bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of general anaesthesia on oxygen consumption: A meta‐analysis guiding future studies on perioperative oxygen transport
Authors: Jakobsson Julia , Vadman Sofia , Hagel Eva , Kalman Sigridur , Bartha Erzsébet
Published: September 2018

Background

Increased oxygen extraction, the ratio of consumption to delivery, has been associated with poor outcome after surgery. Oxygen consumption (VO2) can change in several ways in the perioperative period, but is seldom monitored directly in routine care. This study investigates the effects of general anaesthesia on VO2.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library 1946‐2018 for studies including VO2 measurements before and after anaesthesia induction. Quality was assessed by Cochrane risk of bias tool and NIH Quality Assessment tool for before‐and‐after studies. Changes in VO2 after anaesthesia induction were pooled in a random effects model meta‐analysis with standardized mean differences transformed to absolute changes of VO2. Changes in VO2 after surgical incision and after recovery from anaesthesia were analysed as secondary outcomes in the included studies.

Results

Twenty‐four studies including 453 patients were analysed for VO2 changes induced by anaesthesia. Studies were published during 1969‐2000 and mean age of patients ranged 28‐70 years. VO2 decreased after anaesthesia induction by −65 (−75; −55, 95% CI) mL min−1 and indexed VO2 (VO2I) by −33 (−38; −28, 95% CI) mL min−1 m−2. After surgical incision and in the post‐operative period VO2 increased again. Heterogeneity was considerable among the studies and the overall quality of evidence was very low.

Conclusions

General anaesthesia probably reduces oxygen consumption but the effect estimate is uncertain. Given the limited generalizability and low quality of the available evidence, new studies in modern perioperative settings and in today's older high‐risk surgical patient populations are needed.
The Emergency Medicine Specimen Bank: An Innovative Approach To Biobanking In Acute Care
Authors: Saben Jessica L. , Shelton Shelby K. , Hopkinson Andrew J. , Sonn Brandon J. , Mills Eleanor B. , Welham Makayla , Westmoreland Megan , Zane Richard , Ginde Adit A. , Bookman Kelly , Oeth Justin , Chavez Mark , DeVivo Michael , Lakin Alison , Heldens John , Romero Laurie Blumberg , Ames Michael J. , Roberts Emily R. , Taylor Matthew , Crooks Kristy , Wicks Stephen J. , Barnes Kathleen C. , Monte Andrew A.
Published: September 2018

The Emergency Medicine Specimen Bank (EMSB) was developed to facilitate precision medicine in acute care. The EMSB is a biorepository of clinical health data and biospecimens collected from all adult English‐ or Spanish‐speaking individuals who are able and willing to provide consent and are treated at the UCHealth–University of Colorado Hospital Emergency Department. The EMSB is the first acute care biobank that seeks to enroll all patients, with all conditions who present to the ED. Acute care biobanking presents many challenges that are unique to acute care settings such as providing informed consent in a uniquely stressful and fast‐paced environment and collecting, processing, and storing samples for tens of thousands of patients per year. Here, we describe the process by which the EMSB overcame these challenges and was integrated into clinical workflow allowing for operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at a reasonable cost. Other institutions can implement this template, further increasing the power of biobanking research to inform treatment strategies and interventions for common and uncommon phenotypes in acute care settings.
Intranasal delivery of mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes reduces oxidative stress and markedly inhibits ethanol consumption and post‐deprivation relapse drinking.
Authors: Ezquer Fernando , Quintanilla María Elena , Morales Paola , Santapau Daniela , Ezquer Marcelo , Kogan Marcelo J. , Salas‐Huenuleo Edison , Herrera‐Marschitz Mario , Israel Yedy
Published: September 2018

Chronic ethanol consumption leads to brain oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, conditions known to potentiate and perpetuate each other. Several studies have shown that neuroinflammation results in increases in chronic ethanol consumption. Recent reports showed that the intra‐cerebroventricular administration of mesenchymal stem cells to rats consuming alcohol chronically markedly inhibited oxidative‐stress, abolished neuroinflammation and greatly reduced chronic alcohol intake and post deprivation relapse‐like alcohol intake. However, the intra‐cerebroventricular administration of living cells is not suitable as a treatment of a chronic condition. The present study aimed at inhibiting ethanol intake by the non‐invasive intranasal administration of human mesenchymal stem cell products: exosomes, microvesicles (40 to 150 nm) with marked antioxidant activity extruded from mesenchymal stem cells. The exosome membrane can fuse with the plasma membrane of cells in different tissues, thus delivering their content intracellularly. The study showed that the weekly intranasal administration of mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes to rats consuming alcohol chronically (1) inhibited their ethanol intake by 84 percent and blunted the relapse‐like ‘binge’ drinking that follows an alcohol deprivation period and ethanol re‐access. (2) Intranasally administered exosomes were found in the brain within 24 hours; (3) fully reversed both alcohol‐induced hippocampal oxidative‐stress, evidenced by a lower ratio of oxidized to reduced glutathione, and neuroinflammation, shown by a reduced astrocyte activation and microglial density; and (4) increased glutamate transporter GLT1 expression in nucleus accumbens, counteracting the inhibition of glutamate transporter activity, reportedly depressed under oxidative‐stress conditions. Possible translational implications are envisaged.
Pharmacological and non‐surgical renal protective strategies for cardiac surgery patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass: a systematic review
Authors: Tan Shijie Ian , Brewster David J. , Horrigan Diane , Sarode Vineet
Published: September 2018

Background

Post‐operative acute kidney injury after cardiopulmonary bypass (AKI‐CPB) for cardiac surgery is a frequent complication. It may require renal replacement therapy (RRT), which is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. This review explores the efficacy of proposed pharmacological and non‐surgical renal protective strategies.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was done using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase and Scopus databases. Keywords included were cardiopulmonary bypass, cardiac surgery, coronary artery bypass, renal protection and renal preservation. Eligible articles consisted of all studies on patients who had undergone cardiac surgery via CPB with an outcome of AKI and/or RRT reported. All studies underwent a quality check via the risk of bias tool. The three most researched interventions (based on number of randomized controlled trials and total patients analysed) and their renal outcomes were then analysed with Review Manager Software.

Results

Eighty‐eight articles were extracted. A total of 26 management strategies for renal protection following CPB were identified. N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) and the use of volatile anaesthetic agents (VAAs) were further analysed. NAC, RIPC and VAA had no statistically significant benefit in reducing either AKI‐CPB or the need for RRT following CPB.

Conclusion

NAC, RIPC and VAA were found to have no statistical significant benefit in reducing either AKI‐CPB or the need for RRT following CPB. There remains clinical uncertainty with all currently proposed pharmacological and non‐surgical renal protective strategies for CPB. Future research in this area should analyse the effects of combined interventions or specifically focus on ‘at‐risk’ patients.
Minimizing Propionibacterium acnes contamination in shoulder arthroplasty: use of a wound protector
Authors: Smith Mitchell L. , Gotmaker Robert , Hoy Greg A. , Ek Eugene T. , Carr Ashley , Flynn Jennifer N. , Evans Matthew C.
Published: September 2018

Background

Propionibacterium acnes may be transmitted from the subdermal tissues to the deeper tissues during shoulder arthroplasty surgery, resulting in deep infection. The aim of this prospective, clinical study was to determine whether the use of a wound protector drape can lower the incidence of P. acnes in the wound during shoulder arthroplasty surgery.

Methods

For a consecutive series of 47 patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty, a wound protector drape was used during surgery, to isolate the subdermal layer from the surgeons’ hands, retractors and other instruments. Microbiological swabs were taken both from the subdermal layer and the exposed drape to determine the incidence of P. acnes at both sites.

Results

The overall incidence of P. acnes in the subdermal layer was 23%. A fivefold decrease in the incidence of P. acnes in the exposed superficial layer was demonstrated by use of the wound protector drape.

Conclusion

Use of a wound protector drape to isolate the superficial tissue layer from the surgeons’ gloves, instruments and retractors decreases the incidence of P. acnes in the surgical field. This may result in a decreased rate of transmission to the deeper tissues, and a decreased rate of P. acnes deep infection.
Similar evolution of pain symptoms and quality of life in women with and without endometriosis undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART)
Authors: Mathiasen Mie , Egekvist Anne G. , Kesmodel Ulrik S. , Knudsen Ulla B. , Seyer‐Hansen Mikkel
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Altogether 10% of all women of fertile age suffer from endometriosis, and up to 25% of these women require assisted reproductive technology (ART) to conceive. During ART the process of controlled ovarian stimulation causes high levels of estrogen, which in theory increases the risk of the progression of symptoms related to this estrogen‐dependent disorder. Because several case reports have described the worsening of endometriosis during ART we carried out this study to investigate whether controlled ovarian stimulation during ART aggravates symptoms in women with endometriosis in terms of pain and quality of life.

Material and methods

This prospective cohort study was based on questionnaires containing the Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP‐30) and pain evaluated on the numerical rating scale (NRS). Women aged below 40 years were recruited and divided into three groups according to their endometriosis and ART status. Questionnaires were administered before and after controlled ovarian stimulation in one ART cycle. Change in EHP‐30 and NRS scores from the 1st to 2nd questionnaire was analyzed.

Results

In total 52 women with endometriosis undergoing ART, 50 not undergoing ART, and 52 without endometriosis undergoing ART completed two questionnaires each. Both groups with endometriosis experienced a small increase in their quality of life, while women without endometriosis experienced a decrease. Pelvic pain worsened among women undergoing ART, but no greater worsening was detected among women with endometriosis compared with women without.

Conclusions

This study showed no worsening in quality of life and a slight worsening in pelvic pain during ART regardless of endometriosis status.
The role of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate in inflammation and cancer progression
Authors: Nagahashi Masayuki , Abe Manabu , Sakimura Kenji , Takabe Kazuaki , Wakai Toshifumi
Published: September 2018

Many inflammatory mediators are involved in the process of carcinogenesis and cancer progression. In addition to cytokines and chemokines, lipid mediators have recently attracted attention as signaling molecules associated with inflammatory diseases. Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) is a pleiotropic lipid mediator that regulates cell survival and migration, immune cell recruitment, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. S1P also plays a significant role in inflammation and cancer. The gradation of S1P concentration in the blood, lymph and tissue regulates lymphocyte trafficking, an important component of inflammation. Furthermore, cancer cells produce elevated levels of S1P, contributing to the tumor microenvironment and linking cancer and inflammation. Future technological advances may reveal greater detail about the mechanisms of S1P regulation in the tumor microenvironment and the contribution of S1P to cancer progression. Considering the critical role of S1P in linking inflammation and cancer, it is possible that the S1P signaling pathway could be a novel therapeutic target for cancers with chronic inflammation.
Analysis of osseointegration of implants with hydrophilic surfaces in grafted areas: A Preclinical study
Authors: Pinotti Felipe E. , de Oliveira Guilherme José Pimentel Lopes , Aroni Maurício A. T. , Marcantonio Rosemary A. C. , Marcantonio Elcio
Published: September 2018

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a hydrophilic surface on the osseointegration in grafted areas with deproteinized bovine bone (DBB) and with biphasic ceramics of hydroxyapatite/β‐tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP).

Material and methods

Fifty‐six rats were randomly allocated to four groups with 14 animals each: DBB: DBB+Machined surface; HA/TCP: HA/TCP+Machined surface; DBB‐H: DBB+Hydrophilic surface; HA/TCP‐H: HA/TCP+Hydrophilic surface. The bone defects were performed at the proximal epiphysis of the tibia. Then, the defects were filled with the biomaterials. After 60 days, the implants were placed in the grafted areas. The animals were submitted to euthanasia at periods of 15 and 45 days after the implants’ placement. The osseointegration was assessed by biomechanical, microtomographic, and histometric analyses. In addition, the expression of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and osteocalcin (OCN) was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The HA/TCP‐H group presented higher removal torque values and more mineralized tissue in the vicinity of the implants compared with the HA/TCP group. The DBB‐H and HA/TCP‐H groups presented higher values of bone‐implant contact (at 15 and 45 days), of bone between the threads (45 days), and expression of BMP‐2 (45 days) than the DBB and HA/TCP groups. Furthermore, the DBB‐H group presented a higher expression of ALP than the DBB group (15 days).

Conclusion

In conclusion, implants with a hydrophilic surface improve osseointegration in grafted areas compared to implants with machined surfaces in a rat tibia model.
Assessment of CYP‐Mediated Drug Interactions for Evocalcet, a New Calcimimetic Agent, Based on In Vitro Investigations and a Cocktail Study in Humans
Authors: Narushima Kazuya , Maeda Hiroshi , Shiramoto Masanari , Endo Yuichi , Ohtsuka Satoko , Nakamura Hiroaki , Nagata Yoshinori , Uchimura Tatsuo , Kannami Ayako , Shimazaki Ryutaro , Fukagawa Masafumi , Akizawa Tadao
Published: September 2018

Evocalcet is a novel calcimimetic agent for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). This study evaluated the effects of evocalcet on inhibition and induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes. Although drug interactions arising from reversible inhibition of CYP isozymes by evocalcet were considered unlikely based on the results of in vitro studies and static model analyses, the potential for evocalcet to cause time‐dependent inhibition of CYP3A or induction of several CYP isozymes could not be ruled out. Therefore, a clinical drug‐drug interaction (DDI) study to evaluate the effects of evocalcet on the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of probe substrates for CYP isozymes (CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, and CYP3A) was conducted in healthy male volunteers using a novel cocktail combination. Evocalcet did not significantly affect the PKs of the probe substrates, confirming that CYP‐mediated interactions were unlikely.
The impact of age on cardiac electromechanical function in asymptomatic individuals
Authors: Vancheri Federico , Henein Michael
Published: September 2018

Background and Aim

Whether aging affects left ventricular (LV) filling and ejection and the LV electric function is not well established. We investigated the effect of normal aging on echocardiographic measurements of LV morphology and function, LV electric function and the relationship between LV electric and mechanical function in asymptomatic individuals.

Methods

As part of a cross‐sectional survey for the prevalence of coronary risk factors in the general population in Caltanissetta, Italy, individuals without signs or symptoms of coronary artery disease or heart failure were randomly selected and underwent electrocardiographic and echocardiographic examination. QRS duration and amplitude, PR, QT and QTc intervals, were automatically measured. Echocardiographic examination included the measurement of LV systolic and diastolic dimensions, volumes and ejection fraction (EF). From the spectral Doppler flow LV early diastolic (E wave) and atrial systolic (A wave) velocities, isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and isovolumic contraction time (IVCT) were measured. Global LV dyssynchrony was assessed using the total isovolumic time (T‐IVT) and the Tei index.

Results

Aging reduced LV long‐axis function, LV filling time and E wave velocity and prolonged T‐IVT, IVRT and Tei index. It did not affect LV dimensions, ejection fraction, IVCT or QRS amplitude and duration. QRS duration correlated with LV dimensions, wall thickness and left atrial area. QRS amplitude and QTc interval correlated with the markers of LV dyssynchrony T‐IVT and Tei index.

Conclusions

Overall, systolic and electric LV function are not affected by age, whereas subendocardial function, diastolic and synchronous function are significantly influenced.
Epidemiology of white pine blister rust on limber pine in Colorado and Wyoming
Authors: Jacobi William R. , Kearns Holly S. J. , Cleaver Christy M. , Goodrich Betsy A. , Burns Kelly S.
Published: September 2018

Cronartium ribicolais a non‐native, heteroecious, fungal pathogen that causes white pine blister rust (WPBR) on all white pines, includingPinus flexilisJames (limber pine). The pathogen continues to move southwards and eastwards in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Wyoming on populations of limber pine. We examined the progression and intensification ofWPBRon limber pine in recently invaded areas (<40 years) by combining historical accounts of disease occurrence with recent large‐scale monitoring projects to describe the epidemic in this region. Using epidemiological information, we provide spread rate, disease incidence, disease rate increase, severity, infection density, disease intensity, frequency of infection events and mortality for this pathosystem across 27 study areas in Wyoming and Colorado. Over the past four decades,WPBRspread through Wyoming and Colorado at 7.7–10.6 km/year. Epidemiological parameters varied both within and between mountain ranges. Sites were classified into four epidemic types defined by length of time the pathogen has been present and disease incidence. Disease rate increase (increase in per cent disease incidence per year) ranged from 0% year−1to 3.2% year−1and varied depending on temporal scale. Average disease severity was 4.1 cankers per infected tree, and disease intensity (disease incidence × severity) averaged 112. Infection episodes occurred fairly consistently at 1‐ to 3‐year intervals at most sites, and by 2012,WPBRcaused mortality of >2.5% of all limber pine trees (>1.37 m tall) surveyed. Future monitoring and restoration activities may use epidemiological information to prioritize sites for management actions in conjunction with other published models and monitoring data.
Metabolic tracing unravels pathways of fungal and bacterial amino sugar formation in soil
Authors: Dippold M. A. , Gunina A. , Apostel C. , Boesel S. , Glaser B. , Kuzyakov Y.
Published: September 2018

The present study aimed to reveal the steps in the formation of fungal and bacterial amino sugars (AS) from glucose. Glucose labelled uniformly and position‐specifically at C‐1, C‐2, C‐4 and C‐6 was applied to an agricultural soil. Fungal and bacterial pathways of AS formation were reconstructed by a new approach: 13C recovery from individual C positions of glucose in AS by IC‐O‐IRMS. Only 0.75% of 13C from initially applied glucose was incorporated into AS within 10 days and followed the order: glucosamine > galactosamine > muramic acid. Relative incorporation of 13C (% of AS‐C) had the largest values for bacterial muramic acid and the smallest for fungal galactosamine. This reflects faster turnover of bacterial than fungal cell walls. A maximum of 55% ± 19% of the 13C incorporated in glucosamine was derived from intact, untransformed glucose. The smallest recovery was observed for C‐1 and C‐4. Recovery of C‐1 even decreased from day 3 to day 10, reflecting the metabolization by the pentose phosphate pathway. To be incorporated into AS, metabolites resulting from either the pentose phosphate pathway or glycolysis needed to be reconstructed to glucose by the reversible pathways of gluconeogenesis. The direct formation of AS (e.g. intact recovery of the glucose precursor), as well as amino sugar formation from recycled metabolites allocated to the hexose pool by back flux, occurred in parallel. Bacterial muramic acid showed the most variation in the recovery of individual C positions during 10 days, which reflects its intensive transformation by glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway and gluconeogenesis. It is explained by the lower metabolic activity of fungi than bacteria at steady‐state conditions. The present approach enabled us to analyse the biochemical pathways in bacteria and fungi, which will considerably improve our understanding of the formation and stabilization of microbially derived SOM compounds.

Highlights

Fungal and bacterial pathways of the formation of amino sugars from glucose are reconstructed

Intact use of glucose is distinguished from recycling by a metabolic tracing approach

Half of the precursor (glucose) is metabolized prior to incorporation into amino sugars

Intracellular recycling plays a crucial role in microbial SOM formation
A synthesis to understand responses to capture stressors among fish discarded from commercial fisheries and options for mitigating their severity
Authors: Cook Katrina V. , Reid Andrea J. , Patterson David A. , Robinson Kendra A. , Chapman Jacqueline M. , Hinch Scott G. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: September 2018

Discarding non‐target fish from commercial fisheries is controversial and has been a persistent concern for fisheries managers globally. Discard management strategies typically begin by understanding mortality rates among discarded fish, a challenging task given the dynamic, highly context‐specific nature of fisheries. An alternative is to develop our knowledge of how stressors operate by first understanding the causes of mortality that drive this context dependence. Particularly relevant to mitigation efforts is an understanding of how fish respond to the physical factors of fishing, such as the gear itself and methods of fishing and handling the gear. We provide a synthesis of how commercial fishing methods may influence discard mortality and outline means by which capture‐induced stress and injury can be mitigated for common commercial gear types, emphasizing method variants or alternatives during capture, handling, and release that could improve survival. This synthesis identifies exhaustion and injury as the most detrimental and ubiquitous stressors experienced by discarded fish, with few options for mitigating their effects. Trawls and hanging net fisheries are identified as the most harmful gears for by‐catch, characterized by high stress regardless of method variants and limited options for mitigation. Irrespective of gear type and type of stressor, minimizing durations of capture and handling and encouragement of good handling behaviour (e.g., during landing and sorting) will reduce the magnitude of stress and injury in fish, and ultimately increase survival.
The influence of weather on avian spring migration phenology: What, where and when?
Authors: Haest Birgen , Hüppop Ommo , Bairlein Franz
Published: September 2018

Over the past decades, spring arrival and passage of most short‐ and medium‐distance migrating birds in the Northern Hemisphere have advanced. Changes in spring temperature at the passage or arrival area have been most frequently shown to be related to these changes in spring migration phenology. In most studies, preliminary assumptions are made on both the spatial location and the specific time frame of the weather influencing spring migration phenology. We performed a spatially explicit time‐window analysis of the effect of weather on mean spring passage dates of nine short‐ and medium‐distance passerines. We analysed data from standardized daily captures at the Helgoland (Germany) constant‐effort site, in combination with gridded daily temperature, precipitation and wind data from the NCEP data set over a 55‐year period (1960–2014), across the whole of West Europe and North Africa. Although we allowed for a time window of any length at any location, nevertheless incorporating various measures to avoid spurious correlations, time windows at the likely wintering or spring stopover grounds were almost exclusively selected as the best predicting variables (96%–100% of identified variables). The weather variables at the wintering and stopover grounds explain up to 77% of the interannual variability in spring passage. Yet, the response of spring migration phenology to weather at the winter or stopover areas does not fully explain the observed trends. Spring migration phenology is, hence, strongly driven by weather at the wintering and stopover grounds, but additional mechanisms are needed to fully explain the advancement of spring migration. Our results also clearly show that previously illustrated correlations, or the lack thereof, between spring migration phenology and weather at the passage or arrival location are due to spatio‐temporal correlations in the weather data. This spatial mismatch might have led to false conclusions, especially the further away the wintering or stopover sites are.
Greater tree species richness in eastern North America compared to Europe is coupled to denser, more clustered functional trait space filling, not to trait space expansion
Authors: Ordonez Alejandro , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: September 2018

Aim

Determine if differences in species richness between currently climatically similar regions correlate to dissimilarities in functional diversity.

Location

Europe and eastern North America.

Time period

Neogene and Quaternary.

Major taxa studied

Temperate trees of Europe and eastern North America.

Methods

Using classic functional traits defining distinct ecological strategies, we described the trait spaces of European and eastern North American tree floras. The trait space of each region was described based on the occupied area, species accumulation pattern, and the trait‐space size, dispersion and clustering. We then evaluated if the species richness differences between these two climatically similar regions correlate to dissimilarities in both occupied areas and species accumulation patterns; as well as differences in the trait‐space size, dispersion and clustering.

Results

Differences in species richness between climatically similar regions do not necessarily result in functional dissimilarities. Regardless of eastern North American species having a larger trait‐space, occupied areas and species accumulation patterns converged. Although in both regions species clumped towards the trait‐space centroid, we observed statistically significant differences between Europe and eastern North America in the dispersion and clustering but not in size of the trait space. Moreover, traits from species in genera still present in eastern North America but lost from Europe during the Neogene and Quaternary were fully contained within the currently occupied European trait space.

Main conclusions

Positional convergence between European and eastern North American trait spaces suggests that this species richness anomaly does fully translate to the functional space. Our results suggest that species accumulation within a region occurs within a climatically restricted trait space, and not via trait‐space expansion. Moreover, the consistent aggregation of species towards the trait‐space centre aligns with the idea of a directional section towards a generalized morphology, which might provide the best way to interact with a broad array of environmental conditions.
Blurring boundaries: informal practices in formal employment in Ireland
Authors: Bobek Alicja , Wickham James
Published: September 2018

Formal and informal employment have traditionally been perceived as separate. This division usually has a social, geographical and temporal character. However, it has also been argued that formal and informal economic practices are not necessarily distinctive and often coexist within the same spaces, firms or even jobs. This article explores the blurring boundaries between formal and informal work. By using examples from four sectors of the Irish economy, we demonstrate how some employers ‘informalise’ working conditions of their formal employees. As we show, such informalisation is mainly focused on cutting employment costs and setting earnings below the minimum wage. This has resulted in a further erosion of the formal–informal division in some sectors of Ireland's post‐recession labour market.
Mass transfer coefficient and mass diffusivity of O2 and CO2 during oxidation of macerated CTC and rolled orthodox leaves in black tea manufacturing
Authors: Das Shrilekha , Datta A.K.
Published: September 2018

Oxidation of withered and macerated crush‐tear‐curl (CTC) and rolled orthodox tea leaves of TV25 clone was carried out in a closed chamber and oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration inside the chamber was measured at small time intervals. From the O2 consumption and CO2 production pattern during oxidation, mass transfer coefficient (ky′) and mass diffusivity (DAB) of O2 and CO2 was calculated considering equimolar counterdiffusion of the gases. Change in mass transfer coefficient and mass diffusivity of O2 and CO2 with duration of oxidation was fitted into exponential equation. Value of R2 for all the relationships were greater than .80 and reduced chi‐square values was less than 1. Values of ky′ and DAB at the initial stage of oxidation are higher for macerated CTC leaves and they reduce at a faster rate for oxidation of CTC tea than orthodox leaves.

Practical application

Fermentation (oxidation) in black tea processing is the most important processing step responsible for characteristics tea quality in terms of color, flavor, and aroma. This step consists of several biochemical reactions which are associated with consumption of O2 and production of CO2 gas. Mass transfer coefficient and mass diffusivity of O2 and CO2 gas during oxidation in CTC granules and rolled orthodox leaves were estimated in this study. This would help with the control of air flow rate in designing continuous fermentation machines and also the number of changes in room air required for floor/gumlah/trough fermentation and thereby improved tea quality.
A comparison of observed and thermodynamically predicted phase equilibria and mineral compositions in mafic granulites
Authors: Forshaw Jacob B. , Waters David J. , Pattison David R. M. , Palin Richard M. , Gopon Phillip
Published: September 2018

Recently published activity–composition (a–x) relations for minerals in upper amphibolite‐ and granulite facies intermediate and basic rocks have expanded our ability to interpret the petrological evolution of these important components of the lower continental crust. If such petrological modelling is to be reliable, the abundances and compositions of phases calculated at the interpreted conditions of metamorphic equilibration should resemble those in the sample under study. Here, petrological modelling was applied to six granulite facies rocks that formed in different tectonic environments and reached different peak metamorphic pressure–temperature (P–T) conditions. While phase assemblages matching those observed in each sample can generally be calculated at P–T conditions that approximate those of peak metamorphism, a consistent discrepancy was found between the calculated and observed compositions of amphibole and clinopyroxene. In amphibole, Si, Ca and A‐site K are underestimated by the model, while Al and A‐site Na are overestimated; comparatively, in clinopyroxene, Mg and Si are generally underestimated, while Fe2+ and Al are typically overestimated, compared to observed values. One consequence is a reversal in the Fe–Mg distribution coefficient (KD) between amphibole and clinopyroxene compared to observations. Some of these mismatches are attributed to the incorrect partitioning of elements between the predicted amphibole and clinopyroxene compositions; however, other discrepancies are the result of the incorrect prediction of major substitution vectors in amphibole and clinopyroxene. These compositional irregularities affect mineral modal abundance estimates and in turn the position and size (in P–T space) of mineral assemblage fields, the effect becoming progressively more marked as the modal abundance of hornblende increases; hence, this study carries implications for estimating P–T conditions of high‐temperature metabasites using these new a–x relations.
Population pharmacokinetics of extended‐release levetiracetam in epileptic dogs when administered alone, with phenobarbital or zonisamide
Authors: Muñana Karen R. , Otamendi Arturo J. , Nettifee Julie A. , Papich Mark G.
Published: September 2018

Background

Extended‐release levetiracetam (LEV‐XR) has gained acceptance as an antiepileptic drug in dogs. No studies have evaluated its disposition in dogs with epilepsy.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of LEV‐XR in epileptic dogs when administered alone or with phenobarbital or zonisamide.

Animals

Eighteen client‐owned dogs on steady‐state maintenance treatment with LEV‐XR (Group L, n = 6), LEV‐XR and phenobarbital (Group LP, n = 6), or LEV‐XR and zonisamide (Group LZ, n = 6).

Methods

Pharmacokinetic study. Blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 hours after LEV‐XR was administered with food. Plasma LEV concentrations were determined by high‐pressure liquid chromatography. A population pharmacokinetic approach and nonlinear mixed effects modeling were used to analyze the data.

Results

Treatment group accounted for most of the interindividual variation. The LP group had lower CMAX (13.38 μg/mL) compared to the L group (33.01 μg/mL) and LZ group (34.13 μg/mL), lower AUC (134.86 versus 352.95 and 452.76 hours·μg/mL, respectively), and higher CL/F (0.17 versus 0.08 and 0.07 L/kg/hr, respectively). The half‐life that defined the terminal slope of the plasma concentration versus time curve (~5 hours) was similar to values previously reported for healthy dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Considerable variation exists in the pharmacokinetics of LEV‐XR in dogs with epilepsy being treated with a common dose regimen. Concurrent administration of phenobarbital contributed significantly to the variation. Other factors evaluated, including co‐administration of zonisamide, were not shown to contribute to the variability. Drug monitoring may be beneficial to determine the most appropriate dose of LEV‐XR in individual dogs.
Normalising Britain
Authors: Weldon Duncan
Published: September 2018

A review of David Edgerton's The Rise and Fall of the British Nation
Welcome to the Anthropocene
Authors: Lewis Simon L , Maslin Mark A
Published: September 2018

How can we live well on the human planet?
Gastric administration of garlic powder containing the trpa1‐ agonist allicin induces specific epigastric symptoms and gastric relaxation in healthy subjects
Authors: Führer Martina , Dejaco Clemens , Kopp Brigitte , Hammer Johann
Published: September 2018

Background

TRPA1 is an excitatory ion channel and is involved in sensory processes including thermal nociception and inflammatory pain. The allicin in garlic is a strong activator of the TRPA1 channel.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of intragastric garlic powder containing allicin on perception, gastric tone, and mechanosensitivity.

Methods

An infusion‐barostat balloon assembly was used for infusion of test solutions, for distension, and to measure proximal gastric compliance and tone. After an initial open label dose finding with 1 g, 2 g, 3.75 g, and 7.5 g commercially available garlic powder, a bolus of 2 g garlic powder (11 mg allicin)/60 mL H2O was considered to induce moderate but constant sensation and was used hereafter in a placebo‐controlled, single‐dose, double‐blind, randomized study in 7 volunteers to evaluate gastric sensation, tone, and mechanosensitivity.

Key Results

Bolus injection of garlic caused immediate epigastric symptoms, mean aggregate symptom scores (AUC in 15 minutes) were 106 ± 49 vs. 35 ± 30 after placebo (P = 0.01). Garlic induced significant epigastric pressure, stinging, and warmth (P < 0.01 vs. placebo), while intensity of cramps, satiety, nausea, and pain was not significantly different to placebo (P > 0.05). Garlic induced an immediate, short lived fundic relaxation (balloon volume 627 ± 349 mL vs. −145 ± 120 mL; P < 0.02). No effect of allicin on proximal gastric mechanosensitivity and compliance was observed (NS).

Conclusion and Inferences

Garlic containing allicin induces immediate epigastric symptoms of pressure, stinging, and warmth and induces fundic relaxation but does not influence mechanosensitivity or compliance. TRPA1 is a receptor that is involved in gastric sensation and motility.
We are family: kin recognition in crop plants
Authors: Bais Harsh P.
Published: September 2018

This article is a Commentary on Yang et al., 220: 567–578 .
The Tenseless Theory of Time and the Moodless Theory of Modality
Authors: Skow Bradford
Published: September 2018

This paper develops a moodless theory of modality, intended to be as closely analogous to the tenseless theory of time as possible. It is argued that the new theory is distinct from David Lewis' modal realism and that it solves certain problems better than modal realism does, namely, the problem of advanced modalizing, the problem of necessitism, and the problem of conflict with common opinion.
Silencing without Convention
Authors: Unnsteinsson Elmar
Published: September 2018

Silencing is usually explained in terms of conventionalism about the nature of speech acts. More recently, theorists have tried to develop intentionalist theories of the phenomenon. I argue, however, that if intentionalists are to accommodate the conventionalists' main insight, namely, that silencing can be so extreme as to render certain types of speech act completely unavailable to victims, they must take two assumptions on board. First, it must be possible that speakers' communicative intentions are opaque to the speakers themselves. Second, it needs to be assumed that structural oppression can have hidden psychological effects on its victims. Because both assumptions can be motivated independently, I argue that silencing can be fully understood without appealing to linguistic conventions.
Nitrate affects transcriptional regulation of UPBEAT1 and ROS localisation in roots of Zea mays L.
Authors: Trevisan Sara , Trentin Anna R. , Ghisi Rossella , Masi Antonio , Quaggiotti Silvia
Published: September 2018

Nitrogen (N) is an indispensable nutrient for crops but its availability in agricultural soils is subject to considerable fluctuation. Plants have developed plastic responses to external N fluctuations in order to optimise their development. The coordinated action of nitric oxide and auxin seems to allow the cells of the root apex transition zone (TZ) of N‐deprived maize to rapidly sense nitrate (NO3−). Preliminary results support the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species (ROS) signalling might also have a role in this pathway, probably through a putative maize orthologue of UPBEAT1 (UPB1). To expand on this hypothesis and better understand the different roles played by different root portions, we investigated the dynamics of ROS production, and the molecular and biochemical regulation of the main components of ROS production and scavenging in tissues of the meristem, transition zone, elongation zone and maturation zone of maize roots. The results suggest that the inverse regulation of ZmUPB1 and ZmPRX112 transcription observed in cells of the TZ in response to nitrogen depletion or NO3− supply affects the balance between superoxide (O2•−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the root apex and consequently triggers differential root growth. This explanation is supported by additional results on the overall metabolic and transcriptional regulation of ROS homeostasis.
Elastase inhibition affects collagen transcription and prostaglandin secretion in mare endometrium during the estrous cycle
Authors: Amaral Ana , Fernandes Carina , Lukasik Karolina , Szóstek‐Mioduchowska Anna , Baclawska Agnieszka , Rebordão Maria Rosa , Aguiar‐Silva Joana , Pinto‐Bravo Pedro , Skarzynski Dariusz J. , Ferreira‐Dias Graça
Published: September 2018

Contents

We have shown that bacteria induce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in mare endometrium. Besides killing pathogens, NETs may contribute for endometrosis (chronic endometrium fibrosis). Since elastase (ELA) is a NETs component that regulates fibrosis and prostaglandin (PG) output, the aim was to evaluate if inhibition of ELA would affect collagen 1 (COL1) transcription and PGs secretion by endometrium explants, in different estrous cycle phases. Follicular‐FP (n = 8) and mid luteal–MLP (n = 7) phases explants were cultured for 24–48 hr with medium alone (Control), ELA (0.5 μg/ml,1 μg/ml), sivelestat ‐ ELA inhibitor (INH,10 μg/ml), or ELA (0.5 μg/ml,1 μg/ml) + INH (10 μg/ml). COL1 gene transcription was done by qRT‐PCR and PGE2 and PGF2α determination in culture medium by EIA. In FP, at 24 hr, ELA0.5 increased COL1 transcription (p < 0.001) but its inhibition (ELA0.5 + INH10) decreased COL1 transcription (p < 0.01) and PGF2α production (p < 0.05). Also, ELA0.5 + INH10 or ELA1 + INH10 raised PGE2 production (p < 0.01). At 48 hr, ELA1 increased COL1 transcription (p < 0.01) and PGF2α production (p < 0.001), but its inhibition (ELA1 + INH10) decreased these actions (p < 0.01; p < 0.05, respectively). Besides, ELA1 + INH10 incubation increased PGE2 (p < 0.05). PGF2α also augmented with ELA0.5 (p < 0.001), but lowered with ELA0.5 + INH10 (p < 0.01). In MLP, ELA0.5 up‐regulated COL1 transcription (24 hr, p < 0.01; 48 hr, p < 0.001), but ELA0.5 + INH10 decreased it (24 hr, p < 0.05; 48 hr, p < 0.001). At 48 hr, incubation with ELA1 also increased COL1 transcription and PGF2α production (p < 0.05), but PGF2α production decreased with ELA1 + INH10 incubation (p < 0.05). PGE2 production was higher in ELA1 + INH10 incubation (p < 0.05). Therefore, ELA inhibition may reduce the establishment of mare endometrial fibrosis by stimulating the production of anti‐fibrotic PGE2 and inhibiting pro‐fibrotic PGF2α.
Ejaculation effect on blood testosterone and prostatic pulsed‐wave Doppler ultrasound in dogs
Authors: Alonge Salvatore , Melandri Monica , Leoci Raffaella , Lacalandra Giovanni M. , Aiudi Giulio
Published: September 2018

Contents

Local vessels ultrasonography evaluates prostatic physio‐pathologic states. Testosterone promotes tissue and vascular growth. Knowing variables on prostatic vasculature is crucial to correctly apply Pulsed‐Wave exam. The study aims to assess how ejaculation and blood testosterone affect Pulsed‐Wave indexes. Serial blood testosterone dosages and Pulsed‐Wave exams were performed in 20 dogs, immediately before (T0) and after (T1) ejaculation and 6 hr later (T2). Arteria prostatica cranialis, Arteriola capsularis, Arteriola trabecularis and Arteriola parenchimalis were evaluated and mean Pulsatility and Resistivity Index, Systolic‐Peak, End‐Diastolic and Mean Velocity calculated. Data were grouped by time and vessel (ANOVA, p ≤ 0.05). At T1, Resistivity Index significantly lowered in A. prostatica cranialis, A. trabecularis and A. parenchimalis but grew in A. capsularis; Pulsatility Index had the same pattern, but not significant in A. parenchimalis; Systolic Peak Velocity, End‐Diastolic Velocity, Mean Velocity significantly rose in A. capsularis and A. trabecularis. No indexes differed at T0 and T2. Testosterone did not differ at T0 (10.93 ± 7.05 ng/ml), T1 (12.71 ± 7.29) and T2 (10.54 ± 6.63). Results stated the risen prostatic vascular flow postejaculation, affecting Pulsed‐Wave. Due to semi‐rigid capsule, impairing vasodilation of other vessels, only A. capsularis indexes increased. Intimal cushions of A. prostatica cranialis kept velocities fixed; A. capsularis and A. trabecularis lack of intimal cushions, thus velocities grew. In A. parenchimalis, precapillary sphincters opening allows increased flow redistribution in vasodilated parenchymal bed, keeping velocities fixed. As testosterone, not affected by ejaculation, did not peak, vascular changes are not due to testosterone itself. These physiological effects of ejaculation suggest proper sexual rest before Pulsed‐Wave exam planned to explore suspected prostatic neovascularization.
Effects of testicular hemodynamic and echogenicity changes on ram semen characteristics
Authors: Ntemka Aikaterini , Kiossis Evangelos , Boscos Constantin , Theodoridis Alexandros , Kourousekos Georgios , Tsakmakidis Ioannis
Published: September 2018

Contents

This study investigated correlations among ram semen quality parameters, testicular vascularity and echotexture. Measurements were performed biweekly for a year, before (BE) and after ejaculation (AE), on seven Chios breed rams [three rams (group A) and four rams (group B) of 2–6 and 9–13 years old, respectively], considering breeding (1) and non‐breeding period (2). Hemodynamics [Pulsatility Index (PI), Resistive Index (RI)] were evaluated in each testis. Images of testicular parenchyma were analysed to evaluate echogenicity [Mean Value (MV), Contrast (Con), Gray Value Distribution (GVD), Run Length Distribution (RunLD), Long Run Emphasis (LRunEm)]. Semen volume (V), concentration (C), kinetics (CASA), morphology (Sperm Blue), viability (Eosin‐Nigrosin) and DNA fragmentation (Acridine Orange) were assessed. In group A/2, semen V was correlated to left testis PI and right testis RI, BE (r = 0.4, p = 0.013/r = 0.6, p < 0.001, respectively), and to right testis PI and RI, AE (r = 0.5, p < 0.001). In A/1/AE, semen C was correlated to left testis PI (r = −0.5, p = 0.003). In group A/1/BE, RI of both testes was correlated to total and tail abnormalities (left: r = −0.5, p = 0.008/ p = 0.004, respectively – right: r = −0.4/r = −0.5, p = 0.01/ p = 0.008, respectively). In group B/1/BE, sperm tail and total abnormalities were correlated to left testis Con (r = 0.5, p = 0.02/ p < 0.001, respectively), whereas in A/2/BE, they were correlated to left testis LRunEm (r = −0.8/r = −0.7, p < 0.001, respectively). In group A/1/BE, DNA damage was correlated to right testis LRunEm (r = −0.6, p < 0.001) and tail abnormalities to left testis PI (r = −0.5, p = 0.03). In group B/1/AE, right testis LRunEm, GVD, RunLD, were correlated to sperm DNA integrity (r = −0.9, p < 0.001). Immotile spermatozoa and viability were correlated to left testis Con in group B/2/AE (r = −0.6/r = 0.6, p < 0.001) and to right testis MV in group A/1/AE (r = −0.6/r = 0.6, p < 0.001). In conclusion, alterations in both ram testes blood flow and echotexture seem to be moderately correlated with sperm assessed parameters, depending on season and ram age.