bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant supplementation of low‐protein diets reduced susceptibility to pulmonary hypertension in broiler chickens raised at high altitude
Authors: Sharifi M. R. , Khajali F. , Hassanpour H. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryA reduced‐protein diet (designated as RPD) was prepared and its effects on growth performance and the development of pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS) were evaluated in broiler chickens compared to a normal‐protein diet (designated as NPD) or to the RPD supplemented with CoQ10 alone (30 mg/kg) or in combination with vitamin E (30 mg/kg CoQ10 + 100 mg/kg vitamin E). The RPD had 30 g/kg less crude protein compared to the NPD. A total of 208 1‐day‐old male broilers (Ross 308 strain) were used in a 42‐day trial. Serum concentrations of uric acid (UA) and nitric oxide (NO) significantly (p < 0.05) declined when chickens fed on the RPD. However, supplementing RPD with the antioxidants significantly (p < 0.05) increased the serum NO concentration. Although serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the RPD than the NDP, supplementing RPD with CoQ10 and CoQ10 + VE decreased serum MDA concentration to similar levels found in the NPD. Significant overexpression in GPX1 gene observed in the heart and lungs of broilers fed on the RPD, which was effectively restored by supplementation of CoQ10. The right to total ventricular weight ratio (RV:TV) was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in birds fed the RPD, which concurred with an increase in mortality from pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS). However, a significant decline in mortality from PHS was observed when birds on RPD received CoQ10 or CoQ10 + VE. In conclusion, antioxidant supplementation effectively improves pulmonary hypertensive response in broiler chicken fed of reduced‐protein diets.
Effects of territory size on the reproductive success and social system of the giant otter, south‐easternPeru
Authors: Groenendijk J. , Hajek F. , Schenck C. , Staib E. , Johnson P. J. , Macdonald D. W. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe link between resource abundance, dispersion and cooperative breeding in mammals has been a topic of much debate among ecologists. The giant otter social system is facultatively cooperative. Extended families inhabit home ranges where only a dominant pair breeds, and other family members assist with cub defence and food provision. But this system can be affected by local ecology. In the floodplain of theManuRiver, inManuNationalPark,Peru, oxbow lakes are patchily distributed and form the resource‐rich cores, or territories, of giant otter family home ranges. We present data from a long‐term study at this site, linking territory size variability to the composition of resident giant otter groups and their reproductive success. Territory size predicts group structure; both the size of groups and the number of post‐emergence cubs are positively correlated to the total lake area within the group territory. Territories with small lake areas (likely to be poor territories) often support only a pair, and the pair may not breed successfully every year. Cubs are more likely to survive in years when more non‐breeding adults are present at the time of emergence. However, there may be a negative effect on survival where more non‐breeding adults are present in the subsequent year. Finally, cubs produced in larger territories are more likely to disperse and breed successfully away from the natal territory. We conclude that giant otter societies are likely shaped by the spatial dispersion of lakes, and food abundance and dispersion within these rich patches.
Food preferences and rhythms of feeding activity of two co‐existing demersal fish, the longspine snipefish, Macroramphosus scolopax (Linnaeus, 1758), and the boarfish Capros aper (Linnaeus, 1758), on the Mediterranean deep shelf
Authors: Carpentieri Paolo , Serpetti Natalia , Colloca Francesco , Criscoli Alessandro , Ardizzone Giandomenico 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe feeding behaviour of two potentially competing species, the longspine snipefish, Macroramphosus scolopax, and the boarfish Capros aper was examined. While both species are very abundant along the Mediterranean coast and are regularly caught by demersal trawlers, they are of no commercial value. The diets of boarfish and longspine snipefish were investigated from samples collected between January 2001 and May 2002. Variations in the diet with fish size and season, as well as diet overlap and diversity were explored. Mysid shrimps, amphipods and gastropods were the most important food items in the diet of longspine snipefish. During ontogenetic development, M. scolopax occupies different trophic levels: the diet shifts from being predominantly composed of mysids (Anchialina agilis, Lophogaster typicus, Erythrops sp., Leptomysis spp.) in the smaller longspine snipefish [<6.5 cm total length (TL)] towards decapods (Anapagurus laevis) and amphipods (Leucothoe incisa, Eusirus longipes, Hyperidea) in the larger individuals (>6.5 cm TL). Crustacean decapods and copepods were the most important prey in the stomachs of boarfish. Mysids (Lo. typicus), euphausiids and nematodes were present in the larger individuals (>8 cm TL). A more generalist diet, still containing copepods, crustacean decapods, gastropods (Limacina retroversa) and a large variety of amphipods (e.g. Phtysica marina, Stenotoe bosphorana) and mysids (e.g. A. agilis, Leptomysis spp., Erythrops sp.), dominated the diet of C. aper between 2 and 8 cm TL. Diet overlap between longspine snipefish and boarfish was very low and the differences in stomach species diversity were explained by season and fish size.
Capabilities of a Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor System to Monitor the Inelastic Response of Concrete Sections in New Tunnel Linings Subjected to Earthquake Loading
Authors: Tondini* Nicola , Bursi Oreste S. , Bonelli Alessio , Fassin Manuel 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn a comprehensive experimental campaign, we investigated the capabilities of Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors in monitoring the inelastic response of new circular concrete tunnel linings, subjected to seismic events. The FBG sensors measured the strains of steel reinforcement to be treated by a decision support system (DSS). First, a set of four‐point bending tests was performed on tunnel substructures, with the aim of characterizing the cross‐section under cyclic loading and of designing an FBG sensor package for use in a unique full‐scale test on a structure, which represented a complete circular section of the tunnel lining. Several types of FBG packages, to be embedded in and applied externally to the tunnel section, were tested to find the best solution. For comparison purposes, some standard devices were also used. The results of the experimental campaign are presented in detail, highlighting the performance of FBG sensors in reliable inelastic strain measurement of ductile concrete sections in seismic zones. Finally, the use of these data by a DSS allowed for the estimate of current structural conditions and damage at the monitored sections.
The role of the SCN5A‐encoded channelopathy in irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Verstraelen T. E. , ter Bekke R. M. A. , Volders P. G. A. , Masclee A. A. M. , Kruimel J. W. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundGastrointestinal functional and motility disorders, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), have a high prevalence in the Western population and cause significant morbidity and loss of quality of life leading to considerable costs for health care. A decade ago, it has been demonstrated that interstitial cells of Cajal and intestinal smooth muscle cells, cells important for gastrointestinal motility, express the sodium channel alpha subunit Nav1.5. In the heart, aberrant variants in this sodium channel, encoded by SCN5A, are linked to inherited arrhythmia syndromes, like the long‐QT syndrome type 3 and Brugada syndrome. Mounting data show a possible contribution of SCN5A mutants to gastrointestinal functional and motility disorders. Two percent of IBS patients harbor SCN5A mutations with electrophysiological evidence of loss‐ and gain‐of‐function. In addition, gastrointestinal symptoms are more prevalent in cardiac SCN5A‐mutation positive patients.PurposeThis review firstly describes the Nav1.5 channel and its physiological role in ventricular cardiomyocytes and gastrointestinal cells, then we focus on the involvement of mutant Nav1.5 in gastrointestinal functional and motility disorders. Future research might uncover novel mutation‐specific treatment strategies for SCN5A‐encoded gastrointestinal channelopathies.
Correspondence to Reality in Ethics
Authors: Brandhorst Mario 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis paper examines the view of ethical language that Wittgenstein took in later years. It argues that according to this view, ethics falls into place as a part of our natural history, while every sense of the mystical or supernatural that once surrounded it is irrevocably lost. Moreover, Wittgenstein argues that ethical language does not correspond to reality “in the way” in which a physical theory does. I propose an interpretation of this claim that shows how it sets his view apart from a “realist” theory of ethics. The reality of which he speaks is the reality of human life.
The Impact of Fiscal Crisis on Decision‐Making Processes in European Governments: Dynamics of a Centralization Cascade
Authors: Raudla Ringa , Douglas James W. , Randma‐Liiv Tiina , Savi Riin 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe Great Recession resulted in fiscal crises for governments across the Western world. Significant cuts in government programs were initiated as many governments scrambled to reduce their growing budget deficits. This article explores how European governments reacted during the recent crisis. In particular, the authors focus on the interlinkages between shifts toward more centralized decision making. The article uses a survey of thousands of public sector executives in 17 European countries. The authors find evidence of a centralization cascade, such that centralizing one element of the decision‐making process leads to greater centralization throughout the system. Results also show that having a high number of organizational goals and facing clear sanctions for failing to achieve goals lead to greater centralization, but greater organizational commitment reduces the need to centralize.
Moral Realism and Faultless Disagreement
Authors: Cohnitz Daniel 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIs moral realism compatible with the existence of moral disagreements? Since moral realism requires that if two persons are in disagreement over some moral question (that has a determinate answer) at least one must be objectively mistaken, it seems difficult to uphold that there can be moral disagreements without fault. Alison Hills argued that moral realism can accommodate such disagreements. Her strategy is to argue that moral reasoners can be faultless in making an objectively false moral judgement if they followed the relevant epistemic norm, i.e. follow your conscience, when making their judgement.I will argue that Hills' strategy does not work. The putative epistemic norm follow your conscience does not trump moral truth, because believing something wrong for the wrong reasons is worse than believing something right for the wrong reasons.
A comparison of an antibacterial sandwich dressing vs dressing containing silver
Authors: Krasowski Grzegorz , Jawień Arkadiusz , Tukiendorf Andrzej , Rybak Zbigniew , Junka Adam , Olejniczak‐Nowakowska Małgorzata , Bartoszewicz Marzenna , Smutnicka Danuta 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of dressings containing octenidine vs. dressings containing silver in the wound healing in the course of a chronic venous disease. There were two groups of 40 patients who met the inclusion criteria and who did not meet the exclusion criteria. The patients were randomly assigned into the groups (envelope method). The first, “O group” was treated with octenidine‐based dressings. The second, “S group” was treated with silver dressings. The study lasted for 56 days. All patients in the research were treated with medical compression stockings with cotton understockings. Microbiological eradication was observed on the 28th day of the study among 33% of patients in the treatment group vs. 6% in control group. On the 56th day of the treatment, these percentages equalled 72% and 35%. The rate of healing was faster in the 0 group than in the S group. In the wounds <10 cm2 it was faster by 1.35 cm2/week and in wounds >10 cm2 it equalled 3.44 cm2. The reduction of pain level was 37.5% higher in the O group, in contrast with the S group. One change of a dressing in the O group led to a 0.06 cm2 greater wound size reduction and in the case of wounds >10 cm2 to 0.29 cm2 reduction compared with the S group. The presented results indicate that the efficacy of dressings containing octenidine is higher compared to silver dressings.
Estimating pediatric entrance skin dose from digital radiography examination using DICOM metadata: A quality assurance tool
Authors: Brady S. L. , Kaufman R. A. 
Published: April 2015

Purpose:To develop an automated methodology to estimate patient examination dose in digital radiography (DR) imaging using DICOM metadata as a quality assurance (QA) tool.Methods:Patient examination and demographical information were gathered from metadata analysis of DICOM header data. The x‐ray system radiation output (i.e., air KERMA) was characterized for all filter combinations used for patient examinations. Average patient thicknesses were measured for head, chest, abdomen, knees, and hands using volumetric images from CT. Backscatter factors (BSFs) were calculated from examination kVp. Patient entrance skin air KERMA (ESAK) was calculated by (1) looking up examination technique factors taken from DICOM header metadata (i.e., kVp and mA s) to derive an air KERMA (kair) value based on an x‐ray characteristic radiation output curve; (2) scaling kair with a BSF value; and (3) correcting kair for patient thickness. Finally, patient entrance skin dose (ESD) was calculated by multiplying a mass–energy attenuation coefficient ratio by ESAK. Patient ESD calculations were computed for common DR examinations at our institution: dual view chest, anteroposterior (AP) abdomen, lateral (LAT) skull, dual view knee, and bone age (left hand only) examinations.Results:ESD was calculated for a total of 3794 patients; mean age was 11 ± 8 yr (range: 2 months to 55 yr). The mean ESD range was 0.19–0.42 mGy for dual view chest, 0.28–1.2 mGy for AP abdomen, 0.18–0.65 mGy for LAT view skull, 0.15–0.63 mGy for dual view knee, and 0.10–0.12 mGy for bone age (left hand) examinations.Conclusions:A methodology combining DICOM header metadata and basic x‐ray tube characterization curves was demonstrated. In a regulatory era where patient dose reporting has become increasingly in demand, this methodology will allow a knowledgeable user the means to establish an automatable dose reporting program for DR and perform patient dose related QA testing for digital x‐ray imaging.
Subjective Estimation of Physical Activity Using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Varies by Fitness Level
Authors: Shook Robin P. , Gribben Nicole C. , Hand Gregory A. , Paluch Amanda E. , Welk Gregory J. , Jakicic John M. , Hutto Brent , Burgess Stephanie , Blair Steven N. 
Published: April 2015

Background:Subjective measures of moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) rely on relative intensity whereas objective measures capture absolute intensity; thus, fit individuals and unfit individuals may perceive the same activity differently.Methods:Adults (N = 211) wore the SenseWear Armband (SWA) for 10 consecutive days to objectively assess sedentary time and MVPA. On day 8, participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to subjectively assess sitting time and MVPA. Fitness was assessed via a maximal treadmill test, and participants were classified as unfit if the result was in the bottom tertile of the study population by sex or fit if in the upper 2 tertiles.Results:Overall, estimates of MVPA between the IPAQ and SWA were not significantly different (IPAQ minus SWA, 67.4 ± 919.1 MVPA min/wk, P = .29). However, unfit participants overestimated MVPA using the IPAQ by 37.3% (P = .02), but fit participants did not (P = .99). This between-group difference was due to overestimation, using the IPAQ, of moderate activity by 93.8 min/wk among the unfit individuals, but underestimation of moderate activity among the fit participants by 149.4 min/wk.Conclusion:Subjective measures of MVPA using the IPAQ varied by fitness category; unfit participants overestimated their MVPA and fit participants accurately estimated their MVPA.
Antibiofilm Peptides Increase the Susceptibility of Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates to β-Lactam Antibiotics
Authors: Ribeiro Suzana Meira , de la Fuente-Núñez César , Baquir Beverlie , Faria-Junior Célio , Franco Octávio L. , Hancock Robert E. W. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTMultidrug-resistant carbapenemase-producingKlebsiella pneumoniae(KpC) strains are becoming a common cause of infections in health care centers. Furthermore,Klebsiellacan develop multicellular biofilms, which lead to elevated adaptive antibiotic resistance. Here, we describe the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of synthetic peptides DJK-5, DJK-6, and 1018 against five KpC isolates. Using static microplate assays, it was observed that the concentration required to prevent biofilm formation by these clinical isolates was below the MIC for planktonic cells. More-sophisticated flow cell experiments confirmed the antibiofilm activity of the peptides against 2-day-old biofilms of different KpC isolates, and in some cases, the peptides induced significant biofilm cell death. Clinically relevant combinations of DJK-6 and β-lactam antibiotics, including the carbapenem meropenem, also prevented planktonic growth and biofilm formation of KpC strain1825971. Interestingly, peptide DJK-6 was able to enhance, at least 16-fold, the ability of meropenem to eradicate preformed biofilms formed by this strain. Using peptide DJK-6 to potentiate the activity of β-lactams, including meropenem, represents a promising strategy to treat infections caused by KpC isolates.
First Report of an OXA-48-Producing Multidrug-Resistant Proteus mirabilis Strain from Gaza, Palestine
Authors: Chen Liang , Al Laham Nahed , Chavda Kalyan D. , Mediavilla Jose R. , Jacobs Michael R. , Bonomo Robert A. , Kreiswirth Barry N. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

We report the first multidrug-resistant
Proteus mirabilis
strain producing the carbapenemase OXA-48 (Pm-OXA-48) isolated at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, Palestine. Draft genome sequencing of Pm-OXA-48 identified 16 antimicrobial resistance genes, encoding resistance to β-lactams, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, phenicols, streptothricin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Complete sequencing of the
bla
OXA-48
-harboring plasmid revealed that it is a 72 kb long IncL/M plasmid, harboring carbapenemase gene
bla
OXA-48
, extended spectrum β-lactamase gene
bla
CTX-M-14
, and aminoglycoside resistance genes
strA
,
strB
, and
aph(3
′
)-VIb
.
Melanin Protects Paracoccidioides brasiliensis from the Effects of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Inhibition and Antifungal Drugs
Authors: Baltazar Ludmila Matos , Werneck Silvia Maria Cordeiro , Soares Betânia Maria , Ferreira Marcus Vinicius L. , Souza Danielle G. , Pinotti Marcos , Santos Daniel Assis , Cisalpino Patrícia Silva 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a public health concern in Latin America and South America that when not correctly treated can lead to patient death. In this study, the influence of melanin produced by
Paracoccidioides
spp. on the effects of treatment with antimicrobial photodynamic inhibition (aPI) and antifungal drugs was evaluated. aPI was performed using toluidine blue (TBO) as a photosensitizer and a 630-nm light-emitting diode (LED) light. The antifungals tested were itraconazole and amphotericin B. We evaluated the effects of each approach, aPI or antifungals, against nonmelanized and melanized yeast cells by performing susceptibility tests and by quantifying oxidative and nitrosative bursts during the experiments. aPI reduced nonmelanized cells by 3.0 log units and melanized cells by 1.3 log units. The results showed that melanization protects the fungal cell, probably by acting as a scavenger of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, but not of peroxynitrite. Melanin also increased the MICs of itraconazole and amphotericin B, and the drugs were fungicidal for nonmelanized and fungistatic for melanized yeast cells. Our study shows that melanin production by
Paracoccidioides
yeast cells serves a protective function during aPI and treatment with itraconazole and amphotericin B. The results suggest that melanin binds to the drugs, changing their antifungal activities, and also acts as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, but not of peroxynitrite, indicating that peroxynitrite is the main radical that is responsible for fungal death after aPI.
Differential Roles of Antimicrobials in the Acquisition of Drug Resistance through Activation of the SOS Response in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Jara Luis M. , Cortés Pilar , Bou Germán , Barbé Jordi , Aranda Jesús 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

The effect of antimicrobials on SOS-mediated mutagenesis induction depends on the bacterial species and the antimicrobial group. In this work, we studied the effect of different families of antimicrobial agents used in clinical therapy against
Acinetobacter baumannii
in the induction of mutagenesis in this multiresistant Gram-negative pathogen. The data showed that ciprofloxacin and tetracycline induce SOS-mediated mutagenesis, whereas colistin and meropenem, which are extensively used in clinical therapy, do not.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Lysophosphatidylcholine in Severe Infections Caused by Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Smani Younes , Domínguez-Herrera Juan , Ibáñez-Martínez José , Pachón Jerónimo 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTDue to the significant increase in antimicrobial resistance ofAcinetobacter baumannii, immune system stimulation to block infection progression may be a therapeutic adjuvant to antimicrobial treatment. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), a major component of phospholipids in eukaryotic cells, is involved in immune cell recruitment and modulation. The aim of this study was to show if LPC could be useful for treating infections caused byA. baumannii. A. baumanniiATCC 17978 was used in this study. Levels of serum LPC and levels of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and IL-10 were determined by spectrophotometric assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively, using a murine peritoneal sepsis model in which mice were inoculated with 5.3 log CFU/ml ofA. baumannii. The therapeutic efficacy of LPC againstA. baumanniiin murine peritoneal sepsis and pneumonia models was assessed for 48 h after bacterial infection. At early time points in the murine model of peritoneal sepsis caused byA. baumannii, LPC was depleted and was associated with an increase of inflammatory cytokine release. Preemptive therapy with LPC in murine peritoneal sepsis and pneumonia models markedly enhanced spleen and lung bacterial clearance and reduced the numbers of positive blood cultures and the mouse mortality rates. Moreover, treatment with LPC reduced proinflammatory cytokine production. These data demonstrate that LPC is efficacious as a preemptive treatment in experimental models of peritoneal sepsis and pneumonia caused byA. baumannii.