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Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) with extensive cutaneous or visceral organ involvement is often associated with high morbidity and treatment commonly involves surgical excision, radiotherapy, systemic steroids, or chemotherapy. Sirolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, is an oral antitumor and immunosuppressive therapy used to treat various neoplastic disorders, including histiocytic disorders. We report two pediatric cases of JXG successfully treated with oral sirolimus monotherapy, and postulate that sirolimus may induce rapid disease resolution and long‐term remission for patients with both skin‐limited and multisystemic JXG. Our findings warrant further investigation of the relationship between the mTOR pathway and JXG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As air masses move within the troposphere, they transport a multitude of components including gases and particles such as pollen and microorganisms. These movements generate atmospheric highways that connect geographic areas at distant, local, and global scales that particles can ride depending on their aerodynamic properties and their reaction to environmental conditions. In this article we present an approach and an accompanying web application called tropolink for measuring the extent to which distant locations are potentially connected by air‐mass movement. This approach is based on the computation of trajectories of air masses with the HYSPLIT atmospheric transport and dispersion model, and on the computation of connection frequencies, called connectivities, in the purpose of building trajectory‐based geographical networks. It is illustrated for different spatial and temporal scales with three case studies related to plant epidemiology. The web application that we designed allows the user to easily perform intensive computation and mobilize massive archived gridded meteorological data to build weighted directed networks. The analysis of such networks allowed us for example, to describe the potential of invasion of a migratory pest beyond its actual distribution. Our approach could also be used to compute geographical networks generated by air‐mass movement for diverse application domains, for example, to assess long‐term risk of spread from persistent or recurrent sources of pollutants, including wildfire smoke. Plain Language Summary: The movement of air masses within the atmosphere generates air highways connecting distant areas at the local, continental, and global scales. In this article we present an approach and an accompanying web application for measuring how distant locations are potentially connected by air‐mass movement, that is, for representing the geographic networks generated by the above‐mentioned air highways. The approach is illustrated for different spatial and temporal scales with three case studies related to plant epidemiology; one of them concerns the potential invasion routes of a migratory pest. The web application that we developed allows the user to easily perform such studies. It could also be used to compute geographical networks generated by air‐mass movement for other application domains, for example, to assess long‐term risk of spread from sources of pollutants. Key Points: The movement of air masses within the troposphere generate air highway connecting distant areas from local to global scalesOur approach and the accompanying web application tropolink quantifie how distant locations are connected by air‐mass movementOur approach can be used to investigate the spread of small biological particles and organisms [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change has lengthened wildfire seasons and transformed fire regimes throughout the world. Thus, capturing fuel and fire dynamics is critical for projecting Earth system processes in warmer and drier future. Recent advances in fire regime modeling have linked land surface models with fire behavior models. Such models often rely on fine surface fuels to drive fire behavior and effects, and while many models can simulate processes that control how these fuels change through time (i.e., fine fuel accumulation), fuel loading estimates remain highly uncertain, largely due to uncertainties in the algorithms controlling decomposition. Uncertainties are often amplified in climate change forecasts when initial conditions and feedbacks are not well represented. The goal of this review is to highlight fine fuel decomposition as a key uncertainty in model systems. We review the current understanding of mechanisms controlling decomposition, describe how they are incorporated into models, and evaluate the uncertainties associated with different approaches. We also use three state‐of‐the‐art land surface fire regime models to demonstrate the sensitivity of decomposition and subsequent wildfire projections to both parameter and model structure uncertainty and show that sensitivity can increase substantially under future climate warming. Given that many of the governing decomposition equations are based on individual case studies from a single location, and because key parameters are often hard coded, critical uncertainties are currently ignored. It is essential to be transparent about these uncertainties as the domain of land surface models is expanded to include the evaluation of future wildfire regimes. Plain Language Summary: Wildfire is a critical force regulating carbon retention globally. This is especially true in coniferous forests, which store more than one‐third of the Earth's terrestrial carbon. Fine, dead materials on the forest floor (i.e., fine surface fuels) play a key role in driving fire spread. Thus, modeling the role of fire in Earth system processes requires reliable estimates of fine surface fuel loading and projections of how it will change over time (i.e., fine fuel accumulation). To accomplish this, we need models that can account for complex interactions among climate and vegetation—including the effects of temperature and precipitation on plant growth, mortality, litterfall, and litter decay—and that link these dynamics with projections of future wildfire. Although many models are designed to simulate these processes, fuel loading estimates remain highly uncertain. In this paper, we review the current understanding of mechanisms controlling fine fuel accumulation, describe how these mechanisms are represented in models, and evaluate the uncertainties associated with different approaches. We conclude with recommendations for future research needed to better model how climate change will influence fuels, wildfire, and carbon retention. Key Points: Developing land surface models for climate‐fire interactions requires estimating and overcoming uncertainty in fuel accumulation processesModels that simulate fuel accumulation differ in how they parameterize and represent fuel decomposition; assumptions are often hard codedSensitivity to parameter and model structure uncertainty increases with climate warming and decreases with increasing precipitation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This guideline updates and replaces the 5th edition of the Standards of Monitoring published in 2015. The aim of this document is to provide guidance on the minimum standards for monitoring of any patient undergoing anaesthesia or sedation under the care of an anaesthetist. The recommendations are primarily aimed at anaesthetists practising in the UK and Ireland, but it is recognised that these guidelines may also be of use in other areas of the world. Minimum standards for monitoring patients during anaesthesia and in the recovery phase are included. There is also guidance on monitoring patients undergoing sedation and during transfer. There are new sections specifically discussing capnography, sedation and regional anaesthesia. In addition, the indications for processed electroencephalogram and neuromuscular monitoring have been updated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Neuroferritinopathy (NF) or hereditary ferritinopathy (HF) is an autosomal dominant movement disorder due to mutation in the light chain of the iron storage protein ferritin (FTL). HF is the only late‐onset neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation disorder and study of HF offers a unique opportunity to understand the role of iron in more common neurodegenerative syndromes. Methods: We carried out pathological and biochemical studies of six individuals with the same pathogenic FTL mutation. Results: CNS pathological changes were most prominent in the basal ganglia and cerebellar dentate, echoing the normal pattern of brain iron accumulation. Accumulation of ferritin and iron was conspicuous in cells with a phenotype suggesting oligodendrocytes, with accompanying neuronal pathology and neuronal loss. Neurons still survived, however, despite extensive adjacent glial iron deposition, suggesting neuronal loss is a downstream event. Typical age‐related neurodegenerative pathology was not normally present. Uniquely, the extensive aggregates of ubiquitinated ferritin identified indicate that abnormal FTL can aggregate, reflecting the intrinsic ability of FTL to self‐assemble. Ferritin aggregates were seen in neuronal and glial nuclei showing parallels with Huntington's disease. There was neither evidence of oxidative stress activation nor any significant mitochondrial pathology in the affected basal ganglia. Conclusions: HF shows hallmarks of a protein aggregation disorder, in addition to iron accumulation. Degeneration in HF is not accompanied by age‐related neurodegenerative pathology and the lack of evidence of oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage suggests that these are not key mediators of neurodegeneration in HF, casting light on other neurodegenerative diseases characterized by iron deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Resilience CL+' (Reg. no. CV‐1176, PI 686413; PVP 201800104) is a soft white common winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar carrying two‐gene tolerance to imazamox herbicide that was developed and released in October 2016 by the Agricultural Research Center of Washington State University. It was tested under the experimental designations KCF9002 and WA 8187. Resilience CL+ was developed using marker‐assisted background selection and marker‐assisted forward breeding approaches involving a cross between a soft white winter wheat cultivar 'Madsen' and CL0618 (an Australian hard red spring two‐gene Clearfield line). Resilience CL+ carries two mutation alleles (Als1 and Als2) of the acetolactate synthase gene (ALS) located on chromosomes 6DL and 6BL. Resilience CL+ has high grain‐yield potential, intermediate plant height, and is well adapted to regions of the inland Pacific Northwest (PNW) with >500 mm of annual precipitation. Resilience CL+ exhibited herbicide tolerance equivalent to 'AP503 CL2' and greater than the single‐gene Clearfield cultivar 'ORCF‐102'. Compared with the other Clearfield cultivars grown in the PNW, Resilience CL+ has a high level of resistance to stripe rust and foot rot resistance, similar to that of Madsen. Resilience CL+ has soft kernels, an excellent milling score, and good end‐use quality characteristics. Yield comparison of Resilience CL+ with other popular cultivars demonstrated that it has greater yield than 'SY Ovation' and Madsen but is similar to ORCF‐102. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch is the most abundant component of wheat (Triticum spp.) grain and flour and is composed of two primary glucose polymers, amylose and amylopectin. Our aim was to convert a previously leading soft white spring wheat (T. aestivum L.) cultivar to a zero endosperm starch amylose content ("waxy") cultivar. The result was 'USDA Lori' (Reg. no. CV‐1180, PI 692132), a waxy wheat cultivar developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service's Western Wheat Quality Laboratory in collaboration with Washington State University. USDA Lori is a backcross‐7 (BC7) derivative of 'Alpowa'. USDA Lori lacks functional copies of the three Waxy Granule Bound Starch Synthase I (GBSSI) genes. The GBSSI null alleles were derived from the waxy cultivar 'Waxy‐Pen'. As a waxy cultivar, USDA Lori has unique processing and food and feed applications. Further, this waxy cultivar complements a series of Waxy near‐isogenic lines, which were produced as backcross derivatives of Alpowa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft white winter (SWW) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars with the Clearfield Production System technology are an important tool for producers in wheat production regions of Washington State. Paired with the use of the group 2 (Amino Acid Inhibitors/ALS) Beyond (BASF Corporation) herbicide (imazamox), tolerant wheat allows producers options where the current herbicide chemistry has not been adequate to control grass weeds. The objective of this research was to develop a two‐gene Beyond‐tolerant SWW wheat cultivar with improved resistance to the stripe rust pathogen and strawbreaker foot rot, maintains high yield potential across production regions, and has improved end‐use quality. 'Stingray CL+' (Reg. no. CV‐1171, PI 691557) SWW wheat was developed and released in March 2019 by the Agricultural Research Center of Washington State University. Stingray CL+ was tested under the experimental designations MAS100095‐2‐1‐S10‐1 and WA8275 CL+, assigned through progressive generations of advancement. Stingray CL+ is a two‐gene Beyond‐tolerant semi‐dwarf cultivar adapted for the high rainfall wheat production regions of Washington. Stingray CL+ has high‐temperature adult‐plant resistance to the stripe rust pathogen, is heterogeneous for the Pch1 gene for strawbreaker foot rot, is tolerant to the chemistry of Beyond herbicide, is intermediate in height, has midseason maturity, and has high grain volume weight and grain yield. The end‐use quality properties of Stingray CL+ are acceptable to meet both domestic and export market standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the United States, the rate of cervical cancer is disproportionally higher in Hispanic and Black women compared with White women. In the current study, the authors compared human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and cytology results among Black and White women over a 24‐month period. They then assessed the rates in young women in 2011 compared with 2017 according to race. Methods: The authors searched the gynecologic cytology case files for Black and White women treated at Johns Hopkins Hospital across all ages for a period of 24 months (2017‐2019) and compared HPV results and cytologic interpretations. They then compared results among Black and White cohorts of young women (aged 21‐29 years) in 2011 versus 2017. Results: A total of 26,302 specimens from January 2017 to January 2019, including 11,676 Black women and 14,626 White women, were reviewed. The most common HPV genotype(s) detected were non–HPV‐16 and/or HPV‐18 (non‐16/18) high‐risk HPV (hrHPV) (84% of positive results). Non‐16/18 hrHPV was more common in Black women (1309 women; 15%) compared with White women (1075 women; 9%). Non‐16/18 hrHPV was more commonly observed in association with atypical squamous cells, cannot rule out high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and/or high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC‐H/HSIL) in HPV‐positive Black women compared with White women (P =.007). Black women were found to have higher rates of HPV‐positive Papanicolaou results and high‐grade lesions, including carcinoma (P <.01). In the 2011 cohort, young Black women were found to have a higher rate of ASC‐H/HSIL (P =.003) compared with White women. However, the difference was not noted in the 2017 cohort. There was a decrease in ASC‐H/HSIL in 2017 compared with 2011, with a lower incidence of ASC‐H/HSIL noted among Black women in 2017. Conclusions: Black women appear to have a higher incidence of higher grade lesions, but the difference between Black and White cohorts was not found to be significant in young women in more recent years. Over 24 months of Papanicolaou (Pap) testing, Black women appear to have a higher rate of high‐risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV), hrHPV‐positive and Pap‐negative, non–HPV‐16 and/or HPV‐18 hrHPV, high‐grade cytology, and carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma in situ) compared with White women. Among young Black women (those aged 21 to 29 years), a lower incidence of high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and atypical squamous cells, cannot rule out high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion is noted in 2017 compared with 2011, whereas only slightly lower odds are observed for White patients over the same time frame. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Several morphologically overlapping (myo)fibroblastic neoplasms harbour USP6 fusions, including aneurysmal bone cysts, nodular fasciitis, myositis ossificans, cranial fasciitis, fibro‐osseous pseudotumour of the digits, and cellular fibroma of the tendon sheath. USP6‐induced neoplasms are almost universally benign and cured by local excision. We aim to highlight the diagnostic value of USP6 fusion detection in a series of aggressive‐appearing paediatric myofibroblastic tumours. Methods and results: Three deep‐seated, radiographically aggressive, and rapidly growing childhood myofibroblastic neoplasms were morphologically and molecularly characterised by USP6 break‐apart fluorescence in‐situ hybridisation (FISH), transcriptome sequencing, and targeted capture analysis. Each tumour occurred in the lower‐extremity deep soft tissue of a child presenting with pain, limping, or a mass. In all three patients, imaging studies showed a solid mass that infiltrated into surrounding skeletal muscle or involved/eroded underlying bone. The biopsied tumours consisted of variably cellular myofibroblastic proliferations with variable mitotic activity that lacked overt malignant cytological features. FISH showed that all tumours had USP6 rearrangements. On the basis of these results, all three patients were treated with conservative excision with positive margins. The excised tumours had foci resembling nodular fasciitis, fibromatosis, and pseudosarcomatous proliferation. Next‐generation sequencing revealed COL1A1–USP6 fusions in two tumours and a COL3A1–USP6 fusion in the third tumour. One tumour had a subclonal somatic APC in‐frame deletion. No recurrence was observed during follow‐up (8–40 months). Conclusion: We present a series of benign, but aggressive‐appearing, USP6‐rearranged myofibroblastic tumours. These deep‐seated tumours had concerning clinical and radiographic presentations and did not fit into one distinct histological category. These cases highlight the diagnostic value of USP6 fusion detection to identify benign nondescript tumours of this group, especially those with aggressive features, to avoid overtreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are numerous traits that soft white winter (SWW) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars require to be successful in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. High yield potential, high grain volume weight, acceptable end‐use quality, winter hardiness, resistance to Cephalosporium stripe, and high falling number are just a few of the desired traits. Although many of these traits are driving factors toward releasing a new cultivar, two traits are essential if a cultivar is to be successful in the Pacific Northwest: stripe rust resistance and strawbreaker foot rot (eyespot) resistance. The objective of this research was to develop a SWW cultivar with improved resistance to current stripe rust races, that carries genes for strawbreaker foot rot resistance, is winter hardy, and has high yield potential in the intermediate (400–500 mm) and high (>500 mm) rainfall regions of eastern Washington. 'Purl' (Reg. no. CV‐1166, PI 691558) SWW wheat was developed and released in March 2018 by the Agricultural Research Center of Washington State University. Purl was tested under the experimental designations MAS08019‐92‐1‐S‐s and WA8234, which were assigned through progressive generations of advancement. Purl is a semi‐dwarf cultivar adapted to intermediate‐ to high‐rainfall wheat production regions of Washington. Purl has high‐temperature adult‐plant resistance to stripe rust, carries the Pch1 gene for strawbreaker foot rot, is intermediate in height, has midseason maturity, and has high test weight and grain yield potential. Purl has end‐use quality properties similar to those of 'Stephens', 'Puma', and 'Madsen' and is suitable for cookie, cake, and cracker production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Curiosity CL+' (Reg. no. CV‐1167, PI 675007; PVP 201500290) is a soft white winter (SWW) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar carrying two‐gene tolerance to imazamox herbicide that was developed and released by the Agricultural Research Center of Washington State University in October 2013. It was tested under the experimental designations EBC2F3‐3‐18 and WA008143. Curiosity CL+ was developed using marker‐assisted background selection involving a cross between 'Eltan' and 'CL0618'. Eltan was a predominant SWW wheat cultivar (released in 1990) in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), whereas CL0618 is an Australian hard red spring line carrying two‐gene mutations conferring herbicide tolerance. Curiosity CL+ carries two mutation alleles (AhasL‐B1 and AhasL‐D1) of acetolactate synthase gene copies on chromosomes 6B and 6D. Curiosity CL+ has high grain‐yield potential, intermediate plant height, and is well adapted to the dryland production areas of the PNW with <300 mm of annual precipitation. Tested in multiple location and years, Curiosity CL+ showed herbicide tolerance equivalent to the two‐gene Clearfield cultivar 'AP503 CL2' (PVP 200800322) and higher than the single‐gene Clearfield cultivar 'ORCF‐102' (PI 641787). Its end‐use quality is similar to ORCF‐102, 'Stephens' (CI 17596), and 'Xerpha' (PI 645605). Compared with Eltan, Curiosity CL+ has better stripe rust resistance, whereas the level of snow mold and Cephalosporium stripe tolerance is equal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is never known how well new cultivars will perform under commercial production until they are released and grown across different environments. Every cultivar released has a different impact on the region for which it was intended. Some cultivars are in commercial production for only a few years, whereas others are cultivated for decades. 'Madsen', a soft white winter wheat released in 1988 for production in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), has been in commercial production for 30 years. Once the dominant cultivar grown in the PNW, Madsen was produced mainly because of its high yield potential and excellent biotic stress resistance. Currently, Madsen is grown on limited hectares, replaced by many cultivars with higher yield potential; yet its legacy has gone far beyond commercial production. Madsen has been the parent of over 45 released cultivars, many of which were the lines that replaced it in commercial production. It is used as a parent mainly because of its excellent disease resistance to common diseases of the PNW. Madsen has also been used in research projects to identify disease resistance genes. In some cases Madsen was found to be carrying resistance genes the breeder was not aware of but were discovered later in research or field screenings. In this paper, we review the history of Madsen to determine what made it such a successful cultivar and parental line. Data were collected from multiple field trials and research papers and summarized for review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: There is limited scientific evidence concerning the effect of rider weight on pressures under the saddle and equine performance. The objective of this prospective, crossover, randomised trial was to assess pressure distribution and magnitude in horses ridden by four riders of similar ability but differing in bodyweight and height. Six horses in regular work were ridden by four riders (rider bodyweight: horse body weight percentage > 10 ≤ 12 [L = Light], > 12 ≤ 15 [M = Moderate], > 15 ≤ 18 [H = Heavy] and > 20 [VH = Very Heavy]), performing a purpose‐designed dressage test (30 min). The test was abandoned for ≥ grade 3/8 lameness or ≥ 10 behavioural markers (assessed in real‐time). A calibrated force mat (Pliance) was used to record pressures under the saddle in walk, trot and canter on left and right reins. Rider position was assessed. All 13 H and VH tests and one of 12 M rider tests were abandoned (lameness, n = 12; behaviour, n = 1). At walk, the seat of rider VH extended beyond the cantle of the saddle; rider H sat on the cantle of the saddle. At trot and canter the heels of rider VH were consistently cranial to the tubera coxae and shoulders. Pressures were significantly higher under the caudal aspect of the saddle compared with cranially for rider VH in walk (P<0.05, ANOVA, Bonferroni). At rising trot pressures were higher cranially for riders L, M and H (P<0.05, ANOVA, Bonferroni), but were similar cranially and caudally for rider VH. The highest maximum peak pressure was recorded for rider VH in canter. A limitation was that speed can alter pressure measurements, but was not controlled or recorded. We concluded that there were differences in magnitude and distribution of pressures among the four riders according to their size, which may have contributed to the development of musculoskeletal pain. This may also have been influenced by saddle fit for riders and their positions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch is the leading component of wheat (Triticum spp.) grain and flour. Six hexaploid wheat (T. aestivum L.) near‐isogenic lines (NILs), WQL19WX7A (Reg. no. GS‐192, PI 691847), WQL19WX4A (Reg. no. GS‐193, PI 691848), WQL19WX7D (Reg. no. GS‐194, PI 691849), WQL19WX7A.A4 (Reg. no. GS‐195, PI 691850), WQL19WX7A.7D (Reg. no. GS‐196, PI 691851), and WQL19WX4A.7D (Reg. no. GS‐197, PI 691852), were developed to facilitate studies examining the role of starch amylose and amylopectin on wheat processing and end‐product quality and as parents to develop reduced amylose germplasm. Each NIL lacks a functional copy of one or two of the Waxy granule bound starch synthase I (GBSSI) genes and conversely possesses one or two functional genes. These genetic stocks were produced in 'Alpowa' soft spring wheat. The NILs are BC7 sibs, selected among segregating BC7 progeny using allele‐specific primers. The GBSSI null alleles were derived from the waxy cultivar Waxy‐Pen (PI 637779). These NILs are complemented by wild‐type Alpowa and a full waxy (zero amylose) line approved for release, 'USDA Lori'. These lines were developed at the USDA Western Wheat Quality Laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Mela CL+' (Reg. no. CV‐1157, PI 675008; PVP 201500291) is a soft white common winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar carrying two‐gene tolerance to imazamox herbicide, also known as Clearfield Plus, that was developed and released by the Agricultural Research Center, Washington State University, in October 2013. It was tested under the experimental designations EBC2F3‐3‐20 and WA008155. Mela CL+ was developed using a marker‐assisted backcross selection method involving a cross between the soft white winter (SWW) wheat cultivar 'Eltan' and CL0618, an Australian hard red spring line carrying the two‐gene Clearfield technology. The two‐gene Clearfield technology present in Mela CL+ was due to two mutation alleles Als1 and Als2 of the acetolactate synthase (ALS) gene copies located on the long arm of chromosomes 6B and 6D. Mela CL+ has high grain yield potential and intermediate plant height and is well adapted to the dryland production areas of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) with <300 mm of annual precipitation. Tested in multiple locations and years, Mela CL+ showed herbicide tolerance equivalent to Clearfield Plus check cultivar 'AP503 CL2' and greater tolerance than single‐gene Clearfield cultivars grown in the PNW. Mela CL+ has end‐use quality characteristics similar to cultivars 'ORCF‐102', 'Stephens', and 'Xerpha'. As compared to Eltan, Mela CL+ has better stripe rust resistance, whereas the level of snow mold and Cephalosporium stripe tolerance is equal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Lewy body diseases are neuropathologically characterized by the abnormal accumulation of α‐synuclein (α‐syn) protein within vulnerable neurons. Although studies have evaluated α‐syn in post mortem brain tissue, previous findings have been limited by typically employing pan‐α‐syn antibodies that may not recognize disease‐relevant forms of protein. We investigated the presence of α‐syn species present in post mortem brain tissues from Lewy body disease and Alzheimer's disease. Methods: Soluble and insoluble/aggregated α‐syn from frontal cortex of post mortem brain tissues form Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and aged control cases were sequentially extracted using buffers with increasing detergent concentrations. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to quantify the levels of total‐, oligomeric‐ and phosphorylated‐Ser129‐α‐syn (t‐, o‐ and pS129‐α‐syn). ELISA data were validated by western blot and compared to histological data from the same region of the contralateral hemisphere. Results: There was no difference in t‐α‐syn levels between groups in the aqueous‐soluble, detergent‐soluble or urea‐soluble tissue fractions. However, aqueous‐soluble non‐phosphorylated o‐α‐syn was increased not only in PD and DLB but also in AD without neocortical Lewy bodies. In PD and AD, pS129‐α‐syn was increased in the detergent‐soluble tissue fragment and, in AD, this was positively correlated with the burden of tau pathology. Increased levels of urea‐soluble pS129‐α‐syn were demonstrated only in DLB tissue lysates but this did not correlate with Lewy body pathological burden. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings suggest that DLB have elevated levels of insoluble pS129‐α‐syn, but that increased levels of aqueous‐soluble o‐α‐syn and detergent‐soluble pS129‐α‐syn are also observed in PD and AD, suggesting different changes to α‐syn across the spectrum of neurodegenerative proteopathies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas syringae is described as a species complex, containing P. syringae‐related species classified into 13 phylogroups and 23 clades. Pseudomonas syringae is one of the main pathogens of fruit trees, affecting nut trees, hazelnut and kiwi, pome and stone fruits. Bacterial canker of apricots is an important disease in regions of production with cold winters and conducive soils. This work characterizes the bacteria able to induce canker in apricots isolated in different French orchards. Bacteria from four phylogroups were able to induce canker. The pathogenicity to apricot was not linked to the pathogenicity to the three herbaceous species and cherry fruits tested, and was not always related to hypersensitive reaction on tobacco and ice nucleation activity. Bacteria pathogenic to apricot belong to phylogroups 01, 02, 03 and 07. The bacteria of phylogroups 01a and 07a (Pseudomonas viridiflava) characterized in this work have not previously been described as pathogenic to apricot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) represents only 5% of global wheat production. Durum production is limited by its very hard kernel texture, which requires specialized milling and limits end-product utilization. However, soft kernel durum wheat was recently developed to remove these constraints, but it has not until now been examined for its agronomic potential and pest resistance, which were the focus of this study. The soft durum lines were compared with two commercial hard red spring wheat varieties, Buck Pronto and Alum. Soft durum lines were relatively competitive for grain yield (i.e., >90%) with Buck Pronto at 16 of 34 locations. Increasing seeding rate did not increase grain yield of soft durum. The soft durum lines showed no tolerance of acid soils/Al, but exhibited moderate-to-strong resistance to stripe rust (caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici). Good resistance to stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) and near complete resistance to dwarf bunt (caused by Tilletia controversa) were observed. Resistance to Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor) was observed in some of the plants, with three of the durum lines showing a larger proportion of resistant plants. Varying levels of resistance to cereal cyst nematode (Heteroderma filipjevi) were recorded, with some lines highly resistant. These studies show that there is good agronomic potential in the current soft durum lines for moderate yield and good pest resistance. Further breeding efforts and germplasm introgression will likely improve the competitiveness of soft durum wheat with currently grown hard red spring wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Post-operative acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and independent mortality risk factor carrying high clinical and economic cost. This study aimed to establish the incidence of AKI in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy (EL), to determine patients’ risk profile and consequent mortality. Methods: Consecutive 239 patients of median age 68 (IQR 51-76) years, undergoing EL in a UK tertiary hospital, were studied. Primary outcome measure was AKI and in-hospital operative mortality.Results: Ninety-five patients (39.7%) developed AKI, which was associated with in-hospital mortality in 32 patients (33.7%) compared with 7 patients (4.9%) without AKI. AKI occurred in 81.1% of all mortalities, but none occurred when AKI resolved within 48 h of EL. AKI was associated with chronic kidney disease, age, serum lactate, white cell count, pre-EL systolic blood pressure and tachycardia (p < 0.010). Median length of hospital stay in AKI survivors was 15 days compared with 11 days in the absence of AKI (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, only AKI at 48 h post-EL was significantly and independently associated with mortality [HR 10.895, 95% CI 3.152-37.659, p < 0.001].Conclusion: Peri-operative AKI after EL was common and associated with a more than sixfold significant greater mortality. Pre-operative risk profile assessment and prompt protocol-driven intervention should minimise AKI and reduce EL mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover crops, grown between cash crops when soil is fallow, are a management strategy that may help mitigate climate change. The biogeochemical effects of cover crops are well documented, as they provide numerous localized benefits to farmers. We test potential biogeophysical climate impacts of idealized cover crop scenarios by assuming that cover crops are planted offseason in all crop regions throughout North America. Our results suggest that planting cover crops increases wintertime temperature up to 3 °C in central North America by decreasing albedo in regions with variable snowpack. Cover crops with higher leaf area indices increase temperature more by decreasing broadband albedo, while decreasing cover crop height helped to mitigate the temperature increase as the shorter height was more frequently buried by snow. Thus, climate mitigation potential must consider the biogeophysical impacts of planting cover crops, and varietal selection can minimize winter warming. Plain Language Summary: Planting cover crops is an agricultural management technique in which crops are grown in between cash crop seasons when the soil would otherwise be fallow. Cover crops provide many local benefits to farmers and can increase carbon storage in soils. In this study, we test how planting cover crops in all agricultural regions in North America can change wintertime temperatures. Model simulations suggest that cover crops can warm winter temperatures up to 3 °C in regions with variable winter snowpack, such as central North America. Planting cover crop varieties that are less leafy or get buried under the variable snowpack can help to minimize winter warming. Our study suggests that the climate mitigation potential of cover crops may be offset in these regions if cover crop varieties are not carefully selected. Key Points: Cover crops can increase cash crop yields and soil carbon storage and can also induce regional biogeophysical climate impactsWhere cover crops extend above winter snowpack, they decrease albedo and warm wintertime temperaturesWinter warming can be minimized by planting less leafy cover crops or varieties that will be completely buried under the snowpack [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) following rectal cancer surgery impairs the patient's quality of life (QoL). Rectal irrigation has been demonstrated to be effective for anterior resection syndrome but many surgeons do not suggest it as a treatment. This feasibility study aimed to explore treatment acceptability and the benefit of rectal irrigation in patients who developed LARS following an anterior resection for rectal cancer. Method: This was a qualitative study involving semi‐structured interviews. Twenty‐one patients diagnosed with LARS following anterior resection for rectal cancer in a single tertiary centre were offered rectal irrigation as a treatment option. Qualitative interviews (n = 17) were conducted at baseline to explore the patient‐reported impact of LARS on QoL, treatment acceptability and factors influencing the decision to accept/decline treatment. Follow‐up interviews were carried out at 6 months for the treatment group only (n = 12), to assess its practicality and impact on QoL. Results: Qualitative interview findings suggest that rectal irrigation is an acceptable method of treatment for LARS. Participants who perceived their symptoms to be more severe or poorly controlled were most likely to consider rectal irrigation as a treatment option. Patients who completed treatment reported improvements in their QoL, the ability to control the time of defaecation being the key benefit. Conclusion: Clinicians should consider offering rectal irrigation as a treatment option to patients presenting with bowel dysfunction following anterior resection as it can improve symptoms. Patients who perceive that their symptoms are severe are more likely to consider treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation may play a key role in the aetiology and serve as biomarkers for post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD). We performed a genomewide analysis to identify genes whose DNA methylation levels are associated with PTSD. Method A total of 211 individuals comprising Australian male Vietnam War veterans ( n = 96) and males from a general population belonging to the Grady Trauma Project ( n = 115) were included. Genomewide DNA methylation was performed from peripheral blood using the Illumina arrays. Data analysis was performed using generalized linear regression models. Results Differential DNA methylation of 17 previously reported PTSD candidate genes was associated with PTSD symptom severity. Genomewide analyses revealed CpG sites spanning BRSK1, LCN8, NFG and DOCK2 genes were associated with PTSD symptom severity. We replicated the findings of DOCK2 in an independent cohort. Pathway analysis revealed that among the associated genes, genes within actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion molecular pathways were enriched. Conclusion These data highlight the role of DNA methylation as biomarkers of PTSD. The results support the role of previous candidates and uncover novel genes associated with PTSD, such as DOCK2. This study contributes to our understanding of the biological underpinnings of PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background An effective patient-physician relationship ( PPR) is essential to the care of patients with irritable bowel syndrome ( IBS). We sought to develop and validate an IBS-specific instrument to measure expectations of the PPR. Methods We conducted structured focus groups about PPRs with 12 patients with IBS. Qualitative analysis was used to generate a questionnaire (the Patient-Physician Relationship Scale [ PPRS]), which was modified with input from content experts and usability testing. For validation, we administered it online to US adults with IBS. Participants also completed the Functional Bowel Disorder Severity Index, the Rome III Adult Functional gastrointestinal ( GI) Disorder Criteria Questionnaire, and modified versions of the Communication Assessment Tool ( CAT-15) and Patient-Doctor Relationship Questionnaire ( PDRQ-9). We performed principal components factor analysis for the PPRS. Key Results The PPRS contained 32 questions with responses on a 7-item Likert scale. Themes included interpersonal features, clinical care expectations, and aspects of communication. One thousand and fifty-four eligible individuals completed the survey (88% completion rate). Most participants were middle aged (mean 48 years, SD 16.3), white (90%), and female (86%). Factor analysis showed only one relevant factor, relating to quality of PPR. The final scale ranged from possible-96 to +96 (mean 62.0, SD 37.6). It correlated moderately with the CAT-15 ( r=.40, P<.001) and PDRQ-9 ( r=.30, P<.001), establishing concurrent validity. Conclusions & Inferences We describe the development and validation of the first questionnaire for use in measuring patient expectations of the PPR, which can be used for future outcomes studies and training physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This guideline updates and replaces the 4th edition of the AAGBI Standards of Monitoring published in 2007. The aim of this document is to provide guidance on the minimum standards for physiological monitoring of any patient undergoing anaesthesia or sedation under the care of an anaesthetist. The recommendations are primarily aimed at anaesthetists practising in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Minimum standards for monitoring patients during anaesthesia and in the recovery phase are included. There is also guidance on monitoring patients undergoing sedation and also during transfer of anaesthetised or sedated patients. There are new sections discussing the role of monitoring depth of anaesthesia, neuromuscular blockade and cardiac output. The indications for end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring have been updated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study is to co-create an evidence-based and theoretically informed web-based intervention (RESTORE) designed to enhance self-efficacy to live with cancer-related fatigue (CRF) following primary cancer treatment. Methods A nine-step process informed the development of the intervention: (1) review of empirical literature; (2) review of existing patient resources; (3) establish theoretical framework; (4) establish design team with expertise in web-based interventions, CRF and people affected by cancer; (5) develop prototype intervention; (6) user testing phase 1; (7) refinement of prototype; (8) user testing phase 2; and (9) develop final intervention. Results Key stakeholders made a critical contribution at every step of intervention development, and user testing, which involved an iterative process and resulted in the final intervention. The RESTORE intervention has five sessions; sessions 1 and 2 include an introduction to CRF and goal setting. Sessions 3-5 can be tailored to user preference and are designed to cover areas of life where CRF may have an impact: home and work life, personal relationships and emotional adjustment. Conclusions It is feasible to systematically 'co-create' an evidence-based and theory-driven web-based self-management intervention to support cancer survivors living with the consequences of cancer and its treatment. This is the first account of the development of a web-based intervention to support self-efficacy to manage CRF. An exploratory trial to test the feasibility and acceptability of RESTORE is now warranted. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Parents of disabled children often seek support from their peers. The shared experience between parents appears to be a crucial mediating factor. Understanding how a sense of shared experience is fostered can help to design and evaluate services that seek to provide peer support. Methods We carried out a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Participants were 12 parents and 23 befrienders who had contact with the Face2 Face one-to-one befriending service in Devon and Cornwall during a 12-month period, and 10 professionals from health, social care and education. Findings Formal structures and processes in place such as training and ongoing supervision and support were highly valued as was the highly personalized, confidential, flexible, one-to-one at-home nature of the service. Crucial to establishing rapport was putting the right people together and ensuring a good match between befrienders and parents. Clearly, the befriending parent has to be emotionally prepared to provide help. However, if the parent being offered support was not ready to accept help at the time it was offered or the type of support was not right for them, they are less likely to engage with the service. Conclusion Organizational and process factors as well as characteristics of the parents offering and receiving support contribute to the sense of shared experience in one-to-one peer support. These factors interact to influence whether peer support is effective and should be explicitly considered when designing and evaluating services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Parents of disabled children are encouraged to seek peer support. Delivering one-to-one support requires resources; therefore, investigating how these services may impact on families and those providing the service is important when evaluating such services. Methods We carried out a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Participants were 12 parents and 23 befrienders who had contact with the Face2 Face one-to-one befriending service in Devon and Cornwall during a 12-month period, and 10 professionals from health, social care and education services. Findings Shared experience was perceived central to successful peer support and was a catalyst for other elements of support, enabling parents to ( i) learn from the experience of others; ( ii) speak freely in a safe and non-judgemental environment; and ( iii) receive support and encouragement from their befriender. These elements underpinned perceived outcomes for both parents providing and receiving support. Outcomes for parents receiving support centred on emotional stability, personal growth and reduced isolation. Supporting parents experienced positive outcomes through their training, mutual support and the feeling that they were helping others. Parents and befrienders appeared to benefit through expanding their social network. Nevertheless providing support was reported to create emotional burden and concerns for befrienders around their performance, and also required a substantial time commitment. Conclusions Befrienders as well as parents perceived positive outcomes from their involvement in peer support although there is also potential for less positive impact on those offering support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children and young people can be valuable partners in research, giving their unique perspectives on what and how research should be done. However, disabled children are less commonly involved in research than their non-disabled peers. This review investigated how disabled children have been involved as research partners; specifically how they have been recruited, the practicalities and challenges of involvement and how these have been overcome, and impacts of involvement for research, and disabled children and young people. The INVOLVE definition of involvement and the Equality and Human Rights Commission definition of disability were used. Relevant bibliographic databases were searched. Websites were searched for grey literature. Included studies had involved disabled children and young people aged 5-25 years in any study design. Reviews, guidelines, reports and other documents from the grey literature were eligible for inclusion. Twenty-two papers were included: seven reviews, eight original research papers, three reports, three guidelines and one webpage. Nine examples of involvement were identified. Recommendations included developing effective communication techniques, using flexible methods that can be adapted to needs and preferences, and ensuring that sufficient support and funding is available for researchers undertaking involvement. Positive impacts of involvement for disabled children included increased confidence, self-esteem and independence. Positive impacts for research were identified. Involving disabled children in research can present challenges; many of these can be overcome with sufficient time, planning and resources. More needs to be done to find ways to involve those with non-verbal communication. Generally, few details were reported about disabled children and young people's involvement in studies, and the quality of evidence was low. Although a range of positive impacts were identified, the majority of these were authors' opinions rather than data. There remains scope for methodological research to inform appropriate approaches to public and patient involvement in childhood disability research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A V-ATPase subunit A protein ( VHA- A) transcript together with a variant ( C793 to U), which introduces a stop codon truncating the subunit immediately downstream of its ATP binding site, was identified within a F ucus vesiculosus cDNA from a heavy metal contaminated site. This is intriguing because the VHA-A subunit is the crucial catalytic subunit responsible for the hydrolysis of ATP that drives ion transport underlying heavy metal detoxification pathways. We employed a chemiluminescent hybridization protection assay to quantify the proportion of both variants directly from mRNA while performing quantification of total transcript using Q-PCR. Polyclonal antisera raised against recombinant VHA-A facilitated simultaneous detection of parent and truncated VHA-A and revealed its cellular and subcellular localization. By exploiting laboratory exposures and samples from an environmental copper gradient, we showed that total VHA- A transcript and protein, together with levels of the truncated variant, were induced by copper. The absence of a genomic sequence representing the truncated variant suggests a RNA editing event causing the production of the truncated VHA-A. Based on these observations, we propose RNA editing as a novel molecular process underpinning VHA trafficking and intracellular sequestration of heavy metals under stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the impact of maternal body mass index ( BMI, kg/m2) on clinical complications, inpatient admissions, and additional short-term costs to the National Health Service ( NHS) in Scotland. Design Retrospective cohort study using an unselected population database. Setting Obstetric units in Scotland, 2003-2010. Population A total of 124 280 singleton deliveries in 109 592 women with a maternal BMI recorded prior to 16 weeks of gestation. Methods Population-based retrospective cohort study of singleton deliveries, with multivariable analysis used to assess short-term morbidity and health service costs. Main outcome measures Maternal and offspring outcomes, number and duration of hospital admissions, and healthcare costs. Results Using multivariable analysis, in comparison with women of normal weight, women who were overweight, obese, or severely obese had an increased risk of essential hypertension [1.87 (1.18-2.96), 11.90 (7.18-19.72), and 36.10 (18.33-71.10)], pregnancy-induced hypertension [1.76 (1.60-1.95), 2.98 (2.65-3.36), and 4.48 (3.57-5.63)], gestational diabetes [3.39 (2.30-4.99), 11.90 (7.54-18.79), and 67.40 (37.84-120.03)], emergency caesarean section [1.94 (1.71-2.21), 3.40 (2.91-3.96), and 14.34 (9.38-21.94)], and elective caesarean section [2.06 (1.84-2.30), 4.61 (4.06-5.24), and 17.92 (13.20-24.34)]. Compared with women of normal weight, women who were underweight, overweight, obese, or severely obese were associated with an 8, 16, 45, and 88% increase in the number of admissions, respectively, and women who were overweight, obese, or severely obese were associated with a 4, 9, and 12% increase in the duration of stay (all P < 0.001). The additional maternity costs [mean (95% CI), adjusted analyses] for women who were underweight, overweight, obese, or severely obese were £102.27 (£48.49-156.06), £59.89 (£41.61-78.17), £202.46 (£178.61-226.31), and £350.75 (£284.82-416.69), respectively. Conclusions Maternal BMI influences maternal and neonatal morbidity, the number and duration of maternal and neonatal admissions, and health service costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quantitative trait locus ( QTL) study of the concentrations of 14 trace and macro elements (minerals) in tissues of beef cattle was conducted in New Zealand. Back-cross calves with Jersey and Limousin ancestry (202 heifers and 211 steers) were generated using first-cross sires. This paper reports on testing for effects of QTL on the concentrations of minerals in liver, kidney and muscle in cattle at slaughter, following a growth phase during which rearing and finishing stages were on pasture. Fifteen QTL were identified ( P < 0.05) on a genome-wide basis in combined-sire and within-sire analyses. In addition, the possible effect of the Limousin myostatin F94L allele was tested by fitting each calf's myostatin genotype , and 16 QTL were identified. Twelve were in common with those QTL identified previously, comprising six affecting the liver (copper and zinc, on two chromosomes each; plus iron and molybdenum), three affecting the kidney (calcium, copper and iron), and three affecting muscle (iron, strontium and zinc). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the usage of oesophageal doppler monitoring (ODM) medical device for measurement of blood flow velocity in blood vessels while performing surgery. The author also discusses the importance of ODM devices which guides medical personnel to maintain balance of fluids in the body during surgery. The benefit of ODM in recovery after surgery is also discussed.

Patients presenting for emergency surgery represent a category at high risk of complications, with substantial morbidity and mortality, whose management may be extremely challenging. In this first of two articles we consider the identification and evaluation of high risk emergency patients, the provision of critical care support, the management of sepsis, common postoperative complications and in-theatre death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this second article we examine the principles underlying delivery of the components of anaesthesia. Topics considered include anaesthetic technique, management of the airway and lung ventilation, induction and maintenance of anaesthesia, patient monitoring including the place of cardiac output devices. We summarise recent research on the management of shock and sepsis syndromes including goal directed therapy and examine some controversies around intravenous fluid therapy. Finally, we discuss intra-operative awareness and challenges during emergence including peri-operative cognitive dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disabled children are a broad group that includes those with complex, special or additional health needs as a result of chronic physical, cognitive, communication or behavioural problems. These children are more frequently admitted to hospital than other children; however, there appears to be relatively little research on their experience as inpatients. The aim of this structured review and synthesis was to integrate findings from qualitative studies reporting the experience of disabled children when they are hospital inpatients. Inclusion criteria were: qualitative studies that focused on the experience of children less than 18 years old, with a chronic health condition or neurodisability, during an inpatient stay. Studies of outpatient episodes or intensive care units were excluded. A systematic search identified relevant abstracts, selected papers were reviewed and data were extracted. The synthesis involved elucidating and integrating common themes. Eight relevant papers were identified; data were gathered from children, parents and staff. Communication between children and staff was a dominant theme and comprised giving the child information about their condition and appropriate involvement of the child/young person in discussions and decision making that affected them. Also important was communication between parents and staff, particularly around the division of care for their child. Other themes included emotions, particularly fears, the ward environment and confidence in staff. The review suggests that disabled children's experience as inpatients is not always optimal. Improving the communication skills of ward staff and providing information to disabled children and their families would improve disabled children's experience when they are inpatients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this second article we examine the principles underlying delivery of the components of anaesthesia. Topics considered include anaesthetic technique, management of the airway and lung ventilation, induction and maintenance of anaesthesia, patient monitoring including the place of cardiac output devices. We summarise recent research on the management of shock and sepsis syndromes including goal directed therapy and examine some controversies around intravenous fluid therapy. Finally, we discuss intra-operative awareness and challenges during emergence including peri-operative cognitive dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients presenting for emergency surgery represent a category at high risk of complications, with substantial morbidity and mortality, whose management may be extremely challenging. In this first of two articles we consider the identification and evaluation of high risk emergency patients, the provision of critical care support, the management of sepsis, common postoperative complications and in-theatre death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary A whole-genome scan was carried out in New Zealand and Australia to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for live animal and carcass composition traits and meat quality attributes in cattle. Backcross calves (385 heifers and 398 steers) were generated, with Jersey and Limousin backgrounds. The New Zealand cattle were reared and finished on pasture, whilst Australian cattle were reared on grass and finished on grain for at least 180 days. This paper reports on meat quality traits (tenderness measured as shear force at 4-5 ages on two muscles as well as associated traits of meat colour, pH and cooking loss) and a number of metabolic traits. For meat quality traits, 18 significant QTL ( P < 0.05), located in nine linkage groups, were detected on a genome-wise basis, in combined-sire (seven QTL) or within-sire analyses (11 QTL). For metabolic traits, 11 significant QTL ( P < 0.05), located in eight linkage groups, were detected on a genome-wise basis, in combined-sire (five QTL) or within-sire analyses (six QTL). BTA2 and BTA3 had QTL for both metabolic traits and meat quality traits. Six significant QTL for meat quality and metabolic traits were found at the proximal end of chromosome 2. BTA2 and BTA29 were the most common chromosomes harbouring QTL for meat quality traits; QTL for improved tenderness were associated with Limousin-derived and Jersey-derived alleles on these two chromosomes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors reflect on the enhanced recovery programmes (ERPs), which calls for a revision of the patient journey with the primary intention of reducing hospital stay. The authors mention that the reduction of the resource consumption and the challenge of traditional delivery of care are the goals of ERPs. They add that the planning and allocation of resources before the implementation of pre-operative assessment for day-of-surgery admission are some of the components of the ERPs.

Summary The objective of this review was to determine the optimal type or class of intravenous fluid to be used during peri-operative patient optimisation guided by oesophageal Doppler monitoring and to identify future directions for research. We undertook a literature review of patients undergoing major (general, colorectal, orthopaedic and urological) surgery, whose fluid therapy was managed using peri-operative oesophageal Doppler monitoring. We identified 10 studies that included 891 randomised patients. A variety of regimens and types of fluid were used in association with oesophageal Doppler monitoring, including crystalloid, gelatin and hydroxyethyl starch. A wide variety of hydroxyethyl starch preparations were used, including high molecular weight and highly substituted hetastarches, and lower molecular weight tetrastarches. Most studies were of high quality, associated with reduced hospital stay, but underpowered to evaluate other outcomes. In units with established enhanced recovery facilities, the benefits of colloid based on oesophageal Doppler monitoring were not reproduced. There is little evidence to support preferential use of any particular type of fluid during oesophageal Doppler guided optimisation; however, routine use of colloids is associated with significantly higher costs and may increase hospital stay. Furthermore, many of these fluids have not been evaluated in patient populations in whom optimisation is being applied or proposed, and the potential for harm cannot be excluded. Recommendations for future studies are provided, including adequate power for primary end points beyond hospital stay and adequate follow-up, and inclusion of a crystalloid comparison group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary In the present study, the effect of four Vajikaran Rasayana herbs on penile erection, sperm count, seminal fructose content in vivo and nitric oxide (NO) release in vitro was assessed. Lyophilised aqueous extracts of Asparagus racemosus Willd. (AR) , Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. F . (CB) , Curculigo orchioides Gaertn . (CO) , and Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D. Don) Soo (DH) were orally administered at 100 mg/kg body weight to Wistar strain male albino rats. Penile erection index and sperm count were determined by visual observation; the seminal fructose concentration was measured spectrophotometrically using resorcinol reagent; and NO release was assessed in a mouse macrophage cell line (RAW264) spectrophotometrically using a commercial Griess reagent kit. Penile erection index, sperm count, seminal fructose concentration and in vitro NO release were the parameters measured. A significant effect on the sperm count, seminal fructose content and penile erection index was observed upon treatment with the extracts. The effect of extracts on inducible NO release in vitro directly correlated with the enhanced erectile function in vivo. The aphrodisiac claims attributed to the four Vajikaran Rasayana herbs were tested and a distinctive effect of all extracts tested was observed, with C. borivilianum showing a highly significant response for all parameters measured in vivo and in vitro. The present study also provides a good correlation between the in vivo improvement of penile erection and in vitro NO releasing activity of the extracts. Increase in seminal fructose levels and sperm count further validates the role of these herbs in improving reproductive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A QTL study of live animal and carcass traits in beef cattle was carried out in New Zealand and Australia. Back-cross calves (385 heifers and 398 steers) were generated, with Jersey and Limousin backgrounds. This paper reports on weights of eight organs (heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, spleen, gastro-intestinal tract, fat, and rumen contents) and 12 fat composition traits (fatty acid (FA) percentages, saturated and monounsaturated FA subtotals, and fat melting point). The New Zealand cattle were reared and finished on pasture, whilst Australian cattle were reared on grass and finished on grain for at least 180 days. For organ weights and fat composition traits, 10 and 12 significant QTL locations ( P < 0.05), respectively, were detected on a genome-wide basis, in combined-sire or within-sire analyses. Seven QTL significant for organ weights were found at the proximal end of chromosome 2. This chromosome carries a variant myostatin allele (F94L), segregating from the Limousin ancestry, and this is a positional candidate for the QTL. Ten significant QTL for fat composition were found on chromosomes 19 and 26. Fatty acid synthase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1), respectively, are positional candidate genes for these QTL. Two FA QTL found to be common to sire groups in both populations were for percentages of C14:0 and C14:1 (relative to all FAs) on chromosome 26, near the SCD1 candidate gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β, β-carotene-9′, 10′-dioxygenase (BCO2) plays a role in cleaving β-carotene eccentrically, and may be involved in the control of adipose and milk colour in cattle. The bovine BCO2 gene was sequenced as a potential candidate gene for a beef fat colour QTL on chromosome (BTA) 15. A single nucleotide base change located in exon 3 causes the substitution of a stop codon (encoded by the A allele) for tryptophan80 (encoded by the G allele) (c. 240G>A, p.Trp80stop, referred to herein as SNP W80X). Association analysis showed significant differences in subcutaneous fat colour and beta-carotene concentration amongst cattle with different BCO2 genotypes. Animals with the BCO2 AA genotype had more yellow beef fat and a higher beta-carotene concentration in adipose tissues than those with the GA or GG genotype. QTL mapping analysis with the BCO2 SNP W80X fitted as a fixed effect confirmed that this SNP is likely to represent the quantitative trait nucleotide (QTN) for the fat colour-related traits on BTA 15. Moreover, animals with the AA genotype had yellower milk colour and a higher concentration of beta-carotene in the milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 666–675 Background Previous studies on coeliac disease (CD)-related quality of life (QOL) have been limited by their use of a ‘generic’ rather than coeliac disease-specific assessment instruments. Aim To develop and psychometrically validate a new coeliac disease-specific instrument, the CD-QOL. Methods Through a series of focus groups, we elicited items from patients that related to the specific nature of their disease and its impact on their basic needs. Through expert review, cognitive debriefing with patients and pilot testing, a scale was developed, refined and administered to 387 patients on a gluten-free diet from both community-based support groups and a tertiary care referral centre. Finally, a formal validation study was conducted to assess the psychometric properties of the CD-QOL. Results The final CD-QOL has 20 items across four clinically relevant subscales (Limitations, Dysphoria, Health Concerns, and Inadequate Treatment). The CD-QOL has high internal consistency, reliability, and psychometric validation indicates both convergent and discriminate validity. Conclusions The CD-QOL is a reliable and valid measure of coeliac disease related QOL. As a new disease-specific instrument, it is likely to be a useful tool for evaluating patients with this disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]