bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate moderates release from nutrient limitation in natural annual plant communities
Authors: Dwyer John M. , Hobbs Richard J. , Wainwright Claire E. , Mayfield Margaret M.
Published: February 2015

Aim

To assess the combined influences of nutrient enrichment, invasive species and climate on assembly processes in natural annual plant communities.

Location

South‐west Western Australia.

Methods

A comprehensive survey of winter annual plant communities (more than a thousand communities sampled in total) was undertaken across a natural moisture availability gradient in phosphorus (P)‐limited York gum woodlands exposed to different levels of anthropogenic P enrichment. Three key functional traits (height, seed mass and specific leaf area) were measured incorporating intraspecific variation. Community richness, dominance of exotic species and trait distributions were investigated along local nutrient and regional climate gradients using hierarchical linear models. Results were assessed against expectations of moisture‐regulated release from nutrient limitation based on trade‐off theories and experimental findings of synergistic water and nutrient effects.

Results

Consistent with theoretical expectations, we identified significant interactions between local P levels and regional moisture availability for many of the response variables examined. Specifically, in communities exposed to both high P and high moisture we found: (1) reduced species richness, (2) high dominance of exotic species, (3) increases in community mean trait values and (4) strongly narrowing trait ranges. These results are consistent with competitive exclusion (via light competition). In naturally low‐P situations we also identified shifting trait distributions and narrowing ranges as moisture stress increased, a finding consistent with environmental filtering.

Main conclusion

In this P‐ and water‐limited system, plant community responses to P enrichment are contingent on regional moisture availability in a non‐additive fashion. The most dramatic changes are seen under high‐P and high‐moisture conditions, i.e. where productivity is high and light has become a major limiting resource. By empirically validating theory, this study enhances our ability to predict ecological responses to multifaceted drivers of global change.
A model quantifying global vegetation resistance and resilience to short‐term climate anomalies and their relationship with vegetation cover
Authors: De Keersmaecker Wanda , Lhermitte Stef , Tits Laurent , Honnay Olivier , Somers Ben , Coppin Pol
Published: February 2015

Aim

In order to mitigate the ecological, economical and social consequences of future climate change, we must understand and quantify the response of vegetation to short‐term climate anomalies. There is currently no model that quantifies vegetation resistance and resilience at a global scale while simultaneously taking climate variability into account. The goals of this study were therefore to develop a standardized indicator of short‐term vegetation resilience and resistance to drought and temperature anomalies, and to improve our understanding of vegetation resistance and resilience in drought‐sensitive areas by linking metrics of vegetation stability to the percentage of tree cover, non‐tree vegetation and bare soil.

Location

Global.

Methods

The deviation of vegetation behaviour from expectations was quantified using anomalies in the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and modelled as a function of (1) past NDVI anomalies, (2) an instantaneous drought indicator and (3) temperature anomalies. Metrics of resistance and resilience were then extracted from the model and related to the percentages of bare soil, non‐tree vegetation and tree cover.

Results

Comparisons of the globally derived resilience and resistance metrics showed low resilience and low resistance to drought in semi‐arid areas, low resistance to negative temperature anomalies in high‐latitude areas, and low resistance to positive temperature anomalies in the Sahel and Australia. In drought‐sensitive areas, resilience was highest for vegetation types with 3–20% bare soil and 5–15% tree cover.

Main conclusions

Our ARx model is the first to simultaneously derive vegetation resistance and resilience metrics at a global scale, explicitly taking into account the spatial variability of short‐term climate anomalies and data reliability. Its results highlight the impact of tree cover, non‐tree vegetation and bare soil on vegetation resilience.
Disentangling the effects of land‐use change, climate and CO2 on projected future European habitat types
Authors: Lehsten Veiko , Sykes Martin T. , Scott Anna Victoria , Tzanopoulos Joseph , Kallimanis Athanasios , Mazaris Antonios , Verburg Peter H. , Schulp Catharina J. E. , Potts Simon G. , Vogiatzakis Ioannis
Published: February 2015

Aim

To project the potential European distribution of seven broad habitat categories (needle‐leaved, broad‐leaved, mixed and mediterranean forest, urban, grassland and cropland) in order to assess effects of land use, climate change and increase in CO2 on predicted habitat changes up to the year 2050.

Location

Europe.

Method

We modelled the response of European vegetation to changes in land use, climate and CO2 by combining the land‐use model Dyna‐CLUE (based on the CORINE land‐cover data) and the dynamic vegetation model LPJ‐GUESS. Two reforestation options were explored: maintaining the current range of tree species (EFI) or promoting naturally occurring tree species (NAT). Climate data from two general circulation models and two SRES scenarios (A2 and B1) were used. The broad habitat types were classified according to a combination of land use and the dominant plant species.

Results

Our models predicted that croplands and grasslands are expected to decrease due to land‐use change. Although climate change has a negative effect on needle‐leaved forest, it is expected to maintain its area or even increase in the EFI reforestation option while mediterranean, broad‐leaved and mixed forests are expected to increase markedly. All investigated drivers have shown some effect, but land use is the dominant contributor to broad habitat change except for needle‐leaved and mixed which are mainly influenced by climate change.

Main conclusions

Land use is predicted to have the greatest effect on broad habitat distribution according to our simulations. Hence in most parts of Europe mitigating actions should focus on land‐use change rather than climate change. According to our simulation, the effects of the different drivers are not in general additive. In some cases they act synergistically and in some cases antagonistically. The projected habitat changes are a valuable tool for species distribution modelling and are available online.
Scanning electron microscopy analysis of hair index on Karachi's population for social and professional appearance enhancement
Authors: Ali N. , Zohra R. R. , Qader S. A. U. , Mumtaz M.
Published: February 2015

Synopsis

Objective

Hair texture, appearance and pigment play an important role in social and professional communication and maintaining an overall appearance. This study was especially designed for morphological assessment of hair damage caused to Karachi's population due to natural factors and cosmetic treatments using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique.

Methods

Hair samples under the study of synthetic factor's effect were given several cosmetic treatments (hot straightened, bleached, synthetic dyed and henna dyed) whereas samples under natural factor's effect (variation in gender, age and pigmentation) were left untreated. Morphological assessment was performed using SEM technique. Results obtained were statistically analysed using minitab 16 and spss 18 softwares.

Results

Scanning electron microscopy images revealed less number of cuticular scales in males than females of same age although size of cuticular scales was found to be larger in males than in females. Mean hair index of white hair was greater than black hair of the same head as it is comparatively newly originated. Tukey's method revealed that among cosmetic treatments, bleaching and synthetic henna caused most of the damage to the hair.

Conclusion

Statistical evaluation of results obtained from SEM analysis revealed that human scalp hair index show morphological variation with respect to age, gender, hair pigmentation, chemical and physical treatments. Individuals opting for cosmetic treatments could clearly visualize the extent of hair damage these may cause in long run.
Salt‐inducible kinase 3 deficiency exacerbates lipopolysaccharide‐induced endotoxin shock accompanied by increased levels of pro‐inflammatory molecules in mice
Authors: Sanosaka Masato , Fujimoto Minoru , Ohkawara Tomoharu , Nagatake Takahiro , Itoh Yumi , Kagawa Mai , Kumagai Ayako , Fuchino Hiroyuki , Kunisawa Jun , Naka Tetsuji , Takemori Hiroshi
Published: January 2015

Macrophages play important roles in the innate immune system during infection and systemic inflammation. When bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binds to Toll‐like receptor 4 on macrophages, several signalling cascades co‐operatively up‐regulate gene expression of inflammatory molecules. The present study aimed to examine whether salt‐inducible kinase [SIK, a member of the AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) family] could contribute to the regulation of immune signal not only in cultured macrophages, but also in vivo. LPS up‐regulated SIK3 expression in murine RAW264.7 macrophages and exogenously over‐expressed SIK3 negatively regulated the expression of inflammatory molecules [interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), nitric oxide (NO) and IL‐12p40] in RAW264.7 macrophages. Conversely, these inflammatory molecule levels were up‐regulated in SIK3‐deficient thioglycollate‐elicited peritoneal macrophages (TEPM), despite no impairment of the classical signalling cascades. Forced expression of SIK3 in SIK3‐deficient TEPM suppressed the levels of the above‐mentioned inflammatory molecules. LPS injection (10 mg/kg) led to the death of all SIK3‐knockout (KO) mice within 48 hr after treatment, whereas only one mouse died in the SIK1‐KO (n = 8), SIK2‐KO (n = 9) and wild‐type (n = 8 or 9) groups. In addition, SIK3‐KO bone marrow transplantation increased LPS sensitivity of the recipient wild‐type mice, which was accompanied by an increased level of circulating IL‐6. These results suggest that SIK3 is a unique negative regulator that suppresses inflammatory molecule gene expression in LPS‐stimulated macrophages.
Optimal consensus models for group decision making under linguistic preference relations
Authors: Xu Yejun , Sun Hao , Wang Huimin
Published: February 2015

This paper proposes an optimal consensus model to derive weights for linguistic preference relations (LPRs). Two indexes, an individual‐to‐group consensus index (ICI) and a collective consensus index (CCI), are introduced. An iterative algorithm is presented to describe the consensus reaching process. By changing the weights and modifying a pair of individuals' comparison judgments—which have largest deviation value to the group judgments—the consensus reaching process can terminate, while both ICI and CCI are controlled with predefined thresholds. The algorithm aims to preserve the decision makers’ original information as much as possible. The model and algorithm are then extended to handle the uncertain additive LPRs. Finally, two examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
A continental‐scale analysis of feral cat diet in Australia
Authors: Doherty Tim S. , Davis Robert A. , van Etten Eddie J. B. , Algar Dave , Collier Neil , Dickman Chris R. , Edwards Glenn , Masters Pip , Palmer Russell , Robinson Sue
Published: February 2015

Aim

Reducing the impacts of feral cats (Felis catus) is a priority for conservation managers across the globe, and success in achieving this aim requires a detailed understanding of the species’ ecology across a broad spectrum of climatic and environmental conditions. We reviewed the diet of the feral cat across Australia and on Australian territorial islands, seeking to identify biogeographical patterns in dietary composition and diversity, and use the results to consider how feral cats may best be managed.

Location

Australia and its territorial islands.

Methods

Using 49 published and unpublished data sets, we modelled trophic diversity and the consumption of eight food groups against latitude, longitude, mean temperature, precipitation, environmental productivity and climate‐habitat regions.

Results

We recorded 400 vertebrate species that feral cats feed on or kill in Australia, including 28 IUCN Red List species. We found evidence of continental‐scale prey‐switching from rabbits to small mammals, previously recorded only at the local scale. The consumption of arthropods, reptiles, rabbits, rodents and medium‐sized native mammals varied with different combinations of latitude, longitude, mean annual precipitation, temperature and environmental productivity. The frequency of rodents and dasyurids in cats’ diets increased as rabbit consumption decreased.

Main conclusions

The feral cat is an opportunistic, generalist carnivore that consumes a diverse suite of vertebrate prey across Australia. It uses a facultative feeding strategy, feeding mainly on rabbits when they are available, but switching to other food groups when they are not. Control programmes aimed at culling rabbits could potentially decrease the availability of a preferred food source for cats and then lead to greater predation pressure on native mammals. The interplay between cat diet and prey species diversity at a continental scale is complex, and thus cat management is likely to be necessary and most effective at the local landscape level.
Protamine‐containing insulin allergy and renal dysfunction in a patient with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wu Wenjun , Cheng Haiyan , Bu Ruifang
Published: January 2015

An 87‐year‐old woman with type 2 diabetes noticed a red itchy rash at the insulin injection sites 3 weeks after initiation of premixed insulin therapy. Laboratory data at that time showed marked eosinophilia and progression of renal dysfunction. Insulin treatment was discontinued, and antidiabetic oral drugs were used, as well as intravenous injection of dexamethasone. Her skin lesions disappeared, and both eosinophilia and renal dysfunction gradually improved. The results of skin prick tests and measurement of specific immunoglobulin E antibodies suggested that the insulin allergy was caused by protamine. Although cases of insulin allergy associated with renal dysfunction are rare, we must be aware, especially for elderly patients with poor renal function in the first application of insulin.
Mismatch in the distribution of floral ecotypes and pollinators: insights into the evolution of sexually deceptive orchids
Authors: Phillips R. D. , Bohman B. , Anthony J. M. , Krauss S. L. , Dixon K. W. , Peakall R.
Published: January 2015

Plants are predicted to show floral adaptation to geographic variation in the most effective pollinator, potentially leading to reproductive isolation and genetic divergence. Many sexually deceptive orchids attract just a single pollinator species, limiting opportunities to experimentally investigate pollinator switching. Here, we investigate Drakaea concolor, which attracts two pollinator species. Using pollinator choice tests, we detected two morphologically similar ecotypes within D. concolor. The common ecotype only attracted Zaspilothynnus gilesi, whereas the rare ecotype also attracted an undescribed species of Pogonothynnus. The rare ecotype occurred at populations nested within the distribution of the common ecotype, with no evidence of ecotypes occurring sympatrically. Surveying for pollinators at over 100 sites revealed that ecotype identity was not correlated with wasp availability, with most orchid populations only attracting the rare Z. gilesi. Using microsatellite markers, genetic differentiation among populations was very low (GST = 0.011) regardless of ecotype, suggestive of frequent gene flow. Taken together, these results may indicate that the ability to attract Pogonothynnus has evolved recently, but this ecotype is yet to spread. The nested distribution of ecotypes, rather than the more typical formation of ecotypes in allopatry, illustrates that in sexually deceptive orchids, pollinator switching could occur throughout a species' range, resulting from multiple potentially suitable but unexploited pollinators occurring in sympatry. This unusual case of sympatric pollinators highlights D. concolor as a promising study system for further understanding the process of pollinator switching from ecological, chemical and genetic perspectives.
Addressing viral hepatitis in the opiate substitution setting: An integrated nursing model of care
Authors: Fragomeli Vince , Weltman Martin
Published: February 2015

Despite the availability of effective therapies for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and B virus (HBV), only a minority of infected patients receive treatment. In the general population, morbidity and mortality associated with chronic HCV is now successfully being addressed through the use of antiviral therapy. In Australia, an estimated 41% to 68% of people who inject drugs (PWID) are HCV positive, and between 28% and 59% of users are estimated to have been exposed to HBV. Although current treatment guidelines suggest that active drug use should not preclude people from HCV treatment, uptake of therapy thus far has been low. Patient, physician, social, and logistical‐related barriers contribute to the low uptake of HCV treatment among PWID. Traditional means of managing HCV infection—referral to secondary or tertiary health centers—historically has a poor track record in increasing therapy uptake among this population. The same is true for people with chronic HBV who inject drugs. Close to 50 000 Australians receive opioid substitution therapy (OST) through a range of services, including public and private clinics, thus this setting is an ideal target for identifying and treating people at risk for and already infected with HBV and HCV. Over the last 11 years, a nursing model of care initiated by a teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia that integrates viral hepatitis screening, assessment, and treatment into the OST setting has enhanced access to services among the marginalized injecting drug use population.
Comparison of Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 2013 Classification and Body Mass Index, Airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea, and Exacerbations Index in Predicting Mortality and Exacerbations in Elderly Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Chen Chiung‐Zuei , Ou Chih‐Ying , Yu Chun‐Hsiang , Yang Szu‐Chun , Chang Han‐Yu , Hsiue Tzuen‐Ren
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To examine whether the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (GOLD) 2013 revision offers greater predictive ability than the body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, and exacerbations (BODEx) index in elderly adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

University‐affiliated medical center.

Participants

Taiwanese outpatients with COPD (N = 354).

Measurements

Participants were classified as Group A (low risk with mild dyspnea), Group B (low risk with more‐severe dyspnea), Group C (high risk with mild dyspnea), and Group D (high risk with more‐severe dyspnea) for GOLD 2013 and from Quartile 1 (0–2 points) to 4 (7–9 points) for BODEx score. Ability to predict exacerbations and mortality was compared using logistic regression analysis with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve estimations and area under the ROC curve (AUC).

Results

Mortality was 14.1% for GOLD Group A, 14.5% for Group B, 6.5% for Group C, and 35.8% for Group D and 15.2% for BODEx Quartile 1, 22.5% for Quartile 2, 28.1% for Quartile 3, and 79.2% for Quartile 4. Risk of exacerbation relative to Group A was 1.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.6–4.3) for Group B, 14.1 (95% CI = 4.6–43.2) for Group C, and 17.9 (95% CI = 7.6–42.0) for Group D. The AUC for the GOLD classification and BODEx index were 0.65 and 0.67 for mortality (P = .60) and 0.79 and 0.73 for exacerbation (P = .03).

Conclusion

The GOLD 2013 classification performed well in identifying individuals at risk of exacerbations, and its predictive ability for exacerbations was better than that of the BODEx index, although the predictive ability for mortality in elderly adults with COPD was poor for both indices.
Bone shaft bending strength index is unaffected by exercise and unloading in mice
Authors: Wallace Ian J. , Gupta Shikha , Sankaran Jeyantt , Demes Brigitte , Judex Stefan
Published: February 2015

Anthropologists frequently use the shaft bending strength index to infer the physical activity levels of humans living in the past from their lower limb bone remains. This index is typically calculated as the ratio of bone shaft second moments of area about orthogonal principal axes (i.e. Imax/Imin). Individuals with high Imax/Imin values are inferred to have been very active, whereas individuals with low values are inferred to have been more sedentary. However, there is little direct evidence that activity has a causal and predictable effect on the shaft bending strength index. Here, we report the results of two experiments that were designed to test the model within which anthropologists commonly interpret the shaft bending strength index. In the first experiment, mice were treated daily with treadmill exercise for 1 month to simulate a high‐activity lifestyle. In the second experiment, in an attempt to simulate a low‐activity lifestyle, functional weight‐bearing was removed from the hindlimbs of mice for 1 month. Femoral mid‐shaft structure was determined with μCT. We found that while exercise resulted in significant enhancement of Imax and Imin compared with controls, it failed to significantly increase the Imax/Imin index. Similarly, stunted bone growth caused by unloading resulted in significantly diminished Imax and Imin compared with controls, but low activity did not lead to significantly decreased Imax/Imin compared with normal activity. Together, these results suggest that caution is required when the bone shaft bending strength index is used to reconstruct the activity levels of past humans.
Clinical, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Histopathologic Findings in 6 Dogs with Surgically resected Extraparenchymal Spinal Cord Hematomas
Authors: Hague D.W. , Joslyn S. , Bush W.W. , Glass E.N. , Durham A.C.
Published: January 2015

Background

Extraparenchymal spinal cord hematoma has been described in veterinary medicine in association with neoplasia, intervertebral disk disease, and snake envenomation. There are rare reports of spontaneous extraparenchymal spinal cord hematoma formation with no known cause in human medicine. Multiple cases of spontaneous extraparenchymal spinal cord hematoma have not been described previously in veterinary medicine.

Objectives

To describe the signalment, clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, and surgical outcomes in histopathologically confirmed extraparenchymal spinal cord hematomas in dogs with no identified underlying etiology.

Animals

Six dogs had MRI of the spinal cord, decompressive spinal surgery, and histopathologic confirmation of extraparenchymal spinal cord hematoma not associated with an underlying cause.

Methods

Multi‐institutional retrospective study.

Results

Six patients had spontaneous extraparenchymal spinal cord hematoma formation. MRI showed normal signal within the spinal cord parenchyma in all patients. All hematomas had T2‐weighted hyperintensity and the majority (5/6) had no contrast enhancement. All dogs underwent surgical decompression and most patients (5/6) returned to normal or near normal neurologic function postoperatively. Follow‐up of the patients (ranging between 921 and 1,446 days) showed no progression of neurologic clinical signs or any conditions associated with increased bleeding tendency.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Before surgery and histopathology confirming extraparenchymal hematoma, the primary differential in most cases was neoplasia, based on the MRI findings. This retrospective study reminds clinicians of the importance of the combination of advanced imaging combined with histopathologic diagnosis. The prognosis for spontaneous spinal cord extraparenchymal hematoma with surgical decompression appears to be favorable in most cases.
Effect of Synthetic Colloid Administration on Coagulation in Healthy Dogs and Dogs with Systemic Inflammation
Authors: Gauthier V. , Holowaychuk M.K. , Kerr C.L. , Bersenas A.M.E. , Darren Wood R.
Published: January 2015

Background

Synthetic colloids are often used during fluid resuscitation and affect coagulation.

Objective

To compare the effects of an isotonic crystalloid and synthetic colloid on coagulation in healthy dogs and dogs with systemic inflammation.

Animals

Sixteen adult purpose‐bred Beagles.

Methods

Randomized, placebo‐controlled, blinded study. Dogs were randomized into one of two groups receiving fluid resuscitation with either 40 mL/kg IV 0.9% NaCl or tetrastarch after administration of lipopolysaccharide or an equal volume of placebo. After a 14‐day washout period, the study was repeated such that dogs received the opposite treatment (LPS or placebo) but the same resuscitation fluid. Blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours for measurement of coagulation variables.

Results

Administration of either fluid to healthy dogs and dogs with systemic inflammation resulted in similar increases in prothrombin time and activated clotting time. In comparison to saline administration, tetrastarch administration resulted in significantly decreased R (P = .017) in healthy dogs, as well as significantly increased activated partial thromboplastin time (P ≤ .016), CL30% (P ≤ .016), and K (P < .001) and significantly decreased platelet count (P = .019), α (P ≤ .001), MA (P < .001), and von Willebrand factor antigen (P < .001) and collagen binding activity (P ≤ .003) in both healthy dogs and dogs with systemic inflammation.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Tetrastarch bolus administration to dogs with systemic inflammation resulted in a transient hypocoagulability characterized by a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, decreased clot formation speed and clot strength, and acquired type 1 von Willebrand disease.
Efficacy of Gamithromycin for the Treatment of Foals with Mild to Moderate Bronchopneumonia
Authors: Hildebrand F. , Venner M. , Giguère S.
Published: January 2015

Background

Gamithromycin is active in vitro against the bacterial agents most commonly associated with bronchopneumonia in older foals. However, the clinical efficacy and safety of this drug have not been investigated.

Hypothesis

Gamithromycin is effective for the treatment of bronchopneumonia in foals.

Animals

One hundred and twenty‐one foals on a farm endemic for infections caused byRhodococcus equi.

Methods

In a controlled, randomized, and double blinded clinical trial, foals with ultrasonographic evidence of pulmonary abscesses (abscess score 8.0–20 cm) were randomly allocated in 3 treatment groups: (1) gamithromycin IM q7 days (n = 40); (2) azithromycin with rifampin, PO q24h (n = 40); or (3) no antimicrobial treatment (controls; n = 41). Physical examination and thoracic ultrasonography were performed by individuals unaware of treatment group assignment. Foals that worsened were removed from the study.

Results

The proportion of foals that recovered without the need to be removed from the study was significantly higher for foals treated with gamithromycin (38 of 40) or azithromycin with rifampin (39 of 40) than for controls (32 of 41). Treatment with gamithromycin or with azithromycin‐rifampin resulted in a significantly faster decrease in the clinical score and abscess score compared to the controls. Adverse reactions characterized by colic (n = 18) and hind limb lameness (n = 14) were observed only in foals treated with gamithromycin.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Gamithromycin was noninferior to azithromycin with rifampin for the treatment of bronchopneumonia in the study population but had a higher frequency of adverse reactions.
Complication Rates Associated with Transvenous Pacemaker Implantation in Dogs with High‐Grade Atrioventricular Block Performed During versus After Normal Business Hours
Authors: Ward J.L. , DeFrancesco T.C. , Tou S.P. , Atkins C.E. , Griffith E.H. , Keene B.W.
Published: January 2015

Background

Transvenous pacemaker implantation in dogs is associated with a relatively high complication rate. At our institution, pacemaker implantation in dogs with high‐grade atrioventricular block (HG‐AVB) frequently is performed as an after‐hours emergency.

Hypothesis

Among dogs withHG‐AVB, the rate of major complications is higher when pacemakers are implanted after hours (AH) compared to during business hours (BH).

Animals

Client‐owned dogs withHG‐AVBthat underwent transvenous pacemaker implantation between January 2002 and December 2012 at the North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Methods

Retrospective medical record review. Two‐year follow‐up was required for complications analysis.

Results

Major complications occurred in 14/79 dogs (18%) and included lead dislodgement, lead or generator infection, lead or generator migration, and pacing failure. Incidence of major complications was significantly higherAH(10/36, 28%) compared toBH(4/43, 9%;P = .041), and all infectious complications occurredAH. Median survival time for all dogs was 27 months and did not differ betweenAHandBHgroups for either all‐cause (P = .70) or cardiac (P = .40) mortality.AHdogs were younger thanBHdogs (P = .010), but there were no other clinically relevant differences betweenBHandAHgroups in terms of demographic, clinical, or procedural variables.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

At our institution,AHtransvenous pacemaker placement is associated with a higher rate of major complications (especially infections) compared toBHplacement. This difference may be because of a variety of human factor differencesAHversusBH.
Nanoparticulate CpG Immunotherapy in RAO‐Affected Horses: Phase I and IIa Study
Authors: Klier J. , Lehmann B. , Fuchs S. , Reese S. , Hirschmann A. , Coester C. , Winter G. , Gehlen H.
Published: January 2015

Background

Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), an asthma‐like disease, is 1 of the most common allergic diseases in horses in the northern hemisphere. Hypersensitivity reactions to environmental antigens cause an allergic inflammatory response in the equine airways. Cytosine‐phosphate‐guanosine‐oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG‐ODN) are known to direct the immune system toward a Th1‐pathway, and away from the pro‐allergic Th2‐line (Th2/Th1‐shift). Gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs) are biocompatible and biodegradable immunological inert drug delivery systems that protect CpG‐ODN against nuclease degeneration. Preliminary studies on the inhalation of GNP‐bound CpG‐ODN in RAO‐affected horses have shown promising results.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and immunological effects of GNP‐bound CpG‐ODN in a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, prospective, randomized clinical trial and to verify a sustained effect post‐treatment.

Animals and Methods

Twenty‐four RAO‐affected horses received 1 inhalation every 2 days for 5 consecutive administrations. Horses were examined for clinical, endoscopic, cytological, and blood biochemical variables before the inhalation regimen (I), immediately afterwards (II), and 4 weeks post‐treatment (III).

Results

At time points I and II, administration of treatment rather than placebo corresponded to a statistically significant decrease in respiratory effort, nasal discharge, tracheal secretion, and viscosity, AaDO2 and neutrophil percentage, and an increase in arterial oxygen pressure.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Administration of a GNP‐bound CpG‐ODN formulation caused a potent and persistent effect on allergic and inflammatory‐induced clinical variables in RAO‐affected horses. This treatment, therefore, provides an innovative, promising, and well‐tolerated strategy beyond conventional symptomatic long‐term therapy and could serve as a model for asthma treatment in humans.
Insulin‐Like Growth Factor—Phosphatidylinositol 3 Kinase Signaling in Canine Cortisol‐Secreting Adrenocortical Tumors
Authors: Kool M.M.J. , Galac S. , van der Helm N. , Corradini S. , Kooistra H.S. , Mol J.A.
Published: January 2015

Background

Hypercortisolism is a common endocrine disorder in dogs, caused by a cortisol‐secreting adrenocortical tumor (AT) in approximately 15% of cases. In adrenocortical carcinomas of humans, activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway by insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) signaling represents a promising therapeutic target.

Objectives

To investigate the involvement of PI3K signaling in the pathogenesis of ATs in dogs and to identify pathway components that may hold promise as future therapeutic targets or as prognostic markers.

Animals

Analyses were performed on 36 canine cortisol‐secreting ATs (11 adenomas and 25 carcinomas) and 15 normal adrenal glands of dogs.

Methods

mRNA expression analysis was performed for PI3K target genes, PI3K inhibitor phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), IGFs, IGF receptors, IGF binding proteins and epidermal growth factor receptors. Mutation analysis was performed on genes encoding PTEN and PI3K catalytic subunit (PIK3CA).

Results

Target gene expression indicated PI3K activation in carcinomas, but not in adenomas. No amino acid‐changing mutations were detected in PTEN or PIK3CA and no significant alterations in IGF‐II or IGFR1 expression were detected. In carcinomas, ERBB2 expression tended to be higher than in normal adrenal glands, and higher expression of inhibitor of differentiation 1 and 2 (ID1 and ID2) was detected in carcinomas with recurrence within 2.5 years after adrenalectomy.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Based on these results, ERBB2 might be a promising therapeutic target in ATs in dogs, whereas ID1 and 2 might be valuable as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets.
Cardiac Troponin I as Compared to Troponin T for the Detection of Myocardial Damage in Horses
Authors: Van Der Vekens N. , Decloedt A. , Ven S. , De Clercq D. , van Loon G.
Published: January 2015

Background

Different cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assays give different results. Only 1 manufacturer has marketed troponin T (cTnT) assays. Therefore, cTnT often is preferred for detection of myocardial infarction in human patients. Studies of cTnT in horses are limited.

Objectives

To compare a cTnI and a high‐sensitive cTnT assay (hs‐cTnT) in horses.

Animals

Cardiac troponin I and cTnT were determined in 35 healthy horses (group 1), 23 horses suspected to have primary myocardial damage (group 2a), and 41 horses with secondary myocardial damage caused by structural heart disease (group 2b).

Methods

All cTnI samples were analyzed at laboratory A (limit of detection [LOD]: 0.03 ng/mL), whereas cTnT samples were analyzed at 2 laboratories with the same hs‐cTnT assay (laboratory B, LOD: 10.0 pg/mL; laboratory C, LOD: 4.0 pg/mL).

Results

The median cTnI concentration in group 2a (0.90 ng/mL; range, 0.03–58.27 ng/mL) was significantly higher (P < .001) than in group 1 (0.03 ng/mL; range, 0.03–0.09 ng/mL) or group 2b (0.05 ng/mL; range, 0.03–30.92 ng/mL), and the optimal cut‐off for detection of primary myocardial damage was 0.095 ng/mL (sensitivity: 90.5%, specificity: 100%). Using an LOD of 10.0 pg/mL for all cTnT samples, a cut‐off value of 10.5 pg/mL was found, but sensitivity was low (42.9%). When only samples analyzed at laboratory C (n = 58) were included, a cut‐off of 6.6 pg/mL was found (sensitivity: 81%, specificity: 100%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Despite large quantitative differences, cTnI and cTnT are both useful for detection of myocardial damage in horses.
Randomized Phase III Trial of Piroxicam in Combination with Mitoxantrone or Carboplatin for First‐Line Treatment of Urogenital Tract Transitional Cell Carcinoma in Dogs
Authors: Allstadt S.D. , Rodriguez C.O. , Boostrom B. , Rebhun R.B. , Skorupski K.A.
Published: January 2015

Background

Reported response rates of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in dogs to piroxicam in combination with either mitoxantrone or carboplatin are similar; however, it is unknown whether either drug might provide superior duration of response.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine if the progression‐free interval (PFI) of dogs withTCCtreated with mitoxantrone and piroxicam was different than that of dogs receiving carboplatin and piroxicam. The hypothesis was that the efficacy of mitoxantrone is no different from carboplatin.

Animals

Fifty dogs withTCCwithout azotemia.

Methods

Prospective open‐label phaseIIIrandomized study. Either mitoxantrone or carboplatin was administered every 3 weeks concurrently with piroxicam with restaging at 6‐week intervals. Twenty‐four dogs received carboplatin and 26 received mitoxantrone.

Results

Response was not different between groups (P = .56). None of the dogs showed complete response. In the mitoxantrone group, there were 2 (8%) partial responses (PR) and 18 (69%) dogs with stable disease (SD). In the carboplatin group, there were 3PR(13%) and 13 (54%) dogs withSD. ThePFIwas not significantly different between groups (mitoxantrone = 106 days; carboplatin = 73.5 days;P = .62; hazard ratio 0.86; 95% confidence interval 0.47–1.56). Dogs with prostatic involvement experienced a shorter survival (median, 109 days) compared to dogs with urethral, trigonal, or apically located tumors; this difference was significant (median 300, 190, and 645 days, respectively;P = .005).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study did not detect a different in outcome in dogs withTCCtreated with either mitoxantrone or carboplatin in combination with piroxicam.
Evaluation and Diagnostic Potential of Serum Ghrelin in Feline Hypersomatotropism and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Jensen K.B. , Forcada Y. , Church D.B. , Niessen S.J.M.
Published: January 2015

Background

Ghrelin is a growth hormone secretagogue. It is a potent regulator of energy homeostasis. Ghrelin concentration is down‐regulated in humans with hypersomatotropism (HS) and increases after successful treatment. Additionally, ghrelin secretion seems impaired in human diabetes mellitus (DM).

Hypothesis

Serum ghrelin concentration is down‐regulated in cats with HS‐induced DM (HSDM) compared to healthy control cats or cats with DM unrelated to HS and increases after radiotherapy.

Animals

Cats with DM (n = 20) and with HSDM (n = 32), 13 of which underwent radiotherapy (RT‐group); age‐matched controls (n = 20).

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional study. Analytical performance of a serum total ghrelin ELISA was assessed and validated for use in cats. Differences in serum ghrelin, fructosamine, IGF‐1 and insulin were evaluated.

Results

Ghrelin was significantly higher (P < .001) in control cats (mean ± SD: 12.9 ± 6.8 ng/mL) compared to HSDM‐ (7.9 ± 3.3 ng/mL) and DM‐cats (6.7 ± 2.3 ng/mL), although not different between the HSDM‐ and DM‐cats. After RT ghrelin increased significantly (P = .003) in HSDM‐cats undergoing RT (from 6.6 ± 1.9 ng/mL to 9.0 ± 2.2 ng/mL) and the after RT ghrelin concentrations of HSDM cats were no longer significantly different from the serum ghrelin concentration of control cats. Serum IGF‐1 did not significantly change in HSDM‐cats after RT, despite significant decreases in fructosamine and insulin dose.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Ghrelin appears suppressed in cats with DM and HSDM, although increases after RT in HSDM, suggesting possible presence of a direct or indirect negative feedback system between growth hormone and ghrelin. Serum ghrelin might therefore represent a marker of treatment effect.
Risk factors for development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and subsequent mortality in cirrhotic patients with ascites
Authors: Schwabl Philipp , Bucsics Theresa , Soucek Kathrin , Mandorfer Mattias , Bota Simona , Blacky Alexander , Hirschl Alexander M. , Ferlitsch Arnulf , Trauner Michael , Peck‐Radosavljevic Markus , Reiberger Thomas
Published: February 2015

Background

Patients with ascites are at risk for developing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) – a severe complication associated with high mortality. We aimed to identify risk factors for SBP development and mortality to optimize stratification for primary prophylaxis and therapeutic strategies to improve survival.

Methods

575 patients with cirrhosis and ascites undergoing paracentesis at a tertiary care hospital were included in this retrospective cohort study. Demographical, clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded at first paracentesis and during follow‐up. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of SBP development and mortality.

Results

Child–Pugh stage C (OR: 3.323; P = 0.009), ascitic fluid polymorph‐nuclear cell (PMN) count (OR: 1.544; P = 0.028) and low serum sodium (OR: 0.917; P = 0.029) emerged as independent risk factors for SBP development. SBP‐naïve patients undergoing paracentesis and presenting with PMN‐counts ≥100 cells/μl, or hyponatraemia <125 mM were at highest risk for developing SBP. Increases in MELD and CRP levels indicated SBP development, while no changes where observed in a matched control group with sterile ascites at multiple paracenteses. MELD score (OR: 1.565; P = 0.001) and CRP (OR: 1.067; P = 0.037) were identified as independent risk factors for 30‐day mortality after SBP diagnosis. In particular SBP patients with MELD≥22, CRP ≥3.5 mg/dl and development of grade III/IV hepatic encephalopathy showed highest mortality.

Conclusions

Low serum sodium levels, Child‐Pugh stage C and elevated ascites PMN counts (≥100 cells/μl) indicate a significant risk for SBP development. SBP‐related mortality is highest in patients with MELD≥22 and elevated CRP levels.
Diagnostic accuracy of Narrow Band Imaging for the detection of oral potentially malignant disorders
Authors: Vu AN , Matias MAT , Farah CS
Published: January 2015

Objective

To determine the clinical diagnostic accuracy of Narrow Band Imaging™ for the detection of oral potentially malignant disorders in a prospective series of patients.

Materials and Methods

New and existing patients referred to an oral medicine and pathology specialist clinic for assessment of at least one white, red or red‐white oral mucosal lesion underwent conventional oral examination, followed by examination with the white light mode and then narrow band imaging mode of a Narrow Band Imaging™ system. The clinical presentation, microvascular architecture and relevant histopathology of all lesions were recorded.

Results

A total of 272 lesions from 95 patients were observed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy for the detection of oral potentially malignant disorders or worse by Narrow Band Imaging™ were 100%, 74.63%, 92.38%, 100% and 93.77%, respectively, when compared with conventional oral examination. Narrow Band Imaging™ aided the detection of 24 lesions undetected by conventional oral examination and 13 lesions undetected by white light endoscopy.

Conclusion

Narrow Band Imaging™ demonstrates great utility as a visualisation adjunct for detecting and monitoring oral potentially malignant diseases, particularly lesions not identified by conventional oral examination or white light examination alone.
Children with a Mother with Delusional Infestation—Implications for Child Protection and Management
Authors: Ahmed Hera , Blakeway Elizabeth A. , Taylor Ruth E. , Bewley Anthony P.
Published: February 2015

Delusional infestation (DI) is a reportedly uncommon psychocutaneous condition in which an individual holds a fixed, false belief of pathogenic infestation of the skin or body contrary to medical evidence. There are reports of such a delusion being shared with family members or close friends (folie a deux/famillie), but the implications of DI induced in children have not been discussed. We describe the case of a mother with DI whose children subsequently shared her belief. Implications for child protection and management are explored.
Hiporfin‐Mediated Photodynamic Therapy in Preclinical Treatment of Osteosarcoma
Authors: Sun Mengxiong , Zhou Chenghao , Zeng Hui , Puebla‐Osorio Nahum , Damiani Elisabetta , Chen Jian , Wang Hongsheng , Li Guodong , Yin Fei , Shan Liancheng , Zuo Dongqing , Liao Yuxin , Wang Zhuoying , Zheng Longpo , Hua Yingqi , Cai Zhengdong
Published: January 2015

This study was carried out to investigate the anti‐tumor effect and mechanism of hiporfin‐mediated photodynamic therapy (hiporfin‐PDT) in osteosarcoma. We found that hiporfin accumulated mainly in the cytoplasm of osteosarcoma cells in a time and concentration‐dependent manner. Hiporfin‐PDT inhibited the proliferation, induced apoptosis and produced cell cycle arrest at G2M in osteosarcoma cell lines. Hiporfin‐PDT increased the expression of cleaved‐caspase‐3, cleaved PARP‐1, Bax and RIP1 while it decreased the expression of Bcl‐2; in addition, low concentration of hiporfin increased LC3 conversion. Furthermore, cell death caused by hiporfin‐PDT could be rescued by Nec‐1 but not by Z‐VAD‐FMK. Production of reactive oxygen species was increased after hiporfin‐PDT. In vivo studies showed a significant decrease in tumor volume and weight after hiporfin‐PDT in all three tumor mouse models investigated (subcutaneous and orthotopic). Histological analysis showed widespread cell apoptosis and necrosis after treatment. Immunohistochemistry also showed upregulation of cleaved‐caspase‐3 and downregulation of Bcl‐2 after hiporfin‐PDT. These results indicate that hiporfin‐PDT exhibits a killing effect in osteosarcoma both in vitro and in vivo, which is associated with apoptosis and necroptosis, while autophagy plays a protective role. All these findings shed light on a potential future clinical use for hiporfin in the treatment of osteosarcoma.
Decision Making and Cognition in Multi‐Echelon Supply Chains: An Experimental Study
Authors: Narayanan Arunachalam , Moritz Brent B.
Published: January 2015

Supply chain performance often depends on the individual decisions of channel members. Even when individuals have access to relevant information, order variation tends to increase when moving up the supply chain, a phenomenon known as the bullwhip effect. While prior research has investigated several structural/environmental factors which can mitigate the bullwhip effect, the underlying behavioral factors contributing to it are an open question. Using a production and distribution decision‐making simulation representing a four‐stage serial supply chain, we find that the cognitive profile of decision makers contributes to the bullwhip effect. We found that the specific decision tendency to underweight the supply line is linked to an individual's level of cognitive reflection. Furthermore, performance differs for entire supply chains and for specific echelons, and holds under standard mitigation efforts. The findings have implications for supply chain design, education, and industry.
Optimal Expediting Policies for a Serial Inventory System with Stochastic Lead Time
Authors: Kim Chiwon , Klabjan Diego , Simchi‐Levi David
Published: January 2015

In recent supply chains, often operating multiple delivery modes such as standard freight shipping and air is an effective way of addressing both delivery lead time uncertainties and service rates. We propose a model on how to optimally operate multiple delivery modes. We consider a serial supply chain and an expediting option from intermediate installations to the downstream of the chain. The goods move stochastically among the installations and the system faces a stochastic demand. We identify systems that yield simple optimal policies, in which both regular ordering and expediting follow a variant of the base stock policy. Expediting allows the system to be leaner due to the reduced regular order amount. In addition, we provide managerial insights linking expediting, base stock levels, and expediting costs based on analytical and numerical results.