bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allocating fuel breaks to optimally protect structures in the wildland–urban interface
Authors: Bar Massada Avi , Radeloff Volker C. , Stewart Susan I.
Published: September 2013

Wildland fire is a major concern in the wildland–urban interface (WUI), where human structures intermingle with wildland vegetation. Reducing wildfire risk in the WUI is more complicated than in wildland areas, owing to interactions between spatial patterns of housing and wildland fuels. Fuel treatments are commonly applied in wildlands surrounding WUI communities. Protecting the immediate surroundings of structures and building with fire-resistant materials might be more effective, but limited resources and uncooperative homeowners often make these impractical. Our question was how to allocate fuel treatments in the WUI under these constraints. We developed an approach to allocate fuel breaks around individual or groups of structures to minimise total treatment area. Treatment units were ranked according to their housing density and fire risk. We tested this method in a Wisconsin landscape containing 3768 structures, and found that our treatment approach required considerably less area than alternatives (588 v. 1050 ha required to protect every structure independently). Our method may serve as a baseline for planning fuel treatments in WUI areas where it is impractical to protect every single house, or when fire-proofing is unfeasible. This approach is especially suitable in regions where spotting is a minor cause of home ignitions.
Giovanni Bellini: Birth, Parentage, and Independence*
Authors: Maze Daniel Wallace
Published: September 2013

A number of longstanding questions have surrounded the early life of the fifteenth-century Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini (d. 1516), generally believed to have been the son of Jacopo Bellini (ca. 1400–70/71) and the younger brother of Gentile Bellini (1429/35–1507). The artist’s year of birth and the legitimacy of his birth have been the subjects of debate for well over a century. By reevaluating Bellini-related legal documents under the relevant fifteenth-century Venetian civil laws, this article makes a case that Giovanni Bellini was not Jacopo Bellini’s son, but rather his half-brother, and that they were both sons of Nicolò Bellini; that Giovanni was therefore Gentile Bellini’s uncle rather than his brother; and that he was born legitimate between the late summer of 1424 and 13 September 1428, several years earlier than the birth year of ca. 1435 (or later) favored by many contemporary Bellini specialists. The ramifications of situating Bellini’s birth year in the mid- to late 1420s are then considered.
Comparison results for étale cohomology in rigid geometry
Authors: Mieda Yoichi
Published: September 2013

We give some comparison results between étale cohomology of schemes and that of associated rigid spaces. First we work in the framework of Fujiwara spaces, and prove a comparison theorem for the derived direct image of morphisms which are not necessarily proper. We need the assumption that the base of the comparison functor consists of schemes of finite type over a field. Next, we consider an analogous problem for adic spaces. In this case, we can prove the comparison theorem under the condition that the base of the comparison functor consists of schemes of finite type over a complete discrete valuation ring with equal characteristic. Finally we propose a definition of the nearby cycle functor for an adic space over a complete discrete valuation ring and give a comparison result on it.
While Mothers Work Do Children Shirk? Determinants of Youth Obesity
Authors: Chowhan James , Stewart Jennifer M.
Published: September 2013

This paper examines the relationship between adolescent obesity and maternal employment, and focuses on the possible pathways and factors that mediate this relationship, including television viewing, activities, eating habits, and allowance. We extend existing knowledge about this relationship using the Canadian National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth for adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 in the years 1996 to 2001. Fixed effect and instrumental variable models are estimated to examine endogeneity issues. We find that maternal employment is negatively related to the pathway variables. In contrast to previous research, we find little indication of a relationship between maternal employment and adolescent obesity. These results imply that policy needs to focus on the activities of adolescents while their parents work.
Killer whale presence in relation to naval sonar activity and prey abundance in northern Norway
Authors: Kuningas Sanna , Kvadsheim Petter H. , Lam Frans-Peter A. , Miller Patrick J. O.
Published: September 2013

Kuningas, S., Kvadsheim, P. H., Lam, F-P. A., and Miller, P. J. O. 2013. Killer whale presence in relation to naval sonar activity and prey abundance in northern Norway. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: . In this study, retrospective data on naval sonar activity and prey abundance were correlated with killer whale sightings within a fjord basin in northern Norway. In addition, passive acoustic and visual marine mammal surveys were conducted before, during, and after a specific navy exercise in 2006. Herring abundance was the main factor affecting killer whale presence. Naval sonar, either operational navy sonar exercises (Flotex) or experimental sonar activity (CEE) alone, did not explain killer whale occurrence. However, naval sonar activity during a period of low prey availability seemed to have had a negative effect on killer whale presence. We conclude that the level of reaction to sonar can be influenced by multiple factors, including availability of prey.
A Survey for Grapevine Viruses in Washington State ‘Concord’ (Vitis × labruscana L.) Vineyards
Authors: Bahder Brian W. , Alabi Olufemi , Poojari Sudarsana , Walsh Douglas B. , Naidu Rayapati A.
Published: September 2013

Within the United States, Washington is the number one producer of ‘Concord’ grapes and the number two producer of wine grapes. Previous studies in wine grapes revealed the presence of twelve different viruses in Washington vineyards. Despite what is known about viruses in wine grapes in Washington, virtually no studies have focused on viruses in Concord vineyards. To further understand the epidemiology of viruses in Washington State, a survey of Concord grapes was conducted in 2010 and 2011. Five hundred Concord vines were sampled and tested for the presence of virus, and five different viruses were found among 92 virus-positive samples. The most common virus found was Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (51 samples), followed by Grapevine fanleaf virus (24 samples), Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 4 (nine samples), Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 2 (four samples), and Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 9 (four samples). The presence of viruses in Concord vineyards is of great concern for growers due to likely movement of virus diseases from Concord grapes to wine grapes that might result in economic losses to the grape industry.

Accepted for publication 19 May 2012. Published 5 August 2013.
A rapid questionnaire assessment of environmental exposures to pregnant women in the INTERGROWTH‐21st Project
Authors: Eskenazi B , Bradman A , Finkton D , Purwar M , Noble JA , Pang R , Burnham O , Cheikh Ismail L , Farhi F , Barros FC , Lambert A , Papageorghiou AT , Carvalho M , Jaffer YA , Bertino E , Gravett MG , Altman DG , Ohuma EO , Kennedy SH , Bhutta ZA , Villar J ,   for the International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium for the 21 Century (INTERGROWTH‐21)
Published: September 2013

Impaired fetal growth and preterm birth are the leading causes of neonatal and infant mortality worldwide and there is a growing scientific literature suggesting that environmental exposures during pregnancy may play a causal role in these outcomes. Our purpose was to assess the environmental exposure of the Fetal Growth Longitudinal Study (FGLS) participants in the multinational INTERGROWTH‐21st Project. First, we developed a tool that could be used internationally to screen pregnant women for such exposures and administered it in eight countries on a subsample (n = 987) of the FGLS participants. The FGLS is a study of fetal growth among healthy pregnant women living in relatively affluent areas, at low risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and environmental exposures. We confirmed that most women were not exposed to major environmental hazards that could affect pregnancy outcomes according to the protocol's entry criteria. However, the instrument was able to identify some women that reported various environmental concerns in their homes such as peeling paint, high residential density (>1 person per room), presence of rodents or cockroaches (hence the use of pesticides), noise pollution and safety concerns. This screening tool was therefore useful for the purposes of the project and can be used to ascertain environmental exposures in studies in which the primary aim is not focused on environmental exposures. The instrument can be used to identify subpopulations for more in‐depth assessment, (e.g. environmental and biological laboratory markers) to pinpoint areas requiring education, intervention or policy change.
IgG4‐related disease with cutaneous manifestations treated with rituximab: Case report and literature review
Authors: Jalilian Chris , Prince H Miles , McCormack Chris , Lade Stephen , Cheah Chan Y
Published: September 2013

Immunoglobulin type gamma 4 (Ig)G4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) is a relatively recently described clinical entity characterised by elevated levels of serum IgG4 and tissue infiltration of IgG4+ plasma cells in various organ systems. Cutaneous involvement is rare but is becoming increasingly appreciated; typically presenting as erythematous papules and/or nodules that are commonly pruritic. We report a case of IgG4‐RD presenting with persistent pruritic papules and unilateral parotid swelling. His serum IgG4 level was elevated and a histological examination of his skin biopsies found a lymphoplasmacytic infiltration with an excess of IgG4+ non‐clonal plasma cells. The patient was intolerant of oral prednisolone, however complete resolution of the cutaneous lesions was achieved with the anti‐CD20 antibody, rituximab.
Fragmented Surface ECG Was a Poor Predictor of Appropriate Therapies in Patients with Chagas’ Cardiomyopathy and ICD Implantation (Fragmented ECG in CHAgas’ Cardiomyopathy Study)
Authors: Baranchuk Adrian , Femenia Francisco , López‐Diez Juan Cruz , Muratore Claudio , Valentino Mariana , Retyk Enrique , Galizio Nestor , Di Toro Darío , Alonso Karina , Hopman Wilma M. , Miranda Rodrigo ,   FECHA Study Investigators
Published: September 2013

Background

Main causes of death in chronic Chagas’ cardiomyopathy (CChC) are progressive congestive heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) have been proved an effective therapy to prevent sudden death in patients with CChC. Identification of predictors of sudden death remains a challenge.

Objective

To determine whether surface fragmented ECG (fQRS) helps identifying patients with CChC and ICDs at higher risk of presenting appropriate ICD therapies.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study. All patients with CChC and ICDs were analyzed. Clinical demographics, surface ECG, and ICD therapies were collected.

Results

A total of 98 patients were analyzed. Another four cases were excluded due to pacing dependency. Mean age was 55.5 ± 10.4 years, male gender 65%, heart failure New York Heart Association class I 47% and II 38%. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 39.6 ± 11.8%. The indication for ICD was secondary prevention in 70% of patients. fQRS was found in 56 patients (59.6%). Location of fragmentation was inferior (57.1%), lateral (35.7%), and anterior (44.6%). Rsr pattern was the more prevalent (57.1%). Predictors of appropriate therapy in the multivariate model were: increased age (P = 0.01), secondary prevention indication (P = 0.01), ventricular pacing >50% of the time (P = 0.004), and LVEF <30% (P = 0.01). The presence of fQRS did not identify patients at higher risk of presenting appropriate therapies delivered by the ICD (P = 0.87); regardless of QRS interval duration.

Conclusions

fQRS is highly prevalent among patients with CChC. It has been found a poor predictor of appropriate therapies delivered by the ICD in this population.
Do We Have A Moral Obligation to Synthesize Organisms to Increase Biodiversity? On Kinship, Awe, and the Value of Life's Diversity
Authors: Boldt Joachim
Published: September 2013

Synthetic biology can be understood as expanding the abilities and aspirations of genetic engineering. Nonetheless, whereas genetic engineering has been subject to criticism due to its endangering biodiversity, synthetic biology may actually appear to prove advantageous for biodiversity. After all, one might claim, synthesizing novel forms of life increases the numbers of species present in nature and thus ought to be ethically recommended. Two perspectives on how to spell out the conception of intrinsic value of biodiversity are examined in order to assess this line of thought. At the cost of introducing two separate capacities of human knowledge acquisition, the ‘admiration stance’ turns out to reject outright the assumption of a synthetic species' intrinsic value and of an imperative to create novel species. The ‘kinship stance’ by contrast does ascribe value to both synthetic and natural species and organisms. Nonetheless, while from this perspective creating novel species may become an ethical demand under certain conditions, it favours changing organisms by getting in contact with them rather than synthesizing them. It is concluded that neither the admiration nor the kinship stance warrants a supposed general moral obligation to create novel species to increase biodiversity.
Health as a Property of Engineered Living Systems
Authors: Holm Sune
Published: September 2013

This article considers naturalistic analyses of the concepts of health and disease in light of the possibility of constructing novel living systems. The article begins by introducing the vision of synthetic biology as the application of engineering principles to the construction of biological systems, the main analyses of the concepts of health and disease, and the standard theories of function in artefacts and organisms. The article then suggests that reflection on the possibility of artefactual organisms amounts to a challenge to the functional theories of health and disease proposed by Wakefield and Boorse. More specifically, Wakefield and Boorse's theories are reconstructed as responses to a dilemma concerning how to allow for the ascription of health and disease to artefactual organisms without at the same time opening up the possibility of diseased nonliving artefacts such as cars and computers. It is argued that neither response will enable us to ascribe health and disease to artefactual organisms, because both theories, in order to rule out the possibility of ascribing health and disease to nonliving artefacts, make such ascriptions conditional on having a natural‐selection history or being part of a species which has been designed by evolution.
‘Too Many Cooks Spoil The Broth’: Key Persons and their Roles in Inter‐Organizational Innovations
Authors: Rese Alexandra , Gemünden Hans‐Georg , Baier Daniel
Published: September 2013

Key persons can play an important role in the development and diffusion of new products, processes or technologies. Their functions, contributions and interactions within companies have been subject to numerous investigations. From a theoretical point of view, promotor theory focuses on several specialists to overcome different barriers to innovation, while champion theory concentrates on generalists playing multiple roles. Empirical results point to generalists being better suited for highly innovative projects, but on the other hand different roles should preferably be played by different key persons. A central gap in the literature is that this issue has not been investigated sufficiently so far in an inter‐organizational context. The questions are: Is role accumulation beneficial for innovation project performance with respect to the key persons? Is role accumulation even more advantageous with increasing degrees of innovativeness? A sample of 107 innovation projects where small and medium‐sized enterprises take part is used as a unit of analysis. The network manager served as the respondent. A measurement approach based on an extended Rasch scale was introduced for this purpose. The results show that indeed ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’: Instead of many single‐role players in each organization, we need a few multiple role players in an inter‐organizational context.
Counterbalancing Exploitative Knowledge Search during Environmental Dynamism: Reinforcing New Ideas for Existing Products
Authors: Lakemond Nicolette , Detterfelt Jonas
Published: September 2013

Established firms face the challenge of counterbalancing their predominant focus on exploitation with exploration. This paper explores how these firms can reinforce new exploratory ideas for existing products, especially during periods of environmental dynamism. The study is based on an action research study at a new product development (NPD) department at an international manufacturing firm operating in a cyclical market. The results show that increased environmental dynamism opens new opportunities for counterbalancing exploitative approaches by building exploratory skills. The action contributed specifically to breaking with old traditions in theNPDorganization, and resulted in actionable knowledge in terms of an ideation approach. However, the study also shows that fast industry cycles that do not match the remote returns of exploratory knowledge searches diminish the possibility to sustain exploratory knowledge searches in organizations. The paper identifies important problems related to the long‐time horizon of exploration and the cyclical nature of industries.
Local and Global Processing in Blind and Sighted Children in a Naming and Drawing Task
Authors: Puspitawati Ira , Jebrane Ahmed , Vinter Annie
Published: September 2013

This study investigated the spatial analysis of tactile hierarchical patterns in 110 early‐blind children aged 6–8 to 16–18 years, as compared to 90 blindfolded sighted children, in a naming and haptic drawing task. The results revealed that regardless of visual status, young children predominantly produced local responses in both tasks, whereas the production of integrated responses emerged later. Development of local and global processing seems to proceed similarly in the two populations, but local processing continued to occur at high levels over a larger age range in the blind. The possibility of visual mediation is pointed out, as totally blind children tended to process information locally more often than blind children with minimal light perception.
Mesenchymal stem cells control alloreactive CD8+CD28− T cells
Authors: Engela A U , Baan C C , Litjens N H R , Franquesa M , Betjes M G H , Weimar W , Hoogduijn M J
Published: September 2013

CD28/B7 co-stimulation blockade with belatacept prevents alloreactivity in kidney transplant patients. However, cells lacking CD28 are not susceptible to belatacept treatment. As CD8+CD28− T-cells have cytotoxic and pathogenic properties, we investigated whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are effective in controlling these cells. In mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR), MSC and belatacept inhibited peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. MSC at MSC/effector cell ratios of 1:160 and 1:2·5 reduced proliferation by 38·8 and 92·2%, respectively. Belatacept concentrations of 0·1 μg/ml and 10 μg/ml suppressed proliferation by 20·7 and 80·6%, respectively. Both treatments in combination did not inhibit each other's function. Allostimulated CD8+CD28− T cells were able to proliferate and expressed the cytolytic and cytotoxic effector molecules granzyme B, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. While belatacept did not affect the proliferation of CD8+CD28− T cells, MSC reduced the percentage of CD28− T cells in the proliferating CD8+ T cell fraction by 45·9% (P = 0·009). CD8+CD28− T cells as effector cells in MLR in the presence of CD4+ T cell help gained CD28 expression, an effect independent of MSC. In contrast, allostimulated CD28+ T cells did not lose CD28 expression in MLR–MSC co-culture, suggesting that MSC control pre-existing CD28− T cells and not newly induced CD28− T cells. In conclusion, alloreactive CD8+CD28− T cells that remain unaffected by belatacept treatment are inhibited by MSC. This study indicates the potential of an MSC–belatacept combination therapy to control alloreactivity.
Anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody prevents systemic bone mass loss via reducing the number of osteoclast precursors in bone marrow in a collagen-induced arthritis model
Authors: Tanaka Keisuke , Hashizume Misato , Mihara Masahiko , Yoshida Hiroto , Suzuki Miho , Matsumoto Yoshihiro
Published: September 2013

Systemic bone loss is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6 promote bone resorption by osteoclasts. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) controls the migration of osteoclast precursor cells (OCPs) between the blood and bone marrow, in part via S1P receptors (S1PR1 and S1PR2) expressed on the surface of OCPs. OCPs (CD11b+Gr-1low+med) isolated from bone marrow of DBA/1J mice were stimulated with IL-6. S1P-directed chemotaxis of OCPs was evaluated using a transwell plate. mRNA expression of S1PR1 and S1PR2 was measured. DBA/1J mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen (days 0 and 21) and anti-mouse IL-6 receptor antibody (MR16-1) was administered on days 0 and/or 21. Trabecular bone volume was analysed using micro-computed tomography. The percentage of OCPs in tibial bone marrow and S1PR1 and S1PR2 mRNA expression in OCPs were measured. IL-6 stimulation significantly decreased S1P-directed chemotaxis of OCPs. IL-6 induced S1PR2 mRNA expression, but not S1PR1 mRNA expression, in OCPs. Bone volume was significantly lower in arthritic mice than in non-arthritic control mice on day 35. Treatment of immunized mice with MR16-1 significantly inhibited bone loss. In MR16-1-treated mice, the percentage of OCPs and expression of S1PR2 mRNA was each decreased compared with arthritic mice on day 14, but not on day 35. IL-6 increased the number of OCPs in tibial bone marrow via up-regulating S1PR2, thus playing a crucial role in systemic bone loss induced by inflammation.
Correlation between genotype and phenotype in patients with bi‐allelic SLC26A4 mutations
Authors: Lee H.J. , Jung J. , Shin J.W. , Song M.H. , Kim S.H. , Lee J.‐H. , Lee K.‐A. , Shin S. , Kim U.‐K. , Bok J. , Lee K.‐Y. , Choi J.Y. , Park H.J.
Published: September 2013

Mutation of SLC26A4 is the most common cause of prelingual hearing loss in East Asia. Patients with SLC26A4 mutations have variable phenotypes ranging from non‐syndromic hearing loss to Pendred syndrome. Here, we analyzed the correlation between genotype and various inner ear phenotypes and found a possible underlying mechanism. This study included 111 patients with bi‐allelic SLC26A4 mutations who had bilateral enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) and hearing loss. p.H723R (61%), c.919‐2A>G (24%), and p.T410M (4%) were the most common mutations in Korean patients with EVAs. Residual hearing in patients with c.919‐2A>G or p.T410M mutations was better than that of patients with p.H723R homozygous mutations. Interestingly, quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed normal pendrin transcript (6–17% of normal levels) was produced from patients with c.919‐2A>G homozygous mutations. Surface expression ratio of pendrin and residual anion exchange activity were higher in cells transfected with p.T410M in comparison to cells transfected with p.H723R. These results suggest that there is a correlation between degree of residual hearing and the SLC26A4 genotype commonly found in the East Asian population.
How attentional boost interacts with reward: the effect of dopaminergic medications in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kéri Szabolcs , Nagy Helga , Levy‐Gigi Einat , Kelemen Oguz
Published: September 2013

There is widespread evidence that dopamine is implicated in the regulation of reward and salience. However, it is less known how these processes interact with attention and recognition memory. To explore this question, we used the attentional boost test in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) before and after the administration of dopaminergic medications. Participants performed a visual letter detection task (remembering rewarded target letters and ignoring distractor letters) while also viewing a series of photos of natural and urban scenes in the background of the letters. The aim of the game was to retrieve the target letter after each trial and to win as much virtual money as possible. The recognition of background scenes was not rewarded. We enrolled 26 drug‐naïve, newly diagnosed patients with PD and 25 healthy controls who were evaluated at baseline and follow‐up. Patients with PD received dopamine agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine) during the 12‐week follow‐up period. At baseline, we found intact attentional boost in patients with PD: they were able to recognize target‐associated scenes similarly to controls. At follow‐up, patients with PD outperformed controls for both target‐ and distractor‐associated scenes, but not when scenes were presented without letters. The alerting, orienting and executive components of attention were intact in PD. Enhanced attentional boost was replicated in a smaller group of patients with PD (n = 15) receiving l‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (L‐DOPA). These results suggest that dopaminergic medications facilitate attentional boost for background information regardless of whether the central task (letter detection) is rewarded or not.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Owner‐ Reported Obesity in Horses and Ponies in Great Britain
Authors: Robin C.A. , Ireland J. , Wylie C.E. , Collins S.N. , Verheyen K.L.P. , Newton J.R.
Published: September 2013

Aims

To estimate prevalence of owner‐reported obesity in British veterinary‐registered horses and ponies, and identify risk factors associated with obesity.

Methods

Thirty veterinary practices randomly selected horse owners to complete an ethically approved, self‐administered postal questionnaire. Owners estimated body condition score using a modified Carroll and Huntington method (1–6) and animals were classified as obese if they were scored as 5 (fat) or 6 (very fat). Factors associated with obesity were assessed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Owner‐reported prevalence of obesity was 31.2% (n = 247/792, 95% CI 27.9–34.2). A greater proportion of obese animals (n = 47/225, 20.9%) had a history of laminitis compared with normal/underweight animals (n = 69/511, 13.5%, P = 0.01). Univariable logistic regression analysis identified several management and horse‐level risk factors. Data from 785 horses were included in the final multivariable logistic regression model, and factors associated with an increased risk of obesity were breed (P<0.001), ease of maintaining weight (P<0.001) and primary use (P = 0.002). Compared with Thoroughbreds, draught‐type (odds ratio [OR] 7.3; 95% CI 3.5–17.1), cob‐type (OR 5.8; 95% CI 2.6–12.8), native (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.7–5.7), and Welsh breeds (OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.9–6.2) were more likely to be obese. Animals described as ‘good doers’ were more likely to be obese compared those described as readily maintaining normal weight (OR 3.7; 95% CI 2.6–5.3). Compared with animals whose primary use was competition, animals predominantly used for pleasure riding were more likely to be obese (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.4–4.3), and risk increased in non‐ridden horses compared with competition horses (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.5–5.5, P = 0.002).

Conclusion and practical significance

Identification of breed and other horse characteristics as risk factors for obesity will enable optimal targeting of owner education regarding preventive management to reduce the risk of obesity among the British horse population.

Ethical animal research

Owner informed consent was obtained for the questionnaire. Sources of funding: This project was funded by World Horse Welfare. Competing interests: None.
Efficacy of a Combination of a Unique Pectin‐Lecithin Complex (Apolectol®), Live Yeast and Magnesium Hydroxide in the Prevention of EGUS and Faecal Acidosis in Thoroughbred Racehorses: A Randomised, Blinded, Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Sykes B.W. , Sykes K.M. , Hallowell G.D.
Published: September 2013

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy of a combination of a unique pectin‐lecithin complex (Apolectol®), live yeast and magnesium hydroxide in the prevention of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) and faecal acidosis in Thoroughbred racehorses.

Methods

Thoroughbred racehorses in training with grade ≤ II/IV EGUS were identified on gastroscopy. Horses were randomised to receive either 95 g Apolectol®, 2 g live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae – CNCM I‐1077) and 20 g magnesium hydroxide or 95 g of a commercial feed pellet as a placebo 1–4 h prior to exercise. Faecal analysis was performed weekly and faecal acidosis defined as a faecal pH of <6.2. Gastroscopy was repeated at 24–27 days.

Results

Mean ulcer scores did not increase in the treatment group for either the squamous (0.8 ± 1.0 to 0.5 ± 0.8; P = 0.133) or glandular (0.7 ± 0.8 to 0.7 ± 1.1; P = 0.38) mucosa. In contrast, in the placebo group mean ulcer scores significantly increased over time for the squamous (1.1 ± 0.7 to 2.2 ± 1.2; P = 0.013), and increased, but not statistically so, for the glandular (0.6 ± 0.7 to 1.6 ± 1.5; P = 0.065) mucosa. Over time horses in the placebo group were more likely to experience worsening of their ulcer score in both the squamous (P = 0.03) and glandular (P = 0.03) mucosa than horses in the treatment group. Horses in the placebo group were more likely to have faecal acidosis over time (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

The combination of Apolectol®, live yeast and magnesium hydroxide is an effective prophylactic against EGUS and reduces the risk of faecal acidosis in horses in high‐intensity work.

Practical significance

The combination studied provides a viable, nonpharmaceutical means for the prevention of EGUS and faecal acidosis in high‐risk horses.

Acknowledgements

Portoscope.com provided a videoendoscope free of charge for the purposes of this study.

Ethical animal research

The study was performed in accordance with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries guidelines for clinical studies and the New South Wales Animal Research Act of 1985. Informed consent from the owner or the trainer was obtained at the time of enrolment to the study. Sources of funding: This study was funded by Boehringer Ingelheim. Conflicts of interest: B.W. Sykes is employed as a consultant by Boehringer Ingelheim.
Preliminary Data of a Retrospective Study on Neurological Side Effects after Administration of Polymyxin B to Endotoxaemic Horses
Authors: Schwarz B. , Anen C. , van den Hoven R.
Published: September 2013

Aims

This retrospective study reports the occurrence of neurological side effects attributed to the use of polymyxin B in horses treated for endotoxaemia.

Methods

Between January 2012 and January 2013 18 horses were treated for endotoxaemia with 5000 iu polymyxin/kg bwt intravenously q. 8 h. For this purpose a sterile polymyxin solution was compounded by a pharmacy: 500 ml 0.9% NaCl contained 2.5 Mio. iu polymyxin B. Depending on the disease which led to endotoxaemia the horses received other treatments as well. Horses were examined at regular intervals and ataxia was graded using the modified Mayhew grading scale.

Results

Sixty‐six per cent of patients were mares, 28% were geldings and the rest stallions. Age ranged from one to 23 years, with a mean (± s.d.) of 12 (± 7) years. Ten of 18 horses were treated for colitis, 2 of 18 each for small intestinal strangulating lesion, aspiration pneumonia and large colon torsion. In 6 horses a weak, ataxic gait was noted between 24 and 36 h after start of polymyxin treatment. The only factors significantly associated with ataxia were the number of doses of polymyxin the horses received (P = 0.011) and the concurrent use of neostigmine (P = 0.025). No other treatments were associated with occurrence of ataxia. The level of ataxia observed was correlated with the time necessary for ataxia to resolve. Horses which had shown ataxia after polymyxin treatment had a significantly longer overall hospitalisation time (P = 0.004).

Conclusions and practical significance

Self‐limiting weak, ataxic gait was observed in horses treated with polymyxin B for endotoxaemia. Horses receiving multiple doses of polymyxin seem to be at risk. A cumulative effect of polymyxin might be suspected. Furthermore neostigmine could be responsible for potentiating polymyxin side effects. Neurological side effects of polymyxin at dose rates used for anti‐endotoxic treatment need to be further elucidated.

Ethical animal research

Not required by this Congress: retrospective study. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
The Effect of Injection Needle Gauge Size on the Viability of Equine Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Cree S.J. , Smith R.K. , Dudhia J.
Published: September 2013

Aims

Performance horses are at high risk of injury to the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT). Studies have shown that autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) injected into SDFT lesions subsequently result in a significant reduction of re‐injury in National Hunt racehorses; however, recent studies show that only 25% of implanted MSCs survive 24 h post injection. The reason for this loss is unclear but may relate to cell quiescence or injection‐related mortality. We hypothesised that cell viability and mortality is increased with needle gauge.

Methods

Equine MSCs cultured in vitro were resuspended to a final suspension density of 5 x 105 cells/ml to mimic that used for implantation in clinic. The cell suspension was injected through a 19 gauge, 21 gauge (current practice in clinic) or 23 gauge needle. Mesenchymal stem cells viability and mortality was analysed over a 24 h period post injection using alamarBlue® and Annexin V (apoptosis) assays, respectively.

Results

There was a 25% reduction in viability (P<0.01) and mortality (P<0.01) compared with noninjected MSCs over the 24 h period post injection. All needle gauges also induced a decrease in cell metabolic activity immediately post injection but with recovery by 2 h post injection. Furthermore, 21 gauge and 23 gauge needles increased early apoptotic cells immediately post injection, whereas the 19 gauge needle showed a delayed increase in apoptosis until 2 h post injection.

Conclusions

The delayed apoptosis may correlate with a subpopulation of quiescent cells subsequently becoming apoptotic. The proportion of early and late apoptotic MSCs, while significant, does not account for the total cell loss reported after intra‐lesional injection.

Practical significance

Needle gauge selection has significant implications for the survival of MSC intra‐lesional injections but it may not be the sole factor implicated in post injection cell mortality. We therefore recommend a minimum diameter of 19 gauge should be used for implantation.

Ethical animal research

Stem cell lines were obtained from bone marrow with approval of the Institutional Ethical Committee and under UK Home Office licence. Sources of funding: Funded by the Medical Research Council and The Royal Veterinary College. Competing interests: None.
THE ELEVENTH PLENUM AND FILM CRITICISM IN EAST GERMANY
Authors: Brockmann Stephen
Published: September 2013

This article explores the role of film theory and film criticism in the controversies surrounding the Eleventh Plenum of the Socialist Unity Party (SED), which led to the banning of twelve East German films in 1965–6. It looks at the work of the film critic Fred Gehler in the weekly newspaper Sonntag, and it explores the editorial policies of the journal Filmwissenschaftliche Mitteilungen, which was edited by Heinz Baumert, director of the institute for film scholarship at the Hochschule für Filmkunst in Potsdam, the GDR's only film school. The article looks at the critique that Gehler, Baumert, and others were making of GDR film culture in the mid‐1960s and at the suggestions they put forward for the improvement of East German film. It also examines the negative reaction to this critique surrounding the Eleventh Plenum, and it argues that this negative reaction had a profound impact on the subsequent history of East German cinema, as well as on the development of younger East German filmmakers.
Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection 2013
Authors: O'Connor Anthony , Molina‐Infante Javier , Gisbert Javier P. , O'Morain Colm
Published: September 2013

This review summarizes important studies regarding Helicobacter pylori therapy published from April 2012 up to March 2013. To begin with, the updated European Consensus Guidelines were published last year, highlighting the role of bismuth and nonbismuth quadruple regimen as first‐line treatments. Cure rates for standard triple therapy remain acceptable in quite a few settings nowadays, and some reports on innovative triple therapies look promising. One study evaluating bismuth quadruple therapy as first‐line therapy was reported. Regarding nonbismuth quadruple regimens, there is a trend of superiority emerging for the “concomitant” therapy over the “sequential” regimen. “Hybrid” therapy, a combination of sequential and concomitant therapy, has also shown advantage over sequential therapy. Levofloxacin‐based therapies appear to be useful and versatile in second‐ and third‐line therapies, with interesting results for newer generation quinolones, which may partially overcome antibiotic resistance. Some promising works have been reported for bismuth‐based rescue therapy, using individualized therapies upon antimicrobial information, as well as for rifabutin fourth‐line therapy. Probiotics appear to have an effect in terms of reducing side effects and improving compliance, but data on improvement of eradication rates remain controversial.
Pathogenesis of Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Cid Trinidad Parra , Fernández Miryam Calvino , Benito Martínez Selma , Jones Nicola L.
Published: September 2013

Helicobacter pylori infection and disease outcome are mediated by a complex interplay between bacterial, host, and environmental factors. Over the past year, our understanding of this complex interplay has been improved by a variety of studies focusing on both host and bacterial factors. These include studies assessing novel virulence factors as well as those most frequently associated with severity of disease outcome including cagA and the cag pathogenicity island, and the vacuolating cytotoxin. Several studies have focused on regulation of virulence factors by environmental factors. In addition, mechanisms by which bacterial virulence factors influence the host response and disease, by inducing epigenetic changes, autophagy and altered oxidative stress have also been elucidated. This review highlights key findings in the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection reported over the past year.
The Efficacy of Two‐Week Quadruple First‐Line Therapy with Bismuth, Lansoprazole, Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin on Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Prospective Study
Authors: Ergül Bilal , Doğan, Zeynal , Sarikaya Murat , Filik Levent
Published: September 2013

Aim

To document the efficacy and tolerability of 14‐day bismuth–lansoprazole–amoxicillin–clarithromycin (BLAC) regimen for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication as a first‐line therapy.

Method

Patients were considered eligible for the study if they underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and H. pylori infection was diagnosed through histologic examination of antral and body biopsy samples. Primary end point of this study was to evaluate the eradication rate of 14‐day BLAC regimen therapies. H. pylori eradication was assessed using the 13C urea breath test performed 6 weeks after the completion of treatment. All patients were asked to fill in a validated questionnaire to report therapy‐related side effects. Each symptom was graded from absent or present.

Results

Ninety‐seven (21 men and 76 women) were enrolled. All the patients completed the study. The H. pylori eradication rate was 90.7% (88 of 97 patients). Side effects were observed in reasonable percentages, and none of the patients left the study because of drug side effect.

Conclusion

Bismuth–lansoprazole–amoxicillin–clarithromycin regimen as a 2‐week course achieved an acceptable eradication rate with relatively mild side effects.
Are consumers' financial needs and values common across cultures? Evidence from six countries
Authors: Guo Lan , Stone Dan , Bryant Stephanie , Wier Benson , Nikitkov Alex , Ren Chunyan , Riccio Edson Luiz , Shen Milton , Trabelsi Samir , Zhang LiFang
Published: September 2013

Are consumers' financial needs, and financial values, the same or different across cultures? Two studies, with student (Study 1;n = 988) and non‐student (Study 2;n = 959) participants, explore the extent of equivalence, across six countries (Brazil,Russia,China,Taiwan,Tunisia andUS), in financial need belief, and financial value, measurement models. The financial need beliefs, derived from self‐determination theory (SDT) principles, include financial self‐efficacy, financial autonomy, financial community trust and support; the financial values include materialism and financial altruism. Both the financial need and financial value constructs evidence configural invariance (similar factor structure), and factor invariance among student but not non‐student samples. The financial need constructs evidence full, and the financial value constructs evidence partial, metric (factor loading) invariance. Factor covariance invariance obtains for the financial need beliefs constructs but not the financial value constructs. Finally, neither financial need nor financial value constructs evidence scalar (intercept) invariance. These results provide partial support for extendingSDT's hypothesis of universal human needs to the financial domain. In contrast, the financial value constructs of altruism and materialism are largely instable across cultures, suggesting that consumer views of giving, and the role of wealth in social status, differ between countries.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Nonwage Compensation
Authors: Ritter Joseph A.
Published: September 2013

Previous research has found that, after controlling for test scores, measured black–white wage gaps are small, but unemployment gaps remain large. This article complements this previous research by examining the incidence of employer‐provided benefits from the same premarket perspective. However, marriage rates differ substantially by race, and the possibility of health insurance coverage through a spouse's employer therefore distorts how the distribution of benefits available in the market to an individual is expressed in the distribution of benefits received. Two imputation strategies are used to address this complication. The evidence suggests that benefit availability gaps are small.
Non-Response Adjustment of Survey Estimates Based on Auxiliary Variables Subject to Error
Authors: West Brady T. , Little Roderick J. A.
Published: September 2013

Auxiliary variables that are associated with both key survey variables and response propensity are important for post-survey non-response adjustments, but rare. Interviewer observations on sample units and linked auxiliary variables from commercially available household databases are promising candidates, but these variables are prone to error. The assumption of missingness at random that underlies standard weighting or imputation adjustments is thus violated when missingness depends on the true values of these variables, leading to biased survey estimates. The paper applies pattern–mixture model estimators to this problem, analysing data from a survey in Germany that links commercial data to a national sample.
Idiosyncratic Volatility, Institutional Ownership, and Investment Horizon
Authors: Chichernea Doina C. , Petkevich Alex , Zykaj Blerina Bela
Published: September 2013

This paper reevaluates the cross‐sectional effect of institutional ownership on idiosyncratic volatility by conditioning on institutions' investment horizon. Prior literature establishes a positive link between growing institutional ownership and idiosyncratic volatility. However, this effect may vary depending on the type of institutional ownership. We document that short‐term (long‐term) institutional ownership is positively (negatively) linked to idiosyncratic volatility in the cross section. These opposite effects persist after controlling for institutional preferences and information‐based trading and remain qualitatively unchanged after controlling for endogeneity. This suggests that short‐term (long‐term) institutions exhibit higher (lower) trading activity, which increases (decreases) idiosyncratic volatility.
Equine exuberant granulation tissue and human keloids: A comparative histopathologic study
Authors: Theoret Christine L. , Olutoye Oluyinka O. , Parnell Laura K.S. , Hicks John
Published: September 2013

Objective

To compare histopathologic features of a fibroproliferative disorder in horses (exuberant granulation tissue—EGT) and people (keloid).

Sample Population

Archival tissue samples of EGT (n = 8) and keloid (12).

Methods

After automated hematoxylin and eosin, histochemical (Gomori trichrome, Verhoeff‐van Gieson elastin) and immunohistochemical (vimentin, α‐smooth muscle actin, CD34, CD68, CD117) stainings, tissue sections were evaluated using a semi‐quantitative grading scale for presence or absence of ulceration, keloidal collagen, myofibroblasts, and elastic fibers as well as degree of inflammation, fibrosis, vascularity, and orientation of collagen fibers.

Results

Superficial dermis and deep dermis of both horses and people had increased numbers of haphazardly oriented thickened collagen fibers; however, only keloids contained “keloidal” collagen. Fibroblast numbers were markedly increased in both groups but only EGT had myofibroblasts. Minimal vascularity was observed in the deep dermis of both groups. The superficial dermis in EGT was characterized by small vessels within immature granulation tissue. Macrophages and mast cells were infrequently found in both groups but polymorphonuclear cells were markedly increased in EGT.

Conclusions

Humans and horses are the only mammals known to naturally develop excessive granulation during wound healing; however, similarities and differences between fibroblast populations and associated collagen have not been reported. Inflammatory response may contribute to observed differences in the cellular populations, with EGT possessing markedly increased myofibroblasts, small vessels, and acute inflammatory cells compared with keloids. Further work is warranted to develop common treatment strategies for these fibroproliferative conditions.