bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of hand hygiene depends on the patient's health condition and care environment
Authors: Okada Junko , Yamamizu Yukiko , Fukai Kiyoko
Published: February 2016

Aim

The present authors examined how patient hand contamination was associated with underlying disease and treatment environment in order to determine effective hand hygiene methods.

Methods

Samples were collected from inpatients (45 with hematological malignancies, 48 postoperative), outpatients (48 undergoing hemodialysis, 55 on chemotherapy), and 44 individuals living in nursing homes. All participants provided informed consent for study participation. All subjects performed hand hygiene. Before and after hand hygiene, samples of bacteria were collected from the palm of the hand onto agar media. Bacteria were counted and bacterial strains were identified. The authors then collected smear samples from the contralateral palm and measured adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels.

Results

Patient hand contamination was the highest in hemodialysis patients, followed by residents of nursing homes, postoperative patients, patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy, and patients of hematological malignancies. Regardless of the underlying disease and treatment environment, patients were able to reduce the number of bacterial colonies and ATP by proper hand hygiene. Compared with wet wipes, hand washing seemed to remove bacteria more effectively. Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected in 30 subjects, none of whom were patients of hematological malignancies. Of these, 19 tested negative for MRSA after performing proper hand hygiene.

Conclusion

Patient hand contamination is affected by underlying disease and care environment, but can be reduced by encouraging proper hand washing. Proper patient hand hygiene can reduce MRSA on patients' hands, and thus may serve as an effective tool for prevention of healthcare‐associated infections.
Converging roles of ion channels, calcium, metabolic stress, and activity pattern of Substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons in health and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Duda Johanna , Pötschke Christina , Liss Birgit
Published: February 2016

Dopamine‐releasing neurons within the Substantia nigra (SN DA) are particularly vulnerable to degeneration compared to other dopaminergic neurons. The age‐dependent, progressive loss of these neurons is a pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD), as the resulting loss of striatal dopamine causes its major movement‐related symptoms. SN DA neurons release dopamine from their axonal terminals within the dorsal striatum, and also from their cell bodies and dendrites within the midbrain in a calcium‐ and activity‐dependent manner. Their intrinsically generated and metabolically challenging activity is created and modulated by the orchestrated function of different ion channels and dopamine D2‐autoreceptors. Here, we review increasing evidence that the mechanisms that control activity patterns and calcium homeostasis of SN DA neurons are not only crucial for their dopamine release within a physiological range but also modulate their mitochondrial and lysosomal activity, their metabolic stress levels, and their vulnerability to degeneration in PD. Indeed, impaired calcium homeostasis, lysosomal and mitochondrial dysfunction, and metabolic stress in SN DA neurons represent central converging trigger factors for idiopathic and familial PD. We summarize double‐edged roles of ion channels, activity patterns, calcium homeostasis, and related feedback/feed‐forward signaling mechanisms in SN DA neurons for maintaining and modulating their physiological function, but also for contributing to their vulnerability in PD‐paradigms. We focus on the emerging roles of maintained neuronal activity and calcium homeostasis within a physiological bandwidth, and its modulation by PD‐triggers, as well as on bidirectional functions of voltage‐gated L‐type calcium channels and metabolically gated ATP‐sensitive potassium (K‐ATP) channels, and their probable interplay in health and PD.

image

We propose that SN DA neurons possess several feedback and feed‐forward mechanisms to protect and adapt their activity‐pattern and calcium‐homeostasis within a physiological bandwidth, and that PD‐trigger factors can narrow this bandwidth. We summarize roles of ion channels in this view, and findings documenting that both, reduced as well as elevated activity and associated calcium‐levels can trigger SN DA degeneration.

This article is part of a special issue on Parkinson disease.
Solubility parameter-based screening methods for early-stage formulation development of itraconazole amorphous solid dispersions
Authors: Piccinni Piero , Tian Yiwei , McNaughton Alyn , Fraser Jane , Brown Stephen , Jones David S , Li Shu , Andrews Gavin P
Published: February 2016

Objectives

This article uses conventional and newly extended solubility parameter (δ) methods to identify polymeric materials capable of forming amorphous dispersions with itraconazole (itz).

Methods

Combinations of itz and Soluplus, Eudragit E PO (EPO), Kollidon 17PF (17PF) or Kollidon VA64 (VA64) were prepared as amorphous solid dispersions using quench cooling and hot melt extrusion. Storage stability was evaluated under a range of conditions using differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction.

Key findings

The rank order of itz miscibility with polymers using both conventional and novel δ-based approaches was 17PF > VA64 > Soluplus > EPO, and the application of the Flory–Huggins lattice model to itz–excipient binary systems corroborated the findings. The solid-state characterisation analyses of the formulations manufactured by melt extrusion correlated well with pre-formulation screening. Long-term storage studies showed that the physical stability of 17PF/vitamin E TPGS–itz was poor compared with Soluplus and VA64 formulations, and for EPO/itz systems variation in stability may be observed depending on the preparation method.

Conclusion

Results have demonstrated that although δ-based screening may be useful in predicting the initial state of amorphous solid dispersions, assessment of the physical behaviour of the formulations at relevant temperatures may be more appropriate for the successful development of commercially acceptable amorphous drug products.
Which diagnostic findings in disorders with excessive daytime sleepiness are really helpful? A retrospective study
Authors: Kretzschmar Ute , Werth Esther , Sturzenegger Christian , Khatami Ramin , Bassetti Claudio L. , Baumann Christian R.
Published: February 2016

Due to extensive clinical and electrophysiological overlaps, the correct diagnosis of disorders with excessive daytime sleepiness is often challenging. The aim of this study was to provide diagnostic measures that help discriminating such disorders, and to identify parameters, which don't. In this single‐center study, we retrospectively identified consecutive treatment‐naïve patients who suffered from excessive daytime sleepiness, and analyzed clinical and electrophysiological measures in those patients in whom a doubtless final diagnosis could be made. Of 588 patients, 287 reported subjective excessive daytime sleepiness. Obstructive sleep apnea is the only disorder that could be identified by polysomnography alone. The diagnosis of insufficient sleep syndrome relies on actigraphy as patients underestimate their sleep need and the disorder shares several clinical and electrophysiological properties with both narcolepsy type 1 and idiopathic hypersomnia. Sleep stage sequencing on MSLT appears helpful to discriminate between insufficient sleep syndrome and narcolepsy. Sleep inertia is a strong indicator for idiopathic hypersomnia. There are no distinctive electrophysiological findings for the diagnosis of restless legs syndrome. Altogether, EDS disorders are common in neurological sleep laboratories, but usually cannot be diagnosed based on PSG and MSLT findings alone. The diagnostic value of actigraphy recordings can hardly be overestimated.
Rarefaction and elevational richness pattern: a case study in a high tropical island (New Caledonia, SW Pacific)
Authors: Ibanez Thomas , Grytnes John‐Arvid , Birnbaum Philippe
Published: February 2016

Aims

To analyse the elevational richness pattern of tree species in New Caledonian tropical rain forests and investigate how the richness pattern is affected by standardizing on area vs standardizing on number of individuals and by sample coverage.

Location

New Caledonia (SW Pacific).

Methods

We re‐analysed data from the New Caledonian Plant Inventory and Permanent Plot Network (NC‐PIPPN). In this plot network, all trees (DBH ≥ 5 cm) were inventoried from 201 plots measuring 20 × 20 m and located between 5 and 1292 m a.s.l. We tested whether the number of trees inventoried in these plots affected the elevational richness pattern, and if so, whether plots with large trees have a low species density because of a low number of inventoried trees. This was done by applying individual‐based and coverage‐based rarefaction procedures with different cut‐off threshold values and re‐testing the relationship between estimated species richness and elevation.

Results

About 40% of the variability in species density is explained by variation in the density of trees, which in turn had no obvious pattern with elevation. Plots with large trees (high quadratic mean DBH) contained fewer individuals and thus fewer species. Applying rarefaction changed the observed elevational pattern from a peak in species richness approximately in the middle of the studied elevational gradient to a peak at lower elevations. Both the choice of the rarefaction procedure and the cut‐off threshold value used to estimate species richness may dramatically change the elevational pattern.

Conclusions

When the local species pool is large, the use of small plots relative to tree size induces a high correlation between species richness and the number of trees inventoried per plot. To analyse appropriately an elevational pattern for such small plot sizes, species richness should be rarefied to provide additional perspectives. We show that rarefaction changes the elevation at which species richness is expected to be maximal and that increasing the cut‐off threshold value sharpens the observed humped pattern.
Aquatic biodiversity assessment for the lazy
Authors: Hoffmann Constanze , Schubert Grit , Calvignac‐Spencer Sébastien
Published: February 2016

The world is covered in DNA. In any ecosystem, extracellular DNA fragments can be found that once formed the genomes of a variety of micro‐ and macroorganisms. A few years ago, it was proposed to use this environmental DNA (eDNA) as a source of information on local vertebrate biodiversity (Ficetola et al. ; Taberlet et al. ). This idea offered an elegant solution to take up the gauntlet of rapidly increasing monitoring needs. Coupled with barcoding efforts, it promised to be cost‐efficient in many respects, for example man‐hours and taxonomic expertise. Ecologists and conservation biologists with an interest in aquatic ecosystems have enthusiastically adopted and pioneered this new method, producing dozens of eDNA studies. Most of these studies have, however, focused on a single or a few aquatic species. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Valentini et al. () move the field a step further by demonstrating that metabarcoding approaches – which simultaneously target large groups of organisms such as amphibians or fish – can match and sometimes even outperform other inventory methods.
Imprints of multiple glacial refugia in the Pyrenees revealed by phylogeography and palaeodistribution modelling of an endemic spider
Authors: Bidegaray‐Batista Leticia , Sánchez‐gracia Alejandro , Santulli Giulia , Maiorano Luigi , Guisan Antoine , Vogler Alfried P. , Arnedo Miquel A.
Published: February 2016

Mediterranean mountain ranges harbour highly endemic biota in islandlike habitats. Their topographic diversity offered the opportunity for mountain species to persist in refugial areas during episodes of major climatic change. We investigate the role of Quaternary climatic oscillations in shaping the demographic history and distribution ranges in the spider Harpactocrates ravastellus, endemic to the Pyrenees. Gene trees and multispecies coalescent analyses on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences unveiled two distinct lineages with a hybrid zone around the northwestern area of the Catalan Pyrenees. The lineages were further supported by morphological differences. Climatic niche‐based species distribution models (SDMs) identified two lowland refugia at the western and eastern extremes of the mountain range, which would suggest secondary contact following postglacial expansion of populations from both refugia. Neutrality test and approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) analyses indicated that several local populations underwent severe bottlenecks followed by population expansions, which in combination with the deep population differentiation provided evidence for population survival during glacial periods in microrefugia across the mountain range, in addition to the main Atlantic and Mediterranean (western and eastern) refugia. This study sheds light on the complexities of Quaternary climatic oscillations in building up genetic diversity and local endemicity in the southern Europe mountain ranges.
Mucormycosis in Iran: a systematic review
Authors: Vaezi Afsane , Moazeni Maryam , Rahimi Mohammad Taghi , de Hoog Sybren , Badali Hamid
Published: February 2016

Fungi in the order Mucorales cause acute, invasive and frequently fatal infections in susceptible patients. This study aimed to perform a systematic review of all reported mucormycosis cases during the last 25 years in Iran. After a comprehensive literature search, we identified 98 cases in Iran from 1990–2015. The mean patient age was 39.8 ± 19.2 years. Diabetes was the most common underlying condition (47.9%), and 22.4% of the patients underwent solid organ or bone marrow transplantation. The most common clinical forms of mucormycosis were rhinocerebral (48.9%), pulmonary (9.2%) and cutaneous (9.2%). Eight cases of disseminated disease were identified. Overall mortality in the identified cases was 40.8%, with the highest mortality rate in patients diagnosed with disseminated infection (75%). The mortality rate in rhinocerebral infection patients was significantly lower (45.8%). Rhinocerebral infection was the most common clinical manifestation in diabetes patients (72.9%). Patients were diagnosed using various methods including histopathology (85.7%), microscopy (12.3%) and culture (2.0%). Rhizopus species were the most prevalent (51.7%), followed by Mucor species (17.2%). Sixty‐nine patients were treated with a combination of surgery and antifungal therapy (resulting survival rate, 66.7%). Owing to the high mortality rate of advanced mucormycosis, early diagnosis and treatment may significantly improve survival rates. Therefore, increased monitoring and awareness of this life‐threatening disease is critical.
Susceptibility profile and epidemiological cut‐off values of Cryptococcus neoformans species complex from Argentina
Authors: Córdoba Susana , Isla Maria G. , Szusz Wanda , Vivot Walter , Altamirano Rodrigo , Davel Graciela
Published: February 2016

Epidemiological cut‐off values (ECVs) based on minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) distribution have been recently proposed for some antifungal drug/Cryptococcus neoformans combinations. However, these ECVs vary according to the species studied, being serotypes and the geographical origin of strains, variables to be considered. The aims were to define the wild‐type (WT) population of the C. neoformans species complex (C. neoformans) isolated from patients living in Argentina, and to propose ECVs for six antifungal drugs. A total of 707 unique C. neoformans isolates obtained from HIV patients suffering cryptococcal meningitis were studied. The MIC of amphotericin B, flucytosine, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole was determined according to the EDef 7.2 (EUCAST) reference document. The MIC distribution, MIC50, MIC90 and ECV for each of these drugs were calculated. The highest ECV, which included ≥95% of the WT population modelled, was observed for flucytosine and fluconazole (32 μg ml−1 each). For amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole, the ECVs were: 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 and 0.06 μg ml−1 respectively. The ECVs determined in this study may aid in identifying the C. neoformans strains circulating in Argentina with decreased susceptibility to the antifungal drugs tested.
Fulminant case of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder initiated with area postrema symptoms
Authors: Takahashi Yoshiaki , Manabe Yasuhiro , Nakano Yumiko , Yunoki Taijun , Kono Syoichiro , Narai Hisashi , Omori Nobuhiko , Abe Koji
Published: February 2016

We report a 59‐year‐old man with intractable vomiting and hiccups, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, quadriparesis, and encephalopathy of a short duration after the first episode as a result of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. Magnetic resonance imaging showed high‐intensity areas in the hypothalamic, periventricular areas, and the presence of continuous lesions from the brainstem to the spinal cord. Intractable vomiting and hiccups should be considered as a hallmark of an exacerbation. Attentive consideration might be required, because the early initiation of treatment could prevent a subsequent neurological disorder.
Retrograde trafficking from the endosome to the trans‐Golgi network mediated by the retromer is required for fungal development and pathogenicity in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Zheng Wenhui , Zheng Huawei , Zhao Xu , Zhang Ying , Xie Qiurong , Lin Xiaolian , Chen Ahai , Yu Wenying , Lu Guodong , Shim Won‐Bo , Zhou Jie , Wang Zonghua
Published: February 2016

In eukaryotes, the retromer is an endosome‐localized complex involved in protein retrograde transport. However, the role of such intracellular trafficking events in pathogenic fungal development and pathogenicity remains unclear.

The role of the retromer complex in Fusarium graminearum was investigated using cell biological and genetic methods.

We observed the retromer core component FgVps35 (Vacuolar Protein Sorting 35) in the cytoplasm as fast‐moving puncta. FgVps35‐GFP co‐localized with both early and late endosomes, and associated with the trans‐Golgi network (TGN), suggesting that FgVps35 functions at the donor endosome membrane to mediate TGN trafficking. Disruption of microtubules with nocodazole significantly restricted the transportation of FgVps35‐GFP and resulted in severe germination and growth defects. Mutation of FgVPS35 not only mimicked growth defects induced by pharmacological treatment, but also affected conidiation, ascospore formation and pathogenicity. Using yeast two‐hybrid assays, we determined the interactions among FgVps35, FgVps26, FgVps29, FgVps17 and FgVps5 which are analogous to the yeast retromer complex components. Deletion of any one of these genes resulted in similar phenotypic defects to those of the ΔFgvps35 mutant and disrupted the stability of the complex.

Overall, our results provide the first clear evidence of linkage between the retrograde transport mediated by the retromer complex and virulence in F. graminearum.
Genome size and ploidy influence angiosperm species' biomass under nitrogen and phosphorus limitation
Authors: Guignard Maïté S. , Nichols Richard A. , Knell Robert J. , Macdonald Andy , Romila Catalina‐Andreea , Trimmer Mark , Leitch Ilia J. , Leitch Andrew R.
Published: February 2016

Angiosperm genome sizes (GS) range c. 2400‐fold, and as nucleic acids are amongst the most phosphorus‐ (P) and nitrogen (N)‐demanding cellular biomolecules, we test the hypothesis that a key influence on plant biomass and species composition is the interaction between N and P availability and plant GS.

We analysed the impact of different nutrient regimes on above‐ground biomass of angiosperm species with different GS, ploidy level and Grime's C‐S‐R (competitive, stress‐tolerant, ruderal) plant strategies growing at the Park Grass Experiment (Rothamsted, UK), established in 1856.

The biomass‐weighted mean GS of species growing on plots with the addition of both N and P fertilizer were significantly higher than that of plants growing on control plots and plots with either N or P. The plants on these N + P plots are dominated by polyploids with large GS and a competitive plant strategy.

The results are consistent with our hypothesis that large genomes are costly to build and maintain under N and P limitation. Hence GS and ploidy are significant traits affecting biomass growth under different nutrient regimes, influencing plant community composition and ecosystem dynamics. We propose that GS is a critical factor needed in models that bridge the knowledge gap between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning.
Recent advances in globin research using genome‐wide association studies and gene editing
Authors: Orkin Stuart H.
Published: February 2016

A long‐sought goal in the hemoglobin field has been an improved understanding of the mechanisms that regulate the switch from fetal (HbF) to adult (HbA) hemoglobin during development. With such knowledge, the hope is that strategies for directed reactivation of HbF in adults could be devised as an approach to therapy for the β‐hemoglobinopathies thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Recent genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) led to identification of three loci (BCL11A, HBS1L‐MYB, and the β‐globin cluster itself) in which natural genetic variation is correlated with different HbF levels in populations. Here, the central role of BCL11A in control of HbF is reviewed from the perspective of how findings may be translated to gene therapy in the not‐too‐distant future. This summary traces the evolution of recent studies from the initial recognition of BCL11A through GWAS to identification of critical sequences in an enhancer required for its erythroid‐specific expression, thereby highlighting an Achilles heel for genome editing.
Longitudinal trends in global obesity research and collaboration: a review using bibliometric metadata
Authors: Khan A. , Choudhury N. , Uddin S. , Hossain L. , Baur L. A
Published: February 2016

The goal of this study was to understand research trends and collaboration patterns together with scholarly impact within the domain of global obesity research. We developed and analysed bibliographic affiliation data collected from 117,340 research articles indexed in Scopus database on the topic of obesity and published from 1993–2012. We found steady growth and an exponential increase of publication numbers. Research output in global obesity research roughly doubled each 5 years, with almost 80% of the publications and authors from the second decade (2003–2012). The highest publication output was from the USA – 42% of publications had at least one author from the USA. Many US institutions also ranked highly in terms of research output and collaboration. Fifteen of the top‐20 institutions in terms of publication output were from the USA; however, several European and Japanese research institutions ranked more highly in terms of average citations per paper. The majority of obesity research and collaboration has been confined to developed countries although developing countries have showed higher growth in recent times, e.g. the publication ratio between 2003–2012 and 1993–2002 for developing regions was much higher than that of developed regions (9:1 vs. 4:1). We also identified around 42 broad disciplines from authors' affiliation data, and these showed strong collaboration between them. Overall, this study provides one of the most comprehensive longitudinal bibliometric analyses of obesity research. This should help in understanding research trends, spatial density, collaboration patterns and the complex multi‐disciplinary nature of research in the obesity domain.
Ethics, research and HIV: lessons learned‐ a workshop report
Authors: Reznik DA , Croser D , Kadrianto TH , Lavanya R
Published: February 2016

Assessing risk for transmission of a blood‐borne pathogen requires the use of the hazard and risk model. Infection control is a system that uses a number of individual processes to eliminate or reduce the probability of a hazard occurring. Strategies employed to reduce risk should be rehearsed, used routinely, audited, reviewed, and the results shared. Continuing dental education has improved dental healthcare worker willingness to treat people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and has decreased negative attitudes and staff fears. Providing care for PLWHA during undergraduate dental school or dental hygiene programme is also associated with a greater willingness to treat. Whether by identifying suspect oral lesions or offering rapid screening tests in the dental setting for HIV, the dental team can play an important role in linkage to confirmatory diagnosis and care with the goal of reducing to zero the number of undiagnosed cases.
Oral biomarkers in exercise‐induced neuroplasticity in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Mougeot J‐LC , Hirsch MA , Stevens CB , Mougeot FKB
Published: February 2016

In this article, we review candidate biomarkers for Parkinson's disease (PD) in oral cavity, potential of oral biomarkers as markers of neuroplasticity, and literature on the effects of exercise on oral cavity biomarkers in PD. We first describe how pathophysiological pathways of PD may be transduced from brain stem and ganglia to oral cavity through the autonomic nervous system or transduced by a reverse path. Next we describe the effects of exercise in PD and potential impact on oral cavity. We propose that biomarkers in oral cavity may be useful targets for describing exercise‐induced brain neuroplasticity in PD. Nevertheless, much research remains to be carried out before applying these biomarkers for the determination of disease state and therapeutic response to develop strategies to mitigate motor or non‐motor symptoms in PD.
Migration of a broken dental needle into the posterior cervical space
Authors: Goulart D.R. , Harber R. , Botelho M.R. , de Moraes M.
Published: February 2016

Aim

The purpose of the present study was to report a rare case in which a broken needle migrated to the posterior cervical space.

Case report

A 52‐year‐old male was referred to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the Marcílio Dias navy Hospital in order to assess a broken needle in the mandible. The patient was submitted to a dental procedure on the right side of the mandible and the breakage occurred during the inferior alveolar nerve block. The dentist requested a panoramic radiograph and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and referred the case to the hospital immediately. The needle fragment was found in the pterygomandibular space. Conservative management with a systematic follow‐up was applied. The patient returned after 7 days and did not exhibit any signs or symptoms. In consultations after 14, 30 and 60 days, the clinical condition remained the same. CBCT was requested 180 days after the needle breakage and the posterior‐medial migration of the needle fragment to the posterior cervical space was confirmed, close to the first cervical vertebra (1.81 mm). In the follow‐up after 1 year, the patient still did not exhibit any signs or symptoms.

Conclusions

The decision to not retrieve the needle fragment was taken with the patient. The patient is being monitored. Appropriate measures should be taken in order to prevent this mishap from occurring.
Antimicrobial activity of lactobacillus strains against uropathogens
Authors: Shim Yoon Hee , Lee Seung Joo , Lee Jung Won
Published: February 2016

Background

The use of lactobacillus probiotics has been proposed as an alternative to prophylactic antibiotics for preventing urinary tract infection (UTI) in the era of antibiotic resistance. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of lactobacillus strains against uropathogens, was evaluated and compared with that of antibiotics.

Methods

To evaluate inhibitory activities of lactobacilli against uropathogens, six lactobacillus strains (L. gasseri, L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. paracasei, L. acidophilus) and four representative uropathogens of infantile UTI (extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase [ESBL](−) Escherichia coli, ESBL(+) E. coli, Proteus vulgaris, Enterococcus fecalis) were selected. Lactobacillus strain in vitro inhibition of each uropathogen was evaluated on MRS agar well diffusion assay and compared with that of commercial antibiotic discs.

Results

Average inhibitory zone for each of the six lactobacillus strains against the four uropathogens showed slightly different but consistent inhibition (inhibitory zone diameter, 10.5–20.0 mm). This was different to that of the antibiotic discs, which had a wider range of inhibition (inhibitory zone diameter, <6.0–27.5 mm) depending on the uropathogen resistance pattern. The inhibitory zone of the six lactobacillus strains was between that of sensitive and resistant antibiotics (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Lactobacillus strains had similar moderate antimicrobial activities against uropathogens. Further research is needed to ascertain the strains with the best probiotic potential.
UVB Generates Microvesicle Particle Release in Part Due to Platelet‐activating Factor Signaling
Authors: Bihl Ji C. , Rapp Christine M. , Chen Yanfang , Travers Jeffrey B.
Published: February 2016

The lipid mediator platelet‐activating factor (PAF) and oxidized glycerophosphocholine PAF agonists produced by ultraviolet B (UVB) have been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in UVB‐mediated processes, from acute inflammation to delayed systemic immunosuppression. Recent studies have provided evidence that microvesicle particles (MVPs) are released from cells in response to various signals including stressors. Importantly, these small membrane fragments can interact with various cell types by delivering bioactive molecules. The present studies were designed to test if UVB radiation can generate MVP release from epithelial cells, and the potential role of PAF receptor (PAF‐R) signaling in this process. We demonstrate that UVB irradiation of the human keratinocyte‐derived cell line HaCaT resulted in the release of MVPs. Similarly, treatment of HaCaT cells with the PAF‐R agonist carbamoyl PAF also generated equivalent amounts of MVP release. Of note, pretreatment of HaCaT cells with antioxidants blocked MVP release from UVB but not PAF‐R agonist N‐methyl carbamyl PAF (CPAF). Importantly, UVB irradiation of the PAF‐R‐negative human epithelial cell line KB and KB transduced with functional PAF‐Rs resulted in MVP release only in PAF‐R‐positive cells. These studies demonstrate that UVB can generate MVPs in vitro and that PAF‐R signaling appears important in this process.
One option, two countries, several strategies: subjacent mechanisms of assisted migration implementation in Canada and France
Authors: Sansilvestri Roxane , Frascaria‐Lacoste Nathalie , Fernández‐Manjarrés Juan
Published: February 2016

Climate change obliges societies to develop adaptive strategies in order to maintain sustainable management of resources and landscapes. However, the development and implementation of these strategies require dialogue between researchers and policy‐makers about what they understand for adaptation. This dialogue can be hindered by language differences, the hidden agendas, and conflicting concerns of those involved. In this research study, we explored the mechanisms that underlie the implementation process of assisted migration (AM), an adaptation strategy that aims to limit the impact of climate change. We conducted a comparative analysis of 80 semistructured interviews with actors in the forestry sectors in Canada and France. In Canada, our results show a division between the provinces strategies, causing a debate about AM because researchers are wary of the geoengineering and economic arguments that frame AM in areas where the effects of climate change remain unclear. In contrast, we found that the observation of climate impacts is a strong trigger for the application of AM despite an awareness of its associated risks. In France, we explained the absence of AM implementation by a lack of information flow between research and foresters regarding the concept of AM, a cultural attachment of French foresters to their forest landscapes and that climate change effects are not clear yet. Clarity on what implies a true ecological engineering approach in ecological restoration can help maintaining adaptive actions like AM within the general scope of ecosystem management and minimize simplistic applications of adaptation strategies because of climate change.
Estimating the Short Run Effects of South Africa's Employment Tax Incentive on Youth Employment Probabilities using A Difference‐in‐Differences Approach
Authors: Ranchhod Vimal , Finn Arden
Published: February 2016

South Africa's Employment Tax Incentive (ETI) came into effect on the 1st of January 2014, with the objective of reducing the substantial national youth unemployment rate. Under the ETI, firms are eligible to claim a deduction from their taxes due, for the portion of their wage bill that is paid to certain groups of youth employees. We utilise several waves of nationally representative data and implement a difference‐in‐differences methodology at the individual level, in order to identify the effects of the ETI on youth employment probabilities in the short run. Our primary finding is that the ETI did not have any statistically significant and positive effects on youth employment probabilities. The point estimate from our preferred regression is −0.005 and the 95% confidence interval is from −0.017 to 0.006. We also find no evidence that the ETI has resulted in an increase in the level of churning in the labour market for youth. Thus, any decrease in tax revenues that arise from the ETI are effectively accruing to firms which, collectively, would have employed as many youth even in the absence of the ETI.
Direct Democracy and Local Public Finances under Cooperative Federalism
Authors: Asatryan Zareh , Baskaran Thushyanthan , Grigoriadis Theocharis , Heinemann Friedrich
Published: February 2016

In this paper, we exploit the introduction of the right of local initiatives in the German state of Bavaria in 1995 in order to study the fiscal effects of direct democracy. Our identification strategy combines difference‐in‐differences and regression discontinuity methods: we compare municipal expenditure and revenue between pre‐ and post‐reform periods at population thresholds where the signatures needed to launch initiatives and minimum quorum requirements decrease discontinuously (difference‐in‐discontinuities design). The results suggest that stronger direct democratic institutions lead to an expansion of local government size.
The prevalence of leucocyte alloantibodies in blood donors from South China
Authors: Xia W. , Ye X. , Xu X. , Chen D. , Deng J. , Chen Y. , Ding H. , Shao Y. , Wang J. , Liu J. , Li H. , Huang Y. F. , Fu Y. , Santoso S.
Published: February 2016

Background

Several studies had demonstrated that leucocyte antibodies including anti‐human leucocyte antigen (anti‐HLA) antibodies (class I and class II) and anti‐human neutrophil antigen (anti‐HNA) antibodies (HNA‐1, ‐2 and ‐3) present in the blood products are responsible for transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI). Therefore, selection of blood products exclusive of anti‐HLA and anti‐HNA antibodies may lower the risk of TRALI reaction. However, the prevalence of leucocyte antibodies among blood donors in China is currently not known.

Study design and methods

Blood samples were collected from 454 male and 560 female donors (143 nulliparous and 417 multiparous female). HLA class I and II antibodies were analyzed by bead assays. Anti‐HNA‐1 and ‐2 antibodies were screened by the LABScreen assay (One Lambda Inc.), and HNA‐3 were detected by antigen capture assay, and confirmed by the granulocyte agglutination test (GAT).

Results

Screening of the total cohort showed higher prevalence of HLA antibodies in female compared with male donors (19·64 vs 4·63%). We found antibodies against HLA class I (13·21%) and HLA class II (11·43%) in 560 female donors. The most frequent antibodies against HLA class I and II in parous females (n = 69) reacted with were A*11 (28·81%), B*07 (42·37%), Cw*07 (20·34%) and DRB1*04 (40·43%) molecules. Among 778 donors (randomly selected from 1014 donors), we found three donors with neutrophil reactive antibodies, two against HNA‐2 and one without known specificity. Anti‐HNA‐3 antibodies were not found so far.

Conclusion

In this study, we found alloimmunization against HLA class I, II and HNA in 4·63, 24·70 and 0·39%, respectively, in our female blood donors, indicating that the use of plasma containing blood products from parous female blood donors without HLA antibodies pre‐testing may increase the risk of TRALI reaction. Although immunization against HNA seems to be a rare event in China, further observation is necessary to decide the necessity of HNA antibodies screening in our blood donors.
Abscisic acid promotes proteasome‐mediated degradation of the transcription coactivator NPR1 in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Ding Yezhang , Dommel Matthew , Mou Zhonglin
Published: February 2016

Proteasome‐mediated turnover of the transcription coactivator NPR1 is pivotal for efficient activation of the broad‐spectrum plant immune responses known as localized acquired resistance (LAR) and systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in adjacent and systemic tissues, respectively, and requires the CUL3‐based E3 ligase and its adaptor proteins, NPR3 and NPR4, which are receptors for the signaling molecule salicylic acid (SA). It has been shown that SA prevents NPR1 turnover under non‐inducing and LAR/SAR‐inducing conditions, but how cellular NPR1 homeostasis is maintained remains unclear. Here, we show that the phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) and SA antagonistically influence cellular NPR1 protein levels. ABA promotes NPR1 degradation via the CUL3NPR3/NPR4 complex‐mediated proteasome pathway, whereas SA may protect NPR1 from ABA‐promoted degradation through phosphorylation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the timing and strength of SA and ABA signaling are critical in modulating NPR1 accumulation and target gene expression. Perturbing ABA or SA signaling in adjacent tissues alters the temporal dynamic pattern of NPR1 accumulation and target gene transcription. Finally, we show that sequential SA and ABA treatment leads to dynamic changes in NPR1 protein levels and target gene expression. Our results revealed a tight correlation between sequential SA and ABA signaling and dynamic changes in NPR1 protein levels and NPR1‐dependent transcription in plant immune responses.
Severe hyperkalemia presenting with wide‐complex tachycardia in a puppy with acute kidney injury secondary to leptospirosis
Authors: Rubanick Jean V. , Fries Ryan C. , Waugh Carly E. , Pashmakova Medora B.
Published: February 2016

Objective

To describe a case of hyperkalemia coinciding with wide‐complex tachycardia (WCT) in a dog with acute kidney injury secondary to leptospirosis infection.

Case summary

An 11‐week‐old Golden Retriever–Standard Poodle cross puppy was referred for acute kidney injury and hepatopathy. WCT coinciding with marked hyperkalemia was identified on presentation. Tachycardia persisted until resolution of hyperkalemia.

New or unique information provided

To our knowledge, this is the first report of severe hyperkalemia presenting with WCT in a dog. Hyperkalemia should be considered a differential for WCT in dogs.
A NOVEL PROCESS OF WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM FOR LARGE- SCALE PRODUCTIONS
Authors: Abuhasel Khaled Ali
Published: February 2016

Purification system has recently gained increasing importance, especially in water treatment systems. Biological water treatment systems with microalgae are now widely accepted. Moreover, algal wastewater treatment systems are effective when compared to conventional treatment systems. The proposed purification system aims to provide a process for using saline water, and saline reject water produced in water purification for gold mining production. Also, it provides a method for growing and harvesting algae utilizing saline water as growth medium for recycling waste water to extract the remaining metals from it. This trend of purification system using harvested algae has various applications, and may be used in wide aspects including, but not limited to, algae biomass production to extract metals, and reducing the cost of gold mining production.
UTILIZING ACTIVE RFID ON WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORK PLATFORM FOR PRODUCTION MONITORING
Authors: Zulkifli Che Zalina , Mohd Noor Nursyahida , Mohamad Ali Ahmad Zamzuri , Semunab Siti Norainah
Published: February 2016

In today’s manufacturing environment, delay in monitoring output performance might cause production mess in the industry. Therefore, an efficient communication and real time feedback to maximize uptime and improve productivity seems vital. Adapting the capabilities of RFID technology and Wireless Mesh Sensor Network (WMSN) through web-based monitoring system might solve this problem. Thus, an embedded system namely ERFIDC was developed as a potential solution in addressing this demand. This paper reports the proposed embedded system architecture and evaluation of its reading range in point-to-point and WMSN setup at the selected production plant.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOIL MOISTURE CONTENT IN PADDY FIELD AND ITS IMAGE TEXTURE
Authors: Bejo Siti Khairunniza , Sumgap Nor Hafizah , Mohd Johari Siti Nurul Afiah
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study is to identify the relationship between soil moisture content and its image texture. Soil image was captured and converted into CIELUV color space. These images were later used to develop two dimensional gray level co-occurrence matrix. Eight texture features extracted from gray level co-occurrence matrix namely mean, variance, homogeneity, dissimilarity, entropy, contrast, second moment and correlation was used for the analysis. The results has shown that the image texture properties can be used to relate with soil moisture content, where variance, homogeneity, dissimilarity, entropy, contrast, second moment and correlation gave significant responds to the moisture content. The highest value of correlation was gathered from entropy with r = -0.522.
Raised arterial blood pressure in neurokinin‐1 receptor‐deficient mice (NK1R−/−): evidence for a neural rather than a vascular mechanism
Authors: Moyes Amie J. , Stanford S. Clare , Hosford Patrick S. , Hobbs Adrian J. , Ramage Andrew G.
Published: February 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does genetic ablation of neurokinin‐1 receptors alter arterial blood pressure?

What is the main finding and its importance?

NK1R−/− mice have increased mean arterial blood pressure, but without a concomitant change in vascular reactivity. This finding suggests that neurokinin‐1 receptors play a role in the neural regulation of blood pressure.

Mice with functional ablation of the neurokinin‐1 receptor gene, Tacr1, (NK1R−/−) express behavioural abnormalities equivalent to those seen in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). An established model of ADHD is the spontaneously hypertensive rat, which exhibits high blood pressure owing to increased central sympathetic drive. In light of the evidence that the neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK1R) also influences cardiovascular haemodynamics, we have investigated whether NK1R−/− mice exhibit raised blood pressure. Cardiovascular parameters were recorded for 24 h in conscious mice using radiotelemetry. Vascular function was assessed in mesenteric resistance arteries by wire myography. The NK1R−/− mice exhibited a higher blood pressure than wild‐type animals throughout the 24 h period. Heart rate and locomotor activity in NK1R−/− mice were higher than in wild‐type mice during the night period (active phase), consistent with an ADHD‐like phenotype, but not during the day. Mesenteric and renal arteries from NK1R−/− mice exhibited normal vascular function; the responses to vasoconstrictors (U46619 and phenylephrine) and the endothelium‐dependent vasodilator, acetylcholine, were not altered in these animals, suggesting that the NK1R does not regulate vascular tone. Analysis of heart rate variability revealed a higher low‐frequency to high‐frequency ratio in NK1R−/− mice, indicative of increased cardiac sympathetic activity. We propose that the raised blood pressure in NK1R−/− mice could be due to a neural mechanism rather than a change in vascular reactivity. Further studies are required to understand this mechanism and to establish whether a subgroup of ADHD patients with polymorphism of the equivalent (TACR1) gene are affected in a similar way.
Experimental investigation of the biomechanics of urethral tissues and structures
Authors: Natali Arturo Nicola , Carniel Emanuele Luigi , Frigo Alessandro , Pavan Piero Giovanni , Todros Silvia , Pachera Paola , Fontanella Chiara Giulia , Rubini Alessandro , Cavicchioli Laura , Avital Yochai , De Benedictis Giulia Maria
Published: February 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Prostheses for treatment of urinary incontinence elicit complications associated with an inadequate mechanical action. This investigation aimed to define a procedure addressed to urethral mechanical characterization. Experimental tests are the basis for constitutive formulation, with a view to numerical modelling for investigation of the interaction between the tissues and a prosthesis.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Horse urethra, selected for its histomorphometric similarity to human urethra, was characterized by integrated histological analysis and mechanical tests on the biological tissue and structure, leading to constitutive formulation. A non‐linear, anisotropic and time‐dependent response was found, representing a valid basis for development of a numerical model to interpret the functional behaviour of the urethra.

Urinary dysfunction can lead to incontinence, with an impact on the quality of life. Severe dysfunction can be overcome surgically by the use of an artificial urinary sphincter. Nonetheless, several complications may result from inappropriate functioning of the prosthesis, in many instances resulting from an unsuitable mechanical action of the device on the urethral tissues. Computational models allow investigation of the mechanical interaction between biological tissues and biomedical devices, representing a potential support for surgical practice and prosthesis design. The development of such computational tools requires experimental data on the mechanics of biological tissues and structures, which are rarely reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to provide a procedure for the mechanical characterization of urethral tissues and structures. The experimental protocol included the morphometric and histological analysis of urethral tissues, the mechanical characterization of the response of tissues to tensile and stress‐relaxation tests and evaluation of the behaviour of urethral structures by inflation tests. Results from the preliminary experiments were processed, adopting specific model formulations, and also providing the definition of parameters that characterize the elastic and viscous behaviour of the tissues. Different experimental protocols, leading to a comprehensive set of experimental data, allow for a reciprocal assessment of reliability of the investigation approach.