bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vascular hyperpermeability in pulmonary decompression illness: ‘The chokes’
Authors: Kondo Yutaka , Shiohira Shinya , Kamizato Kota , Teruya Koji , Fuchigami Tatsuya , Kakinohana Manabu , Kukita Ichiro 
Published: August 2012

AbstractDecompression illness (DCI) develops during or after diving. Pulmonary decompression illness (‘Chokes’) is rarely seen because the affected individual usually dies in the water. We encountered a rare and interesting case. A 60‐year‐old man complained of leg pain after diving. Despite rapid transfer to a nearby hospital, advanced respiratory failure and shock had set in. He was then transferred to our hospital for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). On account of his poor general condition, we initially treated him in the intensive care unit without HBOT, where he showed extreme hyperpermeability and a high level of serum procalcitonin (PCT; 20.24 ng/mL). Despite large‐volume fluid therapy, severe intravascular dehydration and shock status remained. We assume that the injured endothelial cells induced vascular hyperpermeability and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines leading to the high serum PCT level. PCT might be a useful stress marker of endothelial damage and severity in DCI, including Chokes.
Acute paraspinal compartment syndrome as an unusual cause of severe low back pain
Authors: Allerton Claire , Gawthrope Ian C 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis report describes a case of acute paraspinal compartment syndrome in a 25‐year‐old man. The diagnosis was significantly delayed, perhaps to some extent because of the rarity of the condition. The patient was managed with forced diuresis, analgesia and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The discussion addresses an unusual site for compartment syndrome and a diagnosis not commonly considered in the differential of low back pain. Treatment options are discussed and we review previous published case reports.
Ground beetle species (Carabidae, Coleoptera) activity and richness in relation to crop type, fertility management and crop protection in a farm management comparison trial
Authors: Eyre M.D. , Luff M.L. , Atlihan R. , Leifert C. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractGround beetle activity and species richness was monitored using pitfall traps in a plot trial system on a farm in northern England where the effects of organic and conventional fertility and crop protection management were separated within different crop types between 2005 and 2008. As well as analyses on species activity the beetles were split into small, medium‐sized and large groups, and into groups of herbivores and specific Collembola feeders. Crop type had significant effects on the activity of the 20 most abundant species and all groups, generally with most in beans and winter barley and least in vegetables and spring barley. Most significant reactions to crop protection and fertility management were in cereals and grass/clover. Activity of small species was highest in conventionally crop‐protected cereals but not in vegetables, with more medium‐sized and herbivorous species in organic plots, but there was little influence of crop protection management on large and Collembola feeding species. However, large species were significantly more active in organically fertilised cereals and grass/clover, but not in vegetables, and there were more Collembola feeders in conventional cereals but not in grass/clover. Small species were more abundant in conventionally fertilised grass/clover but there were more in organic cereals and vegetables. These inconsistent activity reactions to management were also observed with individual species but most preferred organically managed plots. There were few significant crop protection : fertility management interactions. Species richness was also significantly affected by crop type and where management had an influence, more species were found in organically managed plots. Constrained ordination emphasised that ground beetle activity was influenced more by crops than by management. Given the diverse nature of organic crop rotations, crop type should be considered a major influence in any environmental manipulation aimed at increasing ground beetle activity for provision of ecosystem services.
Effectiveness of Mistletoe Seed Dispersal by Tyrant Flycatchers in a Mixed Andean Landscape
Authors: Montaño‐Centellas Flavia A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe dependence of mistletoes on few dispersers and the directed dispersal they provide is well known, yet no recent work has quantified either the effectiveness of these ‘legitimate’ dispersers, or the extent of redundancy among them. Here, I use the seed dispersal effectiveness (SDE) framework to analyze how birds (Mionectes striaticollis and Zimmerius bolivianus) contribute to mistletoe (Struthanthus acuminatus and Phthirusa retroflexa) infection in traditional mixed plantations within a humid montane forest in Bolivia. I calculated SDE for each bird–mistletoe pair and for the disperser assemblage, by estimating both the quantity and the quality of dispersal. The quantity of dispersal was measured as: (1) disperser abundance; (2) frequency of visits; and (3) number of seeds dispersed per visit, and the quality of dispersal was measured as: (1) germination percentage and speed of germination of seeds regurgitated by birds; and (2) the concordance of deposited seeds and seedling distribution patterns with adult mistletoe distribution at three scales (habitat, host, and microhabitat). Dispersers were not redundant: the more generalist species M. striaticollis dispersed more seeds, but provided lower quality seed dispersal, whereas the mistletoe specialist Z. bolivianus provided low‐quantity and high‐quality seed dispersal. Whereas S. acuminatus benefited more from the SDE of Z. bolivianus, P. retroflexa benefited from the complementary seed dispersal provided by both birds. These results demonstrate how sympatric mistletoes that share the same disperser assemblage may develop different relationships with specific vectors, and describe how the services provided by two different dispersers (one that provides high‐quality and one that provides high‐quantity dispersal) interact to shape spatial patterns of plants.
Role of arthropod communities in bioenergy crop litter decomposition†
Authors: Zangerl Arthur R. , Miresmailli Saber , Nabity Paul , Lawrance Allen , Yanahan Alan , Mitchell Corey A. , Anderson‐Teixeira Kristina J. , David Mark B. , Berenbaum May R. , DeLucia Evan H. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe extensive land use conversion expected to occur to meet demands for bioenergy feedstock production will likely have widespread impacts on agroecosystem biodiversity and ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration. Although arthropod detritivores are known to contribute to litter decomposition and thus energy flow and nutrient cycling in many plant communities, their importance in bioenergy feedstock communities has not yet been assessed. We undertook an experimental study quantifying rates of litter mass loss and nutrient cycling in the presence and absence of these organisms in three bioenergy feedstock crops—miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), and a planted prairie community. Overall arthropod abundance and litter decomposition rates were similar in all three communities. Despite effective reduction of arthropods in experimental plots via insecticide application, litter decomposition rates, inorganic nitrogen leaching, and carbon–nitrogen ratios did not differ significantly between control (with arthropods) and treatment (without arthropods) plots in any of the three community types. Our findings suggest that changes in arthropod faunal composition associated with widespread adoption of bioenergy feedstock crops may not be associated with profoundly altered arthropod‐mediated litter decomposition and nutrient release.
The Role of Economics for Animal Health Policymakers  Le rôle de la science économique pour les décideurs de l’action publique en matière de santé animale  Die Rolle der Ökonomie für die Gestaltung der Tiergesundheitspolitik
Authors: Schwabenbauer Karin 
Published: August 2012

summaryThe Role of Economics for Animal Health PolicymakersAnimal disease prevention and control is a critical aspect of a competitive livestock sector. Within this sector, decisions on animal disease interventions are made in the context of the state of the general economy and at all levels, from farms to governments. Therefore, socio‐economic analysis needs to be part of animal health policy development. Such analysis needs to understand the motivation of people engaged at the different points along the livestock value chains in order to identify critical intervention points and develop flexible approaches to disease control. Examples are presented that show a rigid ‘one size fits all’ approach does not work and that more awareness of the socio‐economic context of disease control is required for greater disease control success. At the moment, adoption of a more flexible approach is not common, but the present financial realities, the Common Agricultural Policy reforms in 2013 and an increasing scepticism towards state intervention will force change, and encourage people to use socio‐economic analysis in animal health policy development. The earlier this step is taken, the better it will be for the livestock sector in Europe.
Responses to Risk – The Role of Policy and Compensation Schemes  Les réponses au risque – Le rôle des politiques et des systèmes d’indemnisation  Reaktionen auf das Risiko – die Rolle von Politik und Entschädigungsprogrammen
Authors: Antón Jesús 
Published: August 2012

summaryResponses to Risk – The Role of Policy and Compensation SchemesLivestock diseases can spread quickly and cause very high losses, which has prompted public policy response, including the use of compensation. There is no generic and optimal system of compensation, but the scope and modalities of these policies and the implications for public expenditure and private incentives deserve public, economic and scientific scrutiny. The rationale for government intervention is to internalise the externalities of prevention and control activities. But ‘more is not always better’ and the types of measures employed and the total cost, matter. This article provides some insights from five countries based on a recent OECD report. Compensation schemes can be purely public, such as in Canada, or based on a private–public scheme with some formal representation of the industry to facilitate the engagement of the sector. The costs covered by the compensation schemes included the full market value of destroyed animals in most countries. Cost‐sharing arrangements are an important component of compensation schemes in Australia, Germany and the Netherlands. Expenditure on compensation can be extremely onerous and needs to be disciplined, while at the same time, engaging stakeholders. International comparisons of experiences and knowledge about the costs and benefits of past outbreaks can be very helpful in designing more efficient policy responses.
Evaluating the Role of Surveillance in National Policies for Animal Health  Évaluer le rôle de la surveillance dans les politiques nationales de santé animale  Evaluation der Bedeutung der Kontrolle staatlicher Politikmaßnahmen zur Sicherung der Tiergesundheit
Authors: Häsler Barbara , Howe Keith 
Published: August 2012

summaryEvaluating the Role of Surveillance in National Policies for Animal HealthSurveillance is an increasingly important component of policies aimed at mitigating the effects of animal disease, and as a focus for evaluation of its economic worth. This article results from a project commissioned by the Swiss Federal Veterinary Office to develop a practical, generic tool for the economic evaluation of animal disease surveillance programmes. The first task was to define surveillance, and to consider its role in relation to intervention, the other component of mitigation. Surveillance cannot be properly evaluated without reference to intervention, because it guides the nature and scope of intervention resource use. In economic terms, surveillance and intervention are usually substitutes, though the relationship between them varies according to the stage of mitigation. Mitigation objectives are commonly presented in terms of a reduction in disease prevalence or incidence, both technical measures of disease occurrence, but it is the value of losses avoided relative to the costs of surveillance and intervention that matters for animal health policy. Though cost‐effectiveness and cost–benefit analyses are the main economic evaluation techniques currently used, the research agenda to underpin animal health policy should extend to estimation of disease‐specific technical relationships between losses avoided, surveillance, and intervention, founded on close integration of economics and veterinary epidemiology.
Evaluating Animal Health Investments  Évaluer les investissements dans la santé animale  Investitionen in Tiergesundheit evaluieren
Authors: Rushton Jonathan , Raboisson Didier , Velthuis Annet , Bergevoet Ron 
Published: August 2012

summaryEvaluating Animal Health InvestmentsEconomic evaluation of livestock diseases can either estimate their impact in terms of disease losses and treatment costs or it can examine the value of investments in coordinated disease control or eradication programmes. The latter evaluations can be ex ante and ex post and are useful in determining future strategy and learning lessons from past programmes. The paper discusses how to approach economic evaluations of livestock disease and the applications to different disease situations in Europe. An ex ante evaluation of options to control foot‐and‐mouth disease in the Netherlands is presented to examine the use of vaccination and culling methods with results that are dependent on the context of the disease epidemic. An evaluation of French animal health delivery systems is presented that emphasises the need to understand the economic, social and legal relationships between people caring for animals. Finally an ex ante analysis of blue tongue in the Netherlands is presented that demonstrates different levels of cost effectiveness of vaccination and other control measures. Economic analysis improves our understanding of the trade‐offs we need to make when prioritising diseases to be controlled, and on what methods to employ in controlling the prioritised disease.
Investigation into scatter radiation dose levels received by a restrainer in small animal radiography
Authors: Barber J. , McNulty J. P. 
Published: August 2012

ObjectivesTo measure the intensity and distribution of scatter radiation received by a restrainer in veterinary radiography including the intensity of scatter radiation passing through lead protective devices at pre‐defined positions.MethodsAnthropomorphic phantoms and a Labrador dog cadaver were used to simulate a restrainer and patient. Scatter dose measurements were recorded at the position of the restraining hands, thyroid, breast and gonads with and without appropriate lead protection. This was repeated for the eight most common projections as identified in an initial retrospective survey.ResultsManual restraint of an animal for a radiographic procedure will result in a scatter radiation dose to the restrainer. The level of radiation dose varies between body regions and between projections. The use of appropriate lead protection resulted in statistically significant dose reductions to all body regions with maximum scatter dose reductions between 93 and 100%.Clinical SignificanceWhile the doses recorded were small (μGy) in terms of associated risk, they are nonetheless cumulative which can result in a more significant dose. Therefore manual restraint should be avoided and forms of immobilisation should be used such as mechanical means, sedation or general anaesthesia. However, if completely necessary both principles of distance and adequate lead protection should be employed.
Evaluation of preputial cytology in diagnosing oestrogen producing testicular tumours in dogs
Authors: Dreimanis U. , Vargmar K. , Falk T. , Cigut M. , Toresson L. 
Published: August 2012

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of preputial cytology in oestrogen producing testicular tumours in dogs.MethodsForty‐five dogs with palpable testicular masses and 30 healthy control dogs were included. Dogs were evaluated for signs of alopecia and/or feminisation. Analyses of preputial cytology, haematology and serum oestradiol were performed. Dogs with testicular masses were neutered and the testes were submitted for histopathological examination.The dogs were divided into three groups (1) control dogs (n=30), (2) dogs with a testicular mass and serum oestradiol concentration <40 pmol/L (n=35), (3) dogs with a testicular mass and serum oestradiol concentration >40 pmol/L (n=10).ResultsMore than 20% superficial cells in preputial smear was significantly associated with serum oestradiol concentration >40 pmol/L (P<0·001). The number of superficial cells was significantly increased (P<0·001) in preputial smears from dogs with alopecia.Clinical SignificanceIt appears that the preputial cytology has a high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of oestrogen producing testicular tumours in dogs.
Survival of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp. on Catfish Fillets Exposed to Microwave Heating in a Continuous Mode
Authors: Sheen Shiowshuh , Huang Lihan , Sommers Christopher 
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Microwave (MW) heating using continuous power output with feedback control and a modified ingredient formulation may provide better and consistent cooking of foods. Currently, household units with build‐in inverter power supply units are available. These new generation MW ovens provide continuous, adjustable output and cooking, in contrast to the traditional rectifier‐based ovens that rely on the on–off mechanism for control. This study attempted to apply a feedback power control (termed as modified or “smart” MW oven) and phosphate treatment to further improve heating uniformity and enhance food quality and safety. Listeria monocytogenes (Lm, 4‐strain cocktail), Escherichia coli O157:H7 (Ec, 5‐strain cocktail), and Salmonella spp. (Sal, 6‐strain cocktail), surface inoculated onto catfish fillets (75 × 100 × 15 mm; weight 110 g), were heated using the modified MW oven to study the inactivation of the pathogens. The sensitivity of these 3 bacteria to MW heating was in the order of Ec (most), Lm, and Sal (least). Greater than 4 to 5 log CFU reductions of Ec, Lm, or Sal counts on catfish fillet surfaces were inactivated within 2 min of 1250 W MW heating, where the fillet surface temperature increased from 10 to 20 °C to 80 to 90 °C. MW heating caused degradation of catfish fillet texture, which was noticeable as early as 10 to 15 s after the heating started, as evidenced by bumping sounds. Bumping can be significantly reduced by soaking fillets in phosphate solution. However, the results may need verification if applied in different MW ovens and/or with foods positioned away the geometric oven center. This study successfully demonstrated the feasibility of applying MW energy to eliminate foodborne pathogens on fish fillets.Practical Application:  The results demonstrated in this report with the “smart” microwave oven design may enhance microwaveable food safety and quality, and therefore promote the microwaveable food business.
Identification of a novel Baeyer‐Villiger monooxygenase from Acinetobacter radioresistens: close relationship to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis prodrug activator EtaA
Authors: Minerdi Daniela , Zgrablic Ivan , Sadeghi Sheila J. , Gilardi Gianfranco 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThis work demonstrates that Acinetobacter radioresistens strain S13 during the growth on medium supplemented with long‐chain alkanes as the sole energy source expresses almA gene coding for a Baeyer‐Villiger monooxygenase (BVMO) involved in alkanes subterminal oxidation. Phylogenetic analysis placed the sequence of this novel BVMO in the same clade of the prodrug activator ethionamide monooxygenase (EtaA) and it bears only a distant relation to the other known class I BVMO proteins. In silico analysis of the 3D model of the S13 BVMO generated by homology modelling also supports the similarities with EtaA by binding ethionamide to the active site. In vitro experiments carried out with the purified enzyme confirm that this novel BVMO is indeed capable of typical Baeyer‐Villiger reactions as well as oxidation of the prodrug ethionamide.
Peritoneal membrane transport for low molecular weight substances with the use of one bag dialysate collection
Authors: Ikonomou M. , Katopodis K. , Nousia P. , Tzalavra E. , Koliousi E. , Tsaliou B. , Katsaraki A. , Betsiou V. , Dimitriou A. , Theodorou J. , Siamopoulos K.C. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThe 24‐hour collection of dialysate provides an accurate method for evaluation of both adequacy of dialysis and peritoneal membrane transport characteristics in patients on chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. However, this test requires 24 hours to complete and therefore it is inconvenient for both patients and nurses in the every day practice. We determined the peritoneal membrane transport characteristics for low molecular weight substances of ten patients by using the dialysate collection of only one bag. Dialysate/plasma creatinine ratios were calculated for each of the 4 bags (DATT1, DATT2, DATT3, DATT4) as well as for the 24 hour dialysate (DATT0). We found a very good correlation between DATT0 and the four DATTs. We therefore propose that the evaluation of the peritoneal membrane transport, at least for creatinine could be determined with the use of one bag dialysate collection.
Comparative evaluation of CAPD and PD‐plus effectiveness
Authors: Iles‐Smith H. , Curwell J. , Gokal R. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryDecline in residual renal function in CAPD patients often leads to reduced overall solute clearances. Inadequate dialysis has been linked to malnutrition and increased morbidity and mortality rates. Achieving dialysis adequacy targets is often difficult by the conventional method of increasing CAPD exchange volumes. In comparison, substantial increases in solute clearances can be achieved with the use of automated peritoneal dialysis with large fill volumes and an extra daytime exchange.
The utilisation of shared governance to improve vascular access catheter care
Authors: Gilding C. , Goodeve J. , Metcalf S. , Smith S. , Anderson D. , Natali J. , Warwick H. , Kay J. , Carr S. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThis article looks at the implementation of shared governance at directorate level and its role in improving vascular access catheter care.
How total correction of renal anaemia effects patients
Authors: Preuss R. , Säglitz C. , Beschorner K. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryQuality of life for patients on dialysis is markedly impaired due to renal anaemia. Substitution of rh Erythropoietin allows compensation and total correction of anaemia. At present, international guidelines propose a correction of haemoglobin to values of 10–12 g/dl, and international studies have demonstrated an improvement in quality of life when haemoglobin values are increased to 12g/dl. A survey completed in our unit showed, that increasing haemoglobin values even further to 12–14 g/dl resulted in a further improvement of quality of life. The internationally discussed side effects of this complete correction of anaemia were not observed in the patients we studied.