bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing the focal species approach to making conservation decisions for species persistence
Authors: Nicholson Emily , Lindenmayer David B. , Frank Karin , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: May 2013

Aim

Most risk assessments and decisions in conservation are based on surrogate approaches, where a group of species or environmental indicators are selected as proxies for other aspects of biodiversity. In the focal species approach, a suite of species is selected based on life history characteristics, such as dispersal limitation and area requirements. Testing the validity of the focal species concept has proved difficult, due to a lack of theory justifying the underlying framework, explicit objectives and measures of success. We sought to understand the conditions under which the focal species concept has merit for conservation decisions.

Location

Our model system comprised 10 vertebrate species in 39 patches of native forest embedded in pine plantation in New South Wales, Australia.

Methods

We selected three focal species based on ecological traits. We used a multiple‐species reserve selection method that minimizes the expected loss of species, by estimating the risk of extinction with a metapopulation model. We found optimal reserve solutions for multiple species, including all 10 species, the three focal species, for all possible combinations of three species, and for each species individually.

Results

Our case study suggests that the focal species approach can work: the reserve system that minimized the expected loss of the focal species also minimized the expected species loss in the larger set of 10 species. How well the solution would perform for other species and given landscape dynamics remains unknown.

Main conclusions

The focal species approach may have merit as a conservation short cut if placed within a quantitative decision‐making framework, where the aspects of biodiversity for which the focal species act as proxies are explicitly defined, and success is determined by whether the use of the proxy results in the same decision. Our methods provide a framework for testing other surrogate approaches used in conservation decision‐making and risk assessment.
High‐volume sports club participation and autonomic nervous system activity in children
Authors: Radtke Thomas , Khattab Kerstin , Brugger Nicolas , Eser Prisca , Saner Hugo , Wilhelm Matthias
Published: May 2013

Background

Sixty minutes of daily moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (PA) are recommended for children. This study investigated the additional impact of high‐volume sports club participation on the autonomic nervous system in active children, while controlling for acute effects of short‐term PA.

Materials and methods

Forty‐nine children (29 females) aged 10–13 years were investigated. Sports club participation was assessed with a validated questionnaire. Short‐term PA and night‐time autonomic tone (spectral power and nonlinear analysis of heart rate variability) were measured with an ambulatory device (Actiheart®). Children were dichotomized into two groups, based on their individual weekly time spent in a sports club: low‐volume group < 180 min/week (N = 26) and high‐volume group ≥ 180 min/week (N = 23).

Results

Children in the high‐volume group exhibited higher indices of vagal tone compared with the children in the low‐volume group. Short‐term moderate PA had a significant impact on the night course of autonomic activity. Boys showed a linear increase in vagal activity over the night course in relation to volumes of short‐term moderate PA of the previous day. A similar but nonsignificant trend was observed for girls.

Conclusions

In active children, higher volumes of sports club participation have an additional benefit on indices of autonomic tone.
Anaemia and cognitive performances in the elderly: a systematic review
Authors: Andro M. , Le Squere P. , Estivin S. , Gentric A.
Published: May 2013

Anaemia defined as a haemoglobin level <13 g/dl in men and <12 g/dl in women is common in older people and associated with numerous health consequences. The aim of this study was to systematically review all published data from the past 30 years that studied the association between anaemia and cognitive performance in people aged 65 years and over. An English and French Medline and Cochrane Library search ranging from 1979 to 2011 indexed under the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms ‘haemoglobin’ or ‘anaemia’ combined with the terms ‘dementia’ or ‘cognition disorders’ or ‘memory disorders’ or ‘orientation’ or ‘executive functions’ or ‘attention’ or ‘brain’ or ‘neuropsychological tests’ was performed. Ninety‐eight studies were selected. The following specific conditions were excluded: cancer, chronic kidney diseases, chronic heart disease and post‐operative cognitive dysfunction. Five observational studies and six prospective cohort studies were included in the final analysis. According to the studies, the number of participants ranged from 302 to 2250 community‐dwelling older people aged 55 years or over. Four studies considered the association between haemoglobin concentration and global cognitive functions, another three examined the association between haemoglobin concentration and the incidence of dementia, and four studies evaluated some specific aspects of cognition. A significant positive association was shown between anaemia and global cognitive decline as well as the incidence of dementia. A significant association was also shown between anaemia and executive functions. This systematic review shows a probable association between anaemia and cognitive performances, particularly with executive functions.
Computed tomographic features of lesions detected in horses with tarsal lameness
Authors: Raes E. , Bergman H. J. , Van Ryssen B. , Vanderperren K. , Stock E. , Saunders J. H.
Published: May 2013

Reasons for performing study

Tarsal pain is a common cause of hindlimb lameness in horses. Diagnosis can usually be made with radiography and ultrasonography; however, in some cases, these techniques are inconclusive and additional imaging is necessary. No studies describing computed tomography (CT) features of different tarsal lesions in horses with tarsal lameness are reported.

Objectives

Our aims were as follows: 1) to characterise CT abnormalities in horses with tarsal lameness; 2) to compare CT findings with those from other imaging techniques; and 3) to assess whether CT can help to diagnose tarsal pathology.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Computed tomography of the tarsus was performed on 15 horses (n = 17 joints) with tarsal lameness. The horses were divided into 3 groups depending on the reason for CT examination, as follows: 1) other imaging techniques were inconclusive; 2) evaluation of a fracture; or 3) other imaging techniques showed tarsal lesions, and CT was performed to assess whether additional lesions were present.

Results

Group 1 included 7 horses. Lesions detected with CT included subchondral cyst‐like lesions (2 horses); an osteolytic lesion in the cochlea tibiae (one horse); degenerative changes of the distal tarsal joints (2 horses); osteolytic lesions tarsometatarsal joint (one horse); and sclerosis of the third tarsal bone with a lesion of the tarsometatarsal interosseous ligament (one horse). In this group, CT provided information on the character and extent of the lesion that was not available with other imaging techniques. Computed tomography revealed more information about the extent and complexity of the fracture than radiography in Group 2, whereas CT did not provide extra information in Group 3.

Conclusions

Focal lesions located between the tarsal bone surfaces are difficult or even impossible to detect with radiography and ultrasonography, but they can be detected and characterised with CT.

Potential relevance

Computed tomography of the tarsus should be considered when radiography and ultrasonography are inconclusive, or for further evaluation of tarsal fractures.

The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting information.
Caspase‐14 overexpression in hairless mice is not involved in utricle formation
Authors: Devos Michael , De Groote Philippe , Gilbert Barbara , Bruggeman Inge , Leurs Kirsten , Lippens Saskia , Vandenabeele Peter , Declercq Wim
Published: May 2013

Loss of functional hairless (HR) transcriptional repressor leads to utricle formation and congenital hair loss both in mice and men. Studies in mice have shown that this is preceded by overexpression of caspase‐14 at the infundibulum in the hair follicle before conversion to utricle occurs. In this report, we show that HR regulates caspase‐14 expression dependent on its interaction with histone deacetylases, implicating chromatin remodelling in the transcriptional regulation of caspase‐14. However, crossing hairless mutant mice with caspase‐14‐deficient mice revealed that caspase‐14 overexpression is not the cause of utricle formation.
Population pharmacokinetics of ertapenem in juvenile and old rats
Authors: Boulamery Audrey , Marsot Amélie , Bruguerolle Bernard , Simon Nicolas
Published: May 2013

Ertapenem is a parenteral broad‐spectrum carbapenem active against Gram‐negative pathogens, which has been approved for treatment of different infectious situations in adults and children. Favourable pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics have been established in young adults. In the elderly, dosing regimen adaptations are not recommended. Nevertheless, pharmacokinetic studies in paediatrics have not been published yet. The aim of this study was to document whether age influenced ertapenem disposition by comparing its pharmacokinetics in three groups of rats. Rats were separated into three groups: very young rats 21‐day‐old, 10‐week‐old and 7‐month‐old rats. A population pharmacokinetic model was built and evaluated, using the NONMEM software. Pharmacokinetic parameters, interindividual variability and residual variability were estimated. The final model was evaluated by a bootstrap procedure and visual predictive check. The ertapenem concentration–time data were best described by a one‐compartment model with zero‐order input and first‐order elimination. Effect of very young and old ages was estimated on central volume and clearance. Model evaluation indicated that the model was robust and parameter estimates were accurate. Central volume was found to be dependent on age and increase with age. Although the dosing regimen was weight adjusted, clearance was found to depend not only on age but also on weight. This study clearly documents changes in ertapenem pharmacokinetics according to group of age. These results suggest that paediatric dosing regimen cannot be directly extrapolated from a pharmacokinetic model in young adults unless it took into account age‐induced modifications.
To get what we aim for – progress in diversity generation methods
Authors: Ruff Anna J. , Dennig Alexander , Schwaneberg Ulrich
Published: May 2013

Protein re‐engineering by directed evolution has become a standard approach for tailoring enzymes in many fields of science and industry. Advances in screening formats and screening systems are fueling progress and enabling novel directed evolution strategies, despite the fact that the quality of mutant libraries can still be improved significantly. Diversity generation strategies in directed enzyme evolution comprise three options: (a) focused mutagenesis (selected residues are randomized); (b) random mutagenesis (mutations are randomly introduced over the whole gene); and (c) gene recombination (stretches of genes are mixed to chimeras in a random or rational manner). Either format has both advantages and limitations depending on the targeted enzyme and property. The quality of diverse mutant libraries plays a key role in finding improved mutants. In this review, we summarize methodological advancements and novel concepts (since 2009) in diversity generation for all three formats. Advancements are discussed with respect to the state of the art in diversity generation and high‐throughput screening capabilities, as well as robustness and simplicity in use. Furthermore, limitations and remaining challenges are emphasized ‘to get what we aim for’ through ‘optimal diversity’ generation.
Opting out of dialysis – Exploring patients' decisions to forego dialysis in favour of conservative non‐dialytic management for end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Seah Angeline S. T. , Tan Fiona , Srinivas Subramaniam , Wu Huei Yei , Griva Konstadina
Published: May 2013

Background

Dialysis prolongs the life of people with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), but for patients who are elderly and suffer multiple comorbid illnesses the benefits of dialysis may be outweighed by its negative consequences. Non‐dialytic conservative management has therefore become an alternative treatment route, yet little is known on patients' experience with choosing end‐of‐life treatment.

Aims

To gain insight into the decision‐making process leading to opting out of dialysis and the experience with conservative non‐dialytic management from the patients' perspective.

Design

Qualitative study using semi‐structured interviews. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was undertaken as the framework for data analysis.

Setting/Participants

N = 9 ESRD participants who have taken the decision to forego dialysis were recruited from the advanced care programme under the National Healthcare Group, Singapore.

Results

Participants discussed life since ESRD diagnosis, and the personal and contextual factors that led them to choose conservative management. The perceived physical and financial burden of dialysis both for the individual but most importantly for their family, uncertainty over likely gains over risks which were fuelled by communication of negative dialysis stories of others, coupled with sense of life completion and achievement led them to refuse dialysis. All participants took ownership of their decision despite contrary advice by doctors and were content with their decision and current management.

Conclusions

Study highlights the factors driving patients' decisions for conservative non‐dialytic management over dialysis to allow medical professionals to offer appropriate support to patients through their decision‐making process and in caring them for the rest of their lives.
Claudin‐18 overexpression in intestinal‐type mucinous borderline tumour of the ovary
Authors: Halimi Sultan Ahmad , Maeda Daichi , Shinozaki‐Ushiku Aya , Koso Takahiro , Matsusaka Keisuke , Tanaka Mariko , Arimoto Takahide , Oda Katsutoshi , Kawana Kei , Yano Tetsu , Fujii Tomoyuki , Fukayama Masashi
Published: May 2013

Aims

Mucinous borderline tumours of the ovary are subclassified as intestinal‐type (IMBT) and endocervical‐like (EMBT), which differ in their clinicopathological features. In this study, we attempted to elucidate characteristics of the mucinous epithelium in each subtype.

Methods and results

The expression of claudin‐18, a marker of gastric differentiation, MUCs, CDX2, CK7, CK20, oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), CA‐125 and vimentin in IMBTs (n = 54), EMBTs (n = 25) and serous borderline tumours (SBTs) (n = 22) were compared by immunohistochemistry. Claudin‐18 positivity was identified in 98% of the IMBTs, whereas only 4% of the EMBTs were claudin‐18‐positive. Expression of intestinal markers such as CDX2 and MUC2 was relatively infrequent in IMBTs (48% and 33%, respectively). Müllerian‐lineage markers such as ER, PgR and vimentin were expressed rarely in IMBTs, while most EMBTs and SBTs were positive for these markers. Hierarchial clustering revealed a close association between EMBTs and SBTs, while IMBTs were clearly separate.

Conclusions

Claudin‐18 positivity is a specific phenotype that is characteristic of IMBTs. Frequent and diffuse expression of gastric markers, along with less frequent and usually focal expression of intestinal markers, suggests that IMBTs are essentially composed of gastrointestinal‐type mucinous epithelium (gastric‐type epithelium with a variable degree of intestinal differentiation).
Influence of Sintering Aid on the Translucency of Spark Plasma‐Sintered Silicon Nitride Ceramics
Authors: Yang Wenwu , Hojo Junichi , Enomoto Naoya , Tanaka Yumi , Inada Miki
Published: May 2013

Single additives (Y2O3, MgO, and Al2O3) were used as sintering aid of Si3N4. The density, crystal phase, microstructure, transmittance, hardness, and fracture toughness of sintered Si3N4 were investigated. Highly densified sintered bodies were obtained in single Y2O3 and MgO systems, but not in single Al2O3 system. The XRD results indicated that sintered bodies were composed of β‐Si3N4. The SEM images showed that all the sintered bodies had a fine‐grained microstructure with an average diameter of 0.29–0.37 μm. The thickness of grain boundary was changed with additive content. The transmittance (T) and the wavelength (λ) followed the relationship of T∝ exp(−λ−2.3) due to the light scattering. The transmittance was mainly influenced by the refractive index of additives and the thickness of grain boundary phase. The hardness and fracture toughness of sintered ceramics were 12.6–15.5 GPa and 6.2–7.2 MPam1/2, respectively.
Aqueous Colloidal Stability Evaluated by Zeta Potential Measurement and Resultant TiO2 for Superior Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Hasani Bijarbooneh Fargol , Zhao Yue , Kim Jung Ho , Sun Ziqi , Malgras Victor , Aboutalebi Seyed Hamed , Heo Yoon‐Uk , Ikegami Masashi , Dou Shi Xue
Published: May 2013

Controlling the morphological structure of titanium dioxide (TiO2) is crucial for obtaining superior power conversion efficiency for dye‐sensitized solar cells. Although the sol–gel‐based process has been developed for this purpose, there has been limited success in resisting the aggregation of nanostructured TiO2, which could act as an obstacle for mass production. Herein, we report a simple approach to improve the efficiency of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSC) by controlling the degree of aggregation and particle surface charge through zeta potential analysis. We found that different aqueous colloidal conditions, i.e., potential of hydrogen (pH), water/titanium alkoxide (titanium isopropoxide) ratio, and surface charge, obviously led to different particle sizes in the range of 10–500 nm. We have also shown that particles prepared under acidic conditions are more effective for DSSC application regarding the modification of surface charges to improve dye loading and electron injection rate properties. Power conversion efficiency of 6.54%, open‐circuit voltage of 0.73 V, short‐circuit current density of 15.32 mA/cm2, and fill factor of 0.73 were obtained using anatase TiO2 optimized to 10–20 nm in size, as well as by the use of a compact TiO2 blocking layer.
Effect of MgO and Y2O3 Doping on the Formation of Core–Shell Structure in BaTiO3 Ceramics
Authors: Chang Che‐Yuan , Wang Wan‐Ning , Huang Chi‐Yuen
Published: May 2013

This study investigates the effects of doping BaTiO3 with MgO and Y2O3 on the formation of core–shell structure. The MgO and Y2O3 enhanced the shrinkage upon sintering and inhibited the grain growth, respectively. However, increasing the amount of Y2O3 to 3.0 mol% suppressed the shrinkage upon sintering. The results of the diffusion experiment revealed that Y3+ was dissolved in the BaTiO3 lattice to a depth of 5–10 nm inside the grains, whereas Mg2+ tended to remain close to the surfaces of the grains when sintered at 1150°C for 18 h, suggesting that Y3+ may have had a higher diffusion rate than Mg2+. The Mg2+ prevented the diffusion of Y3+ into the core during sintering. Therefore, Mg2+ plays an important role as a shell maker in the formation of the core–shell structure in the codoped system. The core–shell structure can be obtained in BaTiO3 ceramics that are codoped with MgO and Y2O3 upon sintering at 1150°C for 3 h.
Cyclic Fatigue Life‐ and Crack‐Growth Behavior of Zirconia–Niobium Composites
Authors: Smirnov A. , Gutiérrez‐González C. F. , Bartolomé J. F.
Published: May 2013

A 3Y‐TZP/Nb composite fabricated by Hot‐pressing (HP) sintering with well‐distributed lamellar/flake–shaped metal particles (20 vol% fraction) has been studied under cyclic loading. Fatigue life was determined for the ceramic/metal composite as well as for monolithic zirconia to compare the sensitivities of both materials to cyclic stresses. In both cases, the fatigue test was performed according to ISO 6872. It was found that the 3Y‐TZP/Nb composite exhibits fatigue behavior which was compared with monolithic zirconia. The growth of fatigue cracks influences the bridging actions of the metallic grains and causes significant degradation in the mechanical properties of the composite material.
Latest insights into the risk of cancer in diabetes
Authors: Noto Hiroshi , Goto Atsushi , Tsujimoto Tetsuro , Osame Keiichiro , Noda Mitsuhiko
Published: May 2013

A growing body of evidence from observational studies and meta‐analyses of the data suggest that diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Meta‐analyses have shown that diabetes increases the risks of total cancer, and of site‐specific cancers of the breast, endometrium, bladder, liver, colorectum and pancreas, and that it decreases the risk of prostate cancer. Insulin resistance and secondary hyperinsulinemia is the most frequently proposed hypothesis, and hyperglycemia itself might promote carcinogenesis. In addition to several facets of lifestyle including obesity, smoking and lack of exercise, treatment for diabetes might affect the risk of cancer. For instance, metformin, an insulin sensitizer, reportedly has a potential anticancer effect. In light of the exploding global epidemic of diabetes, even a modest increase in the cancer risk will translate into a substantial socioeconomic burden. The current insights underscore the need for clinical attention and better‐designed studies of the complex interactions between diabetes and cancer.
Obesity as the common soil of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetes: Role of adipokines
Authors: Hui Elaine , Xu Aimin , Bo Yang Hong , Lam Karen S L
Published: May 2013

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) describes a spectrum of liver conditions from simple steatosis, steatohepatitis to end‐stage liver disease. The prevalence of NAFLD has been on the rise in many parts of the world, including Asia, and NAFLD is now the liver disease associated with the highest mortality, consequent to the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma. Whereas NAFLD is an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes, increased hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance contribute to the pathogenesis of both NAFLD and diabetes, which are associated with enhanced cardiovascular risk. Studies in humans and animal models have suggested obesity as the common link of these two diseases, likely mediated by adipose tissue inflammation and dysregulated adipokine production in obesity. In the present review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the role of several novel adipokines (adiponectin, adipocyte fatty acid binding protein and fibroblast growth factor‐21) in the pathophysiology of NAFLD and diabetes, as well as their use as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for dysglycemia in NAFLD patients.
The effect of vaccination, ploidy and smolt production regime on pathological melanin depositions in muscle tissue of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L
Authors: Larsen H A S , Austbø L , Nødtvedt A , Fraser T W K , Rimstad E , Fjelldal P G , Hansen T , Koppang E O
Published: May 2013

The presence of melanin in muscle fillets of farmed salmon represents a considerable quality problem for the salmon industry with major economic concerns. In this study, we have examined the presence of abnormal pigmentation in vaccinated versus unvaccinated Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., and evaluated possible differences between diploid and triploid fish. Furthermore, the impact of the smolt production regime at ambient (4.5 °C) versus elevated temperature (16 °C) was investigated. Pigmented muscle spots were analysed for the expression of genes involved in melanization (tyrosinase gene family) and immune‐related response in addition to morphological investigations. The proportion of fish with intramuscular melanin deposits was not significantly different between vaccinated and unvaccinated fish, regardless of ploidy. However, an interaction between vaccination and smolt regime was shown, where smoltification at elevated temperature after vaccination increased the number of affected individuals compared with vaccination followed by simulated natural smoltification. Furthermore, there were overall more fish with melanin spots amongst the triploids compared with their diploid counterparts. Transcription of the tyrosinase gene family confirmed an onsite melanogenesis in all pigment spots. The histological examination and the expression of the immune‐related genes revealed a chronic polyphasic myopathy that was not affected by vaccination, ploidy or smolt production regime.
Associations Between Vitamin D and Self‐Reported Respiratory Disease in Older People from a Nationally Representative Population Survey
Authors: Hirani Vasant
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To investigate the association between serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and respiratory diseases in older people.

Design

Cross‐sectional, nationally representative sample.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Two thousand seventy noninstitutionalized adults aged 65 and older taking part in the Health Survey for England 2005.

Measurements

Serum 25(OH)D levels, self‐reported long‐term respiratory tract diseases, and covariates (age, sex, social class, season of examination, use of vitamin supplements, and physical health status).

Results

Participants with severe deficiency (25(OH)D < 35 nmol/L) had more than twice the risk of respiratory disease than those in the highest quartile of 25(OH)D status (>64 nmol/L), and those with moderate deficiency (second quartile: 25(OH)D 35–48.9 nmol/L) had 1.75 times greater odds of respiratory diseases, even after adjustment with covariates. Adjusted analysis showed that those in the third quartile (25(OH)D 49.0 to 63.9 nmol/L) also had a greater risk of respiratory disease (odds ratio = 1.63, 95% confidence interval = 1.04–2.57).

Conclusion

Low serum 25(OH)D concentrations are associated with respiratory disease. Ensuring adequate 25(OH)D levels is of public health importance for older populations living in northern latitudes and may be an effective way to prevent concurrent respiratory infections and related complications in older people. Further studies are required to investigate whether vitamin D supplementation may reduce the incidence and exacerbations of respiratory disease.
Metabolic Syndrome and Hemoglobin Levels in Elderly Adults: The Invecchiare in Chianti Study
Authors: Laudisio Alice , Bandinelli Stefania , Gemma Antonella , Ferrucci Luigi , Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To assess the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and hemoglobin levels in older adults.

Design

The Invecchiare in Chianti (InCHIANTI) Study, a cohort study with a 6‐year follow‐up.

Setting

Tuscany, Italy.

Participants

Adults aged 65 and older (N = 1,036).

Measurements

MetS was diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The adjusted association between baseline hemoglobin and MetS was assessed using multivariable linear regression with hemoglobin as a continuous variable and using logistic regression with median hemoglobin level as the reference. Logistic regression was also performed with any incident decline in hemoglobin levels as the dependent variable.

Results

MetS was diagnosed in 263 (25%) participants. At baseline, MetS was associated with higher hemoglobin levels (B = 0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.03–0.33, P = .02) and with hemoglobin levels above the median value (odds ratio (OR) = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.17–2.32, P = .004) after adjusting. After 6 years, MetS was associated with lower adjusted probability of lower hemoglobin levels (OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.15–0.79, P = .012) but only in the oldest tertile of participants.

Conclusion

MetS is associated with higher hemoglobin levels in older subjects and with lower probability of hemoglobin loss over 6 years in those in the oldest age group.
Plate size does not affect perception of food portion size
Authors: Penaforte F. R. O. , Japur C. C. , Diez‐Garcia R. W. , Hernandez J. C. , Palmma‐Linares I. , Chiarello P. G.
Published: May 2013

Background

Evidences have suggested that larger utensils may provoke ‘size‐contrast illusions’, influencing the perceived volume and food consumption.

Objective

To analyse the influence of plate size on the visual estimate of food portion size.

Methods

Two 400 g portions of pasta with tomato sauce were presented on two plates of different diameters (24.0 and 9.0 cm). Each participant visually estimated on an individual basis the quantities of the pasta portions (g) present on each plate. In addition, each subject classified the size of the portions on each plate as ‘small’, ‘medium’ and ‘large’. The mean estimates of the amount of pasta on each plate were compared by the nonparametric Mann–Whitney. The differences in the frequencies of portion classifications between plates were evaluated by the chi‐squared test.

Results

Forty‐eight students (average 25.8 ± 8.9 years) participated in the study. There was no difference in the median amount of pasta estimated for the large and small plates (150 g; range 50–500 and 115 g; range 40–500 g, respectively). The classification of the portion size as ‘large’ was reported by a significantly greater number of persons when they evaluated the amount of pasta arranged on the large plate compared to the small plate (47.9 versus 22.9%, respectively; P = 0.018).

Conclusion

The size of the plate did not influence the estimate of food portions, even though it did influence the classification of portion size.
Bomb calorimetry, the gold standard for assessment of intestinal absorption capacity: normative values in healthy ambulant adults
Authors: Wierdsma N. J. , Peters J. H. C. , van Bokhorst‐de van der Schueren M. A. E. , Mulder C. J. J. , Metgod I. , van Bodegraven A. A.
Published: May 2013

Background

Intestinal absorption capacity is considered to be the best method for assessing overall digestive intestinal function. Earlier reference values for intestinal function in healthy Dutch adults were based on a study that was conducted in an inpatient metabolic unit setting in a relatively small series. The present study aimed to readdress and describe the intestinal absorption capacity of healthy adults, who were consuming their usual (Western European) food and beverage diet, in a standard ambulatory setting.

Methods

Twenty‐three healthy subjects (aged 22–60 years) were included in the analyses. Nutritional intake (energy and macronutrients) was determined with a 4‐day nutritional diary. Subsequently, mean faecal losses of energy (by bomb calorimetry), fat, protein and carbohydrate were determined following a 3‐day faecal collection. Finally, intestinal absorption capacity was calculated from the differences between intake and losses.

Results

Mean (SD) daily faeces production was 141 (49) g (29% dry weight), containing 891 (276) kJ [10.7 (1.3) kJ g−1 wet faeces; 22.6 (2.5) kJ g−1 dry faeces], 5.2 (2.2) g fat, 10.0 (3.8) g protein and 29.7 (11.7) g carbohydrates. Mean (SD) intestinal absorption capacity of healthy subjects was 89.4% (3.8%) for energy, 92.5% (3.7%) for fat, 86.9% (6.4%) for protein and 87.3% (6.6%) for carbohydrates.

Conclusions

The present study provides normative values for both stool nutrient composition and intestinal energy and macronutrient absorption in healthy adults on a regular Dutch diet in an ambulatory setting. Intestinal energy absorption was found to be approximately 90%.
Ten‐year changes in positive and negative marker food, fruit, vegetables, and salad intake in 9–10 year olds: SportsLinx 2000–2001 to 2010–2011
Authors: Boddy L. M. , Abayomi J. , Johnson B. , Hackett A. F. , Stratton G.
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background

To investigate changes in intakes of ‘negative’ and ‘positive’ foods, fruit, vegetables, and salad in serial cohorts of 9–10‐year‐old children from 2000–2001 to 2010–2011.

Methods

For this serial, cross‐sectional study, children in school year 5 (9–10 years of age) completed the SportsLinx Lifestyles Survey [n = 30 239 (15 336 boys and 14 903 girls)]. Changes in positive and negative food scores, and the proportion of boys and girls reportedly consuming fruit, vegetables and salad on the previous day to surveying, were investigated annually from 2000 to 2011.

Results

The consumption of negative foods declined and positive foods increased significantly compared to baseline. Positive changes in fruit, vegetables and salad consumption were observed over time, with the most recent cohort more likely to consume fruit, vegetables and salad compared to the 2000–2001 baseline. Girls displayed more favourable positive and negative food scores and were more likely to consume fruit, salad and vegetables across several study years compared to boys.

Conclusions

The consumption of negative and positive foods, fruit, vegetables, and salad has improved over the last 10 years. In addition, girls appear to have better positive and negative food scores, and were more likely to consume fruit, vegetables and salad, across a number of study years or cohorts compared to boys. These encouraging findings suggest that children's food intake has improved since 2000. Furthermore, the data indicate that boys and girls may require separate or different healthy eating messages to further improve food intake.
Positive Interactions and Avoidant and Anxious Representations in Relationships with Parents, Friends, and Romantic Partners
Authors: Furman Wyndol , Stephenson J. Claire , Rhoades Galena K.
Published: May 2013

We examined associations between positive interactions and avoidant and anxious representations in relationships with parents, friends, and romantic partners. Two hundred adolescents completed questionnaires, observations, and attachment interviews. From a between‐person perspective, those adolescents with more positive interactions overall had less avoidant representations. Within persons, the more positive interactions were relative to one's own average level in relationships, the less avoidant representations were for that type of relationship. Adolescents were less anxious about a particular type of relationship if they had positive interactions in their other types of relationships. Finally, representations were primarily predicted by interactions in the same type of relationship; interactions in other relationships contributed little. The findings underscore the importance of examining representations of particular types of relationships.
Metatarsus adductus: Development of a non‐surgical treatment pathway
Authors: Williams Cylie M , James Alicia M , Tran Ton
Published: May 2013

Metatarsus adductus (MA) occurs in one to two cases per 1000 births and is the most common congenital foot deformity in newborns. The appearance is that of a curved or adducted forefoot with a normal hindfoot. A systematic literature review was conducted to answer the following question: For a child who presents with MA, what is the most evidence‐based conservative treatment option? Thirteen articles were reviewed using the National Health and Medical Research Council levels of evidence and guidelines for clinical practice. Conservative treatment options reported on included the following: no treatment, stretching, splinting, serial casting, sitting and sleeping positions and footwear/orthotics. There was strong evidence supporting no treatment in the case of flexible MA. Some limited evidence was found for the treatment of semi‐rigid MA. Clinicians should use these recommendations together with clinical experience when advising parents on treatment of MA.
Age‐related differences in prefrontal, parietal, and hippocampal activations during correct rejections of faces
Authors: Tsukiura Takashi , Shigemune Yayoi , Nouchi Rui , Kambara Toshimune , Kawashima Ryuta
Published: May 2013

Older adults are more likely than young adults to show age‐related increases in remembering events that never occurred. However, little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying the increased occurrence of false alarms in older adults. To investigate this issue, this fMRI study examined age‐related differences in correct rejection activations during the retrieval of memory for faces. In behavioral data, older adults showed a higher rate of false alarms than young adults in subjective recollection responses. From fMRI data, an age‐related decrease in brain activations during correct rejections was identified in the inferior frontal gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, and hippocampus. In addition, interaction between activations in the inferior frontal and supramarginal regions during correct rejections was significantly lower in older adults than in young adults. These findings suggest that an age‐related decline in interaction between the ventral prefrontal region, which is involved in the source monitoring process during retrieval, and the inferior parietal region, which is associated with recollection by cooperating with the hippocampus, could induce impaired differentiation between old and novel stimuli in older adults.
Role of the fusiform gyrus and superior temporal sulcus in face perception and recognition: An empirical review
Authors: Iidaka Tetsuya
Published: May 2013

This paper reviews neuroimaging studies that investigated the brain activation involved in face perception and recognition, with a particular focus on activity measured in the fusiform gyrus and superior temporal sulcus (STS). Several lines of evidence suggest that a localized area in the fusiform gyrus (i.e., the fusiform face area; FFA) is specialized for face processing; however, FFA activity is significantly modulated by the attention level of individuals and by the contextual information of stimuli. It is speculated that intensity differences between the eye region and other face areas may influence face‐recognition performance, indicating that the eye region plays a critical role in person identification. Moreover, STS activity is involved in the processing of eye gaze, expression, and speech production. A unique aspect of these stimuli is that the subject automatically expects their motion on presentation. Thus, STS activity may function to send facial information for further cognitive processing in response to perceived biological motion in the surrounding environment. The neuroimaging literature indicates the functional significance of both FFA and STS in face processing; however, the evidence for neural connectivity between the regions is limited, which suggests that these two sites play mutually independent roles in face perception and recognition.
Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs inUKVeterinary Practices: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Survival
Authors: O'Neill D.G. , Elliott J. , Church D.B. , McGreevy P.D. , Thomson P.C. , Brodbelt D.C.
Published: May 2013

Background

The prevalence for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dogs varies widely (0.05–3.74%). Identified risk factors include advancing age, specific breeds, small body size, and periodontal disease.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors associated withCKDdiagnosis and survival in dogs. Purebred dogs were hypothesized to have higherCKDrisk and poorer survival characteristics than crossbred dogs.

Animals

A merged clinical database of 107,214 dogs attending 89UKveterinary practices over a 2‐year period (January 2010–December 2011).

Methods

A longitudinal study design estimated the apparent prevalence (AP) whereas the true prevalence (TP) was estimated usingBayesian analysis. A nested case‐control study design evaluated risk factors. Survival analysis used theKaplan‐Meier survival curve method and multivariableCox proportional hazards regression modeling.

Results

TheCKD APwas 0.21% (95%CI: 0.19–0.24%) andTPwas 0.37% (95% posterior credibility interval 0.02–1.44%). Significant risk factors included increasing age, being insured, and certain breeds (CockerSpaniel,CavalierKingCharlesSpaniel). Cardiac disease was a significant comorbid disorder. Significant clinical signs included halitosis, weight loss, polyuria/polydipsia, urinary incontinence, vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, and diarrhea. The median survival time from diagnosis was 226 days (95%CI112–326 days).InternationalRenalInterestSociety stage and blood urea nitrogen concentration at diagnosis were significantly associated with hazard of death due toCKD.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Chronic kidney disease compromises dog welfare. Increased awareness ofCKDrisk factors and association of blood biochemistry results with survival time should facilitate diagnosis and optimize case management to improve animal survival and welfare.
Improvement in Middle Cerebral Artery Structure and Endothelial Function in Stroke‐Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats after Macrophage Depletion
Authors: Pires Paulo W. , Girgla Saavia S. , McClain Jonathon L. , Kaminski Norbert E. , van Rooijen Nico , Dorrance Anne M.
Published: May 2013

Background

Inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Hypertensive animals have an increased number of perivascular macrophages in cerebral arteries. Macrophages might be involved in remodeling of the cerebral vasculature. We hypothesized that peripheral macrophage depletion would improve MCA structure and function in hypertensive rats.

Methods

For macrophage depletion, six‐week‐old stroke‐prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) were treated with CLOD, 10 mL/kg every three or four days, i.p., or vehicle (PBS lipo). MCA structure and function were analyzed by pressure and wire myography.

Results

Blood pressure was not affected by CLOD. The number of perivascular CD163‐positive cells per microscopic field was reduced in the brain of SHRSP+CLOD. CLOD treatment caused an improvement in endothelium‐dependent dilation after intralumenal perfusion of ADP and incubation with Ach. Inhibition of NO production blunted the Ach response, and endothelium‐independent dilation was not altered. At an intralumenal pressure of 80 mmHg, MCA from SHRSP+CLOD showed increased lumen diameter, decreased wall thickness, and wall‐to‐lumen ratio. Cross‐sectional area of pial arterioles from SHRSP+CLOD was higher than PBS lipo.

Conclusions

These results suggest that macrophage depletion attenuates MCA remodeling and improves MCA endothelial function in SHRSP.
A Stochastic Computational Framework to Investigate the Initial Stage of Corrosion in Reinforced Concrete Superstructures
Authors: Shafei Behrouz , Alipour Azadeh , Shinozuka Masanobu
Published: May 2013

This article presents a stochastic computational framework to investigate the chloride‐induced corrosion of reinforced concrete superstructures. For this purpose, three‐dimensional finite‐element models are developed to determine the extent of chloride penetration into the superstructure components. One of the unique capabilities of this framework is to simultaneously consider all the major factors that affect the corrosion process. Furthermore, the developed framework integrates various sources of uncertainty into the performance predictions. This will be achieved by modifying the element properties and boundary conditions of the finite‐element models at each time step. For a reliable durability assessment of deteriorating structural components, the proposed framework incorporates the temporal and spatial uncertainties of the influential parameters into the finite‐element analysis. Considering that most of the parameters involved in the corrosion process follow non‐normal distributions, a series of non‐Gaussian stochastic fields are generated following a computationally efficient procedure. The results calculated from extensive stochastic simulations are expressed in terms of the likelihood and extent of corrosion initiation. The outcome of this study indicates that the computational investigation of the corrosion process can be significantly improved if a reliable probabilistic framework is employed instead of conventional deterministic approaches.
Integrated stress response of Escherichia coli to methylglyoxal: transcriptional readthrough from the nemRA operon enhances protection through increased expression of glyoxalase I
Authors: Ozyamak Ertan , de Almeida Camila , de Moura Alessandro P. S. , Miller Samantha , Booth Ian R.
Published: May 2013

Methylglyoxal (MG) elicits activation of K+ efflux systems to protect cells against the toxicity of the electrophile. ChIP‐chip targeting RNA polymerase, supported by a range of other biochemical measurements and mutant creation, was used to identify genes transcribed in response to MG and which complement this rapid response. The SOS DNA repair regulon is induced at cytotoxic levels of MG, even when exposure to MG is transient. Glyoxalase I alone among the core MG protective systems is induced in response to MG exposure. Increased expression is an indirect consequence of induction of the upstream nemRA operon, encoding an enzyme system that itself does not contribute to MG detoxification. Moreover, this induction, via nemRA only occurs when cells are exposed to growth inhibitory concentrations of MG. We show that the kdpFABCDE genes are induced and that this expression occurs as a result of depletion of cytoplasmic K+ consequent upon activation of the KefGB K+ efflux system. Finally, our analysis suggests that the transcriptional changes in response to MG are a culmination of the damage to DNA and proteins, but that some integrate specific functions, such as DNA repair, to augment the allosteric activation of the main protective system, KefGB.
Plant invasions across the Northern Hemisphere: a deep‐time perspective
Authors: Fridley Jason D.
Published: May 2013

Few invasion biologists consider the long‐term evolutionary context of an invading organism and its invaded ecosystem. Here, I consider patterns of plant invasions across Eastern North America, Europe, and East/Far East Asia, and explore whether biases in exchanges of plants from each region reflect major selection pressures present within each region since the late Miocene, during which temperate Northern Hemisphere floras diverged taxonomically and ecologically. Although there are many exceptions, the European flora appears enriched in species well adapted to frequent, intense disturbances such as cultivation and grazing; the North American composite (Asteraceae) flora appears particularly well adapted to nutrient‐rich meadows and forest openings; and the East Asian flora is enriched in shade‐tolerant trees, shrubs, and vines of high forest‐invasive potential. I argue that such directionality in invasions across different habitat types supports the notion that some species are preadapted to become invasive as a result of differences in historical selection pressures between regions.
Practical Certainty
Authors: Locke Dustin
Published: May 2013

When we engage in practical deliberation, we sometimes engage in careful probabilistic reasoning. At other times, we simply make flat out assumptions about how the world is or will be. A question thus arises: when, if ever, is it rationally permissible to engage in the latter, less sophisticated kind of practical deliberation? Recently, a number of authors have argued that the answer concerns whether one knows that p. Others have argued that the answer concerns whether one is justified in believing that one knows that p. Against both of these, this paper argues that the answer concerns whether p is ‘practically certain’—that is, whether the actual epistemic probability that p differs from epistemic certainty that p only in ways that are irrelevant to the decision one currently faces.