bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and genotype of Mycoplasma bovis in beef cattle after arrival at a feedlot
Authors: Castillo-Alcala Fernanda , Bateman Kenneth G. , Cai Hugh Y. , Schott Courtney R. , Parker Lois , Clark Mary Ellen , McRaild Patricia , McDowall Rebecca M. , Foster Robert A. , Archambault Marie , Caswell Jeff L.
Published: November 2012

Objective—To determine the prevalence of Mycoplasma bovis infection in the lungs of cattle at various times after arrival at a feedlot, to measure the relationship between clinical disease status and the concentration and genotype of M bovis within the lungs, and to investigate changes in the genotype of M bovis over time.

Sample—Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from 328 healthy or pneumonic beef cattle and 20 M bovis isolates obtained from postmortem samples.

Procedures—The concentration of M bovis in BALF was determined via real-time PCR assays, and M bovis isolates from BALF were genotyped via amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis.

Results—Prevalence of M bovis in BALF was 1 of 60 (1.7%) at arrival to a feedlot and 26 of 36 (72.2%) and 36 of 42 (85.7%) at ≤ 15 days and 55 days after arrival, respectively. Neither the concentration nor the AFLP type of M bovis in BALF was correlated with clinical disease status. The M bovis AFLP type differed between early and later sampling periods in 14 of 17 cattle.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The findings implied spread of M bovis among calves and suggested that host factors and copathogens may determine disease outcomes in infected calves. Chronic pulmonary infection with M bovis may represent a dynamic situation of bacterial clearance and reinfection with strains of different AFLP type, rather than continuous infection with a single clone. These findings impact our understanding of why cattle with chronic pneumonia and polyarthritis syndrome inadequately respond to antimicrobial treatment.
Isolation and characterization of neural progenitor cells from adult canine brains
Authors: Lim Ji-Hey , Koh Sehwon , Olby Natasha J. , Piedrahita Jorge , Mariani Christopher L.
Published: November 2012

Objective—To isolate and characterize neural stem and progenitor cell populations in the brain of adult dogs.

Animals—7 healthy adult dogs.

Procedures—Dogs (age, 10 to 60 months) were euthanized for reasons unrelated to the study. The subventricular zone (SVZ) adjacent to the lateral ventricles and subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampus were isolated and used to generate single cell suspensions for nonadherent culture. The resulting primary neurospheres were serially passaged to assess self-renewal capacity. Neurospheres were differentiated by the withdrawal of growth factors and the addition of serum. Differentiated and undifferentiated neurospheres were analyzed via reverse transcriptase PCR assay or immunocytochemical staining for markers of pluripotency and neural lineage.

Results—Neurospheres were generated from the SVZ and SGZ in all dogs. The SVZ generated more primary neurospheres than did the SGZ. Serial passage was successful, although few neurospheres could be generated after the fifth passage. Undifferentiated neurospheres were positive for SOX2, nestin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and negative for OCT4 and NANOG. After differentiation, GFAP, neuronal class III β-tubulin, and 2′, 3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase–positive progeny were noted migrating out of the neurospheres.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested the persistence of SOX2-positive, nestin-positive, GFAP-positive, OCT4-negative, and NANOG-negative neural progenitor cells in the SVZ and SGZ regions of mature canine brains, which are capable of producing multiple cell lineages. This study may serve as a basis for future studies investigating the role of these cells in various disease processes, such as neoplasia, or for regenerative purposes.
Effects of intratumoral administration of a hyaluronan-cisplatin nanoconjugate to five dogs with soft tissue sarcomas
Authors: Venable Rachel O. , Worley Deanna R. , Gustafson Daniel L. , Hansen Ryan J. , Ehrhart E. J. , Cai Shuang , Cohen Mark S. , Forrest M. Laird
Published: November 2012

Objective—To determine the effects of intratumoral injection of a hyaluronan-cisplatin nanoconjugate on local and systemic platinum concentrations and systemic toxicosis.

Animals—5 dogs with spontaneous soft tissue sarcomas (STSs).

Procedures—For each dog, approximately 1.5 mL of hyaluronan nanocarrier conjugated with 20 mg of cisplatin was injected into an external STS. Blood samples were collected immediately before (0 hours) and at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 24, and 96 hours after hyaluronan-cisplatin injection for pharmacokinetic analyses. Urine samples were obtained at 0 and at 96 hours after hyaluronan-cisplatin injection for urinalysis. Each treated STS and its sentinel lymph nodes were surgically removed 96 hours after the hyaluronan-cisplatin injection. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to measure platinum concentrations in blood samples, tumors, and lymph nodes.

Results—No tissue reactions were detected 96 hours after hyaluronan-cisplatin injection. Mean ± SD area under the curve, peak concentration, and terminal half-life for unbound (plasma) and total (serum) platinum were 774.6 ± 221.1 ng•h/mL and 3,562.1 ± 2,031.1 ng•h/mL, 56.5 ± 20.9 ng/mL and 81.6 ± 40.4 ng/mL, and 33.6 ± 16.1 hours and 51.2 ± 29.1 hours, respectively. Platinum concentrations ranged from 3,325 to 8,229 ng/g in STSs and 130 to 6,066 ng/g in STS-associated lymph nodes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Intratumoral injection of the hyaluronan-cisplatin nanoconjugate was well tolerated in treated dogs. Following intratumoral hyaluronan-cisplatin injection, platinum concentration was 1,000-fold and 100-fold greater within treated tumors and tumor-draining lymphatics, respectively, compared with that in plasma.
Association of height, body weight, age, and corneal diameter with calculated intraocular lens strength of adult horses
Authors: Mouney Meredith C. , Townsend Wendy M. , Moore George E.
Published: November 2012

Objective—To determine whether differences exist in the calculated intraocular lens (IOL) strengths of a population of adult horses and to assess the association between calculated IOL strength and horse height, body weight, and age, and between calculated IOL strength and corneal diameter.

Animals—28 clinically normal adult horses (56 eyes).

Procedures—Axial globe lengths and anterior chamber depths were measured ultrasonographically. Corneal curvatures were determined with a modified photokeratometer and brightness-mode ultrasonographic images. Data were used in the Binkhorst equation to calculate the predicted IOL strength for each eye. The calculated IOL strengths were compared with a repeated-measures ANOVA. Corneal curvature values (photokeratometer vs brightness-mode ultrasonographic images) were compared with a paired t test. Coefficients of determination were used to measure associations.

Results—Calculated IOL strengths (range, 15.4 to 30.1 diopters) differed significantly among horses. There was a significant difference in the corneal curvatures as determined via the 2 methods. Weak associations were found between calculated IOL strength and horse height and between calculated IOL strength and vertical corneal diameter.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Calculated IOL strength differed significantly among horses. Because only weak associations were detected between calculated IOL strength and horse height and vertical corneal diameter, these factors would not serve as reliable indicators for selection of the IOL strength for a specific horse.
Effects of oral administration of diphenhydramine on pupil diameter, intraocular pressure, tear production, tear film quality, conjunctival goblet cell density, and corneal sensitivity of clinically normal adult dogs
Authors: Evans Paige M. , Lynch Gwendolyn L. , Labelle Philippe
Published: November 2012

Objective—To evaluate the effects of oral administration of diphenhydramine on pupil diameter, intraocular pressure (IOP), tear production, tear film quality, corneal sensitivity, and conjunctival goblet cell density (GCD) in clinically normal adult dogs.

Animals—12 healthy adult dogs.

Procedures—All dogs received diphenhydramine (2.2 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) for 21 days. Conjunctival biopsy samples were obtained immediately before (day 1) and after (day 21) treatment with diphenhydramine and conjunctival GCDs were determined. Gross ophthalmic examinations and fluorescein staining of corneas were performed, and pupil diameter, corneal sensitivity, IOP, tear production, and tear film breakup time were determined prior to administration of diphenhydramine on days 1 through 5 and on day 21; pupil diameter and IOP measurements were repeated on each of those days at 20 and 40 minutes and 1, 3, 6, and 8 hours after administration of diphenhydramine. Data were analyzed to detect differences among values for dogs.

Results—Clinically important increases in pupil diameter were not detected after administration of diphenhydramine to dogs. Day 1 corneal sensitivity and tear film breakup time for dogs were significantly higher than day 21 values for those variables.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of this study suggested that oral administration of diphenhydramine to healthy adult dogs was not likely to acutely induce glaucoma or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. However, effects of diphenhydramine in dogs with keratoconjunctivitis sicca or primary glaucoma or dogs genetically predisposed to development of those conditions were not determined. Administration of diphenhydramine to dogs decreased corneal sensitivity and tear film breakup time, although these effects were not clinically important.
Prevalence of seizures in cats after head trauma
Authors: Grohmann Kristina S. , Schmidt Martin J. , Moritz Andreas , Kramer Martin
Published: November 2012

Objective—To determine the prevalence of seizures in cats after head trauma.

Design—Retrospective cross-sectional study.

Animals—52 cats with head trauma.

Procedures—Information was obtained from medical records of cats with head trauma and via telephone interviews of owners at least 2 years after cats had head trauma. Severity of head trauma in cats was classified with the modified Glasgow coma scale (mGCS), and the association between scores and development of seizures was determined.

Results—9 cats had moderate head trauma (mGCS score, 9 to 14), and 43 cats had mild head trauma (mGCS score, 15 to 18). None of the cats developed seizures during the follow-up period (≥ 2 years after head injury). The calculated 95% confidence interval for prevalence of seizures in cats after head injury was 0% to 5.6%. There was no significant relationship between severity of head trauma and the risk of seizures in cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated the probability that cats with mild to moderate head trauma would develop posttraumatic seizures was low. However, clinicians should monitor cats with a history of head trauma for development of secondary epilepsy.
Bilateral lumbar hernias in a domestic shorthair cat
Authors: Olin Shelly J. , Holmes Shannon P. , Jeffs Ashley , Cornell Karen K.
Published: November 2012

Case Description—A 2.8-kg (6.1-lb) 4-month-old sexually intact female domestic shorthair cat was referred for evaluation of bilateral, subcutaneous lumbar masses that were presumed to be the kidneys.

Clinical Findings—Physical examination findings included 2 mobile, nonpainful, 3×3-cm, bilaterally symmetric masses in the dorsolateral lumbar region. Abdominal radiography, ultrasonography, and CT confirmed bilateral body wall defects with renal herniation. Serum biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and excretory urography confirmed normal renal function.

Treatment and Outcome—Exploratory laparotomy, reduction of the kidneys, repair of the body wall defects, bilateral nephropexy, and ovariohysterectomy were performed. There were no perioperative complications.

Clinical Relevance—Lumbar hernia has not been reported previously in a cat. It is important for veterinarians to be aware that although rare, lumbar hernia should be included in the list of differential diagnoses for a lumbar mass or signs of chronic lumbar pain in cats.
Effects of yearling sale purchase price, exercise history, lameness, and athletic performance on purchase price of Thoroughbreds at 2-year-old in-training sales
Authors: Preston Stephanie A. , Brown Murray P. , Chmielewski Terese L. , Trumble Troy N. , Zimmel Dana N. , Hernandez Jorge A.
Published: November 2012

Objective—To determine the effects of yearling sale purchase price, exercise history, lameness, and athletic performance (speed) on purchase price of 2-year-old in-training Thoroughbreds and to compare the distance exercised within 60 days prior to 2-year-old in-training sales between horses with high yearling sale purchase prices versus those with low yearling sale purchase prices and between horses with lameness during training and those without lameness during training.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—51 Thoroughbreds.

Procedures—Thoroughbreds purchased at a yearling sale were trained prior to resale at 2-year-old in-training sales. Amount of exercise and lameness status during training and speed of horses at 2-year-old in-training sales were determined. Data were analyzed via the Wilcoxon rank sum test and ANOVA.

Results—Median purchase price of horses at 2-year-old in-training sales was $37,000. The 2-year-old in-training sale purchase price was associated with yearling sale purchase price and distance galloped within 60 days prior to and speed recorded at 2-year-old in-training sales.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Horses with high yearling sale purchase prices typically had high 2-year-old in-training sale purchase prices, had low distances galloped within 60 days prior to 2-year-old in-training sales, and were classified as fast at 2-year-old in-training sales. Lameness alone was not associated with 2-year-old in-training sales purchase price. However, lameness was associated with a low distance galloped before 2-year-old in-training sales, particularly for horses with a high yearling sale purchase price; this finding suggested that yearling sale purchase price can affect training management decisions for horses with lameness.
Effects of various presale radiographic findings for yearling Thoroughbreds on 2-year-old racing performance
Authors: Preston Stephanie A. , Brown Murray P. , Trumble Troy N. , Chmielewski Terese L. , Zimmel Dana N. , Hernandez Jorge A.
Published: November 2012

Objective—To determine the effects of various presale radiographic findings for Thoroughbreds sold at a yearling sale on 2-year-old racing performance of those horses.

Animals—397 Thoroughbreds.

Design—Cohort study.

Procedures—Thoroughbreds offered for sale at a Thoroughbred sales facility in Kentucky were selected via a randomization procedure. Effects of various presale radiographic findings on the following measures of 2-year-old racing performance were determined: having started a race and having placed (ie, finished in first, second, or third place) in a race at least once, total amount of money earned, and amount of money earned per start.

Results—Of the 397 horses, 192 (48%) started in at least 1 race during the 2-year-old racing year. The odds of failure to start a race as a 2-year-old were 1.78 times as great for horses with forelimb proximal sesamoid bone osteophytes or enthesophytes as for horses without this finding (95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 3.16). The odds of failure to start a race as a 2-year-old were 2.02 times as great for horses with hind limb proximal phalanx osteochondral fragments as for horses without this finding (95% confidence interval, 0.95 to 4.31), although this result was not significant. Radiographic findings did not have an effect on total amount of money earned, amount of money earned per start, or whether horses placed in a race.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Presale radiographic detection of forelimb proximal sesamoid bone osteophytes or enthesophytes or hind limb proximal phalanx osteochondral fragments in yearlings were associated with failure to start a race during the 2-year-old racing year in study horses.
Effect of nutritional plane on health and performance in dairy calves after experimental infection with Cryptosporidium parvum
Authors: Ollivett Theresa L. , Nydam Daryl V. , Linden Thomas C. , Bowman Dwight D. , Van Amburgh Michael E.
Published: November 2012

Objective—To evaluate the effect of nutritional plane on health and performance of dairy calves after infection with Cryptosporidium parvum.

Design—Randomized, controlled trial.

Animals—20 Holstein bull calves.

Procedures—Calves were assigned to a higher plane of nutrition (HPN; 0.30 Mcal intake energy/kg of metabolic body weight using a 28% protein-20% fat milk replacer) or conventional nutrition (CN; 0.13 Mcal intake energy/kg of metabolic body weight using a 20% protein-20% fat milk replacer). Calves were inoculated with C parvum oocysts at 3 days old. Fecal and health scores, oocyst counts, weight gain, dry matter intake, and hematologic variables were measured for 21 days. Data were analyzed with nonparametric and regression methods.

Results—Body weight (day 1), serum total protein concentration (day 3), and PCV (day 3) were not different between groups. Oocyst shedding was not different between groups. The PCV was higher in the CN group (40%), compared with the HPN group (32%) at the end of the study. Fecal scores (FS) improved faster in the HPN group (median, −0.1 FS/feeding), compared with the CN group (median, −0.06 FS/feeding). The HPN calves had better average daily gain (ADG) than did CN calves (median, 433 g/d vs −48 g/d, respectively). Feed efficiency (ADG:dry matter intake ratio) was better for HPN calves than CN calves (median, 131.9 g/kg vs −31.4 g/kg).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—After a pathogen challenge, calves maintained hydration, had faster resolution of diarrhea, grew faster, and converted feed with greater efficiency when fed a higher plane of nutrition.
Structure and properties of 2-[(E)-2-(4-dipropylaminophenyl)-1-ethenyl]-1,3,3-trimethyl-3H-indolium chloride
Authors: Lešková Martina , Bazel Yaroslav , Torok Marcel , Studenyak Yaroslav
Published: November 2012

The structure of styryl dye, 2-[(E)-2-(4-dipropylaminophenyl)-1-ethenyl]-1,3,3-trimethyl-3H-indolium chloride (I), was investigated using methods such as UV-VIS, fluorescence spectroscopy, and NMR (1H, 13C, APT, HMQC, COSY) and also by examining its electrochemical properties. A study of the acid-base properties revealed the existence of three different forms of the dye. The mechanisms of protolysis and hydrolysis are discussed. The reagent exists in a reactive single-charged form I + over a wide range of acidity (pH 4–11). The optimum analytical wavelength of the singlecharged form is 550 nm, where the molar absorptivity is 5.51 × 104 L mol−1 cm−1. The values of the optimum analytical wavelength and molar absorptivity of the protolysed and hydrolysed forms are: λ max(I-H2+) = 380 nm, ɛ(I-H2+) = 2.01 × 104 L mol−1 cm−1; λ max(I-OH) = 320 nm, ɛ(I-OH) = 1.12 × 104 L mol−1 cm−1. A theoretical study of the spectral and chemical properties of I was carried out by performing quantum chemical calculations.
More Scales than a Fish?
Authors: Cramphorn Michael
Published: November 2012

Verbal scales are intrinsic to attitude measurement. One approach is to employ agreement–disagreement scales. However, when inter-country comparisons will be made, it cannot be presumed that results will be directly comparable. Different verbal usages often prevail, even where the language is the same. Variations in the patterns of response across cultures and languages are non-systemic, the consequence of which is that single overall country adjustments should not be used. Focusing on meaningful measurement can yield scales that provide real comparability.
A Smarter Way to Select Respondents for Surveys?
Authors: Terhanian George , Bremer John
Published: November 2012

Online research has experienced astonishing growth over the past 15 years. To keep up with this growth, researchers have developed new ways of accessing and utilising respondents. Nevertheless, they can still find it difficult to complete the needed number of interviews on time, particularly when the target population is rare or in high demand. For this reason, it is common today for researchers to use more than one sample source for some types of project, such as a tracking survey that measures change over time. Adding one or more sample source to the original might address the need for more respondents, but some evidence suggests that it might also decrease sample representativeness and reduce response accuracy. In this paper, we introduce a new methodology that enables researchers to select potential survey respondents from either a single sample source or multiple sources based on how well their characteristics match an appropriate, evolving standard with demonstrated evidence of external validity. We also present evidence suggesting that, in the aggregate, respondents who are selected through the new methodology are more representative of the target population than respondents selected by other means. Finally, we consider possible implications of the new methodology on methods other than online research with non-probability samples.
Strangers in Strange Lands: Hypermarkets and Chinese Consumer Culture Misalignment
Authors: Warden Clyde A. , Stanworth James , Chen Judy F. , Huang Stephen Chi-Tsun
Published: November 2012

Western retailers find alignment with consumers in Greater China challenging. Managers struggle to understand local retail values, especially where quantitative marketing research obfuscates meanings behind overly simplified constructs - lacking richness that is key to alignment. As researchers embedded in a distant indigenous culture, we use an interpretive research design, drawing on longitudinal data collected over a six-year period, to reveal multiple lenses of local realities, giving a perspective on international retailers' misalignment. The multimethod approach integrates ethnography, interviews, participant observations, videography and extended data in podcasts. We show how everyday products can be purely functional (global) at one time but embedded with symbolic meaning (local) at another, thereby confounding international retailers and researchers. Managers and researchers tend to reduce the legitimacy of meanings that differ from the values and beliefs of their existing (home/local) paradigm. We present a conceptual model that clarifies the marketing metaphor of ‘alignment’ for retailers targeting Far East Asian markets.
Comparative Utility of the BESTest, Mini-BESTest, and Brief-BESTest for Predicting Falls in Individuals With Parkinson Disease: A Cohort Study
Authors: Duncan Ryan P. , Leddy Abigail L. , Cavanaugh James T. , Dibble Leland E. , Ellis Terry D. , Ford Matthew P. , Foreman K. Bo , Earhart Gammon M.
Published: November 2012

Background

The newly developed Brief–Balance Evaluation System Test (Brief-BESTest) may be useful for measuring balance and predicting falls in individuals with Parkinson disease (PD).

Objectives

The purposes of this study were: (1) to describe the balance performance of those with PD using the Brief-BESTest, (2) to determine the relationships among the scores derived from the 3 versions of the BESTest (ie, full BESTest, Mini-BESTest, and Brief-BESTest), and (3) to compare the accuracy of the Brief-BESTest with that of the Mini-BESTest and BESTest in identifying recurrent fallers among people with PD.

Design

This was a prospective cohort study.

Methods

Eighty participants with PD completed a baseline balance assessment. All participants reported a fall history during the previous 6 months. Fall history was again collected 6 months (n=51) and 12 months (n=40) later.

Results

At baseline, participants had varying levels of balance impairment, and Brief-BESTest scores were significantly correlated with Mini-BESTest (r=.94, P<.001) and BESTest (r=.95, P<.001) scores. Six-month retrospective fall prediction accuracy of the Brief-BESTest was moderately high (area under the curve [AUC]=0.82, sensitivity=0.76, and specificity=0.84). Prospective fall prediction accuracy over 6 months was similarly accurate (AUC=0.88, sensitivity=0.71, and specificity=0.87), but was less sensitive over 12 months (AUC=0.76, sensitivity=0.53, and specificity=0.93).

Limitations

The sample included primarily individuals with mild to moderate PD. Also, there was a moderate dropout rate at 6 and 12 months.

Conclusions

All versions of the BESTest were reasonably accurate in identifying future recurrent fallers, especially during the 6 months following assessment. Clinicians can reasonably rely on the Brief-BESTest for predicting falls, particularly when time and equipment constraints are of concern.
Magnetic and electric properties of nanoparticles of Ni-substituted ferrites synthesized using a microwave refluxing process
Authors: Prasad Nand Kishore , Naulakha Abhinandan , Jha Neeraj , Meena Sher Singh , Bahadur Dhirendra , Prakash Om , Mandal Rajiv Kumar
Published: November 2012

Microwave refluxing was found to be a suitable method to produce single phase magnetic nanoparticles of Ni
x
Fe3−x
O4. Ethylene glycol employed in the synthesis plays a crucial role in restricting the particle size to nano dimensions. X-ray diffraction studies, Mössbauer spectroscopy and magnetic measurements suggest that as-prepared samples were small in size (∼15 nm) and hence display low saturation magnetization values (44–60 emu g−1). Ni
x
Fe3−x
O4 transforms into γ-Ni
y
Fe2−y
O3 and α-Ni
y
Fe2−y
O3 after sintering at 720 and 1020 K respectively as indicated by X-ray diffraction patterns. This was also confirmed by resistivity measurements. The electrical properties of the two transformed phases were comparable to their bulk values. It has also been found that a large substitution of Ni stabilizes γ-phase at higher temperature.
The Who, What, When, and How: Of Choosing a Dietetics Career
Authors: Lordly Daphne , Dubé Nicole
Published: November 2012

Purpose: We describe factors influencing the career choices of students enrolled in Canadian dietetics programs.

Methods: A survey was administered, in class or online, to core first- and fourth-year classes in seven dietetics programs in various provinces (n=397). Data were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics. Chi-square testing for independence established significant relationships.

Results: Students ranked personal satisfaction, job security, and a professional career as important general career outcomes. These factors were also perceived to be attainable through a dietetics career. The majority of students chose dietetics while they were enrolled in a post-secondary degree program (44%), were primarily influenced by family members (54%), and based their choice on information acquired through the media (50%). Motivations for choosing dietetics included an interest in nutrition (91%) and health (90%), and a desire to help others (82%). Younger students placed more importance on economic rewards and having a position of authority than did older students. Older students identified personal satisfaction as more important in career selection than did younger students. Female respondents placed higher value on job flexibility than did their male counterparts.

Conclusions: Career choice is based on a variety of internal and external factors. Opportunities exist for strategic recruitment efforts by educators and the profession.
A Participatory Food Costing Model: In Nova Scotia
Authors: Williams Patricia , Amero Michelle , Anderson Barbara , Gillis Doris , Green-Lapierre Rebecca , Johnson Christine , Reimer Debra
Published: November 2012

In recognition of the growing challenge that food insecurity has on population health, a multisectoral partership in Nova Scotia has been working since 2001 to address province-wide accessibility to a nutritious diet. The participatory food costing (PFC) model has been at the forefront of provincial and national efforts to address food insecurity; a local foods component was incorporated in 2004. This model has engaged community partners, including those affected by food insecurity, in all stages of the research, thereby building capacity at multiple levels to influence policy change and food systems redesign. By putting principles of participatory action research into practice, dietitians have contributed their technical, research, and facilitation expertise to support capacity building among the partners. The PFC model has provided people experiencing food insecurity with a mechanism for sharing their voices. By valuing different ways of knowing, the model has faciliated muchneeded dialogue on the broad and interrelated determinants of food security and mobilized knowledge that reflects these perspectives. The development of the model is described, as are lessons learned from a decade of highly productive research and knowledge mobilization that have increased stakeholders’ understanding of and involvement in addressing the many facets of food security in Nova Scotia.
Surgical treatment of Chiari malformation with and without syringomyelia: experience with 177 adult patients
Authors: Batzdorf Ulrich , McArthur David L. , Bentson John R.
Published: November 2012

Object

This study aims to show the relationship between clinical outcome in patients who underwent surgical decompression for Chiari malformation (CM) and postoperative imaging studies, with particular emphasis on the subarachnoid cisterns of the posterior fossa.

Methods

One hundred seventy-seven patients with CM, including 97 with syringomyelia, underwent posterior fossa decompressive surgery. Both the dura and arachnoid were opened in 150 of these patients, and 135 underwent reduction of the cerebellar tonsils. The patients' clinical signs and symptoms were evaluated at 2 time points after surgery. Their imaging studies were analyzed specifically for the size of the retrotonsillar and subtonsillar cisterns and the syringomyelic cavities. The authors evaluated the relationship between these imaging findings and clinical parameters.

Results

Clinical improvement correlated strongly with enlargement of the subarachnoid cisterns, and enlargement of the cisterns also correlated with reduction in size of the syrinx cavities. Symptoms related to syringomyelia responded to reduction in size of the syrinx cavities.

Conclusions

Surgical decompression of the posterior fossa should aim to create relatively large subarachnoid cisterns and reduce the size of the syrinx cavity. Reduction of the cerebellar tonsils by surgical means, together with duraplasty, achieves this goal and thereby improves the clinical outcome for patients with CM. An incidental observation of the study is that obesity increases the likelihood of headache in patients with CM.
Potential intracranial applications of magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound surgery
Authors: Monteith Stephen , Sheehan Jason , Medel Ricky , Wintermark Max , Eames Matthew , Snell John , Kassell Neal F. , Elias W. Jeff
Published: November 2012

Magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) has the potential to create a shift in the treatment paradigm of several intracranial disorders. High-resolution MRI guidance combined with an accurate method of delivering high doses of transcranial ultrasound energy to a discrete focal point has led to the exploration of noninvasive treatments for diseases traditionally treated by invasive surgical procedures. In this review, the authors examine the current intracranial applications under investigation and explore other potential uses for MRgFUS in the intracranial space based on their initial cadaveric studies.
Surgical treatment for vertebral artery–posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: special reference to the importance of the cerebellomedullary fissure dissection
Authors: Kawashima Masatou , Takase Yukinori , Matsushima Toshio
Published: November 2012

Object

The cerebellomedullary fissure (CMF) is a space between the cerebellum and the medulla oblongata, which often adhere to each other. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the importance of the unilateral CMF dissection for clipping vertebral artery (VA)–posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms.

Methods

Five adult cadaveric specimens were studied after colored silicone was infused into the arteries and veins. The microsurgical anatomy of the CMF and the trans-CMF approach for VA-PICA aneurysm surgery were examined in stepwise dissections. In addition, 6 patients underwent surgery for VA-PICA saccular aneurysms (2 ruptured and 4 unruptured aneurysms) via posterolateral approaches, with wide opening of the unilateral CMF to obtain good visualization and a wide working space in the lateral part of the cerebellomedullary cistern. Clinical data including neurological and radiological findings and patient outcomes were analyzed in all 6 cases.

Results

In all cases, the aneurysm was successfully clipped and no permanent neurological deficits remained. The wide opening of the unilateral CMF on the lesion side made it possible to retract the inferolateral part of the cerebellum easily, provided a wide operative field in the cerebellomedullary cistern, and enabled successful clip placement without difficulty.

Conclusions

For safe and effective VA-PICA aneurysm surgery, it is very important to dissect the CMF on the lesion side as well as to remove the lateral part of the foramen magnum. Direct clip placement is very safe and useful in cases involving VA-PICA aneurysms.
Choroid plexus papilloma and Pierpont syndrome
Authors: Vadivelu Sudhakar , Edelman Morris , Schneider Steven J. , Mittler Mark A.
Published: November 2012

The authors describe the case of a child who presented with hydrocephalus and phenotypic features characteristic of a multiple congenital anomalies/mental retardation syndrome. Dysmorphic facies, medial plantar lipomatosis, and developmental delay were observed in this case and are identical to documented findings of Pierpont syndrome diagnosed in 3 boys. This is the fourth case reported to date and is the first documented case of an oncological process— an intraventricular atypical choroid plexus papilloma tumor—found in association with Pierpont syndrome. Syndromes associated with choroid plexus papilloma are reviewed.
The role of venous sinus outflow obstruction in pediatric idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Dwyer Christopher M. , Prelog Kristina , Owler Brian K.
Published: November 2012

Object

The authors examined the role of venous sinus obstruction in the etiology of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) by reviewing more than 200 MR venograms performed in suspected cases of IIH.

Methods

Individual MR venograms performed in cases of suspected IIH at the Children's Hospital at Westmead in Sydney, Australia, were reviewed. The authors excluded cases in which an intervention was performed before the scan or a structural cause for venous obstruction was identified. Cases with confirmed hydrocephalus were also excluded.

For each of the 145 remaining scans, the authors completed a detailed review on a slice-by-slice basis of the 2D source images used to compile the rendered 3D MR venogram. The anatomical configuration of the dural venous sinuses and any areas of decreased flow in circulation were then noted. Where possible, they correlated their radiological findings with evidence of raised intracranial pressure based on LP opening pressures. They also reviewed a control group of 50 MR venograms.

Results

Seventy-six (52%) of 145 scans showed evidence of venous obstruction in the dominant-side circulation. Substantial nonphysiological collateral circulation was seen in 68% of cases with dominant-sided obstruction, suggesting a process of recanalization. In contrast, in the absence of dominant-sided obstruction, collateral circulation was uncommon.

In 27 cases, CSF opening pressure measurements were available. In 20 cases the opening pressures were in excess of 20 cm H2O. Of those, 17 demonstrated evidence of dominant-sided venous outflow obstruction. Among those cases, the median opening pressure was 34 cm H2O.

Dominant-sided venous outflow obstruction was seen in only 2 of 50 MR venograms in the control group. Furthermore, evidence of collateral circulation was also uncommon in the control group. There was a highly statistically significant difference between rates of dominant-sided venous obstruction in the suspected IIH and control groups (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

A majority of patients presenting for investigation of suspected IIH demonstrated evidence of dominant-sided venous obstruction on MR venogram. In addition there was a high correlation between elevated CSF opening pressures and dominant-sided venous sinus obstruction. This correlation was further supported by evidence of collateral recanalization in patients with elevated CSF pressures and dominant-sided venous obstruction. A control group of 50 MR venograms indicated that dominant-sided venous outflow obstruction is an unlikely incidental finding, and a highly statistically significant difference was found between rates of obstruction in the suspected IIH and control groups.
Will Climate Change, Genetic and Demographic Variation or Rat Predation Pose the Greatest Risk for Persistence of an Altitudinally Distributed Island Endemic?
Authors: Simmons Catherine , Auld Tony , Hutton Ian , Baker William , Shapcott Alison
Published: November 2012

Species endemic to mountains on oceanic islands are subject to a number of existing threats (in particular, invasive species) along with the impacts of a rapidly changing climate. The Lord Howe Island endemic palm Hedyscepe canterburyana is restricted to two mountains above 300 m altitude. Predation by the introduced Black Rat (Rattus rattus) is known to significantly reduce seedling recruitment. We examined the variation in Hedyscepe in terms of genetic variation, morphology, reproductive output and demographic structure, across an altitudinal gradient. We used demographic data to model population persistence under climate change predictions of upward range contraction incorporating long-term climatic records for Lord Howe Island. We also accounted for alternative levels of rat predation into the model to reflect management options for control. We found that Lord Howe Island is getting warmer and drier and quantified the degree of temperature change with altitude (0.9 °C per 100 m). For H. canterburyana, differences in development rates, population structure, reproductive output and population growth rate were identified between altitudes. In contrast, genetic variation was high and did not vary with altitude. There is no evidence of an upward range contraction as was predicted and recruitment was greatest at lower altitudes. Our models predicted slow population decline in the species and that the highest altitude populations are under greatest threat of extinction. Removal of rat predation would significantly enhance future persistence of this species.
The Anti-Apoptotic Role of Neuroglobin
Authors: Brittain Thomas
Published: November 2012

The small heme-protein neuroglobin is expressed at high concentrations in certain brain neurons and in the rod cells of the retina. This paper reviews the many studies which have recently identified a protective role for neuroglobin, in a wide range of situations involving apoptotic cell death. The origins of this protective mechanism are discussed in terms of both experimental results and computational modeling of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, which shows that neuroglobin can intervene in this process by a reaction with released mitochondrial cytochrome c. An integrated model, based on the various molecular actions of both neuroglobin and cytochrome c, is developed, which accounts for the cellular distribution of neuroglobin.
The Novel Application of Optimization and Charge Blended Energy Management Control for Component Downsizing within a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Authors: Shankar Ravi , Marco James , Assadian Francis
Published: November 2012

The adoption of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) is widely seen as an interim solution for the decarbonization of the transport sector. Within a PHEV, determining the required energy storage capacity of the battery remains one of the primary concerns for vehicle manufacturers and system integrators. This fact is particularly pertinent since the battery constitutes the largest contributor to vehicle mass. Furthermore, the financial cost associated with the procurement, design and integration of battery systems is often cited as one of the main barriers to vehicle commercialization. The ability to integrate the optimization of the energy management control system with the sizing of key PHEV powertrain components presents a significant area of research. Contained within this paper is an optimization study in which a charge blended strategy is used to facilitate the downsizing of the electrical machine, the internal combustion engine and the high voltage battery. An improved Equivalent Consumption Method has been used to manage the optimal power split within the powertrain as the PHEV traverses a range of different drivecycles. For a target CO2 value and drivecycle, results show that this approach can yield significant downsizing opportunities, with cost reductions on the order of 2%–9% being realizable.
Simulation of Synthesis Gas Production from Steam Oxygen Gasification of Colombian Coal Using Aspen Plus®
Authors: Preciado Jorge , Ortiz-Martinez John , Gonzalez-Rivera Juan , Sierra-Ramirez Rocio , Gordillo Gerardo
Published: November 2012

A steady state simulation of syngas production from a Steam Oxygen Gasification process using commercial technologies was performed using Aspen Plus®. For the simulation, the average proximate and ultimate compositions of bituminous coal obtained from the Colombian Andean region were employed. The simulation was applied to conduct sensitivity analyses in the O2 to coal mass ratio, coal slurry concentration, WGS operating temperature and WGS steam to dry gas molar ratio (SDG) over the key parameters: syngas molar composition, overall CO conversion in the WGS reactors, H2 rich-syngas lower heating value (LHV) and thermal efficiency. The achieved information allows the selection of critical operating conditions leading to improve system efficiency and environmental performance. The results indicate that the oxygen to carbon ratio is a key variable as it affects significantly both the LHV and thermal efficiency. Nevertheless, the process becomes almost insensitive to SDG values higher than 2. Finally, a thermal efficiency of 62.6% can be reached. This result corresponds to a slurry solid concentration of 0.65, a WGS process SDG of 0.59, and a LTS reactor operating temperature of 473 K. With these fixed variables, a syngas with H2 molar composition of 92.2% and LHV of 12 MJ Nm−3 was attained.
Influence of Pyrolysis Temperature on Rice Husk Char Characteristics and Its Tar Adsorption Capability
Authors: Paethanom Anchan , Yoshikawa Kunio
Published: November 2012

A biomass waste, rice husk, was inspected by thermoanalytical investigation to evaluate its capability as an adsorbent medium for tar removal. The pyrolysis process has been applied to the rice husk material at different temperatures 600, 800 and 1000 °C with 20 °C/min heating rate, to investigate two topics: (1) influence of temperature on characterization of rice husk char and; (2) adsorption capability of rice husk char for tar removal. The results showed that subsequent to high temperature pyrolysis, rice husk char became a highly porous material, which was suitable as tar removal adsorbent with the ability to remove tar effectively. In addition, char characteristics and tar removal ability were significantly influenced by the pyrolysis temperature.
Biofuels Production through Biomass Pyrolysis —A Technological Review
Authors: Jahirul Mohammad , Rasul Mohammad , Chowdhury Ashfaque , Ashwath Nanjappa
Published: November 2012

There has been an enormous amount of research in recent years in the area of thermo-chemical conversion of biomass into bio-fuels (bio-oil, bio-char and bio-gas) through pyrolysis technology due to its several socio-economic advantages as well as the fact it is an efficient conversion method compared to other thermo-chemical conversion technologies. However, this technology is not yet fully developed with respect to its commercial applications. In this study, more than two hundred publications are reviewed, discussed and summarized, with the emphasis being placed on the current status of pyrolysis technology and its potential for commercial applications for bio-fuel production. Aspects of pyrolysis technology such as pyrolysis principles, biomass sources and characteristics, types of pyrolysis, pyrolysis reactor design, pyrolysis products and their characteristics and economics of bio-fuel production are presented. It is found from this study that conversion of biomass to bio-fuel has to overcome challenges such as understanding the trade-off between the size of the pyrolysis plant and feedstock, improvement of the reliability of pyrolysis reactors and processes to become viable for commercial applications. Further study is required to achieve a better understanding of the economics of biomass pyrolysis for bio-fuel production, as well as resolving issues related to the capabilities of this technology in practical application.
Elevated Levels of Lewis Y and Integrin α5β1 Correlate with Chemotherapeutic Drug Resistance in Epithelial Ovarian Carcinoma
Authors: Hu Zhenhua , Gao Song , Gao Jian , Hou Rui , Liu Chuan , Liu Juanjuan , Li Beibei , Liu Dawo , Zhang Shulan , Lin Bei
Published: November 2012

Objective: To measure Lewis y and integrin α5β1 expression in epithelial ovarian carcinoma and to correlate the levels of these molecules with ovarian carcinoma chemotherapy and prognosis. Methods: The study population included 34 ovarian carcinoma patients with chemotherapeutic drug-resistance, six partially drug-sensitive cases, and 52 drug-sensitive cases (92 total). Immunochemistry was used to determine expression of Lewis y antigen and integrin α5β1 in ovarian carcinoma tissues, and correlation of these molecules with chemotherapy resistance was further investigated, Multi-factor logistic regression analysis was applied to investigate: age, surgical stage, grade, subtype of patient cases, metastasis of lymph nodes, residual tumor size, expression levels of Lewis y antigen and integrin α5β1 correlation with ovarian carcinoma chemotherapy resistance. Results: The expression rates of Lewis y antigen and integrins α5 and β1 were significantly greater in the drug-resistant group (91.17%, 85.29%, 88.24%) than the partially sensitive (50.00%, 33.33%, 50.00%) or sensitive groups (61.54%, 57.69%, 55.77%). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that surgical stage, residual tumor size, and expression of integrin α5 and Lewis y in ovarian carcinoma tissues were independent risk factors for chemotherapeutic drug resistance. Conclusions: Overexpression of Lewis y and integrin α5 are strong risk factors for chemotherapeutic drug resistance in ovarian carcinoma patients.