bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Distribution of Fat in Dried Dairy Particles Determines Flavor Release and Flavor Stability
Authors: Park C.W. , Drake M.A.
Published: March 2014

Dried dairy ingredients are utilized in various food and beverage applications for their nutritional, functional, and sensory properties. Dried dairy ingredients include milk powders of varying fat content and heat treatment and buttermilk powder, along with both milk and whey proteins of varying protein contents. The flavor of these ingredients is the most important characteristic that determines consumer acceptance of the ingredient applications. Lipid oxidation is the main mechanism for off‐flavor development in dried dairy ingredients. The effects of various unit operations on the flavor of dried dairy ingredients have been investigated. Recent research documented that increased surface free fat in spray dried WPC80 was associated with increased lipid oxidation and off‐flavors. Surface free fat in spray‐dried products is fat on the surface of the powder that is not emulsified. The most common emulsifiers present in dried dairy ingredients are proteins and phospholipids. Currently, only an association between surface free fat and lipid oxidation has been presented. The link between surface free fat in dried dairy ingredients and flavor and flavor stability has not been investigated. In this review, some hypotheses for the role of surface free fat on the flavor of dried dairy ingredients are presented along with proposed mechanisms.
Is an intervention with a custom‐made splint and an educational program useful on pain in patients with trapeziometacarpal joint osteoarthritis in a daily clinical setting?
Authors: Maddali‐Bongi Susanna , Del Rosso Angela , Galluccio Felice , Sigismondi Fabrizio , Matucci‐Cerinic Marco
Published: March 2014

Aim

Custom‐made splints may be useful in the conservative treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint OA. Our aim was to evaluate usefulness of a custom‐made splint and educational program in patients with symptomatic TMC joint OA in daily clinical practice.

Methods

Fifty patients with symptomatic TMC joint OA, not treated with surgery, were enrolled in a open prospective study in a clinical day setting and treated with a ‘butterfly’ custom‐made thermoplastic short opponens splint to be worn 16 h/day for 30 days and then when needed, for 12 months. Patients were evaluated at enrolment (T0), at the first month (T1) and at the 12th month (T2) since splint application for pain (main outcome measure) by numeric rating scale 0–10. At T0 and T1, a Jamar dynamometer (kg) was used to assess hand strength, a pinch gauge to evaluate pinch strength (kg) and Dreiser test to assess hand disability (secondary outcome measures).

Results

The comparison between T0 and T1 showed a significant improvement in all the outcome measures (P < 0.0001 for pain, muscle and pinch strength; P = 0.001 for Dreiser test). Moreover, at the end of 12 months follow‐up, patients maintained the reduction of pain (T2 vs. T1, P = NS) and showed a reduced consumption of analgesics (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

A custom‐made thermoplastic short opponens splint for 30 consecutively days for at least 16 h/day, followed by occasional use on pain outbreak is an useful conservative treatment in symptomatic TMC joint OA.
Mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma presenting as ground glass nodule
Authors: Kinoshita Tomonari , Ohtsuka Takashi , Goto Taichiro , Kamiyama Ikuo , Emoto Katsura , Hayashi Yuichiro , Kohno Mitsutomo
Published: March 2014

Pulmonary mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma rarely occurs. It is difficult to distinguish MALT lymphomas and pre‐invasive lesions according to radiological findings. We report a case of 60‐year‐old woman who was found to have a rapidly growing ground glass nodule (GGN) on her left lower lobe, discovered on follow‐up chest computed tomography. The radiological image was pure GGN, which was compatible with a pre‐invasive lesion, such as non‐mucinous adenocarcinoma in situ. Wedge resection was performed and the final diagnosis was stage I MALT lymphoma. After surgery, she was doing well with no evidence of recurrence one year later. We believe a lung biopsy for rapidly growing GGN is recommended in order to confirm the pathological diagnosis.
A narrative review of peri‐operative management of patients with thalassaemia
Authors: Staikou C. , Stavroulakis E. , Karmaniolou I.
Published: March 2014

In thalassaemic patients, multiple organ systems may be affected by the disease, blood transfusion, iron overload and chelating therapy. Patients may develop cardiomyopathy, pulmonary hypertension or heart failure requiring pre‐operative echocardiography or cardiac catheterisation. Restrictive lung dysfunction is commonly encountered, especially in patients with splenomegaly. Haemoglobin level should be optimised pre‐operatively and maintained at adequate levels with transfusion and blood‐saving strategies. Susceptibility to infections should be managed with broad‐spectrum antibiotics. Thromboembolic events due to hypercoagulability should be prevented by simple measures, such as graduated compression stockings, intermittent pneumatic compression and early mobilisation, and possibly anticoagulant drugs. When general anaesthesia is administered, the risk of difficult intubation due to oro‐facial malformation should be considered. Cardiovascular depression due to negative inotropic and vasodilating effects of general anaesthesia should be minimised. Neuraxial techniques may also be challenging due to spinal skeletal abnormalities and extramedullary haemopoiesis. A multidisciplinary pre‐operative approach, clinical optimisation and a carefully planned strategy are mandatory.
Interaction between Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Sacha Jerzy
Published: March 2014

Heart rate variability (HRV) is significantly associated with average heart rate (HR), therefore, HRV actually provides information on two quantities, that is, on HR and its variability. It is difficult to conclude which of these two plays a principal role in the HRV clinical value, or in other words, what is the HR contribution to the clinical significance of HRV. Moreover, the association between HRV and HR is both a physiological phenomenon and a mathematical one. The physiological HRV dependence on HR is determined by the autonomic nervous system activity, but the mathematical one is caused by the nonlinear relationship between RR interval and HR. By employing modification methods of the HRV and HR relationship, it is possible to investigate the HR contribution to the HRV clinical value. Recent studies have shown that the removal of the HR impact on HRV makes HRV more predictive for noncardiac death, however, the enhancement of this impact causes HRV to be a better predictor of cardiovascular mortality. Thus, HR seems to constitute a cardiovascular factor of the HRV predictive ability. HR also influences the reproducibility of HRV, therefore, HR changes should be considered when one compares HRV measurements in a given patient. This review summarizes methodological aspects of investigations of the HRV and HR interaction as well as latest observations concerning its clinical utility. The issues discussed in this article should also refer to any other heart rate dynamics analysis which indices are significantly associated with HR.
Factors associated with high rates of caesarean section in Brazil between 1991 and 2006
Authors: Raifman Sarah , Cunha Antonio J. , Castro Marcia C.
Published: March 2014

Aim

To assess trends in caesarean sections in Brazil, identify associated factors and evaluate changes in these factors over time.

Methods

Nationally representative data from the 1996 Demographic and Health Survey (n = 4918) and the 2006 Brazilian National Survey (n = 6125) were analysed using binomial logistic regression to assess variations in caesarean sections. Univariate logistic regression and multivariate analysis were used to select variables for predicting caesarean sections and assess potential factors associated with them.

Results

Caesarean sections increased from 33% in 1991 to 40% in 2006 and were significantly more common among older, highly educated, wealthy women living in the South, who had received antenatal care and been delivered by private caregivers. Wealthy, educated women were significantly less likely to have a caesarean section in 2006 than in 1991. Women living in urban areas and in the South had higher odds of caesarean sections in 1991, but not in 2006.

Conclusion

Caesarean section rates in Brazil increased by seven percentage points from 1991 to 2006, but factors associated with high rates changed over time. The odds of caesarean sections decreased for wealthy, educated women over time. By 2006, region and urban versus rural residence were no longer significantly associated with caesarean sections.
Love, Family Values and Reconciliation for All, but What about Rights, Justice and Citizenship for Women? TheFSLN, the Women's Movement, and Violence against Women inNicaragua
Authors: JUBB NADINE
Published: March 2014

This article explores the apparent contradictions of theFSLN's commitment to both ‘restoring’ women's rights regarding violence against women and promotingChristian family values and reconciliation. It proposes an explanation based on the state's use of moral regulation to make a personified patriarchal social order seem normal by encouraging consent and, when necessary, applying coercion. Improved formal recognition of rights is belied by the continued inappropriate use of mediation and other practices that blame women, naturalise violence, and contribute to aggressors' impunity. Furthermore, the government has sanctioned aggressive tactics against feminists and women's organisations, who counter this social order with active citizenship.
Dorsal hippocampal NMDA receptor blockade impairs extinction of naloxone‐precipitated conditioned place aversion in acute morphine‐treated rats by suppressing ERK and CREB phosphorylation in the basolateral amygdala
Authors: Wang Wei‐Sheng , Chen Zhong‐Guo , Liu Wen‐Tao , Chi Zhi‐Qiang , He Ling , Liu Jing‐Gen
Published: March 2014

Background and Purpose

Substantial evidence shows that negative reinforcement resulting from the aversive affective consequences of opiate withdrawal may play a crucial role in drug relapse. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the loss (extinction) of conditioned aversion of drug withdrawal could facilitate the treatment of drug addiction.

Experimental Approach

Naloxone‐induced conditioned place aversion (CPA) of Sprague‐Dawley rats was used to measure conditioned aversion. An NMDA receptor antagonist and MAPK kinase inhibitor were applied through intracranial injections. The phosphorylation of ERK and cAMP response element‐binding protein (CREB) was detected using Western blot.

Key Results

The extinction of CPA behaviour increased the phosphorylation of ERK and CREB in the dorsal hippocampus (DH) and basolateral amygdala (BLA), but not in the central amygdala (CeA). Intra‐DH injection of AP5 or intra‐BLA injection of AP‐5 or U0126 before extinction training significantly attenuated ERK and CREB phosphorylation in the BLA and impaired the extinction of CPA behaviour. Although intra‐DH injections of AP‐5 attenuated extinction training‐induced activation of the ERK‐CREB pathway in the BLA, intra‐BLA injection of AP5 had no effect on extinction training‐induced activation of the ERK‐CREB pathway in the DH.

Conclusions and Implications

These results suggest that activation of ERK and CREB in the BLA and DH is involved in the extinction of CPA behaviour and that the DH, via a direct or indirect pathway, modulates the activity of ERK and CREB in the BLA through activation of NMDA receptors after extinction training. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the extinction of conditioned aversion could facilitate the treatment of drug addiction.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2
Diagnostic approach for cancer cells in urine sediments by 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐based photodynamic detection in bladder cancer
Authors: Miyake Makito , Nakai Yasushi , Anai Satoshi , Tatsumi Yoshihiro , Kuwada Masaomi , Onishi Sayuri , Chihara Yoshitomo , Tanaka Nobumichi , Hirao Yoshihiko , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: March 2014

Bladder urothelial carcinoma is diagnosed and followed up after transurethral resection using a combination of cystoscopy, urine cytology and urine biomarkers at regular intervals. However, cystoscopy can overlook flat lesions like carcinomain situ, and the sensitivity of urinary tests is poor in low‐grade tumors. There is an emergent need for an objective and easy urinary diagnostic test for the management of bladder cancer. In this study, three different modalities for 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐based photodynamic diagnostic tests were used. We developed a compact‐size, desktop‐type device quantifying red fluorescence in cell suspensions, named “Cellular Fluorescence Analysis Unit” (CFAU). Urine samples from 58 patients with bladder cancer were centrifuged, and urine sediments were then treated withALA.ALA‐treated sediments were subjected to three fluorescence detection assays, including theCFAUassay. The overall sensitivities of conventional cytology,BTA,NMP22, fluorescence cytology, fluorescent spectrophotometric assay andCFAUassay were 48%, 33%, 40%, 86%, 86% and 87%, respectively. Three differentALA‐based assays showed high sensitivity and specificity. TheALA‐based assay detected low‐grade and low‐stage bladder urothelial cells at shigher rate (68–80% sensitivity) than conventional urine cytology,BTAandNMP22 (8–20% sensitivity). Our findings demonstrate that theALA‐based fluorescence detection assay is promising tool for the management of bladder cancer. Development of a rapid and automated device forALA‐based photodynamic assay is necessary to avoid the variability induced by troublesome steps and low stability of specimens.
Silent, but not unseen: multimicrocystic aspect on T2‐weighted MRI in silent corticotroph adenomas
Authors: Cazabat Laure , Dupuy Martin , Boulin Anne , Bernier Michèle , Baussart Bertrand , Foubert Luc , Raffin‐Sanson Marie‐Laure , Caron Philippe , Bertherat Jérôme , Gaillard Stéphan
Published: March 2014

Objective

Silent corticotroph adenomas (SCAs) present as nonfunctional pituitary tumours in routine pre‐operative evaluation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of MRI T2‐weighted sequences for detecting the corticotroph subtype pre‐operatively.

Design

The pre‐operative T2‐weighted MRI sequences were retrospectively evaluated in patients with SCA and two control groups: clinically manifest corticotroph macroadenomas (CSMs) and nonfunctional gonadotroph macroadenomas (NFGMs). All were selected from a registry of 1096 patients in whom transsphenoidal surgery was performed in the same tertiary reference centre. T2‐weighted MRI sequences were independently classified by one senior endocrinologist and one senior radiologist who were blinded to the clinical and histological features.

Patients

Seventeen patients with SCA, 14 with CSM and 60 with NFGM were included in this study.

Measurements

Pituitary MRI with T2‐weighted sequences. Two aspects were retained: multiple microcysts (MMs) and the absence of microcysts. Hormonal data included plasma prolactin, IGF‐1, testosterone or oestradiol, LH, FT4, TSH, morning plasma cortisol and an ACTH‐stimulation test, when available.

Results

Multiple microcysts were present in 76% (13/17) of SCAs, 21% (3/14) of CSMs and 5% (3/60) of NFGMs. The presence of MMs in clinically nonfunctioning macroadenomas had a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 95% for predicting SCA.

Conclusion

The presence of MMs in T2‐weighted MRI is a good diagnostic tool to suggest the corticotroph subtype in an apparently nonfunctional pituitary tumour.
Neuromyelitis optica and the evolving spectrum of autoimmune aquaporin‐4 channelopathies
Authors: Iorio Raffaele , Pittock Sean J.
Published: March 2014

Water channels are a recognized “novel” target for central nervous system, inflammatory, autoimmune, demyelinating diseases, and represent an evolving spectrum of disorders termed neuromyelitis optica (NMO) spectrum disorders (SD). These disorders should now be considered under the umbrella term “autoimmune aquaporin‐4 channelopathy”. NMOSD represent the first multiple sclerosis (MS)‐like disease for which a specific antigen has been identified – the astrocytic water channel aquaporin‐4 (AQP4). MS lacks a distinguishing biomarker. This discovery represents a seismic shift from historic emphasis on the oligodendrocyte and myelin to the astrocyte. The NMO of today represents a relapsing spectrum of disease, not necessarily restricted to the optic nerves and spinal cord, that is different from the monophasic disorder in which near simultaneous bilateral optic neuritis and transverse myelitis occur, as was originally described by Devic. Recent clinical, radiological and pathological findings have documented brain involvement in NMO spectrum disorders, particularly in children. Most patients with NMOSD have brain abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging, and these are consistent with MS in up to 10% of patients. Others have lesions in areas that highly express AQP4 including the circumventricular organs accounting for intractable nausea and vomiting, and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis as presenting symptoms or heralds of relapse. Diencephalic involvement might explain recently recognized sleep disorders and endocrinopathies. Continued progress in our understanding of the immunobiology of AQP4 autoimmunity necessitates continuing revision of the clinical diagnostic criteria for NMO spectrum disorders. As the clinical spectrum broadens, the importance of highly specific assays that detect pathogenic AQP4‐immunoglobulin G targeting extracellular epitopes of AQP4 cannot be overemphasized.
Disaster resilience and population ageing: the 1995 Kobe and 2004 Chuetsu earthquakes in Japan
Authors: Chen Haili , Maki Norio , Hayashi Haruo
Published: March 2014

This paper provides a framework for evaluating the effects of population ageing on disaster resilience. In so doing, it focuses on the 1995 Kobe and 2004 Chuetsu earthquakes, two major disasters that affected Japan before the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake. It analyses regional population recovery on the basis of pre‐disaster and post‐recovery demographic characteristics using defined transition patterns of population ageing. The evaluation framework demonstrates that various recovery measures make different contributions to disaster resilience for each transition pattern of population ageing. With reference to regional population ageing, the framework allows for a prediction of disaster resilience, facilitating place vulnerability assessments and potentially informing policy‐making strategies for Japan and other countries with ageing populations.
Increased methane uptake but unchanged nitrous oxide flux in montane grasslands under simulated climate change conditions
Authors: Unteregelsbacher S. , Gasche R. , Lipp L. , Sun W. , Kreyling O. , Geitlinger H. , Kögel‐Knabner I. , Papen H. , Kiese R. , Schmid H.‐P. , Dannenmann M.
Published: March 2014

Montane grasslands of Central Europe are expected to be exposed to strong warming and to altered precipitation patterns, suggesting that biosphere–atmosphere–hydrosphere exchange of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) compounds may be vulnerable to future climatic conditions. By transferring small lysimeters along an altitudinal gradient, we assessed the impact of climate change conditions on soil–atmosphere exchange of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) as well as on ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) in soil water in extensively managed montane grassland in southern Germany. Lysimeter transfer to lower altitude increased air and soil temperatures by more than 2°C and reduced summer precipitation as well as soil moisture throughout the year compared with a control transfer within the high altitude site. This simulation of climate change conditions almost doubled the CH4 sink strength from −0.11 to −0.19 g C m−2 year−1, which appeared to be mainly related to improved gas diffusion after reduced soil moisture. Mean NH4+ and NO3− concentrations in soil water (0.05 mg NH4+–N l−1 and 0.08 mg NO3−–N l−1) and N2O emissions (approximately 0.03 g N m−2 year−1) remained small and unaffected by climate change simulation. Our study suggests that expected climate change conditions will have positive effects on the non‐CO2 greenhouse gas balance in extensively managed montane grassland because of increased net CH4 uptake in soil. For N2O emission, we conclude that potential effects of management changes may override the small effects of simulated climate change on N2O emissions observed in this study.
Subthalamic deep brain stimulation effects on odor identification in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Fabbri M. , Guedes L. C. , Coelho M. , Simão D. , Abreu D. , Rosa M. M. , Silveira‐Moriyama L. , Ferreira J. J.
Published: March 2014

Background and purpose

Olfactory dysfunction is common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and it is one of the earliest non‐motor symptoms. A few studies have suggested that deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN‐DBS) could improve olfactory function. Our aim was to evaluate the acute effect of bilateral STN‐DBS on a commonly used smell test in PD patients.

Methods

Fifteen PD patients who underwent bilateral STN‐DBS and 15 controls were recruited. Patients and controls were tested for odor identification.

Results

No statistical differences were documented between ON and OFF STN‐DBS acute stimulation concerning olfaction. Controls presented a better performance for olfactory identification than patients.

Conclusions

Our exploratory study did not support that bilateral STN‐DBS could have an acute effect on olfactory function in PD patients.
Measuring Systemic Risk: Common Factor Exposures and Tail Dependence Effects
Authors: Chiu Wan‐Chien , Peña Juan Ignacio , Wang Chih‐Wei
Published: March 2014

We model systemic risk using a common factor that accounts for market‐wide shocks and a tail dependence factor that accounts for linkages among extreme stock returns. Specifically, our theoretical model allows for firm‐specific impacts of infrequent and extreme events. Using data on the four sectors of the US financial industry from 1996 to 2011, we uncover two key empirical findings. First, disregarding the effect of the tail dependence factor leads to a downward bias in the measurement of systemic risk, especially during weak economic times. Second, when these measures serve as leading indicators of the St. Louis Fed Financial Stress Index, measures that include a tail dependence factor offer better forecasting ability than measures based on a common factor only.
Caecal duplication in a 13‐year‐old Thoroughbred
Authors: Taylor E. A. , Lillich J. D , Canada N. , Beard L. , Henningson J. , Schumacher L.
Published: March 2014

A 13‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding was presented for evaluation of recurrent colic of 4 weeks duration. These colic episodes were mild and responsive to medical therapy. Episodes of colic became more frequent and more painful. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a large intestine duplication with a cystic structure located at the caecocolic junction that was unable to be exteriorized and therefore not amenable to surgical correction. Thirty‐six hours following surgery, the horse became acutely painful, sweaty, and febrile suggesting gastrointestinal rupture. Post mortem examination showed a 0.6 × 1 m duplication and a 0.5 × 0.6 m cystic dilation that was probably associated with the caecum. There was a 10 × 30 cm area of rupture located within the duplication. Histological evaluation confirmed the presence of a true duplication.
Epidermal growth factor receptor endocytic traffic perturbation by phosphatidate phosphohydrolase inhibition: new strategy against cancer
Authors: Shaughnessy Ronan , Retamal Claudio , Oyanadel Claudia , Norambuena Andrés , López Alejandro , Bravo‐Zehnder Marcela , Montecino Fabian J. , Metz Claudia , Soza Andrea , González Alfonso
Published: March 2014

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exaggerated (oncogenic) function is currently targeted in cancer treatment with drugs that block receptor ligand binding or tyrosine kinase activity. Because endocytic trafficking is a crucial regulator of EGFR function, its pharmacological perturbation might provide a new anti‐tumoral strategy. Inhibition of phosphatidic acid (PA) phosphohydrolase (PAP) activity has been shown to trigger PA signaling towards type 4 phosphodiesterase (PDE4) activation and protein kinase A inhibition, leading to internalization of empty/inactive EGFR. Here, we used propranolol, its l‐ and d‐ isomers and desipramine as PAP inhibitors to further explore the effects of PAP inhibition on EGFR endocytic trafficking and its consequences on EGFR‐dependent cancer cell line models. PAP inhibition not only made EGFR inaccessible to stimuli but also prolonged the signaling lifetime of ligand‐activated EGFR in recycling endosomes. Strikingly, such endocytic perturbations applied in acute/intermittent PAP inhibitor treatments selectively impaired cell proliferation/viability sustained by an exaggerated EGFR function. Phospholipase D inhibition with FIPI (5‐fluoro‐2‐indolyl des‐chlorohalopemide) and PDE4 inhibition with rolipram abrogated both the anti‐tumoral and endocytic effects of PAP inhibition. Prolonged treatments with a low concentration of PAP inhibitors, although without detectable endocytic effects, still counteracted cell proliferation, induced apoptosis and decreased anchorage‐independent growth of cells bearing EGFR oncogenic influences. Overall, our results show that PAP inhibitors can counteract EGFR oncogenic traits, including receptor overexpression or activating mutations resistant to current tyrosine kinase inhibitors, perturbing EGFR endocytic trafficking and perhaps other as yet unknown processes, depending on treatment conditions. This puts PAP activity forward as a new suitable target against EGFR‐driven malignancy.
Predicted responses of arctic and alpine ecosystems to altered seasonality under climate change
Authors: Ernakovich Jessica G , Hopping Kelly A. , Berdanier Aaron B. , Simpson Rodney T. , Kachergis Emily J. , Steltzer Heidi , Wallenstein Matthew D.
Published: March 2014

Global climate change is already having significant impacts on arctic and alpine ecosystems, and ongoing increases in temperature and altered precipitation patterns will affect the strong seasonal patterns that characterize these temperature‐limited systems. The length of the potential growing season in these tundra environments is increasing due to warmer temperatures and earlier spring snow melt. Here, we compare current and projected climate and ecological data from 20 Northern Hemisphere sites to identify how seasonal changes in the physical environment due to climate change will alter the seasonality of arctic and alpine ecosystems. We find that although arctic and alpine ecosystems appear similar under historical climate conditions, climate change will lead to divergent responses, particularly in the spring and fall shoulder seasons. As seasonality changes in the Arctic, plants will advance the timing of spring phenological events, which could increase plant nutrient uptake, production, and ecosystem carbon (C) gain. In alpine regions, photoperiod will constrain spring plant phenology, limiting the extent to which the growing season can lengthen, especially if decreased water availability from earlier snow melt and warmer summer temperatures lead to earlier senescence. The result could be a shorter growing season with decreased production and increased nutrient loss. These contrasting alpine and arctic ecosystem responses will have cascading effects on ecosystems, affecting community structure, biotic interactions, and biogeochemistry.
Experimental evidence for sequestering C with biochar by avoidance of CO2 emissions from original feedstock and protection of native soil organic matter
Authors: Herath H. M. S. K. , Camps‐Arbestain M. , Hedley M.J. , Kirschbaum M.U.F. , Wang T. , van Hale R.
Published: March 2014

There is a need for further studies to compare the decomposition of biochar to that of the original feedstock and determine how these amendments affect the cycling of native organic matter (NOM) of different soils to improve our understanding of the resulting net C sequestration potential. A 510‐days incubation experiment was conducted (i) to investigate the evolution of CO2 from soils amended with either fresh corn stover (CS) or with biochars produced from fresh CS at either 350 (CS‐350) or 550 °C (CS‐550), and (ii) to evaluate the priming effect of these amendments on NOM decomposition. Two soil types were studied: an Alfisol and an Andisol, with organic C contents of 4% and 10%, respectively. Except for the controls (with no C addition), all treatments received 7.18 t C ha−1. We measured C efflux in short‐term intervals and its isotopic signature to distinguish between C evolved from C4 amendments and C3‐dominated NOM. Emission rates were then integrated for the whole time period to cover total emissions. Total CO2‐C evolved from the original C in fresh CS, CS‐350 and CS‐550 was greater in the Andisol (78%, 13% and 14%) than in the Alfisol (66%, 8% and 7%). For both soils, (i) no significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the rate of CO2 evolution between controls and biochar treatments; and (ii) total accumulated CO2 evolved from the uncharred amendment was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that from the other treatments. In the Alfisol, a significant (P < 0.05) net positive priming effect on NOM decomposition was observed when amended with fresh CS, while the opposite was detected in biochar treatments. In the Andisol, no significant (P > 0.05) net priming effect was observed. A C balance indicated that the C lost from both biochar production and decomposition ‘broke even’ with that lost from fresh residue decomposition after <35 weeks. The ‘break‐even’ point was reached earlier in the Andisol, in which the fresh CS mineralizes faster. These results provided experimental evidence for the potential of biochar to sequester C and avoid CO2 emissions from original feedstock while protecting native soil organic matter.
Pesticides in Groundwater of the United States: Decadal‐Scale Changes, 1993–2011
Authors: Toccalino Patricia L. , Gilliom Robert J. , Lindsey Bruce D. , Rupert Michael G.
Published: March 2014

The national occurrence of 83 pesticide compounds in groundwater of the United States and decadal‐scale changes in concentrations for 35 compounds were assessed for the 20‐year period from 1993–2011. Samples were collected from 1271 wells in 58 nationally distributed well networks. Networks consisted of shallow (mostly monitoring) wells in agricultural and urban land‐use areas and deeper (mostly domestic and public supply) wells in major aquifers in mixed land‐use areas. Wells were sampled once during 1993–2001 and once during 2002–2011. Pesticides were frequently detected (53% of all samples), but concentrations seldom exceeded human‐health benchmarks (1.8% of all samples). The five most frequently detected pesticide compounds—atrazine, deethylatrazine, simazine, metolachlor, and prometon—each had statistically significant (p < 0.1) changes in concentrations between decades in one or more categories of well networks nationally aggregated by land use. For agricultural networks, concentrations of atrazine, metolachlor, and prometon decreased from the first decade to the second decade. For urban networks, deethylatrazine concentrations increased and prometon concentrations decreased. For major aquifers, concentrations of deethylatrazine and simazine increased. The directions of concentration changes for individual well networks generally were consistent with changes determined from nationally aggregated data. Altogether, 36 of the 58 individual well networks had statistically significant changes in concentrations of one or more pesticides between decades, with the majority of changes attributed to the five most frequently detected pesticide compounds. The magnitudes of median decadal‐scale concentration changes were small—ranging from −0.09 to 0.03 µg/L—and were 35‐ to 230,000‐fold less than human‐health benchmarks.
Freedom as Independence: Mary Wollstonecraft and the Grand Blessing of Life
Authors: Coffee Alan M. S. J.
Published: March 2014

Independence is a central and recurring theme in Mary Wollstonecraft's work. Independence should not be understood as an individualistic ideal that is in tension with the value of community but as an essential ingredient in successful and flourishing social relationships. I examine three aspects of this rich and complex concept that Wollstonecraft draws on as she develops her own notion of independence as a powerful feminist tool. First, independence is an egalitarian ideal that requires that all individuals, regardless of sex, be protected to a comparable extent in all areas of social, political, and economic life, no matter whether this is in the public or private sphere. Second, so long as this egalitarian condition is not compromised, independence allows for individuals to perform differentiated social roles, including along gendered lines. Finally, the ongoing and collective input of both women and men is required to ensure that the conditions necessary for social independence are maintained. In Wollstonecraft's hands, then, independence is a powerful ideal that allows her to argue that women must be able to act on their own terms as social and political equals, doing so as women whose perspectives and interests may differ from men's.
Paediatric clinical research from the perspective of hospital pharmacists from France and Canada
Authors: Guérin Aurélie , Tanguay Cynthia , Lebel Denis , Prot-Labarthe Sonia , Bourdon Olivier , Bussières Jean-François
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To compare pharmacy support for paediatric research services in France and Canada and to describe the perception of pharmacists and rank the paediatric clinical research issues.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. All paediatric hospitals from Canada and the main hospitals from France were contacted. A survey was conducted from May–September 2012. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Key findings

Results from 11 paediatric hospitals in Canada (11/12, 92%) and 11 (11/18, 61%) in France were obtained. There was a similar number of ongoing paediatric clinical trials per hospital in France versus Canada (38 (10–81) versus 20 (4–178)). A lower number of pharmacists per hospital was observed in France (17 (11.5–35) versus 45 (18.9–76.8)), but a similar number of pharmacists were assigned to clinical trials (1.5 (1–3) versus 1.9 (0.2–17.4)). Institutional protocols represented the majority of paediatric clinical trials in France (61% (14–100) versus 25% (0–100)). Similar pharmacy support services were offered, but the majority of French respondents also offered help for institutional protocol development (91 versus 50% P = 0.063). The main issues associated with paediatric clinical research were absence of financial interest from the pharmaceutical industry, prohibitive cost versus profit ratio, small patient cohorts and the non-availability of the appropriate drug formulations.

Conclusions

Difficulties related to pharmaceutical compounding were identified as the main hindrance to paediatric clinical research; particular attention should be paid to these details when setting up a paediatric trial.
Drug abuse and acquired immune deficiency syndrome
Authors: SHEU YNGSHIUH
Published: March 2014

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a modern plague. The first sign of the disease was the appearance of Pneumocystis carinii and Kaposi's sarcoma among young homosexual patients. The virus transmission is from an infected individual to a susceptible host through blood‐related, sexual, and perinatal routes. Exchange of body fluid occurs when sharing syringes, drugs, and drug paraphernalia. Although the largest number of people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is in sub Saharan Africa, the most rapid growth of HIV infection during the 1990s was seen in South‐East Asia. Asia showed a steep increase from 1992. Given the experiences in Thailand, India and China, a similar spread of AIDS in other parts of Asia is possible. The risk behaviors that enable the spread of HIV are present in all Pacific Asian countries. Risk behaviors are considered to be the injection of illicit drugs, male patronage of prostitutes, high rates of sexually transmitted diseases, and low condom use.
The therapeutic environment of psychiatric hospitals in Japan: A comparison of medical welfare facilities for senile dementia
Authors: KAWASAKI TATSUHITO
Published: March 2014

With the dual purpose of protecting the human rights of mentally disordered persons and promoting their social rehabilitation, the newly revised Mental Health Law was enacted in July 1987. It has brought significant change in that it has shifted Japanese mental health care from a hospital‐based to a community‐based system. Consequently, the therapeutic environment in the psychiatric hospitals has been changing from a closed to an open one. Recently, the amenity of hospital environments has been discussed. Furthermore, in the revision of medical fees of April 1994 the government established the long‐term care ward system, which is a good indication of the changing nature of psychiatric institutions in Japan. I will report on the current therapeutic environment in Japanese psychiatric hospitals, and will also compare it with the care environment in facilities for healthcare services for the aged (and/or senile dementia) and special nursing homes for the aged.
Clinical psychopharmacology in China: The last decade
Authors: LIU PING
Published: March 2014

Clinical psychopharmacological research has focused on several aspects in the last decade in China. First, attention was paid to new drug trials, mainly on newly developed or imported antidepressants or antipsychotics. More and more newly developed antidepressants like SSRI, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and citalopram are now available or under clinical observation. Second, studies on the relationship between blood level and clinical response of antidepressants, amitriptyline, or antipsychotics, haloperidol and clozapine were undertaken. Results on amitriptyline showed that the clinical antidepressive effect of the drug was correlated linearly to the parent compound, amitriptyline, and curvilinearly to the hydroxylated metabolite, 10‐hydroxynortryptyline. It was found that the plasma level of haloperidol correlated curvilinearly to the clinical antipsychotic effect on schizophrenics with a therapeutic window ranging between 4.2 and 20 ng/mL. Third, pharmacokinetic studies on antidepressants, amitriptyline, imipramine, and maprotiline were undertaken. The results showed longer clearance rate and/or t1/2 in Chinese literature than those reported in Western literature.
Education of psychiatry in Japan
Authors: YAMAUCHI TOSHIO
Published: March 2014

This paper discusses the problems ofjapanese under‐ and postgraduate education of psychiatry, and indicates several important points for psychiatric education. Most medical schools give lectures on psychiatry to fourth and fifth graders. Lecturing hours average 2.3% of the total lecture time for medical students. However, the hours have tended to decrease recently, and lectures by the Department of Psychiatry are spreading to the first and second graders. These lectures include behavioral science, psychology and science for human relationships. The following problems should be solved urgently: (i) undergraduate psychiatric education should focus on the majority of medical students who will not be psychiatrists; (ii) clarification should be made of the minimum required psychiatric knowledge for medical doctors; (in) promotion of the use of efficient educational strategies; (iv) increases in practical training. The Department of Psychiatry has an important role to play in primary education of psychiatrists in most cases. Every university educates using different curriculums; however, the programs are mostly similar in their primary training. However, there is no standardized educational system and Board of Certification for psychiatrists in Japan. Minimum requirements and a certification system for psychiatrists are urgently needed. I will discuss the global review on the issues of under‐ and postgraduate psychiatric education in Japan, then highlight the problems that should be targeted in the future.
New methods in psychiatric epidemiology
Authors: HENDERSON A.S.
Published: March 2014

Research on the epidemiology of mental disorders has now reached the stage where it is possible for comparisons to be cautiously made between population samples. This is made possible for the following reasons: recognition that the populations at risk, including their age composition and exclusions, must be clearly specified; the use of the standardized diagnostic criteria in international use (ICD‐10 and DSM‐IV); and standardized clinical assessments, such as the Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry, the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) or Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), including the automated CIDI‐A, and for the elderly, the Geriatric Mental State Examination and the Canberra Interview for the Elderly. Some recommendations are made for future epidemiological studies, including these advances in methodology. Emphasis is given to the value of using continuous measures of symptoms, in addition to categorical diagnoses. In research on etiology, investigators should make every effort to test innovative hypotheses, particularly where these involve both biological and psychosocial variables.
Child psychiatry training for pediatricians: Japanese perspectives in infant psychiatry
Authors: WATANABE HISAKO
Published: March 2014

Since August 1993, child psychiatry training by a full‐time child psychiatrist has become an essential component of the postgraduate training programme at the Department of Paediatrics, Keio University Hospital, Japan. Thirty trainees, 15 first‐years and 15 second‐years, had first‐hand experience in residential child psychiatric treatment concurrently with pediatric training. With the trainees as primary care workers, 31 cases have been successfully treated, of whom seven were school refusals, 11 were anorexia nervosas and eight somatoform disorders. Consistent maternal care, such as three spoon‐feeding sessions each day, were prescribed for anorexic patients, which enhanced sensitivity in the trainees to the unmet infantile needs of their patients and facilitated awareness of their chronic unhappiness since early life and to the therapeutic implications of empathic understanding based on trustful relationships. After the 2 years of training the first group of trainees showed competency in handling children's emotional problems on their own in distant affiliated hospitals. The flexible multidisciplinary style of training that has evolved over the past 2 years has proved to have enormous relevance in the changing contexts of the pediatric practice in Japan.
Mental health of the elderly Chinese population in Singapore
Authors: KUA E. H.
Published: March 2014

A study of 804 elderly Chinese in Singapore was conducted to assess physical health, mental health and social support. The questionnaire was derived from the Older American Resources and Services and the Geriatric Mental State Schedule. The results showed that the majority of elderly people in the survey (94%) were able to live independently, only 9.3% had mental disorders and 78% of the sample had good social resources meaning that relationships were good and family care was available.
The nature of psychiatric problems among disaster victims
Authors: ARAKI KEN‐ICHI , NAKANE YOSHIBUMI , OHTA YASUYUKI , KAWASAKI NAOMI
Published: March 2014

One‐quarter of the residents (about 52 000) in the disaster area around the volcanic eruption area of Mt Unzen‐Fugen have been forced to evacuate over a 3 year period. We conducted a psychological controlled study using the GHQ‐30 for evacuees. As a result, the percentage of people with a high score over 8 points was 67% of evacuees, markedly higher than 10% of the control group. Some mental support activities, such as counseling by community nurses and crisis intervention/medication by psychiatrists and others, have been promoted. Subjects who received a psychiatric intervention had good outcome as a whole. The nature of psychiatric problems among disaster evacuees and the necessity of long‐term support are discussed in this paper.
Eating disorders in Japan: Finding the right context
Authors: MD AYA NISHIZONO‐MAHER.
Published: March 2014

Eating disorders have traditionally been described as a typically ‘Western’ illness. Cases that occur outside Western countries are often regarded as atypical. Peculiarities are thus emphasized. However, eating disorders are now prevalent in Japan, among non‐Western immigrants in Europe, and in other societies. The author focuses on the universality of the background of eating disorders and looks at them as ‘culture change syndromes'. Change in the family and in women's roles are the central themes. The majority of the subjects experienced very little emotional relationship with their parents when they were children. It is misleading to say that eating disorder patients lack femininity and that they should be encouraged to be more feminine, more passive. Gender issues concerning treatment settings such as the doctor–patient relationship, the doctor–nurse relationship influence the treatment process. Typical anorexics described in a 1788 Japanese document are briefly presented in order to challenge further the idea of eating disorders as a Western illness.
Mental health issues affecting ethnic minorities in Japan
Authors: NODA FUMITAKA
Published: March 2014

Although Japan is becoming a multicultural society, the policy for ethnic minorities is not as mature as that in Western countries. Mental health issues among new ethnic minorities will be discussed. New minorities are mainly South‐East Asian refugees, foreign brides from the Philippines, Korea and China, and returnees from China. Because their communities are very small, they tend to have great difficulties in coping with the Japanese society. Problems in their adjustment to the host country will be discussed.