bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perfluorinated compounds in red-throated divers from the German Baltic Sea: new findings from their distribution in 10 different tissues
Authors: Rubarth Janne , Dreyer Annekatrin , Guse Nils , Einax Jürgen W. , Ebinghaus Ralf
Published: September 2013

Environmental contextPerfluorinated compounds are commonly used chemicals that are detected globally in all environmental matrices. We investigated the extent of contamination by perfluorinated compounds in the red-throated diver, a marine predatory bird, and observed an unusual distribution of perfluorinated compounds in tissues. The data help us to better understand the behaviour of these contaminants in organisms.
AbstractTwenty poly- and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) were investigated in four red-throated divers (Gavia stellata) from the German Baltic Sea sampled in 2005. Concentrations of perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs), perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs), alkylated perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides, alkylated perfluoroalkyl sulfonamidoethanols and perfluorooctane sulfonamides were determined in blood, brain, fatty tissue, gall bladder, heart, kidney, liver, lung, muscle and spleen by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). For quantification standard addition was applied. Twelve compounds were detected with average total PFC concentrations ranging from 42 ng g–1 in muscle to 220 ng g–1 in liver samples. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the major compound in each of the 40 tissue samples. Except for brain, perfluoroundecanoate was the dominant PFCA. In brain samples preferential enrichment of long-chain PFSAs and PFCAs was observed. The total PFC body burden was estimated to 100 ± 39 µg. Multivariate statistical analyses supported the identification of the preferred accumulation ‘location’ of individual PFCs in the birds’ body.
Identification of a cryptic lineage within Potamon fluviatile (Herbst) (Crustacea:Brachyura:Potamidae)
Authors: Jesse Ruth , Schubart Christoph D. , Klaus Sebastian
Published: September 2013

Based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA-sequence data we identify and describe an evolutionary separate lineage (Potamon pelops, sp. nov.) within the potamid freshwater crab species Potamon fluviatile (Herbst, 1785). So far, Potamon pelops, sp. nov. is only reported from the Peloponnesus Peninsula (Greece), probably allopatric to P. fluviatile. This cryptic lineage is not identical with the infrasubspecies Potamon fluviatile fluviatile natio laconis Pretzmann, 1983, the latter being within the morphological variation of Potamon fluviatile and Potamon pelops. Morphologically, Potamon pelops, sp. nov. differs from Potamon fluviatile, probably in spermatophore packing (cleistospermia in P. fluviatile versus coeno- and cleistospermia in P. pelops).
End notes: two unpublished presentations by Michael Fordham
Authors: Urban Elizabeth
Published: September 2013

Following the publication in this journal of two of Fordham's unpublished papers selected by James Astor (2010, 55, 5), the editors have asked me to select a further two. I have chosen two clinical pieces, one clinical notes and the other notes that refine his previous thinking, which Fordham wrote at the end of his life. Both are examples of the way Fordham continued throughout his analytic work to turn to patients as his primary source of learning.

Fordham presented the first piece, ‘A case study’, to Parkside Clinic in 1988. Its subject is his last child patient, a nine‐year‐old boy with behaviour problems that destroyed the analytic frame. The second is clearly for an SAP (Society of Analytical Psychology) audience and written probably around 1992–93. It is titled ‘Some comments on transference and countertransference’ and contains material from the patient who has become known through papers in this journal as ‘K’. The two pieces are presented together within a commentary rather than separately with footnotes, in order to provide some context for Fordham's thinking in his late years.
The size of the labor wards: is bigger better when it comes to patient safety?
Authors: Milland Maria , Christoffersen Jens K. , Hedegaard Morten
Published: September 2013

Objective

To assess possible associations between the size of labor units and the frequency of approved obstetric claims.

Design

A nationwide retrospective descriptive study.

Setting

Denmark.

Population

All patients seeking financial compensation due to obstetric injuries occurring between 1995 and 2009.

Methods

In all, 1440 anonymized obstetrics claims were reviewed; 1326 were included in the study. Information regarding the annual number of deliveries for each place of injury was retrieved from the National Birth Registry.

Main outcome measures

Obstetric injuries approved by the Danish Patient Insurance Association categorized by labor unit size.

Results

The overall approval rate for submitted claims was 39.7%. Large labor units (3000–3999 deliveries/year) were found to have a lower approval rate (34.2%), compared with very large (≥4000 deliveries/year, 38.6%), intermediate (1000–2999 deliveries/year, 41.7%), and small (<1000 deliveries/year, 50.0%) units, (p < 0.05). The majority of compensation claims were approved with reference to the “specialist rule,” assuming that if an experienced specialist had conducted the treatment differently the injury could have been avoided. Claims from small units showed a trend for being more often based on the specialist rule than seen in larger units (p < 0.05, test for trend).

Conclusion

The results may reflect that large labor units are living up to the principle of best practice to a greater degree. Several factors can be linked to the size of the labor unit and a better availability of in‐house obstetricians as well as auxiliary specialists could be part of the explanation.
Synthetic Biology: A Utilitarian Perspective
Authors: Smith Kevin
Published: September 2013

I examine the positive and negative features of synthetic biology (‘SynBio’) from a utilitarian ethical perspective. The potential beneficial outcomes from SynBio in the context of medicine are substantial; however it is not presently possible to predict precise outcomes due to the nascent state of the field. Potential negative outcomes from SynBio also exist, including iatrogenesis and bioterrorism; however it is not yet possible to quantify these risks. I argue that the application of a ‘precautionary’ approach to SynBio is ethically fraught, as is the notion that SynBio‐associated knowledge ought to be restricted. I conclude that utilitarians ought to support a broadly laissez‐faire stance in respect of SynBio.
Business Model Innovation: Propositions on the Appropriateness of Different Learning Approaches
Authors: Andries Petra , Debackere Koenraad
Published: September 2013

Firms are often faced with market and technological uncertainty when trying to renew their business model. The literature suggests that under uncertainty, firms can either develop new business models through commitment, incremental experimentation, or radical experimentation. Experience effects, complexity, and ambiguity influence the appropriateness of these learning approaches. However, no overarching view exists on whether and how these factors interact. Based on a simulation model, we develop propositions regarding the combined influences of complexity, ambiguity, and experience effects on the performance of these learning approaches. We also find that the firm's time perspective matters. The results allow us to refine existing theoretical logic and to delineate the specific conditions under which certain learning approaches outperform others. Furthermore, they provide an explanation as to why investors generally prefer committed businesses. We propose, however, that such commitment is not optimal in the long run and that, in general, firms should consider changing their learning approach over time in order to successfully renew their business model.
Efficient Interpolation of Articulated Shapes Using Mixed Shape Spaces
Authors: Marras S. , Cashman T. J. , Hormann K.
Published: September 2013

Interpolation between compatible triangle meshes that represent different poses of some object is a fundamental operation in geometry processing. A common approach is to consider the static input shapes as points in a suitable shape space and then use simple linear interpolation in this space to find an interpolated shape. In this paper, we present a new interpolation technique that is particularly tailored for meshes that represent articulated shapes. It is up to an order of magnitude faster than state‐of‐the‐art methods and gives very similar results. To achieve this, our approach introduces a novel shape space that takes advantage of the underlying structure of articulated shapes and distinguishes between rigid parts and non‐rigid joints. This allows us to use fast vertex interpolation on the rigid parts and resort to comparatively slow edge‐based interpolation only for the joints.
Focusing on outcomes and methods in removable prosthodontics trials: a systematic review
Authors: de Souza Raphael F. , Ahmadi Motahareh , Ribeiro Adriana B. , Emami Elham
Published: September 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study was to systematically examine the outcomes of interest of trials in removable prosthodontics and to assess their overall quality.

Material and methods

Electronic databases were searched up to August 2011 and complemented by hand searching for published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the field of removable prosthodontics in the six major prosthodontic and implant journals. The primary outcome of RCTs was considered as the outcome of interest of this review, and only manuscripts in which the study's primary outcome was reported in the abstract were included. Outcomes were classified according to the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) classification. The quality of individual reports of RCTs was assessed following the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (Higgins & Green, www.cochrane-handbook.org).

Results

The search retrieved 86 reports of RCTs. Among these publications, 43% reported a patient‐oriented primary outcome. Most of the publications did not present a clear description of sequence generation (54%) or allocation concealment (65%). Blinding of participants, clinicians, and outcomes assessors was not applicable or reported in most trials. Handling of withdrawals and losses was adequate in 52% of trials.

Conclusions

Although published RCTs in removable prosthodontics have increased over time, efforts should be made to increase patient‐reported outcomes and the methodological quality of these reports. Such improvement will lead to a better body of evidence in the field, thus providing increased support for clinical decision‐making.
Assessing Quality in Early Childhood Education and Care
Authors: Ishimine Karin , Tayler Collette
Published: September 2013

Evaluating quality in early childhood education and care (ECEC) service internationally is increasingly important. Research to date indicates that it is ‘high‐quality’ programmes that boost and sustain children's achievement outcomes over time. There is also growing interest in the accountability of public funds used for ECEC programmes and the types of measures that assess ECEC quality. This article reviews eleven existing instruments that were designed to assess global ECEC programmes and examines them in terms of their strengths and weaknesses as quality measurement tools and the adequacy of the measures to sufficiently reflect the context and purposes of the assessment. Through this process the authors identify directions for the development of new measures that are both theoretically and psychometrically sound.
The Prerequisites for Successful Teaching and Learning of Literacy
Authors: Brooks Greg
Published: September 2013

The report of the European Union High Level Group of Experts on Literacy presents a clear statement of their vision for the future of literacy in our continent. The first part of the statement is: ‘All citizens of Europe shall be literate, so as to achieve their aspirations as individuals, family members, workers and citizens.’ How is this vision to be achieved? This article analyses 16 preconditions necessary for achieving the vision, classifying them as physiological, social, linguistic, educational, governmental and motivational. In each category these prerequisites are related to the Group's findings and recommendations, especially where current policy and provision may be lacking. For example, for most people, normal or corrected‐to‐normal vision and hearing are essential for literacy development. Arguably, this implies mass screening of young children at the appropriate ages so that problems can be identified and treated — but this is not in fact routine everywhere. The article concludes by analysing the Council of Ministers' conclusions of November 2012 against the framework provided by the prerequisites, in order to judge the likelihood of ambitious targets for 2020 being achieved in this ‘age of austerity’.
Design and Testing of Small Interfering RNAs (siRNAs) Targeted Against Equine TNF‐α and IL1‐β in Equine Synoviocyte Cultures – Preliminary Findings
Authors: Morgan R.E. , Hunt J.A. , Tew S.R. , Clegg P.D. , Innes J.F.
Published: September 2013

Aims

Synovial inflammation is characterised by increases in catabolic cytokines, notably tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β); to understand their role in equine arthritis, model systems to evaluate small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeted against these cytokines are being developed. Specifically, we aim to investigate the change in TNF‐α and IL‐1β expression following transfection of equine synoviocytes with TNF‐α siRNA and IL‐1β siRNA. It is hypothesised that gene expression would decrease following treatment with siRNAs, and that off‐target effects would not be induced.

Methods

Synovium from healthy metacarpophalangeal joints of 6 horses was digested using 0.2% trypsin and 0.2% collagenase type‐II. Synoviocytes were cultured in DMEM with 10% FCS, with and without 1 μg/ml LPS, and with and without one of 3 siRNAs at 20 nmol: generic scrambled control siRNA, TNF‐α siRNA or IL‐1β siRNA. Gene expression was analysed with RT‐qPCR for TNF‐α and IL‐1β; GAPDH was used for normalisation.

Results

The patterns of TNF‐α gene expression in 2 experiments were similar; expression levels decreased (51%) relative to LPS stimulated controls when using TNF‐α siRNA. Efficiency of transfection with the IL‐1β siRNA was less reliable: expression levels of IL‐1β actually increased when using IL‐1β siRNA.

Conclusions

The pattern of TNF‐α gene expression supported our hypothesis but the degree of gene knockdown was disappointing. This may be due to a number of reasons; LPS concentration, siRNA transfection method, or siRNA sequence. The IL‐1β siRNA did not work in these experiments and indeed may be inducing ‘off‐target’ effects. The mixed culture of synoviocytes used was predominantly synovial fibroblasts. Further work will be carried out using peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and multiple siRNA sequences.

Practical significance

Traumatic arthritis is common in Thoroughbred racehorses and is a significant cause of wastage in the industry.

Ethical animal research

Approval was granted by the Liverpool University Ethics Committee. Sources of funding: Rhiannon Morgan is in receipt of a Veterinary Research Training Scholarship from the Horserace Betting Levy Board. Competing interests: None.
Risks of Synovial Sepsis Following Intrasynovial Medication in Ambulatory Practice, 2006–2011: 9456 Intrasynovial Injections
Authors: Smith L. , Palmer L. , Shepherd M. , Steven W.N. , Dallas R. , Baldwin G. , Sommerville G. , Hawthorne T. , Ramzan P.
Published: September 2013

Aims

To determine the incidence of synovial sepsis following intra‐articular and intrathecal injections. Synovial sepsis is a serious potential complication of intrasynovial medication.

Methods

Available case records for all horses receiving intrasynovial medications (ISMs) performed by 9 ambulatory clinicians were examined over 5 years (2006–2011). Intrasynovial medications were defined as therapeutic interventions, based on clinical history and orthopaedic examination; nontherapeutic injections for diagnostic analgesia were excluded. Routine protocol was not to clip injection sites; the skin was prepared using standard aseptic technique. Scrupulous aseptic injection technique was employed at all times. All horses were under the care of a single practice, dealing with mainly Thoroughbred racehorses. Records were cross‐referenced against synovial cytology submissions and hospital admissions for synovial sepsis. Development of 2 out of 4 clinicopathological signs of synovial sepsis (lameness, joint distension, synovial white blood cell count >10,000/l, synovial total protein >25 g/l) within 8 weeks of medication of the same synovial space was considered to represent a post medication complication (PMC). Failure of the PMC to resolve with conservative therapy was considered to represent post medication synovial sepsis (PMSS).

Results

During the study period 9456 ISMs were recorded, in 4332 sessions, in 1732 horses. Corticosteroids were included in 92.3% of ISMs, 94.8% included amikacin and 0.15% (14/9456) included polysulphated glycosaminoglycans (PSGAGs). Twelve horses developed PMC (0.0013% ISM), 4 horses developed PMSS (0.0004% ISM). All 4 horses returned to use following joint lavage. Administration of intrasynovial PSGAGs, was significantly associated with PMSS (P<0.0001 OR = 787 95% CI 145–20,337). Intrasynovial medications that included amikacin were less likely to develop PSSM (P = 0.005 OR = 0.0181 95% CI 0.0019–0.174); however if the PSGAGs group was excluded the difference became nonsignificant (P = 0.0981).

Conclusions and practical significance

The risk of iatrogenic sepsis following intrasynovial medication is extremely low. Intrasynovial medication with PSGAGs should be avoided without concomitant antimicrobials.

Acknowledgements

A. Wilson and K. Batteate for case collation.

Ethical animal research

Not required by this Congress: retrospective analysis of case records. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
In vivo Evaluation of Acoustoelastography in the Normal Equine Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon
Authors: Brounts S.H. , Ellison M.E. , Duenwald‐Kuehl S. , Forrest L. , Vanderby Jr R.
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury is common in athletic horses. Recovery requires balancing rest and controlled exercise, resulting in high risk of re‐injury. It is difficult to determine the level of work the damaged tissue can sustain based on serial ultrasound examination alone. However, as small changes in sonographic appearance are associated with large changes in biomechanical strength, it is difficult to determine the degree of activity the tissue can sustain.

Aims

Acoustoelastography (AEG) is a new ultrasound‐based model to evaluate tendon function. Acoustoelastography deduces stiffness gradient, the rate of change of normalised stiffness as a function of strain, by analysing the changes in echo intensity observed in cine loops captured from gradually deforming tendon. The goal of this project was to establish a reproducible method for applying AEG in the normal equine SDFT.

Methods

Fifteen horses with no history of lameness and normal lameness examinations were recruited with informed owner consent and in accordance with the University Research Animal Resources Center. Stiffness gradient index (SGI) and dispersion values (DV) for the palmar SDFT were evaluated at 3 sites (5, 10 and 15 cm distal to the accessory carpal bone [DACB]) by 2 observers. Lifting of the contralateral forelimb during image acquisition resulted in the required SDFT deformation. Interobserver repeatability, intraobserver repeatability, and right‐to‐left limb symmetry were evaluated.

Results

The SGIs and DVs for the SDFT at different locations, as well as effects of age or gender, showed no statistical difference (P>0.05). Interclass correlations evaluating repeatability within the same observer, between observers, and symmetry between right and left limbs demonstrated excellent agreement.

Conclusions and practical significance

This study shows that AEG is a feasible and repeatable technique for measuring stiffness gradients in normal equine SDFTs. This study will provide the basis for developing a simple, noninvasive evaluation of tendon function that could vastly improve the ability to detect, monitor and treat tendon injuries.

Ethical animal research

All animal protocols were approved by the University of Wisconsin Research Animal Resources Center. Client‐owned horses were used for the study and informed consent was obtained. Sources of funding: Research supported by Companion Animal Grant through University of Wisconsin. Competing interests: Co‐author/collaborator Ray Vanderby has patent on acoustoelastography post processing ultrasound‐based tissue evaluation technique.
A Girth Designed to Avoid Peak Pressure Locations Increases Limb Protraction and Flexion During Flight
Authors: Murray R. , Guire R. , Fisher M. , Fairfax V.
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Girths are frequently blamed for veterinary and performance problems, but research into girth/horse interaction is sparse.

Aims

To 1) determine location of peak pressure under a range of girths; 2) compare horse gait between horse's standard girth and a girth designed to avoid detected peak pressure locations.

Methods

Part 1: Following validation procedures, a calibrated pressure mat placed under the girth of 10 horses was used to determine location of peak pressures. Based on these results, a girth was designed to avoid locations of peak pressure (Girth A). Part 2: Twenty elite horses/riders were included for study based on selection for British Equestrian Federation (BEF) World Class Programme Performance Squad, with no lameness or performance problem. Horses were ridden in Girth A and their standard girth (Girth S) in a crossover design, with riders blinded to girth type. Pressure mat data was acquired from under the girths. High‐speed video was captured in trot, using standard anatomical marker placement. Forelimb and hindlimb protraction, maximal carpal and tarsal flexion during flight were determined. Good repeatability was confirmed.

Results

In standard girths, peak pressures were located over musculature behind elbow. Pressure mat results revealed maximum forces with Girth S were 22% (left) and 14% (right) greater than Girth A, and peak pressures were 76% (left) and 98% (right) greater (P<0.01 for all). On gait evaluation, girth A was associated with 6–11% greater forelimb protraction, 10–20% greater hindlimb protraction, 4% greater carpal flexion, and 3% greater tarsal flexion than Girth S (P<0.01 for all).

Conclusions and practical significance

Peak pressures were located where horses are reported to develop pressure sores. Girth A reduced peak pressures under the girth, and improved limb protraction and carpal/tarsal flexion, which may reflect improved posture and comfort.

Ethical animal research

This study involved informed consent of the riders/owners of horses used in the study. Sources of funding: UK Sport lottery funding for the BEF World Class Programme, Fairfax Saddles. Competing interests: Vanessa Fairfax is employed by Fairfax Saddles.
Is the Movement of the Thoracolumbar and Lumbosacral Joints in the Ridden Dressage Horse Affected by Muscle Development?
Authors: Walker V.A. , Tranquille C.A. , Duch S.E. , Northrop A.J. , Spear J. , Brandham J. , Murray R.C.
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Stabilisation of the back is essential for rider support and to moderate intervertebral movement. Epidemiological data has shown that 25% of UK dressage horses had back pain over a 2‐year period (Murray et al. ). It has been established that back pain in sports horses is performance limiting (Stubbs et al. ). Intervertebral range of motion (ROM) and flexion–extension movements of the back have been previously described. However, the relationship between muscle development and ridden ROM has not been investigated.

Aims

To investigate the relationship between grade for development of muscles visible on examination and ridden ROM of the thoracolumbar (TL) and lumbosacral (LS) regions of the back.

Methods

Thirty‐five dressage horses (novice to Grand Prix competition level) were evaluated by an experienced clinician and assigned muscle development grades. High‐speed motion‐capture (250Hz) was used to measure TL and LS angle for 4 strides of collected trot from the left side. Spearman's rank correlation tests were used to test for associations between muscle development grade and ridden angles and ROM.

Results

Increased development of visible muscle groups was correlated with increased TL and LS flexion at different parts of the stride (Table ). Decreased LS ROM was associated with increase muscle development of the thoracic and lumbar regions.

Conclusions and practical significance

Results suggest that increased development of muscle groups visible on examination is important for stabilising the TL and LS regions. Back stabilisation is likely to help support the rider's weight and be involved in protection of the small joints and ligaments of the back. These findings support evaluation of the musculature during a veterinary examination as a guide to TL and LS stability, and the potential importance of visible muscle development in prevention and rehabilitation of ridden back problems.

Ethical animal research

Study approved by AHT Ethical Review Committee. Sources of funding: Funding from the Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust, British Dressage and Dr Wilfrid Bechtolsheimer. Competing interests: None.

Table summarising association of muscle development grade with back angles at specific points of the stride within the hindlimb (HL) and forelimb (FL)

Angle
Point of stride
Muscle group

Thoracolumbar (TL)
HL stance
Lumbosacral, pelvic

HL maximum protraction
Neck, lumbar, lumbosacral, pelvic

FL stance
Neck, lumbar, lumbosacral, pelvic

Lumbosacral (LS)
HL stance
Abdominal, thoracic, lumbar, lumbosacral, pelvic, hindlimb

HL maximum protraction
Abdominal

FL stance
Abdominal, lumbosacral, hindlimb
The Effects of Ambient Temperature and Relative Humidity on Blood Parameters in Horses During Long‐Distance Flights
Authors: Maaskant A. , de Gooijer J‐W. , Tilburg R. , Sloet van Oldruitenborgh‐Oosterbaan M.M.
Published: September 2013

Aim

At Schiphol Amsterdam airport more horses needed treatment for fever arriving after long‐distance flights (>5 h) from hot and humid places than from temperate climate places. Our aim was to explain this finding by determining blood parameters with predictive value for early onset of illness in horses during commercial long‐distance flights.

Methods

Blood was drawn prior to loading (Sample 1), halfway during the flight (Sample 2) and immediately after unloading (Sample 3) from 13 horses shipped from Houston to Amsterdam (test‐group) and from 6 horses shipped from Amsterdam to New York (control‐group) for complete routine screening. Prior to loading both groups had a 5 h resting period at the airport. Before and during the flights ambient air temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) were measured in each jet‐stall.

Results

The AT for the test‐group from loading until take off was 35.3 ± 1.89°C (max. 41.1°C) and RH 41%. For the control‐group AT was 18.2 ± 2.1°C (max. 21.1°C) and RH 65%. From take off to arrival AT and RH for the test‐group were 23.3 ± 3.0°C and 28%, and for the control‐group 20.6° ± 1.4°C and 40%, respectively. Samples 1, 2 and 3 showed in the test‐group higher (P<0.05) urea concentration (4.87 ± 1.06, 5.22 ± 1.06 and 5.06 ± 1.13 mmol/l) and lymphocyte count (3.85 ± 1.06, 3.48 ± 1.55 and 3.20 ± 2.12 109/l) than in the control‐group (3.68 ± 0.53, 4.12 ± 0.59, 4.25 ± 0.58 and 1.95 ± 0.72, 1.97 ± 0.68, 1.83 ± 0.56). In the test‐group lactate concentrations (mmol/l) were significantly higher in Samples 1 and 2 (test‐group 1.53 ± 0.35 and 1.84 ± 0.51; control‐group 1.15 ± 0.83 and 1.35 ± 0.40), and creatinine kinase (iu/l) was higher in Sample 1 (test‐group 326.0 ± 123.04; control‐group 201.2 ± 69.5).

Conclusions and practical significance

Earlier studies proved that air transport is less stressful than road transport. This study demonstrates that high AT with moderate RH prior to take off resulted in significant elevation of some blood parameters. These findings support an increased susceptibility to illness, e.g. shipping‐fever in horses after long‐distance flights from hot and humid places.

Ethical animal research

Approved by the Ethical Committion of KLM Cargo. Horse owners gave consent for blood sampling. Sources of funding: Team Amstelstreek, Ronde Hoep, the Netherlands; Air France‐KLM‐Martinair Cargo; G. Klatte, Germany. Competing interests: None.
High‐Speed Fluoroscopy: A Novel Method for Dynamic Imaging of the Equine Foot
Authors: Roach J.M. , Williams S.B. , Unt V. , Bryars J. , Pfau T. , Weller R.
Published: September 2013

Aims

This study describes the distal limb kinematics including intra‐horse and inter‐horse variability, and variability between gaits in sound horses using high‐speed fluoroscopy which allows cineradiographic examination at speed.

Methods

Distal limb kinematics were collected at walk and trot from 6 sound horses using a high‐speed fluoroscopy system set over a force plate. The dorsal proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) angle and the dorsal distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) angle were repeatedly measured at toe‐on, 25, 50 and 75% stance.

Results

The PIPJ and DIPJ showed overall extension through stance. The mean (± s.d.) range of motion (ROM) during stance of the PIPJ was 10 ± 3° (walk) and 9 ± 3° (trot) and for the DIPJ was 29 ± 5° (walk) and 27 ± 6° (trot) showing significant differences between strides, gaits and horses (P<0.001).

Conclusions

High‐speed fluoroscopy allows for kinematic assessment of the distal limb. The ROM of the PIPJ observed was similar to the literature whilst the ROM for DIPJ was less than previously reported.

Practical significance

Kinematic analysis allows investigation of forces acting on bones, joints, ligaments and tendons. This is of special interest in the foot as the most common site of forelimb lameness in the horse; however, kinematic analysis of the foot has to date been a challenge due to the presence of the hoof capsule. The described method allows reliable assessment of foot kinematics at different gaits and speeds, which can be used for future studies to assess the effectiveness of treatment and monitor disease progression.

Ethical animal research

Ethical approval was granted by the Royal Veterinary College Ethics Committee. Sources of funding: The Royal Veterinary College. Competing interests: None.
Vaccination with Virus‐Like Particles Protects Horses from Experimental BPV‐1 Infection
Authors: Hainisch E.K. , Abel H. , Shafti‐Keramat S. , Kirnbauer R. , Brandt S.
Published: September 2013

Aims

Bovine papillomavirus types 1 and 2 (BPV‐1/‐2) are chiefly involved in the pathogenesis of equine sarcoids. We have previously demonstrated that intramuscular immunisation of horses with BPV‐1 L1 virus‐like particles (VLPs) is safe and highly immunogenic, that BPV‐1 and ‐2 are closely related serotypes, and that intradermal inoculation of horses with cow wart‐derived BPV‐1 virions reliably results in the development of transient pseudo‐sarcoids. Based on these data, we next performed a virus challenge study.

Methods

Fourteen horses were immunised with 100 μg of BPV‐1 L1 VLP in adjuvant on Days 1 and 28; 7 horses served as nonvaccinated controls. On Day 42, all 21 horses were intradermally inoculated on their neck with 5 x 107 BPV‐1 virions per wheal (10 wheals per horse). The horses were monitored for adverse reactions and pseudo‐sarcoid formation. Antibody titres were determined for Days 0 and 42.

Results

All 7 control horses developed pseudo‐sarcoids at every inoculation site (10/10). Tumours reached sizes of up to 16 mm in diameter and persisted for a minimum of 20 weeks. Immunisation with BPV‐1 L1 VLPs resulted in complete protection in 13 of 14 vaccinated horses, with serum antibody titres ranging between 6.400 and 25.600. One vaccinated horse developed 7 tumours, which reached a maximum size of 2 mm and completely regressed within 5 weeks, with antibody titres of 800.

Conclusions and practical significance

Immunisation of 14 horses with BPV‐1 L1 VLPs conferred complete protection from experimental infection with BPV‐1 virion in 13 cases, and partial protection in one horse. The old age of this individual may account for the poor response to vaccination. Provided that the upcoming BPV‐2 challenge will yield similar results, BPV‐1 L1 VLP may be used for routine immunisation of equids.

Ethical animal research

This work was approved by the institutional ethics committee and the national authority according to Austrian Law for Animal Experiments, Tierversuchsgesetz ‐TVG. Approval Number: BMWF‐68.205/0236‐II/3b/2011. Sources of funding: This project is funded by the Veterinary University of Vienna Austrian Science Fund (FWF). Competing interests: None.
A Prospective Randomised Study to Compare the Effects of Preoperative Hypertonic Saline or Pentastarch on Haematological Variables and Long‐Term Survival of Surgical Colic Cases
Authors: Miller A.J. , Barron K.E. , Proudman C.J. , Dugdale A.H.A.
Published: September 2013

Aims

To compare the effects of hypertonic saline and pentastarch on packed cell volume (PCV) and total protein (TP) immediately preoperatively and on long‐term survival of horses undergoing emergency exploratory laparotomy.

Methods

One hundred horses presenting to the Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital between 2004 and 2008 with signs of abdominal pain and PCV ≥45% were recruited. Horses were randomly allocated to receive 4 ml/kg bwt of either hypertonic saline (HS; Vetivex, 7.2%; n = 49) or pentastarch (PS; Haes‐Steril, 10%; n = 51) preanaesthesia. Blood samples were collected at presentation and post fluid resuscitation. Horse survival was tracked for 4 years following the final recruited case.

Results

There were no significant differences between treatment groups at presentation for: age (HS, mean 13 ± 6 years; PS, mean 14 ± 6 years); body mass (HS, median 516 [130–698] kg; PS, median 525 [312–660] kg); sex (HS, 1 stallion, 34 geldings, 16 mares; PS, 2 stallions, 32 geldings, 15 mares); baseline PCV (HS, median 52 [46–70]%; PS, median 50 [45–70]%); baseline TP (HS, median 72 [46–103] g/l; PS, median 72 [50‐106] g/l); and heart rate (HS, mean 80 ± 20 beats/min; PS, mean 77 ± 18 beats/min) at presentation. Hypertonic saline treatment resulted in a significantly greater reduction in both PCV (HS, mean 13 ± 7%; PS mean 7 ± 5%; P<0.001) and TP (HS, median 16 [6–32] g/l; PS, median 2 [‐8 to 17] g/l; P<0.001), compared with pentastarch. There was no significant difference in long‐term survival between treatments (Cox proportional hazards model, P = 0.73).

Conclusions and practical significance

Despite the greater reduction in haemoconcentration and likely reduction in blood viscosity incurred by HS, no benefit to overall long‐term survival was demonstrated. In a clinical setting, either of these fluids remains appropriate for preoperative fluid resuscitation in colic horses.

Acknowledgements

All the veterinary anaesthetists who assisted in data‐gathering.

Ethical animal research

Permission for this study was granted by the Ethical Review Committee of the University of Liverpool's Veterinary School. Signed owner consent was obtained for all cases. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
DESIRE AND NESTED MOBILITIES OF PASSING IN DOROTHEA SCHLEGEL'S FLORENTIN AND BENEDIKTE NAUBERT'S HEERFORT UND KLÄRCHEN
Authors: Allingham Liesl
Published: September 2013

Debates on gender during and following the French Revolution manifested anxieties about female mobility. Scholarship frequently frames those anxieties as discursive attempts to secure the boundary between the gendered private and public spheres. This article explores the interrelationship between female mobility and deviant sexual desire in Dorothea Schlegel's 1801 Romantic novel Florentin and Benedikte Naubert's 1799 Sentimental novel Heerfort und Klärchen. Both novels explicitly link crossdressing, passing, mobility, and deviant sexual desire. Though successful passing often necessitates movement from the domestic to the public sphere, both nonmarital and male‐male sexual desire in the two novels emerge only in nested mobilities: mobile practices nested within the larger mobility that is both compelled by and compels crossdressing and passing. By establishing what is abnormal or deviant – female mobility, nonmarital sexual desire, and male‐male sexual desire – the novels assert what is normal – domestic heterosexual desire between spouses. Thus they contribute to, and maintain multiple facets of the same ideology: heteronormativity; female domesticity; and the primacy of marriage and the intimate sphere as the location for desire. At the same time, by restricting sexual deviance to nested mobilities, the novels open nonnested female mobilities as spaces of possibility that can challenge these ideological beliefs.
Helicobacter pylori: Gastric Cancer and Extragastric Malignancies – Clinical aspects
Authors: Venerito Marino , Selgrad Michael , Malfertheiner Peter
Published: September 2013

The best opportunity to reduce gastric cancer (GC)‐related mortality remains prevention. Mass eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection in a Taiwanese population >30 years of age reduced GC incidence with an effectiveness of 25% (rate ratio 0.753, 95% CI 0.372–1.524). In the Shandong intervention trial conducted on a Chinese population aged 35–64 years, cancer incidence was reduced by 39% in subjects who received H. pylori treatment compared with the placebo group after 14.7 years of follow‐up (absolute risk 3.0 vs 4.6%; odds ratio 0.61, 95% CI 0.38–0.96; p = .03). A high incidence of severe gastric atrophic changes and noninvasive gastric neoplasia has been reported in a Portuguese case‐control study on first‐degree relatives of patients with early‐onset gastric carcinoma (i.e., diagnosed before 45 years), which emphasizes again the importance of GC screening in this population. For patients with advanced GC, new targeted therapies to improve survival are under scrutiny. Trastuzumab resistance may be present from early on, or develop during trastuzumab therapy in patients with GC, and an overexpression of the HER2/neu protein. New molecules to overcome trastuzumab resistance are also being evaluated. The association between H. pylori‐induced gastritis and an increased risk of developing colonic neoplasms has been confirmed in a recent study, but the causality for this intriguing association has still to be clarified.
Outsourcing, Occupational Restructuring, and Employee Well‐Being: Is There a Silver Lining?
Authors: Böckerman Petri , Maliranta Mika
Published: September 2013

This study examines the relationship between outsourcing and various aspects of employee well‐being by devoting special attention to the role of occupational restructuring as a conveying mechanism. Using linked employer–employee data, we find that offshoring involves job destruction, especially when the destination is a low‐wage country. In such circumstances, staying employees’ job satisfaction is reduced. However, the relationship between outsourcing and employee well‐being is not entirely negative. Our evidence also shows that offshoring to high‐wage countries stimulates the vertical mobility of employees in affected firms in a manner that improves perceived well‐being, particularly in terms of better prospects for promotion.
THE SHRINKING SPACE FOR ANOMALIES
Authors: Jiang George J. , Zhang Andrew Jianzhong
Published: September 2013

The existing literature documents a number of cross‐sectional stock return anomalies. This article examines how pervasive these anomalies are and whether factor models provide valid inferences on anomalous returns. First, by shrinking the stock space along the dimension of a predictive variable, we show that the book‐to‐market ratio (BM) and net stock issues effects are pervasive, whereas the size, momentum, and illiquidity effects are driven mainly by stocks on the long side, and the idiosyncratic volatility, accrual, capital expenditure, and sales growth effects mainly by stocks on the short side. Second, we provide evidence that commonly used factor models have limited explanatory power of stock returns. Restricting to stock samples where the four‐factor model adequately explains the size, BM, and momentum effects, we show that only the idiosyncratic volatility, accrual, and net stock issues effects remain significant.
Microchirita ruthiae sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) from Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Rafidah A. R. , Haron N. W.
Published: September 2013

A new species Microchirita ruthiae Rafidah (Gesneriaceae) from limestone in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia, is described and illustrated. This new species is characterized by having a branched stem, inflorescences with 1–4 flowers, the flowers with a white corolla (rarely faintly tinged with pale purple), glistening pale brown glandular hairs inside the throat, free anthers, and hairy capsules. Its conservation status following IUCN categories and criteria is assessed as ‘Endangered’ (EN).
Programme and policy options for preventing obesity in China
Authors: Wang H. , Zhai F.
Published: September 2013

By 2002, China's prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults was 18.9 and 2.9%, respectively. The replacement of traditional Chinese diet with ‘Western diet’, major declines in all phases of activity and increased sedentary activity are cited as the main reasons explaining the rapid increase in overweight and obesity, which bring major economic and health costs. The Nutrition Improvement Work Management Approach was released in 2010. Overweight and obesity prevention‐related policies were added to national planning for disease prevention and control. The Guidelines for Prevention and Control of Overweight and Obesity of Chinese Adults and the School‐age Children and Teenagers Overweight and Obesity Prevention and Control Guidelines in China were promulgated in 2003 and 2007, respectively. Few education programmes have been implemented. Selected academic intervention research projects dominate with a focus on reducing child obesity and promoting healthier diets; increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time; and facilitating changes in family, school, social and cultural environments. Intervention samples are small and have not addressed the increasing rates of obesity throughout the entire population. Government provision of effective policy measures, multisectoral cooperation and increasing corporate social responsibility are keys to curbing the trend towards overweight and obesity in China.
Mechanosensitive channels are activated by stress in the actin stress fibres, and could be involved in gravity sensing in plants
Authors: Tatsumi H. , Furuichi T. , Nakano M. , Toyota M. , Hayakawa K. , Sokabe M. , Iida H.
Published: September 2013

Mechanosensitive (MS) channels are expressed in a variety of cells. The molecular and biophysical mechanism involved in the regulation of MS channel activities is a central interest in basic biology. MS channels are thought to play crucial roles in gravity sensing in plant cells. To date, two mechanisms have been proposed for MS channel activation. One is that tension development in the lipid bilayer directly activates MS channels. The second mechanism proposes that the cytoskeleton is involved in the channel activation, because MS channel activities are modulated by pharmacological treatments that affect the cytoskeleton. We tested whether tension in the cytoskeleton activates MS channels. Mammalian endothelial cells were microinjected with phalloidin‐conjugated beads, which bound to stress fibres, and a traction force to the actin cytoskeleton was applied by dragging the beads with optical tweezers. MS channels were activated when the force was applied, demonstrating that a sub‐pN force to the actin filaments activates a single MS channel. Plants may use a similar molecular mechanism in gravity sensing, since the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration increase induced by changes in the gravity vector was attenuated by potential MS channel inhibitors, and by actin‐disrupting drugs. These results support the idea that the tension increase in actin filaments by gravity‐dependent sedimentation of amyloplasts activates MS Ca2+‐permeable channels, which can be the molecular mechanism of a Ca2+ concentration increase through gravistimulation. We review recent progress in the study of tension sensing by actin filaments and MS channels using advanced biophysical methods, and discuss their possible roles in gravisensing.
Combined use of rituximab and plasmapheresis pre‐transplant increases post‐transplant infections in renal transplant recipients with basiliximab induction therapy
Authors: Chung B.H. , Yun J.T. , Ha S.E. , Kim J.I. , Moon I.S. , Choi B.S. , Park C.W. , Kim Y.S. , Yang C.W.
Published: September 2013

Introduction

We investigated the effect of combined use of rituximab (RTX) and plasmapheresis (PP) pre‐transplant on post‐transplant infection.

Methods

A total of 196 patients undergoing living‐donor kidney transplantation at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, all of whom underwent basiliximab induction therapy, were included in the study. They were divided into 3 groups: RTX/PP/intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) (the RPI group; n = 53), RTX monotherapy (the RTX group; n = 14), and control (the CONT group; n = 129). We compared the post‐transplant infections in the 3 groups.

Results

The overall prevalence of infection was significantly higher, and the infection‐free survival rate was lower, in the RPI group compared with the RTX or CONT groups (P < 0.05). A trend toward more severe bacterial infections was seen in the RPI group compared with the other groups, and fungal infections developed only in the RPI group. After anti‐rejection therapy, a significantly higher rate of infection developed in the RPI group than in the other groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the RPI group was an independent risk factor for the development of infection.

Conclusion

Our results show that in the setting of basiliximab induction, the use of combined RTX and PP therapy pre‐transplant significantly increases the risk for post‐transplant infection.
Thermal Insulators' Performances in Simulated Mars Environment
Authors: Scaccabarozzi Diego , Saggin Bortolino , Tarabini Marco
Published: September 2013

This paper describes the experimental characterization of the thermal insulation properties of a multilayer insulator (MLI) and of an aerogel. Materials characterization was performed to optimize the thermal control design of a small interferometer devoted to planetary observation. In order to simulate the Martian environment, tests were performed in a carbon dioxide atmosphere, with pressures between 10 and 104 Pa and temperatures from 193 to 353 K. MLI was tested at different levels of layers compression to investigate thermal insulation changes deriving from the constraining of the mechanical structure. The thermal conductivity was measured with a purposely designed guarded hot plate apparatus. Results showed that the aerogel exhibits a lower thermal conductivity for gas pressures larger than 100 Pa and that the layer compression of the MLIs does not affect the heat conduction for gas pressures above 103 Pa.