bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalytic Infrared and Hot Air Dehydration of Carrot Slices
Authors: Wu Bengang , Ma Haile , Qu Wenjuan , Wang Bei , Zhang Xin , Wang Peilan , Wang Juan , Atungulu Griffiths G. , Pan Zhongli
Published: February 2014

This study investigated the drying and quality characteristics of carrot slices under catalytic infrared (CIR) and hot air (HA) heating. Carrot slices with thicknesses of 3, 5 and 7 mm were dried at temperatures of 60, 70 and 80C with both methods. CIR had higher drying rates, shorter drying times and greater effective diffusivities than HA before the moisture contents reached the range of 16–30% on a wet basis (w.b.). The total drying times required by CIR to reach the final moisture content was 60% less than HA. The effective diffusivities were in the range of 2.38–10.30 × 10−9m2s−1 for CIR drying and 1.43–5.50 × 10−9m2s−1 for HA drying. Results revealed that carrot slices dried with CIR, particularly at 60 and 70C, had better rehydration characteristics than the samples dried with HA. Thickness had a significant impact on overall color change of carrot slices. The obtained correlation coefficient (R2) and root mean square error values indicated that the Midilli model was the best for predicting the moisture ratio change kinetics of carrot slices for both drying processes.

Practical Applications

These results indicate that CIR drying is an effective method to obtain high‐quality products. This paper was to optimize the CIR and HA process of carrot slices. The significance of this research can improve the drying efficiency of CIR in carrot slices. Throughout the trial, the production‐scale CIR dryer was used, which means that the CIR process can provide technological support to produce dried carrot slices. In addition, it also provides a reference using sequential CIR drying and HA drying for carrot slices.
Gender differences in dietary intakes: what is the contribution of motivational variables?
Authors: Leblanc V. , Bégin C. , Corneau L. , Dodin S. , Lemieux S.
Published: February 2014

Background

Differences between men and women with respect to dietary intakes and eating behaviours have been reported and could be explained by gender differences in motivational variables associated with the regulation of food intake. The main objectives of the present study were to identify gender differences in dietary intakes, eating behaviours and motivational variables and to determine how motivational variables were associated with dietary intakes and eating behaviours in men and women.

Methods

Sixty‐four men and 59 premenopausal women were included in the present study and presented cardiovascular risk factors. The Regulation of Eating Behaviours scale was completed to assess motivational variables. A validated food frequency questionnaire was administered to evaluate dietary intakes and subjects completed the Three‐Factor Eating questionnaire to assess eating behaviours.

Results

Men had higher energy intake, energy density and percentage of energy from lipids and lower percentage of energy from carbohydrates than women (P ≤ 0.04). Men also had a lower emotional susceptibility to disinhibition than women (P = 0.0001). Women reported a higher score for eating‐related self‐determined motivation [i.e. eating‐related self‐determination index (SDI)] than men (P = 0.002). The most notable gender difference in the pattern of associations was that eating‐related SDI was negatively associated with energy density (r = −0.30; P = 0.02), only in women.

Conclusions

Women had a better dietary profile and higher eating‐related SDI than men. However, gender differences in dietary variables might be explained by a potential gender‐specific pattern of association of eating‐related SDI with dietary intakes and eating behaviours.
Patients' preferences for nutrition‐related health outcomes in liver disease: a preliminary study using an electronic questionnaire
Authors: Nowson Gemma K. , Madden Angela M.
Published: February 2014

Background

Patients with liver disease frequently have nutritional problems but intervening to improve these is challenging. Healthcare interventions that respond to patients' needs are associated with better health outcomes but no studies investigating patients' preferences for nutrition‐related outcomes in liver disease have been published. The present study aimed to identify nutrition‐related health outcomes that are important to patients with liver disease.

Methods

An electronic questionnaire was devised and reviewed by patients and dietitians with relevant experience. It comprised a Likert scale and open questions focussing on six domains considered pertinent to patients with liver disease. An invitation to participate was posted on the website of a national liver charity and sent to liver patient support groups.

Results

Fifty‐one patients participated (22 men and 29 women). Responses indicated a wide range of preferred nutrition‐related outcomes, with those identified as very important most frequently focussing on gaining knowledge about which foods to eat more or less of, as well as on understanding why nutrition is important in liver disease. Women tended to score outcomes as more important than did men. Participants who considered themselves overweight scored outcomes on body size and shape as more important than those with other nutritional problems. Additional outcomes were identified and included an increased knowledge of healthy eating, interactions between medication and food, and supplementation.

Conclusions

The present study identified a wide range of nutrition‐related outcomes that were important to this small sample of patients with liver disease and these may be useful to guide the direction of future nutrition‐related management.
Resting metabolic rate and anthropometry in older people: a comparison of measured and calculated values
Authors: Reidlinger D. P. , Willis J. M. , Whelan K.
Published: February 2014

Background

Accurate assessment of energy expenditure and anthropometry in older people is important for targeted nutritional support. The present study aimed to compare measured and calculated resting metabolic rate (m‐RMR and c‐RMR) and measured, calculated and estimated weight and height in older people aged ≥70 years.

Methods

Participants were healthy older people aged ≥70 years. Indirect calorimetry using a ventilated hood calorimeter was performed for 30 min on fasted participants, and was compared with c‐RMR, as calculated using six commonly used equations. Measured, calculated and estimated height and weight were compared.

Results

Subjects comprised 14 males and 20 females and mean (SD) m‐RMR was 5243 (845) kJ day−1 [1253 (202) kcal day−1]. The Mifflin St‐Jeor equation was the most consistently accurate, with the smallest mean difference between m‐RMR and c‐RMR of 58 (553) kJ day−1 [14 (132) kcal day−1] and c‐RMR was within 10% of m‐RMR in the greatest number of participants (n = 24; 70%). The Schofield equation was among the least accurate in this age group. In older males, self‐reported height and weight were accurate, whereas, in females or those unable to self‐report height, ulna length was the most accurate alternative to measured height.

Conclusions

Current equations used to calculate RMR in older people have inaccuracies, although the Mifflin St‐Jeor equation was most accurate. Future studies should investigate the validity, reliability, cost and practicality of using fat free mass as an item in novel equations to calculate RMR in this age group. Self‐reported height and weight in males, and height calculated from ulna length in females, were the most accurate alternatives to measured values in the present study.
Recent progress in polar metabolite quantification in plants using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Zhiqian , Rochfort Simone
Published: February 2014

Metabolite analysis or metabolomics is an important component of systems biology in the post‐genomic era. Although separate liquid chromatography (LC) methods for quantification of the major classes of polar metabolites of plants have been available for decades, a single method that enables simultaneous determination of hundreds of polar metabolites is possible only with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) techniques. The rapid expansion of new LC stationary phases in the market and the ready access of mass spectrometry in many laboratories provides an excellent opportunity for developing LC–MS based methods for multi‐target quantification of polar metabolites. Although various LC–MS methods have been developed over the last 10 years with the aim to quantify one or more classes of polar compounds in different matrices, currently there is no consensus LC–MS method that is widely used in plant metabolomics studies. The most promising methods applicable to plant metabolite analysis will be reviewed in this paper and the major problems encountered highlighted. The aim of this review is to provide plant scientists, with limited to moderate experience in analytical chemistry, with up‐to‐date and simplified information regarding the current status of polar metabolite analysis using LC–MS techniques.
Consistency between research and clinical diagnoses of autism among boys and girls with fragile X syndrome
Authors: Klusek J. , Martin G. E. , Losh M.
Published: February 2014

Background

Prior research suggests that 60–74% of males and 16–45% of females with fragile X syndrome (FXS) meet criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in research settings. However, relatively little is known about the rates of clinical diagnoses in FXS and whether such diagnoses are consistent with those performed in a research setting using gold standard diagnostic tools.

Method

This study explored whether boys and girls with FXS met criteria for ASD in a research setting using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised (ADI‐R), and then compared these data with the frequency of parent‐reported clinical diagnoses. We also examined child and family characteristics as potential diagnostic predictors across settings. Participants included 35 females and 51 males with FXS (mean age: 10 years), who were from Eastern and Midwestern regions of the USA.

Results

About half of the children met criteria for ASD on either the ADOS or ADI‐R, with ASD occurring three times more frequently in males than females (∼75% vs. ∼25%). In contrast, ∼25% of participants of both genders had received a clinical diagnosis of ASD. While cognitive and language skills predicted diagnostic outcome on the ADOS and ADI‐R, these skills did not predict clinical diagnoses. Executive functions predicted clinical diagnoses, but not diagnoses per the ADOS or ADI‐R.

Conclusions

ASD in FXS may be under‐diagnosed in clinical/educational settings, which raises questions regarding access to ASD‐related services.
Differential Expression of RFamide‐Related Peptide, a Mammalian Gonadotrophin‐Inhibitory Hormone Orthologue, and Kisspeptin in the Hypothalamus of Abadeh Ecotype Does During Breeding and Anoestrous Seasons
Authors: Jafarzadeh Shirazi M. R. , Zamiri M. J. , Salehi M. S. , Moradi S. , Tamadon A. , Namavar M. R. , Akhlaghi A. , Tsutsui K. , Caraty A.
Published: February 2014

Gonadotrophin‐inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is a novel hypothalamic neuropeptide that was discovered in birds as an inhibitory factor for gonadotrophin release. RFamide‐related peptide (RFRP) is a mammalian GnIH orthologue that inhibits gonadotrophin synthesis and release in mammals through actions on gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones and gonadotrophs, mediated via the GnIH receptor (GnIH‐R), GPR147. On the other hand, hypothalamic kisspeptin provokes the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus. The present study aimed to compare the expression of RFRP in the dorsomedial hypothalamus and paraventricular nucleus (DMH/PVN) and that of kisspeptin in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the female goat hypothalamus during anoestrous and breeding seasons. Mature female Abadeh does were used during anoestrus, as well as the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle. The number of RFRP‐immunoreactive (‐IR) neurones in the follicular phase was lower than in the luteal and anoestrous stages. Irrespective of the ovarian stage, the number of RFRP‐IR neurones in the rostral and middle regions of the DMH/PVN was higher than in the caudal region. By contrast, the number of kisspeptin‐IR neurones in the follicular stage was greater than in the luteal stage and during the anoestrous stage. Irrespective of the stage of the ovarian cycle, the number of kisspeptin‐IR neurones in the caudal region of the ARC was greater than in the middle and rostral regions. In conclusion, RFRP‐IR cells were more abundant in the rostral region of the DMH/PVN nuclei of the hypothalamus, with a greater number being found during the luteal and anoestrous stages compared to the follicular stage. On the other hand, kisspeptin‐IR neurones were more abundant in the caudal part of the ARC, with a greater number recorded in the follicular stage compared to the luteal and anoestrous stages.
Effects of exogenous surfactant on the non‐heart‐beating donor lung graft in experimental lung transplantation – a stereological study
Authors: Herrmann Gudrun , Knudsen Lars , Madershahian Navid , Mühlfeld Christian , Frank Konrad , Rahmanian Parwis , Wahlers Thorsten , Wittwer Thorsten , Ochs Matthias
Published: February 2014

The use of non‐heart‐beating donor (NHBD) lungs may help to overcome the shortage of lung grafts in clinical lung transplantation, but warm ischaemia and ischaemia/reperfusion injury (I/R injury) resulting in primary graft dysfunction represent a considerable threat. Thus, better strategies for optimized preservation of lung grafts are urgently needed. Surfactant dysfunction has been shown to contribute to I/R injury, and surfactant replacement therapy is effective in enhancing lung function and structural integrity in related rat models. In the present study we hypothesize that surfactant replacement therapy reduces oedema formation in a pig model of NHBD lung transplantation. Oedema formation was quantified with (SF) and without (non‐SF) surfactant replacement therapy in interstitial and alveolar compartments by means of design‐based stereology in NHBD lungs 7 h after cardiac arrest, reperfusion and transplantation. A sham‐operated group served as control. In both NHBD groups, nearly all animals died within the first hours after transplantation due to right heart failure. Both SF and non‐SF developed an interstitial oedema of similar degree, as shown by an increase in septal wall volume and arithmetic mean thickness as well as an increase in the volume of peribron‐chovascular connective tissue. Regarding intra‐alveolar oedema, no statistically significant difference could be found between SF and non‐SF. In conclusion, surfactant replacement therapy cannot prevent poor outcome after prolonged warm ischaemia of 7 h in this model. While the beneficial effects of surfactant replacement therapy have been observed in several experimental and clinical studies related to heart‐beating donor lungs and cold ischaemia, it is unlikely that surfactant replacement therapy will overcome the shortage of organs in the context of prolonged warm ischaemia, for example, 7 h. Moreover, our data demonstrate that right heart function and dysfunctions of the pulmonary vascular bed are limiting factors that need to be addressed in NHBD.
Increased expression of MUC‐1 has close relation with patient survivor in high‐grade salivary gland mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Authors: Siyi Li , Shengwen Liu , Min Ruan , Wenjun Yang , Lizheng Wang , Chenping Zhang
Published: February 2014

Purpose

High‐grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is an infrequent malignant neoplasm originates most commonly in the salivary glands with poor prognosis. Thus far, there is little knowledge on MUC‐1 expression in high‐grade MEC or how it may relate to patient survival. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of MUC‐1 expression in high‐grade MEC and correlate expression with clinic outcome.

Methods

Surgical specimens from 62 cases of primary high‐grade MEC and 10 cases of normal salivary gland tissue were examined by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between MUC‐1 expression and the clinicopathological data and patient survival was analyzed.

Results

The disease‐free survival rates were 54.6% (3 years) and 37.7% (5 years) for high‐grade MEC patients. Patient who with primary location at submandibular gland have the worst prognosis (P = 0.042) in comparing with other sites. High expression of MUC‐1 in high‐grade MEC was significantly correlated with lymphatic/regional metastasis (P = 0.003) and clinic stage (P = 0.02), and high expression of MUC‐1 (>75%) was confirmed to be significant independent prognostic factors in high‐grade MEC patients [HR 2.929 (95% CI 1.246–6.881); P < 0.0137].

Conclusions

The findings suggest that high levels of MUC‐1 expression may be a potential marker for worse outcome in high‐grade MEC and could be used as a new molecule target to improve outcomes for these patients in the future.
Residential Mobility and Change and Continuity in Parenting Processes
Authors: Gillespie Brian Joseph
Published: February 2014

This research investigates the association between residential mobility and changes in parenting style and parental monitoring using panel data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 on adolescents aged 14–18 (N = 2,631). Logistic and multinomial logistic regression results indicate that moving is significantly associated with an increase in parental monitoring for fathers and sons, but not mothers and daughters. Residential mobility is also associated with changes in parenting style for mothers and fathers. However, specific changes in parenting styles for residentially mobile mothers and fathers depend upon the parenting style exhibited before the move. These changes also depend upon the gender composition of the parent–child relationship.
Board Size, Firm Risk, and Equity Discount
Authors: Upadhyay Arun
Published: February 2014

Prior literature documents that larger boards pursue conservative investment policies and that their decision outcomes are moderate, which promote an environment of risk aversion. I argue that this risk aversion hurts equity holders when firms hold a larger amount of long‐term debt. Addressing potential endogeneity problems associated with board size, I find an equity discount associated with larger boards in firms that have greater amounts of long‐term debt. On the other hand, larger boards are associated with an equity premium when firms have a greater short‐term debt‐to‐assets ratio. The equity discount associated with larger boards disappears in firms with no long‐term debt. Further analysis also indicates that firms with larger boards enjoy a better credit rating and a lower realized cost of debt. Overall, analysis in this study suggests that the association between board size and equity value is a function of a firm's debt structure.
Childhood obesity and parental perceptions in a rural Australian population: A pilot study
Authors: Spargo Matthew , Mellis Craig
Published: February 2014

Aim

While it has been widely recognised in Australian and overseas studies that parents tend to underestimate the weight of their overweight or obese child, there is an opportunity for further research within rural populations. The aim of this study was to assess the agreement between a parent's perception of their child's weight category and the child's measured body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Cross‐sectional pilot study in Dubbo, a large regional centre in western New South Wales in Australia. Ninety‐three subjects between the ages of 2 and 17 were recruited from the paediatric inpatient unit of the region's base hospital. Trained nursing staff undertook the anthropometric measurements, while a parent or caregiver was asked to complete a questionnaire assessing their perception of their child's weight category.

Results

Thirty‐two per cent (30/93) of all parents underestimated the weight category of their child, while only 2% (2/93) of parents overestimated their child's weight category. Overall, 66% (61/93) of parents correctly identified their child's measured weight category. Twenty‐nine per cent (27/93) of the sample population was overweight or obese, and in these children, 89% (24/27) of parents underestimated the weight category of their child.

Conclusion

There is a major discrepancy between the child's measured BMI and their parent's perception of their child's weight category. This finding is consistent with similar past research and has important implications for the management of obesity in children. Further qualitative research may be helpful in ascertaining the reasons for this discrepancy.
Medical and midwifery attitudes towards vitamin K prophylaxis in New Zealand neonates
Authors: Gosai Sonal , Broadbent Roland S , Barker David P , Jackson Pamela M , Wheeler Benjamin J
Published: February 2014

Aim

Neonates are at risk for potentially life‐threatening vitamin K deficiency bleeding. This can be readily prevented with prophylactic vitamin K following delivery. In this context, most vitamin K‐deficiency bleeding occurs in those whose parents decline newborn vitamin K. One factor influencing parental decision‐making is information received from health professionals. This study examined attitudes and perceptions towards newborn vitamin K in relevant health‐care professionals.

Methods

A literature review and one‐on‐one semi‐structured interviews were conducted to inform questionnaire design. Midwives and selected medical staff employed in the South Island of New Zealand were then invited to complete an anonymous survey exploring attitudes and perceptions towards vitamin K prophylaxis in newborns.

Results

The survey achieved an overall response rate of 57%. Almost all responding medical staff and 76% of midwives agreed with the current New Zealand Ministry of Health vitamin K guideline. All medical staff but only 55% of midwives feel that all babies should receive vitamin K. Differences were also seen between professionals with respect to vitamin K education and risks.

Conclusion

This is the first study to examine attitudes and perceptions of midwives and doctors to vitamin K prophylaxis in neonates. Considerable discrepancies in attitude are evident, and in some midwives, a lack of confidence in this intervention is apparent. How this affects education to families is unknown. Increased understanding of this phenomenon, along with improved education and communication to professionals and families, is required.
Fifteen years of acute flaccid paralysis surveillance in Hong Kong: Findings from 1997 to 2011
Authors:   The National Committee for the Certification of Wild Poliovirus Eradication in Hong Kong (NCC)
Published: February 2014

Aim

Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance system was set up in Hong Kong in 1997 for World Health Organization's (WHO) certification of poliomyelitis eradication. This paper describes and reviews the demographic, clinical and virological characteristics of AFP cases reported to the system in its first 15 years.

Methods

All patients aged under 15 years presented with acute onset of paralysis of any limbs reported to the Department of Health from January 1997 to December 2011 were reviewed. Data on demographic characteristics, vaccination history, clinical presentation and virological investigation on stool specimens collected during investigation were analysed with descriptive statistics.

Results

Of the 247 cases reported, about 45% were aged under five. All cases were classified as non‐polio AFP according to WHO classification. About 60% were identified with neurological disorders, with Guillain–Barré syndrome (25.9%) and myelitis (13.4%) being the most common. Viruses were detected in 14.0% of the AFP cases, with non‐polio enteroviruses (NPEV) (60.0%) and adenoviruses (31.4%) accounted for most of the positive detections. Most performance indicators set by the WHO were fulfilled.

Conclusions

The AFP surveillance facilitated the clinical, virological and epidemiological examination of paediatric AFP cases. From 1997 to 2011, Guillain–Barré syndrome and myelitis were the most common among paediatric AFP cases in Hong Kong. NPEV and adenoviruses accounted for most of the positive viral detections. No wild poliovirus was detected, and all cases were classified as non‐polio AFP.
Survey of paediatricians’ opinions on a regional paediatric telecardiology service
Authors: McCrossan Brian A , Doherty Nicola N , Sands Andrew J , Grant Brian , Craig Brian G , McCusker Chris G , Casey Frank A
Published: February 2014

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate consultant general paediatricians’ opinions of a UK paediatric telecardiology service.

Methods

A structured questionnaire was developed and sent to all consultant paediatricians working in a district general hospital in Northern Ireland.

Results

Paediatricians (n = 35) regarded the regional paediatric telecardiology service as very useful and of good value for money. Paediatricans in hospitals without access to telecardiology expressed a desire to join the network (86%, 12/14). More frequent use of the paediatric telecardiology service was associated with increased confidence in performing echocardiography and using the telemedicine equipment and a special interest in neonatology. The vast majority of paediatricians (32/35, 91%) believed that there should be a shared clinical responsibility for the patient following a teleconsultation. A total of 33/35 (94%) stated that the telephone costs of the consultation should be paid by the paediatrician but that the professional time of the cardiologist should be paid by the tertiary centre (29/35, 83%).

Conclusions

Paediatricians have consistently positive experiences of a regional paediatric telecardiology service. They believe that clinical responsibility is shared, and there should not be any professional fee for telemedicine activities.
How I am Constructing Culture‐inclusive Theories of Social‐psychological Process in our Age of Globalization
Authors: Bond Michael Harris
Published: February 2014

Accepting Cole's the premise that, “cultural‐inclusive psychology has been … an elusive goal” (1996, pp. 7–8) but one worth striving to attain, I first set out to identify my domain of interest and competence as an intellectual. Deciding it to be social interaction between individuals, I then searched out theoretical approaches to this domain that encompassed as many approaches to this trans‐historical concern that have emerged from cultural traditions bequeathing us their legacies. Doing this search comprehensively required me to move outside my Judeo‐Christian, Greco‐Roman, Renaissance heritage and its international diffusion via the European Empires since the 1500's, embodied most recently the American dominance of intellectual discourse since the Second World War.

In my case, this journey has taken me in to Chinese culture and psychology where I have worked towards integrating the Chinese worldview and its psychological measures into the discipline of social psychology. Striving for a more inclusive culture‐view, I am now using multi‐cultural data bases to transcend this two‐cultural focus and incorporate wider measures of cultural variation into our theorizing and empirical validation of universal models for social interaction. This paper describes my current procedures for such culture‐mapping.
Indigenous Psychology: Grounding Science in Culture, Why and How?
Authors: Sundararajan Louise
Published: February 2014

My agenda is to ground psychological science in culture by using complex rather than overly simple models of culture and using indigenous categories as criteria of a translation test to determine the adequacy of scientific models of culture. I first explore the compatibility between Chinese indigenous categories and complex models of culture, by casting in the theoretical framework of symmetry and symmetry breaking (Bolender, 2010) a series of translations performed on Fiske's (1991) relational models theory. Next, I show how the dimensional approach to culture, prevalent in mainstream psychology, fails the translation test. Ethical implications of this analysis for cross cultural psychology are discussed.
Age Effects on Blood Gas, Spirometry, Airway Reactivity, and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Cytology in Clinically Healthy Horses
Authors: Pacheco A.P. , Paradis M.R. , Hoffman A.M. , Hermida P. , Sanchez A. , Nadeau J.A. , Tufts M. , Mazan M.R.
Published: February 2014

Background

Despite the increasing number of geriatric horses attended by veterinarians, there is a lack of understanding of aging‐related changes on the respiratory system of horses.

Objective

To identify aging‐related changes on the respiratory function and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology of horses.

Animals

Fifteen healthy young adult (2–11 years) and 16 healthy aged (≥20 years) horses.

Methods

The respiratory system was examined by measurement of arterial blood gases (ABG), use of respiratory inductive plethysmography (RIP) for assessment of breathing pattern and ventilatory parameters, histamine bronchoprovocation, andBALFcytology.

Results

No significant differences were detected with regard to values obtained byABGor bronchoprovocation of young adult and aged healthy horses. In aged horses, there were significant differences in mean ± SDof the following parameters when compared to young horses: prolonged expiratory time (Te) measured byRIP(3.9 ± 1.5 s versus 3.0 ± 0.6 s), decreased percentage of alveolar macrophages (40.6 ± 11.3% versus 53.5 ± 9.6%), and increased percentage of lymphocytes (53.4 ± 9.5% versus 43.9 ± 11.0%). No correlations between airway reactivity and ventilatory parameters,ABG, orBALFcytology were found in this asymptomatic population.

Conclusions

These results suggest that aging does not cause changes in the results obtained byABG, mostRIP‐derived variables, and bronchoprovocation in the horse. A decreased percentage of macrophage and an increased percentage of lymphocytes in theBALFcytology may be expected in the asymptomatic geriatric horse and may be a result of aging.
Altitudinal changes in tree leaf and stem functional diversity in a semi‐tropical mountain
Authors: Hernández‐Calderón Erasto , Méndez‐Alonzo Rodrigo , Martínez‐Cruz Juan , González‐Rodríguez Antonio , Oyama Ken
Published: February 2014

Question

Along an altitudinal gradient of 2000 m in a semi‐tropical mountain, we explored the relation between tree specific diversity and community functional composition by studying variations in tree allometry, stem and leaf functional traits, and their relationship with temperature and precipitation.

Location

Tequila Volcano, Jalisco, Mexico (20°48′ N, 103°51′ W).

Methods

We surveyed tree specific diversity, five forest structural parameters and six functional traits in ten horizontal transects (50–75 m in length) located every 200 m along a 2000‐m gradient (from 800 to 2800 m a.s.l.). We calculated alpha and beta diversity, and quantified the community‐weighted means for wood and bark density, Huber value (sapwood to leaf area ratio), leaf area, leaf dry mass content and leaf mass per unit area. The patterns of association were explored using Pearson correlations, and summarized using PCA.

Results

Alpha diversity was independent of altitude, and species turnover was almost complete between consecutive transects. Altitude (and its associated abiotic factors, temperature and precipitation) were highly correlated with functional traits. Maximum tree height, total basal area and the community‐weighted mean values for leaf mass per unit area, leaf dry mass content, and the Huber values were positively correlated with altitude, and the opposite was found for the number of basal stems. Stem and leaf trait values were correlated along the altitudinal gradient.

Conclusions

Altitude imposes environmental filters at the community scale that determine a high species replacement. Stem and leaf traits were correlated along the gradient; trees at higher altitudes were taller with a single stem, higher density of wood and bark, and leaves with higher leaf mass per area and dry mass content than in the low‐altitude sites. These results suggest the consistency of a fast–slow acquisitive trade‐off across environments, tending to promote slow acquisition and high longevity at higher altitudes.
FDG‐PET predicts outcomes of treated bone metastasis following palliative radiotherapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Choi Seo Hee , Chang Jee Suk , Jeong Yong Hyu , Lee Youngin , Yun Mijin , Seong Jinsil
Published: February 2014

Aims

To determine the utility of FDG‐PET in predicting long‐term infield tumour control after RT in patients with metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to bone.

Methods

Among 223 patients with HCC skeletal metastases diagnosed, we reviewed 22 patients with 45 total sites treated with RT who had at least two FDG‐PETs prior to and after RT. The median RT dose was 42 Gy (range, 22–48) with a median fraction of 3 Gy (range, 2–8). Helical tomotherapy was generally offered for lesions that received higher RT dose (36%). The intrahepatic control rate in all patients was 73% at the time of referral. The ratio of tumour SUV to blood‐pool activity SUV (SUV‐ratio) was calculated. The primary end‐points were infield progression‐free survival (infield‐PFS) and infield event‐free survival (infield‐EFS; recurrent and intractable pain or skeletal‐related events).

Results

Among 45 sites, 20 had tumour progression and 21 developed events in the previously treated area. A higher SUV‐ratio before RT, SUV‐ratio decline and higher radiation dose were independently and significantly correlated with better infield‐PFS (both P < 0.05). The tumours with a pre‐RT SUV‐ratio ≥3.0 and SUV‐ratio decline ≥40% had significantly better infield‐PFS and EFS than those with either a pre‐RT SUV‐ratio <3.0 or SUV‐ratio decline <40% (both P < 0.05).

Conclusions

FDG‐PET may help to predict outcomes of infield tumour control following palliative RT for treatment of HCC bone metastases. Tumours with low metabolic uptake before RT or with a minor decline in post‐RT SUV‐ratio showed poor long‐term infield tumour control.
Re‐appraisal of old and new diagnostic tools in the current management of chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Bessone Fernando
Published: February 2014

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a very complex and intricate DNA structure associated with a particular genomic organization and replication cycle. However, many years of investigations allowed clarification of the real HBV natural history, through a deeper knowledge of the behavior of HBV antigens and viral structures.

Several of the old diagnostic tools, such as HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV e antigen (HBeAg) determinations, gained prominence now, since the variation of both HBsAg and HBeAg plasma levels was shown to predict treatment response. In addition, the availability of more sensitive methods, such as HBV DNA detection by real‐time PCR, has improved the current knowledge of the relationships between HBV replication levels and the natural history of the disease.

It is now well established that some HBV genotypes are associated with a better response to treatment with pegylated interferon.

Despite the widely accepted value of liver biopsy as a staging tool, transient elastography is being increasingly acknowledged as a non‐invasive method to assess liver stiffness, chiefly for detection of advanced fibrosis.

Current international guidelines for the management of chronic hepatitis B have provided several accurate biochemical and serological criteria for selecting patients for treatment, allowing a higher number of cases to be enrolled into antiviral therapy.

This review describes the different serological markers used for the study of HBV and their clinical significance. It also deals with methods used for detection of genotypes and HBV DNA, emphasizing the effectiveness of such determinations for both patient selection and chronic hepatitis B therapy/monitoring.
Molecular and distribution data on the poorly known, elusive, cave mysid Harmelinella mariannae (Crustacea: Mysida)
Authors: Chevaldonné Pierre , Rastorgueff Pierre‐Alexandre , Arslan Defne , Lejeusne Christophe
Published: February 2014

Mediterranean underwater marine caves harbour abundant populations of several species of mysids that are increasingly used as biological models in ecological and evolutionary studies. One exception is the species Harmelinella mariannae, described in 1989 and then hardly ever again reported in the literature. We here provide the first data on the distribution of this poorly known taxon that, contrary to expectations for a rare brooding cave dweller, we now report from Madeira Island in the nearby Atlantic, to the easternmost parts of the Mediterranean. Brief behavioural observations are added, particularly its atypical solitary habits and its feeding behaviour as a high trophic level carnivore. Molecular characterization of the different specimens captured provided three sorts of information. Mitochondrial COI and 16S haplotypes suggest different colonization waves in the Mediterranean, with one group in the Eastern Basin, two in the Marseille region in the NW part of this sea, and another group with a very wide extension from Madeira to Liguria and Malta. Mitochondrial data also support that one of the groups in Marseille might have diverged as a cryptic species of Harmelinella. 18S rRNA gene displays a single common sequence to all specimens from the four groups, and seems to confirm the original proposed placement of this taxon within the subfamily Heteromysinae, not Leptomysinae.
Reproductive resilience of ice‐dependent Antarctic silverfish in a rapidly changing system along the Western Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: La Mesa Mario , Riginella Emilio , Mazzoldi Carlotta , Ashford Julian
Published: February 2014

The Western Antarctic Peninsula (wAP) is globally one of the systems most heavily impacted by climate change, notably steep declines in sea ice extent. In forage species, reproductive resilience to change is particularly important because population fluctuations are rapidly communicated through the system via trophic interactions. The reproductive traits of the ice‐dependent forage species Antarctic silverfish (Pleuragramma antarctica) from different areas along the wAP and at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula were investigated through macroscopic and histological analyses of gonads, with the aim to assess its reproductive potential and to test for spatial differences in fecundity and spawning season. Fish samples were collected in late summer off Charcot Island, in Marguerite Bay and off Joinville Island; no fish were caught in the central wAP. Samples from Charcot Island and Marguerite Bay consisted of adults in developing gonad stage, whereas those from Joinville consisted almost exclusively of juveniles. Mean GSI was relatively low (2–3%) and similar in both sexes, as specimens were still far from being actively reproducing. Developing females exhibited two discrete, though partially overlapping modes of oocytes of different size, with vitellogenic oocytes measuring 0.5–1.0 mm. Absolute and relative fecundity ranged between 3000 and 12,000 eggs per female and between 80 and 190 eggs·g−1, with a strong relationship between absolute fecundity and body size. These results were consistent with a single population at Charcot Island and Marguerite Bay and indicated substantial reproductive potential, which may mitigate population isolation and reductions in habitat availability but cannot ultimately offset catastrophic loss of spawning habitat linked to sea‐ice retreat.
Successful pod infections by Moniliophthora roreri result in differential Theobroma cacao gene expression depending on the clone's level of tolerance
Authors: Ali Shahin S. , Melnick Rachel L. , Crozier Jayne , Phillips‐Mora Wilberth , Strem Mary D. , Shao Jonathan , Zhang Dapeng , Sicher Richard , Meinhardt Lyndel , Bailey Bryan A.
Published: February 2014

An understanding of the tolerance mechanisms of Theobroma cacao used against Moniliophthora roreri, the causal agent of frosty pod rot, is important for the generation of stable disease‐tolerant clones. A comparative view was obtained of transcript populations of infected pods from two susceptible and two tolerant clones using RNA sequence (RNA‐Seq) analysis. A total of 3009 transcripts showed differential expression among clones. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes indicated shifts in 152 different metabolic pathways between the tolerant and susceptible clones. Real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real‐time qRT‐PCR) analyses of 36 genes verified the differential expression. Regression analysis validated a uniform progression in gene expression in association with infection levels and fungal loads in the susceptible clones. Expression patterns observed in the susceptible clones diverged in tolerant clones, with many genes showing higher expression at a low level of infection and fungal load. Principal coordinate analyses of real‐time qRT‐PCR data separated the gene expression patterns between susceptible and tolerant clones for pods showing malformation. Although some genes were constitutively differentially expressed between clones, most results suggested that defence responses were induced at low fungal load in the tolerant clones. Several elicitor‐responsive genes were highly expressed in tolerant clones, suggesting rapid recognition of the pathogen and induction of defence genes. Expression patterns suggested that the jasmonic acid–ethylene‐ and/or salicylic acid‐mediated defence pathways were activated in the tolerant clones, being enhanced by reduced brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis and catabolic inactivation of both BR and abscisic acids. Finally, several genes associated with hypersensitive response‐like cell death were also induced in tolerant clones.
Analysis of parkinsonian tremor and rigidity relying on peripheral and central intensifying mechanisms through thalamic activities
Authors: Narabayashi Yohsuke , Oshima Tomokazu
Published: February 2014

Background and Aim

Passive and active muscle manipulations modify parkinsonian tremor and rigidity. We hypothesized that these outer maneuvers provoke thalamic 3 to 7‐Hz (τ‐range) and 13 to 27‐Hz (β‐band) activities, which in turn act to develop and maintain the symptoms. To test the hypothesis, we examined the temporal and quantitative relationships of the thalamic activities with the symptoms in conditions under the outer maneuvers.

Methods

In thalamotomy for 20 patients with Parkinson's disease, we monitored thalamic local field potentials and multiple unit spikes with surface electromyograms of neck and limb muscles.

Results

Tremor is intensified in postural and kinetic modes with higher amplitude and faster frequency than the resting state, and in tremor rhythms on the cogwheel rigidity with accelerated muscle tone. Exaggerated thalamic τ‐range activities always led to tremor of those intensified modes. The τ‐range activities developed and maintained tremor in keeping a quantitative relationship in amplitude. Both the passive and active muscle manipulations transiently abolished the β‐band activities, and then made them relapse to lead to rigidity in a waning and waxing fashion. Because of these changes of β‐band activities, the patient's active effort to move or hold postures caused a state in conflict between voluntary and involuntary contractions.

Conclusion

Together, the results suggest that passively activated peripheral kinesthetic afferents, and actively triggered central motor initiatives act to develop and maintain tremor and rigidity through the thalamic motor nuclei as the crucial relay stations.
Identifying novel interruption motifs in spinocerebellar ataxia type 10 expansions
Authors: Liu Jilin , McFarland Karen N , Landrian Ivette , Wu Samuel S , Bower Matthew , Hutter Diane , Bushara Khalaf , Teive Hélio A G , Ashizawa Tetsuo
Published: February 2014

Background and Aim

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 10 (SCA10) is caused by an expansion of a normally polymorphic ATTCT repeat within intron 9 of the ATXN10 gene. Interrupting sequences in the expanded ATTCT repeat track are postulated to be a disease modifier, but are not fully characterized in SCA10 patients. As the large size and repetitive nature of the SCA10 expansion does not make it amenable for Sanger or next‐generation sequencing, we require an alternative approach to determine whether there are interrupted repeat motifs within the SCA10 expansion.

Methods

We developed a strategy that combines long‐range polymerase chain reaction and shot‐gun sequencing to characterize interruption sequences without full assembly of the entire disease allele. We chose three SCA10‐positive individuals with disparate clinical presentations and examined the resulting sequences for interrupting motifs.

Results

With this strategy, we found known heptanucleotide (ATTTTCT and ATATTCT) and pentanucleotide (ATCCC and ATCCT) interruption sequences in one allele. Additionally, we found novel pentanucleotide (ACTCT, ATTCA, ATTCC) and heptanucleotide (ATTCTCT) repeat interruption motifs in two additional samples.

Conclusion

The present results show the utility of this approach for determining the internal repeat structure of difficult to sequence repeat expansions. Furthermore, we find that the extent and type of interrupting sequences varies dramatically between these three SCA10‐positive individuals.
Clinical spectrum of neuromyelitis optica 2013
Authors: Weinshenker Brian G
Published: February 2014

The spectrum of presentation of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is now recognized as being more diverse than defined by current diagnostic criteria, and includes limited forms of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis, as well as other brain syndromes. Discovery of a specific biomarker, autoantibodies targeting aquaporin‐4, facilitated the recognition of this broader spectrum of disease. Brain magnetic resonance imaging lesions in NMO might be relatively specific or entirely non‐specific. The most specific lesions are lesions of the area postrema or hypothalamus, longitudinally extensive corpus callosum lesions, and long corticospinal tract lesions in the corona radiata and brainstem. Although the full spectrum of aquaporin‐4‐associated disease based on population‐based serological studies remains undefined, studies from service testing laboratories show that the vast majority of patients have had optic neuritis and myelitis or one of the now well‐accepted signature syndromes of NMO, such as intractable vomiting or hiccough, although ascertainment bias undoubtedly influences this conclusion. New diagnostic criteria based on deliberations of an international panel of experts are anticipated shortly. Almost certainly, new criteria will allow for diagnosis of NMO based on a single episode of a “signature” syndrome of NMO. Nevertheless, in the face of a syndrome that is less characteristic and less well associated with NMO, especially if associated with other disease entities, caution is necessary.