bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reducing the number of animals used for microsurgery training programs by using a task-trainer simulator
Authors: Guerreschi P , Qassemyar A , Thevenet J , Hubert T , Fontaine C , Duquennoy-Martinot V 
Published: December 2013

To master the skills needed for microsurgery techniques, residents must enrol in a long and complex training program that includes manipulations on simulators, on ex vivo tissues and finally in vivo training. This final step consists of performing vascular anastomoses on murine models. We propose here a simulation program designed to decrease the number of rats used during the final in vivo training. Our study presents the materials used, the various exercises proposed and their evaluations. Two identical student groups were compared in the framework of the University Diploma of Microsurgery. Group A (seven students) followed a classic training program, all of whom achieved permeable vascular anastomoses. A total of 149 rats were needed for this group. Group B (seven students) first validated their manipulations on the task-trainer simulation program. A mean of 6 h was necessary to obtain this validation. All these students achieved the required permeable vascular anastomoses but only 77 rats were used for this group. This simulation program spared 72 rats, abiding by the Russell and Burch concept of a humane experimental technique, namely the 3R principles. This home-made, cost-efficient and easy-to-use task trainer included various exercises with increasing difficulty levels and a progressive scoring system. We believe that microsurgery training needs to include both simple and sophisticated tools in order to reduce the number of animals used to master these surgical skills.
A unique in vivo experimental approach reveals metabolic adaptation of the probiotic Propionibacterium freudenreichii to the colon environment
Authors: Saraoui Taous , Parayre Sandrine , Guernec Grégory , Loux Valentin , Montfort Jérôme , Cam Aurélie Le , Boudry Gaëlle , Jan Gwenaël , Falentin Hélène 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundPropionibacterium freudenreichiiis a food grade bacterium consumed both in cheeses and in probiotic preparations. Its promising probiotic potential, relying largely on the active release of beneficial metabolites within the gut as well as the expression of key surface proteins involved in immunomodulation, deserves to be explored more deeply. Adaptation to the colon environment is requisite for the active release of propionibacterial beneficial metabolites and constitutes a bottleneck for metabolic activityin vivo. Mechanisms allowingP. freudenreichiito adapt to digestive stresses have been only studiedin vitroso far. Our aim was therefore to studyP. freudenreichiimetabolic adaptation to intra-colonic conditionsin situ.ResultsWe maintained a pure culture of the type strainP. freudenreichiiCIRM BIA 1, contained in a dialysis bag, within the colon of vigilant piglets during 24 hours. A transcriptomic analysis compared gene expression to identify the metabolic pathways induced by this environment, versus control cultures maintained in spent culture medium.We observed drastic changes in the catabolism of sugars and amino-acids. Glycolysis, the Wood-Werkman cycle and the oxidative phosphorylation pathways were down-regulated but induction of specific carbohydrate catabolisms and alternative pathways were induced to produce NADH, NADPH, ATP and precursors (utilizing of propanediol, gluconate, lactate, purine and pyrimidine and amino-acids). Genes involved in stress response were down-regulated and genes specifically expressed during cell division were induced, suggesting thatP. freudenreichiiadapted its metabolism to the conditions encountered in the colon.ConclusionsThis study constitutes the first molecular demonstration ofP. freudenreichiiactivity and physiological adaptationin vivowithin the colon. Our data are likely specific to our pig microbiota composition but opens an avenue towards understanding probiotic action within the gut in further studies comparing bacterial adaptation to different microbiota.
Appropriate health-seeking behavior and associated factors among people who had cough for at least two weeks in northwest Ethiopia: a population-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Senbeto Meseret , Tadesse Sebsibe , Tadesse Takele , Melesse Tesfahun 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Tuberculosis remains the major debilitating public health problem in Ethiopia. However, studies to understand the patients’ perspectives on the illness and their health-seeking behavior have been few in the country. In this study, we seek to investigate the magnitude of appropriate health-seeking behavior and factors associated with tuberculosis among people who had cough for at least two weeks.

Methods
A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2012 in Dabat, northwest Ethiopia. All people aged ≥15 years and had cough for at least two weeks were included in the study. Data collected by using a pre-tested and structured questionnaire were entered and cleaned using the Epi Info version 2002 statistical software. The statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 16.0 was also employed for descriptive and logistics regression analysis.

Results
Out of the 25,701 people aged ≥15 years surveyed, the proportion of people who had cough for at least two weeks was reported to be 843(3.3%). Appropriate health-seeking behavior towards tuberculosis was reported by 674(80.0%) of them. Factors significantly associated with health-seeking behavior for tuberculosis were being female [AOR: 0.56, 95%CI: (0.39-0.79)], high monthly real per capita income [AOR: 1.66, 95%CI: (1.15-2.38)], large family size [AOR: 0.50, 95%CI: (0.35-0.72)], and use of traditional-healing practices [AOR: 13.27, 95%CI: (9.10-25.41)].

Conclusion
This study showed that the magnitude of appropriate health-seeking behavior during the event of chronic cough was high. However, this doesn’t mean that there will be no need for further strengthening of the intervention activities as significant proportions of the study communities still demonstrate inappropriate health-seeking behavior. So tuberculosis control programs need to emphasize factors, such as sex, family size, socioeconomic inequalities, and traditional-healing practices in resource-poor settings.
A holistic high-throughput screening framework for biofuel feedstock assessment that characterises variations in soluble sugars and cell wall composition in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Martin Antony P , Palmer William M , Byrt Caitlin S , Furbank Robert T , Grof Christopher PL 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
A major hindrance to the development of high yielding biofuel feedstocks is the ability to rapidly assess large populations for fermentable sugar yields. Whilst recent advances have outlined methods for the rapid assessment of biomass saccharification efficiency, none take into account the total biomass, or the soluble sugar fraction of the plant. Here we present a holistic high-throughput methodology for assessing sweet Sorghum bicolor feedstocks at 10 days post-anthesis for total fermentable sugar yields including stalk biomass, soluble sugar concentrations, and cell wall saccharification efficiency.

Results
A mathematical method for assessing whole S. bicolor stalks using the fourth internode from the base of the plant proved to be an effective high-throughput strategy for assessing stalk biomass, soluble sugar concentrations, and cell wall composition and allowed calculation of total stalk fermentable sugars. A high-throughput method for measuring soluble sucrose, glucose, and fructose using partial least squares (PLS) modelling of juice Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra was developed. The PLS prediction was shown to be highly accurate with each sugar attaining a coefficient of determination (R

2
) of 0.99 with a root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) of 11.93, 5.52, and 3.23 mM for sucrose, glucose, and fructose, respectively, which constitutes an error of <4% in each case. The sugar PLS model correlated well with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and brix measures. Similarly, a high-throughput method for predicting enzymatic cell wall digestibility using PLS modelling of FTIR spectra obtained from S. bicolor bagasse was developed. The PLS prediction was shown to be accurate with an R

2
of 0.94 and RMSEP of 0.64 μg.mgDW-1.h-1.

Conclusions
This methodology has been demonstrated as an efficient and effective way to screen large biofuel feedstock populations for biomass, soluble sugar concentrations, and cell wall digestibility simultaneously allowing a total fermentable yield calculation. It unifies and simplifies previous screening methodologies to produce a holistic assessment of biofuel feedstock potential.
Using the EU-SILC to model the impact of the economic crisis on inequality
Authors: O’Donoghue Cathal , Loughrey Jason , Morrissey Karyn 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
In this paper we attempted to chart the impact of the early part of Ireland’s economic crisis from 2008–2009 on the distribution of income. In order to decompose the impact of changes in different income components, we utilised a microsimulation methodology and the EU-SILC User Database. This simulation based methodology involved the disaggregation of the 6 main benefit variables in the EU-SILC into 17 variables for our tax-benefit model. Validating, our results were positive, giving us confidence in our methodology. We utilised the framework to model changes in the level of income inequality from the period just before the crisis in 2004 to the depth of the worst year of the crisis in 2009. In terms of the impact of the economic crisis, we found that income inequality fell in the early part of the crisis modelled in this paper. Much of this change was due to rising inequality of market incomes, (even when discounting unemployment). This was due to the differential effect of the downturn on different sectors where some sectors such as the construction and public sectors were significantly hit, while the international traded sectors have been relatively immune from the downturn and have seen continued growth. The impact of the tax-benefit system has been to mitigate this upward pressure, with a gradual rise in the redistributive effect of the tax-benefit system driven by an increase in demand on the benefits side and increased progressivity on the tax side.

Jel codes

H22, H55, C15
Behavioral addictions in euthymic patients with bipolar I disorder: a comparison to controls
Authors: Sapir Ran , Zohar Ada H , Bersudsky Yuly , Belmaker RH , Osher Yamima 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Bipolar disorder may be associated with a hypersensitive behavioral approach system and therefore to increased reward sensitivity. The objective of this study is to explore the interrelationships between bipolar disorder, behavioral addictions, and personality/temperament traits in a group of euthymic outpatients with bipolar I disorder and in a group of comparison subjects.

Methods
Fifty clinically stable patients and 50 comparison subjects matched for age, sex, and educational level were administered the Temperament and Character Inventory-140 and the Behavioral Addiction Scale.

Results
The patient group scored significantly higher than comparison subjects for two benign behavioral addictions (music, shopping) as well as for smoking. Comparison subjects scored higher on two harmful behavioral addictions (drugs, alcohol). Novelty Seeking was positively correlated with harmful addictions, and Cooperativeness was negatively correlated with harmful addictions, in both groups.

Discussion
The hypersensitive behavioral approach system model of bipolar disorder would predict higher levels of various addictions in bipolar patients as compared to controls. In this study, this was true for three behavioral addictions, whereas controls showed higher levels of behavioral addiction to drugs and alcohol. This may be because the patients in this study are stable, have received considerable psychoeducation, and are relatively adherent to their medication recommendations. Temperament and character traits may play roles both as risk and protective factors regarding behavioral addictions.
Current concepts on the use and adhesive bonding of glass-fiber posts in dentistry: a review
Authors: de Moraes Aline Pinheiro , Cenci Maximiliano Sérgio , de Moraes Rafael Ratto , Pereira-Cenci Tatiana 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The aim of this study was to review and summarize the in vitro and clinical data on the use of glass-fiber posts concerning recent changes in the philosophy, materials, and technology that have impacted significantly the art and science of endodontic post placement. Original scientific papers or reviews listed in the Medline or ISI Web of Science databases from 1981 to 2013 were searched electronically using the following key words: endodontically-treated teeth, glass-fiber post, dentistry, resin cement, silane, and adhesive. The literature supports the use of a post when the remaining coronal structure is insufficient to provide retention for the restoration. Concerning which post to select, glass-fiber posts offer two important advantages: the elastic modulus is similar to that of dentin, and these posts and the respective core build-ups are cemented by an adhesive technique. However, some issues remain unclear. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm whether the use of silane influences the bonding and whether self-adhesive resin cements constitutes a reliable clinical option. Overall, the use of fiber posts is an important clinical option in dentistry, but clinicians should be aware of the difficulties in achieving good adhesion within the root canal.
Review of the mechanism of cell death resulting from streptozotocin challenge in experimental animals, its practical use and potential risk to humans
Authors: Eleazu Chinedum Ogbonnaya , Eleazu Kate Chinedum , Chukwuma Sonia , Essien Udeme Nelson 
Published: December 2013

AbstractStreptozotocin (STZ) (2-deoxy-2-({[methyl(nitroso)amino]carbonyl}amino)-β-D-glucopyranose) is a naturally occurring diabetogenic compound, produced by the soil bacterium streptomyces achromogenes, that exhibits broad spectrum of antibacterial properties. Streptozotocin functions as a DNA synthesis inhibitor in both bacterial and mammalian cells. In mammalian cells, the actual mechanism and metabolic targets of STZ toxicity that results in cell death is not known. This review identifies four key areas that explain the mechanism of the cytotoxicity of STZ in mammalian cell lines, investigates the practical aspects of using STZ in experimental animals and the potential risks of its exposure to human health.
Aspectos celulares e fisiológicos da Barreira Hematoencefálica
Authors: Vieira Gabriel de Deus , Sousa Camila Maciel de 
Published: December 2013

A barreira hematoencefálica (BHE) é uma estrutura que impede e/ou dificulta a passagem de substâncias do sangue para o sistema nervoso central, tais como anticorpos, complemento e fatores de coagulação. A BHE é formada por células endoteliais que ficam alinhadas com os capilares, impedindo ou dificultando a passagem de substâncias do sangue para o tecido nervoso. Com isso, o presente estudo pretende realizar uma revisão na literatura sobre os aspectos celulares e fisiológicos da barreira hematoencefálica. Foi realizada uma revisão na literatura utilizando os seguintes bancos de dados: Medline, PubMed, Scielo , Lilacs e Capes. Como critério de seleção, analisaram-se as informações presentes nos resumos, discussões e referências dos artigos dos bancos de dados citados anteriormente, alcançando-se o número total de 40 artigos científicos. O período de abrangência pesquisado foi entre 2000 e 2012. Concluímos que a BHE é de extrema importância, pois atua como uma barreira seletiva, controlando a entrada de medicamentos e substâncias tóxicas no SNC. Existem poucas pesquisas e artigos sobre a BHE, mostrando uma falta de conhecimento sobre os seus mecanismos e suas funções.
Geoscape: Lessons Learned from 15 Years of Geoscience Outreach
Authors: Turner Robert J.W. 
Published: December 2013

Geoscape is the name for a long term geoscience outreach initiative led by staff of the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) Vancouver office and designed to better connect people to the land they live on. Although largely focused on outreach in British Columbia, the initiative has been active across Canada and supported by a number of different GSC programs. Geoscape products, some 35 in total, include Geoscape, GeoMap, Waterscape, and climate change series posters, as well as geological highway maps and GeoTour booklets. A popular geoscience book and a national climate change poster series were inspired by Geoscape work. Begun in 1994, Geoscape has drawn dozens of Canadian geoscientists and educators into outreach efforts. This paper summarizes the accomplishments of Geoscape and some of the lessons we learned along the way.SOMMAIREGéopanorama est le nom d'une activité géoscientifique de sensibilisation à long terme menée par le personnel du bureau de Vancouver de la Commission géologique du Canada (CGC) visant à créer des liens entre les gens et la terre sur laquelle ils vivent. Bien que visant largement la sensibilisation en Colombie-Britannique, l’activité a été menée à travers le Canada et soutenue grâce à un certain nombre de programmes différents de la CGC. Quelques 35 productions de Géopanorama ont déjà été réalisées, dont Géopanorama, GeoMap, Waterscape, une série d’affiches sur le changement climatique, ainsi que des cartes routières géologiques et des livrets touristiques GeoTour. Un livre géoscientifiques grand public et une série nationale d’affiches sur le changement climatique découlent directement de Géopanorama. Commencée en 1994, Géopanorama a inspiré les efforts de sensibilisation de dizaines de géoscientifiques et d’éducateurs canadiens. Le présent article présente un sommaire des réalisations de Géopanorama ainsi que certaines des leçons que nous avons apprises en cours de route.
Searching a Variable Speed Network
Authors: Alpern Steve , Lidbetter Thomas 
Published: December 2013

A point lies on a network according to some unknown probability distribution. Starting at a specified root of the network, a Searcher moves to find this point at speeds that depend on his location and direction. He seeks the randomized search algorithm that minimizes the expected search time. This is equivalent to modeling the problem as a zero-sum hide-and-seek game whose value is called the search value of the network. We make a new and direct derivation of an explicit formula for the search value of a tree, proving that it is equal to half the sum of the minimum tour time of the tree and a quantity called its incline. The incline of a tree is an average over the leaf nodes of the difference between the time taken to travel from the root to a leaf node and the time taken to travel from a leaf node to the root. This difference can be interpreted as height of a leaf node, assuming uphill is slower than downhill. We then apply this formula to obtain numerous results for general networks. We also introduce a new general method of comparing the search value of networks that differ in a single arc. Some simple networks have very complicated optimal strategies that require mixing of a continuum of pure strategies. Many of our results generalize analogous ones obtained for constant velocity (in both directions) by S. Gal, but not all of those results can be extended.
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Response to 444 Ferritic Stainless Steel Networks
Authors: Symeonidou Antonia , Spear Rose L , Brooks Roger A , Markaki Athina E 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThe aim of this work is to improve bone-implant bonding. This can, potentially, be achieved through the use of an implant coating composed of fibre networks. It is hypothesised that such an implant can achieve strong peri-prosthetic bone anchorage, when seeded with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The materials employed were 444 and 316L stainless steel fibre networks of the same fibre volume fraction. The present work confirms that hMSCs are able to proliferate and differentiate towards the osteogenic lineage when seeded onto the fibre networks. Cellular viability, proliferation and metabolic activity were assessed and the results suggest higher proliferation rates when hMSC are seeded onto the 444 networks as compared to 316L. Cell distribution was found uniform across the seeded surfaces with 444 showing a somewhat higher infiltration depth.
Comparing Biocompatibility of Nanocrystalline Titanium and Titanium-Oxide with Microcrystalline Titanium
Authors: Miralami Raheleh , Koepsell Laura , Premaraj Thyagaseely , Kim Bongok , Thiele Geoffrey M. , Sharp J. Graham , Garvin Kevin L. , Namavar Fereydoon 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTTitanium (Ti) is the material of choice for orthopaedic applications because it is biocompatible and encourages osteoblast ingrowth. It was shown that the biocompatibility of Ti metal is due to the presence of a thin native sub-stoichiometric titanium oxide layer which enhances the adsorption of mediating proteins on the surface [1]. The present studies were devised to evaluate the adhesion, survival, and growth of cells on the surface of new engineered nano-crystal films of titanium and titanium oxides and compare them with orthopaedic-grade titanium with microcrystals. The engineered nano-crystal films with hydrophilic properties are produced by employing an ion beam assisted deposition (IBAD) technique. IBAD combines physical vapor deposition with concurrent ion beam bombardment in a high vacuum environment to produce films (with 3 to 70 nm grain size) with superior properties. These films are “stitched” to the artificial orthopaedic implant materials with characteristics that affect the wettability and mechanical properties of the coatings.To characterize the biocompatibility of these nano-engineered surfaces, we have studied osteoblast function including cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation on different nanostructured samples. Cell responses to surfaces were examined using SAOS-2 osteoblast-like cells. We also studied a correlation between the surface nanostructures and the cell growth by characterizing the SAOS-2 cells with immunofluorescence and measuring the amount alizarin red concentration produced after 7 and 14 days. The number of adherent cells was determined by means of nuclei quantification on the nanocrystalline Ti, TiO2, and microcrystalline Ti and analysis was performed with Image J. Our experimental results indicated that nanocrystalline TiO2 is superior to both nano and microcrystalline Ti in supporting growth, adhesion, and proliferation. Improving the quality of surface oxide, i.e. fabricating stoichiometric oxides as well as nanoengineering the surface topology, is crucial for increasing the biocompatibility of Ti implant materials.