bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental effects on behavioural development consequences for fitness of captive‐reared fishes in the wild
Authors: Johnsson J. I. , Brockmark S. , Näslund J.
Published: December 2014

Why do captive‐reared fishes generally have lower fitness in natural environments than wild conspecifics, even when the hatchery fishes are derived from wild parents from the local population? A thorough understanding of this question is the key to design artificial rearing environments that optimize post‐release performance, as well as to recognize the limitations of what can be achieved by modifying hatchery rearing methods. Fishes are generally very plastic in their development and through gene–environment interactions, epigenetic and maternal effects their phenotypes will develop differently depending on their rearing environment. This suggests that there is scope for modifying conventional rearing environments to better prepare fishes for release into the wild. The complexity of the natural environment is impossible to mimic in full‐scale rearing facilities. So, in reality, the challenge is to identify key modifications of the artificial rearing environment that are practically and economically feasible and that efficiently promote development towards a more wild‐like phenotype. Do such key modifications really exist? Here, attempts to use physical enrichment and density reduction to improve the performance of hatchery fishes are discussed and evaluated. These manipulations show potential to increase the fitness of hatchery fishes released into natural environments, but the success is strongly dependent on adequately adapting methods to species and life stage‐specific conditions.
Anti‐adipocyte antibody response in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Karrar Azza , Stepanova Maria , Alaparthi Lakshmi , Lingam Sneha , Younoszai Zahra , Zheng Li , Malik Khatera S. , Younossi Elena , Monge Fanny , Hunt Sharon L. , Goodman Zachary , Younossi Zobair M.
Published: December 2014

Background and Aim

A significant number of autoantibodies have been reported in patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. In the present study, our aim was to assess the role of disease and cell‐specific antibodies, namely anti‐adipocyte antibodies (anti‐AdAb) in patients with NAFLD and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Methods

Flow cytometry was used to detect the presence of anti‐AdAb (immunoglobulin M [IgM] and immunoglobulin G [IgG]) in sera from patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD (n = 98) and in controls (n = 49) without liver disease. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to draw associations between anti‐AdAb IgM and IgG levels and the different clinical variables.

Results

Patients with NAFLD had significantly higher levels of anti‐AdAb IgM and significantly lower levels of AdAb IgG when compared with controls (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). Patients with NASH had significantly higher levels of anti‐AdAb IgM when compared with non‐NASH NAFLD patients, P = 0.04. In multivariate analysis, anti‐AdAb IgM was independently associated with a higher risk for NASH (odds ratio[OR]: 2.90 [confidence interval (CI) 1.18–7.16], P = 0.02). Anti‐AdAb IgM was also found to be independently associated with portal inflammation in patients with NAFLD (OR: 3.01 [CI 1.15–7.90 P = 0.02]).

Conclusions

Anti‐AdAb IgM was independently associated with NAFLD and NASH while anti‐AdAb IgG was found to be protective against NAFLD. Anti‐AdAb IgM was found specifically to be associated with the inflammatory processes in NAFLD. These findings indicate that the anti‐AdAb IgM and IgG may play an immunomodulatory role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and NASH.
WAGES, RENTS, UNEMPLOYMENT, AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE: A CONSISTENT THEORY‐BASED MEASURE
Authors: Wrede Matthias
Published: December 2014

Combining a spatial equilibrium model with a search‐matching unemployment model, this paper analyzes the willingness to pay for regional amenities and the regional quality of life when wages, rents, and unemployment risk compensate for local amenities and disamenities. The results are compared with those obtained from the Rosen‐Roback approach. We demonstrate that the traditional approach gives too much weight to the wage differential if search frictions are significant. Furthermore, the paper confirms that the wage curve is negatively sloped for quasi‐linear utility. Specifically, the wage rate increases and the unemployment rate decreases in response to an increase in the amenity level if the amenity is marginally more beneficial to producers than to consumers.
Encounters at the Religious Edge: Variation in Religious Expression Across Interfaith Advocacy and Social Movement Settings
Authors: Yukich Grace , Braunstein Ruth
Published: December 2014

In a time of increasing religious diversity, interfaith political coalitions have become important settings for interreligious interaction, but little research has explored the types of religious expression that are generated therein. Prevailing theories in the sociology of religion indicate that interaction with religious others results in dilution of traditional religious commitments or production of stronger boundaries. But emerging perspectives in cultural sociology shift attention from individual religious commitments to the ways in which settings shape different styles of religious expression. Insights about edge spaces drawn from urban theory suggest that religiously diverse settings can be generative of new types of religious practices. We apply these insights to the study of interfaith activism by drawing on interviews and ethnographic fieldwork with religious advocacy professionals and activists working in interfaith coalitions. Conceptualizing the sites of these interfaith encounters as edge spaces, we analyze variation in the types of religious expression that occur in interfaith settings. We find that both aggregative and integrative practices are produced, but these vary depending on the goals and structure of the setting, as well as participants’ accountability to outside religious gatekeepers.
Symbolic Filtering: Selectively Permeable Evangelical Boundaries in an Age of Religious Pluralism
Authors: Bok Jared
Published: December 2014

Since Peter Berger's (1967, The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion, Garden City, NY: Doublday) early work on the sacred canopy, scholars have debated the effects of increased diversity on religious belief and vitality. Smith (1998, American Evangelicalism: Embattled and Thriving, Chicago: University of Chicago Press), in particular, has suggested that subcultures like American evangelicalism can thrive in a religiously pluralistic environment by both engaging with the world while remaining symbolically distinct from it. This article builds on this work as well as recent scholarship on boundary permeability by exploring the mechanisms by which American evangelicals negotiate their boundaries as they adapt to their surroundings. Based on a qualitative content analysis of 109 articles from two evangelical missionary periodicals published over a period of over 20 years, I examine the use of both boundary‐strengthening and boundary‐weakening processes employed by evangelical missionaries and missiologists (or “boundary agents”). I find that almost every instance of boundary weakening is also accompanied by boundary strengthening, suggesting that symbolic boundaries are becoming selectively permeable through a process I identify as “symbolic filtering.” In conclusion, the article briefly considers the implications of these findings for the broader discussion of symbolic boundaries and religious pluralism.
Prayer Behavior in Rural Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Authors: Manongi Freddy S. , Balint Peter J.
Published: December 2014

Theories and empirical evidence regarding prayer behavior generally emerge from studies of survey respondents in developed countries. The research we describe here adds to the literature by exploring links between demographic characteristics and the frequency and content of prayers for respondents in rural Tanzania. We surveyed 349 Christian households from six villages in the country's Kilimanjaro region. In some aspects our findings match results from survey research conducted elsewhere, and in other aspects our results differ from those commonly reported in the literature. We suggest that local cultural and socioeconomic conditions may account for the differences in outcomes. These results suggest a need for caution in applying to poor countries theories and expectations drawn from the developed country context.
Removal of Active‐Fixation Coronary Sinus Leads Using a Mechanical Rotation Extraction Device
Authors: KYPTA ALEXANDER , BLESSBERGER HERMANN , SALEH KARIM , HÖNIG SIMON , KAMMLER JÜRGEN , STEINWENDER CLEMENS
Published: December 2014

Background

Active fixation coronary sinus (CS) leads are widely used in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Due to their low dislodgement rates they are an attractive option for implanters. However, extraction of active fixation leads is a complex procedure that bears potential fatal risks for patients.

Methods

We analyzed all patients undergoing StarFix® (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) extraction because of severe infection at our institution. Indication for extraction was severe device infection. Procedural outcomes as well as patient characteristics are reported. For removal of the leads a 9‐Fr Evolution® (Cook Intravascular Inc., Leechburg, PA, USA) mechanical rotation extraction sheath was used.

Results

Between 2011 and 2014, six patients underwent extraction of StarFix® leads. One patient was female, whereas the others were males (mean age 64 ± 12 years). Implant duration was 46.5 ± 8.2 months before removal. All leads could be successfully extracted totally with the Evolution®. In one patient (16.6%) pericardial tamponade occurred immediately requiring surgical intervention. After establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass a 5‐mm sharp cut in the lateral vein of the CS could be identified. It was fixed and the patient survived. On all leads, significant tissue growth between the fixation lobes could be observed.

Conclusion

As illustrated by our cases, Attain StarFix® leads implanted years ago can be extracted with the help of a mechanical extraction sheath. However, this procedure bears potential risks and should only be performed with a cardiac surgery standby. If clinicians evaluate the implantation of Attain StarFix® leads in patients who are young or at high risk for device infection, they should be aware of these findings.
Acute Back Pain Following Surgery under Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Tekgül Zeki T. , Pektaş Sinan , Turan Murat , Karaman Yücel , Çakmak Meltem , Gönüllü Mustafa
Published: December 2014

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors having a role in the occurrence of acute back pain following spinal anesthesia.

Methods

Six hundred and forty‐nine patients who underwent surgery under spinal anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Patients' age, sex, BMI, ASA physical status, educational status, history of back pain, spinal needle radius, spinal interspace level of intervention, method of approach for spinal anesthesia, position during spinal anesthesia, angle of puncture with respect to the spinal ligaments, magnitude of pain during intervention, number of lumbar punctures, number of bony contacts, amount of bupivacaine administered intrathecally, type of surgical procedure, surgical position, duration of the surgery, and duration of anesthesia parameters were recorded. Patients were inquired for existence and magnitude of back pain on the 1st day and the 4th week postoperatively. Multivariate analysis is performed via logistic regression model to parameters that are found to be significant in univariate analysis.

Results

Assessment of the data from the postoperative 1st day showed 29.3% of the patients suffered back pain. Postspinal acute back pain was related to the number of bony contacts (P = 0.016), history of back pain (P = 0.0001), spinal needle radius (P = 0.022), and duration of the surgery (P = 0.037).

Conclusion

Contrary to the common belief, it is demonstrated in this study that number of lumbar punctures, method of approach and position of the spinal anesthesia, age, sex, surgical position, and the type of the surgery did not correlate with occurrence of acute back pain following spinal anesthesia.
Research on the cost forecast of China's photovoltaic industry
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , Li Hairuo , Li Rongrong , Li Bing , Zhu Donghua
Published: December 2014

Global energy and environmental problems are increasing in severity. Countries worldwide are more concerned about and are paying greater attention to strengthening their energy‐saving and emissions‐reduction efforts, protecting the environment and promoting the development of new energy. Solar energy is becoming the mainstream of the global power industry because of its significant resources and low cost. This paper provides an overview of the current state‐of‐the‐art of photovoltaic electricity technology (‘photovoltaic’ or PV) in China and addresses its potential for future cost reductions. This paper analyses the relationship between current renewable energy costs and cumulative production, development and demonstration expenditures, and other institutional influences. The theoretical framework of a learning curve offers a complete methodology for examining the underlying capital cost trajectory when developing electricity cost estimates used in energy policy planning models. The cumulative production needed to achieve ‘break‐even’ (the point at which PV is competitive with conventional alternatives) is estimated for a range of learning curve parameter values. The social cost (pollution costs and value‐added tax considered) of PV is calculated, and the question of whether and how the ‘cost cap’ can be bridged is posed, the latter being the difference between what this cumulative production will cost and what it would cost if it could be produced at a currently competitive level. We also estimate how much PV could gain if the external costs (attributable to environmental and health damage) of energy were internalised, such as through an energy tax. We use the simulated results to provide suggestions for relevant PV industrial policymaking.
Prioritizing Patient‐Centered Care Implementation and Research for Patients with Kidney Disease
Authors: Cavanaugh Kerri L.
Published: December 2014

Patient‐centered care is upheld as one of the fundamental components of high quality health care. Although a deceptively easy concept, patient‐centered care is an elusive goal in clinical practice. A core objective for patient‐centered care is a collaboration between health care providers and patients that aligns therapy with patients' values and preferences through shared decision making. Advances in communication training that are tailored to the specific requirements of nephrology care are promising methods for enhancing the skill‐set of our providers. However, patient‐centered care extends beyond shared decision‐making and also involves attention to patients' physical and emotional symptoms, care coordination, and the inclusion of family members. Research about patient‐centered care processes, interventions and outcomes among patients with kidney disease is sparse. Recent discussions among nephrology experts name patient‐centered care as a priority for research and quality improvement in care. Given recent advances in methods for quantifying patient‐centered care as well as patient reported outcomes, now is the time to prioritize our resources to evolve our health system and meet the needs of all patients with kidney disease.
Climatic and tectonic controls on carbonate deposition in syn‐rift siliciclastic fluvial systems: A case of microbialites and associated facies in the Late Jurassic
Authors: Arenas Concha , Piñuela Laura , García‐Ramos José Carlos
Published: December 2014

This work provides new insights to assess the factors controlling carbonate deposition in the siliciclastic fluvial systems of rift basins. Sedimentological and stable‐isotope data of microbialites and associated carbonate facies, along with regional geological information, are shown to reveal the influence of climate and tectonics on the occurrence and attributes of carbonate deposits in these settings. The Vega Formation – a 150 m thick Lower Kimmeridgian siliciclastic fluvial sequence in Asturias Province (northern Spain) – constitutes a candidate for this approach. This unit includes varied facies (stromatolites; rudstones, packstones and wackestones containing oncoids, intraclasts, charophytes and shell bioclasts; marlstones and polygenic calcareous conglomerates) that formed in a low‐gradient fluvial–lacustrine system consisting of shallow, low‐sinuosity oncoid‐bearing channels and pools within marshy areas, with sporadic coarse alluvial deposition. The sedimentological attributes indicate common erosion by channel overflow and rapid lateral changes of subenvironments caused by water‐discharge variations. The carbonate fluvial–lacustrine system developed near uplifted marine Jurassic rocks. The occurrence of the system was conditioned by normal faults (active during the deposition of the unit) that favoured: (i) springs of HCO3–Ca‐rich water from a Rhaetian–Sinemurian carbonate rock aquifer; and (ii) carbonate deposition in areas partially isolated from the adjacent siliciclastic fluvial system. The microbialite δ13C and δ18O values support deposition in a hydrologically open system, fed by ambient‐temperature meteoric water, with riparian vegetation. Three types of lamination in the stromatolites and oncoids reflect distinct morphological types of cyanobacterial communities. The textural pattern of lamination parallels δ13C and δ18O changes, suggesting short‐term cycles of precipitation and temperature. A moderately to strongly contrasted seasonal and/or pluriannual precipitation regime is inferred from the cyclic δ13C pattern of the lamination and from the discontinuous and asymmetrical growth of oncoids. Thus, the isotopic and sedimentological attributes of the carbonate deposits were linked to short‐term climate changes associated with semi‐arid conditions, consistent with the studied climatic zone.
Kant's Opus Postumum and McDowell's Critique of Kant
Authors: Shuster Martin
Published: December 2014

In this article, I have a modest goal: (1) to sketch how Kant can avoid the charge of “subjective idealism” advanced against him by John McDowell and (2) to do so with reference to Kant's last work, the so‐called Opus Postumum. I am interested in defending Kant on this point because doing so not only (a) shows how we need not—at least not because of this point about idealism—jump ship from Kant to Hegel (as McDowell and others think), but also (b) suggests that the Opus Postumum is a text that ought to be explored more by Kantians and those interested in Kant. A subsidiary, implicit point is that (c) we need not shy away from McDowell's reading of Kant in order to oppose McDowell's criticism of Kant. In order to defend against McDowell's charge, I focus on the argument of the Refutation of Idealism, showing how this argument evolves in Kant's later works, especially the Opus Postumum.
Zhuangzi on Friendship and Death
Authors: Elder Alexis
Published: December 2014

Zhuangzi suggests that death is a transformation that we commonly and mistakenly think means the end of someone but really just marks a new phase of existence. This metaphysical thesis is presented at several points in the text as an explanation of distinctively Daoist responses to death and loss. Some (such as Wong 2006) take a Daoist response to death, as presented by Zhuangzi, to indicate dual perspectives on friendship and death. But I argue that the metaphysical view sketched above is consistent with a unified perspective, allowing the Daoist to enjoy deep friendships without risking some potential for grief typically associated with strong attachment. However, it leaves the Daoist best suited to friendships with those who endorse the same metaphysics. Furthermore, while the grief associated with the death of a friend is somewhat mitigated, the Daoist has reason to mourn even given this thesis.
The Knowledge Rule and the Action Rule
Authors: Ball Brian
Published: December 2014

In this paper I compare Timothy Williamson's knowledge rule of assertion with Ishani Maitra and Brian Weatherson's action rule. The paper is in two parts. In the first part I present and respond to Maitra and Weatherson's master argument against the knowledge rule. I argue that while its second premise, to the effect that an action X can be the thing to do though one is in no position to know that it is, is true, its first premise is not: the data do not support the claim that whenever X is the thing for one to do, one is in a position to assert that it is. In the second part I consider Maitra and Weatherson's alternative hypotheses, arguing that they do not provide a better explanation of the linguistic data. I conclude, in particular, that the knowledge rule is preferable to the action rule.
Still Being the ‘Good Farmer’: (Non‐)retirement and the Preservation of Farming Identities in Older Age
Authors: Riley Mark
Published: December 2014

Recent discussions in this journal have observed the importance of ‘good farming’ ideals and the subject position of ‘good farmer’ to farming practices. This article explores how farmers (re)negotiate their position as a good farmer in older age. Drawing on Bourdieusian‐inspired discussions of good farming, the article explores the experiences of farmers in Hampshire and West Sussex,UK, over the age of 65, who continue working on their farms. It is seen that remaining ‘in place’ is important to the maintenance of their farming identity, facilitating as it does their ability to continue to draw on the symbolic capital of their farms and their farming history. Alongside this, the way that they perform, and talk about, their day‐to‐day tasks and the symbolically important activities on the farm allows them to counter many of the culturally dominant scripts of ageing. Significant in navigating older age is the embodiment of cultural capital and how farmers both utilise and narrate their ageing bodies. It is concluded that while it does not lead to new symbols of good farming per se, moving into older age does (re)shape how such symbols are developed and utilised.
Quality control of buffy coat removed red cell concentrates – a Croatian experience
Authors: Vuk T. , Očić T. , Patko M. Strauss , Jukić I.
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Results are presented of the statistical quality control of red cell concentrate buffy coat removed in additive solution (RCC/BC/AS) and red cell concentrate buffy coat removed and leucoreduced in additive solution (RCC/BC/LR/AS) produced at the Croatian Institute of Transfusion Medicine during an 8‐year period (2005–2012). The aim was to assess quality conformity of these products with specified requirements, as well as the suitability and justification of current regulations on the minimal quality requirements.

Methods

The measurements of all the study parameters of the products analysed are expressed using descriptive statistics and graphs showing the distributions of observed parameters.

Results

In RCC/BC/AS, the mean (±SD) volume was 279 ± 17 mL; haematocrit, 0·60 ± 0·03 L L−1; haemoglobin content, 55 ± 5 g; leucocyte count, 0·65 ± 0·41 × 109; and haemolysis at expiry date, 0·16 ± 0·13%. In RCC/BC/LR/AS (post‐production filtration), the mean (±SD) volume was 255 ± 14 mL; haematocrit, 0·60 ± 0·02 L L‐1; haemoglobin content, 51 ± 4 g; leucocyte count, 0·11 ± 0·16 × 106; and haemolysis at expiry date, 0·11 ± 0·07%. In RCC/BC/LR/AS (inline filtration), the mean (±SD) volume was 254 ± 15 mL; haematocrit, 0·61 ± 0·02 L L−1; haemoglobin content, 51 ± 5 g; leucocyte count, 0·04 ± 0·06 × 106; and haemolysis at expiry date, 0·16 ± 0·10%. The standards were just met for leucocyte count in RCC/BC/AS (90%), whereas for all other parameters satisfactory results were obtained in at least 99% of products analysed. Total incidence of bacterial contamination was 0·23% for all products.

Conclusion

Results of the RCC/BC/AS and RCC/BC/LR/AS quality control showed very high conformity with the specified requirements in the majority of study parameters, suggesting that the current requirements could be redefined and improved at the institutional level.
Price‐cost Margins and Economic Integration: How Important is the Pro‐competitive Effect?
Authors: Bajo‐Rubio Oscar , Díaz‐Roldán Carmen , Gómez‐Plana Antonio G.
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we examine whether the so‐called pro‐competitive effect holds when two countries integrate by forming a common market. We propose a general framework of reference, where the price‐cost margin of domestic firms depends on a set of variables in addition to trade costs with the partner country, which might eventually offset the conventional result.
Diagnosis of secondary dysmyelopoiesis via costochondral rib aspirate in a dog
Authors: Mathis Justin C. , Yoo Seung H. , Sullivan Lauren A.
Published: December 2014

Objective

To describe a novel bone marrow sampling technique utilized in a dog diagnosed with secondary dysmyelopoiesis.

Case Summary

A 1.5‐year‐old female spayed Lhasa Apso was treated for generalized seizures, aspiration pneumonia, and severe sepsis. Pertinent history included administration of phenobarbital (2.1 mg/kg PO q 12 h) for the 6 months prior to presentation for suspected idiopathic epilepsy. Initial leukopenia and thrombocytopenia was attributed to underlying sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Progressive decline in all cell lines (ie, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia), along with history of phenobarbital administration, suggested myelodysplastic disease. Bone marrow cytology via serial costochondral rib aspirates confirmed secondary dysmyelopoiesis. Phenobarbital therapy was abruptly discontinued and replaced with alternative anticonvulsant therapy. Complete resolution of the observed leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia were observed 2 weeks after discontinuation of phenobarbital.

New or Unique Information Provided

Costochondral rib aspirate appears to be a simple, viable method for bone marrow evaluation in dogs. Dysmyelopoiesis is a rare adverse effect of phenobarbital administration that can possess fatal consequences if not quickly recognized. Prompt diagnosis and discontinuation of the inciting drug is imperative to successful case management. Prognosis for return of bone marrow function appears good following drug discontinuation.
PCR‐free blood group genotyping using a nanobiosensor
Authors: Brouard D. , Ratelle O. , Perreault J. , Boudreau D. , St‐Louis M.
Published: December 2014

Background and Objectives

The last two decades have seen major developments in genotyping assays to facilitate the procurement of red blood cell units to alloimmunized patients. To make genotyping faster, simpler and less costly, a nanotechnology approach based on metal/silica fluorescent nanoparticles and a polymer‐based hybridization optical transducer was designed. The objectives of this study were (1) to verify whether this nanobiosensor has the ability to discriminate single nucleotide polymorphisms in non‐amplified genomic DNA and (2) to establish whether the signal generated by the nanobiosensor is sufficiently intense to be detected by standard flow cytometry.

Materials and Methods

Silver‐core silica‐shell fluorescent nanoparticles (Ag@SiO2) were prepared, and amine‐modified DNA probes were grafted to their surface. A cationic conjugated polymer was electrostatically bound to the surface probes to become optically active upon hybridization with a target. Two nanobiosensor formulations specific to DO*01 and DO*02 alleles were prepared. DNA was extracted from whole blood and mixed with the nanobiosensor for hybridization. The nanobiosensor fluorescence was measured by flow cytometry.

Results

Nine volunteers were typed for Dombrock blood group antigens DO*01 and DO*02. A statistically significant increase in the optical transduction signal was observed for sequence‐specific samples. All nine genotypes were correctly identified when compared to standardized PCR assays.

Conclusion

The nanobiosensor provides rapid and simple genotyping of blood group antigens from unamplified genomic DNA and can be measured using standard flow cytometers. This PCR‐free approach could be applied to any known genetic polymorphism.
Genetic Manipulation of the Toxoplasma gondii Genome by Fosmid Recombineering
Authors: Vinayak Sumiti , Brooks Carrie F. , Naumov Anatoli , Suvorova Elena S. , White Michael W. , Striepen Boris
Published: December 2014

Apicomplexa are obligate intracellular parasites that cause important diseases in humans and animals. Manipulating the pathogen genome is the most direct way to understand the functions of specific genes in parasite development and pathogenesis. In
Toxoplasma gondii
, nonhomologous recombination is typically highly favored over homologous recombination, a process required for precise gene targeting. Several approaches, including the use of targeting vectors that feature large flanks to drive site-specific recombination, have been developed to overcome this problem. We have generated a new large-insert repository of
T. gondii
genomic DNA that is arrayed and sequenced and covers 95% of all of the parasite’s genes. Clones from this fosmid library are maintained at single copy, which provides a high level of stability and enhances our ability to modify the organism dramatically. We establish a robust recombineering pipeline and show that our fosmid clones can be easily converted into gene knockout constructs in a 4-day protocol that does not require plate-based cloning but can be performed in multiwell plates. We validated this approach to understand gene function in
T. gondii
and produced a conditional null mutant for a nucleolar protein belonging to the NOL1/NOP2/SUN family, and we show that this
gene is essential for parasite growth. We also demonstrate a powerful complementation strategy in the context of chemical mutagenesis and whole-genome sequencing. This repository is an important new resource that will accelerate both forward and reverse genetic analysis of this important pathogen.

IMPORTANCE
Toxoplasma gondii
is an important genetic model to understand intracellular parasitism. We show here that large-insert genomic clones are effective tools that enhance homologous recombination and allow us to engineer conditional mutants to understand gene function. We have generated, arrayed, and sequenced a fosmid library of
T. gondii
genomic DNA in a copy control vector that provides excellent coverage of the genome. The fosmids are maintained in a single-copy state that dramatically improves their stability and allows modification by means of a simple and highly scalable protocol. We show here that modified and unmodified fosmid clones are powerful tools for forward and reverse genetics.
Postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis in a 29-year-old woman with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Bhandari Harish M , Jeevan David , Slinn Jessica , Goswami Kavita
Published: December 2014

A 29-year-old woman with known ulcerative colitis developed a right-sided abdominal pain a day after preterm vaginal delivery at 30 weeks. She did not have any nausea, vomiting and had normal bowel movements. The observations were within normal limits and white cell counts were marginally elevated with a normal C reactive protein. A large ovarian vein thrombosis on the left side was an incidental finding on a CT of the abdomen and pelvis undertaken to establish the cause for abdominal pain. The patient was managed by a multidisciplinary team and was treated with anticoagulants for 6 months. This case illustrates that the incidence of pelvic venous thrombosis may be higher in pregnancy and puerperium.
Is clopidogrel better than aspirin following breakthrough strokes while on aspirin? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lee Meng , Wu Yi-Ling , Saver Jeffrey L , Lee Hsuei-Chen , Lee Jiann-Der , Chang Ku-Chou , Wu Chih-Ying , Lee Tsong-Hai , Wang Hui-Hsuan , Rao Neal M , Ovbiagele Bruce
Published: December 2014

Objective

There is insufficient evidence on which to base a recommendation for optimal antiplatelet therapy following a stroke while on aspirin. The objective was to compare clopidogrel initiation vs aspirin reinitiation for vascular risk reduction among patients with ischaemic stroke on aspirin at the time of their index stroke.

Design

Retrospective.

Setting

We conducted a nationwide cohort study by retrieving all hospitalised patients (≥18 years) with a primary diagnosis of ischaemic stroke between 2003 and 2009 from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database.

Participants

Among 3862 patients receiving aspirin before the index ischaemic stroke and receiving either aspirin or clopidogrel after index stroke during follow-up period, 1623 were excluded due to a medication possession ratio <80%. Also, 355 were excluded due to history of atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease or coagulopathy. Therefore, 1884 patients were included in our final analysis.

Interventions

Patients were categorised into two groups based on whether clopidogrel or aspirin was prescribed during the follow-up period. Follow-up was from time of the index stroke to admission for recurrent stroke or myocardial infarction, death or the end of 2010.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary end point was hospitalisation due to a new-onset major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE: composite of any stroke or myocardial infarction). The leading secondary end point was any recurrent stroke.

Results

Compared to aspirin, clopidogrel was associated with a lower occurrence of future MACE (HR=0.54, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.68, p<0.001, number needed to treat: 8) and recurrent stroke (HR=0.54, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.69, p<0.001, number needed to treat: 9) after adjustment of relevant covariates.

Conclusions

Among patients with an ischaemic stroke while taking aspirin, clopidogrel initiation was associated with fewer recurrent vascular events than aspirin reinitiation.
Unplanned, urgent and emergency care: what are the roles that EMS plays in providing for older people with dementia? An integrative review of policy, professional recommendations and evidence
Authors: Buswell Marina , Lumbard Philip , Prothero Larissa , Lee Caroline , Martin Steven , Fleming Jane , Goodman Claire
Published: December 2014

Objective

To synthesise the existing literature on the roles that emergency medical services (EMS) play in unplanned, urgent and emergency care for older people with dementia (OPWD), to define these roles, understand the strength of current research and to identify where the focus of future research should lie.

Design

An integrative review of the synthesised reports, briefings, professional recommendations and evidence. English-language articles were included if they made any reference to the role of EMS in the urgent or emergency care of OPWD. Preparatory scoping and qualitative work with frontline ambulance and primary care staff and carers of OPWD informed our review question and subsequent synthesis.

Results

Seventeen literature sources were included. Over half were from the grey literature. There was no research that directly addressed the review question. There was evidence in reports, briefings and professional recommendations of EMS addressing some of the issues they face in caring for OPWD. Three roles of EMS could be drawn out of the literature: emergency transport, assess and manage and a ‘last resort’ or safety net role.

Conclusions

The use of EMS by OPWD is not well understood, although the literature reviewed demonstrated a concern for this group and awareness that services are not optimum. Research in dementia care should consider the role that EMS plays, particularly if considering crises, urgent care responses and transitions between care settings. EMS research into new ways of working, training or extended paramedical roles should consider specific needs and challenges of responding to people with dementia.
Response to the NCEPOD report: development of a care bundle for patients admitted with decompensated cirrhosis—the first 24 h
Authors: McPherson Stuart , Dyson Jessica , Austin Andrew , Hudson Mark
Published: December 2014

Recently, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of chronic liver disease in the UK, and as a result, hospital admissions and deaths due to liver disease have also increased. The 2013 National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) of patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) found that less than half the number of patients who died from ARLD received ‘good care’, and avoidable deaths were identified. In order to improve the care of patients admitted with ARLD, the NCEPOD report recommended that a ‘toolkit’ for the acute management of patients admitted with decompensated ARLD be developed and made widely available. As a result, we have developed a ‘care bundle’ for patients admitted with decompensated cirrhosis (of all aetiologies) to ensure that effective evidence-based treatments are delivered within the first 24 h. This care bundle provides a checklist to ensure that all appropriate investigations are undertaken when a patient with decompensated cirrhosis presents and provides clinicians with clear guidance on the initial management of alcohol withdrawal, infection, acute kidney injury, gastrointestinal bleeding and encephalopathy. The first 24 h are particularly important, as early intervention can reduce mortality and shorten hospital stay, and specialist gastroenterology/liver advice is not always available during this period. This review will discuss the care bundle and the evidence base behind the treatment recommendations made.
Students do the business
Authors: Hannigan Chloe
Published: December 2014

Three years ago, students at the Royal Veterinary College established the first UK chapter of the Veterinary Business Management Association. Its president, Chloe Hannigan, discusses the association's aims and reveals some future plans
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Hall Jen
Published: December 2014

Jennifer Hall is studying veterinary science at Nottingham; she took over as president of the Association of Veterinary Students during last week's AVS congress in Liverpool
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Callion James
Published: December 2014

James Callion established Spires Vet Clinic in Omagh just four years after qualifying from Edinburgh veterinary school. Last year he was runner‐up in Northern Ireland's Eircom Young Entrepreneur Awards
In at the deep end
Authors: Durward‐Akhurst Sian
Published: December 2014

Sian Durward‐Akhurst graduated from Glasgow in June last year, and was not due to begin an equine clinical training scholarship until January. To fill the time between the two, she volunteered to work for the SPCA in Fiji, but then wondered if she was going to be out of her depth…
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Hosie‐Kingham Joanna
Published: December 2014

Joanna Hosie‐Kingham qualified from Edinburgh vet school in 2004. She worked in companion animal practice in London until last year, when she became regulatory affairs manager for Elanco.
Employment contracts: rights and responsibilities
Authors:   BVA new graduate guide
Published: December 2014

Having a written contract can reduce the likelihood of disputes between employers and employees, and will help employees understand their rights
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Southgate Pete
Published: December 2014

Pete Southgate is one of the directors of the Fish Vet Group, an Inverness‐based veterinary practice that is dedicated to fish health and welfare. He is an RCVS recognised specialist in fish health and production, and a trustee of the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation.
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Scott‐Park Freda
Published: December 2014

Freda Scott‐Park is a consultant to the pharmaceutical industry. She is married to a farmer and lives near Loch Lomond.
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Perry Brian
Published: December 2014

Brian Perry specialises in livestock health and broader agricultural development issues in the developing world. He graduated from Edinburgh in 1969, and after a short spell in mixed practice, studied tropical disease. Since 1971, he has lived in Ethiopia, Colombia, Zambia, the USA and Kenya. He is an honorary professor at the universities of Edinburgh and Pretoria, and a visiting professor at the University of Oxford; he lives in Kenya's Rift Valley.
Working in Europe
Authors: Wood Graham
Published: December 2014

Graham Wood is a veterinary inspector with the European Commission's Food and Veterinary Office (FVO), based in Grange, Ireland. Here, he explains how he moved into this role, and what the work involves
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Walton Jenny
Published: December 2014

Jenny Walton qualified from Edinburgh in 1998. After the birth of her first daughter in 2002, she worked nights for Vets Now, and saw a need for blood products in the emergency and critical care field. As a result, she ran a pilot trial on canine blood banking in the north‐east of England, and has been veterinary supervisor for Pet Blood Bank UK since the charity's launch in 2007
Conservation through public health
Authors: Zukosa Gladys Kalema
Published: December 2014

Realising you cannot protect wildlife without meeting the needs of the people with whom they share a habitat was a ‘Eureka moment’ for Gladys Kalema‐Zikusoka, founder of the charity Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH)
Preparing for an interview
Authors:   www.direct.gov.uk
Published: December 2014

Being invited to a job interview means you've passed the first test: your application must have made a good impression. Now you need to prepare yourself for the interview to make sure you are successful at this stage
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Daborn Chris
Published: December 2014

Chris Daborn is a member of a rare breed – a private veterinarian working in rural Africa. Having lost the job security of a career in overseas veterinary work when the Overseas Development Administration (ODA) became the Department for International Development and cut back on funding the secondment of British veterinary practitioners, he needed a new career path to keep working in Africa
Learning to learn online
Authors: Short Nick
Published: December 2014

Online resources are playing an increasingly important role in veterinary undergraduate education and lifelong learning. The challenge is to know where to search for useful, authoritative and comprehensive information without wasting time aimlessly browsing the web. Nick Short, head of the e‐Media Unit at the Royal Veterinary College, gives a brief overview of some of the sites available
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Roberts Victoria
Published: December 2014

Victoria Roberts is currently president of the British Veterinary Zoological Society. She works as a small animal locum and has a particular interest in poultry.
How to handle references
Authors: Croner
Published: December 2014

References can play an important role in the recruitment process. However, there are things to consider when responding to, or making, a reference request
An internship in private practice
Authors: Goldsworthy Silas
Published: December 2014

Traditionally, internships were offered via veterinary schools, but increasingly, places are available at larger referral practices. Silas Goldsworthy, one of six interns at Davies Veterinary Specialists in Hertfordshire, discusses this career option
Network your way to an equine career
Authors: Mayes Ben
Published: December 2014

Careers evenings provide an opportunity for those wanting to find out more about working in a particular area of practice to network with potential employers. Ben Mayes describes an event to be held at this year's BEVA congress
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Webbon Peter
Published: December 2014

Peter Webbon qualified from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and is currently chief executive of the Animal Health Trust (AHT). Much of his life has involved animals, for leisure as well as work, and he is committed to improving their welfare
The only way is ethics …
Authors: Campbell Madeleine
Published: December 2014

Madeleine Campbell's introduction to veterinary ethics began a couple of years ago and has taken her in a new direction. She has just embarked on research looking at the ethics of assisted reproductive techniques in animals
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Tremlett Nick
Published: December 2014

Nick Tremlett discovered he was good at rifle shooting at school and has gone on to win many major competitions, as can be seen from his collection of silverware. He is also involved in coaching and, away from the range, can be found working in small animal practice.
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Lewis John
Published: December 2014

John Lewis has been a full‐time zoo and wildlife vet for the past 27 years, working in a variety of zoo and field situations in an equally wide variety of countries. He is a partner in the nternational Zoo Veterinary Group and a co‐founder of the UK charity Wildlife Vets International (www.wildlifevetsinternational.org), which provides specialist veterinary services to conservation projects. John's particular interests are the conservation of the larger cat species and anaesthesia of non‐domestic animals.
Unified scenario of three types of neutrinos with respective mass scales
Authors: Nishio Sakiko G. J. , Bamba Kazuharu , Sugamoto Akio
Published: December 2014

A unified theory of three different types of neutrinos is discussed in the Kaluza–Klein (KK) five-dimensional spacetime theory. In particular, we construct the scenario in which the zeroth KK modes correspond to the left-handed neutrinos with the meV mass and the right-handed sterile neutrinos with the keV mass, whereas the first KK modes to the neutrinos with the TeV mass.
Some developments of the Casimir effect in p-cavity of (D + 1)-dimensional space–time
Authors: Zhai Xiang-Hua , Lin Rui-Hui , Feng Chao-Jun , Li Xin-Zhou
Published: December 2014

The Casimir effect for rectangular boxes has been studied for several decades. But there are still some unclear points. Recently, there are new developments related to this topic, including the demonstration of the equivalence of the regularization methods and the clarification of the ambiguity in the regularization of the temperature-dependent free energy. Also, the interesting quantum spring was raised stemming from the topological Casimir effect of the helix boundary conditions. We review these developments together with the general derivation of the Casimir energy of the p-dimensional cavity in (D + 1)-dimensional space–time, paying special attention to the sign of the Casimir force in a cavity with unequal edges. In addition, we also review the Casimir piston, which is a configuration related to rectangular cavity.
A Digital Controller Based on Primary Side Regulation with Improved Accuracy for LED Application
Authors: Liu Kan , He Lenian , Qiu Jianping
Published: December 2014

A digital controller for LED driver is presented. The controller is used in the flyback converter which works in discontinuous current mode (DCM). A comparator is adopted to shape the auxiliary winding voltage based on traditional primary side regulation (PSR). A five-states finite state machine (FSM) is designed to deal with the shaped auxiliary winding signal. The FSM extracts the system time information from the shaped signal and controls all the sequences in the whole system. To achieve high accuracy of the output current, an adaptive delay compensation scheme is adopted. A LED prototype whose typical output power is 7 W is used in both simulation and experiment to demonstrate the effectiveness of this novel digital controller. The measurement results show that the line regulation when the input ac voltage varies from 85–265 V is 3.4% and the load regulation when the load varies from 3–10 LEDs is 2.5%.
Free subgroups in division rings generated by group rings of soluble groups
Authors: Gonçalves Jairo Z. , Lichtman A. I.
Published: December 2014

We study free subgroups in the multiplicative group of division rings generated by group rings of some classes of soluble groups.