bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of X‐ray micro tomography to study the microstructure of loose‐packed and compacted milk powders
Authors: CHAWANJI A.S. , BALDWIN A.J. , BRISSON G. , WEBSTER E. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe use of X‐rays to evaluate food microstructure has developed considerably in recent years. In this work we used X‐ray micro tomography (XMT) to visualize the microstructure of loose‐packed and compacted samples of spray‐dried skim milk powder (SMP) and whole milk powder (WMP) and to quantify the proportion of both interstitial and occluded air voids in each sample. Visual scrutiny of the acquired XMT images showed details of the microstructure of the milk powders such as the spherical morphology of the particles, the size of the particles and internal air voids of various sizes. Within loose‐packed powders, the proportion of air voids was higher (13% average) in WMP than in SMP. This was reversed in the compacted powders, in which the proportion of air voids was higher in SMP. The disparity in the proportion of air voids in both loose‐packed and compacted samples of SMP and WMP was attributed to the size, shape and surface properties of the particles.
Crystallographic structure of human tooth enamel by electron microscopy and x‐ray diffraction: hexagonal or monoclinic?
Authors: REYES‐GASGA J. , MARTÍNEZ‐PIÑEIRO E.L. , BRÈS É.F. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryRecently reports on the major stability of the monoclinic phase of hydroxyapatite compared with the hexagonal phase have established it as the most observable structure of hydroxyapatite in natural materials, such as hard tissues. In this work, the structural and crystallographic analysis of the inorganic component of sound human tooth enamel was done by transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction and X‐ray diffraction techniques. The results indicated that its unit cell is hexagonal not monoclinic.
Review: Genetics and neuropathology of primary pure dystonia
Authors: Paudel R. , Hardy J. , Revesz T. , Holton J. L. , Houlden H. 
Published: August 2012

R. Paudel, J. Hardy, T. Revesz, J. L. Holton and H. Houlden (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 520–534Genetics and neuropathology of primary pure dystoniaNeuropathology has been the key to understanding the aetiology of many neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal degeneration and cerebellar ataxias. Dystonia shares many clinical features with these conditions but research in general, has been unrewarding in providing information on disease processes. Neuropathological studies are few in number and only limited morphological abnormalities have been described. In the genetic literature, dystonia loci are represented as DYT and are assigned ascending numerals chronologically as they are identified. This review will concentrate on the neuropathology of primary pure dystonia, focusing on DYT1 and DYT6 and the correlation between clinical and genetic findings. Research in this area is incomplete and confounded by the rarity of post mortem brain tissue. However, recent findings, indicating a direct interaction between the torsinA (TOR1A) gene responsible for DYT1 and the thanatos‐associated domain‐containing apoptosis‐associated protein 1 (THAP1) gene responsible for DYT6, have important implications in understanding these two entities and also for other members of this group of disorders.
Barriers for an effective communication around clinical decision making: an analysis of the gaps between doctors' and patients' point of view
Authors: Mira José Joaquín , Guilabert Mercedes , Pérez‐Jover Virtudes , Lorenzo Susana 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundThere are doubts on whether patients feel that they have sufficient information for actively participating in clinical decisions.ObjectiveTo describe the type of information that patients receive. To determine whether patients consider this information sufficient, and whether it contributes or not to improve clinical safety. To identify the barriers for patient participation in clinical decision making.Study DesignCross‐sectional study with 764 patients and 327 physicians.Study Setting and participantsFourteen health centres belonging to three primary care districts and three hospitals in Spain.Principal FindingsJust 35.1% (268) (95% CI 32.2, 39.1%) of patients preferred to have the last word in clinical decisions. Age (39 vs. 62%, P < 0.001) and severity of illness (38 vs. 46%, P = 0.002) increased the tendency to take a passive role. In 85.1% (650) (95% CI 83.3, 88.3%) of the cases, patients reported having received sufficient information. Lack of consultation time (29.6%, 95% CI 25.8, 32.5%) and patients' use of Internet or other sources (19.2%, 95% CI 16.4, 22.2%) were identified as new obstacles to doctor–patient communication by the patients. Only 19.6% (64) (95% CI 15.4, 24.2%) of doctors considered that they could intervene to involve patients in the decisions.Discussions and ConclusionsThe majority of patients prefer the decisions to be made by their doctor, especially those with more severe illnesses, and older patients. Patients are not normally informed about medication interactions, precautions and foreseeable complications. The information provided by general practitioners does not seem to contribute enough to the patient involvement in clinical safety.
Effects of alpha‐lipoic acid in an animal model of mania induced by d‐amphetamine
Authors: Macêdo Danielle S , Medeiros Camila D , Cordeiro Rafaela C , Sousa Francisca Cléa , Santos Júnia V , Morais Thomás A , Hyphantis Thomas N , McIntyre Roger S , Quevedo João , Carvalho André F 
Published: August 2012

Macêdo DS, Medeiros CD, Cordeiro RC, Sousa FC, Santos JV, Morais TA, Hyphantis TN, McIntyre RS, Quevedo J, Carvalho AF. Effects of alpha‐lipoic acid in an animal model of mania induced by d‐amphetamine. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 707–718. © 2012 The Authors.  Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/SObjectives:  Oxidative stress and neurotrophic factors are involved in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD). Alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring compound with strong antioxidant properties. The present study investigated ALA effects in an amphetamine‐induced model of mania.Methods:  In the reversal protocol, adult mice were first given d‐amphetamine (AMPH) 2 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.) or saline for 14 days. Between days 8 and 14, the animals received ALA 50 or 100 mg/kg orally, lithium (Li) 47.5 mg/kg i.p., or saline. In the prevention paradigm, mice were pretreated with ALA, Li, or saline prior to AMPH. Locomotor activity was assessed in the open‐field task. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH), and thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substance (TBARS) levels were evaluated in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (HC), and striatum (ST). Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were measured in the HC.Results:  ALA and Li prevented and reversed the AMPH‐induced increase in locomotor activity. Prevention model: ALA and Li co‐administration with AMPH prevented the decrease in SOD activity induced by AMPH in the HC and ST, respectively; ALA and Li prevented GSH alteration in the HC and TBARS formation in all brain areas studied. Reversal model: ALA reversed the decrease in SOD activity in the ST. TBARS formation was reversed by ALA and Li in all brain areas. Furthermore, ALA reversed AMPH‐induced decreases in BDNF and GSH in the HC.Conclusions:  Our findings showed that ALA, similarly to Li, is effective in reversing and preventing AMPH‐induced behavioral and neurochemical alterations, providing a rationale for the design of clinical trials investigating ALA’s possible antimanic effect.
Needle visibility in different tissue models for ultrasound‐guided regional anaesthesia
Authors: WIESMANN T. , BORNTRÄGER A. , NEFF M. , WULF H. , STEINFELDT T. 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundModels for ultrasound‐guided regional anaesthesia (USGRA) are important for research and training. However, the limited data available show great differences in quality of needle and tissue visualisation with regard to the applied model. This study aims to compare common USGRA models and human tissue with regard to their influence on needle visibility.MethodsWe conducted this study using four models (embalmed human cadaver, turkey breast, pork, and synthetic gel models) and a volunteer (human control) as well as two different needles [Stimuplex A (StA), conventional needle; Stimuplex D Plus (StD+), needle with improved echogenicity]. We obtained ultrasound videos of needle advancement and withdrawal using the in‐plane approach at a 45° angle in all four models and the volunteer. Fifteen test persons were prospectively enrolled. Ultrasound videos were presented in a randomised, blinded manner. The test persons were asked to rate the visibility of the needle shaft (VS) and tip (VT) on a four‐point scale (0–3).ResultsVS and VT were comparable between the human control and cadaver model for both needle types. The pork, turkey, and synthetic gel models had significantly higher visibility scores than the human control for both needle types. VS of StD+ was significantly higher than that of StA in the pork and turkey models, but not in the synthetic model, cadaver model, or human control.ConclusionIn this pilot study, needle visibility in embalmed cadaver is comparable with that in human control. Needle visibility was significantly higher in other tissue models (turkey breast, pork, synthetic gel models) than in the human control, which may limit their value in training environments.
Sex‐specific genotype‐by‐environment interactions for cuticular hydrocarbon expression in decorated crickets, Gryllodes sigillatus: implications for the evolution of signal reliability
Authors: Weddle C. B. , Mitchell C. , Bay S. K. , Sakaluk S. K. , Hunt J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPhenotypic traits that convey information about individual identity or quality are important in animal social interactions, and the degree to which such traits are influenced by environmental variation can have profound effects on the reliability of these cues. Using inbred genetic lines of the decorated cricket, Gryllodes sigillatus, we manipulated diet quality to test how the cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles of males and females respond across two different nutritional rearing environments. There were significant differences between lines in the CHC profiles of females, but the effect of diet was not quite statistically significant. There was no significant genotype‐by‐environment interaction (GEI), suggesting that environmental effects on phenotypic variation in female CHCs are independent of genotype. There was, however, a significant effect of GEI for males, with changes in both signal quantity and content, suggesting that environmental effects on phenotypic expression of male CHCs are dependent on genotype. The differential response of male and female CHC expression to variation in the nutritional environment suggests that these chemical cues may be under sex‐specific selection for signal reliability. Female CHCs show the characteristics of reliable cues of identity: high genetic variability, low condition dependence and a high degree of genetic determination. This supports earlier work showing that female CHCs are used in self‐recognition to identify previous mates and facilitate polyandry. In contrast, male CHCs show the characteristics of reliable cues of quality: condition dependence and a relatively higher degree of environmental determination. This suggests that male CHCs are likely to function as cues of underlying quality during mate choice and/or male dominance interactions.
Asymmetric Forceps Increase Fighting Success among Males of Similar size in the Maritime Earwig
Authors: Munoz Nicole E. , Zink Andrew G. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractExtreme asymmetric morphologies are hypothesized to serve an adaptive function that counteracts sexual selection for symmetry. However, direct tests of function for asymmetries are lacking, particularly in the context of animal weapons. The weapon of the maritime earwig,Anisolabis maritima, exhibits sizeable variation in the extent of directional asymmetry within and across body sizes, making it an ideal candidate for investigating the function of asymmetry. In this study, we characterized the extent of weapon asymmetry, characterized the manner in which asymmetric weapons are used in contests, staged dyadic contests between males of different size classes, and analyzed the correlates of fighting success. In contests between large males, larger individuals won more fights and emerged as the dominant male. In contests between small males, however, weapon asymmetry was more influential in predicting overall fighting success than body size. This result reveals an advantage of asymmetric weaponry among males that are below the mean size in the population. A forceps manipulation experiment suggests that asymmetry may be an indirect correlate of a morphologically independent factor that affects fighting ability.
Genome‐wide linkage disequilibrium in the Blonde d'Aquitaine cattle breed
Authors: Beghain J. , Boitard S. , Weiss B. , Boussaha M. , Gut I. , Rocha D. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryWe present here the first genome‐wide characterization of linkage disequilibrium (LD) in the French Blonde d'Aquitaine (BLA) breed, a well‐muscled breed renowned for producing high‐yielding beef carcasses. To assess the pattern and extent of LD, we used a sample of 30 unrelated bulls and 36 923 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering all cattle autosomes. The squared correlation of the alleles at two loci (r2) was used as a measure of LD. The analysis of adjacent marker pairs revealed that the level of LD decreases rapidly with physical distance between SNPs. Overall mean r2 was 0.205 (±0.262). Strong LD (r2 > 0.8) and useful LD (measured as r2 > 0.2) were observed within genomic regions of up to 720 and 724 kb, respectively. We analysed the genetic structure of the BLA population and found stratification. The observed genetic sub‐structuring is consistent with the known recent demographic history that occurred during BLA breed formation. Our results indicate that LD mapping of phenotypic traits in the BLA population is feasible; however, because of this sub‐structuring, special care is needed to reduce the likelihood of false‐positive associations between marker loci and traits of interest.
Milk casein and fatty acid fractions in early lactation are affected by nutritional regulation of body condition score at the beginning of the transition period in primiparous and multiparous cows under grazing conditions
Authors: Artegoitia V. , Meikle A. , Olazabal L. , Damián J. P. , Adrien M. L. , Mattiauda D. A. , Bermudez J. , Torre A. , Carriquiry M. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe objective was to evaluate the effect of body condition score (BCS) at 30 days before calving (−30 days) induced by a differential nutritional management, parity and week of lactation (WOL) on milk yield and composition, and milk casein and fatty acid composition. Primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows with high BCS (PH, n = 13; MH, n = 9) and low BCS (PL, n = 9; ML = 8) under grazing conditions were sampled at WOL 2 and 8 (before and after peak of lactation). Milk yield was greater in multiparous than in primiparous cows and tended to decrease from WOL 2 to 8 only in ML cows. Milk protein, fat and casein yields were greater in multiparous than in primiparous cows and decreased from WOL 2 to 8. Milk casein concentration in milk protein was greater in MH cows than in ML, PH and PL cows at WOL 2. Milk κ‐casein was greater, and β‐casein was less in multiparous than in primiparous cows. As lactation progressed, proportion of casein fractions were not altered. Only κ‐casein fraction was affected by BCS at −30 days as PL showed a higher concentration than PH. The de novo (4:0–15:1) and mixed‐origin fatty acids (16:0–16:1) in milk fat increased, whereas preformed fatty acids (≥17:0) decreased from WOL 2 to 8. Saturated (SAT) fatty acids tended to be greater and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were less in multiparous than in primiparous cows. High‐BCS cows had greater concentrations of polyunsaturated (PUFA), conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) as well as n‐6 and n‐3 fatty acids in milk fat than low‐BCS cows. The results indicate that casein and fatty acid fractions in milk were affected by parity and may be modified by a differential nutritional management during the pre‐calving period (BCS at −30 days) in cows under grazing conditions.
The Genetic Structure of Populations of Potato virus Y in Japan; Based on the Analysis of 20 Full Genomic Sequences
Authors: Ogawa Tetsuji , Nakagawa Akio , Hataya Tatsuji , Ohshima Kazusato 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe genetic structure of Potato virus Y (PVY) populations in Japan was analysed using 20 isolates; five were retrieved from the public DNA sequence databases, and an additional 15 complete genomic sequences were determined using field samples collected in Japan. Recombination and phylogenetic analyses of a total of 149 isolates from Japan and other countries showed that PVY has three major lineages (C, N and O); at least one, two and six sublineages in C, N and O lineages, respectively. One recombination pattern was newly found among Japanese PVYNTN strain isolates, which was most closely related to the PVYNTN strain isolates previously found in Europe and North America. On the other hand, PVYO was a complex of several divergent lineages, and there were at least three non‐recombinant subpopulations in Japan. Studies on nucleotide diversities of populations and phylogenetic relationships of the isolates in the PVY sequences showed that Japanese PVY populations were in part distinct from the European and North American populations.
Use of propranolol for treatment of infantile haemangiomas in an outpatient setting
Authors: Phillips Roderic J , Penington Anthony J , Bekhor Philip S , Crock Catherine M 
Published: August 2012

Introduction:  Propranolol has recently emerged as an effective drug treatment for infantile haemangiomas. The side effect profile of the drug and the safety of administering propranolol in outpatient settings in this age group remain uncertain. We report our experience with 200 infants and children prescribed propranolol to treat infantile haemangiomas, including 37 patients considered to have a poor response to treatment.Method:  Patients were prescribed propranolol (1 mg/kg/dose bd) as outpatients at the Vascular Anomalies Service at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne.Results:  The median age at commencement was 4 months (range 5 days–7 years). Twenty patients were older than 12 months at commencement. The median duration of treatment was 8 months. About 80% of treated haemangiomas were on the face. Approximately 50% of patients were considered to have an excellent response, 30% to have a good response and 20% to have a poor response. All segmental facial haemangiomas responded well. In contrast, 25% of focal facial haemangiomas responded poorly. Sleep disturbance was the most common side effect. Gross motor abnormalities including delayed walking were observed in 13 patients.Conclusion:  Propranolol appears to be an effective treatment for infantile haemangiomas, particularly large segmental facial lesions. A poor response was seen in 20% of patients. Treatment has been provided in an outpatient setting without major complications and with excellent parental compliance. The side effect profile appears to be favourable, but further follow‐up is required to identify unexpected long‐term side effects.
Intermittent fever, splenomegaly and eosinophilia in a recently resettled African refugee
Authors: Mohd Abd Rahman Muhammad , Bryant Penelope , Guppy Des , Buttery Jim , Burgner David 
Published: August 2012

Abstract:We discuss a recently resettled African refugee child with acute schistosomiasis, who presented with fever, hepatosplenomegaly and marked eosinophilia. We outline the differential diagnoses of eosinophilia in the recently resettled refugee and returned traveller and outline the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of schistosomal infection, including controversies in management of acute schistosomiasis.
Nationwide study of injury‐related deaths among children aged 1–4 years in China, 2000–2008
Authors: Wang Yanping , He Chunhua , Li Xiaohong , Miao Lei , Zhu Jun , Liang Juan 
Published: August 2012

Aims:  The aims of this study are to investigate injury mortality in children aged 1–4 years, to analyse prevalent mortality rates of childhood injury and to identify the leading causes of child injury deaths in China from 2000 to 2008.Methods:  The data were obtained from a nationwide mortality surveillance system for children under 5 years of age in China. The injury mortality rates of children aged 1–4 years were compared between rural and urban areas, boys and girls and among five major injury types between 2000 and 2008.Results:  During the 9‐year study period, the injury mortality rates for children aged 1–4 years declined significantly by an average of 5.4% each year (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.6–7.0%) overall in China, with a decrease of 4.8% (P < 0.001; 95% CI: 2.5–7.1%) and 9.9% (P < 0.001; 95% CI: 4.9–14.7%) in rural and urban areas, respectively. The proportion of injury‐related deaths to total mortality rates dropped from 32.9% in 2000 to 18.8% in 2008 in urban areas but increased from 45.6% to 56.9% in rural areas. The injury mortality rates in both boys and girls decreased significantly by an average of 5.4% each year (P < 0.001; 95% CI: 2.6–8.0%) and 6.1% (P < 0.001; 95% CI: 2.7–9.4%), respectively. Drowning and traffic accidents were the most prevalent causes of injury‐related deaths in children aged 1–4 years.Conclusion:  Childhood injury is still the leading cause of death in children aged 1–4 years in China. Drowning and traffic accidents were the most prevalent causes of childhood deaths in this study. Boys living in rural areas are at a higher risk and therefore require increased attention to help control and prevent childhood injury.
Advanced interventional pulmonology procedures: Training guidelines from the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand
Authors: FIELDING DAVID , PHILLIPS MARTIN , ROBINSON PETER , IRVING LOUIS , GARSKE LUKE , HOPKINS PETER 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTTraining in interventional pulmonology procedures is increasing in popularity. However, the nature of training is difficult to define, particularly with respect to an adequate number of cases. These guidelines approach training not just from a modest number of supervised cases, but also from a range of educational and outcome targets which give a rounded approach to the issue. These include prerequisite skills from basic procedures, the place of simulated training, formal simulation testing, modest procedural outcome and side effect targets, audit presentations, ongoing reading, and hands‐on training expectations. All of this would still be under the supervision of an experienced trainer.