bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tomato contact dermatitis
Authors: Paulsen Evy , Christensen Lars P. , Andersen Klaus E.
Published: August 2012

The tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) is an important crop worldwide. Whereas immediate‐type reactions to tomato fruits are well known, contact dermatitis caused by tomatoes or tomato plants is rarely reported.

The aims of this study were to present new data on contact sensitization to tomato plants and review the literature on contact dermatitis caused by both plants and fruits.

An ether extract of tomato plants made as the original oleoresin plant extracts, was used in aimed patch testing, and between 2005 and 2011. 8 of 93 patients (9%) tested positive to the oleoresin extracts. This prevalence is in accordance with the older literature that reports tomato plants as occasional sensitizers. The same applies to tomato fruits, which, in addition, may cause protein contact dermatitis. The allergens of the plant are unknown, but both heat‐stable and heat‐labile constituents seem to be involved. The fruit contains fragrance compounds that are also present in Myroxylon pereirae (balsam of Peru), possibly accounting for cross‐reactivity. The proteins in pulp and peel may contribute to protein contact dermatitis. Until more is known about the allergens, the diagnosis of contact dermatitis caused by tomato plants and fruit may be established with the use of ether extracts and fresh fruits, respectively.
Geographical patterns in the beta diversity of China's woody plants: the influence of space, environment and range size
Authors: Wang Zhiheng , Fang Jingyun , Tang Zhiyao , Shi Lei
Published: August 2012

Beta diversity (i.e. species turnover rate across space) is fundamental for understanding mechanisms controlling large‐scale species richness patterns. However, the influences on beta diversity are still a matter of debate. In particular, the relative role of environmental and spatial processes (e.g. environmental niche versus dispersal limitation of species) remains elusive, and the influence of species range size has been poorly tested. Here, using distribution maps of 11 405 woody species in China (ca 9.6 × 106 km2), we investigated 1) the geographical and directional patterns of beta diversity for all woody species and species with different range sizes, and 2) compared the effects of environmental and spatial processes on these patterns. Beta diversity was calculated as the decay of similarity in species composition with increasing distance. Variables representing environmental energy, water availability, climatic seasonality, habitat heterogeneity and human activities were used to evaluate the effects of environmental processes, while spatial distance was used to assess the influence of spatial processes. The results indicated significant directional patterns of beta diversity: the similarity decay along the latitudinal gradient was 1.6–2.3 times faster than that along the longitudinal gradient. Beta diversity also increased with the decrease of species range size. As compared with spatial processes, environmental processes had stronger effects on longitudinal beta diversity and on the beta diversity of widely‐ranged species. This was opposite to the larger influence of spatial processes on latitudinal beta diversity and the beta diversity of narrowly‐ranged species. These results suggest that the distributions of narrowly‐ranged woody species in China may have not reached equilibrium with their environmental niches due to dispersal limitation induced by China's topography and/or their low dispersal ability. The projected rapid climatic changes will likely endanger such species. Species dispersal processes should be taken into account in future conservation strategies in China.
A comprehensive isotopic investigation of habitat preferences in nonbreeding albatrosses from the Southern Ocean
Authors: Cherel Yves , Jaeger Audrey , Alderman Rachael , Jaquemet Sébastien , Richard Pierre , Wanless Ross M. , Phillips Richard A. , Thompson David R.
Published: August 2012

Albatrosses are among the world's most endangered seabirds. Threats during the nonbreeding period have major impacts on their population dynamics, but for most species, detailed information on distribution and ecology remains essentially unknown. We used stable isotope values (δ13C and δ15N) in feathers to infer and compare the moulting (nonbreeding) habitats of 35 populations that include all the 20 species and subspecies (444 individuals) of albatrosses breeding within the Southern Ocean and in fringing subtropical waters. Isotopic values together with a review of available information show that the 20 albatrosses can be categorized into three groups depending on their favoured moulting grounds: 12 (60%) taxa forage primarily in warm neritic waters, six (30%) in northern oceanic waters and two (10%) in oceanic waters of the Southern Ocean. Stable isotopes indicate that habitat preferences during the nonbreeding period vary much less among different breeding populations in some species (wandering, Salvin's, grey‐headed and light‐mantled sooty albatrosses), than others (black‐browed, Indian yellow‐nosed and sooty albatrosses). The major finding of our isotopic investigation is that the great majority of albatrosses spend the nonbreeding period outside the Southern Ocean, with only three species (and in the sooty albatross, just one of the breeding populations) favouring oceanic subantarctic waters at that time. Hence, the study highlights the overwhelming importance of subtropical waters for albatrosses, where the birds are known to interact with human activities and are more likely to be negatively affected by the diverse range of fisheries operating in both neritic and oceanic waters.
Rethinking edge effects: the unaccounted role of geometric constraints
Authors: Prevedello Jayme A. , Figueiredo Marcos S. L. , Grelle Carlos E. V. , Vieira Marcus V.
Published: August 2012

Edge effects strongly affect the abundance and distribution of organisms across landscapes, with wide‐ranging implications in ecology and conservation biology. The extensive literature on the subject has traditionally considered that edge effects result from the active avoidance or preference of organisms for certain portions of the habitat patch, assuming that abundance is uniform across a patch when environmental conditions are uniform. We demonstrate that this assumption is incorrect due to the so‐far ignored ‘geometric edge effect’ (GEE). In the absence of environmental gradients, abundance of any organism living in a bounded habitat patch will tend to be lower in areas located near the edges compared to areas in the centre of the patch, simply because the areas in the centre receive individuals from all directions, whereas areas near the edge do not receive individuals from outside the patch. This geometric effect was already known for species richness at large geographic scales, the mid‐domain effect, but its importance in the literature of edge effects remained neglected so far. Using simulations, we show that the GEE tends to reduce population abundance and community richness near the edges of bounded habitat patches, and that apparently neutral or negative responses to the edge may occur even when habitat quality is higher near the edges. A published study that detected significant edge effects is reanalyzed, demonstrating that interpreting observed abundance patterns without taking the GEE into account – as traditionally done in the vast literature on edge effects – could provide misleading conclusions. The incorporation of the GEE into sampling and analytical protocols of future studies could advance substantially our ability to understand and predict edge effects in heterogeneous landscapes.
Differential expression of organic cation transporter OCT‐3 in oral premalignant and malignant lesions: potential implications in the antineoplastic effects of metformin
Authors: Patel Harsh , Younis Rania H. , Ord Robert A. , Basile John R. , Schneider Abraham
Published: August 2012

Background

Recent evidence indicates that metformin, a biguanide used as first‐line treatment for type 2 diabetes, prevents the conversion of carcinogen‐induced oral dysplasias into head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), most likely by inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) oncogenic signaling. Whether metformin acts directly at the primary tumor site or indirectly by modulating hormonal secretion from extratumoral organs remains unknown. As organic cation transporters (OCT) belonging to the solute carrier 22A gene family, including OCT‐1, OCT‐2, and OCT‐3, mediate metformin uptake and activity, it is critical to define what role they play in the antineoplastic activity of metformin.

Methods

Immunohistochemical and immunoblotting techniques were used in normal, dysplastic and HNSCC tissues, and HNSCC cell lines, respectively, to determine OCTs expression levels.

Results

We report that only OCT‐3 was highly expressed in a number of HNSCC cell lines, oral epithelial dysplasias, and well to moderately differentiated HNSCC. Indeed, inhibition of OCT‐3 expression and activity in HNSCC cells prevented metformin‐induced AMP‐activated protein kinase activation and mTORC1 pathway inhibition. Moreover, in oral dysplasias, high OCT‐3 expression localized to epithelial compartments where mTORC1 signaling was also upregulated suggestive of a potential local effect of metformin.

Conclusions

The concept of using metformin as a chemopreventive agent to control head and neck carcinogenesis is promising. Further work is warranted to elucidate largely unexplored mechanisms of metformin uptake and pharmacologic action that may ultimately influence the selection of the most suitable patients who can benefit from metformin in head and neck cancer chemoprevention.
Taste alteration and impact on quality of life after head and neck radiotherapy
Authors: Baharvand M. , ShoalehSaadi N. , Barakian R. , Jalali Moghaddam E.
Published: August 2012

Background

Dysgeusia is a relatively common complication of head and neck radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate taste condition after head and neck radiotherapy and its impact on quality of life.

Methods

In this cohort study 22 patients with head and neck cancer in Tehran University of Medical Sciences Hospital, were interviewed and examined before and 3 weeks after radiotherapy. Patients were given three consecutive concentrations of sugar, salt, citric acid and quinine sulfate solutions to evaluate their taste sensation by Whole Mouth Technique. EORTC‐QLQ‐H&N35 questionnaire was used before and after radiotherapy to assess the quality of life. Statistical analysis was done using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, Spearman's Coefficient of Correlation, Paired t‐test, Multiple Ordinary and Multiple Linear Regressions.

Results

Significant changes were observed in concentrations and intensities of different perceived tastes before and after radiotherapy. All patients had dysgeusia after radiotherapy and 72.2% had total taste loss. Impairment was observed mainly in salt and bitter tastes followed by sour and sweet. Subjective dysgeusia reported by 3/4 of the patients, which was correlated with objective taste disorder in terms of different tastes intensity. Age, sex, radiotherapy fractions, dosage and patients level of education had no significant effects on taste alteration. Quality of life was significantly deteriorated after the occurrence of dysgeusia in both total and partial taste losers. None of the aforementioned factors had significant effects on quality of life.

Conclusion

Head and neck radiotherapy causes impairment in taste perception, and life quality is influenced by dysgeusia.
Effects of oral rehydration and external cooling on physiology, perception, and performance in hot, dry climates
Authors: Muñoz C. X. , Carney K. R. , Schick M. K. , Coburn J. W. , Becker A. J. , Judelson D. A.
Published: August 2012

Only limited research evaluates possible benefits of combined drinking and external cooling (by pouring cold water over the body) during exercise. Therefore, this study examined cold water drinking and external cooling on physiological, perceptual, and performance variables in hot, dry environments. Ten male runners completed four trials of walking 90 min at 30% VO2max followed by running a 5‐km time trial in 33 ± 1 °C and 30 ± 4% relative humidity. Trials examined no intervention (CON), oral rehydration (OR), external cooling (EC), and oral rehydration plus external cooling (OR + EC). Investigators measured rectal temperature, skin temperatures, heart rate, thirst, thermal sensation, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). Oral rehydration (OR and OR + EC) significantly lowered heart rate (P < 0.001) and thirst (P < 0.001) compared with nondrinking (CON and EC) during low‐intensity exercise. External cooling (EC and OR + EC) significantly reduced chest and thigh temperature (P < 0.001), thermal sensation (P < 0.001), and RPE (P = 0.041) compared with non‐external cooling (CON and OR) during low‐intensity exercise. Performance exhibited no differences (CON = 23.86 ± 4.57 min, OR = 22.74 ± 3.20 min, EC = 22.96 ± 3.11 min, OR + EC = 22.64 ± 3.73 min, P = 0.379). Independent of OR, pouring cold water on the body benefited skin temperature, thermal sensation, and RPE during low‐intensity exercise in hot, dry conditions but failed to influence high‐intensity performance.
Androgens coordinate neurotransmitter‐related gene expression in male whiptail lizards
Authors: O'Connell L. A. , Mitchell M. M. , Hofmann H. A. , Crews D.
Published: August 2012

Sex steroid hormones coordinate neurotransmitter systems in the male brain to facilitate sexual behavior. Although neurotransmitter release in the male brain has been well documented, little is known about how androgens orchestrate changes in gene expression of neurotransmitter receptors. We used male whiptail lizards (Cnemidophorus inornatus) to investigate how androgens alter neurotransmitter‐related gene expression in brain regions involved in social decision making. We focused on three neurotransmitter systems involved in male‐typical sexual behavior, including the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor, nitric oxide and dopamine receptors. Here, we show that in androgen‐treated males, there are coordinated changes in neurotransmitter‐related gene expression. In androgen‐implanted castrates compared with blank‐implanted castrates (control group), we found associated increases in neuronal nitric oxide synthase gene expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc), preoptic area and ventromedial hypothalamus, a decrease of NR1 gene expression (obligate subunit of NMDA receptors) in the medial amygdaloid area and NAcc and a decrease in D1 and D2 dopamine receptor gene expression in the NAcc. Our results support and expand the current model of androgen‐mediated gene expression changes of neurotransmitter‐related systems that facilitate sexual behavior in males. This also suggests that the proposed evolutionarily ancient reward system that reinforces sexual behavior in amniote vertebrates extends to reptiles.
Efficacy and safety of a new apple‐flavoured oral rehydration solution in children with acute gastroenteritis: a double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pieścik‐Lech Małgorzata , Szymański Henryk , Szajewska Hania
Published: August 2012

Aim:  To assess the efficacy and safety of a new oral rehydration solution (ORS) with improved flavour in the management of children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE).

Methods:  Children 4 to 48 months of age with AGE (≥3 loose or watery stools per day for >1 but <5 days) with mild‐to‐moderate dehydration (3% to 9% loss of body weight) according to the World Health Organization criteria randomly received regular hypotonic ORS (Na 60 mmol/L, glucose 78 mmol/L) or the same hypotonic ORS with an apple taste.

Results:  Of the 147 children randomized, 130 (88.4%) were available for intention‐to‐treat analysis. The proportion of children with the resolution of signs of dehydration in the experimental group compared with the control group was similar at 24 h (49/63 vs. 57/67, respectively, p = 0.28). There were also no significant differences in adequate weight gain (p = 0.48) and urine production at 24 h (p = 0.95) between groups. There were no differences between groups in any of the secondary outcome measures, including ORS intake. No adverse events were observed in the study groups.

Conclusions:  In an outpatient setting, there was no difference in efficacy between the study products. Both ORSs were equally effective and may be used interchangeably.
Socioeconomic, psychological and demographic determinants of Australian baby boomers' financial planning for retirement
Authors: Noone Jack , O'Loughlin Kate , Kendig Hal
Published: August 2012

Aim:  Research from around the Western World has shown that psychological, socioeconomic and demographic factors can influence levels of financial planning. This study aims to determine how these factors interrelate to predict planning outcomes.

Method:  Data from the Ageing Baby Boomers in Australia Study were used to examine the effects of multiple factors on financial planning for 709 employed Australians nearing retirement.

Results:  The results showed that higher income, future time perspective (FTP) and financial knowledge independently predicted levels of retirement planning. The effects of FTP and financial knowledge on financial planning were consistent across levels of socioeconomic status.

Conclusions:  While similar issues in financial planning appeared across socioeconomic status, a ‘one size fits all’ approach to retirement policy may not be effective. Instead, policy should be targeted towards the diverse needs of different groups. Raising public awareness of FTP and financial knowledge may provide a useful starting point.
pH‐dependent structural conformations of B‐phycoerythrin from Porphyridium cruentum
Authors: Camara‐Artigas Ana , Bacarizo Julio , Andujar‐Sanchez Montserrat , Ortiz‐Salmeron Emilia , Mesa‐Valle Concepcion , Cuadri Celia , Martin‐Garcia Jose M. , Martinez‐Rodriguez Sergio , Mazzuca‐Sobczuk Tania , Ibañez Maria J. , Allen James P.
Published: August 2012

B‐phycoerythrin from the red alga Porphyridium cruentum was crystallized using the technique of capillary counter‐diffusion. Crystals belonging to the space group R3 with almost identical unit cell constants and diffracting to 1.85 and 1.70 Å were obtained at pH values of 5 and 8, respectively. The most important difference between structures is the presence of the residue His88α in two different conformations at pH 8. This residue is placed next to the chromophore phycoerythrobilin PEB82α and the new conformation results in the relocation of the hydrogen‐bond network and hydration around PEB82α, which probably contributes to the observed pH dependence of the optical spectrum associated with this chromophore. Comparison with the structures of B‐phycoerythrin from other red algae shows differences in the conformation of the A‐ring of the chromophore PEB139α. This conformational difference in B‐phycoerythrin from P. cruentum enables the formation of several hydrogen bonds that connect PEB139α with the chromophore PEB158β at the (αβ)3 hexamer association interface. The possible influence of these structural differences on the optical spectrum and the ability of the protein to perform energy transfer are discussed, with the two pH‐dependent conformations of His88α and PEB82α being proposed as representing critical structural features that are correlated with the pH dependence of the optical spectrum and transient optical states during energy transfer.

Database

Structural data have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession numbers 3V58 and 3V57.

Structured digital abstract

B‐phycoerythrin beta and B‐phycoerythrin alpha bind by x‐ray crystallography (View interaction)
Homeodomain‐containing protein HOXB9 regulates expression of growth and angiogenic factors, facilitates tumor growth in vitro and is overexpressed in breast cancer tissue
Authors: Shrestha Bishakha , Ansari Khairul I. , Bhan Arunoday , Kasiri Sahba , Hussain Imran , Mandal Subhrangsu S.
Published: August 2012

HOXB9 is a homeobox‐containing gene and is critical for the development of mammary gland and sternum. HOXB9 is also regulated by estrogen and is critical for angiogenesis. We investigated the biochemical roles of HOXB9 and its homeodomain in cell‐cycle progression and tumorigenesis. Our studies demonstrated that HOXB9 is overexpressed in breast cancer tissue. HOXB9 overexpression stimulated 3D formation in soft agar assay. HOXB9 binds to the promoters of various tumor growth and angiogenic factors and regulates their expression. The homeodomain of HOXB9 plays crucial roles in transcriptional regulation of tumor growth factors and also in 3D colony formation, indicating crucial roles of the HOXB9 homeodomain in tumorigenesis. Overall, we demonstrated that HOXB9 is a critical regulator of tumor growth factors and is associated with tumorigenesis.
Requirement of lid2 for interfacial activation of a family I.3 lipase with unique two lid structures
Authors: Cheng Maria , Angkawidjaja Clement , Koga Yuichi , Kanaya Shigenori
Published: August 2012

A family I.3 lipase from Pseudomonas sp. MIS38 (PML) is characterized by the presence of two lids (lid1 and lid2) that greatly change conformation upon substrate binding. While lid1 represents the commonly known lid in lipases, lid2 is unique to PML and other family I.3 lipases. To clarify the role of lid2 in PML, a lid2 deletion mutant (ΔL2‐PML) was constructed by deleting residues 35–64 of PML. ΔL2‐PML requires calcium ions for both lipase and esterase activities as does PML, suggesting that it exhibits activity only when lid1 is fully open and anchored by the catalytically essential calcium ion, as does PML. However, when the enzymatic activity was determined using triacetin, the activity of PML exponentially increased as the substrate concentration reached and increased beyond the critical micellar concentration, while that of ΔL2‐PML did not. These results indicate that PML undergoes interfacial activation, while ΔL2‐PML does not. The activities of ΔL2‐PML for long‐chain triglycerides significantly decreased while its activity for fatty acid ethyl esters increased, compared with those of PML. Comparison of the tertiary models of ΔL2‐PML in a closed and open conformation, which are optimized by molecular dynamics simulation, with the crystal structures of PML suggests that the hydrophobic surface area provided by lid1 and lid2 in an open conformation is considerably decreased by the deletion of lid2. We propose that the hydrophobic surface area provided by these lids is necessary to hold the micellar substrates firmly to the active site and therefore lid2 is required for interfacial activation of PML.

Database

Triacylglycerol lipase (EC 3.1.1.3)
Doing Good at Work Feels Good at Home, but Not Right Away: When and Why Perceived Prosocial Impact Predicts Positive Affect
Authors: Sonnentag Sabine , Grant Adam M.
Published: August 2012

When and why does the experience of helping others at work spill over into positive affect at home? This paper presents a within‐person examination of the association between perceived prosocial impact at work and positive affect at home, as well as the psychological mechanisms that mediate this relationship. Sixty‐eight firefighters and rescue workers completed electronic diaries twice a day over the course of 1 working week. Random‐coefficient modeling showed that perceived prosocial impact predicted positive affect at bedtime. This relationship was mediated by perceived competence at the end of the working day and positive work reflection during after‐work hours but not by positive affect at the end of the working day. The findings demonstrate that the experience of helping others at work has delayed emotional benefits at home that appear to be channeled through the cognitive mechanisms of perceived competence and reflection rather than through an immediate affective boost.
Evidence for the Effectiveness of an Alternative Multisource Performance Rating Methodology
Authors: Hoffman Brian J. , Gorman C. Allen , Blair Carrie A. , Meriac John P. , Overstreet Benjamin , Atchley E. Kate
Published: August 2012

Despite persistent concerns as to the quality of performance information obtained from multisource performance ratings (MSPRs), little research has sought ways to improve the psychometric properties of MSPRs. Borrowing from past methodologies designed to improve performance ratings, we present a new method of presenting items in MSPRs, frame‐of‐reference scales (FORS), and test the efficacy of this method in a field and lab study. The field study used confirmatory factor analysis to compare the FORS to traditional rating scales and revealed that FORS are associated with increased variance due to dimensions, decreased overlap among dimensions, and decreased error. The laboratory study compared rating accuracy associated with FORS relative to frame‐of‐reference training (FORT) and a control group and demonstrated that FORS are associated with higher levels of accuracy than the control group and similar levels of accuracy as FORT. Implications for the design and implementation of FORS are discussed.
Analysis of expressed sequence tags derived from pea leaves infected by Peronospora viciae f. sp. pisi
Authors: Feng J. , Chang K.F. , Hwang S.F. , Strelkov S.E. , Conner R.L. , Gossen B.D. , McLaren D.L. , Chen Y.Y.
Published: August 2012

A cDNA library was constructed from field pea leaves infected by the downy mildew pathogen, Peronospora viciae f. sp. pisi, using a suppression subtractive hybridisation approach. The library consists of 399 expressed sequence tags, from which 207 unisequences were obtained after sequence assembly. Of the unisequences, six were shown to be of Peronospora viciae f. sp. pisi origin. The remaining unisequences were subjected to gene ontology analysis and their functions were predicted in silico. Eleven of these unisequences (representing 24 clones) shared significant sequence similarities with Arabidopsis genes known to be involved in downy mildew resistance, including the well‐characterised genes RPP5, RPP6 and RPP27. Expression analysis of five selected unisequences by real‐time PCR indicated that all five were up‐regulated during downy mildew pathogenesis, suggesting a significant role for these genes in the host response to downy mildew infection.
Does cypermethrin affect enzyme activity, respiration rate and walking behavior of the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais)?
Authors: Von Santos Veloso Ronnie , Pereira Eliseu José G. , Guedes Raul Narciso C. , Oliveira Maria Goreti A.
Published: August 2012

Insecticides cause a range of sub‐lethal effects on targeted insects, which are frequently detrimental to them. However, targeted insects are able to cope with insecticides within sub‐lethal ranges, which vary with their susceptibility. Here we assessed the response of three strains of the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to sub‐lethal exposure to the pyrethoid insecticide cypermethrin. We expected enzyme induction associated with cypermethrin resistance since it would aid the resistant insects in surviving such exposure. Lower respiration rate and lower activity were also expected in insecticide‐resistant insects since these traits are also likely to favor survivorship under insecticide exposure. Curiously though, cypermethrin did not affect activity of digestive and energy metabolism enzymes, and even reduced the activity of some enzymes (particularly for cellulase and cysteine‐proteinase activity in this case). There was strain variation in response, which may be (partially) related to insecticide resistance in some strains. Sub‐lethal exposure to cypermethrin depressed proteolytic and mainly cellulolytic activity in the exposed insects, which is likely to impair their fitness. However, such exposure did not affect respiration rate and walking behavior of the insects (except for the susceptible strain where walking activity was reduced). Walking activity varies with strain and may minimize insecticide exposure, which should be a concern, particularly if associated with (physiological) insecticide resistance.
Rights of Public Access for Outdoor Recreation: What Does the Public Know?
Authors: WILSON JUDE , BOOTH KAY , CURRY NIGEL
Published: August 2012

This study addresses the public's perceptions of their access rights to the New Zealand countryside for outdoor recreation. An interviewer‐administered questionnaire survey of 300 Christchurch residents investigated people's knowledge of their access rights, perceptions of access mechanisms, the availability of access information and their experiences of gaining access to land. Whilst individuals are aware of their rights in a general sense, and feel confident they know where they can go, their level of knowledge was found to be low. Findings indicate that knowledge of access rights exerts a strong influence over where people recreate.
Complexity‐reduced in the hydroclimatological modelling of aquifer's discharge
Authors: Diodato Nazzareno , Fiorillo Francesco
Published: August 2012

Climate variability induces considerable interannual fluctuations in spring discharge, especially in mountain areas, where groundwater is recharged mainly by rain and snow melt. This study presents the discharge climatological model (DISCLIM), which was developed to test a complexity‐reduced approach to perform historical reconstruction in the lack of physical assumptions. The Mount Cervialto aquifer (Southern Italy) is the test site, where a powerful karst spring is monitored since the 1920s and is very sensitive to climatic conditions. DISCLIM incorporates seasonal precipitation and climate indicators only. Despite its simplicity, DISCLIM has been able to well estimate the yearly fluctuations of discharge hydrological, explaining about 90% of the interannual variability at the calibration stage, and more than 80% at validation stage. This means that DISCLIM can be easily used for estimating the discharge in historical times, when no all the hydrological balance data are available for the purpose.
Daily streamflow modelling using autoregressive moving average and artificial neural networks models: case study ofÇoruh basin,Turkey
Authors: Can İbrahim , Tosunoğlu Fatih , Kahya Ercan
Published: August 2012

Streamflow modelling is a quite important issue for water resources system planning and management projects, such as dam construction, reservoir operation and flood control. This study demonstrates the application of artificial neural networks (ANN) and autoregressive moving average (ARMA) models for modelling daily streamflow inÇoruh basin,Turkey, where there are numerous highly critical power plants either under construction or being projected. Daily streamflow records from nine gauging stations located in the basin were used in this study. In the first phase of our study,ANNandARMAmodels were obtained using daily streamflow. In the second phase, 100 synthetic streamflow series were generated using previously determinedANNandARMAmodels in order to ensure the preservation of main statistical characteristics of the historical time series. The results have showed that the historical time series have similar statistical parameters to those of the generated time series at 95% confidence level.
Pollution source control by water utilities – characterisation and implications for water management: research results from England and Wales
Authors: Spiller Marc , McIntosh Brian S. , Seaton Roger A. F. , Jeffrey Paul
Published: August 2012

The treatment of agriculturally polluted water to potable standards is costly for water companies. Changes in agricultural practice can reduce these costs while also meeting the objectives of European Union (EU) environmental legislation. In this paper, the uptake of source control interventions (SCIs) by water and sewage companies in England and Wales as a means of controlling agricultural pollution is investigated. Data were gathered using semistructured interviews with water and sewage company representatives. Interview data were processed using thematic and content analysis. Results showed that SCIs are increasingly being adopted in England and Wales. Of the four types of SCI identified, the so‐called ‘Liaison’ type dominated. This type of intervention requires intermediary organisations with local expertise in water catchments. Differences in pollution source control between EU countries, and England and Wales are examined. Evidence indicated that ‘Liaison’ SCI
s types may be more prevalent in countries where water supplies are privatised.
Unintentional Injury, Psychological Distress and Depressive Symptoms: Is There an Association for Rural Australians?
Authors: Fragar Lyn , Inder Kerry J. , Kelly Brian J. , Coleman Clare , Perkins David , Lewin Terry J.
Published: August 2012

Purpose: To investigate the association between unintentional injury and mental health in Australian rural communities.

Methods: Using cross‐sectional baseline data for a longitudinal study from randomly selected adults in nonmetropolitan Australia, we fitted logistic regression models for the outcomes of domestic or public setting injury and injury in high‐risk settings, using prior depression and demographic factors. OR and 99% CI were reported and also calculated for current mental health including psychological distress, depressive symptoms and risky alcohol consumption, comparing those injured with those not.

Findings: Of 2,639 participants who completed the injury component, 364 (13.8%) reported injury requiring treatment from a doctor or a hospitalization in the previous 12 months. Of those requiring treatment or hospitalization, 147 (40.4%) reported being injured in a domestic or public setting and 207 (56.9%) in a high‐risk setting. The most common types and mechanisms of injury were sprains and strains, and falls, trips and slips, respectively. Preinjury depression was independently associated with unintentional injury in a domestic or public setting. Being injured in this setting was associated with double the odds of experiencing current depressive symptoms. The likelihood of a high‐risk setting injury was significantly associated with male gender. High‐risk setting injury was associated with current psychological distress and higher levels of alcohol usage.

Conclusions: This study supports the hypothesis that pre‐existing depression is associated with unintentional injury in a rural sample and indicates the important role of prior depression in management of injury, given the high rate of injury in rural communities. Mechanisms by which prior depression increases likelihood of unintentional injury will be further investigated using longitudinal data.
“Fault‐line of an Earthquake”: A Qualitative Examination of Barriers and Facilitators to Colorectal Cancer Screening in Rural, Eastern North Carolina
Authors: Jilcott Pitts Stephanie B. , Lea C. Suzanne , May Carrie L. , Stowe Chelsea , Hamill Dana J. , Walker Kelcy T. , Fitzgerald Timothy L.
Published: August 2012

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality and disparately affects rural, low‐income and minority individuals. Thus, to inform effective interventions and policies to increase screening rates and thus ameliorate CRC disparities, this study's purpose was to examine barriers and facilitators to CRC screening among low‐income, rural eastern North Carolina residents.

Methods: We conducted 4 focus group discussions in October and November 2011, among a convenience sample of eastern North Carolina residents (n = 45). The focus group discussion guide included open‐ended questions about barriers and facilitators to CRC screening. Discussions were audio recorded and then transcribed verbatim. A codebook listing codes and operational definitions was developed by 2 research team members, who then iteratively and independently double‐coded all transcripts. Nvivo (version 9, QSR International Pty Ltd, Doncaster, Victoria, Australia) was used to manage data. Themes were extracted based upon depth and frequency of mention.

Findings: Major barriers to CRC screening included the high cost of tests and follow‐up care, fear of the test itself (colonoscopy), fear of cancer diagnosis, and fear of burdening family members. Violation (among men) and embarrassment (among women) were also barriers. Facilitators included doctor's recommendation, symptoms, support from family and friends, and the desire to live a long and healthy life. Intervention ideas included free tests with information and resources for follow‐up care as needed.

Conclusion: Understanding barriers and facilitators to CRC screening can assist clinicians and public health practitioners in designing effective interventions to reduce CRC disparities.
The Financial Performance of Rural Hospitals and Implications for Elimination of the Critical Access Hospital Program
Authors: Holmes George M. , Pink George H. , Friedman Sarah A.
Published: August 2012

Purpose: To compare the financial performance of rural hospitals with Medicare payment provisions to those paid under prospective payment and to estimate the financial consequences of elimination of the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) program.

Methods: Financial data for 2004‐2010 were collected from the Healthcare Cost Reporting Information System (HCRIS) for rural hospitals. HCRIS data were used to calculate measures of the profitability, liquidity, capital structure, and financial strength of rural hospitals. Linear mixed models accounted for the method of Medicare reimbursement, time trends, hospital, and market characteristics. Simulations were used to estimate profitability of CAHs if they reverted to prospective payment.

Findings: CAHs generally had lower unadjusted financial performance than other types of rural hospitals, but after adjustment for hospital characteristics, CAHs had generally higher financial performance.

Conclusions: Special payment provisions by Medicare to rural hospitals are important determinants of financial performance. In particular, the financial condition of CAHs would be worse if they were paid under prospective payment.
Screening of ragdoll cats for kidney ‐disease: a retrospective evaluation
Authors: Paepe D. , Saunders J. H. , Bavegems V. , Paes G. , Peelman L. J. , Makay C. , Daminet S.
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of renal abnormalities in ragdoll cats. Ragdoll breeders often warn clients to watch for future renal problems, mainly due to chronic interstitial nephritis and polycystic kidney disease. Therefore, ragdoll screening by abdominal ultrasonography, measurement of serum creatinine and urea concentrations and genetic testing is often performed without documented scientific evidence of increased risk of renal disease.

Methods

Retrospective evaluation of ragdoll screening for renal disease at one institution over an eight‐year period.

Results

Renal ultrasonography was performed in 244 healthy ragdoll cats. Seven cats were positive for polycystic kidney disease, 21 were suspected to have chronic kidney disease, 8 had abnormalities of unknown significance and 2 cats had only one visible kidney. Cats suspected to have chronic kidney disease were significantly older and had significantly higher serum urea and creatinine concentrations than cats with normal renal ultrasonography. All 125 genetically tested cats were negative for polycystic kidney disease. However, only one of the seven ultrasonographically positive cats underwent genetic testing for polycystic kidney disease.

Clinical Significance

Ultrasonographic findings compatible with chronic kidney disease were observed in almost 10% of cats, and polycystic kidney disease occurred at a low prevalence (<3%) in this ragdoll population. Further studies are required to elucidate if ragdoll cats are predisposed to chronic kidney disease.
Pedicle ligation in ovariohysterectomy: an in vitro study of ligation techniques
Authors: Leitch B. J. , Bray J. P. , Kim N. J. G. , Cann B. , Lopez‐Vilalobos N.
Published: August 2012

Objectives

Ligature failure is an important complication following ovariohysterectomy in the bitch. The aim of this study was to assess the differences between five individual ligation techniques in their ability to attenuate a bulky vascular model.

Methods

A vascular model was constructed that enabled the occlusive ability of five different ligation techniques to be measured including the square knot, surgeon's knot, slip knot, modified transfixing ligature and the single‐double other side knot. Each was constructed using bothUSP‐0 polyglyconate and polyglactin 910 suture material. The extent of attenuation of the vascular model that was achieved by each technique was assessed using pressure transducers.

Results

In this model, the slip knot, modified transfixing ligature and the single‐double other side knot outperformed the square and surgeon's knots.

Clinical Significance

The results of this study suggest that utilising a knot design that has more inherent resistance to slippage of the first throw (e.g. the modified transfixing ligature, slip or single‐double other side knots) may be preferable over square and surgeon's knots when tying a ligature on a bulky vascular pedicle like the ovarian stump in a large bitch.
Modification in Body Fat Content and Fatty Acid Profile of Wild Yellow Shortfin Eel, Anguilla australis, through Short‐term Fattening
Authors: Hirt‐Chabbert Jorge A. , Young Owen A.
Published: August 2012

Wild‐catch eels with low fat content are either not accepted at all or accepted as a lower‐quality and less valuable product in the global eel market. This study was undertaken with the goal of increasing the fat content of yellow shortfin eel, Anguilla australis (104 ± 11 g initial weight), captured in the wild and kept in captivity for a short period, as well as assessing their rate of growth. An 86‐d feeding trial was conducted indoors in a recirculation aquaculture system, at 25.5 ± 1.6 C. Two commercial extruded dry feeds were tested; one formulated for European eel and one not specifically intended for use on eels. Good values of specific growth rate (1.10 and 1.12%/d) and feed conversion ratio (1.01 and 1.10) were achieved with both tested feeds. At the end of the trial, eels achieved 20–22% total fat, starting from wild fish with 7% fat content. Fat quality of the fattened eel was appreciably superior (higher proportion of omega‐3 fatty acids) than the fat of eels captured in the wild. The results of this study are encouraging for the prospect of fattening yellow shortfin eels and obtaining a market‐oriented eel product.
Experimental Infection of Four Aquacultured Species with Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus Type IVb
Authors: Groocock Geoffrey H. , Frattini Stephen A. , Cornwell Emily R. , Coffee Laura L. , Wooster Gregory A. , Getchell Rodman G. , Bowser Paul R.
Published: August 2012

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) is the etiologic agent of a disease of great concern to aquaculture. We performed experimental infections with intraperitoneal VHSV IVb injections at 106 pfu/fish in four species: tiger muskellunge, ♂Esox lucius×♀Esox masquinongy; Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar; channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus; and walleye, Sander vitreus. The fish were thermal shocked concurrent with infection to cause immunosuppression and increase the probability of eliciting disease. Each species was observed for morbidity and mortality and periodic samples taken. Virus was detected using virus isolation and real‐time quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Histopathology confirmed lesions in tiger muskellunge and Atlantic salmon, and immunohistochemistry showed virus associated with some lesions. Tiger muskellunge were highly susceptible to VHSV IVb, and high viral levels were detected in exposed fish. A single mortality was observed in exposed Atlantic salmon with a short viral replication period. Channel catfish and walleye were resistant to developing clinical signs of VHS. The results show that these species vary in the development of VHS under these conditions, and qRT‐PCR testing enabled virus detection in subclinically affected fish. Basic concordance statistics between the qRT‐PCR test results and the virus isolation results were evaluated.
The Use of Farmed Salmon Oil to Replace Anchovy Oil in Diet of Turbot, Psetta maxima, Reared in Brackish Water
Authors: Sevgi̇li̇ Hüseyi̇n , Kurtoğlu Adem , Oikawa Masahiko , Mefut Ahmet , Süyek Rizvan
Published: August 2012

This study was conducted to determine the effects of the use of farmed salmon oil (FSO) as a substitute for anchovy oil (AO) on growth and nutrient utilization performance, and proximate and fatty acid compositions of turbot, Psetta maxima. Two fish oil sources, AO and FSO, were incorporated into the diet at a level of 6.77% and fed to turbot with an initial average weight of 266.25 ± 0.53 g in brackish water for 9 wks. Each diet was tested in four replicates and fed to apparent satiation twice a day. At the end of the experiment, data of growth and nutrient utilization performances (feed conversion ratio, nitrogen, lipid and energy intakes, gains, and retentions), and organo‐somatic indices were similar between the dietary oil sources. Likewise, there were no significant differences in final whole body proximate compositions between two treatments. However, AO and FSO diets significantly affected whole body fatty acids and fatty acids classes. Briefly, FSO fish was characterized with higher n‐6 poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) mainly 18:2n‐6 whereas AO fish with higher n‐3 PUFA and highly unsaturated fatty acids mainly 22:6n‐3. The whole body fatty acid profile reflected that of the diets. It is concluded that incorporation of FSO instead of AO in turbot diets supports similar growth and nutrient utilization performances but change whole body fatty acid profile.
Knowledge, attitude, and practices about the seasonal influenza vaccination among healthcare workers in Srinagar, India
Authors: Bali Nargis K. , Ashraf M. , Ahmad Feroze , Khan Umar H. , Widdowson Marc‐Alain , Lal Renu B. , Koul Parvaiz A.
Published: August 2012

Please cite this paper as: Bali NK et al. (2012) Knowledge, attitude, and practices about the seasonal influenza vaccination among healthcare workers in Srinagar, India. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(4), 540–545.

Background  Healthcare workers (HCWs) universally have a poor uptake of influenza vaccination. However, no data are available from India.

Objective  To explore knowledge, attitudes, and practices associated with influenza vaccination in HCWs in a temperate climate area in northern India.

Patients and Methods  A self‐administered questionnaire was offered to all HCWs in three major hospitals of Srinagar and information sought on motivations, perceptions, preferences and practices regarding influenza vaccination.

Results  Of the 1750 questionnaires received, 1421 (81%) were returned. Only 62 (4·4%) HCWs had ever received influenza vaccination even as 1348 (95%) believed that influenza poses adverse potential consequences for themselves or their contacts; 1144 (81%) were aware of a vaccine against influenza and 830 (58%) of its local availability. Reasons cited by 1359 participants for not being vaccinated included ignorance about vaccine availability (435; 32%), skepticism about efficacy (248; 18%), busy schedule (166; 12%), fear of side effects (70; 4%), and a perception of not being‐at‐risk (82; 6%). Sixty‐one percent (865) believed that vaccine programs are motivated by profit. Eighty‐eight percent opined for mandatory vaccination for HCWs caring for the high‐risk patients, as a part of ‘employee health program’. Most of the participants intended to get vaccinated in the current year even as 684 (48%) held that vaccines could cause unknown illness and 444 (31%) believed their adverse effects to be underreported.

Conclusion  Influenza vaccination coverage among HCWs is dismally low in Srinagar; poor knowledge of vaccine availability and misperceptions about vaccine effectiveness, fear of adverse effects and obliviousness to being‐at‐risk being important barriers. Multifaceted, adaptable measures need to be invoked urgently to increase the coverage.