bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling Growth of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Single Cells with Temperature Shifts
Authors: Wang Xin , Dong Qingli , Liu Yangtai , Shi Yujiao , Song Xiaoyu , Liu Qing 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn this article, a single‐cell growth and imaging system was used to study how the growth of single cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was affected by temperature shifts. An individual‐based modeling was conducted to predict the growth of bacterial single cells. We found that shifts to lower temperatures lengthened the division times of P. aeruginosa single cells, whereas shifts to higher temperature caused a rapid shortening of the division times. The coefficient of variation of the division time decreased as the magnitude of the temperature shifts increased which suggested that the variability of the growth of single P. aeruginosa cells was increased with bigger temperature shifts. Furthermore, the individual‐based modeling proposed in this study turned out to be a useful way for predicting the stochastic growth of single bacterial cells under nonconstant temperature conditions.Practical ApplicationsIt was deduced that studying the microbial dynamics at the single cell level, which take into account the growth viability and uncertainty of bacterial single cells, could help to establish a more reliable set of microbe‐influenced food shelf life and food safety criteria.
Effects of Conventional and High‐Oleic Peanut Medium on Extracellular Enzyme Production and Mycelial Growth of Aspergillus Flavus
Authors: Zorzete Patricia , Oliveira Rodrigo Cardoso , Corrêa Benedito 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe search for improved quality and preservation of peanuts has led to the use of cultivars known as high‐oleic peanuts (HOPs). In addition to being highly productive, these peanut cultivars are characterized by their high oleic acid content, improving durability and flavor stability and increasing resistance to fungal contamination. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological changes that occur in 10 strains of Aspergillus flavus when inoculated into culture media containing conventional and HOPs. For this purpose, the production of 19 extracellular enzymes was evaluated using the API‐ZYM kit. Additionally, the mycelial growth rate was determined. The results showed a qualitative and quantitative reduction in extracellular enzyme production in isolates grown on HOP medium, as well as a decrease in the mycelial growth rate and speed. It can be suggested that the high concentration of oleic acid in the peanuts cultivars contributes to the prevention or reduction of infection and growth of A. flavus.Practical AplicationsThe reducing effect of high‐oleic peanut (HOP) medium on the growth and extracellular enzyme production of Aspergillus flavus observed in this in vitro study suggests that HOP cultivars may be an effective and low‐cost tool for reducing growth of A. flavus in peanut kernels.
Physicians' recognition of death in the foreseeable future in patients with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Vrijmoeth C. , Christians M. G. M. , Festen D. A. M. , Groot M. , Tonino M. , Echteld M. A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundPhysicians are increasingly confronted with people with intellectual disabilities (ID) who are facing life‐threatening diseases. We aimed to explore when and based on which information sources and signals physicians recognised that a patient with ID would die in the foreseeable future. Insights may help in identifying patients in need of palliative care.MethodIn this study, 81 physicians for people with ID and 16 general practitioners completed a retrospective survey about their last case of a patient with ID with a non‐sudden death.ResultsMore than 20% of all physicians foresaw death not until the last week of life. In 30% of all patients, the physician did not discuss the start of the palliative care phase until the last week. The most reported information sources based on which physicians foresaw death were the physicians themselves and professional caregivers. We found 40 different signals that lead to physicians' foreseeing death. These were not only medical signals but also behavioural and physical signals.ConclusionsResults indicate that the physicians' ability to foresee death is a result of a process of growing awareness in which multiple signals from different information sources converge. This demands continuous multi‐disciplinary communication because people involved have their own unique interactions with the patient and can therefore contribute to a growing and timely awareness of patients' death in the future.
A proposed dosing algorithm for the individualized dosing of human immunoglobulin in chronic inflammatory neuropathies
Authors: Lunn Michael P. , Ellis Lauren , Hadden Robert D. , Rajabally Yusuf A. , Winer John B. , Reilly Mary M. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractDosing guidelines for immunoglobulin (Ig) treatment in neurological disorders do not consider variations in Ig half‐life or between patients. Individualization of therapy could optimize clinical outcomes and help control costs. We developed an algorithm to optimize Ig dose based on patient's response and present this here as an example of how dosing might be individualized in a pharmacokinetically rational way and how this achieves potential dose and cost savings. Patients are “normalized” with no more than two initial doses of 2 g/kg, identifying responders. A third dose is not administered until the patient's condition deteriorates, allowing a “dose interval” to be set. The dose is then reduced until relapse allowing dose optimization. Using this algorithm, we have individualized Ig doses for 71 chronic inflammatory neuropathy patients. The majority of patients had chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (n = 39) or multifocal motor neuropathy (n = 24). The mean (standard deviation) dose of Ig administered was 1.4 (0.6) g/kg, with a mean dosing interval of 4.3 weeks (median 4 weeks, range 0.5–10). Use of our standardized algorithm has allowed us to quickly optimize Ig dosing.
In vitro and clinical evaluation of SIG1273: a cosmetic functional ingredient with a broad spectrum of anti‐aging and antioxidant activities
Authors: Fernández José R. , Rouzard Karl , Voronkov Michael , Huber Kristen L. , Webb Corey , Stock Jeffry B. , Stock Maxwell , Gordon Joel S. , Pérez Eduardo 
Published: January 2016

SummaryBackgroundIsoprenylcysteine (IPC) small molecules were identified as a new class of anti‐inflammatory compounds over 20 years ago. Since then, they have been developed as novel cosmetic functional ingredients (CFI) and topical drug candidates. SIG1273 is a second generation CFI that has previously been shown to provide a broad spectrum of benefits for the skin through its anti‐inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.ObjectiveTo determine whether SIG1273 possesses anti‐aging properties in vitro and evaluate the tolerability and activity of SIG1273 when applied topically to human subjects.MethodsTo model photoaging in vitro, human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were exposed in culture to UVA to induce collagenase (MMP‐1) production. An in vitro wound‐healing model was based on the activation of HDF migration into cell‐free tissue culture surface. Hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress was performed using HDFs to measure intracellular ROS activity. Radical scavenging capacity was determined using a colorimetric antioxidant assay kit (ABTS method). Lastly, a 4‐week, 29‐subject study was performed in which SIG1273 was applied topically as a cream to assess its tolerance and activity in reducing the appearance of aging.ResultsIn vitro studies demonstrate SIG1273 inhibits UVA‐induced MMP‐1 production, hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress and promotes wound healing. Moreover, SIG1273 was shown to be a radical scavenging antioxidant. Clinical assessment of SIG1273 cream (0.25%) showed it was well tolerated with significant improvement in the appearance of fine lines, coarse wrinkles, radiance/luminosity, pore size, texture/smoothness, hydration and increased firmness.ConclusionsSIG1273 represents a novel CFI with antioxidant, anti‐aging, and anti‐inflammatory properties that when applied topically is well tolerated and provides benefits to individuals with aging skin.
Melatonin's protective effect on the salivary gland against ionized radiation damage in rats
Authors: Cakmak Karaer Isil , Simsek Gokce , Yildiz Azibe , Vardi Nigar , Polat Alaadin , Tanbek Kevser , Gurocak Simay , Parlakpinar Hakan 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the effects of melatonin on ionized radiation‐induced salivary gland damage using an experimental model.Materials and MethodsThirty‐two rats were randomized into four groups: (i) the control group (C, n = 8) that received intraperitoneal (i.p.) 0.9% NaCl; (ii) the melatonin group (M, n = 8) that received i.p. 5 mg/kg melatonin; (iii) the radiotherapy group (RT, n = 8) that underwent irradiation; (iv) the melatonin plus radiotherapy group (M+RT, n = 8) that received i.p. 5 mg/kg of melatonin, followed by irradiation 30 min later; and (v) the radiotherapy plus melatonin group (RT+M, n = 8) that received irradiation followed by i.p. 5 mg/kg of melatonin 30 min later. The medications and irradiation were administered for 5 days and the salivary glands of the rats were excised 10 days later; the histopathological changes in the salivary glands were assessed and biochemical analyses were conducted (tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI)).ResultsRegardless of whether melatonin was administered before or after radiotherapy, melatonin decreased the radiation‐induced parotid and submandibular histological damage. In addition, regardless of whether administration occurred before or after radiotherapy, melatonin decreased oxidative stress markers, such as MDA, TOS, and OSI. On the contrary, levels of antioxidative markers, such as CAT and GPx, were increased by melatonin.ConclusionsMelatonin may have a significant protective effect on salivary gland damage secondary to ionizing radiation.
Use of 454‐Pyrosequencing for the Characterization of Sweet Potato Virus C and Sweet Potato Feathery Mottle Virus Isolates from Argentina and Development of a Multiplex One‐Step RT‐PCR for Their Simultaneous Detection
Authors: Bejerman Nicolás , Zanini Andrea , Rodríguez Pardina Patricia , Di Feo Liliana 
Published: January 2016

Abstract454‐pyrosequencing was applied as a tool to identify etiological agents involved in the symptoms observed in a sweet potato sample from Argentina. RNA was purified from symptomatic material and sequenced using a Roche 454 GS‐FLX+. BLAST analysis of the viral reads identified the presence of Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV)‐O and SPFMV‐RC strains and Sweet potato virus C (SPVC). For SPFMV‐O and SPFMV–RC, 10 878 and 10 812 nucleotides, respectively, were sequenced, whereas a sequence of 10 793 nucleotides was obtained for SPVC. Pairwise comparison of polyprotein nucleotide sequences of O and RC Argentinian isolates (Arg) showed 99% and 98.4% sequence identities with SPFMV‐O and SPFMV‐RC‐M2‐41, respectively, whereas SPVC‐Arg showed 94.2%, 92.9% and 94.6% sequence identities with SPVC‐Il, SPVC‐C1 and SPVC‐Bungo, respectively. These results allowed us to develop a one‐step multiplex reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction assay (mRT‐PCR) for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of SPFMV‐O‐Arg and SPFMV‐RC‐Arg and SPVC‐Arg. Three specific forward primers unique to each virus and one reverse primer based on a region conserved in all three viruses were designed and used in the assay. These primers were further evaluated using field samples collected from four provinces of Argentina. The results showed that SPVC was the most common virus in samples analysed. This study shows the usefulness of deep sequencing not only to rapidly identify mixed infections between SPFMV‐O and SPFMV‐RC and SPVC, but also to develop a reliable mRT‐PCR assay for detection of these sweet potato pathogens, which cannot be discriminated by serological techniques.
Xylella fastidiosa Does Not Occur in Lebanon
Authors: Habib Wassim , Nigro Franco , Gerges Elvis , Jreijiri Fouad , Al Masri Youssef , El Riachy Milad , Choueiri Elia 
Published: January 2016

AbstractXylella fastidiosa has been reported as responsible for a devastating disease on olive trees in Apulia region (south‐eastern Italy), characterized by a quick decline syndrome. In Lebanon, the pathogen was recently associated with leaf scorch symptoms on oleander, and reports on leaf scorch and dieback of olive trees branches by technicians and farmers have shown an increasing trend in the main agricultural areas. To assess the occurrence and distribution of the pathogen in Lebanon, samples of twigs from olive trees (82), olive seedlings (26), grapevine (30), oleander (32) and ornamentals imported from Italy (48) were analysed by isolation on four agarized media, serological techniques (ELISA and DTBIA) using Xylella fastidiosa‐specific antibodies and by PCR, using three specific sets of primers. Results unequivocally demonstrated that all the collected samples were free from the pathogen. As well, both detection protocols and attempts at isolating the pathogen on agarized media demonstrated that oleander samples gathered from American University campus in Beirut, where X. fastidiosa was previously reported, were not infected. Nevertheless, continuous monitoring and rigorous control measures of propagative materials are necessary to prevent the introduction of Xylella fastidiosa in Lebanon.
Limited dispersal in an ectoparasitic mite,Laelaps giganteus, contributes to significant phylogeographic congruence with the rodent host,Rhabdomys
Authors: Engelbrecht Adriaan , Matthee Sonja , du Toit Nina , Matthee Conrad A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTo explore how biogeography, parasite life history and host vagility influences evolutionary codivergences, we followed a comparative phylogeography approach using a host‐specific nonpermanent mite,Laelaps giganteus,that occurs on four rodent species within the genusRhabdomys. A mtDNA COIhaplotype network derived for 278 parasite specimens showed marked phylogeographic congruence with host distributions. Analysis of the less variable nuclear intron Tropomyosin was in part consistent with these results. Although distance‐based cophylogenetic analyses inaxparafitfailed to support significant mtDNAcodivergences (P ≥ 0.02), event‐based analyses revealed significant cophylogeny between sampling localities ofRhabdomysandLaelapsusingcore‐pa(P = 0.046) andjane(P = 0.026;P = 0.00). These findings, in conjunction with the weak congruence previously reported among the permanent ectoparasitic licePolyplaxandRhabdomys, suggest that host–parasite intimacy is not the most important driver of significant codivergence in our study system. Instead, the more restricted dispersal ability ofL. giganteus, when compared toPolyplax, resulted in stronger spatial structuring and this could have resulted in significant codivergence. Host switching occurred predominantly on the edges of host distributions and was probably facilitated by climate‐induced range shifts. When host ranges shift, the phylogeographic structure ofL. giganteusis not reflecting the host movements as most of the nest bound parasites do not disperse with the host (they miss the boat) and the genetic contribution of the few dispersing mite individuals is often overwhelmed by the large number of individuals already present in nests within the new environment (causing them to drown on arrival).
Genetic inviability is a major driver of type III survivorship in experimental families of a highly fecund marine bivalve
Authors: Plough L. V. , Shin G. , Hedgecock D. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe offspring of most highly fecund marine fish and shellfish suffer substantial mortality early in the life cycle, complicating prediction of recruitment and fisheries management. Early mortality has long been attributed to environmental factors and almost never to genetic sources. Previous work on a variety of marine bivalve species uncovered substantial genetic inviability among the offspring of inbred crosses, suggesting a large load of early‐acting deleterious recessive mutations. However, genetic inviability of randomly bred offspring has not been addressed. Here, genome‐wide surveys reveal widespread, genotype‐dependent mortality in randomly bred, full‐sib progenies of wild‐caught Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas). Using gene‐mapping methods, we infer that 11–19 detrimental alleles per family render 97.9–99.8% of progeny inviable. The variable genomic positions of viability loci among families imply a surprisingly large load of partially dominant or additive detrimental mutations in wild adult oysters. Although caution is required in interpreting the relevance of experimental results for natural field environments, we argue that the observed genetic inviability corresponds with type III survivorship, which is characteristic of both hatchery and field environments and that our results, therefore, suggest the need for additional experiments under the near‐natural conditions of mesocosms. We explore the population genetic implications of our results, calculating a detrimental mutation rate that is comparable to that estimated for conifers and other highly fecund perennial plants. Genetic inviability ought to be considered as a potential major source of low and variable recruitment in highly fecund marine animals.
Climate structures genetic variation across a species' elevation range: a test of range limits hypotheses
Authors: Sexton Jason P. , Hufford Matthew B. , C.Bateman Ashley , Lowry David B. , Meimberg Harald , Strauss Sharon Y. , Rice Kevin J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractGene flow may influence the formation of species range limits, and yet little is known about the patterns of gene flow with respect to environmental gradients or proximity to range limits. With rapid environmental change, it is especially important to understand patterns of gene flow to inform conservation efforts. Here we investigate the species range of the selfing, annual plant, Mimulus laciniatus, in the California Sierra Nevada. We assessed genetic variation, gene flow, and population abundance across the entire elevation‐based climate range. Contrary to expectations, within‐population plant density increased towards both climate limits. Mean genetic diversity of edge populations was equivalent to central populations; however, all edge populations exhibited less genetic diversity than neighbouring interior populations. Genetic differentiation was fairly consistent and moderate among all populations, and no directional signals of contemporary gene flow were detected between central and peripheral elevations. Elevation‐driven gene flow (isolation by environment), but not isolation by distance, was found across the species range. These findings were the same towards high‐ and low‐elevation range limits and were inconsistent with two common centre‐edge hypotheses invoked for the formation of species range limits: (i) decreasing habitat quality and population size; (ii) swamping gene flow from large, central populations. This pattern demonstrates that climate, but not centre‐edge dynamics, is an important range‐wide factor structuring M. laciniatus populations. To our knowledge, this is the first empirical study to relate environmental patterns of gene flow to range limits hypotheses. Similar investigations across a wide variety of taxa and life histories are needed.
Genotyping of clinical and environmental Aspergillus flavus isolates from Iran using microsatellites
Authors: Khodavaisy Sadegh , Badali Hamid , Rezaie Sassan , Nabili Mojtaba , Moghadam Keivan G. , Afhami Shirin , Hagen Ferry , Aala Farzad , Hashemi Sayed‐Jamal , Meis Jacques F. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryAspergillus flavus is the second most important Aspergillus species causing human infections in tropical countries. Despite an increasing number of infections of A. flavus in Iran, the molecular epidemiology of clinical and environmental strains has not been well studied. We used a panel of nine microsatellite markers to analyse the genetic relatedness of A. flavus. Microsatellite typing of 143 (n = 119 clinical and n = 24 environmental) isolates demonstrated 118 different genotypes. A possible outbreak at a pulmonary ward was discovered. The discriminatory power for the individual markers ranged from 0.4812 to 0.9457 and the panel of all nine markers combined yielded a diversity index of 0.9948. This high‐resolution typing method assists in better understanding of the molecular epidemiology of A. flavus.
Insomnia, anxiety, and heart rate variability among nurses working different shift systems in Taiwan
Authors: Shen Shu‐Hua , Yen Miaofen , Yang Shou‐Lin , Lee Chiung‐Ying 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis cross‐sectional comparative study investigated the levels of insomnia, anxiety, and heart rate variability of nurses members working different shift systems. One hundred and twenty‐four participants were recruited from members of the nurses of two Taiwanese hospitals. Data were collected using the Chinese versions of the Athens Insomnia Scale and Beck Anxiety Scale questionnaires and electrocardiograms recorded immediately upon completion of each participant's work shift. A binary logistic regression model was used for analysis. Insomnia, anxiety, and abnormal parasympathetic activity were more acute in nurses who worked a rotating shift than in those performing day or night shift work. Logistic regression analysis showed that age significantly increased the incidence and level of insomnia. Age, years of service, and nurses’ status as a parent significantly intensified incidences of anxiety and abnormal parasympathetic activity. Rotating shift work is one of the main factors causing adverse effects on the physical and psychological health of nurses; therefore, when a shift work system cannot be avoided, a practice of day and night shifts for nurses is preferable to rotating shifts.
Incidence and outcomes of school‐based injuries during four academic years in Kocaeli, Turkey
Authors: Ozkan Ozlem 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackgroundSchool‐based injuries are an important public health problem. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence as well as outcomes of school‐based injuries at a public primary and secondary school.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study involved 2956 students enrolled at a public primary and secondary school in the central district of Kocaeli province in Turkey from the academic year 2010–2011 to 2013–2014. The data were collected by intern public health nurses at school health units using a school‐based injury form.ResultsThe total incidence of school‐based injuries during 4 academic years was 10.52% person‐year. The majority of the injured students were aged 10–15 years (73.3%), and boys (65%). Around one‐tenth of the injuries were serious, such as burn, fracture‐dislocation and soft‐tissue injuries. Outdoor injuries were more prevalent for girls while boys had more indoor injuries (50.5%, 53.0%, P > 0.05). The number of the incidence of ≥two injuries increased as the academic year progressed, and there was a weak positive association between the variables (P < 0.05, Cramer's V = 0.311). One out of six injuries were intentional, with the highest incidence in the 6–9 year age group (20.5%) and boys sex (19.8%; P > 0.05).ConclusionsSchool‐based injuries at primary and secondary school still challenge the health as well as the security of the students. © 2016 Japan Pediatric Society.