bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal stress increases fluctuating asymmetry in marine mussels: environmental variation and developmental instability
Authors: Nishizaki Michael T. , Barron Sivana , Carew Elizabeth
Published: May 2015

Faced with rising environmental temperatures, there is growing evidence that species are exhibiting shifts in ecological distribution, physiological performance, and behavioral strategy. Less is understood, however, about links between environmental conditions and the precision with which organisms are able to fulfill their developmentally programmed phenotype. Here, we report that developmental instability, assessed by the fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of right versus left valves in intertidal mussel shells, increases under elevated thermal stress. In a growth experiment, mussels that were exposed to elevated aerial temperatures (21.5° ± 0.1°C) for three hours each day displayed higher levels of FA compared to mussels exposed to cooler aerial temperatures (12.6° ± 0.1°C). Reciprocal field transplant experiments revealed that FA increased under higher aerial temperatures (e.g., on a south facing surface [19.6° ± 0.2°C]) compared to individuals living in cooler habitats (e.g., on a north facing surface [15.2° ± 0.2°C] or lower in the intertidal zone [14.1° ± 0.6°C]). Together, these results imply that the precision of developmental processes can be perturbed by environmental conditions and raise developmental instability as a potential impact of future environmental variability alongside shifts in physiology, behavior and biogeographic distribution.
Assessing the impacts of projected climate change on biodiversity in the protected areas of western North America
Authors: Langdon Jesse G. R. , Lawler Joshua J.
Published: May 2015

Protected areas are a fundamental component of many conservation strategies. They safeguard some of the best examples of unfragmented natural landscapes in many regions, provide important habitat for rare and threatened species, and serve as a refuge from a human‐dominated world. As climates continue to change, species distributions, ecological communities, and ecosystems will be altered. An understanding of the trends in these changes can allow protected area managers to develop more effective climate‐adaptation strategies. Here, we quantify the relative amount of projected potential climate‐driven ecological change across a protected area network by calculating three metrics. We assessed future projected changes in temperature and precipitation, shifts in major vegetation types, and vertebrate species turnover for the protected areas of the Pacific Northwestern region of North America. In general, the degree of projected change in the three metrics followed a longitudinal gradient from the Pacific coast inland toward the continental interior. Protected areas expected to experience the least change are at low elevations near the coast and throughout the Coastal Mountains, whereas areas expected to experience the most change are found at higher elevations in the Rocky Mountains and Great Basin regions. The resulting spatial variation in these impact measures underscores the importance of developing appropriate, location‐specific, climate‐adaptation strategies in response to disparate trends in future environmental change.
When hot rocks get hotter: behavior and acclimatization mitigate exposure to extreme temperatures in a spider
Authors: van den Berg Francesca T. , Thompson Michael B. , Hochuli Dieter F.
Published: May 2015

In environments where animals have a high probability of encountering temperatures close to their thermal limits, animals with the capacity to minimize the chances of encountering these temperatures will be advantaged. We investigated the physiological and behavioral mechanisms used by flat rock spiders,Morebilus plagusius, to avoid encountering lethal or sub‐lethal temperatures on sandstone outcrops by measuring their critical thermal maximum (CTMax) in spring and summer and quantifying their retreat rock use.Morebilus plagusiushas a high CTMax, which acclimatizes seasonally (spring CTMax: 48.3° ± 0.2°C; summer CTMax: 49.6° ± 0.3°C). By measuring the operative temperatures available to spiders underneath rocks in spring and summer and quantifying retreat rock use by adult spiders we found that random use of rocks by spiders would frequently expose them to temperatures above their thermal tolerances, especially in summer. Spiders non‐randomly used rocks as diurnal retreats, with rocks with a large area and a rock substratum being positively correlated withM. plagusiusoccupancy. Rocks large in area provided cooler daytime shelters than exfoliated rocks with smaller area.Morebilus plagusiususes both physiological and behavioral mechanisms for avoiding lethal temperatures, and neither physiological nor behavioral mechanisms alone are enough to mitigate the increased probability of encountering lethal temperatures in summer. Our results highlight the importance of an integrative approach, incorporating behavioral, ecological and physiological mechanisms in accessing how animals avoid lethal temperatures in thermally extreme environments.
Nitrogen Fertilization Strategies Suitable to Achieve the Quality Requirements of Wheat for Biscuit Production
Authors: Blandino Massimo , Marinaccio Federico , Vaccino Patrizia , Reyneri Amedeo
Published: May 2015

A low grain protein content (GPC) and flour strength (W) are desirable traits for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for biscuit production. Nitrogen fertilization is the main factor that affects storage proteins. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different commonly applied N fertilization strategies on the quality requirements of common wheat intended for biscuits production. Field experiments were set up over three growing seasons at three sites in northwestern Italy on two wheat cultivars. Three N rates (100, 130, and 170 kg N ha−1), applied split as ammonium nitrate, have been compared to a slow release fertilizer, applied only at tillering (130 kg N ha−1). The leaf greenness, grain yield, grain and flour protein content, and W were affected directly by the rate of N distributed as ammonium nitrate in several of compared agro‐environments. Taking in account the same N rate, the application of a slow release fertilizer resulted in a significantly lower GPC (4%), W (6%), and flour stability measured through the Brabender farinograph (10%) compared to the split fertilization with ammonium nitrate, while no difference was observed for ear density and grain yield. Suitable rheological parameters of wheat for biscuits could be achieved through the split application of ammonium nitrate only at low N rate, but this could limit their productive performances. Conversely, the fertilization strategy of applying a slow release fertilizer at tillering is able to better satisfy the qualitative requirements for biscuit production, without causing any grain yield loss.
Treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis by laser therapy: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Pavlic Verica , Vujic-Aleksic Vesna , Aoki Akira , Nezic Lana
Published: May 2015

Background/Aim. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is defined as multifactor
immunologic inflammatory lesions in the oral cavity, characterized by
painful, recurrent single/multiple, shallow, round or ovoid ulcerations of
mucosal tissues. To date, a considerable number of RAS treatment protocols
have been suggested, but since the etiology of RAS is idiopathic, these
treatment options have symptomatic rather than curative or preventive
effect. Recently, it has been suggested that laser therapy could be
successfully used as an efficient treatment approach in therapy of RAS.
Therefore, the aim of this review was to estimate the effects of laser
therapy in treatment of RAS analyzing results of clinical studies published
in peer reviewed journals. Methods. The studies published until 31 December
2013 were obtained from the Medline/PubMed, Science Direct and Cochrane
Library of the Cochrane Collaboration (CENTRAL) online databases, using
following search terms and key words: ?laser? AND ?recurrent aphthous
stomatitis?, ?laser? AND ?aphthous?, and ?laser? AND ?aphthae?. In total 4
original research articles met the all required inclusion/exclusion
criteria, and were used for this review. The main outcome measures assessed
were: a reduction of pain associated with RAS and a reduction in episode
duration (faster RAS healing). Results. The assessed literature demonstrates
the benefits of laser therapy mainly due to immediate analgesia and ability
to speed up a RAS healing process. Conclusion. Even though the assessed
literature suggests beneficial outcomes of laser therapy in treatment of
RAS, these results should be interpreted with caution. The issues related to
the study designs and different sets of laser irradiation parameters of a
limited number of available studies with the same treatment outcomes prevent
us from making definite conclusions.
Respiratory syncytial virus infection and bronchial hyperreactivity in children up to two years of age in correlation with atopy
Authors: Relic Tijana , Ilic Nevenka , Kostic Gordana , Jovanovic Dara , Tambur Zoran , Lazarevic Ivana
Published: May 2015

Background/Aim. Bronchiolitis in early childhood caused by respiratory
syncytial virus (RSV) is considered to be important risk factor of the
recurrent wheezing and asthma development. The aim of this study was to
examine the frequency of RSV infection and atopy in children up to two years
of age and to determine their correlation with bronchial hyperreactivity.
Methods. The study included 175 children aged 5-24 months. The presence of
RSV infection was identified by serum levels of IgA and IgG determined by
ELISA. Bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) has been defined as the existence of
chronic bronchial disease and/or three or more previous suspected diagnosis
of acute bronchial disease. Atopy was confirmed by detection of the specific
serum IgE using quantitative multitest Phadiatop infant (cut off ? 0.35
kUA/L). Results. The children with atopy were more frequently infected with
RSV (43.3%) than those without atopy (22.8%; p = 0.02). The higher frequency
of RSV infection was found in children with BHR in comparison with those
without it but only in the group who also had atopy (77.8% vs 28.6%, p =
0.018). In the female children, BHR and RSV infection were associated in
62.5% of cases, regardless the atopy. In the male children with atopy, RSV
infection was associated with BHR in 83.3% of the cases, while in those
without atopy, RSV infection with BHR was found in only 17.4% of the cases.
Conclusion. Children up to two years of age with atopy are more frequently
infected with RSV (43.3%) than non-atopic children. Every third child with
atopy develops BHR and 77.8% of them also have RSV infection. Atopic
children are at higher risk for development of BHR when infected with RSV
also.
Self-Reported Disability: Association With Lower Extremity Performance and Other Determinants in Older Adults Attending Primary Care
Authors: Silva Anabela G. , Queirós Alexandra , Sa-Couto Pedro , Rocha Nelson P.
Published: May 2015

Background

Measurement of function usually involves the use of both performance-based and self-report instruments. However, the relationship between both types of measures is not yet completely understood, in particular for older adults attending primary care.

Objective

The main objective of the study was to investigate the association between the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) for older adults at primary care. A secondary objective was to determine the influence of sociodemographic and health-related variables on this relationship.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study.

Methods

A total of 504 participants aged 60 years and older from 18 different primary care centers underwent a one-session assessment including: sociodemographic variables, comorbidities, performance, self-reported disability, pain, depressive symptoms, and physical activity. Performance was assessed using the SPPB, and self-reported disability was assessed using the WHODAS 2.0.

Results

The correlation between WHODAS 2.0 and SPPB scores was strong (r=.65). Regression analysis showed that the SPPB total score explained 41.7% of the variance in WHODAS 2.0 scores (adjusted R2=41.6%). A second model including the SPPB subtests (balance, gait, and sit-to-stand), depressive symptoms, number of pain sites, pain intensity, and level of physical activity explained 61.7% of the variance in WHODAS 2.0 scores (adjusted R2=60.4%). No model improvement was found when considering the 6 WHODAS 2.0 individual domains.

Limitations

The cross-sectional nature of the study does not allow inferences on causal relationships.

Conclusions

This study's findings confirm that self-report and performance-based measures relate to different aspects of functioning. Further study is needed to determine if primary care interventions targeting lower extremity performance and depressive symptoms improve self-reported disability.
Storage of Renewable Energy by Reduction of CO2 with Hydrogen
Authors: Züttel Andreas , Mauron Philippe , Kato Shunsuke , Callini Elsa , Holzer Marco , Huang Jianmei
Published: May 2015

The main difference between the past energy economy during the industrialization period which was mainly based on mining of fossil fuels, e.g. coal, oil and methane and the future energy economy based on renewable energy is the requirement for storage of the energy fluxes. Renewable
energy, except biomass, appears in time- and location-dependent energy fluxes as heat or electricity upon conversion. Storage and transport of energy requires a high energy density and has to be realized in a closed materials cycle. The hydrogen cycle, i.e. production of hydrogen from water
by renewable energy, storage and use of hydrogen in fuel cells, combustion engines or turbines, is a closed cycle. However, the hydrogen density in a storage system is limited to 20 mass% and 150 kg/m3 which limits the energy density to about half of the energy density in fossil
fuels. Introducing CO2 into the cycle and storing hydrogen by the reduction of CO2 to hydrocarbons allows renewable energy to be converted into synthetic fuels with the same energy density as fossil fuels. The resulting cycle is a closed cycle (CO2 neutral)
if CO2 is extracted from the atmosphere. Today's technology allows CO2 to be reduced either by the Sabatier reaction to methane, by the reversed water gas shift reaction to CO and further reduction of CO by the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) to hydrocarbons or
over methanol to gasoline. The overall process can only be realized on a very large scale, because the large number of by-products of FTS requires the use of a refinery. Therefore, a well-controlled reaction to a specific product is required for the efficient conversion of renewable energy
(electricity) into an easy to store liquid hydrocarbon (fuel). In order to realize a closed hydrocarbon cycle the two major challenges are to extract CO2 from the atmosphere close to the thermodynamic limit and to reduce CO2 with hydrogen in a controlled reaction to a
specific hydrocarbon. Nanomaterials with nanopores and the unique surface structures of metallic clusters offer new opportunities for the production of synthetic fuels.
Biotech Meets Chemistry: Roche Invests in Customized Training
Authors: Heinzelmann Elsbeth
Published: May 2015

In response to current needs, Roche is offering its employees an intensive course in biotechnology under the auspices of biotechnet Switzerland. Lecturers from ZHAW Wädenswil [university of applied science] give participants the benefit of their expertise in theory and laboratory
practice. One valuable spin-off from this is that this extra-mural course will allow participants to create a permanent network.
“Unusual brain stone”: heavily calcified primary neoplasm with some features suggestive of angiocentric glioma
Authors: Sajjad Jahangir , Kaliaperumal Chandrasekaran , Bermingham Niamh , Marks Charles , Keohane Catherine
Published: May 2015

This 40-year-old man presented with a 5-month history of progressive right-sided headache associated with visual blurring. He also had a history of epilepsy but had been seizure free with medication for the past 10 years. An initial CT scan of his brain performed 16 years previously had revealed a small area of calcification in the right parietal region. In the current presentation, he had a left-sided homonymous hemianopia but no other neurological deficits. A CT scan of his brain showed a much larger calcified, partly cystic lesion in the right parietal region. Because he was symptomatic, the lesion was excised and the cyst was drained. Histological examination of the excised tissue showed an unusual primary tumor that was difficult to classify but had some features of angiocentric glioma. The heavy calcification, mixed-density cell population, and regions with features of angiocentric glioma were most unusual. The patient remained asymptomatic 5 years after surgery, and follow-up scans did not show recurrence.
Dorsolateral subthalamic neuronal activity enhanced by median nerve stimulation characterizes Parkinson’s disease during deep brain stimulation with general anesthesia
Authors: Tsai Sheng-Tzung , Chuang Wei-Yi , Kuo Chung-Chih , Chao Paul C. P. , Chen Tsung-Ying , Hung Hsiang-Yi , Chen Shin-Yuan
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery under general anesthesia is an alternative option for patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, few studies are available that report whether neuronal firing can be accurately recorded during this condition. In this study the authors attempted to characterize the neuronal activity of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and elucidate the influence of general anesthetics on neurons during DBS surgery in patients with PD. The benefit of median nerve stimulation (MNS) for localization of the dorsolateral subterritory of the STN, which is involved in sensorimotor function, was explored.

METHODS

Eight patients with PD were anesthetized with desflurane and underwent contralateral MNS at the wrist during microelectrode recording of the STN. The authors analyzed the spiking patterns and power spectral density (PSD) of the background activity along each penetration track and determined the spatial correlation to the target location, estimated mated using standard neurophysiological procedures.

RESULTS

The dorsolateral STN spiking pattern showed a more prominent bursting pattern without MNS and more oscillation with MNS. In terms of the neural oscillation of the background activity, beta-band oscillation dominated within the sensorimotor STN and showed significantly more PSD during MNS (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Neuronal firing within the STN could be accurately identified and differentiated when patients with PD received general anesthetics. Median nerve stimulation can enhance the neural activity in beta-band oscillations, which can be used as an index to ensure optimal electrode placement via successfully tracked dorsolateral STN topography.
Avoidance and management of perioperative complications of endoscopic third ventriculostomy: the Dhaka experience
Authors: Kawsar Khandkar A. , Haque Mohammod R. , Chowdhury Forhad H.
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Although endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a minimally invasive procedure, serious perioperative complications may occur due to the unique surgical maneuvers involved. In this paper the authors report the complications of elective and emergency ETV and their surgical management in 412 patients from July 2006 to October 2012 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (a government hospital) and other private hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The authors attempted some previously undescribed simple maneuvers that may help to overcome the difficulties of managing complications.

METHODS

The complication rate was determined by recording intraoperative changes in pulse and blood pressure, bleeding episodes, serum electrolyte abnormalities, CSF leakage, and neurological deterioration in the immediate postoperative period.

RESULTS

Intraoperative complications included hemodynamic alterations in the form of tachycardia, bradycardia, and hypertension. Bleeding was categorized as major in 2 cases and minor in 68 cases. Delayed recovery from anesthesia occurred in 14 cases, CSF leakage from the wound in 11 cases, and electrolyte imbalance in 5 cases. Postoperatively, 2 patients suffered convulsions and 1 had evidence of third cranial nerve injury. Three patients died as a result of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Complications during endoscopy can lead to serious consequences that may sometimes be very difficult to manage. The authors have identified and managed a large number of complications in this series, although the rate of complications is consistent with that in other reported series. These complications should be kept in mind perioperatively by both surgeons and anesthesiologists, as prompt detection and action can help minimize the risks associated with neuroendoscopic procedures.
The double tunnels technique: an alternative minimally invasive approach for carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Vanni Daniele , Sirabella Francesco Saverio , Galzio Renato , Salini Vincenzo , Magliani Vincenzo
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of an alternative minimally invasive technique for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

METHODS

This was designed as a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded end point evaluation (PROBE) study. The active comparison was double tunnels technique (DTT) (Group A, 110 patients) versus standard open decompression of the median nerve (control [Group B], 110 patients). Patient recruitment started in January 2011. The primary outcomes were the functional Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTSQ) scores and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain (pVAS) at Weeks 2 and 4, and at Months 3, 6, and 12. The secondary outcome was the aesthetics (aVAS) score at Weeks 2 and 4, and at Months 3, 6, and 12.

RESULTS

The Student t-test and ANOVA were used, and the results were considered statistically significant if the p value was ≤ 0.05 for continuous variables. The DTT is a tissue-sparing approach that allows the surgeon to limit the length of the incision (0.6 ± 0.05 cm) and to respect the palmar fascia and the subcutaneous tissue. Recovery from wrist pain, night pain, numbness, stiffness, and weakness was achieved more effectively and quickly compared with the standard approach. Better BCTSQ, pVAS, and aVAS scores were observed in Group A.

CONCLUSIONS

The DTT is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of CTS. This technique entails faster recovery times, better aesthetic outcomes, and lower risks of complications.
Traumatic anterior cervical pseudomeningocele causing intracranial hypotension successfully treated with blood patch: case report
Authors: Takahashi Edwin A. , Eckel Laurence J. , Diehn Felix E. , Schwartz Kara M. , Hunt Christopher H. , Daniels David J.
Published: May 2015

Cervical pseudomeningocele is a rare complication of trauma. It develops when an extradural collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) develops after a dural breach. The authors present the unusual case of a 33-year-old man with progressive headache, neck pain, mental status changes, and cardiopulmonary instability after polytrauma sustained from a motorcycle-versus-deer collision, without improvement during a 5-day hospitalization. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a collection of CSF anterior to the cervical thecal sac compatible with an anterior cervical pseudomeningocele. A nontargeted epidural blood patch was performed with subsequent resolution of the patient's symptoms. Anterior cervical pseudomeningoceles are usually asymptomatic; however, these lesions can cause orthostatic headaches, neck pain, and cardiopulmonary compromise, as it did in the featured patient. Pseudomeningoceles should be included in the differential diagnosis for posttrauma patients with progressive neurological decline or postural headache, and blood patch may be an effective minimally invasive treatment.
Spontaneous resolution of idiopathic thoracic spinal cord herniation: case report
Authors: Samuel Nardin , Goldstein Christina L. , Santaguida Carlo , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: May 2015

Spinal cord herniation is a relatively rare but increasingly recognized clinical entity, with fewer than 200 cases reported in the literature to date. The etiology of this condition remains unknown, and surgery is used as the primary treatment to correct the herniation and consequent spinal cord compromise. Some patients without clinical progression have been treated with nonoperative measures, including careful follow-up and symptomatic physical therapy. To date, however, there has been no published report on the resolution of spinal cord herniation without surgical intervention.

The patient in the featured case is a 58-year-old man who presented with mild thoracic myelopathy and imaging findings consistent with idiopathic spinal cord herniation. Surprisingly, updated MRI studies, obtained to better delineate the pathology, showed spontaneous resolution of the herniation. Subsequent MRI 6 months later revealed continued resolution of the previous spinal cord herniation.

This is the first report of spontaneous resolution of a spinal cord herniation in the literature. At present, the treatment of this disorder is individualized, with microsurgical correction used in patients with progressive neurological impairment. The featured case highlights the potential variability in the natural history of this condition and supports considering an initial trial of nonoperative management for patients with mild, nonprogressive neurological deficits.
Clinical presentation and management of proatlas segmentation defect presenting with palatal myoclonus: case report
Authors: Ahmed Raheel , Menezes Arnold H.
Published: May 2015

Clinical presentation of craniovertebral junction disorders may range from acute catastrophic neurological deficits to insidious signs and symptoms that may mask the underlying etiology. Prompt recognition and treatment is essential to avert long-term neurological morbidity. Proatlas segmentation disorders are a rare group of developmental disorders involving the craniocervical junction. Abnormal bony segmentation leads to malformed bony structures that can in turn lead to neurological deficits through bony compression of the cervicomedullary junction. This report details a proatlas segmentation defect presenting as palatal myoclonus, a rare movement disorder. The clinical presentation, surgical management, and neuroanatomical basis for the disorder is presented. This report highlights the myriad clinical presentations of craniovertebral disorders and emphasizes a rare but treatable etiology for palatal myoclonus.
Great Tits Build Shallower Nests than Blue Tits in an Insular Oak-Dominated Habitat Mosaic
Authors: Lambrechts Marcel M. , Blondel Jacques , Dubuc-Messier Gabrielle , Marrot Pascal , de Franceschi Christophe , Perret Philippe , Doutrelant Claire , Grégoire Arnaud , Charmantier Anne
Published: May 2015

Longitudinal multi-plot studies of nest architecture in non-domesticated birds are rare. Here we report the results of an 18-year multi-plot study that compared heights of fresh female-built nests in Corsican Great Tits ( Parus major) and Blue Tits ( Cyanistes caeruleus ogliastrae). Boxes with relatively small nest-chambers were erected in a landscape with habitat patches that were either dominated by food-rich broad-leaved deciduous oaks ( Quercus humilis) or food-poor evergreen oaks ( Quercus ilex). Nest height tended to change with oak habitat type in a species-specific manner. Great Tits built shallower nests than Blue Tits supporting the published findings from other geographic regions (Poland, UK, southern mainland France). Potential impacts of local climate factors and risks related to nest predation on the species-specific expression of the size of nests are discussed.
Stable Isotope Signatures Reveal Cryptic Differences in Diet of Sociable Weavers
Authors: Leighton Gavin M. , Echeverri Sebastian
Published: May 2015

Foraging habits of animals are a critical component of their ecology; however, estimates of feeding that rely solely on observation may not detect all of the factors that affect foraging decisions. Importantly, few studies have examined the influence of sociality on dietary regimes in avian species. The stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13Q and nitrogen (δ15N) were used to assess the foraging habits of Sociable Weavers ( Philetairus socius) at a field site in Namibia. Sociable Weavers were sampled from three different nests, at two different time points over the course of a year. We found significant differences in stable isotope composition between nests, and subsequently compared the isotopic profile to the isotopic profile of the preferred food item. Isotopic structuring between nests suggests that sociality may constrain foraging decisions and could be a common feature of species of animals where foraging groups are temporally stable. We also found that larger nests are more isotopically similar to the preferred foraging source, and thus larger populations may be supported by nearby foraging resources.
Efficacy of Dietary Antioxidants on Broiler Oxidative Stress, Performance and Meat Quality: Science and Market
Authors: Salami Saheed A. , Majoka Mohammed A. , Saha Sudeb , Garber Anna , Gabarrou Jean-Francois
Published: May 2015

Several production factors could exacerbate the biological formation of free radicals which, in turn, cause oxidative stress that impair the health, overall performance and meat quality of broiler chickens. Such factors could have a nutritional, pathological, physiological or environmental origin. The modern drive towards intensive commercial poultry production has elevated the exposure risk of broilers to these factors. In contrast, it has been demonstrated in many studies that dietary antioxidants could combat oxidative stress and improve broiler performance as well as meat quality. Interestingly, these efficacy claims have generated much attention from several feed additive companies which has spurred the development of certain commercial antioxidant products available in the global market. Information from recent studies suggests that both natural and synthetic antioxidants can be effective for augmenting broiler performance and meat quality particularly under conditions of oxidative stress. However, legislative restrictions may hinder the inclusion of high amounts of synthetic antioxidants required to achieve potency in oxidative-stressed broilers. The efficacy of dietary antioxidants depends on the age of the birds, dose and duration of supplementation. Moreover, supplementation of individual antioxidants on average seems to offer a better performance improvement than does a combination of antioxidants. Nonetheless, research efforts aimed at finding the right proportion of combining dietary antioxidants will offer tremendous economic benefits especially with the reduced use of costly synthetic vitamin E. This article gives further insights into research areas that could enhance the effective supplementation of antioxidants in broilers.
Do Orthotopic Ileal Diversions Induce Immunological Changes in Retained Urethral Tissue?
Authors: Niegisch Günter , Hulsbergen - van de Kaa Christina , Ploeg Martine , Hendricksen Kees , Witjes J. Alfred
Published: May 2015

Background:

A second primary tumors of the urethra (urethral recurrence) after radical cystectomy has been reported to be more infrequent in patients with ileal orthotopic (neobladder) compared to incontinent diversions.

Objective:

To investigate whether an altered immunogenic environment of urethral tissue is induced by urethro-ileal anastomosis.

Methods:

Between 10/2008 and 12/2009 urethral biopsies of 19 patients (9 neobladder patients, 10 control patients without urethra-ileal anastomosis) were evaluated by conventional histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry for T- (CD3/CD5, CD4, CD8) and B-cell markers (CD20/22, CD79a, CD138). After semi-quantitative assessment, relative cell fractions (B vs. T cells) and subclasses (T4-helper vs. T8-killer cells vs. B cell clones, plasma cells) in neobladder vs. control patients were studied. Unpaired t-test was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Of 19 included patients, 16 were eligible for analysis (7x neobladder, 9x controls). All neobladder patients had undergone cystectomy for UBC. Comparing relative fractions of cells positive for T- and B-cell markers in NB and CO patients, no statistical differences were observed. In 4/7 neobladder patients relative fraction of CD79a positive B-cells was higher than relative fraction of CD3/CD5 positive T-cells (B/T-ratio 1.3). B cells were predominantly CD138 positive plasma cells (5/7 NB patients). Relative B-cell fraction was lower than T-cell fraction in 7/9 control patients (B/T-ratio 0.6). Neither CD 138 positive plasma cells nor CD22 positive B cell clones were predominant. T-helper and CD8 positive T-killer cells were equally distributed in both neobladder (CD4/CD8-ratio: 2.1) and control patients (CD4/CD8-ratio: 1.9).

Conclusions:

Comparing neobadder and control patients the distribution of B- and T-cells was statistically not different. However, a trend towards an increased presence of B-cells in urethral tissues of NB patients that could become relevant in a larger study might be suggestive for an immunological response induced by connecting urethral and ileal tissue.
Is Exam under Anesthesia Still Necessary for the Staging of Bladder Cancer in the Era of Modern Imaging?
Authors: Rozanski Alexander T. , Benson Cooper R. , McCoy Jacob A. , Green Charles , Grossman H. Barton , Svatek Robert S. , Shah Jay B.
Published: May 2015

Background:

The ability to accurately determine tumor stage in bladder cancer is critical because it impacts the management paradigm and overall prognosis. There is often discrepancy between clinical and pathologic staging. Historically, exam under anesthesia (EUA) has been recommended to assist in the staging of bladder cancer.

Objective:

In this era of modern imaging technology, we sought to determine if EUA still contributes meaningfully to the local staging of bladder cancer.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 1898 patients from 1994–2013 in our radical cystectomy database at MD Anderson Cancer Center. There were 414 patients that had complete information including EUA and whose surgery was performed by one of two surgeons and included in the final analysis. Univariate and multiple logistic regression models were generated to determine the ability of EUA, imaging, and other patient characteristics to predict pathological fat extension at the time of cystectomy.

Results:

38% of patients had≥pT3 disease at the time of cystectomy. 30.9% of patients had findings on EUA suggestive of T3 disease and 28.7% had radiologic findings suggestive of T3 disease. In a model including age, BMI, ethnicity, year of operation, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy among other factors, the only factors predictive of pT3 disease were EUA and imaging (p = 0.002). The combination of EUA and imaging improved the accuracy of clinical staging compared to either modality alone.

Conclusions:

Despite modern advances in imaging, EUA contributes meaningfully to accurate determination of local bladder cancer stage.
High-throughput DNA Sequencing Identifies Novel CtIP (RBBP8) Variants in Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer Patients
Authors: Jevons Sarah J. , Green Angela , Lunter Gerton , Kartsonaki Christiana , Buck David , Piazza Paolo , Kiltie Anne E.
Published: May 2015

Background:

Germline mutations in DNA damage signalling and repair genes predispose individuals to cancer. Rare germline variants may also increase cancer risk and be predictive of outcomes following cancer treatments, but require high-throughput sequencing (HTS) for detection in large cohorts.

Objective:

To use a dual indexing system on a HTS platform to detect novel variants in CtIP (RBBP8) which may be associated with clinical outcomes following radiotherapy treatment for bladder cancer.

Methods:

All exons and flanking introns of CtIP were amplified from germline DNA from bladder cancer patients using seven primer pairs by automated long-range PCR. Amplicons were pooled, fragmented and ligated to adaptor sequences. One of 96 tag sequences was introduced at each end by PCR. Sequencing was performed on a single flow cell of an Illumina MiSeq. Reads were mapped by Stampy and variants called by Platypus. For phasing experiments, target regions were amplified and cloned for Sanger sequencing.

Results:

Of 201 samples, 160 were successfully amplified. Eleven CtIP variants were called, within the exons and 15 bp adjacent intronic DNA, including eight known variants from the 1000 Genomes project, plus three previously unreported variants now confirmed by Sanger sequencing. In two individuals, phasing experiments showed two variants of interest to be on separate alleles, likely to result in stronger impairment of gene function.

Conclusions:

We have demonstrated proof of principle for dual indexing on 160 samples on one MiSeq flow cell sequencing surface, and show that for the CtIP gene multiplexing of up to 720 samples would provide sufficient coverage to achieve >98% detection power for rare germline variation, reducing HTS costs substantially.
The Prognostic Value of Cell Cycle Gene Expression Signatures in Muscle Invasive, High-Grade Bladder Cancer
Authors: Dancik Garrett M. , Theodorescu Dan
Published: May 2015

Background:

Approximately half of patients with muscle invasive bladder cancer succumb to their disease. Previous work identified cell cycle related genes as a prognostic class of gene expression biomarkers in bladder cancer and found a specific 31-gene cell cycle proliferation (CCP) signature predicted outcome across multiple bladder cancer cohorts. However, the prognostic value of the CCP signature specifically in muscle invasive tumors was not evaluated.

Objective:

To determine the prognostic value of cycle related genes in patients with muscle invasive bladder cancers.

Method:

We collected all publicly available gene expression data for patients with high-grade, muscle invasive bladder cancer (8 cohorts, N = 458). We evaluated the CCP signature and two larger cell cycle gene sets: 1826 genes with a Gene Ontology (GO) annotation of “cell cycle” (GO-CCS) and 124 genes belonging to the “cell cycle” pathway in the KEGG pathway database (KEGG-CCS). An independently derived a sex identification gene signature (SIS) was developed as a positive control.

Results:

While SIS distinguished males from females in all cohorts with information about patient sex, the CCP signature was not prognostic in any of the cohorts we analyzed, and the GO-CCS and KEGG-CCS were never prognostic in more than 2 independent cohorts. Furthermore, neither the CCP, GO-CCS, nor KEGG-CCS signatures were consistently enriched in prognostic genes while SIS was enriched with genes associated with sex in all cohorts.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that cell cycle related genes have limited prognostic value in patients with high-grade, muscle invasive tumors. Their usefulness in predicting progression of noninvasive disease and patient response to chemotherapy remains to be determined.
A new role for the firm incorporating sustainability and human dignity. Conceptualization and measurement
Authors: Aguado Ricardo , Alcañiz Leire , Retolaza José Luis
Published: May 2015

Abstract At the macro level, different institutions (the OECD, the WEF, the UN) have developed sound methodologies to measure the economic, social and environmental impacts of economic activity. At the micro level (i.e., the firm level), it is crucial to develop a methodology to measure how firms contribute to human dignity and social welfare by generating value for stakeholders. Common accounting principles are primarily focused on determining annual profit/loss figures, contributing to shareholders’ interests and paying taxes. This accounting model must be complemented with a new approach that can interact with stakeholders while informing them about the value that firms are generating. The accounting process should be able to quantify not only profits but also the impact of firms on suppliers, customers, the environment, local communities, workers’ quality of life, employment and society overall. This paper’s primary contribution is to present a model that has the ability to monetize all of those interactions and impacts in a manner that is comparable, auditable, understandable and possible to be used by firms of all sizes.
On the need for a new narrative of business
Authors: Lovins Hunter
Published: May 2015

Abstract Unsustainable business practices endanger our own survival. Current business, rooted in the toxic neo-liberal narrative is endangering life as we know it. This piece, invited by the Open Working Group of the United Nations to help it frame the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sketches the pillars of a regenerative narrative for business that can lead towards an economy in service to life.
Adult education research: exploring an increasingly fragmented map
Authors: Elfert Maren , Rubenson Kjell
Published: May 2015

Against the background of internal developments of adult education as a field of study, and new external conditions for research, this article examines how the configuration of adult education research has been evolving, particularly over the last decade. Our analysis draws on a two-pronged approach: a reading of four seminal articles written by adult education scholars who have conducted bibliometric analyses of selected adult education journals; as well as our own review of 75 articles, covering a one-year period (2012–2013), in five adult education journals that were chosen to provide a greater variety of the field of adult education in terms of their thematic orientation and geographical scope than has been the case in previous reviews. Our findings suggest that the field is facing two main challenges. First, the fragmentation of the map of the territory that was noticed at the end of the 1990s, has continued and seems to have intensified. Second, not only practitioners, but also the policy community voice their disappointment with adult education research, and we note a disconnect between academic adult education research and policy-related research. We provide a couple of speculations as to the future map of adult education as a field of study and point to the danger of shifting the research agenda away from classical adult education concerns about democracy and social rights.
Assessment of the Potential to Achieve very Low Energy Use in Public Buildings in China with Advanced Window and Shading Systems
Authors: Lee Eleanor , Pang Xiufeng , McNeil Andrew , Hoffmann Sabine , Thanachareonkit Anothai , Li Zhengrong , Ding Yong
Published: May 2015

As rapid growth in the construction industry continues to occur in China, the increased demand for a higher standard living is driving significant growth in energy use and demand across the country. Building codes and standards have been implemented to head off this trend, tightening prescriptive requirements for fenestration component measures using methods similar to the U.S. model energy code American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 90.1. The objective of this study is to (a) provide an overview of applicable code requirements and current efforts within China to enable characterization and comparison of window and shading products, and (b) quantify the load reduction and energy savings potential of several key advanced window and shading systems, given the divergent views on how space conditioning requirements will be met in the future. System-level heating and cooling loads and energy use performance were evaluated for a code-compliant large office building using the EnergyPlus building energy simulation program. Commercially-available, highly-insulating, low-emittance windows were found to produce 24%–66% lower perimeter zone HVAC electricity use compared to the mandated energy-efficiency standard in force (GB 50189-2005) in cold climates like Beijing. Low-e windows with operable exterior shading produced up to 30%–80% reductions in perimeter zone HVAC electricity use in Beijing and 18%–38% reductions in Shanghai compared to the standard. The economic context of China is unique since the cost of labor and materials for the building industry is so low. Broad deployment of these commercially available technologies with the proper supporting infrastructure for design, specification, and verification in the field would enable significant reductions in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions in the near term.
Surface Reaction Kinetics of Steam- and CO2-Reforming as Well as Oxidation of Methane over Nickel-Based Catalysts
Authors: Delgado Karla , Maier Lubow , Tischer Steffen , Zellner Alexander , Stotz Henning , Deutschmann Olaf
Published: May 2015

An experimental and kinetic modeling study on the Ni-catalyzed conversion of methane under oxidative and reforming conditions is presented. The numerical model is based on a surface reaction mechanism consisting of 52 elementary-step like reactions with 14 surface and six gas-phase species. Reactions for the conversion of methane with oxygen, steam, and CO2 as well as methanation, water-gas shift reaction and carbon formation via Boudouard reaction are included. The mechanism is implemented in a one-dimensional flow field description of a fixed bed reactor. The model is evaluated by comparison of numerical simulations with data derived from isothermal experiments in a flow reactor over a powdered nickel-based catalyst using varying inlet gas compositions and operating temperatures. Furthermore, the influence of hydrogen and water as co-feed on methane dry reforming with CO2 is also investigated.
Effect of Particle Size and Operating Conditions on Pt3Co PEMFC Cathode Catalyst Durability
Authors: Gummalla Mallika , Ball Sarah , Condit David , Rasouli Somaye , Yu Kang , Ferreira Paulo , Myers Deborah , Yang Zhiwei
Published: May 2015

The initial performance and decay trends of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) cathodes with Pt3Co catalysts of three mean particle sizes (4.9 nm, 8.1 nm, and 14.8 nm) with identical Pt loadings are compared. Even though the cathode based on 4.9 nm catalyst exhibited the highest initial electrochemical surface area (ECA) and mass activity, the cathode based on 8.1 nm catalyst showed better initial performance at high currents. Owing to the low mass activity of the large particles, the initial performance of the 14.8 nm Pt3Co-based electrode was the lowest. The performance decay rate of the electrodes with the smallest Pt3Co particle size was the highest and that of the largest Pt3Co particle size was lowest. Interestingly, with increasing number of decay cycles (0.6 to 1.0 V, 50 mV/s), the relative improvement in performance of the cathode based on 8.1 nm Pt3Co over the 4.9 nm Pt3Co increased, owing to better stability of the 8.1 nm catalyst. The electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) of the decayed membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) showed that the amount of Co in the membrane was lower for the larger particles, and the platinum loss into the membrane also decreased with increasing particle size. This suggests that the higher initial performance at high currents with 8.1 nm Pt3Co could be due to lower contamination of the ionomer in the electrode. Furthermore, lower loss of Co from the catalyst with increased particle size could be one of the factors contributing to the stability of ECA and mass activity of electrodes with larger cathode catalyst particles. To delineate the impact of particle size and alloy effects, these results are compared with prior work from our research group on size effects of pure platinum catalysts. The impact of PEMFC operating conditions, including upper potential, relative humidity, and temperature on the alloy catalyst decay trends, along with the EMPA analysis of the decayed MEAs, are reported.