evidence‐based Practice Approach
Authors: Rothgangel Andreas , Braun Susy , de Witte Luc , Beurskens Anna , Smeets Rob
Published: April 2015

Objective

To describe the development and content of a clinical framework for mirror therapy (MT) in patients with phantom limb pain (PLP) following amputation.

Methods

Based on an a priori formulated theoretical model, 3 sources of data collection were used to develop the clinical framework. First, a review of the literature took place on important clinical aspects and the evidence on the effectiveness of MT in patients with phantom limb pain. In addition, questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews were used to analyze clinical experiences and preferences of physical and occupational therapists and patients suffering from PLP regarding the application of MT. All data were finally clustered into main and subcategories and were used to complement and refine the theoretical model.

Results

For every main category of the a priori formulated theoretical model, several subcategories emerged from the literature search, patient, and therapist interviews. Based on these categories, we developed a clinical flowchart that incorporates the main and subcategories in a logical way according to the phases in methodical intervention defined by the Royal Dutch Society for Physical Therapy. In addition, we developed a comprehensive booklet that illustrates the individual steps of the clinical flowchart.

Conclusions

In this study, a structured clinical framework for the application of MT in patients with PLP was developed. This framework is currently being tested for its effectiveness in a multicenter randomized controlled trial.
Arabidopsis EDT1/HDG11 improves drought and salt tolerance in cotton and poplar and increases cotton yield in the field
Authors: Yu Lin‐Hui , Wu Shen‐Jie , Peng Yi‐Shu , Liu Rui‐Na , Chen Xi , Zhao Ping , Xu Ping , Zhu Jian‐Bo , Jiao Gai‐Li , Pei Yan , Xiang Cheng‐Bin
Published: April 2015

Drought and salinity are two major environmental factors limiting crop production worldwide. Improvement of drought and salt tolerance of crops with transgenic approach is an effective strategy to meet the demand of the ever‐growing world population. Arabidopsis ENHANCED DROUGHT TOLERANCE1/HOMEODOMAIN GLABROUS11 (AtEDT1/HDG11), a homeodomain‐START transcription factor, has been demonstrated to significantly improve drought tolerance in Arabidopsis, tobacco, tall fescue and rice. Here we report that AtHDG11 also confers drought and salt tolerance in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and woody plant poplar (Populus tomentosa Carr.). Our results showed that both the transgenic cotton and poplar exhibited significantly enhanced tolerance to drought and salt stress with well‐developed root system. In the leaves of the transgenic cotton plants, proline content, soluble sugar content and activities of reactive oxygen species‐scavenging enzymes were significantly increased after drought and salt stress compared with wild type. Leaf stomatal density was significantly reduced, whereas stomatal and leaf epidermal cell size were significantly increased in both the transgenic cotton and poplar plants. More importantly, the transgenic cotton showed significantly improved drought tolerance and better agronomic performance with higher cotton yield in the field both under normal and drought conditions. These results demonstrate that AtHDG11 is not only a promising candidate for crops improvement but also for woody plants.
A transgenic plant cell‐suspension system for expression of epitopes on chimeric Bamboo mosaic virus particles
Authors: Muthamilselvan Thangarasu , Lee Chin‐Wei , Cho Yu‐Hsin , Wu Feng‐Chao , Hu Chung‐Chi , Liang Yu‐Chuan , Lin Na‐Sheng , Hsu Yau‐Heiu
Published: April 2015

We describe a novel strategy to produce vaccine antigens using a plant cell‐suspension culture system in lieu of the conventional bacterial or animal cell‐culture systems. We generated transgenic cell‐suspension cultures from Nicotiana benthamiana leaves carrying wild‐type or chimeric Bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV) expression constructs encoding the viral protein 1 (VP1) epitope of foot‐and‐mouth disease virus (FMDV). Antigens accumulated to high levels in BdT38 and BdT19 transgenic cell lines co‐expressing silencing suppressor protein P38 or P19. BaMV chimeric virus particles (CVPs) were subsequently purified from the respective cell lines (1.5 and 2.1 mg CVPs/20 g fresh weight of suspended biomass, respectively), and the resulting CVPs displayed VP1 epitope on the surfaces. Guinea pigs vaccinated with purified CVPs produced humoral antibodies. This study represents an important advance in the large‐scale production of immunopeptide vaccines in a cost‐effective manner using a plant cell‐suspension culture system.
Roux‐en‐Y hepatico‐jejunostomy for a left segmental graft: Do not twist the loop, stick it!
Authors: Nadalin S. , Monti L. , Grimaldi C. , di Francesco F. , Tozzi A. E. , de Ville de Goyet J.
Published: April 2015

Biliary complications remain a major challenge for long‐term success after LT, as it is, as a rule, the most common technical – early and late – complication that occurs, and because these complications contribute to a significant number of late graft losses and retransplantations. In the pediatric age group, both biliary atresia, as the patient's condition, and the use of a left liver graft, obtained by a liver division technique, make it necessary for the use of a Roux‐en‐Y jejunal loop for the biliary reconstruction in the majority of cases. A slight modification of the technique is presented, consisting of a straight positioning along the cut surface (rather than the conventional position that results in a harpoon shape). A favorable outcome in terms of a technical complication and graft survival was observed. This way of doing this is an interesting variation and adds to the surgical armamentarium.
An Optimized Firefly Luciferase Bioluminescent Assay for the Analysis of Free Fatty Acids
Authors: Marques Simone M. , Gonçalves Luís M. , Esteves da Silva Joaquim C. G.
Published: April 2015

A firefly luciferase (LUC)‐based bioluminescent assay for total free fatty acids (FFA) is presented. It is based on LUC's capability of converting FFA into fatty acyl‐adenylates with consumption of adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (ATP). Since ATP is a cosubstrate in LUC's bioluminescent reaction, together with firefly d‐luciferin (d‐LH2) and atmospheric oxygen (O2), any reduction in the assay's ATP content will lead to a decrease in the bioluminescent signal, which is proportional to the amount of FFA. Using FFA mixtures containing myristic (14:0), palmitic (16:0), stearic (18:0), oleic (18:1) and arachidonic acid (20:4) in ethanol, the assay was optimized through statistical experimental design methodology, namely fractional factorial (screening) and central composite (optimization) designs. The optimized method requires 2 μL of sample per tube in a final reaction volume of 50 μL. It is linear in the concentration range from 1 to 20 μm, with limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) of 1.3 and 4.5 μm, respectively. The method proved to be simple to perform, demands low reagent volumes, it is sensitive and robust and may be adapted to high‐throughput screening.
Human skin penetration of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights as probed by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Essendoubi M. , Gobinet C. , Reynaud R. , Angiboust J. F. , Manfait M. , Piot O.
Published: April 2015

Background

Topical delivery of molecules into the human skin is one of the main issues in dermatology and cosmetology. Several techniques were developed to study molecules penetration into the human skin. Although widely accepted, the conventional methods such as Franz diffusion cells are unable to provide the accurate localization of actives in the skin layers. A different approach based on Raman spectroscopy has been proposed to follow‐up the permeation of actives. It presents a high molecular specificity to distinguish exogenous molecules from skin constituents.

Methods

Raman micro‐imaging was applied to monitor the skin penetration of hyaluronic acids (HA) of different molecular weights. The first step, was the spectral characterization of these HA. After, we have determined spectral features of HA by which they can be detected in the skin. In the second part, transverse skin sections were realized and spectral images were recorded.

Results

Our results show a difference of skin permeation of the three HA. Indeed, HA with low molecular weight (20–300 kDa) passes through the stratum corneum in contrast of the impermeability of high molecular weight HA (1000–1400 kDa).

Conclusion

Raman spectroscopy represents an analytical, non‐destructive, and dynamic method to evaluate the permeation of actives in the skin layers.
Model Test of a 1:8-Scale Floating Wind Turbine Offshore in the Gulf of Maine1
Authors: Viselli Anthony M. , Goupee Andrew J. , Dagher Habib J.
Published: April 2015

A new floating wind turbine platform design called VolturnUS developed by the University of Maine uses innovations in materials, construction, and deployment technologies such as a concrete semisubmersible hull and a composite tower to reduce the costs of offshore wind. These novel characteristics require research and development prior to full-scale construction. This paper presents a unique offshore model testing effort aimed at derisking full-scale commercial projects by providing scaled global motion data, allowing for testing of materials representative of the full-scale system, and demonstrating full-scale construction and deployment methods. A 1:8-scale model of a 6 MW semisubmersible floating wind turbine was deployed offshore Castine, ME, in June 2013. The model includes a fully operational commercial 20 kW wind turbine and was the first grid-connected offshore wind turbine in the U.S. The testing effort includes careful selection of the offshore test site, the commercial wind turbine that produces the correct aerodynamic thrust given the wind conditions at the test site, scaling methods, model design, and construction. A suitable test site was identified that produced scaled design load cases (DLCs) prescribed by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Guide for Building and Classing Floating Offshore Wind Turbines. A turbine with a small rotor diameter was selected because it produces the correct thrust load given the wind conditions at the test site. Some representative data from the test are provided in this paper. Model test data are compared directly to full-scale design predictions made using coupled aeroelastic/hydrodynamic software. Scaled VolturnUS performance data during DLCs show excellent agreement with full-scale predictive models. Model test data are also compared directly without scaling against a numerical representation of the 1:8-scale physical model for the purposes of numerical code validation. The numerical model results compare favorably with data collected from the physical model.
Acute Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Feelings of Energy in Relation to Age and Sex
Authors: Legrand Fabien D. , Bertucci William M. , Hudson Joanne
Published: April 2015

A crossover experiment was performed to determine whether age and sex, or their interaction, affect the impact of acute aerobic exercise on vigor-activity (VA). We also tested whether changes in VA mediated exercise effects on performance on various cognitive tasks. Sixty-eight physically inactive volunteers participated in exercise and TV-watching control conditions. They completed the VA subscale of the Profile of Mood States immediately before and 2 min after the intervention in each condition. They also performed the Trail Making Test 3 min after the intervention in each condition. Statistical analyses produced a condition × age × sex interaction characterized by a higher mean VA gain value in the exercise condition (compared with the VA gain value in the TV-watching condition) for young female participants only. In addition, the mediational analyses revealed that changes in VA fully mediated the effects of exercise on TMT-Part A performance.
For toilets, money matters
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: April 2015

New work suggests that subsidies to the poor to buy latrines could help end open defecation.
Mitoribosome oddities
Authors: Beckmann Roland , Herrmann Johannes M.
Published: April 2015

The mitochondrial ribosome has evolved structural differences from its cytosolic counterpart

[Also see Report by

Greber
et al.

]
Normal Free Interleukin-18 (IL-18) Plasma Levels in Dengue Virus Infection and the Need To Measure Both Total IL-18 and IL-18 Binding Protein Levels
Authors: Michels Meta , de Mast Quirijn , Netea Mihai G. , Joosten Leo A. , Dinarello Charles A. , Rudiman Pandji I. F. , Sinarta Sylvia , Wisaksana Rudi , Alisjahbana Bachti , van der Ven André J. A. M.
Published: April 2015

Activated monocytes/macrophages and T lymphocytes that produce a cytokine storm are assumed to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of dengue. Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is increased during dengue and known to induce gamma interferon (IFN-γ), which is crucial for dengue immune response. No data are available regarding the balance between IL-18 and its natural inhibitor IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) and how they interact within the inflammatory reaction of patients with dengue virus infections. Circulating levels of IL-18; IL-18BP; free, biologically active IL-18; the IL-18-dependent proinflammatory cytokine IFN-γ; monocyte-derived cytokines; and ferritin were assessed in adult Indonesian dengue patients (
n
= 95). Healthy individuals (
n
= 22) and leptospirosis (
n
= 19) and enteric fever (
n
= 6) patients served as controls. Total IL-18 levels were increased during dengue, leptospirosis, and enteric fever compared to healthy controls. However, due to a concurrent increase in IL-18BP levels, biologically active IL-18 levels remained similar in the different phases of dengue and in patients with leptospirosis. Biologically active IL-18 levels were also similar in patients with severe and nonsevere dengue. In conclusion, high total IL-18 and IL-18BP levels concur in dengue virus infections, leptospirosis, and enteric fever. This resulted in unchanged levels of free, biologically active IL-18 in dengue and leptospirosis, which underlines the importance of measuring both IL-18 and IL-18BP when studying the role of IL-18 in diseases.
Streptococcus pyogenes emm Types and Clusters during a 7-Year Period (2007 to 2013) in Pharyngeal and Nonpharyngeal Pediatric Isolates
Authors: Koutouzi F. , Tsakris A. , Chatzichristou P. , Koutouzis E. , Daikos G. L. , Kirikou E. , Petropoulou N. , Syriopoulou V. , Michos A.
Published: April 2015

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Surveillance of
emm
types has important implications, as it can provide baseline information for possible implementation of vaccination. A total of 1,349 GAS pediatric isolates were collected during a 7-year period (2007 to 2013);
emm
typing was completed for 1,282 pharyngeal (84%) or nonpharyngeal (16%) isolates, and
emm
clusters and temporal changes were analyzed. Thirty-five different
emm
types, including 14 subtypes, were identified. The most prevalent
emm
types identified were 1 (16.7%), 12 (13.6%), 77 (10.9%), 4 (10.8%), 28 (10.4%), 6 (6.8%), 3 (6.6%), and 89 (6.6%), accounting for 82.3% of total isolates. Rheumatogenic
emm
types comprised 16.3% of total isolates. The
emm
types 12, 4, and 77 were more prevalent among pharyngeal isolates, and the
emm
types 1, 89, 6, 75, and 11 were more prevalent among nonpharyngeal isolates. The
emm
types identified belonged to 13
emm
clusters, and the 8 most prevalent clusters comprised 97% of all isolates. There were statistically significant decreases in the prevalence of
emm
types 12, 4, 5, and 61 and increases in the prevalence of
emm
types 89, 75, and 11, compared with the period 2001 to 2006. The proposed 30-valent GAS vaccine, which is currently in preclinical studies, encompasses 97.2% of the
emm
types detected in our study and 97.4% of the erythromycin-resistant strains. In addition, it includes 93.3% of the
emm
types involved in bacteremia. A much greater diversity of GAS
emm
types was identified in our area than described previously. Seasonal fluctuations and the introduction of new
emm
types were observed. Continuous surveillance of
emm
types is needed in order to evaluate the possible benefits of an M protein-based GAS vaccine.
Coproduction of KPC-2 and IMP-10 in Carbapenem-Resistant Serratia marcescens Isolates from an Outbreak in a Brazilian Teaching Hospital
Authors: Silva Kesia Esther , Cayô Rodrigo , Carvalhaes Cecilia Godoy , Patussi Correia Sacchi Flávia , Rodrigues-Costa Fernanda , Ramos da Silva Ana Carolina , Croda Julio , Gales Ana Cristina , Simionatto Simone
Published: April 2015

We describe an outbreak caused by KPC-2- and IMP-10-producing
Serratia marcescens
isolates in a Brazilian teaching hospital. Tigecycline was the only active antimicrobial agent tested. The
bla
IMP-10
gene was located in a new class 1 integron, named
In
990, carried by a nonconjugative plasmid, in contrast to
bla
KPC-2
.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Successful Resolution of Multidrug-Resistant-Organism Colonization
Authors: Crum-Cianflone Nancy F. , Sullivan Eva , Ballon-Landa Gonzalo
Published: April 2015

We report a case in which fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) utilized for relapsing
Clostridium difficile
colitis successfully eradicated colonization with several multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). FMT may have an additive benefit of reducing MDRO carriage and should be further investigated as a potential measure to eradicate additional potentially virulent organisms beyond
C. difficile
.
Optimized Protocol for Simple Extraction of High-Quality Genomic DNA from Clostridium difficile for Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Sim James Heng Chiak , Anikst Victoria , Lohith Akshar , Pourmand Nader , Banaei Niaz
Published: April 2015

Successful sequencing of the
Clostridium difficile
genome requires high-quality genomic DNA (gDNA) as the starting material. gDNA extraction using conventional methods is laborious. We describe here an optimized method for the simple extraction of
C. difficile
gDNA using the QIAamp DNA minikit, which yielded high-quality sequence reads on the Illumina MiSeq platform.
Antibody Escape Kinetics of Equine Infectious Anemia Virus Infection of Horses
Authors: Schwartz Elissa J. , Nanda Seema , Mealey Robert H.
Published: April 2015

Lentivirus escape from neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) is not well understood. In this work, we quantified antibody escape of a lentivirus, using antibody escape data from horses infected with equine infectious anemia virus. We calculated antibody blocking rates of wild-type virus, fitness costs of mutant virus, and growth rates of both viruses. These quantitative kinetic estimates of antibody escape are important for understanding lentiviral control by antibody neutralization and in developing NAb-eliciting vaccine strategies.
Glycan Microheterogeneity at the PGT135 Antibody Recognition Site on HIV-1 gp120 Reveals a Molecular Mechanism for Neutralization Resistance
Authors: Pritchard Laura K. , Spencer Daniel I. R. , Royle Louise , Vasiljevic Snezana , Krumm Stefanie A. , Doores Katie J. , Crispin Max
Published: April 2015

Broadly neutralizing antibodies have been isolated that bind the glycan shield of the HIV-1 envelope spike. One such antibody, PGT135, contacts the intrinsic mannose patch of gp120 at the Asn332, Asn392, and Asn386 glycosylation sites. Here, site-specific glycosylation analysis of recombinant gp120 revealed glycan microheterogeneity sufficient to explain the existence of a minor population of virions resistant to PGT135 neutralization. Target microheterogeneity and antibody glycan specificity are therefore important parameters in HIV-1 vaccine design.
Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 2 Induces Autophagy To Promote Abnormal Acinus Formation
Authors: Fotheringham Julie A. , Raab-Traub Nancy
Published: April 2015

Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) induces many characteristics of carcinoma, including transformation, migration, invasion, and impaired differentiation. The MCF10A cell line differentiates to form hollow acini when grown in Matrigel, and expression of LMP2A inhibited differentiation and anoikis induced by loss of matrix attachment. LMP2A-infected cells formed large, lobular structures rather than hollow acini. Autophagy inhibitors impaired this abnormal growth and induced caspase 3 activation and acinus formation. LMP2A also increased autophagosome formation and expression of proteins in the autophagosome pathway. These findings suggest that LMP2A may inhibit anoikis and luminal clearance in acini through induction of autophagy.
Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the colon
Authors: Armaghani Avan , Gonzalo David Hernandez , Daily Karen
Published: April 2015

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC) is a rare extrahepatic adenocarcinoma that morphologically and immunophenotypically mimics hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We report the case of a 42-year-old woman with an extensive cancer history who presented with right-sided abdominal pain and lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, and was ultimately diagnosed with colon adenocarcinoma. She underwent sigmoidectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Approximately 1 month after completion of chemotherapy, positron emission tomography showed presence of a 1.8 cm×1.4 cm mesenteric lymph node. She underwent treatment with chemotherapy and radiation followed by lymph node resection. Pathological findings from the lymph node were consistent with poorly differentiated carcinoma with hepatocellular differentiation. When compared with pathology from the colonic resection, both specimens showed histomorphological features and immunohistochemical profiles consistent with hepatocellular differentiation. Given these findings, a diagnosis of HAC of the colon with metastasis to a mesenteric lymph node was made.
Does neighbourhood deprivation cause poor health? Within-individual analysis of movers in a prospective cohort study
Authors: Jokela Markus
Published: April 2015

Background

Neighbourhood deprivation has been associated with poor health. The evidence for social causation, however, remains scarce because selective residential mobility may also create neighbourhood differences. The present study examined whether individuals had poorer health when they were living in a deprived neighbourhood compared to another time when the same individuals were living in a less deprived neighbourhood.

Methods

Participants were from the British Household Panel Survey prospective cohort study with 18 annual measurements of residential location and self-reported health outcomes between 1991 and 2009 (n=137 884 person-observations of 17 001 persons in England). Neighbourhood deprivation was assessed concurrently with health outcomes using the Index of Multiple Deprivation at the geographically detailed level of Lower Layer Super Output Areas. The main analyses were replicated in subsamples from Scotland (n=4897) and Wales (n=4442). Multilevel regression was used to separate within-individual and between-individuals associations.

Results

Neighbourhood deprivation was associated with poorer self-rated health, and with higher psychological distress, functional health limitations and number of health problems. These associations were almost exclusively due to differences between different individuals rather than within-individual variations related to different neighbourhoods. By contrast, poorer health was associated with lower odds of moving to less deprived neighbourhoods among movers. The analysis was limited by the restricted within-individual variation and measurement imprecision of neighbourhood deprivation.

Conclusions

Individuals living in deprived neighbourhoods have poorer health, but it appears that neighbourhood deprivation is not causing poorer health of adults. Instead, neighbourhood health differentials may reflect the more fundamental social inequalities that determine health and ability to move between deprived and non-deprived neighbourhoods.
Mentoring support for students
Authors: Foote David
Published: April 2015

David Foote is director of the University of Sydney's voluntary mentoring programme, which offers support for final‐year vet students
Diary of a poultry intern
Authors: Garton William
Published: April 2015

Poultry intern William Garton has been at another conference, only this time as a speaker. ‘Poultry on the piste’ is Minster Veterinary Practice's week‐long conference that combines CPD with snow sports.
Centrifuge testing to simulate buried reinforced concrete pipe joints subjected to traffic loading
Authors: Rakitin Boris , Xu Ming
Published: April 2015

Pipeline water leakage has become a serious problem in many countries. It has been widely noted that most of the damage to the pipelines occurs in the joints where two pipes are connected to each other. This paper presents the results of a geotechnical centrifuge testing program in which the response of a 12 m long (in prototype scale) large-diameter reinforced concrete pipeline with gasketed bell-and-spigot joints subjected to three standard American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials design load configurations has been investigated. The results show that most vertical pipe movements occurred during the first 10 cycles of traffic loading. Under design tandem loading, the pipe joint displacements were significantly higher than those under the other two traffic load configurations. An increase of soil cover depth resulted in a reduced influence of surface loading, the effect of which was the most significant for two single pairs of wheels of design trucks in passing mode. Furthermore, two pipes on the left side and two pipes on the right side from the tested joint were influenced significantly by the surface loading, while the pipeline movements were not symmetrical. Although the joint directly under the load experienced the largest rotation, the possibility of leakage in the second joint in the spigot-to-bell direction was also high, due to large differential displacement between the pipes.