Regional nutrient decrease drove redox stabilisation and metazoan diversification in the late Ediacaran Nama Group, Namibia.

The late Ediacaran witnessed an increase in metazoan diversity and ecological complexity, marking the inception of the Cambrian Explosion. To constrain the drivers of this diversification, we combine redox and nutrient data for two shelf transects, with an inventory of biotic diversity and distribution from the Nama Group, Namibia (~550 to ~538 Million years ago; Ma). Unstable marine redox conditions characterised all water depths in inner to outer ramp settings from ~550 to 547 Ma, when the first skeletal metazoans appeared. However, a marked deepening of the redoxcline and a reduced frequency of anoxic incursions onto the inner to mid-ramp is recorded from ~547 Ma onwards, with full ventilation of the outer ramp by ~542 Ma. Phosphorus speciation data show that, whilst anoxic ferruginous conditions were initially conducive to the drawdown of bioavailable phosphorus, they also permitted a limited degree of phosphorus recycling back to the water column. A long-term decrease in nutrient delivery from continental weathering, coupled with a possible decrease in upwelling, led to the gradual ventilation of the Nama Group basins. This, in turn, further decreased anoxic recycling of bioavailable phosphorus to the water column, promoting the development of stable oxic conditions and the radiation of new mobile taxa.

Force fluctuations at the transition from quasi-static to inertial granular flow.

We analyse the rheology of gravity-driven, dry granular flows in experiments where individual forces within the flow bulk are measured. We release photoelastic discs at the top of an incline to create a quasi-static erodible bed over which flows a steady 2D avalanche. The flowing layers we produce are dense (φ ≈ 0.8), thin (h ≈ 10d), and in the slow to intermediate flow regime (I = 0.1 to 1). Using particle tracking and photoelastic force measurements we report coarse-grained profiles for packing fraction, velocity, shear rate, inertial number, and stress tensor components. In addition, we define a quantitative measure for the rate of generation of new force chain networks and we observe that fluctuations extend below the boundary between dense flow and quasi-static layers. Finally, we evaluate several existing definitions for granular fluidity, and make comparisons among them and the behaviour of our experimentally-measured stress tensor components. Our measurements of the non-dimensional stress ratio µ show that our experiments lie within the local rheological regime, yet we observe rearrangements of the force network extending into the quasi-static layer where shear rates vanish. This elucidates why non-local rheological models rely on the notion of stress diffusion, and we thus propose non-local effects may in fact be dependent on the local force network fluctuation rate.

Photoelastic study of dense granular free-surface flows.

In this study, we perform experiments that reveal the distribution of dynamic forces in the bulk of granular free-surface flows. We release photoelastic disks from an incline to create steady two-dimensional avalanches. These gravity-driven dry granular flows are in the slow to intermediate regime (I≤1), dense (φ≈0.8), and thin (h≈10d). The transition between solidlike (quasisteady) and fluidlike (inertial) regimes is observable for certain experimental settings. We measure constant density and quasilinear velocity profiles through particle tracking at several points down the chute, for two different basal topographies. The photoelastic technique allows the visualization and quantification of instantaneous forces transmitted between particles during individual collisions. From the measured forces we obtain coarse-grained profiles of all stress tensor components at various positions along the chute. The discreteness of the system leads to highly fluctuating individual force chains which form preferentially in the directions of the bulk external forces: in this case, gravity and shear. The behavior of the coarse-grained stress tensor within a dynamic granular flow is analogous to that of a continuous fluid flow, in that we observe a hydrostatic increase of the mean pressure with depth. Furthermore, we identify a preferential direction for the principal stress orientation, which depends on the local magnitudes of the frictional and gravitational forces. These results allow us to draw an analogy between discrete and continuous flow models.

Prevalence, Factors, and Outcome of Physical Violence against Mental Health Professionals at a Nigerian Psychiatric Hospital.

OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence, factors, and consequences of physical violence by mentally ill patients against mental health professionals. METHODS: 124 of 145 mental health professionals at a Nigerian neuropsychiatric hospital satisfactorily completed a questionnaire on their experiences with physical assault. RESULTS: 77 (62.1%) staff had been assaulted during their whole career; 38 (30.6%) of them were assaulted in the past 12 months. The most common type of assault was pushing (32.9%). The most common antecedent event to assault was calming an aggressive patient (44.1%). In their whole career, 22.1% of assaulted staff sustained injuries that required medical attention; 42.4% of assaulted staff sometimes or frequently/always experienced posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Physical assault in the whole career was associated with older age (p = 0.04), longer years of practice (p = 0.01), and job dissatisfaction (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Physical violence encountered by mental health professionals at a Nigerian neuropsychiatric hospital is substantial. Policy review of staff safety, training, and support is recommended.

Plasma and erythrocyte uptake of omega-3 fatty acids from an intravenous fish oil based lipid emulsion in patients with advanced oesophagogastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that short term intravenous (IV) administration of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is more effective than oral supplementation at promoting incorporation of the bioactive omega-3 PUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) into plasma, blood cells and tissues. The effect of repeated short term IV infusion of omega-3 PUFAs was investigated in patients with advanced oesophagogastric cancer during palliative chemotherapy. METHODS: Patients with advanced oesophagogastric cancer (n = 21) were recruited into a phase II pilot clinical trial. All patients were scheduled for an intravenous infusion of Omegaven® (fish oil supplement containing EPA and DHA) at a rate of 2 ml/kg body weight for 4 h once a week for up to six months. Blood samples were collected to assess omega-3 PUFA uptake into plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) and into red blood cell (RBC) membranes. Fatty acid profiles were analysed by gas chromatography. RESULTS: Twenty patients received at least one Omegaven® treatment and were included in the analysis. Each infusion of omega-3 PUFAs resulted in increased EPA and DHA in plasma NEFAs, but there was little effect on PUFAs within plasma PC during the infusions. However, with repeated weekly infusion of omega-3 PUFAs, the EPA content of plasma PC and of RBC membranes increased. CONCLUSION: Repeated weekly omega-3 PUFA infusion is effective in enriching plasma PC and RBC membranes in EPA in patients with advanced oesophagogastric cancer receiving palliative chemotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.Gov NCT01870791.

Potential applications of fish oils rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the management of gastrointestinal cancer.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Despite advances in chemotherapeutic agents and surgical approaches for its management, gastrointestinal cancer still accounts for 27% of new cancer cases and 35% of cancer related mortality worldwide. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities and are used as immuno-nutrients. METHODS: A literature search was conducted to identify primary research reporting on applications of the omega-3 PUFAs in gastrointestinal cancer. RESULTS: Reported laboratory studies indicate a clear role for omega-3 PUFAs in preventing cancer development at various stages including cancer cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, inflammation and metastasis. In clinical settings, omega-3 PUFAs have been reported to improve the immune response, maintain lean body mass, improve quality of life and improve overall survival in patients with colorectal and pancreatic cancer. In contrast to other GI cancers, there is a strong connection between inflammation and oesophageal cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Little work has been done exploring the role for omega-3 PUFAs in oesophageal cancer prevention and management. The authors are conducting a clinical trial investigating the use of parenteral omega-3 PUFAs supplementary to the standard of care (epirubicin, oxaliplatin and capecitabine palliative chemotherapy) in patients with advanced oesophagogastric cancer as a promising new therapeutic approach.

Ocular manifestations of canine transmissible venereal tumour: a retrospective study of 25 cases in Greece.

Transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) is a sexually transmitted neoplasm that frequently affects dogs of either sex, in tropical and subtropical regions. TVT primarily involves the external genitalia, although extragenital sites have also been reported. This study describes the ocular manifestations of TVT in 25 naturally infected dogs and their response to treatment. Seventeen male and eight female dogs were included in the study. TVT ocular lesions were either unilateral (21 dogs) or bilateral (four dogs). Ocular lesions as the single manifestation of TVT were seen in 22 animals. One dog presented external genitalia involvement while two others were found to have tumours in the oral and nasal mucosa. Variably sized multilobular tumour masses with irregular surface were noticed on the bulbar conjunctiva of the nictitating membrane in 17 dogs, on the conjunctiva of the upper eyelid in five dogs and on the conjunctiva of the lower eyelid and adjacent skin in three dogs. Deep ulcerative keratitis was observed in eight animals. TVT diagnosis was based on cytology and histopathology. The large eye masses were surgically excised. All dogs were treated with a single chemotherapeutic agent (vincristine). After four weeks of treatment, complete remission of the tumours was evident in all but one animal. Extragenital primary ophthalmic TVT can be completely eliminated by vincristine chemotherapy, while any further ocular damage is prevented with the combination of the above treatment and surgical excision.

Occurrence of Polyphenols, Organic Acids, and Sugars among Diverse Elderberry Genotypes Grown in Three Missouri (USA) Locations.

Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) is an emerging horticultural crop used in a variety of foods, wines, and dietary supplements. A better understanding of the elderberry juice complex including its putative health-promoting compounds in relation to genetic and environmental parameters is needed. A multi-location planting of nine elderberry genotypes was established in 2008 at three geographically-diverse sites in Missouri, USA. Fruits were harvested from replicated plots 2009-2011, frozen, and later prepared for laboratory analysis. Polyphenols, organic acids, and sugars were quantified by HPLC and the results evaluated for response to genotype, site, and year. The American genotypes 'Ocoee' and 'Ozark' were consistently higher in chlorogenic acids compared to other genotypes, whereas 'Ocoee' was significantly higher in rutin than 'Ozark'. The European 'Marge' was significantly higher in isoquercitrin and other flavonoids compared to most North American genotypes. Significant differences in polyphenols were also detected among sites and production years. Malic, citric, and tartaric acids varied significantly among genotypes, sites, and years, whereas succinic, shikimic, and fumaric acids generally did not. Levels of lactic, acetic, and propionic acids were negligible in most samples. The American genotype 'Ocoee' was higher in citric and tartaric acids, while lower in malic acid. The sugars glucose and fructose also responded significantly to genotype, site, and year. 'Ocoee', 'Ozark', and 'Marge' perform very well in Missouri horticulturally and appear to have additional potential as cultivars based on their unique juice characteristics.

Fruit Composition of Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) Genotypes Grown in Oregon and Missouri, USA.

Twelve Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis genotypes were grown at two Missouri and one Oregon (USA) locations to characterize fruit composition in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Fruit was also sampled from an additional 10 genotypes of subsp. canadensis and nigra grown in Oregon. Soluble solids content ranged from 8.9 to 12.5 °Brix, and titratable acid (as citric acid) was 0.4 to 1.7 g/100ml. Ferric ion reducing activity potential (FRAP) values were 15.6 to 30.7 µmol/g trolox equivalents. Total anthocyanin content ranged from 85 to 385 mg/100 g cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents (C3GE) and total phenolic content was 421 to 719 mg/100 g gallic acid equivalents (GAE). Of the genotypes sampled in three locations, six genotypes were high (250-350), and four were very low in total anthocyanin (<150 mg/100 g C3GE), respectively. 'Barn' and 'Scotia' were highest, and 'Nova' lowest in total anthocyanin content among genotypes grown in Oregon. Of the total antioxidant tests used, total phenolics was the best quick test, as it is the easiest of the assays, showed the least change among years, and correlated highly with FRAP.

Horticultural Performance of Eight American Elderberry Genotypes at Three Missouri Locations.

American elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) is being increasingly cultivated in North America for its edible and medicinal fruit and flowers, yet remains largely undeveloped as a horticultural crop. Productive genotypes with desirable horticultural attributes, including disease and insect resistance, precocity, uniform fruit ripening, and large berry size are needed in order to advance the commercial production of elderberries. A four-year study of eight elderberry genotypes was established in 2008 at three diverse Missouri (USA) locations. Phenology, plant morphology, pest susceptibility, productivity, and fruit characteristics data were collected over three growing seasons, 2009-2011. Significant differences for most phenological, horticultural, and fruit juice characteristics were observed among the three sites, three years, and eight genotypes. The genotype 'Ozark' was the earliest to break bud, produced fruit with high levels of soluble solids, and out-yielded most other genotypes at the three sites over the three-year study. None of the new genotypes produced berries as large as or larger than the standard 'York' which is known for its large fruit. Some of the genotypes tested, especially 'Ozark' show promise as potential cultivars and as breeding stock for further development of elderberry as a commercially-viable horticultural crop.

Effects of Elderberry Juice from Different Genotypes on Oxidative and Inflammatory Responses in Microglial Cells.

Many species of berries are nutritious food and offer health benefits. However, among the different types of berries, information on health effects of American elderberries (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) has been lacking and little is known about whether elderberry consumption can confer neuroprotective effects on the central nervous system. Microglial cells constitute a unique class of immune cells and exhibit characteristic properties to carry out multifunctional duties in the brain. Activation of microglial cells has been implicated in brain injury and in many types of neurodegenerative diseases. Our recent studies demonstrated the ability for endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and interferon gamma (IFNγ) to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) in murine microglial cells (BV-2) through activating NADPH oxidase and the MAPK pathways. In this study, BV-2 microglial cells were used to examine effects of elderberry juice obtained from different genotypes on oxidative and inflammatory responses induced by LPS and IFNγ. Results show that 'Wyldewood' extract demonstrated antioxidant properties by inhibiting IFNγ-induced ROS production and p-ERK1/2 expression. On the other hand, most juice extracts exerted small effects on LPS-induced NO production and some extracts showed an increase in NO production upon stimulation with IFNγ. The disparity of responses on ROS and NO production from different extracts suggests possible presence of unknown endogenous factor(s) in the extract in promoting the IFNγ-induced iNOS synthesis pathway.

'Marge': a European Elderberry for North American Producers.

Elderberries are being increasingly produced and consumed in North America for their edible and medicinal flowers and fruits. The American elderberry (Sambucus nigra subsp. canadensis) is native to, and most often cultivated in North America. The European elderberry (S. nigra subsp. nigra) has been developed into an economically-important horticultural crop in Europe, but most European cultivars do not perform well in the midwestern USA. The genotype S. nigra subsp. nigra 'Marge' is an open-pollinated seedling of S. nigra subsp. nigra 'Haschberg', which is one of the most popular elderberry cultivars grown in Europe. In a four-year study (one establishment year followed by 3 production years; 2008-2011) at three Missouri (USA) locations, 'Marge' significantly out-performed and out-yielded eight American elderberry genotypes within the same replicated field plots. Across 3 production years at all three sites, 'Marge' achieved budbreak later, flowered earlier, suffered less Eriophyid mite damage, was taller, produced larger berries, and yielded significantly greater amounts of fruit compared with all eight American elderberry genotypes in the study. At one site, 'Marge' produced three times the yield (1.89 kg/plant) compared with the next highest-producing American elderberry genotype (0.65 kg/plant). It is an exceptionally robust and drought-resistant elderberry. The phenotypic attributes of 'Marge' are similar to that of European elderberry except that it performs exceptionally well in the midwestern USA. DNA marker results, along with phenological and morphological characteristics, indicate that 'Marge' is a European elderberry (S. nigra subsp. nigra). As with most European genotypes, 'Marge' does not fruit on first-year wood, and will therefore require a different pruning regimen compared with American elderberry for success in North American production. We do not yet know how 'Marge' will perform outside the midwestern USA, but it is so productive, unique, and mite resistant, that it merits introduction as a cultivar.

Determination of Anthocyanins and Total Polyphenols in a Variety of Elderberry Juices by UPLC-MS/MS and Other Methods.

Elderberry (Sambucus spp.) juice contains a variety of polyphenols, mostly anthocyanins. In order to understand the variation of polyphenol levels by genotype, various elderberry juice samples were analyzed for total phenolics (TP), total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA) and individual anthocyanin content. The Folin-Ciocalteu total phenolic method and pH differential method were used to measure the TP and TMA content, respectively. The TP and TMA concentrations of elderberry were found to vary greatly among different genotypes. TMA content varied from 2.1% for 'Sperandio' to 60.6% for the 'Bob Gordon' cultivar. In addition, ultra-performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was used to separate and detect individual anthocyanins from samples prepared by solid phase extraction. Multiple-reaction-monitoring was used to process data for the reduction of false positives, maximizing selectivity, and reliable quantification. The quantitative performance of the method was validated, and a detection limit of 0.3 ng·ml-1 for cyanidin 3-O-glucoside was determined. This newly developed method may serve to characterize and profile various anthocyanins in elderberry juices for quality control, assessment of dietary intake, and anthocyanin-based biomedical studies.

Improving consultations in oncology: the development of a novel consultation aid.

BACKGROUND: The way in which patients receive bad news in a consultation can have a profound effect in terms of anxiety, depression and subsequent adjustment. Despite investment in well-researched communication skills training and availability of decision-making aids, communication problems in oncology continue to be encountered. METHODS: We conducted a mixed-methods study in a large UK Cancer Centre to develop a novel consultation aid that could be used jointly by patients and doctors. Consultations were audio-recorded and both the doctors and the patients were interviewed. We used conversation analysis to analyse the consultation encounter and interpretative phenomenological analysis to analyse the interviews. Key themes were generated to inform the design of the aid. RESULTS: A total of 16 doctors were recruited into the study along with 77 patients. Detailed analysis from 36 consultations identified key themes (including preparation, information exchange, question-asking and decision making), which were subsequently addressed in the design of the paper-based aid. CONCLUSIONS: Using detailed analysis and observation of oncology consultations, we have designed a novel consultation aid that can be used jointly by doctors and patients. It is not tumour-site specific and can potentially be utilised by new and follow-up consultations.

Patient-initiated questions: How can doctors encourage them and improve the consultation process? A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the circumstances under which patients initiate direct questions in oncology consultations. DESIGN: Conversation analysis of 47 consultations between oncologists and patients with cancer. SETTING: An oncology clinic at a teaching hospital in the East Midlands. PARTICIPANTS: 16 Oncologists and 67 cancer patients. OUTCOME MEASURE: Patient initiated direct questions. RESULTS: On the whole patients' direct questions are designed to seek specific information regarding, the cancer itself, treatment options or their experience of symptoms. When patients do ask direct questions they typically follow the announcement of test results where some reference to the details of those results, is provided. More specifically, there seems to be a relation between showing the patient their scan/X-ray results, patient involvement and patient-initiated direct questions. Higher levels of patient-initiated direct questions were clustered around occasions where doctors provided information and explanations of test results (12 consultations) sometimes with direct reference to scan or X-ray results (7 consultations). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of careful explanation of diagnostic evidence as a factor contributing to increased patient involvement. More specifically, the findings suggest that, when appropriate, invoking diagnostic evidence (eg, scan or X-ray results) is an effective way of increasing levels of patient question asking. Doctors need to be able to encourage patient question asking to ensure that patients have at their disposal an important means through which they can determine their information needs. Although these results come from a study of oncology consultations, the findings may be transferable to other clinical contexts.

Evaluation of aqueous tear production in dogs after general anaesthesia with medetomidine-propofol-carprofen-halothane.

The influence of an anaesthetic protocol, which included medetomidine, propofol, carprofen and halothane on tear production in the dog. There are no previous studies on the effects of this combination on tear production in dogs or in any other species. The present study included 39 dogs, which underwent non-ophthalmic surgery in our clinic. Preanaesthetically, all dogs had normal tear production (18.62±3.65 mm/minute) as this was recorded with Schirmer tear test I (STT I) and the ophthalmologic examination did not reveal anything abnormal. Tear production readings were recorded before the administration of premedication, at the end of anaesthesia, one hour and two hours postanaesthesia. No reverse agent was administrated. At the end of anaesthesia (right eye (oculus dexter, OD) P<0.0005, left eye (oculus sinister, OS) P<0.0005), as well as one hour postanaesthesia (OD P=0.020, OS P=0.001) there was a statistically significant reduction in tear production, which returned to normal values two hours postanaesthesia, regardless of the duration of the operation. This anaesthetic combination resulted in a decrease in tear production and, therefore, the use of tear substitute treatment in dogs undergoing anaesthesia with this protocol (combination) from the time the sedative is given until at least two hours after the end of anaesthesia is highly recommended.

Speleothems reveal 500,000-year history of Siberian permafrost.

Soils in permafrost regions contain twice as much carbon as the atmosphere, and permafrost has an important influence on the natural and built environment at high northern latitudes. The response of permafrost to warming climate is uncertain and occurs on time scales longer than those assessed by direct observation. We dated periods of speleothem growth in a north-south transect of caves in Siberia to reconstruct the history of permafrost in past climate states. Speleothem growth is restricted to full interglacial conditions in all studied caves. In the northernmost cave (at 60°N), no growth has occurred since Marine Isotopic Stage (MIS) 11. Growth at that time indicates that global climates only slightly warmer than today are sufficient to thaw extensive regions of permafrost.

Acute coenurosis of dairy sheep from 11 flocks in Greece.

CASE HISTORY: A syndrome of acute neurological dysfunction with increased mortality was observed in lambs of 10 dairy sheep flocks and adult animals in one flock in Central and Northern Greece. Each farmer completed a questionnaire regarding the management and feeding of their flocks. In seven of the 11 flocks the affected animals were grazing pasture, while in the remaining four flocks (5, 8, 9, 10) the animals were fed alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa) and concentrates indoors. A follow-up study of the affected flocks was conducted during the next 12 months. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Of 42 sheep with acute coenurosis that were examined, the most prominent neurological abnormalities were ataxia, depression, blindness, scoliosis, coma and dysmetria. Except for the four sheep that were comatose, all other animals had normal body temperatures and their appetites remained normal or were slightly decreased. Haematological findings of 15 examined sheep were within normal limits. The affected sheep were subject to euthanasia. A histopathological examination was performed in 13 cases. Faecal samples from dogs associated with these flocks were negative for taeniid infections. During the following 12 months cases of chronic coenurosis in these flocks were observed. PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: In the 42 animals that were necropsied, the main gross findings were cystic formations between 0.5-1 cm in diameter with translucent walls that were seen lying free on the leptomeninges or partly penetrating the brain tissue, sterile microabscecess and brain necrosis. Histopathological evaluation of tissue sections of 13 brains showed multifocal purulent or pyogranulomatous meningoencephalitis, accompanied by eosinophilic infiltrations. No bacteria were isolated following bacterial culture of brain tissue Parasitological examination of the cysts from five cases revealed whitish specks on the transparent cyst wall and germination membrane representing the scolices. DIAGNOSIS: Acute coenurosis was diagnosed in all cases studied. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Acute coenurosis can be one of the causes of acute encephalopathy mainly in lambs, but also in adult sheep. This condition is incurable, but can be controlled by changing the feeding regime. Cases of chronic coenurosis may be seen a few months later in the same flock.