bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Diagnosis and Operative Management in Non Tuberculous Spondylodiscitis: Outcome in a Case Series of 34 Patients
Authors: Sudarshan Pramod , Panda Aditya , Paramasivam Aghilavendan , Varma Vamsi Krishna , Hegde Sajan
Published: April 2016

Introduction

With the high prevalence of tuberculous spondylodiscitis in India and the tendency to label all spondylodiscitis astuberculous, it is prudent to have a high index of suspicion for non tuberculous infections and treat them accordingly. With the concern on the usage of metal implants in the infected spine, we study the safety and efficacy of debridement and stabilization with metal implants in infective spondylodiscitis.

Material and Methods

Patient records and radiographs of 34 patients of non tuberculous spondylodiscitis who were operated between 2003 and 2013, were reviewed. All the patients were managed with debridement of the infected segment, reconstruction and stabilization of the spine using titanium pedicle screws with interbody spacers. Clinico-radiological follow up was done at 1, 3, 6 and then yearly thereafter.

Results

34 patients (M:23, F:11) with an average age of 48 years (20–68yrs)operated between 2003 and 2013. Low back pain with left radiculopathy for an average duration of 4 months (1–12months) was the most common presentation. Neurological involvement was seen in 12 patients (Foot drop- 8, Paraparesis-2 and Sensory deficits - 2). The pathology was monosegmental in 27 patients (L5-S1:10, L4–5:13, L3–4:2, L2–3:2). The infection was hematogenous in 18, post surgery (discectomy/laminectomy) in 15 and post UTI in 1 patient. The surgical isolates were mainly Staphylococcus aureus-17, E.coli and Gram negative bacilli-7, MRSA-5, Pseudomonas-1 and Fungal-4. 28 patients underwent posterior procedure, 1 anterior alone and 5 underwent combined anterior and posterior procedures. All the patients had appropriate antimicrobial therapy and mobilized as early as tolerated. All patients had excellent to good functional results and no evidence of infection at average follow-up of 72 months (27–130 months). ODI and Kirkaldy-Willis criteria showed significant improvement of function postoperatively. All the blood parameters were normalized in 3 months. 1 patient had dural tear which was repaired peroperatively without sequelae, 2 cases required wound exploration and lavage. No other major complications were encountered. All cases showed radiological fusion and no evidence of metal related complications at the latest followup.

Conclusion

Thorough debridement of necrotic material creates a good vascularised environment and restoring stability compromised by either infection or prior surgery helps in healing process and reduces morbidity of patients, with early return to normal activity. The use of metal implants is safe and efficacious even in the presence of infection.
Posterior Transpedicular Decompression and Pedicle Screw Fixation for Early Stage Thoracic, Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Tuberculosis
Authors: Dsouza Areena , Das Kalidutta
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Anterior decompression and fixation has been long considered as the gold standard for treatment of tuberculosis of spine. Recently the posterior approach surgery has gained popularity, based on the principle of adequate debridement and stable xation with much lower complication rates. This retrospective study aims at evaluating the role of a posterior transpedicular decompression and pedicle screw fixation for early stage thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbar tuberculosis.

Material and Methods

Retrospective study of 55 patients treated with posterior transpedicular decompression and pedicle screw fixation for tuberculosis of spine between Jan 2009 to May 2014 and had a minimum of 18 months follow up were included in the study. Their functional outcome (VAS score), neurological outcome (ASIA grading) and radiological outcome (xray and MRI) were assessed. Patients with kyphotic angle > 30 degrees, more than 3 contiguous discal involvement and multifocal lesions were excluded from the study.

Results

Thoracic spine was involved in 29, thoracolumbar in 16 and lumbar in 10 patients. Mean follow up was of 30.6 months. Mean age of patients was 47.2 years. Most common indication for surgery was instability pain. VAS score improved from an average of 9.2 to 2.4 in post operative period and 3.2 at follow up. Neurological improvement was seen in all patients with neurological deficits preoperatively. Mean kyphosis angle was 20.6 ± 4.8 degrees and was corrected postoperatively to 7.4 ± 3.2 degrees (>50%). At the latest follow-up there was mean loss of correction of 3.4 degrees resulting in 6.5 degrees of final correction. Bony fusion was achieved in 78% patients with no patient having any clinical signs of psuedoarthrosis.

Conclusion

Posterior transpedicular decompression and pedicle screw fixation accompanied by chemotherapy, has shown an improvement in the functional outcome and the neurological status in most of the patients with good maintenance of spinal alignment without the need of an anterior decompression and fusion. Hence this can be considered as a relatively simple surgical option for early stage tuberculosis of spine.
Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Fixation of Thoraco-Lumbar Fractures in a Major Trauma Centre and Single Institute Experience
Authors: El-Maghraby Hussien , Bletechi Radu , Nagaraja Sanjoy
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Unstable spine fractures commonly occur in the setting of a poly-traumatized patients. The aim of management is to balance the need for early stabilization with quick patient's mobilization and reduction of additional trauma due to the major open surgery.

Material and Methods

To assess the operative data, clinical and radiological outcomes of patients undergoing minimally invasive management of Thoraco-lumbar fracture.

Design

Retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

Methods

101 patients underwent minimally invasive percutaneous fixation of Thoraco-lumbar fractures percutaneous fixation with or without vertebroplasty. All patients were post-operatively either neurologically intact or improved. There were 60 males and 41 females with an average age of 44 years.

Results

The mean follow-up was 18 months (3–44 months). The mean operative time was 100 minutes (range 35–240 minutes) and the mean blood loss was < 100mL. VAS was significantly improved from 8.7 to 1 at last follow-up. No patient worsened his or her neurological condition postoperatively.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive percutaneous fixation of Thoraco-lumbar fractures in poly-traumatized patients appears to be a safe and effective technique to manage Thoraco-lumbar fractures without neurological impairment and allowing early rehabilitation.
Application of the Ultrasonic Bone Shaver in Spine Surgery: Experience in 307 Patients
Authors: Hazer Derya Burcu , Yasar Baris , Akbas Aytac , Rosberg Hans-Eric
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Spinal surgery requires microscopic bone removal, in which high speed drills are used. However, the spinning and increased heat production when drilling with diamond burrs under the microscope may cause damage to the soft tissues such as the dura, nerve roots, the cord and vessels. Ultrasonic bone removers have been introduced to spine surgery recently. We review the clinical application of different types of ultrasonic bone removers in spine surgery and discuss technical points, the safety and efficacy of ultrasonic bone shaver in various spinal surgeries.

Material and Methods

Between June 2010 and January 2014, 307 patients with various spinal diseases were operated with the use of Misonix ultrasonic bone curette with microhook shaver (MUBS). Patients' demographics, disease type, surgery performed and complications and follow up were recorded.

Results

Among the 307 patients, 33 (10,7%) cases had cervical disorder, 17 (%5,5) thoracic disorder, 3(0,9%) foramen magnum disorder and 254 (82,7%) cases had lumbar disorders. Hemilaminectomy, limited-extended foraminotomy, revision lumbar disc surgery, corpectomy, osteophytectomy and laminoplasty were performed either assisted-or alone by MUBS. The duration of the operations was comparable with conventional spine surgeries, and the need for blood replacement was relatively low. The one year follow up with Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Oswestry Disability Index Scores (ODI) were comparable with conventional studies. We had 5 cases of dural tears (1.6%) in patients with lumbar spinal disease.

Conclusion

MUBS does not produce excessive heat and is a useful instrument for procedures performed in narrow epidural spaces near the dura mater. According to our experience; it is also a safe tool with very low complications rates after the learning curve is reached. We recommend this device as an assistant tool in various spine surgeries, and as a primary tool in foraminatomies.
Report of One Year Follow up of Patients after TLIF using a 3-Dimensional Expandable Cage for Lumbar Fusion with Lordotic Correction
Authors: Morrison Robert , Rigal Julien , Le Huec Jean Charles , Schnake Klaus J.
Published: April 2016

Introduction

The use of a new 3 dimensional (3D) expandable cage for TLIF was extensively studied in biomechanical tests, cadaver specimens and preliminary clinical series. A wide footprint is achieved through a one side portal due to the articulated implant positioned in the anterior third of the disc space. The lordotic correction is accomplished due to the expansion of the device in place assisting on the overall sagittal alignment. Previous reports presented showed initial promising clinical results. One year follow up of the first 10 patients is now reported.

Material and Methods

Ten patients were included in a 12 months prospective review after a TLIF using a 3D Titanium alloy FLXFit expandable cage. The procedure was done for a single or two level fusion with positioning of the cage under fluoroscopy and expansion for disc space height and lordotic correction. All patients were supplemented with posterior instrumentation. Primary clinical outcomes were evaluated by preoperative, 6 months, 12 months and last follow-up visual analog scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores. Complications and neurological impairment were recorded. Radiographic assessment of pre and post-operative results was performed with measurement of correction achieved in the frontal and sagittal planes with EOS imaging technology avoiding any distortion on X-Rays. All patients underwent CT scan control at 12 months.

Results

All ten patients underwent a successful one or two levels instrumented TLIF without any permanent neurological, vascular or visceral complication. The 3D cage implantation provided lordosis augmentation of 8° (± 2.1°) allowing restoration of the sagittal alignment according to pre-op planning. On early post-op CT scans, good footprint and no endplate violation were shown with no cage subsidence. Clinical outcomes showed significant improvement for both VAS and Oswestry scores ( P < 0.05), 3.7 (± 2.9) and 31% (±11) respectively. Similar outcomes were found at 12 months: no cage subsidence, VAS and Oswestry scores ( P < 0.05), 3.5 (± 2.7) and 28,4% (±12) respectively.

Conclusion

Lumbar interbody fusion using this new 3D expandable cage provided correction of the lordosis in a shorter and effective surgical procedure. A wide footprint well positioned cage, with customized height and angular correction achievement assured an optimal load transmission and biomechanical environment for fusion. Initial clinical results were followed with successful clinical outcomes in all patients.
A Case Report of Rod Migration into Cerebellum through Foramen Magnum after Lateral Mass Fixation
Authors: Sharma Ayush
Published: April 2016

Introduction

There are many methods of posterior cervical fixation for various indications and each with its own early & late known complications. Among the late complications, Screw or rod pullout, screw or plate breakage, and screw loosening are common. We are reporting here, connecting rod migration into posterior cranial fossa, a rare complication after lateral mass fixation. Case Report: A 55 year old male patient was operated with lateral mass fixation after posterior cervical decompression for ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Patient had symptomatic recovery without any complication postoperatively. One and half years later the patient started complaining of sudden onset giddiness followed by loss of consciousness a few hours later. Ct scan showed lateral mass screws construct with migration of left sided connecting rod into the right cerebellum through foramen magnum. Patient was operated for rod removal but he never regained consciousness and was lost on eighth postoperative day. Autopsy confirmed damage to right cerebellum due to rod migration.

Conclusion

Clinician should be aware that superior rod migration is a rare but potentially disastrous complication. Regular follow up with radiological evaluation should be done to look for implant loosening, migration and non-union even in asymptomatic patients. The implant should be subsequently removed after it has served its purpose.
CT Analysis of Anatomical Variation and Injury Affecting Posterior Pedicle Screw Fixation for Unstable Hangman's Fractures
Authors: Lee Guangzhou , Wang Qing
Published: April 2016

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomical variations and injuries in patients with unstable Hangman's fractures that affected the posterior pedicle screw (PS) placement of C2-C3 and retrospectively review our experience with management of these fractures.

Material and Methods

Clinical data were reviewed in 72 patients with unstable hangman's fractures, especially using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) scan to identify the presence of anatomical variations or injuries and analyzing the treatment strategies we used.

Results

Twenty-two patients(22/72,30.6%) with 39(C2 or C3) risk factors were not fit for safe C2–3 PS placement, due to factors such as small pedicle size of C2 or C3, high-riding vertebral arteries, fractured fragments encased into vertebral canal or transverse process foramen of C2, sclerotic pedicles and pedicle fractures of C3. One or more than one of these risk factors could pose more risks of arterial or neural structures damages in PS fixation for unstable Hangman's fractures. Individualized treatment plans were made to minimize the risks of surgery for the 22 patients.

Conclusion

There is a high incidence of anatomical variations and injuries in the C2- C3 region in patients with unstable Hangman's fractures that affect the PS placement. Preoperative evaluation of these conditions using 3D-CT scans is of paramount importance to avoid and decrease operative complications and to choose appropriate surgical techniques.
Assessment of Whole Spine MRI for Multilevel Noncontaguous Spinal Fractures: Incidence, Patterns, and Missed Injuries
Authors: Kanna Rishi , Gaike Chandrashekhar , Maheswaran Anupama , Shetty Ajoy Prasad , Rajasekaran S.
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Multi-level non-contiguous spinal injuries are not uncommon and their incidence varies from 1.6 to 77% depending on the type of imaging modality used. Delayed diagnosis and missed spinal injuries in non-contiguous spine fractures have been frequently described which can result in significant pain, deformity and neurological deficit. Mulitlevel injuries patterns have been studied in the past using X-rays and occasionally CT scans. With the growing use of MRI in assessment of spinal trauma scenario the impact of whole spine MRI in evaluation of multilevel injuries have not been assessed in the past. We performed this study to evaluate the impact of using whole spine sagittal MRI in the multilevel spine injuries.

Methods

Consecutive spinal injury patients treated between 2011 and 2013 were retrospectively evaluated based on clinical and radiographic records. Patient demographics, mode of injury, presence of associated injuries, clinical symptoms and the presence of neurological deficit were studied. Radiographs of the fractured region and whole spine MRI were evaluated for the presence of multi-level injuries We evaluated 484 consecutive patients undergoing whole spine sagittal MRI for multilevel injuries, missed injuries and analyzed the images for specific injury patterns.

Results

Among 484 patients, ninety five (19.62%) patients had multilevel injuries including 86 (17.76%) with noncontiguous injuries. Five common patterns of non-contiguous spinal injuries between different regions were observed. Pattern I: Cervical and thoracic- 29.1%, Pattern II: Thoracolumbar and lumbosacral - 22.1%, Pattern III: Thoracic and thoracolumbar- 12.8%, Pattern IV: Cervical and thoracolumbar - 9.1% and Pattern V: Lumbosacral and associated injuries- 9.0%. Whole spine MRI scan detected 24 (28.6%) missed secondary injuries of which 5 were unstable. Fall from height was the most common mechanism of injury I in 200 (51.6%), and road traffic accidents contributed to 145 case (37.1%). Neurological deficit was present in 251 patients (64.5%). Complete neurological deficit (ASIA A) was observed in 131 cases(53.3%) while incomplete deficit was present in 120 cases(47.8%). One twenty six patients (32.4%) had associated non-spinal injury including head injury ( n = 19), chest injury ( n = 22), abdomen injury ( n = 4), pelvic injury ( n = 6) and extremity injuries ( n = 75).

Conclusion

The incidence of multilevel non-contiguous spine injury using whole spine MRI imaging is 17.76%. Five different patterns of multi-level non-contiguous injuries were found with the most common pattern being the cervical and thoracic level injuries. The incidence of missed injuries identified using whole spine MRI was as high as 28.6% and among them the incidence of unstable injuries can be as high as 21%.
The Influence of Histological Subtype in Predicting Survival of Lung Cancer Patients with Spinal Metastases
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Tan Kimberly-Anne , Tan Jonathan , Zaw Aye Sandar
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Lung cancer is one of the most common primaries responsible for spinal metastases. Recent advancements in systemic therapies for lung cancer have significantly improved the survival of patients with certain histological subtypes. Existing prognostic scoring systems have little to no prognostic value in lung cancer spinal metastases, and this may be due to the lack of consideration of lung cancer histology in their algorithms. Since prognostication plays a key role in the decision for operative management of spinal metastases, this study aims to analyze survival of lung cancer patients with spinal metastases according to different histological subtypes, to provide some guidance in making more informed surgical management decisions, better complementing recent medical oncologic advancements.

Materials and Methods

All patients with histologically confirmed lung cancer treated for spinal metastases at our institution between May 2001 and April 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome measure was survival from the time of diagnosis. Survival data was obtained from the National Registry of Diseases Office. Patient demographic variables, lung cancer histology and various modalities of oncologic treatment were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses of were performed using Stata v.12. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.

Results

Out of a total of 180 patients, 51 were treated surgically. The overall median survival time was 4.8 months, (range: 0.1–111.1 months). When subdivided according to histology, patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) had a median survival of 5.2 (range: 0.1–111.1) months while patients with small cell lung cancer had a median survival of 2.4 (range: 0.1–11.9) months. Female gender ( p = 0.049), chinese ethnicity ( p = 0.040), NSCLC ( p < 0.001), treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR TKI) therapy ( p < 0.001), treatment with platinum doublet chemotherapy ( p < 0.001), and local radiotherapy ( p = 0.070) for spinal metastases were all significant good prognostic factors upon both univariate and multivariate analysis. Surgery for spinal metastases itself did not significantly improve survival ( p = 0.147).

Conclusions

Female gender, chinese ethnicity, NSCLC, treatment with EGFR TKI therapy, treatment with platinum doublet chemotherapy, and local radiotherapy for spinal metastases are all independent favorable prognostic factors for patients with lung cancers spinal metastases. Profiling patients according to these factors should help guide decisions for surgical management of spinal metastases given that prognostic scoring systems are currently not predictive in this patient group.
Is Salvaged Blood Ideal for Transfusion in Metastatic Oncological Surgeries?
Authors: Zaw Aye Sandar , Kumar Naresh
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Metastatic oncological surgery is associated with substantial blood loss. Allogeneic blood is the current method for blood replenishment but it has been associated with significant side effects such as: transmission of infections, immunosuppression and other transfusion reactions. Autologous salvaged blood can be a good alternative; yet, it has been contraindicated in oncological surgeries for theoretical concern of reinfusing tumor cells and thereby causing tumor dissemination. We aimed to investigate whether there is any supporting evidence that can logically address the concerns of autologous salvaged blood transfusion in metastatic oncological surgery.

Materials and Methods

We searched and reviewed the literature through the electronic database – Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar for relevant publications from the past 20 years (January 1 1993 to December 31 2014). We also supplemented the results by searching related key articles from before this period. Relevant articles were selected using search terms: “cancer surgery,” “intraoperative cell salvage,” “autologous salvaged blood” “leucocyte depletion filter,” “circulating tumour cells,” “leucocytes” and “white blood cells.”

Results

The benefits of transfusion of salvaged blood over allogeneic blood were clearly appreciated in various oncological surgeries. Salvaged blood was comparable or non-inferior to allogeneic blood in terms of safety. In view of the existing circulating tumor cells in the patients with metastatic cancer diseases, the theoretical concern of re-infusing malignant cells from the salvaged blood does not seem to be logical. The reinfusion of salvaged blood was not found to worsen outcomes - tumor dissemination or distant metastases in patients receiving it. It was also found that preserving of white blood cells in the salvaged blood seemed to add benefits in promoting rapid immune recovery in the cancer patients.

Conclusions

There is evidence supporting the use of salvaged blood in various oncological surgeries. It was advocated that transfusion of salvaged blood is economically efficient, clinically effective and attractive alternative to other transfusion methods. Better understandings and evidence on the preserving white blood cells in the filtered salvaged blood would provide further advantages of salvaged blood in having rapid immune recovery in cancer patients.
Lärmschwerhörigkeit (BK-Nr. 2301) – Eine retrospektive Analyse von 100 konsekutiven Fällen
Authors: Reiter R. , Brosch S.
Published: April 2016

Einleitung: Bei der Begutachtung einer Lärmschwerhörigkeit als Berufskrankheit nach Nr. 2301 muss überprüft werden, ob die berufliche Lärmexposition die wesentliche Ursache für die Schwerhörigkeit darstellt. Mit dieser Arbeit sollte die Gruppe der zu Begutachtenden, bei der die Voraussetzungen für eine BK-Nr. 2301 vorlagen (BKE), mit denjenigen, die diese nicht erfüllten (BKNE) hinsichtlich des Vorliegens von Charakteristika einer Lärmschwerhörigkeit verglichen werden.

Methode: In einer retrospektiven Analyse von 100 konsekutiven Lärmgutachten der Autoren wurden Audiometrie, Tinnitus, Vorliegen einer adäquaten Lärmexposition, Vor-, Nachschaden, Anwendung von Gehörschutz, und Minderung der Erwerbsfähigkeit (MdE) erfasst und die geforderten Charakteristika einer Lärmschwerhörigkeit mit einem maximalen Score von 7-Punkten versehen.

Ergebnisse: Im Gesamtkollektiv erfüllten 67% die Voraussetzungen einer Lärmschwerhörigkeit, und 9% waren entschädigungspflichtig. 82% aus der BKE-Gruppe zeigten bei der aktuellen Begutachtung reintonaudiometrisch typische Merkmale einer Lärmschwerhörigkeit und erfüllten in 75% mindestens 6 Kriterien einer BK-Nr. 2301. Lärmtypischer Tinnitus wurde von gut einem Viertel (26 Personen) angegeben.

Diskussion: Ein 7-Punkte Score kann zukünftig bei der Abgrenzung lärmabhängiger Faktoren bei der Begutachtung der Lärmschwerhörigkeit, ggf. mit Begleittinnitus, hilfreich sein.
Changes in body composition during the winter gestation period in mature beef cows grazing different herbage allowances of native grasslands
Authors: Casal A. , Astessiano A. L. , Espasandin A. C. , Trujillo A. I. , Soca P. , Carriquiry M.
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of controlling the grazing intensity of native pastures, through the herbage allowances (HA) on body composition (water, protein, and fat) of beef cows of different cow genotype (CG; purebred: Angus and Hereford; PU, and crossbred: reciprocal F1; CR). Mature beef cows (n = 32) were used in a complete randomised block design with a factorial arrangement of HA (2.5 vs 4 kg DM/day; LO vs HI) and CG (PU vs CR). The experiment was conducted during 3 years and at the end of the third year at 150, 210, and 240 ± 10 days of gestation and 190 ± 10 days postpartum body composition was estimated using the urea dilution technique. At 192 ± 10 days postpartum cows were slaughtered and all tissues and organs were weighed and samples were collected for chemical composition analyses. During the winter gestation period, body condition score was greater (P < 0.05) in HI than LO cows and in CR than PU cows. Relative body water (g/kg of empty bodyweight) was greater (P ≤ 0.02) in HI than LO cows and in CR than PU cows, whereas relative body protein did not differ between HI and LO, but tended (P = 0.10) to be greater in CR than PU cows. In contrast, relative body fat tended (P = 0.10) to be greater and gross energy content was greater (P < 0.01) in HI than LO cows, whereas they did not differ between CR and PU cows. Relative body water increased (P < 0.01) from 150 to 210 days of gestation for all cows whereas relative body fat decreased (P < 0.05) and body protein increased (P < 0.05) from 150 to 210 days of gestation in PU but not in CR cows. These results suggest that HI maintained greater body condition score and retained gross energy content when compared with LO cows, and CG affected not only body composition (greater body fat and protein in CR than PU cows) but also composition of mobilised/retained weight during the winter gestation period with a greater protein tissue mobilisation in CR than PU cows.
Pedigree-based analysis of genetic variability in the registered Normande cattle breed in Colombia
Authors: Sarmiento Derly Rodríguez , Tullo Emanuela , Rizzi Rita
Published: April 2016

Genetic variability and structure of the population were studied in 7949 registered Normande cattle in Colombia. The pedigree was deep with 18 traced generations, but there were some incomplete genealogical information for the cattle born in the more distant past. The average number of complete and equivalent complete generations was 2.42 and 5.21, respectively. The average pedigree completeness index for five generations was 0.62, which increased over time, and a significant difference between sexes was found (males: 0.82 ± 0.11; females: 0.62 ± 0.38). The average generation interval was 7.57 years. The number of founders, effective founders, ancestors, and founder genomes were 575, 115, 47, and 22.22, respectively, which suggests that an unequal use of founders and a random loss of alleles from founders occurred over time. The level of inbreeding was 0.019 and increased to 0.023, when the inbreeding coefficient was calculated by assigning inbreeding of contemporaries to founders. These levels of inbreeding lead to an effective population size of 138.5 and 117.9 and to a 0.36% and 0.42% rate of inbreeding, respectively. Out of 267 herds with more than five registered breeding animals, only one nucleus herd was present, whereas 117 and 119 were classified as multiplier and commercial herds, respectively. About 92% of calves were sired by French bulls; but the use of Colombian bulls for breeding is increasing. The Colombian Normande breed is at an acceptable level of genetic variability, although some losses of founder alleles have occurred. As the level of inbreeding has been increasing, inbreeding and mating strategies should be monitored in order to maintain the genetic diversity of the breed.
Images as the text
Authors: Drucker Johanna , McGann Jerome
Published: April 2016

In this paper we are proposing an abstract rhetoric of relations for graphic forms. This rhetoric provides the primary groundwork for conceptualizing information design in visual and textual environments, not on the basis of their specific content or form, but at a level of organizational structure usually left inexplicit. Our premise is that the concept of a pictographic rhetoric, or metagraphic rhetoric, is a useful way of making explicit the abstract ordering of elements in texts, images, and graphic forms. These principles, critical to writing systems, pictographic and otherwise, also underlie the structure of graphs and diagrams of various kinds. Furthermore, they can be used to make explicit the rhetorical effects of the structure of inscribed or printed texts in their embodied, visual terms.
Development & testing of the IIID safety symbols system
Authors: Olgyay Nora
Published: April 2016

Nora Olgyays 1995 book, Safety symbols art: Camera-ready and disk art for designers provides the only commercially available, copyright-free art for a system of safety symbols that fufills the American National Standards Institutes comprehension testing and design criteria for safety symbols. This article reproduces selected sections of its hereto unpublished companion publication, Safety symbols art: The testing protocol, materials & results which documents the research, testing protocol, materials and results for the IIID safety symbol system.
Pictograms
Authors: Holmes Nigel
Published: April 2016

This article sets out to discuss the practical development of pictograms and the thoughts that lead to their final visual shape. It explains the personal considerations that combine all issues that are related to making graphics, such as drawing, technique, conventions, and commercial aspects. The article explains how ISOTYPE and its designer Gerd Arntz influences current day-to-day work. By drawing parallels with jazz, different approaches to drawing graphics are shown and explained.
An exploratory study of reading procedural pictorial sequences
Authors: Spinillo Carla G. , Dyson Mary C.
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the results of an exploratory study into the influence of picture content and verbal language reading directions on reading procedural pictorial sequences. A sequence of four pictures representing the procedure hrow away after use as tested in four graphic configurations (one-line horizontal, one-line vertical, two-line horizontal and rhomboid), which were designed to be read in specific directions. The same configurations were also presented with the pictures removed to explore the effect of content on reading sequences. The results confirmed that verbal language reading directions are generally used to follow pictorial sequences. However, when the graphic configurations used to represent sequences are unfamiliar and the starting point of the sequence is not clear in the configuration, pictorial content influences the reading direction.
A semiotic perspective on aesthetic preferences, visual literacy, and information design
Authors: Kazmierczak Elzbieta
Published: April 2016

To indicate that the world out there is what we, as humans, conceive it to be, and not as it is in and for itself, I will consider the image-making process as a process of visual modeling of concepts. As such, visual modeling is equivalent to the meaning-making process, since a graphic model is the conceptual model of structural and conceptual relations. I will discuss functional differences between images and diagrams, as categories fulfilling different expectations, the former being tools of art-making, and the latter being tools of information design. In order to facilitate the goal of advancing the level of visual literacy, I will examine the factors contributing to the shaping of the boundaries of visual literacy and aesthetic preferences. In doing so, I will relate the evolutionary process of form development to the development of its semantic dimension, using examples from the art of children. I argue that the rules of constructing images at the early stages of form development are identical with the rules of designing diagrams.
User-interface design for air-travel booking
Authors: Marcus Aaron
Published: April 2016

The paper explains the development of the Sabre air travel booking user-interface design during 19942000, which transformed a text-based, frame-oriented legacy system into a graphical version used by one-third of the worlds travel agents. The text comments on design explorations, issues, and resolutions.
Encapsulated propionic acid as a silage additive
Authors: Rutenberg Roi , Granit Rina , Chen Yaira , Poverenov Elena , Weinberg Zwi G.
Published: April 2016

Various propionic acid (PA) based additives are used to successfully inhibit fungi in silages. These additives are all introduced directly, and an encapsulated formulation of PA has not yet been examined for its antifungal abilities. The current study's objective was to test the possibility of using encapsulated PA as a silage additive. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)-based films (film A) and CMC/β-cyclodextrin-based films (film B) were used as biodegradable matrix platforms for encapsulated PA delivery and tested on whole-crop wheat and corn silages. Films were added as a mixture combined with the silage or divided at the top and bottom of the bulk silage system. ALactobacillus plantaruminoculation procedure was also examined for its effects. In the wheat ensiling experiment, film B resulted in the highest PA concentrations after 2 weeks (1.4% and 1.1% in dry matter for the mixed and divided films, respectively). Mixed film A also produced high levels of PA after 2 weeks. Lactic acid (LA) concentrations peaked after 2 weeks and the highest final concentrations were obtained in theL.plantarumtreatment. The highest PA concentrations in the corn silages were measured at the end of the experiment. Film B tended to result in slightly higher PA concentrations than film A. LA concentrations peaked after 2 weeks and the highest final content was obtained with film B. Overall, this study demonstrates that addition of encapsulated PA to biodegradable CMC films may provide an advanced safe approach for retaining silage quality and wastage reduction.
A Review of Carbohydrate Nutrition and Metabolism in Crustaceans
Authors: Wang Xiaodan , Li Erchao , Chen Liqiao
Published: April 2016

Carbohydrates are the primary energy source in all animal diets and are the least expensive energy source in the diets of aquatic animals. However, the utilization of carbohydrates by aquatic animals is relatively low relative that of terrestrial animals. Compared with those in fish, few studies have examined the nutrition or metabolism of crustacean species. This lack of information is a bottleneck for current research of crustacean physiology, especially that which focuses on nutrition. Specifically, there is a deficiency of research that focuses on glucose transporter proteins (except for glucose transporter (GLUT) family protein), regulators involved in carbohydrate metabolism, and the interaction of different hormones. This paper summarizes the dietary carbohydrate requirements of various crustacean species and reviews the progress of research on carbohydrate utilization and metabolism, with an aim to providing clearer insight into carbohydrate metabolism and laying a theoretical foundation for crustacean physiological research.
Dynamic formation of ER–PM junctions presents a lipid phosphatase to regulate phosphoinositides
Authors: Dickson Eamonn J. , Jensen Jill B. , Vivas Oscar , Kruse Martin , Traynor-Kaplan Alexis E. , Hille Bertil
Published: April 2016

Endoplasmic reticulum–plasma membrane (ER–PM) contact sites play an integral role in cellular processes such as excitation–contraction coupling and store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). Another ER–PM assembly is one tethered by the extended synaptotagmins (E-Syt). We have discovered that at steady state, E-Syt2 positions the ER and Sac1, an integral ER membrane lipid phosphatase, in discrete ER–PM junctions. Here, Sac1 participates in phosphoinositide homeostasis by limiting PM phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI(4)P), the precursor of PI(4,5)P2. Activation of G protein–coupled receptors that deplete PM PI(4,5)P2 disrupts E-Syt2–mediated ER–PM junctions, reducing Sac1’s access to the PM and permitting PM PI(4)P and PI(4,5)P2 to recover. Conversely, depletion of ER luminal calcium and subsequent activation of SOCE increases the amount of Sac1 in contact with the PM, depleting PM PI(4)P. Thus, the dynamic presence of Sac1 at ER–PM contact sites allows it to act as a cellular sensor and controller of PM phosphoinositides, thereby influencing many PM processes.
A versatile multivariate image analysis pipeline reveals features ofXenopusextract spindles
Authors: Grenfell Andrew W. , Strzelecka Magdalena , Crowder Marina E. , Helmke Kara J. , Schlaitz Anne-Lore , Heald Rebecca
Published: April 2016

Imaging datasets are rich in quantitative information. However, few cell biologists possess the tools necessary to analyze them. Here, we present a large dataset of Xenopus extract spindle images together with an analysis pipeline designed to assess spindle morphology across a range of experimental conditions. Our analysis of different spindle types illustrates how kinetochore microtubules amplify spindle microtubule density. Extract mixing experiments reveal that some spindle features titrate, while others undergo switch-like transitions, and multivariate analysis shows the pleiotropic morphological effects of modulating the levels of TPX2, a key spindle assembly factor. We also apply our pipeline to analyze nuclear morphology in human cell culture, showing the general utility of the segmentation approach. Our analyses provide new insight into the diversity of spindle types and suggest areas for future study. The approaches outlined can be applied by other researchers studying spindle morphology and adapted with minimal modification to other experimental systems.
Arf6 wins the MVP award
Authors: Short Ben
Published: April 2016

The mevalonate pathway drives cancer metastasis and drug resistance by promoting the activation of Arf6.
NAIP proteins are required for cytosolic detection of specific bacterial ligands in vivo
Authors: Rauch Isabella , Tenthorey Jeannette L. , Nichols Randilea D. , Al Moussawi Khatoun , Kang James J. , Kang Chulho , Kazmierczak Barbara I. , Vance Russell E.
Published: April 2016

NLRs (nucleotide-binding domain [NBD] leucine-rich repeat [LRR]–containing proteins) exhibit diverse functions in innate and adaptive immunity. NAIPs (NLR family, apoptosis inhibitory proteins) are NLRs that appear to function as cytosolic immunoreceptors for specific bacterial proteins, including flagellin and the inner rod and needle proteins of bacterial type III secretion systems (T3SSs). Despite strong biochemical evidence implicating NAIPs in specific detection of bacterial ligands, genetic evidence has been lacking. Here we report the use of CRISPR/Cas9 to generate Naip1−/− and Naip2−/− mice, as well as Naip1-6Δ/Δ mice lacking all functional Naip genes. By challenging Naip1−/− or Naip2−/− mice with specific bacterial ligands in vivo, we demonstrate that Naip1 is uniquely required to detect T3SS needle protein and Naip2 is uniquely required to detect T3SS inner rod protein, but neither Naip1 nor Naip2 is required for detection of flagellin. Previously generated Naip5−/− mice retain some residual responsiveness to flagellin in vivo, whereas Naip1-6Δ/Δ mice fail to respond to cytosolic flagellin, consistent with previous biochemical data implicating NAIP6 in flagellin detection. Our results provide genetic evidence that specific NAIP proteins function to detect specific bacterial proteins in vivo.
The influence of seasonal migrations on fishery selectivity
Authors: O'Boyle Robert , Dean Micah , Legault Christopher M.
Published: April 2016

Based on previous work, dome-shaped fishery selectivity patterns are expected in place of asymptotic patterns when one-way fish movements among areas are considered. It is less clear if this occurs when the “round-trip” seasonal movements are considered. A simulation of a long-distance migrating fish stock (Atlantic menhaden) was used to study the influence of life history and fishery processes on selectivity, under an “areas as fleet” stock assessment context. When age-constant two-way migration was assumed to occur at a low rate, a domed selectivity pattern in the area experiencing the highest fishing mortality was produced, consistent with previous work. However, as the two-way migration rate increased, the domed selectivity pattern diminished and eventually disappeared. When age-varying migration was introduced, with a higher movement probability for older fish, domed selectivity prevailed in the source (i.e. spawning) area. If movement away from the spawning area occurs at younger ages than are selected by the fishing gear, the extent of the dome in this area is reduced. When movement away from the spawning area occurs at ages that are already available to the fishing gear, the dome in the spawning area is exaggerated. The area in which domed selectivity occurred was primarily determined by whether the probability of movement increased or decreased with age. In contrast to previous work that considered one-way or diffusive movement, the temporal or spatial distribution of recruitment and overall fishing mortality did not have a significant influence on selectivity. Building simulations that reflect the life history of the stock can guide assessment efforts by placing priors and constraints on model fits to selectivity patterns and be used to explore trade-offs between model complexity and the ability to produce reasonable management advice. Their development is encouraged as a standard feature in the assessment of migratory fish stocks.
Capital Markets Union: A Vision for the Long Term
Authors: Véron Nicolas , Wolff Guntram B.
Published: April 2016

Capital Markets Union (CMU) is a welcome economic policy initiative. If well designed and implemented, it can improve access to funding, the allocation of capital, prospects for savers, and financial stability in the European Union. But since financial ecosystems only change slowly, CMU cannot be a short-term cyclical instrument to substitute for subdued bank lending. Shifting financial intermediation towards capital markets will require persistent action on multiple fronts. The policy agenda should aim to enhance both capital markets development and cross-border financial integration, two distinct but mutually reinforcing aims; to increase the transparency, reliability, and comparability of information, a key enabler of trust in financial markets which always involve information asymmetries; and to adequately address financial stability concerns. We propose a staged process to sustain the momentum and make Europe’s CMU fully worthy of its 'union' label.
Images
Authors: Lachman Charles
Published: April 2016

Buddhism appears to have spread slowly at first from its birthplace in northern India after the death of the historical Buddha. With the territorial expansions of King Aśoka—a supporter of Buddhism—in the 3rd century BCE, however, it began to spread more rapidly, first reaching other parts of India, and eventually reaching Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Thailand to the southeast, and Gandhara (in present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan) to the northwest. From there, it gradually traveled through Central Asia to China, Korea, and Japan. The various sutras containing the teachings of the Buddha were certainly a central element of this enterprise, but a wide array of Buddhist images also played a crucial role in this transmission. In China, for example, Buddhism was even dubbed the “teaching of images” (xiangjiao) and although this term was meant as a slur it clearly reflects the prominent place of images in Buddhist practice. This prominence persists today, and rituals of bowing, burning incense, and making offerings to images is a characteristic feature of virtually every branch and school of Buddhism. The formal study of Buddhist images, however, is a relatively recent field that only emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Since many early historians of Buddhism tended to dismiss the ritual use of images as popular superstition, focusing instead on texts and doctrine, the first scholars to take an active interest in studying Buddhist image traditions tended to be art historians, whose concerns were mainly iconographic and stylistic. More recently, though, this situation has changed, as many Buddhologists have turned their attention to the critical study of images in creative and fruitful ways, while many art historians have stopped approaching images merely as art objects or as iconographic embodiments of Buddhist doctrine. Thus, the study of Buddhist images today is no longer only, or even mainly, the preserve of art historians, and many of the art historians who do focus on Buddhist images tend to be interested in issues that go far beyond matters of style.
The Nature of the State
Authors: Miller Mike
Published: April 2016

The state is the quintessential modern political institution. What has been referred to variously as “the modern state,” “the nation-state,” “the constitutional state,” or “the bureaucratic state” has existed for no longer than five centuries and no less than two. Yet, in that time, the very nature of human society has undergone monumental transformations, and states have been at the center of each change. While the relevance of states to modern society—and to modern forms of politics—is widely recognized, the precise nature of the state and state power is the subject of perennial debate. Over the course of the 20th century, the study of politics has ebbed and flowed from state-centered explanations of political phenomena to society-centered explanations, wherein the state is seen as epiphenomenal to more-microlevel processes. Passionate debates continue over whether states are more or less coherent entities capable of autonomous, directed, state-interested action, or whether they fundamentally reflect the interests of the competing groups or classes that constitute society. Is there a universal category of political organization called the state or are particular institutions associated with the state mediated through widely varying cultural practices and institutions? More contentious still are debates over the political implications of how states are defined and constructed, through language and through law, and whether these images and discourses reproduce structures of power that consistently favor certain groups at the expense of others. Finally, as goods, capital, information, and people cross the borders of territorial states with increasing ease, some scholars question whether the notion of sovereignty has become obsolete or whether new ways of organizing social power will, if they have not already, relegate territorial states to the dustbins of history. This article is organized according to a loose chronology of the major approaches to and thematic debates about the nature of the state since the early 20th century. An additional section (Conceptual Foundations) reaches back further in order to introduce some of the theoretical and conceptual forebears to a political science or sociology of the state.