bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Economic risk associated with white spot disease and stochastic variability in economic, zootechnical and water quality parameters for intensive production of Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Hernández‐Llamas Alfredo , Ruiz‐Velazco Javier M.J. , Gomez‐Muñoz Victor M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA bio‐economic model was used to analyse the risks of intensive production of shrimp and to propose alternative schemes of risk management by controlling aeration, pond size, stocking density and duration of cultivation. The model was calibrated from databases of farm operations in the State of Nayarit, Mexico. Improving management allowed us to project an increase in the annual net revenue from $3900 to $26 600 ha−1 and to improve the benefit–cost ratio from 1.14 to 1.55. Managing an early start of aeration, small‐sized ponds, high stocking densities and long cultivation periods maximized economic outcomes. Operating a small farm (consisting of a single 2.5 ha pond) involves more risk than operating a large one (50 ha, consisting of 20 ponds of 2.5 ha each). Improving management also resulted in diminished risk, as indicated by increased values of return per unit risk from 0.14 to 0.21 or from 0.42 to 0.51 (depending on farm size). From sensitivity analysis, we concluded that small ponds are recommended for intensive production of Litopenaeus vannamei and that white spot disease is a major risk factor that can be partly controlled by managing dissolved oxygen levels and aeration.
Expression of Genes Associated with Apoptosis in the Porcine Corpus Luteum During the Oestrous Cycle
Authors: Zorrilla LM , D'Annibale MA , Swing SE , Gadsby JE 
Published: March 2013

ContentsThe corpus luteum (CL) of the pig lacks luteolytic sensitivity (LS) to prostaglandin (PG) F‐2α until after day 12 of the oestrous cycle, but the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are poorly understood. As luteolysis involves apoptosis, we hypothesized that critical apoptotic proteins may be deficient in CLs that lack LS. The specific aim of these studies was to examine mRNA expression and protein levels of apoptosis genes/proteins (BAX/Bax, BCLX/Bcl‐x, CASP3/Caspase‐3, CASP8/Caspase‐8, NFΚB1/NFκB, TP53/p53) in porcine CLs collected at different stages of the oestrous cycle. CLs were collected surgically, mRNA and protein extracted, and expression/levels analyzed by semi‐quantitative (SQ) PCR and Western blots, respectively. At the mRNA expression level, only BAX (maximal on day 4) and TP53 (maximal on day 7) showed significant variations during the oestrous cycle. At the protein level, only Bcl‐x and Caspase‐3 showed significant changes during the cycle; Bcl‐x decreased on day 13 and Caspase‐3 increased on day 13. It is concluded that apoptosis‐associated proteins (i.e. Bcl‐x and Caspase 3) may play a critical role in luteolytic sensitivity in the pig.
Improving the Uptake of Independent Dialysis using the Humanbecoming Theoretical Approach
Authors: Duteau Jennifer 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSoaring healthcare costs, increasing rates of chronic illness, and an aging population have left Canada struggling to meet the growing demands for quality health care. Hospitals battle to cope with altering patient demand, higher costs, provincially imposed global budgets, fast developing technology, rigid rules, new drugs, and social inequalities that lead to poor health. Canadian population health trends have played an important role in examining innovation opportunities that can dictate terms for the effective re‐design of Canada's health system. Independent (home) dialysis is associated with cost savings and improved quality of life in comparison with hospital‐based hemodialysis treatment. Despite this, independent dialysis has failed to increase at the same rate as hospital‐based treatment for chronic kidney disease. One probable reason is the lack of healthcare providers to truly understand the patient experience of living with chronic kidney disease. Qualitative data have shown that patients living with chronic kidney disease desire independence and minimal impact to their quality of life. Parse's Humanbecoming theory has been widely accepted in nursing practice as a theoretical base in which to gain an understanding of the lived experience. The values and assumptions of the Humanbecoming theory are also congruent with patient‐centered care practice and transferable to all areas of healthcare practice and disciplines.
Novel instrumentation to determine peel force in vivo and preliminary studies with adhesive skin barriers
Authors: Krueger Evan M. , Cullum Malford E. , Nichols Thom R. , Taylor Michael G. , Sexton William L. , Murahata Richard I. 
Published: March 2013

Background/purposeAdhesive barriers secure medical devices to skin. Laboratory adhesion models are not predictive of in vivo performance. The objectives of these studies were to validate a novel peel force device, and to investigate relationships between barrier formulations, barrier width, subjective discomfort during barrier removal, and substrates.MethodsThree hydrocolloid barrier formulations in three widths were adhered to ethylene/methyl acrylate film (EMA), VITRO‐SKIN® and human abdominal skin. Peel force was measured using a MTS Insight™ and a cyberDERM Inc. Mini Peel Tester (CMPT). Subjects reported their discomfort.ResultsPeel forces were highly correlated between devices and highly dependent on substrate. Data suggested a weak direct association between peel force in vivo and discomfort. The 0.5″‐wide barriers had the most precise peel forces measurements in vivo. A weak negative relationship between normalized peel force and barrier width on human skin was found. There was a strong positive relationship between peel force in vivo and on EMA, whereas no correlation was observed with VITRO‐SKIN®.ConclusionThe CMPT correlates with a standard instrument and can advantageously investigate adhesion in vivo. Barrier width and substrate impact the reliability and predictability of peel force measurements.
The influence of a humectant‐rich mixture on normalz skin barrier function and on once‐ and twice‐daily treatment of foot xerosis. A prospective, randomized, evaluator–blind, bilateral and untreated‐control study
Authors: Lodén Marie , von Scheele Johan , Michelson Sophie 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundMoisturizers are often used to overcome dry skin conditions. However, cosmetic moisturizers may lack in efficiency and may also deteriorate skin barrier function. The objective of this study was to generate data on a new humectant‐rich formulation (15% alfahydroxy acids and 15% urea) in the treatment of normal skin as well as in dry feet with hyperkeratosis and cracked skin with fissures. Changes in permeability and effectiveness of the product after once‐ and twice‐daily applications to the feet will be monitored.MethodsThe study was randomized, bilateral, controlled and evaluator‐blind. The first part of the study included 12 healthy volunteers and the second part 50 patients with hyperkeratotic feet. The changes in the skin was evaluated by an expert, the patients and using non‐invasive biophysical measurements of skin barrier function (transepidermal water loss, TEWL), erythema, thickness (ultrasound) and hydration (conductance).ResultsThe humectant‐rich formulation increased skin hydration, removed scales and reduced thickness of hyperkeratotic skin. Skin barrier function was improved in normal skin, but no changes in TEWL were noted in the feet. No difference between once and twice‐daily applications was found. Some smarting and stinging was noted.ConclusionThe humectant‐rich formulation efficiently relieved the xerosis on the feet without inducing any weakening of the skin barrier function. Instead the normal skin became more resistant to external insults by the treatment.
Adjective placement in bilingual Romance‐German and Romance‐Romance children
Authors: Rizzi Silvana , Gil Laia Arnaus , Repetto Valentina , Geveler Jasmin , Müller Natascha 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWhile German requires prenominal position of attributive adjectives, Romance languages exhibit pre‐ and postnominal orders, with a predominance of postnominal order in Italian and Spanish and prenominal position in French. In light of the low frequency of adjectives in child speech, adjective order is rarely studied in acquisition. We investigated longitudinal corpora of 15 bilingual (German‐Romance, Romance‐Romance) children. Overall, the bilingual corpora almost perfectly reflect the input frequencies of pre‐ and postnominal adjective order. In contrast to monolinguals, bilinguals produce target‐deviant orders with an overuse of the prenominal order in Romance languages, irrespective of language combination and language balance. Our results are in line with Economy of Derivation. According to Kayne's (1994) Universal Base approach, postnominal adjective order is derivationally more complex than prenominal placement. Costly derivations appear to be even more costly for bilinguals than for monolinguals. Consequently, bilingual children use the most economical derivation in target‐deviant adjective placements.
The acquisition of gender and declension class in a non‐transparent system: monolinguals and bilinguals
Authors: Rodina Yulia , Westergaard Marit 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis article presents a corpus study of the acquisition of grammatical gender in Norwegian in two monolingual and two bilingual Norwegian‐English children. Gender in Norwegian is expressed as agreement between the noun and other targets such as determiners and adjectives, while definiteness and plurality are expressed as suffixes on the noun itself, i.e. as part of the declension. Furthermore, the gender system is characterized by relatively opaque gender assignment, suggesting that there may be a delay in the acquisition process compared to languages with more transparent systems. Our results show that, while the acquisition of suffixed forms is unproblematic, the children experience considerable problems with gender agreement. Moreover, there is generally no qualitative difference between the monolingual and bilingual children. These findings are discussed in relation to a number of issues: gender vs. declension class, the role of frequency, knowledge of the concept of gender, and monolingual vs. bilingual acquisition.
Exploring the use of expanded erythroid cells for autologous transfusion for anemia of prematurity
Authors: Khodabux Chantal M. , van Hensbergen Yvette , Slot Manon C. , Bakker‐Verweij Margreet , Giordano Piero C. , Brand Anneke 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundAutologous cord blood (CB) red blood cells (RBCs) can partly substitute transfusion needs in premature infants suffering from anemia. To explore whether expanded CB cells could provide additional autologous cells suitable for transfusion, we set up a simple one‐step protocol to expand premature CB cells.Study Design and MethodsCB buffy coat cells and isolated CD34‐positive (CD34pos) cells from premature and full‐term CB and adult blood were tested with several combinations of growth factors while omitting xenogeneic proteins from the culture medium. Cell differentiation was analyzed serially during 21 days using flow cytometry, progenitor assays, and high‐performance liquid chromatography.ResultsExpanded CB buffy coat cells resulted in a threefold higher number of erythroblasts than the isolated CD34pos cells. However, the RBCs contaminating the buffy coat remained present during the culture with uncertain quality. Premature and full‐term CB CD34pos cells had similar fold expansion capacity and erythroid differentiation. With the use of interleukin‐3, stem cell factor, and erythropoietin, the fold increases of all CD34poscell sources were similar: CB 3942 ± 1554, adult peripheral mobilized blood 4702 ± 1826, and bone marrow (BM) 4143 ± 1908. The proportion of CD235a expression indicating erythroblast presence on Day 21 was slightly higher in the adult CD34pos cell sources: peripheral blood stem cells (96.7 ± 0.8%) and BM (98.9 ± 0.5%) compared to CB (87.7 ± 2.7%; p = 0.002). We were not able to induce further erythroid maturation in vitro.ConclusionThis explorative study showed that fairly pure autologous erythroid‐expanded cell populations could be obtained by a simple culture method, which should be optimized. Future challenges comprise obtaining ex vivo enucleation of RBCs with the use of a minimal manipulating approach, which can add up to autologous RBCs derived from CB in the treatment of anemia of prematurity.
Quality of red blood cells washed using the ACP 215 cell processor: assessment of optimal pre‐ and postwash storage times and conditions
Authors: Hansen Adele , Yi Qi‐Long , Acker Jason P. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundWashing of red blood cell concentrates (RCCs) is required for potassium‐sensitive transfusion recipients, including neonates in need of large‐volume transfusions. When open, nonsterile washing systems are used, postwash outdate time is limited to 24 hours, often leading to problems providing the component to the patient before expiry.Study Design and MethodsA closed, automated cell processor, the ACP 215 from Haemonetics Corporation, was used to wash RCCs and determine optimal pre‐ and postwash storage times. Two postwash storage solutions, additive solution (AS)‐3 and saline‐adenine‐glucose‐mannitol (SAGM), were compared. The in vitro quality of leukoreduced RCCs, prepared from citrate‐phosphate‐dextrose–anticoagulated whole blood, was determined postwash and compared to existing guidelines for RCC quality (hemoglobin content, hematocrit, and hemolysis) and predetermined criteria for ATP and supernatant potassium levels. A criterion for visual hemolysis was also applied.ResultsThe prewash storage time, postwash storage time, and the postwash resuspension solution all contributed to RCC quality postwash. Levels of hemolysis were greater when washed RCCs were resuspended in SAGM (p = 0.01), while AS‐3 proved worse at maintaining ATP levels postwash (p < 0.01). Immediately postwash, all units had supernatant K+ levels below the detection limit of the instrument (<1 mmol/L), but these increased to above acceptable levels within 14 days.ConclusionBased on all acceptance criteria, a maximum 14‐day prewash storage period and 7‐day postwash storage period in SAGM preservative was found to be optimal. The longer outdate time postwashing should help lessen challenges in providing components to patients before expiry.
Effects of platelet concentrate storage time reduction in patients after blood stem cell transplantation
Authors: Heuft H.‐G. , Goudeva L. , Krauter J. , Peest D. , Buchholz S. , Tiede A. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effect of platelet concentrate (PC) transfusions after PC storage time reduction to 4 days.Patients and MethodsThis was a single‐centre cohort study comparing two 3‐month periods of time, before and after the reduction of PC storage time from 5 to 4 days. Seventy‐seven consecutive patients with PC transfusions were enrolled after blood stem cell transplantation. Corrected platelet count increment (CCI) on the morning after transfusion, time to next platelet transfusion, need for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and clinical bleeding symptoms were compared.ResultsPlatelet concentrate storage time was reduced between period 1 (storage for up to 5 days, median storage time 78 h, range 11–136 h) and period 2 (storage for up to 4 days, median storage time 53 h, range 11–112 h). Patients were comparable for age, weight, body surface area, underlying disorder, type of transplantation and transfused platelet dose. The CCI increased from a median of 4 (range 0–20) to 8 (0–68) × 109/l per 1011 platelets/m2 (P < 0·0001). Time to next PC transfusion increased from 1·1 to 2·0 days (P < 0·0001). Any bleeding symptom was noted in 20 of 36 patients (56%) vs. 9/41 patients (22%, P < 0·01). Nose bleeds, haematuria and bleeding at more than one site were significantly reduced. Frequency of RBC transfusion within 5 days after PC transfusion was reduced from 74 to 58% (P < 0·0001).ConclusionPlatelet concentrate storage time shortening was associated with highly significant CCI increase, reduced RC needs and lower patient numbers with bleeding events.
Neurons of the A5 region are required for the tachycardia evoked by electrical stimulation of the hypothalamic defence area in anaesthetized rats
Authors: López‐González M. V. , Díaz‐Casares A. , Peinado‐Aragonés C. A. , Lara J. P. , Barbancho M. A. , Dawid‐Milner M. S. 
Published: March 2013

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?As the parabrachial complex plays a role in the cardiorespiratory response evoked from the hypothalamic defence area (pressor response and tachycardia) and the A5 region is involved in the responses evoked from the parabrachial complex, a possible interaction between the hypothalamic defence area and A5 is suggested. Accordingly, the present study was carried out to assess this hypothesis in rats.
What is the main finding and its importance?The neuromorphological, neuropharmacological and electrophysiological results of our study demonstrate, for the first time, that the A5 region is an important component of those brainstem pathways known to be involved in mediating the autonomic changes associated with the electrically evoked defence response.
In order to assess the possible interactions between the pontine A5 region and the hypothalamic defence area (HDA), we have examined the pattern of double staining for c‐Fos protein immunoreactivity (c‐Fos‐ir) and tyrosine hydroxylase, throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the A5 region in spontaneously breathing anaesthetized male Sprague–Dawley rats during electrical stimulation of the HDA. Activation of the HDA elicited a selective increase in c‐Fos‐ir with an ipsilateral predominance in catecholaminergic and non‐catecholaminergic A5 somata (P < 0.001 in both cases). A second group of experiments was done to examine the importance of the A5 region in modulating the cardiorespiratory response evoked from the HDA. Cardiorespiratory changes were analysed in response to electrical stimulation of the HDA before and after ipsilateral microinjection of muscimol within the A5 region. Stimulation of the HDA evoked an inspiratory facilitatory response, consisting of an increase in respiratory rate (P < 0.001) due to a decrease in expiratory time (P < 0.01). The respiratory response was accompanied by a pressor response (P < 0.001) and tachycardia (P < 0.001). After muscimol microinjection within the A5 region, pressor and heart rate responses to HDA stimulation were reduced (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). The respiratory response persisted unchanged. Finally, to confirm functional interactions between the HDA and the A5 region, extracellular recordings of putative A5 neurones were obtained during HDA stimulation. Seventy‐five A5 cells were recorded, 35 of which were affected by the HDA (47%). These results indicate that neurones of the A5 region participate in the cardiovascular response evoked from the HDA. The possible mechanisms involved in these interactions are discussed.
Development of a DNA Microarray for Molecular Identification of All 46 Salmonella O Serogroups
Authors: Guo Dan , Liu Bin , Liu Fenxia , Cao Boyang , Chen Min , Hao Xiyan , Feng Lu , Wang Lei 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Salmonella
is a major cause of food-borne disease in many countries. Serotype determination of
Salmonella
is important for disease assessment, infection control, and epidemiological surveillance. In this study, a microarray system that targets the O antigen-specific genes was developed for simultaneously detecting and identifying all 46
Salmonella
O serogroups. Of these, 40 serogroups can be confidently identified, and the remaining 6, in three pairs (serogroups O67 and B, E1 and E4, and A and D1), need to be further distinguished from each other using PCR methods or conventional serotyping methods. The microarray was shown to be highly specific when evaluated against 293
Salmonella
strains, 186
Shigella
strains, representative
Escherichia coli
strains, and 10 strains of other bacterial species. The assay correctly identified 288 (98%) of the
Salmonella
strains. The detection sensitivity was determined to be 50 ng genomic DNA per sample. By testing simulated samples in a tomato background, 2 to 8 CFU per gram inoculated could be detected after enrichment. This newly developed microarray assay is the first molecular protocol that can be used for the comprehensive detection and identification of all 46
Salmonella
O serogroups. Compared to the traditional serogrouping method, the microarray provides a reliable, high-throughput, and sensitive approach that can be used for rapid identification of multiple
Salmonella
O serogroups simultaneously.
Fluoro-Phenyl-Styrene-Sulfonamide, a Novel Inhibitor of σBActivity, Prevents the Activation of σBby Environmental and Energy Stresses in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Ringus Daina L. , Gaballa Ahmed , Helmann John D. , Wiedmann Martin , Boor Kathryn J. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTSigma B (σB) is an alternative sigma factor that regulates the general stress response inBacillus subtilisand in many other Gram-positive organisms. σBactivity inB. subtilisis tightly regulated via at least three distinct pathways within a complex signal transduction cascade in response to a variety of stresses, including environmental stress, energy stress, and growth at high or low temperatures. We probed the ability of fluoro-phenyl-styrene-sulfonamide (FPSS), a small-molecule inhibitor of σBactivity inListeria monocytogenes, to inhibit σBactivity inB. subtilisthrough perturbation of signal transduction cascades under various stress conditions. FPSS inhibited the activation of σBin response to multiple categories of stress known to induce σBactivity inB. subtilis. Specifically, FPSS prevented the induction of σBactivity in response to energy stress, including entry into stationary phase, phosphate limitation, and azide stress. FPSS also inhibited chill induction of σBactivity in a ΔrsbVstrain, suggesting that FPSS does not exclusively target the RsbU and RsbP phosphatases or the anti–anti-sigma factor RsbV, all of which contribute to posttranslational regulation of σBactivity. Genetic and biochemical experiments, including artificial induction of σB, analysis of the phosphorylation state of the anti–anti-sigma factor RsbV, andin vitrotranscription assays, indicate that while FPSS does not bind directly to σBto inhibit activity, it appears to prevent the release ofB. subtilisσBfrom its anti-sigma factor RsbW.