bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimum alveolar concentration: ongoing relevance and clinical utility
Authors: Aranake A. , Mashour G.A. , Avidan M.S.
Published: February 2013

Since its introduction in 1965, minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) has served as the standard measure of potency for volatile anaesthetic agents. It is defined as the minimum alveolar concentration of inhaled anaesthetic at which 50% of people do not move in response to a noxious stimulus. Within the last 20 years, it has been discovered that volatile anaesthetics inhibit mobility largely through action on the spinal cord, whereas the amnesic and hypnotic effects are mediated by the brain. Studies suggest that the concentration of volatile anaesthetic needed to prevent explicit memory from developing, and to produce unconsciousness, is usually substantially lower than the concentration required to prevent movement in response to surgery. This review highlights the contributions and limitations of MAC and its derivatives as metrics of anaesthetic potency with respect to particular behavioural outcomes. Recent evidence is presented suggesting that a protocol that alerts anaesthetists whenever MAC falls to < 0.5 or 0.7 has the potential to decrease intra‐operative awareness with explicit recall, possibly to a similar extent as does a protocol based on processed electroencephalography‐driven alerting.
Polymerase‐chain‐reaction‐based diagnosis of viral pulmonary infections in immunocompromised children
Authors: Kadmon Gili , Levy Itzhak , Mandelboim Michal , Nahum Elhanan , Stein Jerry , Dovrat Sara , Schonfeld Tommy
Published: February 2013

Aim

Viral pneumonia is a serious complication in immunocompromised children. Its aetiology is difficult to identify owing to the limitations of conventional microbiological tests. The aim of this study was to determine whether polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for respiratory viruses increase the diagnostic yield of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in immunocompromised children.

Methods

BAL samples obtained from immunocompromised children hospitalized with pneumonia were processed for respiratory viruses by viral culture, rapid antigen test and PCR (for CMV, adenovirus, influenza, parainfluenza, herpesvirus, RSV and hMPV).

Results

The study group included 42 patients (mean age 7.2 ± 5.1 years) with 50 episodes of clinical pneumonia (50 BAL samples). Forty viral pathogens were identified in 30 episodes (60%). PCR increased the diagnostic rate by fourfold (75% identified by PCR alone, p < 0.0001). When viral culture and rapid antigen test were used as the gold standard, PCR was found to have high sensitivity (86–100% when assessed) and specificity (80–96%). The PCR results prompted the initiation of specific antiviral therapy and the avoidance of unnecessary antibiotic treatment in 17 (34%) episodes.

Conclusion

PCR‐based diagnosis from BAL may increase the rate of pathogen detection in immunocompromised children, decrease the time to diagnosis and spare patients unnecessary antimicrobial treatment.
Randomised clinical trial: mesalazine (Salofalk granules) for uncomplicated diverticular disease of the colon – a placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Kruis W. , Meier E. , Schumacher M. , Mickisch O. , Greinwald R. , Mueller R. ,   the German SAG‐20 Study Group
Published: February 2013

Background

Robust evidence regarding medical intervention for symptomatic uncomplicated colonic diverticular disease (DD) is sparse.

Aim

To investigate mesalazine (Salofalk granules) in this setting.

Methods

In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multicentre, 6‐week trial, patients were randomised to mesalazine 1000 mg three times daily or placebo. Primary efficacy endpoint was change in lower abdominal pain to week 4 (baseline defined using pain score from 7 days pre‐treatment).

Results

Median change in lower abdominal pain with mesalazine vs. placebo was −37 (n = 56) vs. −33 (n = 61) [P = 0.374; 95% CI (−11; 4)] in the intent‐to‐treat (ITT) population, and −41 (n = 40) vs. −33 (n = 51) [P = 0.053; 95% CI (−18; 0)] in the per‐protocol (PP) population, i.e. the primary endpoint was not significantly different. Post hoc adjustment for confounding factors (‘baseline pain intensity’, ‘baseline symptom score (Brodribb)’, and ‘localisation of diverticula in the descending colon’) resulted in P = 0.111 [ITT, 95% CI (−15.4; 1.6)] and P = 0.005 [PP, 95% CI (−19.7; −3.5)]. Between‐group differences increased using pain score on day 1 as baseline, and reached significance for the PP population [mesalazine −42, placebo −26, P = 0.010; 95% CI (−25; −3)]. Median change in combined symptom score from baseline to week 4 was 257 mm with mesalazine vs. 198 mm with placebo [P = 0.064; 95% CI (−3; 105)]. More placebo‐treated patients received analgesic/spasmolytic concomitant medication (34.4% vs. mesalazine 21.4%), indicating improved pain relief with mesalazine (P = 0.119). Safety was comparable.

Conclusions

A daily dose of 3.0 g mesalazine may relieve pain during a symptomatic flare of uncomplicated DD. In this, the first placebo‐controlled double‐blind trial in acute uncomplicated DD, mesalazine showed promising therapeutic efficacy.
Sulforaphane protects against ethanol‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in neural crest cells by the induction of Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant response
Authors: Chen X , Liu J , Chen S‐Y
Published: February 2013

Background and Purpose

Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that up‐regulates a diverse array of antioxidant genes and protects cells from oxidative damage. This study is designed to determine whether D‐L‐sulforaphane (SFN) can protect neural crest cells (NCCs), an ethanol‐sensitive cell population implicated in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, against ethanol‐induced apoptosis and whether protective effects of SFN are mediated by the induction of Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant response.

Experimental Approach

Control, SFN‐treated or Nrf2‐siRNA transfected NCCs were exposed to ethanol. Nrf2 activation, the expression and activities of Nrf2 downstream antioxidant proteins, reactive oxygen species generation and apoptosis were determined in control and ethanol‐exposed NCCs.

Key Results

Exposure of NCCs to SFN alone significantly increased Nrf2 activation and the expression of Nrf2 downstream antioxidants as well as the activities of the antioxidant enzymes. Treatment of NCCs with SFN along with ethanol significantly decreased ethanol‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. In contrast, knockdown of Nrf2 by siRNA significantly increased the sensitivity of NCCs to ethanol‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Suppression of Nrf2 signalling in NCCs also significantly diminished SFN‐mediated antioxidant response and abolished the protective effects of SFN on ethanol‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Conclusions and Implications

These results demonstrated that Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant response plays an important role in the susceptibility of NCCs to ethanol‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis and that the protection of SFN against ethanol‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in NCCs is mediated by the induction of Nrf2 signalling.
Genetic variation in C‐reactive protein in ethnic Chinese population in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Chin‐Chou , Chung Chia‐Min , Leu Hsin‐Bang , Lin Tsung‐Hsien , Hung Shuen‐Iu , Wu Tao‐Cheng , Huang Po‐Hsun , Lin Shing‐Jong , Pan Wen‐Harn , Chen Jaw‐Wen
Published: February 2013

Background

High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) is a sensitive inflammatory marker suggested for cardiovascular risk stratification. This study aimed to assess the potential genetic determinants for serum hs‐CRP levels in a cohort with well‐controlled nondiabetic hypertension.

Materials and methods

Ethnic Chinese nondiabetic hypertensive patients were enrolled in Taiwan. They received comprehensive evaluation including history taking, physical check‐up, blood pressure (BP) measurement, 24‐h ambulatory BP monitoring and blood sampling. Serum hs‐CRP levels were determined. CRP genotyping was performed in two stages. In the first stage, 4 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CRP including rs1572970, rs2794520, rs3093077 and rs2808630 were investigated in the 400 participants. In the second stage, only SNPs significant in the first stage were selected for complete genotyping in the whole population.

Results

Total 915 consecutive patients (40·9 ± 7·3 years, 68·3% male) completed the study. Two of the 4 SNPs including rs1572970 and rs3093077 were correlated to hs‐CRP levels in the whole population. Stepwise multiple linear regression indicated that age (P = 0·001), body mass index (P < 0·001), waist–hip ratio (P = 0·032), smoking habits (P = 0·001), night‐time systolic BP (P = 0·040), total cholesterol (P = 0·005) and CRP rs3093077 polymorphism (P < 0·001) were independently associated with serum hs‐CRP levels. Overall, genetic correlates explained 2·4%, BMI explained 11·9% and all other clinical correlates explained 4·8% of interindividual variability in serum hs‐CRP level.

Conclusion

C‐reactive protein genotype contributed limitedly to serum hs‐CRP levels in subjects with well‐controlled hypertension, suggesting the impacts of clinical rather than genetic determinants to serum hs‐CRP levels for cardiovascular risk stratification in this intermediate‐risk Taiwanese cohort.
Mitochondrial function in sepsis
Authors: Jeger Victor , Djafarzadeh Siamak , Jakob Stephan M. , Takala Jukka
Published: February 2013

Background

The relevance of mitochondrial dysfunction as to pathogenesis of multiple organ dysfunction and failure in sepsis is controversial. This focused review evaluates the evidence for impaired mitochondrial function in sepsis.

Design

Review of original studies in experimental sepsis animal models and clinical studies on mitochondrial function in sepsis. In vitro studies solely on cells and tissues were excluded. PubMed was searched for articles published between 1964 and July 2012.

Results

Data from animal experiments (rodents and pigs) and from clinical studies of septic critically ill patients and human volunteers were included. A clear pattern of sepsis‐related changes in mitochondrial function is missing in all species. The wide range of sepsis models, length of experiments, presence or absence of fluid resuscitation and methods to measure mitochondrial function may contribute to the contradictory findings. A consistent finding was the high variability of mitochondrial function also in control conditions and between organs.

Conclusion

Mitochondrial function in sepsis is highly variable, organ specific and changes over the course of sepsis. Patients who will die from sepsis may be more affected than survivors. Nevertheless, the current data from mostly young and otherwise healthy animals does not support the view that mitochondrial dysfunction is the general denominator for multiple organ failure in severe sepsis and septic shock. Whether this is true if underlying comorbidities are present, especially in older patients, should be addressed in further studies.
ICT Policy and Implementation in Education: cases in Canada, Northern Ireland and Ireland
Authors: Austin Roger , Hunter Bill
Published: February 2013

Countries with similar levels of economic development often implement different education ICT policies. Much of the existing research attributes such differences to economic and political factors. In this paper, we examine the development of ICT policy and implementation in the two parts of Ireland and in two Canadian provinces and find that historical, social and cultural differences also play an important role in the way ICT policies develop. In particular, we see differing historical perceptions of the role of the state and church in education playing a more important role than has hitherto been recognized.
Editorial
Authors: Punie Yves , Van den Brande Lieve , Tuomi Ilkka
Published: February 2013

A video abstract of this article can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FvyP1egxw0&feature=player_embedded
Superior transplantation outcomes of 8/8‐matched unrelated donors as well as matched siblings to autologous transplantation for acute myeloid leukemia with intermediate cytogenetics in first remission
Authors: Cho Byung‐Sik , Kim Jung‐Ho , Yoon Jae‐Ho , Shin Seung‐Hwan , Yahng Seung‐Ah , Lee Sung‐Eun , Eom Ki‐Seong , Kim Yoo‐Jin , Lee Seok , Min Chang‐Ki , Cho Seok‐Goo , Kim Dong‐Wook , Lee Jong‐Wook , Min Woo‐Sung , Park Chong‐Won , Kim Hee‐Je
Published: February 2013

Objectives

For patients with acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission (AML CR1) lacking HLA‐matched sibling donors (MSD), 8/8‐matched unrelated donors (URD) are mostly used in cases with poor‐risk features. For AML CR1 with intermediate cytogenetics, however, the benefit of 8/8‐matched URD should be compared with non‐allogeneic therapies as well as MSD.

Methods

To address this issue, we assessed the transplantation outcomes of 8/8‐matched URD (n = 54) compared with MSD (n = 145) or autologous transplantation (n = 89) for AML CR1 with intermediate cytogenetics.

Results

In multivariate analyses, 8/8‐matched URD had comparable 6‐yr overall survival (OS, P = 0.997), disease‐free survival (DFS, P = 0.951), and relapse (P = 0.672) to MSD, whereas 8/8‐matched URD had a higher OS (P = 0.070) and DFS (P = 0.035) with lower relapse (P = 0.009) than autologous transplantation. No difference in non‐relapse mortality was observed according to donor type. Notably, these equivalent or superior outcomes of 8/8‐matched URD compared with MSD or autologous transplantation, respectively, were particularly evident in patients without poor‐risk features (n = 200), such as older age, hyperleukocytosis at diagnosis, and myelodysplasia‐related changes, who are not usual candidates for URD transplantation.

Conclusions

These results indicate that 8/8‐matched URD are feasible next option in AML CR1 with intermediate cytogenetics, when lacking MSD, even in patients without poor‐risk features.
Do American Crows Pay Attention to Human Gaze and Facial Expressions?
Authors: Clucas Barbara , Marzluff John M. , Mackovjak David , Palmquist Ila
Published: February 2013

Interactions between species can lead to the evolution of interspecific communication. Non‐verbal communication by humans, both intentional and unintentional, can be interpreted by other species. We tested whether American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) were sensitive to human facial features under field conditions by comparing flight initiation distances and urgency of escape behavior to human approaches varying in eye contact and facial expression. We first examined whether crows distinguish between an approaching human who is directly gazing at them and a human approaching them with an averted gaze. In a second experiment, we tested whether crows differentiate a smiling from scowling human approaching them with direct or averted gaze. In the first experiment, we found that crows fled sooner and more urgently when humans were directly gazing at them. Similarly, in the second experiment, crows responded sooner to a direct vs. averted gaze; however, they did not react differently to varying human facial expressions. We suggest that crows use human gaze as a reliable visual cue compared with facial expressions when making decisions about responding to approaching humans. This is the first study to show that a wild corvid species changes its behavior based on human gaze, possibly representing an adaptation to living in human‐dominated urban areas and suggesting crows might perceive human intention by this visual cue.
What Are Consumers Afraid of? Understanding Perceived Risk toward the Consumption of Environmentally Sustainable Apparel
Authors: Kang Jiyun , Kim Sang‐Hoon
Published: February 2013

The purpose was to gain an in‐depth understanding of the risks that young consumers perceive with respect to consuming apparel products that are environmentally sustainable. Two studies were conducted, using a total of three sets of samples from South Korea and the United States. As a result of Study 1, an exploratory measure was developed and validated for perceived risk that was specifically associated with the consumption of environmentally sustainable apparel. This also took into account the multidimensional nature of perceived risk. As a result of Study 2, a structural model was developed and tested, illustrating the effects that each dimension of perceived risk had on attitudes and behavioral intentions. These studies resulted in the identification of four primary risks, including financial, performance, psychological, and social risks, that keep young consumers from deciding to purchase environmentally sustainable apparel. The results demonstrated that the significance and effect size of the perceived risks were different for the four dimensions. Also, the results indicated that attitudes can act as a mediator between perceived risks and behavioral intentions. These results should help practitioners to become more effective in persuading young consumers to make better choices to minimize the environmental impact of their apparel consumption. The results could also be used to encourage the cultivation and development of apparel products that are sustainable.
Three Families—One Street: A Study of Culture, Food, and Consumption in East London
Authors: Hodges Caroline E. M. , Wiggins Gemma
Published: February 2013

This ethnographic study explores the food acculturation experiences of three culturally diverse neighboring families living in East London. The main finding was that each family's food preferences reflected acculturation into a third culture—a cosmo‐multicultural neighborhood (Home/world: Space, community and marginality in Sydney's West, 1997, Sydney, NSW: Pluto), and this was experienced through the consumption of other food places and other cultures. This contributes to the development of theory that considers food acculturation as a nuanced and complex series of experiences, shaped by the micro (family)‐, meso (community)‐, and macro (marketplace)‐environments. The article also considers the value of ethnographic insights for organizations seeking to effectively engage with multicultural communities within the context of food, diet, and nutrition.
Environmentally sustainable textile and apparel consumption: the role of consumer knowledge, perceived consumer effectiveness and perceived personal relevance
Authors: Kang Jiyun , Liu Chuanlan , Kim Sang‐Hoon
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study is to develop a comprehensive understanding of young consumers' attitudes, perceptions and behavioural intentions towards the consumption of environmentally sustainable textile and apparel products. A total of 701 responses were collected from students attending large universities in the US, South Korea and China. An extended model of planned behaviour was developed and tested based on structural equation modeling approach. The results indicate that consumers' product knowledge, perceived consumer effectiveness and perceived personal relevance significantly affect young consumers' attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control, thereby affecting purchase intentions for environmentally sustainable textiles and apparel. The research findings will benefit both environmental and economic enhancement efforts among policymakers, educators and industry professionals, enabling them to formulate strategies to ensure better communication with consumers to promote desirable consumption behaviour.
Negative impact of papillary histological subtype in patients with renal cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava: Single‐center experience
Authors: Kondo Tsunenori , Ikezawa Eri , Takagi Toshio , Kobayashi Hirohito , Hashimoto Yasunobu , Iizuka Junpei , Omae Kenji , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Tanabe Kazunari
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To investigate the impact of histological subtypes on the survival of patients presenting with renal cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava.

Methods

From January 1985 until October 2011, 68 patients with renal cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava underwent radical nephrectomy and inferior vena cava thrombectomy at Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan. Their clinical and pathological parameters were reviewed from the medical charts.

Results

The median follow up was 19 months (range 0.1–144 months). The tumor thrombus level was I in four patients (6%), II in 38 patients (56%), III in 12 patients (18%) and IV in 14 patients (20%). Papillary histological subtype was found in seven patients (10%), and clear cell in 61 patients (90%). Patients with a papillary subtype had a significantly worse survival outcome than the patients with the clear cell subtype (median survival time 9.0 vs 36.1 months, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis also showed that the papillary subtype was the only independent prognostic factor for unfavorable cancer‐specific survival (P = 0.03). When the patients presented with metastases to lymph nodes or distant metastases, the median survival of the patients with a papillary subtype was extremely short, at just 5.2 months compared with those with a clear cell subtype (24.0 months, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with renal cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava with a papillary subtype show a considerably shorter survival compared with those with a clear cell subtype. The papillary renal cell carcinoma extending into the inferior vena cava patient might be an inappropriate candidate for extensive surgery when metastases to nodes or distant organs are found.
Metabolic control of the Treg/Th17 axis
Authors: Barbi Joseph , Pardoll Drew , Pan Fan
Published: February 2013

The interplay of the immune system with other aspects of physiology is continually being revealed and in some cases studied in considerable mechanistic detail. A prime example is the influence of metabolic cues on immune responses. It is well appreciated that upon activation, T cells take on a metabolic profile profoundly distinct from that of their quiescent and anergic counterparts; however, a number of recent breakthroughs have greatly expanded our knowledge of how aspects of cellular metabolism can shape a T‐cell response. Particularly important are findings that certain environmental cues can tilt the delicate balance between inflammation and immune tolerance by skewing T‐cell fate decisions toward either the T‐helper 17 (Th17) or T‐regulatory (Treg) cell lineage. Recognizing the unappreciated immune‐modifying potential of metabolic factors and particularly those involved in the generation of these functionally opposing T‐cell subsets will likely add new and potent therapies to our repertoire for treating immune mediated pathologies. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent findings linking certain metabolic pathways, enzymes, and by‐products to shifts in the balance between Th17 and Treg cell populations. These advances highlight numerous opportunities for immune modulation.
Transcriptional regulation of follicular T‐helper (Tfh) cells
Authors: Liu Xindong , Nurieva Roza I. , Dong Chen
Published: February 2013

T‐follicular helper (Tfh) cells are a new subset of effector CD4+ T cells that are specialized in helping B cells in the germinal center reaction. Tfh cells are distinct from other established CD4+ T‐cell lineages, Th1, Th2, Th17, and T‐regulatory cells, in their gene expression profiles. Tfh cell differentiation results from a network of transcriptional regulation by a master transcriptional factor Bcl6 as well as IRF4, c‐Maf, Batf, and STAT3/5. During Tfh cell ontogeny, increased CXCR5 expression directs activated T‐cell migration to the follicles, and their interaction with B cells leads to Bcl6 upregulation, which helps establish effector and memory Tfh cell program. This review summarizes the recent progress in molecular mechanisms underlying Tfh differentiation and discusses the future perspectives for this important area of research.
Glial reactivity in resistance to methamphetamine‐induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Friend Danielle M. , Keefe Kristen A.
Published: February 2013

Neurotoxic regimens of methamphetamine (METH) result in reactive microglia and astrocytes in striatum. Prior data indicate that rats with partial dopamine (DA) loss resulting from prior exposure to METH are resistant to further decreases in striatal DA when re‐exposed to METH 30 days later. Such resistant animals also do not show an activated microglia phenotype, suggesting a relation between microglial activation and METH‐induced neurotoxicity. To date, the astrocyte response in such resistance has not been examined. Thus, this study examined glial‐fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and CD11b protein expression in striata of animals administered saline or a neurotoxic regimen of METH on post‐natal days 60 and/or 90 (Saline:Saline, Saline:METH, METH:Saline, METH:METH). Consistent with previous work, animals experiencing acute toxicity (Saline:METH) showed both activated microglia and astocytes, whereas those resistant to the acute toxicity (METH:METH) did not show activated microglia. Interestingly, GFAP expression remained elevated in rats exposed to METH at PND60 (METH:Saline), and was not elevated further in resistant rats treated for the second time with METH (METH:METH). These data suggest that astrocytes remain reactive up to 30 days post‐METH exposure. In addition, these data indicate that astrocyte reactivity does not reflect acute, METH‐induced DA terminal toxicity, whereas microglial reactivity does.
REAL OPTIONS AND THE CROSS‐SECTION OF EXPECTED STOCK RETURNS
Authors: Guthrie Graeme
Published: February 2013

This paper surveys the theoretical literature investigating the effect of firms’ investment flexibility on the cross‐section of expected stock returns. Real options analysis derives firms’ value‐maximizing investment policies as functions of exogenous fundamental drivers of profitability and calculates firms’ market values as functions of the same variables. These functions yield the relationship between expected stock returns and firm fundamentals. Several plausible explanations for the value premium – the high average stock returns earned by firms with high book‐to‐market ratios – emerge from this literature.
Measuring carbon and N2 fixation in field populations of colonial and free‐living unicellular cyanobacteria using nanometer‐scale secondary ion mass spectrometry1
Authors: Foster Rachel A. , Sztejrenszus Saar , Kuypers Marcel M. M.
Published: February 2013

Unicellular cyanobacteria are now recognized as important to the marine N and C cycles in open ocean gyres, yet there are few direct in situ measurements of their activities. Using a high‐resolution nanometer scale secondary ion mass spectrometer (nanoSIMS), single cell N2 and C fixation rates were estimated for unicellular cyanobacteria resembling N2 fixer Crocosphaera watsonii. Crocosphaera watsonii‐like cells were observed in the subtropical North Pacific gyre (22°45′ N, 158°0′ W) as 2 different phenotypes: colonial and free‐living. Colonies containing 3–242 cells per colony were observed and cell density in colonies increased with incubation time. Estimated C fixation rates were similarly high in both phenotypes and unexpectedly for unicellular cyanobacteria 85% of the colonial cells incubated during midday were also enriched in 15N above natural abundance. Highest 15N enrichment and N2 fixation rates were found in cells incubated overnight where up to 64% of the total daily fixed N in the upper surface waters was attributed to both phenotypes. The colonial cells retained newly fixed C in a sulfur‐rich matrix surrounding the cells and often cells of both phenotypes possessed areas (<1 nm) of enriched 15N and 13C resembling storage granules. The nanoSIMS imaging of the colonial cells also showed evidence for a division of N2 and C fixation activity across the colony where few individual cells (<34%) in a given colony were enriched in both 15N and 13C above the colony average. Our results provide new insights into the ecophysiology of unicellular cyanobacteria.
Wolbachia, filariae and Leishmania coinfection in dogs from a Mediterranean area
Authors: Tabar M.D. , Altet L. , Martínez V. , Roura X.
Published: February 2013

Objectives

In an endemic area for leishmaniosis and filariasis, coinfection can occur and the immunomodulation triggered by Wolbachia infection might influence the clinical signs and progression of both diseases. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of Wolbachia in dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis and other filarial nematodes, to evaluate the prevalence of coinfection of Leishmania infantum, filariae and Wolbachia and their association with clinical presentation.

Methods

Polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to detect filarial species, Wolbachia species and Leishmania in 118 samples of dogs from southeastern Spain with leishmaniosis and/or filariasis.

Results

Ninety‐eight dogs were infected with Leishmania and 49 had filarial infection (29 were coinfected with both). Wolbachia DNA was detected in 30·6% of filariae‐positive dogs (15/49). Dogs coinfected with Leishmania and filaria had more severe clinical signs. Wolbachia infection was significantly (P=0·026) more frequent in dogs that were not infected with Leishmania. There was no correlation between outcome and coinfection with these pathogens.

Clinical Significance

This study highlights the increased sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of filariasis, confirms the presence of Wolbachia in dogs from the Mediterranean basin, shows the increased severity of clinical signs when Leishmania‐filarial coinfection is present and suggests a protective role of Wolbachia in leishmaniosis.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Oral Administration of Meloxicam to Foals
Authors: Raidal S.L. , Edwards S. , Pippia J. , Boston R. , Noble G.K.
Published: February 2013

Background

The pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of meloxicam have been evaluated in adult horses, but not foals. Physiologic differences between neonates and adults might alter drug pharmacokinetics and therapeutic index.

Hypotheses

The pharmacokinetics of meloxicam will be different in foals compared with adult horses, and foals could be at increased risk for adverse drug effects.

Animals

Twenty lightbreed foals less than 6 weeks of age at commencement of the study.

Methods

Single and repeated oral dose pharmacokinetics were determined for meloxicam (0.6 mg/kg) in 10 foals. The safety of the drug was further evaluated in a 2nd group of 10 foals in a randomized blinded prospective study.

Results

Plasma concentrations after a single oral dose of meloxicam (0.6 mg/kg) and time to maximum plasma concentration were similar to adult horses. However, drug clearance was much more rapid in foals (elimination half‐life 2.48 ± 0.25 hours). Administration of 0.6 mg/kg every 12 hours was well tolerated by foals for up to 3 weeks, with no evidence of drug accumulation in plasma. Adverse effects observed in adult horses at higher dose rates were not observed in foals given 1.8 mg/kg twice daily for 7 days.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Meloxicam at an oral dose rate of 0.6 mg/kg every 12 hours provided plasma concentrations likely to be therapeutic. In contrast to findings for otherNSAIDs, foals appeared more resilient to the adverse effects of this drug than was observed in adult horses.
Veterinary pharmacology: history, current status and future prospects
Authors: Lees P. , Fink‐Gremmels J. , Toutain P. L.
Published: February 2013

Veterinary therapeutics, based on the art of Materia Medica, has been practised for countless centuries, but the science of veterinary pharmacology is of very recent origin. This review traces the contribution of Materia Medica to veterinary therapeutics from the Egyptian period through to the Age of Enlightenment. The first tentative steps in the development of the science of veterinary pharmacology were taken in the 18th century, but it was not until the mid 20th century that the science replaced the art of Materia Medica. This review traces the 20th century developments in veterinary pharmacology, with emphasis on the explosion of knowledge in the 35 year period to 2010. The range of factors which have influenced the current status of the discipline are reviewed. Future developments are considered from the perspectives of what might be regarded as desirable and those innovations that might be anticipated. We end with words of encouragement for young colleagues intent upon pursuing a career in veterinary pharmacology
Which Halitholus species (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa) inhabits the Arctic and high boreal Atlantic waters?
Authors: Stepanjants Sofia , Svoboda Armin
Published: February 2013

The binomen Perigonimus yoldiaearcticae Birula was established (as Perigonimus yoldiae‐arcticae) for a hydroid species found predominantly on shells of the mollusk Yoldia arctica (now Portlandia arctica) in the White and Kara Seas. Its original description was incomplete, no medusa stage was described, no specific type locality was specified, and we know of the existence of no type specimens. Birula's nominal species cannot be distinguished from several other pandeids occurring at high latitudes of the northern hemisphere, and we regard P. yoldiaearcticae as a nomen dubium. By contrast, Halitholis cirratus Hartlaub, 1913 was founded on medusae obtained at Spitzbergen and in the Barents and Baltic Seas, and its presumed hydroid discovered in the Baltic (the latter a region with no other known species of pandeid medusae). We examined material referable to H. cirratus from the Kara Sea, including both medusae and hydroids (on Portlandia arctica), and conclude that this is the species inhabiting the Arctic Ocean and the high boreal Atlantic.
Autologous Pump‐Perfused Rat Hind Limb Preparation for Investigating Muscle Function and Metabolism In Vivo
Authors: Peoples Gregory E. , Hoy Andrew J. , Henry Renee , McLennan Peter L.
Published: February 2013

Objective

Oxygen delivery, underpinned by vascular tone, is the principle limiting factor in the study of skeletal muscle physiology, particularly during muscle contraction. The aim of this study was to develop an autologous perfused rat hind limb preparation for the study of skeletal muscle contractile function.

Methods

Adult Wistar rats were surgically prepared using a by‐pass system for pump‐controlled arterial blood flow to, and venous return from the hind limb during periods of quiescence and twitch contraction of the gastrocnemius‐plantaris‐soleus muscle bundle.

Results

During rest, hind limb perfusion pressure (102 ± 5 mmHg) was not different to systemic arterial pressure (99 ± 4 mmHg). Hind limb pressure was responsive to vasoconstrictors and vasodilators (±50 mmHg). The arterial PO2 (100 ± 3 mmHg), O2 saturation, and acid–base balance (pH: 7.42 ± 0.01) contributed to resting hind limb (a‐v)O2 difference (4.8 ± 0.5 mL/100 mL) and VO2 (0.31 ± 0.03 μmol/g/min wet weight). Repetitive isometric twitch tension (1 Hz, 0.05 ms, 10 minutes) was best maintained at a flow rate of 2 mL/min (VO2 increased fivefold during muscle contraction) and efficiency of oxygen use increased from 0.27 ± 0.08–0.52 ± 0.07 N/μmol/min.

Conclusion

The autologous rat hind limb provided resting vascular tone allowing maintenance of perfusion pressure at flows within the physiological range. Oxygen delivery supported repetitive twitch contractions and facilitated measurement of active metabolism.
The Relationship between Organizational Justice and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour: The Role of Cultural Value Orientations
Authors: Schilpzand Marieke C. , Martins Luis L. , Kirkman Bradley L. , Lowe Kevin B. , Chen Zhen Xiong
Published: February 2013

In two studies conducted in the United States and the People's Republic of China, we examined how the effects of organizational justice perceptions on employees' organizational citizenship behaviours (OCB) are influenced by individually held cultural value orientations. In Study 1, we did not find evidence of moderation by cultural value orientation. In Study 2, we re-examined the moderated relationships and found that the relationship between procedural justice and OCB was significantly influenced by masculinity-femininity orientation and that the relationship between distributive justice and OCB was significantly moderated by power distance such that the relationships were more strongly positive when followers were more masculine and higher in power distance. Also, we extended our model to include perceived supervisor support as a mediator of the direct and moderated effects of justice perceptions on OCB. We found support for the mediation model, but did not find the moderated mediation effects we predicted. Due to the large number of non-significant findings and inconsistencies across our two studies, we conclude with recommendations for scholars who face similar challenges in their research.
Zic2 is required for enteric nervous system development and neurite outgrowth: a mouse model of enteric hyperplasia and dysplasia
Authors: Zhang Y. , Niswander L.
Published: February 2013

From a forward genetic screen in mice we isolated a novel Zic2 allele with abnormal aggregation of meconium in the gastrointestinal tract. Zic2m1Nisw mutant embryos show an increase in the number of enteric neurons in vivo and disorganization of the neurite network. Explant culture of Zic2m1Nisw gastrointestinal tract show extensive neurite outgrowth, suggesting that Zic2 is a negative regulator of nerve fiber growth. These studies demonstrate a previously unknown function of Zic2 and provide a novel animal model of enteric nervous system dysplasia and hyperplasia.
Physical dormancy in seeds: a game of hide and seek?
Authors: Paulsen Torbjørn Rage , Colville Louise , Kranner Ilse , Daws Matthew I. , Högstedt Göran , Vandvik Vigdis , Thompson Ken
Published: February 2013

Historically, ‘physical dormancy’, or ‘hard seededness’, where seeds are prevented from germinating by a water‐impermeable seed coat, is viewed as a dormancy mechanism. However, upon water uptake, resumption of metabolism leads to the unavoidable release of volatile by‐products, olfactory cues that are perceived by seed predators. Here, we examine the hypothesis that hard seeds are an anti‐predator trait that evolved in response to powerful selection by small mammal seed predators.

Seeds of two legume species with dimorphic seeds (‘hard’ and ‘soft’), Robinia pseudoacacia and Vicia sativa, were offered to desert hamsters (Phodopus roborovskii) in a series of seed removal studies examining the differences in seed harvest between hard and soft seeds. Volatile compounds emitted by dry and imbibed soft seeds were identified by headspace gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS).

Fourteen main volatile compounds were identified, and hamsters readily detected both buried imbibed seeds and an artificial ‘volatile cocktail’ that mimicked the scent of imbibed seeds, but could not detect buried hard or dry soft seeds.

We argue that physical dormancy has evolved to hide seeds from mammalian predators. This hypothesis also helps to explain some otherwise puzzling features of hard seeds and has implications for seed dispersal.
StInvInh2 as an inhibitor of StvacINV1 regulates the cold‐induced sweetening of potato tubers by specifically capping vacuolar invertase activity
Authors: Liu Xun , Lin Yuan , Liu Jun , Song Botao , Ou Yongbin , Zhang Huiling , Li Meng , Xie Conghua
Published: February 2013

Reducing sugar (RS) accumulation in cold‐stored potato tubers, known as cold‐induced sweetening (CIS), is a crucial factor causing unacceptable colour changes and acrylamide formation of fried products. The activity of vacuolar invertase (StvacINV1) is proved important for the CIS process, and invertase inhibitors are speculated to play roles in the post‐translational regulation of StvacINV1 activity. In our previous research, two putative inhibitors (StInvInh2A and StInvInh2B) of StvacINV1 were implied to be involved in potato CIS. Here, we further reported that StInvInh2A and StInvInh2B had similar function that specifically inhibited StvacINV1 activity in potatoes. The genetic transformation of these inhibitor genes in potatoes by overexpression in CIS‐sensitive and RNAi‐silenced in CIS‐resistant genotypes showed that StvacINV1 activity was strongly regulated by alteration of the transcripts of the inhibitors without impacting on the expression of StvacINV1. A negative power relationship was found between the transcripts of the inhibitors and StvacINV1 activity, suggesting 1) a transcriptional determination of the inhibitory capacity of StInvInh2A and StInvInh2B and 2) a significant inhibitory role of these inhibitors in post‐translational modulation of StvacINV1. The results also demonstrated that depression of StvacINV1 activity through overexpression of StInvInh2A and StInvInh2B weakened accumulation of RS and acrylamide in cold‐stored tubers and consequently improved the chip quality. The present research strongly suggest that both StInvInh2A and StInvInh2B function as inhibitors of StvacINV1 and play similar roles in regulating potato CIS by capping StvacINV1 activity. These inhibitors could be novel genetic resources applicable for improving quality of potato processing products.
Prevalence of black stain and associated risk factors in preschool Spanish children
Authors: Garcia Martin Jose Manuel , Gonzalez Garcia Manuel , Seoane Leston Juan , Llorente Pendas Santiago , Diaz Martin Juan Jose , Garcia‐Pola Maria Jose
Published: February 2013

Background

In pediatric clinical practice, it is common to be asked about the presence of black stains on teeth in children and teenagers. According to controversial etiology, it is known to be related to a low rate of caries. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of black stain and associated risk factors in Spanish preschool children.

Methods

A total of 3272 children aged 6 years old (3058 non‐emigrant and 214 immigrant children) living in Oviedo (Spain), were enrolled in the present study.

Results

The prevalence of black stain was 3.1% in the whole group. The index of primary decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft index) associated with black stain was 0.35 ± 1.123. A statistical association between black stain and the consumption of iron supplements was noted.

Conclusions

The regular consumption of foods rich in iron and the use of iron supplements during pregnancy and early childhood, could favor the development of chromogenic microbiota. The prevalence of black stain did not differ significantly between non‐emigrant and immigrant children in Spain.
License to Ill: The Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility and CEO Moral Identity on Corporate Social Irresponsibility
Authors: Ormiston Margaret E. , Wong Elaine M.
Published: February 2013

Although managers and researchers have invested considerable effort into understanding corporate social responsibility (CSR), less is known about corporate social irresponsibility (CSiR). Drawing on strategic leadership and moral licensing research, we address this gap by considering the relationship between CSR and CSiR. We predict that prior CSR is positively associated with subsequent CSiR because the moral credits achieved through CSR enable leaders to engage in less ethical stakeholder treatment. Further, we hypothesize that leaders’ moral identity symbolization, or the degree to which being moral is expressed outwardly to the public through actions and behavior, will moderate the CSR–CSiR relationship, such that the relationship will be stronger when CEOs are high on moral identity symbolization rather than low on moral identity symbolization. Through an archival study of 49 Fortune 500 firms, we find support for our hypotheses.
Screening for Suicidal Ideation and Attempts among Emergency Department Medical Patients: Instrument and Results from the Psychiatric Emergency Research Collaboration
Authors: Allen Michael H. , Abar Beau W. , McCormick Mark , Barnes Donna H. , Haukoos Jason , Garmel Gus M. , Boudreaux Edwin D.
Published: February 2013

Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goal 15 calls for organizations “to identify patients at risk for suicide.” Overt suicidal behavior accounts for 0.6% of emergency department (ED) visits, but incidental suicidal ideation is found in 3%–11.6%. This is the first multicenter study of suicide screening in EDs. Of 2,243 patients in six diverse emergency settings, 1,068 (47.7%) were screened with a brief instrument. Depression was endorsed by 369 (34.5%); passive suicidal ideation by 79 (7.3%); and active suicidal ideation by 24 (2.3%). One hundred thirty‐seven (12.8%) reported prior attempts, including 35 (3.3%) with current suicidal ideation. Almost half of those with current ideation had a prior attempt (43.8%) versus those without current ideation, 10.3%, χ2 (1) = 75.59, p < .001. Twenty cases (25%) were admitted to medical services, but only 10 (12.5%) received mental health assessment; none were admitted directly to a psychiatry service. The prevalence of suicidal ideation here is similar to previous studies but the frequency of prior attempts has not been reported. The 35 cases with current ideation and prior attempt are at risk. As they did not present psychiatrically, they would likely have gone undetected. Despite reporting these cases to clinical staff, few received risk assessment.
The Effect of the Variation in ACL Constitutive Model on Joint Kinematics and Biomechanics Under Different Loads: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Wan Chao , Hao Zhixiu , Wen Shizhu
Published: February 2013

The biomechanics and function of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) have been widely studied using both experimental and simulation methods. It is known that a constitutive model of joint tissue is a critical factor in the numerical simulation. Some different ligament constitutive models have been presented to describe the ACL material behavior. However, the effect of the variation in the ligament constitutive model on joint kinematics and biomechanics has still not been studied. In this paper, a three-dimensional finite element model of an intact tibiofemoral joint was reconstructed. Three ACL constitutive models were compared under different joint loads (such as anterior tibial force, varus tibial torque, and valgus tibial torque) to investigate the effect of the change of the ACL constitutive model. The three constitutive models corresponded to an isotropic hyperelasticity model, a transversely isotropic hyperelasticity model with neo-Hookean ground substance description, and a transversely isotropic hyperelastic model with nonlinear ground substance description. Although the material properties of these constitutive equations were fitted on the same uniaxial tension stress-strain curve, the change of the ACL material constitutive model was found to induce altered joint kinematics and biomechanics. The effect of different ACL constitutive equations on joint kinematics depended on both deformation direction and load type. The variation in the ACL constitutive models would influence the joint kinematic results greatly in both the anterior and internal directions under anterior tibial force as well as some other deformations such as the anterior and medial tibial translations under valgus tibial torque, and the medial tibial translation and internal rotation under varus torque. It was revealed that the transversely isotropic hyperelastic model with nonlinear ground substance description (FE model III) was the best representation of the realistic ACL property by a linear regression between the simulated and the experiment deformation results. But the comparison of the predicted and experiment force of ligaments showed that all the three ACL constitutive models represented similar force results. The stress value and distribution of ACL were also altered by the change in the constitutive equation. In brief, although different ACL constitutive models have been fitted using the same uniaxial tension curve and have the similar longitudinal material property, the ACL constitutive equation should still be carefully chosen to investigate joint kinematics and biomechanics due to the different transverse material behavior.