bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasmall metal nanoclusters for bio‐related applications
Authors: Tan Xiaohong , Jin Rongchao 
Published: August 2013

The study of ultrasmall metal nanoclusters (NCs, ranging from subnanometer to ca 2 nm) is evidently a quickly evolving field in current nanoscience and nanotechnology research. Metal NCs, typically composed of several to hundreds of metal atoms, have attracted great interest in recent years owing to their unique properties including ultrasmall size and enhanced photoluminescence, together with other properties such as excellent photostability, low toxicity, and good biocompatibility desired for biological applications. This review summarizes recent advances in the field of bio‐related applications of metal NCs materials. We highlight the applications of metal NCs for biosensor development, fluorescent biological imaging, and biomedical research, and finally discuss briefly some current challenges and future work. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2013, 5:569–581. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1227This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing
Diagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle-Based Sensing
Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging
Historical perspectives on invasive grasses and their impact on wildlife in Australia
Authors: Cook Garry D. , Grice A. C. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTIn recent years, there have been declines of varying severity in many vertebrate species across much of the sparsely populated savannas of northern Australia, and adding to the dismal record of extinctions from arid and semi‐arid central Australia since European colonization. It is likely that multiple factors are responsible for the current wave of extinctions, but they are occurring in areas of sparse human population in extensive, seemingly unmodified landscapes. Habitat change is one likely contributing factor, with invasive exotic grasses an important component in some regions. Historically, conservation of native vertebrates has been poor in Australia, with many species being considered vermin under legislation. As late as the 1960s much scientific research was aimed at controlling species that are now considered threatened under legislation. Through the 20th century substantial efforts to introduce exotic pasture species saw the introduction for trial of twice as many species of grasses and legumes as occur naturally on the whole Australian continent. The legacy of these programs is the spread of grasses that, through a range of processes, lead to simplification of floristic structure and reduction in plant species diversity and habitat suitability for many native mammals. Management of these invasive species should focus on preventing their spread into and establishment in new regions, and controlling them where they are established. State and transition models may provide a framework for considering the management and environmental triggers that could lead to re‐establishment of native grasses. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Umgang mit Patientenverfügungen in der Praxis
Authors: Neitzke Gerald 
Published: August 2013

Einleitung
Patientenverfügungen (PV) sind seit 2009 gesetzlich geregelt. Bei entscheidungsunfähigen Patienten muss der Wille individuell ermittelt werden: Außer der PV können dazu auch Behandlungswünsche und der mutmaßliche Wille herangezogen werden. Vor Anwendung einer PV sollten deren Gültigkeit, die Situationsadäquatheit und der Bezug zu geplanten Therapiemaßnahmen geprüft werden. Advance Care Planning (ACP) setzt sich für eine umfassende Patientenvorsorge und deren praktische Umsetzung ein.
Methylphenidate treatment causes oxidative stress and alters energetic metabolism in an animal model of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Comim Clarissa M. , Gomes Karin M. , Réus Gislaine Z. , Petronilho Fabrícia , Ferreira Gabriela K. , Streck Emílio L. , Dal-Pizzol Felipe , Quevedo João 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate oxidative damage through the thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) and protein carbonyl groups; antioxidant enzymatic system – superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT); and energetic metabolism in the brain of spontaneously hypertensive adult rats (SHR) after both acute and chronic treatment with methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH).MethodsAdult (60 days old) SHRs were treated during 28 days (chronic treatment), or 1 day (acute treatment). The rats received one i.p. injection per day of either saline or MPH (2 mg/kg). Two hours after the last injection, oxidative damage parameters and energetic metabolism in the cerebellum, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum and cortex were evaluated.ResultsWe observed that both acute and/or chronic treatment increased TBARS and carbonyl groups, and decreased SOD and CAT activities in many of the brain structures evaluated. Regarding the energetic metabolism evaluation, the acute and chronic treatment altered the energetic metabolism in many of the brain structures evaluated.ConclusionWe observed that both acute and chronic use of methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) in adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) was associated with increased oxidative stress and energetic metabolism alterations. These data also reinforce the importance of the SHR animal model in further studies regarding MPH.
Fruit juice drinks prevent endogenous antioxidant response to high-fat meal ingestion
Authors: Miglio Cristiana , Peluso Ilaria , Raguzzini Anna , Villaño Deborah V. , Cesqui Eleonora , Catasta Giovina , Toti Elisabetta , Serafini Mauro 
Published: August 2013

High-fat meals (HFM) induce metabolic stress, leading to the activation of protective mechanisms, including inflammation and endogenous antioxidant defences. In the present study, we investigated the effects of antioxidant-rich fruit juice drinks on the endogenous antioxidant response induced by HFM. In a double-blind, cross-over design (10 d washout), fourteen overweight volunteers were randomly assigned to one of the following interventions: HFM+500 ml placebo beverage (HFM-PB, free from fruit); HFM+500 ml antioxidant beverage 1 (HFM-AB1; apple, grape, blueberry and pomegranate juices and grape skin, grape seed and green tea extracts); HFM+500 ml antioxidant beverage 2 (HFM-AB2; pineapple, black currant and plum juices). HFM-PB consumption increased the plasma levels of thiols (SH) (4 h,P< 0·001) and uric acid (UA) (2 h,P< 0·01) and total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) (4 h,P< 0·01). Following the consumption of drinks, UA production was significantly reduced with respect to placebo beverage consumption 8 h after HFM-AB2 consumption (P< 0·05). SH levels were reduced 0·5 (P< 0·05), 1 (P< 0·05) and 2 h (P< 0·01) after HFM-AB1 consumption and 2, 4 and 8 h (P< 0·05) after HFM-AB2 consumption. Plasma TRAP (2 h,P< 0·001) and urinary ferric reducing antioxidant power (0–8 h,P< 0·01) were increased by HFM-AB1 consumption, the drink with the highestin vitroantioxidant capacity, but not by HFM-AB2 consumption. In urine, UA levels were significantly increased from basal levels after the consumption of HFM-PB and HFM-AB2. However, neither of the beverages increased the urinary excretion of UA with respect to the placebo beverage. In conclusion, the increase in UA and SH levels induced by HFM as part of an endogenous antioxidant response to postprandial stress can be prevented by the concomitant ingestion of antioxidant-rich fruit juice drinks.
Effects of the brown rice diet on visceral obesity and endothelial function: the BRAVO study
Authors: Shimabukuro Michio , Higa Moritake , Kinjo Rie , Yamakawa Ken , Tanaka Hideaki , Kozuka Chisayo , Yabiku Kouichi , Taira Shin-Ichiro , Sata Masataka , Masuzaki Hiroaki 
Published: August 2013

Brown rice (BR) and white rice (WR) produce different glycaemic responses and their consumption may affect the dietary management of obesity. In the present study, the effects of BR and WR on abdominal fat distribution, metabolic parameters and endothelial function were evaluated in subjects with the metabolic syndrome in a randomised cross-over fashion. In study 1, acute postprandial metabolic parameters and flow- and nitroglycerine-mediated dilation (FMD and NMD) of the brachial artery were determined in male volunteers with or without the metabolic syndrome after ingestion of either BR or WR. The increases in glucose and insulin AUC were lower after ingestion of BR than after ingestion of WR (P= 0·041 andP= 0·045, respectively). FMD values were decreased 60 min after ingestion of WR (P= 0·037v. baseline), but the decrease was protected after ingestion of BR. In study 2, a separate cohort of male volunteers (n27) with the metabolic syndrome was randomised into two groups with different BR and WR consumption patterns. The values of weight-based parameters were decreased after consumption of BR for 8 weeks, but returned to baseline values after a WR consumption period. Insulin resistance and total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were reduced after consumption of BR. In conclusion, consumption of BR may be beneficial, partly owing to the lowering of glycaemic response, and may protect postprandial endothelial function in subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Long-term beneficial effects of BR on metabolic parameters and endothelial function were also observed.
A meta-analysis study of gene expression datasets in mouse liver under PPARα knockout
Authors: HE KAN , WANG ZHEN , WANG QISHAN , PAN YUCHUN 
Published: August 2013

SummaryGene expression profiling of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) has been used in several studies, but there were no consistent results on gene expression patterns involved in PPARα activation in genome-wide due to different sample sizes or platforms. Here, we employed two published microarray datasets both PPARα dependent in mouse liver and applied meta-analysis on them to increase the power of the identification of differentially expressed genes and significantly enriched pathways. As a result, we have improved the concordance in identifying many biological mechanisms involved in PPARα activation. We suggest that our analysis not only leads to more identified genes by combining datasets from different resources together, but also provides some novel hepatic tissue-specific marker genes related to PPARα according to our re-analysis.
Meeting summary: ethical aspects of whole exome and whole genome sequencing studies (WES/WGS) in rare diseases, Tel Aviv, Israel, January 2013
Authors: FARBEROV LUBA , GILAM AVITAL , ISAKOV OFER , SHOMRON NOAM 
Published: August 2013

SummaryA recent E-Rare workshop reviewed the ethical aspects of whole exome and whole genome-sequencing studies (WES and WGS, respectively) in rare diseases. Leveraging new genomic technologies, which output vast amounts of known and novel genetic variants, researchers are learning more about the genetic basis and mechanisms involved in rare diseases. In some cases, these findings are translated into diagnostic tools for the benefit of rare disease patients. Among the disclosed data, which can assist in treatment management, incidental findings await, bringing with them ethical concerns for the clinicians, researchers and patients.
“Roving Executioners”? The Use of Lethal Force in Malawi and Warnings from R v Cheuka
Authors: Gumboh Esther 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBetween 2009 and 2011, Malawi witnessed an increase in the use of lethal force by the police. The president urged the police to implement a “shoot to kill” policy, a move which received wide acceptance in the country but also raised concerns from human rights activists. In 2009, the Malawi High Court in R v Cheuka considered the scope of section 44 of the Police Act which governs the use of firearms by the police. Clouded by the human rights implications of the shooting which led to the case, the court misinterpreted the law by introducing principles of international law that were not expressly provided for. The court also failed to expound a comprehensive test to determine the shooter's intentions. Nevertheless, the decision sheds some light on the efficacy of the law on the use of lethal force in Malawi and the question of whether a shoot to kill policy can be reconciled with the law.
DO SELF-REPORTED HEALTH INDICATORS PREDICT MORTALITY? EVIDENCE FROM MATLAB, BANGLADESH
Authors: RAZZAQUE ABDUR , MUSTAFA A. H. M. G. , STREATFIELD PETER KIM 
Published: August 2013

SummaryIn order to understand current and changing patterns of population health, there is a clear need for high-quality health indicators. The World Health Organization Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE) survey platform and the International Network for the Demographic Evaluation of Populations and Their Health in developing countries (INDEPTH) generated data for this study. A total of 4300 people aged 50 years or older were selected randomly from the Matlab Health and Demographic Surveillance System of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh. The health indicators derived from these survey data are self-rated general health, overall health state, quality of life and disability levels. The outcome of the study is mortality over a 2-year follow-up since the survey. Among the four health indicators, only self-rated health was significantly associated with subsequent mortality irrespective of sex: those who reported bad health had higher mortality than those who reported good health, even after controlling for socio-demographic factors. For all other three health indicators, such associations exist but are significant only for males, while for females it is significant only for ‘quality of life’.
DETERMINANTS OF UNPROTECTED CASUAL HETEROSEXUAL SEX IN GHANA
Authors: KUMI-KYEREME AKWASI , TUOYIRE DEREK A. , DARTEH EUGENE K. M. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryCasual heterosexual sex remains a significant contributor to HIV transmissions in Ghana. The study used data from the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) to assess the socio-demographic, economic and spatial factors influencing unprotected casual heterosexual sex among men and women. The results of the binary logistic regression models revealed that women aged 35–44 had significantly higher odds of engaging in unprotected casual heterosexual sex than those aged 15–24, unlike the men. There were significantly lower odds of unprotected casual heterosexual sex for women and men with exposure to print media compared with those without exposure. Compared with men residing in the Western Region, unprotected casual heterosexual sex was significantly less likely among those in the Upper East Region. There is the need for behavioural change campaigns in Ghana that take into consideration the multiplicity of factors that determine unprotected casual heterosexual sex.
Mechanisms of change underlying the efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome in a specialist clinic: a mediation analysis
Authors: Stahl D. , Rimes K. A. , Chalder T. 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundSeveral randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown that cognitive behavioural psychotherapy (CBT) is an efficacious treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). However, little is known about the mechanisms by which the treatment has its effect. The aim of this study was to investigate potential mechanisms of change underlying the efficacy of CBT for CFS. We applied path analysis and introduce novel model comparison approaches to assess a theoretical CBT model that suggests that fearful cognitions will mediate the relationship between avoidance behaviour and illness outcomes (fatigue and social adjustment).MethodData from 389 patients with CFS who received CBT in a specialist service in the UK were collected at baseline, at discharge from treatment, and at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Path analyses were used to assess possible mediating effects. Model selection using information criteria was used to compare support for competing mediational models.ResultsPath analyses were consistent with the hypothesized model in which fear avoidance beliefs at the 3-month follow-up partially mediate the relationship between avoidance behaviour at discharge and fatigue and social adjustment respectively at 6 months.ConclusionsThe results strengthen the validity of a theoretical model of CBT by confirming the role of cognitive and behavioural factors in CFS.
Comparison of organic and conventional managements on yields, nutrients and weeds in a corn–cabbage rotation
Authors: Bajgai Yadunath , Kristiansen Paul , Hulugalle Nilantha , McHenry Melinda 
Published: August 2013

AbstractConventional soil management systems (SMS) use synthetic inputs to maximize crop productivity, which leads to environmental degradation. Organic SMS is an alternative that is claimed to prevent or mitigate such negative environmental impacts. Vegetable production systems rely on frequent tillage to prepare beds and manage weeds, and are also characterized by little crop residue input. The use of crop residues and organic fertilizers may counteract the negative impacts of intensive vegetable production. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the effect of sweet corn (Zea maysL. var.rugosa) residue incorporation in a corn–cabbage (Brassica oleraceaL.) rotation on crop yields, nutrient uptake, weed biomass and soil nutrients for organic and conventional SMS in two contrasting soil types (a Chromosol and a Vertosol). Yields of corn and cabbage under the organic SMS were not lower than the conventional SMS, possibly due to the equivalent N, P and K nutrients applied. Macro-nutrient uptake between the organic and conventional SMS did not differ for cabbage heads. Corn residue incorporation reduced the average in-crop weed biomass in cabbage crops by 22% in 2010 and by 47% in 2011. Corn residue-induced inhibitions on weed biomass may be exploited as a supplementary tool to mechanical weed control for the organic SMS, potentially reducing the negative impacts of cultivation on soil organic carbon. Residue incorporation and the organic SMS increased the average total soil N by 7 and 4% compared with the treatments without residue and the conventional SMS, respectively, indicating the longer-term fertility gains of these treatments. Exchangeable K, but not Colwell P, in the soil was significantly increased by residue incorporation. The clayey Vertosol conserved higher levels of nutrients than the sandy Chromosol. Yields under organic SMS can match that of conventional SMS. Residue incorporation in soil improved soil nutrients and reduced weed biomass.
Role of γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase in the pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Rimbara Emiko , Mori Shigetarou , Kim Hyun , Shibayama Keigo 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTγ‐Glutamyltranspeptidase and asparaginase have been shown to play important roles in Helicobacter pylori colonization and cell death induced by H. pylori infection. In this study, the association of γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase and asparaginase was elucidated by comparing activities of both deamidases in H. pylori strains from patients with chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, and gastric cancer. γ‐Glutamyltranspeptidase activities in H. pylori strains from patients with gastric cancer were significantly higher than in those from patients with chronic gastritis or gastric ulcers. There was a wide range of asparaginase activities in H. pylori strains from patients with gastric cancer and these were not significantly than those from patients with other diseases. To identify the contributions of γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase and asparaginase to gastric cell inflammation, human gastric epithelial cells (AGS line) were infected with H. pylori wild‐type and knockout strains and inflammatory responses evaluated by induction of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8). IL‐8 response was significantly decreased by knockout of the γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase‐encoding gene but not by knockout of the asparaginase‐encoding gene. Additionally, IL‐8 induction by infection with the H. pylori wild‐type strain was significantly decreased by adding glutamine during infection. These findings indicate that IL‐8 induction caused by γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase activity in H. pylori is mainly attributable to depletion of glutamine. These data suggest that γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase plays a significant role in the chronic inflammation caused by H. pylori infection.
Distribution of antimicrobial‐resistant lactic acid bacteria in natural cheese in Japan
Authors: Ishihara Kanako , Nakajima Kumiko , Kishimoto Satoko , Atarashi Fumiaki , Muramatsu Yasukazu , Hotta Akitoyo , Ishii Satomi , Takeda Yasuyuki , Kikuchi Masanori , Tamura Yutaka 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTTo determine and compare the extent of contamination caused by antimicrobial‐resistant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in imported and domestic natural cheeses on the Japanese market, LAB were isolated using deMan, Rogosa and Sharpe (MRS) agar and MRS agar supplemented with six antimicrobials. From 38 imported and 24 Japanese cheeses, 409 LAB isolates were obtained and their antimicrobial resistance was tested. The percentage of LAB resistant to dihydrostreptomycin, erythromycin, and/or oxytetracycline isolated from imported cheeses (42.1%) was significantly higher than that of LAB resistant to dihydrostreptomycin or oxytetracycline from cheeses produced in Japan (16.7%; P = 0.04). Antimicrobial resistance genes were detected in Enterococcus faecalis (tetL, tetM, and ermB; tetL and ermB; tetM) E. faecium (tetM), Lactococcus lactis (tetS), Lactobacillus (Lb.), casei/paracasei (tetM or tetW), and Lb. rhamnosus (ermB) isolated from seven imported cheeses. Moreover, these E. faecalis isolates were able to transfer antimicrobial resistance gene(s). Although antimicrobial resistance genes were not detected in any LAB isolates from Japanese cheeses, Lb. casei/paracasei and Lb. coryniformis isolates from a Japanese farm‐made cheese were resistant to oxytetracycline (minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC], 32 µg/mL). Leuconostoc isolates from three Japanese farm‐made cheeses were also resistant to dihydrostreptomycin (MIC, 32 to > 512 µg/mL). In conclusion, the present study demonstrated contamination with antimicrobial‐resistant LAB in imported and Japanese farm‐made cheeses on the Japanese market, but not in Japanese commercial cheeses.
Community differentiation and population enrichment ofSargassoSea bacterioplankton in the euphotic zone of a mesoscale mode‐water eddy
Authors: Nelson Craig E. , Carlson Craig A. , Ewart Courtney S. , Halewood Elisa R. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryEddies are mesoscale oceanographic features (∼ 200 km diameter) that can cause transient blooms of phytoplankton by shifting density isoclines in relation to light and nutrient resources. To better understand how bacterioplankton respond to eddies, we examined depth‐resolved distributions of bacterial populations across an anticyclonic mode‐water eddy in theSargassoSea. Previous work on this eddy has documented elevated phytoplankton productivity and diatom abundance within the eddy centre with coincident bacterial productivity and biomass maxima. We illustrate bacterial community shifts within the eddy centre, differentiating populations uplifted along isopycnals from those enriched or depleted at horizons of enhanced bacterial and primary productivity. Phylotypes belonging to theRoseobacter,OCS116 and marineActinobacteria clades were enriched in the eddy core and were highly correlated with pigment‐based indicators of diatom abundance, supporting developing hypotheses that members of these clades associate with phytoplankton blooms. Typical mesopelagic clades (SAR202,SAR324,SAR406 andSAR11IIb) were uplifted within the eddy centre, increasing bacterial diversity in the lower euphotic zone. Typical surface oligotrophic clades (SAR116,OM75,Prochlorococcus andSAR11Ia) were relatively depleted in the eddy centre. The biogeochemical context of a bloom‐inducing eddy provides insight into the ecology of the diverse uncultured bacterioplankton dominating the oligotrophic oceans.