bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non‐passaged muscle precursor cells from 32‐month old rat skeletal muscle have delayed proliferation and differentiation
Authors: Zwetsloot K. A. , Childs T. E. , Gilpin L. T. , Booth F. W.
Published: December 2012

Objectives

The systemic environment and satellite cell dysfunction have been proposed as important contributors in the development of sarcopenia and impaired skeletal muscle regrowth with ageing. In the present study, we investigated effects of serum age on proliferation of muscle precursor cells (MPCs) isolated from skeletal muscles of young and old rats.

Materials and methods

We examined proliferation and subsequent differentiation of non‐passaged MPCs isolated from skeletal muscles of 1‐, 3‐ and 32‐month old rats over a 72‐h time course, using a serum cross‐over design.

Results and conclusions

We found no effect of serum age on MPC proliferation, but we did discover that MPCs isolated from skeletal muscle of 32‐month old rats had delayed onset of, and exit from proliferation, compared to MPCs isolated from skeletal muscle of 1‐month old rats. Delayed proliferation of MPCs from 32‐month old rats was associated with delayed p38 MAPK phosphorylation, and MyoD and p21Cip1 protein expression. We also demonstrate that MPCs from 32‐month old rats exhibited lower levels of muscle creatine kinase mRNA compared to 1‐month old rats, but elevated levels of myogenin mRNA, when stimulated to differentiate after 36 h proliferation. These findings suggest that delayed entry and exit of the cell cycle observed in MPCs from 32‐month old rats may compromise their ability to respond to differentiation stimuli and subsequently impair myogenic potential of 32‐month old skeletal muscle, in this model.
Methodological standards in medical reporting
Authors: Sporbeck Birte , Jacobs Anja , Hartmann Vanessa , Nast Alexander
Published: December 2012

Published research findings are the basis for health care decisions or further medical research. However, reporting of research methods and findings is often incomplete and of insufficient quality. Poor reporting hampers the assessment of reliability and validity of study results. Strengths and weaknesses of the investigation cannot be completely evaluated and subsequently it can mislead decision making in health care or in further clinical research.

Transparent reporting can help minimize misinterpretation of publications. Several guidelines were developed to provide advice for reporting research methods and findings. These reporting guidelines facilitate critical appraisal and interpretation of the studies. The guidelines specify in form of checklists a minimum set of items required for clear and transparent reporting. The checklists focus on design, conduct and analysis of studies in particular issues that might introduce bias into the research. The application of these reporting guidelines is required by many international journals.

In this CME article we present guidelines for reporting of randomized controlled trials (CONSORT), observational studies (STROBE) and systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA, MOOSE).
Language is not necessary for color categories
Authors: Ozturk Ozge , Shayan Shakila , Liszkowski Ulf , Majid Asifa
Published: December 2012

The origin of color categories is under debate. Some researchers argue that color categories are linguistically constructed, while others claim they have a pre‐linguistic, and possibly even innate, basis. Although there is some evidence that 4–6‐month‐old infants respond categorically to color, these empirical results have been challenged in recent years. First, it has been claimed that previous demonstrations of color categories in infants may reflect color preferences instead. Second, and more seriously, other labs have reported failing to replicate the basic findings at all. In the current study we used eye‐tracking to test 8‐month‐old infants’ categorical perception of a previously attested color boundary (green–blue) and an additional color boundary (blue–purple). Our results show that infants are faster and more accurate at fixating targets when they come from a different color category than when from the same category (even though the chromatic separation sizes were equated). This is the case for both blue–green and blue–purple. Our findings provide independent evidence for the existence of color categories in pre‐linguistic infants, and suggest that categorical perception of color can occur without color language.
Speech‐evoked auditory brainstem responses reflect familial and cognitive influences
Authors: Hornickel Jane , Lin Deborah , Kraus Nina
Published: December 2012

Cortical function and related cognitive, language, and communication skills are genetically influenced. The auditory brainstem response to speech is linked to language skill, reading ability, cognitive skills, and speech‐in‐noise perception; however, the impact of shared genetic and environmental factors on the response has not been investigated. We assessed auditory brainstem responses to speech presented in quiet and background noise from (1) 23 pairs of same sex, same learning diagnosis siblings (Siblings), (2) 23 unrelated children matched on age, sex, IQ, and reading ability to one of the siblings (Reading‐Matched), and (3) 22 pairs of unrelated children matched on age and sex but not on reading ability to the same sibling (Age/Sex‐Matched). By quantifying response similarity as the intersubject response‐to‐response correlation for sibling pairs, reading‐matched pairs, and age‐ and sex‐matched pairs, we found that siblings had more similar responses than age‐ and sex‐matched pairs and reading‐matched pairs. Similarity of responses between siblings was as high as the similarity of responses collected from an individual over the course of the recording session. Responses from unrelated children matched on reading were more similar than responses from unrelated children matched only on age and sex, supporting previous data linking variations in auditory brainstem activity with variations in reading ability. These results suggest that auditory brainstem function can be influenced by siblingship and auditory‐based communication skills such as reading, motivating the use of speech‐evoked auditory brainstem responses for assessing risk of reading and communication impairments in family members.
Developmental trends in auditory processing can provide early predictions of language acquisition in young infants
Authors: Chonchaiya Weerasak , Tardif Twila , Mai Xiaoqin , Xu Lin , Li Mingyan , Kaciroti Niko , Kileny Paul R. , Shao Jie , Lozoff Betsy
Published: December 2012

Auditory processing capabilities at the subcortical level have been hypothesized to impact an individual's development of both language and reading abilities. The present study examined whether auditory processing capabilities relate to language development in healthy 9‐month‐old infants. Participants were 71 infants (31 boys and 40 girls) with both Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and language assessments. At 6 weeks and/or 9 months of age, the infants underwent ABR testing using both a standard hearing screening protocol with 30 dB clicks and a second protocol using click pairs separated by 8, 16, and 64‐ms intervals presented at 80 dB. We evaluated the effects of interval duration on ABR latency and amplitude elicited by the second click. At 9 months, language development was assessed via parent report on the Chinese Communicative Development Inventory ‐ Putonghua version (CCDI‐P). Wave V latency z‐scores of the 64‐ms condition at 6 weeks showed strong direct relationships with Wave V latency in the same condition at 9 months. More importantly, shorter Wave V latencies at 9 months showed strong relationships with the CCDI‐P composite consisting of phrases understood, gestures, and words produced. Likewise, infants who had greater decreases in Wave V latencies from 6 weeks to 9 months had higher CCDI‐P composite scores. Females had higher language development scores and shorter Wave V latencies at both ages than males. Interestingly, when the ABR Wave V latencies at both ages were taken into account, the direct effects of gender on language disappeared. In conclusion, these results support the importance of low‐level auditory processing capabilities for early language acquisition in a population of typically developing young infants. Moreover, the auditory brainstem response in this paradigm shows promise as an electrophysiological marker to predict individual differences in language development in young children.
ANS acuity and mathematics ability in preschoolers from low‐income homes: contributions of inhibitory control
Authors: Fuhs Mary Wagner , McNeil Nicole M.
Published: December 2012

Recent findings by Libertus, Feigenson, and Halberda (2011) suggest that there is an association between the acuity of young children's approximate number system (ANS) and their mathematics ability before exposure to instruction in formal schooling. The present study examined the generalizability and validity of these findings in a sample of preschoolers from low‐income homes. Children attending Head Start (N = 103) completed measures to assess ANS acuity, mathematics ability, receptive vocabulary, and inhibitory control. Results showed only a weak association between ANS acuity and mathematics ability that was reduced to non‐significance when controlling for a direct measure of receptive vocabulary. Results also revealed that inhibitory control plays an important role in the relation between ANS acuity and mathematics ability. Specifically, ANS acuity accounted for significant variance in mathematics ability over and above receptive vocabulary, but only for ANS acuity trials in which surface area conflicted with numerosity. Moreover, this association became non‐significant when controlling for inhibitory control. These results suggest that early mathematical experiences prior to formal schooling may influence the strength of the association between ANS acuity and mathematics ability and that inhibitory control may drive that association in young children.
Infants' mu suppression during the observation of real and mimicked goal‐directed actions
Authors: Warreyn Petra , Ruysschaert Lieselot , Wiersema Jan R. , Handl Andrea , Pattyn Griet , Roeyers Herbert
Published: December 2012

Since their discovery in the early 1990s, mirror neurons have been proposed to be related to many social‐communicative abilities, such as imitation. However, research into the early manifestations of the putative neural mirroring system and its role in early social development is still inconclusive. In the current EEG study, mu suppression, generally thought to reflect activity in neural mirroring systems was investigated in 18‐ to 30‐month‐olds during the observation of object manipulations as well as mimicked actions. EEG power data recorded from frontal, central, and parietal electrodes were analysed. As predicted, based on previous research, mu wave suppression was found over central electrodes during action observation and execution. In addition, a similar suppression was found during the observation of intransitive, mimicked hand movements. To a lesser extent, the results also showed mu suppression at parietal electrode sites, over all three conditions. Mu wave suppression during the observation of hand movements and during the execution of actions was significantly correlated with quality of imitation, but not with age or language level.
Frontolimbic neural circuitry at 6 months predicts individual differences in joint attention at 9 months
Authors: Elison Jed T. , Wolff Jason J. , Heimer Debra C. , Paterson Sarah J. , Gu Hongbin , Hazlett Heather C. , Styner Martin , Gerig Guido , Piven Joseph ,   for the IBIS Network
Published: December 2012

Elucidating the neural basis of joint attention in infancy promises to yield important insights into the development of language and social cognition, and directly informs developmental models of autism. We describe a new method for evaluating responding to joint attention performance in infancy that highlights the 9‐ to 10‐month period as a time interval of maximal individual differences. We then demonstrate that fractional anisotropy in the right uncinate fasciculus, a white matter fiber bundle connecting the amygdala to the ventral‐medial prefrontal cortex and anterior temporal pole, measured in 6‐month‐olds predicts individual differences in responding to joint attention at 9 months of age. The white matter microstructure of the right uncinate was not related to receptive language ability at 9 months. These findings suggest that the development of core nonverbal social communication skills in infancy is largely supported by preceding developments within right lateralized frontotemporal brain systems.
Ethical Issues in Field Trials of Genetically Modified Disease‐Resistant Mosquitoes
Authors: Resnik David B.
Published: December 2012

Mosquito‐borne diseases take a tremendous toll on human populations, especially in developing nations. In the last decade, scientists have developed mosquitoes that have been genetically modified to prevent transmission of mosquito‐borne diseases, and field trials have been conducted. Some mosquitoes have been rendered infertile, some have been equipped with a vaccine they transmit to humans, and some have been designed to resist diseases. This article focuses on ethical issues raised by field trials of disease‐resistant, genetically modified mosquitoes. Some of these issues include: protecting the public and the environment from harm, balancing benefits and risks, collaborating with the local community, avoiding exploitation, and safeguarding the rights and welfare of research subjects. One of the most difficult problems involves protecting the welfare of community members who will be impacted by the release of mosquitoes but who are not enrolled in the study as research subjects. To address this concern, field trials should take place only when the targeted disease is a significant public health problem in an isolated area, the benefits of the trial for the community are likely to outweigh the risks, community leaders approve of the trial, and there are measures in place to protect the welfare of un‐enrolled community members, such as informing the community about the study and offering free treatment to people who contract mosquito‐borne diseases. Since the justification of any field trial depends on a careful examination of the scientific and ethical issues, proposed studies should be evaluated on a case‐by‐case basis.
Alternatives of Informed Consent for Storage and Use of Human Biological Material for Research Purposes: Brazilian Regulation
Authors: Marodin Gabriela , França Paulo Henrique Condeixa de , Salgueiro Jennifer Braathen , Motta Marcia Luz da , Tannous Gysélle Saddi , Lopes Anibal Gil
Published: December 2012

Informed consent is recognized as a primary ethical requirement to conduct research involving humans. In the investigations with the use of human biological material, informed consent (IC) assumes a differentiated condition on account of the many future possibilities. This work presents suitable alternatives for IC regarding the storage and use of human biological material in research, according to new Brazilian regulations. Both norms – Resolution 441/11 of the National Health Council, approved on 12 May 2011, and Ordinance 2.201 (NATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR BIOREPOSITORIES AND BIOBANKS OF HUMAN BIOLOGICAL MATERIAL FOR RESEARCH PURPOSE) of the Brazil Ministry of Health, approved on 14 September 2011 – state that the consent of subjects for the collection, storage and use of samples stored in Biobanks is necessarily established by means of a Free and Informed Consent Form (ICF). In order to obtain individual and formal statements, this form should contain the following two mutually exclusive options: an explanation about the use of the stored material in each research study, and the need for new consent or the waiver thereof when the material is used for a new study. On the other hand, ICF suitable for Biorepositories must be exclusive and related to specific research. Although Brazilian and international regulations identify the main aspects to be included in the IC, efforts are still necessary to improve the consent process, so that the document will become a bond of trust between subject and researcher.
The aftermath of reunification
Authors: Kohn Karsten , Antonczyk Dirk
Published: December 2012

This article traces the evolution of the East German wage structure throughout the transition period 1992–2001. Wage dispersion has generally been rising. This increase occurred predominantly in the lower part of the wage distribution for women and in the upper part for men. Moreover, the sectoral transition affected female workers to a much larger extent than their male counterparts. A sequential decomposition analysis using quantile regressions reveals that changes in industry‐specific remuneration schemes contributed strongly to the rise in wage inequality in the lower part of the distribution for women, whereas changes in the industry composition alone would have led to a polarization of wages. In contrast, for men, changes in individual characteristics are the single most important factor contributing to the increasing wage dispersion. These gender differences are attributed to employment segregation across industries present right after German reunification.
The end of economic transition
Authors: Sonin Konstantin
Published: December 2012

The transition from plan to market was the largest natural experiment in economics ever. Now, 20 years from the start of transition, all former socialist countries are market economies at the middle stage of economic development, and convergence with neighbours, if not with the developed world, is largely achieved. With hindsight, it is clear that economists have spent too much time debating proper sequencing of reforms and the fine‐tuning of reform packages. At the same time, the magnitude of the output and consumption fall in some countries was vastly underestimated, while the benefits of reforms have taken longer to materialize than expected. Successful practitioners of reform praise perseverance during and after the initial setbacks and willingness to make political compromises. At the conclusion of the natural experiment, transition economics has all but vanished as an academic discipline, although it played a crucial role in the formation of modern political economics.
‘Le Crete 1’ and ‘Le Crete 2’: two newly patentedSeiridium cardinalecanker‐resistant cultivars ofCupressus sempervirens
Authors: Danti R. , Di Lonardo V. , Pecchioli A. , Della Rocca G.
Published: December 2012

In the Mediterranean area, common cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) has traditionally been used as a multipurpose tree, for its symbolic and ornamental role, for its valuable timber, as well as for windbreaks and soil protection. The epidemic spread of theSeiridium cardinalecanker has limited the use of this tree since the 1970s, inducing researchers to develop a breeding programme of cypress aimed at selecting canker‐resistant lines for different uses and to support a flourishing trade of cypress plants. ‘Le Crete 1’ and ‘Le Crete 2’ described here are two new canker‐resistantC. sempervirensvarieties patented in 2010, selected through a 13‐year assessment of their response to artificial inoculations and growth traits. Both are characterized by a rapid growth and by a columnar and fastigiated habit that confers them a notable ornamental effect. Preliminary observations showed also that both tend to produce yearly few microsporophylls and little pollen. ‘Le Crete 2’ was also selected for the high growth rate it maintained on heavy, clayey soils.
Separate amygdala subregions signal surprise and predictiveness during associative fear learning in humans
Authors: Boll Sabrina , Gamer Matthias , Gluth Sebastian , Finsterbusch Jürgen , Büchel Christian
Published: December 2012

It has recently been suggested that learning signals in the amygdala might be best characterized by attentional theories of associative learning [such as Pearce–Hall (PH)] and more recent hybrid variants that combine Rescorla–Wagner and PH learning models. In these models, unsigned prediction errors (PEs) determine the associability of a cue, which is used in turn to control learning of outcome expectations dynamically and reflects a function of the reliability of prior outcome predictions. Here, we employed an aversive Pavlovian reversal‐learning task to investigate computational signals derived from such a hybrid model. Unlike previous accounts, our paradigm allowed for the separate assessment of associability at the time of cue presentation and PEs at the time of outcome. We combined this approach with high‐resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging to understand how different subregions of the human amygdala contribute to associative learning. Signal changes in the corticomedial amygdala and in the midbrain represented unsigned PEs at the time of outcome showing increased responses irrespective of whether a shock was unexpectedly administered or omitted. In contrast, activity in basolateral amygdala regions correlated negatively with associability at the time of cue presentation. Thus, whereas the corticomedial amygdala and the midbrain reflected immediate surprise, the basolateral amygdala represented predictiveness and displayed increased responses when outcome predictions became more reliable. These results extend previous findings on PH‐like mechanisms in the amygdala and provide unique insights into human amygdala circuits during associative learning.
Cuticular hydrocarbons as a basis for chemosensory self‐referencing in crickets: a potentially universal mechanism facilitating polyandry in insects
Authors: Weddle Carie B. , Steiger Sandra , Hamaker Christopher G. , Ower Geoffrey D. , Mitchell Christopher , Sakaluk Scott K. , Hunt John
Published: December 2012

Females of many species obtain benefits by mating polyandrously, and often prefer novel males over previous mates. However, how do females recognise previous mates, particularly in the face of cognitive constraints? Female crickets appear to have evolved a simple but effective solution: females imbue males with their own cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) at mating and utilise chemosensory self‐referencing to recognise recent mates. Female CHC profiles exhibited significant additive genetic variation, demonstrating that genetically unique chemical cues are available to support chemosensory self‐referencing. CHC profiles of males became more similar to those of females after mating, indicating physical transfer of CHCs between individuals during copulation. Experimental perfuming of males with female CHCs resulted in a female aversion to males bearing chemical cues similar to their own. Chemosensory self‐referencing, therefore, could be a widespread mechanism by which females increase the diversity of their mating partners.
Oral health‐care utilization in adults with disabilities in Belgium
Authors: Leroy Roos , Declerck Dominique
Published: December 2012

Leroy R, Declerck D. Oral health‐care utilization in adults with disabilities in Belgium.   Eur J Oral Sci 2013; 121: 36–42. © 2012 Eur J Oral Sci

Reports on oral health‐service utilization among individuals with disabilities are very sparse. Nevertheless, such data are a prerequisite for the provision of proper care and for the development of optimal reimbursement schemes and may ultimately lead to better access to care. The objective of the present study was to provide data on oral health‐care utilization in Belgian residents with disabilities and to compare these data with the utilization pattern of their peers without special needs. Data from the Permanent Sample of Socially Insured Persons, an anonymous representative sample of Belgian residents, were used. The database contained prospective data on oral and general health‐care utilization and socio‐demographic variables from 1,221 individuals with disabilities and from 131,877 individuals without disabilities, collected from 2002 to 2008. Overall, annual dental‐attendance rates were very low and in those who attended, professional debridements, a cornerstone in preventive oral health care, were infrequently recorded. In adults with disabilities, significantly fewer radiographs, restorations, and endodontic treatments were recorded, whereas significantly more emergency visits were charged. Further research is indicated to evaluate whether this outcome points to high unmet oral‐treatment needs.
Delegated and Implementing Rule Making: Proceduralisation and Constitutional Design
Authors: Mendes Joana
Published: December 2012

The reform of non‐legislative acts introduced by Articles 290 and 291 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union was guided by concerns regarding the democratic legitimacy of (lato sensu) implementing acts of the Union. However, it has ignored the centrality of transparency in the Union's democracy and the role of participation as a complementary source of democracy. This article argues that the procedures leading to the adoption of delegated and implementing acts are subject to the treaties' provisions on transparency and participation, and should be shaped by them. It analyses the constitutional choices underlying Articles 290 and 291, with a view to assessing whether and to what extent the material, organic and functional profiles of delegated and implementing acts condition procedural rules on transparency and participation to be followed in their adoption.
Non‐Legislative Rule Making after the Lisbon Treaty: Implementing the New System of Comitology and Delegated Acts
Authors: Christiansen Thomas , Dobbels Mathias
Published: December 2012

The reform of comitology and the introduction of the new instrument of delegated acts in the Lisbon Treaty were followed by protracted negotiations on the implementation of both articles. This article examines the resultant system that has emerged for both types of non‐legislative instruments. In the area of implementing acts, a new regulation sets out important changes: a reduction in the number of procedures, the extension of the scope to trade defence measures and the replacement of a referral to the Council with a new appeal committee. With respect to delegated acts, the search for an overarching framework resulted in a Common Understanding. Our analysis not only demonstrates the need to go beyond the treaty provisions in understanding the nature of non‐legislative rule making in the EU, but also emphasises the importance of informal procedures and non‐binding agreements in fully assessing the nature of non‐legislative rule making in this area.
European Agencies' Rulemaking: Powers, Procedures and Assessment
Authors: Chiti Edoardo
Published: December 2012

This article aims at identifying European agencies' rulemaking powers, mapping the procedures through which such powers are exercised and assessing the existing procedural arrangements. The first section analyses the main forms of European agencies' rulemaking. It shows, on the one hand, that not all European agencies are actually engaged in the adoption of administrative rules, on the other hand, that European agencies carrying out rulemaking activities tend to converge on two specific forms of rulemaking, namely participation in the adoption of binding implementing rules and regulation by soft law. The second section, devoted to mapping the procedures through which rulemaking powers are exercised, argues that the two main types of European agencies' rulemaking cannot be said to be subject to a really common procedural framework. In both cases, the emerging procedural rules implement the same principles of transparency and participation and rely on the same consultation mechanism, sometimes complemented by regulatory impact assessment. Yet, proceduralisation has an uneven development: while the establishment of a procedural discipline is quite common with reference to participation in the adoption of binding implementing rules, regulation by soft law remains largely under‐proceduralised. The last section proposes an assessment of the European agencies' rulemaking procedures. Two main shortcomings are identified: the asymmetry between the tendency to proceduralise the adoption of binding implementing rules and the parallel tendency to keep informal the process of adoption of soft law measures; and the too rudimental development of consultation.
Rule‐Making by the European Financial Supervisory Authorities: Walking a Tight Rope
Authors: Busuioc Madalina
Published: December 2012

The new European Financial Supervisory Authorities have received much attention in the literature, particularly due to their exceptional emergency decision‐making powers. By contrast, this article explicitly chooses to focus on these agencies' less explored yet equally crucial role: their (quasi‐)rule‐making responsibilities. While being less striking at first sight than their emergency counterparts, these rule‐making powers are considerable, carry significant consequences, and raise some interesting dilemmas and concerns. This article complements the previous contribution by going at a lower level of specification and zooming in on a crucial case for studying rule‐making by agencies as the Authorities constitute a culmination of agency rule‐making powers, as well as agency powers, more broadly. The article will analyse the Authorities' main (quasi‐)rule‐making powers and the relevant procedures. It will specifically investigate their role with respect to the adoption of regulatory and implementing technical standards, as well as guidelines and recommendations. The article also identifies and highlights a set of problematic issues that arise, threatening to jeopardise the legitimacy and credibility of their rule‐making.
Oversight of Administrative Rulemaking: Judicial Review
Authors: Türk Alexander H.
Published: December 2012

The role of the courts in the review of administrative rulemaking raises profound questions as to the legitimate interference of courts in the exercise of administrative activities, which are often carried out in the pursuance of a legislative mandate. In contrast to the review of administrative acts of individual application, the Union courts have shown a more hesitant approach in the review of administrative rulemaking activities. This contribution will discuss the review by the Union courts of administrative rulemaking for compliance with procedural as well as substantive standards and will explore whether a convincing rationale for their more deferential attitude to the review of administrative rules can be provided. The article will explore to what extent lessons can be learned from the jurisprudence of the federal courts in the USA, which have struggled, even after the adoption of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), with similar problems.
Further characterisation of an experimental model of tendinopathy in the horse
Authors: Cadby J. A. , David F. , van de Lest C. , Bosch G. , van Weeren P. R. , Snedeker J. G. , van Schie H. T. M.
Published: December 2012

Reasons for performing study

Injuries in energy‐storing tendons are common in both horses and man. The high prevalence of reinjury and the relatively poor prognosis for returning to preinjury performance levels warrant further research, for which well characterised models would be very helpful.

Objectives

Given the clinical similarities in tendinopathy of energy‐storing tendons, we hypothesised that a recently developed experimental model of equine tendon injury would display many of the characteristics of clinical tendinopathy and could therefore be of use for both species, thus providing comparative insight to the human condition and offering direct potential impact to equine medicine.

Study design

In vivo experimental study.

Methods

Surgical lesions were created in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) of 6 horses. Clinical examination, as well as biochemistry, histology and immunohistochemistry were performed on the harvested samples at 6 weeks post surgery.

Results

Disrupted collagen fibres, increased glycosaminoglycan content, increased presence of tenocytes with plump nuclei, the scarcity of inflammatory cells, increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and neovascularisation were observed and found to be consistent with clinical tendinopathy.

Conclusion and relevance

This model displays the key features of the most common human and equine degenerative tendon disorders and is therefore an appropriate, if still imperfect, model of tendinopathy.
An energy‐biochar chain involving biomass gasification and rice cultivation in Northern Italy
Authors: Lugato Emanuele , Vaccari Francesco P. , Genesio Lorenzo , Baronti Silvia , Pozzi Alessandro , Rack Mireille , Woods Jeremy , Simonetti Gianluca , Montanarella Luca , Miglietta Franco
Published: December 2012

The competing demand for food and bioenergy requires new solutions for the agricultural sector as, for instance, the coupling of energy production from gasification technology and the application of the resulting biochar as soil amendment. A prerequisite for the implementation of this strategy is the scale‐specific assessment of both the energetic performance and of the impacts in terms of greenhouse gases (GHG) emission and crop responses. This study considered the gasification process developed by Advanced Gasification Technology (AGT, Italy), which is a fixed‐bed, down‐draft, open core, compact gasifier, having 350 kW of nominal electric capacity (microgeneration); this gasifier uses biomass feedstock deriving from agricultural/forest products and byproducts. In this study, the resulting biochar, derived from conifer wood chips of mountain forestry management in North‐western Italy, was applied to a nearby paddy rice field, located in the largest rice agricultural area of Europe. We performed a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) adapting the BEAT2 model specifically focusing on the GHG balance of the supply chain, from the forestry management to the field distribution of the resulting biochar. The results indicated that the gasification stage had the highest impact in the supply chain in terms of emissions, but net emissions allocated to biochar were always negative (ranging between −0.54 and −2.1 t CO2e t−1 biochar), hypothesizing two scenarios of 32% and 7.3% biochar mineralization rate in soil, over a time period of 100 years. Finally, biochar had a marginal but positive effect on rice yield, thus increasing the sustainability of this energy‐biochar chain.
The effect of pyrolysis conditions on biochar stability as determined by three methods
Authors: Crombie Kyle , Mašek Ondřej , Sohi Saran P. , Brownsort Peter , Cross Andrew
Published: December 2012

Biochar is the porous, carbonaceous material produced by thermochemical treatment of organic materials in an oxygen‐limited environment. In general, most biochar can be considered resistant to chemical and biological decomposition, and therefore suitable for carbon (C) sequestration. However, to assess the C sequestration potential of different types of biochar, a reliable determination of their stability is needed. Several techniques for assessing biochar stability have been proposed, e.g. proximate analysis, oxygen (O): C ratio and hydrogen (H): C ratio; however, none of them are yet widely recognized nor validated for this purpose. Biochar produced from three feedstocks (Pine, Rice husk and Wheat straw) at four temperatures (350, 450, 550 and 650 °C) and two heating rates (5 and 100 °C min−1) was analysed using three methods of stability determination: proximate analysis, ultimate analysis and a new analytical tool developed at the UK Biochar Research Centre known as the Edinburgh accelerated ageing tool (Edinburgh stability tool). As expected, increased pyrolysis temperatures resulted in higher fractions of stable C and total C due to an increased release of volatiles. Data from the Edinburgh stability tool were compared with those obtained by the other methods, i.e. fixed C, volatile matter, O : C and H : C ratios, to investigate potential relationships between them. Results of this comparison showed that there was a strong correlation (R > 0.79) between the stable C determined by the Edinburgh stability tool and fixed C, volatile matter and O : C, however, H : C showed a weaker correlation (R = 0.65). An understanding of the influence of feedstock and production conditions on the long‐term stability of biochar is pivotal for its function as a C mitigation measure, as production and use of unstable biochar would result in a relatively rapid return of C into the atmosphere, thus potentially intensifying climate change rather than alleviating it.
Global patterns of connectivity and isolation of populations of forest bird species in the late Pleistocene
Authors: Peterson A. Townsend , Ammann Caspar M.
Published: December 2012

Aim

Species’ distributional responses to cool periods in the Pleistocene appear to have been diverse, but patterns of response are poorly known globally, and the nature of distributional responses to interglacial conditions remains largely unknown. The aim of this contribution is to assess distributional responses of forest bird species to Last Interglacial (LIG) and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) conditions within nine forest regions world‐wide, to test whether different regions experienced consistently different types of distributional responses.

Location

Global.

Methods

We use ecological niche modelling approaches under an assumption of ecological niche conservatism to assess degrees of fragmentation of species distributions through the LIG–LGM–present transitions. Models trained under present‐day conditions were transferred to Pleistocene conditions, and fragmentation of potential distributional areas was assessed using FragStats.

Results

Our results showed four regions to have greater fragmentation at LGM than at LIG or at present; three showed greater connectivity at LGM; and two were equivocal.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that the world is a patchwork of regions in which forest species experienced either consistently greater or consistently lesser population subdivision during the alternating cool and warm periods that characterized the Pleistocene. Speciation timing and dynamics should differ dramatically among major regions and biomes if these periods of connection and disjunction translate into speciation opportunity.
Fluid inclusion and stable isotope constraints on the genesis of the Jian copper deposit, Sanandaj–Sirjan metamorphic zone, Iran
Authors: Asadi S. , Moore F. , Fattahi N.
Published: December 2012

The Jian copper deposit, located on the eastern edge of the Sanandaj–Sirjan metamorphic zone, southwest of Iran, is contained within the Surian Permo‐Triassic volcano‐sedimentary complex. Retrograde metamorphism resulted in three stages of mineralization (quartz ± sulfide veins) during exhumation of the Surian metamorphic complex (Middle Jurassic time; 159–167 Ma), and after the peak of the metamorphism (Middle to Late Triassic time; approximately 187 Ma). The early stage of mineralization (stage 1) is related to a homogeneous H2O–CO2 (XCO2 > 0.1) fluid characterized by moderate salinity (<10 wt.% NaCl equivalent) at high temperature and pressure (>370°C, >3 kbar). Early quartz was followed by small amounts of disseminated fine‐grained pyrite and chalcopyrite. Most of the main‐ore‐stage (stage 2) minerals, including chalcopyrite, pyrite and minor sphalerite, pyrrhotite, and galena, precipitated from an aqueous‐carbonic fluid (8–18 wt.% NaCl equivalent) at temperatures ranging between 241 and 388°C during fluid unmixing process (CO2 effervescence). Fluid unmixing in the primary carbonaceous fluid at pressures of 1.5–3 kbar produced a high XCO2 (>0.05) and a low XCO2 (<0.01) aqueous fluid in ore‐bearing quartz veins. Oxygen and hydrogen isotope compositions suggest mineralization by fluids derived from metamorphic dehydration (δ18Ofluid = +7.6 to +10.7‰ and δD = −33.1 to −38.5‰) during stage 2. The late stage (stage 3) is related to a distinct low salinity (1.5–8 wt.% NaCl equivalent) and temperatures of (120–230°C) aqueous fluid at pressures below 1.5 kbar and the deposition of post‐ore barren quartz veins. These fluids probably derived from meteoric waters, which circulated through the metamorphic pile at sufficiently high temperatures and acquire the characteristics of metamorphic fluids (δ18Ofluid = +4.7 to +5.1‰ and δD = −52.3 to −53.9‰) during waning stages of the postearly Cimmerian orogeny in Surian complex. The sulfide‐bearing quartz veins are interpreted as a small‐scale example of redistribution of mineral deposits by metamorphic fluids. This study suggests that mineralization at the Jian deposit is metamorphogenic in style, probably related to a deep‐seated mesothermal system.
Eating management and functional outcome of elderly patients with symptomatic ischemic stroke undergoing inpatient rehabilitation
Authors: Mizrahi Eliyahu‐Hayim , Arad Marina , Weiss Abraham , Leibovitz Arthur , Adunsky Abraham
Published: December 2012

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether, and to what extent, post‐stroke eating management (EM) at admission to a rehabilitation ward is associated with functional outcome.

Methods

This was a retrospective study comprising 716 consecutive elderly patients with first ever symptomatic ischemic stroke. Level of eating management was determined by Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) subscale scores relevant to eating management, where scores ≤5 points define low‐eating management (Low‐EM) ability and scores >5 indicate independent eating management. Data was analyzed by t‐test, χ2‐test, Pearson's correlation and by multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

A total of 418 and 298 Low‐EM and High‐EM patients, respectively, were eligible for final analysis. Compared with High‐EM, Low‐EM patients were slightly older (P = 0.04), had longer rehabilitation stays (P < 0.001) and lower Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores (P < 0.001). Total FIM at admission and discharge were lower in Low‐EMS, yet there was no statistically significant difference in total FIM gain on discharge between the two groups. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that total FIM at discharge was inversely associated with Low‐EM at admission (β‐coefficient = −0.389, P < 0.001). Low‐EM scores were independently predictive for higher total FIM gain at discharge (β‐coefficient = 0.125, P = 0.005).

Conclusion

The findings suggest that impaired eating management on admission is associated with adverse functional outcome. However, patients presenting to rehabilitation with impaired eating management do obtain significant functional gains and should not be deprived of rehabilitation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 701–705.
Trends in mortality rates in elderly ST elevation myocardial infarction patients submitted to primary percutaneous coronary intervention: A 7‐year single‐center experience
Authors: Lazzeri Chiara , Valente Serafina , Chiostri Marco , Attanà Paola , Picariello Claudio , Gensini Gian Franco
Published: December 2012

Aim

Limited data are available on the safety and outcome of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in elderly patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), as elderly patients are under‐represented in randomized trials.

Methods

We therefore aimed at assessing the trends in mortality rates (both at short‐term and at 1‐year follow up) in an unselected cohort of 404 STEMI patients aged ≥75 years all submitted to primary PCI and consecutively admitted to our Intensive Cardiac Care Unit from 2004 to 2010.

Results

In the first period (2004–2006), 202 patients (202/661, 30.6%) were aged ≥75 years, whereas in the second period (2007–2010), 203 patients (203/607, 33.4%) were aged ≥75 years. In the second period, STEMI patients were older (P < 0.001), more diabetic (P < 0.001) and with a higher incidence of comorbidities (P < 0.001). A significantly lower use of intra‐aortic balloon pump was observed, together with a reduced rate of bleeding, whereas the incidence of worsening renal function significantly increased (P = 0.011). No difference was observed in the length of stay and in mortality rate (both in‐hospital and 1‐year post‐discharge) between the first and the second period.

Conclusions

According to our data, patients aged ≥75 years are characterized by an increasing number of comorbidities (in particular, a higher incidence of diabetes). Over a 6‐year period, despite a more advanced age, early mortality (and length of stay) remained unchanged (probably thanks to a significant reduction in bleeding events), and no difference was observed in 1‐year post‐discharge mortality in these patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 711–717.
Necessity of normative data on the Japanese version of the Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised Logical Memory subtest for old‐old people
Authors: Kawano Naoko , Awata Shuichi , Ijuin Mutsuo , Iwamoto Kunihiro , Ozaki Norio
Published: December 2012

Aim

Episodic memory is vulnerable to deterioration in people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Currently, the Logical Memory (LM) subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale‐Revised (WMS‐R) is used internationally as an operational definition to identify people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, the Japanese version of the LM has not been adequately normalized for old‐old people. Therefore, norms of the LM for people aged 75 years and over are required, and the effects of sex, age and education on performance were evaluated.

Methods

A total of 50 (27 female and 23 male) participants without a history of dementia and symptomatic stroke events recruited from the community and hospital populations were investigated using the Mini‐Mental State Examination, the LM and some interference tasks.

Results

The mean scores (standard deviations) of the sample were 15.5 (5.4) on LM‐I and 9.9 (6.6) on LM‐II. The distributions of the LM‐I and ‐II scores satisfied the normality assumption. The LM‐I and LM‐II scores correlated with age and the LM‐I score correlated with educational background.

Conclusions

For the Japanese version of the LM, the means, standard deviations and distribution features of the old‐old sample are presented. Although the normal sample was chosen to closely match the demographic profile of the Japanese population, the present sample might have had a higher educational background than the age‐matched population, especially the males. Further study is required to standardize the Japanese version of the LM subtest for each 5‐year interval for latter‐stage elderly people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 726–730.