bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depletion of marine megafauna and shifting baselines among artisanal fishers in eastern Brazil
Authors: Giglio V. J. , Luiz O. J. , Gerhardinger L. C.
Published: December 2014

Increasing exploitation effort and efficiency have been leading to population declines and extinctions among large marine animals. Understanding the magnitude of such losses is challenging because current baselines about species' abundances and distributions in the sea were mostly established after humans had started affecting marine populations. For artisanal fisheries, from which written historical records are rarely, if ever, available, approaches based on gathering anecdotal information from fishers' knowledge are a promising method to know the past environmental conditions. We interviewed coastal artisanal fishers, with ages varying from 15 to 85 years, to detect temporal changes in the catch abundance of large fish species, particularly the largetooth sawfish Pristis pristis and the goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara within Abrolhos Bank, Brazil. Most fishers considered that fishing has led to species depletion. However, older fishers reported significantly more species and larger species as depleted than young fishers. Older fishers caught significantly larger largetooth sawfish and goliath grouper in the past than younger fishers. The largetooth sawfish has not been caught or sought for more than 10 years. Probabilistic tests provided no definitive evidence for local extinction, although the past record of sightings indicates a population decline close to the threshold level for extinction probability. We provide evidence that small‐scale artisanal fisheries can decimate the abundance of large coastal fishes, one of those almost close to local extinction. Finally, our results suggest that the younger generation is not aware of past ecological conditions, indicating the occurrence of a shifting baseline syndrome among the fishing community.
Study of accuracy of colposcopy in VIA and HPV detection‐based cervical cancer screening program
Authors: Ghosh Ishita , Mittal Srabani , Banerjee Dipanwita , Singh Priyanka , Dasgupta Sujoy , Chatterjee Simi , Biswas Jaydip , Panda Chinmay , Basu Partha
Published: December 2014

Objective

This population‐based study was conducted to evaluate the performance of colposcopy to assess women with positive visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and/or human papillomavirus (HPV) tests.

Materials and Methods

A total of 30 773 women were screened by VIA and oncogenic HPV test. Hybrid capture 2 was used for oncogenic HPV detection. All VIA‐ and/or HPV‐positive women and 8.7% test‐negative women had the colposcopy. International Federation of Cervical Pathology & Colposcopy (IFCPC) 2011 nomenclature was used for colposcopic classification of abnormalities. All women with grade 1 or worse lesions had punch biopsies. Biopsies were also obtained from HPV‐positive women with normal colposcopy.

Results

Colposcopy and satisfactory biopsy reports were available for total 2466 women. The overall strength of agreement between colposcopy and histologic classification of cervical neoplasias was poor (kappa = 0.17). Agreement was better when colposcopy was performed on HPV‐positive women compared to VIA‐positive women. Sensitivity of colposcopy to detect high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) at referral threshold of grade 1 abnormality was 84.8% after correction of verification bias. Colposcopy was most inaccurate in identifying non‐neoplastic conditions often encountered in VIA‐ and/or HPV‐positive women. In 68.8% women with normal histology, colposcopic impression was grade 1 and above. Overestimation of disease severity on colposcopy was more common in VIA‐positive women. Colposcopy also underestimated severity of disease in 52.6% of women with HSIL diagnosis on biopsy.

Conclusions

Colposcopy performed well in the overall detection of cervical neoplasias, though its capability for accurate categorisation of degree of abnormality was poor.
The influences of weaning age and weight on carcass traits and meat quality of pigs
Authors: KO Kyung Bo , Kim Gap‐Don , Kang Dong‐Geun , Kim Yeong‐Hwa , Yang Ik‐Dong , Ryu Youn‐Chul
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study was to establish the effects of weaning age and weight on pigs, and their interaction with carcass traits and meat quality. A total of 468 piglets were obtained from 57 sows and four boars and grouped by age at weaning (D21, 18–24 days; D28, 25–32 days). Each weaning group was subdivided into three weight groups (L, M and H) according to weaning weight. The D28 group had heavier carcass weight, redness and yellowness, but had lower marbling scores and less drip loss than the D21 group (P < 0.05). The pigs with a light weight at weaning had higher carcass weights and lower yellowness than did pigs with a medium or heavy weight at weaning (P < 0.05). Weaning age was found to have a negative correlation with drip loss, while weaning weight was negatively correlated with carcass weight and drip loss (P < 0.05). We concluded that carcass and meat quality traits in pigs were significantly related to their age and weight at weaning. Therefore, we find that piglet weaning age and weight are no less important than post‐weaning growth performance and behavior, with regard to carcass traits and meat quality.
Production of Ban miniature pig embryos by in vitro fertilization: A comparative study with Landrace
Authors: Nguyen Bui Xuan , Kikuchi Kazuhiro , Uoc Nguyen Thi , Dang‐Nguyen Thanh Quang , Linh Nguyen Viet , Men Nguyen Thi , Nguyen Trung Thanh , Nagai Takashi
Published: December 2014

Ban is an endangered miniature pig breed in Vietnam. This study aimed to set up an in vitro embryo production (IVP) system for this breed. Ban's epididymal sperm concentration (1240 ± 35 × 106/mL) was lower (P < 0.01) compared with Landrace (4160 ± 42 × 106/mL). However, sperm characteristics before and after freezing in Ban and Landrace were similar. The numbers of follicles with diameter larger than 2 mm per ovary in Ban females treated with equine chorionic gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin (27.1 ± 1.3) were higher (P < 0.05) than those in Landrace (12.9 ± 2.0) and in non‐hormone stimulated Ban (no > 2 mm follicles). After in vitro maturation, the percentages of oocytes with expanded cumulus cells and the first polar body (matured oocytes) were not different among Ban, hormone‐stimulated Ban and Landrace. The percentages of two‐cell embryos and morulae derived from oocytes collected from three sources did not differ. However, the rate of blastocysts derived from oocytes in non‐stimulated Ban (4.0 ± 3.8%) was lower (P < 0.05) than that in Landrace (15.3 ± 1.8%). In conclusion, an effective IVP system for good quality embryos in Ban, that is essential for genetic conservation of this breed, was established.
Effects of dietary supplementation of modified zinc oxide on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, fecal microbial shedding and fecal score in weanling pigs
Authors: Cho Jin Ho , Upadhaya Santi Devi , Kim In Ho
Published: December 2014

One hundred and forty piglets ((Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc, 21 day of age) with an initial weight of 6.50 ± 0.71 kg, were randomly allotted into four treatments to determine the effects of a modified form of zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, fecal microbial shedding and fecal score in weanling pigs. Dietary treatments were: (i) NC, negative control, basal diet containing zinc (Zn) from the premix; (ii) PC, positive control, basal diet containing Zn‐free premix + 3000 ppm ZnO; (iii) H1, basal diet containing Zn‐free premix + 3000 ppm ZnO (phase 1, days 1 to 14)/200 ppm modified ZnO (phase 2, days 15 to 42); (iv) H2, basal diet containing Zn‐free premix + 300 ppm modified ZnO (phase 1)/200 ppm modified ZnO (phase 2). During days 1 to 14, average daily gains (ADG) were higher (P = 0.04) in PC, H1 and H2 groups than that in NC group. Overall, H1 treatment increased the ADG compared with NC (P = 0.05). On day 14, the alkaline phosphatase and plasma Zn concentration were increased (P = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively) in PC, H1 and H2 treatments compared with NC treatment. On days 14 and 42, the fecal Lactobacillus counts in NC group were lowest (P = 0.01, P = 0.04 respectively) among treatments. All supplemented groups showed lower (P = 0.03) fecal score than NC treatment on days 21 and 28. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with modified ZnO increased growth rates and reduced fecal scores in weanling pig. Modified ZnO could be used as a substitute to ZnO as a growth promoter and reduce Zn excretion to the environment because of the lower dosage. [Correction added on 3 February 2015, after first online publication: the initial weight of ‘6.50 ± 1.11 kg’ has been replaced with ‘6.50 ± 0.71 kg’ in the abstract.]
Effects of anodic titanium dioxide nanotubes of different diameters on macrophage secretion and expression of cytokines and chemokines
Authors: Lü W. L. , Wang N. , Gao P. , Li C. Y. , Zhao H. S. , Zhang Z. T.
Published: December 2014

Objectives

To investigate effects of TiO2nanotubes of different diameters on J744A.1 macrophage behaviour, secretion and expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

Materials and methods

Macrophage‐like J744A.1 cells were cultured on three types of Ti surface: mechanically polished titanium plus 30 and 80 nm TiO2nanotube surfaces, for 4, 24 and 48 h. Macrophage adhesion and proliferation were assessed usingCCK‐8 assay. Levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α,IL‐1β andIL‐6) and chemokines (MCP‐1 andMIP‐1α) secreted into the supernatant were measured using the Cytometric Bead Arrays kit.TNF‐α,MCP‐1andMIP‐1α gene expression were quantitatively analysed by real‐timePCR.

Results

These show that TiO2nanotube surfaces, especially of 80 nm TiO2nanotube, benefited macrophage adhesion and proliferation, and reduced protein secretion andmRNAexpression of TNF‐α, MCP‐1 and MIP‐1α. IL‐1β and IL‐6 were undetectable on all the surfaces at all times.

Conclusions

TiO2nanotube surfaces, especially of 80 nm TiO2nanotube, reduced inflammatory responsein vitro, which might be part of a basis for rapid osseointegration in implants with TiO2nanotube surfaces in animal studies.
Improvement of the trigger of a ventilator for non‐invasive ventilation in children: bench and clinical study
Authors: Khirani Sonia , Louis Bruno , Leroux Karl , Ramirez Adriana , Lofaso Frédéric , Fauroux Brigitte
Published: December 2014

Background and Aims

Even though numerous ventilators are licensed for a use in children, very few have been specifically developed for this age range. Therefore, home ventilators may not be able to adequately synchronize with the child's respiratory effort, and the inspiratory triggers (ITs) of assist modes are not always appropriate for children. The aim of the study was to test the improvement of the IT of a ventilator on a pediatric bench and in pediatric patients.

Methods

A classical IT (ITc) and an improved IT [non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) + IT] were tested on a bench with six pediatric profiles and in six young patients (mean age 14.1 ± 2.7 years old) requiring long‐term NIV.

Results

On the bench, trigger time delays (ΔT) and trigger pressures (ΔP) were reduced with the NIV + IT as compared with the ITc (ΔT: 0.481 ± 0.332 vs 0.079 ± 0.022 s for ITc and NIV + IT, respectively, P = 0.027; ΔP: −1.40 ± 0.70 vs −0.42 ± 0.28 cmH2O for ITc and NIV + IT, respectively, P = 0.046). The clinical study confirmed the decrease in ΔT (0.267 ± 0.061 vs 0.178 ± 0.074 s for ITc and NIV + IT, respectively, P = 0.024) and ΔP (−0.68 ± 0.26 vs −0.39 ± 0.11 cmH2O for ITc and NIV + IT, respectively, P = 0.030).

Conclusions

The sensitivity of the IT of a ventilator can be improved for pediatric use. The improvements observed on the bench study were confirmed in pediatric patients.
Bronchoscopic bullectomy with a one‐way endobronchial valve to treat a giant bulla in an emphysematic lung: a case report
Authors: Hou Gang , Wang Wei , Wang Qiu‐yue , Kang Jian
Published: December 2014

The conventional treatment for giant bullae in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is surgical bullectomy, but it is not possible in some patients with poor lung function. Bronchoscopic bullectomy involving implantation of an endobronchial valve (EBV) has emerged as a potential alternative. Here we describe how EBV implantation in a bullous emphysema with a giant bulla in the right middle lobe led to elimination of the bulla and improvements in pulmonary function, 6‐min walking distance during the 1‐year follow‐up. Our case suggests that bronchoscopic bullectomy with an EBV can be a safe and effective alternative to surgical bullectomy.
Die frühzeitige Therapie der Purpura pigmentosa progressiva mit Rutosid und Ascorbinsäure ist hocheffektiv
Authors: Schober Sarah M. , Peitsch Wiebke K. , Bonsmann Gisela , Metze Dieter , Thomas Kai , Goerge Tobias , Luger Thomas A. , Schneider Stefan W.
Published: December 2014

Hintergrund und Ziel der Studie

Die Purpura pigmentosa progressiva (PPP, Morbus Schamberg) ist eine seltene gutartige chronische Dermatose, die häufig als Vaskulitis oder Gerinnungsstörung fehldiagnostiziert wird. Obwohl die betroffenen Patienten eine wesentliche Einschränkung ihrer Lebensqualität erfahren, gibt es bislang keine etablierte Therapie. Das Ziel unserer doppelzentrischen Fallserienuntersuchung war die Evaluation der Effektivität und Verträglichkeit der Antioxidantien Rutosid und Ascorbinsäure als Kombinationstherapie bei PPP.

Patienten und Methodik

Es erfolgte die retrospektive Datenauswertung von 35 PPP‐Patienten, die zwischen 2004 und 2011 mit 2 × 50 mg Rutosid und 1 000 mg Ascorbinsäure täglich behandelt wurden. Die mittlere Behandlungsdauer betrug 8,2 Monate.

Ergebnisse

Bei 71,4 % der Patienten kam es zu einer kompletten Abheilung der Hautveränderungen während es bei 20,0 % zu einer mindestens 50%igen Verbesserung der Symptome kam, einhergehend mit einer Steigerung der Lebensqualität. Neun Studienteilnehmer (25,1 %) erlitten nach dem Absetzen der Therapie einen Rückfall. Bei sieben von ihnen wurde daraufhin die Therapie wieder eingeleitet und führte in allen Fällen zu einem erneuten Ansprechen. Bei drei Patienten kam es zu leichten unerwünschten Wirkungen. Patienten mit einer kürzeren Erkrankungsdauer zeigten bessere Behandlungsergebnisse, eine kürzere Latenzzeit bis zum Ansprechen auf die Therapie und ein geringeres Rückfallrisiko.

Schlussfolgerung

Die orale Therapie mit Rutosid und Ascorbinsäure eröffnet eine effektive und gut verträgliche Therapieotion bei PPP. Um ein gutes therapeutisches Ergebnis zu erzielen, wird eine frühe Therapie empfohlen.
Hautkrebs durch natürliche UV‐Strahlung als Berufskrankheit – Voraussetzungen für eine Meldung und Anerkennung
Authors: Diepgen Thomas L. , Brandenburg Stephan , Aberer Werner , Bauer Andrea , Drexler Hans , Fartasch Manigé , Malte John Swen , Krohn Steffen , Palfner Stefanie , Römer Wolfgang , Schuhmacher‐Stock Uta , Elsner Peter
Published: December 2014

In Deutschland sind über 2,5 Millionen Arbeitnehmer aufgrund ihrer beruflichen Tätigkeit als Outdoor‐Worker im besonderen Maße gegenüber natürlicher UV‐Strahlung exponiert. Der Ärztliche Sachverständigenbeirat „Berufskrankheiten“ beim Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales hat den Zusammenhang zwischen beruflicher UV‐Strahlung und Hautkrebs geprüft und empfohlen, in die Anlage1 zur Berufskrankheiten‐Verordnung folgende neue Berufskrankheit aufzunehmen: „Plattenepithelkarzinome oder multiple aktinische Keratosen der Haut durch natürliche UV‐Strahlung“.

Es wird aus Sicht der Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Berufs‐ und Umweltdermatologie (ABD) in der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (DDG) und der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (DGUV) dargestellt, welche Voraussetzungen für eine Meldung und Anerkennung einer beruflichen Hautkrebserkrankung durch natürliche UV‐Strahlung erfüllt sein müssen.
Measurement of cerebral oxygenation in preterm infants: is it useful?
Authors: Austin Topun
Published: December 2014

This commentary is on the original article by Verhagen et al. on pages 449–455 of this issue.
Men and Masculinities in International Development: ‘Men‐streaming’ Gender and Development?
Authors: Wanner Thomas , Wadham Ben
Published: December 2014

The inclusion of men and masculinities in gender and development policies and practices has emerged in the last decade as a critical component for achieving gender equality and women's empowerment. This article analyses the contemporary character and progress towards ‘men‐streaming’ of gender and development, and argues that implicit in any action towards gender equality and working with men is the requirement to base action on a clear understanding of the politics of masculinities and the relational aspects of gender equity and equality.
Recovery after African Olive invasion: can a ‘bottom‐up’ approach to ecological restoration work?
Authors: Cuneo Peter , Leishman Michelle R.
Published: December 2014

African Olive (Olea europaea ssp. cuspidata) is a densely crowned evergreen small tree, native to eastern Africa that is highly invasive in areas where it has been introduced, including Hawaii and Australia. Invasion by African Olive threatens Cumberland Plain Woodland, a critically endangered grassy eucalypt woodland from western Sydney, Australia, through the formation of a dense mid‐canopy excluding the regeneration of native species. We established a 3‐year field experiment to determine the effectiveness of direct seeding and fire, as techniques for early stage restoration of a 2 ha historically cleared and degraded Cumberland Plain Woodland site after the removal of African Olive. Direct seeding was able to re‐establish a native perennial grass cover which was resistant to subsequent weed invasion and could be managed as an important first stage in woodland restoration with fire and selective herbicide. Fire was able to stimulate some germination of colonising native species from the soil seed bank after 15 years of African Olive invasion; however, germination and establishment of native shrubs from the applied seed mix was poor. We propose a ‘bottom‐up’ model of ecological restoration in such highly degraded sites that uses a combination of direct seeding and stimulation of the soil seed bank by fire, which could be applicable to other degraded grassy woodland sites and plant communities.
Reduced language connectivity in pediatric epilepsy
Authors: Sepeta Leigh N. , Croft Louise J. , Zimmaro Lauren A. , Duke Elizabeth S. , Terwilliger Virginia K. , Yerys Benjamin E. , You Xiaozhen , Vaidya Chandan J. , Gaillard William D. , Berl Madison M.
Published: December 2014

Objective

Functional connectivity (FC) among language regions is decreased in adults with epilepsy compared to controls, but less is known about FC in children with epilepsy. We sought to determine if language FC is reduced in pediatric epilepsy, and examined clinical factors that associate with language FC in this population.

Methods

We assessed FC during an age‐adjusted language task in children with left‐hemisphere focal epilepsy (n = 19) compared to controls (n = 19). Time series data were extracted for three left regions of interest (ROIS) and their right homologues: inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), middle frontal gyrus (MFG), and Wernicke's area (WA) using SPM8. Associations between FC and factors such as cognitive performance, language dominance, and epilepsy duration were assessed.

Results

Children with epilepsy showed decreased interhemispheric connectivity compared to controls, particularly between core left language regions (IFG, WA) and their right hemisphere homologues, as well as decreased intrahemispheric right frontal FC. Increased intrahemispheric FC between left IFG and left WA was a positive predictor of language skills overall, and naming ability in particular. FC of language areas was not affected by language dominance, as the effects remained only when examining participants with left language dominance. Overall FC did not differ according to duration of epilepsy or age of onset.

Significance

FC during a language task is reduced in children, similar to findings in adults. In specific, children with left focal epilepsy demonstrated decreased interhemispheric FC in temporal and frontal language connections and decreased intrahemispheric right frontal FC. These differences were present near the onset of epilepsy. Greater FC between left language centers is related to better language ability. Our results highlight that connectivity of language areas has a developmental pattern and is related to cognitive ability.
FcRγ promotes contact hypersensitivity to oxazolone without affecting the contact sensitisation process in B6 mice
Authors: Nunomura Satoshi , Ohtsubo‐Yoshioka Mino , Okayama Yoshimichi , Terui Tadashi , Ra Chisei
Published: December 2014

The process of sensitisation by specific contact allergens is indispensable for the induction of allergic contact dermatitis. Oxazolone is a well‐characterised contact allergen. Previous studies suggested that immune cells bearing the FcRγ subunit are essential for oxazolone‐induced contact hypersensitivity, but the biological functions of the FcRγ subunit in the process of sensitisation to oxazolone remain unknown. In this study, we show that FcRγ deficiency decreases ear‐swelling responses to oxazolone in mice. However, we found that oxazolone‐sensitised FcRγ−/− mice and oxazolone‐sensitised wild‐type (WT) mice have comparable numbers of CD11c+MHCIIhi dendritic cells (DCs) in their draining lymph nodes (LNs). In addition, oxazolone‐sensitised LN cells from both FcRγ−/− and WT mice showed considerable production of interferon‐gamma (IFNγ), interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and IL‐17A upon oxazolone‐keyhole limpet haemocyanin loading. Consistent with these data, oxazolone‐sensitised FcRγ−/− and FcRγ+/+ LN cells conferred contact hypersensitivity to WT naïve mice challenged with the hapten. Our findings clearly indicate that, in an experimental mouse model, the FcRγ subunit positively regulates contact hypersensitivity to oxazolone without affecting the contact sensitisation process.
Adaptive striping watershed segmentation method for processing microscopic images of overlapping irregular‐shaped and multicentre particles
Authors: XIAO X. , BAI B. , XU N. , WU K.
Published: December 2014

Oversegmentation is a major drawback of the morphological watershed algorithm. Here, we study and reveal that the oversegmentation is not only because of the irregular shapes of the particle images, which people are familiar with, but also because of some particles, such as ellipses, with more than one centre. A new parameter, the striping level, is introduced and the criterion for striping parameter is built to help find the right markers prior to segmentation. An adaptive striping watershed algorithm is established by applying a procedure, called the marker searching algorithm, to find the markers, which can effectively suppress the oversegmentation. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by analysing some typical particle images including the images of gold nanorod ensembles.
Preservation of Hypermobile Teeth by Establishing Posterior Occlusal Support Using Implant Prostheses: A 5‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Doh Re‐Mee , Park Wonse , Kim Kee‐Deog , Jung Bock‐Young
Published: December 2014

For patients with periodontally compromised, hypermobile teeth, implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) or removable dentures are often used after extracting mobile teeth. The loss of native teeth may carry social consequences, depending upon the patient's age, state of health, and degree of social functioning. This report represents successful stabilization and preservation of questionable, hypermobile teeth that have been damaged by traumatic occlusion due to the loss of posterior support with a cross‐arch splinted FDP, as well as the implementation of posterior support using implant‐supported prostheses.
Intranasal and intravenous administration of octa-arginine modified poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles facilitates central nervous system delivery of loperamide
Authors: O'Donnell Aisling , Moollan Azeema , Baneham Samantha , Ozgul Melike , Pabari Ritesh M , Cox Dermot , Kirby Brian P , Ramtoola Zebunnissa
Published: December 2014

Objectives

The potential of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) surface modified with octa-arginine (R8) for central nervous system (CNS) delivery was investigated.

Methods

PLGA NPs containing coumarin-6 or loperamide were surface modified using R8 and characterised for size, zeta potential, drug loading and release. We examined the cellular uptake of NPs in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells and CNS delivery of loperamide in a mouse model following intranasal (i.n.) and intravenous (i.v.) administration.

Key findings

NPs were 300–350 nm in diameter and of negative zeta potential which neutralised on R8 conjugation. Cellular uptake of R8-PLGA NPs was rapid compared with PLGA NPs and correlated with a high antinociceptive effect in mice by both the i.n. and i.v. routes. Little antinociceptive effect for PLGA NPs was observed reflecting their slow uptake in the in-vitro cell model.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the potential of R8-PLGA NPs as carriers of therapeutic agents to the CNS.
A molecular investigation of the genus Ecklonia (Phaeophyceae, Laminariales) with special focus on the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Rothman Mark D. , Mattio Lydiane , Wernberg Thomas , Anderson Robert J. , Uwai Shinya , Mohring Margaret B. , Bolton John J.
Published: December 2014

Brown algae of the order Laminariales, commonly referred to as kelps, are the largest and most productive primary producers in the coastal inshore environment. The genus Ecklonia (Lessoniaceae, Phaeophyceae) consists of seven species with four species in the Northern Hemisphere and three in the Southern Hemisphere. It was recently transferred to the family Lessoniaceae based on phylogenetic analyses of nuclear and chloroplastic markers, though the type of the genus was not included and its relationship with allied genera Eckloniopsis and Eisenia remained unresolved. The present study is the first to produce a phylogeny focussed on the genus Ecklonia. It included sequences from nuclear, mitochondrial, and chloroplastic DNA, for most of the distribution range of the three current Southern Hemisphere species (Ecklonia radiata, Ecklonia maxima, and a sample of a putative Ecklonia brevipes specimen), sequences for East Asiatic species (Ecklonia cava, Ecklonia kurome, and Ecklonia stolonifera), as well as the closely related genera Eckloniopsis and Eisenia. Results confirmed E. radiata and E. maxima as two distinct species in South Africa, E. radiata as a single species throughout the Southern Hemisphere (in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand) and East Asiatic species as a distinct lineage from the Southern Hemisphere clade. Results further pointed out a close sister relationship between Eckloniopsis radicosa and two Eisenia species (including the type species: Eisenia arborea) to the genus Ecklonia suggesting that the genera Eckloniopsis and Eisenia are superfluous.
Comparative pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of quinocetone in crucian carp (Carassius auratus), common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) following the same experimental conditions
Authors: Liu Y. , Ai X. , Wang F. , Yang H. , Xu N. , Yang Q.
Published: December 2014

The pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of quinocetone (QCT) in crucian carp (Carassius auratus), common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) were compared after oral administration of QCT (50 mg/kg body weight) at water temperature of 24 ± 1 °C. Similar QCT plasma concentration–time profiles were found in the three species of cyprinid fish at the same dosage regimen and water temperature, which were all fitted two‐compartment open pharmacokinetic model. However, different pharmacokinetic parameters were observed in crucian carp, common carp, and grass carp. The absorption rate constants (Ka) of QCT were 1.65, 1.40 and 1.74/h, respectively and absorption half‐lives (t1/2kα) were 0.42, 0.49, and 0.40/h, respectively. The distribution half‐life (t1/2α) was 2.83, 0.67, and 0.88 h, respectively, and elimination half‐lives (t1/2β) of QCT were 133.97, 63.55, and 40.76 h, respectively. The maximum concentrations (Cmax) of QCT in plasma were 0.315, 0.182, and 0.139 μg/mL and the time to peak concentrations (Tp) were 1.45, 0.96, and 1.08 h, respectively. The area under the plasma concentration‐time curves (AUC) were 12.35, 5.99, and 4.52 μg·h/mL, respectively. The distribution volumes (Vd/F) of QCT were calculated as 117.81, 128.71, and 220.10 L/kg, respectively. The tissue analysis showed that a similar regularity was obtained in the three species of cyprinids with a single dose of 50 mg/kg body weight after oral administration at the same water temperature. The tissue concentration of QCT in each fish was in order of liver>kidney>muscle, while the residues of QCT in the three species of cyprinid fish were in order of crucian carp>common carp>grass carp.
Comparison of methods to assess adherence to small‐quantity lipid‐based nutrient supplements (SQ‐LNS) and dispersible tablets among young Burkinabé children participating in a community‐based intervention trial
Authors: Abbeddou Souheila , Hess Sonja Y. , Yakes Jimenez Elizabeth , Somé Jérôme W. , Vosti Stephen A. , Guissou Rosemonde M. , Ouédraogo Jean‐Bosco , Brown Kenneth H.
Published: December 2014

Adherence to supplementation provided during an intervention trial can affect interpretation of study outcomes. We compared different approaches for estimating adherence to small‐quantity lipid‐based nutrient supplements (SQ‐LNS) and dispersible tablets in a randomised clinical trial in Burkina Faso. A total of 2435 children (9–18 months) were randomly assigned to receive daily 20 g SQ‐LNS with varying contents of zinc and a dispersible tablet containing 0 or 5 mg zinc. Adherence to SQ‐LNS and tablets was assessed for all children through weekly caregiver interviews, and disappearance rate was calculated based on empty and unused packages returned during home visits. Additional adherence data were collected in different randomly selected subgroups of children: 12‐h home observations were completed for children 11 and 16 months of age (n = 192) to assess consumption of SQ‐LNS and dispersible tablets, and plasma zinc concentration was measured at baseline and 18 months (n = 310). Apparent adherence to SQ‐LNS and dispersible tablets differed according to the assessment method used. Average daily caregiver‐reported adherence to both SQ‐LNS and dispersible tablets was 97 ± 6%. Disappearance rates showed similarly high average weekly adherence (98 ± 4%). In contrast, only 63% and 54% of children at 11 and 16 months, respectively, received SQ‐LNS during the 12‐h home observation periods, and fewer (32% and 27%) received a tablet. The lack of change in plasma zinc concentration after 9 months of supplementation suggests low adherence to the zinc tablet. Better methods are needed to assess adherence in community‐based supplementation trials.
The effect of age on the key parameters in the Chicago classification: a study using high‐resolution esophageal manometry in asymptomatic normal individuals
Authors: Jung K. W. , Jung H.‐Y. , Myung S.‐J. , Kim S.‐O. , Lee J. , Yoon I. J. , Seo S. Y. , Lee J. H. , Kim D. H. , Choi K. D. , Song H. J. , Lee G. H. , Murray J. A. , Romero Y. , Kim J.‐H.
Published: December 2014

Background

High‐resolution manometry using the Chicago classification, which utilizes parameters including integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), distal contractile integral (DCI), and contractile front velocity (CFV), shows better diagnostic ability than previous conventional criteria. However, the current normal cut‐off values for the Chicago classification are based on individuals aged 19–48 years and do not include older people. Here, we aimed to assess the normal values for the Chicago classification in individuals aged 20–67 years and compare the parameters across age groups.

Methods

Fifty‐four asymptomatic healthy individuals (27 male and 27 female; age range. 20–67 years) were prospectively enrolled. To evaluate the effect of age and sex on manometric profiles, we attempted to enroll equal numbers of male and female subjects for each decade. Manometry was performed in both the supine and sitting positions.

Key Results

The distal latency (DL) was significantly shorter with increasing age in both measurement positions. Furthermore, IRP was significantly higher with increasing age in both positions. Spearman's ranked correlation coefficient analysis indicated that DCI and IRP in both positions were positively correlated with age.

Conclusions & Inferences

Age affects the key parameters currently used in the Chicago classification, including IRP, DCI, and DL. Larger prospective studies with older subjects are needed to determine the age‐related normal values for the Chicago classification system.
Acclimation of metabolism to light in Arabidopsis thaliana: the glucose 6‐phosphate/phosphate translocator GPT2 directs metabolic acclimation
Authors: DYSON BETH C. , ALLWOOD J. WILLIAM , FEIL REGINA , XU YUN , MILLER MATTHEW , BOWSHER CAROLINE G. , GOODACRE ROYSTON , LUNN JOHN E. , JOHNSON GILES N.
Published: December 2014

Mature leaves of plants transferred from low to high light typically increase their photosynthetic capacity. In Arabidopsis thaliana, this dynamic acclimation requires expression of GPT2, a glucose 6‐phosphate/phosphate translocator. Here, we examine the impact of GPT2 on leaf metabolism and photosynthesis. Plants of wild type and of a GPT2 knockout (gpt2.2) grown under low light achieved the same photosynthetic rate despite having different metabolic and transcriptomic strategies. Immediately upon transfer to high light, gpt2.2 plants showed a higher rate of photosynthesis than wild‐type plants (35%); however, over subsequent days, wild‐type plants acclimated photosynthetic capacity, increasing the photosynthesis rate by 100% after 7 d. Wild‐type plants accumulated more starch than gpt2.2 plants throughout acclimation. We suggest that GPT2 activity results in the net import of glucose 6‐phosphate from cytosol to chloroplast, increasing starch synthesis. There was clear acclimation of metabolism, with short‐term changes typically being reversed as plants acclimated. Distinct responses to light were observed in wild‐type and gpt2.2 leaves. Significantly higher levels of sugar phosphates were observed in gpt2.2. We suggest that GPT2 alters the distribution of metabolites between compartments and that this plays an essential role in allowing the cell to interpret environmental signals.
A 150 kDa plasma membrane complex of AtNRT2.5 and AtNAR2.1 is the major contributor to constitutive high‐affinity nitrate influx in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: KOTUR ZORICA , GLASS ANTHONY D. M.
Published: December 2014

In plants that have been deprived of nitrate for a significant length of time, a constitutive high‐affinity nitrate transport system (cHATS) is responsible for initial nitrate uptake. This absorbed nitrate leads to the induction of the major nitrate transporters and enzymes involved in nitrate assimilation. By use of 13NO3– influx measurements and Blue Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis we examined the role of AtNRT2.5 in cHATS in wild type (WT) and various T‐DNA mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana. We demonstrate that AtNRT2.5 is predominantly expressed in roots of nitrate‐deprived WT plants as a 150 kDa molecular complex with AtNAR2.1. This complex represents the major contributor to cHATS influx, which is reduced by 63% compared with WT in roots of Atnrt2.5 mutants. The remaining cHATS nitrate influx in these mutants is due to a residual contribution by the inducible high‐affinity transporter encoded by AtNRT2.1/AtNAR2.1. Estimates of the kinetic properties of the NRT2.5 transporter reveal that its low Km for nitrate makes this transporter ideally suited to detect and respond to trace quantities of nitrate in the root environment.
Leptomeningeal melanomatosis associated with neurocutaneous melanosis: An autopsy case report
Authors: Matsumura Mai , Okudela Koji , Tateishi Yoko , Umeda Shigeaki , Mitsui Hideaki , Suzuki Takehisa , Nakayama Takashi , Inayama Yoshiaki , Ohashi Kenichi
Published: December 2014

An autopsy case of leptomeningeal melanomatosis associated with neurocutaneous melanosis (NCM) involving a 44‐year‐old male is reported. The autopsy showed that the leptomeningeal surface of the brain and the spinal cord were covered with a diffuse black lesion. A histological examination detected diffusely distributed, proliferating, melanin‐containing cells and demonstrated that the lesion consisted of three different components; i.e. regions of melanomatosis, melanocytosis, and melanocyte hyperplasia. In the leptomeningeal melanomatosis component, tumor cells with pleomorphic nuclei and prominent nucleoli had infiltrated into the cerebral parenchyma via Virchow–Robin spaces. The Ki‐67 labeling index and the nuclear accumulation of p53 and p16 protein were immunohistochemically examined in each component. The Ki‐67 labeling indices of the melanomatosis, melanocytosis, and melanocyte hyperplasia components were 8.7%, 0.8%, and 0%, respectively. Immunostaining of nuclear p16 produced a negative result in the melanomatosis component, but positive results in the melanocytosis and melanocyte hyperplasia components, whereas nuclear p53 expression was not detected in any of the components. This case suggests that p16INK4/CDKN2 may play a significant role in progression of leptomeningeal melanocytic neoplasms. We also reviewed previously reported cases of leptomeningeal neoplasms associated with NCM and discussed the relationship between the biological behavior and proliferative activity of such lesions.
Alcohol withdrawal delirium manifested by manic symptoms in an elderly patient
Authors: Chan Hung‐Yu , Lee Kuan‐I
Published: December 2014

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a commonly seen problem in psychiatric practice. Alcohol withdrawal delirium is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Withdrawal symptoms usually include tremulousness, psychotic and perceptual symptoms, seizures, and consciousness disturbance. Herein, we report a case involving a 63‐year‐old man who had alcohol withdrawal delirium that was manifested mainly by manic symptoms.
Seeing the unseen: Charles Bonnet syndrome revisited
Authors: Nair Aditya Gopinathan , Nair Akshay Gopinathan , Shah Bharat R. , Gandhi Rashmin Anilkumar
Published: December 2014

Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) is a rare condition that encompasses three clinical features: complex visual hallucinations, ocular pathology causing visual deterioration, and preserved cognitive status. Common associated ocular pathologies include age‐related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts. Several theories have been proposed to try to explain the visual hallucinations. However, the pathophysiology remains poorly understood, and treatment is largely based on anecdotal data. The lack of awareness of CBS among medical professionals often leads to inappropriate diagnosis and medication. In a country like India, where awareness of mental health is not widespread, cultural myths and stigma prevent patients from seeking professional help. Here we describe two cases of CBS and revisit different ocular morbidities that have been reported to occur in conjunction with CBS. Psychiatrists and ophthalmologists alike must be sensitive to this clinical condition to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Aesthetic Labor for the Sociologies of Work, Gender, and Beauty
Authors: Mears Ashley
Published: December 2014

Amid the growing literature on the costs and rewards of physical appearance for labor market outcomes, an economistic emphasis on looks as an investment strategy has gained prominence. The concept of aesthetic labor is a useful sociological intervention for understanding how the value of certain looks is constructed, and how looks matter for social stratification. Aesthetic labor is the practice of screening, managing, and controlling workers on the basis of their physical appearance. The concept advances research on the service economy by moving beyond a focus on emotions to emphasize worker corporeality. This article first untangles aesthetic labor from related concepts, including body work, emotional labor, and embodied cultural capital. Next is a review of three contexts in which scholars have applied aesthetic labor to the workplace: the organization, freelance labor, and the market. Because it situates the value of beauty in context, aesthetic labor foregrounds those power relations that define aesthetics, such as class, race, and gender. The concept incorporates insights from field theories of bodily capital, such that aesthetic labor denaturalizes beauty and seeks to explain the processes through which looks translate into economic and symbolic rewards.
Experimental Determination of the Mechanical Behaviour of Compacted Exfoliated Vermiculite
Authors: Belhouideg S. , Lagache M.
Published: December 2014

A series of compacted exfoliated vermiculite samples were prepared, and their mechanical behaviour was experimentally studied. The vermiculite was first exfoliated and after compacted in order to obtain a material with good thermal and mechanical properties. The as‐prepared samples have been tested under compressive loading. Some parameters effect was studied, as the porosity and the type of the compacted exfoliated vermiculite. The samples of this porous media display two steps for the stress–strain behaviour under uniaxial compressive loading, that is initial nonlinear deformation, strain‐hardening ‘pseudo‐platform’ stage.
Methodological and clinical aspects of alloimmunization after granulocyte transfusion in patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Flaxa J. , Rosner A. , Hölig K. , Bornhäuser M. , Wassmuth R.
Published: December 2014

In allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), granulocyte transfusions (GT) may be required in immunocompromised, neutropenic patients. In this context, alloimmunization against alloantigens may occur and affect HSCT outcome. Anti‐human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and ‐MHC class I chain related antigens A (MICA) antibody response after the administration of GT in 29 patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT (n = 27) encompassing 109 sera was investigated by multianalyte microbead assay before and up to 6 month after HSCT. Anti‐HLA class I and II antibodies emerged de novo in 11 (38%) and 4 (14%) patients, respectively. Similarly, preformed antibodies were observed in four cases (14%) for anti‐HLA class I and also four patients for anti‐HLA class II antibodies. Anti‐MICA antibodies were observed in eight granulocyte recipients of which three patients developed anti‐MICA antibodies after GT, whereas preformed antibodies were seen in five patients. The conversion to positivity for any of the investigated antibodies did not significantly affect overall survival or the incidence of GVHD. GT‐associated alloantibody conversion observed did not significantly correlate with outcome. Thus, surveillance of anti‐HLA antibodies in the course of GT in the context of HSCT may not be required routinely. The role of MICA antibodies in HSCT and GT, however, requires further study.
THE COAGULATION TIME OF THE BLOOD IN MAN
Authors: Addis T.
Published: December 2014

1. There are four conditions which must be fulfilled by any method which is to yield results which can be relied upon. (a) There must be a uniform method of obtaining the blood. (b) The temperature must be the same during each experiment. (c) The amount of contact with foreign bodies must be always the same. (d) The end‐point must be clear and definite and such as always to indicate the same degree of coagulation.

2. A method is described which conforms to these conditions.

3. Other methods which have been employed are reviewed, and, where necessary, the result of work undertaken to test their accuracy is given.

4. The general conclusion of this testing is that no one of these methods fulfils all the conditions mentioned above, and that in particular all fail to comply with the essential condition that in comparative observations exactly the same temperature must be maintained throughout.

5. The effect of variations of temperature is described, and it is shown that at about the normal temperature of the body the coagulation time is shortest, becoming gradually longer at temperatures above 40° C. and below 36° C.

6. The coagulation time is constant for the same individual at different times of the day, and even on different days. The daily variations which have been described do not exist, but are due to fallacies in connection with the methods which have been employed.

7. The conclusion that calcium and citric acid, when administered by the mouth, have no effect on the coagulation time, is referred to.

I wish to express my thanks to Professor Schäfer and to Dr Cramer for advice and criticism during the progress of these investigations.

The expenses entailed have been defrayed by a grant from the Moray Fund of the University of Edinburgh.
FATIGUE STUDIED IN REACTION TIME EXPERIMENTS
Authors: Milroy T. H.
Published: December 2014

The delay in response towards the close of reaction time experiments is evidently due to fatigue affecting some higher central process which is concerned in the maintenance of a close linkage between the central terminations of the sensory tracts and the so‐called voluntary motor centres. This is judged to be the case for the following reasons :—

1. An intermittent and prolonged series of auditory stimuli towards which attention does not require to be sharply directed has no distinct fatiguing effect on succeeding reaction time responses for hearing. Hence, one concludes that the delay in response, which occurs after a prolonged series of reaction times (hearing), is not due to a fatigue of the auditory path.

2. If, in a series of reaction time experiments, the sensory tracts be changed, as in passing from reaction time (sight) to reaction time (hearing) and then back again to sight, one finds that fatigue is apparently more marked at the close than if the stimulated sensory tracts remained the same throughout. At least, there is no sign of recuperation.

As in this case the motor channel remains the same while the higher central one only varies to the extent of being directed towards a different “sensory centre,” the sensory path alone being changed, the fatigue effects must be due to alterations in the higher central links or in the motor path.

They are evidently not due to alterations in the last‐mentioned path, as there are no signs of fatigue when this motor path is kept in slight activity of the same type as that existing in reaction time experiments. That is to say, the mere voluntary tapping of the Morse key at the rate of 10 per minute produces no appreciable fatigue.

3. The effects of unexpected stimuli are more easily explained on the supposition that the time interval in reaction time is most largely dependent upon the close central linkage.

4. The effect of disposition upon the duration of reaction time is most readily understood when one recognises the importance of the central linkage.

5. The feelings of fatigue, such as sleepiness, difficulty in keeping the attention fixed, etc., which a person suffers from at the close of a long series, point to a central disturbance affecting the connecting links between sensory and motor channels.