bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Labour patterns in Chinese women in Chongqing
Authors: Shi Q , Tan X‐Q , Liu X‐R , Tian X‐B , Qi H‐B
Published: September 2016

Objective

To obtain data on the characteristics of labour from a regional sample of Chinese parturients and to assess the pattern of progress of labour among nulliparous women.

Design

A prospective observational study.

Setting

The study was conducted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University.

Population

The final sample involved 1200 Chinese parturients with singleton, vertex and term gestation; spontaneous onset of labour; vaginal delivery; and without adverse perinatal outcomes.

Methods

A repeated‐measures analysis was used to depict labour curves while an interval‐censored regression was used to estimate the duration of labour centimetre by centimetre.

Main outcome measures

Labour curves and the duration of labour at the 50th and 95th percentiles.

Results

Among 1091 nulliparous women, 57.7% had cervical dilation of 3 cm or less at the time of admission, and the mean duration of the first stage of labour was 9.1 ± 3.3 hours. From 5 to 9 cm of cervical dilation it sometimes took more than 2 hours for dilation to advance 1 cm. No obvious inflection points appeared in the labour curve of Chinese nulliparae, and no deceleration was observed.

Conclusion

Progress of labour in Chinese parturients was more gradual than in their Western counterparts. Obstetric practice standards based on data generated from Western countries may not be appropriate for Chinese women.

Tweetable abstract

A prospective study has evaluated labour patterns in Chinese women using regional data from nulliparae.
Expression analysis of decapentaplegic gene in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Kim Seong‐Ryul , Choi Gwang‐Ho , Kim Kee‐young , Goo Tae‐Won , Kim Iksoo , Park Seung‐Won
Published: September 2016

The decapentaplegic (dpp) gene in Drosophila is involved in multiple developmental processes, and is a highly conserved among various eukaryotic species, including Bombyx mori. Although the gene has well been characterized in Drosophila species the B. mori dpp has not yet been functionally analyzed. In this study, we analyzed the expression pattern of B. mori dpp in 12 different developmental days/stages (7 days for fifth instar larvae, 2 days for spinning stage, 2 days for pupal stages, and 1 day for adults) in both male and female silkworms using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR). mRNA expression of B. mori dpp was much higher in the female larvae up to the mid‐stage of the fifth instar compared with the corresponding male larvae. Similarly, dpp expression also was much higher in females during the eclosion period than that in the corresponding male pupae. During the embryonic stage, the expression level of the dpp gene was much higher compared to that of adult stage in both male and female silkworms. These results suggest that the B. mori dpp gene plays multiple roles in the developmental of B. mori.
Oxidation Stability of O/W Emulsion Prepared with Linolenic Acid Enriched Diacylglycerol
Authors: Shin Jung‐Ah , Lee Mi‐Young , Lee Ki‐Teak
Published: September 2016

The sn‐1,3‐regiospecific Rhizomucor miehei lipase (Lipozyme RM IM) was employed to produce structured diacylglycerol (SL‐DAG), which contained 67.3 mol% DAG with 27.2 area% of C18:3. To investigate the oxidative stability of the SL‐DAG in emulsion form, 5% oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions were prepared with 200 and 400 ppm sinapic acid. It was shown that the hydroperoxide values of the control (without any antioxidant) was the highest (117.7 meq/L) on day 43 of storage and thereafter the value decreased. However, the emulsions with 200 and 400 ppm sinapic acid resulted in slow oxidation degree until day 64 of storage (30.3 and 7.3 meq/L, respectively). Aldehyde measurements for the 200 ppm sinapic acid emulsion (12.8 mmol/mol) and the 400 ppm sinapic acid emulsion (7.5 mmol/mol) also showed better oxidative stability than that for the 200 ppm catechin emulsion (27.4 mmol/mol) and the control (52.7 mmol/mol). Although the SL‐DAG in the emulsions contains high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, the degree of oxidation in the emulsions can be reduced when sinapic acid is used as an antioxidant.
Prevalence, Distribution, and Diversity of Salmonella spp. in Meat Samples Collected from Italian Slaughterhouses
Authors: Carraturo Federica , Gargiulo Giuseppe , Giorgio Antonella , Aliberti Francesco , Guida Marco
Published: September 2016

Recently worldwide food safety authorities indicated the rise of foodborne outbreaks linked to Salmonella: this highlighted the need to intensify monitoring and apply more targeted controls to help manage the spread of the disease. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and distribution of Salmonella serotypes in 7 slaughterhouses, located in different areas of Naples province (Regione Campania, Italy). Meat samples collected from the slaughterhouses were submitted for standardized microbiological analysis in 2015. Results of routine testing for Salmonella spp. were analyzed and then compared to biochemical and molecular evaluations. Salmonella spp. were detected in 12% of 320 samples examined (39/320) and the isolation rates ranged from 87% (32 samples) for raw poultry meat to 13% (7 samples) for pork meat. Biochemical serotyping showed that approximately 50% of the isolates belonged to Salmonella enterica serotype Choleraesuis. Rapid detection methods, such as molecular analysis (polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis), able to confirm food matrices contamination, represent a valid support to the fast identification of Salmonella species. A further aspect of the study consisted, indeed, on analyzing isolated strains through molecular evaluations. By amplifying bacterial DNA—using invA primers, selective for Salmonella—it was possible, in less than 3 h, to classify the isolates as Salmonella spp., confirming the results of microbiological outcomes. Results of distribution analysis, supported by rapid molecular approaches, showed the difficulty of reducing Salmonella risk on food chain. This emphasized the importance of periodic surveillance to prevent outbreaks.
Liver‐specific G0/G1 switch gene 2 (G0s2) expression promotes hepatic insulin resistance by exacerbating hepatic steatosis in male Wistar rats
Authors: Sugaya Yoshiyuki , Satoh Hiroaki
Published: September 2016

Background

Hepatic steatosis is strongly associated with insulin resistance. It has been reported that G0
/G1
switch gene 2 (G0s2) inhibits the lipolytic activity of adipose triglyceride lipase, which is a major lipase in the liver as well as in adipocytes. Moreover, G0s2 protein content is increased in the livers of high‐fat diet (HFD)‐fed rats. In the present study, we investigated the effect of hepatic G0s2 on insulin sensitivity in male Wistar rats.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were fed a 60% HFD for 4 weeks. After 3 weeks of feeding, rats were injected with adenovirus‐expressing green fluorescent protein (Ad‐GFP; control) or adenovirus‐expressing mouse G0s2 (Ad‐G0s2). On Day 7 after injection, a euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic clamp study was performed in rats fasted for 8 h.

Results

Body weight and fasting glucose levels were not significantly different between the Ad‐GFP and Ad‐G0s2 groups. During the clamp study, the glucose infusion rate required for euglycemia decreased significantly by 16% in the Ad‐G0s2 compared with Ad‐GFP group. The insulin‐suppressed hepatic glucose output increased significantly in the Ad‐G0s2 group, but the insulin‐stimulated glucose disposal rate was not significantly different between the two groups. Consistent with the clamp data, insulin‐stimulated phosphorylation of Akt decreased significantly in livers of rats injected with Ad‐G0s2. Furthermore, Oil Red O‐staining indicated that overexpression of G0s2 protein in the liver promoted hepatic steatosis by 2.5‐fold in HFD‐fed rats.

Conclusion

The results of the present study indicate that hepatic G0s2 protein may promote hepatic insulin resistance by exacerbating hepatic steatosis.
Identification of new key genes for type 1 diabetes through construction and analysis of protein–protein interaction networks based on blood and pancreatic islet transcriptomes
Authors: Safari‐Alighiarloo Nahid , Taghizadeh Mohammad , Tabatabaei Seyyed Mohammad , Shahsavari Soodeh , Namaki Saeed , Khodakarim Soheila , Rezaei‐Tavirani Mostafa
Published: September 2016

Background

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which pancreatic β‐cells are destroyed by infiltrating immune cells. Bilateral cooperation of pancreatic β‐cells and immune cells has been proposed in the progression of T1D, but as yet no systems study has investigated this possibility. The aims of the study were to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and identify key genes associated with T1D risk using a network biology approach.

Methods

Interactome (protein–protein interaction [PPI]) and transcriptome data were integrated to construct networks of differentially expressed genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and pancreatic β‐cells. Centrality, modularity, and clique analyses of networks were used to get more meaningful biological information.

Results

Analysis of genes expression profiles revealed several cytokines and chemokines in β‐cells and their receptors in PBMCs, which is supports the dialogue between these two tissues in terms of PPIs. Functional modules and complexes analysis unraveled most significant biological pathways such as immune response, apoptosis, spliceosome, proteasome, and pathways of protein synthesis in the tissues. Finally, Y‐box binding protein 1 (YBX1), SRSF protein kinase 1 (SRPK1), proteasome subunit alpha1/ 3, (PSMA1/3), X‐ray repair cross complementing 6 (XRCC6), Cbl proto‐oncogene (CBL), SRC proto‐oncogene, non‐receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC), phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase regulatory subunit 1 (PIK3R1), phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLCG1), SHC adaptor protein1 (SHC1) and ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 N (UBE2N) were identified as key markers that were hub‐bottleneck genes involved in functional modules and complexes.

Conclusions

This study provide new insights into network biomarkers that may be considered potential therapeutic targets.
Ventilator‐induced central venous pressure variation can predict fluid responsiveness in post‐operative cardiac surgery patients
Authors: Cherpanath T. G. V. , Geerts B. F. , Maas J. J. , de Wilde R. B. P. , Groeneveld A. B. , Jansen J. R.
Published: September 2016

Background

Ventilator‐induced dynamic hemodynamic parameters such as stroke volume variation (SVV) and pulse pressure variation (PPV) have been shown to predict fluid responsiveness in contrast to static hemodynamic parameters such as central venous pressure (CVP). We hypothesized that the ventilator‐induced central venous pressure variation (CVPV) could predict fluid responsiveness.

Methods

Twenty‐two elective cardiac surgery patients were studied post‐operatively on the intensive care unit during mechanical ventilation with tidal volumes of 6–8 ml/kg without spontaneous breathing efforts or cardiac arrhythmia. Before and after administration of 500mL hydroxyethyl starch, SVV and PPV were measured using pulse contour analysis by modified Modelflow®, while CVP was obtained from a central venous catheter positioned in the superior vena cava. CVPV was calculated as 100 × (CVPmax−CVPmin)/[(CVPmax + CVPmin)/2].

Results

Nineteen patients (86%) were fluid responders defined as an increase in cardiac output of ≥ 15% after fluid administration. CVPV decreased upon fluid loading in responders, but not in non‐responders. Baseline CVP values showed no correlation with a change in cardiac output in contrast to baseline SVV (r = 0.60, P = 0.003), PPV (r = 0.58, P = 0.005), and CVPV (r = 0.63, P = 0.002). Baseline values of SVV > 9% and PPV > 8% could predict fluid responsiveness with a sensitivity of 89% and 95%, respectively, both with a specificity of 100%. Baseline CVPV could identify all fluid responders and non‐responders correctly at a cut‐off value of 12%. There was no difference between the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of SVV, PPV, and CVPV.

Conclusion

The use of ventilator‐induced CVPV could predict fluid responsiveness similar to SVV and PPV in post‐operative cardiac surgery patients.
Going feral: Time and propagule pressure determine range expansion of Asian house geckos into natural environments
Authors: Barnett Louise K. , Phillips Ben L. , Hoskin Conrad J.
Published: September 2016

Upon establishment in a new area, invasive species may undergo a prolonged period of relatively slow population growth and spread, known as a lag period. Lag periods are, apparently, common in invasions, but studies of the factors that facilitate subsequent expansions are lacking in natural systems. We used 10 semi‐independent invasions of the Asian house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) to investigate which factors facilitate expansion of this human‐associated species across the urban–woodland interface. We conducted 590 surveys over 12 months on 10 transects running from the urban edge to 2 km into adjacent natural woodland. We recordedH. frenatusout to 2 km from the urban edge on nine of 10 transects, and at high abundance at many woodland sites. Body size, body condition, sex ratio and proportion of gravid females did not vary with distance from the urban edge, suggesting viable, self‐sustaining populations in natural habitats. The extent of expansion was, however, strongly dependent on propagule pressure (the abundance ofH. frenatusat the urban edge), and time (time sinceH. frenatusestablished in the urban area). The size of the urban area and the structure of the surrounding environment did not impact invasion. Our results show that an invasive species that is deemed ‘human‐associated’ over most of its range is invading natural habitats, and propagule pressure strongly controls the lag time in this system, a finding that echoes results for establishment probability at larger scales.
Umbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells are reduced in neonates born to women in spontaneous preterm labor
Authors: Gomez‐Lopez Nardhy , Romero Roberto , Xu Yi , Miller Derek , Unkel Ronald , C. MacKenzie Tippi , Frascoli Michela , Hassan Sonia S.
Published: September 2016

Problem

Preterm neonates are highly susceptible to infection. Neonatal host defense against infection seems to be maintained by the temporal presence of immunosuppressive CD71+ erythroid cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether umbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells are reduced in neonates born to women who undergo spontaneous preterm labor/birth.

Method of study

Umbilical cord blood samples (n=155) were collected from neonates born to women who delivered preterm with (n=39) and without (n=12) spontaneous labor or at term with (n=82) and without (n=22) spontaneous labor. Time‐matched maternal peripheral blood samples were also included (n=111). Mononuclear cells were isolated from these samples, and CD71+ erythroid cells were identified and quantified as CD3‐CD235a+CD71+ cells by flow cytometry.

Results

(i) The proportion of CD71+ erythroid cells was 50‐fold higher in cord blood than in maternal blood; (ii) a reduced number and frequency of umbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells were found in neonates born to women who underwent spontaneous preterm labor compared to those born to women who delivered preterm without labor; (iii) umbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells were fewer in neonates born to term pregnancies, regardless of the process of labor, than in those born to women who delivered preterm without labor; and (iv) no differences were seen in umbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells between neonates born to women who underwent spontaneous preterm labor and those born to women who delivered at term with labor.

Conclusion

Umbilical cord CD71+ erythroid cells are reduced in neonates born to women who had undergone spontaneous preterm labor.
Fragmentation gradients differentially affect the species range distributions of four taxonomic groups in semi‐deciduous Atlantic forest
Authors: da Silva Fernando R. , Rossa‐Feres Denise de Cerqueira
Published: September 2016

Human activities often cause habitat fragmentation and how forest fragments affect species range distributions has implications for ecology and conservation. However, few studies have considered communities within the same landscape. Here, we analyzed metacommunity structure to determine the range distributions for species in four taxonomic groups (amphibians, birds, social wasps, and trees) in a patchy landscape of semi‐deciduous Atlantic forest in southwestern Brazil. Although trees are a key component of the environment for animals in forested patches, the ranges of bird, wasp, and amphibian species did not change in concert with the species ranges of trees. The species ranges of amphibians and social wasps were unaffected by fragmentation gradients and exhibited independent distribution patterns (i.e., random structure). In contrast, birds and trees exhibited range turnover along different fragmentation gradients, indicating that species show idiosyncratic responses to abiotic factors (i.e., Gleasonian structure). For birds, some less‐resilient species occurred only in fragments with a large area of native vegetation at a radius of 5 km from the center of the sampled forest fragments, whereas other more stress‐tolerant species occurred only in sites with small areas of native vegetation. For trees, some later succession species (e.g., animal‐dispersed seeds) occurred only in fragments with high connectivity, whereas earlier‐recruiting species (e.g., wind‐dispersed seeds) occurred in fragments with low connectivity. Thus, determining the effects of human‐modified landscapes on species range distributions, even within the same landscape, might not be a trivial task.
Patterns of taxonomic and functional diversity of termites along a tropical elevational gradient
Authors: Nunes Cássio A. , Quintino André V. , Constantino Reginaldo , Negreiros Daniel , Reis Júnior Ronaldo , Fernandes Geraldo Wilson
Published: September 2016

Patterns of termite richness along elevation gradients may be related to different responses by termite functional groups to changes in environmental conditions. We investigated the distribution of termite species richness along an elevational gradient of cerrado and rupestrian grasslands in the Espinhaço Mountain Range, in Brazil. Fifty termite species were recorded, with the family Termitidae being dominant; 16 species are endemic to open areas of cerrado and 1 species, Cortaritermes rizzinii, is endemic and restricted to mountaintop grassland habitats. Termite richness declined with increasing elevation, with the main factors associated with the reduction being climactic (air temperature, air and soil humidity, and radiation) and vegetation variables. Different termite communities were found along the elevational gradient, which were also strongly influenced by changes in climate and vegetation. On the other hand, the same functional groups were present at the different elevations, although represented by different species.
Forest degradation and invasive species synergistically impactMimusops andongensis(Sapotaceae) in Lama Forest Reserve, Benin
Authors: Sinasson Gisèle K. S. , Shackleton Charlie M. , Glèlè Kakaï Romain L. , Sinsin Brice
Published: September 2016

Harvesting of Non‐Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) can threaten target species, especially those with limited distribution and density. Exploited species also face threats from habitat fragmentation, fire, and invasive species. We assessed the impact of human disturbances and invasive species on the population of a key multipurposeNTFPspecies,Mimusops andongensis, in Lama Forest reserve (Benin). The densities of adult trees and regenerative stems decreased with increasing degradation.Mimusops andongensiscontributed less to total tree density with increasing human disturbance. There were significantly fewerM. andongensisrecruits with increasing cover of invasiveChromolaena odorata. Smaller diameter individuals predominated in non‐degraded and moderately degraded sites while in degraded sites, the structure showed a negative exponential trend with the density of small diameter individuals being less than two trees/ha. Larger individuals were also rare in degraded sites. The low density of both mature trees and seedlings in degraded sites may undermine the long‐term viability ofM. andongensis, despite existing protection againstNTFPharvesting and other anthropogenic pressures. Management should emphasize facilitating recruitment subsidies and limiting the presence ofC.odorata.
Copeptin in obese children and adolescents: relationships to body mass index, cortisol and gender
Authors: Rothermel Juliane , Kulle Alexandra , Holterhus Paul‐Martin , Toschke Christina , Lass Nina , Reinehr Thomas
Published: September 2016

Objective

Copeptin has been reported to be associated with stress, obesity and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults. However, data in childhood are scarce. Therefore, we studied the relationships between copeptin, cortisol, puberty and parameters of the MetS in children.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Patients

A total of 51 obese children (10·8 ± 3·2 years, 39% male, 45% prepubertal, body mass index standard deviation score (BMI‐SDS) 2·77 ± 0·56) and 24 lean children of similar age, gender and pubertal stage.

Measurements

Copeptin, serum cortisol, 24‐h urinary free cortisol, BMI‐SDS and, as parameters of the MetS, insulin resistance index (HOMA), HbA1c, uric acids, blood pressure and lipids.

Results

Copeptin levels were significantly (P = 0·047) higher in obese children (5·8 ± 2·8pmol/l) compared to lean children (4·6 ± 2·2pmol/l). BMI‐SDS (β‐coefficient 0·38 ± 0·35, P =0·033), but not any parameter of the MetS, was significantly related to copeptin in multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for age, gender and pubertal stage. A 24‐h urinary free cortisol (β‐coefficient 0·13 ± 0·06, P < 0·001), but not serum cortisol, was significantly related to copeptin in multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for age, gender, pubertal stage and BMI‐SDS. Pubertal boys (6·6 ± 2·8pmol/l) demonstrated significantly (P = 0·042) higher copeptin levels compared to pubertal girls (4·8 ± 2·6pmol/l), while copeptin concentrations did not differ between prepubertal girls and boys.

Conclusions

Copeptin levels are related to 24‐h urinary free cortisol in obese children. Pubertal boys, but not prepubertal boys, demonstrated higher copeptin levels than girls, suggesting that sex hormones are involved in the regulation of copeptin levels. Further studies are necessary to understand the relationship between obesity, cortisol, gender, pubertal stage and copeptin levels.
Variable presentation of Fraser syndrome in two fetuses and a novel mutation in FRAS1
Authors: Nayak Shalini S. , Salian Smrithi , Shukla Anju , Mathew Mary , Girisha Katta M.
Published: September 2016

We report on a consanguineous family with three pregnancies affected with Fraser syndrome. We note severe brachydactyly is a manifestation of Fraser syndrome and found a novel homozygous splice site variation c.3293‐2A>T in FRAS1. We would like to highlight variable manifestations of Fraser syndrome and the presence of oligohydramnios in the antenatal period often makes prenatal diagnosis clinically challenging.
The impact of an expanded genetic testing program and selective oophorectomy on the incidence of ovarian cancer in West Pomerania
Authors: Menkiszak J. , Sopik V. , Chudecka‐Głaz A. , Domagała W. , Urasińska E. , Symonowicz H. , Majdanik E. , Waloszczyk P. , Sycz K. , Świniarska M. , Huzarski T. , Cybulski C. , Debniak T. , Oszurek O. , Lubinski J. , Narod S.A. , Gronwald J.
Published: September 2016

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of a regional population‐based genetic testing program on the incidence of ovarian cancer in West Pomerania. Between 1999 and 2010, a total of 37,552 women ages 35 to 70 were tested for three BRCA1 founder mutations at the outpatient genetics clinic of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Poland. A total of 641 women were found to carry a mutation (1.7%) and of these, 220 had a prophylactic oophorectomy (34.3%). A total of 12 women had an occult cancer diagnosed at the time of prophylactic oophorectomy (5.5%). We estimate that 26 more ovarian cancers would have been diagnosed by January 2015 in the absence of these oophorectomies and that an additional 25 cancers will be prevented in the future (total 51). During this period, 1611 ovarian cancers were diagnosed in the region; therefore we estimate that approximately 1.6% of ovarian cancers were prevented between 1999 and 2015 by our genetic testing program. We conclude that the prophylactic oophorectomies performed between 1999 and 2010 as a result of widespread BRCA1 mutation testing have reduced the incidence of ovarian cancer in Pomerania by a small amount (about 1.6%), and that the impact of genetic testing will increase in the coming years.
Safety and tolerability review of lorcaserin in clinical trials
Authors: Greenway F. L. , Shanahan W. , Fain R. , Ma T. , Rubino D.
Published: September 2016

Lorcaserin is a novel selective serotonin 2C receptor agonist indicated by the US Food and Drug Administration for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with ≥1 comorbidity. The safety and efficacy of lorcaserin were established during two Phase III clinical trials in patients without diabetes (BLOOM and BLOSSOM) and one Phase III clinical trial in patients with type 2 diabetes (BLOOM‐DM). Headache was the most common adverse event experienced by patients during all Phase III trials. Additional adverse events occurring in >5% of patients receiving lorcaserin included dizziness, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth and constipation in patients without diabetes, and hypoglycaemia, back pain, cough and fatigue in patients with diabetes. In a pooled analysis of echocardiographic data collected during the three lorcaserin Phase III trials, the incidence of FDA‐defined valvulopathy was similar in patients taking lorcaserin and the placebo. Here, the safety profile of lorcaserin at the FDA‐approved dose of 10 mg twice daily is reviewed using data from the lorcaserin Phase III programme, with a focus on theoretical adverse events commonly associated with agonists of the serotonin receptor family. Based on the lorcaserin Phase III clinical trial data, lorcaserin is safe and well tolerated in the indicated patient populations.
Evaluation of interstitial cells of Cajal in patients with severe colonic inertia requiring surgery: a clinical‐pathological study
Authors: Cohen M. , Cazals‐Hatem D. , Duboc H. , Sabate J.‐M. , Msika S. , Slove A. L. , Panis Y. , Coffin B.
Published: September 2016

Aim

Subtotal colectomy is the treatment of last resort in patients with severe colonic inertia (SCI) refractory to laxatives. Some studies have reported hypoplasia of the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) using a semi‐quantitative analysis. The aims of this study were first to investigate if semi‐quantitative analysis or morphometry is better at the quantification of colonic ICC and second to determine whether there is a relationship between the number of ICC and the severity of constipation.

Method

Clinical and pathological data from patients with subtotal colectomy for SCI were collected. Quantification of ICC using CD117 immunohistochemistry and morphometric methods was performed at three different colonic sites in patients and controls.

Results

Twenty patients had a colectomy for SCI. All were considered to have failed maximal medical treatment and 45% were hospitalized at least once for colonic obstruction due to faecaloma. Using a semi‐quantitative methodology, 30% of patients displayed ICC hypoplasia (< 7 per high power field) and all controls had normal ICC. Using morphometry, the percentage of colonic ICC was significantly less in patients compared with controls with no significant differences between the ascending, transverse and descending colonic segments. Overall 60% of patients had ICC hypoplasia (< 1% vs 20% of controls, P = 0.009). The severity of constipation was not related to the quantity of ICC.

Conclusion

In patients with SCI, morphometric analysis is more sensitive than semi‐quantitative analysis in the detection of ICC hypoplasia. The severity of constipation was not related to the quantity of ICC.
Low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound upregulates pro‐myelination indicators of Schwann cells enhanced by co‐culture with adipose‐derived stem cells
Authors: Yue Yuan , Yang Xingmei , Zhang Liang , Xiao Xun , Nabar Neel R. , Lin Yunfeng , Hao Liang , Zhang Dongjiao , Huo Jingyi , Li Jingle , Cai Xiaoxiao , Wang Min
Published: September 2016

Objectives

Peripheral nerve injuries are a common occurrence, resulting in considerable patient suffering; it also represents a major economic burden on society. To improve treatment options following peripheral nerve injuries, scientists aim to find a way to promote Schwann cell (SC) myelination to help nerves to carry out their functions effectively. In this study, we investigated myelination ability of SCs, regulated by co‐culture with adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) or low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), and synergistic effects of combined treatments.

Materials and methods

Schwann cells were co‐cultured with or without ASCs, and either left untreated or treated with LIPUS for 10 min/d for 1, 4 or 7 days. Effects of LIPUS and ASC co‐culture on pro‐myelination indicators of SCs were analysed by real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR), Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining (IF).

Results

Our results indicate that ASC‐SC co‐culture and LIPUS, together or individually, promoted mRNA levels of epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (EGFR3/ErbB3), neuregulin1 (NRG1), early growth response protein 2 (Egr2/Krox20) and myelin basic protein (MBP), with corresponding increases in protein levels of ErbB3, NRG1 and Krox20. Interestingly, combination of ASC‐SC co‐culture and LIPUS displayed the most remarkable effects.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that ASCs upregulated pro‐myelination indicators of SCs by indirect contact (through co‐culture) and that effects could be potentiated by LIPUS. We conclude that LIPUS, as a mechanical stress, may have potential in nerve regeneration with potential clinical relevance.
Understanding Examinees’ Responses to Items: Implications for Measurement
Authors: Embretson Susan E.
Published: September 2016

Examinees' thinking processes have become an increasingly important concern in testing. The responses processes aspect is a major component of validity, and contemporary tests increasingly involve specifications about the cognitive complexity of examinees' response processes. Yet, empirical research findings on examinees' cognitive processes are not often available either to provide evidence for validity or to guide the design or selection of items. In this article, studies and developments from the author's research program are presented to illustrate how empirical studies on examinees' thinking processes can impact item and test design.
Thoughts on a Multidimensional Middle School Index of College Readiness
Authors: Mattern Krista , Allen Jeff , Camara Wayne
Published: September 2016

The findings of the Gaertner and McClarty article (2015) raised awareness on two extremely important topics related to college readiness: First, to effect change, we must measure students' progression towards college readiness throughout their K‐12 career rather than just at the culmination of high school. Second, college readiness encompasses more than academic preparation, and indices can be designed to weight additional factors according to their prediction of readiness. The reply by Lazowski, Barron, Kosovich, and Hulleman (this issue) added to the conversation by raising important issues around the measurement of motivation. In this reply, we provide our own thoughts on college and career readiness and offer ideas for additional work to further the development of college and career readiness indices.
Background Predation Risk and Learned Predator Recognition in Convict Cichlids: Does Risk Allocation Constrain Learning?
Authors: Joyce Brendan J. , Demers Ebony E. , Ferrari Maud C. O. , Chivers Douglas P. , Brown Grant E.
Published: September 2016

Exposure to elevated levels of background predation risk is known to shape the behavioural response of prey organisms to known and unknown predation threats. However, less is known regarding the effects of background predation risk on predator recognition learning. Here, we test the potential effects of elevated background predation risk on the strength and retention of learned predator recognition in juvenile convict cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata). In a series of laboratory trials, we exposed shoals of juvenile cichlids to conditions of elevated (vs. low) levels of background risk and then conditioned them to recognize a novel predator odour (rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss). The results of our first experiment demonstrate that despite showing reduced response intensities during initial conditioning (due to risk allocation), conditioned cichlids from high vs. low background risk show similar intensities of learned recognition when tested 24 h post‐conditioning. Moreover, elevated levels of background risk induced a predator avoidance response among unconditioned cichlids (due to induced neophobia). Our second experiment demonstrates that while we find no difference in the strength of learning when tested 24 h post‐conditioning, retention of acquired recognition is enhanced among cichlids from the high background predation risk treatment. Together, our results highlight the complex interacting effects past experience plays in shaping the response to acute predation threats.
The Global Vision Database – modeling the current and changing burden of eye disease
Authors: Bourne R.
Published: September 2016

The Global Vision Database has been established by an international consortium of 79 ophthalmologists and optometrists with an interest in the epidemiology of eye disease (The Vision Loss Expert Group, VLEG). This is an extremely comprehensive database of high quality population‐based prevalence eye surveys, dating from 1980 to 2015 from published and unpublished sources. The VLEG have published estimates of numbers blind and vision impaired by region worldwide by age, by sex and by cause. Working with the World Health Organisation, the group has been able to model the change in cause‐specific prevalence of vision loss over time, reporting recently the reduction in age‐standardised blindness prevalence over this time period. This talk will describe the project, the model used and the most recent findings and projections and introduce the audience to the visualisations project that makes this data accessible to any internet user.
Magnificat
Authors: Missotten L.
Published: September 2016

We will present some evidence showing that the use of a magnifying glass started in Greece in the fifth century BC.
Optical properties of the lens: an explanation for the zones of discontinuity
Authors: Pierscionek B. , Bahrami M. , Hoshino M. , Regini J. , Uesugi K. , Yagi N.
Published: September 2016

Zones of discontinuity seen in living healthy human lenses when they are viewed using biomicroscopy are not understood from structural or functional perspectives. They scatter light but do not impede or impair vision and there are no known structures that could explain their presence. Previous methods that measured changes in the optical property of refractive index and changes across the tissue in refractive index that create the gradient index structure did not detect any variations that could be related to the zones of discontinuity. Recent work undertaken at the SPring‐8 synchrotron using an X‐ray Talbot interferometer has enabled the most detailed measurements of refractive index to date to be undertaken. The results show subtle fluctuations in the refractive index suggesting step changes in the gradient. When these step changes or contours were inserted into lens models and subjected to a computational analysis that simulated the effects of biomicroscopic viewing, the zones of discontinuity were recreated. This is the first known evidence linking the refractive index to these features. It provides an explanation for their structure. The functional implications and potential for future implant design need to be explored.
In the neuro‐ophthalmology clinic…
Authors: Smith R.
Published: September 2016

a. Clinical case discussions: presentation of clinical cases and application of visual electrophysiology test.

A number of clinical cases where visual electrophysiology tests played an important part in the diagnosis or management of patients in the neuro‐ophthalmology clinic will be discussed.
Clinical evaluation in orbital tumors
Authors: Mouriaux F.
Published: September 2016

The ocular examination should include the best‐corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure. A neuro‐ophthalmologic examination, including motor and sensory functions, pupillary examination should also be done. During biomicroscopy, the integrity of the corneal and conjunctiva should be checked. Fully dilated indirect ophthalmoscopy should be performed because many orbital diseases cause a wide variety of fundunscopic changes. The major fundal manifestations of a space‐occupying mass in the orbit include retinal folds, retinal vascular changes and optic disk edema and/or atrophy

The external examination of the patient should assess the facial features and critically evaluate the symmetry of ocular, eyelid, and orbital structures. Physical examination of the periorbital structures should include inspection of appearance and function, which are commonly altered by a space‐occupying lesion in the orbit. The most important structural feature to rate in the examination of an orbit is proptosis, which is also known as exophthalmos, protrusion, or the displacement of the globe beyond the orbital rim. The position of the visual axis in a proptotic eye may provide useful information.
Homo heidelbergensis: the oldest case of odontogenic orbital cellulitis?
Authors: Ascaso F. , Adiego M.I.
Published: September 2016

Homo heidelbergensis, an extinct species of the genus Homo, is probably the ancestor of Homo sapiens in Africa and the Neanderthals in Europe. In 1992, one the most complete and best preserved ancient hominid skulls ever found was discovered in a Middle Pleistocene cave called the Sima de los Huesos, Atapuerca site (Spain). Skull 5 dates back to 350,000 to 500,000 years ago and represents a nearly complete Homo heidelbergensis cranium. An extensive osteitis on the left maxilla, a worm‐like pattern on the orbital roof and several dental lesions with remodelling and recession of the alveolar crest were described. Computed tomography (CT) images identified a maxillar fracture and determined the timing of the pathological events. These findings suggest that an ongoing serious infection might had been present in this individual at the time of death and that it was very likely the cause of death from a generalized sepsis. The infection would have spread from the dental abscess into the ipsilateral orbit. In a ‘pre‐antibiotic era’, the lack of sinus and orbital drainage might have led to intracranial infection or sepsis. We will discuss the anatomic pathways by which dental infection could spread to the orbit in what seems to be the first documented case of orbital cellulitis.
Treatment of conjunctival tumours
Authors: Caujolle J.P.
Published: September 2016

The treatment of benign and premalignant conjunctival tumors can be done by excisional biopsy and/or chemotherapy.

However, the treatment of malignant conjunctival tumors by only surgical excision has a high local recurrence and mortality rate. Progressively, additional treatments to the surgery have been suggested. Notably, different radiotherapy technics have improved the prognosis.

The main therapeutic basis are:

In case of premalignant tumors, depending on the histologic diagnosis and surgical margin you could have to use an additional chemotherapy.

If the diagnosis of malignant tumor is confirmed additional radiotherapy treatment must be used depending on the localization of the tumors and your habits: Conventional radiotherapy, brachytherapy or proton beam therapy with specific improvements in order to tailor the treatment to conjunctival tumors.

When a conjunctival melanoma is suspected, the surgery must be performed under general anesthesia. The excision must be carefully done to avoid spreading of tumor cells with the instruments during the excisional biopsy.
Endoresection or not?
Authors: Bechrakis N.E.
Published: September 2016

Eye salvaging treatment of large uveal melanomas by primary irradiation bear the risk of severe secondary complications due to tumour regression. The so called „toxic tumour syndrome’ comprises a multitude of such problems such as retinal detachment, ocular ischemia, melanomalytic reactions, secondary glaucoma either by neovascularization or by tumour debris deposition or both. Surgical resection of tumours addresses these issues. Surgical resection can be performed either as an endoresection or as by means of transscleral resection. Both surgical procedures are challenging and pose by themselves some risks, which need to be addressed appropriately.
Infectious uveitis
Authors: Pleyer U.
Published: September 2016

Based on the anatomical involvement of the eye intraocular inflammation is classified into anterior, intermediate, posterior and panuveitis. All subtypes of uveitis are potentially related to infectious and noninfectious etiologies.

This presentation will assist the participants in accurately diagnosing uveitis in a step latter approach including physical and laboratory investigations.

In addition, a tailored approach based on confounding clinical observations with specialized investigations will help to further differentiate clinical entities. In cases of suspected intraocular infections the option of intraocular fluid evaluation for antibody testing and polymerase chain testing against the causative agent will be presented. Taken together, this part of the course will provide a rational decision‐making strategy for diagnosis of patients with uveitis.
The cataract surgeon and the anterior interface
Authors: Tassignon M.‐J.
Published: September 2016

Performing a posterior capsulorhexis on a routine basis related to the implantation of the bag‐in‐the‐lens IOL has opened new frontiers in helping understanding the Berger space and its relation with the vitreous. It is only recent that this space could be observed life during surgery thanks to new OCT devices. This observation may open new understandings on the pathogenesis of vitreo‐retinal complications after cataract surgery.
Counting retinal neurons in the adult rat retina
Authors: Vidal‐Sanz M. , Jiménez‐López M. , Nadal‐Nicolás F.M. , Ortín‐Martínez A. , Valiente‐Soriano F.J. , Rovere G. , Salinas‐Navarro M. , Avilés‐Trigueros M. , Agudo‐Barriuso M. , Villegas‐Pérez M.P.
Published: September 2016

We study in adult albino rats long‐term effects on the ganglion cell and photoreceptor layers of the retina after ocular hypertension (OHT) or introarbital optic nerve transection (IONT). OHT was induced by lasering limbar tissues while IONT was performed at 0.5 mm from the optic disc (OD). The ganglion cell layer (GCL) was investigated in wholemounts to identify, count and map RGCs (identified with Fluorogold labelling, or Brn3a or melanopsin (m) antibodies), cells in the GCL (DAPI‐staining to detect nuclei in this layer or calretintin antibodies to identify displaced amacrine cells). The distribution of S‐ and L‐cones was studied in wholemounts immunoreacted for S‐ and L‐opsin. Following OHT there were significant diminutions of orthotopic and displaced Brn3a+RGCs in pie‐shaped sectors. These sectors had large numbers of DAPI+nuclei, calretinin+cells and m+RGCs. The S‐ and L‐cone populations diminished to 65 and 80%, or to 20 and 35% at 1 or 6 months, respectively, indicating severe cone loss. IONT resulted at 15 days in massive loss of Brn3a+RGCs or m+RGCs throughout the retina and at 15 months the loss represented <1 or 35% of the original populations, respectively, indicating a greater survival for m+RGCs.
Vitrectomy in treatment naive diabetic macular edema
Authors: Michalewska Z. , Michalewski J. , Bednarski M. , Nawrocki J.
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the potential benefit of vitrectomy in treatment naïve diabetic macular edema (DME).

Methods

A retrospective, clinical study of 44 consecutive patients with treatment‐naïve DME. SD‐OCT was performed before and after vitrectomy with inner limiting membrane peeling. Main outcome measures were final visual acuity, final central retinal thickness, need for repeated therapy.

Results

The follow up period ranged from 8 to 48 months. Overall, 31% of patients gained more than two lines and 84% of patients gained at least one Snellen line, and decreased by one Snellen line in one eye. Average central retinal thickness decreased from 595 to 266 μm at the end of follow up (p < 0.001). Final visual acuity was inversely associated with duration of diabetes (p = 0.01) and presence of epiretinal membrane (p = 0.02) and initial visual acuity (0.03). Reappearance of macular edema was noted in three cases (6%), one of which received anti‐VEGF treatment.

Conclusion

Vitrectomy may result in long lasting, satisfactory anatomical and functional results in treatment‐naïve DME and may be more convenient than multiple intravitreal injections, especially for patients with transportation difficulties.
The pathogenic role of LRG1 in ocular neovascularisation: From discovery to targeted therapy
Authors: Greenwood J.
Published: September 2016

We have reported that the secreted glycoprotein, leucine‐rich alpha‐2‐glycoprotein 1 (LRG1), promotes neovascularisation in various models of ocular disease (Wang et al., Nature 2014; 499: 306–311). LRG1 is up‐regulated in many disease conditions and mediates its pro‐angiogenic effect by modifying the TGFß signalling network. Loss of LRG1, or blocking its biological activity, results in attenuation of neovascular complications in the rodent models of laser‐induced choroidal neovascularisation and oxygen‐induced retinopathy. Recently, we have observed that loss of LRG1 results in vessel normalisation, suggesting that in the pathological setting LRG1 corrupts the normal physiological angiogenic process. Early indications suggest that LRG1 interferes with vascular recruitment of pericytes resulting in failure of vessel maturation. These findings have important implications in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy where there is a need to promote a normal functioning vasculature. Consistent with the concept of LRG1 causing vascular dysfunction, we have additionally observed that loss of LRG1 reduces vascular permeability in ocular inflammation. Together these findings have led us to develop a humanised blocking antibody that will be taken into clinical trials for the treatment of wet age‐related macular degeneration. In this seminar I will present our work on LRG1 in ocular disease and describe the development of an anti‐LRG1 therapeutic for clinical use.
Developing new treatments for inherited retinal degenerations
Authors: Maclaren R.
Published: September 2016

Retinal diseases are currently the leading causes of untreatable blindness in Europe. Most commonly, incurable blindness occurs when photoreceptors are lost and therapeutic strategies therefore aim to prevent photoreceptor cell death by genetic correction of single gene disorders. Once photoreceptors have degenerated, alternative strategies are required to regenerate the retina using biological approaches and subretinal electronic devices have also shown great promise in demonstrating that blindness may be potentially reversible. This lecture will provide an update on the application of scientific discovery in clinical trials for retinal degeneration and provide insight into the fascinating age of discovery that lies ahead.