bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equine Influenza and Tetanus Immunisation: Evaluation of Antibody Response and Safety of Equip® FT and Equip® F Administration after Reduction of the Primary Course Interval to 3 Weeks
Authors: Paillot R. , Ons E. , Besognet B. , Slootmans N. , Thomas A. , Salt J.
Published: September 2013

Aims

A 6‐week interval is currently recommended during the primary course of the equine influenza (EI) vaccines Equip® FT or Equip® F. This study aimed to evaluate immunogenicity and safety of a 3‐week accelerated interval in order to improve flexibility and to reduce the period of susceptibility to EI virus (EIV) infection.

Methods

Three groups of 10 ponies were respectively vaccinated with the vaccine Equip® FT according to the recommended 6‐week V1–V2 interval (T02), Equip® F or Equip® FT according to an experimental accelerated 3‐week interval (T03 and T04, respectively). These groups were boosted (V3) with Equip® F 5 months after V2. Ten ponies in a control group were injected with saline (T01). The antibody response to the vaccine antigens (tetanus toxoid and EIV) were measured 2 weeks after V2 and V3 with the toxin binding inhibition test (ToBI) and single radial haemolysis (SRH), respectively. All animal work received ethical approval.

Results

The accelerated schedule of immunisation was well tolerated. At both time points, in all vaccinated groups, SRH least squares means for A/eq/Borlange/91 and A/eq/Kentucky/98 antigens were well above 85 mm2, a level described previously to provide clinical protection against homologous EIV strains. Non inferiority of SRH least square means were demonstrated at 2 weeks post V2 for both antigens for T03 and T04, and for A/eq/Kentucky/98 antigen in group T04 after V3. For tetanus,ToBI least squares means were 86.3 iu/mI for T02 and 45.9 iu/ml for T04 after V2 and 2.6 iu/ml for T02 and 2.2 iu/ml for T04 after V3. A level of 0.02 iu/ml has been described as being protective in various publications.

Conclusion and practical relevance

A 3‐week accelerated primary course interval was well tolerated and serology results suggested good immunogenicity.

Ethical animal research

The study was conducted under the Animal Health Trust Home Office Project License and with approval of the Zaventem Ethics Review Assessment team (Zoetis). Sources of funding: The study was sponsored by Pfizer/Zoetis Animal Health. Competing interests: Equip® FT is owned by Zoetis, who sponsored this study. Romain Paillot reports no conflict of interest. All other authors are employed by the study sponsor.
To Determine the Effect of An Oral Joint Supplement on Orthopaedic, Physiotherapy and Handler Evaluation Scores in Horses
Authors: Murray R. , Adams V. , Walker V. , Tranquille C. , Copeman S. , Spear J. , Frost R. , Marlin D.
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Despite the range of oral joint supplements available, there has been very limited research into their efficacy.

Aims

To determine effect of an oral joint supplement on orthopaedic, physiotherapy and handler evaluation in horses.

Methods

Twenty‐four mature horses were included in the study. Horses were excluded if they were in poor body condition, had health problems or greater than 2/5 lameness. Supplement Sa (containing chondroitin sulfate 1.62 g/100 kg bwt, glucosamine 1.9 g/100 kg bwt, vitamin C 0.8 g/100 kg bwt, methyl sulphonyl methane 2.56 g/100 kg bwt, DHA 0.66 g/100 kg bwt), EPA 0.34 g/100 kg bwt or placebo P (carrier/flavours only) were given to horses in their feed for 21 days each in a triple‐blind crossover design; all horses received supplement and placebo in random order. Horses were evaluated at Days 0 (baseline), 21 (after first treatment) and 42 (after second treatment). Assessments included: clinical orthopaedic evaluation for straight line and lungeing circle (walk and trot), and during ridden exercise (walk, trot and canter); handler field evaluation, during groundwork and while ridden, grading‐specific criteria; grading of range of motion (ROM) and muscle tone based on standardised physiotherapy criteria. All evaluators were blinded to treatment. Significance indicates P<0.05.

Results

S was associated with significantly lower lameness grade in a straight line and circle than either P or baseline. Both S and P were associated with significantly improved ROM and muscle tone over baseline. Handler scores for ridden and groundwork were significantly higher with S compared with P or baseline. After S, horses were graded significantly higher for field ‘ease‐of‐movement’ compared with P or baseline.

Conclusions and practical significance

Oral administration of this supplement was associated with less lameness, improved ridden/groundwork scores and improved ‘ease‐of‐movement’ in the field. Improvement in physiotherapy assessment with both treatments over time suggests effects of ongoing training on ROM and muscle tone.

Ethical animal research

This study involved informed consent of the persons responsible for horses used in the study.Sources of funding: World Horse Welfare. Competing interests: David Marlin and Rebecca Frost are employed by Science Supplements. Vicki Adams and Rachel Murray are involved with Science Supplements on a consultancy basis.
Effect of Two Diets on Antioxidant Status in Racing Steeplechasers During Intensive Training
Authors: Van Erck E , Palmers K. , Lambey J‐L. , Benoit S.
Published: September 2013

Aims

High‐intensity training, racing and inappropriate antioxidant supply generates high levels of deleterious oxidative stress. This study aimed at comparing the effect of 2 commercial feeds on oxidative stress levels in steeplechasers, over a 3‐month period.

Methods

A random double‐blind study was undertaken to compare the effect of 2 diets in 40 racehorses. The first group received a regular pelleted commercial diet (R) and the second group received a low‐starch high‐fibre diet (L). The horses were examined after a 6‐week habituation period (T0) and after 6 (T6) and 12 weeks of reinforced training (T12). Horses were raced regularly. At each step, horses were weighed; body and clinical scores were attributed. Several blood markers were studied including vitamin A (Vit A), vitamin E (Vit E), beta‐carotene, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and pre‐ and post effort creatine kinase (CK) activity. Data were analysed using an ANOVA for repeated measurements and a t test.

Results

In the L‐group, GPx levels were significantly higher than in the R‐group at all times and a progressive and constant increase in GPx was observed from T0 to T12. Vit E levels and CoQ10 increased at T6 in both groups but levels were significantly higher in group‐L. Selenium values were significantly higher at T0 in the L‐group vs. R‐group and remained stable in time in both groups. All other markers were not significantly different between groups and did not change with time. The CK levels did not differ between groups, however 2 horses from group‐R displayed severe episodes of rhabdomyolysis.

Conclusions and practical significance

The choice of an appropriate diet can effectively increase antioxidant protection and prevent training‐induced oxidative stress even in intensively trained racehorses during racing season.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Mr E. Clayeux for his collaboration.

Ethical animal research

The trainer of all horses gave informed consent for this study. Sources of funding: Lambey SA, France. Competing interests: J‐L. Lambey is owner of Lambey SA and S. Benoit is a consultant for this feed company.
Simulating long‐distance seed dispersal in a dynamic vegetation model
Authors: Snell Rebecca S.
Published: September 2013

Aim

Predicting the migration of vegetation in response to climate change is often done using a climate‐driven vegetation model; however, the assumption of full migration (where seeds are not limited by distance or barriers) is a common criticism. Previous efforts to incorporate limitations on seed dispersal have occurred exclusively in bioclimatic envelope models. This paper describes how limitations on seed dispersal were integrated into a physiologically based dynamic vegetation model, LPJ‐GUESS.

Location

An idealized landscape, representative of temperate and boreal forests in North America.

Methods

LPJ‐GUESS already simulates establishment, growth, reproduction and competition. I used a generic seed dispersal kernel to determine the probability of dispersal between grid cells, and a logistic function to determine the spread between patches within a grid cell. Plant functional types were parameterized to represent three temperate tree species, Acer, Pinus and Tsuga, by using published dispersal kernels and life‐history measurements. Simulations were run with full and limited migration, and compared with past vegetation migration rates.

Results

Using the old assumption of full migration, the entire landscape was colonized at the same time (migration rates of 270–380 m year−1). With the new limited dispersal, species colonized the landscape one row at a time, at rates which corresponded well with independent migration estimates based on genetic or pollen reconstructions (Acer, 141 m year−1; Pinus, 76 m year−1). Tsuga was the only species where simulated migration rates (85 m year−1) were quite a bit slower than historical migration estimates.

Main conclusions

The new model was able to simulate reasonable migration rates, which is a substantial improvement over previous assumptions of full migration. Migration estimates which include the effects of limitations on dispersal, demography, competition and plant physiology will also improve our understanding of how climate change and various other processes can influence plant range shifts.
Helicobacter pylori in Pediatrics
Authors: Alarcón Teresa , José Martínez‐Gómez María , Urruzuno Pedro
Published: September 2013

This review concerned the important pediatric studies published between April 2012 and March 2013. Symptomatology in Helicobacter pylori‐positive children is nonspecific, except for those suffering from peptic ulcer diseases. Investigation of H. pylori status in children and adolescents with sideropenic anemia is recommended, and it is the aim of several studies worldwide. Associations of H. pylori with plasma ghrelin levels as well as the negative association of H. pylori with atopic disease were interesting objectives for several studies this year. Success rates of sequential therapy tended to be lower in recent studies than in previous trials, which probably reflects the increase in macrolide resistance. A beneficial effect of probiotics was reported although not all trials supported this result in children. Intrafamilial transmission and young age could be major risk factors associated with reinfection in children.
Extragastric Diseases and Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Roubaud Baudron Claire , Franceschi Francesco , Salles Nathalie , Gasbarrini Antonio
Published: September 2013

In the last year, several diseases from outside of the gastrointestinal tract have been associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. Indeed, this bacterium produces a low‐grade inflammatory state, induces molecular mimicry mechanisms, and interferes with the absorbance of nutrients and drugs possibly influencing the occurrence or the evolution of many diseases. In addition to its role in some hematologic conditions, such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura, idiopathic sideropenic anemia, and vitamin B12 deficiency, which were included in the current guidelines, several other conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, hepatobiliary diseases, and neurologic disorders have also shown promising results.
Gastric Cancer: Epidemiologic Aspects
Authors: González Carlos A. , Sala Núria , Rokkas Theodore
Published: September 2013

A multifactorial and multistep model of gastric cancer (GC) is currently accepted, according to which different environmental and genetic factors are involved at different stages in the cancer process. The aim of this article is to review the most relevant information published on the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors. Large meta‐analyses confirmed the association between IL8, IL10, TNF‐b, TP53 and PSCA, while genetic variation at different genes such as XPG, PLCE1, HFE, ERCC5, EZH2, DOC2, CYP19A1, ALDH2, and CDH1 have been reported to be associated with GC risk. Several microRNAs have also been associated with GC and their prognosis. Cohort studies have shown the association between GC and fruit, flavonoid, total antioxidant capacity, and green tea intake. Obesity was associated with cardia GC, heme iron intake from meat with GC risk. Several large meta‐analyses have confirmed the positive association of GC with salt intake and pickled foods and the negative association with aspirin use.
Histopathological characteristics of hypervascular cholangiocellular carcinoma as an early stage of cholangiocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sato Yuya , Ojima Hidenori , Onaya Hiroaki , Mori Taisuke , Hiraoka Nobuyoshi , Kishi Yoji , Nara Satoshi , Esaki Minoru , Shimada Kazuaki , Kosuge Tomoo , Sugihara Kenich , Kanai Yae
Published: September 2013

Aim

Prognosis of hypervascular cholangiocellular carcinoma (h‐CCC) is reportedly better than that of ordinary hypovascular CCC (o‐CCC). The aim of this study is to clarify the histopathological characteristics of h‐CCC.

Methods

On the basis of the findings in the arterial phase of contrast‐enhanced computed tomography, 16 cases of mass‐forming‐type CCC were divided into two groups (h‐CCC, n = 8; o‐CCC, n = 8). Areas of high (Area H‐a) and low (Area H‐b) attenuation in h‐CCC cases and areas of low attenuation in o‐CCC cases (Area O) were delineated. These areas were then evaluated histopathologically to determine the proportion of tumor cells, fibrous stroma, arterial vessel density, and immunohistochemical expression of Vascular endothelial growth factor; angiopoietin‐2; cytokeratin 7, CK19, SOX9 and SOX17 genes; epithelial cell adhesion molecule; and the Bmi‐1, Ki‐67, epithelial membrane antigen and polyclonal carcinoembryonic antigen.

Results

The areal ratio of tumor cells decreased and that of fibrous stroma increased in the following order: Area H‐a, Area H‐b and Area O. Values for AVD and neural cell adhesion molecule positivity rate were significantly higher in Area H‐a than in Areas H‐b or O. Expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin‐2 were significantly higher in Areas H‐a and H‐b than in Area O. The Ki‐67 labeling index increased in the following order: Area H‐a, Area H‐b and Area O.

Conclusion

A high areal ratio of tumor cells and AVD as well as a high expression of stem cells and angiogenic markers were observed in cases of h‐CCC, whereas the areal ratio of fibrous stroma and malignant potential were low. These results suggest that h‐CCC may represent the early stage of CCC.
Assessing HIV and AIDS treatment safety and health‐related quality of life among cohort of Malaysian patients: a discussion on methodological approach
Authors: Syed Imran Ahmed , Syed Sulaiman Syed Azhar , Hassali Mohammad Azmi , Lee Christopher K. C.
Published: September 2013

Background

Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is increasingly recognized as an important outcome and as a complement to traditional biological end points of diseases such as mortality. Unless there is a complete cure available for HIV/AIDS, development and implementation of a reliable and valid cross cultural quality of life measure is necessary to assess not only the physical and medical needs of HIV/AIDS people, but their psychological, social, environmental, and spiritual areas of life.

Methods

A qualitative exploration of HIV/AIDS patients' understanding, perceptions and expectations will be carried out with the help of semi structured interview guide by in depth interviews, while quantitative assessment of patient reported adverse drug reactions and their impact on health related quality of life will be carried out by using data collection tool comprising patient demographics, SF‐12, Naranjo scale, and a clinical data sheet.

Results/Outcomes

The findings may serve as baseline QOL data of people living with HIV/AIDS in Malaysia and also a source data to aid construction of management plan to improve HIV/AIDS patients' QOL. It will also provide basic information about HIV/AIDS patients' perceptions, expectations and believes towards HIV/AIDS and its treatment which may help in designing strategies to enhance patients' awareness which in turn can help in addressing issues related to compliance and adherence.
Lymphoma and Epstein−Barr virus DNA in blood during interleukin‐2 therapy in antiretroviral‐naïve HIV‐1‐infected patients: a substudy of the ANRS 119 trial
Authors: de Lastours V , LeGoff J , Brière J , Agbalika F , Boulet T , Lévy Y , Simon F , Aboulker J‐P , Molina J‐M
Published: September 2013

Objectives

Interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) therapy increased CD4 cell counts and delayed antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in HIV‐infected patients in the Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le SIDA et les Hépatites Virales (ANRS) 119 trial. However, four cases of lymphoma were reported. Epstein−Barr virus (EBV) replication is associated with an increased risk of lymphoma in immunocompromised patients. We assessed whether IL‐2 had an impact on EBV replication and the development of lymphoma.

Methods

A total of 130 ART‐naïve patients were randomized to receive IL‐2 therapy (n = 66) or no treatment (n = 64). Clinical data for patients with lymphomas were reviewed and tumours assessed for evidence of EBV infection and CD25 (the IL‐2 receptor) expression. EBV DNA levels were measured in whole blood and plasma in both arms using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), up to 48 weeks after baseline (BL).

Results

Four lymphomas occurred, a median of 61 weeks [range 40−94 weeks] after randomization at a median CD4 cell count of 396 cells/μL (IQR 234–536 cells/μL). In the IL‐2 arm, two patients developed EBV‐positive Hodgkin's lymphoma, and one developed EBV‐negative Burkitt‐type lymphoma. One patient in the control group developed EBV‐positive non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. CD25 was negative in all cases. Among the 41 of 55 (control arm) and 44 of 58 (IL‐2 arm) patients with detectable EBV DNA in whole blood at both BL and week 48, the median change in EBV DNA between BL and week 48 was +0.04 log10 copies/ml in both arms (P = 0.7). In plasma, EBV was detected at least once in 22 of 52 controls and 21 of 54 IL‐2‐treated patients (P = 0.8).

Conclusions

IL‐2 therapy had no significant effect on EBV replication over 48 weeks in these ART‐naïve patients. The occurrence of lymphomas did not seem to be associated with IL‐2 therapy.
Compliance with national guidelines for HIV treatment and its association with mortality and treatment outcome: a study in a Spanish cohort
Authors: Suárez‐García I , Sobrino‐Vegas P , Tejada A , Viciana P , Ribas MA , Iribarren JA , Díaz Menéndez M , Rivero M , Arazo P , del Amo J , Moreno S ,   the Cohort of the Spanish AIDS Research Network (CoRIS) study group
Published: September 2013

Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the adequacy of initial antiretroviral therapy (ART), in terms of its timing and the choice of regimens, according to the Spanish national treatment guidelines [Spanish AIDS Study Group−National Plan for AIDS (GeSIDA‐PNS) Guidelines] for treatment‐naïve HIV‐infected patients.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of HIV‐positive ART‐naïve subjects attending 27 centres in Spain from 2004 to 2010 was carried out. Regimens were classified as recommended, alternative or nonrecommended according to the guidelines. Delayed start of treatment was defined as starting treatment later than 12 months after the patient had fulfilled the treatment criteria. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 6225 ART‐naïve patients were included in the study. Of 4516 patients who started treatment, 91.5% started with a recommended or alternative treatment. The use of a nonrecommended treatment was associated with a CD4 count > 500 cells/μL [odds ratio (OR) 2.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–3.59], hepatitis B (OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.50–3.33), treatment in a hospital with < 500 beds, and starting treatment in the years 2004–2006. Fourteen per cent of the patients had a delayed initiation of treatment. Delayed initiation of treatment was more likely in injecting drug users, patients with hepatitis C, patients with higher CD4 counts and during the years 2004–2006, and it was less likely in patients with viral loads > 5 log HIV‐1 RNA copies/ml. The use of a nonrecommended regimen was significantly associated with mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.61; 95% CI 1.03–2.52; P = 0.035] and lack of virological response.

Conclusions

Compliance with the recommendations of Spanish national guidelines was high with respect to the timing and choice of initial ART. The use of nonrecommended regimens was associated with a lack of virological response and higher mortality.
Influence of the Foaming Agent on the Particle Size and Microwave Absorption Properties of Hollow Ceramic Microspheres
Authors: Xudong Cai , Jianjiang Wang , Runxiu Yang , Chao Xiong , Hongfei Lou
Published: September 2013

In this study, based on self‐reactive quenching technique, hollow ceramic microspheres (HCMs) containing barium ferrites were synthesized using Al+Fe2O3+BaO2+sucrose+ epoxy resin as the reactive system and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the foaming agent. The influence of PEG on the particle size and microwave absorption properties of HCMs is investigated using SEM, XRD, laser particle size analyzer and vector network analyzer. Preliminary results show that the average particle size increases initially from 28 μm to 53 μm after adding PEG, as well as the particle distribution gets narrower and the surface takes on classical hexagonal crystals. BaFe2O4, the intermediate phase of M‐type barium ferrites (BaFe12O19), can be seen in XRD. The microwave absorption properties are improved greatly in the frequency range of 8–18 GHz. And the minimum reflection loss can reach −10 dB.
Tracking Labor Demand with Online Job Postings: The Case of Health IT Workers and the HITECH Act
Authors: Schwartz Aaron , Magoulas Roger , Buntin Melinda
Published: September 2013

Growth in the health information technology (health IT) workforce will be necessary for the widespread adoption of electronic health records called for by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. However, the health IT workforce is difficult to track using existing sources of data. We introduce a novel method for measuring labor demand in markets not defined by standard industrial or occupational codes. Drawing from 84 million online help wanted postings, we create a dataset of 434,000 health IT–related job listings from 2007 to 2011 whose descriptions contain key phrases such as “electronic health record” or “clinical informatics.” We find that health IT–related job postings have grown substantially over time, tripling as a share of healthcare job postings since 2007. Trend‐break and difference‐in‐difference analyses suggest that health IT–related job postings accelerated following HITECH. According to our preferred specification, the legislation was associated with an 86 percent increase in monthly postings, or 162,000 additional postings overall.
Predicting complex acute wound healing in patients from a wound expertise centre registry: a prognostic study
Authors: Ubbink Dirk T , Lindeboom Robert , Eskes Anne M , Brull Huub , Legemate Dink A , Vermeulen Hester
Published: September 2013

It is important for caregivers and patients to know which wounds are at risk of prolonged wound healing to enable timely communication and treatment. Available prognostic models predict wound healing in chronic ulcers, but not in acute wounds, that is, originating after trauma or surgery. We developed a model to detect which factors can predict (prolonged) healing of complex acute wounds in patients treated in a large wound expertise centre (WEC). Using Cox and linear regression analyses, we determined which patient‐ and wound‐related characteristics best predict time to complete wound healing and derived a prediction formula to estimate how long this may take. We selected 563 patients with acute wounds, documented in the WEC registry between 2007 and 2012. Wounds had existed for a median of 19 days (range 6–46 days). The majority of these were located on the leg (52%). Five significant independent predictors of prolonged wound healing were identified: wound location on the trunk [hazard ratio (HR) 0·565, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·405–0·788; P = 0·001], wound infection (HR 0·728, 95% CI 0·534–0·991; P = 0·044), wound size (HR 0·993, 95% CI 0·988–0·997; P = 0·001), wound duration (HR 0·998, 95% CI 0·996–0·999; P = 0·005) and patient's age (HR 1·009, 95% CI 1·001–1·018; P = 0·020), but not diabetes. Awareness of the five factors predicting the healing of complex acute wounds, particularly wound infection and location on the trunk, may help caregivers to predict wound healing time and to detect, refer and focus on patients who need additional attention.
EMPLOYEE‐FRIENDLY ACQUIRERS AND ACQUISITION PERFORMANCE
Authors: Ertugrul Mine
Published: September 2013

In this article I investigate the relation between the employee‐friendly practices of the acquiring firm and the acquisition performance. I find a positive relation between employee friendliness of the acquirer and acquisition performance. Employee friendliness of the acquirer is also positively linked to acquisition completion probabilities and completion speeds. The effect of employee‐friendly policies on performance is stronger for human‐capital‐intensive firms. The positive relation between employee friendliness and acquisition performance is robust to an alternative measure of employee friendliness and endogeneity corrections. The results reflect the importance of human capital and employee‐related policies for the long‐term success of an acquisition.
Blending student technology experiences in formal and informal learning
Authors: Lai K.‐W. , Khaddage F. , Knezek Gerald
Published: September 2013

In this article, we discuss the importance of recognizing students' technology‐enhanced informal learning experiences and develop pedagogies to connect students' formal and informal learning experiences, in order to meet the demands of the knowledge society. The Mobile‐Blended Collaborative Learning model is proposed as a framework to bridge the gap between formal and informal learning and blend them together to form a portable, flexible, collaborative and creative learning environment. Using this model, three categories of mobile application tools, namely tools for collaboration, tools for coordination and tools for communication, have been identified as pertinent in blending formal and informal learning, and they can be connected seamlessly to provide an effective learning mechanism to support the learning process.
Optimizing Small‐Scale Production of Fresh Wine Yeast Biomass
Authors: Úbeda Juan , Barrajón Nuria , Briones Ana
Published: September 2013

The present study sought to optimize fresh wine yeast biomass production in an aerated fermenter fed with different volumes of concentrated grape must. Variables most likely to influence the process were tested at high and low levels, in a total of 13 fermentation runs. The production process was scaled up to pilot plant level, and the yeasts thus obtained were inoculated into wine fermentation tanks in a winery to evaluate their implantation during alcoholic fermentation.

The best fermentation conditions were those used for batches carried out at 34C, 15°Brix and initial inoculum of 5.0 × 107 cells/mL; in these cases, cells displayed high protein and phosphorus content, a good P2O5/N ratio and appreciable accumulation of intracellular trehalose, indicating that the process was not too much stressful. Generally, biomass exhibited adequate vitality throughout storage (80%). The yeast produced retained a high degree of vitality and viability after 2 weeks of refrigeration; for this, seasonal production could, to some extent, be matched to the needs of the winery.

Small‐scale laboratory production of fresh yeast biomass could help small wineries enhance the concept of terroir. This study confirmed that small amounts of fresh biomass can be sufficient as inoculum in winemaking.

Practical Applications

This research is related to small‐scale production of grade yeast using concentrated grape must. It has important practical applications, useful in small wine cellars.

At the beginning of the vintage, the oenologist could produce their own selected yeasts and used them in wine‐making process, as biomass showed a high vitality/viability degree after 2 weeks of storage at 4C. Moreover, biomass is easier to use in small wineries, so it ensures uniform dispersal, and in the conditions studied, the biomass obtained is sufficient to inoculate tanks with an inoculum of 106 cells/mL.
Absence of the right wing of the ilium generated a compensatory scoliosis in rhesus monkey in captivity: diagnostic imaging and its alteration on the SEPNT
Authors: Solís‐Chávez Salvador A. , Ibáñez‐Contreras Alejandra , Reyes‐Pantoja Sergio A. , Perdigón‐Castañeda Gerardo , Hernández‐Godínez Braulio
Published: September 2013

Background

Congenital scoliosis (CS) is defined as lateral curvatures of the spine provoked by the anomalous development of the vertebral bodies. It is associated with neuromuscular anomalies, which can be genetic, caused by the compensation of discrepancies in the length of the extremities or intrarachidian anomalies.

Methods

This study was carried out in 2‐year‐old female, showed alterations in the gait, mainly in the hind limbs, a clumsy gait and a slight claudication in the right hindlimb. To perform the imaging study were: X‐Ray projections and Computerized Axial Tomography, neurophysiological evaluation was performed by means somatosensory‐evoked potentials of the tibial nerve (SEPTN).

Results

The results showed an enlargement of the latencies from the L5 to the cortex, mainly in the left afference, correlated with the imaging studies.

Conclusions

There is no doubt that the concurrent use of different diagnostic tools complements knowledge regarding the physiopathogenesis of these osteopathologies.
Uncertainty, Threat, and the Role of the Media in Promoting the Dehumanization of Immigrants and Refugees
Authors: Esses Victoria M. , Medianu Stelian , Lawson Andrea S.
Published: September 2013

Immigration policies and the treatment of immigrants and refugees are contentious issues involving uncertainty and unease. The media may take advantage of this uncertainty to create a crisis mentality in which immigrants and refugees are portrayed as “enemies at the gate” who are attempting to invade Western nations. Although it has been suggested that such depictions promote the dehumanization of immigrants and refugees, there has been little direct evidence for this claim. Our program of research addresses this gap by examining the effects of common media portrayals of immigrants and refugees on dehumanization and its consequences. These portrayals include depictions that suggest that immigrants spread infectious diseases, that refugee claimants are often bogus, and that terrorists may gain entry to western nations disguised as refugees. We conclude by discussing the implications of the findings for understanding how uncertainty may lead to dehumanization, and for establishing government policies and practices that counteract such effects.
Intramedullary Spinal Cord Neoplasia in 53 Dogs (1990–2010): Distribution, Clinicopathologic Characteristics, and Clinical Behavior
Authors: Pancotto T.E. , Rossmeisl J.H. , Zimmerman K. , Robertson J.L. , Werre S.R.
Published: September 2013

Background

Intramedullary neoplasms of the canine spinal cord are infrequently reported.

Objective

To describe distribution, clinicopathologic characteristics, radiographic findings, and clinical features of canine intramedullary spinal tumors.

Methods

Retrospective series of histologically confirmed canine intramedullary spinal tumors. Contingency tables were generated for categorical variables (breed, sex, treatment, pain, chief complaint, localization, histology, imaging, and site). Associations were assessed by Fisher's exact, Wilcoxon rank sum test, t‐test, and one‐way ANOVA.

Results

Intramedullary spinal cord tumors comprised 16% (53/331) of all tumors of the spinal cord. Primary tumors were diagnosed in 66% (35/53) of cases, with neuroepithelial‐origin tumors comprising 51% (18/35) of all primary neoplasms. Intraparenchymal metastases of transitional cell carcinoma and hemangiosarcoma accounted for 66% (6/18 each) of all secondary tumors. Primary tumors were more likely to affect younger dogs. Dogs with intramedullary metastases were most commonly presented for primary myelopathic signs (8/18, 44%). The majority of all tumors (52.8%) occurred in the T3‐L3 spinal cord segments. All dogs with cervical neurolocalization had primary tumors. Dogs with metastatic lesions had a shorter duration of clinical signs before presentation, but there was no difference in survival time between dogs with primary as compared with secondary tumors.

Conclusions

Intramedullary spinal cord tumors are uncommon. Primary intramedullary spinal cord tumors are more common than secondary intramedullary spinal cord tumors and tend to occur in the cervical spinal cord of younger dogs. Intramedullary metastases occur in older dogs, are rarely asymptomatic, and neurologic dysfunction is a common clinical presentation. Dogs with primary tumors may have a protracted clinical course compared with those with intramedullary metastases.
Cytotoxicity and mycotoxin production of shellfish-derived Penicillium spp., a risk for shellfish consumers
Authors: Geiger M. , Guitton Y. , Vansteelandt M. , Kerzaon I. , Blanchet E. , Robiou du Pont T. , Frisvad J.C. , Hess P. , Pouchus Y.F. , Grovel O.
Published: September 2013

In order to assess the putative toxigenic risk associated with the presence of fungal strains in shellfish-farming areas, Penicillium strains were isolated from bivalve molluscs and from the surrounding environment, and the influence of the sample origin on the cytotoxicity of the extracts was evaluated. Extracts obtained from shellfish-derived Penicillia exhibited higher cytotoxicity than the others. Ten of these strains were grown on various media including a medium based on mussel extract (Mytilus edulis), mussel flesh-based medium (MES), to study the influence of the mussel flesh on the production of cytotoxic compounds. The MES host-derived medium was created substituting the yeast extract of YES medium by an aqueous extract of mussel tissues, with other constituent identical to YES medium. When shellfish-derived strains of fungi were grown on MES medium, extracts were found to be more cytotoxic than on the YES medium for some of the strains. HPLC-UV/DAD-MS/MS dereplication of extracts from Penicillium marinum and P. restrictum strains grown on MES medium showed the enhancement of the production of some cytotoxic compounds. The mycotoxin patulin was detected in some P. antarcticum extracts, and its presence seemed to be related to their cytotoxicity. Thus, the enhancement of the toxicity of extracts obtained from shellfish-derived Penicillium strains grown on a host-derived medium, and the production of metabolites such as patulin suggests that a survey of mycotoxins in edible shellfish should be considered.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Penicillium strains isolated from bivalve molluscs produce extracts exhibiting a higher cytotoxicity than extracts from Penicillium strains isolated from the surrounding marine environment. The use of a mussel-based medium for cultures of some shellfish-derived strains enhances the cytotoxicity of extracts when compared with classical media. The production of cytotoxic compounds and of the mycotoxin patulin on such a host-derived medium highlights a potential health risk for shellfish consumers.
Patterns of selection and allele diversity of class I and class II major histocompatibility loci across the species range of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka)
Authors: McClelland Erin K. , Ming Tobi J. , Tabata Amy , Kaukinen Karia H. , Beacham Terry D. , Withler Ruth E. , Miller Kristina M.
Published: September 2013

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC), an important component of the vertebrate immune system, provides an important suite of genes to examine the role of genetic diversity at non‐neutral loci for population persistence. We contrasted patterns of diversity at the two classical MHC loci in sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), MHC class I (UBA) and MHC class II (DAB), and neutral microsatellite loci across 70 populations spanning the species range from Washington State to Japan. There was no correlation in allelic richness or heterozygosity between MHC loci or between MHC loci and microsatellites. The two unlinked MHC loci may be responding to different selective pressures; the distribution of FST values for the two loci was uncorrelated, and evidence for both balancing and directional selection on alleles and lineages of DAB and UBA was observed in populations throughout the species range but rarely on both loci within a population. These results suggest that fluctuating selection has resulted in the divergence of MHC loci in contemporary populations.
Genetic analysis reveals diverse kin‐directed routes to helping in the rifleman Acanthisitta chloris
Authors: Preston Stephanie A. J. , Briskie James V. , Burke Terry , Hatchwell Ben J.
Published: September 2013

The social organization of cooperatively breeding species is extremely variable, with diverse social group composition and patterns of relatedness. Species that exhibit alternative routes to helping within the same population are potentially useful systems to investigate the causes and fitness consequences of diverse evolutionary pathways to cooperative behaviour. In this study, we use microsatellite markers and field observations to describe helping behaviour and patterns of relatedness in the unusual cooperative breeding system of the rifleman Acanthisitta chloris. First, we show that rifleman helpers consist of a remarkably diverse demographic, including males and females, who may be adult or juvenile, failed breeders or nonbreeders, or even successful breeders that simultaneously feed their own brood. Adult helpers mostly helped at first‐brood nests, while first‐brood juveniles assisted their parents at second broods. Second, we show that rifleman pairs are strictly sexually monogamous, and helpers did not gain any current reproductive success through helping. Third, genotyping showed that contrary to previous assumptions, helpers were closely related to the recipients of their care and preferentially directed care towards relatives over contemporaneous nests of nonrelatives. Finally, we show that variation in helper provisioning effort was attributed to age: juvenile helpers provisioned less than adults and were less responsive to the demands of a growing brood. Overall, our results show that the diverse routes to helping in this unusual species are driven by the common theme of kinship between helper and recipients, resulting in a previously underestimated potential for helpers to gain indirect fitness benefits.
Retrotransposon BARE displays strong tissue‐specific differences in expression
Authors: Jääskeläinen Marko , Chang Wei , Moisy Cédric , Schulman Alan H.
Published: September 2013

The BARE retrotransposon comprises c. 10% of the barley (Hordeum vulgare) genome. It is actively transcribed, translated and forms virus‐like particles (VLPs). For retrotransposons, the inheritance of new copies depends critically on where in the plant replication occurs.

In order to shed light on the replication strategy of BARE in the plant, we have used immunolocalization and in situ hybridization to examine expression of the BARE capsid protein, Gag, at a tissue‐specific level.

Gag is expressed in provascular tissues and highly localized in companion cells surrounding the phloem sieve tubes in mature vascular tissues. BARE Gag and RNA was not seen in the shoot apical meristem of young seedlings, but appeared, following transition to flowering, in the developing floral spike. Moreover, Gag has a highly specific localization in pre‐fertilization ovaries.

The strong presence of Gag in the floral meristems suggests that newly replicated copies there will be passed to the next generation. BARE expression patterns are consistent with transcriptional regulation by predicted response elements in the BARE promoter, and in the ovary with release from epigenetic transcriptional silencing. To our knowledge, this is the first analysis of the expression of native retrotransposon proteins within a plant to be reported.
Trade policy and obesity prevention: challenges and innovation in the Pacific Islands
Authors: Snowdon W. , Thow A. M.
Published: September 2013

The Pacific Island countries experience some of the highest rates of obesity in the world in part due to substantial dietary changes that mirror changes in the food supply in the region. Economic and political ties, donor aid, and trade links are key drivers of the changing availability and accessibility of processed and imported foods. Pacific Island countries have been innovative in developing trade‐related policy approaches to create a less obesogenic food environment. Taxation‐based approaches that affect pricing in the region include increased import and excise tariffs on sugared beverages and other high‐sugar products, monosodium glutamate, and palm oil and lowered tariffs on fruits and vegetables. Other approaches highlight some higher‐fat products through labeling and controlling the supply of high‐fat meats. The bans on high‐fat turkey tails and mutton flaps highlight the politics, trade agreements and donor influences that can be significant barriers to the pursuit of policy options. Countries that are not signatories to trade agreements may have more policy space for innovative action. However, potential effectiveness and practicality require consideration. The health sector's active engagement in the negotiation of trade agreements is a key way to support healthier trade in the region.
Broadening the genetic base of lentil cultivars through inter‐sub‐specific and interspecific crosses of Lens taxa
Authors: Singh Mohar , Rana Mukesh K. , Kumar Krishna , Bisht Ishwari S. , Dutta Manoranjan , Gautam Narinder K. , Sarker Ashutosh , Bansal Kailash C.
Published: September 2013

Wild Lens taxa are invaluable sources of useful traits for broadening genetic base of cultivated lentil. Nine inter‐sub‐specific and interspecific crosses were made successfully between cultivated (Lens culinaris ssp. culinaris) and wild lentils (L. culinaris ssp. orientalis, odemensis, lamottei and ervoides). The effect of species groups, day length and temperature on crossability in lentils was evident under normal winter sowing in New Delhi and in summer Himalayan nursery at Sangla in Himachal Pradesh, India, although pollen fertility assessed in all the cross‐combinations showed no significant variation. True hybridity of nine inter‐sub‐specific and interspecific crosses was confirmed through morphological and molecular (ISSR) markers, in which three of 120 primers could confirm the hybridity of all the crosses. All cross‐combinations were also studied for important quantitative traits related to yield. The range, mean and coefficient of variation were estimated in parental lines, F1 and F2 generations to determine the extent of variability generated in cultivated lentils through the introgression of genes from wild L. taxa. A high level of heterosis was observed in F1 crosses for important traits studied. Substantially higher variations for seed yield and its attributing traits were exhibited in F2 generations indicating transgressive segregation. The results of the present investigation revealed that wild L. taxa can be successfully exploited for lentil improvement programmes, and the variations generated could be easily utilized for broadening the genetic base of cultivated lentil gene pool for improving the yield as well as wider adaptation.
Do Culture and Institutions Matter? Explaining the Sources of Cross‐National Regime Support
Authors: Peralta J. Salvador
Published: September 2013

What determines the level of popular support for regimes? There are two approaches to answering this question: one that emphasizes the role of culture in conditioning individuals' evaluations of political objects and another that emphasizes the importance of institutional arrangements in constraining and channeling individual behavior. I hypothesize that cross‐national variation in regime support is, in part, a consequence of an interaction between cultural values and institutional arrangements. The results indicate that the impact of culture on regime support is mediated by the institutional context. It is this insight that can help us to better understand where regime support originates.

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