bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avian influenza H9N2 seroprevalence among swine farm residents in China
Authors: Zhou Pei , Zhu Wanjun , Gu Honglang , Fu Xinliang , Wang Lifang , Zheng Yun , He Shuyi , Ke Changwen , Wang Heng , Yuan Ziguo , Ning Zhangyong , Qi Wenbao , Li Shoujun , Zhang Guihong
Published: January 2014

In parts of southern China, some large‐scale swine farms are adjacent to lakes and ponds that are home to many types of birds. Some swine farms will also raise poultry for consumption and sale. Swine farms in rural China may be the source of the AIV outbreak. A seroepidemiological study was conducted among swine farm residents to understand the prevalence of antibodies against avian influenza virus (AIV) H9N2 in southern China. A total of 2,006 swine farm residents were sampled. Serum samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against H9N2 AIV by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and microneutralization assays. A total of 37 serum samples from swine farm residents were HI positive for A/chicken/Guangdong/V/2008(H9N2), and 24 serum samples (all of which were also HI positive) were microneutralization assays positive for A/chicken/Guangdong/V/2008(H9N2). Due to the special pig farming model in southern China, the residents are in close contact with different kinds of birds. Thus, controlling bird‐to‐human transmission of AIV in swine farms with poultry may be an important means of preventing widespread AIV infection in humans. J. Med. Virol. 86:597–600, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of grip type, wrist motion, and resistance level on pressures within the carpal tunnel of normal wrists
Authors: McGorry Raymond W. , Fallentin Nils , Andersen Johan H. , Keir Peter J. , Hansen Torben B. , Pransky Glenn , Lin Jia‐Hua
Published: January 2014

Elevated carpal tunnel pressure (CTP) has been associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. This study systematically evaluated the effect of wrist motion resistance and grip type on CTP during wrist motion typical of occupational tasks. CTP during four wrist motion patterns, with and without resistance, and with and without gripping, was measured in vivo in 14 healthy individuals. CTP measured during compound motions fell between that measured in the cardinal planes of wrist flexion/extension and radial/ulnar deviation. Generally, with no active gripping there was little pressure change due to wrist angular displacement or resistance level. However, concurrent active pinch or power grip increased CTP particularly in motions including extension. CTP typically did not increase during wrist flexion, and in fact often decreased. Extension motions against resistance when employing a pinch or power grip increase CTP more than motions with flexion. Results could help inform design or modification of wrist motion intensive occupational tasks. © 2014 The Authors. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:524–530, 2014.
Improving outcomes for posterolateral knee injuries
Authors: LaPrade Robert F. , Griffith Chad J. , Coobs Benjamin R. , Geeslin Andrew G. , Johansen Steinar , Engebretsen Lars
Published: January 2014

Until recently, the posterolateral corner of the knee was noted both for its complex anatomy and diagnostic challenges. To improve the understanding of the posterolateral knee, we completed a comprehensive and stepwise research program with a focus on five primary areas: (1) surgical approach and relevant anatomy; (2) diagnosis; (3) clinically relevant biomechanics; (4) natural history; and (5) surgical treatment. Based on this comprehensive research program, the diagnosis and outcomes following treatment of posterolateral knee injuries have been significantly improved comparing the preoperative state to the state of the knee at a minimum 2 year follow‐up in the cases series presented here. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:485–491, 2014.
In situ label‐free cell viability assessment of nucleus pulposus tissue
Authors: Dittmar Roman , van Dijk Bart G. M. , van Zandvoort Marc A. M. J. , Ito Keita
Published: January 2014

Regenerative medicine approaches aiming at treating degenerating intervertebral discs, a major cause of back pain, are increasingly tested in ex‐vivo disc explant models mimicking in‐vivo conditions. For assessing the efficacy of regenerative therapies, cell viability is commonly measured requiring specific labels to stain cells. Here, we demonstrate and evaluate how cellular auto‐fluorescence can be utilized to non‐invasively assess viability in disc tissue in‐situ using label‐free two‐photon microscopy. Live and dead bovine disc cells (0% and 100% cell viability) from the nucleus pulposus were seeded into collagen gels and auto‐fluorescence was characterized. Subsequently, nucleus pulposus explants were cultured for 6 days in media with different glucose supplementation (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 g/L) to induce different degrees of cell death. Then, samples were split and viability was assessed using label‐free two‐photon microscopy and conventional staining. Results show that live and dead nucleus pulposus cells systematically emit auto‐fluorescent light with distinct characteristics. Cell viability values obtained with label‐free microscopy did not significantly differ from those acquired with staining. In summary, monitoring auto‐fluorescence facilitates accurate cell viability assessment in nucleus tissue requiring no additional dyes. Thus, this technique may be suitable for pre‐clinical testing of regenerative therapies in nucleus pulposus cultures. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:545–550, 2014.
Raman analysis of perrhenate and pertechnetate in alkali salts and borosilicate glasses
Authors: Gassman Paul L. , McCloy John S. , Soderquist Chuck Z. , Schweiger Michael J.
Published: January 2014

Sodium borosilicate glasses containing rhenium or technetium were fabricated and their vibrational spectra studied using confocal Raman microscopy. Glass spectra were interpreted relative to new high‐resolution spectra of pure crystalline NaReO4, KReO4, NaTcO4, and KTcO4 salts. Spectra of perrhenate and pertechnetate glasses exhibited sharp Raman bands, characteristic of crystalline salt species, superimposed on spectral features of the borosilicate matrix. At low concentrations of added KReO4 or KTcO4, the characteristic pertechnetate and perrhenate features are weak, whereas at high additions, sharp peaks from crystal field‐splitting and C4h symmetry dominate glass spectra, clearly indicating ReO4− or TcO4− is locally coordinated with K and/or Na. Peaks indicative of both K and Na salts are evident in many Raman spectra, with the Na form being favored at high concentrations of the source chemicals, where more K+ is available for ion exchange with Na+ from the base glass. The observed ion exchange likely occurred within depolymerized channels where nonbridging oxygens create segregation from the glass network in regions containing anions such as ReO4− and TcO4− as well as excess alkali cations. Although this anion exchange provides evidence of chemical mixing in the glass, it does not prove the added salts were homogeneously incorporated in the glass. The susceptibility to ion exchange from the base glass indicates that long‐term immobilization of Tc in borosilicate glass must account for excess charge compensating alkali cations in melt glass formulations. Published 2014. This article is a U. S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Src activity is increased in gastrointestinal stromal tumors—Analysis of associations with clinical and other molecular tumor characteristics
Authors: Rotert Julia Valerie , Leupold Jörg , Hohenberger Peter , Nowak Kai , Allgayer Heike
Published: January 2014

Background

Increased activity of Src has been found in several human cancers, and often is associated with poor clinical outcome. The present study aimed to determine whether Src activity is increased in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and whether it correlates with established tumor or patient characteristics and prognosis.

Methods

Tumor/normal tissues of 29 patients were analyzed for Src activity/protein with kinase assays, and for VEGF/VEGFR with immunohistochemical staining.

Results

Src activity was higher in tumor than in normal tissues (P = 0.093). However, when imatinib responders were excluded from the analyses, it was significantly higher in the tumor tissue (P = 0.017). Additionally, it was higher in primary compared to recurrent tumors or metastasis (P = 0.04). Univariate survival analysis showed a longer overall survival for patients with high Src activity (P = 0.038). In multivariate analysis, the response to imatinib treatment was the only survival‐influencing factor (P = 0.072).

Conclusions

Src activity is increased in GIST. In contrast to most other tumor entities, it does not correlate with poor clinical outcome, but decreases during the progression from primary tumor to recurrence and metastasis, especially under therapy with imatinib. Additionally, our results show that higher Src activity is associated with longer overall survival. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:597–605. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
National trends in surgery for sinonasal malignancy and the effect of hospital volume on short‐term outcomes
Authors: Ouyang David , El‐Sayed Ivan H. , Yom Sue S.
Published: January 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To characterize trends in the management of sinonasal malignancy with a focus on the impact of hospital volume on surgical outcomes.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Time trends were analyzed among patients admitted for surgical resection of sinonasal malignancy in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) between 1988 and 2009. Subset analysis was performed on cohorts with skull base or orbital involvement or on cohorts who underwent neck dissection. Patient characteristics and hospital attributes were correlated with morbidity and mortality.

Results

Over 22 years, we identified 3,850 cases from 879 hospitals. A total of 24.3% of patients had complications and 0.8% of hospitalizations resulted in mortality. Cases with skull base or orbital involvement, or cases including neck dissection, had more complications and a longer length of stay. Prevalence of neck dissection increased over time.

Thirty‐two hospitals averaged more than five cases per year, accounting for 28% of all surgeries. These centers were large (73.3%), urban (96.7%), teaching (90%) institutions and performed more high‐risk cases: 32.4% of neck dissections, 44.6% of orbital cases, and 43.1% of skull base cases. Compared to lower‐volume centers, these centers had more cardiopulmonary and electrolyte complications, but no difference was observed in the lengths of stay. A greater proportion of cases were recently performed at high‐volume centers.

Conclusion

Over time, complicated surgeries were more likely to occur at higher‐volume hospitals without significant changes in surgical complication rates. High‐volume centers had increased rates of cardiopulmonary and electrolyte complications, likely representing complex postoperative management, but these were not associated with higher mortality.

Level of Evidence

2c. Laryngoscope, 124:1609–1614, 2014
Effects of Radiofrequency versus sham surgery of the soft palate on daytime sleepiness
Authors: Holmlund Thorbjorn , Levring‐Jäghagen Eva , Franklin Karl A. , Lindkvist Marie , Berggren Diana
Published: January 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the effect of radiofrequency surgery of the soft palate on daytime sleepiness in snoring men with mild or no sleep apnea.

Study Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Thirty‐five men were recruited from consecutive patients referred to the Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic due to snoring and complaints of daytime sleepiness. The inclusion criteria were an apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) of ≤ 15, male gender, and age 18 to 65 years. Patients were randomized to either radiofrequency or sham surgery of the soft palate. All but one chose and received the option of three treatments. All patients participated in a follow‐up, including an overnight sleep apnea recording and questionnaires 12 months after the last treatment. The primary outcome was daytime sleepiness measured with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and other questionnaires. Secondary outcomes were effects on the AHI and subjective snoring.

Results

Thirty‐two of 35 patients—19 of 20 patients in the radiofrequency surgery group and 13 of 15 patients in the sham surgery group—completed the study. No differences between the two groups in relation to the ESS or AHI were found at follow‐up.

Conclusion

Radiofrequency surgery of the soft palate has no effect on daytime sleepiness, snoring, or apnea frequency in snoring men with mild or no sleep apnea 1 year after surgery.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope 124:2422–2426, 2014
Enduring to Gain New Perspective: A Grounded Theory Study of the Experience of Perinatal Bereavement in Black Adolescents
Authors: Fenstermacher Kimberly H.
Published: January 2014

Black adolescents in the US experience perinatal loss at a higher rate than other races and ethnicities. The experience of eight Black urban adolescents through the first 3 months after perinatal loss was studied using grounded theory. The process of “enduring to gain new perspective” began with “denying and hesitating” when surprised by unplanned pregnancy but led to “getting ready for this whole new life,” followed by shock of “suffering through the loss,” “all that pain for nothing,” and “mixed emotions going everywhere.” Over time, the adolescents began “reaching out for support” and eventually “preserving the memory and maintaining relationship,” “searching for meaning and asking why,” and “gaining new perspective on life.” Parallels are noted to extant bereavement theory. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tissue Plasminogen Activator for the Treatment of Parapneumonic Effusions in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Israel Emily N. , Blackmer Allison B.
Published: January 2014

Intrapleural fibrinolysis has been investigated for the treatment of pleural effusion for several decades. Fibrinolytics have the ability to break up fibrin and loculations that characterize complicated pleural effusions, facilitating drainage. Older fibrinolytics such as urokinase and streptokinase have been replaced by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for this indication due to product availability and a more favorable safety profile. The literature supports tPA as a treatment approach for this indication in adult patients, and the use of tPA has become a standard management approach in this population. Over the past decade, data on the efficacy of intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy in children have also been generated, which now support the use of fibrinolysis as a treatment alternative to more invasive therapeutic options such as surgical intervention. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of parapneumonic effusion and empyema, with a focus on intrapleural fibrinolysis, specifically tissue plasminogen activator, in the pediatric population. Recent articles provide sufficient evidence to support the use of this drug in pediatric patients for the management of pleural effusions; however, due to study heterogeneity, questions remain that may be addressed in future studies.
Comparative Cost‐effectiveness of Alternative Empiric Antimicrobial Treatment Options for Suspected Enterococcal Bacteremia
Authors: McComb Meghan N. , Collins Curtis D.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Enterococcus species are the fourth leading cause of bacteremia. Resistance rates are rising and delays in appropriate initial antimicrobial therapy have been associated with increased mortality. Empiric treatment of patients with suspected enterococcal bacteremia varies and significant cost differences exist between alternatives. The objective of this study was to determine the cost‐effectiveness of various empiric treatments for patients with suspected enterococcal bacteremia.

Methods

A decision‐analytic model was constructed from the hospital perspective to assess the cost‐effectiveness of alternative empiric treatment options for enterococcal bacteremia, including antimicrobials active against vancomycin‐resistant enterococcus (VRE). The model was populated from available literature sources and included resistance patterns, associated mortality with early versus delayed effective treatment, and the cost of treatment. Univariate sensitivity analyses tested the robustness of the model to determine the degree to which model uncertainties influenced outcomes. We also undertook a probabilistic sensitivity analysis varying parameters in 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations.

Main Results

The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio was $791 and $749/quality‐adjusted‐life‐year utilizing empiric daptomycin and linezolid, respectively. The model also predicted an incremental cost/life saved of $11,703 by utilizing empiric daptomycin and $11,084 with linezolid utilization. Ampicillin was dominated (i.e., less effective and associated with increased costs) by both VRE‐active agents and vancomycin. A probabilistic Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis showed that an agent with VRE activity had a 100% chance of being cost‐effective at traditionally used willingness‐to‐pay thresholds. The decision‐analytic model was sensitive to variations in E. faecium mortality and short‐term postdischarge survival rates.

Conclusion

Results of our model showed that empiric utilization of an antimicrobial with activity against VRE may be a cost‐effective option for the treatment of suspected enterococcal bacteremia when compared with vancomycin or β‐lactam therapy.
Analysis of Potential Drug‐Drug Interactions in Medical Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Uijtendaal Esther V. , van Harssel Lieke L. M. , Hugenholtz Gerard W. K. , Kuck Emile M. , Zwart‐van Rijkom Jeannette E. F. , Cremer Olaf L. , Egberts Toine C. G.
Published: January 2014

Objective

To describe the frequency and type of potential drug‐drug interactions (pDDIs) in a general intensive care unit (ICU) and to make recommendations to improve the management of these pDDIs.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

General ICU of a tertiary care hospital.

Subjects

All patients admitted for more than 24 hours between May 2009 and December 2010 who were prescribed at least one medication.

Measurement and Main Results

Based on the G‐Standaard, the Dutch national drug database, pDDIs were identified and classified into categories of potential clinical outcome and management advice. In total, 35,784 medication episodes were identified, resulting in 2887 pDDIs (8.1%). These 2887 pDDIs occurred in 1659 patients for a mean frequency of 1.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6–1.9) pDDIs per patient. Overall, 54% of the patients experienced at least one pDDI with pDDIs present during 27% of all ICU admission days. All pDDIs could be reconstructed using 81 of the 358 (23%) relevant unique pDDI pairs described in the G‐Standaard. The most frequently occurring potential clinical consequence was an increased risk of side effects or toxicity (91% of the pDDIs) such as electrolyte disturbances and masking of hypoglycemia. The most important advised management strategy was monitoring (81%), consisting of monitoring of laboratory values (52%), clinical monitoring of toxicity or effectiveness (48%), or monitoring of physical parameters such as electrocardiogram and blood pressure (11%).

Conclusion

Potential drug‐drug interactions occur in 54% of all ICU patients, which is two times more than the rate seen in patients on general wards. A limited set of 20 pDDI pairs is responsible for more than 90% of all pDDIs. Therefore, it is worthwhile to develop guidelines for the management of these specific pDDIs. As the vast majority of the interactions can be managed by monitoring, advanced clinical decision support systems linking laboratory data to prescription data may be an effective risk management strategy.
Carfilzomib‐Associated Tumor Lysis Syndrome
Authors: Shely Ryan N. , Ratliff Patrick D.
Published: January 2014

Multiple myeloma is the second most common type of hematologic malignancy. It is a B‐cell malignancy that affects the bone marrow and often results in thrombocytopenia as well as renal dysfunction. Treatment options range from oral and intravenous chemotherapy to bone marrow transplantation and supportive care. Carfilzomib was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2012 as a treatment option for patients with refractory multiple myeloma who have received at least two previous therapies and have demonstrated recent disease progression. According to the product labeling, the frequency of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is less than 1% in patients treated with carfilzomib. To our knowledge, no postmarketing events of TLS have been reported or published. We describe a 55‐year‐old man with relapsed multiple myeloma who developed a case of TLS that occurred after he received his first two doses of carfilzomib therapy on days 1 and 2; he also had chronic kidney disease secondary to his neoplastic disease. Beginning on day 4, his uric acid levels spiked to critical levels, prompting the use of rasburicase, which returned the levels to within normal limits. His phosphorus and creatinine levels increased during days 5 and 6. On day 8, the patient died, likely due to a combination of disease progression and the adverse effects of treatment. Use of the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale indicated a probable relationship (score of 6) between the patient's development of TLS and carfilzomib therapy. The Hill criteria were used as a secondary measure to ensure causality, which also suggested a link between the patient's development of TLS and the administration of carfilzomib. This case report shows that even the most unlikely of adverse events may occur with medications, especially in the case of a new or recently approved medication. Caution must be taken when deciding to treat and when choosing hydration and premedications with regard to biologic and chemotherapeutic medications. In this case, additional hydration may have been considered. Although given the extent of the adverse reaction combined with the patient's underlying renal dysfunction, extra fluid may or may not have proven beneficial. The use of prophylactic rasburicase or allopurinol could have been considered, but these measures are not typically used with multiple myeloma due to the low incidence of TLS. All things considered, this unlikely adverse reaction may occur in certain patients. If other cases such as this occur, it may be advisable to use TLS prophylaxis in the future in certain patient populations, including those with renal dysfunction or worsening disease states.
A comparison between thin film solar cells made from co‐evaporated CuIn1‐xGaxSe2 using a one‐stage process versus a three‐stage process
Authors: Salomé Pedro M.P. , Fjällström Viktor , Szaniawski Piotr , Leitão Joaquim P. , Hultqvist Adam , Fernandes Paulo A. , Teixeira Jennifer P. , Falcão Bruno P. , Zimmermann Uwe , da Cunha António F. , Edoff Marika
Published: January 2014

Until this day, the most efficient Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin film solar cells have been prepared using a rather complex growth process often referred to as three‐stage or multistage. This family of processes is mainly characterized by a first step deposited with only In, Ga and Se flux to form a first layer. Cu is added in a second step until the film becomes slightly Cu‐rich, where‐after the film is converted to its final Cu‐poor composition by a third stage, again with no or very little addition of Cu. In this paper, a comparison between solar cells prepared with the three‐stage process and a one‐stage/in‐line process with the same composition, thickness, and solar cell stack is made. The one‐stage process is easier to be used in an industrial scale and do not have Cu‐rich transitions. The samples were analyzed using glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, current–voltage‐temperature, capacitance‐voltage, external quantum efficiency, transmission/reflection, and photoluminescence. It was concluded that in spite of differences in the texturing, morphology and Ga gradient, the electrical performance of the two types of samples is quite similar as demonstrated by the similar J–V behavior, quantum spectral response, and the estimated recombination losses. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Logic of Δ
Authors: Christensen Ryan ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: January 2014

I argue that the ‘aoristic’ operators, which are intended to describe the logic of vagueness, do not form a standard modal logic. I redefine the operators so that they do form a standard modal logic, provide a semantics of that logic, and argue that the logic is not as strong as standardly claimed.
The effect of changes in group composition on social dynamics in marabou storks (Leptoptilos crumeniferus)
Authors: Valuska Annie J. , Leighty Katherine A. , Ferrie Gina M. , Grand Alison P. , Ross Juniper , Schutz Paul , Bettinger Tamara L.
Published: January 2014

The reduction of aggressive behaviors can be a concern whenever animals are socially housed, but for some species, such as marabou storks, zoos are still unsure of the best management strategies. To learn more about marabou behavior and how dynamics change as group composition changes, we monitored a total of 3.5 marabous as individuals were added and removed over 2 years. We found that, in mixed‐sex groups, males were more likely to be the initiators of displacements and females were more likely to be the recipients. Most contact aggression was intra‐sexual, and females engaged in contact aggression more often than males. The highest levels of aggression were seen in our all‐female groups, which was unexpected given the high number of male attacks on females reported in zoos. Because females were being added and removed but our males remained the same throughout the study, we are unsure whether this was due to a higher level of instability among females or a true sex difference; regardless, these data highlight the need to monitor aggression even within all female stork groups. Overall, we observed low levels of inter‐sexual aggression, suggesting that some fatal attacks may be due, in part, to non‐social factors, such as enclosure design. Social birds like marabous may benefit from the same type of group management approach that is commonly utilized with other social taxa. A two‐pronged approach of observation and management of marabou social dynamics and some modification of their enclosure structure may limit injurious aggression in the future. Zoo Biol. 33:150–154, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Allegheny woodrat (Neotoma magister) captive propagation to promote recovery of declining populations
Authors: Smyser Timothy J. , Swihart Robert K.
Published: January 2014

The Allegheny woodrat (Neotoma magister) is endemic to the eastern United States with local distributions restricted to rocky habitats within deciduous forests. Over the last 40 years, woodrats have declined precipitously due to an array of human‐mediated pressures. There is growing interest in the captive propagation of woodrats as a tool to promote in situ conservation, but their solitary social structure, territorial behavior, and low fecundity present challenges for the attainment of levels of ex situ reproduction sufficient to support reintroduction programs. In 2009 we established a captive breeding program with 12 wild‐caught individuals (4.8) collected from Indiana and Pennsylvania. Restricting breeding to wild‐caught individuals, over 26 months we produced 19 litters comprised of 43 pups (26.17), of which 40 (24.16) survived to weaning. In sum, wild‐caught individuals readily habituated to the captive environment and the low fecundity of woodrats was offset by high survival rates for both adults and juveniles. Therefore, when managed appropriately, captive Allegheny woodrat populations should be capable of supporting the release of surplus individuals to augment in situ conservation measures. Zoo Biol. 33:29–35, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Implementing a low‐starch biscuit‐free diet in zoo gorillas: The impact on behavior
Authors: Less E.H. , Bergl R. , Ball R. , Dennis P.M. , Kuhar C.W. , Lavin S.R. , Raghanti M.A. , Wensvoort J. , Willis M.A. , Lukas K.E.
Published: January 2014

In the wild, western lowland gorillas travel long distances while foraging and consume a diet high in fiber and low in caloric density. In contrast, gorillas in zoos typically consume a diet that is low in fiber and calorically dense. Some items commonly used in captive gorilla diets contain high levels of starch and sugars, which are present at low levels in the natural diet of gorillas. Diet items high in simple carbohydrates are associated with obesity and heart disease in humans. Typical captive gorilla diets may also encourage undesirable behaviors. In response to these issues, we tested the behavioral impact of a diet that was biscuit‐free, had low caloric density, and which was higher in volume at five institutions. We hypothesized that this diet change would reduce abnormal behaviors such as regurgitation and reingestion (R/R), decrease time spent inactive, and increase time spent feeding. The biscuit‐free diet significantly reduced (and in the case of one zoo eliminated) R/R and may have reduced hair‐plucking behavior. However, an increase in coprophagy was observed in many individuals following the diet change. The experimental diet caused a general increase in time the gorillas spent feeding, but this increase did not occur across all institutions and varied by individual. Interestingly, the overall time gorillas spent inactive actually increased with this diet change. Future research will examine these behavioral changes in a greater number of individuals to determine if the results remain consistent with these preliminary findings. Additionally, future research will examine the physiological impact of this diet change. Zoo Biol. 33:63–73, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
A Highly Efficient Automated Flow Injection Method for Rapid Determination of Free Fatty Acid Content in Corn Oils
Authors: Ayyildiz H. Filiz , Kara Huseyin
Published: January 2014

In the present study, a new flow injection (FI) methodology for determination of free fatty acid (FFA) content in corn oil samples is proposed. The proposed method is based on monitoring the absorbance changes at 580 nm, λmax, as a result of neutralization of FFA in oil samples by KOH in the reagent. The analyses were performed with a single‐line FI manifold system created by modification of high performance liquid chromatography. The main parameters, such as sample and reagent volumes, reaction coil, reagent concentration and temperature were all optimized. With the newly developed sampling strategy, the oil sample and reagent at micro level were directly injected together without any pre‐treatment. The proposed flow injection analysis method was validated statistically and it was found to be linear (between 0.09 and 1.50 FFA %), accurate (recovery 87.19–122.22 %), and precise (relative standard deviation <1 % for both intra‐day and inter‐day precision). The limit of detection and limit of quantification were found to be 7.41 × 10−3 and 2.24 × 10−2 oleic acid %, respectively. The results were also compared with those obtained by the American Oil Chemists Society (Ca‐5a‐40) method using statistical t and F tests, and a significant difference was not observed between the methods at the 95 % confidence level. These results strongly suggest that this method is suitable for automated routine analysis of FFA in edible oils due to its simplicity, reliability, speed, and economy of solvents and sample.
Regulation and disruption of hamster sperm hyperactivation by progesterone, 17β‐estradiol and diethylstilbestrol
Authors: Fujinoki Masakatsu
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Hyperactivation of hamster sperm is dose‐dependently enhanced by progesterone (P) and 17β‐estradiol (E). In the first part of the present study, enhancement of hyperactivation in response to the concentrations of P and E was examined in detail and in the second part, it was examined whether enhancement of hyperactivation by P and E was disrupted by diethylstilbestrol (DES).

Methods

Hamster spermatozoa were hyperactivated by incubation in modified Tyrode's albumin lactate pyruvate medium with P, E and/or DES. After spermatozoa were recorded using a video‐microscope, observations were quantified by manually counting the numbers of total, motile and hyperactivated spermatozoa.

Results

Hyperactivation was enhanced in response to the concentrations of P and E. When spermatozoa were exposed to DES with E, moreover, DES significantly and strongly suppressed P‐enhanced hyperactivation by accelerating the effect of E, but DES itself only weakly suppressed P‐enhanced hyperactivation.

Conclusions

Enhancement of hyperactivation was regulated by the concentrations of P and E, suggesting that in vivo hamster spermatozoa are hyperactivated through “monitoring” these concentrations in the oviduct. DES in combination with E suppressed P‐enhanced hyperactivation, suggesting that DES significantly disrupts hyperactivation by acting as an accelerator of the effect of E.
Hostile, aggressive family conflict trajectories during the transition to adulthood: Associations with adolescent Big Five and emerging adulthood adjustment problems
Authors: Castellani Valeria , Pastorelli Concetta , Eisenberg Nancy , Gerbino Maria , Di Giunta Laura , Ceravolo Rosalba , Milioni Michela
Published: January 2014

The goal of this longitudinal study was to investigate the relation of adolescents' Big Five factor (BFF) personality to the development of different patterns of mother–adolescent hostile, aggressive conflict (MHAC) from late adolescence to young adulthood. Furthermore, we examined the prediction of Antisocial Problems (AP) and Depressive Problems (DP) in emerging adulthood from BFF and MHAC trajectories. 385 adolescents participated in this study (age 15–16 at Time 1 and 21–22 at Time 4). Using latent growth curve analysis, Low stable (69.1%), Medium Increasing, (23.3%), and High decreasing (7.6%) trajectories were distinguished. Low adolescents' emotional stability was directly related to AP and indirectly related to DP, throughout the mediation of both Medium Increasing and High Decreasing trajectories. Agreeableness was directly negatively related to DP and indirectly throughout the mediation of High Decreasing trajectory. Low Conscientiousness was indirectly related to DP, throughout the mediation of Medium Increasing trajectory.

385 adolescents participated in this study (age 15–16 at Time 1 and 21–22 at Time 4). Using latent growth curve analysis, Low stable (69.1%), Medium Increasing, (23.3%), and High decreasing (7.6%) trajectories were distinguished. Low adolescents' emotional stability was directly related to AP and indirectly related to DP, throughout the mediation of both Medium Increasing and High Decreasing trajectories. Agreeableness was directly negatively related to DP and indirectly throughout the mediation of High Decreasing trajectory. Low Conscientiousness was indirectly related to DP, throughout the mediation of Medium Increasing trajectory.
Teachers and the religious socialization of adolescents: Facilitation of meaningful religious identity formation processes
Authors: Cohen‐Malayev Maya , Schachter Elli P. , Rich Yisrael
Published: January 2014

This study investigated the effects of religious education on student religious identity over and above parent religiosity by examining student perceptions of two aspects of teacher functioning: teacher caring and teacher as role‐model. We posited that effects of these variables on students' religious identity are mediated by student perceptions that the school provides a non‐alienating religious atmosphere and meaningful religious studies. Participants were 2691 male and female students (grades 9–12) in 152 classes of 25 schools from the Jewish public‐religious sector in Israel. Results indicate that in addition to their parents' religiosity, adolescents' perceptions of their teachers as role models and their religious studies as meaningful are important variables affecting their religious identity. Moreover, this research suggests that religious identity formation processes flourish in an educational environment which students perceive as accommodating religious exploration.
The immunoinhibitory B7-H1 molecule as a potential target in cancer
Authors: Dermime Said , Afreen Sehar
Published: January 2014

Over expression of B7-H1 (also named PDL-1 or CD 274) molecule in cancer has been linked to worse prognosis and resistance to anti-cancer therapies in several malignancies. In this review, we update on the expression of B7-H1 molecule in solid and hematological malignancies. We also describe the possible mechanisms by which this molecule inhibits/downregulates the immune response to cancer cells. Finally, we highlight current and future potential therapeutic strategies that can be further developed to target this molecule.
Suizidprävention
Authors: Lukaschek Karoline
Published: January 2014

Einleitung

Der Suizid ist die häufigste nicht-natürliche Todesursache. Die Suizidrate ist bei Männern dreimal so hoch wie bei Frauen. Insgesamt steigt die Suizidrate mit dem Alter an. Die Wahl der Suizidmethode hängt von psychosozialen und biologischen Faktoren sowie von Umwelteinflüssen ab. Eine besonders „harte“ Suizidmethode ist der Bahnsuizid. Täglich nehmen sich etwa drei Menschen auf den Gleisen das Leben. Obwohl jeder Bahnsuizid eine individuelle Entscheidung ist, lassen sich Muster suizidalen Verhaltens identifizieren, die eine Basis für Präventionsansätze liefern.
Seelische Gesundheit und Erwerbslosigkeit
Authors: Mühlpfordt Susann
Published: January 2014

Einleitung

Metaanalysen belegen stärkere psychische Beeinträchtigungen bei Erwerbslosen im Vergleich zu Erwerbstätigen (McKee-Ryan et al., 2005; Murphy und Athanasou, 1999; Paul und Moser, 2009a). Zwei Wirkrichtungen konnten nachgewiesen werden: Zum einen erschweren gesundheitliche Beeinträchtigungen aufgrund von Selektionseffekten den beruflichen (Wieder-)Einstieg, zum anderen verursacht Erwerbslosigkeit psychische Beschwerden (Kausalitätseffekte), wobei die verursachenden Effekte stärker ausfallen.
Arbeitsmedizinische Aspekte seelischer Gesundheit
Authors: Raske Heinz-Werner , Sende Katharina
Published: January 2014

Einleitung

Berufliche oder private Stressoren wirken sich erheblich auf die Arbeitsfähigkeit aus und werden oft auch im Rahmen arbeitsmedizinischer Untersuchungen deutlich. Der Anspruch ist es nicht, Arbeitsmediziner zu psychologischem Fachpersonal weiterzubilden. Eher soll der Blick für psychische Fehlbeanspruchungen und deren Folgen geschärft und die Zusammenarbeit im multiprofessionellen Team gefördert werden; so dass Fehlbelastungen erkannt werden und der betroffene Mitarbeiter weitervermittelt wird.
Über- und Unterforderung am Arbeitsplatz: Burn- und Boreout
Authors: Scherenberg Viviane
Published: January 2014

Einleitung

Die Popularität des Begriffs Burnout birgt die Gefahr der eindimensionalen Ursachenbetrachtung psychischer Erkrankungen. Indes können Über- sowie Unterforderungen durch monotone und zunehmend standardisierte Arbeitsabläufe in Industriegesellschaften zu psychischen Erschöpfungszuständen führen.
Wound Care in the Wilderness: Is There Evidence for Honey?
Authors: Stewart James Austin , McGrane Owen Lane , Wedmore Ian S.
Published: January 2014

Honey is one of the most ancient remedies for wound care. Current research has shown promising results for its use in wound care. This review is intended to inform readers of the physiological properties of honey and the evidence that exists to support its clinical use. When compared with evidence for current wound treatment, honey has proven to be a safe, effective, and sometimes superior treatment for various wounds. There are currently US Food and Drug Administration–approved medical-grade honey products available in the United States. Although there have been no clinical trials exploring the use of honey in wilderness environments, it may be a safe, improvisational wound treatment. More robust studies are needed for definitive conclusions of its efficacy and safety.
Novel Approach to the Diagnosis of Fractures in an Austere Environment Using a Stethoscope and a Cellular Phone
Authors: Matzek Brett A. , Fivecoat Phillip T. , Ritz Reis B.
Published: January 2014

Background

Fracture diagnosis in the austere environment where radiographic tests are not available can be a challenge. In the past, a diagnostic technique has been described using a tuning fork and stethoscope to assess decreased sound conduction in the fractured extremity. In this study, we evaluate the use of a cellular phone’s vibrate function and a stethoscope to limit equipment carried by expeditionary practitioners.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of fracture diagnosis using a cellular phone and stethoscope.

Methods

This is a pilot study to assess the usefulness of the above technique before clinical implementation. In 3 cadavers, we created fractures of the humerus and femur. Twenty-seven emergency medicine residents and an attending physician performed the diagnostic technique.

Results

Overall, the use of the cellular phone and stethoscope resulted in a sensitivity of 73% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64 to 0.81) and a specificity of 83% (95% CI: 0.77 to 0.88), with a positive predicted value of 68% (95% CI: 0.59 to 0.77) and a negative predicted value of 86% (95% CI: 0.81 to 0.90). Positive likelihood ratio was 4.3, and negative likelihood ratio was 0.32.

Conclusions

The use of a cellular phone and stethoscope may be a useful tool for the diagnosis of fractures in the austere environment. However, further study is needed to validate these findings in the clinical environment.
Trace-element variations in an annually layered stalagmite as recorders of climatic changes and anthropogenic pollution in Central China
Authors: Tan Liangcheng , Shen Chuan-Chou , Cai Yanjun , Lo Li , Cheng Hai , An Zhisheng
Published: January 2014

We analyzed variations in the Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca, REE/Ca (REE: rare earth element), Zn/Ca, and Pb/Ca ratios preserved in an annually layered stalagmite, XL21, from central China. The stalagmite record spans the 95 year period AD 1914–2008. The Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca ratios have a significant positive correlation with the stalagmite's growth rate, suggesting that they were primarily controlled by growth-rate variations. Variations in REE/Ca ratios are consistent with local temperature changes, suggesting temperature influenced REE concentrations in the stalagmite over decadal to annual timescales. Higher temperature in this humid area can increase vegetation cover, microbial activity, and organic decomposition in the soil, resulting in enhanced pCO2, organic matter concentration and reduced pH, and consequently increased REE mobilization from the overlying soil layer and host rock. Higher temperatures may also increase the natural Zn mobilization from the overlying soil mediated by organic matter and consequently may have led to increased Zn retention in XL21. An increasing trend is seen in the Pb/Ca ratios from XL21 since 1985, which is consistent with increased lead production in this area, and indicates an increase in mine-derived lead pollution in the local environment over the past 30 years.
Analysis and implementation of a new zero‐voltage switching DC converter with less active switches
Authors: Lin Bor‐Ren , Chung Shih‐Kai
Published: January 2014

A new zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) DC converter with less power switches is presented in this study. The proposed converter includes three subcircuits connected in parallel with the same switches to share load current. Thus, the proposed converter has less switch counts compared with the conventional parallel ZVS DC/DC converter and the output filter inductances and the transformer windings are reduced. Three‐level diode clamped converter is used to reduce the voltage stress of switches at Vin/2. The input two capacitor voltages are automatically balanced by adding two flying capacitors in three‐level DC/DC converter. The current doubler rectifiers are used at the output side to reduce the output current ripple. The output capacitances of metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) and resonant inductances are resonant at the transition interval. Thus, MOSFETs can be turned on under ZVS. Finally, experiments are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed converter.
Efficient denoising algorithms for large experimental datasets and their applications in Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry
Authors: Chiron Lionel , van Agthoven Maria A. , Kieffer Bruno , Rolando Christian , Delsuc Marc-André
Published: January 2014

Significance

Every measurement is corrupted due to random fluctuations in the sample and the apparatus. Current efficient denoising algorithms require large matrix analysis, and become untractable even for moderately large datasets. Any series can be considered as an operator that modifies any input vector. By applying this operator on a series of random vectors and thus reducing the dimension of the data, it is possible, using simple algebra, to reduce noise in a robust manner. Furthermore, the structure of the underlying matrices allows a very fast and memory-efficient implementation. Counterintuitively, randomness is used here to reduce noise. This procedure, called urQRd (uncoiled random QR denoising), allows denoising to be applied to data of virtually unlimited size.
Toxoplasma
GRA7 effector increases turnover of immunity-related GTPases and contributes to acute virulence in the mouse
Authors: Alaganan Aditi , Fentress Sarah J. , Tang Keliang , Wang Qiuling , Sibley L. David
Published: January 2014

Significance

Toxoplasma gondii
is a widespread parasite of animals that frequently infects humans. Infection in mice, a natural host for transmission, is strongly dependent on IFN-γ, which up-regulates innate defenses. The parasite secretory kinase rhoptry protein 18 (ROP18) phosphorylates immunity-related GTPases (IRGs) and prevents recruitment to the vacuole surrounding virulent parasites. Here, we demonstrate that ROP18 is found in a complex with other pseudokinases (i.e. ROP8/2) and the dense granule protein GRA7. Our studies reveal that GRA7 binds to oligomers of Irga6, resulting in increased polymerization initially but then leading to rapid disassembly. The activity of GRA7 may prevent proper IRG loading onto the parasite-containing vacuole and may make substrates available for ROP18, thus explaining its contribution to virulence.
Copper–sulfenate complex from oxidation of a cavity mutant ofPseudomonas aeruginosaazurin
Authors: Sieracki Nathan A. , Tian Shiliang , Hadt Ryan G. , Zhang Jun-Long , Woertink Julia S. , Nilges Mark J. , Sun Furong , Solomon Edward I. , Lu Yi
Published: January 2014

Significance

Posttranslational modification of cysteinyl thiolate to sulfenate has been found to play important roles in biology, such as redox signaling, and enzyme and gene regulation. Nitrile hydratase and thiocyanate hydrolase with cobalt and iron cofactors are the few known metalloenzymes requiring sulfenate coordination for reactivity. No other metal ions have been found to stably bind sulfenate in a biological context. Here we report a copper–sulfenate complex characterized in a protein environment, formed at the active site of a cavity mutant ofPseudomonas aeruginosaazurin. Computational studies strongly suggest that noncovalent interactions in the secondary coordination sphere are critical in stabilizing this species.