bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Killer whale (Orcinus orca) occurrence and predation in the Bahamas
Authors: Dunn Charlotte , Claridge Diane 
Published: August 2013

Killer whales (Orcinus orca) have a cosmopolitan distribution, yet little is known about populations that inhabit tropical waters. We compiled 34 sightings of killer whales in the Bahamas, recorded from 1913 to 2011. Group sizes were generally small (mean = 4.2, range = 1–12, SD = 2.6). Thirteen sightings were documented with photographs and/or video of sufficient quality to allow individual photo-identification analysis. Of the 45 whales photographed, 14 unique individual killer whales were identified, eight of which were re-sighted between two and nine times. An adult female (Oo6) and a now-adult male (Oo4), were first seen together in 1995, and have been re-sighted together eight times over a 16-yr period. To date, killer whales in the Bahamas have only been observed preying on marine mammals, including Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis), Fraser's dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei), pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) and dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima), all of which are previously unrecorded prey species for Orcinus orca.
A newOphryotrochaspecies (Polychaeta: Dorvilleidae) from circalittoral seabeds of the Cantabrian Sea (north-east Atlantic Ocean)
Authors: Núñez Jorge , Riera Rodrigo , Maggio Yolanda 
Published: August 2013

One new dorvilleid species belonging to the genusOphryotrochaClaparède & Mecznikow, 1869 is described. The studied material was collected in circalittoral seabeds (70–100 m depth) in the Cantabrian Sea (north-east Atlantic Ocean). The new speciesOphryotrocha cantabricais characterized by having well-developed antennae and palps, parapodia with long dorsal cirrus, sub-triangular acicular lobes and inferior chaetal lobe well-developed, as well as the presence of P-type maxillae and bifid mandibles slightly tagged. The most closely relatedOphryotrochaspecies areO. longidentataJosefson, 1975 andO. lobiferaOug, 1978; however, both species have biarticulated palps. Other differences withO. cantabricasp. nov. are: body size and shape, parapodia morphology and number of setae, as well as the shape of mandibles and maxillae.
Generation of periodic structures on SiC upon laser plasma XUV/NIR radiations
Authors: Gemini L. , Margarone D. , Trusso S. , Juha L. , Limpouch J. , Mocek T. , Ossi P.M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractSurface periodic structures are generated upon irradiation of a silicon carbide (SiC) thin film by the plasma produced by 40 fs pulses from a Ti:Sapphire laser focused onto a thick low density polyethylene (LDPE) foil facing the SiC film. Independently of the number of laser pulses applied, these structures, with average regular periodicity of 710 nm, are evident throughout all irradiated areas. We attribute their formation to the efficient coupling of the unfocused femtosecond laser pulse with the incoherent extreme ultraviolet component of the laser-generated LDPE plasma.
High risk of a large measles outbreak despite 30 years of measles vaccination in The Netherlands
Authors: MOLLEMA L. , SMITS G. P. , BERBERS G. A. , VAN DER KLIS F. R. , VAN BINNENDIJK R. S. , DE MELKER H. E. , HAHNÉ S. J. M. 
Published: August 2013

SUMMARYOur aim was to assess progress towards measles elimination from The Netherlands by studying humoral measles immunity in the Dutch population. A population-based seroepidemiological study was conducted in 2006–2007 (N = 7900). Serum samples were analysed by a bead-based multiplex immunoassay. IgG levels ⩾0·2 IU/ml were considered protective. The overall seroprevalence in the Dutch population was 96%. However, 51% of socio-geographically clustered orthodox Protestant individuals aged <10 years were susceptible. Infants might be susceptible to measles between ages 4 months and 14 months, the age at which maternal antibodies have disappeared and the first measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccination is administered, respectively. Waning of antibody concentrations was slower after the second MMR vaccination than after the first. The Netherlands is at an imminent risk of a measles outbreak in the orthodox Protestant minority. To prevent subsequent transmission to the general population, efforts to protect susceptible age groups are needed.
The Maillard reaction and pet food processing: effects on nutritive value and pet health
Authors: van Rooijen Charlotte , Bosch Guido , van der Poel Antonius F. B. , Wierenga Peter A. , Alexander Lucille , Hendriks Wouter H. 
Published: August 2013

The Maillard reaction, which can occur during heat processing of pet foods or ingredients, is known to reduce the bioavailability of essential amino acids such as lysine due to the formation of early and advanced Maillard reaction products (MRP) that are unavailable for utilisation by the body. Determination of the difference between total and reactive lysine by chemical methods provides an indication of the amount of early MRP present in foods, feeds and ingredients. Previous research reported that the difference between total and reactive lysine in pet foods can be up to 61·8 %, and foods for growing dogs may be at risk of supplying less lysine than the animal may require. The endogenous analogues of advanced MRP, advanced glycation endproducts, have been associated with age-related diseases in humans, such as diabetes and impaired renal function. It is unknown to what extent advanced MRP are present in pet foods, and if dietary MRP can be associated with the development of diseases such as diabetes and impaired renal function in pet animals. Avoidance of ingredients with high levels of MRP and processing conditions known to favour the Maillard reaction may be useful strategies to prevent the formation of MRP in manufactured pet food. Future work should further focus on understanding the effects of ingredient choice and processing conditions on the formation of early and advanced MRP, and possible effects on animal health.
Extracorporeal life support with an integrated left ventricular vent in children with a low cardiac output
Authors: Sandrio Stany , Springer Wolfgang , Karck Matthias , Gorenflo Matthias , Weymann Alexander , Ruhparwar Arjang , Loukanov Tsvetomir 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground: The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience in central extracorporeal life support with an integrated left ventricular vent in children with cardiac failure. Methods: Eight children acquired extracorporeal life support with a left ventricular vent, either after cardiac surgery (n = 4) or during an acute cardiac illness (n = 4). The ascending aorta and right atrium were cannulated. The left ventricular vent was inserted through the right superior pulmonary vein and connected to the venous line on the extracorporeal life support such that active left heart decompression was achieved. Results: No patient died while on support, seven patients were successfully weaned from it and one patient was transitioned to a biventricular assist device. The median length of support was 6 days (range 5–10 days). One patient died while in the hospital, despite successful weaning from extracorporeal life support. No intra-cardiac thrombus or embolic stroke was observed. No patient developed relevant intracranial bleeding resulting in neurological dysfunction during and after extracorporeal life support. Conclusions: In case of a low cardiac output and an insufficient inter-atrial shunt, additional left ventricular decompression via a vent could help avoid left heart distension and might promote myocardial recovery. In pulmonary dysfunction, separate blood gas analyses from the venous cannula and the left ventricular vent help detect possible coronary hypoxia when the left ventricle begins to recover. We recommend the use of central extracorporeal life support with an integrated left ventricular vent in children with intractable cardiac failure.
The use of dornase alpha for post-operative pulmonary atelectasis after congenital heart surgery
Authors: Ozturk Erkut , Tanidir Ibrahim C. , Haydin Sertac , Onan Ismihan S. , Odemis Ender , Bakir Ihsan 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjective:To investigate the efficacy of dornase alpha, a mucolytic agent, in children who developed pulmonary atelectasis after congenital heart surgery.Design:Retrospective case–control study.Setting: Paediatric cardiac intensive care unit at a tertiary care hospital.Patients: Between July, 2011 and July, 2012, 41 patients who underwent congenital cardiac operations and developed post-operative pulmonary atelectasis that was resistant to conventional treatment and chest physiotherapy.Interventions: In all, 26 patients received dornase alpha treatment. As a control group, 15 patients were treated with conventional medications and chest physiotherapy.Main results: The median age of patients was 25.5 (3–480) days in the study group and 50.0 (3–480) days in the control group. A total of 15 (57.6%) patients in the study group and 8 (53.3%) patients in the control group were male. The median weight was 4.2 (2.9–14.2) kg and 4.0 (3.5–13.6) kg in the study and control group, respectively. In the study group, pulmonary atelectasis was diagnosed at a median period of 5 (2–18) days after operations, whereas in the control group atelectasis was diagnosed at a median period of post-operative 6 (3–19) days. In the study group, the median atelectasis score decreased from 3.4 (1–6) to 0.8 (0–3) (p = 0.001). The median pO2level increased from 69 (17–142) mmHg to 89 (30–168) mmHg (p = 0.04). In addition, heart rate and respiratory rate per minute were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in these parameters in the control group.Conclusions: The use of dornase alpha can be effective for the management of pulmonary atelectasis that develops following congenital heart surgery.
Breast-feeding in relation to weight retention up to 36 months postpartum in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study: modification by socio-economic status?
Authors: Brandhagen Martin , Lissner Lauren , Brantsaeter Anne Lise , Meltzer Helle Margrete , Häggkvist Anna-Pia , Haugen Margaretha , Winkvist Anna 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectiveWe investigated the association between full breast-feeding up to 6 months as well as partial breast-feeding after 6 months and maternal weight retention at 6, 18 and 36 months after delivery in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.DesignCohort study. Information on exposure and outcome was collected by questionnaire.SettingNorway.SubjectsWomen at 6 months (n 49 676), 18 months (n 27 187) and 36 months (n 17 343) postpartum.ResultsLonger duration of full breast-feeding as well as partial breast-feeding was significantly related to lower weight retention at 6 months. At 18 months full breast-feeding (0–6 months) and partial breast-feeding for 12–18 months were significantly related to lower weight retention. At 36 months only full breast-feeding (0–6 months) was significantly related to lower weight retention. For each additional month of full breast-feeding, maternal weight was lowered by 0·50 kg/month at 6 months, 0·10 kg/month at 18 months and 0·14 kg/month at 36 months (adjusted for pre-pregnant BMI, pregnancy weight gain, age and parity). Partial breast-feeding resulted in 0·25 kg/month lower maternal weight at 6 months. Interactions were found between household income and full breast-feeding in relation to weight retention at 6, 18 and 36 months, indicating most benefit among women with low income.ConclusionsThe present study supports the hypothesis that full breast-feeding contributes to lower postpartum weight retention and shows that the effect is maintained for as long as 3 years postpartum.
Salicornia ramosissima ethanolic extract on mice: a light microscopy approach on liver and kidney
Authors: Ferreira D. , Pinto D. , Silva H. , Pereira M.L. 
Published: August 2013

Salicornia ramosissima J. Woods (Chenopodiaceae), included in the species aggregate S. europaea agg., is an annual succulent halophyte and one of the most salt tolerant plants, broadly distributed in the salt marshes and salt pans of Ria de Aveiro and in many others of the Iberian Peninsula. Salicornia L. has been used not only as a seasoned vegetable, salad and fermented food in coastal areas of Europe and Asia, but also as folk medicine for disorders such as constipation, obesity and diabetes. To corroborate this, the literature reports immunomodulatory, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic and antidiabetic effects. Moreover, some bioactive compounds from its aerial parts were recently isolated and identified, exhibiting also antioxidant and cytotoxic activities.Factors such as the proper botanical identification, season and harvest site, extraction and purification methods, characterisation of the active constituents and the extract effects in a dose-and time-dependent manner are crucial to assess the therapeutic potential of herbal extracts. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible hepatic and renal effects of an ethanolic extract of S. ramosissima on mice.Aerial portions of S. ramosissima were collected from a salt pan in Ria de Aveiro (Portugal). The ethanolic extract (50 mg/kg b.w.) was orally administered, during 3 weeks, to male ICR-CD1 mice, purchased from Harlan (Spain). Control group was also considered. Liver and kidney were collected and prepared for histology. Animal procedures were followed according to guidelines for ethics and animal care.Central and portal vein congestion and severe hydropic changes of the hepatocytes were noted in the liver of exposed group, compared with controls (Figs. 1A, 1B). Renal profile of control group evidenced normal features (Figs.1C, 1E). However, significant histological alterations were found in the exposed group: cortical interstitial haemorrhages (Fig. 1D), inflammatory cell infiltration and tubular cell degeneration within medulla and cortico-medullary junction (Fig. 1F).In conclusion, this pilot study has demonstrated considerable effects in the mouse metabolism of S. ramosissima ethanolic extract, with significant hepatic and renal lesions. Further studies are needed to correlate these data with isolated active constituents for a more reliable evaluation of the potential of this species.AcknowledgementsGrants were provided by CICECO, QOPNA and CESAM.
Ultrastructural study of a case of epidermolysis bullosa simplex superficialis (EBSS)
Authors: Alves de Matos A.P. , Gouveia C. , Sousa A.B. , Afonso A. 
Published: August 2013

A very rare subset of Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS), termed “EBS superficialis” (EBSS), has been described in two families. EBS superficialis is a rare autosomal dominant form of suprabasal EBS in which blistering arises just below the stratum corneum.The original report of EBSS was subsequently questioned by genetic analysis of one of the families that identified a mutation in a collagen gene responsible for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), thus implying that this entity is in fact a variant of DEB. Nonetheless, the existence of some form of EBSS can not be ruled out.We performed a transmission electron microscopy study of a skin biopsy from a 36 year old woman suspect of having EBSS. A skin biopsy was sequentially fixed in 3% glutaraldehyde in sodium cacodylate buffer 0.1M pH 7.3, osmium tetroxide in the same buffer and uranyl acetate in acetate-acetic acid buffer 0.1M pH 5. Dehydration was performed in ethanol and embedding in an Epon-Araldite mixture. Thin sections contrasted with uranyl acetate and lead cytrate were observed and photographed in a JEOL 100SX electron microscope.She had a few intact acral bullae in the neonatal period and superficial erosions and crusts in friction areas since then. Her one year-old boy, her older sister and the latter’s adolescent son had the same clinical picture. The patient does not display any symptoms expected for DEB.We found profound alterations of the structure of the outer layers of the epidermis. Degenerative changes were seen in the cells of the upper layers of the stratum spinosum. Nuclei are lost and flattened cells made mostly of compressed tonofilaments lay below a cleft that develops between the compressed cells and the granular cell layer (Fig. 1). The granular cell layer is very reduced and represented by a few damaged cells that stay attached to the stratum corneum (Fig. 2).The alterations do not seem to be related to collagen defects, and in the reported case the cleft develops in the altered upper region of the prickle-cell layer, just below the granular layer.
Reservoirs of human pathogens: amoeba-associated microorganisms in the environment
Authors: Costa R. , Fugas M. , Caeiro M.F. , Vale F.F. , Amorim A. , Morgado F. , Alves de Matos A.P. 
Published: August 2013

Microorganisms, that evolve to acquire resistance to environmental amoeba, are likely to become human pathogens due to the physiological similarities of free-living amoebae to human macrophages. In this sense free-living amoebae can be regarded as nurseries of pathogenic microorganisms. Due to the widespread distribution of amoebae in the environment and their resistance to current disinfection procedures, they may constitute important reservoirs of pathogenic microorganisms. Striking examples are Legionella pneumophila and several mycobacteria including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This work represents the first attempt to detect and characterize amoebae and their associated microorganisms in Portugal.Detection, isolation and in vitro culture of amoebae from several environmental sources, including lagoon and estuarine water and sediments, were performed according to previously developed methods. Identification of the isolated amoebae was done by optical microscopy based on morphological criteria and by DNA sequence analysis of PCR products amplified with one of the following two sets of primers: EUK and ITS. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies and PCR/sequencing approaches were used to detect and identify amoeba-associated microorganisms (AAMs). Bacterial 16S region was amplified with the primers 616V/630R. TEM studies were performed according to standard procedures. In short, samples were fixed sequentially in glutaraldehyde, osmium tetroxide and uranyl acetate, dehydrated in ethanol and embedded in Epon-Araldite. Thin sections contrasted with uranyl acetate and lead citrate were observed with a JEOL 100-SX electron microscope.Several species of amoeba (Acanthamoeba lenticulata, A. polyphaga, A. rhyzodes, Platyamoeba oblongata, Saccamoeba limax, Vannella simplex, Vannella sp. and other unidentified amoebae) were found and AAMs were detected both by TEM and PCR/sequencing. The bacteria species Variovorax paradoxus, previously found in association with Saccamoeba and Arcella, were isolated and identified by the PCR/sequencing approach, which also allowed the detection of an unidentified species with about 85% identity with Marivirga tractuosa, a species not yet associated with amoebae. These results point to the existence of AAMs in the environments subjected to this study and the need to evaluate their pathogenic potential. This is an important issue particularly in environments related to human recreational, nutritional and public health activities.
Histology and histochemistry of sea anemones in environmental contamination studies
Authors: Gadelha J.R. , Morgado F. , Soares A.M.V.M. 
Published: August 2013

Since contaminants such as metals, POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) and PAHs (Polycyclic aromatic compounds represent a risk to human health and to the environment, it is therefore extremely necessary to study their biological effects. Man-made chemicals endocrine disruptors such as estrogens pose the potential to modulate endocrine function and thus adversely affect humans and other animal’s reproductive development. In this work, sublethal toxicity tests were carried out with the sea anemones Actinia equina and Anemonia sulcata exposed to 17-β-Estradiol. A. equina and A. sulcata are species that present a wide geographic distribution and might possibly be effective pollution indicators. Histological and histochemical techniques were used to detect morphological changes in sea anemones in order to find histological parameters that could be useful as early biomarkers of environmental contamination. The histological and histochemical procedures followed by standard methods to Hematoxylin and eosine (H & E), Periodic acid Shiff reagent (PAS) and Masson`s Tricrome (TMass) stained adaptated to Actiniidae conditions. Such as, the fixation (formalin and alcohol) time is high (96 hours), because this organisms are almost 98% of water body constitution. The slides obtained were observed by light microscopy means. The assemblage of methodologies described permitted the identification of several anomalies/pathologies in different parts of the sea anemones body, with special attention to reproductive structures. Results obtained for A. sulcata showed vitellogenic oocytes with anomalous dimensions, altered cytoplasm or without cellular membrane limits (Figure 1). It can also be observed lipid accumulations and cells membranes not always preserved. In certain areas oocytes presents small reactivity with atypical PAS low basophilic patterns. In the mesoglea the amoebocytes showed more eosinophilic cytoplasm or extracellular bodies suggesting necrosis or protein content. The effects at 10 µg/L concentrations show a considerable number of oocytes with germinal vesicles membranes and indistinct cytoplasm boundaries (Figure 1). Results obtained for A. equina showed some morphological changes in the spermatocytes of male gonads and in the germinal vesicles the female gonads. The effects observed at higher concentrations shows oocytes and ovarian tissues disintegration. The morphologic alterations observed suggested a delay in spermatogenesis and although there have been no alterations in female vitellogenic granules, there are changes in their maturation. The whole effects lead to verify the role that the estradiol in the Anthozoan reproductive system.Acknowledgments: This work was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for the Science and Technology – Portugal and FEDER funds, through the Projects: PTDC/MAR/464729/2006 and FCT/CNPq (Brazil), Project 6818, Programme 19/ 004.