bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fifty years of paediatric ethics
Authors: Gillam Lynn 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn 1965, when the first issue of Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health appeared, medical ethics was just becoming established as a discipline. The sub‐speciality of paediatric ethics did not make an appearance until the late 1980s, with the first key texts appearing in the 1990s. Professional concern to practice ethically in paediatrics obviously goes much further back than that, even if not named as such. In clinical areas of paediatrics, the story of the last 50 years is essentially a story of progress – better understanding of disease, better diagnosis, more effective treatment, better outcomes. In paediatric ethics, the story of the last 50 years is a bit more complicated. In ethics, the idea of progress, rather than just change, is not so straightforward and is sometimes hotly contested. There has certainly been change, including some quite radical shifts in attitudes and practices, but on some issues, the ethical debate now looks remarkably similar to that of 40–50 years ago. This is the story of some things that have changed in paediatric ethics, some things that have stayed the same and the key ethical ideas lying beneath the surface.
Conquering rotavirus: From discovery to global vaccine implementation
Authors: Bines Julie E , Kirkwood Carl D 
Published: January 2015

AbstractRotavirus, the commonest cause of severe dehydrating gastroenteritis world‐wide, was discovered less than 50 years ago. It causes about 450 000 deaths per year in children <5 years of age and hospitalises millions more. Rotavirus vaccines have been shown to have a major impact on hospital admissions due to rotavirus gastroenteritis and all‐cause gastroenteritis and reduce mortality in developing countries. In Australia, there has been a 71% decrease in rotavirus hospitalisations in children 0–5 years of age. From the discovery of rotavirus as the major causative agent for severe gastroenteritis, through vaccine development and vaccine post‐marketing surveillance activities, Australian scientists and clinicians have played a significant role in the global effort to reduce the burden of rotavirus infection.
Virulence of Phytophthora sojae in the Pampeana Subregion of Argentina from 1998 to 2004
Authors: Grijalba Pablo E. , Gally Marcela E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPhytophthora root rot is one of the most serious diseases of soybeans in Argentina. Surveys of commercial fields and trial plots of soybean were conducted throughout the northern Pampeana subregion (Argentina) between 1998 and 2004. A total of 193 isolates of Phytophthora sojae were collected and classified into races or virulence formulae. Among the 173 isolates tested on 8 differentials, 42 different pathotypes were detected, including 18 described races. Races 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 13, 23 and 24 were found in both plants and soils, whereas races 2, 3, 6, 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, 43 and 44 were only isolated from plants. An additional 19 pathotypes were described from 20 isolates tested in Canada on the expanded set of 14 differential cultivars. Currently, all Rps genes/alleles associated with resistance have been defeated, indicating an increased complexity of virulence within the P. sojae populations in the region. The great increase in virulence complexity found in this study is most likely a result of a long period of continuous production of soybean cultivars with Rps genes and the extensive adoption of the no‐tillage system.
Canine Pancreatic‐Specific Lipase Concentrations in Dogs with Heart Failure and Chronic Mitral Valvular Insufficiency
Authors: Han D. , Choi R. , Hyun C. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundChronic mitral valvular insufficiency (CMVI) in dogs is very common and might cause clinical signs of congestion and poor tissue perfusion.HypothesisPoor tissue perfusion from CMVI causes pancreatitis in dogs, as indicated by serum pancreatic lipase concentrations.AnimalsSixty‐two client‐owned dogs consisting of 40 dogs with different stages of heart failure from CMVI and 22 age‐matched healthy dogs, based on full cardiac exam and routine laboratory tests.MethodsProspective, controlled, observational study. Serum canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) concentrations were determined by quantitative cPLI test in healthy and CMVI groups.ResultsSerum cPLI concentrations were 54.0 μg/L (IQR: 38.0–78.8 μg/L) in control, 55.0 μg/L (IQR: 38.3–88.8 μg/L) in ISACHC I, 115.0 μg/L (IQR: 45.0–179.0 μg/L) in ISACHC II and 223.0 μg/L (IQR: 119.5–817.5 μg/L) in ISACHC III. Close correlation to serum cPLI concentration was found in the left atrial to aorta (LA/Ao) ratio (r = 0.597; P = .000) and the severity of heart failure (r = 0.530; P = .000).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis study found CMVI is associated with pancreatic injury in congestive heart failure caused by CMVI. Therefore, periodic monitoring on cPLI could be useful in monitoring dogs in heart failure.
Insect herbivory in alpine grasslands is constrained by community and host traits
Authors: Hülber Karl , Haider Julian A. , Hager Theresa E. , Dullinger Stefan , Fiedler Konrad 
Published: January 2015

AbstractQuestionThe consumption of plant biomass by herbivores is an important biotic interaction with possible cascading effects from the level of individual plant performance up to ecosystem functions. However, little is known about the degree and patterns of insect herbivory in alpine ecosystems. We searched for altitudinal differences in herbivory and tested for effects of traits of both the host plants and the surrounding plant communities on herbivory incidence to evaluate predictions derived from the resource availability and the resource concentration hypothesis.LocationHigh‐altitude grasslands of the eastern European Alps.MethodsWe recorded insect herbivory on leaves of five plant taxa differing in traits related to nutritional value and anti‐herbivore resistance to provide the first large‐scale assessment of herbivory in high‐altitude environments. Regression analyses were used to test for significant effects of plant community diversity, host species abundance and soil fertility at grasslands in the lower and upper alpine belt.ResultsWe found a positive correlation of the incidence of folivory with local plant species richness, soil fertility and local host species abundance. The effects of community traits were stronger at higher altitudes, although the overall level of herbivory was lower at higher altitudes. Taxa lacking strong chemical defences, but possessing either high nutrient or high silica content, were particularly strongly and weakly affected by herbivory, respectively.ConclusionsThese results are in line with predictions derived from the resource availability hypothesis, but remain ambiguous concerning the resource concentration hypothesis. The degree of herbivory not only depends on traits of hosts but also on features of the surrounding plant community. The generally high incidence of herbivory with low levels of damage suggests that insect folivores are omnipresent in high‐altitude grasslands.
Three Arguments Against the Expertise Defense
Authors: Mizrahi Moti 
Published: January 2015

AbstractExperimental philosophers have challenged friends of the expertise defense to show that (a) the intuitive judgments of professional philosophers are different from the intuitive judgments of nonphilosophers, and (b) the intuitive judgments of professional philosophers are better than the intuitive judgments of nonphilosophers, in ways that are relevant to the truth or falsity of such judgments. Friends of the expertise defense have responded by arguing that the burden of proof lies with experimental philosophers. This article sketches three arguments which show that both (a) and (b) are probably false. If its arguments are cogent, then shifting the burden of proof is a futile move, since philosophical training makes no difference so far as making intuitive judgments in response to hypothetical cases is concerned.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide is a local mediator in a gut‐brain neural axis activating intestinal gluconeogenesis
Authors: De Vadder F. , Plessier F. , Gautier‐Stein A. , Mithieux G. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIntestinal gluconeogenesis (IGN) promotes metabolic benefits through activation of a gut‐brain neural axis. However, the local mediator activating gluconeogenic genes in the enterocytes remains unknown. We show that (i) vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) signaling through VPAC1 receptor activates the intestinal glucose‐6‐phosphatase gene in vivo, (ii) the activation of IGN by propionate is counteracted by VPAC1 antagonism, and (iii) VIP‐positive intrinsic neurons in the submucosal plexus are increased under the action of propionate. These data support the role of VIP as a local neuromodulator released by intrinsic enteric neurons and responsible for the induction of IGN through a VPAC1 receptor‐dependent mechanism in enterocytes.
Evaluation of dynamic parameters of thrombus formation measured on whole blood using rotational thromboelastometry in children undergoing cardiac surgery: a descriptive study
Authors: Faraoni David , Fenger‐Eriksen Christian , Gillard Stephanie , Willems Ariane , Levy Jerrold H. , Van der Linden Philippe 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBackgroundTotal thrombus formation velocity calculated using amplitude parameters obtained at different times could be used to estimate the amplification and the propagation phases observed during coagulation processes, and therefore might be useful to predict postoperative hemostatic products administration in pediatric patients.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from 49 children <3 months of age who underwent cardiac surgery. Children ≤1 month of age routinely received fresh frozen plasma during bypass while children >1 month of age did not. The EXTEM parameters were used to calculate velocity curves using amplitudes obtained at different times, the area under the curve called total thrombus formation and the maximum rate of thrombus formation. These parameters were compared between children who received fresh frozen plasma and those who did not. Receiver operating characteristics curves were used to define variables that could be used to predict postoperative fresh frozen plasma transfusion.ResultsTotal thrombus formation and maximum rate of thrombus formation significantly increased in children who received fresh frozen plasma compared to those who did not. Both total thrombus formation and maximum rate of thrombus formation have a better specificity to predict postoperative fresh frozen plasma transfusion compared to clotting time or maximal clot firmness.ConclusionBased on this descriptive study, dynamic ROTEM® parameters of total thrombus formation could be used to estimate the amplification and the propagation phases of coagulation in children. These parameters might be used in further well‐designed study to predict the need for hemostatic products in children undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.
Golgi/plastid‐type manganese superoxide dismutase involved in heat‐stress tolerance during grain filling of rice
Authors: Shiraya Takeshi , Mori Taiki , Maruyama Tatsuya , Sasaki Maiko , Takamatsu Takeshi , Oikawa Kazusato , Itoh Kimiko , Kaneko Kentaro , Ichikawa Hiroaki , Mitsui Toshiaki 
Published: January 2015

SummarySuperoxide dismutase (SOD) is widely assumed to play a role in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species caused by environmental stresses. We found a characteristic expression of manganese SOD 1 (MSD1) in a heat‐stress‐tolerant cultivar of rice (Oryza sativa). The deduced amino acid sequence contains a signal sequence and an N‐glycosylation site. Confocal imaging analysis of rice and onion cells transiently expressing MSD1‐YFP showed MSD1‐YFP in the Golgi apparatus and plastids, indicating that MSD1 is a unique Golgi/plastid‐type SOD. To evaluate the involvement of MSD1 in heat‐stress tolerance, we generated transgenic rice plants with either constitutive high expression or suppression of MSD1. The grain quality of rice with constitutive high expression of MSD1 grown at 33/28 °C, 12/12 h, was significantly better than that of the wild type. In contrast, MSD1‐knock‐down rice was markedly susceptible to heat stress. Quantitative shotgun proteomic analysis indicated that the overexpression of MSD1 up‐regulated reactive oxygen scavenging, chaperone and quality control systems in rice grains under heat stress. We propose that the Golgi/plastid MSD1 plays an important role in adaptation to heat stress.
Silencing the expression of the salivary sheath protein causes transgenerational feeding suppression in the aphid Sitobion avenae
Authors: Abdellatef Eltayb , Will Torsten , Koch Aline , Imani Jafargholi , Vilcinskas Andreas , Kogel Karl‐Heinz 
Published: January 2015

SummaryAphids produce gel saliva during feeding which forms a sheath around the stylet as it penetrates through the apoplast. The sheath is required for the sustained ingestion of phloem sap from sieve elements and is thought to form when the structural sheath protein (SHP) is cross‐linked by intermolecular disulphide bridges. We investigated the possibility of controlling aphid infestation by host‐induced gene silencing (HIGS) targeting shp expression in the grain aphid Sitobion avenae. When aphids were fed on transgenic barley expressing shp double‐stranded RNA (shp‐dsRNA), they produced significantly lower levels of shp mRNA compared to aphids feeding on wild‐type plants, suggesting that the transfer of inhibitory RNA from the plant to the insect was successful. shp expression remained low when aphids were transferred from transgenic plants and fed for 1 or 2 weeks, respectively, on wild‐type plants, confirming that silencing had a prolonged impact. Reduced shp expression correlated with a decline in growth, reproduction and survival rates. Remarkably, morphological and physiological aberrations such as winged adults and delayed maturation were maintained over seven aphid generations feeding on wild‐type plants. Targeting shp expression therefore appears to cause strong transgenerational effects on feeding, development and survival in S. avenae, suggesting that the HIGS technology has a realistic potential for the control of aphid pests in agriculture.
Melanoma tumors frequently acquire LRP2/megalin expression, which modulates melanoma cell proliferation and survival rates
Authors: Andersen Rikke K. , Hammer Katrine , Hager Henrik , Christensen Julie N. , Ludvigsen Maja , Honoré Bent , Thomsen Mai‐Britt H. , Madsen Mette 
Published: January 2015

SummaryWe show that the multiligand receptor megalin, known to mediate uptake and trafficking of nutrients and signaling molecules, is frequently expressed in malignant melanoma samples. Expression of megalin‐encoding mRNA was investigated in 65 samples of nevi, melanomas, and melanoma metastases and was observed in more than 60% of the malignant samples, while only in 20% of the benign counterparts. Megalin expression in nevus and melanoma samples was additionally investigated by immunohistochemistry, which confirmed our mRNA‐based observations. We furthermore show that a panel of tumor‐derived melanoma cell lines express LRP2/megalin endogenously. In these cells, megalin is internalized from the cell surface and localizes extensively to intracellular vesicles, confirming receptor activity and pointing toward association with the endocytic apparatus. Groundbreaking, our results indicate that sustained megalin expression in melanoma cells is crucial for cell maintenance, as siRNA‐mediated reduction in melanoma cell expression of LRP2/megalin significantly decreases melanoma cell proliferation and survival rates.
Performance‐Related Pay and the Crowding Out of Motivation in the Public Sector: A Randomized Field Experiment
Authors: Bellé Nicola 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis article advances our understanding of the effects of monetary rewards on public employee performance and of the contingencies that may moderate these effects. In a randomized control‐group experiment with nurses working at a local health authority in Italy, performance‐related pay (PRP) had a larger effect on task performance when the rewards were kept secret than when they were disclosed. The negative interaction between PRP and visibility was stronger among participants who were exposed to direct contact with a beneficiary of their efforts, which heightened their perception of making a positive difference in other people's lives. These results are consistent with theoretical predictions that monetary incentives for activities with a prosocial impact may crowd out employee image motivation. There were no crowding‐out effects when a symbolic reward was substituted for the monetary incentive.
Alveolar and serum concentrations of imipenem in two lung transplant recipients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Welsch C. , Augustin P. , Allyn J. , Massias L. , Montravers P. , Allou N. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractVenovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used in patients with respiratory failure who fail conventional treatment. Postoperative pneumonia is the most common infection after lung transplantation (40%). Imipenem is frequently used for empirical treatment of nosocomial pneumonia in the intensive care unit. Nevertheless, few data are available on the impact of ECMO on pharmacokinetics, and no data on imipenem dosing during ECMO. Currently, no guidelines exist for antibiotic dosing during ECMO support.We report the cases of 2 patients supported with venovenous ECMO for refractory acute respiratory distress syndrome following single lung transplantation for pulmonary fibrosis, treated empirically with 1 g of imipenem intravenously every 6 h. Enterobacter cloacae was isolated from the respiratory sample of Patient 1 and Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated from the respiratory sample of Patient 2. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of the 2 isolated strains were 0.125 and 0.25 mg/L, respectively. Both patients were still alive on day 28. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of imipenem concentrations in lung transplantation patients supported with ECMO. This study confirms high variability in imipenem trough concentrations in patients on ECMO and with preserved renal function. An elevated dosing regimen (4 g/24 h) is more likely to optimize drug exposure, and therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended, where available. Population pharmacokinetic studies are indicated to develop evidence‐based dosing guidelines for ECMO patients.
Output calculation of electron therapy at extended SSD using an improved LBR method
Authors: Alkhatib Hassaan A. , Gebreamlak Wondesen T. , Tedeschi David J. , Mihailidis Dimitris , Wright Ben W. , Neglia William J. , Sobash Philip T. , Fontenot Jonas D. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose:To calculate the output factor (OPF) of any irregularly shaped electron beam at extended SSD.Methods:Circular cutouts were prepared from 2.0 cm diameter to the maximum possible size for 15 × 15 applicator cone. In addition, two irregular cutouts were prepared. For each cutout, percentage depth dose (PDD) at the standard SSD and doses at different SSD values were measured using 6, 9, 12, and 16 MeV electron beam energies on a Varian 2100C LINAC and the distance at which the central axis electron fluence becomes independent of cutout size was determined. The measurements were repeated with an ELEKTA Synergy LINAC using 14 × 14 applicator cone and electron beam energies of 6, 9, 12, and 15 MeV. The PDD measurements were performed using a scanning system and two diodes—one for the signal and the other a stationary reference outside the tank. The doses of the circular cutouts at different SSDs were measured using PTW 0.125 cm3 Semiflex ion‐chamber and EDR2 films. The electron fluence was measured using EDR2 films.Results:For each circular cutout, the lateral buildup ratio (LBR) was calculated from the measured PDD curve using the open applicator cone as the reference field. The effective SSD (SSDeff) of each circular cutout was calculated from the measured doses at different SSD values. Using the LBR value and the radius of the circular cutout, the corresponding lateral spread parameter [σR(z)] was calculated. Taking the cutout size dependence of σR(z) into account, the PDD curves of the irregularly shaped cutouts at the standard SSD were calculated. Using the calculated PDD curve of the irregularly shaped cutout along with the LBR and SSDeff values of the circular cutouts, the output factor of the irregularly shaped cutout at extended SSD was calculated. Finally, both the calculated PDD curves and output factor values were compared with the measured values.Conclusions:The improved LBR method has been generalized to calculate the output factor of electron therapy at extended SSD. The percentage difference between the calculated and the measured output factors of irregularly shaped cutouts in a clinical useful SSD region was within 2%. Similar results were obtained for all available electron energies of both Varian 2100C and ELEKTA Synergy machines.
Draft Genome Sequence of Sphingomonas sp. Strain Ant20, Isolated from Oil-Contaminated Soil on Ross Island, Antarctica
Authors: Ronca Sandra , Frossard Aline , Guerrero Leandro D. , Makhalanyane Thulani P. , Aislabie Jackie M. , Cowan Don A. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT
Here, we present the draft genome of Sphingomonas sp. strain Ant20, isolated from oil-polluted soil near Scott Base, Ross Island, Antarctica. The genome of this aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium provides valuable information on the microbially mediated biodegradation of aromatic compounds in cold-climate systems.
Draft Genome Sequences of Vibrio fluvialis Strains 560 and 539, Isolated from Environmental Samples
Authors: de Oliveira Veras Adonney Allan , da Silva Miriam Lopes , Gomes Jaqueline Conceição Meireles , Dias Larissa Maranhão , de Sá Pablo Caracciolo Gomes , Alves Jorianne Thyeska Castro , Castro Wendel , Miranda Fábio , Kazuo Ehilton , Marinho Diogo , Rodrigues Mateus , Freire Matheus , Zahlouth Ramiro , Renan Wendel , Lopes Thiago Souza , Matté Maria Helena , da Silva Mayer Cintia Carolina , de Almeida Vasconcelos Barboni Suzi , Matté Glavur Rogério , Carneiro Adriana Ribeiro , Silva Artur , Ramos Rommel Thiago Jucá 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACT

Vibrio fluvialis
is a halophilic bacterium found in many environments and is mainly associated with sporadic cases and outbreaks of gastroenteritis in humans. Here, we describe the genome sequences of environmental strains of
V. fluvialis
560 (Vf560) and
V. fluvialis
539 (Vf539) possessing a variant of the integrative and conjugative element (ICE) SXT for the first time in Brazil and South America.