Large-scale changes in marine and terrestrial environments drive the population dynamics of long-tailed ducks breeding in Siberia.

Migratory animals experience very different environmental conditions at different times of the year, i.e., at the breeding grounds, during migration, and in winter. The long-tailed duck Clangula hyemalis breeds in the Arctic regions of the northern hemisphere and migrates to temperate climate zones, where it winters in marine environments. The breeding success of the long-tailed duck is affected by the abundances of predators and their main prey species, lemmings Lemmus sibiricus and Dicrostonyx torquatus, whose population fluctuation is subject to climate change. In the winter quarters, long-tailed ducks mainly eat the blue mussel Mytilus edulis. We examined how North-west Siberian lemming dynamics, assumed as a proxy for predation pressure, affect long-tailed duck breeding success and how nutrient availability in the Baltic Sea influences long-tailed duck population size via mussel biomass and quality. Evidence suggests that the long-tailed duck population dynamics was predator-driven on the breeding grounds and resource-driven on the wintering grounds. Nutrients from fertilizer runoff from farmland stimulate mussel stocks and quality, supporting high long-tailed duck population sizes. The applied hierarchical analysis combining several trophic levels can be used for evaluating large-scale environmental factors that affect the population dynamics and abundance of migrants from one environment to another.

Multi-isotopic signatures of organic and conventional Italian pasta along the production chain.

The variability of stable isotope ratios (δ(2) H, δ(13) C, δ(15) N, δ(18) O and δ(34) S) along the production chain of pasta (durum wheat, flour and pasta) produced by using both conventional and organic farming systems in four Italian regions in 2 years was investigated. The aim was to evaluate if and how the farming system and geographical origin affect stable isotope ratios determined along the production chain. Irrespective of the processing technology, 65% of the samples were correctly classified according to the farming system and 98% were correctly classified regarding the geographical region. When considering both farming system and geographical region simultaneously, 80% of the samples were correctly classified. The measured isotope parameters were thus primarily affected by the geographical origin. In conclusion, it is expected that the use of these parameters will allow the development of analytical control procedures that can be used to check the geographical origin of Italian organic and conventional pasta and its raw materials. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Multi-platform metabolomics analyses of a broad collection of fragrant and non-fragrant rice varieties reveals the high complexity of grain quality characteristics.

The quality of rice in terms not only of its nutritional value but also in terms of its aroma and flavour is becoming increasingly important in modern rice breeding where global targets are focused on both yield stability and grain quality. In the present paper we have exploited advanced, multi-platform metabolomics approaches to determine the biochemical differences in 31 rice varieties from a diverse range of genetic backgrounds and origin. All were grown under the specific local conditions for which they have been bred and all aspects of varietal identification and sample purity have been guaranteed by local experts from each country. Metabolomics analyses using 6 platforms have revealed the extent of biochemical differences (and similarities) between the chosen rice genotypes. Comparison of fragrant rice varieties showed a difference in the metabolic profiles of jasmine and basmati varieties. However with no consistent separation of the germplasm class. Storage of grains had a significant effect on the metabolome of both basmati and jasmine rice varieties but changes were different for the two rice types. This shows how metabolic changes may help prove a causal relationship with developing good quality in basmati rice or incurring quality loss in jasmine rice in aged grains. Such metabolomics approaches are leading to hypotheses on the potential links between grain quality attributes, biochemical composition and genotype in the context of breeding for improvement. With this knowledge we shall establish a stronger, evidence-based foundation upon which to build targeted strategies to support breeders in their quest for improved rice varieties.

23Na(α,p)26Mg Reaction Rate at Astrophysically Relevant Energies.

The production of 26Al in massive stars is sensitive to the 23Na(α,p)26Mg cross section. Recent experimental data suggest the currently recommended cross sections are underestimated by a factor of ∼40. We present here differential cross sections for the 23Na(α,p)26Mg reaction measured in the energy range E(c.m.)=1.7-2.5 MeV. Concurrent measurements of Rutherford scattering provide absolute normalizations that are independent of variations in target properties. Angular distributions are measured for both p0 and p1 permitting the determination of total cross sections. The results show no significant deviation from the statistical model calculations upon which the recommended rates are based. We therefore retain the previous recommendation without the increase in cross section and resulting stellar reaction rates by a factor of 40, impacting the 26Al yield from massive stars by more than a factor of 3.

Is it really organic?--multi-isotopic analysis as a tool to discriminate between organic and conventional plants.

Novel procedures for analytical authentication of organic plant products are urgently needed. Here we present the first study encompassing stable isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, magnesium and sulphur as well as compound-specific nitrogen and oxygen isotope analysis of nitrate for discrimination of organically and conventionally grown plants. The study was based on wheat, barley, faba bean and potato produced in rigorously controlled long-term field trials comprising 144 experimental plots. Nitrogen isotope analysis revealed the use of animal manure, but was unable to discriminate between plants that were fertilised with synthetic nitrogen fertilisers or green manures from atmospheric nitrogen fixing legumes. This limitation was bypassed using oxygen isotope analysis of nitrate in potato tubers, while hydrogen isotope analysis allowed complete discrimination of organic and conventional wheat and barley grains. It is concluded, that multi-isotopic analysis has the potential to disclose fraudulent substitutions of organic with conventionally cultivated plants.

Multielement plant tissue analysis using ICP spectrometry.

Plant tissue analysis is a valuable tool for evaluating the nutritional status and quality of crops and is widely used for scientific and commercial purposes. The majority of plant analyzes are now performed by techniques based on ICP spectrometry such as inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) or ICP-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). These techniques enable fast and accurate measurements of multielement profiles when combined with appropriate methods for sample preparation and digestion. This chapter presents state-of-the-art methods for digestion of plant tissues and subsequent analysis of their multielement composition by ICP spectrometry. Details on upcoming techniques, expected to gain importance within the field of multielement plant tissue analysis over the coming years, are also provided. Finally, attention is given to laser ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS) for multielement bioimaging of plant tissues. The presentation of the methods covers instructions on all steps from sampling and sample preparation to data interpretation.

ICP-MS and LC-ICP-MS for analysis of trace element content and speciation in cereal grains.

Trace elements are unevenly distributed and speciated throughout the cereal grain. The germ and the outer layers of the grain have the highest concentrations of trace elements. A large fraction of the trace elements is therefore lost during the milling process. The bioavailability of the remaining trace elements is very low. This is usually ascribed to the formation of poorly soluble complexes with the phosphorus storage compound phytic acid. Hence, analysis of the total concentration of trace elements in grain tissues must be combined with a speciation analysis in order to assess their contribution to human nutrition. This chapter deals with the fractionation of anatomically very different cereal tissues. Procedures for microscaling of digestion procedures are outlined together with requirements for the use of certified reference materials in elemental profiling of grain tissue fractions. Methods for extraction and analysis of complexes containing trace elements in the grain tissue fractions are described. Finally, the chapter concludes with criteria for choice of chromatographic methods and setting of ICP-MS instrument parameters.

Recycling of an industrial sludge and marine clay as light-weight aggregates.

The geographical limitations of Singapore, its restricted natural resources and voluminous municipal and industrial waste streams, make environmental management a major challenge for the island state. In an attempt to find ways to reduce importation of raw materials and the waste sent to landfill, light weight aggregates were produced from marine clay and a CaF(2)-rich semiconductor industry sludge. Aggregates were produced in a bench-scale rotary kiln with three clay/sludge loadings (90/10, 70/30 and 50/50%). All three mixtures showed good bloating behavior during firing and the ceramic pellets (1-1.5cm diameter) had densities well below that required for light-weight aggregates. In the initial tests, the pore sizes of the aggregates were in general too large resulting in high water absorption. Comparisons between the composition of the two waste products and the aggregates showed a significant loss of fluorine (40-60%) during processing; a problem which may require flue gas treatment. Leach testing showed that the formed aggregates would not pose a human or environmental hazard in terms of fluorine mobilization.

Enhancement of the sulfur capture capacity of limestones by the addition of Na2CO3 and NaCl.

The ability of Na2CO3 and NaCl to enhance the sulfur capture capacity of three limestones was evaluated via fixed-bed calcination and sulfation experiments. The tested limestones represent three different sulfation morphologies: unreacted-core, network, and uniformly sulfated. Treatment with aqueous or powdered Na2CO3 significantly increased the Ca-utilization for two stones which normally sulfate in an unreacted-core pattern (20% to 45%) and network pattern (33% to 49%). The increase was lower for the uniformly sulfated stone (44% to 48%). Na2CO3 treatment increased the number of macropores leading to uniform sulfation of all particles, nearly eliminating the normal strong dependence of utilization on limestone type and particle size. The effect of Na2CO3 is believed to be associated with formation of a eutectic melt which enhances ionic diffusion and accelerates molecular rearrangement of the CaO. Treatment with aqueous NaCl solution caused a decrease in utilization, probably due to formation of large grains and plugging of pores caused by formation of a large amount of eutectic melt. The effect of Na2CO3 is less sensitive than that of NaCl to the amount added and the combustion environment (temperature and gas composition). In addition, Na2CO3 neither promotes corrosion nor forms chlorinated byproducts, which are main concerns associated with NaCl. Thus, Na2CO3 appears to have significant advantages over NaCl for enhancement of limestone sulfur capture capacity in fluidized-bed combustors.

[How do patients evaluate the newly introduced system of substituting prescriptions?]. / Hvordan vurderer patienterne laegemiddelsubstitutionsordningen?

In 1997 a new prescription system was introduced in Denmark. The pharmacist must now substitute the prescribed drug with a cheaper version either by a generic prescription (G-substitution) or by an original prescription (O-substitution) unless the prescribing doctor indicates that substitution is not allowed in the specific case. The purpose of this study was to obtain the patients' view on the new prescription system and to identify any related problems. The investigation was based on structured interviews. The interview guide was designed as a questionnaire, which was validated and tested before use. The response rate was 82%. The study showed that 84% of the patients were satisfied with the system and 85% of the patients thought that it should continue. Eighty-three percent of the patients had tried another version of the substituted medicine earlier. Out of these, 6% had experienced more side-effects from the substituted medicine, and 10% felt that the substituted medicine had a weaker effect. There was one case of erroneous medical treatment as a consequence of the substitution system. Only few problems such as more side-effects or less effect of the substituted medicine was experienced by the patients. It can be concluded that the patients in general are satisfied with the new prescription system.

[How do pharmacists evaluate the newly introduced system of substituting prescriptions?]. / Hvordan vurderer apotekere og farmaceuter laegemiddelsubstitutionsordningen?

In 1997 a new prescription system was introduced in the Danish health care system. The pharmacist must now substitute a prescription with a cheaper version of the drug (either generic or original) unless the prescribing doctor indicates that substitution is not allowed in the specific case. The purpose of this study was to evaluate problems of the system and obtain the pharmacists' views on the system. The study was based on questionnaires to a representative sample of 75 pharmacists (a quarter of Denmark's pharmacists). The response rate was 72%. Half of the pharmacists were dissatisfied with the system, which primarily was due to the excessive workload imposed. In spite of this, about half the pharmacists wanted the system to be continued, because the overall purpose of finding the cheapest drug for the patient is good. Nearly all pharmacists thought that analogue substitution (substitution between drugs with the same overall effects but obtained by different means) should not be introduced.

Copper release from copper intrauterine devices removed after up to 8 years of use.

We studied the copper-releasing ability, weight and microscopic appearance of 2 copper-bearing intrauterine devices (IUDs), Copper-T Cu 200 (CuT) and Nova-T Cu 200 Ag (NovaT), after they had been in utero for up to 8 years. In addition, we studied whether IUDs removed from pregnant women showed different copper release. We found that IUD weight was a linear, negative function of duration of use, and that less than 20% of total copper would be released over a period of 8 years. The average copper-releasing ability was significantly higher for CuT than for NovaT (82.6 +/- 6.4 vs. 42.7 +/- 2.6 micrograms/day). The copper release was constant and thus unrelated to duration of use. Copper-releasing ability was similar in IUDs removed from pregnant and non-pregnant women. Fragmentation or minor defects only occurred in 3% of the IUDs and no correlation was found between deposits or corrosion and copper release rates. We conclude that CuT and NovaT both have constant copper release for at least 5-6 years and that the useful life-span probably can be prolonged to 6-8 years or more.

[Double contrast arthrography as a screening method of suspected meniscal lesions]. / Dobbeltkontrastartrografi som screeningsundersøgelse ved mistanke om menisklaesion.

On reevaluation after one year of experience with double-contrast-arthrography (DCA) we found in 83 consecutive patients with suspected meniscal lesion a true positive diagnostic frequency of 0.84, a true negative diagnostic frequency of 0.75, a true positive nosografic frequency of 0.87 and a true negative nosografic frequency of 0.70. This gives an increased diagnostic accuracy compared to the initial evaluation of the arthrografies. No complications of the examination were registered. As DCA demands fewer resources than arthroscopy, this method is suggested as a screening procedure in patients with possible tears of the menisci.

The effect of incisional plastic drapes and redisinfection of operation site on wound infection following caesarean section.

In a randomized prospective multicentre study of post-caesarean wound infection among 1,340 women in eight hospitals, the effect of redisinfection of the skin around the incision before skin closure and the effect of adhesive skin drapes were investigated. The overall rate of wound infection with pus was 5.0% (range 3.5-8.9%). The study showed a reduction in postoperative wound infection associated with redisinfection (P = 5.5%), while no benefit from adhesive plastic drapes could be demonstrated.

Prospective study of malabsorption induced risk of gall stone formation in relation to fall in plasma cholesterol.

The relationship between cholesterol in plasma and risk of gall stone formation was investigated in 210 obese patients who underwent jejunoileal bypass surgery and were free of gall stone disease at the time. Among 185, successfully reexamined on average 19 months after surgery, 26 (14%) developed gall stones. The fall in plasma cholesterol after surgery exhibited a U-shaped relation to risk of gall stone formation with a minimum risk around the average fall (2.6 mmol/l). This was confirmed by multivariate logistic regression analysis (p less than 0.01) taking into account other possible determinants. The relation was not significantly dependent on weight loss or ratio between jejunum and ileum left in function. The study suggests that malabsorption induced fall in plasma cholesterol is related to risk of gall stone formation by two oppositely working mechanisms, one enhancing and one reducing the risk.