bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tobacco use among long‐term survivors of head and neck cancer treated with radiation therapy
Authors: Chen Allen M. , Vazquez Esther , Courquin Jean , Donald Paul J. , Farwell D. Gregory 
Published: September 2013

AbstractPurposeThe objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of tobacco consumption (i.e., cigarette use) among survivors of head and neck cancer after treatment with radiation therapy (RT).Methods and materialsA longitudinal study was conducted with 230 patients previously treated with RT for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. All patients were clinically without evidence of disease and had a minimum of 1 year follow‐up. Patients were summarily asked about the use of tobacco products at each follow‐up visit. To explore for associations between potential predictors of post‐RT smoking, the Chi‐square test and Spearman's correlation coefficient were employed.ResultsThe percentage of patients who were actively smoking was 21%, 21%, and 20%, at 1, 2, and 3 years post‐RT, respectively. When the analysis was limited to patients with a former smoking history (i.e., excluding all never‐smokers), these percentages increased to 32%, 27%, and 25%, respectively. The intensity of smoking at follow‐up ranged from one cigarette daily to 2.5 packs daily. Forty‐two of 76 (55%) patients who were smoking at diagnosis were found to be smoking at 1‐year follow‐up compared to 7 of 154 patients who were not (p < 0.001). The only factor that significantly predicted for persistent smoking at follow‐up was the presence of a preexisting psychiatric condition (most commonly, a mood disorder) at initial cancer diagnosis.ConclusionsA significant proportion of former smokers are actively smoking during follow‐up despite having completed intensive RT and having their cancers evidently under control. Innovative interventional approaches to target those at highest risk for continued smoking are warranted. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantifying the impact of storage procedures for faecal bacteriotherapy in the critically endangered New Zealand Parrot, the Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus)
Authors: Waite David W. , Deines Peter , Taylor Michael W. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe endemic New Zealand kakapo is classified as ‘critically endangered’ and, in an effort to prevent extinction and restore the kakapo population, intensive handling of rare kakapo chicks is often utilised to reduce mortality and improve health outcomes among juveniles. Due to concerns that hand‐reared chicks may not receive a full bacterial complement in their gut in the absence of regurgitated food from their mother, conservation workers feed a suspension of frozen adult faeces to captive chicks. However, the efficacy of this practice is unknown, with no information about the viability of these bacteria, or whether certain bacterial taxa are selected for or against as a consequence of freezing. In this study we experimentally determined the effects of freezing and reanimation on bacterial cell viability and diversity, using a faecal sample obtained from a healthy adult kakapo. Freezing reduced the number of viable bacterial cells (estimated by colony‐forming units, CFU) by 99.86%, although addition of a cryoprotectant prior to freezing resulted in recovery of bacterial cells equivalent to that of non‐frozen controls. Bacterial taxonomic diversity was reduced by freezing, irrespective of the presence of a cryoprotectant. While this study did not address the efficacy of faecal supplementation per se, the obtained data do suggest that faecal bacteriotherapy using frozen faeces (with a cryoprotectant) from healthy adult birds warrants further consideration as a conservation strategy for intensively managed species. Zoo Biol. 32:620–625, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MODUS OPERANDIIN ASSESSING BIOMASS AND CARBON IN RUBBER PLANTATIONS UNDER VARYING CLIMATIC CONDITIONS
Authors: MUNASINGHE E. S. , RODRIGO V. H. L. , GUNAWARDENA U. A. D. P. 
Published: September 2013

SUMMARYIn addition to latex and timber, the rubber tree is useful in the alleviation of rural poverty and also in the mitigation of climate change through fixing atmospheric CO2as biomass. For developing any rubber-based carbon projects, protocols for quantifying biomass and carbon fixed are required. In this context, the present study was aimed at building up allometric models using simple growth indicators (i.e. tree diameter and total height) to assess the timber, biomass and carbon in rubber trees and also to quantify their ontogenetic variation under average growth conditions in two major climatic regimes (i.e. wet and intermediate) of Sri Lanka. All models developed were in the accuracy level of over 88%. The mean absolute percentage error in the validation of allometric models was only 12.9% for timber and less than 5% for biomass and carbon. Under average growth conditions, 1 ha of rubber could produce 208 m3timber, 191 MT biomass and fix 78 MT carbon during its 30-year lifespan in the wet zone and ca. 16% lesser values in the intermediate zone. The applicability of the findings in carbon trading is discussed.
Single-molecule views on homologous recombination
Authors: Candelli Andrea , Modesti Mauro , Peterman Erwin J. G. , Wuite Gijs J. L. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractAll organisms need homologous recombination (HR) to repair DNA double-strand breaks. Defects in recombination are linked to genetic instability and to elevated risks in developing cancers. The central catalyst of HR is a nucleoprotein filament, consisting of recombinase proteins (human RAD51 or bacterial RecA) bound around single-stranded DNA. Over the last two decades, single-molecule techniques have provided substantial new insights into the dynamics of homologous recombination. Here, we survey important recent developments in this field of research and provide an outlook on future developments.
Story discourse and use of mental state language between mothers and school‐aged children with and without visual impairment
Authors: Tadić Valerija , Pring Linda , Dale Naomi 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundLack of sight compromises insight into other people's mental states. Little is known about the role of maternal language in assisting the development of mental state language in children with visual impairment (VI).AimsTo investigate mental state language strategies of mothers of school‐aged children with VI and to compare these with mothers of comparable children with typically developing vision. To investigate whether the characteristics of mother–child discourse were associated with the child's socio‐communicative competence.Methods & ProceduresMother–child discourse with twelve 6–12‐year‐old children with VI was coded during a shared book‐reading narrative and compared with 14 typically sighted children matched in age and verbal ability.Outcomes & ResultsMothers of children with VI elaborated more and made significantly more references to story characters’ mental states and descriptive elaborations than mothers of sighted children. Mental state elaborations of mothers in the VI group related positively with the level produced by their children, with the association remaining after mothers’ overall verbosity and children's developmental levels were controlled for. Frequency of maternal elaborations, including their mental state language, was related to socio‐communicative competence of children with VI.Conclusions & ImplicationsThe findings offer insights into the potential contribution of maternal verbal scaffolding to mentalistic language and social–communicative competences of children with VI.
Bringing it all back home: how I became a relational analyst
Authors: Colman Warren 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThis paper traces the similarities between the cluster of influences that informed my own training and practice as a British developmental Jungian analyst and those that led to the creation of intersubjective and relational analysis in America. Having outlined five main themes of relational analysis, I show how these were anticipated by several trends in British analysis, especially the work of R.D. Laing and the theory of couple interaction developed by the Institute of Marital Studies at the Tavistock Centre in London. I then show the parallels between relational thinking and Jung's approach to clinical practice and discuss some of the dilemmas around the analyst's subjectivity and personal participation in the analytic relationship that are common to both traditions. My aim is to show that a relational approach to the practice of Jungian analysis is both ‘traditional’ and ‘radical’, being rooted in the traditions of the past while opening up pathways towards future development and clinical innovation.
Serum markers of collagen synthesis and degradation in acute respiratory failure patients
Authors: OKKONEN M. , GÄDDNÄS F. , PETTILÄ V. , LAURILA J. , OHTONEN P. , RISTELI J. , LINKO R. , ALA‐KOKKO T. ,   FINNALI STUDY GROUP
Published: September 2013

BackgroundProcollagen‐derived propeptides reflect the rate of collagen synthesis and type I cross‐linked collagen telopeptides (ICTP) collagen I degradation. We studied the collagen metabolism to find out if changes seen in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients are observed in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF), and whether multiple organ dysfunction (MOD) has impact on it.MethodsARF patients with prolonged hospitalisation at least 21 days were included to the study. Blood samples for serum procollagen aminoterminal propeptide I (PINP) and III (PIIINP), and ICTP measurements were collected at study admission (day 0) and on days 2, 7, and 21.ResultsThe study population comprised 68 patients. Forty‐three patients (63%) developed MOD during the first week. PIIINP levels increased in all patients over time. The increase was slightly more pronounced in patients with MOD. During the first week, the synthesis of PIIINP increased more than PINP, and PINP degradation exceeded its production. By day 21, the balance of collagen metabolites returned to baseline.ConclusionThe collagen metabolism was altered in ARF patients. The first week was dominated by degradation of type I collagen and production of type III collagen, but by day 21, the collagen composition returned to more stable form.
Synthetic Biology Ethics: A Deontological Assessment
Authors: Heavey Patrick 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIn this article I discuss the ethics of synthetic biology from a broadly deontological perspective, evaluating its morality in terms of the integrity of nature, the dignity of life and the relationship between God and his creation. Most ethical analyses to date have been largely consequentialist in nature; they reveal a dual use dilemma, showing that synbio has potential for great good and great evil, possibly more so than any step humanity has taken before. A deontological analysis may help to resolve this dilemma, by evaluating whether synbio is right or wrong in itself. I also assess whether deontology alone is a sufficient methodological paradigm for the proper evaluation of synbio ethics.
Palliative treatment of skin metastases in dermato‐oncology
Authors: Kähler Katharina C. , Egberts Friederike , Gutzmer Ralf 
Published: September 2013

SummaryPatients with metastatic melanoma, but also other solid tumors (e.g., lung or breast cancer), may develop cutaneous metastases in advanced stages. The goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms such as pain, fetor, secretions, or bleeding. Current treatment modalities are based on a multimodal treatment approach. Beside surgery, treatment options such as electrochemotherapy, isolated limb perfusion, radiotherapy, and local administration of cytokines or chemotherapy agents are available. In case of concomitant visceral metastases, this local treatment approach may not affect overall survival, but the palliation of these tumor‐associated symptoms very often improves the quality of life for the patient.
A New Technique for Subtotal (Cranial Wedge) Ostectomy in the Treatment of Impinging/Overriding Spinous Processes: Description of Technique, and Outcome of 25 Cases
Authors: Jacklin B.D. , Minshall G.J. , Wright I.M. 
Published: September 2013

AimsTo demonstrate that subtotal (cranial wedge) ostectomy represents an effective treatment for overriding spinous processes (SPs), with short surgery time, fewer complications, maintains the contour of the spine, and produces a functionally and cosmetically better outcome than previously reported techniques.MethodsA new technique is described and records were retrieved for 25 cases which had undergone the procedure at Newmarket Equine Hospital between 2009 and 2011. Case records were evaluated for anamnesis, clinical findings, and details of surgical and post operative management. Outcome of surgery was assessed by telephone questionnaire with owners, relating to both functional and cosmetic outcome of surgery.ResultsA total of 78.9% of cases treated using the described technique had resolution of clinical signs and returned to full work, and a further 18.2% were improved. Outcome was unrelated to number of SPs resected or mean radiographic grade of impingement. Cosmetic outcome was described as excellent in 81.8% and good in the remainder. Surgery time ranged from 20 to 70 (median 30) min and there were no intraoperative or post operative complications.ConclusionsPrevious descriptions of overriding SPs have failed to consider the shape of the SPs, and common site of impingement. As a result, previously reported techniques have been excessively destructive. Additionally, the changing relationships of SPs between standing and recumbent positions complicates surgical procedures when the previously reported technique is employed.Practical significanceBased on the above and the presented follow‐up data, subtotal (cranial wedge) ostectomy represents a logical and effective treatment for overriding SPs. If performed under general anaesthesia it results in short surgery time, maintains the contour of the spine, has few complications, and produces a functionally and cosmetically better outcome than previously reported nondefined amputation of the dorsal portion of implicated SPs.Ethical animal researchNot required by this Congress: retrospective clinical study. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
The Effect of Trotting Speed, Direction and Line of Travel on Asymmetry in Standardbred Racehorses During High‐Speed Locomotion on the Racetrack
Authors: Kirk L. , Pfau T. , Witte S , Ramseyer A. , Witte T.H. 
Published: September 2013

AimsTo evaluate the effects of racing and training conditions on motion symmetry we set out to quantify hindlimb symmetry using an objective inertial sensor‐based system in a cohort of in‐training Standardbred racehorses during high‐speed trotting and to assess the influence of speed, line taken (straight vs. bend) and direction of travel (clockwise vs. anticlockwise).MethodsEight Standardbred racehorses in full training were instrumented with a GPS‐enhanced inertial sensor located at the tuber sacrale and trotted around an oval racetrack at a range of speeds and in both directions. Symmetry index (SI), MinDiff, MaxDiff, vector sum (VS) and range of motion (ROM) were quantified for the hindlimbs for each stride using vertical displacement data derived from the inertial output.ResultsA total of 9108 strides were collected on the track. Overall, all horses displayed a right hindlimb asymmetry or ‘lameness’. Horses were more asymmetrical when trotting around bends compared with on straights. The main factor influencing asymmetry was trotting around a clockwise bend. Speed had a small but significant influence on asymmetry that varied between measures.ConclusionsThe inertial sensor system was suitable for collecting on‐track, high‐speed locomotion data. The magnitude of asymmetry was dependent on direction, possibly indicating subclinical lameness or laterality in these horses.Practical significanceThe inertial sensor system is practical for on‐track objective high‐speed lameness evaluation. Further studies with larger numbers of objectively sound and lame Standardbred horses are needed to determine the effect of lameness on high‐speed trotting. The influence of factors such as training regimes and racing equipment should also be evaluated.Ethical animal researchAll procedures were performed with approval of the Royal Veterinary College Ethics Committee. The study was carried out in accordance with local regulations and in collaboration with the Swiss National Stud and Vetsuisse Bern. Informed consent was obtained from the owners of all horses used. Approval no. 2012/P358. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
Objective Assessment of Gait Asymmetry in Polo Ponies
Authors: Burden E.R. , Pfau T , Witte T.H. 
Published: September 2013

AimsPolo ponies have demanding athletic careers and are likely to display a degree of movement asymmetry due to subclinical lameness. Due to training and management practices in polo, the prevalence of lameness may be underestimated. Subjective assessment of lameness has been proven to be unreliable and a growing body of evidence supports the use of trunk mounted inertial sensors as a practical field method of objective gait analysis. We set out to test the hypothesis that all polo ponies display some degree of movement asymmetry. It is likely that some of these asymmetries will be severe enough to be classified as lameness. In horses with asymmetry we hypothesise that left forelimb lameness will predominate.MethodsForty polo ponies were equipped with trunk mounted inertial sensors and trotted along a hard, straight surface. Data were analysed according to published protocols and standard objective symmetry indices were derived and compared with published thresholds.ResultsAll 40 horses displayed asymmetrical movement. Twenty‐one (52.5%) were left forelimb asymmetric, and 19 (47.5%) were right forelimb asymmetric. Eighteen of these asymmetric horses had asymmetry values consistent with lameness. Twelve horses were identified as left forelimb lame and 6 horses identified as right forelimb lame. There was an equal division between right and left hindlimb asymmetry. Nine horses had values exceeding the lameness thresholds; 6 were right hind lame and 4 were left hind lame.ConclusionsPolo ponies display asymmetry and some asymmetries are consistent with lameness. There appears to be a bias in left forelimb lameness in this population.Practical significanceThese findings may highlight underlying orthopaedic pathology that may be discipline specific or be a reflection of entrained or inherent laterality/handedness.Ethical animal researchAll procedures were performed with approval of the Royal Veterinary College Ethics Committee. Informed consent was obtained from all owners of the horses used in this study. Approval ref no. 2012/P337. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
Development and Clinical Application of Pudendal Nerve Block Using A Peripheral Nerve Locator for Reproductive Surgery in Horses
Authors: Gallacher K. , Campoy L. , Bezuidenhout A.J. , Gilbert R.O. 
Published: September 2013

AimsTo develop, describe and evaluate clinical applicability of pudendal nerve block using a peripheral nerve locator.MethodsIn a pilot study, 6 ponies were used to determine the correlation between nerves serving the perineal region (namely pudendal, caudorectal and perineal nerves) and the muscle contractions observed when an electrolocation technique was used. After appropriate electrolocation a small volume of lidocaine/methylene blue solution was injected under general anaesthesia. The dye location relative to the specified nerves was examined after humane euthanasia followed by dissection of the relevant region. In a second experiment, 7 Thoroughbred horses were used to evaluate the appropriate volume of lidocaine solution for the nerve block. Lidocaine/methylene blue solution was injected after positive electrolocation immediately (5–40 min) after euthanasia. A stained segment of 2 cm or more of the nerve was deemed to be sufficient and was evaluated after dissection. Finally, evaluation of a bilateral pudendal nerve block was used to provide anaesthesia and analgesia in 10 clinical cases involving both mares and geldings.ResultsAnal twitch alone was associated with injection of the caudal rectal nerve, whereas combined twitch of the anus and perineum was required for reliable location and injection of the pudendal nerve. Injection was more accurate in standing rather than laterally recumbent horses. A volume of 10–20 ml bilaterally, reliably provided at least 60 min of clinical analgesia for perineal surgery. Procedures satisfactorily completed included; urethral extension and perineal body repair in mares and penile examination, removal of penile tumours and penile amputation in male patients.Conclusions and practical significancePudendal nerve block is a practical and effective alternative to epidural analgesia for selected standing surgical procedures of the reproductive tract in male and female horses.Ethical animal researchThe Cornell University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approved the project and informed client consent was obtained. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.
Effect of Phenylbutazone, Flunixin Meglumine and Firocoxib on ex vivo Cyclo‐Oxygenase Activity in Horses Undergoing Elective Surgery
Authors: Duz M. , Parkin T.D. , Marshall J.F. 
Published: September 2013

AimsNonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the production of prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators by inhibiting the activity of the cyclo‐oxygenase enzymes (COX). Two major isoforms of COX enzymes exist: COX‐2, which is expressed during the inflammatory response, and COX‐1, which is responsible for the physiological production of prostaglandin that regulates tissue homeostasis. The study aims to evaluate the effect of firocoxib ex vivo in the horse as, to the authors' knowledge, published studies assess its effect only in vitro.MethodsHorses (n = 18) undergoing elective surgery were recruited and allocated to treatment groups depending on clinician preference (1) phenylbutazone (4.4 mg/kg bwt i.v. b.i.d.), (2) flunixin meglumine (FM, 1.1 mg/kg bwt i.v. b.i.d.) and (3) firocoxib (FIR, 0.1 mg/kg bwt i.v. s.i.d.). Residual blood samples were collected prior to NSAIDs (T0), 2 h after NSAIDs (T2), and 24 h following surgery (T24). The COX activity was measured using validated immune‐enzymatic assays. A Kruskall–Wallis test was used to determine the effect of time and treatment on COX‐1 and COX‐2 activity. Bonferroni corrections were used to identify the level of significance accounting for multiple comparisons (P<0.017).ResultsAt T2 and T24, the relative COX‐1 activity was significantly greater in horses receiving firocoxib compared with horses receiving either phenylbutazone (P<0.008) or flunixin meglumine (P<0.005). At T2 and T24, COX‐1 activity was reduced (compared with baseline) in horses receiving phenylbutazone or flunixin meglumine. The effect on COX‐2 activity was not significantly different between drugs (P = 0.471).Conclusions and practical significanceCyclo‐oxygenase selectivity of firocoxib is demonstrated ex vivo. Firocoxib is as effective as phenylbutazone or flunixin meglumine in modulating the production of prostaglandins by COX‐2 isoenzyme, whilst the physiological action of COX‐1 isoenzyme is preserved with firocoxib, but not with phenylbutazone and flunixin ex vivo.Ethical animal researchStudy approved by Ethics and Welfare Committee ‐ School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow. Sources of funding: Funding provided by John Crawford Endowment Fund, and Mrs I.J. Gates Charity Fund, University of Glasgow. Competing interests: None.