bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypothyroid heart: myxoedema as a cause of reversible dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Madan Nidhi , Tiwari Nidhish , Stampfer Morris , Schubart Ulrich
Published: October 2015

Hypothyroidism may cause several cardiac manifestations including conduction abnormalities, pericardial effusion, decreased myocardial contractility and accelerated coronary atherosclerosis. Although cardiac output is reduced in hypothyroidism, frank heart failure (HF) is relatively rare because of the low peripheral oxygen demand. Several mechanisms have been postulated in hypothyroid-induced HF, including genomic as well as non-genomic actions of thyroid hormone. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) of other aetiologies is usually progressive, and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We report a case of DCM associated with severe hypothyroidism with marked improvement on restoration of euthyroid state. Our case is unique in that the patient had no known risk factors for cardiac disease and experienced marked improvement despite being on minimal doses of HF medications, illustrating the relationship between hypothyroidism and development of left ventricular dysfunction, and its reversible nature with restoration of euthyroid status.
Multifocal chorioretinitis with progressive subretinal fibrosis in a young child
Authors: Steeples Laura R , Ashworth Jane , Jones Nicholas
Published: October 2015

Progressive subretinal fibrosis with uveitis (PSFU) syndrome is a rare clinical entity presenting with multifocal granulomatous chorioretinitis and subsequently developing extensive subretinal fibrosis over weeks or months. Subretinal fibrosis affecting the macula may cause profound and permanent vision loss. We report the presentation and management of this condition in a child, to our knowledge, the youngest reported. The condition caused substantial visual loss and required high-dose systemic corticosteroid and immunosuppression with methotrexate and ciclosporin to control aggressive intraocular inflammation.
Efficacy of treatments and pain management for trapeziometacarpal (thumb base) osteoarthritis: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Hamasaki Tokiko , Lalonde Lyne , Harris Patrick , Bureau Nathalie J , Gaudreault Nathaly , Ziegler Daniela , Choinière Manon
Published: October 2015

Introduction

The thumb is essential for daily activities. Unfortunately, this digit is commonly affected by trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis (TMO), handicapping a large number of individuals. TMO constitutes an increasing human and economic burden for our society whose population is ageing. Limited access to adequate treatment is among the most important obstacles to optimal TMO management. Poor understanding of TMO characteristics, lack of knowledge about evidence-based treatments, simplistic pain management plans based solely on the patient's physical condition, absence of interprofessional communication and lack of multidisciplinary treatment guidelines contribute to inadequate TMO management. On the long term, our research project aims at improving the quality of care and services offered to patients with TMO by developing a patient-centred, evidence-based multidisciplinary management clinical pathway coordinated across the healthcare system. This proposed systematic review is a prerequisite to ensuring evidence-based practices and aims to document the efficacy of all the existing modalities for TMO management.

Methods and analysis

The protocol of the systematic review is registered with PROSPERO and will be conducted using the guidelinesCochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.We will identify studies in English and French concerning TMO treatments through searches in Cochrane Central, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, CINHAL, PubMed, OT Seekers, PEDRO and the grey literature. 2 reviewers will independently screen study eligibility, extract data and appraise studies using published assessment tools. Meta-analyses will be undertaken where feasible; otherwise, narrative syntheses will be carried out. The robustness of evidence will be assessed using the GRADE system.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for this study. A comprehensive knowledge exchange and transfer plan incorporating effective strategies will be used to disseminate the findings of this review and utilise them to optimise TMO management.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO CRD42015015623.
Measuring the relationship between interruptions, multitasking and prescribing errors in an emergency department: a study protocol
Authors: Raban Magdalena Z , Walter Scott R , Douglas Heather E , Strumpman Dana , Mackenzie John , Westbrook Johanna I
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Interruptions and multitasking are frequent in clinical settings, and have been shown in the cognitive psychology literature to affect performance, increasing the risk of error. However, comparatively less is known about their impact on errors in clinical work. This study will assess the relationship between prescribing errors, interruptions and multitasking in an emergency department (ED) using direct observations and chart review.

Methods and analysis

The study will be conducted in an ED of a 440-bed teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia. Doctors will be shadowed at proximity by observers for 2 h time intervals while they are working on day shift (between 0800 and 1800). Time stamped data on tasks, interruptions and multitasking will be recorded on a handheld computer using the validated Work Observation Method by Activity Timing (WOMBAT) tool. The prompts leading to interruptions and multitasking will also be recorded. When doctors prescribe medication, type of chart and chart sections written on, along with the patient's medical record number (MRN) will be recorded. A clinical pharmacist will access patient records and assess the medication orders for prescribing errors. The prescribing error rate will be calculated per prescribing task and is defined as the number of errors divided by the number of medication orders written during the prescribing task. The association between prescribing error rates, and rates of prompts, interruptions and multitasking will be assessed using statistical modelling.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained from the hospital research ethics committee. Eligible doctors will be provided with written information sheets and written consent will be obtained if they agree to participate. Doctor details and MRNs will be kept separate from the data on prescribing errors, and will not appear in the final data set for analysis. Study results will be disseminated in publications and feedback to the ED.
UNUSUAL DECREMENTAL RESPONSE IN LAMBERT EATON MYASTHENIC SYNDROME
Authors: Sadalage Girija , Ali Sajjad , Mocroft Paul , Williams Adrian , Jacob Saiju
Published: October 2015

Lambert Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) is an autoimmune disorder affecting the neuromuscular junction caused by antibodies against voltage gated calcium channel antibodies. The neurophysiological hallmark of LEMS is incremental response to repetitive nerve stimulation, especially at high frequency stimulation.

A 54-year-old gentleman presented to the Neurology clinic with a 9-month history of progressive walking difficulty. He had difficulty standing up from a sitting down position and the symptoms were worse towards the end of the day. He had a transient history of dry mouth when the symptoms started, but denied any postural dizziness, sweating or bowel/bladder symptoms. He denied having any double vision, droopy eyelids, speech or swallowing symptoms. He had lost 1.5 stones in weight over the preceding 7–8 months. Examination showed proximal muscle weakness with reduced reflexes, which could not be potentiated. A clinical suspicion of LEMS was made, but the neurophysiological examination (repeated on three occasions) showed consistently decremental response at low and high frequency stimulations.

The VGCC antibody was positive (293, normal 0–45), confirming the clinical suspicion of LEMS. The AChR and MuSK antibodies were negative.

This is an unusual neurophysiological finding of a decremental response in a patient with clinical and immunological evidence of LEMS.
A GENOME-WIDE ASSOCIATION STUDY IN PROGRESSIVE SUPRANUCLEAR PALSY
Authors: Chen Zhongbo , Shatunov Aleksey , Bensimon Gilbert , Payan Christine , Ludolph Albert , Leigh Nigel , Group NNIPPS Study , Al-Chalabi Ammar
Published: October 2015

Background

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a debilitating Parkinsonian movement disorder characterised by tau protein burden. We aimed to identify common genetic variants influencing PSP susceptibility through a genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) of a multi-centre European study, Neuroprotection and Natural History in Parkinson's Plus Syndromes (NNIPPS), recruiting clinically well-characterised patients. We combined this with a meta-analysis of previously-identified gene variants.

Methods

We genotyped 275,684 single nucleotide polymorphisms using Illumina microarrays in 212 PSP cases from the UK, Germany and France, and compared these with 4,707 matched controls. GWAS was performed using PLINK. Meta-analysis was performed with METAL. Genome-wide significance was defined as p<5×10^–8.

Results

We observed multiple associations on chromosome 17 within or close to the MAPT gene, a well-established risk locus for PSP, confirming the sample and method validity. Of nine other previously reported associations, meta-analysis only confirmed that the MOBP variation (rs1768208) modified PSP risk (p=3.29×10^–13).

Conclusion

In the GWAS and meta-analysis, we found the chromosome 17 inversion region to be associated with PSP susceptibility. Furthermore, we have shown that MOBP can modify the risk of PSP, possibly through influencing oligodendrocyte tau inclusions. These identified gene variants provide novel insights into the underlying genetics of sporadic PSP.
HOME COMPUTERISED COGNITIVE TESTING FOR TBI IS FEASIBLE AND POPULAR
Authors: Jenkins Peter , Fleminger Jessica , De-Simoni Sara , Jolly Amy , Gorgoraptis Nikos , Hampshire Adam , Sharp David
Published: October 2015

Serial neuropsychological testing potentially provides a powerful tool for tracking disease progress and identifying treatment response. Formal neuropsychometric assessment by a clinical psychologist is ideal but impractical for regular testing. Remote computerised assessment resolves this difficulty by allowing frequent home assessment, but is potentially limited by patient compliance and practise effects. We study the feasibility of this approach in an on-going clinical trial investigating the effects of methylphenidate on cognition after traumatic brain injury (TBI): Dopamine's Role in Enhancing Attention and Memory (DREAM).

A battery of neuropsychological tests was delivered on an iPad. 12 patients with moderate/severe TBI and on-going cognitive complaints completed 7 tasks assessing information processing speed, memory, attention and executive functions. The 25-minute-long battery was performed daily for 4 weeks, following an initial training period. Compliance was good, with over 80% of the sessions completed, and patients found it both beneficial and enjoyable. Despite optimising the battery to minimise learning effects, differing tasks showed varying degrees of practise effects.

We demonstrate a proof of principle that TBI patients will enthusiastically complete regular computerised neuropsychological tests at home. This provides a potentially powerful tool to assess treatment response, but also offers the prospect of facilitating self-directed cognitive rehabilitation.
MPP+ IN A ZEBRAFISH MODEL OF GLUCOCEREBROSIDASE 1 DEFICIENCY
Authors: Payne Thomas , Keatinge Marcus , Costa Marc Da , Bandmann Oliver
Published: October 2015

Objective

To determine if glucocerebrosidase 1 deficiency is a susceptibility factor to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) toxicity using a zebrafish model.

Background and hypothesis

Heterozygous mutations in the glucocerebrosidase gene (GBA1) are a strong genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). Genetic risk factors may increase susceptibility to exogenous neurotoxins. We hypothesized GBA1 haploinsufficiency may increase susceptibility to the classical PD neurotoxin MPTP.

Methods

A stable gba1+/− zebrafish line was in-crossed to generate embryos of all genotypes. At 2 days post fertilization (dpf), 100 dechorionated embryos (and 100 controls) were separated into 6 well plates, and exposed to 3 mM MPP+. At 3dpf embryos were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. Whole mount in-situ hybridisation was performed using a tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) probe. Embryos were genotyped for gba1 by PCR. TH positive neurons were counted in 10 embryos of each genotype under 20x microscopy.

Results

MPP+ embryos exhibited approximately 25% reduction in TH neurons compared to controls with no differences between genotypes.

Conclusion

MPP+ exposure results in a loss of TH positive neurons. GBA1 deficiency does not potentiate this. We provide “proof of principle” data for the usefulness of PD mutant zebrafish strains to test possible interactions between PD genetic risk factors and relevant toxins.
SEROTONIN-TO-DOPAMINE TRANSPORTER RATIOS IN THE STRIATUM OF PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE: IMPACT ON LEVODOPA–INDUCED DYSKINESIAS
Authors: Roussakis Andreas-Antonios , Politis Marios , Towey David , Piccini Paola
Published: October 2015

Background

Serotonergic mechanisms play a key role in the development of the Levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LIDs) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). We hypothesised that an unfavourable serotonin-to-dopamine terminal ratio in the putamen would be most detrimental in dyskinetic patients. We investigated the role of serotonin-to-dopamine transporter binding ratios in the development of dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease patients.

Methods/Subjects

Twenty-eight Parkinson's disease patients[17 with LIDs;11 stable] and 12 age and gender-matched healthy controls were studied with [11C]DASB PET and [123I]FP-CIT SPECT, Imaging. We have employed a simplified reference tissue model using cerebellar reference for the quantification of [11C]DASB, whereas a semi-quantification approach was used for [123I]FP-CIT. We estimated uptake values in the putamen.

Results

Parkinson's disease patients showed decreases in [123I]FP-CIT binding (p<0.001) compared to controls, 51% in the stable and 62% in the LIDs group. PD patients showed decreases in [11C]DASB binding (p<0.01), but there were no differences between the stable (37% loss) and LIDs(31% loss) groups. PD patients with LIDs had 103% increased [11C]DASB-to-[123I]FP-CIT binding ratio, whereas in the PD stable group the ratio was increased by 76%, relative to HCs. Higher [11C]DASB-to-[123I]FP-CIT binding ratio correlated with longer disease duration for the 28 PD patients (r=0.52;p<0.01).

Conclusion

SERT-to-DAT ratio increases as PD progresses and patients experience LIDs.
HIPPOCAMPAL INTERNAL ARCHITECTURE AND POSTOPERATIVE OUTCOME IN TEMPORAL LOBE EPILEPSY
Authors: Elkommos Samia , Weber Bernd , Niehusmann Pitt , Volmering Elisa , Richardson Mark , Marson Anthony , Elger Christian , Keller Simon
Published: October 2015

Introduction

It is unknown why over one-third of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) and hippocampal sclerosis (HS) continue to experience seizures despite temporal lobe surgery. We investigated the relationship between hippocampal internal architecture (HIA) on preoperative MRI, and postoperative seizure outcome in patients with refractory mTLE and HS.

Methods

HIA was assessed on preoperative T2-STIR MR images using a published scoring system1 for 79 patients undergoing evaluation at University Hospital Bonn, Germany. Patients underwent amygdalohippocampectomy and received postoperative outcome assessment using the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification. Hippocampal volumes were obtained using 3D T1-weighted images. Quantitative histopathological assessment was performed on resected hippocampal specimens.

Results

No significant differences in ipsilateral or contralateral HIA ratings, or HIA score asymmetry, were found between patients rendered seizure free (ILAE I) compared to those continuing to experience postoperative seizures (ILAE II-VI). HIA significantly correlated with neuronal density in CA3 and CA4 in the pathologic hippocampus, and hippocampal volumes bilaterally. There was no significant correlation between HIA and clinical variables.

Conclusion

Although valuable in determining seizure laterality, HIA does not predict postoperative outcome.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a UK MRC grant awarded to SSK (Grant Number: MR/K023152/1). References:1Ver Hoef 2013
PREDICTING VISUAL FIELD DEFECTS FOLLOWING SELECTIVE TRANSSYLVIAN AMYGDALOHIPPOCAMPECTOMY
Authors: Fuller S , Hamandi K , Jones D K , Gray W P
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Surgery for refractory temporal lobe epilepsy can cause postoperative visual field defects (VFD). This study aimed to predict personalised risk of VFDs for patients undergoing selective transsylvian amygdalohippocampectomy.

Methods

Preoperative reconstruction of the optic radiations (OR) using diffusion tensor-based tractography was completed on two patients. The ‘average resection model’ uses a template from postoperative structural scans of five patient scans to predict an average resection in the patient. The OR tractography was compared with the resection margins to determine fibre involvement. The ‘multiple individual comparison model’ compared individual postoperative scans with the preoperative tractography to determine risk of VFD.

Results

In Patient 1 the average resection overlapped the OR, so an average resection would be expected to produce a VFD. In 3/5 postoperative scans the resection intersected with the OR, indicating that 60% of prior resections would have caused a defect. In Patient 2 no overlap between resection and OR was found in either model. Perimetry confirmed VFD in patient 1 but not in patient 2.

Discussion

This pilot study demonstrates that the risk of postoperative VFDs can be predicted. The two models provide qualitatively different form of quantitative risk which could inform the discussion between patient and clinician.
VALPROIC ACID EXTENDS LIFESPAN OF THE ZEBRAFISH MODEL OF CLN2 DISEASE (LATE INFANTILE NEURONAL CEROID LIPOFUSCINOSIS)
Authors: Mahmood Fahad , Zdebik Anselm , Au Alexandra , Cooke Jennifer , Russell Claire
Published: October 2015

CLN2 disease is a subtype of the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), a group of lysosomal storage disorders causing progressive, untreatable, neurodegeneration, intractable epilepsy and premature death in children. We have developed a permanent genetic zebrafish model of CLN2 disease due to a mutation in tpp1 encoding the lysosomal protease Tripeptidyl-peptidase-1 that replicates the neurodegenerative and storage phenotype. We hypothesize that CLN2 zebrafish display electrical and behavioural evidence of seizure activity that responds to established anti-convulsants and can further be used to develop novel therapeutic approaches.

To validate the presence of seizures we performed single electrode electroencephalography showing CLN2 zebrafish had increased spiking activity vs wildtype with Fast-Fourier transform showing significantly increased amplitude about 2–4Hz. This was attenuated by Valproate (p=0.049), but not pentobarbitone. We also demonstrate that Valproate significantly reduces seizure-related movement bouts, thereby correlating movements and epileptiform activity. Lastly, we show exposure to Valproate significantly extends the lifespan of our zebrafish model with mortality between 3–6 days post-fertilization 8.33% in treated vs 33.3% in controls (p=0.01).

The CLN2 zebrafish model thus displays electrical and behavioural seizure activity that can be attenuated by Valproate, with associated prolongation in survival. Moreover this model can utilize high-throughput in vivo screening assays to develop novel anti-convulsants.
PROGRESSIVE MULTIFOCAL LEUCOENCEPHALOPATHY: AN ATYPICAL CASE
Authors: Maxwell Alice , Archer Hilary , Cohen Nicki , Love Seth , Cottrell David
Published: October 2015

Case report

A 71 year old man presented with a three month history of gradual arm and leg weakness, followed by neck stiffness, dysphagia, dysarthria and hypophonia. Past Medical History included Burkitt's lymphoma of the jaw 14 years previously, treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Examination demonstrated a restriction of upgaze and dysphonia. Tone was markedly increased, and power reduced globally at a grading of 4/5. Reflexes were brisk with an upgoing left plantar.

Investigations revealed, longstanding idiopathic lymphopenia for 10 years, CT chest/abdominal/pelvis was normal, serial MRI of the brain demonstrated changes in the subcortical white matter, frontal and parietal lobes. JC virus PCR was negative, however, brain biopsy was consistent with Progressive Multifocal Leucoencephalopathy (PML).

Discussion

PML is caused by reactivation of the polyomavirus JC in the CNS. Reactivation typically occurs following immunosuppression e.g. HIV, haematological malignancies and drugs. Gold standard for diagnosis is brain biopsy as JC virus PCR has a sensitivity of only 80%. Treatment is through removal of the immunosuppressive agent, and immune reconstitution.

PML should be considered in all patients with a suggestive clinical and radiological presentation where there is current or historical immunosuppression, should JC virus PCR be negative a tissue biopsy should be sought.
Seed germination, salt-stress tolerance, and the effect of nitrate on three Tyrrhenian coastal species of theSilene mollissimaaggregate (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: Murru Valentina , Santo Andrea , Piazza Carol , Hugot Laetitia , Bacchetta Gianluigi
Published: October 2015

The Silene mollissima (L.) Pers. aggregate is part of section Siphonomorpha Otth. and currently comprises 11 narrow endemic species of the Western Mediterranean Basin. Three of these taxa (S. velutina Pourr. ex Loisel, S. ichnusae Brullo, De Marco & De Marco f., and S. badaroi Breistr.) have a distribution range centred in the northern Tyrrhenian area and occurring in coastal habitats. Inter- and intra-specific variability in the responses to light, constant (5–25 °C) and alternating temperatures (25/10 °C), salt (NaCl, 0–600 mmol/L), and levels of nitrate (KNO3, 20 mmol/L) under salt stress, as well as recovery of seed germination were evaluated for these species to more effectively support their in-situ and ex-situ conservation. Our results highlighted that the seeds of these three taxa were nondormant, and that light significantly improved their rate of germination, which was higher (>80%) at low temperatures (5–15 °C) and under the alternating temperature regime (25/10 °C), but decreased significantly at the highest temperature tested (25 °C). Seeds from Silene velutina and S. ichnusae germinated in up to 300 mmol/L NaCl, and S. badaroi germinated in up to 100 mmol/L. For all of the species except S. badaroi, salt did not affect seed viability, and recovery germination did not decrease with increasing salinity and temperature. Interpopulation variability, both in salt tolerance and recovery germination, was detected for S. velutina. The addition of KNO3did not affect germination or recovery germination under salt conditions. The lack of effect from KNO3suggests that nutrient availability is not a requirement for seed germination in these species. Our results show that all species experience an optimum period of germination during autumn–winter, which is when water availability is highest and soil salinity levels are minimal because of the Mediterranean rainfalls, but seeds from S. velutina and S. ichnusae will germinate up until spring.
Differences in egg quantity and quality among hatchery- and wild-origin Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Authors: Haring Michaela W. , Johnston Tom A. , Wiegand Murray D. , Fisk Aaron T. , Pitcher Trevor E.
Published: October 2015

Each year, millions of hatchery-raised juvenile salmon are released into the wild to help bolster salmon populations all over North America. These fish often differ from their wild-origin conspecifics in terms of survival and reproductive success after release, but our understanding of their reproductive investment is limited. We examined differences in egg number (gonad mass and fecundity) and quality (mass, lipids, fatty acids) between spawning hatchery- and wild-origin Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) from Lake Ontario. Hatchery-origin females were found to not differ significantly in body size, age, egg total lipids, and fatty acid content of eggs relative to wild-origin females, but hatchery-origin females allocated significantly less body mass and neutral lipids into egg and gonadal development compared with wild-origin females. We also examined diets of both groups of females using stable isotopes and found that carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes suggested limited differences in the diet between hatchery- and wild-origin adult females. The results from the present study provide evidence that the differing environmental conditions and associated selection pressures of captive environments during early life in hatchery settings can alter certain life-history traits later in adult development, namely gonad mass and egg size, and could contribute to differences in their performance in the wild.
Effects of mycorrhizal fungi on tree seedling growth: quantifying the parasitism–mutualism transition along a light gradient
Authors: Ibáñez Inés , McCarthy-Neumann Sarah
Published: October 2015

Mycorrhizal fungi colonize tree seedlings shortly after germination, and the nature of this relationship (mutualistic to parasitic) has been reported to vary as a function of resources; however, this transition has rarely been quantified. Using a light gradient, we grew seedlings of eight tree species in soils that were cultivated by several co-existing species of trees. We used data on root mycorrhizal fungi to quantify colonization along the gradient of light. We then analyzed plant growth as a function of both the light gradient and the extent of mycorrhizal colonization. Mycorrhizal fungi colonization varied among species but was not correlated with the species’ seed sizes or shade tolerances. Within a species, colonization varied among soil sources, but those differences followed neither the conspecific–heterospecific dichotomy, nor the soil host’s arbuscular–ectomycorrhizal associations commonly reported. At high light levels, seedlings growth increased with increasing levels of colonization for seven species, and at low light levels, the effect of colonization was negative for five species. We also quantified the light threshold at which the plant – mycorrhizal fungi relationship shifted from neutral to positive (four species), from negative to neutral (one species), and from neutral to negative (one species), documenting differences among species that could exacerbate competitive interactions during recruitment.
ENSURING FOOD SECURITY THROUGH ENHANCING MICROBIOLOGICAL FOOD SAFETY
Authors: MIKŠ-KRAJNIK MARTA , YUK HYUN-GYUN , KUMAR AMIT , YANG YISHAN , ZHENG QIANWANG , KIM MIN-JEONG , GHATE VINAYAK , YUAN WENQIAN , PANG XINYI
Published: October 2015

Food safety and food security are interrelated concepts with a profound impact on the quality of human life. Food security describes the overall availability of food at different levels from global to individual household. While, food safety focuses on handling, preparation and storage of foods in order to prevent foodborne illnesses. This review focuses on innovative thermal and non-thermal technologies in the area of food processing as the means to ensure food security through improving food safety with emphasis on the reduction and control of microbiological risks. The antimicrobial efficiency and mechanism of new technologies to extend the shelf life of food product were also discussed.
AN OVERVIEW OF FOOD LOSS AND WASTE: WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Authors: GHOSH PURABI R. , SHARMA SHASHI B. , HAIGH YVONNE T. , EVERS A. L. BARBARA , HO GOEN
Published: October 2015

This paper provides an overview of food waste in the context of food security, resources management and environment health. It compares approaches taken by various governments, community groups, civil societies and private sector organisations to reduce food waste in the developed and developing countries. What constitutes ‘food waste’ is not as simple as it may appear due to diverse food waste measurement protocols and different data documentation methods used worldwide. There is a need to improve food waste data collection methods and implementation of effective strategies, policies and actions to reduce food waste. Global initiatives are urgently needed to: enhance awareness of the value of food; encourage countries to develop policies that motivate community and businesses to reduce food waste; encourage and provide assistance to needy countries for improving markets, transport and storage infrastructure to minimise food waste across the value chain; and, develop incentives that encourage businesses to donate food. In some countries, particularly in Europe, initiatives on food waste management have started to gain momentum. Food waste is a global problem and it needs urgent attention and integrated actions of stakeholders across the food value chain to develop global solutions for the present and future generations.
EFFECT OF ORGANISATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON INNOVATIVENESS AND BUSINESS PERFORMANCE RELATIONSHIP
Authors: VIJ SANDEEP , BEDI HARPREET SINGH
Published: October 2015

We have investigated the role played by organisational and environmental factors in innovativeness and business performance relationship. The study is based on a purposive sample of 168 key informants (senior level managers in decision-making roles) from Indian firms. For data collection, we developed scales to measure innovativeness and business performance. The results show that innovativeness is a significant determinant of business performance. We also find that influence of innovativeness on external business performance is moderated by organisational and environmental variables. The organisational decision makers in India can draw insights from these results and better decide their strategic postures for designing organisational structure (OS) and for coping better with the external business environment. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence in support of organic structure and innovativeness for Indian firms to achieve superior business performance in the face of turbulent external business environment.
ASSESSING THE OPEN INNOVATION TRENDS BY MEANS OF THE EUROSTAT COMMUNITY INNOVATION SURVEY
Authors: CRICELLI LIVIO , GRECO MARCO , GRIMALDI MICHELE
Published: October 2015

Many authors showed the benefits of open innovation (OI) to firms, consequently encouraging managers to adopt the OI paradigm to improve innovation performance. Nevertheless, whether firms have accepted such exhortations or not is almost empirically unexplored. The frequent claim that firms are increasingly adopting the OI paradigm is mostly anecdotal. This paper presents a large-scale analysis of firms’ OI adoption by means of four waves of the community innovation survey, including 275,697 questionnaires. The analysis focuses on the trends in the use of inbound (internal use of external knowledge) and coupled (collaboration with partners) OI approaches. The results confirm that the share of firms adopting the OI paradigm has increased, both in terms of inbound and coupled OI actions. Similarly, firms have intensified the use of the inbound OI mode, whereas they have not intensified the use of collaborations. However, the analyses of different measures of OI show that in most cases the positive trends have not been monotonic, nor steep as they are anecdotally considered to be.
OPEN INNOVATION IN FOOD FIRMS: IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES, DRIVERS AND ENABLING FACTORS
Authors: GALATI FRANCESCO , BIGLIARDI BARBARA , PETRONI ALBERTO
Published: October 2015

Open innovation has so far been studied mainly in research-intensive industries, while still little attention has been devoted to the more traditional ones. Our study addresses this gap by focusing on low-tech industries, and on the food one in particular by exploring if and how open innovation is implemented by food companies. Drawing on a database collected from food firms operating in Italy and adopting quantitative techniques, we investigate the implementation strategies of the open innovation paradigm, conscious that food companies are adopting an open approach to innovation. Results show that they mainly implement two different strategies, according to different sets of drivers and enabling factors. These strategies should be referred to with the terms “open market pull” and “open technology push”.
Effects of passive heat stress on human somatosensory processing
Authors: Nakata Hiroki , Oshiro Misaki , Namba Mari , Shibasaki Manabu
Published: October 2015

Herein, we investigated the effects of passive heat stress on human somatosensory processing recorded by somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs). Fifteen healthy subjects received a median nerve stimulation at the left wrist under two thermal conditions: Heat Stress and normothermic Time Control. The latencies and amplitudes of P14, N20, P25, N35, P45, and N60 at C4′ and P14, N18, P22, and N30 at Fz were evaluated. Under the Heat Stress condition, SEPs were recorded at normothermic baseline (1st), early in heat stress (2nd), when esophageal temperature had increased by ∼1.0°C (3rd) and ∼2.0°C (4th), and after heat stress (5th). In the Time Control condition, SEPs were measured at the same time intervals as those in the Heat Stress condition. The peak latencies and amplitudes of SEPs did not change early in heat stress. However, the latencies of P14, N20, and N60 at C4′ and P14, N18, and P22 at Fz were significantly shorter in the 4th session than in the 1st session. Furthermore, the peak amplitudes of P25 and N60 at C4′, and P22 and N30 at Fz decreased with increases in body temperature. On the other hand, under the Time Control condition, no significant differences were observed in the amplitudes or latencies of any component of SEPs. These results suggested that the conduction velocity of the ascending somatosensory input was accelerated by increases in body temperature, and hyperthermia impaired the neural activity of cortical somatosensory processing.
In vivo evidence for unidentified leptin-induced circulating factors that control white fat mass
Authors: Harris Ruth B. S.
Published: October 2015

Fat transplants increase body fat mass without changing the energy status of an animal and provide a tool for investigating control of total body fat. Early transplant studies found that small pieces of transplanted fat took on the morphology of the transplant recipient. Experiments described here tested whether this response was dependent upon expression of leptin receptors in either transplanted fat or the recipient mouse. Fat from leptin receptor deficient db/db mice or wild-type mice was placed subcutaneously in db/db mice. After 12 wk, cell size distribution in the transplant was the same as in endogenous fat of the recipient. Thus, wild-type fat cells, which express leptin receptors, were enlarged in a hyperleptinemic environment, indicating that leptin does not directly control adipocyte size. By contrast, db/db or wild-type fat transplanted into wild-type mice decreased in size, suggesting that a functional leptin system in the recipient is required for body fat mass to be controlled. In the final experiment, wild-type fat was transplanted into a db/db mouse parabiosed to either another db/db mouse to an ob/ob mouse or in control pairs in which both parabionts were ob/ob mice. Transplants increased in size in db/db–db/db pairs, decreased in db/db–ob/ob pairs and did not change in ob/ob-ob/ob pairs. We propose that leptin from db/db parabionts activated leptin receptors in their ob/ob partners. This, in turn, stimulated release of unidentified circulating factors, which travelled back to the db/db partner and acted on the transplant to reduce fat cell size.
Task dependence of decision- and choice-related activity in monkey oculomotor thalamus
Authors: Costello M. Gabriela , Zhu Dantong , May Paul J. , Salinas Emilio , Stanford Terrence R.
Published: October 2015

Oculomotor signals circulate within putative recurrent feedback loops that include the frontal eye field (FEF) and the oculomotor thalamus (OcTh). To examine how OcTh contributes to visuomotor control, and perceptually informed saccadic choices in particular, neural correlates of perceptual judgment and motor selection in OcTh were evaluated and compared with those previously reported for FEF in the same subjects. Monkeys performed three tasks: a choice task in which perceptual decisions are urgent, a choice task in which identical decisions are made without time pressure, and a single-target, delayed saccade task. The OcTh yielded far fewer task-responsive neurons than the FEF, but across responsive pools, similar neuron types were found, ranging from purely visual to purely saccade related. Across such types, the impact of the perceptual information relevant to saccadic choices was qualitatively the same in FEF and OcTh. However, distinct from that in FEF, activity in OcTh was strongly task dependent, typically being most vigorous in the urgent task, less so in the easier choice task, and least in the single-target task. This was true for responsive and nonresponsive cells alike. Neurons with exclusively motor-related activity showed strong task dependence, fired less, and differed most patently from their FEF counterparts, whereas those that combined visual and motor activity fired most similarly to their FEF counterparts. The results suggest that OcTh activity is more distantly related to saccade production per se, because its degree of commitment to a motor choice varies markedly as a function of ongoing cognitive or behavioral demands.
Correlation of fingertip shear force direction with somatosensory cortical activity in monkey
Authors: Fortier-Poisson Pascal , Langlais Jean-Sébastien , Smith Allan M.
Published: October 2015

To examine the activity of somatosensory cortex (S1) neurons to self-generated shear forces on the index and thumb, two monkeys were trained to grasp a stationary metal tab with a key grip and exert forces without the fingers slipping in one of four orthogonal directions for 1 s. A majority (∼85%) of slowly adapting and rapidly adapting (RA) S1 neurons had activity modulated with shear force direction. The cells were recorded mainly in areas 1 and 2 of the S1, although some area 3b neurons also responded to shear direction or magnitude. The preferred shear vectors were distributed in every direction, with tuning arcs varying from 50° to 170°. Some RA neurons sensitive to dynamic shear force direction also responded to static shear force but within a narrower range, suggesting that the direction of the shear force may influence the adaptation rate. Other neurons were modulated with shear forces in diametrically opposite directions. The directional sensitivity of S1 cortical neurons is consistent with recordings from cutaneous afferents showing that shear direction, even without slip, is a powerful stimulus to S1 neurons.
The topography of alpha-band activity tracks the content of spatial working memory
Authors: Foster Joshua J. , Sutterer David W. , Serences John T. , Vogel Edward K. , Awh Edward
Published: October 2015

Working memory (WM) is a system for the online storage of information. An emerging view is that neuronal oscillations coordinate the cellular assemblies that code the content of WM. In line with this view, previous work has demonstrated that oscillatory activity in the alpha band (8–12 Hz) plays a role in WM maintenance, but the exact contributions of this activity have remained unclear. Here, we used an inverted spatial encoding model in combination with electroencephalography (EEG) to test whether the topographic distribution of alpha-band activity tracks spatial representations held in WM. Participants in three experiments performed spatial WM tasks that required them to remember the precise angular location of a sample stimulus for 1,000-1,750 ms. Across all three experiments, we found that the topographic distribution of alpha-band activity tracked the specific location that was held in WM. Evoked (i.e., activity phase-locked to stimulus onset) and total (i.e., activity regardless of phase) power across a range of low-frequency bands transiently tracked the location of the sample stimulus following stimulus onset. However, only total power in the alpha band tracked the content of spatial WM throughout the memory delay period, which enabled reconstruction of location-selective channel tuning functions (CTFs). These findings demonstrate that alpha-band activity is directly related to the coding of spatial representations held in WM and provide a promising method for tracking the content of this online memory system.
The Elements of Water Balance in the Changing Climate in Poland
Authors: Szwed Małgorzata
Published: October 2015

Strong global warming has been observed in the last three decades. Central Europe, including Poland, is not an exception. Moreover, climate projections for Poland foresee further warming as well as changes in the spatial and seasonal distribution and quantity of precipitation. However, climate models do not agree on the sign of change of precipitation. In Poland precipitation is projected to decrease in summer (this finding is not robust, being model-dependent) and to increase in winter. Therefore, there is still considerable uncertainty regarding likely climate change impacts on water resources in Poland. However, there is no doubt that changes in the thermal characteristics as well as in precipitation will influence changes in the water balance of the country. In this study, the components of climatic water balance, that is, precipitation, evaporation, and runoff, are calculated for the average conditions in the control period of 1961–1990 and in the future (2071–2100) in Poland. The changes of the water balance components for the present and for the future are compared and analysed. Due to insufficient consistency between climate models a possible range of changes should be presented; hence the multimodel projections from ENSEMBLES Project of the European Union are used in this study.
A Rare Complication of Composite Dual Mesh: Migration and Enterocutaneous Fistula Formation
Authors: Bostanci Ozgur , Idiz Ufuk Oguz , Yazar Memet , Mihmanli Mehmet
Published: October 2015

Introduction. Mesh is commonly employed for abdominal hernia repair because it ensures a low recurrence rate. However, enterocutaneous fistula due to mesh migration can occur as a very rare, late complication, for which diagnosis is very difficult.Presentation of Case. Here we report the case of an enterocutaneous fistula due to late mesh migration in a mentally retarded, diabetic, 35-year-old male after umbilical hernia repair with composite dual mesh in 2010.Discussion. Mesh is a foreign substance, because of that some of the complications including hematoma, seroma, foreign body reaction, organ damage, infection, mesh rejection, and fistula formation may occur after implantation of the mesh. In the literature, most cases of mesh-associated enterocutaneous fistula due to migration involved polypropylene meshes.Conclusion. This case serves as a reminder of migration of composite dual meshes.
Actions of Probiotics on Trinitrobenzenesulfonic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats
Authors: Shiina Takahiko , Shima Takeshi , Naitou Kiyotada , Nakamori Hiroyuki , Sano Yuuki , Horii Kazuhiro , Shimakawa Masaki , Ohno Hiroshi , Shimizu Yasutake
Published: October 2015

We investigated the actions of probiotics,Streptococcus faecalis129 BIO 3B (SF3B), in a trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid- (TNBS-) induced colitis model in rats. After TNBS was administered into the colons of rats for induction of colitis, the rats were divided into two groups: one group was given a control diet and the other group was given a diet containing SF3B for 14 days. There were no apparent differences in body weight, diarrhea period, macroscopic colitis score, and colonic weight/length ratio between the control group and SF3B group, suggesting that induction of colitis was not prevented by SF3B. Next, we investigated whether SF3B-containing diet intake affects the restoration of enteric neurotransmissions being damaged during induction of colitis by TNBS using isolated colonic preparations. Recovery of the nitrergic component was greater in the SF3B group than in the control group. A compensatory appearance of nontachykininergic and noncholinergic excitatory components was less in the SF3B group than in the control group. In conclusion, the present study suggests that SF3B-containing diet intake can partially prevent disruptions of enteric neurotransmissions induced after onset of TNBS-induced colitis, suggesting that SF3B has therapeutic potential.
Computational Depth of Anesthesia via Multiple Vital Signs Based on Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Sadrawi Muammar , Fan Shou-Zen , Abbod Maysam F. , Jen Kuo-Kuang , Shieh Jiann-Shing
Published: October 2015

This study evaluated the depth of anesthesia (DoA) index using artificial neural networks (ANN) which is performed as the modeling technique. Totally 63-patient data is addressed, for both modeling and testing of 17 and 46 patients, respectively. The empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is utilized to purify between the electroencephalography (EEG) signal and the noise. The filtered EEG signal is subsequently extracted to achieve a sample entropy index by every 5-second signal. Then, it is combined with other mean values of vital signs, that is, electromyography (EMG), heart rate (HR), pulse, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and signal quality index (SQI) to evaluate the DoA index as the input. The 5 doctor scores are averaged to obtain an output index. The mean absolute error (MAE) is utilized as the performance evaluation. 10-fold cross-validation is performed in order to generalize the model. The ANN model is compared with the bispectral index (BIS). The results show that the ANN is able to produce lower MAE than BIS. For the correlation coefficient, ANN also has higher value than BIS tested on the 46-patient testing data. Sensitivity analysis and cross-validation method are applied in advance. The results state that EMG has the most effecting parameter, significantly.
Molecular Analysis of Methanogen Richness in Landfill and Marshland Targeting 16S rDNA Sequences
Authors: Yadav Shailendra , Kundu Sharbadeb , Ghosh Sankar K. , Maitra S. S.
Published: October 2015

Methanogens, a key contributor in global carbon cycling, methane emission, and alternative energy production, generate methane gas via anaerobic digestion of organic matter. The methane emission potential depends upon methanogenic diversity and activity. Since they are anaerobes and difficult to isolate and culture, their diversity present in the landfill sites of Delhi and marshlands of Southern Assam, India, was analyzed using molecular techniques like 16S rDNA sequencing, DGGE, and qPCR. The sequencing results indicated the presence of methanogens belonging to the seventh order and also the order Methanomicrobiales in the Ghazipur and Bhalsawa landfill sites of Delhi. Sequences, related to the phyla Crenarchaeota (thermophilic) and Thaumarchaeota (mesophilic), were detected from marshland sites of Southern Assam, India. Jaccard analysis of DGGE gel using Gel2K showed three main clusters depending on the number and similarity of band patterns. The copy number analysis of hydrogenotrophic methanogens using qPCR indicates higher abundance in landfill sites of Delhi as compared to the marshlands of Southern Assam. The knowledge about “methanogenic archaea composition” and “abundance” in the contrasting ecosystems like “landfill” and “marshland” may reorient our understanding of the Archaea inhabitants. This study could shed light on the relationship between methane-dynamics and the global warming process.