bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hemovigilance: Clinical Tolerance of Solvent‐Detergent Treated Plasma
Authors: Baudoux E. , Margraff U. , Coenen A. , Jacobs X. , Strivay M. , Lungu C. , Sondag‐Thull D. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjective: This study was conducted to assess retrospectively the clinical tolerance of SD treated plasma and to compare it to other labile blood products (red blood cell and platelet concentrates). Method: Adverse events (AEs) related to the use of blood products at the Blood Transfusion Center (BTC) are routinely collected through a formalised system of hemovigilance. All AEs reported are entered into a safety data base which was used for the study. All AEs reported during a one‐year period to the BTC were retrospectively re‐assessed and descriptive statistics calculated. Results: 5064 units of SD treated plasma were transfused to 894 recipients during the study period at the occasion of 1553 transfusions. No AE associated to SD treatment plasma was reported during that period. In contrast, during the same period, 485 AEs associated with the use of red blood cell concentrates (RBCC) were reported in 251 patients at the occasion of 262 transfusions. 2.1% (251/11748) of the patients transfused with RBCC experienced one or more AEs. The incidence of AEs per unit transfused was 1.3% (485/37332), and 2.4% (485/20460) of RBCC transfusions were associated with one or more AEs. 142 AEs associated with the use of platelet concentrate (PC) were observed in 69 patients at the occasion of 73 transfusions. 4.2% (69/1645) of patients transfused with PC experienced one or more AEs. The incidence of AEs per unit transfused was 1.1% (142/12772), and 2.8% (142/5034) of PC transfusions were associated with one or more AEs. All reported AEs were classified and non serious. The most frequently observed AEs were fever, chills and rashes which accounted for roughly 64% of all reported AEs. Conclusion: As for the overall clinical tolerance of red cell and platelet concentrates, the results of this study are in complete agreement with the published literature. The study also confirms the extremely good tolerability of SD treated plasma in comparison with other labile blood products.
Recentering Southeast Asian Cities
Authors: Goh Daniel P.S. , Bunnell Tim 
Published: April 2013

AbstractFor nearly two decades now, scholars have been heralding the arrival of new urbanisms. One debate in rapidly urbanizing Southeast Asia concerns the convergence of Western and Asian urban processes, and the riposte that interaction between globalizing processes and the historical momentum of local and regional forces make for complex Asian urbanisms. In recent years, attention has been drawn to the impact of decentralization, with consequences for the reorganization of the developmental state and the growing importance of private capital and urban social movements in driving urban processes and politics. This symposium offers the fresh lens of ‘recentering’ to discuss the urbanisms emerging from decentralization and the triangulating state–capital–social movement politics of the new urbanisms. Drawing on recent discussions of Manuel Castells' (1983) The City and the Grassroots, we seek to expand the conception of urban activism not just by considering non‐Western cases in the newly democratizing states of Southeast Asia, but also by considering cities as co‐agents of activism. We see the recentering of Southeast Asian cities as referring to political actions that take the city not only as site and repository, but also reflexively as identity in itself to be fought with, for and over.
Low Temperature Deposition of High Performance Lead Strontium Titanate Thin Films by in situ RF Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Li Kui , Dong Xianlin , Rémiens Denis , Lei Xiuyun , Li Tao , Du Gang , Wang Genshui 
Published: April 2013

Highly (100) oriented lead strontium titanate (Pb0.4Sr0.6TiO3) thin films were deposited on LaNiO3 ‐coated Si substrate via radio‐frequency magnetron sputtering method with substrate temperature ranging from 300 to 500°C. The PST thin films were crystallized at a temperature as low as 300°C, which may result from the well‐controlled stoichiometry and the in situ crystallization on seed layer. At an electric field of 400 kV/cm, high tunability of 43% and 57% can be achieved for PST films deposited at 300°C and 500°C, respectively. Moreover, the dielectric response shows weak frequency dependence and the loss factor stays relatively low. The results suggest that such films should be promising candidate for the microwave tunable devices compatible with the current Si technology.
Fast Response NO2 Gas Sensor Based on In2O3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Sowti khiabani Parisa , Marzbanrad Ehsan , Hassani Hamid , Raissi Babak 
Published: April 2013

In this research, hydrothermal‐calcination route was applied to synthesize In2O3 nanoparticles for gas sensor application. Hydrothermal synthesis with duration of 5 h at 180°C resulted in In(OH)3 nanorods. Then, in the calcination step, considering controlled rate of heating and temperature, In2O3 nanoparticles with rough surfaces were obtained. In the next step, these nanoparticles were deposited by low frequency AC electrophoretic deposition between the interdigitated electrodes to fabricate gas sensor. Deposition in the frequency of 10 kHz resulted in the chained nanoparticles in the interelectrode space. At the end, gas sensitivity measurements were conducted at 150°C–300°C and revealed that fabricated sensor had fast response and recovery times to NO2 gas.
Body size evolution of palaeo‐insular mammals: temporal variations and interspecific interactions
Authors: van der Geer Alexandra A. , Lyras Georgios A. , Lomolino Mark V. , Palombo Maria Rita , Sax Dov F. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAimWe investigated the hypothesis that body size evolution of mammals is strongly influenced by ecological interactions, resulting in evolutionary divergence in body size in species‐rich (e.g. mainland) biotas, and convergence on the size of intermediate but absent species in species‐poor (e.g. insular) biotas.LocationMediterranean palaeo‐islands.MethodsWe assembled data on temporal variation in body size of palaeo‐insular mammals and associated variation in ecological characteristics (colonization or extirpation of mammalian competitors and predators) for 19 species of fossil, non‐volant mammals across four large (> 3640 km2) islands ranging between the late Miocene and Holocene. These are the only fossil species for which fine‐detailed time series are available at present.ResultsOur results are consistent with predictions based on an ecological interactions hypothesis of body size evolution. Following colonization (or first appearance in the insular fossil record) small mammals (such as mice, shrews and pikas) tended to increase in body size. These trends, however, ceased or were reversed following colonization of the focal islands by mammalian predators or competitors.Main conclusionsWhile body size evolution is likely to be influenced by a variety of characteristics of the focal islands (e.g. climate, area, isolation and habitat diversity) and species (e.g. diet, resource requirements and dispersal abilities), temporal trends for palaeo‐insular mammals indicated that the observed trends for any particular species, island and climatic regime may be strongly influenced by interactions among species. Ultimately, invasion of a competitor often leads to the extinction of the native, insular species.
Characterization of Enterocccus faecalis Isolates from the Pork Meat Production Chain and Comparison with Human Clinical Isolates
Authors: Kwon Ka Hee , Hwang Sun Young , Kim So Hyun , Moon Bo Youn , Park Bong Kyun , Yoon Jang Won , Park Yong Ho 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA total of 339 Enterococcus faecalis strains were isolated from pork production chain, slaughterhouses, processing plants and retails, and were compared with human infection strains for investigating the transmission from animal to human via food production chain. From slaughterhouses to retails, most of antimicrobial resistances and multidrug resistance rates decreased or were not changed significantly. Meanwhile, the prevalence rate of strong or moderate biofilm‐forming isolates was highest at retails. In the result of random amplified polymorphic DNA‐polymerase chain reaction analysis, there was no strain persisting along the pork production chain or being similar to human strains. Consequently, it is suggested that E. faecalis strains from pork meat would not be delivered to humans by consumption of pork.Practical ApplicationsThrough investigation of antimicrobial resistant bacteria of the pork production chain of Korea, more information and relief would be provided to consumers and its results could help policy making in public health and food safety.
Determination of Antibacterial Mode of Action of Allium sativum Essential Oil against Foodborne Pathogens Using Membrane Permeability and Surface Characteristic Parameters
Authors: Sharma Ajay , Bajpai Vivek K. , Baek Kwang‐Hyun 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThis study investigates the antibacterial mechanism of action of Allium sativum rhizome essential oil (ASEO) against foodborne pathogens. The ASEO was obtained by hydrodistillation of A. sativum rhizome using a microwave‐assisted extraction technique. The ASEO (1,000 μg/disk) showed potential antibacterial effect as diameters of inhibition zones against the tested foodborne pathogens including American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains Bacillus cereus ATCC 13061, Escherichia coli ATCC 43889, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644, Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 43174 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 12600, which were found in the range of 11.0 ± 0.1–24.0 ± 0.1 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of ASEO against the tested bacteria were found in the range of 62.5–500 μg/mL. At the MIC concentration, ASEO had potential inhibitory effect on the cell viability of the tested bacteria. In addition, the scanning electron microscopy analysis showed the inhibitory effect of ASEO as confirmed by the considerable morphological alterations on the cell walls of B. cereus ATCC 13061 and E. coli ATCC 43889. Moreover, the ASEO revealed its mode of action on membrane integrity as confirmed by the release of extracellular adenosine 5′‐triphosphate, 260‐nm absorbing materials and potassium ions efflux against tested pathogens. These findings suggest that ASEO showed its effect on membrane permeability and surface characteristics.Practical ApplicationsFoodborne pathogens are the leading causes of illness in the developed countries. These pathogens are responsible for millions of cases of infectious diseases each year, costing billions of dollars in medical care. New foodborne pathogens and foodborne diseases are likely to emerge driven by factors such as pathogen evolution, changes in food manufacturing practices, and changes to the human host status. Fuelled by these concerns, research on biologically active natural compounds to control the foodborne pathogens has escalated to unprecedented levels in recent years. Plant‐based antimicrobials such as essential oils have been found to suppress the growth of foodborne pathogens in various in vitro and in vivo models. These findings clearly indicate that essential oil derived from the rhizome of A. sativum confers its mode of action on membrane integrity, hence, could be used as an affective candidate to control the growth of certain important foodborne pathogens in practical applications.
Two‐Dimensional Pulsed Field Minigel Electrophoresis with High Throughput Sample Format
Authors: León Karen , Riverón Ana María , Arencibia Oscar , Santamaría Yenis , López‐Cánovas Lilia 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA rapid procedure for two‐dimensional pulsed field minigel electrophoresis (2D‐mini‐PFGE) with high throughput sample format was standardized to separate chromosomal DNA molecules of yeast. Molecules separation in the first dimension (1D) was done in 4.5 h using the contour‐clamped homogeneous electric field minichamber. 1D‐minigel was negatively stained with zinc‐imidazole and the lanes containing the chromosomal bands were excised from the 1D‐minigel. The strips were loaded into the second dimension (2D) minigel(s). 2D runs were performed in the single or multiple minigels of the transversal alternating field electrophoresis (TAFE) or multi‐TAFE minichamber, respectively, for 7 h. Total running time (1D + 2D) was 11.5 h. The 2D‐mini‐PFGE resolved co‐migrating molecules in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae 1D‐electrophoretic karyotypes and detected chromosome length polymorphisms in three distinct strains. Also, the multi‐TAFE minichamber allowed obtaining up to 12 2D‐DNA patterns simultaneously. This procedure could be suitable for monitoring of industrial yeast strains by molecular methods.Practical ApplicationsThis work reports the standardization of a rapid and economic two‐dimensional pulsed field minigel electrophoresis procedure with high throughput sample format to separate DNA molecules with chromosomal sizes. This procedure enhances the resolution of chromosomal DNA molecules in the 1D‐electrophoretic karyotypes from microorganisms and reveals chromosome length polymorphisms of different yeast strains without using restriction enzymes. The procedure also includes the staining of the 1D‐minigels with zinc‐imidazole. It avoids the environmental pollution caused by the ethidium bromide when the 1D‐DNA molecules are visualized and prevents DNA damages due to UV‐irradiation. The procedure permits to analyze from 1 to 12 DNA samples by 2D‐PFGE simultaneously. It could be suitable for maintenance, monitoring and control of industrial yeast strains by molecular methods.
Long‐lasting neurotoxic effects of exposure to methylmercury during development
Authors: Ceccatelli S. , Bose R. , Edoff K. , Onishchenko N. , Spulber S. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAmongst environmental chemical contaminants, methylmercury (MeHg) remains a major concern because of its detrimental effects on developing organisms, which appear to be particularly susceptible to its toxicity. Here, we investigated the effects of low MeHg levels on the development of the nervous system using both in vitro and in vivo experimental models. In neural stem cells (NSCs), MeHg decreased proliferation and neuronal differentiation and induced cellular senescence associated with impairment in mitochondrial function and a concomitant decrease in global DNA methylation. Interestingly, the effects were heritable and could be observed in daughter NSCs never directly exposed to MeHg. By chronically exposing pregnant/lactating mice to MeHg, we found persistent behavioural changes in the male offspring, which exhibited depression‐like behaviour that could be reversed by chronic treatment with the antidepressant fluoxetine. The behavioural alterations were associated with a decreased number of proliferating cells and lower expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) mRNA in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. MeHg exposure also induced long‐lasting DNA hypermethylation, increased histone H3‐K27 tri‐methylation and decreased H3 acetylation at the Bdnf promoter IV, indicating that epigenetic mechanisms play a critical role in mediating the long‐lasting effects of perinatal exposure to MeHg. Fluoxetine treatment restored the Bdnf mRNA expression levels, as well as the number of proliferating cells in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus, which further supports the hypothesis that links depression to impaired neurogenesis. Altogether, our findings have shown that low concentrations of MeHg induce long‐lasting effects in NSCs that can potentially predispose individuals to depression, which we have reported earlier to occur in experimental animals exposed to MeHg during prenatal and early postnatal development.
Detectability of Neural Tracts and Nuclei in the Brainstem Utilizing 3DAC‐PROPELLER
Authors: Nishikawa Taro , Okamoto Kouichirou , Matsuzawa Hitoshi , Terumitsu Makoto , Nakada Tsutomu , Fujii Yukihiko 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTDespite clinical importance of identifying exact anatomical location of neural tracts and nuclei in the brainstem, no neuroimaging studies have validated the detectability of these structures. The aim of this study was to assess the detectability of the structures using three‐dimensional anisotropy contrast‐periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (3DAC‐PROPELLER) imaging. Forty healthy volunteers (21 males, 19 females; 19‐53 years, average 23.4 years) participated in this study. 3DAC‐PROPELLER axial images were obtained with a 3T‐MR system at four levels of the brainstem: the lower midbrain, upper and lower pons, and medulla oblongata. Three experts independently judged whether five tracts (corticospinal tract, medial lemniscus, medial longitudinal fasciculus, central tegmental and spinothalamic tracts) and 10 nuclei (oculomotor and trochlear nuclei, spinal trigeminal, abducens, facial, vestibular, hypoglossal, prepositus, and solitary nuclei, locus ceruleus, superior and inferior olives) on each side could be identified. In total, 240 assessments were made. The five tracts and eight nuclei were identified in all the corresponding assessments, whereas the locus ceruleus and superior olive could not be identified in 3 (1.3%) and 16 (6.7%) assessments, respectively. 3DAC‐PROPELLER seems extremely valuable imaging method for mapping out surgical strategies for brainstem lesions.
Activation of renal haeme oxygenase-1 alleviates gentamicin-induced acute nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Taye Ashraf , Ibrahim Badr Mostafa 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to investigate whether activation of haeme oxygenase (HO)-1 enzyme by haemin would have beneficial effects on the functional and histological outcome against gentamicin-induced renal damage in rats and sought to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the therapeutic action.

Methods
Nephrotoxicity was induced by injection of gentamicin (80 mg/kg, i.p.) once daily for seven days. Haemin (50 μmol/kg, i.p.) was given to the control and gentamicin-treated rats in the presence or absence of a HO-1 inhibitor, zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP, 50 μmol/kg per day, i.p.).

Key findings
Haemin treatment prevented gentamicin-induced elevated serum creatinine, urinary protein levels and ameliorated the impaired creatinine clearance. Haemin compensated the deficits in antioxidant enzyme activity and attenuated lipid peroxidation along with decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in renal tissues due to gentamicin. Moreover, haemin pre-administration evoked increased renal HO-1 activity. Additionally, haemin significantly attenuated elevated renal tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) levels and caspase-3 activity alongside ameliorating glomerular pathology. These therapeutic effects were abolished by ZnPP pretreatment.

Conclusions
Here is the first evidence demonstrating the protective effect of HO-1 against gentamicin-associated nephrotoxicity. Suppression of oxidative/inflammatory insults alongside the corresponding decline of apoptosis were presumably responsible for this renoprotection.
Transgenic expression of human neutrophil peptide‐1 enhances hepatic fibrosis in mice fed a choline‐deficient, L‐amino acid–defined diet
Authors: Ibusuki Rie , Uto Hirofumi , Arima Shiho , Mawatari Seiichi , Setoguchi Yoshiko , Iwashita Yuji , Hashimoto Shinichi , Maeda Takuro , Tanoue Shiro , Kanmura Shuji , Oketani Makoto , Ido Akio , Tsubouchi Hirohito 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundNeutrophils infiltrate the livers of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Human neutrophil peptides (HNPs) induce cytokine and chemokine production under inflammatory conditions, which may contribute to the progression of NASH. In this study, we focused on the effects of HNP‐1 on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in a mouse model of NASH induced by a choline‐deficient, L‐amino acid–defined (CDAA) diet.Materials & MethodsWe generated transgenic mice expressing HNP‐1 under the control of a β‐actin–based promoter. HNP‐1 transgenic and wild‐type C57BL/6N mice were fed a CDAA diet for 16 weeks to induce hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Serological and histological features were examined, and the effects of HNP‐1 on hepatic stellate cell lines were assessed.ResultsHNP‐1 transgenic and wild‐type mice fed the CDAA diet showed no significant differences in serum alanine aminotransferase levels or the degree of hepatic steatosis based on Oil red O staining and hepatic triglyceride content. In contrast, Sirius Red and Azan staining showed significantly more severe hepatic fibrosis in HNP‐1 transgenic mice compared with wild‐type mice. In addition, significantly more α‐smooth muscle actin–positive hepatic stellate cells were observed in the transgenic mice than in the wild‐type mice. Finally, the proliferation of the LI90 hepatic stellate cell line increased in response to HNP‐1.ConclusionOur data indicate that HNP‐1 enhances hepatic fibrosis in fatty liver by inducing hepatic stellate cell proliferation. Thus, neutrophil‐derived HNP‐1 may contribute to the progression of NASH.
Understanding the genetic basis of invasiveness
Authors: Prentis Peter J , Pavasovic Ana 
Published: April 2013

Invasive species provide excellent study systems to evaluate the ecological and evolutionary processes that contribute to the colonization of novel environments. While the ecological processes that contribute to the successful establishment of invasive plants have been studied in detail, investigation of the evolutionary processes involved in successful invasions has only recently received attention. In particular, studies investigating the genomic and gene expression differences between native and introduced populations of invasive species are just beginning and are required if we are to understand how plants become invasive. In the current issue of Molecular Ecology, Hodgins et al. () tackle this unresolved question, by examining gene expression differences between native and introduced populations of annual ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia. The study identifies a number of potential candidate genes based on gene expression differences that may be responsible for the success of annual ragweed in its introduced range. Furthermore, genes involved in stress response are over‐represented in the differentially expressed gene set. Future experiments could use functional studies to test whether changes in gene expression at these candidate genes do in fact underlie changes in growth characteristics and reproductive output observed in this and other invasive species.