bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The diagnostic test accuracy of a screening questionnaire and algorithm in the identification of adults with epilepsy
Authors: Keezer Mark R. , Pelletier Amélie , Stechysin Barbara , Veilleux Martin , Jetté Nathalie , Wolfson Christina
Published: October 2014

Objective

Accurate estimates of the incidence and prevalence of epilepsy allow us to better assess its societal impact. Prevalence and incidence studies often use unvalidated screening tools resulting in estimates of uncertain accuracy. We present the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging—Epilepsy Algorithm (CLSA‐EA) as well as the results of our validation study designed to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of this epilepsy ascertainment algorithm.

Methods

We administered English or French‐language versions of the CLSA‐EA questionnaire to a consecutive sample of participants from a population‐based cohort of 50,000 individuals aged between 45 and 85 years at baseline, as well as a consecutive sample of individuals from an epilepsy‐enriched general neurology clinic. Every participant was also assessed by a study neurologist who, blinded to the results of the CLSA‐EA, determined whether the person had epilepsy or not.

Results

We recruited 242 consecutive participants, 34 of whom were diagnosed with epilepsy by a study neurologist. The sensitivity and specificity of the CLSA‐EA for a lifetime history of epilepsy were 97.1% and 98.1%, and for active epilepsy were 100% and 98.6%, when we defined a positive screening test result as a positive response to the antiepileptic drug question and either the single self‐report diagnosis or any of the symptom‐based questions.

Significance

The CLSA‐EA was found to have a high sensitivity and specificity for the identification of adults with a lifetime history of epilepsy and active epilepsy. Although validation in other settings and age groups is required, the future application of this algorithm to population‐based studies such as the CLSA should help to ensure more accurate estimates of the prevalence and incidence of epilepsy in the general population when a physician assessment is impossible.
Vigabatrin pediatric dosing information for refractory complex partial seizures: Results from a population dose–response analysis
Authors: Nielsen Jace C. , Tolbert Dwain , Patel Mahlaqa , Kowalski Kenneth G. , Wesche David L.
Published: October 2014

We predicted vigabatrin dosages for adjunctive therapy for pediatric patients with refractory complex partial seizures (rCPS) that would produce efficacy comparable to that observed for approved adult dosages. A dose–response model related seizure‐count data to vigabatrin dosage to identify dosages for pediatric rCPS patients. Seizure‐count data were obtained from three pediatric and two adult rCPS clinical trials. Dosages were predicted for oral solution and tablet formulations. Predicted oral solution dosages to achieve efficacy comparable to that of a 1 g/day adult dosage were 350 and 450 mg/day for patients with body weight ranges 10–15 and >15–20 kg, respectively. Predicted oral solution dosages for efficacy comparable to a 3 g/day adult dosage were 1,050 and 1,300 mg/day for weight ranges 10–15 and >15–20 kg, respectively. Predicted tablet dosage for efficacy comparable to a 1 g/day adult dosage was 500 mg/day for weight ranges 25–60 kg. Predicted tablet dosage for efficacy comparable to a 3 g/day adult dosage was 2,000 mg for weight ranges 25–60 kg. Vigabatrin dosages were identified for pediatric rCPS patients with body weights ≥10 kg.
Differential effects of temperature change and human impact on European Late Quaternary mammalian extinctions
Authors: Varela Sara , Lima‐Ribeiro Matheus Souza , Diniz‐Filho JosÉ Alexandre Felizola , Storch David
Published: October 2014

Species that inhabited Europe during the Late Quaternary were impacted by temperature changes and early humans, resulting in the disappearance of half of the European large mammals. However, quantifying the relative importance that each factor had in the extinction risk of species has been challenging, mostly due to the spatio‐temporal biases of fossil records, which complicate the calibration of realistic and accurate ecological niche modeling. Here, we overcome this problem by using ecotypes, and not real species, to run our models. We created 40 ecotypes with different temperature requirements (mean temperature from −20 °C to 25 °C and temperature range from 10 °C to 40 °C) and used them to quantify the effect of climate change and human impact. Our results show that cold‐adapted ecotypes would have been highly affected by past temperature changes in Europe, whereas temperate and warm‐adapted ecotypes would have been positively affected by temperature change. Human impact affected all ecotypes negatively, and temperate ecotypes suffered the greatest impacts. Based on these results, the extinction of cold‐adapted species like Mammuthus primigenius may be related to temperature change, while the extinction of temperate species, like Crocuta crocuta, may be related to human impact. Our results suggest that temperature change and human impact affected different ecotypes in distinct ways, and that the interaction of both impacts may have shaped species extinctions in Europe.
Sodium citrate blood contamination by K2‐ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA): impact on routine coagulation testing
Authors: Lima‐Oliveira G. , Salvagno G. L. , Danese E. , Favaloro E. J. , Guidi G. C. , Lippi G.
Published: October 2014

Introduction

The potential cross‐contamination of additives between primary blood tubes is a well‐known problem during sample collection. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of citrated blood contamination with different amounts of dipotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic (K2EDTA blood) on activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), and fibrinogen.

Methods

Blood was collected from 15 ostensibly healthy volunteers into four 0.109 m citrate blood tubes followed by one K2EDTA blood tube. The citrate tubes of each subject were pooled and divided in five aliquots. The whole blood of the K2EDTA tube was then added in scalar amounts to autologous citrated blood aliquots, to obtain K2EDTA contamination ranging from 0% to 43%, and thus mimic potential pre‐analytical contamination.

Results

A statistically and clinically significant prolongation was observed for both APTT and PT between 29% and 43% K2EDTA contamination, whereas the decrease of fibrinogen values became statistically and clinically significant at 43% K2EDTA contamination.

Conclusion

The results of this investigation show that contamination of citrated blood with as much as 29% of K2EDTA blood generates a significant bias in results of routine clotting assays. This has serious implications for patient safety and management.
‘We are nurses, they are doctors’: Barriers to nurses' roles in pain management following surgery in Jordan
Authors: Shoqirat Noordeen
Published: October 2014

This study explored barriers to nurses' roles in pain management following surgery in Jordan. A qualitative approach using four focus group discussions (n = 4) was used. The total convenience sample of surgical wards nurses included 25 nurses. The analysis revealed two categories explaining the context and perceived barriers affecting nurses' roles in pain management. First were barriers within bedside nursing, comprising attention‐seeking patients, ‘buzzer obsession’ and family interferences. Second were barriers within nursing, comprising lack of staff and ‘nurses need pain relief before patients’, and the perception of ‘we are nurses, they are doctors.’ Nurses' roles in managing patients' pain following surgery is hindered by contextually complex barriers identified by this research. Multidisciplinary actions are therefore urgently needed to address barriers to pain management at the nursing professional, ward culture and policy levels. Failure to do so might lead to more pain sufferers following surgery, and thus poor recovery.
An evaluation of a specialist nursing service for adult patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Hatchett Richard , McLaren Susan , Corrigan Philomena , Filer Lynda
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate grown‐up congenital heart (GUCH) patients' experiences and satisfaction with the delivery of a nurse specialist service, including perceived priorities and recommendations for future service delivery. A service evaluation utilizing descriptive, cross‐sectional survey principles was conducted over a 2 year period. Postal questionnaires were sent to three patient cohorts (general adult n = 747; pregnancy n = 202; learning disability n = 72). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The majority of respondents were satisfied with the nursing care provided, including information provision, time made available to discuss needs, emotional support, well‐being, self‐management and symptom distress. Priority areas included timely information and advice; specialist knowledge and expertise; effective care coordination, monitoring and support. Accessibility, contact and responsiveness were dominant. A majority of patients agreed that their first, second and third‐rated priorities had been met. Findings identified strong commitment, support and satisfaction with the GUCH nurse specialist service.
Particle radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Shioyama Yoshiyuki , Tsuji Hiroshi , Suefuji Hiroaki , Sinoto Makoto , Matsunobu Akira , Toyama Shingo , Nakamura Katsumasa , Kudo Sho
Published: October 2014

Recent advances in external beam radiotherapy have allowed us to deliver higher doses to the tumors while decreasing doses to the surrounding tissues. Dose escalation using high‐precision radiotherapy has improved the treatment outcomes of prostate cancer. Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy has been widely used throughout the world as the most advanced form of photon radiotherapy. In contrast, particle radiotherapy has also been under development, and has been used as an effective and non‐invasive radiation modality for prostate and other cancers. Among the particles used in such treatments, protons and carbon ions have the physical advantage that the dose can be focused on the tumor with only minimal exposure of the surrounding normal tissues. Furthermore, carbon ions also have radiobiological advantages that include higher killing effects on intrinsic radio‐resistant tumors, hypoxic tumor cells and tumor cells in the G0 or S phase. However, the degree of clinical benefit derived from these theoretical advantages in the treatment of prostate cancer has not been adequately determined. The present article reviews the available literature on the use of particle radiotherapy for prostate cancer as well as the literature on the physical and radiobiological properties of this treatment, and discusses the role and the relative merits of particle radiotherapy compared with current photon‐based radiotherapy, with a focus on proton beam therapy and carbon ion radiotherapy.
Choosing and remaining in mental health nursing: Perceptions of Western Australian nurses
Authors: Harrison Carole A. , Hauck Yvonne , Hoffman Rosemary
Published: October 2014

Mental health nursing has an ageing workforce with a critical shortage of nurses in Western Australia. Additionally, mental health is not the preferred career for many graduate nurses. Current challenges with recruitment and retention suggest that strategies are needed to address this issue. This research project adopted a novel approach that focused on exploring the positive aspects of why mental health nurses remain, rather than why they leave. A cross‐sectional design was employed comprising a brief interview survey, and nurses working within one public mental health service in Western Australia were invited to participate. A total of 192 nurses participated across 5 months, from adult, older adult, forensic, and education/research programmes. Thematic analysis was conducted from five key questions, and responses from questions one and two are discussed in this paper: ‘Why did you choose mental health nursing?’ and ‘Why do you remain in mental health nursing?’. The main themes extracted in response to choosing mental health nursing were wanting to make a difference, mental health captured my interest, encouraged by others, and opportunities. Subsequent themes extracted from responses to remaining in mental health nursing were facing reality, passion for mental health nursing, patient‐centred caring, and workplace conditions. Findings will be utilized to inform strategies for recruitment and retention of graduate nurses; further development of support systems, such as preceptorship training and improving student clinical experiences; as well as improving professional development opportunities for existing mental health nurses.
Evaluation of Video‐Assisted Thoracic Surgery for Treatment of Spontaneous Pneumothorax and Pulmonary Bullae in Dogs
Authors: Case J. Brad , Mayhew Philipp D. , Singh Ameet
Published: October 2014

Objective

To describe the operative findings and clinical outcome in dogs undergoing video‐assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax and pulmonary bullae.

Study Design

Multi‐institutional retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 12) with spontaneous pneumothorax and/or pulmonary bullae.

Methods

Medical records (2008–2013) were reviewed for signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, surgical and histopathologic findings, and outcome in 12 dogs that had VATS for treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax and pulmonary bullae. In particular, conversion to median sternotomy and surgical success were evaluated.

Results

Twelve dogs had initial VATS for spontaneous pneumothorax and/or pulmonary bullae. Conversion to median sternotomy because of inability to identify a parenchymal lesion/leak was necessary in 7 (58%) dogs. VATS without conversion to median sternotomy was performed in 6 (50%) dogs. Successful surgical outcomes occurred in 5 (83%) dogs that had conversion to median sternotomy, and in 3 (50%) dogs that had VATS without conversion to median sternotomy.

Conclusions

Exploratory thoracoscopy was associated with a high rate of conversion to median sternotomy because of inability to identify leaking pulmonary lesions in dogs with spontaneous pneumothorax and pulmonary bullae. Failure to convert to a median sternotomy may be associated with recurrent or persistent pneumothorax.
Comparison of Platelet Counting Technologies in Equine Platelet Concentrates
Authors: O'Shea Caitlin M. , Werre Stephen R. , Dahlgren Linda A.
Published: October 2014

Objective

(1) To compare the performance of 4 platelet counting technologies in equine platelet concentrates and (2) to evaluate the ability of the Magellan platelet rich plasma (PRP) system to concentrate equine platelets.

Study Design

Experimental study to assess method agreement.

Animals

Adult mixed breed horses (n = 32).

Methods

Acid citrate dextrose‐A anti‐coagulated whole blood was collected and PRP produced using the Magellan system according to the manufacturer's instructions. Platelets were quantified using 4 counting methods: optical scatter (Advia 2120), impedance (CellDyn 3700), hand counting, and fluorescent antibody flow cytometry. Platelet concentrations were compared using Passing and Bablok regression analyses and mixed model ANOVA. Significance was set at P < .05.

Results

Platelet concentrations measured in identical PRP samples were consistently higher for the Advia 2120 than the CellDyn 3700. Systematic and proportional biases were observed between these 2 automated methods when analyzed by regression analysis of the larger sample size. No bias (systematic or proportional) was observed among any of the other counting methods. Despite the bias detected between the 2 automated systems, there were no significant differences on average among the 4 counting methods evaluated, based on the ANOVA. The Magellan system consistently generated high platelet concentrations as well as higher than expected WBC concentrations.

Conclusions

The Magellan system delivered desirably high platelet concentrations; however, WBC concentrations may be unacceptably high for some orthopedic applications. All 4 platelet counting methods tested were equivalent on average and therefore suitable for quantifying platelets in equine PRP used for clinical applications.
Additive‐Free Synthesis of Cerium Oxide Nanorods with Reaction Temperature‐Tunable Aspect Ratios
Authors: Gernhart Zane C. , Marin Chris M. , Burke John J. , Sonnenfeld Kate O. , Cheung Chin Li
Published: October 2014

The ability to control the morphology of fluorite‐structured cerium oxide nanomaterials is an important step in the design of cerium oxide‐based catalysts. Herein, we report an additive‐free synthesis of cerium oxide nanorods with highly tunable aspect ratios from ~6:1 to 40:1. The use of a microwave hydrothermal method allows for both rapid synthesis and temperature control. The ability to control the length of the nanorods from <51 nm to >1.7 μm by varying only the reaction temperature was demonstrated over a temperature range of 80°C to 200°C. The formation of the resulting nanorods was investigated using selected‐area electron‐diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The surface area of nanorod products was found to decrease from 117 to 22 m2/g as the reaction temperature increased from 80°C to 200°C, complementing the general trend of the increasing aspect ratios of these products.
Do Managers Use Meeting Analyst Forecasts to Signal Private Information? Evidence from Patent Citations
Authors: Gunny Katherine , Zhang Tracey Chunqi
Published: October 2014

This study examines whether firms manage earnings to meet analyst forecasts to signal superior future performance. Prior research finds that firms use earnings management to just meet analyst forecasts and that these firms have a positive association with future performance (Bartov et al., 2002). There are two potential explanations for the positive association – signaling and attaining benefits that allow for better future performance (i.e., the real benefits explanation). Prior studies cannot provide evidence of signaling because they do not control for the real benefits explanation. Our research design enables us to control for the real benefits explanation because we can identify potential signaling firms within the sample of firms that just meet analyst forecasts. We use a unique database from the National Bureau of Economic Research to construct a proxy for the manager's belief about future firm value due to patents. We find that firms with more patent citations are more likely to just meet the analyst forecast and manage earnings to achieve this goal. We also find firms that just meet analyst forecasts with more patent citations have significantly better performance than firms with fewer patent citations, which is consistent with signaling and not the real benefits explanation.
A Model of Equity Based Compensation with Tax
Authors: Widdicks Martin , Zhao Jinsha
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we develop a two‐stage continuous time model of employee stock option (ESO) valuation under different tax regimes. We show that tax rules can have significant effects on ESO exercise behavior. In addition, we find that incentive stock options (ISO) are the optimal form of compensation for all levels of employees in the UK. In the US, restricted stock plans are preferred, and tax breaks offered by incentive schemes are only beneficial to employees with high liquid wealth (or small option holdings relative to wealth) or low risk aversion. We also analyze 83b elections for restricted stock plans in the US and find that making an election is a sub‐optimal decision for both the employee and the firm.
Landscape and climate determine patterns of spread for all colour morphs of the alien ladybird Harmonia axyridis
Authors: Purse Bethan V. , Comont Richard , Butler Adam , Brown Peter M. J. , Kessel Clare , Roy Helen E.
Published: October 2014

Aim

Understanding why some areas are more vulnerable to invasion by invasive alien species than others represents a key challenge in invasion biology. We investigated the roles of landscape, climate, proximity to initial invasion sites, recording intensity and colour pattern polymorphism in explaining the spread of the invasive ladybird Harmonia axyridis across Great Britain.

Location

The British mainland and inshore islands (Anglesey, Isle of Wight and the Inner Hebrides).

Methods

Patterns in time to invasion of H. axyridis were quantified at a hectad level (10 km grid squares) from over 23,000 records. Bayesian spatial survival models were developed relating spread patterns to concurrent patterns in climate, land cover and recording intensity. Separate models were developed for melanic (f. conspicua and f. spectabilis) and non‐melanic (f. succinea) colour forms that were hypothesized to differ in their response to climate factors, particularly temperature, and subsequent spread.

Results

Harmonia axyridis spread more rapidly into hectads containing a high proportion of urban land cover and marginally more slowly into hectads containing high conifer cover. Invasions were recorded more rapidly in hectads with high recording intensity, or that were close to initial invasion sites. Harmonia axyridis colour morphs spread to similar extents, although increased sunshine significantly enhanced the spread of the non‐melanic form (f. succinea). Correspondence between observed and predicted times of invasion from survival models was substantial (Pearson's rp for all H. axyridis colour forms = 0.834).

Main conclusions

The ability of H. axyridis to use a wide range of habitats and prey species and overwinter inside buildings may have allowed this species to establish rapidly in urban areas. Native ladybird species in urban areas may suffer combined negative impacts of habitat deterioration and competition from H. axyridis. Spatial survival models help us to identify areas vulnerable to invasion and to understand the impacts of multiple environmental drivers on the spread of invasive alien species, given detailed data on time to invasion.
Antihypertensive Medication Persistence 1‐Year Post‐Stroke Hospitalization
Authors: Boan Andrea D. , Egan Brent M. , Bachman David L. , Adams Robert J. , Feng Wuwei (Wayne) , Jauch Edward C. , Ovbiagele Bruce , Lackland Daniel T.
Published: October 2014

To optimize the translation of clinical trial evidence that antihypertensive treatment reduces recurrent stroke risk into clinical practice, it is important to assess the frequency of long‐term antihypertensive drug persistence after stroke and identify the factors associated with low persistence. Structured telephone interviews to determine antihypertensive regimen persistence 1‐year post‐stroke hospitalization were conducted in 270 stroke survivors, of which 212 (78.5%) were discharged on antihypertensive therapy (two thirds on >1 drug class). Continued use of any antihypertensive agent at 1 year of follow‐up was relatively high (87.3%); however, persistence on all or two or more drug classes prescribed at discharge was relatively low (38.7%). Continued use varied by drug class, with the highest rates among angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (69.1%) and the lowest rates among diuretic (24.4%) users. Black patients (adjusted odds ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.16–0.78) and those with a high comorbidity burden (adjusted odds ratio , 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.18–0.86) were less likely to exhibit persistence on prescribed treatments 1‐year post‐stroke hospitalization. These results indicate the need for further study to identify appropriate persistence of antihypertensive therapies for secondary stroke prevention and to investigate reasons for racial disparities in persistence on prescribed treatments in a real‐world clinical setting
Editorial: Trials and tribulations in child psychology and psychiatry: what is needed for evidence‐based practice
Authors: Stringaris Argyris
Published: October 2014

If your child had leukaemia you would be distraught. Yet, there would also be hope. Most children with a diagnosis of leukaemia start their treatment as part of ongoing trials. The clinical teams looking after such children are motivated, knowledgeable and work in centres that specialise in the treatment of this lethal illness. The results speak for themselves. Not only have the trials helped oncologists learn more about which treatments work best. For years we have known that those who enter trials do better than those patients with similar characteristics who don't. We have recently also learnt that trials improve survival rates in those cancers population wide: the annual reduction between 1978–2005 in risk of death from childhood cancers ranged from 2.7% to 12.0%. This cancer trial culture is a splendid example of British health care delivery. What is happening in child psychiatry, though? If your child had, say, depression you would have every reason to be distraught too. The mortality rate is higher than in the general population and the burden of disease in the long run heavier than that of cardiovascular illness or cancer. Yet, your child would not have access to a trial. Instead, you would probably struggle to have your child's depression recognised in the first place. The care you would get would be determined by extreme regional variations and by what resources are available to local services and often the ideology or preferences of practitioners.
Efficacy of topical tacrolimus for oral lichen planus: real‐life experience in a retrospective cohort of patients with a review of the literature
Authors: Ribero S. , Stieger M. , Quaglino P. , Hongang T. , Bornstein M.M. , Naldi L. , Borradori L.
Published: October 2014

Background and Objective

Management of oral lichen planus (OLP) is challenging and therapeutic options are limited. The use of topical tacrolimus has shown promising results. We reviewed our daily life experience with topical tacrolimus in OLP patients.

Methods

This retrospective unicentre study included all 21 patients with OLP, which were evaluated over a 53‐month period and treated with topical tacrolimus. Patients were initially given a topical preparation of 0.1% tacrolimus twice daily. The response to treatment was assessed using a 4‐point scale at month 2 and 6: complete response of affected area (CR), major remission (>50%, MR), partial remission (25–50%, PR) and either no response (<25%) or worsening. The pain score was also assessed using a 3‐point scale.

Results

Four of 21 patients (19%) showed a CR at month 2, whereas at month 6, 7 (33%) had a CR. For patients who reported MR (n = 2) and PR (n = 8) at month 2, the therapy was continued. Of those, at 6 months, three patients showed a CR, while four maintained a PR. The pain score improved during treatment. After 2 months of therapy, eight of 10 patients with an initial high pain score achieved a significant improvement. In patients starting with moderate pain an improvement was observed in one of seven patients. Overall, for three patients there was a complete loss of pain, while in nine there was a reduction. Except for transitory burning sensation and altered taste sensation, no relevant side‐effects were reported.

Conclusion

This retrospective analysis confirms that topical tacrolimus is a valuable therapeutic option in severe or treatment‐resistant OLP. Our findings in daily practice suggested nevertheless that the efficacy of topical tacrolimus is overestimated with regard to both complete response and pain reduction.
Novel life‐history data for threatened seahorses provide insight into fishery effects
Authors: Lawson J. M. , Foster S. J. , Lim A. C. O. , Chong V. C. , Vincent A. C. J.
Published: October 2014

Life‐history variables for three incidentally captured species of seahorse (Kellogg's seahorse Hippocampus kelloggi, the hedgehog seahorse Hippocampus spinosissimus and the three‐spot seahorse Hippocampus trimaculatus) were established using specimens obtained from 33 fisheries landing sites in Peninsular Malaysia. When samples were pooled by species across the peninsula, sex ratios were not significantly different from unity, and height and mass relationships were significant for all species. For two of these species, height at physical maturity (HM) was smaller than the height at which reproductive activity (HR) commenced: H. spinosissimus (HM = 99·6 mm, HR = 123·2 mm) and H. trimaculatus (HM = 90·5 mm, HR = 121·8 mm). For H. kelloggi, HM could not be estimated as all individuals were physically mature, while HR = 167·4 mm. It appears that all three Hippocampus spp. were, on average, caught before reproducing; height at 50% capture (HC) was ≥HM but ≤HR. The results from this study probe the effectiveness of assessment techniques for data‐poor fisheries that rely heavily on estimates of length at maturity, especially if maturity is poorly defined. Findings also question the sustainability of H. trimaculatus catches in the south‐west region of Peninsular Malaysia, where landed specimens had a notably smaller mean height (86·2 mm) and markedly skewed sex ratio (6% males) compared with samples from the south‐east and north‐west of the peninsula.
The Influence of Emotional Stress on Doppler‐derived Aortic Peak Velocity in Boxer Dogs
Authors: Pradelli D. , Quintavalla C. , Crosta M.C. , Mazzoni L. , Oliveira P. , Scotti L. , Brambilla P. , Bussadori C.
Published: October 2014

Background

Subaortic stenosis (SAS) is a common congenital heart disease in Boxers. Doppler‐derived aortic peak velocity (AoPV) is a diagnostic criterion for the disease.

Objectives

To investigate the influence of emotional stress during echocardiographic examination on AoPV in normal andSAS‐affected Boxers. To evaluate the effects of aortic root diameters on AoPV in normal Boxers.

Dogs

Two hundred and fifteen normal and 19SAS‐affected Boxers.

Methods

The AoPV was recorded at the beginning of echocardiographic examination (T0), and when the emotional stress of the dog was assumed to decrease based on behavioral parameters and heart rate (T1). AoPV0–AoPV1 was calculated. In normal dogs, stroke volume index was calculated at T0 and T1. Aortic root diameters were measured and their relationship with AoPV and AoPV0–AoPV1 was evaluated.

Results

In normal dogs, AoPV was higher at T0 (median, 1.95 m/s; range, 1.60–2.50 m/s) than at T1 (median, 1.76 m/s; range, 1.40–2.20 m/s;P < .0001; reduction 9.2%). The stroke volume index at T0 also was greater than at T1 (P < .0001). Weak negative correlations were detected between aortic root size and aortic velocities. InSAS‐affected dogs, AoPV0 was higher than AoPV1 (P < .0001; reduction 7.3%).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Aortic peak velocity was affected by emotional stress during echocardiographic examination both inSAS‐affected and normal Boxers. In normal Boxers, aortic root size weakly affected AoPVs, but did not affect AoPV0–AoPV1. Stroke volume seems to play a major role in stress‐related AoPV increases in normal Boxers. Emotional stress should be taken into account when screening forSASin the Boxer breed.
Detection of Different Serotypes of Salmonella enterica in Experimentally Inoculated Equine Fecal Samples by Commercially Available Rapid Tests
Authors: Burgess B.A. , Weller C.B. , Pabilonia K.L. , Bolte D.S. , Van Metre D.C. , Morley P.S.
Published: October 2014

Background

Salmonella enterica can significantly impact management of animal facilities. Comprehensive screening is essential for effective control in high‐risk populations. Availability of reliable point‐of‐care diagnostic tests would facilitate these efforts.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Compare the ability of commercially available rapid diagnostic assays (2 lateral flow immunoassays [LFIs], DNA hybridization [DNAH], real‐time PCR [qPCR]), and culture to detect common serotypes of S. enterica in feces.

Animals

n/a.

Methods

In an experimental study, 112 S. enterica isolates were randomly selected from the 10 most common serotypes recovered at a veterinary hospital. Archived isolates were amplified in broth and standardized inocula (100 colony forming units) were incubated with equine feces in tetrathionate broth (TET). Cultures were tested in a blinded fashion by using LFIs, DNAH, qPCR, and culture.

Results

The LFIs detected 84% and 67% of isolates, respectively, but reactivity varied among serotypes. Both reacted poorly with serotype Cerro (Group K) isolates, and 1 LFI did not react with any serotype Mbandaka (Group C1) or Montevideo (Group C1) isolates. DNAH detected 94% of isolates, whereas culture and qPCR most reliably detected all serotypes. False‐positive results were obtained for 4 negative controls by using DNAH and 1 negative control by using qPCR, but LFIs and culture had no false‐positive results.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Culture, qPCR, and DNAH were effective in detecting most Salmonella isolates, but have limited application at point‐of‐care settings. LFIs are appealing as point‐of‐care tests because of low cost and ease of use, but limited detection of some serotypes needs to be evaluated with samples obtained from naturally infected animals.
Investigation of Single and Paired Measurements of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone for the Diagnosis of Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction in Horses
Authors: Rendle D.I. , Duz M. , Beech J. , Parkin T. , Durham A.E.
Published: October 2014

Background

Paired measurement ofACTHconcentration may be more reliable than a single measurement.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine whether the mean of 2 measurements ofACTHconcentration is more reliable in assessing pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) than a single measurement.

Animals

PairedACTHmeasurements were performed on (1) 148 occasions from 124 horses being investigated forPPID, (2) 90 occasions from 76 horses withPPIDthat were receiving treatment with pergolide, and (3) 63 occasions from 50 horses in which there was no clinical suspicion ofPPID. Histologic examination of the pars intermedia was performed in 67 of the untreated horses.

Methods

Outcome of testing using single and the mean of paired samples was compared directly and both methods were compared against histology, which was considered the gold standard.

Results

PairedACTHmeasurement altered binary classification as healthy or diseased in 6 of 211 cases, all off which had equivocal initialACTHconcentrations between 20 and 39 pg/mL. Using histology as the gold standard, optimal sensitivity and specificity for diagnosingPPIDwere 69.4 and 80.9%, respectively, for a single measurement and 72.2 and 76.2%, respectively, for paired measurements. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.72 and 0.73 for single and paired measurements compared with histopathologic diagnosis, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Paired measurement ofACTHconcentration offers no advantage over a single measurement.
Diamond xenolith and matrix organic matter in the Sutter's Mill meteorite measured by C‐XANES
Authors: Kebukawa Yoko , Zolensky Michael E. , Kilcoyne A. L. David , Rahman Zia , Jenniskens Peter , Cody George D.
Published: October 2014

The Sutter's Mill (SM) meteorite fell in El Dorado County, California, on April 22, 2012. This meteorite is a regolith breccia composed of CM chondrite material and at least one xenolithic phase: oldhamite. The meteorite studied here, SM2 (subsample 5), was one of three meteorites collected before it rained extensively on the debris site, thus preserving the original asteroid regolith mineralogy. Two relatively large (10 μm sized) possible diamond grains were observed in SM2‐5 surrounded by fine‐grained matrix. In the present work, we analyzed a focused ion beam (FIB) milled thin section that transected a region containing these two potential diamond grains as well as the surrounding fine‐grained matrix employing carbon and nitrogen X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (C‐XANES and N‐XANES) spectroscopy using a scanning transmission X‐ray microscope (STXM) (Beamline 5.3.2 at the Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory). The STXM analysis revealed that the matrix of SM2‐5 contains C‐rich grains, possibly organic nanoglobules. A single carbonate grain was also detected. The C‐XANES spectrum of the matrix is similar to that of insoluble organic matter (IOM) found in other CM chondrites. However, no significant nitrogen‐bearing functional groups were observed with N‐XANES. One of the possible diamond grains contains a Ca‐bearing inclusion that is not carbonate. C‐XANES features of the diamond‐edges suggest that the diamond might have formed by the CVD process, or in a high‐temperature and ‐pressure environment in the interior of a much larger parent body.
Chromium isotopic systematics of the Sutter's Mill carbonaceous chondrite: Implications for isotopic heterogeneities of the early solar system
Authors: Yamakawa Akane , Yin Qing‐Zhu
Published: October 2014

Recent studies have shown that major meteorite groups possess their own characteristic 54Cr values, demonstrating the utility of Cr isotopes for identifying genetic relationships between the planetary materials in conjunction with other classical tools, such as oxygen isotopes. In this study, we performed Cr isotope analyses for whole rocks and chemically separated phases of the new CM2 chondrite, Sutter's Mill (SM 43 and 51). The two whole rocks of Sutter's Mill show essentially identical ε54Cr excesses (SM 43 = +0.95 ± 0.09ε, SM 51 = +0.88 ± 0.07ε), relative to the Earth. These values are the same within error with that of the CM2‐type Murchison (+0.89 ± 0.08ε), suggesting that parent bodies of Sutter's Mill and Murchison were formed from the same precursor materials in the solar nebula. Large ε54Cr excess of up to 29.40ε is observed in the silicate phase of Sutter's Mill, while that of Murchison shows 15.74ε. Importantly, the leachate fractions of both Sutter's Mill and Murchison form a steep linear anticorrelation between ε54Cr and ε53Cr, cross‐cutting the positive correlation previously observed in carbonaceous chondrites. The fact that L4 acid leachate fraction contains higher 54Cr excesses than that of L5 step designed to dissolve refractory minerals suggests that spinel is not a major 54Cr carrier. We also note that L5 contains 53Cr anomalies lower than the solar initial value, suggesting it carries a component of nucleosynthetic anomaly unrelated to the 53Mn decay. We have identified five endmember components of nucleosynthetic origin among the early solar system materials.
Localisation and interactions of the Vipp1 protein in cyanobacteria
Authors: Bryan Samantha J. , Burroughs Nigel J. , Shevela Dmitriy , Yu Jianfeng , Rupprecht Eva , Liu Lu‐Ning , Mastroianni Giulia , Xue Quan , Llorente‐Garcia Isabel , Leake Mark C. , Eichacker Lutz A. , Schneider Dirk , Nixon Peter J. , Mullineaux Conrad W.
Published: October 2014

The Vipp1 protein is essential in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts for the maintenance of photosynthetic function and thylakoid membrane architecture. To investigate its mode of action we generated strains of the cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 and Synechococcus sp. PCC7942 in which Vipp1 was tagged with green fluorescent protein at the C‐terminus and expressed from the native chromosomal locus. There was little perturbation of function. Live‐cell fluorescence imaging shows dramatic relocalisation of Vipp1 under high light. Under low light, Vipp1 is predominantly dispersed in the cytoplasm with occasional concentrations at the outer periphery of the thylakoid membranes. High light induces Vipp1 coalescence into localised puncta within minutes, with net relocation of Vipp1 to the vicinity of the cytoplasmic membrane and the thylakoid membranes. Pull‐downs and mass spectrometry identify an extensive collection of proteins that are directly or indirectly associated with Vipp1 only after high‐light exposure. These include not only photosynthetic and stress‐related proteins but also RNA‐processing, translation and protein assembly factors. This suggests that the Vipp1 puncta could be involved in protein assembly. One possibility is that Vipp1 is involved in the formation of stress‐induced localised protein assembly centres, enabling enhanced protein synthesis and delivery to membranes under stress conditions.
High calf mortality in bottlenose dolphins in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand–a local unit in decline
Authors: Tezanos‐Pinto Gabriela , Constantine Rochelle , Mourão Fabiana , Berghan Joanne , Scott Baker C.
Published: October 2014

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, have been studied for almost two decades. Since 2003, fewer than 150 dolphins visited the bay during each season and the local unit has declined 7.5% annually from 1997 to 2006. The causes of decline are unclear but probably include mortality and emigration. Here, we used a long‐term database to estimate reproductive parameters of female bottlenose dolphins including recruitment rates. A total of 704 surveys were conducted in which 5,577 sightings of 408 individually identified dolphins were collected; of these 53 individuals were identified as reproductive females. The calving rate increased between periods (1997–1999 = 0.13, CL = 0.07–0.21; 2003–2005 = 0.25, CL = 0.16–0.35 calves/reproductive female/year). A 0.25 calving rate suggests that on average, a female gives birth only once every four years, which is consistent with the estimated calving interval (4.3 yr, SD = 1.45) but still is lower than values reported for other populations. Conversely, apparent mortality rates to age 1+ (range: 0.34–0.52) and 2+ (range: 0.15–0.59) were higher than values reported elsewhere. The high apparent calf mortality in conjunction with a decline in local abundance, highlight the vulnerability of bottlenose dolphins in the Bay of Islands. Long‐term studies are required to understand the causes of high calf mortality and the decline in local abundance. Meanwhile, management should focus on minimizing sources of anthropogenic disturbance and enforcing compliance with current legislation.
Relative abundance of fetuin‐ A in peritoneal dialysis effluent and its association with in situ formation of calciprotein particles: An observational pilot study
Authors: Cai Michael MX , Wigg Belinda , Smith Edward R , Hewitson Timothy D , McMahon Lawrence P , Holt Stephen G
Published: October 2014

Aim

In patients with renal failure or chronic inflammation, the accumulation of fetuin‐A‐containing calciprotein particles (CPP) in the extracellular fluid has been implicated in driving inflammatory pathways and extraosseous mineral deposition. We aimed to discover whether CPP are present in the peritoneal dialysis fluid effluent (PDF) of stable peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, and if so, how these particles might be formed.

Methods

Serum and PDF were sampled from 20 stable PD patients. CPP were quantified by the reduction in fetuin‐A concentration after high speed centrifugation. 8‐iso‐PGF2α in PDF was measured as a marker of oxidative stress. Fetuin‐A and phosphate were added to commercially available dialysis fluids to assess their ability to support CPP formation ex vivo.

Results

We report that the major protein component of these mineral‐containing nanoparticles, fetuin‐A, is relatively abundant in PDF and that CPP were present in the PDF of 17/20 PD patients. PDF CPP levels were strongly correlated with 8‐iso‐PGF2α concentrations. In vitro experiments suggested that commonly used peritoneal dialysate fluids, irrespective of composition, could not sustain appreciable de novo CPP formation ex vivo.

Conclusion

Fetuin‐A is either actively transported or locally produced by the peritoneal membrane in PD patients. The association between fetuin‐A‐containing CPP and markers of oxidative stress warrants further mechanistic studies.
The endogenous nociceptin/orphanin FQ‐NOP receptor system as a potential therapeutic target for intestinal disorders
Authors: Agostini S. , Petrella C.
Published: October 2014

In 1995, by reverse pharmacology approach, used here for the first time in the history of pharmacology, nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) has been discovered as the endogenous ligand of a preidentified receptor named opioid receptor like 1. Subsequent studies showed that N/OFQ and its receptor (N/OFQergic system) are widely distributed in central and peripheral nervous systems as well as in peripheral organs of human and animals, and represent a system that is involved in a very large range of biological functions such as pain perception, intestinal motility and secretion, immune modulation, stress. From the time of its discovery to now, a high number of NOP agonists and antagonists have been synthesized and tested in various pathologies. Nevertheless, none of the molecules targeting N/OFQergic system have currently succeeded in going through clinical trials concerning gut pathologies, indicating that further studies are required. The work from Dr. Fichna et al., published in the present issue of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, adds another brick in the wall of understanding the role of N/OFQergic system in IBS‐D pathology by the pharmacological evaluation of a new NOP receptor agonist, SCH 221510, in animal models of intestinal alterations (diarrhea and visceral hyperalgesia). Interestingly, authors report clinical data confirming the involvement of N/OFQergic system in IBS‐D patients and, consequently, suggest this system as a valuable therapeutic target for IBS‐D pathology. This minireview aims to give a brief summary of experimental and clinical studies focusing on the N/OFQergic system as pharmacological target for the therapeutic treatment of intestinal pathologies such as IBS and IBD.
Independent and combined effects of heat and drought stress in the Seri M82 × Babax bread wheat population
Authors: Tahmasebi Sirous , Heidari Bahram , Pakniyat Hassan , Jalal Kamali Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2014

Heat and drought are the most important wheat production constraints worldwide. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the independent and combined effects of drought and heat in SeriM82/Babax population. Genotypes showed 11, 38 and 52% losses in grain yield (YLD) in 2010–11 and 18, 25 and 48% in 2011–12 under heat, drought and combined stress, respectively. Seri M82 had higher YLD than Babax under heat and combined stress. Grain per spike and canopy temperature at vegetative stage (CTv) in irrigated, day to heading and CT at grain‐filling stage (CTg) in drought, CTg and thousand‐grain weight (TGW) in heat and in combined trials were the best predictors of YLD. Results indicated that due to genotype by environment interactions not all stress‐adaptive traits could be accumulated in a single genotype. In general, day to heading, CTg and grain weight are suggested as indirect selection criteria for increasing YLD under heat and drought stresses. In particular, CTg could be used as a rapid and effective criterion for screening a high number of genotypes.