bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying endosymbiont bacteria associated with free‐living amoebae
Authors: Goñi Pilar , Fernández María Teresa , Rubio Encarnación 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe association between free‐living amoebae and pathogenic bacteria is an issue that has gained great importance due to the environmental and health consequences that it implies. In this paper, we analyse the techniques to follow an epidemiological study to identify associations between genera, species, genotypes and subgenotypes of amoebae with pathogenic bacteria, analysing their evolution and considering their usefulness. In this sense, we highlight the combination of microscopic and molecular techniques as the most appropriate way to obtain fully reliable results as well as the need to achieve the standardization of these techniques to allow the comparison of both environmental and clinical results.
Stepping out of the Twilight? Assessing the Governance Implications of Land Titling and Regularization Programmes
Authors: Earle Lucy 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis article engages with the discussions on the benefits and drawbacks of land titling programmes that seek to regularize informal urban settlements in developing countries. It is based on fieldwork in two neighbourhoods of Maputo, Mozambique, that are currently part of a municipal government regularization programme supported by the World Bank. The fieldwork explored an informal titling system administrated by the neighbourhood authorities upon which local residents rely to prevent land conflicts and to provide proof of residence. The findings add to the literature that demonstrates growing unease with a strictly dyadic formal/informal analysis of land occupation, and further queries the assumption that the state and the informal settler are diametrically opposed, with the former granting formal rights to the latter. In the process of these discussions, the article highlights the limited scholarly attention that has been granted to the governance implications of land titling programmes.
Healing effect of a two‐herb recipe (NF3) on foot ulcers in Chinese patients with diabetes: A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study (包含两种草本中药的配方（NF3）对中国糖尿病患者足部溃疡的治疗作用：一项随机双盲安慰剂对照的研究)
Authors: Ko Chun Hay , Yi Sui , Ozaki Risa , Cochrane Heidi , Chung Harriet , Lau Winnie , Koon Chi Man , Hoi Sandy W.H. , Lo Winnie , Cheng King Fai , Lau Clara B.S. , Chan Wai Yee , Leung Ping Chung , Chan Juliana C.N. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn the present study, we examined the effect of a two‐herb traditional Chinese medicine (NF3), comprised of Astragali Radix and Radix Rehmanniae, on the healing of diabetic foot ulcer and the possible molecular mechanisms involved.MethodsThis was a prospective randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study. Sixteen diabetic patients were randomized to receive either placebo or NF3 for 6 months. Ulcer healing and sensory changes were examined. Molecular studies included measurement of serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and RNA microarray investigation.ResultsThe daily rate of reduction in ulcer area was 3.55% in the NF3 group and 1.52% in the placebo group (P = 0.062). In the index limb, the number of negative tests for sensory neuropathy using monofilament was reduced from 27% to 7% in the NF3 group and from 37% to 35% in the placebo group (P < 0.001). In addition, NF3 significantly decreased serum TNF‐α levels (P = 0.034). Microarray studies revealed concerted changes following NF3 treatment in the expression of genes implicated in fibroblast regeneration, angiogenesis, and anti‐inflammation.ConclusionsIn this proof‐of‐concept study, 6‐month treatment with NF3 was associated with improved wound healing and sensation accompanied by concerted changes in gene expression.
The Geochemical and Zircon Trace Elements Characteristics of A‐type Granitoids in Boziguoer, Baicheng County, Xinjiang
Authors: LIU Chunhua , YIN Jingwu , WU Cailai , SHAO Xingkun , YANG Haitao , XU Haiming , WANG Jun 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe Boziguoer A‐type granitoids in Baicheng County, Xinjiang, belong to the northern margin of the Tarim platform as well as the neighboring EW‐oriented alkaline intrusive rocks. The rocks comprise an aegirine or arfvedsonite quartz alkali feldspar syenite, an aegirine or arfvedsonite alkali feldspar granite, and a biotite alkali feldspar syenite. The major rock‐forming minerals are albite, K‐feldspar, quartz, arfvedsonite, aegirine, and siderophyllite. The accessory minerals are mainly zircon, pyrochlore, thorite, fluorite, monazite, bastnaesite, xenotime, and astrophyllite. The chemical composition of the alkaline granitoids show that SiO2 varies from 64.55% to 72.29% with a mean value of 67.32%, Na2O+K2O is high (9.85%–11.87%) with a mean of 11.14%, K2O is 2.39%–5.47% (mean = 4.73%), the K2O/Na2O ratios are 0.31–0.96, Al2O3 ranges from 12.58% to 15.44%, and total FeOT is between 2.35% and 5.65%. CaO, MgO, MnO, and TiO2 are low. The REE content is high and the total SREE is (263–1219) ppm (mean = 776 ppm), showing LREE enrichment and HREE depletion with strong negative Eu anomalies. In addition, the chondrite‐normalized REE patterns of the alkaline granitoids belong to the “seagull” pattern of the right‐type. The Zr content is (113–1246) ppm (mean = 594 ppm), Zr+Nb+Ce+Y is between (478–2203) ppm with a mean of 1362 ppm. Furthermore, the alkaline granitoids have high HFSE (Ga, Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf) content and low LILE (Ba, K, and Sr) content. The Nb/Ta ratio varies from 7.23 to 32.59 (mean = 16.59) and the Zr/Hf ratio is 16.69–58.04 (mean = 36.80). The zircons are depleted in LREE and enriched in HREE. The chondrite‐normalized REE patterns of the zircons are of the “seagull” pattern of the left‐inclined type with strong negative Eu anomaly and without a Ce anomaly. The Boziguoer A‐type granitoids share similar features with A1‐type granites. The average temperature of the granitic magma was estimated at 832–839°C. The Boziguoer A‐type granitoids show crust–mantle mixing and may have formed in an anorogenic intraplate tectonic setting under high‐temperature, anhydrous, and low oxygen fugacity conditions.
Creating Change Through Collaboration: A Twinning Partnership to Strengthen Emergency Medicine at Addis Ababa University/Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital—A Model for International Medical Education Partnerships
Authors: Busse Heidi , Azazh Aklilu , Teklu Sisay , Tupesis Janis P. , Woldetsadik Assefu , Wubben Ryan J. , Tefera Girma 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundMorbidity and mortality due to the lack of an organized emergency medical care system are currently high in Ethiopia. Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff often have limited or no formal training on how to handle emergencies. Because of insufficient human and resource capacity needed to assess and treat acutely ill patients, many who are injured may die unnecessarily, at the site of injury, during transport, or at the hospital.ObjectivesThis article describes the development of a twinning partnership between Addis Ababa University (AAU), the University of Wisconsin‐Madison (UW), and the nonprofit organization People to People (P2P), to strengthen emergency care at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH) and increase the number of trained emergency medical professionals.MethodsThe partnership applied the six‐phase twinning partnership model, with the overall goal of enhancing and strengthening emergency and trauma care by building institutional and human resource capacity. This was achieved by 1) developing local leaders in emergency medicine (EM), 2) creating training modules adapted to the Ethiopian context, 3) launching an emergency training center, and 4) supporting academic program development. The authors evaluated the program's effectiveness based on our achievements toward these goals.ResultsResults include: 1) eight Ethiopian faculty completed a condensed EM fellowship in the United States. Now six Ethiopian physicians serve as EM faculty and two as pediatric EM faculty. 2) Nine emergency training modules were adapted to the Ethiopian context. 3) An emergency training center was opened in 2010 and to date has trained over 4,000 Ethiopian medical professionals. 4) Two academic training programs (EM residency and masters nursing programs) were initiated.ConclusionsWith many complex factors affecting the burden of emergency care, innovative and interdisciplinary collaborations are needed in Ethiopia to train medical workers, build local leadership capacity, strengthen infrastructure, and inform policies. The short‐term achievements of this twinning model could suggest that long‐term, institution‐to‐institution collaborations that are driven by local stakeholders are an effective strategy to create equitable relationships and build sustainable health systems and may serve as a model for other global health partnerships.
Unmanned aircraft systems help to map aquatic vegetation
Authors: Husson Eva , Hagner Olle , Ecke Frauke 
Published: December 2013

AbstractQuestionsDo high‐resolution (sub‐decimetre) aerial images taken with unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) allow a human interpreter to recognize aquatic plant species? Can UAS images be used to (1) produce vegetation maps at the species level; and (2) estimate species abundance?LocationOne river and two lake test sites in northern Sweden, middle boreal sub‐zone.MethodsAt one lake and at the river site we evaluated accuracy with which aquatic plant species can be identified on printouts of UAS images (scale 1:800, resolution 5.6 cm). As assessment units we used homogeneous vegetation patches, referred to as vegetation stands of one or more species. The accuracy assessment included calibration and validation based on field controls. At the river site, we produced a digital vegetation map based on an UAS orthoimage (geometrically corrected image mosaic) and the results of the species identification evaluation. We applied visual image interpretation and manual mapping. At one of the lake sites, we assessed the abundance (four‐grade scale) of the dominating Phragmites australis and produced a cover map.ResultsWe identified the species composition of vegetation stands at the lake and the river site with an overall accuracy of 95.1% and 80.4%, respectively. It was feasible to produce a digital vegetation map, albeit with a slight reduction in detail compared to the species identification step. At the site for abundance assessment, P. australis covered 20% of the total lake surface area, and 70% of the covered area had cover ≤25%.ConclusionsThe tested UAS facilitates lake and river vegetation identification and mapping at the species level, as well as abundance estimates.
Ultrastructural features of skin pigmentation in the lizard Heloderma suspectum with emphasis on xanto‐melanophores
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe morphological origin of the dark and pink‐orange areas in the skin of the venomous lizard Heloderma suspectum is not known. Histology and electron microscopy show that dark‐grey areas of the skin derived from dermal chromatophores localized in specific areas present underneath the epidermis. A dynamic chromatophoric unit in the dermis is absent. In the darkest areas of the skin, the accumulation of melanosomes in cells of the beta‐layer contributes to increase the black intensity. In the orange‐pink areas, the superficial dermis contains xantophores storing numerous carotenoid vesicles, rare or absent lamellated pterinosomes and a variable number of melanosomes. These xanto‐melanophores predominate over the remaining chromatophores and form a continuous stratum underneath the epidermis. Beneath this lipoid‐rich stratum, iridophores are infrequent and do not form a continuous layer in the dermis. In the paler areas of the skin, melanophores are sparse in both superficial and deeper part of the dermis where irregularly oriented bundles of collagen fibrils are present. The prevalent xanto‐melanophores localized in the pink‐orange areas of the skin contribute to an effective sunlight protection in desert conditions in addition to the darker regions occupied by melanophores.
Biased signalling and proteinase‐activated receptors (PARs): targeting inflammatory disease
Authors: Hollenberg M D , Mihara K , Polley D , Suen J Y , Han A , Fairlie D P , Ramachandran R 
Published: December 2013

Although it has been known since the 1960s that trypsin and chymotrypsin can mimic hormone action in tissues, it took until the 1990s to discover that serine proteinases can regulate cells by cleaving and activating a unique four‐member family of GPCRs known as proteinase‐activated receptors (PARs). PAR activation involves the proteolytic exposure of its N‐terminal receptor sequence that folds back to function as a ‘tethered’ receptor‐activating ligand (TL). A key N‐terminal arginine in each of PARs 1 to 4 has been singled out as a target for cleavage by thrombin (PARs 1, 3 and 4), trypsin (PARs 2 and 4) or other proteases to unmask the TL that activates signalling via Gq, Gi or G12/13. Similarly, synthetic receptor‐activating peptides, corresponding to the exposed ‘TL sequences’ (e.g. SFLLRN—, for PAR1 or SLIGRL— for PAR2) can, like proteinase activation, also drive signalling via Gq, Gi and G12/13, without requiring receptor cleavage. Recent data show, however, that distinct proteinase‐revealed ‘non‐canonical’ PAR tethered‐ligand sequences and PAR‐activating agonist and antagonist peptide analogues can induce ‘biased’ PAR signalling, for example, via G12/13‐MAPKinase instead of Gq‐calcium. This overview summarizes implications of this ‘biased’ signalling by PAR agonists and antagonists for the recognized roles the PARs play in inflammatory settings.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐5
Identification of plumericin as a potent new inhibitor of the NF‐κB pathway with anti‐inflammatory activity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Fakhrudin N , Waltenberger B , Cabaravdic M , Atanasov A G , Malainer C , Schachner D , Heiss E H , Liu R , Noha S M , Grzywacz A M , Mihaly‐Bison J , Awad E M , Schuster D , Breuss J M , Rollinger J M , Bochkov V , Stuppner H , Dirsch V M 
Published: December 2013

Background and PurposeThe transcription factor NF‐κB orchestrates many pro‐inflammatory signals and its inhibition is considered a promising strategy to combat inflammation. Here we report the characterization of the natural product plumericin as a highly potent inhibitor of the NF‐κB pathway with a novel chemical scaffold, which was isolated via a bioactivity‐guided approach, from extracts of Himatanthus sucuuba, an Amazonian plant traditionally used to treat inflammation‐related disorders.Experimental ApproachA NF‐κB luciferase reporter gene assay was used to identify NF‐κB pathway inhibitors from H. sucuuba extracts. Monitoring of TNF‐α‐induced expression of the adhesion molecules VCAM‐1, ICAM‐1 and E‐selectin by flow cytometry was used to confirm NF‐κB inhibition in endothelial cells, and thioglycollate‐induced peritonitis in mice to confirm effects in vivo. Western blotting and transfection experiments were used to investigate the mechanism of action of plumericin.Key ResultsPlumericin inhibited NF‐κB‐mediated transactivation of a luciferase reporter gene (IC50 1 μM), abolished TNF‐α‐induced expression of the adhesion molecules VCAM‐1, ICAM‐1 and E‐selectin in endothelial cells and suppressed thioglycollate‐induced peritonitis in mice. Plumericin exerted its NF‐κB pathway inhibitory effect by blocking IκB phosphorylation and degradation. Plumericin also inhibited NF‐κB activation induced by transfection with the constitutively active catalytic subunit of the IκB kinase (IKK‐β), suggesting IKK involvement in the inhibitory action of this natural product.Conclusion and ImplicationsPlumericin is a potent inhibitor of NF‐κB pathways with a new chemical scaffold. It could be further explored as a novel anti‐inflammatory lead compound.
The effectiveness of including support people in a cognitive behavioural weight loss maintenance programme for obese adults: study rationale and design
Authors: Rieger E. , Treasure J. , Swinbourne J. , Adam B. , Manns C. , Caterson I. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryWhat is already known about the subject
Weight loss maintenance following participation in a behavioural weight loss programme remains a critical challenge in the obesity field.
Social support predicts engagement in weight control behaviours, yet interventions designed to enhance social support have had only limited success in improving weight loss maintenance in obese adults.
What this study adds
The rationale for a novel approach to enhance the effectiveness of social support for weight loss maintenance is provided. Specifically, there is theoretical and empirical support for training support people in motivational interviewing in order to facilitate the development of self‐motivation for weight control in obese adults. Self‐motivation is, in turn, associated with long‐term behaviour change, including sustained engagement in weight control behaviours.
The design and methodology of a study for evaluating the effectiveness of training support people in motivational interviewing to assist obese adults with weight loss maintenance is described.
The well‐documented finding that obese adults have a high likelihood of weight regain following participation in behavioural weight loss programmes highlights the importance of developing more effective approaches for weight loss maintenance. One promising approach is to improve the quality of social support for effective weight control available to an obese individual by including support people in behavioural weight loss programmes. This paper describes the rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial that evaluates the effectiveness of training support people to assist obese adults in their weight management. The study entails a two‐arm randomized controlled trial in which obese participants take part in a 1‐year (26‐session) cognitive behaviour therapy group weight management programme, including motivational interviewing strategies (CBT‐MI). In one arm, participants receive CBT‐MI alone, while in the second arm (CBT‐MI‐SP), participants also have a support person who attends 10 group sessions designed to teach effective skills for supporting an individual in healthy weight control. More specifically, support people will be trained in skills that aim to promote self‐motivation for weight management. Assessments of anthropometric, medical, behavioural, motivational, psychological and social functioning take place at pre‐treatment, post‐treatment and a 1‐year follow‐up. By helping obese participants to increase and sustain their motivation and skills for weight control both during treatment and in the crucial period after treatment cessation through the ongoing input of support people, the CBT‐MI‐SP approach of the current study has the potential to effectively help patients to achieve sustained weight loss while minimizing the patient's need for ongoing, intensive weight control treatment with its attendant costs.
The Spatial Extents of Casino Catchments in Australia
Authors: Markham Francis , Doran Bruce , Young Martin 
Published: December 2013

AbstractCasinos have proliferated throughout Australia and in many other parts of the world since the late twentieth century. An emerging body of research has started to explicitly consider the social and economic impacts of casinos in different settings. Many of the potential impacts of casinos are spatially patterned and relate to the connectivity of patrons and venues. In this paper, we use a predictive trade‐area analysis technique, the Huff model, to estimate the spatial extent of casino catchments in Australia and compare these outputs to travel data from National Visitors Survey. Many casinos draw patrons from regional areas and from other states, a set of cross‐jurisdictional patterns that pose regulatory challenges in terms of managing economic benefits and the distribution of harms arising from casino gambling. Avenues for logical extensions of the approach are discussed as well as alternative methods of sourcing data for validating predictive outputs.
Isolation and characterisation of collagen from the ribbon jellyfish (Chrysaora sp.)
Authors: Barzideh Zoha , Latiff Aishah Abd , Gan Chee‐Yuen , Benjakul Soottawat , Karim Alias Abd 
Published: December 2013

SummaryPepsin‐solubilised collagen from the ribbon jellyfish (Chrysaora sp., morphotype 1) umbrella (JPSC) was isolated and characterised. The yield of collagen varied (9–19%, based on ash‐free dry weight) depending on the amount of pepsin used. Type II collagen was the major component of extracted collagen. The peptide map of JPSC differed from that of standard collagen type II, which indicates their different primary structures. FTIR spectra of JPSC, however, did not differ significantly from those of type II collagen. The Tmax of JPSC was 37.38 °C, which is higher than that of other marine collagens. Glycine was the main amino acid in JPSC (320 residues per 1000 residues), followed by glutamic acid, alanine, proline, aspartic acid and hydroxyproline. The isoelectric point of JPSC was 6.64. These results indicate that this jellyfish species has the potential to be a marine source of type II collagen that can be used in place of land‐based sources.
Déterminants de l'offre et de la demande de travail informel en Allemagne
Authors: HAIGNER Stefan D. , JENEWEIN Stefan , SCHNEIDER Friedrich , WAKOLBINGER Florian 
Published: December 2013

Résumé.Les auteurs étudient empiriquement les motivations de l'offre et de la demande de travail informel à partir de données tirées d'une enquête de 2010 auprès des résidents allemands. Ils constatent qu'être au chômage ou l'avoir été augmente significativement la probabilité de travailler sur le marché informel. En outre, l'insatisfaction quant à sa position relative dans la société ainsi que l'exaspération face à l'inefficacité de l'Etat ont un effet positif significatif sur l'offre de travail informel des hommes, mais ces facteurs n'affectent pas la demande de travail informel.
Flies and the mouth
Authors: Hassona Yazan , Scully Crispian , Aguida Miranda , de Almeida Oslei Paes 
Published: December 2013

AbstractOral infections caused by flies are rarely encountered in clinical practice, and consequently, there is a paucity of information in the medical and dental literature about these conditions. In the present article, we present a concise review on oral myiasis or fly‐blown disease. A variety of fly species can infest the oral tissues and produce an exotic clinical picture. Oral myiasis is mainly encountered in the tropics and subtropics, but can also be encountered in the western part of the world due to the increase of globalization, immigration, and global warming. Commonly‐reported symptoms of oral myiasis include pain, swelling, itchy sensation, and feeling of something moving in the mouth. The surgical debridement of infected tissue with the removal of maggots is the treatment of choice in most cases of oral myiasis.