bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sitagliptin and Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass modulate insulin secretion via regulation of intra‐islet PYY
Authors: Guida Claudia , McCulloch Laura J. , Godazgar Mahdieh , Stephen Sam D. , Baker Charlotte , Basco Davide , Dong Jiawen , Chen Duan , Clark Anne , Ramracheya Reshma D
Published: September 2017

Aims

The gut hormone peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY) is critical for maintaining islet integrity and restoring islet function following Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The expression of PYY and its receptors (NPYRs) in islets has been documented but not fully characterized. Modulation of islet PYY by the proteolytic enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV) has not been investigated and the impact of DPP‐IV inhibition on islet PYY function remains unexplored. Here we have addressed these gaps and their effects on glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). We have also investigated changes in pancreatic PYY in diabetes and following RYGB.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry and gene expression analysis were used to assess PYY, NPYRs and DPP‐IV expression in rodent and human islets. DPP‐IV activity inhibition was achieved by sitagliptin. Secretion studies were used to test PYY and the effects of sitagliptin on insulin release, and the involvement of GLP‐1. Radioimmunoassays were used to measure hormone content in islets.

Results

PYY and DPP‐IV localized in different cell types in islets while NPYR expression was confined to the beta‐cells. Chronic PYY application enhanced GSIS in rodent and diabetic human islets. DPP‐IV inhibition by sitagliptin potentiated GSIS; this was mediated by locally‐produced PYY, and not GLP‐1. Pancreatic PYY was markedly reduced in diabetes. RYGB strongly increased islet PYY content, but did not lead to full restoration of pancreatic GLP‐1 levels.

Conclusion

Local regulation of pancreatic PYY, rather than GLP‐1, by DPP‐IV inhibition or RYGB can directly modulate the insulin secretory response to glucose, indicating a novel role of pancreatic PYY in diabetes and weight‐loss surgery.
CO2 evasion from boreal lakes: Revised estimate, drivers of spatial variability, and future projections
Authors: Hastie Adam , Lauerwald Ronny , Weyhenmeyer Gesa , Sobek Sebastian , Verpoorter Charles , Regnier Pierre
Published: September 2017

Lakes (including reservoirs) are an important component of the global carbon (C) cycle, as acknowledged by the fifth assessment report of the IPCC. In the context of lakes, the boreal region is disproportionately important contributing to 27% of the worldwide lake area, despite representing just 14% of global land surface area. In this study, we used a statistical approach to derive a prediction equation for the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) in lakes as a function of lake area, terrestrial net primary productivity (NPP), and precipitation (r2 = .56), and to create the first high‐resolution, circumboreal map (0.5°) of lake pCO2. The map of pCO2 was combined with lake area from the recently published GLOWABO database and three different estimates of the gas transfer velocity k to produce a resulting map of CO2 evasion (FCO2). For the boreal region, we estimate an average, lake area weighted, pCO2 of 966 (678–1,325) μatm and a total FCO2 of 189 (74–347) Tg C year−1, and evaluate the corresponding uncertainties based on Monte Carlo simulation. Our estimate of FCO2 is approximately twofold greater than previous estimates, as a result of methodological and data source differences. We use our results along with published estimates of the other C fluxes through inland waters to derive a C budget for the boreal region, and find that FCO2 from lakes is the most significant flux of the land‐ocean aquatic continuum, and of a similar magnitude as emissions from forest fires. Using the model and applying it to spatially resolved projections of terrestrial NPP and precipitation while keeping everything else constant, we predict a 107% increase in boreal lake FCO2 under emission scenario RCP8.5 by 2100. Our projections are largely driven by increases in terrestrial NPP over the same period, showing the very close connection between the terrestrial and aquatic C cycle.
Evidence Supporting Pre‐University Effects Hypotheses of Women's Underrepresentation in Philosophy
Authors: Dobbs Chris
Published: September 2017

In this short essay, I report results from a representative national dataset (n > 7,300) from the Cooperative Institutional Research Program that shows that significantly more men than women intend to major in philosophy at the high‐school and pre‐university level. This lends credence to pre‐university effects hypotheses of women's underrepresentation in philosophy and successfully replicates a smaller analysis performed by Cheshire Calhoun at Colby College in 2009. I also defend my analysis against an objection that claims that intention to major is not a good predictor of final major selection. Finally, I argue that this new analysis should lead to further investment in university‐level diversity programs.
Effect of the addition of soluble (nutriose, inulin and polydextrose) and insoluble (bamboo, potato and pea) fibres on the quality of sugar‐snap cookies
Authors: Mancebo Camino M. , Rodríguez Patricia , Martínez Mario M. , Gómez Manuel
Published: September 2017

Dietary fibre intake can help to improve the health of the population. Cookies are one of the most consumed bakery products. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different fibres on cookie quality. Soluble fibres (nutriose, inulin and polydextrose) decreased dough consistency favoured cookie spread during baking and produced wider and thinner cookies. In contrast, insoluble fibres (elongated and rounded) showed an opposite trend increasing dough consistency and giving rise to cookies with higher moisture, lower spread factor and higher hardness. Long insoluble fibres gave rise to harder cookies and with lower spread factor. Cookies made with soluble fibres were darker than the control cookie and cookies containing insoluble fibres. Therefore, solubility and shape of insoluble fibres play an important role in cookie quality. Fibre selection will be key to enriched cookies development.
Microwave‐assisted degradation of chitosan with hydrogen peroxide treatment using Box‐Behnken design for enhanced antibacterial activity
Authors: Zhang Yiwen , Zhang Hongcai , Chen Shunsheng , Fu Hao , Zhao Yanyun
Published: September 2017

Low molecular mass (MM) chitosan with high degree of deacetylation (DDA) has excellent bioactivity including antioxidant, antibacterial and encapsulation properties. In this work, to reduce the MM of chitosan, microwave‐assisted heating treatment (MAHT) conditions were investigated using three factors at three levels Box‐Behnken design (BBD). Microwave heating (MH) time, H2O2 concentration and solid‐to‐liquid ratio significantly affected the DDA and MM of chitosan. The antibacterial activities of chitosan before and after degradation were investigated based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The results showed that a second‐order polynomial equation fitted the observed values using multiple regression analysis and had a high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.9591 and 0.9161 for the DDA and MM of chitosan, respectively). An optimisation study was performed using Derringer's desirability function methodology, and the optimal conditions were 80‐s MH time, 1.5% H2O2 concentration and 1:40 solid‐to‐liquid ratio. The MIC and MBC of chitosan before and after degradation against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium were 0.031 and 0.063 mg mL−1, and 0.25 and 0.125 mg mL−1, respectively. The optimised DDA and MM of chitosan were 90.58 ± 2.04% and 124.25 ± 14.36 kDa, respectively, which significantly reduces the use of oxidant reagent.
Impact of feedback on adenoma detection rates: Outcomes of quality improvement program
Authors: Gurudu Suryakanth R , Boroff Erika S , Crowell Michael D , Atia Mary , Umar Sarah B , Leighton Jonathan A , Faigel Douglas O , Ramirez Francisco C
Published: September 2017

Background and Aim

Feedback has been shown to improve performance in colonoscopy including adenoma detection rate (ADR). The frequency at which feedback should be given is unknown. As part of a quality improvement program, we sought to measure the outcome of providing quarterly and monthly feedback on colonoscopy quality measures.

Methods

All screening colonoscopies performed at endoscopy unit at Mayo Clinic Arizona by gastroenterologists between October 2010 and December 2012 were reviewed. Quality indicators, including ADR, were extracted for each individual endoscopist, and feedback was provided. The study period was divided into four distinct groups: pre‐intervention that served as baseline, quarterly feedback, monthly feedback, and post‐intervention. Based on ADR, endoscopists were grouped into “low detectors” (≤ 25%), “average detectors” (26–35%), and “high detectors” (> 35%).

Results

A total of 3420 screening colonoscopies were performed during the study period (555 patients during pre‐intervention, 1209 patients during quarterly feedback, 599 during monthly feedback, and 1057 during the post‐intervention period) by 16 gastroenterologists. The overall ADR for the group improved from 30.5% to 37.7% (P = 0.003). Compared with the pre‐interventional period, all quality indicators measured significantly improved during the monthly feedback and post‐intervention periods but not in the quarterly feedback period.

Conclusions

In our quality improvement program, monthly feedback significantly improved colonoscopy quality measures, including ADR, while quarterly feedback did not. The impact of the intervention was most prominent in the “low detectors” group. Results were durable up to 6 months following the intervention.
Proton Pump Inhibitors and Risk of Pneumonia in Individuals with Dementia
Authors: Kizilarslanoglu Muhammet Cemal
Published: September 2017

See the Reply by Shun‐Fa Yang et al.
Life Cycle Based CO2 Emission Credits: Options for Improving the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Current Tailpipe Emissions Regulation in the Automotive Industry
Authors: Lehmann Annekatrin , Berger Markus , Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: September 2017

The current focus on the use phase in automotive carbon dioxide (CO2) legislation bares a risk of unintended consequences as often reductions in the use phase come along with increasing CO2 emissions in other life cycle (LC) phases. This study presents voluntary policy options in form of LC‐based CO2 emission credits. They were developed by desk research considering existing applications of LCA in practice (e.g., environmental reports) and feedback obtained in a structured stakeholder dialogue. A variety of credit options were identified, including rather simple ones based on life cycle thinking (LCT) and more advanced options which rely on quantitative LCA: LCT options that reward innovations leading to CO2 reductions, for example, in the production phase. LCA‐based options reward CO2 reductions along the LC (credits for an International Organization for Standardization [ISO] 14044 conforming externally reviewed LCA showing a continuous improvement) or reductions of other environmental impacts. It was shown that the credit options can be implemented throughout a simplified and robust methodology, for example, with defined rules for conducting the LCA based on international standards and established industry practice, and for calculating the credits (e.g., a credit of 1 gram [g] of CO2/km [kilometer] for savings of 10 g of CO2/km). Voluntary credit options as a complementary modality to the current automotive tailpipe‐based CO2 regulations would help to improve its efficiency and effectiveness and support and reward efforts on achieving real net CO2 emission reductions. The credit options were developed with a first focus on CO2 and automotive industry, but can generally be transferred to other environmental impacts and sectors as well.
Okun's Law: Fit at 50?
Authors: BALL LAURENCE , LEIGH DANIEL , LOUNGANI PRAKASH
Published: September 2017

This paper asks how well Okun's Law fits short‐run unemployment movements in the United States since 1948 and in 20 advanced economies since 1980. We find that Okun's Law is a strong relationship in most countries, and one that is fairly stable over time. Accounts of breakdowns in the Law, such as the emergence of “jobless recoveries,” are flawed or exaggerated. We also find that the coefficient in the relationship—the effect of a 1% change in output on the unemployment rate—varies substantially across countries. This variation is partly explained by idiosyncratic features of national labor markets, but it is not related to differences in employment protection legislation.
Serine racemase deficiency attenuates choroidal neovascularization and reduces nitric oxide and VEGF levels by retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Jiang Haiyan , Wu Mengjuan , Liu Yimei , Song Liping , Li Shifeng , Wang Xianwei , Zhang Yun‐feng , Fang Junxu , Wu Shengzhou
Published: September 2017

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a leading cause of blindness in age‐related macular degeneration. Production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and macrophage recruitment by retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) significantly contributes to the process of CNV in an experimental CNV model. Serine racemase (SR) is expressed in retinal neurons and glial cells, and its product, d‐serine, is an endogenous co‐agonist of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor. Activation of the receptor results in production of nitric oxide (.NO), a molecule that promotes retinal and choroidal neovascularization. These observations suggest possible roles of SR in CNV. With laser‐injured CNV mice, we found that inactivation of SR‐coding gene (Srrnull) significantly reduced CNV volume, neovascular density, and invading macrophages. We exploited the underlying mechanism in vivo and ex vivo. RPE from wild‐type (WT) mice expressed SR. To explore the possible downstream target of SR inactivation, we showed that choroid/RPE homogenates extracted from laser‐injured Srrnull mice contained less inducible nitric oxide synthase and decreased phospho‐VEGFR2 compared to amounts in WT mice. In vitro, inflammation‐primed WT RPEs expressed more inducible NOS, produced more.NO and VEGF than did inflammation‐primed Srrnull RPEs. When co‐cultured with inflammation‐primed Srrnull RPE, significantly fewer RF/6A‐a cell line of choroidal endothelial cell, migrated to the opposite side of the insert membrane than did cells co‐cultured with pre‐treated WT RPE. Altogether, SR deficiency reduces RPE response to laser‐induced inflammatory stimuli, resulting in decreased production of a cascade of pro‐angiogenic cytokines, including.NO and VEGF, and reduced macrophage recruitment, which contribute synergistically to attenuated angiogenesis.

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Squamous cell carcinoma antigen as a novel candidate marker for amniotic fluid embolism
Authors: Koike Natsuki , Oi Hidekazu , Naruse Katsuhiko , Kanayama Naohiro , Kobayashi Hiroshi
Published: September 2017

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of serum squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen for the diagnosis of amniotic fluid embolism (AFE).

Methods

Sera and information of 20 patients with AFE (autopsy‐proven AFE, four cases; clinical AFE, 16 cases) were obtained from the Japan Amniotic Fluid Embolism Registration Center at Hamamatsu University School of Medicine. As controls, we included 74 gestational‐age‐matched healthy women who gave birth to healthy newborns during the period from December 2012 to January 2014. Receiver–operator curves (ROC) were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of SCC levels for prediction of AFE.

Results

Serum SCC antigen levels in women with autopsy‐proven AFE (112.0 ± 169.4 ng/mL, P = 0.001) and clinical AFE (9.5 ± 10.3 ng/mL, P = 0.004) were significantly higher than those in healthy controls with normal delivery (4.4 ± 2.2 ng/mL). On ROC analysis, the optimal cut‐off value for SCC antigen levels was 7.15 ng/mL, for which the sensitivity and specificity for AFE prediction was 60.0% and 89.2%, respectively (area under the ROC, 0.785; 95% confidence interval, 0.663–0.908; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Serum SCC antigen may be a promising predictor of the entry of amniotic fluid into the maternal circulation, potentially serving as a candidate marker for noninvasive diagnosis of AFE.
Impact of hysteroscopic surgery for isthmocele associated with cesarean scar syndrome
Authors: Tsuji Shunichiro , Kimura Fuminori , Yamanaka Akiyoshi , Hanada Tetsuro , Hirata Kimiko , Takebayashi Akie , Takashima Akiko , Seko‐Nitta Ayumi , Murakami Takashi
Published: September 2017

Aim

Cesarean scar syndrome (CSS) is characterized by increased risk of postmenstrual abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and infertility, due to a post‐cesarean scar defect known as an isthmocele. This study aimed to assess the impact of hysteroscopic surgery on isthmocele associated with CSS.

Methods

Eighteen patients with CSS were enrolled. Surgical methods included resection of the inferior edge and superficial cauterization of the isthmocele via hysteroscopic surgery. We evaluated the residual myometrial thickness and isthmocele volume using magnetic resonance imaging, before and after hysteroscopic surgery.

Results

All patients underwent surgery without any complications. The residual myometrium was thicker after hysteroscopic surgery (median: 2.1 mm and 4.2 mm, before and after surgery, respectively; P = 0.0001). Isthmocele volume was significantly reduced after hysteroscopic surgery (median: 494.9 mm3 and 282.8 mm3, before and after surgery, respectively; P = 0.0016).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that hysteroscopic surgery is effective in increasing the residual myometrial thickness and reducing the size of isthmocele.
Treatment resistance in potentially malignant disorders—‘Nature’ or ‘Nurture’…?
Authors: Thomson P. J. , Goodson M. L. , Smith D. R.
Published: September 2017

Background

Contemporary potentially malignant disorder management is based upon provisional histological diagnosis followed by interventional surgery to excise or ablate ‘high‐risk’ mucosal lesions. Although the majority of patients achieve disease‐free status post‐treatment, others develop further or persistent disease unresponsive to intervention.

Methods

A detailed, retrospective clinico‐pathological review of treatment resistant potentially malignant lesions, from a 590 patient cohort treated by CO2 laser surgery and followed for a mean of 7.3 years, was undertaken. Clinical outcome was determined at study census date (31 December 2014).

Results

A total of 87 patients (15%) exhibited PMD disease resistant to treatment: 34 (6%) became disease free following further treatment, whilst 53 (9%) had persistent disease despite intervention. Disease‐free patients were younger, changed lesion appearance from erythroleukoplakia to leukoplakia (P = .004), developed further lesions at new sites, demonstrated reduction in dysplasia severity with time and required multiple treatments to achieve disease‐free status (P = .0005). In contrast, persistent disease patients were older, male, often presented with proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) on gingival and alveolar sites, displayed less severe dysplasia initially and underwent laser ablation rather than excision (P = .027).

Conclusion

Despite clinico‐pathological profiling of treatment resistant patients, the precise inter‐relationship between the inherent nature of potentially malignant disease and the external influence of treatment intervention remains obscure.
Detection of Cochliobolus heterostrophus races in South China
Authors: Wang Meng , Wang Shaoqing , Ma Jia , Yu Chuanjin , Gao Jinxin , Chen Jie
Published: September 2017

Cochliobolus heterostrophus is the causal pathogen of the southern corn leaf blight (SCLB). There are three known races: race O, race C and race T. To determine which C. heterostrophus races comprise the field population in southern China and to assess diversity of these strains in terms of virulence, 200 isolates from diseased plants were collected in nine provinces/municipalities. All were race O, that is, no race T or race C isolates were found. Sixty race O isolates that sporulated well were chosen for further analysis. Virulence was measured using the integral optical density (IOD) of leaf lesions on four maize inbred lines. UPGMA cluster analysis of AFLP markers was applied to the 60 race O isolates plus control race O, T and C strains. Phylogenetic distribution, geographic location and virulence were not correlated. These results can provide valuable information for guidance in early warning and disease control.
Potential drug–drug interactions and polypharmacy in institutionalized elderly patients in a public hospital in Brazil
Authors: Castilho E. C. D. , Reis A. M. M. , Borges T. L. , Siqueira L. D. C. , Miasso A. I.
Published: September 2017

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

Older individuals constitute an increasing proportion of the population, and therefore, are the major consumers of drugs. The elderly, especially those with mental disabilities, frequently develop chronic diseases and start using numerous drugs.

Drug–drug interactions (DDIs) are a major clinical problem in the elderly population, and previous studies have focused only on antidepressants and others types of drugs used to treat mental health conditions.

What this article adds to existing knowledge?

This study shows that in hospitalized elderly patients with mental disorders (aged 60–69 years), polypharmacy (≥5 drugs) and the use of drugs that act on the cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems can lead to potential drug–drug interactions. Moreover, it was reported that the prevalence of drug–drug interactions in elderly patients with mental disorders was high during their hospitalization in a public hospital in Brazil.

What are the implications for practice?

Nurses should know the factors associated with drug–drug interactions in hospitalized elderly patients with mental disorders to choose appropriate strategies for avoiding treatment failure and adverse events in patients.

Introduction

Despite the impact on patient safety and the fact that prevalence is higher in older patients, previous research did not analyse drug–drug interactions (DDIs) in view of nursing care of elderly psychiatric patients.

Aim

To identify potential drug–drug interactions and polypharmacy in prescriptions of aged inpatients with psychiatric disorders and analyse associated factors.

Methods

In this retrospective cross‐sectional study, we analysed the medical records of institutionalized patients diagnosed with psychiatric disorders (n = 94), aged >60 years, and prescribed multiple medications. Drug prescriptions were checked at admission, midway through and the last prescription. Factors associated with DDI occurrence were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

A DDI prevalence potential of 67.0%, 74.5% and 80.8% occurred in patients at admission, midway through hospitalization and the last prescription, respectively. Most of the prescribed drugs were nervous system agents. A high percentage of serious and contraindicated potential DDIs occurred. Age between 60 and 69 years, use of cardiovascular and respiratory system drugs, and the number of medications contributed significantly to DDI.

Implications for mental health nursing

Knowledge on the factors associated with DDIs in patients with mental disorders can contribute to the improvement of effectiveness and safety of nursing care.
Prevalence of Elevated Serum Creatinine Concentration in Dogs Presenting to a Veterinary Academic Medical Center (2010–2014)
Authors: Babyak J.M. , Weiner D.E. , Noubary F. , Sharp C.R.
Published: September 2017

Background

The epidemiology of kidney disease is not extensively described in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To better understand the prevalence of elevated serum creatinine concentration in dogs.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs.

Methods

A retrospective, observational cross‐sectional study design was used. We made a dataset of 115,631 hospital visits of all dogs presenting from October 2010 to October 2014. We estimated the prevalence and risk of elevated serum creatinine, defined as >1.6 mg/dL, in evaluated dogs.

Results

Of 115,631 visits, 98,693 were outpatient visits and 16,938 were hospital admissions. Among outpatient visits, 9,983 (10.1%) had serum creatinine assessment (4,423 [44.3%] visits were first visits), whereas, among hospital admissions, 12,228 (60.0%) had at least 1 serum creatinine (7,731 [75.6%] admissions were first admissions). The prevalence of elevated serum creatinine concentration in all evaluated dogs was 11.5% (95% CI: 11.0%, 11.9%); 10.2% (95% CI: 9.6%, 10.8%) of inpatients and 12.9% (95% CI: 12.1%, 13.8%) of outpatients had elevated serum creatinine concentration. The relative risk (RR) of elevated serum creatinine concentration was significantly higher in geriatric dogs (outpatient RR 1.45 [95% CI: 1.23, 1.70], inpatient RR 1.43 [95% CI: 1.16, 1.76]) and lower in young dogs (outpatient RR 0.39 [95% CI: 0.26, 0.59], inpatient RR 0.44 [95% CI: 0.32, 0.62]) when compared to the measured population risk.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

When selected for laboratory evaluation, the proportion of dogs presenting to an academic medical center with evidence of kidney injury is high compared to previous reports and might reflect a population of sicker dogs.
Syringomyelia and Craniocervical Junction Abnormalities in Chihuahuas
Authors: Kiviranta A.‐M. , Rusbridge C. , Laitinen‐Vapaavuori O. , Hielm‐Björkman A. , Lappalainen A.K. , Knowler S.P. , Jokinen T.S.
Published: September 2017

Background

Chiari‐like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) are widely reported in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Griffon Bruxellois dogs. Increasing evidence indicates that CM and SM also occur in other small and toy breed dogs, such as Chihuahuas.

Objectives

To describe the presence of SM and craniocervical junction (CCJ) abnormalities in Chihuahuas and to evaluate the possible association of CCJ abnormalities with SM. To describe CM/SM‐related clinical signs and neurologic deficits and to investigate the association of CM/SM‐related clinical signs with signalment, SM, or CCJ abnormalities.

Animals

Fifty‐three client‐owned Chihuahuas.

Methods

Prospective study. Questionnaire analyses and physical and neurologic examinations were obtained before magnetic resonance and computed tomography imaging. Images were evaluated for the presence of SM, CM, and atlantooccipital overlapping. Additionally, medullary kinking, dorsal spinal cord compression, and their sum indices were calculated.

Results

Scratching was the most common CM/SM‐related clinical sign and decreased postural reaction the most common neurologic deficit in 73 and 87% of dogs, respectively. Chiari‐like malformation and SM were present in 100 and 38% of dogs, respectively. Syringomyelia was associated with the presence of CM/SM‐related clinical signs (P = 0.034), and medullary kinking and sum indices were higher in dogs with clinical signs (P = 0.016 and P = 0.007, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Syringomyelia and CCJ abnormalities are prevalent in Chihuahuas. Syringomyelia was an important factor for the presence of CM/SM‐related clinical signs, but many dogs suffered from similar clinical signs without being affected by SM, highlighting the clinical importance of CCJ abnormalities in Chihuahuas.
Pharmacokinetics of tildipirosin in beagle dogs
Authors: Wang J. , Zhao T. , Sun X. , Liu Y. , Zhu J. , Zhang S. , Cao X.
Published: September 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of tildipirosin (TD) in 24 beagle dogs following intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) administration, respectively, at 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg. Plasma samples at certain time points (0–14 days) were collected, and the concentrations of drug were quantified by UPLC‐MS/MS. Plasma concentration–time data and relevant parameters were described by noncompartmental through WinNonlin 6.4 software. After single i.m. injection at 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg body weight, mean maximum concentration (Cmax) was 412.73 ± 76.01, 1,051 ± 323, and 1,061 ± 352 ng/ml, respectively. Mean time to reach Cmax was 0.36 ± 0.2, 0.08 ± 0.00, and 0.13 ± 0.07 hr after i.m. injection at 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg, respectively. The mean value of T1/2λz for i.m. administration at doses of 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg was 71.39 ± 28.42, 91 .33 ± 50.02, and 96.43 ± 45.02 hr, respectively. The mean residence times were 63.81 ± 10.96, 35.83 ± 15.13, and 38.18 ± 16.77 hr for doses of 2, 4, and 6 mg/kg, respectively. These pharmacokinetic characteristics after i.m. administration indicated that TD could be rapidly distributed into tissues on account of the high lipid solubility and then released into plasma. In addition, the absolute bioavailability of 2 mg/kg after i.m. injection was 112%. No adverse effects were observed after i.v. and i.m. administration.
Pharmacokinetics of chlortetracycline in maternal plasma and in fetal tissues following oral administration to pregnant ewes
Authors: Washburn K. , Fajt V. R. , Plummer P. , Papastavros E. , Coetzee J. F. , Wulf L. W. , Washburn S.
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine if concentrations of chlortetracycline could be detected in fetal plasma or tissues after administering an oral dose of chlortetracycline (CTC; 500 mg/head/day) reported to be effective in controlling Campylobacter spp. abortions. Five pregnant ewes were administered 250 mg/head twice a day (total dose 500 mg/hd/d) for 7 days. On the beginning of day 7, intravenous catheters were surgically implanted or inserted into the fetus and dam. Plasma samples were collected from the ewe and fetus at various time points before and up to 36 hr after the last dose of CTC. All ewes were then sacrificed, and tissues were harvested from the fetus for drug analysis. Concentrations of CTC in maternal plasma were consistent with our previous study and below the minimum inhibitory concentration of Campylobacter abortion isolates. Concentrations of CTC were below the limit of detection in three of five fetal plasma samples and all of the placenta, amniotic fluid, and fetal stomach contents. Low concentrations were detectable in fetal kidney and liver, suggesting that CTC reaches the fetus, although at a variable and low ratio when compared to maternal concentrations.
Feeding ecology of cheetahs in the Maasai Mara, Kenya and the potential for intra‐ and interspecific competition
Authors: Broekhuis F. , Thuo D. , Hayward M. W.
Published: September 2017

Competition is an important ecological factor influencing the population dynamics of carnivores especially as shifts in prey selection could have negative consequences for other members of the carnivore guild. It is therefore important to determine a species' resource requirements to help understand the potential degree and consequences of competition. Cheetahs Acinonyx jubatus compete over resources with larger carnivores, such as lions Panthera leo. While cheetahs generally favour smaller prey than lions, male cheetahs frequently occur in coalitions and are larger than solitary females. This could result in male cheetahs killing larger prey and potentially competing more directly with lions than female cheetahs. To determine the potential for both intra‐ and interspecific competition, we analysed data on 194 cheetah and 214 lion kills, and compared the feeding ecology of four cheetah social groups: single females, females with cubs, single males and male coalitions to that of lions in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. The results show that the greatest potential for interspecific competition is between male cheetahs, especially those in coalitions, and lions. Intraspecific competition is most likely to occur between singleton females and females with cubs. Understanding these ecological relationships is key, especially when prey become scarce.
Drivers of diurnal rest site selection by spotted hyaenas
Authors: Kushata J. N. T. , Périquet S. , Tarakini T. , Muzamba M. , Mafuwa B. , Loveridge A. J. , Macdonald D. W. , Fritz H. , Valeix M.
Published: September 2017

Rest sites are key locations to many animals but their selection has been poorly studied in large carnivores. We investigated seasonal diurnal rest site selection by spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. We assessed the effects on hyaena diurnal rest site selection of (1) distance to the nearest waterhole, as waterholes can be considered prey hotspots in the study ecosystem, (2) habitat type and vegetation characteristics, in particular visibility as it influences detection risk and shade for thermoregulation, (3) location within the core territory of their main competitor/predator, the African lion (Panthera leo), where encounter risk would be higher, (4) distance to the closest lion and (5) distance to the nearest road as they can facilitate travelling by carnivores. We defined rest sites as midday locations of hyaenas equipped with GPS collars. Hyaenas preferred to rest in woodland areas with low visibility, close to roads and far from a lion. Distance to the nearest waterhole and location within lion core territory did not affect hyaena rest site selection. Overall, our study points to the combined importance of the structure of the vegetation (providing safety and shade), the availability of roads (to move through and exploit this bushed environment) and the avoidance of proximity to lions.
When does it pay off to prime for defense? A modeling analysis
Authors: Douma Jacob C. , Vermeulen Peter J. , Poelman Erik H. , Dicke Marcel , Anten Niels P. R.
Published: September 2017

Plants can prepare for future herbivore attack through a process called priming. Primed plants respond more strongly and/or faster to insect attack succeeding the priming event than nonprimed plants, while the energetic costs of priming are relatively low.

To better understand the evolution of priming, we developed a simulation model, partly parameterized for Brassica nigra plants, to explore how the fitness benefits of priming change when plants are grown in different biotic environments.

Model simulations showed that herbivore dynamics (arrival probability, arrival time, and feeding rate) affect the optimal duration, the optimal investment and the fitness benefits of priming. Competition for light increases the indirect costs of priming, but may also result in a larger payoff when the nonprimed plant experiences substantial leaf losses.

This modeling approach identified some important knowledge gaps: herbivore arrival rates on individual plants are rarely reported but they shape the optimal duration of priming, and it would pay off if the likelihood, severity and timing of the attack could be discerned from the priming cue, but it is unknown if plants can do so. In addition, the model generated some testable predictions, for example that the sensitivity to the priming cue decreases with plant age.
A quantitative comparison of the electrical and anatomical definition of the pulmonary vein ostium
Authors: Spies Florian , Kühne Michael , Reichlin Tobias , Osswald Stefan , Sticherling Christian , Knecht Sven
Published: September 2017

Background

Anatomically guided pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, the position where to confirm electrical isolation is ill‐defined. The aim of the current study was to quantify the relationship between the anatomical and electrical definition of the pulmonary vein ostium.

Methods

We analyzed 20 patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing PVI using radiofrequency energy and an electroanatomical mapping system. The anatomical ostium was defined based on the geometry obtained from preprocedural magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. The electrical ostium was defined at the position with a far‐field atrial signal preceding a sharp pulmonary vein (PV) signal without any isoelectric interval in between.

Results

The electrically defined ostia were 8.4 ± 4.7 mm more distal in the PV compared to the anatomically defined ostia. The distances varied considerably between the four PVs and were 10.5 ± 6.5 mm, 7.4 ± 4.3 mm, 5.3 ± 4.0 mm, and 8.3 ± 3.4 mm for the left superior, left inferior, right superior, and right inferior PVs, respectively (P  =  0.009).

Conclusions

The position of the electrical and anatomical ostium differs markedly. The site of the electrical ostium is variable within the PV but always more distal in the PV compared to the site of the anatomical ostium.
Spirometry‐adjusted fraction of exhaled nitric oxide increases accuracy for assessment of asthma control in children
Authors: Martins Carla , Silva Diana , Severo Milton , Rufo João , Paciência Inês , Madureira Joana , Padrão Patrícia , Moreira Pedro , Delgado Luís , Oliveira Fernandes Eduardo , Barros Henrique , Malmberg Pekka , Moreira André
Published: September 2017

Spirometry and exhaled nitric oxide are two important complimentary tools to identify and assess asthma control in children. We aimed to determine the ability of a new suggested spirometry‐adjusted fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) index in doing that. A random sample of 1602 schoolchildren were screened by a health questionnaire, skin prick tests, spirometry with bronchodilation and exhaled NO. A total of 662 children were included with median (IQR) exhaled NO 11(14) ppb. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves using exhaled NO equations from Malmberg, Kovesi and Buchvald, and spirometry‐adjusted fraction of exhaled NO values were applied to identify asthmatic children and uncontrolled asthma. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves failed to identify asthmatic children (all AUC < 0.700). Spirometry‐adjusted fraction of exhaled NO/FEV1 (AUC = 0.712; P = .010) and NO/FEF25%‐75% (AUC = 0.735 P = .004) had a fair and increased ability to identify uncontrolled disease compared with exhaled NO (AUC = 0.707; P = .011) or the Malmberg equation (AUC = 0.701; P = .014). Sensitivity and specificity identifying non‐controlled asthma were 59% and 81%, respectively, for the cut‐off value of 9.7 ppb/L for exhaled NO/FEV1, and 40% and 100% for 15.7 ppb/L/s for exhaled NO/FEF25%‐75%. Exhaled NO did not allow to identify childhood asthma. Spirometry‐adjusted fraction of exhaled NO performed better‐assessing asthma control in children. Thus, although more validation studies are needed, we suggest its use in epidemiological studies to assess asthma control.
Economic Crises in Post‐Communist Russia
Authors: MAU VLADIMIR , LEONARD CAROL S.
Published: September 2017

This paper is concerned with combined crises of the 1990s and 2000s in post‐Communist Russia and the evolution of a conservative fiscal anti‐crisis policy to address them. Against the background of transformation restructuring, external shocks, cyclical downswings, and, sometimes, social unrest, policy makers consistently aimed to foster economic growth, while controlling inflation. Successive crises resulted in a gradual shift of emphasis from transformative institutional change to stability, a choice of self‐insurance via the Reserve Fund and Welfare Fund. There is indirect support for our argument in Schularick and Taylor's “Credit Booms Gone Bust” (2012), which shows a global trend toward safer policies, caused by the severity of the impact of crisis in a modern market economy.
Cultural snapshots: Theory and method
Authors: Weisbuch Max , Lamer Sarah A. , Treinen Evelyne , Pauker Kristin
Published: September 2017

Causal influences of culture on cognition are challenging to examine scientifically. We here introduce a method to address this challenge.Cultural snapshotsenable scientists to (a) characterize the cultural information commonly and frequently encountered by a collective, (b) examine how such cultural information influences the cognitions of individuals, and (c) draw conclusions about the emergence of shared cognition. Specifically, cultural snapshots are recorded samples of public environments commonly encountered by many people. Television scenes, photographs of public spaces, magazine pages, and social media conversations are all examples of cultural snapshots. Representative sets of cultural snapshots can be coded to index the systematic patterns of information encountered by a collective (i.e.,cultural patterns). These same materials can be used to experimentally manipulate those cultural patterns, allowing scientists to examine cultural influences on cognition and behavior. We here review and provide guidelines for cultural snapshots research, trace cultural snapshots to classic theories of culture, and describe how cultural snapshots balance the constraints of representative design (Brunswik,) with those of causal inference. We then illustrate how this approach is used to address (a) questions of causality in cultural psychology and (b) questions of applicability in social cognition research. We conclude by evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the approach.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DQB1*05:155 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Zhang L.‐Q. , Zhou X.‐Y. , Xiao Y. , Cai J.‐P.
Published: September 2017

HLA‐DQB1*05:155 differs from HLA‐DQB1*05:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 474 (G>C).
The K+ channel KZM2 is involved in stomatal movement by modulating inward K+ currents in maize guard cells
Authors: Gao Yong‐Qiang , Wu Wei‐Hua , Wang Yi
Published: September 2017

Stomata are the major gates in plant leaf that allow water and gas exchange, which is essential for plant transpiration and photosynthesis. Stomatal movement is mainly controlled by the ion channels and transporters in guard cells. In Arabidopsis, the inward Shaker K+ channels, such as KAT1 and KAT2, are responsible for stomatal opening. However, the characterization of inward K+ channels in maize guard cells is limited. In the present study, we identified two KAT1‐like Shaker K+ channels, KZM2 and KZM3, which were highly expressed in maize guard cells. Subcellular analysis indicated that KZM2 and KZM3 can localize at the plasma membrane. Electrophysiological characterization in HEK293 cells revealed that both KZM2 and KZM3 were inward K+ (Kin) channels, but showing distinct channel kinetics. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, only KZM3, but not KZM2, can mediate inward K+ currents. However, KZM2 can interact with KZM3 forming heteromeric Kin channel. In oocytes, KZM2 inhibited KZM3 channel conductance and negatively shifted the voltage dependence of KZM3. The activation of KZM2–KZM3 heteromeric channel became slower than the KZM3 channel. Patch‐clamping results showed that the inward K+ currents of maize guard cells were significantly increased in the KZM2 RNAi lines. In addition, the RNAi lines exhibited faster stomatal opening after light exposure. In conclusion, the presented results demonstrate that KZM2 functions as a negative regulator to modulate the Kin channels in maize guard cells. KZM2 and KZM3 may form heteromeric Kin channel and control stomatal opening in maize.
Non‐redundant functions of the dimeric ABA receptor BdPYL1 in the grass Brachypodium
Authors: Pri‐Tal Oded , Shaar‐Moshe Lidor , Wiseglass Gil , Peleg Zvi , Mosquna Assaf
Published: September 2017

Abiotic stresses have severe detrimental effects on agricultural productivity worldwide. Abscisic acid (ABA) levels rise in response to abiotic stresses, and play a role in coordinating physiological responses. ABA elicits its effects by binding a family of soluble receptors, increasing affinity of the receptors to type 2C phosphatases (PP2Cs) leading to phosphatase inhibition. In the current study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the ABA signaling pathway in the cereal model grass Brachypodium distachyon. The Brachypodium genome encodes a family of 10 functionally conserved ABA receptors. The 10th in the series, BdPYL10, encodes a defective receptor and is likely a pseudogene. Combinatorial protein interaction assay further validated computational analysis, which grouped Brachypodium ABA receptors into three subfamilies, similarly to Arabidopsis classification. Brachypodium subfamily III receptors inhibited PP2C activity in vitro and complemented Arabidopsis quadruple (pyr1/pyl1/pyl2/pyl4) mutant. BdPYL1 T‐DNA mutant exhibited clear ABA hyposensitivity phenotypes during seedling establishment and in mature plants. Single receptor predominance is in agreement with high transcriptional abundance of only a small Brachypodium ABA receptors subset, harboring the higher marginal significance of BdPYL1. Our findings suggest that unlike the highly redundant ABA core signaling components of Arabidopsis, Brachypodium encompasses a more compact and specialized ABA receptor apparatus. This organization may contribute to plant adaptations to ecological niches. These results lay the groundwork for targeting the prominent ABA receptors for stress perception in grasses, and reveal functional differences and commonalities between monocots and eudicots.
Rabacfosadine for relapsed canine B‐cell lymphoma: Efficacy and adverse event profiles of 2 different doses
Authors: Saba C. F. , Vickery K. R. , Clifford C. A. , Burgess K. E. , Phillips B. , Vail D. M. , Wright Z. M. , Morges M. A. , Fan T. M. , Thamm D. H.
Published: September 2017

Rabacfosadine (RAB), a novel double prodrug of the acyclic nucleotide phosphonate PMEG, preferentially targets neoplastic lymphocytes with reduced off target toxicity. Historical studies have suggested that every 21‐day dosing is effective with acceptable toxicity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate RAB’s safety and efficacy at 2 different doses every 21 days in dogs with relapsed B‐cell lymphoma. Dogs that had failed 1 doxorubicin‐based chemotherapy protocol were eligible for inclusion in this prospective trial. Once enrolled, dogs were randomized to receive RAB at either 0.82 mg/kg or 1.0 mg/kg as a 30‐minute IV infusion every 21 days for up to 5 treatments. Response assessment and adverse event (AE) evaluation were performed every 21 days via VCOG criteria. Fifty dogs were enrolled, with 16 treated at 0.82 mg/kg and 34 treated at 1.0 mg/kg. The overall response rate was 74%, with 45% of dogs experiencing a complete response (CR). The median progression free intervals (PFIs) were 108 days, 172 days and 203 days for all dogs, all responders, and all CRs, respectively. Response rates and PFIs were similar in both treatment groups. The incidence of AEs, dose delays, dose reductions and withdrawals were not statistically different between the 2 groups. The AEs observed were similar to those previously reported and included hematologic, gastrointestinal, dermatologic and pulmonary AEs. One dog had grade 5 pulmonary fibrosis; otherwise, AEs resolved with supportive treatment. Rabacfosadine is a generally well tolerated, effective chemotherapy option for dogs with relapsed B‐cell lymphoma.