bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constitutive expression of ciliary neurotrophic factor in mouse hypothalamus
Authors: Severi Ilenia , Carradori Maria Rita , Lorenzi Teresa , Amici Adolfo , Cinti Saverio , Giordano Antonio 
Published: March 2012

AbstractCiliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is a potent survival molecule for a large number of neuronal and glial cells in culture; its expression in glial cells is strongly upregulated after a variety of nerve tissue injuries. Exogenously administered CNTF produces an anorectic effect via activation of hypothalamic neurons and stimulates neurogenesis in mouse hypothalamus. To determine whether CNTF is produced endogenously in the hypothalamus, we sought cellular sources and examined their distribution in adult mouse hypothalamus by immunohistochemistry. CNTF immunoreactivity (IR) was predominantly detected in the ependymal layer throughout the rostrocaudal extension of the third ventricle, where numerous ependymocytes and tanycytes exhibited specific staining. Some astrocytes in the grey matter of the anterior hypothalamus and in the median eminence of the hypothalamic tuberal region were also positive. Stimulation of cells bearing CNTF receptor α (CNTFRα) induces specific activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signalling system. Treatment with recombinant CNTF and detection of the nuclear expression of phospho‐STAT3 (P‐STAT3) showed that CNTF‐producing ependymal cells and tanycytes were intermingled with, or very close to, P‐STAT3‐positive, CNTFRα‐bearing cells. A fraction of CNTF‐producing ependymal cells and tanycytes and some median eminence astrocytes also exhibited P‐STAT3 IR. Thus, in normal adult mice the ependyma of the third ventricle is both a source of and a target for CNTF, which may play hitherto unknown roles in hypothalamic function in physiological conditions.
Assessing educational outcomes in middle childhood: validation of the Teacher Academic Attainment Scale
Authors: JOHNSON SAMANTHA , MARLOW NEIL , WOLKE DIETER 
Published: March 2012

Aim  Assessing educational outcomes in high‐risk populations is crucial for defining long‐term outcomes. As standardized tests are costly and time‐consuming, we assessed the use of the Teacher Academic Attainment Scale (TAAS) as an outcome measure.Method  Three hundred and forty three children in mainstream schools aged 10 to 11 years (144 males, 199 females; 190 extremely preterm and 153 term; mean age 10y 9mo, SD 5.5mo, range 9y 8mo–12y 3mo) were assessed using the reading and mathematics scales of the criterion standard Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, 2nd (UK) edition (WIAT‐II). Class teachers completed the TAAS, a seven‐item questionnaire for assessing academic attainment. The TAAS was also completed at 6 years of age for 266 children.Results  Cronbach’s alpha 0.95 indicated excellent internal consistency, and the correlation between TAAS scores at 6 and 11 years indicated good test–retest reliability (r=0.77, p<0.001). Significantly higher TAAS scores for term vs preterm children demonstrated discriminative validity. TAAS scores at 6 and 11 years were significantly correlated with WIAT‐II reading (r=0.69 and 0.75, p<0.001) and mathematics (r=0.75 and 0.82, p<0.001) scores, demonstrating good predictive and concurrent validity respectively. TAAS scores of <2.5 were good predictors of learning difficulties.Interpretation  The TAAS is a brief, psychometrically sound teacher‐report of academic attainment that yields continuous and categorical outcomes. It provides a cost‐ and time‐efficient outcome measure for large‐scale studies.
Antidepressant‐like activity of gallic acid in mice subjected to unpredictable chronic mild stress
Authors: Chhillar Ritu , Dhingra Dinesh 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis study was designed to evaluate antidepressant‐like activity of gallic acid in Swiss young male albino mice subjected to unpredictable chronic mild stress and to explore the possible underlying mechanisms for this activity. Gallic acid (5, 10, 20 mg/kg, i.p.) and fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) per se were administered daily to unstressed mice and other groups of mice subjected to unpredictable mild stress, 30 min after the injection for 21 successive days. The antidepressant‐like activity was evaluated using forced swim test (FST) and sucrose preference test. Stress significantly increased immobility period of mice in FST. Gallic acid (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) and fluoxetine significantly decreased immobility period of unstressed and stressed mice in FST and prevented the stress‐induced decrease in sucrose preference, indicating significant antidepressant‐like activity. There was no significant effect on locomotor activity of the mice by the drugs. Gallic acid (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly decreased Monoamine oxidase‐A (MAO‐A) activity, malondialdehyde levels, and catalase activity in unstressed mice; and significantly prevented the stress‐induced decrease in reduced glutathione and catalase activity; and also significantly prevented stress‐induced increase in MAO‐A activity, malondialdehyde levels, plasma nitrite, and corticosterone levels. Thus, gallic acid showed antidepressant‐like activity in unstressed and stressed mice probably due to its antioxidant activity and through inhibition of MAO‐A activity and decrease in plasma nitrite levels. In addition, gallic acid also showed antidepressant‐like activity in stressed mice probably through decrease in plasma corticosterone levels.
A new species of Trichogramma (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) parasitic on eggs of the alderfly Sialis melania (Neuroptera: Sialidae) from Japan, with comments on its phylogeny and male wing polymorphism
Authors: YASHIRO Naoya , HIROSE Yoshimi , HONDA Jeffrey Y. , TAKEUCHI Yoshinori , YASHIRO Toshihisa 
Published: March 2012

AbstractA new species of Trichogramma that parasitizes Sialis melania eggs is described as Trichogramma tajimaense Yashiro, Hirose and Honda, sp. nov. from Japan. Its phylogenetic position is based on a DNA‐based analysis, and data regarding its male wing polymorphism are also presented. The view that T. tajimaense is closely related to T. semblidis, another parasitoid of Sialis eggs, is supported by the results of a phylogenetic analysis, as well as by the biological and morphological similarities between both species. Trichogramma tajimaense is also similar in male wing polymorphism to T. kurosuae, a gregarious egg parasitoid of the lepidopteran Ivela auripes, as both Trichogramma species exhibit male wing trimorphism (fully alate, brachypterous and apterous forms) in contrast to the male wing dimorphism (fully alate and apterous forms) of T. semblidis. However, no phylogenetic analysis reveals a close relationship between T. tajimaense and T. kurosuae, and a difference exists between these two species in the mean percentage of flightless (brachypterous and apterous) males that emerge from a host egg mass; 96% of T. tajimaense males are incapable of flight, whereas about 50% of T. kurosuae males are flightless. Because all or almost all males of T. semblidis parasitizing Sialis eggs are apterous, T. tajimaense is more similar to T. semblidis than to T. kurosuae in the proportion of flightless males. In addition, male wing polymorphisms of Trichogramma in relation to mating systems could also show a similarity between T. tajimaense and T. semblidis when considering both species as quasi‐gregarious parasitoids of Sialis eggs.
Control of large institutional scabies outbreaks
Authors: Stoevesandt Johanna , Carlé Lydia , Leverkus Martin , Hamm Henning 
Published: March 2012

SummaryBackground: Scabies outbreaks in community facilities may reach large dimensions and take a protracted course. Highly contagious crusted scabies is a major cause of nosocomial outbreaks.Patients and methods: On the occasion of an extensive scabies outbreak in a north Bavarian sheltered workshop and its associated residential homes with over 500 exposed individuals, a multifaceted control strategy was developed and pursued. Knowledge from a comprehensive review of the literature was utilized.Results: Our successful scabies elimination concept includes: 1) Careful organization (formation of an outbreak management team, registration and information of all exposed individuals, prospective time management, financial calculation); 2) simultaneous clinical examination of all individuals at risk; 3) synchronous topical treatment of all exposed individuals with permethrin 5 % cream on day 0, repeated treatment of proven and doubtful cases on days 1 and 14; systemic treatment of selected cases with oral ivermectin; 4) decontamination and quarantine measures; 5) follow‐up investigations and repeated treatment if indicated.Conclusions: Management of large institutional scabies outbreaks requires a high degree of motivation, communication skills and perseverance.
Older adolescents' perceptions and intentions regarding Do‐It‐Yourself Genetic Assessment services
Authors: Mackert Michael , Rew Lynn , Bonevac Daniel , Champlin Sara 
Published: March 2012

AbstractPurpose.  The purpose of this research was to investigate older adolescents' perceptions of Do‐It‐Yourself Genetic Assessment (DIYGA) services online and factors that influence their intentions to utilize DIYGA services.Design and Methods.  A convenience sample of 111 undergraduate students completed an online survey based on the Theory of Planned Behavior.Results.  Most respondents (80.4%) had not heard of DIYGA services. Predictors of intentions to use DIYGA services included attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived risk of developing a genetic disorder.Practice Implications.  Nurses are in a unique position to provide much‐needed education and guidance to adolescents about genetic testing, particularly given mass media sources were the primary sources of information among these adolescents.
A KINETIC APPROACH TO SAPONIN EXTRACTION DURING WASHING OF QUINOA (CHENOPODIUM QUINOA WILLD.) SEEDS
Authors: QUISPE‐FUENTES ISSIS , VEGA‐GÁLVEZ ANTONIO , MIRANDA MARGARITA , LEMUS‐MONDACA ROBERTO , LOZANO MARIBEL , AH‐HEN KONG 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThe aim of this work was to show that the leaching process of saponins from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) seeds during washing with water, as is generally practiced by people in South America, can be modeled using mathematical expressions related to Fick's second law. Experimental data were obtained through batch extraction with a ratio of quinoa to water of 1:10 under constant agitation for processing time between 15 and 120 min at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60C. It was found that residual saponin concentration in the quinoa seeds decreased as washing temperature increased. Leaching rate followed the Arrhenius relationship, with calculated effective saponin diffusion coefficient between (5.05 ± 0.15) × 10−10 and (32.50 ± 1.65) × 10−10 m2/s as the temperature increased from 20 to 60C. Several mathematical models to describe the kinetic behavior of the leaching process were analyzed. The modified Henderson–Pabis model had the best fit quality as shown by statistical analysis.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSDuring processing of quinoa for human consumption, a washing process is necessary to remove most of the bitter saponins found in the seeds, as this type of saponin is considered to be a serious antinutritional factor. For industrial scale‐up of this processing step, leaching behavior of the saponin is of crucial importance to find the best design parameters and the most cost‐effective process conditions. This helps reduce energy waste and optimize water flow rate in a continuous washing process. The present study used well‐known models to explain saponins' leaching kinetics from the quinoa seeds with water at different temperatures. The best mathematical model with its justification was also determined, which is generally the most economical way to proceed.
BACKWASHING OF TUBULAR CERAMIC MICROFILTERS FOULED WITH MILK PROTEIN ISOLATE FEEDS
Authors: HEAD LAURA E. , BIRD MICHAEL R. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThe effect of BW upon the operational performance of a tubular ceramic membrane was investigated for the MF of a high solids content (15 wt %) MPI feed inoculated with Bacillus mycoides spores. Three tubular ceramic Membralox™ (Pall Filtration, Bazet, France) MF membranes of pore sizes 0.8, 2.0 and 12.0 µm pore diameters were tested. A 10‐s backflush every 5 min was found to be the most effective protocol during filtration experiments. Membrane cleaning using a combination of a long rinsing backflush at 1 bar, and acid and alkali steps without BW were found to be most effective after MPI filtration. Application of this protocol resulted in a flux recovery of 99.6%.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSPasteurization is an energy intensive process that can also affect the organoleptic properties of milk and dairy products. MF offers the possibility of replacing a thermal process with a physical (size exclusion) based one and is particularly attractive when the bacterial removal challenge involves thermophiles that resist heat treatment. While the application of MF for filtering low viscosity diary feeds is relatively well established, the filtration of high solids content, high viscosity feeds has not become well established because of low fluxes and poor transmission of solids. This article extends previous work in our laboratory that demonstrated the viability of this technology for bacterial removal from high solids content diary feeds. Here, the effect of membrane BW during both filtration and cleaning cycles is quantified, and a BW protocol is optimized. This is essential information for the practical operation of a membrane unit for this filtration application.
Effect of NT‐pro‐BNP Assay on Accuracy and Confidence of General Practitioners in Diagnosing Heart Failure or Respiratory Disease in Cats with Respiratory Signs
Authors: Singletary G.E. , Rush J.E. , Fox P.R. , Stepien R.L. , Oyama M.A. 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundN‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) can distinguish congestive heart failure (CHF) from primary respiratory disease in cats with respiratory signs with approximately 90% diagnostic accuracy, but the additive benefit of NT‐proBNP to improve the diagnosis obtained from conventional testing in individual cases remains unknown.HypothesisNT‐proBNP will improve the diagnostic accuracy and confidence of general practice veterinarians in assessing cats with respiratory signs.AnimalsTen cats with respiratory signs.MethodsHistory, physical examination, thoracic radiographs, electrocardiogram (ECG), and biochemical analysis of 10 cats presented to the University of Pennsylvania or Tufts University with a history of respiratory signs were evaluated by 50 general practice veterinarians using an online survey tool. Participants were asked to provide (1) diagnosis of CHF or primary respiratory disease, and (2) level of confidence in their diagnosis (1, lowest to 10, highest) before and after disclosure of NT‐proBNP results. Diagnoses (CHF, n = 5; primary respiratory, n = 5) were compared to the gold standard defined as consensus opinion of 3 board‐certified cardiologists blinded to the NT‐proBNP results.ResultsOverall correctness of the practitioners was 69.2%, and significantly increased after practitioners were provided NT‐proBNP results (87.0%, P = .0039). Median practitioner confidence before NT‐proBNP disclosure was 6 (IQR, 5–8) and significantly increased after disclosure (8; IQR, 6–10; P = .0039).ConclusionsThese data indicate a relatively low accuracy and level of confidence in the diagnosis of feline respiratory signs. Use of NT‐proBNP assay in conjunction with conventional evaluation by general practitioners significantly improved their diagnostic accuracy and confidence.
The search for causes of nonhealing or recurrent ulcerative keratitis in horses
Authors: Gilger B. C. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryChronic or recurrent superficial ulcerative keratitis in horses is common and the causes of these lesions must always be searched for and identified by the clinician. Without appropriate elimination of the underlying cause, the ulcerative keratitis may not resolve, resulting in corneal scarring, decreased vision and possibly loss of the eye. Common causes of chronic or recurrent superficial ulcerative keratitis, such as infectious keratitis, should always be ruled out; however, other possible causes such as single or multiple distichiasis, should be considered.
Successful removal of a guidewire from the jugular vein of a mature horse
Authors: Nannarone S. , Falchero V. , Gialletti R. , Beccati F. , Pepe M. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryThis case report describes the removal of a metal guidewire that was lost accidentally in the jugular vein during the placement of an indwelling catheter. The proximal end of the guidewire was identified in the distal third of the cervical region by radiography and ultrasonography. The retained wire was removed successfully by percutaneous fluoroscopically assisted endovascular retrieval with a 4 pronged retrieval catheter.
Cardiovascular risk factors in multi‐ethnic middle school students: the HEALTHY primary prevention trial
Authors: Willi S. M. , Hirst K. , Jago R. , Buse J. , Kaufman F. , El ghormli L. , Bassin S. , Elliot D. , Hale D. E. ,   HEALTHY Study Group
Published: March 2012

SummaryObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the effects of an integrated, multi‐component, school‐based intervention programme on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among a multi‐ethnic cohort of middle school students.MethodsHEALTHY was a cluster randomized, controlled, primary prevention trial. Middle school was the unit of randomization and intervention. Half of the schools were assigned to an intervention programme consisting of changes in the total school food environment and physical education classes, enhanced by educational outreach and behaviour change activities and promoted by a social marketing campaign consisting of reinforcing messages and images. Outcome data reported (anthropometrics, blood pressure and fasting lipid levels) were collected on a cohort of students enrolled at the start of 6th grade (∼11–12 years old) and followed to end of 8th grade (∼13–14 years old).ResultsForty‐two middle schools were enrolled at seven field centres; 4363 students provided both informed consent and CVD data at baseline and end of study. The sample was 52.7% female, 54.5% Hispanic, 17.6% non‐Hispanic Black, 19.4% non‐Hispanic White and 8.5% other racial/ethnic combinations, and 49.6% were categorized as overweight or obese (body mass index ≥ 85th percentile) at baseline. A significant intervention effect was detected in the prevalence of hypertension in non‐Hispanic Black and White males. The intervention produced no significant changes in lipid levels.ConclusionsThe prevalence of some CVD risk factors is high in minority middle school youth, particularly males. A multi‐component, school‐based programme achieved only modest reductions in these risk factors; however, promising findings occurred in non‐Hispanic Black and White males with hypertension.
Overweight and obese teenagers: why is adolescence a critical period?
Authors: Alberga A. S. , Sigal R. J. , Goldfield G. , Prud' homme D. , Kenny G. P. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryThis paper discusses the critical period of adolescence and its potential role in the development and persistence of obesity. The adolescent years are characteristic of changes in body composition (location and quantity of body fat), physical fitness and decreased insulin sensitivity during puberty. This period of growth and maturation is also marked with behavioural changes in diet, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and psychological health. Physical activity and sport participation decline during adolescence especially in teenage girls, while sedentary behaviour, risk for depression and body esteem issues increase during the teenage years. These physiological and behavioural changes during adolescence warrant the attention of health practitioners to prevent the onset and continuation of obesity throughout the lifespan.
Immune Responses and Safety after Dart or Booster Vaccination of Bison with Brucella abortus Strain RB51
Authors: Olsen S. C. , Johnson C. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTOne alternative for management of brucellosis in Yellowstone National Park bison (Bison bison) is vaccination of calves and yearlings. AlthoughBrucella abortusstrain RB51 vaccination protects bison against experimental challenge, the effect of booster vaccinations was unknown. This study characterized immunologic responses after dart or booster vaccination of bison withBrucella abortusstrain RB51. In two studies, 8- to 10-month-old female bison were inoculated with saline (n= 14), hand vaccinated with 1.1 × 1010to 2.0 × 1010CFU of RB51 (n= 21), or dart vaccinated with 1.8 × 1010CFU of RB51 (n= 7). A subgroup of hand vaccinates in study 1 was randomly selected for booster vaccination 15 months later with 2.2 × 1010CFU of RB51. Compared to single vaccinates, booster-vaccinated bison had greater serologic responses to RB51. However, there was a trend for antigen-specific proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from booster vaccinates to be reduced compared to responses of PBMC from single vaccinates. PBMC from booster vaccinates tended to have greater gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production than those from single vaccinates. In general, dart vaccination with RB51 induced immunologic responses similar to those of hand vaccination. All vaccinates (single hand, dart, or booster) demonstrated greater (P< 0.05) immunologic responses at various times after vaccination than nonvaccinated bison. Booster vaccination with RB51 in early gestation did not induce abortion or fetal infection. Our data suggest that booster vaccination does not induce strong anamnestic responses. However, phenotypic data on resistance to experimental challenge are required to fully assess the effect of booster vaccination on protective immunity.
Heparin-Binding Hemagglutinin Induces IFN-γ+IL-2+IL-17+Multifunctional CD4+T Cells during Latent but Not Active Tuberculosis Disease
Authors: Loxton André G. , Black Gillian F. , Stanley Kim , Walzl Gerhard 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThe mycobacterial heparin-binding hemagglutinin (HBHA) protein induces a potent gamma interferon (IFN-γ) response in latent tuberculosis (TB) infection and is a candidate vaccine and diagnostic antigen. We have assessed HBHA-specific intracellular IFN-γ, interleukin-2 (IL-2), and IL-17 production by CD4+T cells in TB cases and household contacts (HHCs) as well as the level of secreted IFN-γ in whole-blood culture supernatant. HHCs were further classified as tuberculin skin test (TST) positive or negative, and the group was also divided as HIV positive or negative. Our study revealed that HBHA induces multifunctional IFN-γ-, IL-2-, and IL-17-coexpressing CD4+T cells in HHCs but not in active TB cases; however, IFN-γ levels in culture supernatant did not differ between participant groups. Further studies are needed to completely understand how HBHA induces immune responses in different disease groups.
Immunogenicity of HIV Virus-Like Particles in Rhesus Macaques by Intranasal Administration
Authors: Buonaguro Luigi , Tagliamonte Maria , Visciano Maria Luisa , Andersen Hanne , Lewis Mark , Pal Ranajit , Tornesello Maria Lina , Schroeder Ulf , Hinkula Jorma , Wahren Britta , Buonaguro Franco M. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT
Female rhesus macaques were immunized with HIV virus-like particles (HIV-VLPs) or HIV DNA administered as sequential combinations of mucosal (intranasal) and systemic (intramuscular) routes, according to homologous or heterologous prime-boost schedules. The results show that in rhesus macaques only the sequential intranasal and intramuscular administration of HIV-VLPs, and not the intranasal alone, is able to elicit humoral immune response at the systemic as well as the vaginal level.