bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
General Practitioners' and Hospital Physicians' Preference for Morphine or Oxycodone as First‐Time Choice for a Strong Opioid: A National Register–Based Study
Authors: Poulsen Karen K. , Andersen Stig E. , Moreno Søren I. , Glintborg Dorte , Thirstrup Steffen , Aagaard Lise
Published: April 2013

The aim of this study was to characterize first‐time oxycodone and morphine prescriptions in outpatients by type of prescriber and naivety in regard to strong opioids. All prescriptions for morphine and oxycodone in Denmark reported to the National Register of Medicinal Product Statistics in 2010 were analysed. If a patient had not had a prescription filled for the same drug within the last 2 years, the prescription was defined as a first‐time prescription. Patients who had not received a prescription for strong opioids for 6 months prior to the date of redemption were classified as strong opioid naive. The odds ratio (OR) was calculated to investigate whether general practitioners (GPs) and hospital physicians had similar preferences for oxycodone over morphine for strong opioid–naive patients. We included 69,110 first‐time prescriptions, of which 59,316 (86%) were for strong opioid–naive patients. Opioid‐naive patients received 79% of the first‐time prescriptions for morphine and 91% of the prescriptions for oxycodone. Hospital physicians had a greater preference for oxycodone over morphine than GPs (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.29–1.39). However, GPs were responsible for approximately 61% of all first‐time prescriptions for both oxycodone and morphine for strong opioid–naive patients. In conclusion, oxycodone is to a great extent prescribed as the first‐choice strong opioid, and both GPs and hospital physicians seem to contribute to this prescribing pattern of strong opioids to outpatients.
Work–family/family–work conflict: the moderating roles of gender and spousal working status
Authors: Cheung Millissa FY , Wong Chi‐Sum
Published: April 2013

This study investigates the moderating role of gender and spousal working status on between work–family conflict (WFC)/family–work conflict (FWC) and affective commitment (AC). Based on 196 employees from a diverse range of industries in Hong Kong, a structural equation model is employed to examine the influences of WFC and FWC on AC. Multi‐group structural equation modelling and a t‐test analysis are used to examine whether such influences differ significantly by gender and spousal working group. Results indicate that negative effects of WFC and FWC on AC are stronger among employees with working spouses than non‐working spouses. Moreover, females have more negative perceptions of the relationship between WFC and AC than their males. Unexpectedly, the link between FWC and AC is found to be stronger among males than females. This study contributes to the human resource management literature by identifying circumstances that affect the influences of WFC and FWC on AC.
Firm Value and the Quality of Sustainability Reporting in Australia
Authors: Bachoo Kaveen , Tan Rebecca , Wilson Mark
Published: April 2013

This paper investigates the relationship between firm value and the quality of Australian listed corporations’ sustainability reporting. We examine whether firms that make higher‐quality sustainability disclosures exhibit systematically higher equity prices, through either (or both) cost of capital or expected future performance effects. Using proprietary data obtained from a specialist responsible investment research firm, we document a significant negative association between quality sustainability reporting and the cost of equity capital for ASX 200 firms from 2003–2005, and a significant positive association between expected future performance and the quality of sustainability reporting. We also test for industry‐specific associations and find that our main results are driven heavily by the reporting behaviour of, and market response to, firms in environmentally sensitive industries.
Crystal Structure and Thermodynamic Properties of Barium–Thulium Bismuthate with Perovskite Structure
Authors: Bissengaliyeva Mira R. , Knyazev Alexander V. , Bekturganov Nuraly S. , Gogol Daniil B. , Taimassova Shynar T. , Sukurov Bolat M. , Smolenkov Yuriy Y. , Tashuta Galina N.
Published: April 2013

A new sample of triple oxides—barium–thulium bismuthate Ba2TmBiO6 with perovskite structure—has been synthesized by ceramic technology. The unit cell parameters of the sample and the coefficients of thermal expansion have been determined by the method of X‐ray analysis. Thermal properties of the sample have been studied by DTA over the temperature range of 293–1473 K. The heat capacity of the compound has been measured over the range of 5–320 K by vacuum adiabatic calorimetry. Thermodynamic functions of the compound have been determined based on the heat capacity data.
Enhancing parents' confidence to care in acute childhood illness: triangulation of findings from a mixed methods study of Community Children's Nursing
Authors: Callery Peter , Kyle Richard G. , Banks Michele , Ewing Carol , Kirk Susan
Published: April 2013

Background

Children's emergency hospital use is of concern internationally, but there has been little examination of home care by nurses.

Aims

To examine the care provided by community children's nurses during acute illness.

Design

Triangulation of findings from case studies of three Community Children's Nursing Teams.

Methods

Parents or carers (n = 763) completed questionnaires between 2008–2010 about their contacts with nurses and satisfaction with aspects and overall assessment of nursing care provided. Eighty‐one individuals participated in semi‐structured interviews: 29 parents/carers described their experiences and explained their questionnaire responses in more detail; 13 children talked about their care both in hospital and at home; and 39 nurses and other healthcare providers explained how nurses supported care of children at home. Questionnaire data were analysed descriptively and interview data qualitatively. The findings were integrated by triangulation of methods (questionnaires and interviews) and of data from different informants (children, parents, healthcare providers).

Results

Nursing care most frequently took the form of advice and education by either home visits or telephone contact. Parents and children were reassured by access to nurses and it gave them confidence to care at home. Most respondents thought that it reduced the time their children spent in hospital.

Conclusions

Nurses can make an important contribution to supporting parents to care confidently for their children at home to reduce or even to avoid hospitalization for acute conditions and give them confidence to manage future episodes of illness.
Genetic diversity, structure and individual assignment of Casta Navarra cattle: a well‐differentiated fighting bull population
Authors: Sanz A. , Martin‐Burriel I. , Cons C. , Reta M. , Poblador A. , Rodellar C. , Zaragoza P.
Published: April 2013

The Casta Navarra lineage was one of the populations used to establish the fighting bull (FB) breed, and it has also been reproductively isolated from the others FBs. A total of 1284 individuals from two generations of 16 Casta Navarra herds were sampled to analyse their diversity, their genetic structure and the ability of 28 microsatellite markers to assign individuals to closely related populations. These animals were compared with closely related phylogenetic (FB) or geographical (Pirenaica and Monchina) populations. Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium analysis showed that 82% of the loci had a significant heterozygote deficit as a consequence of the Wahlund effect. The average proportion of genetic variation explained by farm differences was 9% by Wright's FST index. A phylogenetic tree constructed with a neighbour‐joining method based on Reynolds genetic distances and a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo clustering approach revealed clear differences between farm groups that generally corresponded to historical information and could unambiguously differentiate Casta Navarra cattle from the other populations. The percentage of animals correctly assigned to the Casta Navarra population was 91.78% for a q threshold of >0.9. Admixture was only detected in 4.45% (q < 0.8) of the cattle. These results are relevant for the maintenance and development of diversity and conservation in the Casta Navarra population.
Early Repolarization: A Rare Primary Arrhythmic Syndrome and Common Modifier of Arrhythmic Risk
Authors: ROBERTS JASON D. , GOLLOB MICHAEL H.
Published: April 2013

Early Repolarization

 Despite longstanding beliefs, early repolarization is not always a benign electrocardiographic observation. Its association with increased arrhythmic events has been observed in 2 strikingly different groups of individuals, retrospectively in young subjects with idiopathic ventricular fibrillation and in long‐term cohort studies from the general population. This form of primary electrical disease is now referred to as the early repolarization syndrome and has mechanistically been demonstrated to occur secondary to a transmural gradient of early cellular repolarization, resulting in the presence of an ST‐elevation pattern and J‐waves merged within or offset from the terminal QRS complex. In addition to creating a milieu of increased arrhythmic risk in isolation, an increasing number of studies have highlighted that the presence of early repolarization and J‐waves may provide a baseline electrical substrate that modifies the risk of malignant arrhythmias in other clinical settings, such as acute myocardial ischemia. The challenge ahead lies in discerning when early repolarization may represent an ominous ECG marker, as opposed to a benign entity.
Experimental Model of Focal Atrial Tachycardia: Clinical Correlates
Authors: LIU YU , SCHERLAG BENJAMIN J. , FAN YOUQI , MAO JUN , HEPLER ERIC , VARMA VANDANA , MALE SHAILESH , XIA WENFANG , HUANG HE , PO SUNNY S.
Published: April 2013

Focal Atrial Tachycardia Model

Background

The mechanisms underlying focal atrial tachycardia (AT) are unclear.

Methods

In 14 pentobarbital anesthetized dogs, a right thoracotomy allowed electrical stimulation (ES) of the anterior right ganglionated plexi (ARGP). After ES was applied to the ARGP at baseline, atropine, 1 mg/cc, was injected into the ARGP and repeat stimulation applied. After a left thoracotomy (n = 8), a similar procedure was followed by atropine injected into the superior left (SL) GP.

Results

ES (0.6–3.2 V) applied to the ARGP and SLGP caused an average reduction in sinus rate from 151 ± 14/min to 60 ± 11/min. At ≥4.5 V atrial fibrillation (AF) was induced (duration 48 ± 14 seconds). After injection of atropine into the ARGP or SLGP, ES applied to these GP induced no slowing of the sinus rate. Runs of AT were induced at an average voltage of 10 ± 2 V in 14 experiments (duration ≥4 minutes). AT was localized by ice mapping or by 3D noncontact mapping to the crista terminalis (n = 6), AV junction (n = 2) or a focal site at the left superior pulmonary vein (6). In AT lasting <4 minutes (n = 2), epinephrine injected into the GP significantly increased the AT duration. In 4/4 experiments, sustained AT could be terminated by intravenous esmolol.

Conclusions

Atropine injected into the ARGP or SLGP promotes ES‐induced AT whose duration is increased by adrenergic agonists and terminated by beta blockade. Presumably cholinergic blockade and accentuated release of adrenergic neurotransmitters provide the AT mechanism. The induced AT was found to be localized at sites similar to those reported clinically.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Mitigates Electrophysiological Remodeling in a Rat Model of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: LAI PATRICK F.H. , PANAMA BRIAN K. , MASSÉ STÉPHANE , LI GUANGMING , ZHANG YAOGUANG , Kusha Marjan , FARID TALHA A. , ASTA JOHN , BACKX PETER H. , YAU TERRENCE M. , NANTHAKUMAR KUMARASWAMY
Published: April 2013

Electrophysiological Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation

Introduction

Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has shown therapeutic potential for cardiovascular diseases, but the electrophysiological implications are not understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of MSC transplantation on adverse electrophysiological remodeling in the heart following myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods and Results

Three weeks after coronary ligation to induce MI in rats, MSCs or culture medium were directly injected into each infarct. One to two weeks later, hearts were excised, Langendorff‐perfused, and optically mapped using the potentiometric fluorescent dye Di‑4‑ANEPPS. Quantitative real‐time PCR was also performed to assess gene expression. Optical mapping showed that post‐MI reduction in conduction velocity (from 0.70 ± 0.04 m/s in 12 normal controls to 0.47 ± 0.02 m/s in 11 infarcted hearts, P < 0.05) was attenuated with MSC transplantation (0.65 ± 0.04 m/s, n = 18, P < 0.05). Electrophysiological changes correlated with higher vascular density and better‐preserved ventricular geometry in MSC‐transplanted hearts. A number of ion channel genes showed changes in RNA expression following infarction. In particular, the expression of Kir2.1, which mediates the inward rectifier potassium current, IK1, was reduced in infarcted tissues (n = 7) to 13.8 ± 3.7% of normal controls, and this post‐MI reduction was attenuated with MSC transplantation (44.4 ± 11.2%, n = 7, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In addition to promoting angiogenesis and limiting adverse structural remodeling in infarcted hearts, MSC transplantation also alters ion channel expression and mitigates electrophysiological remodeling. Further understanding of the electrophysiological impact of MSC transplantation to the heart may lead to the development of cell‐based therapies for post‐MI arrhythmias.
An LQTS6 MiRP1 Mutation Suppresses Pacemaker Current and is Associated with Sinus Bradycardia
Authors: NAWATHE POOJA A. , KRYUKOVA YELENA , OREN RONIT V. , MILANESI RAFFAELLA , CLANCY COLLEEN E. , LU JONATHAN T. , MOSS ARTHUR J. , DIFRANCESCO DARIO , ROBINSON RICHARD B.
Published: April 2013

An LQTS6 M54T Mutation and Sinus Node Dysfunction

Background

Sinus node (SN) dysfunction is observed in some long‐QT syndrome (LQTS) patients, but has not been studied as a function of LQTS genotype. LQTS6 involves mutations in the hERG β‐subunit MiRP1, which also interacts with hyperpolarization‐activated, cyclic nucleotide gated (HCN) channels—the molecular correlate of SN pacemaker current (If). An LQTS registry search identified a 55‐year male with M54T MiRP1 mutation, history of sinus bradycardia (39–56 bpm), and prolonged QTc.

Objective

We tested if LQTS6 incorporates sinus bradycardia due to abnormal If.

Methods

We transiently co‐transfected neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (to study currents in a myocyte background) with human HCN4 (hHCN4, primary SN isoform) or human HCN2 (hHCN2) and one of the following: empty vector, wild‐type hMiRP1 (WT), M54T hMiRP1 (M54T). Current amplitude, voltage dependence, and kinetics were measured by whole cell patch clamp.

Results

M54T co‐expression decreased HCN4 current density by 80% compared to hHCN4 alone or with WT, and also slowed HCN4 activation at physiologically relevant voltages. Neither WT nor M54T altered HCN4 voltage dependence. A computer simulation predicts that these changes in HCN4 current would decrease rate and be additive with published effects of M54T mutation on hERG kinetics on rate.

Conclusions

We conclude that M54T LQTS6 mutation can cause sinus bradycardia through effects on both hERG and HCN currents. Patients with other LQTS6 mutations should be examined for SN dysfunction, and the effect on HCN current determined.
Cytotoxic Effects of Origanum vulgare L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. Essential Oils Alone and Combined at Sublethal Amounts on Pseudomonas fluorescens in a Vegetable Broth
Authors: de Souza Evandro Leite , de Azerêdo Geíza Alves , de Sousa Jossana Pereira , de Figueiredo Regina Celia Bressan Queiroz , Stamford Tânia Lúcia Montenegro
Published: April 2013

This study investigated the effects of the essential oils from Origanum vulgare L. (oregano [OVEO]) and Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary [ROEO]) on the membrane permeability, morphology and cell viability of Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 11253 in a vegetable‐based broth after treatment with one essential oil (OVEO: 5 μL/mL; ROEO: 40 μL/mL) and with a combination of both essential oils (OVEO: 1.25 μL/mL + ROEO: 20 μL/mL). Release of cell material was observed immediately after the addition of the essential oils, both singly and as a mixture, in the growth media. Electron microscopy of bacterial cells exposed to OVEO, ROEO and the mixture of both revealed the following morphological changes after 2 and 3 h of exposure: alteration in the cell wall structure, rupture of the plasma membrane, shrinking of the cells, condensation of the cytoplasmic content and leakage of the intracellular material. Confocal scanning laser microscopy revealed increased cell membrane permeability, which resulted in cell death after short exposure times of 15 and 30 min. A combination of sublethal amounts of OVEO and ROEO could be applied to inhibit the growth of P. fluorescens in vegetables.

Practical Applications

Pseudomonas fluorescens is of particular concern in vegetable products, such as minimally processed vegetables, because of its ability to survive and grow at cold environments. The special risk posed by P. fluorescens on the storage and consumption of fresh vegetables has provoked studies on development of novel technologies to control this contamination. In this context, plant essential oils have received particular interest for their potential to control this bacterium in these foods. The findings of our study clearly indicate that the essential oil of Origanum vulgare and Rosmarinus officinalis, singly or in combination at sublethal amounts, caused a decrease in cell viability, loss of cellular material and drastic ultrastructural changes in P. fluorescens. These essential oils combined at subinhibitory concentrations could be rationally applied to control the survival of P. fluorescens in fresh vegetables and give the balance of microbial safety and organoleptic acceptability.
Effect of Chlorine Dioxide Treatment and Storage in a Modified Atmosphere on the Inactivation of Cronobacter spp. on Radish Seeds
Authors: Kim Eun‐Gyeong , Ryu Jee‐Hoon , Kim Hoikyung
Published: April 2013

This study evaluated the inactivation of Cronobacter spp. on radish seeds using ClO2 treatment followed by storage in modified atmosphere (MA) for up to 4 days. Radish seeds were inoculated with Cronobacter spp. (6 log cfu/g), adapted to nalidixic acid and treated with a ClO2 aqueous solution (0, 50 or 100 μL/mL). The seeds were then stored in an ambient air or MA (10% O2, 10% CO2 and 80% N2; 5% O2, 10% CO2 and 85% N2; or 10% O2, 0% CO2 and 90% N2) for up to 4 days. The Cronobacter spp. (6.2 log cfu/g) populations on the radish seeds were reduced to 3.9, 3.8 or 2.6 log cfu/g after treatment with 0, 50 or 100 μL/mL ClO2, respectively, and then to 3.7, 3.1 or ≤ 1.6 log cfu/g after 2 h of drying. After 2–3 days of storage under MA (5 or 10% O2 with 10% CO2), no Cronobacter spp. were detected on the seeds treated with 100 μL/mL aqueous ClO2. More than 94.3% of the radish seeds germinated after ClO2 treatment followed by exposure to an MA, regardless of the ClO2 concentration.

Practical Applications

These results indicate that sprout seeds should be treated with sanitizers at an appropriate concentration. Sanitizer treatment of the seeds is more critical than following storage conditions for enhancing microbial safety. In addition, sprout seeds should be dried or stored after ClO2 treatment to increase its antimicrobial activity because a greater reduction in microbial populations occurred when the seeds treated with ClO2 were dried or stored than immediately after the treatment.
Effect of Chitosan Coating and Oil Fumigation on the Microbiological and Quality Safety of Fresh‐Cut Pear
Authors: Xu Qinglian , Xing Yage , Che Zhenming , Guan Tongwei , Zhang Liang , Bai Yumin , Gong Li
Published: April 2013

In this investigation, the effect of chitosan coating containing anti‐browning agents and cinnamon oil fumigation on the microbiological and quality safety of fresh‐cut pears was evaluated during 15 days of storage at 4C. The results showed that the combined application of chitosan coating and oil fumigation could retard the microbiological deterioration of fresh‐cut pears. The L* value of samples treated by chitosan coating + oil fumigation was 61.15 at the end of storage. This combined treatment prevented product weight loss at the largest extent. Titratable acidity, vitamin C content and total phenolic content in treated slices presented the smallest changes throughout the storage time. Polyphenol oxidase activity of the sample treated by chitosan coating + oil fumigation was 26.90 U/g at the end of storage. These treated slices showed the lowest increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content (2.9 μmol/g) and the highest overall visual quality values (5.6 scores) after 15 days of storage. These results indicated that the combined treatment of coating + oil fumigation could effectively maintain the microbiological and quality safety of fresh‐cut pears.

Practical Applications

The growth of food‐spoilage microorganisms and surface browning are the major causes of quality loss of fresh‐cut pear during the storage time. Chitosan coating with anti‐browning agents is useful for inhibiting the browning of tissue surface and keeping the nutrients in fresh‐cut fruits. On the other hand, cinnamon oil inhibits the growth of bacteria and molds on sample slices. In this study, the combined application of chitosan coating and cinnamon oil fumigation could significantly control the browning and rot of fresh‐cut pear. It could potentially be useful as a technology in maintaining the microbiological and quality safety of fresh‐cut fruits.
Acquisition and utilisation of anthropometric measurements on admission in a paediatric hospital before and after the introduction of a malnutrition screening tool
Authors: Milani S. , Wright C. , Purcell O. , Macleod I. , Gerasimidis K.
Published: April 2013

Background

Acquisition of anthropometric measurements and assessment of growth in paediatric inpatients remains poor. The introduction of malnutrition screening tools that incorporate weight and height/length measurements might improve their acquisition and utilisation in other aspects of patient care.

Methods

Documentation of weight and/length measurements and their plotting on growth charts was evaluated using a case notes review in paediatric inpatients who were admitted before (n = 146), during (n = 154) and after the pilot (n = 151) and official (n = 128) clinical use of a screening tool.

Results

Documentation of weight was high in all periods (> 97% of patients). Height/length measurement documentation was negligible (4% of patients) but improved after the introduction of the screening tool (> 62%; P < 0.0001), except in infants, who were not part of the screening programme.

Conclusions

Introduction of a screening tool improved the acquisition of anthropometric measurements by nursing staff, although its utilisation by medical staff remained poor.
Socioeconomic status and risk of dental caries in Japanese preschool children: the Osaka Maternal and Child Health Study
Authors: Tanaka Keiko , Miyake Yoshihiro , Sasaki Satoshi , Hirota Yoshio
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Investigations concerning the relationship between socioeconomic status and dental caries have been conducted mainly in Western countries. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine the impact of socioeconomic factors, such as maternal occupation, household income, and parental educational levels, on the risk of dental caries in young Japanese children.

Methods

A cohort of 315 preschool children was used. Information pertaining to exposure and potentially confounding factors was obtained by means of questionnaires administered to expectant mothers prior to delivery and subsequently when their children were in the ranges of 2‐9, 16‐24, 29‐39, and 41‐49 months of age. Outcome data were collected when the children were between 41 and 50 months old. Children were classified as having dental caries if one or more primary teeth had decayed or had been filled.

Results

Compared with maternal or paternal education of less than 13 years, maternal or paternal education of 15 years or longer was significantly associated with a decreased risk of dental caries in children: the adjusted odds ratios for maternal and paternal education levels ≥15 years compared with <13 years of maternal and paternal education were 0.32 (95 percent confidence interval: 0.14‐0.71) and 0.45 (95 percent confidence interval: 0.23‐0.88), respectively. No relationship between maternal occupation or household income and the risk of children's dental caries was found.

Conclusions

Higher levels of parental education, in particular maternal education, may be associated with reduced risk of dental caries in preschool children.
A novel approach to treatment of lymphangiosarcoma in a boxer dog
Authors: Marcinowska A. , Warland J. , Brearley M. , Dobson J.
Published: April 2013

A five‐year‐old female boxer presented with a swelling in the area of the caudal mammary gland. The mass was surgically excised and histopathological examination revealed a poorly demarcated lesion, extending into mammary tissue and infiltrating the sinuses of adjacent lymph nodes. The diagnosis was lymphangiosarcoma. Full blood work, thoracic radiographs, abdominal and scar ultrasound were unremarkable, apart from possible inflammatory reactions in the latter and reactive/metastatic changes in inguinal lymph nodes. Doxorubicin treatment resulted in a 6‐month recurrence free interval. At relapse, the dog was treated with metronomic chemotherapy using chlorambucil and meloxicam, which failed to adequately control the disease. Toceranib phosphate was introduced and resulted in almost complete regression of the mass, leaving just a skin plaque. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report describing the use of two novel therapeutic approaches to treat canine lymphangiosarcoma that resulted in a higher than previously described survival time.
Successful wound healing over exposed metal implants using vacuum‐assisted wound closure in a dog
Authors: Bertran J. , Farrell M. , Fitzpatrick N.
Published: April 2013

An eight‐month‐old Labrador retriever was presented with a gradeIIIbopen shearing injury of the left tarsus. Acute severe surgical site infection developed 2 days after pan‐tarsal arthrodesis, resulting in wound dehiscence. Vacuum‐assisted wound therapy was carried out for 12 days to treat an extensive full‐thickness soft tissue defect with exposure of metal implants. New granulation tissue formation covering most of the defect was achieved by day 10 of this therapy. Epithelialization was achieved by second intention healing with open wound management. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first veterinary clinical case report documenting complete healing over exposed metal implants without any requirement for surgical revision.
Left ventricular geometrical differences in dogs with various stages of myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Suzuki R. , Matsumoto H. , Teshima T. , Mochizuki Y. , Koyama H.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To evaluate left ventricular geometry in dogs with various stages of myxomatous mitral valve disease.

Methods

Ninety‐seven dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease classified by the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council system and 20 weight‐ and age‐matched healthy dogs. Left ventricular long‐axis to short‐axis ratio, sphericity index in end‐diastole and end‐systole, left ventricular wall thickness to internal dimension ratio and relative wall thickness were assessed.

Results

The diastolic sphericity index was lower in classes Ib, II and III than in healthy dogs (P=0·003, P<0·001 and P<0·001) and was also lower in class III than in classes Ia, Ib and class II dogs (P<0·001, P<0·001 and P=0·002). The relative wall thickness was lower in classes II and III than in class Ia (P=0·003 and P<0·001), class Ib (P=0·004 and P<0·001), and healthy dogs (P<0·001 and P<0·001) and was also lower in class III than in class II (P=0·005).

Clinical Significance

Sphericity index and relative wall thickness are simple methods for assessing left ventricular geometry using two‐dimensional echocardiography that may be useful in myxomatous mitral valve disease dogs as part of risk stratification.
A comparison between fixation methods of femoral diaphyseal fractures in cats – a retrospective study
Authors: Könning T. , Maarschalkerweerd R. J. , Endenburg N. , Theyse L. F. H.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To compare the outcome of three different fixation methods and to determine prognostic factors in cats with diaphyseal femoral fractures.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of case records of cats with diaphyseal femoral fractures surgically corrected using external fixators, bone plate or plate‐rod construct. Outcome was evaluated by estimating the time to bone healing and by calculating the complication rate.

Results

In total, an external fixator was used in 30 cases, a bone plate in 20 cases and a plate‐rod construct in 56 cases. All methods were successful in achieving bone healing without significant differences. There was a significant difference between the categorized complication rates between the treatment groups. The external fixation group had the most complications overall. When only the major and catastrophic complications were taken into account, it had the fewest complications. The plate‐rod construct had the fewest complications overall, with most being major complications. The bone plate group had a complication rate between that of the external fixation and plate‐rod construct groups. It had the most catastrophic complications in relative terms.

Clinical Significance

There was no statistically significant difference in the time to achieve bone healing but there was a significant difference in categorized complication rates between the groups.
Measuring and interpreting trait‐based selection versus meta‐community effects during local community assembly
Authors: Shipley Bill
Published: April 2013

Questions

(1) How can one quantify the relative importance of meta‐community processes related to immigration, local trait‐based habitat filtering, and demographic stochasticity using the Community Assembly by Trait Selection (CATS) model in a general context? (2) How can this generalization be used to detect different strengths and directions in trait selection at the meta‐community and local community levels?

Methods

I describe a decomposition of the deviance between observed and predicted relative abundances based on a maximum entropy model including a meta‐community prior (CATS) and generalize a previous decomposition of relative abundance using this model; corrections to avoid negative explained proportions of deviance are presented. Simulations of community assembly are used to explore its properties and elucidate its interpretation. In particular, this method quantifies the proportion of the total deviance between observed and predicted relative abundances attributed to: (1) pure trait‐based local selection, (2) dispersal mass effect from the meta‐community, (3) joint contributions of (1) and (2) that cannot be separated; and (4) residual deviance due to demographic stochasticity.

Results and Conclusions

The previous decomposition, while giving correct values in that particular data set, requires modification in order to avoid nonsensical negative values. When the modifications described in this paper are made, the decomposition provides correct values. Furthermore, positive or negative values of the joint composition inform us of the importance and direction of correlations between local trait‐based selection and processes occurring in the larger meta‐community.
Functional requirements for bacteriophage growth: gene essentiality and expression in mycobacteriophage Giles
Authors: Dedrick Rebekah M. , Marinelli Laura J. , Newton Gerald L. , Pogliano Kit , Pogliano Joseph , Hatfull Graham F.
Published: April 2013

Bacteriophages represent a majority of all life forms, and the vast, dynamic population with early origins is reflected in their enormous genetic diversity. A large number of bacteriophage genomes have been sequenced. They are replete with novel genes without known relatives. We know little about their functions, which genes are required for lytic growth, and how they are expressed. Furthermore, the diversity is such that even genes with required functions – such as virion proteins and repressors – cannot always be recognized. Here we describe a functional genomic dissection of mycobacteriophage Giles, in which the virion proteins are identified, genes required for lytic growth are determined, the repressor is identified, and the transcription patterns determined. We find that although all of the predicted phage genes are expressed either in lysogeny or in lytic growth, 45% of the predicted genes are non‐essential for lytic growth. We also describe genes required for DNA replication, show that recombination is required for lytic growth, and that Giles encodes a novel repressor. RNAseq analysis reveals abundant expression of a small non‐coding RNA in a lysogen and in late lytic growth, although it is non‐essential for lytic growth and does not alter lysogeny.
The nuclear mRNA export receptor Mex67‐Mtr2 of Trypanosoma brucei contains a unique and essential zinc finger motif
Authors: Dostalova Anna , Käser Sandro , Cristodero Marina , Schimanski Bernd
Published: April 2013

Trypanosoma brucei is the causative agent of Human African Trypanosomiasis. Trypanosomes are early diverged protozoan parasites and show significant differences in their gene expression compared with higher eukaryotes. Due to a lack of individual gene promoters, large polycistronic transcripts are produced and individual mRNAs mature by trans‐splicing and polyadenylation. In the absence of transcriptional control, regulation of gene expression occurs post‐transcriptionally mainly by control of transcript stability and translation. Regulation of mRNA export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm might be an additional post‐transcriptional event involved in gene regulation. However, our knowledge about mRNA export in trypanosomes is very limited. Although export factors of higher eukaryotes are reported to be conserved, only a few orthologues can be readily identified in the genome of T. brucei. Hence, biochemical approaches are needed to identify the export machinery of trypanosomes. Here, we report the functional characterization of the essential mRNA export factor TbMex67. TbMex67 contains a unique and essential N‐terminal zinc finger motif. Furthermore, we could identify two interacting export factors namely TbMtr2 and the karyopherin TbIMP1. Our data show that the general heterodimeric export receptor Mex67‐Mtr2 is conserved throughout the eukaryotic kingdom albeit exhibiting parasite‐specific features.
Regulation of haemolysin (VvhA) production by ferric uptake regulator (Fur) in Vibrio vulnificus: repression of vvhA transcription by Fur and proteolysis of VvhA by Fur‐repressive exoproteases
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Jung , Kim Jeong‐A , Lee Mi‐Ae , Park Soon‐Jung , Lee Kyu‐Ho
Published: April 2013

VvhA produced by Vibrio vulnificus exhibits cytolytic activity to human cells including erythrocytes. Since haemolysis by VvhA may provide iron for bacterial growth and pathogenicity, we investigated the expression of VvhA to elucidate the regulatory roles of Fur, a major transcription factor controlling iron‐homeostasis. Fur repressed the transcription of vvhBA operon via binding to the promoter region. However, haemolysin content and haemolytic activity were lowered in cell‐free supernatant of fur mutant. This discrepancy between the levels of vvhA transcript and VvhA protein in fur mutant was caused by exoproteolytic activities of the elastase VvpE and another metalloprotease VvpM, which were also regulated by Fur. vvpE gene expression was repressed by Fur via binding to the Fur‐box homologous region. Regulation of VvpM expression by Fur did not occur at the level of vvpM transcription. In vitro proteolysis assays showed that both proteases efficiently degraded VvhA. In addition, the extracellular levels of VvhA were higher in culture supernatants of vvpE or vvpM mutants than in the wild type. Thus this study demonstrates that Fur regulates haemolysin production at the transcription level of the vvhBA operon and at the post‐translation level by regulating the expressions of two VvhA‐degrading exoproteases, VvpE and VvpM.
Is fungal foot infection the initiating and maintaining cause of knee osteoarthritis?
Authors: Řenč Arnošt
Published: April 2013

So far fungal foot infection (FFI) has been considered as troubling, however, not dangerous, by the general public as well as doctors. Nevertheless, new immunology information and anatomy dispositions led us to the distinct suspicions. We propose a FFI–induced knee joint osteoarthritis (OA) model. We suppose repeated recurrences of fungal foot disease to be the initiating immunology impulse. The aim of the work is to introduce a new model and to determine antigen epitopes initiating and maintaining the knee OA using computer simulation. Freely accessible immunological databases and servers were used in this search. Presentable antigen epitopes in Trichophyton rubrum dermatophyte products were identified for molecules of the six most abundant alleles of DRB1 locus of human major histocompatibility complex. Subsequently, similar sequences in human joint peptides (collagens, aggrecan and others) were matched to these antigen epitopes by a comparative program. A number of pairs with very similar fungal and joint peptide sequences, supposed to initiate and maintain the knee OA antigen epitopes, were found. A FFI‐induced knee joint OA model is shown to the medical community which can initiate further discussion, research and practical verification.
An Evolutionary Adaptation of the Fall
Authors: Lembke Martin
Published: April 2013

According to John Polkinghorne, the Fall is the major Christian doctrine that is the most difficult to reconcile with contemporary science. Like him, however, I believe it is vitally important, even in this regard, to try to pinpoint the extent to which taking science seriously requires us to modify traditionally held beliefs. In this paper I focus on two problematic ideas associated with the Fall: (i) the idea of a primordial human couple (Adam and Eve), and (ii) the idea that this couple was subjected to bodily death as a result of their original misdeed. I argue that, contrary to appearances, it is possible to harmonize these beliefs with contemporary science – at least if one presupposes some kind of soul-body dualism. I also try to show that this dualism, although philosophically non-fashionable nowadays, is yet to be refuted or made redundant by current evolutionary theory or neurophysiology.
Hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) infestation affects water and carbon relations of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) and Carolina hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana)
Authors: Domec Jean‐Christophe , Rivera Laura N. , King John S. , Peszlen Ilona , Hain Fred , Smith Benjamin , Frampton John
Published: April 2013

Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) is an exotic insect pest causing severe decimation of native hemlock trees. Extensive research has been conducted on the ecological impacts of HWA, but the exact physiological mechanisms that cause mortality are not known.

Water relations, anatomy and gas exchange measurements were assessed on healthy and infested eastern (Tsuga canadensis) and Carolina (Tsuga caroliniana) hemlock trees. These data were then used in a mechanistic model to test whether the physiological responses to HWA infestation were sufficiently significant to induce changes in whole‐plant water use and carbon uptake.

The results indicated coordinated responses of functional traits governing water relations in infested relative to healthy trees. In response to HWA, leaf water potential, carbon isotope ratios, plant hydraulic properties and stomatal conductance were affected, inducing a reduction in tree water use by > 40% and gross primary productivity by 25%. Anatomical changes also appeared, including the activation of traumatic cells.

HWA infestation had a direct effect on plant water relations. Despite some leaf compensatory mechanisms, such as an increase in leaf hydraulic conductance and nitrogen content, tree water use and carbon assimilation were diminished significantly in infested trees, which could contribute to tree mortality.
The effects of ErhBMP‐2‐/EGCG‐coated BCP bone substitute on dehiscence around dental implants in dogs
Authors: Shin Y‐S , Seo J‐Y , Oh S‐H , Kim J‐H , Kim S‐T , Park Y‐B , Moon H‐S
Published: April 2013

Objectives

The purpose was to evaluate the effect of Escherichia coli‐derived recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (ErhBMP‐2)‐/epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG)‐coated biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) and titanium barrier membrane on dehiscence defects in dogs.

Materials and Methods

In five mongrel dogs, the dehiscence bony defects around dental implants were surgically created and in total three implants were placed at edentulous ridge of which teeth had been extracted 12 weeks before. For the control group, BCP was applied to the dehiscence defect. For experimental groups, ErhBMP‐2‐coated BCP and ErhBMP‐2‐/EGCG‐coated BCP were applied. The newly designed titanium barrier membrane was used to apply all the defects. The defects were evaluated histologically and histometrically after 12 weeks. The comparative statistics of the groups were obtained through Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

In bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC), bone density (BD), bone regeneration height (BRH), and bone mineralization apposition rate (BMAR), differences among groups were not found. ErhBMP‐2/EGCG group appeared to have higher value. In fluorescence analysis, bone remodeling around graft material was more active in the ErhBMP‐2/EGCG group.

Conclusion

Within the limit of this study, it is reasonable to assume that BMP‐2‐/EGCG‐coated biphasic BCP and the newly designed titanium membrane were more beneficial in dehiscence defect healing with increased bone remodeling.
Role of human papillomavirus infection and other factors in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Iqbal A , Warraich R , Udeabor SE , Rana M , Eckardt AM , Gellrich N‐C , Rana M
Published: April 2013

Objective

To analyse the association between high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) and other risk factors in the aetiology of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in an Asian population.

Study Design

This study is a cross‐sectional analysis of 80 patients who were diagnosed with HNSCC. Patients' demographics, dietary habit, medical and social history were obtained. Surgical specimens from these patients were then histologically analysed using H&E stain and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the presence of HR‐HPV primary antibody.

Results

High‐risk human papillomavirus was detected in 41 patients, representing 51.3% of the 80 paraffin‐embedded tissues of HNSCC; 27.5% of these were weak positive, 10.0% medium positive and 13.8% were strongly positive for the HR‐HPV on IHC. The tongue lesions had the highest HR‐HPV infection of 72.2%. No association existed between HR‐HPV and patient's demographics, dietary habit and other predisposing factors.

Conclusion

The place of HR‐HPV as a possible aetiological factor for HNSCC has further been established from this study.
Effect of a Preoperative Gabapentin on Postoperative Analgesia in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Following Major Bowel Surgery: A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Siddiqui Naveed T. , Fischer Howard , Guerina Laarni , Friedman Zeev
Published: April 2013

Background

Postoperative pain management for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be challenging. These patients have a high tolerance to pain medication, and relative contraindications to the use of epidural analgesia, limiting the pain management options. We evaluated the effect of a single preoperative gabapentin dose on opioid consumption for patients with IBD undergoing abdominal surgery. Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain scores, opioid‐related side effects, and patient's length of hospital stay.

Methods

Following Research Ethics Board approval and informed written consent, patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups receiving either 600 mg of oral gabapentin or placebo 1 hour before the surgery. A blinded anesthesiologist recorded pain scores at rest and movement twice daily for 2 postoperative days. Also recorded were opioid consumption, time of return of bowel function, time to discharge, and opioid‐related side effects on the opioid‐related symptom distress scale (ORSDS).

Results

Seventy‐two patients completed the study. The difference in opioid consumption (P = 0.4169) and pain scores measured at rest and movement on all 4 postoperative visits was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference between gabapentin and placebo on all the 11 symptoms reported on the ORSDS. There was a slight increase in length of hospital stay in the placebo group, but the return of bowel function was similar between the groups.

Conclusions

This study examined the effect of a single preoperative administration of gabapentin in patients with IBD undergoing major bowel surgery. Our results suggest a single preoperative oral dose of gabapentin 600 mg does not reduce postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, or opioid‐related side effects.
Microbiological processes in banded iron formation deposition
Authors: Posth Nicole R. , Konhauser Kurt O. , Kappler Andreas
Published: April 2013

Banded iron formations have been studied for decades, particularly regarding their potential as archives of the Precambrian environment. In spite of this effort, the mechanism of their deposition and, specifically, the role that microbes played in the precipitation of banded iron formation minerals, remains unresolved. Evidence of an anoxic Earth with only localized oxic areas until the Great Oxidation Event ca 2·45 to 2·32 Ga makes the investigation of O2‐independent mechanisms for banded iron formation deposition relevant. Recent studies have explored the long‐standing proposition that Archean banded iron formations may have been formed, and diagenetically modified, by anaerobic microbial metabolisms. These efforts encompass a wide array of approaches including isotope, ecophysiological and phylogeny studies, molecular and mineral marker analysis, and sedimentological reconstructions. Herein, the current theories of microbial processes in banded iron formation mineral deposition with particular regard to the mechanisms of chemical sedimentation and post‐depositional alteration are described. The main findings of recent years are summarized and compared here, and suggestions are made regarding cross‐disciplinary information still required to constrain the role of the biosphere in banded iron formation deposition.