bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of gait-related variables in lean and obese dogs at a trot
Authors: Brady Robert B. , Sidiropoulos Alexis N. , Bennett Hunter J. , Rider Patrick M. , Marcellin-Little Denis J. , DeVita Paul
Published: April 2013

Objective—To assess differences in sagittal plane joint kinematics and ground reaction forces between lean and obese adult dogs of similar sizes at 2 trotting velocities.

Animals—16 adult dogs.

Procedures—Dogs with body condition score (BCS) of 8 or 9 (obese dogs; n = 8) and dogs with BCS of 4 or 5 (lean dogs; 8) on a 9-point scale were evaluated. Sagittal plane joint kinematic and ground reaction force data were obtained from dogs trotting at 1.8 and 2.5 m/s with a 3-D motion capture system, a force platform, and 12 infrared markers placed on bony landmarks.

Results—Mean stride lengths for forelimbs and hind limbs at both velocities were shorter in obese than in lean dogs. Stance phase range of motion (ROM) was greater in obese dogs than in lean dogs for shoulder (28.2° vs 20.6°), elbow (23.6° vs 16.4°), hip (27.2° vs 22.9°), and tarsal (38.9° vs 27.9°) joints at both velocities. Swing phase ROM was greater in obese dogs than in lean dogs for elbow (61.2° vs 53.7°) and hip (34.4° vs 29.8°) joints. Increased velocity was associated with increased stance ROM in elbow joints and increased stance and swing ROM in hip joints of obese dogs. Obese dogs exerted greater peak vertical and horizontal ground reaction forces than did lean dogs. Body mass and peak vertical ground reaction force were significantly correlated.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Greater ROM detected during the stance phase and greater ground reaction forces in the gait of obese dogs, compared with lean dogs, may cause greater compressive forces within joints and could influence the development of osteoarthritis.
Characterization and osteogenic potential of equine muscle tissue– and periosteal tissue–derived mesenchymal stem cells in comparison with bone marrow– and adipose tissue–derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Radtke Catherine L. , Nino-Fong Rodolfo , Esparza Gonzalez Blanca P. , Stryhn Henrik , McDuffee Laurie A.
Published: April 2013

Objective—To characterize equine muscle tissue– and periosteal tissue–derived cells as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and assess their proliferation capacity and osteogenic potential in comparison with bone marrow– and adipose tissue–derived MSCs.

Sample—Tissues from 10 equine cadavers.

Procedures—Cells were isolated from left semitendinosus muscle tissue, periosteal tissue from the distomedial aspect of the right tibia, bone marrow aspirates from the fourth and fifth sternebrae, and adipose tissue from the left subcutaneous region. Mesenchymal stem cells were characterized on the basis of morphology, adherence to plastic, trilineage differentiation, and detection of stem cell surface markers via immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Mesenchymal stem cells were tested for osteogenic potential with osteocalcin gene expression via real-time PCR assay. Mesenchymal stem cell cultures were counted at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours to determine tissue-specific MSC proliferative capacity.

Results—Equine muscle tissue– and periosteal tissue–derived cells were characterized as MSCs on the basis of spindle-shaped morphology, adherence to plastic, trilineage differentiation, presence of CD44 and CD90 cell surface markers, and nearly complete absence of CD45 and CD34 cell surface markers. Muscle tissue–, periosteal tissue–, and adipose tissue–derived MSCs proliferated significantly faster than did bone marrow–derived MSCs at 72 and 96 hours.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Equine muscle and periosteum are sources of MSCs. Equine muscle- and periosteal-derived MSCs have osteogenic potential comparable to that of equine adipose- and bone marrow–derived MSCs, which could make them useful for tissue engineering applications in equine medicine.
Emotional reactions of horses and trainers during natural method training / Reakcje emocjonalne koni i trenerów podczas treningu metodami naturalnymi
Authors: Janczarek Iwona , Kędzierski Witold , Stachurska Anna , Wilk Izabela
Published: April 2013

The first aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the trainer factor and the sex of the horse affect the heart rate (HR) of the trainer-horse pair. The second aim was to estimate the level of the trainer-horse pair’s emotions and to find the relationship of the HR between the trainer and the horse during the preliminary, natural-method training. The animals used in the study were 40 three-year-old purebred Arabian horses trained by two trainers from the Silversand Horsemanship School. Each trainer worked with 20 randomly selected horses, equally grouped by sex. The study was carried out during the first day of the training cycle. The aim was to have a horse accept a rider. The following items were subject to analysis: deconcentration, concentration, desensitizing, putting on the lungeing surcingle, and saddling. The emotional status of the horses and the trainers was evaluated based on HR variations which were measured by applying Polar S810 telemetric devices. The device produced continuous measurements with readings every 60 seconds. Two-factor analysis of variance and Pearson correlations were determined with the use of SAS software. Significance of differences between mean values was verified using Tukey’s test. The results obtained revealed that the sex of the trained horses was not an important factor in the evaluation of trainer’s emotions, despite the fact that fillies were characterized as having a more uniform HR. The trainer is very responsible for the emotions of a trained horse, especially at the beginning of training and during saddling. From a trainer’s point of view, it is important to complete the horse concentration task as quickly as possible. The lack of an emotional relationship in the trainer-horse pair during some training elements, suggests that it is not only the trainer’s experience, but mainly the trainer’s personality that determines the probable success in naturalmethod work.
Creation of cloned pig embryos using contact-inhibited or serum-starved fibroblast cells analysed intravitam for apoptosis occurrence / Uzyskiwanie klonalnych zarodków świni z wykorzystaniem komórek fibroblastycznych poddanych inhibicji kontaktowej lub deprywacji troficznej oraz analizowanych przyżyciowo w kierunku apoptozy
Authors: Samiec Marcin , Skrzyszowska Maria , Opiela Jolanta
Published: April 2013

Somatic cell cloning efficiency is determined by many factors. One of the most important factors is the structure-functional quality of nuclear donor cells. Morphologic criteria that have been used to date for qualitative evaluation of somatic cells may be insufficient for practical application in the cloning. Biochemical and biophysical changes that are one of the earliest symptoms in the transduction of apoptotic signal may be not reflected in the morphologic changes of somatic cells. For this reason, adult cutaneous or foetal fibroblast cells that, in our experiments, provided the source of genomic DNA for the cloning procedure had been previously analysed for biochemical and biophysical proapoptotic alterations with the use of live-DNA (YO-PRO-1) and plasma membrane (Annexin V-eGFP) fluorescent markers. In Groups IA and IB, the generation of nucleartransferred (NT) embryos using non-apoptotic/non-necrotic contact-inhibited or serum-starved adult cutaneous fibroblast cells yielded the morula and blastocyst formation rates of 125/231 (54.1%) and 68/231 (29.4%) or 99/237 (41.8%) and 43/237 (18.1%), respectively. In Groups IIA and IIB, the frequencies of embryos reconstituted with non-apoptotic/non-necrotic contact-inhibited or serum-starved foetal fibroblast cell nuclei that reached the morula and blastocyst stages were 171/245 (69.8%) and 97/245 (39.6%) or 132/227 (58.1%) and 63/227 (27.8%), respectively. In conclusion, contact inhibition of migration and proliferative activity among the subpopulations of adult dermal fibroblast cells and foetal fibroblast cells resulted in considerably higher morula and blastocyst formation rates of in vitro cultured cloned pig embryos compared to serum starvation of either type of fibroblast cell line. Moreover, irrespective of the methods applied to artificially synchronize the mitotic cycle of nuclear donor cells at the G0/G1 phases, developmental abilities to reach the morula/blastocyst stages were significantly higher for porcine NT embryos that had been reconstructed with non-apoptotic/non-necrotic foetal fibroblast cells than those for NT embryos that had been reconstructed with non-apoptotic/non-necrotic adult dermal fibroblast cells. To our knowledge, the generation of cloned pig embryos using abattoir-derived oocytes receiving cell nuclei descended from contact-inhibited or serum-deprived somatic cells undergoing comprehensive vital diagnostics for the absence of biochemical and biophysical proapoptotic alterations within their plasmalemmas has not been reported so far.
Effects of isoflavones on testicular weight and testosterone secretion in ISA Brown roosters
Authors: Gjorgovska Natasha , Filev Kiril
Published: April 2013

Isoflavones are phytoestrogens which have estrogen-like activity in animals and humans. Because of this characteristic influence, the aim of this investigation was to examine the effect of genistein and daidzein on testicular weight and testosterone secretion in ISA Brown roosters. Genistein and daidzein as non-steroid phytoestrogens were added in large amounts to the feed of roosters. Soy isoflavones were added to rooster diets in amounts of 0, 300, 600, 1200 and 1800 mg/kg of feed. At the end of the 37th week no significant differences were found between the groups in testicular weight (P>0.05) and testosterone secretion (P>0.05) measured in the blood of birds. Blood testosterone concentration was significantly higher in younger (20-week-old) roosters than in 37-weekold roosters (P<0.01). Genistein and daidzein present in the feed did not influence the weight of testes and no significant differences were found. Further studies are required to investigate the effect of isoflavones on other androgenic characteristics.
Effect of xylanase supplementation to cereal-based diets on apparent fecal digestibility and growth performance of pigs / Wpływ suplementacji diet z udziałem zbóż ksylanazą na pozorną strawność kałową i wskaźniki tuczu świń
Authors: Lipiński Krzysztof , Skórko-Sajko Halina , Purwin Cezary , Antoszkiewicz Zofia , Werpachowski Marek
Published: April 2013

A total of 300 growing-finishing pigs (30-110 kg BW), the offspring of Naima sows and Duroc boars, were allocated to three dietary treatments (five pens per treatment, 10 males and 10 females per pen). The growth performance of pigs was determined, and the apparent digestibility of nutrients and energy in animals fed grower diets was calculated by the simple balance method. Complete diets with a high content of triticale (70%-73%) and barley (6.8%-12%) were supplemented with endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (6200 EPU per g). The minimum xylanase activity per kg feed was 1050 and 1500 EPU. Xylanase, at activity levels of 1050 and 1500 EPU kg-1 complete diet, significantly (P≤0.05) increased the apparent digestibility of total protein and highly significantly (P≤0.01) that of crude fat. No significant differences in the digestibility of N-free extractives and energy were found between groups. The increased activity of xylanase (1500 EPU kg-1 feed) contributed to an increase in the digestibility of dry matter, crude fibre (P≤0.05) and organic matter (P≤0.01), compared with the control group. Higher (P≤0.01) daily gains and average final body weights were noted in pigs fed diets supplemented with the mono-enzyme preparation. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) tended to improve in pigs receiving xylanase-supplemented diets, but the observed differences were statistically non-significant.
Optimization of rearing dairy breed calves according to organic principles / Optymalizacja odchowu cieląt ras mlecznych według wymogów ekologicznych
Authors: Bilik Krzysztof , Niwińska Barbara , Łopuszańska-Rusek Magdalena , Fijał Jerzy
Published: April 2013

The aim of the study was to determine the degree to which different whole milk feeding systems according to ecological standards affect the results of rearing, some blood biochemical and haematological parameters, and health status of Polish Holstein-Friesian calves. The experiment was conducted from birth to 150 days of age with 32 calves (16 heifer and 16 bull calves), assigned to four analogous groups (8 animals: 4 ♀ and 4 ♂ per group). In group I, calves suckled colostrum (ad

libitum) and mother’s milk from 5 to 90 days of age (twice daily for 30 minutes); in group II, they suckled colostrum (ad libitum), mother’s milk from 5 to 42 days of age (twice daily for 30 minutes), and received milk from nipple buckets (6 l twice daily) from 43 to 90 days of age; in groups III and IV calves received from nipple buckets a limited amount of colostrum (4.5-6 l/day) and milk (on average 5.82 and 4.82 l/day, respectively). Feeding limited whole milk from nipple buckets to the calves did not cause significant differences in haematological blood indices, serum concentrations of glucose and IgG, and health status of calves compared to those suckling their mothers. Calves which remained with their mothers during colostrum feeding were characterized by a significantly lower concentration of serum cortisol at 2 days of age compared to calves that received colostrum from nipple buckets. Compared to the calves suckling their mothers (group I), the use of economical milk feeding system (III and IV groups) reduced rearing costs and increased the amount of milk intended for sale by 700-760 l/cow.
The iron content in organs of free ranging European bison from the Białowieża herd / Zawartość żelaza w tkankach żubra ze stada białowieskiego
Authors: Kośla Tadeusz , Skibniewski Michał , Skibniewska Ewa , Urbańska-Słomka Grażyna
Published: April 2013

The aim of the study was to determine iron status in chosen organs of the European bison free ranging in Białowieża Primeval Forest. The material for analyses was obtained from animals eliminated during annual selection. Segments of liver, kidney, muscle, rib, and hoof were collected. Animals were divided depending on gender (males and females) and age (calves up to 1 year and animals older than 2 years). Mean iron concentration in liver was 263.59 mg ∙ kg-1 fresh tissue. The iron content was significantly higher in the group of animals older than 2 years (P≤0.05). The average content of iron in kidneys amounted to 156.70 mg ∙ kg-1 fresh tissue. The average iron content in muscles amounted to 79.95 mg ∙ kg-1 fresh tissue. Similarly to the liver samples a statistically significant difference (P≤0.05) was demonstrated depending on age. The average iron content in ribs and in the horn of the hoof wall of all European bison amounted to 38.90 mg ∙ kg-1 fresh tissue and 47.87 mg ∙ kg-1 dry matter, respectively. No statistically significant differences in the iron content were observed depending on gender.
The relationship between colour and pH in cold-stored quail breast muscle / Zależność między barwą a pH w mięśniach piersiowych przepiórek przechowywanych w warunkach chłodniczych
Authors: Karamucki Tadeusz , Gardzielewska Józefa , Jakubowska Małgorzata , Rybak Kinga , Garczewska Justyna
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this study was to analyse the colour of the breast muscles of Japanese Pharaoh quail on the first day after slaughter and again after further six days of cold storage, in relation to their muscle pH. The material for the study consisted of 40 breast muscles taken from the carcasses of six-week-old Japanese Pharaoh quail. Based on pH results, the muscles were divided into three groups: I (pH = 5.51-5.70), II (pH = 5.71-5.90) and III (pH = 5.91-6.10). After this the muscles were stored for a further 6 days at 4°C. It was found that the pH of freshly dissected quail breast muscle is a good indicator of the colour stability of muscles cold-stored at 4°C for six days. The lowest degree of colour stability was observed in the pH range 5.51-5.70. In the sensory evaluation muscles displaying this degree of colour instability were considered unacceptable or barely acceptable. In contrast, muscles in the pH ranges 5.71-5.90 and 5.91-6.10 displayed a high degree of colour stability and were considered acceptable in the sensory evaluation. The colour changes that occurred during storage of the muscles were due to changes in the values of all of the colour parameters (L*, a*, b*, C* and hº); however, the greatest changes were found in the case of redness (a*) and the hue angle (hº). The changes were caused both by alterations in the amount of pigment reached by light, and by changes in the relative amounts of the chemical forms of myoglobin.
Differences in tibiocalcaneal kinematics measured with skin- and shoe-mounted markers
Authors: Sinclair Jonathan , Greenhalgh Andrew , Taylor Paul J. , Edmundson Christopher James , Brooks Darrell , Hobbs Sarah Jane
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The aim of the current investigation was to compare the 3-D tibiocalcaneal kinematics between skin- and shoe-mounted markers.

Methods

Eleven male participants ran at 4.0m/s ± 5% along a 22 m runway. Tibiocalcaneal kinematics were captured simultaneously using markers placed externally on the shoe and on the skin through windows cut in the shoe. Paired t-tests were used to compare the 3-D kinematic parameters, and intraclass correlations were employed to contrast the kinematic waveforms.

Results

Strong correlations were observed between the waveforms at R2 0.85. However, foot movements such as eversion range of motion, peak eversion, peak transverse plane range of motion, velocity of external rotation and peak eversion velocity were all significantly underestimated using shoe-mounted markers.

Conclusions

The results indicate that shoe-mounted markers do not fully represent true foot movement.
Screening of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Secondary Metabolites from Endophytic Fungi Isolated from Wheat (Triticum Durum)
Authors: Sadrati Nouari , Daoud Harzallah , Zerroug Amina , Dahamna Saliha , Bouharati Saddek
Published: April 2013

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant micro-organisms calls for inventive research and development strategies. Inhibition of these pathogenic micro-organisms may be a promising therapeutic approach. The screening of antimicrobial compounds from endophytes is a promising way to meet the increasing threat of drug-resistant strains of human and plant pathogens. In the present study, a total of 20 endophytic fungi and 23 endophytic actinomycetes have been isolated from wheat (Triticum durum). Mohamed Ben Bachir variety collected from Bordj Bou Arreridj region (Algeria) during winter 2010. The isolates were screened and evaluated for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated for crude ethyl acetate extracts using an agar diffusion assay against twelve pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and two phytopathogenic fungi. All extracts showed inhibitory activity on at least one or more pathogenic microorganisms, with an average zone of inhibition varied between 7 mm to 25 mm, and the largest zone was of 25 and 25.3 mm against candida albicans and Escherichia coli respectively. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts was evaluated by β-carotene/linoleic acid assay. Results showed that 60% of these extracts have antioxidant activity, exhibiting 50, 57% to 78, 96% inhibitions. While the inhibitory activity for oxidation of linoleic acid of 40% of them was less than 50%. From the present work it is possible to conclude that these microorganisms could be promising source of bioactive compounds, and warrant further study.
Fully implicit ADI schemes for solving the nonlinear
Poisson-Boltzmann equation
Authors: Geng Weihua , Zhao Shan
Published: April 2013

The Poisson-Boltzmann (PB) model is an effective approach
for the electrostatics analysis of solvated biomolecules. The
nonlinearity associated with the PB equation is critical when
the underlying electrostatic potential is strong, but is extremely
difficult to solve numerically. In this paper, we construct
two operator splitting alternating direction implicit (ADI)
schemes to efficiently and stably solve the nonlinear PB equation
in a pseudo-transient continuation approach. The operator
splitting framework enables an analytical integration of
the nonlinear term that suppresses the nonlinear instability.
A standard finite difference scheme weighted by piecewise
dielectric constants varying across the molecular surface is
employed to discretize the nonhomogeneous diffusion term of
the nonlinear PB equation, and yields tridiagonal matrices in
the Douglas and Douglas-Rachford type ADI schemes. The
proposed time splitting ADI schemes are different from all existing
pseudo-transient continuation approaches for solving
the classical nonlinear PB equation in the sense that they are
fully implicit. In a numerical benchmark example, the steady
state solutions of the fully-implicit ADI schemes based on different
initial values all converge to the time invariant analytical
solution, while those of the explicit Euler and semi-implicit
ADI schemes blow up when the magnitude of the initial solution
is large. For the solvation analysis in applications to real
biomolecules with various sizes, the time stability of the proposed
ADI schemes can be maintained even using very large
time increments, demonstrating the efficiency and stability of
the present methods for biomolecular simulation.
Rhythmic Gymnastics vs. Boxing: Gender Stereotypes From the Two Poles of Female Sport
Authors: Béki Piroska , Gál Andrea
Published: April 2013

In recent decades, women have begun to take up types of physical activity traditionally considered masculine. They appeared in previously one-gender team sports such as football or water polo, and nowadays they are also involved in ice hockey, canoeing, and are active in numerous combat sports as well. On the other hand, men have entered sport fields previously only available to women, such as rhythmic gymnastics. By this, sport can be regarded not only as a scene of gender stereotyping, but also a scene of redefining the concepts of masculinity-femininity in the negotiating of gender relations. Owing to these phenomena, there has been an emergence of studies analyzing sports from a gender aspect as well as the generalizations related to athletes involved in these sports. These studies have primarily focused on the constructions of gender identities and gender roles of women participating in traditionally masculine sports (football, weightlifting, and bodybuilding). This paper presents the results of empirical research designed to explore the opinions of top athletes involved in sports considered to be the most masculine and most feminine by the public and by sport experts: rhythmic gymnastics and boxing. They discussed their own sport and each other’s sport. With the information obtained from the structured interviews (n=22), it became possible to compare their social background, sport socialization and sport selection, as well as their conceptions of gender roles, femininity, and masculinity. As a conclusion of the research, it can be stated that from the aspects examined differences could mostly be observed in the circumstances of sport selection, but representatives of the two sports also diverged remarkably in their judgments about each other’s sport. While female boxers did not voice extreme opinions about rhythmic gymnastics, representatives of the sport regarded to be the most feminine reflected on boxing in a stereotypical and prejudiced way, even given their lack of experience.
Events and Trends Control in Diagnostics of Financial Capacity of Transportation Companies
Authors: Chernavsky Konstantin
Published: April 2013

Investigating the impact rendered by financial capacity and its diagnostics efficiency upon the results of a company’s activity is the most important problem of modern management. The standard conventional methods and tools of the financial analysis have remained in the past. The top management of a modern company ever more often reflects on the alternative approaches for an assessment objectively capable of reflecting both the current situation and the near-term threats jeopardizing the company’s activity. One of such approaches is the business value appraisal method from the time perspective. The advantage of this approach is leading properties inherent in the indices.

This article studies the growth rate-related changes of activity, by separating the analysis of events and trends. The polarity of those categories has been considered as a fundamental principle of the analysis of growth rate, financial instability, and discounted cash flow.
Identification of Postal Mails and Crates by New Developed UHF RFID Antenna
Authors: Kolarovszki Peter , Vaculík Juraj , Hofmann Libor
Published: April 2013

This article deals with RFID technology, which is a part of automatic identification and data capture. We developed a wave propagation model and base on this, we developed a UHF RFID slim antenna. Article describes theoretical background about RFID antennas and electromagnetic waves. Consequently we are coming with the new access, that is, using the UHF RFID "Slim" antenna that eliminates disadvantage of inlays in the case if they are close or inter lap each other. The article describes scheme of identification of postal mails through UHF RFID slim antennas.

Nowadays the identification of postal mails in postal sector is carried through barcodes and optical character recognition. In this article we would like to specify, how can be the postal mail items identified in the transmission process by RFID technology. All theoretical findings are verified by measurement in our AIDC laboratory that is located at the University of Žilina. Finally a method to perform our theoretical model and the identification performance was close 100%. It is an improvement for more than 30% in comparing the results reached with typical inlays. The results of our research bring the new point of view and indicate the ways using of UHF RFID technology in post applications.
Studies of Oxford Stone as a Contribution to Environmental Geomorphology
Authors: Thornbush Mary J.
Published: April 2013

Much scientific research has been conducted on Oxford stone, of which the historical buildings of central Oxford, UK are comprised. This paper reviews all published literature to-date specifically for Oxford stone, compiling an inventory of studies. The context for this review is in the application of environmental geomorphology to the more recent studies by physical geographers. Overall findings across published studies assist with an understanding of current trends in the conservation of Oxford’s historical buildings. Early observations remain generally representative of the findings, although the more recent literature has employed modern methodologies in science and technology that were not available in the late 1940s. Some indication of remaining research gaps are identified and forthcoming research presented. Last is a discussion of current practice in the cleaning and replacement of building stone that briefly considers the authenticity of Oxford stone, which is relevant for heritage conservation. The contribution of such studies to environmental geomorphology is addressed.
Modeling the Impacts of Climate Change on Phytogeographical Units. A Case Study of the Moesz Line
Authors: Bede-Fazekas Ákos
Published: April 2013

Regional climate models (RCMs) provide reliable climatic predictions for the next 90 years with high horizontal and temporal resolution. In the 21st century northward latitudinal and upward altitudinal shift of the distribution of plant species and phytogeographical units is expected. It is discussed how the modeling of phytogeographical unit can be reduced to modeling plant distributions. Predicted shift of the Moesz line is studied as case study (with three different modeling approaches) using 36 parameters of REMO regional climate dataset, ArcGIS geographic information software, and periods of 1961-1990 (reference period), 2011-2040, and 2041-2070. The disadvantages of this relatively simple climate envelope modeling (CEM) approach are then discussed and several ways of model improvement are suggested. Some statistical and artificial intelligence (AI) methods (logistic regression, cluster analysis and other clustering methods, decision tree, evolutionary algorithm, artificial neural network) are able to provide development of the model. Among them artificial neural networks (ANN) seems to be the most suitable algorithm for this purpose, which provides a black box method for distribution modeling.
Risk Factors for Meniscal Tears: A Systematic Review Including Meta-analysis
Authors: Snoeker Barbara A.M. , Bakker Eric W.P. , Kegel Cornelia A.T. , Lucas Cees
Published: April 2013

Study Design

Systematic review with meta-analysis.

Objectives

To review and critically appraise the literature for factors that increase the risk for meniscal tears.

Background

Meniscal tears are an important cause of disability and time lost from work, and are associated with a 4-fold increase in the long-term risk of knee osteoarthritis. Knowledge of the risk factors that lead to meniscal tears can help to correctly diagnose knee injuries and is important to the development of prevention strategies for knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

A search of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, and Embase, from 1950 to January 2012, and a hand search of reference lists of all initially selected studies, without restriction on language or date of publication, were conducted. Prospective, retrospective, and case-control studies that included individuals over 16 years of age, who had no previous meniscal injuries or surgeries, were selected. A meta-analysis for 17 risk factors was performed. Where considerable heterogeneity among studies was present or the data did not provide sufficient information to perform a meta-analysis, a qualitative synthesis was conducted.

Results

Eleven studies, with a total of 7358 participants, were selected for systematic review. Data were available for meta-analysis for 10 of the 11 studies. Qualitative analysis was conducted using data from 3 of the 11 studies. Results showed strong evidence that age (older than 60 years), gender (male), work-related kneeling and squatting, and climbing stairs (greater than 30 flights) were risk factors for degenerative meniscal tears. We also found strong evidence that playing soccer and playing rugby were strong risk factors for acute meniscal tears. Waiting longer than 12 months between the anterior cruciate ligament injury and reconstructive surgery was a strong risk factor for a medial meniscal tear but not for a lateral meniscal tear.

Conclusion

The literature indicates a number of risk factors leading to either degenerative or acute meniscal tears, with some of these factors being potentially modifiable.

Level of Evidence

Prognosis, level 2a. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2013;43(6):352–367. Epub 29 April 2013. doi:10.2519/jospt.2013.4295
Occurrences of Salmonella spp. in water and soil sample of the Karnafuli river estuary
Authors: Alam Md Wahidul , Zafar Mohammad
Published: April 2013

This study was carried out to examine the presence of Salmonella spp. in soil and water sample along with some physio-chemical parameters of water at the Karnafuli river estuary during March-June 2012 from 3 stations. The ranges of measured parameters of water samples were 26.5- 32ºC, 0.0  5.0, 7.5  7.9 and 2.28  2.91mg/l for temperature, salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen (DO), respectively.. In the present investigation, it was observed that the values of physio chemical parameters in the estuarine area were fluctuated seasonally. Water temp, salinity and pH were within acceptable range according to EQSB and guidelines value of WHO but the concentration of DO decreased significantly indicating the deterioration of estuarine environment including water quality and soil conditions which are influenced by higher bacterial growth in the polluted estuarine zone. Maximum Salmonella spp. concentrations were observed 5cells/ml in soil from one station (St-1) out of 3 total sampling stations during the month of May. The occurrences of Salmonella spp. was not found many of the stations they were absent. Considering the prevailing physio-chemical parameters and bacteriological conditions as detected in this study in the Karnafuli river estuarine water and soil, it appears that the estuarine environment including the water and soils were polluted. Such contaminated water is not suitable for household uses and possibly hazardous to many aquatic animals and human health. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mh.v1i2.14087 Microbes and Health, 2012 1(2): 41-45
Multidrug Resistant Bacteria in the Respiratory Tract of Apparently Healthy Quails
Authors: Sultana Shobnom , Islam Md Ariful , Khatun Mst. Minara , Nasrin Shamima
Published: April 2013

The study was undertaken for isolation, identification and in vitro antibiotic sensitivity assay of bacteria present in the respiratory tract of apparently healthy Japanese quails. A total of 50 samples comprised of tracheal swabs (n = 18), tracheal washings (n = 8), air sacs (n = 8), lungs (n = 8) and exudates of infraorbital sinuses (n = 8) were aseptically collected from 26 apparently healthy Japanese quails. The samples were inoculated onto a variety of media for isolation of bacteria. Identification of bacteria was performed by colony morphology, Grams staining and biochemical tests. In total, 25 (50%), 9 (18%), 22 (44%), 20 (40%) and 24 (48%) isolates were identified as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Pasteurella spp., Bacillus spp. and Staphylococcus spp. respectively. Antibiotic sensitivity tests of one randomly selected isolate from each genus of bacteria were performed against 10 common antibiotics. E. coli showed resistance to four antibiotics (amoxicillin, gentamycin, nalidixic acid and tetracycline); Salmonella spp. showed resistance to seven antibiotics (amoxicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, gentamycin, kanamycin, nalidixic acid and tetracycline); Pasteurella spp. to three antibiotics (erythromycin, sulphamethoxazole and tetracycline); Bacillus spp. to chloramphenicol and nalidixic acid and Staphylococcus spp. to amoxicillin and ampicillin. All the isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. Data of this study indicate that multidrug resistant bacteria are present in the respiratory tract of clinically healthy quails. This is the first report of isolation, identification and antibiogram profile of bacteria present in the respiratory tract of quails in Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mh.v1i2.14088 Microbes and Health, 2012 1(2): 46-49
Winterfield 2512 G-61 Strain of IBDV Vaccine (CEVAC® IBD L) Showed Reduced Pathogenicity in Commercial Chickens
Authors: Khan Mohammad Abu Wayed , Islam Md Nazrul , Harun-ur-Rashid SM , Akter Mir Rowshan
Published: April 2013

A live, freeze-dried commercial vaccine prepared from the Winterfield 2512 G-61 strain of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) was tested for its pathogenicity in commercial chickens. A total of 200 unvaccinated Cobb-500 chicks obtained commercial sources, raised in relative isolation from day old chick (DOC) were used in the experiment. A total of 3 chicks were randomly collected from the experimental flock on day 11 (D11), D13, D15, D17, D20, D23 and D26. The vaccine was administered through drinking water at D11 and the booster was also given on D17 through drinking water. All the sampled birds were euthanized for necropsy. The visible gross morbid lesions, bursa-body weight ratios and histomorphology including bursal lesion scores were recorded following necropsy and histopatholog. An infected flock was included in this study for comparison. Data of bursa-bodyweight ratios in relation to bursal lesion scores was analyzed statistically. No detectable gross lesions were found during necropsy and bursa-body weight ratios were 2.75±0.60, 2.71±0.39, 2.44±0.42, 3.39±0.13, 2.58±0.55, 2.15±0.16, 2.41±0.28 and 2.45±0.09 on D11, D13, D15, D17, D20, D23 and D26, respectively. Histopathological lesions were characterized as varying degrees of lymphoid depletion, and the bursal lesion scores were 0.67±0.33, 0.67±0.33, 2.00±0.58, 0.67±0.33, 1.0±0.00, 0.67±0.33 and 0.33±0.33 on D11, D13, D15, D17, D20 D23 and D26, respectively. The vaccine virus showed reduced levels of pathogenicity in broiler chickens. No disease outbreaks were noted in the vaccinated group, but significant changes were found in the naturally infected flock. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mh.v1i2.14091 Microbes and Health, 2012 1(2): 58-61
Microbiological Quality of Market Fruits and Their Handling Implication in Relation to Public Health
Authors: Alam Mohammad Kamrul , Siddique Mahbubul Pratik , Hossain Muhammad Tofazzal , Rahman Md Atawar , Khan Md Shahidur Rahman
Published: April 2013

The research study was conducted on the market fruits from selected local markets of Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The objectives of the study were to assess the microbiological quality of market fruits, hand washing and used water of hotels and chatpoti shops and to predict the comparative public health implication associated with the socioeconomic status of the inhabitants consuming the fruits and water. In fruit samples, the total viable count ranged from log 2.90 to log 6.4. No coliform bacteria were detected in fruit samples. Statistical analysis showed significant variations in microbial load in different fruits, hand washings and used water. Present study further demonstrated that there was lack of proper hygienic and sanitation measures in most of the markets, especially in town markets. Because of observed low sanitary quality, the urban market fruits should be handled and used with special attention to reduce the risk of contamination with potential pathogenic bacteria. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mh.v1i2.14095 Microbes and Health, 2012 1(2): 76-80
Impact of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on Brain Functional Marker of Auditory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Maïza Olivier , Hervé Pierre-Yve , Etard Olivier , Razafimandimby Annick , Montagne-Larmurier Aurélie , Dollfus Sonia
Published: April 2013

Several cross-sectional functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) studies reported a negative correlation between auditory verbal hallucination (AVH) severity and amplitude of the activations during language tasks. The present study assessed the time course of this correlation and its possible structural underpinnings by combining structural, functional MRI and repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). Methods: Nine schizophrenia patients with AVH (evaluated with the Auditory Hallucination Rating scale; AHRS) and nine healthy participants underwent two sessions of an fMRI speech listening paradigm. Meanwhile, patients received high frequency (20 Hz) rTMS. Results: Before rTMS, activations were negatively correlated with AHRS in a left posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) cluster, considered henceforward as a functional region of interest (fROI). After rTMS, activations in this fROI no longer correlated with AHRS. This decoupling was explained by a significant decrease of AHRS scores after rTMS that contrasted with a relative stability of cerebral activations. A voxel-based-morphometry analysis evidenced a cluster of the left pSTS where grey matter volume negatively correlated with AHRS before rTMS and positively correlated with activations in the fROI at both sessions. Conclusion: rTMS decreases the severity of AVH leading to modify the functional correlate of AVH underlain by grey matter abnormalities.
The Effect of Free-Atmosphere Stratification on Boundary-Layer Flow and Power Output from Very Large Wind Farms
Authors: Abkar Mahdi , Porté-Agel Fernando
Published: April 2013

Large-eddy simulation is used to study the influence of free-atmosphere stratification on the structure of atmospheric boundary-layer flow inside and above very large wind farms, as well as the power extracted by the wind turbines. In the simulations, tuning-free Lagrangian scale-dependent dynamic models are used to model the subgrid-scale turbulent fluxes, while the turbine-induced forces are parameterized with an actuator-disk model. It is shown that for a given surface cover (with and without turbines) thermal stratification of the free atmosphere reduces the entrainment from the flow above compared with the unstratified case, leading to lower boundary-layer depth. Due to the fact that in very large wind farms vertical energy transport associated with turbulence is the only source of kinetic energy, lower entrainment leads to lower power production by the wind turbines. In particular, for the wind-turbine arrangements considered in the present work, the power output from the wind farms is reduced by about 35% when the potential temperature lapse rate in the free atmosphere increases from 1 to 10 K/km (within the range of values typically observed in the atmosphere). Moreover, it is shown that the presence of the turbines has significant effect on the growth of the boundary layer. Inspired by the obtained results, a simple one-dimensional model is developed to account for the effect of free-atmosphere stability on the mean flow and the power output from very large wind farms.
Banki-Michell Optimal Design by Computational Fluid Dynamics Testing and Hydrodynamic Analysis
Authors: Sammartano Vincenzo , Aricò Costanza , Carravetta Armando , Fecarotta Oreste , Tucciarelli Tullio
Published: April 2013

In hydropower, the exploitation of small power sources requires the use of small turbines that combine efficiency and economy. Banki-Michell turbines represent a possible choice for their simplicity and for their good efficiency under variable load conditions. Several experimental and numerical tests have already been designed for examining the best geometry and optimal design of cross-flow type machines, but a theoretical framework for a sequential design of the turbine parameters, taking full advantage of recently expanded computational capabilities, is still missing. To this aim, after a review of the available criteria for Banki-Michell parameter design, a novel two-step procedure is described. In the first step, the initial and final blade angles, the outer impeller diameter and the shape of the nozzle are selected using a simple hydrodynamic analysis, based on a very strong simplification of reality. In the second step, the inner diameter, as well as the number of blades and their shape, are selected by testing single options using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, starting from the suggested literature values. Good efficiency is attained not only for the design discharge, but also for a large range of variability around the design value.
Impact of Forest Fragmentation on Patterns of Mountain Pine Beetle-Caused Tree Mortality
Authors: Bone Christopher , White Joanne , Wulder Michael , Robertson Colin , Nelson Trisalyn
Published: April 2013

The current outbreak of mountain pine beetle, Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, has led to extensive tree mortality in British Columbia and the western United States. While the greatest impacts of the outbreak have been in British Columbia, ongoing impacts are expected as the outbreak continues to spread eastward towards Canada’s boreal and eastern pine forests. Successful mitigation of this outbreak is dependent on understanding how the beetle’s host selection behaviour is influenced by the patchwork of tree mortality across the landscape. While several studies have shown that selective mechanisms operate at the individual tree level, less attention has been given to beetles’ preference for variation in spatial forest patterns, namely forest fragmentation, and if such preference changes with changing population conditions. The objective of this study is to explore the influence of fragmentation on the location of mountain pine beetle caused mortality. Using a negative binomial regression model, we tested the significance of a fragmentation measure called the Aggregation Index for predicting beetle-caused tree mortality in the central interior of British Columbia, Canada in 2000 and 2005. The results explain that mountain pine beetle OPEN ACCESS Forests 2013, 4 280 exhibit a density-dependent dynamic behaviour related to forest patterns, with fragmented forests experiencing greater tree mortality when beetle populations are low (2000). Conversely, more contiguous forests are preferred when populations reach epidemic levels (2005). These results reinforce existing findings that bark beetles exhibit a strong host configuration preference at low population levels and that such pressures are relaxed when beetle densities are high.
Need for Improved Risk Communication of Fish Consumption Advisories to Protect Maternal and Child Health: Influence of Primary Informants
Authors: LePrevost Catherine , Gray Kathleen , Hernández-Pelletier Mercedes , Bouma Brennan , Arellano Consuelo , Cope W.
Published: April 2013

Fish consumption has established benefits, including the promotion of cardiovascular health and pre- and neonatal brain and eye development, but local freshwater fish may be a source of contaminants that are especially harmful to fetuses and young children, such as the neurotoxic and developmentally toxic methylmercury and polychlorinated biphenyls. Fish consumption advisories may be issued by state health departments to limit human exposure to these and other toxicants. This study examined the efficacy of a sign designed by the North Carolina Division of Public Health that was posted along a reservoir (Badin Lake) in central North Carolina, USA, for increasing anglers’ awareness of a fish consumption advisory, with a special focus on anglers who share their catch with women and children. In this study, 109 anglers were interviewed about their awareness of fish consumption advisories in general and their knowledge of the Badin Lake fish advisory in particular. Shore anglers were significantly less likely to be aware of the term “fish consumption advisory” and of the specific advisory for Badin Lake than boat anglers. Although a significant increase in knowledge of the specific fish consumption advisory was found for the entire sample of study participants after the sign intervention, a commensurate increase in knowledge was not found for a subsample of anglers who reported sharing their catch with women and children. Study findings underscore differences in fish consumption advisory awareness among subpopulations. Specifically, the study revealed the importance of characterizing the communication needs of shore anglers and anglers who share their catch with sensitive subpopulations (e.g., women and children) for the creation of more targeted communications of fish consumption advisories.
The Role of Strigolactones in Nutrient-Stress Responses in Plants
Authors: Marzec Marek , Muszynska Aleksandra , Gruszka Damian
Published: April 2013

Strigolactones (SLs) are a new group of plant hormones, which have been intensively investigated during the last few years. The wide spectrum of SLs actions, including the regulation of shoot/root architecture, and the stimulation of the interactions between roots and fungi or bacteria, as well as the stimulation of germination of parasitic plants, indicates that this group of hormones may play an important role in the mechanisms that control soil exploration, and the root-mediated uptake of nutrients. Current studies have shown that SLs might be factors that have an influence on the plant response to a deficiency of macronutrients. Experimental data from the last four years have confirmed that the biosynthesis and exudation of SLs are increased under phosphorus and nitrogen deficiency. All these data suggest that SLs may regulate the complex response to nutrient stress, which include not only the modification of the plant developmental process, but also the cooperation with other organisms in order to minimize the effects of threats. In this paper the results of studies that indicate that SLs play an important role in the response to nutrient stress are reviewed and the consequences of the higher biosynthesis and exudation of SLs in response to phosphorus and nitrogen deficiency are discussed.