bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visions from behind a desk? Archival performance and the re‐enactment of colonial bureaucracy
Authors: Haines Elizabeth
Published: August 2017

Can ten weeks of archival research be considered a re‐enactment of the daily life of black African clerks who created the records? What would such a claim entail when it is made by a white female scholar? Drawing from my experience of archival research in Zambia, and from recent enthusiasm in historical geography for “enlivening” or “animating” the past, I analyse what parameters would be necessary for this re‐enactment to be considered a success. This paper explores how breaking up historical situations into units of gesture and experience affects the narrating of history. It asks what models of the self are implied by re‐enactive historical investigation; in relation to the agency of historical actors, and also to the performativity of their original gestures. It argues that performative investigation of the social and cultural geographies of the subaltern sits uncomfortably with current scholarly practices in historical geography. This is in part because that work is largely carried out by lone scholars, but also because of the highly individualised, self‐conscious and self‐possessed modes through which the outcomes of performative research are narrated. Finally, borrowing the term “acts of transfer” (from the performance scholar Diana Taylor), this paper proposes that this contemporary performance of clerical work is only one route through which the colonial past resonates, or acts, in the present. The lives of the colonial clerks were locked into structures of racial and socioeconomic inequality that survive outside my performance. Does “performing” the past overwrite or obscure these other continuities? To avoid such an erasure, both the ethical consequences and epistemological goals of performative research in historical geography need to be more clearly articulated in relationship to the sociomaterial geographies of the present.
Latif’s point: A new point for Veress needle insertion for pneumoperitoneum in difficult laparoscopy
Authors: Abd Ellatif Mohamed E , Ghnnam Wagih M , Abbas Ashraf , Basheer Magdy , Dawoud Ibrahim , Ellaithy Ramadan
Published: August 2017

Introduction

Creating pneumoperitoneum is the most challenging step during laparoscopy. The periumbilical area is the classic site for Veress needle insertion. We adopted a new access point for peritoneal insufflation.

Methods

We introduced a new point for Veress needle insertion to create pneumoperitoneum during difficult laparoscopic procedures. The needle is placed between the xiphoid process and the right costal margin, and it then proceeds toward the patient’s right axilla. We collected data to compare using this new method of peritoneal insufflation with using Palmer's point for pneumoperitoneum.

Results

Since 2013, we have used this new technique in 570 patients (first group) and Palmer’s point in 459 patients (second group). Among these patients, 196 patients (20%) had had previous abdominal operations, 98 patients (10%) had irreducible ventral hernia, and 735 patients (70%) were morbidly obese. The two groups were comparable in terms of patient characteristics. The mean time to create pneumoperitoneum in the first group was 0.8 ± 0.002 min compared to 1.08 ± 0.007 min in the second group (P ≤ 0.5). The mean number of punctures was 1.57 ± 1.02 in the first group compared to 2.9 ± 1.5 in the second group (P≤ 0.5); in the first group, 97% were successful on the first attempt entry, whereas this figure was 91% in second group. In the first group, the liver was punctured in 13 patients without any further complications; no other viscera were punctured. In the second group, gastric puncture occurred in 5 cases, transverse colon in 2 cases, and omental injury in 12 cases.

Conclusion

This new access point may represent a safe, fast, and easy way to create pneumoperitoneum, as well as a promising alternative to Palmer’s point in patients who are not candidates for classic midline entry.
Demographics, farm and reproductive management strategies used in Australian automatic milking systems compared with regionally proximal conventional milking systems
Authors: Keeper DM , Kerrisk KL , House JK , Garcia SC , Thomson P
Published: August 2017

Objective

To determine the management practices utilised in automatic milking systems (AMS) that affect reproductive management and performance and how these compare with the management practices used in regionally proximal conventional milking systems (CMS).

Methods

This study examined demographic and management data from AMS and CMS dairy farms through a survey, with a specific focus on reproductive management procedures.

Results

Overall, responses from AMS and CMS dairy farms showed little difference in terms of respondent demographics, farm size, herd structure and most farm management strategies. AMS dairies were more likely to use activity meters or other electronic oestrus detection aids than CMS dairies (P < 0.001) and were also more likely to have changed to electronic recording systems (P = 0.007). Although many respondents indicated that they used key monitoring parameters to assess reproductive performance (e.g. days in milk, conception vs pregnancy rate etc.), the format of responses varied significantly, indicating a relatively widespread (among the respondents) lack of knowledge regarding the meaning and usage of some of these common parameters/terminology.

Conclusions

Ultimately, reproductive management practices of AMS dairies were largely similar to those of CMS dairies, indicating that such practices can be implemented in a practical sense, even though the resultant reproductive performance is not yet understood. Understanding that the key reproductive management strategies do not need to change vastly is important to ensure that new adoptees are well informed. Further work is needed to objectively measure AMS performance to increase the knowledge base and generate the confidence that will facilitate further adoption of this innovation.
Presuming patient autonomy in the face of therapeutic misconception
Authors: McConville Pat
Published: August 2017

Therapeutic misconception involves the failure of subjects either to understand or to incorporate into their own expectations the distinctions in nature and purpose of personally responsive therapeutic care, and the generic relationship between subject and investigator which is constrained by research protocols. Researchers cannot disregard this phenomenon if they are to ensure that subjects engage in research on the basis of genuine informed consent. However, our presumption of patient autonomy must be sustained unless we have compelling evidence of serious misunderstanding. This article argues that the mere expression of aspects of therapeutic misconception should not necessarily displace the presumption of subject autonomy or undermine ethical inclusion in research for at least three reasons. First, some interpretations of the empirical data do not suggest misunderstanding. Second, assessment of misestimation and optimism are delicate and value‐laden, and turn quickly from questions of autonomy to questions of judgment. Third, incomplete understanding may yet be sufficient to allow a subject to engage in a substantially autonomous decision‐making process. Our point is not to dismiss the possibility of genuine therapeutic misconception, but to question its frequency and fatality to the consent process.
Perceptual support promotes strategy generation: Evidence from equation solving
Authors: Alibali Martha W. , Crooks Noelle M. , McNeil Nicole M.
Published: August 2017

Over time, children shift from using less optimal strategies for solving mathematics problems to using better ones. But why do children generate new strategies? We argue that they do so when they begin to encode problems more accurately; therefore, we hypothesized that perceptual support for correct encoding would foster strategy generation. Fourth‐grade students solved mathematical equivalence problems (e.g., 3 + 4 + 5 = 3 + __) in a pre‐test. They were then randomly assigned to one of three perceptual support conditions or to a Control condition. Participants in all conditions completed three mathematical equivalence problems with feedback about correctness. Participants in the experimental conditions received perceptual support (i.e., highlighting in red ink) for accurately encoding the equal sign, the right side of the equation, or the numbers that could be added to obtain the correct solution. Following this intervention, participants completed a problem‐solving post‐test. Among participants who solved the problems incorrectly at pre‐test, those who received perceptual support for correctly encoding the equal sign were more likely to generate new, correct strategies for solving the problems than were those who received feedback only. Thus, perceptual support for accurate encoding of a key problem feature promoted generation of new, correct strategies.

Statement of Contribution

What is already known on this subject?

With age and experience, children shift to using more effective strategies for solving math problems.

Problem encoding also improves with age and experience.

What the present study adds?

Support for encoding the equal sign led children to generate correct strategies for solving equations.

Improvements in problem encoding are one source of new strategies.
Scaffolding under the microscope: Applying self‐regulation and other‐regulation perspectives to a scaffolded task
Authors: Leith Georgia , Yuill Nicola , Pike Alison
Published: August 2017

Background

Typical scaffolding coding schemes provide overall scores to compare across a sample. As such, insights into the scaffolding process can be obscured: the child's contribution to the learning; the particular skills being taught and learned; and the overall changes in amount of scaffolding over the course of the task.

Aims

This study applies a transition of regulation framework to scaffolding coding, using a self‐regulation and other‐regulation coding scheme, to explore how rich and detailed data on mother–child dyadic interactions fit alongside collapsed sample‐level scores.

Sample

Data of 78 mother–child dyads (M age = 9 years 10 months) from the Sisters and Brothers Study (SIBS: Pike et al., 2006, Family relationships in middle childhood. National Children's Bureau/Joseph Rowntree Foundation) were used for this analysis.

Methods

Videos of the mother and child completing a multiple‐trial block design puzzle task at home were coded for their different self‐ and other‐regulation skills at the end of every block design trial.

Results

These constructs were examined at a sample level, providing general findings about typical patterns of self‐regulation and other‐regulation. Seven exemplar families at different ends of the spectrum were then extracted for fine‐grained examination, showing substantial trial‐ and behaviour‐related differences between seemingly similarly scoring families.

Conclusion

This coding scheme demonstrated the value of exploring perspectives of a mother–child tutoring task aligned to the concept of other‐regulation, and investigating detailed features of the interaction that go undetected in existing scaffolding coding schemes.
Low relational mobility leads to greater motivation to understand enemies but not friends and acquaintances
Authors: Li Liman Man Wai , Masuda Takahiko , Lee Hajin
Published: August 2017

Enemyship occurs across societies, but it has not received as much attention as other types of relationships such as friendship in previous research. This research examined the influence of relational mobility on people's motivation to understand their personal enemies by measuring different dependent variables across three studies. First, a cross‐cultural comparison study found that Hong Kong Chinese, from a low‐relational‐mobility society, reported a stronger desire to seek proximity to enemies relative to European Canadians, from a high‐relational‐mobility society (Study 1). To test causality, two manipulation studies were conducted. Participants were presented with images of co‐workers, including enemies, friends, and acquaintances, in a hypothetical company. The results showed that the participants who perceived lower relational mobility paid more attention to their enemies in an eye‐tracking task (Study 2) and had a higher accuracy rate for recognizing the faces of the enemies in an incidental memory test (Study 3). In contrast, the influence of relational mobility on motivation to understand friends and acquaintances was minimal. Implications for research on interpersonal relationships and relational mobility are discussed.
Relatives or rentals? Secondary suites through a multigenerational family lens
Authors: Goodbrand Pernille , Humphrey Tamara , Gondek Jyoti
Published: August 2017

Key Messages

Empirical evidence indicates that secondary suites are significant for multigenerational families, as well as for traditional rental units.

Definitions of family housing must adapt to the new variations of families that are often blended, intergenerational, and/or assemblies of friends.

Rezoning of parcels to allow secondary suites is not merely about planning principles; it is also about the social relationships of the people utilizing the suites.
miR‐125b‐1 and miR‐378a are predictive biomarkers for the efficacy of vaccine treatment against colorectal cancer
Authors: Tanaka Hironori , Hazama Shoichi , Iida Michihisa , Tsunedomi Ryouichi , Takenouchi Hiroko , Nakajima Masao , Tokumitsu Yukio , Kanekiyo Shinsuke , Shindo Yoshitaro , Tomochika Shinobu , Tokuhisa Yoshihiro , Sakamoto Kazuhiko , Suzuki Nobuaki , Takeda Shigeru , Yamamoto Shigeru , Yoshino Shigefumi , Ueno Tomio , Hamamoto Yoshihiko , Fujita Yusuke , Tanaka Hiroaki , Tahara Ko , Shimizu Ryoichi , Okuno Kiyotaka , Fujita Koji , Kuroda Masahiko , Nakamura Yusuke , Nagano Hiroaki
Published: August 2017

Many clinical trials of peptide vaccines have been conducted. However, these vaccines have provided clinical benefits in only a small fraction of patients. The purpose of the present study was to explore microRNAs (miRNAs) as novel predictive biomarkers for the efficacy of vaccine treatment against colorectal cancer. First, we carried out microarray analysis of pretreatment cancer tissues in a phase I study, in which peptide vaccines alone were given. Candidate miRNAs were selected by comparison of the better prognosis group with the poorer prognosis group. Next, we conducted microarray analysis of cancer tissues in a phase II study, in which peptide vaccines combined with chemotherapy were given. Candidate miRNAs were further selected by a similar comparison of prognosis. Subsequently, we carried out reverse‐transcription PCR analysis of phase II cases, separating cancer tissues into cancer cells and stromal tissue using laser capture microdissection. Treatment effect in relation to overall survival (OS) and miRNA expression was analyzed. Three miRNA predictors were negatively associated with OS: miR‐125b‐1 in cancer cells (P = 0.040), and miR‐378a in both cancer cells (P = 0.009) and stromal cells (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that expression of miR‐378a in stromal cells was the best among the three predictors (HR, 2.730; 95% CI, 1.027–7.585; P = 0.044). In conclusion, miR‐125b‐1 and miR‐378a expression might be considered as novel biomarkers to predict the efficacy of vaccine treatment against colorectal cancer.
The Role of Campus Support, Undocumented Identity, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals on Civic Engagement for Latinx Undocumented Undergraduates
Authors: Katsiaficas Dalal , Volpe Vanessa , Raza Syeda S. , Garcia Yuliana
Published: August 2017

This study examined civic engagement in a sample of 790 undocumented Latinx undergraduates (aged 18–30). The relations between social supports (campus safe spaces and peer support) and civic engagement and whether a strong sense of undocumented identity mediated this relation were examined. Competing statistical models examined the role of participants' status (whether or not they received temporary protection from deportation with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals [DACA]) in this mediational process. Results revealed that having a strong identification with being undocumented mediated the role of social supports on civic engagement in the overall sample, and that this process was specifically important for those with DACA status. The intersection of policies such as DACA and the lived experiences of Latinx undocumented college students are discussed.
When Parents’ Praise Inflates, Children's Self‐Esteem Deflates
Authors: Brummelman Eddie , Nelemans Stefanie A. , Thomaes Sander , Orobio de Castro Bram
Published: August 2017

Western parents often give children overly positive, inflated praise. One perspective holds that inflated praise sets unattainable standards for children, eventually lowering children's self‐esteem (self‐deflation hypothesis). Another perspective holds that children internalize inflated praise to form narcissistic self‐views (self‐inflation hypothesis). These perspectives were tested in an observational‐longitudinal study (120 parent–child dyads from the Netherlands) in late childhood (ages 7–11), when narcissism and self‐esteem first emerge. Supporting the self‐deflation hypothesis, parents’ inflated praise predicted lower self‐esteem in children. Partly supporting the self‐inflation hypothesis, parents’ inflated praise predicted higher narcissism—but only in children with high self‐esteem. Noninflated praise predicted neither self‐esteem nor narcissism. Thus, inflated praise may foster the self‐views it seeks to prevent.
Assessment of the effectiveness of platelet rich fibrin in the treatment of Schneiderian membrane perforation
Authors: Öncü Elif , Kaymaz Esin
Published: August 2017

Background

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) treatment of maxillary sinus membrane perforation on bone formation and new vascular supply and the success of dental implant survival rate.

Methods

The dataset for this retrospective study consists of patients who received sinus augmentation using the lateral wall technique. A total of 16 patients (20 sinuses) the patients without sinus membrane perforation (10 maxiller sinus area with sinus floor augmentation) and with Schneiderian perforation (10 maxiller sinus area repairing with PRF and augmented sinus floor area) were included in this study. The bone height was measured by comparing the preoperative and postoperative dental CBCT scans. Histological sections were evaluated for possible vasculogenesis augmented sinuses area.

Results

In both groups, it was observed that the possible vasculogenesis augmented sinuses area increased. Implant survival rates in both groups found that one hundred percent and any bone loss around implants were not observed. An apparent increase in alveolar bone height was observed and measured in CBCT scans.

Conclusions

PRF can be considered as an alternative material for repairing sinus perforations because it is fully autogenous and easy manipulated.
Exceptional responders in conservation
Authors: Post Gerald , Geldmann Jonas
Published: August 2017

Conservation operates within complex systems with incomplete knowledge of the system and the interventions utilized. This frequently results in the inability to find generally applicable methods to alleviate threats to Earth's vanishing wildlife. One approach used in medicine and the social sciences has been to develop a deeper understanding of positive outliers. Where such outliers share similar characteristics, they may be considered exceptional responders. We devised a 4‐step framework for identifying exceptional responders in conservation: identification of the study system, identification of the response structure, identification of the threshold for exceptionalism, and identification of commonalities among outliers. Evaluation of exceptional responders provides additional information that is often ignored in randomized controlled trials and before–after control‐intervention experiments. Interrogating the contextual factors that contribute to an exceptional outcome allow exceptional responders to become valuable pieces of information leading to unexpected discoveries and novel hypotheses.
Detection and classification of sleep apnea using genetic algorithms and SVM‐based classification of thoracic respiratory effort and oximetric signal features
Authors: Abedi Zahra , Naghavi Nadia , Rezaeitalab Fariborz
Published: August 2017

Sleep apnea is a relatively prevalent breathing disorder characterized by temporary interruptions in airflow during sleep. There are 2 major types of sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when air cannot flow through the upper airway despite efforts to breathe. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to signal to the muscles to maintain breathing. The standard diagnostic test is polysomnography, which is expensive and time consuming. The aim of this study was to design an automatic diagnostic and classifying algorithm for sleep apneas employing thoracic respiratory effort and oximetric signals. This algorithm was trained and tested applying a database of 54 subjects who had undergone polysomnography. A feature extraction stage was conducted to compute features. An optimal genetic algorithm was applied to select optimal features of these 2 kinds of signals. The classification technique was based on the support vector machine classifier to classify the selected features in 3 classes as healthy, obstructive, and central sleep apnea events. The results show that our automated classification algorithm can diagnose sleep apnea and its types with an average accuracy level of 90.2% (87.5‐95.8) in the test set and 90.9% in the validation set with high acceptable accuracy.
Natural hazard events and social capital: the social impact of natural disasters
Authors: Albrecht Frederike
Published: August 2017

This study investigates if and to what extent natural disasters affect social capital. Twelve different events in Europe are examined in a quantitative analysis, using data derived from the European Social Survey and the EM‐DAT International Disaster Database. The study uses social trust as an indicator of social capital and offers evidence that a change in social trust is a possible occurrence during or after a disaster, but that it is not an inevitable consequence of it. The results reveal that social trust decreases after a disaster with a death toll of at least nine. Changes in social capital, therefore, are found to be more probable as the severity of the event increases. National, rather than regional, disasters lead more frequently to significant shifts in social trust. This evaluation of 12 separate cases pinpoints several disasters that have had an effect on social trust, but it does not identify any general patterns, underlining the significance of contextual dependency.
Harnessing civil society's knowledge for development policy: Potential and challenges for the Republic of Yemen
Authors: Lussier Kattie , Fakher Mohammed
Published: August 2017

This exploratory case study investigated Yemeni civil society actors’ actual and potential contribution to policy‐making, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, in the sectors prioritized in Yemen's national development strategy. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted in Sana'a between January and July 2015 with policy‐makers, researchers from academic institutions and civil society organizations. More specifically, this article discusses the role that YPRIs play in the public policy landscape of Yemen; the challenges they face in their interaction with policy‐makers; the opportunities they represent for policy actors in Yemen; and the factors enabling and limiting their influence, communication, inclusiveness and capacity. The authors conclude by contextualizing their findings within the ongoing conflict and drawing lessons for post‐war policy‐making in Yemen.
Effects of parasites and pathogens on bee cognition
Authors: GÓMEZ‐MORACHO TAMARA , HEEB PHILIPP , LIHOREAU MATHIEU
Published: August 2017

1. Bees are key pollinators and their widespread decline has raised considerable concerns regarding the sustainability of ecosystems and food production. Many environmental stressors do not directly kill bees, but they alter their physiology and behaviour, ultimately impacting colonies and populations.

2. This review considers the impact of parasites and pathogens on bee cognition.

3. First the main parasites and pathogens of bees are described, as well as how they modify the foraging behaviour, learning and memory of their hosts.

4. Next, the various defence mechanisms developed by bees to mitigate these effects at both the individual and collective levels are examined.

5. Finally, there is a discussion on how integrating research on host parasites, animal behaviour and cognition will provide a more detailed assessment of the contribution of parasites and pathogens to declines in the bee population and help to inform constructive ecological interventions.
Pathogen and immune dynamics during maturation are explained by Bateman's Principle
Authors: MILLER CHARLOTTE V. L. , COTTER SHEENA C.
Published: August 2017

1. Bateman's principle, stating that female fitness is maximised by increasing longevity, suggests females are likely to exhibit a stronger immune response than males. Applying these ideas to maturation, it is predicted that immature beetles will also show enhanced immunity. This study looks at how life‐history strategies interplay with infection responses in a well‐established immunological model, the burying beetle, Nicrophorus vespilloides (Herbst (Silphidae)), and a pathogenic bacteria, Photorhabdus luminescens (Thomas and Poinar (Enterobacteriaceae)).

2. To test this, the immune enzyme phenoloxidase (PO) and bacterial loads in sexually mature and immature beetles were tested over time after injection with P. luminescens, and survival was monitored. Breeding after infection was also tested.

3. Bacterial loads were lower in females than males, and clearance seems more prolonged in immature than mature beetles, and both these groups showed increased survival, supporting the application of Bateman's principle to the effects of maturation and sex on immunity.

4. Mature beetles were found to undergo a shorter period of PO suppression after injection with bacteria. However, while high PO was beneficial up to 20 h post‐infection, it became detrimental after that. This temporal factor has rarely been investigated but is shown here to be influential on the interpretation of PO activity, which is generally perceived as beneficial after infection.

5. A trade‐off between reproduction and immunity was also found, revealed only by a highly pathogenic infection. This contrasts with the effects found in studies using non‐pathogenic bacteria, suggesting an enforced, resource‐based trade‐off is the driving force behind the change, rather than an adaptive strategy.
Preliminary study of higher‐order language and extralinguistic impairments in individuals with high clinical risk of psychosis and first episode of schizophrenia
Authors: Pawełczyk Agnieszka , Kotlicka‐Antczak Magdalena , Łojek Emila , Pawełczyk Tomasz
Published: August 2017

Aim

Higher‐order language functions are associated with understanding indirect speech acts, lexical‐semantic processes, the understanding and production of prosody, discourse production and comprehension. Only a few studies imply that language abnormalities may be present in individuals at ultra‐high risk for psychosis (UHR) and first‐episode of schizophrenia (FE). The purpose of this study was to test the presence of higher‐order language dysfunctions in UHR and FE subjects using a standardized comprehensive test battery.

Methods

Twenty patients experiencing FE schizophrenia, 33 UHR individuals and 20 healthy controls (HC) took part in the study. Higher‐order language and extralinguistic abilities were evaluated using the Right Hemisphere Language Battery (RHLB‐PL). The battery consisted of tests covering the comprehension of implicit information, lexico‐semantic processing, understanding humour, making inappropriate remarks and comments, understanding and explaining metaphors, understanding prosody and appropriateness of behaviour in communication settings.

Results

The UHR patients scored lower than HC when comprehending implicit information, discourse and in areas associated with the effectiveness of interpersonal communication; however, they scored higher than the FE participants in explanation of metaphors and processing language information in the context of general knowledge. The FE participants scored lower than healthy controls in comprehension of implicit information, explanation of metaphors, discourse understanding, processing language information in the context of general knowledge and effectiveness of interpersonal communication.

Conclusions

The higher‐order language dysfunctions mediated by the right hemisphere appear to be present in subjects at UHR of schizophrenia and those experiencing their FE. The results may play a crucial role in diagnostic processes.
Thymic hyperplasia causing right ventricular outflow tract compression following treatment for oesophageal rupture in an Arabian colt
Authors: Smith H. L. , Underwood C. , Schaffer‐White A. , van Eps A. W.
Published: August 2017

True thymic hyperplasia has been reported sporadically in the human literature as an immunological rebound phenomenon following immunosuppressive treatment or disease. There are limited accounts in domestic species, mainly following vaccination, and thymic hyperplasia has not been a recognised condition in the horse to date. This report details a case of true thymic hyperplasia in a 10‐week‐old Arabian colt diagnosed by histopathology of core biopsy samples. The colt developed pulmonary stenosis caused by compression due to a space occupying lesion in the cranial mediastinum following a 3‐month history of hospitalisation for treatment of traumatic oesophageal rupture with perioesophageal abscess formation. Diagnostic imaging of the cranial mediastinum was indicative of a thymic mass, and histopathology confirmed the mass was normal (hyperplastic) thymic tissue. The colt was treated with a tapering dose of corticosteroids, which led to involution of the hyperplastic tissue and resolution of pulmonary artery compression. Thymic hyperplasia may be an unrecognised sequela to chronic inflammation in horses and was only identified in this case when the size was sufficient to compress right cardiac outflow.
Polypoid cystitis as a cause of haematuria in a pony mare
Authors: Rosales C. M. , Bamford N. J. , Sullivan S. L. , Bauquier J. R. , Tennent‐Brown B. S.
Published: August 2017

A 15‐year‐old pony mare was presented for investigation of haematuria of 2 weeks' duration. On cystoscopy, multiple small pedunculated soft tissue structures were observed on the bladder mucosa. Histopathological analysis of the masses was consistent with chronic polypoid cystitis. The polypoid lesions and associated haematuria resolved following prolonged antibiotic treatment. Polypoid cystitis has not previously been described in horses. This condition should be considered a differential for haematuria, requiring cystoscopy and biopsy to confirm a diagnosis.
Proximal suspensory desmopathy in hindlimbs: Magnetic resonance imaging, gross post‐mortem and histological study
Authors: Dyson S. , Pinilla M. J. , Bolas N. , Murray R.
Published: August 2017

Background

There have been no previous studies correlating high‐field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings with gross and histological post‐mortem examination in horses with hindlimb proximal suspensory desmopathy (PSD).

Objectives

To determine if adhesions between the suspensory ligament (SL) and adjacent tissues could be detected using high‐fieldMRIand if collagen, adipose tissue and muscle pathology could be differentiated.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Methods

Nineteen horses with hindlimbPSDwere humanely destroyed; 12 limbs of 11 horses withPSDunderwent high‐fieldMRI. All lame limbs were examined grossly and allSLs were examined histologically. TheMRand histological images were graded blindly. Statistical analysis used a numerical Bayesian approach to simultaneously determine a pathology rating and the contribution of eachMRI, gross post‐mortem and histological observation to this measure.

Results

Signal intensity (SI) in the collagenous tissue was abnormal in 2/12 limbs. Abnormalities ofSIin the adipose tissue and muscle were identified in 6 and 11 limbs, respectively. Adhesions between theSLand adjacent tissues were suspected in eight limbs, but only confirmed in six limbs. Histopathological observations of abnormal muscle tissue were associated most closely with the measure of disease used in the study and were abnormal in every limb. Gross adhesions were also a sensitive indicator, along with changes to nerves which were observed in 10 limbs. Assessments of adipose tissue signal intensity and muscle tissue signal homogeneity in both lobes of the suspensory ligament were theMRIindicators most closely associated with the measure of disease.

Main limitations

Small sample size. Model assumption that all abnormalities reflected degrees of a single disease.

Conclusions

Adhesion formation between theSLand adjacent structures was detected by high‐fieldMRIwith reasonable accuracy. Muscle and adipose tissue pathology was identified either alone or in association with collagenous tissue pathology.
Nonresolving macrophage‐mediated inflammation in malignancy
Authors: Murray Peter J.
Published: August 2017

Tumors are populated with different cells of the immune system, each of which has the potential for pro‐ or antitumor functions. Macrophages are the numerically dominant type of myeloid cell in cancer and are suspected of having predominantly protumor functions. Key questions in cancer research concern the relationships between macrophages and anatomically different kinds of cancers, what specific properties of macrophages are involved in protumor functions and whether either macrophage numbers or functions can be modulated to enhance existing cancer therapies, for example, by reducing the immunosuppressive milieu such that anti‐tumor T cells can provoke antitumor immunity. Accordingly, several antimacrophage preclinical modalities have been attempted and revealed substantial clinical barriers to their use. Therefore, understanding and targeting the specific pathways associated with protumor functions of macrophages, rather than macrophages themselves is a promising approach for both basic research and therapeutic development.
Changes in soil organic carbon pools in a long‐term trial with perennial fodder crops in acid soils of north‐east India
Authors: Sarkar D. , Meitei Ch. B. , Das A. , Ghosh P. K. , Mandal B.
Published: August 2017

Efficient estimation of soil organic carbon (SOC) is vital for understanding and monitoring the effect of perennial fodder crops in conservingSOC. In subtropical regions, there is limited information onSOCaccumulation and its allocation into different pools under long‐term grasses and legumes. Therefore, we investigated the dynamics ofSOCin a 20‐year‐old field trial with seven perennial grass species and a legume in aTypic Paleudalfsoil under subtropical climate in north‐east India by analysing oxidizable organic C (Coc) and its fractions of very labile (CVL), labile (CL), less labile (CLL) and non‐labile (CNL), microbial biomass C (Cmic) and mineralizable C (Cmin). Growing perennial fodder crops increasedSOCin the 0–0.60 m soil depth from 19.9%–39.6% compared with the conventional cultivation with maize (Zea mays). The relative efficacy of the fodder species toSOCaccumulation wasSetaria sphacelata = Brachieria rosenesis > Panicum maximumcv. Makunia = Arachis pintoi > Panicum maximumcv. Hamil > Paspalam conjugalum = Pennisetum purpureum > Thysanolaena maxima. Among the analysed fractions,CVL,CL,CLLand Cmicwere influenced most by the fodder crops and the active pools (CVL+CL) constituted 71.6% of theSOC. The results indicate that under the tested subtropical climate, soil under perennial grasses and legumes conserves organic C and that most of theSOCis in labile pools of short residence time.
A high‐throughput method using Ultra‐Performance Liquid Chromatography to determine water‐soluble carbohydrate concentrations in pasture plants
Authors: Maharjan P. , Jacobs J. L. , Deighton M. H. , Panozzo J. F.
Published: August 2017

The determination of water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentrations in forages is important for quantifying forage feed quality as WSC is not only a major source of energy but is also associated with the grazing preferences of forages and subsequent intake by livestock. This study describes a high‐throughput ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method to analyse WSC concentrations of various forage samples. The application of the new method is demonstrated by investigating the WSC concentrations in (i) temperate forages at different tiller heights, and (ii) summer forage crops grown under rain‐fed and irrigated conditions. The UPLC method provided a more descriptive, specific and precise analysis of WSC concentration compared to the colorimetric method. Grass tiller height had a significant effect on total WSC concentration and individual sugar. With increasing tiller height, sucrose concentration increased and fructan and total WSC concentrations decreased. While irrigation treatment increased the dry‐matter yield of all nine summer forage crops analysed, there was no consistent effect of irrigation on WSC concentration.
Factors associated with cognitive function that cause a decline in the level of activities of daily living in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kamiya Masaki , Osawa Aiko , Kondo Izumi , Sakurai Takashi
Published: August 2017

Aim

The principal aim of the present study was to clarify what type of cognitive decline results in a decrease in the ability to carry out activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

The participants comprised 1384 outpatients with mild AD. We used the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Barthel Index (BI) as indicators of basic ADL, and the Lawton Index (LI) as an indicator of instrumental ADL (IADL). We then analyzed the relationships between MMSE and BI, as well as between MMSE and LI. We also carried out a logistic regression analysis with BI and LI subitems as dependent variables, and MMSE subitems as independent variables.

Results

For almost all BI and LI subitems, significantly high odds ratios (OR) were noted in MMSE “Copy the design shown” (e.g. dressing OR 3.66, toilet use OR 3.60 and transfers OR 2.80) and “Write a sentence” (e.g. ability to use telephone OR 5.24, laundry OR 2.60, grooming OR 2.50; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Visuospatial cognition had an important effect on the decrease in basic ADL and IADL. Furthermore, the subitems with minimal effect on the decrease of basic ADL and IADL differed. Therefore, it appears that specific activities have little effect on the maintenance of ADL and IADL, and that determining residual cognitive function and utilizing this as a means of compensating for decreased ADL is a useful strategy. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 50–56.
Ethnicity predicts falls among community‐dwelling older adults in Singapore
Authors: Chen Tuo‐Yu , Tan Pey June , Chan Angelique
Published: August 2017

Aim

The present study examined whether ethnicity independently predicted future falls among community‐dwelling older Singaporeans, and whether ethnicity moderated the relationships between falls risk factors at baseline and falls at follow up.

Methods

Data from a longitudinal survey of older Singaporeans were used. Baseline assessment included handgrip strength, global cognitive function, mobility difficulties, health and psychosocial status. One‐year retrospective falls information at follow up was the primary outcome.

Results

Final analysis included 1975 participants (mean age 73.6 ± 6.2 years, 53% women). Indians, followed by Malays, had a higher risk of falling compared with Chinese at follow up. This association remained after controlling for falls risk factors. Self‐reported pain and poor global cognitive function imposed a substantial increment in the risk of falling among Malays compared with Chinese, but not Indians.

Conclusion

Ethnicity was a significant predictor of future falls among older Singaporeans. Falls screening and intervention should take ethnicity into account to reach and support the appropriate target population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 72–79.
GLOBAL POPULATION GROWTH, TECHNOLOGY, AND MALTHUSIAN CONSTRAINTS: A QUANTITATIVE GROWTH THEORETIC PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Lanz Bruno , Dietz Simon , Swanson Timothy
Published: August 2017

We structurally estimate a two‐sector Schumpeterian growth model with endogenous population and finite land reserves to study the long‐run evolution of global population, technological progress, and the demand for food. The estimated model closely replicates trajectories for world population, GDP, sectoral productivity growth, and crop land area from 1960 to 2010. Projections from 2010 onward show a slowdown of technological progress, and, because it is a key determinant of fertility costs, significant population growth. By 2100, global population reaches 12.4 billion and agricultural production doubles, but the land constraint does not bind because of capital investment and technological progress.
Effect of extrusion variables on antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and dietary fibre content of gluten‐free extrudate from germinated Chenopodium (Chenopodium album) flour
Authors: Jan Romee , Saxena Dharmesh Chander , Singh Sukhcharn
Published: August 2017

A Box‐Behnken design was used to study the effects of feed moisture content (18–20%), barrel temperature (115–135 °C) and screw speed (225–275 rpm) on the responses; antioxidant activity, total phenolics, dietary fibre, colour (L‐value), hardness, expansion ratio, water absorption index and overall acceptability for development of gluten‐free extrudate based on germinated Chenopodium album flour. Second‐order polynomial fitted model showed that temperature most significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected the antioxidant activity (AoxA), total phenolics (TPC), expansion ratio, hardness and overall acceptability (OA). Antioxidant activity, total phenolic content and dietary fibre of extrudate varied from 11.56 to 15.93%, 56.77 to 81.28 mg/100 g and 18.65 to 22.06 g/100 g, whereas the lightness and hardness of extrudates ranged from 64.02 to 68.35 and 12.26 to 19.49 N, respectively. The results of this study validate the production of functional and acceptable snack product made from C.  album flour by extrusion cooking.
The multidimensional ionotropic receptors of Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Rimal S. , Lee Y.
Published: August 2017

Ionotropic receptors (IRs), which form ion channels, can be categorized into conserved ‘antennal IRs’, which define the first olfactory receptor family of insects, and species‐specific ‘divergent IRs’, which are expressed in gustatory receptor neurones. These receptors are located primarily in cell bodies and dendrites, and are highly enriched in the tips of the dendritic terminals that convey sensory information to higher brain centres. Antennal IRs play important roles in odour and thermosensation, whereas divergent IRs are involved in other important biological processes such as taste sensation. Some IRs are known to play specific biological roles in the perception of various molecules; however, many of their functions have not yet been defined. Although progress has been made in this field, many functions and mechanisms of these receptors remain unknown. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the current state of knowledge in this field.
The Effect of Remittances on Economic Growth in Kyrgyzstan and Macedonia: Accounting for Financial Development
Authors: Kumar Ronald Ravinesh , Stauvermann Peter Josef , Patel Arvind , Prasad Selvin
Published: August 2017

Kyrgyzstan and Macedonia have experienced a reasonable increase in remittances over the last twenty‐five years. Subsequently, the extent to which remittances can be instrumental for economic development of the two countries has gained serious attention in recent development dialogues. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of remittances versus financial development on the economic growth of the two counties, complementing the burgeoning interest and focus on remittances for policy. The short‐run and the long‐run effects and the causality dynamics of remittances and financial development, are explored. The results show a long‐run positive impact of remittances on the economic growth of these countries. The impact of financial development is negative, significant only for Kyrgyzstan and not statistically significant for Macedonia. The causality results show that remittances support economic growth for Kyrgyzstan, whereas economic growth appears to propel remittances for Macedonia.
High rates of respiratory symptoms and airway disease in mental health inpatients in a tertiary centre
Authors: Burke Andrew J. , Hay Karen , Chadwick Alex , Siskind Dan , Sheridan Judith
Published: August 2017

Background

People with severe mental illness (SMI) have a lower life expectancy due in part to a higher prevalence of cardiac and metabolic disease. Less is known of the prevalence of respiratory disease in this group.

Aims

This cross‐sectional, observational study aimed to assess the prevalence of symptoms associated with respiratory disease in patients admitted to an inpatient mental health unit.

Methods

A convenience sample of 82 inpatients had a structured interview and questionnaire completed. The questionnaire included self‐reported diagnoses of common diseases and screening questions designed to detect respiratory disease and sleep disordered breathing. Targeted spirometry was performed on the basis of symptoms and smoking status.

Results

Patients reported high rates of respiratory symptoms, including wheezing (38%) and dyspnoea (44%); 52% of patients reported daily tobacco use. Productive cough was significantly associated with tobacco use (P < 0.005). Ten patients (18%) had spirometry consistent with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of whom six did not have a formal diagnosis of COPD previously.

Conclusions

People with SMI have high rates of respiratory symptoms with a high prevalence of COPD on spirometry. Half of the COPD cases were not previously diagnosed, suggesting a hidden burden of respiratory disease in patients with SMI.