bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat drives dispersal and survival of translocated juvenile desert tortoises
Authors: Nafus Melia G. , Esque Todd C. , Averill‐Murray Roy C. , Nussear Kenneth E. , Swaisgood Ronald R.
Published: August 2016

In spite of growing reliance on translocations in wildlife conservation, translocation efficacy remains inconsistent. One factor that can contribute to failed translocations is releasing animals into poor‐quality or otherwise inadequate habitat.

Here, we used a targeted approach to test the relationship of habitat features to post‐translocation dispersal and survival of juvenile Mojave desert tortoises Gopherus agassizii.

We selected three habitat characteristics – rodent burrows, substrate texture (prevalence and size of rocks) and washes (ephemeral river beds) – that are tied to desert tortoise ecology. At the point of release, we documented rodent burrow abundance, substrate texture and wash presence and analysed their relationship to the maximum dispersal. We also documented the relative use by each individual for each habitat characteristic and analysed their relationships with survival and fatal encounters with a predator in the first year after release.

In general, the presence of refugia or other areas that enabled animals to avoid detection, such as burrows and substrate, decreased the overall mortality as well as predator‐mediated mortality. The presence of washes and substrate that enhanced the tortoises’ ability to avoid detection also associated with the reduced dispersal away from the release site. These results indicate an important role for all three measured habitat characteristics in driving dispersal, survival or fatal encounters with a predator in the first year after translocation.

Synthesis and applications. Resource managers using translocations as a conservation tool should prioritize acquiring data linking habitat to fitness. In particular, for species that depend on avoiding detection, refuges such as burrows and habitat that improved concealment had notable ability to improve the survival and dispersal. Our study on juvenile Mojave desert tortoises showed that refuge availability or the distributions of habitat appropriate for concealment are important considerations for identifying translocation sites for species highly dependent on crypsis, camouflage or other forms of habitat matching.
Separation of Circulating MicroRNAs Using Apheresis in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Kusaoi Makio , Yamaji Ken , Ishibe Yusuke , Murayama Go , Nemoto Takuya , Sekiya Fumio , Kon Takayuki , Ogasawara Michihiro , Kempe Kazuo , Tamura Naoto , Takasaki Yoshinari
Published: August 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), which are important inhibitors of mRNA translation, participate in differentiation, migration, cell proliferation, and cell death. The pathology of miRNAs results in alterations in protein expression. Recently, miRNAs circulating in peripheral blood have been shown to control the synthesis and translation of proteins at distal sites after intake into local cells. A number of studies are currently being conducted to investigate how to use miRNAs in disease treatment, but no studies have attempted to alleviate disease by directly eliminating miRNAs from blood. Therefore, we examined whether the removal or reduction of circulating miRNAs with apheresis improved pathologies caused by miRNAs.

After approval of the study by our medical school's ethics committee, we collected blood and separated plasma samples from three patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who were undergoing plasmapheresis at our hospital. Peripheral blood was collected before and after it was passed through a primary membrane, centrifuged, and used to extract circulating miRNAs. A comprehensive expression analysis was then performed with a miRNA array chip.

The levels of expression of a large number of circulating miRNAs were measured in the plasma samples separated by the primary membranes from all 3 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. We present the first report that circulating miRNAs in peripheral blood can be separated and possibly directly removed using membrane separation apheresis.
Initial Validity Analysis of the American Board of Emergency Medicine Enhanced Oral Examination
Authors: Kowalenko Terry , Heller Barry N. , Strauss Robert W. , Counselman Francis L. , Mallory Mary Nan S. , Joldersma Kevin B. , Coombs Andrea B. , Harvey Anne L. , Reisdorff Earl J.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

The American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) has introduced a new testing format for the oral certification examination (OCE): the enhanced oral or “eOral” format. The purpose of this study was to perform initial validity analyses of the eOral format. The two hypotheses were: 1) the case content in the eOral format was sufficiently similar to clinical practice and 2) the eOral case materials were sufficiently similar to clinical practice. The eOral and traditional formats were compared for these characteristics.

Methods

This was a prospective survey study. The survey was administered as a voluntary postexamination activity at the end of the 2015 spring (April 25–27) and fall (October 10–13) ABEM OCEs. The survey is a routine part of the ABEM oral examination experience. For 2015, two additional questions were added to gauge the similarity of the eOral format to clinical practice. Validity was defined by content and substantive elements within Messick's model of construct validity as well as portions of Kane's validity model.

Results

Of the 1,746 physicians who took the oral examination, 1,380 physicians (79.0%) completed all or part of the study survey questions. The majority of respondents agreed the patient presentations in the cases were similar (strongly agreed or agreed) to cases seen in clinical practice, in both the traditional cases (95.1%) and the eOral cases (90.1%). Likewise, the majority of respondents answered that the case materials (e.g., laboratory, radiographs) were similar (strongly agreed or agreed) to what they encounter in clinical practice, both in the traditional format (85.8%) and in the eOral cases (93.7%).

Conclusions

Most emergency physicians reported that the types of cases tested in the traditional and eOral formats were similar to cases encountered in clinical practice. In addition, most physicians found the case materials to be similar to what is seen in clinical practice. This study provides early validity evidence for the eOral format.
Emergency Department Use in a Cohort of Older Homeless Adults: Results From the HOPE HOME Study
Authors: Raven Maria C. , Tieu Lina , Lee Christopher T. , Ponath Claudia , Guzman David , Kushel Margot
Published: August 2016

Objective

The median age of single homeless adults is over 50, yet little is known about their emergency department (ED) use. We describe use of and factors associated with ED use in a sample of homeless adults 50 and older.

Methods

We recruited 350 participants who were homeless and 50 or older in Oakland, California. We interviewed participants about residential history in the prior 6 months, health status, health‐related behaviors, and health services use and assessed cognition and mobility. Our primary outcome was the number of ED visits in the prior 6 months based on medical record review. We used negative binomial regression to examine factors associated with ED use.

Results

In the 6 months prior to enrollment, 46.3% of participants spent the majority of their time unsheltered; 25.1% cycled through multiple institutions including shelters, hospitals, and jails; 16.3% primarily stayed with family or friends; and 12.3% had become homeless recently after spending much of the prior 6 months housed. Half (49.7%) of participants made at least one ED visit in the past 6 months; 6.6% of participants accounted for 49.9% of all visits. Most (71.8%) identified a regular non‐ED source of healthcare; 7.3% of visits resulted in hospitalization. In multivariate models, study participants who used multiple institutions (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 2.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08 to 4.77) and who were unsheltered (IRR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.17 to 4.48) had higher ED use rates than participants who had been housed for most of the prior 6 months. In addition, having health insurance/coverage (IRR = 2.6; CI = 1.5 to 4.4), a history of psychiatric hospitalization (IRR = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.09 to 2.99), and severe pain (IRR = 1.72; 95% CI = 1.07 to 2.76) were associated with higher ED visit rates.

Conclusions

A sample of adults aged 50 and older who were homeless at study entry had higher rates of ED use in the prior 6 months than the general U.S. age‐matched population. Within the sample, ED use rates varied based on individuals’ residential histories, suggesting that individuals’ ED use is related to exposure to homelessness.
Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) population density and pupal size are dependent on rootstock and nitrogen in hydroponic tomato crop
Authors: Žanić Katja , Dumičić Gvozden , Urlić Branimir , Vuletin Selak Gabriela , Goreta Ban Smiljana
Published: August 2016

Bemisia tabaci is one of the most damaging pests in tomato greenhouse production. The resistance of B. tabaci to insecticides requires a new approach with respect to the integrated management of this pest.

The effect of grafting (nongrafted and tomato grafted on the rootstock Arnold) and nitrogen (N) rates (75, 140 and 205 mg/L) on the density of B. tabaci large nymphs (fourth instar to pupae) was studied in 2012. In 2013, large nymphs density was examined in relation to grafting treatments (nongrafted, self‐grafted and tomatoes grafted onto the rootstocks Arnold and He‐Man) and NO3− : NH4+ ratios (92 : 8, 85 : 15 and 70 : 30).

A reduction of B. tabaci population density was found for rootstock Arnold grown at 140 and 205 mg/L N in the nutrient solution. Pupal size decreased with decreasing N fertilization. In the second experiment, rootstocks contributed to a reduction of B. tabaci density at different NO3− : NH4+ ratios. The lowest B. tabaci population density was found on plants grafted onto He‐Man rootstock supplied with an 85 : 15 and 70 : 30 NO3− : NH4+ ratio in nutrient solutions. The increased proportion of NH4+ in the 85 : 15 NO3− : NH4+ ratio generally reduced the B. tabaci pupal size for all rootstocks.

Grafting and N adjustment could represent useful tools for integrated greenhouse pest management.
Benchmarking clinical practice quality: an audit of ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence in patients managed for T1/T2 breast carcinoma
Authors: Suttie Clare , Back Michael , Donovan Jennifer , Holecek Milan , Morgia Marita , Guo Lesley , Lamoury Gillian
Published: August 2016

Aim

Breast conserving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy has equivalent oncological outcomes to mastectomy and is the standard of care for treatment of early‐stage invasive breast cancer. Auditing is an essential component of ongoing quality assurance and clinical governance. It also serves to identify patient and tumor factors that have prognostic and therapeutic implications. The aim of this paper is to report on the clinical audit of treatment outcomes for patients undergoing adjuvant radiation treatment for early breast cancer at the Northern Sydney Cancer Care Centre.

Methods

A total of 1252 patients with T1/2 breast cancer received adjuvant radiation treatment between January 2003 and December 2010. Medical records, including the departmental database, were reviewed to extract pathological, treatment, patient and clinical details.

Results

Median follow‐up was 54 months (mean 56.4 months). Sixty‐six (5.27%) patients died from breast cancer, and 27 (2.16%) patients died from other disease. Twenty‐three (1.84%) patients were alive with metastatic disease, 7 (0.56%) patients were alive following ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence and 7 (0.56%) patients were alive with nodal recurrence. 9 (0.72%) patients were alive with contralateral breast cancer. Documented rates of late toxicity were low: 6.8% of patients had grade 1 late toxicity and 1.6% of patients had grade 2–3 late toxicity.

Conclusion

Our ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence rate of 0.56% is well within international standards, as is our toxicity rate. We propose that centralized data collection be implemented on a nation‐wide level for breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Further research is planned to identify potential markers of radio‐resistance, and allow tailoring of treatment technique to optimize oncological outcome.
Intrauterine administration of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) activated by HCG improves the implantation and pregnancy rates in patients with repeated implantation failure: a prospective randomized study
Authors: Yu Nan , Zhang Bo , Xu Mei , Wang Sheng , Liu Rong , Wu Jianli , Yang Jing , Feng Ling
Published: August 2016

Problem

Intrauterine administration of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) activated by HCG in vitro was reported to improve implantation rates in patients with repeated failure of IVF‐ET (in vitro fertilization–embryo transfer). In this article, the value of intrauterine administration of PBMCs before embryo transfer and its optimal cell culture method will be investigated.

Method of study

Patients who had not experienced successful pregnancy despite three or more IVF‐ET sessions were enrolled in this study (n=240, 240 cycles). PBMCs were obtained from patients themselves and were cultured with HCG for 24 hours. Twenty‐four hours later, PBMCs were then administered to the intrauterine cavity of that patient from the study group (n=93, 93 cycles). The control group (n=105, 105 cycles) underwent ET without intrauterine administration.

Results

Clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, and miscarriage rate in the PBMC‐treated group (46.24% and 23.66%, n=43 and 22, respectively) were significantly higher than those in the non‐treated group (20.95% and 11.43%, P<.05; n=22 and 12, respectively).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that intrauterine administration of autologous PBMC activated by HCG in vitro effectively improves embryo implantation in patients with three or more IVF failures.
Combination of 5% phenylephrine and 0.5% tropicamide eyedrops for pupil dilation in neonates is twice as effective as 0.5% tropicamide eyedrops alone
Authors: Lux Anne‐Laure , Degoumois Alice , Barjol Amandine , Mouriaux Frédéric , Denion Eric
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Comparison of the efficacy of tropicamide eyedrops to the combination of 0.5% tropicamide and 5% phenylephrine eyedrops in order to achieve a proper dilation in premature infants undergoing screening for retinopathy of prematurity.

Methods

A prospective, randomized, double‐blind study was conducted to compare the efficacy of two mydriatic regimens: one regimen consisting of three drops of 0.5% tropicamide (TTT regimen), the other regimen consisting of one drop of 5% phenylephrine and two drops of 0.5% tropicamide (PTT regimen). Thirty premature infants were enrolled and received both mydriatic regimens: one regimen in each eye. Outcomes were pupil dilation evaluated by the percentage of pupil diameter over cornea diameter, the percentage of pupil surface over cornea surface and the quality of the eye fundus examination.

Results

The percentage of pupil diameter over cornea diameter was 47.3% (±8.7) with the TTT regimen and 65.9% (±8.8) with the PTT regimen (p < 0.0001). The percentage of pupil surface over cornea surface was 23.1% (±8.3) with the TTT regimen and 43.8% (±7.3) with the PTT regimen (p < 0.0001). Thus, the pupil surface area was 1.9 times greater with the PTT than with the TTT regimen. Visualization of the retinal periphery was possible for 30 of 30 eyes dilated with the PTT regimen and for 16 of 30 eyes dilated with the TTT regimen (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The dilated pupil surface area for the combination of 5% phenylephrine and 0.5% tropicamide was almost twice that for 0.5% tropicamide eyedrops alone and provided significantly superior quality of the eye fundus examination.
Quotient of cerebrospinal fluid/serum immunoglobulin G as a predictive factor for non‐responders to intravenous methylprednisolone therapy in patients with relapsing neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: Implication for early initiation of plasmapheresis
Authors: Oji Satoru , Tanaka Satoru , Kojima Miki , Fukaura Hikoaki , Mori Masahiro , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Fujihara Kazuo , Nomura Kyoichi
Published: August 2016

Objectives

We aimed to determine the predictive factors for the ineffectiveness of intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) that lead to earlier use of plasmapheresis in patients with relapsing neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

Methods

A total of 40 patients were investigated retrospectively. The responders were defined as patients who showed IVMP effectiveness within 7 days from IVMP initiation, indicated by an improvement in the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) ≥0.5, whereas non‐responders were defined as those without such an improvement. We analyzed 10 clinical findings and four cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters before IVMP, which included EDSS (baseline before relapse, before IVMP initiation, difference between them: ΔEDSS), CSF‐cells, CSF‐lactate dehydrogenase, CSF/serum quotient of albumin (Q‐ALB) and immunoglobulin G (Q‐IgG).

Results

The 40 patients consisted of 22 responders and 18 non‐responders. The levels of ΔEDSS, EDSS before IVMP, CSF‐cells, CSF‐lactate dehydrogenase, Q‐ALB and Q‐IgG were significantly higher in non‐responders than in responders. Of these, univariate logistic regression analyses showed that the ΔEDSS, EDSS before IVMP, Q‐ALB and Q‐IgG were significantly related to IVMP ineffectiveness. Because of the significant correlation between ΔEDSS and EDSS before IVMP, and between Q‐ALB and Q‐IgG, the ΔEDSS and Q‐IgG were analyzed as dependent factors for IVMP ineffectiveness in multivariate analysis. The higher Q‐IgG level was found to be independently associated with ineffectiveness. The cut‐off level for Q‐IgG to discriminate non‐responders from responders was 4.7 (sensitivity 83, specificity 91%).

Conclusions

Q‐IgG >4.7 before IVMP is a predictive factor for IVMP ineffectiveness. Early use of plasmapheresis should be considered in relapsing neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder with such high Q‐IgG values before IVMP.
Does general movements quality in term infants predict cerebral palsy and milder forms of limited mobility at 6 years?
Authors: van Iersel Patricia A M , Bakker Saskia C M , Jonker Arnold J H , Hadders‐Algra Mijna
Published: August 2016

Aim

To evaluate in term infants associations between quality of general movements and developmental outcome in term infants at 6 years with either cerebral palsy (CP) or limited mobility without CP.

Method

Participants of this prospective study were 145 term infants (86 male, 59 female). Their general movements quality was assessed at ‘writhing’ and ‘fidgety’ general movements age (3wks and 13wks post term). The assessment at 6 years consisted of a neurological examination, including assessment of minor neurological dysfunction (MND), evaluation of mobility with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, and of behaviour and learning problems with questionnaires.

Results

Definitely abnormal general movements at writhing age were not associated with CP, whereas definitely abnormal general movements at fidgety age were (sensitivity 60%; specificity 91%; positive predictive value 19%, negative predictive value 98%). In children without CP, general movements quality was not associated with limited mobility, but it was associated to a minor extent with MND.

Interpretation

In term infants, definitely abnormal general movements at fidgety age do predict CP, but with lower accuracy than in preterm infants. General movements quality does not predict limited mobility in children without CP. The study supports suggestions that predictive value of general movements assessment in term infants is lower than that in preterm infants.
Membrane transporters as mediators of synaptic dopamine dynamics: implications for disease
Authors: Lohr Kelly M. , Masoud Shababa T. , Salahpour Ali , Miller Gary W.
Published: August 2016

Dopamine was first identified as a neurotransmitter localized to the midbrain over 50 years ago. The dopamine transporter (DAT; SLC6A3) and the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2; SLC18A2) are regulators of dopamine homeostasis in the presynaptic neuron. DAT transports dopamine from the extracellular space into the cytosol of the presynaptic terminal. VMAT2 then packages this cytosolic dopamine into vesicular compartments for subsequent release upon neurotransmission. Thus, DAT and VMAT2 act in concert to move the transmitter efficiently throughout the neuron. Accumulation of dopamine in the neuronal cytosol can trigger oxidative stress and neurotoxicity, suggesting that the proper compartmentalization of dopamine is critical for neuron function and risk of disease. For decades, studies have examined the effects of reduced transporter function in mice (e.g. DAT‐KO, VMAT2‐KO, VMAT2‐deficient). However, we have only recently been able to assess the effects of elevated transporter expression using BAC transgenic methods (DAT‐tg, VMAT2‐HI mice). Complemented with in vitro work and neurochemical techniques to assess dopamine compartmentalization, a new focus on the importance of transporter proteins as both models of human disease and potential drug targets has emerged. Here, we review the importance of DAT and VMAT2 function in the delicate balance of neuronal dopamine.
Dopaminergic neurotransmission in ventral and dorsal striatum differentially modulates alcohol reinforcement
Authors: Spoelder Marcia , Hesseling Peter , Styles Matthew , Baars Annemarie M. , Lozeman‐van ‘t Klooster José G. , Lesscher Heidi M. B. , Vanderschuren Louk J. M. J.
Published: August 2016

Dopaminergic neurotransmission in the striatum has been widely implicated in the reinforcing properties of substances of abuse. However, the striatum is functionally heterogeneous, and previous work has mostly focused on psychostimulant drugs. Therefore, we investigated how dopamine within striatal subregions modulates alcohol‐directed behaviour in rats. We assessed the effects of infusion of the dopamine receptor antagonist alpha‐flupenthixol into the shell and core of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) on responding for alcohol under fixed ratio 1 (FR1) and progressive ratio (PR) schedules of reinforcement. Bilateral infusion of alpha‐flupenthixol into the NAcc shell reduced responding for alcohol under both the FR1 (15 μg/side) and the PR schedule (3.75–15 μg/side) of reinforcement. Infusion of alpha‐flupenthixol into the NAcc core (7.5–15 μg/side) also decreased responding for alcohol under both schedules. By contrast, alpha‐flupenthixol infusion into the DLS did not affect FR1 responding, but reduced responding under the PR schedule (15 μg/side). The decreases in responding were related to earlier termination of responding during the session, whereas the onset and rate of responding remained largely unaffected. Together, these data suggest that dopamine in the NAcc shell is involved in the incentive motivation for alcohol, whereas DLS dopamine comes into play when obtaining alcohol requires high levels of effort. In contrast, NAcc core dopamine appears to play a more general role in alcohol reinforcement. In conclusion, dopaminergic neurotransmission acts in concert in subregions of the striatum to modulate different aspects of alcohol‐directed behaviour.
Effortful control as a dimension of temperament is negatively associated with prefrontal serotonin transporter availability in obese and non‐obese individuals
Authors: Zientek Franziska , Winter Karsten , Müller Astrid , Rullmann Michael , Luthardt Julia , Becker Georg‐Alexander , Bresch Anke , Patt Marianne , Sabri Osama , Hilbert Anja , Hesse Swen
Published: August 2016

There is evidence that temperamental factors are associated with obesity; however, the biological mechanism of such association remains elusive. We aimed to investigate a possible association between serotonin transmission and regulative temperament in obese and non‐obese individuals by using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of serotonin transporters (SERT) and the Adult Temperament Questionnaire. Twenty‐nine obese individuals with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2 and 13 non‐obese controls (BMI < 30 kg/m2) underwent PET with [11C]‐labeled DASB (highly selective for SERT) and self‐completed the Effortful Control (EC) scale of the Adult Temperament Questionnaire‐Short Form (ATQ). With the help of this questionnaire, we aimed to assess the capacity of self‐regulation. Overall, for obese and non‐obese individuals together, VOI‐based (volume of interest) analysis showed significant negative correlations between SERT BPND and ATQ‐EC AC (Activation Control) subscale in several brain regions (all r ≤ −0.47). Obese and non‐obese individuals separated showed equally strong positive, but non‐significant correlations. The analysis did not reveal any significant correlations of SERT availability and ATQ‐EC IC (Inhibitory Control) or ATQ‐EC AtC (Attentional Control) subscale within and between the two groups. The results indicate that regulative temperament – particularly the capacity to mitigate negatively toned impulses and to resist inappropriate avoidance behavior – might be associated with the prefrontal serotonergic system.
Glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor in genetically defined fear‐induced aggression
Authors: Ilchibaeva Tatiana V. , Tsybko Anton S. , Kozhemyakina Rimma V. , Popova Nina K. , Naumenko Vladimir S.
Published: August 2016

Glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) plays an important role in maintenance of neuronal system throughout life. However, there is a lack of data on the involvement of GDNF in the regulation of different kinds of behavior. In this study, GDNF, its precursor (proGDNF) and GDNF mRNA levels were investigated in the brain of rats selectively bred for 85 generations for either high level or for the lack of affective aggressiveness toward human. It was found that GDNF mRNA level was decreased in the frontal cortex, increased in the raphe nuclei area of the midbrain of aggressive rats compared to tame animals and was not detected in the amygdala and hypothalamus. The level of proGDNF was reduced in the raphe nuclei area of the midbrain of highly aggressive rats and was not detected in the striatum, nucleus accumbens of investigated animals. Two forms of mature GDNF – monomer and dimer – were revealed. GDNF monomer level was increased in the raphe nuclei area, substantia nigra and amygdala of aggressive rats and it was not found in the frontal cortex and nucleus accumbens of investigated rats. Dimer GDNF level was found in all investigated brain structures. It was reduced in the hippocampus and increased in amygdala of highly aggressive rats. Thus, considerable structure‐specific differences in GDNF expression between highly aggressive and nonaggressive rats were shown. The data suggested the implication of both mature GDNF monomer and dimer as well as proGDNF in the mechanism underlying genetically defined aggressiveness.
A Caenorhabditis elegans model to study dopamine transporter deficiency syndrome
Authors: Illiano Placido , Lanzo Ambra , Leo Damiana , Paglione Maria , Zampi Giuseppina , Gainetdinov Raul R. , Di Schiavi Elia
Published: August 2016

Dopamine transporter deficiency syndrome (DTDS) is a novel autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the dopamine transporter (DAT), which leads to the partial or total loss of function of the protein. DTDS is a pharmacoresistant syndrome and very little is known about its neurobiology, in part due to the lack of relevant animal models. The objective of this study was to establish the first animal model for DTDS with strong construct validity, using Caenorhabditis elegans, and to investigate the in vivo role played by DTDS‐related mutations found in human DAT (hDAT). We took advantage of a C. elegans knockout for the hDAT orthologue, cedat‐1, to obtain genetically humanized animals bearing hDAT, in the wild type and in two mutated forms (399delG and 941C>T), in a null background. In C. elegans transgenic animals expressing the human wild‐type form, we observed a rescue of the knockout phenotype, as assessed using two well‐established paradigms, known to be regulated by the endogenous uptake of dopamine or 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) by DAT. The less severe mutation (941C>T) was able to partially rescue only one of the knockout phenotypes, whereas the 399delG mutation impaired DAT function in both phenotypic paradigms. Our in vivo phenotypic findings demonstrate a functional conservation between human and nematode DAT and validate previous in vitro indications of the loss of function of hDAT in carriers of DTDS‐related mutations. Taken together, these observations establish C. elegans as a novel animal model for fast and inexpensive screening of hDAT mutations in functional and in vivo tests.
Surgical treatment of a large congenital cavernous haemangioma on the thorax of a foal
Authors: Jacobsen S. , Christophersen M. T. , Tnibar A. , Jensen H. E. , Agerholm J. S.
Published: August 2016

A 3‐day‐old male foal was presented with a fluctuant 25 × 15 cm mass on the thorax. The mass had increased in size since birth. The mass did not respond to conservative treatment consisting of aspiration of serohaemorrhagic contents and compression bandages, and it was therefore surgically removed when the foal was approximately 2½ weeks. A histopathological diagnosis of cavernous haemangioma was made. Healing progressed without complications despite a large surgical wound left to heal by second intention. Recurrence was not observed during the 1.5‐year follow‐up period.
TNFSF4 polymorphisms are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus in the Malaysian population
Authors: Chua K. H. , Ooh Y. Y. , Chai H. C.
Published: August 2016

Tumour necrosis factor superfamily 4 (TNFSF4) gene has been reported to be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility due to its encoding for OX40L protein that can increase autoantibody production and cause imbalance of T‐cell proliferation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of TNFSF4 rs2205960, rs1234315, rs8446748 and rs704840 with SLE in the Malaysian population. A total of 476 patients with SLE and 509 healthy controls were recruited. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied to genotype the selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Allelic and genotypic frequencies of each SNP were calculated for each ethnic group, and association test was performed using logistic regression. The overall association of each SNP in Malaysian patients with SLE was determined with meta‐analysis. The frequency of minor T allele of TNFSF4 rs2205960 was significant in Chinese and Indian patients with SLE, with P values of 0.05 (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.00–1.61) and 0.004 (OR = 3.16, 95% CI: 1.41–7.05), respectively. Significant association of minor G allele of rs704840 with SLE was also observed in Chinese (P = 0.03, OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.02–1.56). However, after Bonferroni correction, only T allele of rs2205960 remained significantly associated with Indian cohort. Overall, minor G allele of rs704840 showed significant association with SLE in the Malaysian population with P values of 0.05 (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.00–1.43). We suggested TNFSF4 rs704840 could be the potential SLE risk factors in the Malaysian population.
Metastasectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the era of modern systemic treatment: C‐reactive protein is an independent predictor of overall survival
Authors: Rausch Steffen , Kruck Stephan , Walter Kerstin , Stenzl Arnulf , Bedke Jens
Published: August 2016

Objective

To define the predictive capability of serum C‐reactive protein for a contemporary patient collective undergoing metastasectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma with access to modern targeted therapies.

Methods

A total of 88 patients treated with metastasectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma from 2003 to 2014 were evaluated for putative clinicopathological risk factors and survival. Kaplan–Meier analyses, univariate and multivariate testing were carried out. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was applied to evaluate available risk stratification instruments for patients undergoing metastasectomy.

Results

Median overall survival for the collective was 66.31 months (95% confidence interval 50.67–135.47; 5‐year overall survival 55%). The median preoperative C‐reactive protein level was 6.7 mg/L (range 0.1–161.7). A C‐reactive protein cut‐off value of 5 mg/dL was significantly discriminative of survival (P = 0.029). Median survival in dependence of C‐reactive protein accounted for 50.67 months (range 33.86–63.05 months) in the C‐reactive protein >5 mg/L group, and 135.47 months in the C‐reactive protein ≤5 mg/L group (range 66.31–135.47 months). C‐reactive protein elevation >5 mg/L, anemia and surgical margin status were identified as significant predictors of overall survival in univariate analysis. In a multivariate model, resection margin status (P = 0.015) and C‐reactive protein elevation (P = 0.038) were confirmed as independent predictive variables.

Conclusions

Elevated C‐reactive protein >5 mg/L was identified as an independent predictor of survival in a contemporary patient collective undergoing metastasectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Future analyses and risk stratification tools for patients undergoing metastasectomy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma should aim to evaluate and include C‐reactive protein. To overcome low patient numbers, multi‐institutional studies should be carried out.
Long‐term prospective study of the persistence of solifenacin succinate in previously untreated Japanese female patients with overactive bladder
Authors: Tanaka Yoshinori , Tanuma Yasushi , Masumori Naoya
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To prospectively evaluate the persistence of solifenacin treatment in previously untreated Japanese female patients with overactive bladder.

Methods

A total of 73 previously untreated Japanese female patients diagnosed with overactive bladder were given 5 mg of solifenacin once daily and prospectively followed for 3 years with periodic evaluations. The drug persistence rate was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. If solifenacin had to be terminated or a patient did not come to the hospital to receive a prescription, the reason was determined.

Results

After solifenacin treatment, the overactive bladder symptom score and average voided volume were significantly improved and maintained for 3 years. The 6‐month, 1‐year, 2‐year and 3‐year persistence rates were 50.7%, 41.1%, 32.9% and 23.3%, respectively. The major reasons for solifenacin therapy discontinuation were symptom resolution (27.4%) and adverse events (20.5%). Patients with nocturia three times or more at baseline had lower persistence than those with nocturia more than three times. Patients without detrusor overactivity at baseline had lower drug persistence than those with detrusor overactivity.

Conclusions

Approximately one‐quarter of previously untreated Japanese overactive bladder female patients continue solifenacin treatment for 3 years. Many patients discontinue solifenacin for various reasons, including symptom resolution and adverse events.
Plasticity in incubation behavior and shading by king rails Rallus elegans in response to temperature
Authors: Clauser Amanda J. , McRae Susan B.
Published: August 2016

King rails experience a wide range of temperatures during the course of the breeding season throughout their rapidly contracting geographic range. Incubating parent birds are adapted to keep their eggs within a temperature range appropriate for embryo development, but king rail clutches are at risk of exceeding lethal temperatures in the latter half of the nesting season. We investigated whether behavioral plasticity during incubation enables parents to maintain clutch temperature within tolerable limits for embryo development. Video revealed that king rail parents interrupted incubation to stand above and shade their eggs. We tested the hypothesis that the onset of shading was a direct response to ambient temperature (adaptive plasticity). We monitored clutch temperature directly by experimentally adding into clutches a model egg embedded with a programmable iButton. We measured ambient temperature at the nest site simultaneously. Parents spent proportionately more time shading and less time incubating their eggs at higher ambient temperatures. Shading may primarily function in cooling the parent. The frequency and duration of shading bouts were significantly greater at higher ambient temperatures. Parents also took more frequent but shorter recesses in hotter conditions. Diurnal recesses exposed eggs to direct sunlight, and the highest clutch temperatures were recorded under these conditions. Complete hatching failure in at least one nest was attributable to high clutch temperature for an extended period. Because mean ambient temperature increases throughout the breeding season, we investigated seasonal patterns in onset of incubation and its effect on hatching rate. Later in the season, parents tended to initiate incubation earlier, and hatching asynchrony increased significantly. Together these results suggest that breeding king rails may be constrained in their ability to cope with sustained high temperatures should seasonal averages continue to rise as predicted.
Tick infestation of chicks in a seabird colony varies with local breeding synchrony, local nest density and habitat structure
Authors: Ramos Alejandra G. , Drummond Hugh
Published: August 2016

Parasites are a major risk for group‐living animals and seabirds are notoriously susceptible to ectoparasite infestations because they commonly nest in dense colonies. Ticks parasitize seabirds across all biogeographical regions and they can be particularly harmful to nestlings, but the ecological factors that affect their transmission to chicks are little studied and poorly understood. Here we show that abundance of tick larvae in blue‐footed booby Sula nebouxii broods varies with local nest synchrony and density, and also with habitat structure: abundance increased with local breeding synchrony, was linearly and quadratically related to local nest density, and was highest toward the southern end of the study area which has suitable (boulder‐rich) habitat for ticks. Also, with increasing chick age infestation first increased and then declined. The results of this study highlight how local physical and social environmental factors influence infestation of seabird nestlings by ticks.
SpotEgg: an image‐processing tool for automatised analysis of colouration and spottiness
Authors: Gómez Jesús , Liñán‐Cembrano Gustavo
Published: August 2016

Colouration and patterning are widespread amongst organisms. Regarding avian eggs, colouration (reflectances) has been previously measured using spectrometers whereas spottiness has been determined using human‐based scoring methods or by applying global thresholding over the luminance channel on photographs. However, the availability of powerful computers and digital image‐processing algorithms and software offers new possibilities to develop systematised, automatable, and accurate methods to characterise visual information in eggs. Here, we provide a computing infrastructure (library of functions and a graphical user interface) for eggshell colouration and spottiness analysis called SpotEgg, which runs over MATLAB. Compared to previous methods, our method offers four novelties for eggshell visual analysis. First, we have developed a standardised non‐human biased method to determine spottiness. Spottiness determination is based on four parameters that allow direct comparisons between studies and may improve results when relating colouration and patterning to pigment extraction. Second, researcher time devoted to routine tasks is remarkably reduced thanks to the incorporation of image‐processing techniques that automatically detect the colour reference chart and egg‐like shapes in the scene. Third, SpotEgg reduces the errors in colour estimation through the eggshell that are created by the different angles of view subtended from different parts of the eggshell and the optical centre of the camera. Fourth, SpotEgg runs automatic Fractal Dimension analysis (a measure of how the details in a pattern change with the scale at which this pattern is measured) of the spots pattern in case researchers want to relate other measurements with this special spatial pattern. Finally, although initially conceived for eggshell analysis, SpotEgg can also be applied in images containing objects different from eggs as feathers, frogs, insects, etc., since it allows the user to manually draw any region to be analysed making this tool useful not only for oologist but also for other evolutionary biologists.
Prevalence and comorbidities in adults with psoriasis compared to atopic eczema
Authors: Radtke M.A. , Schäfer I. , Glaeske G. , Jacobi A. , Augustin M.
Published: August 2016

Background

Most data suggesting an association between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) have come from specialized populations at either low or high risk of CVD. Atopic dermatitis (AD) has been associated with a number of modifiable risk factors, particularly obesity. There has been a recent controversy on the suggestion that associations with comorbidities in psoriasis may be due to overreporting or biased by disease severity and therefore not necessarily representative of the general psoriasis population.

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of AD and psoriasis and to compare the prevalence rates of comorbidities based on a large sample of health insurance data.

Methods

Data were collected from a database of non‐selected individuals from a German statutory health insurance organization that covers all geographic regions. Individuals identified by International Classification of Diseases (ICD)‐10 codes applied to all outpatient and inpatient visits in the year 2009. Comorbidities were evaluated by ICD‐10 diagnoses.

Results

The database consisted of 1 642 852 members of a German statutory health insurance. Of 1 349 671 data sets analyzed, 37 456 patients ≥18 years were diagnosed with psoriasis (prevalence 2.78%), and 48 140 patients ≥18 years of age were diagnosed with AD, equivalent to a prevalence of 3.67%. Patients with psoriasis showed increased rates of comorbidities in all age groups. Comorbidities related to the metabolic syndrome including arterial hypertension [prevalence ratio (PR), 1.94; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.90–1.98], hyperlipidaemia (PR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.73–1.81), obesity (PR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.69–1.79) and diabetes mellitus (PR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.83–1.94) were significantly more common among patients with psoriasis compared to AD.

Conclusions

Diseases forming part of the metabolic syndrome showed significant lower prevalence rates in patients with AD than in patients with psoriasis. Within the limitations of secondary healthcare data, our study disproves the suggestion that associations with comorbidities in psoriasis may be biased by a higher degree of severity or overreporting.
What do we know about palmoplantar pustulosis?
Authors: Misiak‐Galazka M. , Wolska H. , Rudnicka L.
Published: August 2016

Palmoplantar pustulosis is characterized by a chronic eruption of sterile pustules on palms and soles. The disease affects mainly women in the sixth and seventh decade of life. Some authors consider palmoplantar pustulosis a separate entity, whereas others consider it a condition in the spectrum of psoriasis. Aim of this study was to summarize the most recent data about PPP which aimed at establishing the nosological position of palmoplantar pustulosis. A systematic search of published literature was carried out. General characteristics of patients with PPP in different populations were present. We reviewed histological, immunological and genetic studies, as well as treatment options for PPP. PPP presents with clinical features, which are not present in psoriasis; however, the common coexistence of psoriasis vulgaris and/or positive family history for psoriasis indicates at least a close relationship between PPP and psoriasis. At present, there are not sufficient data to exclude PPP from psoriasis group.
An update on cutaneous melanoma in Turkey: evaluation of 19‐year data in a single tertiary centre and review of the literature
Authors: Baykal C. , Atci T. , Polat Ekinci A. , Buyukbabani N.
Published: August 2016

Background

Information on frequency of melanoma and its clinicopathological subtypes derived from dermatology clinics in Turkey is limited.

Objective

As data about melanoma show clear differences due to geographic and ethnic distribution, we scrutinized the rich data of our dermatology centre in Istanbul.

Methods

Consecutive patients diagnosed with melanoma in a tertiary dermatology clinic during the last 19 years were retrospectively investigated about the clinical presentation of the skin lesions during admission, frequency of subtypes and localization of the tumour.

Results

There were 227 patients with melanoma showing five different clinical presentations: 200 of them had totally 207 primary cutaneous melanoma (PCM) lesions, nine had PCM lesions associated with metastatic skin lesions, three presented with local recurrence, eight with only skin metastases and seven with regressed skin melanoma following systemic melanoma metastases. Histologically, 23.19% of the PCM lesions were intraepidermal (in situ) and Breslow thickness was less than 1 mm in 30.9% of the patients with invasive melanoma. The most common subtype was superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) (37.19%), followed by lentigo malignant melanoma (LMM) (31.4%), acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) (19.32%) and nodular melanoma (NM) (6.76%). Head and neck region was the most common (34.78%) localization of PCM lesions.

Conclusions

Different clinical presentations, including various types of cutaneous melanoma metastases, were seen. However, a great proportion of our patients were relatively early diagnosed, either having an in situ or an invasive PCM with a Breslow thickness ≤1 mm. Even though SSM was the most common subtype of PCM in our series, its rate was lower compared to many European countries. Furthermore, the rate of NM subtype was also low, while LMM and ALM rates were higher in comparison to studies originating from European countries. This striking discrepancy requires further studies to explain the probable causes.
Compound heterozygotes for filaggrin gene mutations do not always show severe atopic dermatitis
Authors: Sekiya A. , Kono M. , Tsujiuchi H. , Kobayashi T. , Nomura T. , Kitakawa M. , Suzuki N. , Yamanaka K. , Sueki H. , McLean W.H.I. , Shimizu H. , Akiyama M.
Published: August 2016

Background

Mutations in FLG, which encodes profilaggrin, cause ichthyosis vulgaris (IV) and are an important predisposing factor for atopic dermatitis (AD). IV shows autosomal hemidominant (semidominant) inheritance, and patients with bi‐allelic FLG mutations tend to have severe IV phenotypes. However, the effect of bi‐allelic FLG mutations on AD incidence and severity remains a subject of controversy.

Objective

In this study, we studied individuals with bi‐allelic null FLG mutations to elucidate the effect of bi‐allelic FLG mutations on AD incidence and severity.

Methods

Six individuals with bi‐allelic FLG null mutations from three families of IV/AD were investigated. We report the detailed clinical features of the individuals. The phenotype was confirmed by the clinical examinations and the severity of IV and AD was scored using ichthyosis score and Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI).

Result

It was found that five of the six patients had severe IV, and the remaining patient showed moderate IV. Two of the six had moderate AD and three of the six had mild AD. The remaining patient had no AD.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that individuals with bi‐allelic FLG mutations do not always have severe AD and confirm that not all individuals with bi‐allelic FLG mutations have AD.