bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serological survey for Toxoplasma infections in sheep
Authors: O'DONOGHUE P J , RILEY M J , CLARKE J F
Published: February 2013

SUMMARY: A factorial‐design survey was performed to determine the prevalence of specific antibody against Toxoplasma in young and adult sheep from 6 areas in 3 different geoclimatic zones in South Australia. Serum samples obtained from 1,159 sheep belonging to 59 flocks were tested by a conventional indirect haemagglutination test (IHAT) as well as by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which used class‐specific conjugates to detect both IgG and IgM against Toxoplasma. Titres > 64 were detected In 7.4%, 9.2% and 25.2% of the sheep by the IHAT, IgG‐ELISA and IgM‐ELISA respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between the results of the IgG‐ELISA and the IHAT with identical results obtained for 1,050 samples. Antibody detected by all 3 tests was more prevalent and higher in titre in adult sheep than in lambs as well as in sheep from Kangaroo Island than in those from mainland South Australia. Although the regional differences in prevalence suggested a relationship with climate, no significant correlations were detected between the prevalence results and any single climatic factor; namely, average annual rainfall, average annual evaporation or mean temperature range.
The experimental infection of horses with Murray Valley encephalitis and Ross River viruses
Authors: KAY B H , POLLITT C C , FANNING I D , HALL R A
Published: February 2013

SUMMARY: Eleven weanling horses were inoculated with Murray Valley encephalitis and Ross River viruses either by intravenous injection or by the bite of Culex annulirostris or Aedes vigilax mosquitoes infected orally. Five of the 11 horses circulated trace amounts of MVE virus for 1 to 5d and they infected 7/408 Cx annulirostris which subsequently fed on them. Haemagglutination‐inhibiting antibody persisted at detectable levels for the 24‐week observation period. With Ross River virus, only one of 11 horses inoculated developed a viraemia detectable by inoculation of suckling mice but 5 horses contained virus sufficient to infect 41/383 Cx annulirostris that fed on them 3 to 4 days after inoculation. On primary inoculation with Ross River virus, only 2 horses developed HI antibody but late responses occurred in 3 horses following probable naturally acquired re‐infections. With both viruses, most horses remained normal, some developed mild pyrexia and transient clinical signs. This paper, therefore, indicates that horses are unlikely to be efficient amplifiers of either MVE or RR viruses and does little to incriminate them as important pathogens.
Phosphorus supplementation of cattle
Authors: JUBB TF , CROUGH KF
Published: February 2013

SUMMARY: Severe lameness in a large proportion of an Angus cattle herd was attributed to phosphorus deficiency. The diagnosis was supported by a rapid response to phosphorus supplementation of the diet. A brief review of the development and diagnosis of phosphorus deficiency is presented. Practical considerations severely limit the choice of a phosphorus supplement. Directions for the use of the supernatant of high‐phosphorus fertiliser and water mixtures, as feed or stock water additive and the production of a phosphorus lick are described. Other phosphorus supplements are discussed with particular reference to the fluorine hazard.
Field trials with closantel and Haemonchus contortus in sheep in Papua New Guinea
Authors: OWEN IL
Published: February 2013

SUMMARY: Sheep treated once with closantel at 7.5 or 15.0 mg/kg and grazing with untreated sheep remained free of Haemonchus contortus for at least 4 to 5 weeks and 6 to 7 weeks respectively after treatment. When the whole flock was treated with 15.0 mg/kg, H. contortus began to become re‐established 7 to 8 weeks later. Maximum benefit of the residual anthelmintic effect of closantel against H.contortus was obtained only when all sheep in the flock were treated; it took 10 weeks longer for H.contortus to form 50% of larval cultures when the whole flock was treated than when only a part of the flock was treated.
Enteritis in cattle due to Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection
Authors: SLEE KJ , BRIGHTLING P , SEILER RJ
Published: February 2013

SUMMARY: A selective medium was used to isolate Yersinia sp from the intestinal tract of 222 scouring cattle in Gippsland during 1985 and 1986. Intestinal infection with Y. pseudotuberculosis, particularly of serotype III, was found to be especially prevalent in weaned calves, yearlings and young adult cattle. Clinically affected cattle had a profuse liquid diarrhoea and many were systemically ill.

Haematological changes suggestive of infection were present in 38 of 49 of these cattle. At least 35 cattle died and characteristic microabscesses were demonstrated in the intestinal mucosa of 20 of 26 examined histologically. Y. pseudotuberculosis was sensitive to tetracyclines in vitro and this drug produced a rapid bacteriological cure. Yersiniosis occurred during the winter, spring and early summer. Challenge of adult cattle with Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype III did not result in intestinal colonisation or clinical disease. Intestinal infection was, however, established in 4 weaned calves and haematological changes and antibody production were demonstrated in them.

Intestinal microabscesses were seen in three calves killed on days 8, 14 and 18 after challenge. The fourth calf eliminated infection by day 18 and no lesions were demonstrated when it was killed on day 72. There is a very high prevalence of antibodies reacting with Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype III in adult cattle. It is concluded that cattle are a common host for this bacterium, infection being frequent, with clinical and fatal disease occurring occasionally. The factors leading to clinical disease are unknown.
Haemophilia A in German shepherd dogs
Authors: PARRY BW , HOWARD MA , MANSELL PD , HOLLOWAY SA
Published: February 2013

SUMMARY: Haemophilia A was diagnosed in 14 male German shepherd dogs. Factor VIII: coagulant (FVIII:C) activities ranged from 113% of a normal canine plasma pool. von Willebrand's factor antigen values were normal or increased in all 9 of these dogs which were tested.

Twelve of these dogs had a common maternal grandsire. Five dogs had exhibited no tendency to bleed (when tested between 2 to 23 months of age). They were tested because of pedigree links with clinically affected animals. Common clinical signs in the latter dogs included: bleeding from the mouth, subcutaneous and intramuscular haematomas and lameness. Since these dogs usually had a mild to moderate deficiency of FVIII:C, they may survive to adulthood without exhibiting clinical signs severe enough to necessitate veterinary attention.
Pathogenicity of field isolates of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in mice, rats and pigs
Authors: EAMENS GJ
Published: February 2013

SUMMARY: Eight field isolates of Erysipelothrix rhuslopathiae serotypes 1 and 2, from different sources, were examined for their pathogenicities for mice and pigs. Arthritogenicity for pigs correlated with virulence for mice at the highest and lowest levels, but not with strains of intermediate virulence. The most virulent strain was also arthritogenic in rats.

In pigs, after repeated intravenous challenge the number of affected joints ranged from 0 to 11 of 12 examined. For the 8 strains, the mean number of affected joints ranged from 1 to 7.7 per pig. Clinical course and pathological findings were correlated, but the onset, severity and duration of lameness was variable both within and between groups. Clinical lameness, joint swelling and urticariae were of limited use as indicators of joint changes. The more virulent strains caused lameness as early as 2 days, whereas strains of low virulence took up to 8 weeks.
Analysis of karyotype diversity of 40 Chinese chrysanthemum cultivars
Authors: ZHANG Yuan , ZHU Ming‐Li , DAI Si‐Lan
Published: February 2013

To investigate the genetic differences in Chinese large‐flowered chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum×morifolium Ramat.) cultivars, we selected 40 typical and stable cultivars on which to carry out cytological studies using karyotype analysis. The results showed that 67.5% of these cultivars were hexaploid‐based aneuploid and that the proportion of hexaploid decreased with passing time. Moreover, 35% of the cultivars had 1–4 satellite chromosome(s). The probability of satellite chromosomes rose with increasing chromosome number. Most of the karyotypes were 2A and 2B. The probability of types 2A and 2C also increased with increasing ploidy of the cultivars. The mean of long‐/short‐arm ratio and the variation of long‐/short‐arm ratio were positively correlated (r2 = 0.72). There was no obvious difference in the asymmetry coefficient of karyotypes, but the discrepancy in the variance of karyotype asymmetry index and relative length of chromosomes was quite distinct. In terms of karyotype parameters, the petal types of chrysanthemums were classified to five groups as flat, tubular, spoon, abnormal, and anemone. We did not observe any obvious orderliness among flower head types. Considering the relationship between karyotype parameters and phenotypic characters, variation of long‐/short‐arm ratio and asymmetry coefficient of karyotypes had the greatest relevance toward most phenotypic characters. The above results indicate that karyotype parameters possess great values for cultivar identification, classification, and genetic analysis in chrysanthemums.
Zygomatic air cell defect: a panoramic radiographic study of a North Indian population
Authors: Gupta Deepak , Sheikh Soheyl , Pallagatti Shambulingappa , Aggarwal Amit , Goyal Gaurav , Chidanandappa Rashmi N. , Parnami Priyanka
Published: February 2013

Aim

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence, radiographic appearance, and characteristics of zygomatic air cell defects (ZACD) in digital panoramic radiographs in a North Indian population.

Methods

The dental panoramic radiographs of 800 outpatients were selected from the records of the department, and were examined retrospectively to evaluate the variations and characteristics of ZACD. Groups were compared by χ2 analysis for the presence of ZACD.

Results

ZACD were identified in 46 of 800 patients, giving an overall prevalence of 5.7%. Patients with ZACD were aged 4–60 years, with a mean age of 31.43 years. Most patients with ZACD were in their thirties. ZACD showed a no gender predilection; 29 of 46 patients were male (63.4%), and 17 were female (36.6%). Thirty cases (65.2%) of ZACD were unilateral, with 20 cases occurring on the right side. In 16 cases (34.8%), ZACD was bilateral. Forty four of the defects were unilocular, and two of the defects were multilocular.

Conclusion

Digital panoramic radiographs are considered better than conventional panoramic radiographs in locating ZACD. Further, the presence of ZACD might be valuable for age estimations, to some extent. Further studies are required to investigate the pneumatization of articular eminence before puberty.
Determinants of dental health status and dental health behavior among Sana'a University students, Yemen
Authors: Halboub Esam , Dhaifullah Esam , Yasin Rasha
Published: February 2013

Aims

To evaluate the dental health status and toothbrushing behavior among Sana'a University students, and to explore any associations with different factors.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, the dental health of 360 students from the dental, medical, and literature faculties (120 each) at Sana'a University were examined using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Data regarding study field, grade, toothbrushing behavior, parents' education, and smoking and khat chewing habits were recorded.

Results

Nearly 76% of students (n = 273) reported regularly brushing their teeth. Excluding fathers' education levels and khat chewing, other factors (faculty, grade, sex, mothers' education, and smoking) were significant independent predictors for this behavior. The overall mean DMFT score (± standard deviation) was 4.13 ± 3.1, and was found to be adversely influenced by smoking, which explained only 1.1% of the variance. Toothbrushing, sex, and smoking were significant independent predictors for the decay score, and explained 10.6% of its variance. Khat chewing was found to be adversely associated with the missing score, with an influence of only 2.9%. The filling score was found to be positively associated with toothbrushing and study grade, which together had an influence of 10%.

Conclusions

The dental health and toothbrushing behaviors of Sana'a University students are unsatisfactory, and influenced unequally by different factors.
Use of light‐curing units in orthodontics
Authors: Goyal Amit , Hurkadle Jyothikiran , Magegowda Shivalinga , Bhatia Pankaj
Published: February 2013

Because of their wide field of applications, light‐curing units are now indispensable for orthodontists and general dentists; thus, it is important to be familiar with the various types of light‐curing units, their history, specifications, advantages, and disadvantages. For this review, a search of the PubMed database (from 1966 to March 2010) was conducted using the search term “curing lights orthodontics”. Eligibility of the selected studies was determined by reading the abstracts of articles identified by the search. All the articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected, and the articles collected. The reference lists of the retrieved articles were also hand searched for any applicable studies that might have been missed in the database searches. When selecting curing lights for an office, many variables need to be considered. Armed with knowledge about each curing‐light category, orthodontists can evaluate their unique practice style and select the appropriate light/lights.
Algorithm for dermocosmetic use in the management of cutaneous side‐effects associated with targeted therapy in oncology
Authors: Dreno B. , Bensadoun R.J. , Humbert P. , Krutmann J. , Luger T. , Triller R. , Rougier A. , Seité S.
Published: February 2013

Currently, numerous patients who receive targeted chemotherapy for cancer suffer from disabling skin reactions due to cutaneous toxicity, which is a significant problem for an increasing number of patients and their treating physicians. In addition, using inappropriate personal hygiene products often worsens these otherwise manageable side‐effects. Cosmetic products for personal hygiene and lesion camouflage are part of a patients’ well‐being and an increasing number of physicians feel that they do not have adequate information to provide effective advice on concomitant cosmetic therapy. Although ample information is available in the literature on pharmaceutical treatment for cutaneous side‐effects of chemotherapy, little is available for the concomitant use of dermatological skin‐care products with medical treatments. The objective of this consensus study is to provide an algorithm for the appropriate use of dermatological cosmetics in the management of cutaneous toxicities associated with targeted chemotherapy such as epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and other monoclonal antibodies. These guidelines were developed by a French and German expert group of dermatologists and an oncologist for oncologists and primary care physicians who manage oncology patients. The information in this report is based on published data and the expert group's opinion. Due to the current lack of clinical evidence, only a review of published recommendations including suggestions for concomitant cosmetic use was conducted.
The efficacy of single dose ivermectin in the treatment of hookworm related cutaneous larva migrans varies depending on the clinical presentation
Authors: Vanhaecke C. , Perignon A. , Monsel G. , Regnier S. , Bricaire F. , Caumes E.
Published: February 2013

Background

Treatment of hookworm‐related cutaneous larva migrans (HrCLM) with a single dose of oral ivermectin has not been adequately evaluated to date. Response rates reported in three large studies varied from 77% to more than 95%.

Objectives

We evaluated the efficacy of ivermectin in the treatment of HrCLM.

Methods

We retrospectively studied all returning travellers with HrCLM who consulted in our institution. Patients were then treated with a single, 200 μg/kg dose of ivermectin, orally.

Results

Sixty‐two travellers (35 female, 27 male, mean age 35.6 years) with HrCLM and creeping dermatitis were included. Six patients (10%) also had associated hookworm folliculitis. Fifty‐nine patients (95%) completely responded with one ivermectin dose. The response rate was 98% in the 56 patients presenting with only creeping dermatitis and 66% in the six patients presenting with additional hookworm folliculitis (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

The efficacy of a single dose of oral ivermectin is higher in patients with only creeping dermatitis than in those with associated hookworm folliculitis.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with greater tumor size and poorer outcome in Merkel cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Samimi M. , Touzé A. , Laude H. , Le Bidre E. , Arnold F. , Carpentier A. , Gardair C. , Carlotti A. , Maubec E. , Dupin N. , Aubin F. , Avril M.F. , Rozenberg F. , Avenel‐Audran M. , Guyetant S. , Lorette G. , Machet L. , Coursaget P.
Published: February 2013

Background

Merkel cell polyomavirus has been recognized to be associated with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), but the evolution of this cancer probably depends on various factors. Vitamin D deficiency, defined by serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels <50 nmol/L, seems to influence cancer behavior and progression, but has never been assessed in MCC patients.

Objectives

First, to evaluate whether vitamin D deficiency was associated with tumor characteristics and prognosis in a cohort of MCC patients. Second, to assess expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in MCC tumors.

Methods

Clinical findings, Merkel cell polyomavirus markers and vitamin D status were assessed in a cohort of French MCC patients. The study was limited to the 89 patients for whom the serum sample had been collected within 3 years after the diagnosis of MCC. Correlation between vitamin D deficiency and MCC characteristics and outcome were determined in regression analyses. VDR expression in MCC tumours was assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Vitamin D deficiency was noted in 65.1% of the patients and was independently associated with greater tumor size at diagnosis (P = 0.006) and with metastasis recurrence (HR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.03 to 8.13; P = 0.043), but not with death from MCC, although there was a trend (HR, 5.28; 95% CI, 0.75 to 36.96; P = 0.093). VDR was found to be strongly expressed in all 28 MCC tumor specimens investigated.

Conclusion

The association between vitamin D deficiency and MCC characteristics and outcome, together with detection of the VDR in MCC cells, suggest that vitamin D could influence the biology of MCC.
Quality and Sensory Characteristics of Cubed Beef Steak Dipped in Edible Protective Solutions of Thermized Cheddar Whey
Authors: Weerasinghe Sashie , Williams J. Byron , Mukherjee Dipaloke , Tidwell Diane K. , Chang Sam , Haque Zahur U.
Published: February 2013

Thermized (heated at 70C for 0, 5, 10 and 15 min) Cheddar whey protein concentrate, with and without enzymatically hydrolyzed casein (CH), was added to protective edible coatings of cubed beef steak. Antioxidative activity, bacteriostatic activity and sensory attributes were evaluated over 8 days of refrigerated shelf life. Thermized treatments, with and without CH, significantly inhibited thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance formation in steak. Peroxide value was also significantly reduced by coating treatments. Carbonyl content of all treatments was lower than controls and blanks during storage with 5‐min treatment (5TCH), showing the lowest carbonyl content (34.5% versus 46% for blank). Thiols were also significantly protected in the treatments. Sensory evaluation showed significant protection of key sensory attributes by treatments throughout the storage period compared with controls. Data indicate marked improvement of shelf life and quality as a result of the effective and natural treatments.

Practical Applications

Oxidation of proteins and lipids is considered the most important factor responsible for quality loss of meat. Oxidative degradation negatively impacts appearance and overall quality of retail‐cut meats. Cubed steak is particularly susceptible with a retail shelf life of only 1–2 days at 2–4C. Although various synthetic antioxidants have been used successfully to control oxidation in meat products, consumers prefer the use of natural antioxidants because of the health risks associated with synthetic antioxidants. Edible coatings and films provide a promising alternative. Whey, an inexpensive by‐product of cheese manufacture, is abundantly available and has great potential for use as raw material in antioxidative edible coatings. Functionality and antioxidative properties of whey proteins can be further improved by thermization. Our research investigates the efficacy of thermized Cheddar whey protein concentrate as an antioxidative and bacteriostatic agent and evaluates its influence on basic sensory characteristics of commercially available cubed beef steak.
Application of spaceborne synthetic aperture radar data for extraction of soil moisture and its use in hydrological modelling at Gottleuba Catchment, Saxony, Germany
Authors: Elbialy S. , Mahmoud A. , Pradhan B. , Buchroithner M.
Published: February 2013

Hydrological modelling is a powerful tool for hydrologists and engineers involved in the planning and management of water resources. With the recent advent of computational power and the growing availability of spatial data, remote sensing and geographical information systems technologies can augment to a great extent the conventional methods used in rainfall run‐off studies. That means it is possible to accurately describe the characteristics of watershed in particularly when determining the run‐off response to rainfall inputs. The main objective of this study is to apply the potential application of spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data (i.e. TerraSAR‐X and Advanced Land Observing Satellite/Phased Array type L‐band Synthetic Aperture Radar (ALOS PALSAR) for soil moisture retrieval) and to improve the spatial input parameters required for hydrological modelling. For the spatial database creation, a high‐resolution 2‐m aerial laser scanning digital terrain model, soil map, and land use map were used. Rainfall records were transformed into a run‐off through hydrological parameterisation of the watershed using Hydrologic Engineering Center's Hydrologic Modelling System (HEC‐HMS) software for rainfall run‐off simulation. The Soil Conservation Services Curve Number and soil moisture accounting loss methods were selected to calculate the infiltration losses. In this research, soil moisture was derived from two different types of spaceborne SAR data: TerraSAR‐X and ALOS PALSAR (L‐band). The developed integrated hydrological model was applied to a flood prone area: Gottleuba Catchment in Pirna (Saxony, Germany). For model validation, 10 years historical precipitation data were used. The validated model was further optimised using the extracted soil moisture from SAR data. The simulation results showed a reasonable match between the simulated and the observed hydrographs. Hence, this paper confirms that TerraSAR‐X and ALOS PALSAR (L‐band) have a high potential for soil moisture mapping as a useful source of information and technique in hydrological modelling.
Palaeoflood simulation of the Kamo River basin using a grid‐cell distributed rainfall run‐off model
Authors: Luo P. , Takara K. , Apip  , He B. , Nover D.
Published: February 2013

Land‐use change and human activities have dramatic implications for water resources, especially through impacts on hydrology and water quality. We characterise the impact of land‐use change on floods through the reconstruction of palaeoflood events and the estimation of discharge during extreme rainfall events under the historical environment using the grid‐Cell Distributed Rainfall Run‐off Model Version 3 (CDRMV3). Historical land use maps were digitised using the Palaeoland‐Use Reconstruction (PLUR) programme as the input data for CDRMV3. Palaeoflood simulations show the delay and the reduction of the peak discharge under 1902 land use in the Kamo River basin because of increases in coverage of forest and paddy fields compared with 1976 land use. Lower discharge and earlier peak discharge time are estimated under historical land use and compared with conditions under present land use. The results of the palaeoflood simulations under extreme rainfall events create a better understanding of palaeoenvironmental conditions and their potential impact on flood management while suggesting important implications for resource management under land use and climate change.
The nicotine‐mediated decline in l‐dopa‐induced dyskinesias is associated with a decrease in striatal dopamine release
Authors: Bordia Tanuja , McIntosh J. Michael , Quik Maryka
Published: February 2013

l‐dopa‐induced dyskinesias (LIDs) are a side effect of Parkinson's disease therapy that is thought to arise, at least in part, because of excessive dopaminergic activity. Thus, drugs that regulate dopaminergic tone may provide an approach to manage LIDs. Our previous studies showed that nicotine treatment reduced LIDs in Parkinsonian animal models. This study investigates whether nicotine may exert its beneficial effects by modulating pre‐synaptic dopaminergic function. Rats were unilaterally lesioned by injection of 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) (2 × 3 ug per site) into the medial forebrain bundle to yield moderate Parkinsonism. They were then implanted with minipumps containing vehicle or nicotine (2.0 mg/kg/d) and rendered dyskinetic with l‐dopa (8 mg/kg plus 15 mg/kg benserazide). Lesioning alone decreased the striatal dopamine transporter, nicotinic receptor (nAChR) levels, and nAChR‐mediated 3H‐dopamine release, consistent with previous results. Nicotine administration reduced l‐dopa‐induced abnormal involuntary movements throughout the course of the study (4 months). Nicotine treatment led to declines in the striatal dopamine transporter, α6β2* nAChRs and various components of α6β2* and α4β2* nAChR‐mediated release. l‐dopa treatment had no effect. These data suggest that nicotine may improve LIDs in Parkinsonian animal models by dampening striatal dopaminergic activity.
Sleep and Its Association With Socioeconomic Status, Health, and Risky Behaviors Among Ghanaian School Children
Authors: Doku David , Koivusilta Leena , Rimpelä Arja
Published: February 2013

Socioeconomic differences in sleep and how sleep relates to health and risky behaviors among 12‐ to 18‐year‐old Ghanaians (N = 1,195) were investigated. Overall, 49.2% of boys and 60.8% of girls had inadequate sleep. Girls (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.3–2.0) and older (16‐ to 18‐year‐olds) adolescents (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.3–2.1) had higher probability of inadequate sleep than boys and younger (12‐ to 15‐year‐old) adolescents, respectively. High material affluence, low parental education, low parental occupational grade, drunkenness, marijuana use, drug use, and not having plans to continue schooling after graduation decreased the chances of inadequate sleep, while low school performance, low fruit and vegetable intake, and tiredness during daytime increased the probability of inadequate sleep. Promotion of adequate sleep and gender equality should be taken into consideration in adolescent health promotion programs.
Assessment of two methods of gastric decompression for the initial management of gastric dilatation‐volvulus
Authors: Goodrich Z. J. , Powell L. L. , Hulting K. J.
Published: February 2013

Objective

To assess gastric trocarization and orogastric tubing as a means of gastric decompression for the initial management of gastric dilatation‐volvulus.

Methods

Retrospective review of 116 gastric dilatation‐volvulus cases from June 2001 to October 2009.

Results

Decompression was performed via orogastric tubing in 31 dogs, gastric trocarization in 39 dogs and a combination of both in 46 dogs. Tubing was successful in 59 (75·5%) dogs and unsuccessful in 18 (23·4%) dogs. Trocarization was successful in 73 (86%) dogs and unsuccessful in 12 (14%) dogs. No evidence of gastric perforation was noted at surgery in dogs undergoing either technique. One dog that underwent trocarization had a splenic laceration identified at surgery that did not require treatment. Oesophageal rupture or aspiration pneumonia was not identified in any dog during hospitalization. No statistical difference was found between the method of gastric decompression and gastric compromise requiring surgical intervention or survival to discharge.

Clinical Significance

Orogastric tubing and gastric trocarization are associated with low complication and high success rates. Either technique is an acceptable method for gastric decompression in dogs with gastric dilatation‐volvulus.
Efficacy of hypofractionated radiotherapy for nasal tumours in 38 dogs (2005–2008)
Authors: Fujiwara A. , Kobayashi T. , Kazato Y. , Yayoshi N. , Fujita M.
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of hypofractionated radiotherapy for canine nasal tumours, including the improvement in clinical signs, rate of complications and assessment of prognostic factors.

Methods

Medical records of 38 dogs with malignant nasal tumours were reviewed, and those treated with a weekly schedule of hypofractionated radiotherapy were included in the study. Acute and late side effects were defined as complications noted either within 1 month or after 6 months of irradiation, respectively. Progression‐free interval and overall survival were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazard model were also performed.

Results

Clinical signs improved in 30 of 36 dogs. Acute complications were seen in 28 of 36 dogs and were considered manageable. Late complications were observed in 17 of 30 dogs that survived 6 months or longer, but severe side effects were not observed. The median progression‐free interval and overall survival was 245 days (95%CI: 127–512 days) and 512 days (95%CI: 203–820 days), respectively. Age, breed and presence of dyspnoea were negatively correlated with overall survival.

Clinical Significance

These results suggest that hypofractionated radiotherapy could be a viable option for the treatment of nasal tumours in dogs that are not candidates for conventional multi‐fractionated radiotherapy.
Effects of land‐use history and current management on ancient woodland herbs in Western Hungary
Authors: Kelemen Kristóf , Kriván Andrea , Standovár Tibor
Published: February 2013

Questions

At least half of the European woodland is recent and most stands have been under heavy management since the Industrial Revolution. Woodland herbs have adapted to the conditions of the forest interior and many species occur at lower frequencies in recent habitats as well as in young stands. We compared herbaceous plant composition of forests with different land‐use history and looked for life‐history traits that could be responsible for the differences.

Location

Bakony Mountains, Western Hungary, Central Europe.

Methods

Adjacent old ancient, young ancient and post‐agricultural recent forest stands were surveyed in the submontane beech zone in Western Hungary. Frequency data were recorded for herbaceous plants, indicator species analysis was carried out and trait‐based species groups were identified.

Results

Species composition differed among all three categories. The most profound difference was in the occurrences of ancient forest species (species with low dispersal ability and early flowering). These were most abundant in old ancient forests, while three species were entirely missing from recent stands. Young stands were dominated by few shade‐tolerant herbs and lacked most ancient forest species. Post‐agricultural woodland was largely dominated by competitive species.

Conclusions

Current forest management as well as past agricultural use influenced herb composition. Reintroduction of ancient forest herbs might be necessary in the recent forests.
Reliability and Validity of the King's Health Questionnaire for Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Taiwan
Authors: HUANG Mei‐Huang , CHIU Aih‐Fung , KUO Hann‐Chorng
Published: February 2013

Objectives: To investigate the reliability and validity of the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), and understand the impacts of lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) on health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL).

Methods: A cross‐sectional design was used and a convenience of 393 men participated in the study. The reliability was measured by testing the Cronbach's α coefficients. Factor analysis was used to explore the underlying factor structure of the KHQ. The discriminant validity was assessed using the one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests with post hoc analysis (Games‐Howell method) by comparing the differences scores in KHQ domains between men with three LUTS severity groups (mild, moderate, and severe).

Results: Men with severe, moderate, mild LUTS accounted for 7.9, 25.4, and 66.7%, respectively. Internal consistency of KHQ was excellent with Cronbach's α coefficients of 0.750–0.943. Factor analysis showed three underlying components to explain constructive validity. The KHQ subscores in both the severe and moderate LUTS groups were significantly higher than those in mild LUTS group (all P < 0.05), implying that the discriminant validity was adequate. Excepting for two single‐item questions, the first three greater disparities in KHQ domains between the severe and mild LUTS groups were “Emotion”, “Sleeping/Energy”, and “Physical limitation”, while the least disparities was found in “Personal relationships” domain.

Conclusion: LUTS could produce a substantial impact on different domains of HR‐QoL. The traditional Chinese KHQ has suitable reliability and validity for men with general LUTS, and might be a useful tool for HR‐QoL measure in future.
Alternatives in Framing and Decision Making
Authors: Geurts Bart
Published: February 2013

There is a wealth of experimental data showing that the way a problem is framed may have an effect on people's choices and decisions. Based on a semantic analysis of evaluative expressions like ‘good’, I propose a new explanation of such framing effects. The key idea is that our choices and decisions reveal a counterfactual systematicity: they carry information about the choices and decisions we would have made if the facts had been otherwise. It is these counterfactual alternatives that may diverge between otherwise equivalent versions of the same task, and thus explain the effects of framing.
Thinking About the Past and Experiencing the Past
Authors: Debus Dorothea
Published: February 2013

The present article aims to show that a subject can only fully grasp the concept of the past if she has some experiential, or recollective, memories of particular past events. More specifically, I argue that (1) in order for a subject to understand the concept of the past, it is necessary that the subject understand the concept of a particular past event in such a way that it might contribute to her understanding of the concept of the past. (2) But then, in order for a subject to understand the concept of a particular past event in such a way that it might contribute to her understanding of the concept of the past, it is necessary that the subject have some recollective memories of particular past events. (C) Hence, a subject can only understand the concept of the past if she has some recollective memories of particular past events. I defend the premises of the present argument against various objections, indicate why we should accept both premises, and accordingly end by endorsing the argument's conclusion.
Folie à deux and its Lessons for Two‐Factor Theorists
Authors: Langdon Robyn
Published: February 2013

In folie à deux, a ‘primary’ patient transmits a delusional belief to one or more ‘secondary’ patients who then adopt and share the belief. This paper applies the two‐factor theory of delusion to retrospectively analyse published cases of folie à deux. Lessons from this retrospective analysis include, firstly, that two‐factor theorists need to shift their focus from endogenous processes to consider the exogenous source of delusional content in most secondaries. Secondly, secondaries who come to share the belief via normal processes of social contagion only qualify as delusional by virtue of the abnormal persistence of their belief, albeit a temporary persistence in those secondaries who abandon their belief soon after separation from the primary. Underpinning this abnormal persistence may be a form of inhibitory failure—a difficulty with inhibiting a belief to allow reasoning for and against it being true.
Delusions Redux
Authors: Radden Jennifer
Published: February 2013

My response to the preceding essays begins with some preliminaries about my terminology, approach, and conception of rationality as a regulative ideal. I then comment on the Murphy's discussion about normal religious belief and religious delusions, and on causal assumptions challenged by Langdon's folies à deux. Responding to Gerrans's imagination‐based account of delusion and Hohwy's discussion of illusions, I next try to envision what both doxastic and imagination‐based approaches might have overlooked by asking whether there can be delusional feelings. Final comments address the place of phenomenology within Coltheart's two‐factor theorizing.
Characterization of Myxococcus xanthusMazF and implications for a new point of regulation
Authors: Boynton Tye O. , McMurry Jonathan L. , Shimkets Lawrence J.
Published: February 2013

During development, Myxococcus xanthus cells undergo programmed cell death (PCD) whereby 80% of vegetative cells die. Previously, the MazF RNA interferase has been implicated in this role. Recently, it was shown that deletion of the mazF gene does not eliminate PCD in wild‐type strain DK1622 as originally seen in DZF1. To clarify the role of MazF, recombinant enzyme was characterized using a highly sensitive assay in the presence and absence of the proposed antitoxin MrpC. In contrast to previous reports that MrpC inhibits MazF activity, the hydrolysis rate was enhanced in a concentration‐dependent manner with MrpC or MrpC2, an N‐terminally truncated form of MrpC. Furthermore, MazF transcripts were not detected until 6–8 h post‐induction, suggesting an antitoxin is unnecessary earlier. Potential MazF targets were identified and their transcript levels were shown to decline in DK1622 while remaining steady in a mazF deletion strain. Elimination of the mazF hydrolysis site in the nla6 transcript resulted in overproduction of the mRNA. Thus, MazF negatively regulates specific transcripts. Additionally, we show that discrepancies in the developmental phenotypes caused by removal of mazF in DK1622 and DZF1 are due to the presence of the pilQ1 allele in the latter strain.
Invasive fungal infections secondary to acute‐on‐chronic liver failure: a retrospective study
Authors: Lin Li Na , Zhu Yu , Che Fu Bin , Gu Ju Lin , Chen Jiang Han
Published: February 2013

Although the consequences of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) secondary to chronic hepatitis B infections secondary IFIs are serious, the incidence and main pathogenic factors of IFIs in acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF) patients remain unclear. This study included 1200 hepatitis B patients who were treated in the Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital from January 2006 to January 2009. Patients with ACLF were screened according to the diagnostic guidelines for liver failure. Patients with ACLF and secondary IFI were the disease group, and patients with ACLF without secondary IFI were the controls. The incidence of IFI, mortality, and possible IFI causes in two groups were evaluated retrospectively. Sixty patients with ACLF had secondary IFI, of which 14 were confirmed cases and 46 were suspected cases. The incidence of IFI was 47.62% for ACLF patients. Logistic regression analysis showed that the level of hepatitis B viral (HBV) DNA was an important risk factor for secondary IFI in ACLF patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that when the number of HBV DNA copies was higher than 3.16 × 103 copies ml−1, the possibility of secondary IFI in ACLF patients increased significantly, while white blood cell levels showed protective effects for these patients. The incidence of IFI is high in ACLF patients and high hepatitis B virus DNA levels may be an independent risk factor of secondary IFI in these patients.
Major variations in Aspergillus fumigatus arising within aspergillomas in chronic pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Howard S. J. , Pasqualotto A. C. , Anderson M. J. , Leatherbarrow H. , Albarrag A. M. , Harrison E. , Gregson L. , Bowyer P. , Denning D. W.
Published: February 2013

Aspergillomas develop from progressive layers of mycelial growth on the walls of pulmonary cavities over months. Aspergillomas are characteristic of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and are a risk factor for azole resistance. We investigated genotypic and phenotypic alterations in Aspergillus fumigatus recovered from aspergillomas. Aspergillomas were removed from three patients (two at surgery, one at autopsy) and dissected. Overall 92 colonies of A. fumigatus were isolated. Microsatellite typing was conducted to determine genetic type. Itraconazole, voriconazole and posaconazole susceptibilities were performed. The cyp51A gene was sequenced in 22 isolates. Isolates from Patient 1 (n = 25) were azole susceptible and resistant, although all cyp51A sequences were wild type, the isolates split into two distinct clades. In Patient 2, isolates were less variable (n = 10), all were azole susceptible. In Patient 3 only azole‐resistant strains (n = 57) were isolated, with M220K or M220T Cyp51A alterations, and microevolution was indicated. Marked diversity was observed in isolates from these patients; revealing differences in azole susceptibility, mechanism of resistance and genetic type. Importantly, routine sampling from respiratory specimens proved suboptimal in all cases; azole resistance was missed (Patient 1), cultures were negative (Patient 2) and high‐level posaconazole resistance was not detected (Patient 3).
Non‐Aspergillus fungal infections in chronic granulomatous disease
Authors: Dotis John , Pana Zoe Dorothea , Roilides Emmanuel
Published: February 2013

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a congenital immunodeficiency, characterised by significant infections due to an inability of phagocyte to kill catalase‐positive organisms including certain fungi such as Aspergillus spp. Nevertheless, other more rare fungi can cause significant diseases. This report is a systematic review of all published cases of non‐Aspergillus fungal infections in CGD patients. Analysis of 68 cases of non‐Aspergillus fungal infections in 65 CGD patients (10 females) published in the English literature. The median age of CGD patients was 15.2 years (range 0.1–69), 60% of whom had the X‐linked recessive defect. The most prevalent non‐Aspergillus fungal infections were associated with Rhizopus spp. and Trichosporon spp. found in nine cases each (13.2%). The most commonly affected organs were the lungs in 69.9%. In 63.2% of cases first line antifungal treatment was monotherapy, with amphotericin B formulations being the most frequently used antifungal agents in 45.6% of cases. The overall mortality rate was 26.2%. Clinicians should take into account the occurrence of non‐Aspergillus infections in this patient group, as well as the possibility of a changing epidemiology in fungal pathogens. Better awareness and knowledge of these pathogens can optimise antifungal treatment and improve outcome in CGD patients.
Ultra‐Marathon Runners Are Different: Investigations into Pain Tolerance and Personality Traits of Participants of the TransEurope FootRace 2009
Authors: Freund Wolfgang , Weber Frank , Billich Christian , Birklein Frank , Breimhorst Markus , Schuetz Uwe H
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Susceptibility to pain varies among individuals and may predispose to a higher risk for pain disorders. Thus, it is of interest to investigate subjects who exhibit higher resistance to pain. We therefore tested pain tolerance and assessed personality traits of ultra‐marathon athletes who are able to run 4487 km (2789 mi) over 64 days without resting days and compare the results to controls.

Methods

After approval of the local ethics committee and with informed consent, 11 participants of the TransEurope FootRace (TEFR09 participants) and 11 matched (age, sex, and ethnicity) controls without marathon experience in the last 5 years were enrolled. They were tested for cold pain tolerance (cold pressor [CP] test), and the 240 item trait and character inventory (TCI) as well as the general self‐efficacy (GSE) test were obtained.

Results

TransEurope FootRace participants had a highly significant greater cold pain tolerance in the CP test than controls (P = 0.0002). While the GSE test showed no differences, the TCI test provided TEFR09 participants to be less cooperative and reward dependent but more spiritually transcendent than the controls. Significant positive correlations were found between the CP test pain score at 180 seconds and several TCI subscales showing that higher pain scores correlate with higher reward dependence, dependence, cooperativeness, empathy, and pure‐hearted conscience.

Conclusions

Personality profiles as well as pain tolerance of our sample of TEFR09 participants differ from normal controls and—as obtained in previous studies—probably also from chronic pain patients. Low pain perception may predispose a person to become a long‐distance runner. It remains unclear, however, whether low pain perception is cause or consequence of continuous extreme training.
Effects of pulses of elevated carbon dioxide concentration on stomatal conductance and photosynthesis in wheat and rice
Authors: Bunce James A.
Published: February 2013

Systems for exposing plants to elevated concentrations of CO2 may expose plants to pulses of CO2 concentrations considerably above the control set point. The importance of such pulses to plant function is unknown. Single leaves of wheat (Triticum aestivum cv Choptank) and rice (Oryza sativa cv Akitakomachi) were exposed for 30 minutes to pulses of elevated CO2 similar to the frequency, duration and magnitude of pulses observed in free‐air CO2 enrichment systems. Stomatal conductance decreased within a few minutes of exposure to once per minute pulses of high CO2 of all the durations tested, in both species. Both species had 20–35% lower stomatal conductance for at least 30 min after the termination of the pulses. After the pulses had stopped, in all cases photosynthesis was below the values expected for the observed substomatal CO2 concentration, which suggests that either patchy stomatal closure occurred or that photosynthesis was directly inhibited. It was also found that a single, 2 s pulse of elevated CO2 concentration reaching a maximum of 1000 µmol mol−1 decreased stomatal conductance in both species. On the basis of these results, it is probable that plants in many CO2 enrichment systems have lower photosynthesis and stomatal conductance than would plants exposed to the same mean CO2 concentration but without pulses of higher concentration.