bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food after Fukushima: Risk and Scientific Citizenship in Japan
Authors: Sternsdorff‐Cisterna Nicolas
Published: August 2015

In this article, I explore questions of food safety after the meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. In the aftermath of the disaster, people concerned about food safety were sometimes suspicious about the ability of the Japanese state to adequately monitor the food supply and introduce safety standards that they considered strict enough. I use the concept of scientific citizenship to explore the dynamics whereby people's relationship to state expertise was transformed as they learned about the science of radiation. Scientific citizenship was expressed in a desire to circumvent the state to protect the health and life of current and future generations. I focus on the language used to describe food safety to show the work of affective networks of trust in constituting a sense of safety in the postdisaster environment. Ethnographically, I focus on the work of mothers and food activists who banded together to share and disseminate knowledge about radiation so they could protect their own and each other's children. [risk, disaster, food safety, Japan, Fukushima]
Effects of apple pomace proportion levels on the fermentation quality of total mixed ration silage and its digestibility, preference and ruminal fermentation in beef cows
Authors: Fang Jiachen , Cao Yang , Matsuzaki Masatoshi , Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: August 2015

Four Japanese black beef cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square to evaluate the fermentation quality, digestibility, ruminal fermentation and preference of total mixed ration (TMR) silages prepared with differing proportions of apple pomace (AP). Experimental treatments were the control (no AP added, CAP), 5% (low, LAP), 10% (medium, MAP) and 20% (high, HAP) of TMR dry matter (DM) as AP. All TMR silages were well preserved. Ethanol was produced in silages containing AP and the amount increased with the proportion of AP (P < 0.05). Nutrient digestibility with LAP, MAP and HAP treatment was lower than that with CAP treatment (P < 0.05). The ruminal molar proportion of acetic acid increased (P < 0.05), but the ruminal ammonia‐N concentration decreased (P < 0.05) as the proportion of AP increased. The preference of the animals was highest for HAP, followed by MAP, CAP and LAP. This study demonstrates that decrease in nutrient digestibility might be related to the ethanol produced naturally from AP. Therefore, the proportion of AP in TMR silages should be less than 5% of dietary DM.
Effects of dietary supplementation of emulsifier and carbohydrase on the growth performance, serum cholesterol and breast meat fatty acids profile of broiler chickens
Authors: Wang Jian Ping , Zhang Zheng Fan , Yan Lei , Kim In Ho
Published: August 2015

A total of 540 2‐day‐old male Ross 308 broilers were used in a 35‐day experiment and were randomly divided into five treatments: (i) NC (low energy); (ii) PC (high energy diet); (iii) P1 (NC + 0.1% carbohydrases); (iv) P2 (NC + 0.05% emulsifier); and (v) P3 (NC + 0.1% carbohydrases + 0.05% emulsifier). From days 0 to 21, body weight gain in PC and P3 treatments increased (P < 0.05) compared with NC treatment. The chicks fed PC, P1, P2 and P3 improved (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio compared with the NC treatment throughout the whole experiment. Abdominal fat weight was heavier (P < 0.05) in PC, P2 and P3 treatments than in NC and P1 treatments. On day 35, serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration were higher (P < 0.05) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower (P < 0.05) in NC and P2 treatments than in PC, P1 and P3 treatments. The concentration of oleic acid, linoleic acid and total unsaturated fatty acids were highest (P < 0.05) in PC than in the other treatments. In conclusion, the results indicate that low energy density diet had lower growth performance, while the inclusion of emulsifier and carbohydrases in low energy diets can partially improve growth performance.
Erythrocyte Shrinkage and Cell Membrane Scrambling after Exposure to the Ionophore Nonactin
Authors: Peter Thomas , Bissinger Rosi , Lang Florian
Published: August 2015

The ionophore antibiotic nonactin permeabilizes cell membranes to and K+. Treatment of erythrocytes with nonactin is expected to trigger cellular K+ loss with subsequent cell shrinkage, which in turn is known to trigger suicidal death of a wide variety of cells including erythrocytes. This study explored whether nonactin exposure induces eryptosis, the suicidal erythrocyte death characterized by cell shrinkage and translocation of cell membrane phosphatidylserine to the erythrocyte surface. Signalling of eryptosis includes increase in cytosolic Ca2+ activity [(Ca2+)i] and stimulation of protein kinase C (PKC) as well as p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase. Phosphatidylserine abundance at the cell surface was estimated from annexin‐V‐binding, cell volume from forward scatter (FSC) and (Ca2+)i from Fluo3‐fluorescence. A 48‐hr treatment of human erythrocytes with nonactin significantly decreased FSC (≥10 ng/ml) and significantly increased the percentage of annexin‐V‐binding cells (≥10 ng/ml), effects paralleled by increase in (Ca2+)i (≥50 ng/ml) and virtually abrogated by increase in extracellular K+ concentration to 120 mM at the expense of Na+. The up‐regulation of annexin‐V‐binding after nonactin treatment was significantly blunted but not abolished by the removal of extracellular Ca2+ and by addition of either PKC inhibitor staurosporine (0.4 μM) or p38 kinase inhibitor SB203580 (2 μM). In conclusion, exposure of erythrocytes to the K+ ionophore nonactin induces erythrocyte shrinkage and subsequent erythrocyte membrane scrambling, effects involving cellular K+ loss, Ca2+ entry and activation of staurosporine as well as SB203580‐sensitive kinases.
Environment learning using descriptions or navigation: The involvement of working memory in young and older adults
Authors: Meneghetti Chiara , Borella Erika , Carbone Elena , Martinelli Massimiliano , De Beni Rossana
Published: August 2015

This study examined age‐related differences between young and older adults in the involvement of verbal and visuo‐spatial components of working memory (WM) when paths are learned from verbal and visuo‐spatial inputs. A sample of 60 young adults (20–30 years old) and 58 older adults (60–75 years old) learned two paths from the person's point of view, one displayed in the form of a video showing the path, the other presenting the path in a verbal description. During the learning phase, participants concurrently performed a verbal task (articulatory suppression, AS group), or a visuo‐spatial task (spatial tapping, ST group), or no secondary task (control, C group). After learning each path, participants completed tasks that involved the following: (1) recalling the sequential order and the location of landmarks; and (2) judging spatial sentences as true or false (verification test). The results showed that young adults outperformed older adults in all recall tasks. In both age groups performance in all types of task was worse in the AS and ST groups than in the C group, irrespective of the type of input. Overall, these findings suggest that verbal and visuo‐spatial components of WM underpin the processing of environmental information in both young and older adults. The results are discussed in terms of age‐related differences and according to the spatial cognition framework.
ACTIVITY CHOICES OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS AND RETURNEES: QUANTITATIVE SURVEY EVIDENCE FROM POST‐WAR NORTHERN UGANDA
Authors: Bozzoli Carlos , Brueck Tilman , Muhumuza Tony
Published: August 2015

We investigate post‐war economic activity choices of displaced and just‐returned individuals. In particular, the effect of living in an internally displaced persons camp on the choice of economic activities is analysed. Because individuals relocating away from camps may be different from those staying in them, a recursive bivariate probit procedure is used to control for selection on unobservables. The empirical procedure also relies on merging survey data with the micro‐level dataset on conflict events. This allows us to incorporate conflict in the framework, but also to use a bivariate probit procedure to control for endogeneity (selection of households out of camps). This work contributes to literature on household labour allocation and economics of conflict. Results show that residing in a camp has varied effects on the choice of economic activities. Individuals in camps may be more inclined than those who choose to return home, to engage in certain economic activities. One of the key lessons that could be drawn from this paper is that internally displaced persons may possess important livelihood skills that post‐conflict development interventions need to take advantage of, in order to fast‐track recovery.
How do Individual‐Level Factors Affect the Creative Solution Formation Process of Teams?
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Qingpu , Song Michael
Published: August 2015

The generation of creative solutions involves nonlinear dynamic procedures that can only be achieved through the creativity of individual team members. Thus, it is important to understand how the formation of individual‐level creativity factors influence the creative solution formation process. The creative solution formation process can be divided into four phases: idea generation, idea screening, idea development and solution verification. Prior research suggests that the creative process may be affected by motivation (intrinsic and extrinsic), knowledge stock (explicit and tacit), individual creativity (intelligence and divergent thinking), and pressure (challenge and time). We tested the effects of these eight factors on performance in the idea generation and idea development phases by conducting an experiment. Our results indicate that intrinsic motivation, intelligence and divergent thinking have a significant positive effect on both idea generation and idea development. Tacit knowledge and challenge pressure have a significant positive effect on idea generation. Time pressure has a significant negative effect on idea development. We also show that both idea generation and idea development have a significant impact on the quality of the final creative solution.
Adolescent and parental perceptions about asthma and asthma management: a dyadic qualitative analysis
Authors: Heyduck K. , Bengel J. , Farin‐Glattacker E. , Glattacker M.
Published: August 2015

Background

Considering that asthma management is a family affair – with specific challenges in adolescence – a better understanding of both adolescent and parental perspectives on asthma and its treatment are needed as these constructs may substantially account for variation in illness‐related behaviour and functioning. The present study aimed to (1) explore adolescents' and caregivers' perceptions about asthma and asthma management and (2) examine congruence and dissimilarities within the adolescent–caregiver dyads.

Methods

Data collection was conducted separately for adolescents and caregivers using a focus group approach for the adolescents and telephone interviews for parental data collection. In total, dyadic data from n = 15 adolescent patients with asthma (aged 11–17 years, M = 14.9) and their mothers (aged 37–55 years, M = 46.3) were considered in the study. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed in a dyad‐focused multistep qualitative content analysis procedure using the software.

Results

The results demonstrated high complexity in the perceptions among adolescents and mothers and reflected 113 specific themes that could be assigned to four main topics: asthma beliefs, representations of asthma treatment, perceptions about individual asthma management and perceptions about family asthma management. Dyadic analyses revealed congruence in the adolescent–caregiver dyads in most of the themes. However, we also found issues where divergent perceptions became evident including, for example, perceptions of asthma's general impact on adolescents' life or the question of who takes the main responsibility in asthma management.

Conclusions

Adolescents' and caregivers' perceptions were found to reflect a great variety of beliefs regarding the adolescents' illness and illness‐related behaviour on both the individual and the family level. The study adds to the illness perceptions literature by providing a systemic perspective that was rather rarely presented in prior research.
The Sexualized Girl: A Within‐Gender Stereotype Among Elementary School Children
Authors: Stone Ellen A. , Brown Christia Spears , Jewell Jennifer A.
Published: August 2015

Two studies (conducted in 2013) examined whether elementary‐aged children endorse a within‐gender stereotype about sexualized girls. In Study 1, children (N = 208) ages 6–11 rated sexualized girls as more popular but less intelligent, athletic, and nice compared to nonsexualized girls. These distinctions were stronger for girls and older children, and in accordance with our developmental intergroup theoretical framework, were related to children's cognitive development and media exposure. Study 2 (N = 155) replicated the previous findings using more ecologically valid and realistic images of girls and further explored individual differences in the endorsement of the sexualized girl stereotype. Additional results indicated that the belief that girls should be appearance focused predicted their endorsement of the sexualized girl stereotype.
Maternal fatty acid levels during pregnancy, childhood lung function and atopic diseases. The Generation R Study
Authors: Rucci E. , den Dekker H. T. , de Jongste J. C. , Steenweg‐de‐Graaff J. , Gaillard R. , Pasmans S. G. , Hofman A. , Tiemeier H. , Jaddoe V. W. V. , Duijts L.
Published: August 2015

Background

Maternal fatty acid status during pregnancy might influence foetal immunological development and subsequently the risk of childhood atopic diseases.

Objective

To examine the associations of maternal fatty acid levels during pregnancy with airway resistance and inflammation, asthma and eczema, in school‐age children.

Methods

This study among 4976 subjects was embedded in a population‐based prospective cohort study. We measured maternal plasma glycerophospholipid fatty acid levels by gas chromatography during the second trimester of pregnancy (mean gestational age: 20.7 (± 1.1) weeks). At the age of 6 years, airway resistance and inflammation were measured by interrupter technique (Rint) and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and current physician‐diagnosed asthma and eczema were assessed by ISAAC‐based questionnaires. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were adjusted for socio‐demographic, lifestyle and anthropometric factors.

Results

We did not observe consistent associations of maternal total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), total n‐6 PUFA, total n‐3 PUFA levels and n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratio during pregnancy with child's Rint and FeNO. Higher maternal total PUFA and total n‐6 PUFA levels were associated with a decreased risk of childhood asthma (odds ratios (95% confidence interval): 0.76 (0.60, 0.97) and 0.71 (0.52, 0.96) per standard deviation score (SDS) increase of total PUFA and total n‐6 PUFA levels, respectively) and with an increased risk of childhood eczema (1.16 (1.05, 1.28) and 1.21 (1.07, 1.37)). The observed associations were partly explained by Linoleic acid (LA, C18:2n‐6) levels. Maternal total n‐3 PUFA levels and n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratio were not associated with current asthma and eczema. The observed associations were not explained by child's PUFA intake.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Higher maternal total PUFA and total n‐6 PUFA levels during pregnancy seem to influence the risk of atopic diseases in childhood. The underlying mechanisms need to be further explored.
Concomitant high expression of BRAFV600E, P‐cadherin and cadherin 6 is associated with High TNM stage and lymph node metastasis in conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Le , Jiang Rong , Xu Man , Zhu Ping , Mo Xiao‐Mei , Wang Ni , Chen George G. , Liu Zhi‐Min
Published: August 2015

Context and Objective

BRAFV600E mutation is the most common activating mutation associated with aggressive behaviours in human tumours including conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma (cPTC). P‐cadherin and cadherin 6 have been shown to be mesenchymal‐associated cadherins and promote cancer cell invasion and metastasis. The purpose of this study was to examine BRAFV600E, P‐cadherin and cadherin 6 expressions in cPTC and to assess the association of their expression with clinicopathological indicators.

Methods

BRAFV600E, P‐cadherin and cadherin 6 protein expressions in 80 cPTCs, 61 nodular hyperplasia and 76 normal thyroid tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry. The correlation of their protein expression with clinicopathological indicators of cPTC was statistically analysed.

Results

Protein expression of BRAFV600E, P‐cadherin and cadherin 6 was upregulated in cPTC. High protein expression of BRAFV600E, P‐cadherin and cadherin 6 was significantly correlated with high TNM stage and lymph node metastasis (LNM) (P < 0·001). Furthermore, BRAFV600E, P‐cadherin and cadherin 6 protein expressions were correlated with one another. BRAFV600E high expression combined with both P‐cadherin and cadherin‐6 high expressions had stronger correlation with high TNM stage and LNM when compared with BRAFV600E high expression combined with either P‐cadherin or cadherin‐6 high expression (P = 0·042, 0·017 for TNM stage and P = 0·003, 0·006 for LNM, respectively) and only BRAFV600E high expression (P < 0·001 for both TNM stage and LNM).

Conclusions

Concomitant high expression of BRAFV600E, P‐cadherin and cadherin 6 is strongly associated with high TNM stage and LNM in cPTC.
Longitudinal Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study: rationale, study design and research methodology
Authors: Khanna Rohit C , Murthy Gudlavalleti VS , Marmamula Srinivas , Mettla Asha Latha , Giridhar Pyda , Banerjee Seema , Shekhar Konegari , Chakrabarti Subhabrata , Gilbert Clare , Rao Gullapalli N ,   Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study Group
Published: August 2015

Background

The rationale, objectives, study design and procedures for the longitudinal Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study are described.

Design

A longitudinal cohort study was carried out.

Participants

Participants include surviving cohort from the rural component of Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study.

Methods

During 1996–2000, Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Survey was conducted in three rural (n = 7771) and one urban (n = 2522) areas (now called Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 1). In 2009–2010, a feasibility exercise (Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 2) for a longitudinal study (Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 3) was undertaken in the rural clusters only, as urban clusters no longer existed. In Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 3, a detailed interview will be carried out to collect data on sociodemographic factors, ocular and systemic history, risk factors, visual function, knowledge of eye diseases and barriers to accessing services. All participants will also undergo a comprehensive eye examination including photography of lens, optic disc and retina, Optic Coherence Tomography of the posterior segment, anthropometry, blood pressure and frailty measures.

Main Outcome Measures

Measures include estimates of the incidence of visual impairment and age‐related eye disease (lens opacities, glaucoma and age‐related macular degeneration) and the progression of eye disease (lens opacities and myopia) and associated risk factors.

Results

Of the 7771 respondents examined in rural areas in Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 1, 5447 (70.1%) participants were traced in Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 2. These participants will be re‐examined.

Conclusions

Andhra Pradesh Eye Disease Study 3 will provide data on the incidence and progression of visual impairment and major eye diseases and their associated risk factors in India. The study will provide further evidence to aid planning eye care services.
Age‐related changes in male forearm skin‐to‐fat tissue dielectric constant at 300 MHz
Authors: Mayrovitz Harvey N. , Grammenos Alexandra , Corbitt Kelly , Bartos Simona
Published: August 2015

Prior research suggests that tissue dielectric constant (TDC) values are useful to assess localized skin water in females for early diagnosing breast cancer treatment‐related lymphoedema and TDC values in young adults have shown gender differences. However, no TDC data are available for older males nor have ageing effects been studied despite known shifts in water state and other skin age‐related changes. Thus our goals were to (i) characterize TDC values at various skin depths in young and older males, (ii) determine the dependence of these values on body composition parameters and (iii) establish inter‐arm TDC ratios for use as normal male reference values. TDC measurements were made to depths of 0·5, 1·5, 2·5 and 5·0 mm bilaterally on volar forearm skin in 60 males in three groups of 20 that had mean ages ± SD of 24·0 ± 0·9, 40·0 ± 12·9 and 71·0 ± 8·0 years. Total body fat and water percentages were determined via bioimpedance at 50 KHz. Results showed that (i) for all age groups TDC values decreased with increasing depth, (ii) TDC values were not statistically different among age groups except at a depth of 0·5 mm, (iii) TDC values were highly negatively correlated with total body fat and (iv) inter‐arm ratios varied little among age groups and depths. It is concluded that (i) age‐related larger TDC values at only the shallowest depth is consistent with skin water shifting state from bound to more mobile in the oldest group and (ii) inter‐arm ratios at any depth provide a basis to test for unilateral oedema.
Intraepidermal benign sebaceous neoplasm: apocrine poroma (hidroacanthoma simplex type) with extensive sebaceous differentiation with sebaceoma‐like features
Authors: Misago Noriyuki , Inoue Takuya , Toda Shuji
Published: August 2015

We herein report a patient who clinically presented with a yellowish, flat plaque that histopathologically showed a benign lesion mainly composed of intraepidermal basaloid nests with sebaceous differentiation. This lesion was considered to be fundamentally apocrine poroma (hidroacanthoma simplex type) with sebaceous differentiation. Nests composed of typical poroid cells were seen, and the results of immunostaining for lumican supported this diagnosis and excluded the possibility of clonal seborrheic keratosis. The sebaceous differentiation in apocrine poromas mostly occurs in Pinkus type lesions, and is usually seen in only part of the lesions, as solitary, mature sebocytes within the poroma nests. However, our apocrine poroma case was unique not only in that sebaceous differentiation occurred in the hidroacanthoma simplex type, but also in that it was observed extensively (approximately 60% of the nests). We therefore called this lesion an ‘intraepidermal benign sebaceous neoplasm’. Although it may be hard to differentiate sebaceous germinative cells (seen in sebaceoma) from poroid cells, in this case, some poroma nests could be judged to neighbor or contain the sebaceoma‐like areas. Therefore, the presented apocrine poroma was considered to have some features of (intraepidermal and dermal) sebaceoma.
Methotrexate for topical application in an extemporaneous preparation
Authors: Wohlrab Johannes , Neubert Reinhard H.H. , Michael Julia , Naumann Sandy
Published: August 2015

Background

The antifolate agent methotrexate is routinely used for systemic therapy of cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases. Successful topical use has been described for individual therapeutic attempts, in case series, and small studies, especially for mycosis fungoides (premycotic stage) and lymphomatoid papulosis. With respect to its clinical use in selected treatment scenarios, there have been no approved preparations or regulated instructions for pharmaceutical compounding.

Material and methods

Two high performance liquid chromatography methods were established for the determination of the active substance within a galenic formulation as well as within extracts of biological material. Suitable vehicles for epicutaneous application were developed and preclinically tested for stability, release, and pharmacokinetics of the active substance as well as their safety.

Results

The tests show that methotrexate may be readily incorporated into “Basiscreme DAC”. It remains stable up to a concentration of 0.5 %. This preparation releases enough active substance to achieve relevant local bioavailability in the respective target compartments of the skin. There is no evidence of safety risks due to relevant systemic bioavailability after topical application on a limited area of the skin.

Conclusions

In summary, this approved prescription for extemporaneous preparation complies with the requirements of the German Ordinance on the Operation of Pharmacies (Article 7 ApBetrO), and the available data proves its stability and pharmaceutical quality.
Vocal Learning in Songbirds and Humans: A Retrospective in Honor of Peter Marler
Authors: Soha Jill A. , Peters Susan
Published: August 2015

Peter Marler made a number of significant contributions to the field of ethology, particularly in the area of animal communication. His research on birdsong learning gave rise to a thriving subfield. An important tenet of this growing subfield is that parallels between birdsong and human speech make songbirds valuable as models in comparative and translational research, particularly in the case of vocal learning and development. Decades ago, Marler pointed out several phenomena common to the processes of vocal development in songbirds and humans—including a dependence on early acoustic experience, sensitive periods, predispositions, auditory feedback, intrinsic reinforcement, and a progression through distinct developmental stages—and he advocated for the value of comparative study in this domain. We review Marler's original comparisons between birdsong and speech ontogeny and summarize subsequent progress in research into these and other parallels. We also revisit Marler's arguments in support of the comparative study of vocal development in the context of its widely recognized value today.
Central tarsal bone fractures in horses not used for racing: Computed tomographic configuration and long‐term outcome of lag screw fixation
Authors: Gunst S. , Del Chicca F. , Fürst A. E. , Kuemmerle J. M.
Published: August 2015

Reasons for performing study

There are no reports on the configuration of equine central tarsal bone fractures based on cross‐sectional imaging and clinical and radiographic long‐term outcome after internal fixation.

Objectives

To report clinical, radiographic and computed tomographic findings of equine central tarsal bone fractures and to evaluate the long‐term outcome of internal fixation.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

All horses diagnosed with a central tarsal bone fracture at our institution in 2009–2013 were included. Computed tomography and internal fixation using lag screw technique was performed in all patients. Medical records and diagnostic images were reviewed retrospectively. A clinical and radiographic follow‐up examination was performed at least 1 year post operatively.

Results

A central tarsal bone fracture was diagnosed in 6 horses. Five were Warmbloods used for showjumping and one was a Quarter Horse used for reining. All horses had sagittal slab fractures that began dorsally, ran in a plantar or plantaromedial direction and exited the plantar cortex at the plantar or plantaromedial indentation of the central tarsal bone. Marked sclerosis of the central tarsal bone was diagnosed in all patients. At long‐term follow‐up, 5/6 horses were sound and used as intended although mild osteophyte formation at the distal intertarsal joint was commonly observed.

Conclusions

Central tarsal bone fractures in nonracehorses had a distinct configuration but radiographically subtle additional fracture lines can occur. A chronic stress related aetiology seems likely. Internal fixation of these fractures based on an accurate diagnosis of the individual fracture configuration resulted in a very good prognosis.
Samaras and seedlings of Acer pseudoplatanus are potential sources of hypoglycin A intoxication in atypical myopathy without necessarily inducing clinical signs
Authors: Baise E. , Habyarimana J. A. , Amory H. , Boemer F. , Douny C. , Gustin P. , Marcillaud‐Pitel C. , Patarin F. , Weber M. , Votion D.‐M.
Published: August 2015

Reasons for performing study

Ingestion of sycamore seeds (Acer pseudoplatanus) is the likely source of hypoglycin A in atypical myopathy (AM) but ingestion of seedlings in spring might also contribute to intoxication.

Objectives

To test for hypoglycin A in seeds and seedlings collected on pastures where AM cases were reported and compare its concentration in serum of affected and healthy horses.

Study design

Field investigation of clinical cases.

Methods

Whenever present, samaras (the winged nuts that each contain one seed) and/or seedlings were collected from pastures of 8 AM cases and 5 unaffected horses from different premises. Two AM cases were each co‐grazing with an apparently healthy horse. Acylcarnitines and hypoglycin A were quantified in blood samples of all horses involved in the study.

Results

Hypoglycin A was detected in serum of AM (5.47 ± 1.60 μmol/l) but not in healthy controls pasturing where A. pseudoplatanus trees were not present. However, hypoglycin A was detected at high concentrations (7.98 μmol/l) in serum of a clinically healthy horse grazing a pasture with seedlings and samaras and also in the 2 healthy horses co‐grazing with AM cases (0.43 ± 0.59 μmol/l). Hypoglycin A was detected in all samples of seeds and spring seedlings of A. pseudoplatanus.

Conclusions

Atypical myopathy can be associated with the ingestion of sycamore samaras and also ingestion of seedlings. Hypoglycin A can be detected in the blood of horses with no detectable clinical signs at pasture in which there is A. pseudoplatanus. Determination of hypoglycin A concentration in blood is useful for screening for exposure in suspected cases of AM.
Effect of emptying the vasculature before performing regional limb perfusion with amikacin in horses
Authors: Sole A. , Nieto J. E. , Aristizabal F. A. , Snyder J. R.
Published: August 2015

Reasons for performing study

Emptying the vasculature with an Esmarch bandage before i.v. regional anaesthesia is commonly performed in human patients to prevent leakage of the solution under the tourniquet but there is no evidence for its efficacy in horses for antimicrobial i.v. regional limb perfusion (IV‐RLP).

Objectives

To determine the effect on synovial fluid concentration of amikacin of emptying the vasculature before performing IV‐RLP.

Study design

Crossover experiment.

Methods

Eight clinically healthy horses underwent 2 IV‐RLP with amikacin in a randomised, crossover design. Horses received an IV‐RLP with amikacin with or without exsanguination before applying a pneumatic tourniquet at the level of the forearm. Blood was collected from the jugular vein (before tourniquet removal) and synovial fluid from the radiocarpal and metacarpophalangeal joints (5 min after tourniquet removal and at 24 h) for amikacin determination. The procedure was video recorded to assess horse movement.

Results

There was no difference in amikacin concentrations in the plasma or synovial fluid from the radiocarpal joint between groups. There was a higher concentration of amikacin in the synovial fluid from the metacarpophalangeal joint immediately after tourniquet removal in the group with exsanguination of the limb prior to IV‐RLP (mean ± s.d.: no exsanguination 49.7 ± 53.7 μg/ml, exsanguination 257.4 ± 149.7 μg/ml, P = 0.04). Horse movement did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions

Emptying the vasculature with an Esmarch bandage before IV‐RLP can improve amikacin concentrations in the metacarpophalangeal joint of horses with no effect on the levels of amikacin in the radiocarpal joint.
De novo fatty acid biosynthesis and elongation in very long‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase‐deficient mice supplemented with odd or even medium‐chain fatty acids
Authors: Tucci Sara , Behringer Sidney , Spiekerkoetter Ute
Published: August 2015

An even medium‐chain triglyceride (MCT)‐based diet is the mainstay of treatment in very long‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficiency (VLCADD). Previous studies with magnetic resonance spectroscopy have shown an impact of MCT on the average fatty acid chain length in abdominal fat. We therefore assume that medium‐chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are elongated and accumulate in tissue as long‐chain fatty acids. In this study, we explored the hepatic effects of long‐term supplementation with MCT or triheptanoin, an odd‐chain C7‐based triglyceride, in wild‐type and VLCAD‐deficient (VLCAD−/−) mice after 1 year of supplementation as compared with a control diet. The de novo biosynthesis and elongation of fatty acids, and peroxisomal β‐oxidation, were quantified by RT‐PCR. This was followed by a comprehensive analysis of hepatic and cardiac fatty acid profiles by GC‐MS. Long‐term application of even and odd MCFAs strongly induced de novo biosynthesis and elongation of fatty acids in both wild‐type and VLCAD−/− mice, leading to an alteration of the hepatic fatty acid profiles. We detected de novo‐synthesized and elongated fatty acids, such as heptadecenoic acid (C17:1n9), eicosanoic acid (C20:1n9), erucic acid (C22:1n9), and mead acid (C20:3n9), that were otherwise completely absent in mice under control conditions. In parallel, the content of monounsaturated fatty acids was massively increased. Furthermore, we observed strong upregulation of peroxisomal β‐oxidation in VLCAD−/− mice, especially when they were fed an MCT diet. Our data raise the question of whether long‐term MCFA supplementation represents the most efficient treatment in the long term. Studies on the hepatic toxicity of triheptanoin are still ongoing.
Modeling of Methane Migration in Shallow Aquifers from Shale Gas Well Drilling
Authors: Zhang Liwei , Soeder Daniel J.
Published: August 2015

The vertical portion of a shale gas well, known as the “tophole” is often drilled using an air‐hammer bit that may introduce pressures as high as 2400 kPa (350 psi) into groundwater while penetrating shallow aquifers. A 3‐D TOUGH2 model was used to simulate the flow of groundwater under the high hydraulic heads that may be imposed by such trapped compressed air, based on an observed case in West Virginia (USA) in 2012. The model realizations show that high‐pressure air trapped in aquifers may cause groundwater to surge away from the drill site at observable velocities. If dissolved methane is present within the aquifer, the methane can be entrained and transported to a maximum distance of 10.6 m per day. Results from this study suggest that one cause of the reported increase in methane concentrations in groundwater near shale gas production wells may be the transport of pre‐existing methane via groundwater surges induced by air drilling, not necessarily direct natural gas leakage from the unconventional gas reservoir. The primary transport mechanisms are advective transport of dissolved methane with water flow, and diffusive transport of dissolved methane.
Airborne Thermal Remote Sensing for Estimation of Groundwater Discharge to a River
Authors: Liu Chuankun , Liu Jie , Hu Yue , Wang Heshun , Zheng Chunmiao
Published: August 2015

Traditional methods for studying surface water and groundwater interactions have usually been limited to point measurements, such as geochemical sampling and seepage measurement. A new methodology is presented for quantifying groundwater discharge to a river, by using river surface temperature data obtained from airborne thermal infrared remote sensing technology. The Hot Spot Analysis toolkit in ArcGIS was used to calculate the percentage of groundwater discharge to a river relative to the total flow of the river. This methodology was evaluated in the midstream of the Heihe River in the arid and semiarid northwest China. The results show that the percentage of groundwater discharge relative to the total streamflow was as high as 28%, which is in good agreement with the results from previous geochemical studies. The data analysis methodology used in this study is based on the assumption that the river water is fully mixed except in the areas of extremely low flow velocity, which could lead to underestimation of the amount of groundwater discharge. Despite this limitation, this remote sensing‐based approach provides an efficient means of quantifying the surface water and groundwater interactions on a regional scale.
Broad‐Scale Evidence That pH Influences the Balance Between Microbial Iron and Sulfate Reduction
Authors: Kirk Matthew F. , Jin Qusheng , Haller Ben R.
Published: August 2015

Understanding basic controls on aquifer microbiology is essential to managing water resources and predicting impacts of future environmental change. Previous theoretical and laboratory studies indicate that pH can influence interactions between microorganisms that reduce ferric iron and sulfate. In this study, we test the environmental relevance of this relationship by examining broad‐scale geochemical data from anoxic zones of aquifers. We isolated data from the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System for 19 principal aquifer systems. We then removed samples with chemical compositions inconsistent with iron‐ and sulfate‐reducing environments and evaluated the relationships between pH and other geochemical parameters using Spearman's rho rank correlation tests. Overall, iron concentration and the iron‐sulfide concentration ratio of groundwater share a statistically significant negative correlation with pH (P < 0.0001). These relationships indicate that the significance of iron reduction relative to sulfate reduction tends to increase with decreasing pH. Moreover, thermodynamic calculations show that, as the pH of groundwater decreases, iron reduction becomes increasingly favorable relative to sulfate reduction. Hence, the relative significance of each microbial reaction may vary in response to thermodynamic controls on microbial activity. Our findings demonstrate that trends in groundwater geochemistry across different regional aquifer systems are consistent with pH as a control on interactions between microbial iron and sulfate reduction. Environmental changes that perturb groundwater pH can affect water quality by altering the balance between these microbial reactions.
Prevalence of interdigital psoriasis of the feet (“psoriasis alba”) in mild, moderate, and severe psoriasis
Authors: Leibovici Vera , Lemster Natalya , Ramot Yuval , Siam Rula , Siam Ihab , Maly Alex , Strauss‐Liviatan N. , Hochberg Malka
Published: August 2015

Interdigital psoriasis of the feet (“psoriasis alba”) is a rare form of inverse psoriasis. We conducted a cross‐sectional study of the prevalence of interdigital psoriasis in mild, moderate, and severe psoriasis, compared to atopic dermatitis and normal controls. Data were collected during 2010–2013 from 232 psoriatic patients, 190 patients with atopic dermatitis, and 202 normal controls. The psoriatic and atopic dermatitis patients were from the dermatology department and outpatient clinic of the Hadassah‐Hebrew University Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel. The normal controls were healthy workers and volunteers from Hadassah Hospital who were not aware of any dermatological disease and had never consulted a general practitioner or dermatologist for skin problems of the feet. Our study revealed a prevalence of 2.6% of interdigital psoriasis of the feet in psoriatic patients, especially in men, and none in atopic dermatitis and normal controls. Three of the six affected patients with interdigital psoriasis of the feet complained of itching, both feet were involved in four patients, while two presented with additional palmoplantar psoriasis. The hematoxylin and eosin histopathological findings were in line with those found in inverse psoriasis. Dermatologists should be aware of this entity and treat it correctly. The diagnosis should be considered in psoriatic patients presenting with whitish plaque or patches in the toe‐webs, in whom the fungal test is negative and are not responding to antimycotic treatment.
Oil and tastant concentrations affect saltiness and bitterness perception of oil‐in‐water emulsions
Authors: Torrico Damir D. , Carabante Kennet M. , Pujols Kairy D. , Chareonthaikij Phantipha , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: August 2015

Saltiness of NaCl and KCl and bitterness of KCl and caffeine were evaluated in emulsions prepared with varying oil (20/40/60%) and tastant [NaCl (0.50/0.75/1.00%), KCl (0.50/1.00/1.50%) or caffeine (0.05/0.10/0.15%)] concentrations. A panel (N = 16) evaluated saltiness and bitterness intensities of emulsions using the modified short‐version Spectrum™ descriptive analysis. Viscosity and pH of emulsions were measured. The type of tastant (NaCl/KCl/caffeine) and its concentration had significant effects on saltiness and/or bitterness intensities. At a given tastant concentration, NaCl had higher saltiness intensity compared to KCl in emulsions. Increasing oil concentration increased saltiness of both NaCl and KCl, while it slightly increased bitterness of KCl, but did not significantly affect bitterness of caffeine in emulsions. RSM plots indicated that saltiness enhancement of NaCl and KCl imparted by oil was more pronounced between 20% and 40% oil. Viscosity was the discriminating property among emulsions and possibly contributed to changes in salty and bitter perception.
Specialized Stroke Rehabilitation Services in Seven Countries
Authors: Langhammer Birgitta , Becker Frank , Sunnerhagen Katharina S. , Zhang Tong , Du Xiaoxia , Bushnik Tamara , Panchenko Maria , Keren Ofer , Banura Samir , Elessi Khamis , Luzon Fuad , Lundgren-Nilsson Åsa , Li Xie , Sällström Susanne , Stanghelle Johan Kvalvik
Published: August 2015

Background

There is a lack of defined levels of rehabilitation, indicating possibly random content and access to specialized services.

Aims and/or hypothesis

The aim of the study was to perform a multinational descriptive study of specialized rehabilitation in persons with stroke, to elucidate what the different centers define as prerequisites for specialized rehabilitation, and to analyze whether these descriptions map to currently applied standards or constructs of specialized rehabilitation. A secondary aim was to look for similarities and differences between therapies and services for persons with stroke in the sub-acute stage in the different institutions.

Methods

Descriptive data of the collaborating centers regarding structure and processes of services were recorded and compared with the British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine and Specialized Services National Definitions sets.

Results

Comparisons of the definitions showed that all centers admitted severely disabled persons with stroke, in need of complex rehabilitation, and provided high levels of physical services, with specialized equipment and facilities. However, funding, size, university affiliation, quality accreditation, staffing levels, specialist training, cognitive and vocational services, coordination of the professional teams, admission procedures, time and type of therapies, estimated length of stay, and follow-up procedures differed between the centers.

Conclusion

This multinational study of specialized stroke rehabilitation centers shows that a universal definition of specialized rehabilitation is possible, even in quite different countries and settings, in terms of general principles. There were however differences in structures and procedures, which may influence patients' outcomes, indicating a need for refinement of the definitions to be globally applicable.
Coevolution of MHC genes (LMP/TAP/class Ia, NKT‐class Ib, NKp30‐B7H6): lessons from cold‐blooded vertebrates
Authors: Ohta Yuko , Flajnik Martin F.
Published: August 2015

Comparative immunology provides the long view of what is conserved across all vertebrate taxa versus what is specific to particular organisms or group of organisms. Regarding the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and coevolution, three striking cases have been revealed in cold‐blooded vertebrates: lineages of class Ia antigen‐processing and ‐presenting genes, evolutionary conservation of NKT‐class Ib recognition, and the ancient emergence of the natural cytotoxicity receptor NKp30 and its ligand B7H6. While coevolution of transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) and class Ia has been documented in endothermic birds and two mammals, lineages of LMP7 are restricted to ectotherms. The unambiguous discovery of natural killer T (NKT) cells in Xenopus demonstrated that NKT cells are not restricted to mammals and are likely to have emerged at the same time in evolution as classical α/β and γ/δ T cells. NK cell receptors evolve at a rapid rate, and orthologues are nearly impossible to identify in different vertebrate classes. By contrast, we have detected NKp30 in all gnathostomes, except in species where it was lost. The recently discovered ligand of NKp30, B7H6, shows strong signs of coevolution with NKp30 throughout evolution, i.e. coincident loss or expansion of both genes in some species. NKp30 also offers an attractive IgSF candidate for the invasion of the RAG transposon, which is believed to have initiated T‐cell receptor/immunoglobulin adaptive immunity. Besides reviewing these intriguing features of MHC evolution and coevolution, we offer suggestions for future studies and propose a model for the primordial or proto MHC.
Mechanisms of Ytterbium Monosilicate/Mullite/Silicon Coating Failure During Thermal Cycling in Water Vapor
Authors: Richards Bradley T. , Begley Matthew R. , Wadley Haydn N.G.
Published: August 2015

An air plasma spray process has been used to apply a model tri‐layer Yb2SiO5/Al6Si2O13/Si environmental barrier coating system on SiC test coupons. Significant differences in the thermal expansion of the component layers resulted in periodically spaced mud cracks in the Yb2SiO5 and Al6Si2O13 layers. Upon thermal cycling between 1316°C and 110°C in a 90% H2O/10% O2 environment flowing at 4.4 cm/s, it was found that partial delamination occurred with the fracture plane located within a thermally grown oxide (TGO) at the Al6Si2O13–Si interface. Delamination initiated at test coupon edges where the gaseous environment preferentially oxidized the exposed Si bond coat to form β‐cristobalite. Simultaneous ingress of the gaseous environment through mud cracks initiated local formation of β‐cristobalite (SiO2), the thickness of which was greatest directly below mud cracks. Upon cooling, cristobalite transformed from the β to α phase with a large, constrained volume contraction that resulted in severe microfracture of the TGO. Continued thermal cycling eventually propagated delamination cracks and caused partial spallation of the coatings. Formation of the cristobalite TGO appears to be the delamination life‐determining factor in protective coating systems utilizing a Si bond coat.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Resistant Hypertension: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liu Liping , Cao Qunan , Guo Zhenzhen , Dai Qiuyan
Published: August 2015

This study aimed to analyze the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on blood pressure (BP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and resistant hypertension. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effect of CPAP on BP in patients with OSA and resistant hypertension, indexed in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from inception until March 20, 2015, were included in the meta‐analysis. A total of five RCTs were identified to meet the inclusion criteria. The pooled changes after CPAP treatment for 24‐hour ambulatory systolic BP and diastolic BP (DBP) were −4.78 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI], −7.95 to −1.61) and −2.95 mm Hg (95% CI, −5.37 to −0.53) in favor of the CPAP group. CPAP was also associated with reduction in nocturnal DBP (mean difference, −1.53 mm Hg, 95% CI, −3.07 to 0). The results indicated a favorable reduction in BP with CPAP treatment in patients with OSA and resistant hypertension.