bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of Vibrio cholerae abundance in Austrian saline lakes, assessed with quantitative solid‐phase cytometry
Authors: Schauer Sonja , Jakwerth Stefan , Bliem Rupert , Baudart Julia , Lebaron Philippe , Huhulescu Steliana , Kundi Michael , Herzig Alois , Farnleitner Andreas H. , Sommer Regina , Kirschner Alexander
Published: April 2015

In order to elucidate the main predictors of Vibrio cholerae dynamics and to estimate the risk of Vibrio cholera‐related diseases, a recently developed direct detection approach based on fluorescence in situ hybridization and solid‐phase cytometry (CARD‐FISH/SPC) was applied in comparison to cultivation for water samples from the lake Neusiedler See, Austria and three shallow alkaline lakes over a period of 20 months. Vibrio cholerae attached to crustacean zooplankton was quantified via FISH and epifluorescence microscopy. Concentrations obtained by CARD‐FISH/SPC were significantly higher than those obtained by culture in 2011, but were mostly of similar magnitude in 2012. Maximum cell numbers were 1.26 × 106 V. cholerae per L in Neusiedler See and 7.59 × 107 V. cholerae per L in the shallow alkaline lakes. Only on a few occasions during summer was the crustacean zooplankton the preferred habitat for V. cholerae. In winter, V. cholerae was not culturable but could be quantified at all sites with CARD‐FISH/SPC. Beside temperature, suspended solids, zooplankton and ammonium were the main predictors of V. cholerae abundance in Neusiedler See, while in the shallow alkaline lakes it was organic carbon, conductivity and phosphorus. Based on the obtained concentrations a first estimation of the health risk for visitors of the lake could be performed.
Different utilization of alginate and other algal polysaccharides by marineAlteromonas macleodiiecotypes
Authors: Neumann Anna M. , Balmonte John P. , Berger Martine , Giebel Helge‐Ansgar , Arnosti Carol , Voget Sonja , Simon Meinhard , Brinkhoff Thorsten , Wietz Matthias
Published: April 2015

The marine bacteriumAlteromonas macleodiiis a copiotrophicr‐strategist, but little is known about its potential to degrade polysaccharides. Here, we studied the degradation of alginate and other algal polysaccharides byA. macleodiistrain 83‐1 in comparison to otherA. macleodiistrains. Cell densities of strain 83‐1 with alginate as sole carbon source were comparable to those with glucose, but the exponential phase was delayed. The genome of 83‐1 was found to harbour an alginolytic system comprising five alginate lyases, whose expression was induced by alginate. The alginolytic system contains additionalCAZymes, including twoTonB‐dependent receptors, and is part of a 24 kb genomic island unique to theA. macleodii ‘surface clade’ ecotype. In contrast, strains of the ‘deep clade’ ecotype contain only a single alginate lyase in a separate 7 kb island. This difference was reflected in an eightfold greater efficiency of surface clade strains to grow on alginate. Strain 83‐1 furthermore hydrolysed laminarin, pullulan and xylan, and corresponding polysaccharide utilization loci were detected in the genome.Alteromonas macleodiialginate lyases were predominantly detected in Atlantic Ocean metagenomes. The demonstrated hydrolytic capacities are likely of ecological relevance and represent another level of adaptation amongA. macleodiiecotypes.
Habitus Clivé and the Emotional Imprint of Social Mobility
Authors: Friedman Sam
Published: April 2015

Increasing social mobility is the ‘principal goal’ of the British Government's social policy ( Cabinet Office, 2011 : 5). However, while policy perspectives present mobility as an unambiguously progressive force, there is a striking absence of studies looking at the impact of mobility on individuals themselves. Drawing on 39 lifecourse interviews with upwardly mobile respondents drawn from the UK Cultural Capital and Social Exclusion Project (CCSE), this paper examines how mobility affects the psychic and emotional life of the individual. More specifically, it examines how mobility influences social, familial and intimate relationships, as well as the ontological coherence of the self. Following Bourdieu's (2004 : 127) description of his own upward trajectory, the paper argues that the concept of a divided habitus, or habitus clivé, may be particularly useful for understanding some iterations of the contemporary mobility experience, particularly its most long-range forms. Such a concept, it argues, helps explain how the emotional pull of class loyalties can entangle subjects in the affinities of the past, and why – despite prevailing political rhetoric – upward mobility may remain a state that not everyone unequivocally aspires to.
Playing hopscotch in inclusive education reform: examining promises and limitations of policy and practice in the US
Authors: Waitoller Federico R. , Thorius Kathleen King
Published: April 2015

In this article, we provide commentary on the ‘state of play’ of inclusive education in the United States. We focus on the promises and limitations of inter‐related accountability‐ and market‐driven policies and Response to Intervention (RTI) (Vaughn and Fuchs, 2003). We argue that these policies and practice have ‘hopscotched’ their way through inclusive education reform, hopping over core tenets of the inclusive education movement. We propose policies and practices that have a strong commitment to inclusive education and that aim at debunking the myth of the normal child and school.
Functional brain development in growth‐restricted and constitutionally small fetuses: a fetal magnetoencephalography case–control study
Authors: Morin EC , Schleger F , Preissl H , Braendle J , Eswaran H , Abele H , Brucker S , Kiefer‐Schmidt I
Published: April 2015

Objective

Fetal magnetoencephalography records fetal brain activity non‐invasively. Delayed brain responses were reported for fetuses weighing below the tenth percentile. To investigate whether this delay indicates delayed brain maturation resulting from placental insufficiency, this study distinguished two groups of fetuses below the tenth percentile: growth‐restricted fetuses with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler velocity (IUGR) and constitutionally small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses with normal umbilical artery Doppler findings (SGA) were compared with fetuses of adequate weight for gestational age (AGA), matched for age and behavioural state.

Design

A case–control study of matched pairs.

Setting

Fetal magnetoencephalography‐Center at the University Hospital of Tuebingen.

Population

Fourteen IUGR fetuses and 23 SGA fetuses were matched for gestational age and fetal behavioural state with 37 healthy, normal‐sized fetuses.

Methods

A 156‐channel fetal magentoencephalography system was used to record fetal brain activity. Light flashes as visual stimulation were applied to the fetus. The Student's t‐test for paired groups was performed.

Main outcome measure

Latency of fetal visual evoked magnetic responses (VER).

Results

The IUGR fetuses showed delayed VERs compared with controls (IUGR, 233.1 ms; controls, 184.6 ms; P = 0.032). SGA fetuses had similar evoked response latencies compared with controls (SGA, 216.1 ms; controls, 219.9 ms; P = 0.828). Behavioural states were similarly distributed.

Conclusion

Visual evoked responses are delayed in IUGR fetuses, but not in SGA. Fetal behavioural state as an influencing factor of brain response latency was accounted for in the comparison. This reinforces that delayed brain maturation is the result of placental insufficiency.
Uterine rupture: trends over 40 years
Authors: Al‐Zirqi I , Stray‐Pedersen B , Forsén L , Daltveit A‐K , Vangen S
Published: April 2015

Objective

To follow trends of uterine rupture over a period of 40 years in Norway.

Design

Population‐based study using data from the Medical Birth Registry, the Patient Administration System, and medical records.

Setting

Norway.

Sample

Women giving birth in 21 maternity units in Norway during the period 1967–2008 (n = 1 441 712 maternities).

Methods

The incidence and outcomes of uterine rupture were compared across four decades: 1967–1977; 1978–1988; 1989–1999; and 2000–2008. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratio (OR) for uterine rupture in each decade compared with the second decade.

Main outcome measure

Trends in uterine rupture.

Results

We identified 359 uterine ruptures. The incidence rates per 10 000 maternities in the first, second, third, and fourth decade were 1.2, 0.9, 1.7, and 6.1, respectively. The ORs for complete and partial ruptures in the fourth versus the second decade were 6.4 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI 3.8–10.8) and 7.2 (95% CI 4.2–12.3), respectively. Significant contributing factors to this increase were the higher rates of labour augmentation with oxytocin, scarred uteri from a previous caesarean section, and labour induction with prostaglandins or prostaglandins combined with oxytocin. After adjusting for risk factors, the ORs for complete and partial ruptures were 2.2 (95% CI 1.3–3.8) and 2.8 (95% CI 1.6–4.8), respectively. Severe postpartum haemorrhage, hysterectomy, intrapartum death and infant death after complete uterine ruptures decreased significantly over time.

Conclusions

A sharply increasing trend of uterine rupture was found. Obstetric interventions contributed to this increase, but could not explain it entirely.

Tweetable abstract

A sharply increasing trend of uterine ruptures has been found in Norway in recent years.
Urinary incontinence persisting after childbirth: extent, delivery history, and effects in a 12–year longitudinal cohort study
Authors: MacArthur C , Wilson D , Herbison P , Lancashire RJ , Hagen S , Toozs‐Hobson P , Dean N , Glazener C ,   the Prolong study group
Published: April 2015

Objective

To investigate the extent of persistent urinary incontinence (UI) 12 years after birth, and association with delivery‐mode history and other factors.

Design

Twelve‐year longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

Maternity units in Aberdeen, Birmingham, and Dunedin.

Population

Women who returned questionnaires 3 months and 12 years after index birth.

Methods

Data on all births over a period of 12 months were obtained from the units and then women were contacted by post.

Main outcome measure

Persistent UI reported at 12 years, with one or more previous contact.

Results

Of 7879 women recruited at 3 months, 3763 (48%) responded at 12 years, with 2944 also having responded at 6 years; non‐responders had similar obstetric characteristics. The prevalence of persistent UI was 37.9% (1429/3763). Among those who had reported UI at 3 months, 76.4% reported it at 12 years. Women with persistent UI had lower SF12 quality of life scores. Compared with having only spontaneous vaginal deliveries (SVDs), women who delivered exclusively by caesarean section were less likely to have persistent UI (odds ratio, OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.33–0.54). This was not the case in women who had a combination of caesarean section and SVD births (OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.78–1.30). Older age at first birth, greater parity, and overweight/obesity were associated with persistent UI. Of 54 index primiparae with UI before pregnancy, 46 (85.2%) had persistent UI.

Conclusions

This study, demonstrating that UI persists to 12 years in about three‐quarters of women, and that risk was only reduced with caesarean section if women had no other delivery mode, has practice implications.

Tweetable abstract

A longitudinal study of 3763 women showed a prevalence of persistent UI 12 years after birth of 37.9%.
Measurement of Urban Fringe Sprawl in Nanjing between 1984 and 2010 Using Multidimensional Indicators
Authors: FENG L. , DU P.J. , LI H. , ZHU L.J.
Published: April 2015

Due to the global increases in urbanisation rates, urban sprawl has become a worldwide issue. In China, the development of rural areas has been affected by urban expansion and adjustments of metropolitan areas by administrative divisions that have led to losses in agricultural lands and ecosystem services. There is the ‘paradoxical’ desire for governments to promote rural development and protect land resources. Urban fringe sprawl is a prominent issue in the process of rural development. Identifying and measuring sprawl at the urban fringe could assist policymakers to either encourage or discourage this phenomenon. This paper demonstrates use of multidimensional indicators to effectively measure urban fringe sprawl by remote sensing, in addition to demographic and socio‐economic data. Using integrated indicators observed in the recent Chinese development context, urban fringe sprawl was measured comprehensively for Jiangning, a district in the city of Nanjing, China. This study indicates that Jiangning is sprawling rapidly. The results also show that the multidimensional indicator approach could provide decision support to create effective long‐term land‐use planning policies for controlling urban sprawl patterns.
Isoflavone Profile in Soymilk as Affected by Soybean Variety, Grinding, and Heat‐Processing Methods
Authors: Zhang Yan , Chang Sam K.C. , Liu Zhisheng
Published: April 2015

Isoflavones impart health benefits and their overall content and profile in foods are greatly influenced at each step during processing. In this study, 2 soybean varieties (Prosoy and black soybean) were processed with 3 different grinding (ambient, cold, and hot grinding) and heating methods (traditional stove cooking, 1‐phase UHT, and 2‐phase UHT) for soymilk making. The results showed after cold, ambient, and hot grinding, the total isoflavones were 3917, 5013, and 5949 nmol/g for Prosoy; the total isoflavones were 4073, 3966, and 4284 nmol/g for black soybean. Grinding could significantly increase isoflavone extraction. The grinding process had a destructive effect on isoflavones and this effect varied with grinding temperature. Different heating methods had different effects on different isoflavone forms. Two soybean varieties showed distinct patterns with respect to the change of isoflavone profile during processing.
Electrodialytic Removal of Nitrate from Pineapple Juice: Effect on Selected Physicochemical Properties, Amino Acids, and Aroma Components of the Juice
Authors: Ackarabanpojoue Yuwadee , Chindapan Nathamol , Yoovidhya Tipaporn , Devahastin Sakamon
Published: April 2015

This study aimed at investigating the effect of nitrate removal from pineapple juice by electrodialysis (ED) on selected properties of the ED‐treated juice. Single‐strength pineapple juice with reduced pulp content was treated by ED to reduce the nitrate concentration to 15, 10, or 5 ppm. After ED, the removed pulp was added to the ED‐treated juice and its properties, including electrical conductivity, acidity, pH, total soluble solids (TSS), color, amino acids, and selected aroma compounds, were determined and compared with those of the untreated juice. ED could reduce the nitrate content of 1 L of pineapple juice from an initial value of 50 ppm to less than 5 ppm within 30 min. A significant decrease in the electrical conductivity, acidity, pH, TSS, and yellowness, but a significant increase in the lightness, of the juice was observed upon ED. Concentrations of almost all amino acids of the ED‐treated juice significantly decreased. The concentrations of 8 major compound contributors to the pineapple aroma also significantly decreased. Adding the pulp back to the ED‐treated juice increased the amino acids concentrations; however, it led to a significant decrease in the concentrations of the aroma compounds.
Evaluation of the effect of zoom function on lesion detection by soft‐copy reading of screening mammograms
Authors: Trieu Phuong Dung , Brennan Patrick , Giuffre Bruno , Mello‐Thoms Claudia , Tapia Kriscia , Santangelo Nicole , Kim Haewon , Cameron Katherine , Hayter Catherine , Da Costa Glenys , Sterba Jarmila , Lee Warwick
Published: April 2015

Introduction

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of zooming in improving screen‐reader performance in reporting digital mammograms.

Method

Two experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, 5 readers were asked to report 59 two‐view bilateral mammograms retrospectively with zooming function turned off. The second session was similar to the first one except that zooming was enabled. The task of readers was to assess if the mammograms were normal or abnormal and rate the confidence levels for each of the lesion they detected. The reader performances were evaluated via case sensitivity, lesion sensitivity, specificity, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) and jackknife free‐response receiver operating characteristics (JAFROC) figure of merit (FOM).

Results

There was no significant improvement in overall reader performance in detecting abnormalities in zooming condition compared with no zooming in terms of case sensitivity (96% and 87%, P = 0.285) or lesion sensitivity (88% and 81%, P = 0.224). However, differences in ROC AUC and JAFROC FOM (P ≤ 0.05) were found in two readers when they performed the test set with zooming function.

Conclusion

The results suggested that the use of the zooming function did improve the performance of some readers in detecting abnormal cases.
Superior target volume and organ stability with the use of endorectal balloons in post‐prostatectomy radiotherapy
Authors: de Leon Jeremiah F , Jameson Michael G , Windsor Apsara , Cloak Kirrily , Keats Sarah , Vial Philip , Holloway Lois , Metcalfe Peter , Sidhom Mark
Published: April 2015

Introduction

We investigated the endorectal balloon (ERB) as a method to improve post‐prostatectomy clinical target volume (CTV) stability.

Methods

Seventy cone‐beam CT (CBCT) obtained during radiotherapy treatment from seven patients treated with an ERB and 68 CBCT from seven patients treated without an ERB were contoured according to published guidelines. CTV was subdivided into superior and inferior CTV; whole rectal volume was subdivided into superior and inferior rectum and anal volume. Concordance index (CI) of CBCT treatment volumes compared with planning volumes was calculated and displacements were measured.

Results

Whole rectal, superior and inferior rectum and anal CI were significantly improved with the ERB by 21%, 17%, 26% and 17% respectively (P < 0.0001). Overall CTV and inferior CTV CI was improved by 4% with the ERB (overall CTV P = 0.021; Inferior CTV P < 0.0001). In the ERB cohort, average displacement for superior CTV was 0.37 cm anterior–posterior (AP) and 0.10 cm left–right (LR). Average standard deviation was 0.27 cm AP and 0.11 cm LR. Inferior CTV average displacement was 0.11 cm AP and 0.02 cm LR. Average standard deviation was 0.11 cm AP and 0.02 cm LR.

In the non‐ERB cohort, average displacement for superior CTV was 0.43 cm AP and 0.10 mm left–right (LR). Average standard deviation was 0.45 cm AP and 0.13 cm LR. Inferior CTV average displacement was 0.16 cm AP and 0.01 cm LR. Average standard deviation was 0.17 cm AP and 0.03 cm LR. There was no statistically significant impact of bladder filling on CTV CI in ERB patients (P = 0.551) as opposed to non‐ERB patients (P = 0.0421).

Conclusion

ERBs in the post‐prostatectomy setting resulted in increased rectal and CTV stability while negating the effects of bladder filling on CTV stability.
LEA: An R package for landscape and ecological association studies
Authors: Frichot Eric , François Olivier
Published: April 2015

Based on population genomic and environmental data, genomewide ecological association studies aim at detecting allele frequencies that exhibit significant statistical association with ecological gradients. Ecological association studies can provide lists of genetic polymorphisms that are potentially involved in local adaptation to environmental conditions through natural selection.

Here, we present the R package LEA that enables users to run ecological association studies from the R command line. The package can perform analyses of population structure and genome scans for adaptive alleles from large genomic data sets. It derives advantages from R programming functionalities to adjust significance values for multiple testing issues and to visualize results.

This note also illustrates the main steps of ecological association studies and the typical use of LEA for analysing data sets based on R commands.
The relative value of field survey and remote sensing for biodiversity assessment
Authors: Rhodes Christopher J. , Henrys Peter , Siriwardena Gavin M. , Whittingham Mark J. , Norton Lisa R.
Published: April 2015

The importance of habitat for biodiversity is well established, but the two most commonly used methods to measure habitat (field survey and remote sensing) have seldom been explicitly compared.

We compare high‐resolution sample‐based field survey (Countryside Survey) with medium‐resolution remotely sensed habitat data (the highest resolution of Land Cover Map available) for Great Britain. Variation in abundance of 60 bird species from 335 1 km squares was modelled using habitat predictors from the two methods. Model comparisons assessed the explanatory power of (i) field survey vs. remotely sensed data and (ii) coarse information on habitat areas (Broad Habitats) vs. fine‐grained information on Landscape Features.

Field survey data (combining Broad Habitat and Landscape Feature predictors) explained more variation in bird abundance than remotely sensed data (comprising Broad Habitat predictors only) for 57 species and had significantly higher mean explanatory power, averaged across 60 species models. The relative explanatory power of remote sensing, as a proportion of that provided by field data, was measured at 73%, averaged across 60 species models. Predictions from field survey Broad Habitat data were more accurate than those from either remotely sensed Broad Habitat data or field survey Landscape Feature data, averaged across 60 species models.

High‐resolution data generate more reliable models of predicted local population responses to land use change than lower resolution remotely sensed data. Collection of field data is typically costly in time, labour and resources, making use of remote sensing more feasible for assessment at larger spatial extents if data of equivalent value are produced, but the cost–benefit threshold between the two is likely to be context specific. However, integration of field survey with remotely sensed data provides accurate predictions of bird distributions, which suggests that both forms of data should be considered for future biodiversity surveys.
A Pilot Trial of Prazosin, an Alpha‐1 Adrenergic Antagonist, for Comorbid Alcohol Dependence and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Simpson Tracy L. , Malte Carol A. , Dietel Bergetta , Tell Dana , Pocock Ian , Lyons Robert , Varon Dana , Raskind Murray , Saxon Andrew J.
Published: April 2015

Background

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol dependence (AD) commonly co‐occur and are associated with greater symptom severity and costs than either disorder alone. No pharmacologic interventions have been found to decrease both alcohol use and PTSD symptom severity relative to matched placebo. Prazosin, an alpha‐1 adrenoreceptor antagonist, has demonstrated the efficacy of reducing PTSD and AD symptoms among individuals with one or the other disorder and may be useful in addressing comorbid PTSD/AD.

Methods

Prazosin and matched placebo were compared in the context of an outpatient 6‐week double‐blind randomized controlled pilot trial involving 30 individuals with comorbid PTSD/AD. Medication was titrated to 4 mg q am, 4 mg q pm and 8 mg qhs by the end of week 2. Participants in both conditions received 5 medical management sessions. Information regarding alcohol use, craving, and PTSD was gathered daily using a telephone interactive voice response system.

Results

Participants randomized to prazosin had a greater reduction in percent days drinking per week and percent days heavy drinking per week between baseline and week 6 than did placebo participants. No significant differences were detected within or between groups in change from weeks 1 to 6 in total PTSD symptoms. Participants in the prazosin condition reported drowsiness on significantly more days than those in the placebo condition.

Conclusions

Consistent with the extant research evaluating medications for comorbid PTSD/AD, the current evaluation of prazosin also found decreased alcohol consumption but no medication effect on PTSD symptomatology.
Alcohol‐Preferring P Rats Emit Spontaneous 22‐28 kHz Ultrasonic Vocalizations that are Altered by Acute and Chronic Alcohol Experience
Authors: Reno James M. , Thakore Neha , Gonzales Rueben , Schallert Timothy , Bell Richard L. , Maddox W. Todd , Duvauchelle Christine L.
Published: April 2015

Background

Emotional states are often thought to drive excessive alcohol intake and influence the development of alcohol use disorders. To gain insight into affective properties associated with excessive alcohol intake, we utilized ultrasonic vocalization (USV) detection and analyses to characterize the emotional phenotype of selectively bred alcohol‐preferring (P) rats; an established animal model of excessive alcohol intake. USVs emitted by rodents have been convincingly associated with positive (50‐55 kHz frequency‐modulated [FM]) and negative (22‐28 kHz) affective states. Therefore, we hypothesized that 50‐55 and 22‐28 kHz USV emission patterns in P rats would reveal a unique emotional phenotype sensitive to alcohol experience.

Methods

50‐55 kHz FM and 22‐28 kHz USVs elicited from male P rats were assessed during access to water, 15 and 30% EtOH (v/v). Ethanol (EtOH; n = 12) or water only (Control; n = 4) across 8 weeks of daily drinking‐in‐the‐dark (DID) sessions.

Results

Spontaneous 22‐28 kHz USVs are emitted by alcohol‐naïve P rats and are enhanced by alcohol experience. During DID sessions when alcohol was not available (e.g., “EtOH OFF” intervals), significantly more 22‐28 kHz than 50‐55 kHz USVs were elicited, while significantly more 50‐55 kHz FM than 22‐28 kHz USVs were emitted when alcohol was available (e.g., “EtOH ON” intervals). In addition, USV acoustic property analyses revealed chronic effects of alcohol experience on 22‐28 kHz USV mean frequency, indicative of lasting alcohol‐mediated alterations to neural substrates underlying emotional response.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that acute and chronic effects of alcohol exposure are reflected in changes in 22‐28 and 50‐55 kHz FM USV counts and acoustic patterns. These data support the notion that initiation and maintenance of alcohol intake in P rats may be due to a unique, alcohol‐responsive emotional phenotype and further suggest that spontaneous 22‐28 kHz USVs serve as behavioral markers for excessive drinking vulnerability.
The “First Hit” Toward Alcohol Reinforcement: Role of Ethanol Metabolites
Authors: Israel Yedy , Quintanilla María Elena , Karahanian Eduardo , Rivera‐Meza Mario , Herrera‐Marschitz Mario
Published: April 2015

This review analyzes literature that describes the behavioral effects of 2 metabolites of ethanol (EtOH): acetaldehyde and salsolinol (a condensation product of acetaldehyde and dopamine) generated in the brain. These metabolites are self‐administered into specific brain areas by animals, showing strong reinforcing effects. A wealth of evidence shows that EtOH, a drug consumed to attain millimolar concentrations, generates brain metabolites that are reinforcing at micromolar and nanomolar concentrations. Salsolinol administration leads to marked increases in voluntary EtOH intake, an effect inhibited by mu‐opioid receptor blockers. In animals that have ingested EtOH chronically, the maintenance of alcohol intake is no longer influenced by EtOH metabolites, as intake is taken over by other brain systems. However, after EtOH withdrawal brain acetaldehyde has a major role in promoting binge‐like drinking in the condition known as the “alcohol deprivation effect”; a condition seen in animals that have ingested alcohol chronically, are deprived of EtOH for extended periods, and are allowed EtOH re‐access. The review also analyzes the behavioral effects of acetate, a metabolite that enters the brain and is responsible for motor incoordination at low doses of EtOH. Also discussed are the paradoxical effects of systemic acetaldehyde. Overall, evidence strongly suggests that brain‐generated EtOH metabolites play a major role in the early (“first‐hit”) development of alcohol reinforcement and in the generation of relapse‐like drinking.
Impulsive Choice Predicts Anxiety‐Like Behavior, but not Alcohol or Sucrose Consumption, in Male Long‐Evans Rats
Authors: Stein Jeffrey S. , Renda C. Renee , Barker Shayne M. , Liston Kennan J. , Shahan Timothy A. , Madden Gregory J.
Published: April 2015

Background

Prior human research indicates robust, positive relations between impulsive choice (i.e., preference for smaller, immediate over larger, delayed rewards) and alcohol use disorders. However, varied findings in the nonhuman literature reveal a relatively ambiguous relation between impulsive choice and alcohol consumption in rodents. In addition, few rodent studies have investigated potential relations between impulsive choice and common covariates of alcohol consumption (e.g., avidity for sweet substances or anxiety‐like behavior).

Methods

Ninety‐two male Long‐Evans rats completed an impulsive‐choice task. From this larger sample, extreme high‐ and low‐impulsive groups (n = 30 each) were retained for further testing. In separate tests, subsequent open‐field behavior and consumption of oral alcohol (12% w/v) and isocaloric sucrose were examined. Impulsive choice was then retested to examine whether behavior remained stable over the course of the experiment.

Results

No significant relations emerged between impulsive choice and either alcohol or sucrose consumption. However, impulsive choice predicted greater anxiety‐like behavior (avoidance of the center field, defecation) in the open‐field test. In turn, greater anxiety predicted lower alcohol and sucrose consumption. Finally, choice remained generally stable across the experiment, although high‐impulsive rats tended toward less impulsive choice in the retest.

Conclusions

Although impulsive choice and alcohol consumption appear to share some variance with anxiety‐like behavior, the present data offer no support for a relation between impulsive choice and alcohol consumption in Long‐Evans rats. Together with mixed rodent data from prior reports, these findings attenuate cross‐species comparisons to human relations between impulsive choice and alcohol use disorders.
Treatment of face and scalp solar (actinic) keratosis with daylight‐mediated photodynamic therapy is possible throughout the year in Australia: Evidence from a clinical and meteorological study
Authors: Spelman Lynda , Rubel Diana , Murrell Dedee F , See Jo‐Ann , Hewitt Daniel , Foley Peter , Salmon Robert , Kerob Delphine , Pascual Thierry , Shumack Stephen , Fernandez‐Penas Pablo
Published: April 2015

Background/Objectives

Solar (actinic) keratosis (AK) is an emergent concern worldwide and is associated with an increased risk of development of non‐melanoma skin cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma. Daylight‐mediated photodynamic therapy (DL‐PDT) using methyl aminolaevulinate cream has proved to be an effective, nearly painless, and more convenient alternative to conventional PDT for the treatment of AK. In a phase III, randomised, controlled trial performed in Australia, the mean irradiance (light intensity) received by patients during DL‐PDT treatment, assessed via a spectroradiometer, was 305 W/m2 (min. 40 to max. 585 W/m2) with similar efficacy irrespective of intensity or dose. The objective of the present meteorological study was to assess the suitability of natural daylight to perform DL‐PDT for the treatment of face and scalp AK during different periods of the year and different geographical locations and latitudes across Australia.

Methods

To determine daylight irradiance during a complete year in eight different geographical locations throughout Australia, we used meteorological software (Meteonorm, Meteotest, Bern, Switzerland), and available solar radiation and weather data from 1986–2005.

Results

The average daily irradiance remained within the levels (40–585 W/m2) measured during the clinical DL‐PDT study in Australia, throughout the year and in all geographical locations investigated (yearly average from Darwin 548 W/m2 to Hobart 366 W/m2).

Conclusions

DL‐PDT for the treatment of face and scalp AK in Australia can be performed effectively throughout the entire year as long as weather conditions permit daylight exposure and allow participants to remain under direct light for 2 h.
Patient experiences and outcomes following facial skin cancer surgery: A qualitative study
Authors: Lee Erica H , Klassen Anne F , Lawson Jessica L , Cano Stefan J , Scott Amie M , Pusic Andrea L
Published: April 2015

Early melanoma and non‐melanoma skin cancer of the facial area are primarily treated with surgery. Little is known about the outcomes of treatment for facial skin cancer patients. The objective of the study was to identify concerns about aesthetics, procedures and health from the patients' perspective after facial skin surgery. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted with 15 participants. Line‐by‐line coding was used to establish categories and develop themes. We identified five major themes on the impact of skin cancer surgery: appearance‐related concerns; psychological (e.g., fear of new cancers or recurrence); social (e.g. impact on social activities and interaction); physical (e.g. pain and swelling) concerns and satisfaction with the experience of care (e.g., satisfaction with surgeon). The priority of participants was the removal of the facial skin cancer, as this reduced their overall worry. The aesthetic outcome was secondary but important, as it had important implications on the participants' social and psychological functioning. The participants' experience with the care provided by the surgeon and staff also contributed to their satisfaction with their treatment. This conceptual framework provides the basis for the development of a new patient‐reported outcome instrument.
Punch biopsy of melanoma causing tumour cell implantation: Another peril of utilising partial biopsies for melanocytic tumours
Authors: Luk Peter P , Vilain Ricardo , Crainic Oana , McCarthy Stanley W , Thompson John F , Scolyer Richard A
Published: April 2015

The recommended initial management for suspected melanoma is excisional biopsy. The use of partial biopsies of melanocytic tumours poses potential problems including misdiagnosis due to either unrepresentative sampling or the difficulty in evaluating important diagnostic features; an inaccurate assessment of Breslow thickness and other important prognostic features; and the induction of changes capable of mimicking melanoma (i.e., pseudomelanoma). Misdiagnosis, in turn, may lead to inappropriate management of the patient and an adverse outcome. In this report we document a previously unrecognised pitfall of partial biopsies of melanocytic tumours: implantation of tumour cells at the biopsy site potentially leading to the overestimation of tumour thickness or a misdiagnosis of the presence of microsatellites in the subsequent wide excision specimen.
Evaluation of a new double‐lumen endobronchial tube with an integrated camera (VivaSight‐DL™): a prospective multicentre observational study
Authors: Koopman E. M. , Barak M. , Weber E. , Valk M. J. A. , de Schepper R. T. I. , Bouwman R. A. , Huitink J. M.
Published: April 2015

The VivaSight‐DL™ is a new single‐use double‐lumen endobronchial tube with an integrated camera. We studied this device in 151 consecutive patients scheduled for elective thoracic surgery in four different hospitals. Endobronchial intubation was successful in 148 patients (98%) (95% CI 94–99%). Median (IQR [range]) endobronchial intubation time was 59 (47–82 [17–932]) s and lung isolation was successfully achieved in 147 (99%) patients (95% CI 96–99%). A fibreoptic bronchoscope was required to assist endobronchial tube placement in 19 (13%) patients (95% CI 8–19%). Sore throat was reported by 37 (25%) patients (95% CI 18–33%), but no major complications were observed. We have reported the successful use of the VivaSight double‐lumen tube for endobronchial intubation in a multicentre observational trial.
Excision of the seminal vesicles for locally advanced and recurrent rectal and sigmoid cancer
Authors: Keating John P. , Manning Stephanie , Dennett Elizabeth , Studd Rod
Published: April 2015

Background

This study aims to define the clinical and oncological outcome of ‘en‐bloc’ excision of the seminal vesicles for locally advanced and recurrent tumours of the sigmoid and rectum.

Methods

Eight patients were identified from a prospective colorectal cancer database at a tertiary centre as having undergone excision of the seminal vesicles in continuity with a locally advanced or recurrent sigmoid or rectal adenocarcinoma. The presentation, operative details, histopathology, oncological outcome and morbidity of the procedure were assessed.

Results

Three patients were referred with recurrent tumours related to an anastomosis and five had a locally advanced sigmoid or rectal cancer. The need for resection of the seminal vesicles was determined from the preoperative pelvic magnetic resonance imaging scan or from an intraoperative finding of loss of the plane of dissection anterior to Denonvilliers' fascia. Restorative resection was achieved in all three patients where the primary tumour was located in the sigmoid or rectosigmoid, while all five patients with a rectal tumour had a permanent stoma. After a median follow‐up of 43 months, seven patients are alive and disease‐free and one patient has died of distant metastases. No patient has suffered a local recurrence. All five patients who were sexually active before surgery suffered from post‐operative impotence. Two patients had temporary urinary retention with overflow.

Conclusions

In carefully selected patients with locally advanced or recurrent rectal and sigmoid cancers that are attached to the seminal vesicles, en‐bloc excision confers excellent local control but is associated with a high rate of sexual morbidity.
Variable presentation of anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma in patients with breast implants
Authors: Locke Michelle B. , Lofts Julian
Published: April 2015

Background

Anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma (ALCL) has recently been reported in women with breast implants. The incidence of breast implant‐related ALCL is extremely rare and most surgeons would not expect to see this disease in their career. However, the senior author has had three women present to his practice with ALCL over a 2‐year period.

Methods

The three patients and their presentation were reviewed to establish the presenting complaint in each case of subsequently diagnosed ALCL. Literature was reviewed to establish appropriate treatment protocols for any subsequent patients.

Results

The average time between first implant placement and presentation with breast implant‐associated ALCL was 13.3 years (range: 10–16 years) and age at presentation was 49 years (range: 45–53 years). Each presentation was somewhat different, being a palpable mass, a painless seroma and a painful seroma. Both patients with seroma underwent ultrasound‐guided aspiration of fluid which confirmed ALCL. All patients underwent implant removal and complete capsulectomy. The patient with a mass at presentation initially declined adjuvant treatment but subsequently developed an ALCL‐associated seroma and was treated with surgery and post‐operative chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Patients with breast implant‐associated ALCL can present with different clinical signs and symptoms. Late seroma is a relatively common presentation of breast implant‐associated ALCL. While firm guidelines for the management of breast implant‐related ALCL are lacking, we suggest that any late seroma in the absence of infection should be managed with aspiration and cytological analysis of the fluid.
Assessment of hydromorphology following restoration measures in heavily modified rivers: illustrating the potential contribution of the Urban River Survey to Water Framework Directive investigations
Authors: Shuker J Lucy , Moggridge Helen L , Gurnell Angela M
Published: April 2015

This paper explores the potential application of the Urban River Survey (URS) method for assessment of the hydromorphological condition of a heavily modified waterbody pre‐ and post‐implementation of mitigation measures. The findings of a case study are used to demonstrate the utilisation of URS for monitoring hydromorphological response to restoration and assessing hydromorphological quality, particularly in relation to ecological potential and the European Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC).
Comparison of spray‐dried egg and albumen powder with conventional animal protein sources as feed ingredients in diets fed to weaned pigs
Authors: Zhang Sai , Piao Xiangshu , Ma Xiaokang , Xu Xiao , Zeng Zhikai , Tian Qiyu , Li Yao
Published: April 2015

We evaluated the apparent (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in spray‐dried egg (SPE) and albumen powder (AP) compared with spray‐dried porcine plasma (SDPP), dried porcine solubles (DPS) and fish meal (FM). Additionally, the effects of these egg byproducts as a replacement for conventional animal proteins on the performance and nutrient digestibility of piglets were studied. In Exp. 1, six barrows fitted with ileal T‐cannulas were allotted to a 6 × 6 Latin Square design and fed six diets. The AID and SID of AA were generally higher in AP and FM (P < 0.01) than in the other protein sources. In Exp. 2, 150 piglets weaned at 21 days, were fed diets containing the five protein sources for 3 weeks. Weight gain of piglets fed SDPP was the highest among the treatments. Dry matter and protein digestibility for pigs offered SDPP were higher (P < 0.01) than those offered FM and DPS. AP decreased (P < 0.05) Escherichia coli counts in the cecum. DPS decreased (P < 0.05) serum diamine oxidase compared with SPE. In conclusion, AP and SPE are competitive with traditional animal protein sources and can be successfully fed to piglets without compromising performance.
Effects of dietary supplementation of fermented Ginkgo biloba L. residues on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical parameters and immune function in weaned piglets
Authors: Zhou Hao , Wang Chengzhang , Ye Jianzhong , Chen Hongxia , Tao Ran
Published: April 2015

This study evaluated the effects of fermented Ginkgo biloba L. residues (FGBLR) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical parameters and immune function in weaned piglets. Pigs were allotted to five dietary treatments, including negative control (NC: antibiotic free basal diet), positive control (PC) (NC + 30 mg apramycin/kg) and FGBLR‐50, 100, 150 (NC + 50, 100, 150 g FGBLR/kg). Pigs in FGBLR‐100 and PC treatments showed increased final body weight, average daily gain, gain:feed and apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, N and gross energy (P < 0.05) compared with NC, FGBLR‐50 and FGBLR‐150 treatments, In addition, pigs fed with FGBLR‐100 diet showed higher serum total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, hemoglobin, total iron, total iron binding capacity, superoxide dismutase and glutathione superoxide dismutase levels, and lower serum blood urea nitrogen, malondialdehyde, glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase, glutamic‐oxalacetic transaminase, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels than those fed with PC and NC diets (P < 0.05). Moreover, feeding FGBLR‐100 could increase levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA and IgM, as well as lymphocyte transformation rates, ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ cells and proportions of CD2+, CD4+, B, major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐I and MHC‐II cells, and can decrease proportion of CD8+ cells in blood of piglets compared with PC and NC groups (P < 0.05). These results indicate that dietary supplementation with 10% of FGBLR showed greatest beneficial effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical parameters and immune function in weaned piglets, which were superior to antibiotic supplemental diets.
Survey of learning experiences and influence of learning style preferences on user intentions regarding MOOCs
Authors: Chang Ray I , Hung Yu Hsin , Lin Chun Fu
Published: April 2015

With the rapid development of web techniques, information and communication technology is being increasingly used in curricula, and learning portfolios can be automatically retrieved and maintained as learners interact through e‐learning platforms. Further, massive open online courses (MOOCs), which apply such technology to provide open access to hundreds and thousands of learners, have recently gained popularity in higher education. Learning styles refer to an individual's approach to learning based on their preferences, strengths and weaknesses. It was speculated that different learning styles could affect a learner's preference for MOOCs. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the influence of learning styles on the learners' intentions to use MOOCs. The participants comprised 184 undergraduate students, who were surveyed regarding their learning experiences, motivation and intentions to use MOOCs. The results showed that learners with a high‐reflective learning style tended to have less experience in using MOOCs. Using the K‐means algorithm, we also clustered the multiple learning styles and found a 90% probability that the type of learning styles does influence learner intentions. Finally, we explored the reasons why learners used MOOCs, analyzed the learning approaches that could assist learning in MOOCs and examined the correlation between learning styles and user intention.
Pentostatin, cyclophosphamide and rituximab for previously untreated advanced stage, low‐grade B‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Samaniego Felipe , Hagemeister Fredrick , Romaguera Jorge E. , Fanale Michelle A. , Pro Barbara , McLaughlin Peter , Rodriguez M. Alma , Neelapu Sattva S. , Fayad Luis , Younes Anas , Feng Lei , Berkova Zuzana , Khashab Tamer , Sehgal Lalit , Vega‐Vasquez Francisco , Kwak Larry W.
Published: April 2015

We conducted a prospective phase II trial of pentostatin, cyclophosphamide and rituximab as initial therapy for patients with previously untreated advanced stage low‐grade or indolent B‐cell lymphomas (iNHLs). Of 83 evaluable patients, 91·6% attained an overall response and 86·8% a complete or unconfirmed complete response. The 3‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival rates were 73% and 93%, respectively. The 3‐year PFS rate was significantly different for different diagnoses (P = 0·01): 83% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0·72, 0·96] for follicular lymphomas, 73% (95% CI: 0·54, 1·0) for marginal zone lymphomas and 61% (95% CI: 0·46, 0·81) for small lymphocytic lymphomas. The most common adverse events were haematological. Of 509 cycles of chemotherapy administered, grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was reported in 68 cycles (13% of cycles administered) and most frequently occurred during cycles 4–6. This is the first report demonstrating the effectiveness of pentostatin, cyclophosphamide and rituximab in patients with previously untreated iNHLs, including those over 60 years of age.