bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Structured Review Addressing the Use of Radiographic Measures of Alignment and the Definition of Acceptability in Patients with Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Lalone Emily A. , Grewal Ruby , King Graham J. W. , MacDermid Joy C.
Published: July 2015

Background

Standard radiographs are routinely used in clinical care to characterize the severity of a distal radius fracture and to monitor patients following a distal radius fracture. The objective of this review was to describe the range and variability of radiographic measures described in the literature in patients following a distal radius fracture.

Methods

A structured literature review was conducted using the Embase and PubMed databases. Inclusion criteria included full-text publications which employed radiographic measures to examine 100 or more participants following a distal radius fracture. A standardized data extraction form was used to identify study design, fracture classification systems, the types of and definitions of radiographic measurements, and acceptability criteria following distal radius fractures.

Results

From an initial 263 studies, 31 studies were included in the final data extraction process. A narrative synthesis of the articles included in this review indicated that there was a set of commonly used radiographic measurements examined in patients with a distal radius fracture which included radial inclination, volar/dorsal tilt, intra-articular step/gap, and a measure of ulnar variance/radial shortening. While 52 % of studies referenced or published a standardized measurement technique, there was substantial variability in the actual description of each radiographic measurement performed.

Conclusions

Substantial variability in how radiographic measurements are defined in large clinical studies as seen in this review suggest a need for consensus on the assessment and interpretations of radiographic measures used in patients following a distal radius fracture. Guidelines for radiographic measures should be established to ensure consistency between research and treatment centers.
Single Seed Selection for Low Phytate Lines
Authors: AL‐Amery Maythem , Fukushige Hirotada , Hildebrand David
Published: July 2015

Most seed phosphorus (P) is bound in phytate which is unavailable to monogastric animals depriving them of P and causing eutrophication from P in animal waste. It is valuable to reduce the phytate levels of seeds used for food and feed. Low phytate mutant seeds such as soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] MIPS (D‐myo‐inositol 3‐phosphate synthase) mutants have correspondingly increased inorganic phosphate (Pi). Measurement of seed Pi levels is an established technique for screening for low phytate mutants but to date it has not been performed non‐destructively from single seed samples. A protocol was developed greatly reducing the sample size thereby reducing the cost and time and saving a generation in the selection of low phytate mutant seeds based on the high Pi phenotype. Pi was extracted using 12.5 % trichloroacetic acid. Pi reacts with ammonium molybdate in acidic solution to form phosphomolybdic acid, which upon reduction with ascorbic acid produces an intensive blue color. This new technique was tested using 1–2 mg samples, 96‐well plates with 8 MIPS mutants (GM‐lpa‐TW1), 8 wild‐type and 8 seeds segregating for the MIPS mutation. Selection of low phytate mutant seeds based on the high Pi level measured via a colorimetric assay based on a reaction of extracted Pi with ammonium molybdate forming a blue color. This was confirmed by DNA analysis of seed chips. This protocol is applicable to many other crop seeds including corn, wheat, rice and sorghum.
Soybean Seed Quality Characteristics in Response to IndigenousBradyrhizobiumInoculation and N Fertilization in Kashmir–Pakistan
Authors: Rahim Nasir , Kaleem Abbasi M. , Hameed Sohail
Published: July 2015

The objective of this study was to quantify changes in soybean seed quality characteristics in response to indigenousBradyrhizobiuminoculation and N fertilization applied under field conditions during the years 2009 and 2010. Seven indigenousBradyrhizobiumisolates were isolated from the different locations under the foothills of great Himalayas Rawalakot Kashmir, Pakistan. The field isolates were compared to a reference strain (exotic) TAL102, three N fertilizer rates and to an un‐inoculated control. The seed oil content, fatty acid composition, seed N, P and K concentration and seed N, P and K uptake were quantified.Bradyrhizobiuminoculation and N fertilization significantly increased oil content compared to the un‐inoculated control. The seed oil content varied between 16.2 and 21.5 %, highest in the seeds treated with indigenousBradyrhizobiumstrains NR22, NR25and NR35, and mainly composed of linoleic acid (47 %), and oleic acid (24 %). Inoculation and N fertilization both decreased the saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic) and increased unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid and oleic acid). The mineral nutrient content of N, P, and K and their accumulation in seed increased by 2–3‐fold compared to the corresponding control. IndigenousBradyrhizobiumstrains were able to generate the highest values for seed oil content (NR22, NR25, and NR35), unsaturated fatty acids, i.e. linoleic acid and oleic acid (NR25, and NR35) and N, P and K uptake (NR20, and NR22). There were noticeable differences among the treatments in terms of essential fatty acid, oil, and mineral nutrient content. The study demonstrates the potential benefits of using indigenousBradyrhizobiumstrains in order to achieve high quality soybean seeds that can be used as a balanced health product.
Review of Recent Lifecycle Assessments of Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Nealer R. , Hendrickson T. P.
Published: July 2015

This paper synthesizes the most recent studies on the lifecycle of electric vehicles (EVs), summarizes the critical assumptions and inputs of the lifecycle assessments (LCAs), and discusses policy context affecting these assessments. The use phase represents the majority of environmental impacts for EVs, particularly in areas with more fossil fuel use in the electricity grid mix. Assumptions made in LCAs about electricity generation, vehicle lifetime, vehicle weight, and driving behavior greatly impact the resulting lifecycle energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of EVs. However, vehicle and battery considerations outside of vehicle use affect the lifecycle environmental performance of EVs as well. The battery manufacturing and end-of-life (EOL) technologies and processes are still being developed and researched, and manufacturing batteries has some uncertainties but is a large contributor to the manufacturing emissions of EVs. Recycling and second-life applications present an opportunity for increasing the value and lowering environmental impacts of EV batteries. Policies today help to get EVs on the road by reducing costs to own EVs, but more research and policies can be developed to improve the state of battery technology. Future policies focusing on battery manufacturing and EOL and a cleaner electricity grid can have the potential to reduce the environmental burden of EVs by encouraging recycling batteries, producing batteries more efficiently, and reducing emissions from the electricity grid.
A questionnaire survey on the management of Graves' orbitopathy in China: A comparison with Europe and Latin‐America
Authors: Xu Shu‐Hang , Li Xing‐Jia , Chen Guo‐Fang , Zheng Quan‐Xi , Yang Yu , Hu Yong‐Xin , Wang Kun , Liu Chao
Published: July 2015

Objective

Management of Graves' orbitopathy (GO) continues to be a challenge to clinical endocrinologists. In the last few years, surveys on GO management have succeeded in elucidating trends in Europe and Latin America. To determine how endocrinologists in China assess and treat patients with GO and gain insight into how to make the management of this disease more uniform and standardized.

Methods

Based on the questionnaire used in the European survey on GO, a questionnaire in China was drafted and circulated to the members of Chinese Society of Endocrinology (CSE) during the annual meeting.

Results

A total of 124 valid responses were analysed. Almost all respondents (94.4%) claimed that a multidisciplinary approach for GO management was valuable. Over 80% of the participants advocated the assessment of exophthalmometry, vision, visual fields by perimetry, eye movements, and fundoscopy. Glucocorticoids were preferred as the first‐line therapy by 92.7% of respondents, among them, 59.7% choose the intravenous route. The treatment strategy for GO with intravenous glucocorticoids therapy still remains debatable. Anti‐thyroid drugs (ATDs) were the most common choice (72.6%) for first‐line therapy of coexisting hyperthyroidism. Treatment options for GO were very similar among Chinese, Latin‐American and European respondents, whereas radioactive iodine and surgical treatment were more often indicated for co‐existing hyperthyroidism in China.

Conclusion

The appropriate treatment for patients with GO is controversial even among thyroid specialists. Further training of thyroid specialists, easier access of patients to multidisciplinary centres and establishment of practice guidelines are required for the management of this condition in China.
Are There Associations Between Early Emotional Trauma and Anxiety Disorders? Evidence from a Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fernandes V. , Osório F.L.
Published: July 2015

Background

Previous studies indicate a possible association between early emotional trauma (EET) and the development of anxiety disorders (ADs) in adult life. However, no previous studies have compiled the findings of such studies and analyzed their statistical significance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to determine possible associations between EET and three ADs (panic, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety disorders).

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, PsycInfo, and Scielo with no publication date limitations. A total of 2127 studies were found, 32 studies of which were selected for the systematic review and 13 studies of which were selected for the meta-analysis.

Results

High prevalence rates of different EETs were observed among the individuals with ADs (median: 18%–45%). The results of the meta-analysis indicated that individuals with EETs were 1.9- to 3.6-fold more likely to develop ADs compared with a control group of healthy individuals. Emotional traumas were the main risk factor for social anxiety disorder. However, no specific associations were found for the other ADs.

Conclusions

EET is a risk factor for ADs, underscoring the importance of preventive measures to combat the development of these disorders. Moreover, the identification of EETs among patients with ADs is essential for implementing remedial measures to minimize the impact and damage arising from this association by decreasing the risk and severity of symptoms and to improve the response rate to treatment of ADs.
Acute myeloid leukemia developing in a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-mobilized stem cell donor
Authors: Haddad Housam , Wungjiranirun Manida , Gergis Usama
Published: July 2015

We describe the first case of a FLT-3 mutated AML in a healthy donor, 3 years after recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF)-mobilized peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) harvest. The patient had a myeloablative (MA) matched unrelated donor (MUD) stem cell transplant (SCT) for refractory AML. However, he experienced a secondary graft failure. He had a second non myeloablative (NMA) on day +75 from a second MUD. He achieved a complete neutrophil and platelet engraftment. After 4 years of follow up, he is alive in complete remission with full second donor chimerism.
Longitudinal reference intervals for Doppler velocimetric parameters of the fetal renal artery correlated with amniotic fluid index among low‐risk pregnancies
Authors: Figueira Camilla O. , Surita Fernanda G. , Dertkigil Márcia S.J. , Pereira Simiran L. , Bennini João R. , Morais Sirlei S. , Cecatti José G.
Published: July 2015

Objective

To establish longitudinal reference intervals for pulsatility index (PI) and systolic velocity (SV) of the fetal renal artery, and to evaluate their correlation with the amniotic fluid index (AFI).

Methods

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted among women with low‐risk pregnancies who attended outpatient clinics at the University of Campinas Medical School, Brazil, at 16–19 weeks of pregnancy between April 1, 2008, and March 31, 2010. Doppler velocimetric measurements of the fetal renal artery and assessments of the AFI were undertaken at 4‐week intervals to 36 weeks, and every 2 weeks thereafter until delivery.

Results

A total of 63 women were enrolled. The PI of the fetal renal artery showed little variation during pregnancy, whereas SV values increased to 36–37 weeks of pregnancy and decreased thereafter. No correlations were found between the AFI and the fetal renal artery Doppler velocimetric parameters (P > 0.05 for all). The intraclass correlation coefficients for intra‐observer and inter‐observer variability indicated good reproducibility of SV, but the reproducibility of PI was lower.

Conclusions

The AFI did not correlate with fetal renal artery Doppler velocimetric measures among low‐risk pregnancies. However, investigations are needed among high‐risk pregnancies.
Immunohistochemical study of the canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway in colorectal carcinoma and non-neoplastic mucosa
Authors: Ramos Rodrigo Felippe , Oshima Celina Tizuko Fujyiama , Gomes Thiago Simão , Mader Ana Maria Amaral Antonio , Alves Caio Dal Moro , Waisberg Jaques
Published: July 2015

Colorectal cancer is linked to several signaling pathways such as Wnt pathway. Our objective is to detect and verify the integrity of protein members of Wnt signaling pathway in colorectal carcinoma and non-neoplastic colorectal tissue. Sixty-four patients with colorectal carcinoma provided samples of colorectal neoplasia and non-neoplastic tissues, which were prepared in tissue microarray blocks and subjected to immunohistochemical analysis. The primary antibodies used were Wnt-1, Wnt-2, Wnt-5a Frizzled-1, Frizzled-5 and axin. Immunoexpression of Wnt-2 protein was significantly lower in colorectal tumor tissue and axin protein immunoexpression was significantly higher in tumor tissue. There was no significant difference in the expression of Wnt-1, Wnt-5a, Frizzled-1 and Frizzled-5 proteins in both tissues. The higher expression of Wnt-2 protein in non-neoplastic colorectal tissue suggests the participation during the hyperproliferative stage of colorectal mucosa. The increased axin protein immunoexpression in colorectal tumor suggests a decrease in the formation of the β-catenin destructor complex.
Radiofrequency ablation assisted by real‐time virtual sonography for hepatocellular carcinoma inconspicuous under sonography and high‐risk locations
Authors: Lee Cheng‐Han , Chen Wei‐Ting , Lin Chen‐Chun , Teng Wei , Lin Shi‐Ming , Chiu Cheng‐Tang
Published: July 2015

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an effective and real‐time targeting modality for small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). However, mistargeting may occur when the target tumor is confused with cirrhotic nodules or because of the poor conspicuity of the index tumor under ultrasonography (US). Real‐time virtual sonography (RVS) can provide the same reconstruction computed tomography images as US images. The aim of this study is to investigate the usefulness of RVS‐assisted RFA for HCCs that are inconspicuous or conspicuous under US. A total of 21 patients with 28 HCC tumors—divided into US inconspicuous and high‐risk subgroup (3 tumors in 3 patients), US inconspicuous and nonhigh‐risk subgroup (5 tumors in 4 patients), US conspicuous and high‐risk subgroup (16 tumors in 14 patients), and US conspicuous and nonhigh‐risk subgroup (4 tumors in 3 patients)—underwent RVS‐assisted RFA between May 2012 and June 2014 in our institution. The mean diameter of the nodules was 2.0 ± 1.1 cm. The results showed that the complete ablation rate is 87.5% (7/8) in the US undetectable group and 75% (15/20) in the US detectable group. A comparison between six tumors with incomplete ablation and 22 tumors with complete ablation showed higher alpha‐fetoprotein level (mean, 1912 ng/mL vs. 112 ng/mL) and larger tumor size (mean diameter, 26 mm vs. 16 mm) in the incomplete ablation nodules (both p < 0.05). In conclusion, RVS‐assisted RFA is useful for tumors that are difficult to detect under conventional US and may also be useful for tumors in high‐risk locations because it may prevent complication induced by mistargeting.
Dilated Virchow-Robin Space and Dopamine Transporter Imaging in the Striatum of Patients with Parkinsonism
Authors: Lee Dokyung , Hong Il Ki , Ahn Tae-Beom
Published: July 2015

Objective: The radiological and clinical significance of a dilated Virchow-Robin space (dVRS) in the striatum (STR) remains unclear. We investigated the role of dVRS in STR on parkinsonism and dopamine transporter positron emission tomography (DaT-PET) findings. Methods: Patients with parkinsonism who underwent both brain magnetic resonance imaging and DaT-PET were included. Clinical status was evaluated by Hoehn and Yahr (HY) stage, Korean-Mini Mental Status Examination (K-MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment Korea (MoCA-K), and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB). dVRS was assessed by semi-quantitative and quantitative scales in each of the three segments of STR (caudate nuclei, anterior and posterior putamen) and was expressed as a dVRS score. DaT-PET was qualitatively assessed as either normal or abnormal in each segment. The relationship between dVRS and DaT-PET abnormality (ab-DaT-PET) was designated in each segment as either concordant or discordant. A concordant segment was defined by the presence of dVRS with ab-DaT-PET [Concordance rate (CR)=number of concordant segments/number of concordant and discordant segments]. Results: Eleven patients were included. There was no significant correlation between the presence of dVRS and ab-DaT-PET. The mean CR was 0.39. CR was not significantly correlated with any clinical or neuroimaging scales. The dVRS score was significantly correlated with K-MMSE, MoCA-K, and FAB (r=−0.675, −0.847, and −0.868, respectively) but not with HY stage. Conclusion: dVRS in STR played no significant role on dopaminergic innervation revealed by DaT-PET and made little contribution to clinical parkinsonism; however, it was correlated with cognitive impairment.
Measurements of the ablation-front trajectory and low-mode nonuniformity in direct-drive implosions using x-ray self-emission shadowgraphy
Authors: Michel D.T. , Davis A.K. , Armstrong W. , Bahr R. , Epstein R. , Goncharov V.N. , Hohenberger M. , Igumenshchev I.V. , Jungquist R. , Meyerhofer D.D. , Radha P.B. , Sangster T.C. , Sorce C. , Froula D.H.
Published: July 2015

Self-emission x-ray shadowgraphy provides a method to measure the ablation-front trajectory and low-mode nonuniformity of a target imploded by directly illuminating a fusion capsule with laser beams. The technique uses time-resolved images of soft x-rays (

${>}1$

 keV) emitted from the coronal plasma of the target imaged onto an x-ray framing camera to determine the position of the ablation front. Methods used to accurately measure the ablation-front radius (

${\it\delta}R=\pm 1.15~{\rm\mu}\text{m}$

), image-to-image timing (

${\it\delta}({\rm\Delta}t)=\pm 2.5$

 ps) and absolute timing (

${\it\delta}t=\pm 10$

 ps) are presented. Angular averaging of the images provides an average radius measurement of

${\it\delta}(R_{\text{av}})=\pm 0.15~{\rm\mu}\text{m}$

and an error in velocity of

${\it\delta}V/V=\pm 3\%$

. This technique was applied on the Omega Laser Facility [Boehly et al., Opt. Commun. 133, 495 (1997)] and the National Ignition Facility [Campbell and Hogan, Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion 41, B39 (1999)].
The free-electron laser FLASH
Authors: Schreiber Siegfried , Faatz Bart
Published: July 2015

FLASH at DESY, Hamburg, Germany is the first free-electron laser (FEL) operating in the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and soft x-ray wavelength range. FLASH is a user facility providing femtosecond short pulses with an unprecedented peak and average brilliance, opening new scientific opportunities in many disciplines. The first call for user experiments has been launched in 2005. The FLASH linear accelerator is based on TESLA superconducting technology, providing several thousands of photon pulses per second to user experiments. Probing femtosecond-scale dynamics in atomic and molecular reactions using, for instance, a combination of x-ray and optical pulses in a pump and probe arrangement, as well as single-shot diffraction imaging of biological objects and molecules, are typical experiments performed at the facility. We give an overview of the FLASH facility, and describe the basic principles of the accelerator. Recently, FLASH has been extended by a second undulator beamline (FLASH2) operated in parallel to the first beamline, extending the capacity of the facility by a factor of two.
On steady non-breaking downstream waves and the wave resistance
Authors: Maklakov Dmitri V. , Petrov Alexander G.
Published: July 2015

In this work we have obtained exact analytical formulae expressing the wave resistance of a two-dimensional body by the parameters of the downstream non-breaking waves. The body moves horizontally at a constant speed $c$in a channel of finite depth $h$. We have analysed the relationships between the parameters of the upstream flow and the downstream waves. Making use of some results by Keady & Norbury (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 70, 1975, pp. 663–671) and Benjamin (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 295, 1995, pp. 337–356), we have rigorously proved that realistic steady free-surface flows with a positive wave resistance exist only if the upstream flow is subcritical, i.e. the Froude number$\mathit{Fr}=c/\sqrt{gh}<1$. For all solutions with downstream waves obtained by a perturbation of a supercritical upstream uniform flow the wave resistance is negative. Applying a numerical technique, we have calculated accurate values of the wave resistance depending on the wavelength, amplitude and mean depth.
A recipe for disaster: emerging urbanism and unsustainable plant economies at Early Bronze Age Ras an-Numayra, Jordan
Authors: White Chantel E. , Chesson Meredith S. , Schaub R. Thomas
Published: July 2015

The intensification of agriculture as farming communities grew in size did not always produce a successful and sustainable economic base. At Ras an-Numayra on the Dead Sea Plain, a small farming community of the late fourth millennium BC developed a specialised plant economy dependent on cereals, grapes and flax. Irrigation in this arid environment led to increased soil salinity while recurrent cultivation of flax may have introduced the fungal pathogen responsible for flax wilt. Faced with declining yields, the farmers may have further intensified their irrigation and cultivation schedules, only to exacerbate the underlying problems. Thus specialised crop production increased both agricultural risk and vulnerability to catastrophe, and Ras an-Numayra, unlike other sites in the region, was abandoned after a relatively short occupation.
New era for Stonehenge
Authors: Chippindale Christopher , Gosden Chris , James N. , Pitts Mike , Scarre Chris
Published: July 2015

Provision for visiting Stonehenge was radically reorganised in 2013. Why was it so difficult to achieve? Will the new scheme work? Here we present a multi-part review of the new arrangements. Christopher Chippindale is a former editor of Antiquity and author of Stonehenge complete, which recounts the changing fortunes of the monument down the ages. Mike Pitts has excavated at Stonehenge and written about the site in Hengeworld. Chris Gosden, Professor of European Archaeology at Oxford, approaches the issues from a World Heritage Site perspective. The section is co-ordinated by N. James who reviews the effectiveness of a visitor centre several minutes by land train from the stones.
A NOTE ON SIMPLE ZEROS OF PRIMITIVE DIRICHLET -FUNCTIONS
Authors: SONO KEIJU
Published: July 2015

In this paper, by using the theory of reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces and the pair correlation formula constructed by Chandee et al. [‘Simple zeros of primitive Dirichlet $L$-functions and the asymptotic large sieve’, Q. J. Math.65(1) (2014), 63–87], we prove that at least 93.22% of low-lying zeros of primitive Dirichlet $L$-functions are simple in a proper sense, under the assumption of the generalised Riemann hypothesis.
ON NONCOMMUTING SETS AND CENTRALISERS IN INFINITE GROUPS
Authors: ZARRIN MOHAMMAD
Published: July 2015

A subset$X$of a group$G$is a set of pairwise noncommuting elements if$ab\neq ba$for any two distinct elements$a$and$b$in$X$. If$|X|\geq |Y|$for any other set of pairwise noncommuting elements$Y$in$G$, then$X$is called a maximal subset of pairwise noncommuting elements and the cardinality of such a subset (if it exists) is denoted by${\it\omega}(G)$. In this paper, among other things, we prove that, for each positive integer$n$, there are only finitely many groups$G$, up to isoclinism, with${\it\omega}(G)=n$, and we obtain similar results for groups with exactly$n$centralisers.
Cross-linking of sodium caseinate-structured emulsion with transglutaminase alters postprandial metabolic and appetite responses in healthy young individuals
Authors: Juvonen Kristiina R. , Macierzanka Adam , Lille Martina E. , Laaksonen David E. , Mykkänen Hannu M. , Niskanen Leo K. , Pihlajamäki Jussi , Mäkelä Kari A. , Mills Clare E. N. , Mackie Alan R. , Malcolm Paul , Herzig Karl-Heinz , Poutanen Kaisa S. , Karhunen Leila J.
Published: July 2015

The physico-chemical and interfacial properties of fat emulsions influence lipid digestion and may affect postprandial responses. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the modification of the interfacial layer of a fat emulsion by cross-linking on postprandial metabolic and appetite responses. A total of fifteen healthy individuals (26·5 (sem6·9) years and BMI 21·9 (sem2·0) kg/m2) participated in a cross-over design experiment in which they consumed two isoenergetic (1924 kJ (460 kcal)) and isovolumic (250 g) emulsions stabilised with either sodium caseinate (Cas) or transglutaminase-cross-linked sodium caseinate (Cas-TG) in a randomised order. Blood samples were collected from the individuals at baseline and for 6 h postprandially for the determination of serum TAG and plasma NEFA, cholecystokinin (CCK), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), glucose and insulin responses. Appetite was assessed using visual analogue scales. Postprandial TAG and NEFA responses and gastric emptying (GE) rates were comparable between the emulsions. CCK increased more after the ingestion of Cas-TG than after the ingestion of Cas (P< 0·05), while GLP-1 responses did not differ between the two test emulsions. Glucose and insulin profiles were lower after consuming Cas-TG than after consuming Cas (P< 0·05). The overall insulin, glucose and CCK responses, expressed as areas above/under the curve, did not differ significantly between the Cas and Cas-TG meal conditions. Satiety ratings were reduced and hunger, desire to eat and thirst ratings increased more after the ingestion of Cas-TG than after the ingestion of Cas (P< 0·05). The present results suggest that even a subtle structural modification of the interfacial layer of a fat emulsion can alter the early postprandial profiles of glucose, insulin, CCK, appetite and satiety through decreased protein digestion without affecting significantly on GE or overall lipid digestion.
Interspecific competition between Snellenius manilae and Meteorus pulchricornis, larval parasitoids of Spodoptera litura
Authors: Chen W.-T. , Hwang S.-Y.
Published: July 2015

Snellenius manilae (Ashmead) and Meteorus pulchricornis (Wesmael) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) are larval endoparasitoids of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Both species preferentially parasitize early-instar S. litura and occupy similar ecological niches. Therefore, competition between the two species may occur. In this study, intrinsic competition and cage experiments were conducted to discuss the interactions between S. manilae and M. pulchricornis. The results indicated that in intrinsic competition, M. pulchricornis was always the dominant species. In cage experiments, when the total number of parasitoids was four, the parasitism rates following the release of one species were significantly higher than the release of two species simultaneously. In addition, parasitism rate of eight M. pulchricornis was also significantly higher than the parasitism rate of the treatment released four S. manilae and four M. pulchricornis simultaneously. Therefore, competition occurs between S. manilae and M. pulchricornis, and M. pulchricornis is typically the superior of the two species. The use of M. pulchricornis as a biological agent for S. litura should be considered.
The International Mercury Cartel, 1928–1954: Controlling Global Supply
Authors: López-Morell Miguel A. , Segreto Luciano
Published: July 2015

This article describes the features of the international mercury market during the first half of the twentieth century. It analyzes the various market agreements made, their effectiveness, and their consequences. The period studied is little understood, although it was one in which mercury production greatly increased. It was also one that saw persistent efforts at market manipulation, owing to a series of agreements between Spanish and Italian producers that proved very effective until the arrival of shipments of mercury produced by Soviet bloc members and by some developing countries.
Long-term growth of body, body parts and composition of gain of dairy goat wethers
Authors: ARAUJO R. P. , VIEIRA R. A. M. , ROCHA N. S. , ABREU M. L. C. , GLÓRIA L. S. , ROHEM JÚNIOR N. M. , FERNANDES A. M.
Published: July 2015

The goal of the present study was to characterize the growth of body parts and composition of the growing empty body to infer how these aspects relate to the long-term growth of goat wethers from dairy breeds. Animals were slaughtered at several ages from birth to maturity (≅900 days old). All body parts were weighed and sampled to determine chemical constituent dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, ash and specific energy. The monomolecular (Brody), Gompertz, and Richards models, a biphasic model formed by the combined Brody and Gompertz functions, and a simple linear model were fitted to the growth profiles with different variance functions and were all evaluated using likelihood-information criteria. The effect of breed (genotype) was accounted for in all models but the resulting models were not more likely than the models without the breed effect. Remarkable differences were observed regarding inflection points, growth rates and trends for all body parts and chemical constituents of the body. The biphasic model did not supplant the monomolecular, Gompertz, Richards or the linear model in terms of likelihood-information criteria. Therefore, body parts and chemical constituents of the empty body presented monomolecular, sigmoid and linear time-trends. The growth profiles of fat, protein and energy of the empty body did not scale isometrically with the empty body proper. In addition, the variance was heteroscedastic along the time scale and was better represented by both an exponential variance over time or by a power function of the mean.
The use of multiple restriction enzymes in terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and identification of performance-related caecal bacterial groups in growing broiler chickens
Authors: RUIZ R. , BARROSO-DELJESÚS A. , LARA L. , RUBIO L. A.
Published: July 2015

Four restriction enzymes (AluI, HhaI, MspI and RsaI), either individually or in combination, were used in terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis to: (i) characterize the chicken intestinal bacterial community; and (ii) tentatively identify intestinal bacterial groups related with increased performance parameters in broiler chickens. Balanced commercial diets free of any feed antibiotics were offered to broilers assigned randomly to one of the five dietary treatments: control (C) (commercial diet with no additive), inulin (I), fructose caramel, propyl propane thiosulphonate (PTS-O)-45 and PTS-O-90. Except for the inulin-supplemented diet, multivariate statistical analysis of T-RFLP profiles based on individual enzymes or their combinations showed that the caecal bacterial community composition was significantly different among diets, particularly between the control and the supplemented diets. Individual RsaI and the combination AluI + RsaI proved to be the most useful to discriminate between dietary treatments. Clostridiaceae 1, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae and Micrococcaceae were tentatively identified as those families most likely to be implicated in defining the caecal microbiota composition of growing broiler chickens, and also as those most closely related with differences in productive parameters.
EXPLAINING THE GAP IN ANTENATAL CARE SERVICE UTILIZATION BETWEEN YOUNGER AND OLDER MOTHERS IN GHANA
Authors: Boamah Sheila A. , Amoyaw Jonathan , Luginaah Isaac
Published: July 2015

Over two-thirds of pregnant women (69%) have at least one antenatal care (ANC) coverage contact in sub-Saharan Africa. However, to achieve the full life-saving potential that ANC promises for women and babies, a nuanced understanding of age-specific gaps in utilization of ANC services is required. Using the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey of 1456 individuals, this study examined the disparities in the use of ANC services between younger and older mothers by applying four counterfactual decomposition techniques. The results show that cross-group differences in the explanatory variables largely account for the differentials in ANC service utilization between younger and older mothers. Birth order (parity) accounts for the largest share of the contribution to the overall explained gap in ANC utilization between the younger and older mothers, suggesting that ANC differentials between the two groups are probably due to biosocial factors. To a lesser extent, wealth status of the two groups also contributes to the overall explained gap in ANC service utilization. The policy implications of these findings are that in order to bridge the ANC service utilization gap between the two groups, policymakers must systematically address gaps in cross-group differences in the explanatory variables in order to increase the utilization of ANC to attain the minimum recommendation of four visits as per World Health Organization guidelines.
Routine non-thyroid head and neck cytology in a large UK centre: clinical utility and pitfalls
Authors: Kaye P V , Pigera M , Khan M M , Hollows P , Beasley N
Published: July 2015

Objective:

This study aimed to examine the performance of head and neck cytology at Nottingham University Hospitals between 2009 and 2010.

Methods:

Cases were extracted from the Winpath pathology reporting system and correlations were investigated between results and the histological and clinical outcomes. Specimen adequacy and the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic accuracy of the cytology tests were calculated.

Results:

In all, 19.7 per cent of aspirates were judged to be inadequate. The absolute and relative sensitivities of head and neck cytology were 87.0 per cent and 89.0 per cent, respectively, and the absolute and relative specificities were 99.0 per cent and 97.0 per cent, respectively. The positive predictive values were 99.0 per cent and 96.0 per cent and the negative predictive values were 92.0 per cent and 92.0 per cent for a diagnostic accuracy of 94.5 per cent and 93.0 per cent. The performance was consistent with previous reports and superior to that of a recent UK series. The high rate of inadequate samples is, however, a concern.

Conclusion:

Head and neck cytology is a robust technique at our institution, although there are certain problem areas. There is room for improvement in the technical quality of fine needle aspiration.
Incidence of malignancy in solitary thyroid nodules
Authors: Keh S M , El-Shunnar S K , Palmer T , Ahsan S F
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of solitary thyroid nodules in patients who underwent thyroid surgery.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of the case notes of all adult patients who underwent thyroid surgery from January 2003 to December 2009. All patients with solitary thyroid nodules identified by ultrasonography were included.

Results:

In total, 225 patients underwent thyroid surgery. The prevalence of solitary thyroid nodules was 27.1 per cent (61 out of 225 patients). Seventy-two per cent of patients were women and the mean age at presentation was 52 ± 16 years. In all, 75.4 per cent of solitary nodules had neoplastic pathology and the malignancy rate was 34.4 per cent. The sensitivity and specificity of fine needle aspiration cytology for neoplasm detection were 73.9 per cent and 80.0 per cent, respectively. There was no association between the various ultrasonography parameters and malignancy risk (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Solitary thyroid nodules should be investigated thoroughly with a high index of suspicion because there is a high probability (34.0 per cent) of malignancy.
Otomastoiditis caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria: report of 16 cases, 3 with infection intracranially
Authors: Lundman L , Edvardsson H , Ängeby K
Published: July 2015

Objective:

To analyse the clinical presentation, treatment and outcome in patients diagnosed with otomastoiditis caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria.

Methods:

A retrospective case review of 16 patients diagnosed with otomastoiditis caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria from 2000 to 2012 was conducted in a hospital and tertiary referral centre in Sweden. The main outcome measures were microbiology findings, and surgical and medical interventions and outcomes. In addition, the relevant literature was reviewed.

Results:

In three patients with otomastoiditis, the disease had spread intracranially. The bacteriological findings revealed Mycobacterium abscessus (n = 12), Mycobacterium fortuitum (n = 2) and Mycobacterium avium complex (n = 2). Surgical treatment was undertaken in all but three patients, including exploration of the temporal lobe in one patient. Systemic antibiotic treatment was given to all but one patient. Eight patients healed completely. Eight patients developed hearing loss. Two patients had relapse of the mycobacterial infection several months after the antibiotic treatment had been discontinued.

Conclusion:

Non-tuberculous otomastoiditis is a severe ear disease with challenging considerations, and should be treated aggressively in order to avoid morbidity.
Isolated herpes simplex in the adult larynx as a rare complication of methotrexate-induced immunosuppression
Authors: Lee J , Ojha S , Hughes J , Weir J
Published: July 2015

Objective:

This report describes the clinical presentation and management of a rare case of herpes simplex virus infection in the larynx of a patient treated with methotrexate.

Case report:

We report a case of a clinically suspicious laryngeal lesion in an 82-year-old woman who started methotrexate treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Shortly afterwards she developed dysphonia, which worsened over four months. On microlaryngoscopy, there was bilateral erythema and ulceration of the vocal folds. No other mucocutaneous lesions or systemic features were present. Biopsies revealed herpes simplex virus infection of the vocal folds; there was complete resolution with oral aciclovir. A brief literature review for this rare entity is presented and the diagnostic challenges arising from under-recognition of atypical presentations are discussed.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the first report of a rare complication of herpes simplex virus infection in the context of methotrexate-induced immunosuppression. It may present therapeutic challenges for conditions which rely on immunosuppressive treatments.
Regrowth of the adenoids after adenoidectomy down to the pharyngobasilar fascial surface
Authors: Wei L , Wang M , Hua N , Tong K , Zhai L , Wang Z
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

This study aimed to explore adenoid regrowth after transoral power-assisted adenoidectomy down to the pharyngobasilar fascial surface.

Methods:

Transoral adenoidectomy down to the pharyngobasilar fascia surface was performed on 39 patients under endoscopic guidance, using a power-assisted system. The operation time, amount of blood loss and iatrogenic injury, presence of complications, and success and regrowth rates were recorded to assess the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of our surgical technique.

Results:

In this adenoidectomy procedure, the pharyngobasilar fascia was left intact. The estimated blood loss was 5–50 ml (mean 15 ml), and the success rate was 97.3 per cent. Early complications occurred in 2.3 per cent of patients, while no long-term complications occurred in the cohort. No regrowth was found in the follow-up assessments, which were performed for 18–36 months after surgery.

Conclusion:

Adenoid regrowth was rare after adenoidectomy down to the pharyngobasilar fascial surface. The pharyngobasilar fascia can therefore be considered a surgical boundary for adenoidectomy.
How effective are common ENT operations?
Authors: Seymour N C
Published: July 2015

Objective:

To review the literature on the outcomes of ENT operations in order to assess whether ENT operations are effective.

Methods:

The value of evidence-based medicine in relation to ENT was appraised, as was the perception of effectiveness. Literature on common ENT operations, including grommet insertion, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, and correction of the nasal septum, was evaluated.

Results and conclusion:

When evaluating the effectiveness of ENT operations, the patient's overall condition and improvements after surgery should be measured. Objective and subjective factors should both be considered as good evidence, especially with the increasing role that evidence-based medicine plays in decisions of whether to operate. The literature review provides evidence that ENT operations are effective.
Demography of the Agassiz's parrotfish Sparisoma frondosum (Agassiz, 1831) in north-eastern Brazil
Authors: Lessa Rosângela , Da Silva Camila R. , Dias June F. , Santana Francisco M.
Published: July 2015

Age and growth of Agassiz's parrotfish Sparisoma frondosum captured off Brazil (Pernambuco) were estimated using sagittal otoliths from 251 specimens. Sex of each specimen was determined and showed that 130 specimens were females (13.1 to 36.8 cm TL) and 121 were males (17.5 to 36.6 cm TL). The otolith marginal increment analysis indicated a single translucent ring formed every year. Parameters of growth curves were derived for the von Bertalanffy (VBGF) and Gompertz models. Based on the Akaike information criterion (AIC), both models were suitable for describing the growth of this species. VBGF parameters were estimated for males L∞ = 39.74 cm TL, K = 0.22, t0 = −1.63 years, females L∞ = 32.38 cm TL, K = 0.44; t0 = −0.23 years; and for the sexes combined L∞ = 33.66 cm TL, K = 0.41, t0 = −0.27 years. The study showed that 55% of individuals were 3 and 4 years of age, with maximal age of 9 years. Mature females (>17.6 cm TL) accounted for 45% of the sample. The age at first maturity for females was 1.6 years. For males the size at first maturity was not determined as immature individuals were not present in the overall sample. Also, primary males (PM) and specimens with gonads undergoing sexual transition were not found. The age structure and growth parameters for S. frondosum are an important contribution to the assessment of the state of exploitation of this species.
FhCaBP2: a Fasciola hepatica calcium-binding protein with EF-hand and dynein light chain domains
Authors: THOMAS CHARLOTTE M. , TIMSON DAVID J.
Published: July 2015

FhCaBP2 is a Fasciola hepatica protein which belongs to a family of helminth calcium-binding proteins which combine an N-terminal domain containing two EF-hand motifs and a C-terminal dynein light chain-like (DLC-like) domain. Its predicted structure showed two globular domains joined by a flexible linker. Recombinant FhCaBP2 interacted reversibly with calcium and manganese ions, but not with magnesium, barium, strontium, copper (II), colbalt (II), iron (II), nickel, lead or potassium ions. Cadmium (II) ions appeared to bind non-site-specifically and destabilize the protein. Interaction with either calcium or magnesium ions results in a conformational change in which the protein's surface becomes more hydrophobic. The EF-hand domain alone was able to interact with calcium and manganese ions; the DLC-like domain was not. Alteration of a residue (Asp-58 to Ala) in the second EF-hand motif in this domain abolished ion-binding activity. This suggests that the second EF-hand is the one responsible for ion-binding. FhCaBP2 homodimerizes and the extent of dimerization was not affected by calcium ions or by the aspartate to alanine substitution in the second EF-hand. The isolated EF-hand and DLC-like domains are both capable of homodimerization. FhCaBP2 interacted with the calmodulin antagonists trifluoperazine, chlorpromazine, thiamylal and W7. Interestingly, while chlorpromazine and thiamylal interacted with the EF-hand domain (as expected), trifluoperazine and W7 bound to the DLC-like domain. Overall, FhCaBP2 has distinct biochemical properties compared with other members of this protein family from Fasciola hepatica, a fact which supports the hypothesis that these proteins have different physiological roles.
Decreased Microvascular Cerebral Blood Flow Assessed by Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy after Repetitive Concussions in Mice
Authors: Buckley Erin M , Miller Benjamin F , Golinski Julianne M , Sadeghian Homa , McAllister Lauren M , Vangel Mark , Ayata Cenk , Meehan William P , Franceschini Maria Angela , Whalen Michael J
Published: July 2015

Repetitive concussions are associated with long-term cognitive dysfunction that can be attenuated by increasing the time intervals between concussions; however, biomarkers of the safest rest interval between injuries remain undefined. We hypothesize that deranged cerebral blood flow (CBF) is a candidate biomarker for vulnerability to repetitive concussions. Using a mouse model of human concussion, we examined the effect of single and repetitive concussions on cognition and on an index of CBF (CBFi) measured with diffuse correlation spectroscopy. After a single mild concussion, CBFi was reduced by 35±4% at 4 hours ( P < 0.01 versus baseline) and returned to preinjury levels by 24 hours. After five concussions spaced 1 day apart, CBFi was also reduced from preinjury levels 4 hours after each concussion but had returned to preinjury levels by 72 hours after the final concussion. Interestingly, in this repetitive concussion model, lower CBFi values measured both preinjury and 4 hours after the third concussion were associated with worse performance on the Morris water maze assessed 72 hours after the final concussion. We conclude that low CBFi measured either before or early on in the evolution of injury caused by repetitive concussions could be a useful predictor of cognitive outcome.