bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeting transgene to the heart and liver with AAV9 by different promoters
Authors: Chen Bang‐Dang , He Chun‐Hui , Chen Xiao‐Cui , Pan Shuo , Liu Fen , Ma Xiang , Li Xiao‐Mei , Gai Min‐Tao , Tao Jing , Ma Yi‐Tong , Yang Yi‐Ning , Gao Xiao‐Ming 
Published: July 2015

SummaryAdeno‐associated virus (AAV) has become one of the most promising gene transfer tools for gene therapy. This work aims to evaluate tropism, gene transfer efficiency and safety of AAV9 vectors produced with recombinant baculovirus (rBac)‐based system. AAV9‐CMV‐GFP and AAV9‐CBA‐GFP were produced using a rBac system, 1 × 1011 particles of each vectors were administered intravenously (i.v.) into mice and animals were killed at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 weeks after administration. The GFP expression in different organs was analyzed by fluorescence imaging and Western blot. Viral genomic quantities were measured using qPCR. In vitro transduction efficiency of AAV9 vectors in primary cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes was determined by flow cytometry. Toxicity of AAV9 vectors was evaluated by determining certain cardiac and liver injury biomarkers and renal function test in vivo and TUNEL analysis in vitro. The data showed that AAV9 viral particles packaged by the rBac system were fully functional in vivo and in vitro. The CMV promoter predominantly induced higher cardiac GFP transgene expression and DNA copy numbers while the CBA promoter resulted in robust GFP expression and high vector DNA copy numbers in mouse liver, both in a time‐dependent increased manner. Such distinct preferential effects were also observed in the heart and liver as early as 3 and 5 days after co‐infection. Both the AAV9‐CMV and AAV9‐CBA viral packages did not induce heart, liver and renal damage and cell apoptosis. These results indicated that AAV9‐CMV can efficiently and safely direct cardiac gene transfer, whereas AAV9‐CBA is preferential for liver gene delivery.
Impacts of parent‐implemented early‐literacy intervention for Spanish‐speaking children with language impairment
Authors: Pratt Amy S. , Justice Laura M. , Perez Ashanty , Duran Lillian K. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundChildren with language impairment (LI) often have lags in development of print knowledge, an important early‐literacy skill. This study explores impacts of a print‐focused intervention for Spanish‐speaking children with LI in Southeastern Mexico.AimsAims were twofold. First, we sought to describe the print knowledge (print‐concept knowledge, alphabet knowledge) of Spanish‐speaking children with LI. Second, we determined the extent to which print‐referencing intervention delivered by children's parents could improve print knowledge.Methods & ProceduresUsing a pre‐test–post‐test delayed treatment research design, 13 parent–child dyads were assigned to an intervention (n = 8) versus control (n = 5) condition. Children were drawn from a speech–language clinic and all were receiving services for LI. Caregivers in the intervention group implemented an 8‐week home‐reading programme following a systematic scope and sequence for improving children's print knowledge.Outcomes & ResultsChildren showed individual differences in their print knowledge based on three baseline measures examining print‐concept knowledge, alphabet knowledge and letter‐sound knowledge. Those whose caregivers implemented the 8‐week programme showed statistically and practically significant gains on two of the three measures over the intervention period.Conclusions & ImplicationsThe results presented here may stimulate future research on the print knowledge of Spanish‐speaking children with LI. Sources of individual differences are important to determine. Caregivers may use the intervention presented here as a potential avenue for improving children's print knowledge.
Terroir is a key driver of seed‐associated microbial assemblages
Authors: Klaedtke Stephanie , Jacques Marie‐Agnès , Raggi Lorenzo , Préveaux Anne , Bonneau Sophie , Negri Valeria , Chable Véronique , Barret Matthieu 
Published: July 2015

SummarySeeds have evolved in association with diverse microbial assemblages that may influence plant growth and health. However, little is known about the composition of seed‐associated microbial assemblages and the ecological processes shaping their structures. In this work, we monitored the relative influence of the host genotypes and terroir on the structure of the seed microbiota through metabarcoding analysis of different microbial assemblages associated to five different bean cultivars harvested in two distinct farms. Overall, few bacterial and fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were conserved across all seed samples. The lack of shared OTUs between samples is explained by a significant effect of the farm site on the structure of microbial assemblage, which explained 12.2% and 39.7% of variance in bacterial and fungal diversity across samples. This site‐specific effect is reflected by the significant enrichment of 70 OTUs in Brittany and 88 OTUs in Luxembourg that lead to differences in co‐occurrence patterns. In contrast, variance in microbial assemblage structure was not explained by host genotype. Altogether, these results suggest that seed‐associated microbial assemblage is determined by niche‐based processes and that the terroir is a key driver of these selective forces.
The Politics of Post‐Suburban Densification in Canada and France
Authors: Charmes Eric , Keil Roger 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis debate specifically focuses on densification as a particular dimension of (post‐) suburbanization. In the introduction, we discuss densification, along with ‘compactness' and ‘intensification', conceptual terms that have become buzzwords within urban planning. Objectives associated with these tend to be presented in the literature within a normative framework, structured by a critique of the negative effects attributed to sprawl. The perspective here is different. It is not normative but critical, and articulated around the analysis of political and social issues, related to the transformation of wider metropolitan space. Three main themes are developed: (1) the politics of densification (the environmental arguments favouring densification are highly plastic, and are thus often used to defend projects or initiatives which are actually determined by other agendas); (2) why morphology matters (a similar number of houses or square metres can be established in many different ways, and those different ways have political and social meaning); (3) the diversity of suburban densification regimes (it is not only the landscapes of the suburbs that are diverse, but also the local bodies governing them—between the small residential municipalities of the Paris periurbs and the large inner suburbs of Toronto lies a broad spectrum).
The Politics of Place: Place‐making versus Densification in Toronto's Tower Neighbourhoods
Authors: Poppe Will , Young Douglas 
Published: July 2015

AbstractToronto's Tower Neighbourhood Renewal (TR) programme is a municipal government initiative tackling aging high‐rise apartment building clusters in need of physical upgrades. One strategy for a more vibrant future for those clusters is densification or new infill housing. The main argument of the essay is that the unique urban structure of Toronto's inner suburbs challenges the implementation of TR's densification strategy. The proximity of many residents occupying privately owned single‐family homes close to the tower neighbourhoods has implications for the governance of TR in Toronto. Having created place‐frames firmly linked to their own identities as single‐family homeowners, these residents reject an encroachment of the ‘urban' (through higher residential densities) and of the ‘Other' (through a potential increase in low‐income, immigrant and visible minority tower renters). A 2011 design charrette in the Toronto neighbourhood of Weston serves as a case study, exemplifying the tensions between neighbourhood resident place‐frames and the goals of the TR project. This essay is based on an analysis of public policy documents and public participation reports, as well as notes from direct observation during the Weston 2021 Design Charrette.
Maternal group B Streptococcus‐related stillbirth: a systematic review
Authors: Nan C , Dangor Z , Cutland CL , Edwards MS , Madhi SA , Cunnington MC 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundLimited epidemiological data on the association between maternal rectovaginal group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonisation and stillbirth makes assessment of antenatal interventions for GBS stillbirth difficult.ObjectivesTo systematically review the existing literature and evaluate the incidence of GBS‐related stillbirth by region up to March 2015.Search strategyA systematic review of the published literature was completed using PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and Cochrane Library, with Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and search terms based upon the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Active Bacterial Core Surveillance (ABCs) GBS‐related stillbirth definition and chorioamnionitis.Selection criteriaStudies reporting original data on GBS‐related stillbirth occurring ≥20 weeks of gestation, with GBS confirmed by autopsy or by culture from the placenta, amniotic fluid, or other normally sterile site samples from the stillborn.Data collection and analysisDescriptive analyses were performed with the absolute GBS‐related stillbirth rates and proportion of stillbirths attributed to GBS calculated per study where possible. Differences in stillbirth definitions did not allow for pooled estimates to be calculated.Main resultsSeventeen studies reported GBS‐related stillbirth rates varying from 0.04 to 0.9 per 1000 births, with the proportion of stillbirths associated with GBS ranging from 0 to 12.1%. Most studies reported data from before the year 2000 and from high‐income countries.ConclusionsThe sparsely available epidemiological evidence was not reported consistently, emphasising the importance of standardised stillbirth definitions and diagnostic methods to optimally assess the effectiveness of any future antenatal interventions. Timing of stillbirth, GBS serotype, and global diversity were gaps in the current evidence.Tweetable abstractSystematic review finds Group B Streptococcus causes up to 12.1% of stillbirths, but more research is needed.
Evidence supporting see‐and‐treat management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ebisch RMF , Rovers MM , Bosgraaf RP , van der Pluijm‐Schouten HW , Melchers WJG , van den Akker PAJ , Massuger LFAG , Bekkers RLM 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundStudies of see‐and‐treat management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) vary in their inclusion criteria, resulting in a broad range of overtreatment rates.ObjectivesTo determine overtreatment rates in see‐and‐treat management of women referred for colposcopy because of suspected CIN, in order to define circumstances supporting see‐and‐treat management.Search strategyMEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception up to 12 May 2014.Selection criteriaStudies of see‐and‐treat management in women with a reported cervical smear result, colposcopic impression, and histology result were included.Data collection and analysisMethodological quality was assessed with the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. We used the inverse variance method for pooling incidences, and a random‐effects model was used to account for heterogeneity between studies. Overtreatment was defined as treatment in patients with no CIN or CIN1.Main resultsThirteen studies (n = 4611) were included. The overall overtreatment rate in women with a high‐grade cervical smear and a high‐grade colposcopic impression was 11.6% (95% CI 7.8–15.3%). The overtreatment rate in women with a high‐grade cervical smear and low‐grade colposcopic impression was 29.3% (95% CI 16.7–41.9%), and in the case of a low‐grade smear and high‐grade colposcopic impression it was 46.4% (95% CI 15.7–77.1%). In women with a low‐grade smear and low‐grade colposcopic impression, the overtreatment rate was 72.9% (95% CI 68.1–77.7%).Author's conclusionsThe pooled overtreatment rate in women with a high‐grade smear and high‐grade colposcopic impression is at least comparable with the two‐step procedure, which supports the use of see‐and‐treat management in this subgroup of women.Tweetable abstractSee‐and‐treat management is justified in the case of a high‐grade smear and a high‐grade colposcopic impression.
Theoretically refining the multiple streams framework: An introduction
Authors: Zohlnhöfer Reimut , Herweg Nicole , Rüb Friedbert 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis introduction to the forum section on the Multiple Streams Framework (MSF) developed by John W. Kingdon argues that the conditions under which policy making takes place today increasingly resemble the assumptions upon which Kingdon built his lens. At the same time, while the framework is extremely successful with regard to citations and has been applied in various contexts that often differ remarkably from those for which the framework was originally developed, a systematic theoretical debate about the Multiple Streams Framework is still lacking. It is the intention to spark such a debate with this forum section.
Starch Retrogradation: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Wang Shujun , Li Caili , Copeland Les , Niu Qing , Wang Shuo 
Published: July 2015

AbstractStarch retrogradation is a process in which disaggregated amylose and amylopectin chains in a gelatinized starch paste reassociate to form more ordered structures. Starch retrogradation has been the subject of intensive research over the last 50 years, mainly due to its detrimental effect on the sensory and storage qualities of many starchy foods. However, starch retrogadation is desirable for some starchy food products in terms of textural and nutritional properties. To better understand the effect of starch retrogradation on the quality of starchy foods, measurement methods of starch retrogradation and factors that influence starch retrogradation have been studied extensively. This article provides a comprehensive review of starch retrogradation including the definition of the process, molecular mechanisms of how it occurs, and measurement methods and factors that influence starch retrogradation. The review also discusses the effect of retrogradation on the in vitro enzyme digestibility of starch. Spectroscopic methods such as FTIR and Raman are considered to be very promising in characterizing starch retrogradation at a molecular level, although more studies are needed in the future.
Forensic DNA Analysis of Wheat Flour as Commonly Used in White Powder Cases
Authors: Kikkawa Hitomi S. , Tahara Makoto , Sugita Ritsuko 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn the wake of terrorist attacks using anthrax and ricin, white powder is often encountered in cases of malicious mischief and terrorist threats. Wheat flour is a common white powder encountered in such criminal investigations. We used DNA analysis to investigate wheat flour samples for identification and discrimination as trace evidence. Species identification of commercially available wheat flour was carried out by sequencing a partial region of the ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase large subunit gene (rbcL). Samples were discriminated using short tandem repeat (STR) analysis. The rbcL sequences of all wheat flour samples were identical and showed a high level of similarity to known wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) sequences. Furthermore, flours had characteristic patterns in STR analyses, with specific cultivars showing distinctive patterns. These results suggested that the identification of wheat flour species is possible using rbcL sequencing, and that STR analysis is useful for discriminating between samples.
Chemical Compositions of Egg Yolks and Egg Quality of Laying Hens Fed Prebiotic, Probiotic, and Synbiotic Diets
Authors: Tang Shirley Gee Hoon , Sieo Chin Chin , Kalavathy Ramasamy , Saad Wan Zuhainis , Yong Su Ting , Wong Hee Kum , Ho Yin Wan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA 16‐wk feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of a prebiotic, isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO), a probiotic, PrimaLac®, and their combination as a synbiotic on the chemical compositions of egg yolks and the egg quality of laying hens. One hundred and sixty 16‐wk‐old Hisex Brown pullets were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments: (i) basal diet (control), (ii) basal diet + 1% IMO (PRE), (iii) basal diet + 0.1% PrimaLac® (PRO), and (iv) basal diet + 1% IMO + 0.1% PrimaLac® (SYN). PRE, PRO, or SYN supplementation not only significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the egg yolk cholesterol (24‐ and 28‐wk‐old) and total saturated fatty acids (SFA; 28‐, 32‐, and 36‐wk‐old), but also significantly (P < 0.05) increased total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA; 28‐, 32‐, and 36‐wk‐old), total omega 6 and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including linoleic and alpha‐linolenic acid levels in the eggs (28‐wk‐old). However, the total lipids, carotenoids, and tocopherols in the egg yolks were similar among all dietary treatments in the 24‐, 28‐, 32‐, and 36‐wk‐old hens. Egg quality (Haugh unit, relative weights of the albumen and yolk, specific gravity, shell thickness, and yolk color) was not affected by PRE, PRO, or SYN supplementation. The results indicate that supplementations with IMO and PrimaLac® alone or in combination as a synbiotic might be useful for improving the cholesterol content and modifying the fatty acid compositions of egg yolk without affecting the quality of eggs from laying hens between 24 and 36 wk of age.
Characterization of a 60‐kDa Thermally Stable Antigenic Protein as a Marker for the Immunodetection of Bovine Plasma‐Derived Food Ingredients
Authors: Ofori Jack A. , Hsieh Yun‐Hwa P. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractA sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (sELISA) based on 2 monoclonal antibodies (Bb3D6 and Bb6G12) that recognize a 60‐kDa antigenic protein in bovine blood was previously developed for detecting bovine blood in animal feed for the prevention of mad cow disease. This study sought to establish the identity of this 60‐kDa antigenic protein and consequently determine the suitability of the sELISA for detecting bovine plasma‐derived food ingredients (BPFIs), which are widely used in dietary products without explicit labeling. Results from western blot confirmed the 60‐kDa protein to be present in the plasma fraction of bovine blood. Further proteomic analyses involving 2‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐D GE) and amino acid sequencing revealed the 60‐kDa protein to be bovine serum albumin (BSA). The sELISA proved capable of detecting BPFIs in all the commercial dietary supplements tested, including those that were formulated with hydrolyzed BPFIs. The assay could also detect 0.01% and 0.5% of different BPFIs in spiked raw and cooked ground beef, respectively. This assay based on the detection of BSA therefore has the potential to become a valuable analytical tool to protect consumers who avoid consuming BPFIs for religious, health, or ethical reasons.
Effects of Tomato and Soy Germ on Lipid Bioaccumulation and Atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− Mice
Authors: Smith Brendon W. , Miller Rita J. , Wilund Kenneth R. , O'Brien William D. , Erdman John W. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDietary patterns with cardiovascular benefits have been recommended, but the relative contributions of individual foods and food components, alone or in combination, remain undefined. Male ApoE−/− mice were fed either a purified AIN‐93G control diet, a Western diet (WD), or a WD with 10% tomato powder (TP), 2% soy germ (SG), or the combination, for 4 wk (n = 10 per group). Plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides were measured with enzymatic colorimetric kits, and serum amyloid A (SAA) was measured by ELISA. Liver lipids were extracted with chloroform:methanol, and triglycerides, free and esterified cholesterol measured with enzymatic colorimetric kits. Expression of Cyp27a1, Cyp7a1, Abcg5, and Abcg8 in the liver was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Sections of the aortic root and aorta were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to assess extent of atherosclerotic lesions. WD‐fed animals had greater liver and adipose weights, plasma cholesterol and SAA, hepatic lipids, and atherosclerosis than AIN‐93G animals. TP and SG did not decrease atherosclerosis as measured by H&E‐stained sections of the aortic root, aortic arch, and descending aorta. The TP diets further increased plasma cholesterol, but also led to increased expression of the Abcg5/8 transporters involved in cholesterol efflux. Addition of SG alone to the WD attenuated WD‐induced increases in plasma cholesterol, liver lipids, and gonadal adipose weight. The results of this study do not support the use of either TP or SG for reduction of atherosclerosis, but suggest some beneficial effects of SG on lipid metabolism in this model of cardiovascular disease.
Instream Bacteria Influences from Bird Habitation of Bridges
Authors: Pendergrass David , McFarland Anne , Hauck Larry 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe representativeness of ambient water samples collected from bridge crossings has occasionally been challenged because critics contend birds nesting on bridges elevate fecal indicator bacteria concentrations over samples collected from river reaches not spanned by bridges. This study was designed to evaluate the influence, if any, of bridge‐dwelling bird colonies on instream bacteria concentrations. Three bridges in central Texas were sampled under dry‐weather conditions for instream Escherichia coli. Two bridges were inhabited by migratory cliff swallows and one was devoid of birds. Numerous samples were collected from locations upstream, at the upstream bridgeface, and downstream of each bridge to determine whether significant increases in E. coli occurred in a downstream direction when birds were present. E. coli values increased significantly at bridgeface and downstream locations compared to upstream locations throughout the nesting season. During peak bird activity in May, bacteria geometric mean concentrations at bridgeface and downstream locations jumped from background levels <50 to >190 colony forming units (CFU)/100 mL, well above the state geometric mean criterion of 126 CFU/100 mL for primary contact recreation use. Results confirmed that under dry‐weather conditions bird colonies can have a significant impact on bacteria concentrations in the vicinity of the bridges they inhabit and therefore, to avoid this impact, monitoring should occur upstream of bridges.
Bankfull Regional Curves for the Alleghany Plateau/Valley and Ridge, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain Regions of Maryland
Authors: McCandless Tamara L. , Starr Richard R. , Harman William A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractRegional curves are empirical relationships that can help identify the bankfull stage in ungaged watersheds and aid in designing the riffle dimension in stream restoration projects. Bankfull regional curves were developed from gage stations with drainage areas less than 102 mi2 (264.2 km2) for the Alleghany Plateau/Valley and Ridge (AP/VR), Piedmont, and Coastal Plain regions of Maryland. The AP/VR regions were combined into one region for this project. These curves relate bankfull discharge, cross‐sectional area, width, and mean depth to drainage area within the same hydro‐physiographic region (region with similar rainfall/runoff relationship). The bankfull discharge curve for the Coastal Plain region was further subdivided into the Western Coastal Plain (WCP) and Eastern Coastal Plain (ECP) region due to differences in topography and runoff. Results show that the Maryland Piedmont yields the highest bankfull discharge rate per unit drainage area, followed by the AP/VR, WCP, and ECP. Likewise, the Coastal Plain and AP/VR streams have less bankfull cross‐sectional area per unit drainage area than the Piedmont. The average bankfull discharge return interval across the three hydro‐physiographic regions was 1.4 years. The Maryland regional curves were compared to other curves in the eastern United States. The average bankfull discharge return interval for the other studies ranged from 1.1 to 1.8 years.