bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal expression of trefoil factor 3 mRNA in association with tubulointerstitial fibrosis in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Tanaka Keiko , Sugiyama Hitoshi , Yamanari Toshio , Mise Koki , Morinaga Hiroshi , Kitagawa Masashi , Onishi Akifumi , Ogawa‐Akiyama Ayu , Tanabe Katsuyuki , Eguchi Jun , Ohmoto Yasukazu , Shikata Kenichi , Wada Jun
Published: July 2018

Aim

Trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) is a small peptide that is involved in mucosal protection. TFF3 is widely expressed in multiple tissues including kidney tissue. Previous studies have reported that the levels of urinary TFF3 are significantly increased in patients with chronic kidney disease. The aim of this study is to detect the TFF3 mRNA in kidney and elucidate the relationship between renal TFF3 mRNA and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in IgA nephropathy (IgAN).

Methods

We investigated the renal mRNA expression of TFF3 by real‐time PCR analysis in biopsy specimens from patients with IgAN, other glomerulonephritis (OGN) and minor glomerular abnormalities (MGA). We also determined the renal localization of TFF3 and the levels of urinary TFF3 by immunostaining and ELISA, respectively.

Results

The renal TFF3 mRNA expression was significantly associated with the urinary TFF3 secretion and the tubulointerstitial fibrosis score in the IgAN group alone. Immunostaining of the renal specimen of IgAN patients revealed that TFF3 is located in the renal tubular epithelial cells. The locations were almost the same as those that showed uromodulin positivity; specifically, the thick ascending limb (TAL) of the loop of Henle and the early portion of the distal tubule. The urinary TFF3 levels were positively correlated with the levels of urinary biomarkers of tubulointerstitial injury in such patients.

Conclusion

Renal TFF3 mRNA is associated with renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in IgAN patients. The TFF3 located in the renal tubular epithelial cells may play a role in the progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in IgAN patients.
Rapid drinking challenge during high‐resolution manometry is complementary to timed barium esophagogram for diagnosis and follow‐up of achalasia
Authors: Ponds F. A. , Oors J. M. , Smout A. J. P. M. , Bredenoord A. J.
Published: July 2018

Background

Esophageal stasis is a hallmark of achalasia. Timed barium esophagogram (TBE) is used to measure stasis but exposes patients to ionizing radiation. It is suggested that esophageal stasis can be objectified on high‐resolution manometry (HRM) as well using a rapid drinking challenge test (RDC). We aimed to assess esophageal stasis in achalasia by a RDC during HRM and compare this to TBE.

Methods

Thirty healthy subjects (15 male, age 40 [IQR 34‐49]) and 90 achalasia patients (53 male, age 47 [36‐59], 30 untreated/30 treated symptomatic/30 treated asymptomatic) were prospectively included to undergo HRM with RDC and TBE. RDC was performed by drinking 200 mL of water. Response to RDC was measured by basal and relaxation pressure in the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) and esophageal pressurization during the last 5 seconds.

Key Results

EGJ basal and relaxation pressure during RDC were higher in achalasia compared to healthy subjects (overall P < .01). Esophageal body pressurization was significantly higher in untreated (43 [33‐35 mm Hg]) and symptomatic treated patients (25 [16‐32] mm Hg) compared to healthy subjects (6 [3‐7] mm Hg) and asymptomatic treated patients (11 [8‐15] mm Hg, overall P < .01). A strong correlation was observed between esophageal pressurization during RDC and barium column height at 5 minutes on TBE (r = .75, P < .01), comparable to the standard predictor of esophageal stasis, IRP (r = .66, P < .01).

Conclusions & Inferences

The RDC can reliably predict esophageal stasis in achalasia and adequately measure treatment response to a degree comparable to TBE. We propose to add this simple test to each HRM study in achalasia patients.
Orthogonal contrast based models for quantitative genetic analysis in autotetraploid species
Authors: Chen Jing , Zhang Fengjun , Wang Lin , Leach Lindsey , Luo Zewei
Published: July 2018

Dissecting the genetic architecture of quantitative traits is a crucial goal for efficient breeding of polyploid plants, including autotetraploid crop species, such as potato and coffee, and ornamentals such as rose. To meet this goal, a quantitative genetic model is needed to link the genetic effects of genes or genotypes at quantitative trait loci (QTL) to the phenotype of quantitative traits.

We present a statistically tractable quantitative genetic model for autotetraploids based on orthogonal contrast comparisons in the general linear model. The new methods are suitable for autotetraploid species with any population genetic structure and take full account of the essential features of autotetrasomic inheritance. The statistical properties of the new methods are explored and compared to an alternative method in the literature by simulation studies.

We have shown how these methods can be applied for quantitative genetic analysis in autotetraploids by analysing trait phenotype data from an autotetraploid potato segregating population. Using trait segregation analysis, we showed that both highly heritable traits of flowering time and plant height were under the control of majorQTL.

The orthogonal model directly dissects genetic variance into independent components and gives consistent estimates of genetic effects provided that tetrasomic gene segregation is considered.
Lack of association between LTF gene polymorphisms and different caries status in primary dentition
Authors: Wang Mengchen , Qin Man
Published: July 2018

Objective

Dental caries is related to cariogenic bacteria, salivary components, oral hygiene and host susceptibility. Lactoferrin is an important antimicrobial glycoprotein in saliva; however, the role of the LTF gene in caries susceptibility is unclear. We investigated the association between LTF polymorphisms and the severity of caries.

Design

Our study included 910 healthy paediatric subjects (aged 24–48 months) categorised into three groups: 403 with no caries or white‐spot lesions; 230 with moderate caries (8 ≤ dmft ≤ 12); and 277 with severe caries (13 ≤ dmft ≤ 20). Information regarding the subjects’ oral habits was gathered using questionnaires. The LTF rs1126477 and rs1126478 polymorphism alleles were genotyped by Sanger sequencing.

Results

The three groups showed no significant differences in LTF polymorphisms alleles, genotypes or haplotypes distribution. Multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis showed that the interactions between breastfeeding for a duration >24 months, night feeding >24 months and high frequency of sweet food intake increased the risk of caries (p = 0.0014); however, we detected no interaction effect between the LTF polymorphisms and oral habits on caries susceptibility.

Conclusions

The LTF rs1126477 and rs1126478 polymorphisms showed no association with the different levels of caries risk in our Chinese paediatric cohort.
Bringing the Eltonian niche into functional diversity
Authors: Dehling D. Matthias , Stouffer Daniel B.
Published: July 2018

Studies of functional diversity (FD) have gained immense interest because they promise a more mechanistic understanding of the relationship between diversity and ecosystem functioning. However, the concept of FD is currently not used to its full potential because of several biases and shortcomings. For instance, while the analysis of traits related to species’ Grinnellian niches, i.e. traits influencing species’ fitness under different environmental conditions, is well‐advanced, there is a lack of studies on the functional diversity related to species’ Eltonian niches, i.e. species’ functional roles in ecological processes and their effects on other species, a discrepancy known as theEltonian Shortfall. Most importantly, the current indirect approach of measuring FD via species traits restricts analyses to species with similar traits, usually a taxon. Consequently, FD is generally measured for only one taxon but across different ecological processes, when it would ideally be measured for one ecological process but across all taxa that contribute to that process. These discrepancies hinder advances of our understanding of the relationship between diversity and ecosystem functions and services. We introduce a new approach to measuring functional diversity that is designed to overcome these shortcomings by bridging research on networks, species niches, and functional traits. Instead of characterizing functional rolesindirectlyvia species’ traits, we propose to characterize functional rolesdirectlyvia the traits of species’ resources and interaction partners in a given ecological process. Critically, this shift in perspective for the first time allows comparisons of the functional roles of all taxa that participate in an ecological process regardless of their own morphology. We illustrate our new approach with a study on functional roles of frugivores in seed‐dispersal systems. Our approach is an important addition to existing approaches to studying FD, and it facilitates new studies in a vastly unexplored field of functional diversity research.
Prospective survey of implantable defibrillator shock anxiety in Japanese patients: Results from the DEF‐Chiba study
Authors: Miyazawa Kazuo , Kondo Yusuke , Ueda Marehiko , Kajiyama Takatsugu , Nakano Masahiro , Inagaki Masayuki , Schwab Joerg O. , Sears Samuel F. , Kobayashi Yoshio
Published: July 2018

Background

Patient‐reported outcomes of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), such as those with shock anxiety, have emerged as important endpoints that are related to quality of life (QOL), but they have not been well studied in a sample of the Japanese population. Therefore, we prospectively examined changes in shock anxiety in a large sample of Japanese patients with an ICD.

Methods

We recruited 214 consecutive patients with an ICD who visited the outpatient clinic. At registration and 12 months later, all patients completed the Florida Shock Anxiety Scale (FSAS) questionnaire to allow us to examine changes in shock anxiety over the course of the first year after registration.

Results

During the 12‐month follow‐up period, 10.5% of the patients received ICD shock therapy. Female sex, secondary prevention, and experience of ICD shock therapy were associated with high FSAS scores at registration. The FSAS scores in both patients with appropriate and inappropriate shock were significantly higher at the 12‐month follow‐up interval than at registration, and there was no significant difference in the extent of changes in FSAS scores (Δ = 5.2 ± 5.1 and Δ = 6.3 ± 9.9, respectively, P = 0.62).

Conclusions

Female sex, secondary prevention, and experience of ICD shock therapy are important risk factors affecting shock anxiety in Japanese patients. Attention should be paid to the after‐effects of ICD shock in these patients, regardless of the shock type, with particular attention to women and patients who require secondary prevention.
Lipidomic reprogramming associated with drought stress priming‐enhanced heat tolerance in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea)
Authors: Zhang Xiaxiang , Xu Yi , Huang Bingru
Published: July 2018

Stress priming by exposing plants to a mild or moderate drought could enhance plant tolerance to subsequent heat stress. Lipids play vital roles in stress adaptation, but how lipidomic profiles change, affecting the cross‐stress tolerance, is largely unknown. The objectives of this study were to perform lipidomics, to analyse the content, composition, and saturation levels of lipids in leaves of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) following drought priming and subsequent heat stress, and to identify major lipids and molecular species associated with priming‐enhanced heat tolerance. Plants were initially exposed to drought for 8 days by withholding irrigation and subsequently subjected to 25 days of heat stress (38/33°C day/night) in growth chambers. Drought‐primed plants maintained significantly higher leaf relative water content, chlorophyll content, photochemical efficiency, and lower electrolyte leakage than nonprimed plants under heat stress. Drought priming enhanced the accumulation of phospholipids and glycolipids involved in membrane stabilization and stress signalling (phosphatidic acid, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, and digalactosyl diacylglycerol) during subsequent exposure to heat stress. The reprogramming of lipid metabolism for membrane stabilization and signalling in response to drought priming and subsequent exposure to heat stress could contribute to drought priming‐enhanced heat tolerance in cool‐season grass species.
Antipsychotic drugs and risk of newly diagnosed tuberculosis in schizophrenia
Authors: Liu Hsing‐Cheng , Hung Galen Chin‐Lun , Yang Shu‐Yu , Liao Ya‐Tang , Pan Chun‐Hung , Chen Chiao‐Chicy , Kuo Chian‐Jue
Published: July 2018

Aim

Patients with schizophrenia have a higher incidence of tuberculosis than do people in the general population. Information is limited regarding the association between antipsychotic agents and the risk of tuberculosis in patients with schizophrenia. This exploratory study assessed the risk of tuberculosis among patients with schizophrenia on antipsychotic therapy.

Methods

Among a nationwide schizophrenia cohort derived from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan (n = 32 399), we identified 284 patients who had developed newly diagnosed tuberculosis after their first psychiatric admission. Ten or fewer matched controls were selected randomly from the cohort for each patient based on risk‐set sampling. We categorized exposure to antipsychotic medications by type and defined daily dose. Using multivariate methods, we explored individual antipsychotic agents for the risk of tuberculosis and employed a propensity‐scoring method in sensitivity analyses to validate any associations.

Results

Among the antipsychotic agents studied and after adjustment for covariates, current use of clozapine was the only antipsychotic agent associated with a 63% increased risk of tuberculosis (adjusted risk ratio = 1.63, P = 0.014). In addition, the association did not show a clear dose‐dependent relationship. Clozapine combined with other antipsychotic agents showed a potential synergistic risk for tuberculosis (adjusted risk ratio = 2.30, P = 0.044).

Conclusion

This exploratory study suggests the potential risk of clozapine on the risk of tuberculosis, especially for those on clozapine in combination with other antipsychotics. Future studies are needed to verify the association.
Possible effect of maternal safe food preparation behavior on child malnutrition in Benin, Africa
Authors: Nagahori Chikako , Kinjo Yoshihide , Vodounon Assogba Joseph , Alao Maroufou Jules , Padonou Batossi Geneviève , Hounkpatin Benjamin , Amoule Houenassi Eve , Yamauchi Taro
Published: July 2018

Background

In many developing countries, faulty complementary feeding practises and frequently contaminated foods are contributing factors to child malnutrition. The aims of this study were to evaluate the nutrition status of, and clarify the maternal safe food preparation behaviors associated with malnutrition in, children aged <5 years in Cotonou, Benin.

Methods

This study targeted 300 mother–child pairs visiting the University Hospital of Mother and Child Cotonou Lagoon. Mothers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Child height/length and weight measurements were determined and Z‐scores were calculated using the 2006 World Health Organization Child Growth Standards. Children with Z‐score < −2 were considered to have stunting or be underweight. On logistic regression analysis, significant variables on bivariate analysis, the associations of which were clarified in previous studies, were established as independent variables. Approximately 80% of the children who participated in this study were aged < 1 year. Being underweight was analyzed as a dependent variable.

Results

Regarding nutrition status, 11.0% of the children had stunting and 14.7% were underweight. On logistic regression analysis, underweight was correlated significantly with birthweight. As a remarkable point, food refrigeration was statistically significant. Food refrigeration can possibly be regarded as a maternal safe food preparation behavior.

Conclusions

Maternal safe food preparation behaviors can prevent child malnutrition, even after considering biological and socioeconomic factors.
Development and implementation of a health education station by community health nursing students
Authors: Niemi Charlene A. , Payne Alysha M. , Bates Ricky
Published: July 2018

This paper examines the development and implementation of a health literacy/education station at a large free clinic in a metropolitan city in southern California. The station was made possible through a partnership between the leadership team at the clinic and senior nursing students at a large university located in southern California. This paper outlines the importance of health literacy, the partnership between the community health senior nursing students and faculty and a yearly 3‐day health clinic, the Core Competencies of Public Health Nursing met by the event, student preparation prior to the event, outcomes, and recommendations for future clinics and for future collaborations.
Enzyme biotechnology in degradation and modification of plant cell wall polymers
Authors: Marjamaa Kaisa , Kruus Kristiina
Published: July 2018

Lignocelluloses are abundant raw materials for production of fuels, chemicals and materials. The purpose of this paper is to review the enzyme‐types and enzyme‐technologies studied and applied in the processing of the lignocelluloses into different products. The enzymes here are mostly glycoside hydrolases, esterases and different redox enzymes. Enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic polysaccharides to platform sugars has been widely studied leading to development of advanced commercial products for this purpose. Restricted hydrolysis or oxidation of cellulosic fibers have been applied in processing of pulps to paper products, nanocelluloses and textile fibers. Oxidation, transglycosylation and derivatization have been utilized in functionalization of fibers, cellulosic surfaces and polysaccharides. Enzymatic polymerization, depolymerization and grafting methods are being developed for lignin valorization.
Knowledge and attitudes of older psychiatric patients and their caregivers towards electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Zhang Qing‐E , Zhou Fu‐Chun , Zhang Ling , Ng Chee H. , Ungvari Gabor S. , Wang Gang , Xiang Yu‐Tao
Published: July 2018

Background

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for older patients with severe psychiatric disorders, but their knowledge and attitudes regarding ECT have not been well studied. This study examined the knowledge and attitudes of older Chinese patients and their caregivers towards ECT.

Method

A total of 216 participants comprising older patients treated with ECT (n = 108) and their caregivers (n = 108) were recruited. Their knowledge and attitudes regarding ECT were assessed using self‐reported questionnaires.

Results

Most caregivers received sufficient information on the therapeutic effects of ECT, but inadequate information about the ECT process, its adverse effects, and risks was provided to caregivers and patients before treatment. Although ECT was generally viewed as beneficial, effective, and safe, around two‐thirds of patients and caregivers believed that ECT should be used only for critically ill patients. Over half of the patients reported adverse effects caused by ECT, with memory impairment being the most commonly reported.

Conclusions

Clinicians in Chinese psychiatric hospitals need to provide sufficient information on ECT to older patients and their caregivers before treatment, particularly regarding the treatment process and adverse effects.
Predictors of potentially harmful behaviour by family caregivers towards patients treated for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia in Japan
Authors: Toda Daisuke , Tsukasaki Keiko , Itatani Tomoya , Kyota Kaoru , Hino Shoryoku , Kitamura Tatsuru
Published: July 2018

Background

Potentially harmful behaviour (PHB) by caregivers is detrimental to the physical and psychological well‐being of care recipients. In Japan, few studies have investigated caregivers’ PHB towards dementia patients. This study examined PHB in family caregivers of dementia patients with behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and identified factors related to PHB.

Methods

Following primary consultations at an elderly psychiatric patient department, we enrolled 133 pairs of dementia patients and their family caregivers. We assessed PHB using the Japanese version of the modified Conflict Tactics Scale. We defined the presence of PHB as two or more points (PHB frequency of ‘sometimes’ or more) on at least one indicator of the modified Conflict Tactics Scale. We investigated the prevalence of PHB in relation to the clinical characteristics of the patients and their family caregivers. We evaluated BPSD using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and caregiver burden using the eight‐item Japanese version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview.

Results

Of the family caregivers, 48.9% showed PHB. Multivariate analysis identified the following association with PHB: caregiver's Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview total score (odds ratio [OR], 1.09 per unit increase; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1.02–1.16), and Neuropsychiatric Inventory scores for patient irritability (OR, 1.22 per unit increase; 95%CI, 1.06–1.40), appetite/eating disorders (OR, 1.41 per unit increase; 95%CI = 1.08–1.84) and daughters‐in‐law caregivers (OR, 0.17, 95%CI, 0.05–0.57).

Conclusions

Specific BPSD symptoms could contribute to the expression of PHB. In addition to decreasing caregiver burden, more intensive treatment and care strategies are required to manage individual symptoms.
Perception of domestic risks among carers for dependent older persons
Authors: Monfort Emmanuel , Gandit Marc , Poulet Caroline , Quillion‐Dupré Lisa , Boudin Bertrand , Couturier Pascal
Published: July 2018

Background

Despite growing interest for home care, little evidence exists on the perception of domestic risk among carers for dependent older persons. This study aims to characterize the risks to which carers of aging dependent individuals are exposed, and to determine whether these risk dimensions are predictive for effective support, for burden, and for psychological distress.

Methods

Seventy care partners were questioned about the risk situations identified at the homes of the old people they care for, about the burden they felt in their role, and about their feelings of psychological distress. Securing was evaluated by means of sensibility measures, and overprotection was evaluated by means of specificity measures.

Results

Risk rates were high for loneliness of the old people, wandering, burns, and unsatisfactory health monitoring. There was very little overlap between identification of the risks and implementation of solutions by the caregiver, except for the risks that involved heat. The distinction between accurate securing and overprotection is especially important, because the burden of care partners was linked to uncontrolled domestic risks.

Conclusion

Typologies of reactions to risk, characterized by a signal detection approach, could contribute to a better understanding of the situations experienced by care partners, especially situations of neglect and of overprotection.
Spatio‐temporal expression dynamics differ between homologues of flowering time genes in the allopolyploid Brassica napus
Authors: Jones D. Marc , Wells Rachel , Pullen Nick , Trick Martin , Irwin Judith A. , Morris Richard J.
Published: July 2018

Polyploidy is a recurrent feature of eukaryotic evolution and has been linked to increases in complexity, adaptive radiation and speciation. Within angiosperms such events have occurred repeatedly in many plant lineages. Here we investigate the retention and spatio‐temporal expression dynamics of duplicated genes predicted to regulate the floral transition in Brassica napus (oilseed rape, OSR). We show that flowering time genes are preferentially retained relative to other genes in the OSR genome. Using a transcriptome time series in two tissues (leaf and shoot apex) across development we show that 67% of these retained flowering time genes are expressed. Furthermore, between 64% (leaf) and 74% (shoot apex) of the retained gene homologues show diverged expression patterns relative to each other across development, suggesting neo‐ or subfunctionalization. A case study of homologues of the shoot meristem identity gene TFL1 reveals differences in cis‐regulatory elements that could explain this divergence. Such differences in the expression dynamics of duplicated genes highlight the challenges involved in translating gene regulatory networks from diploid model systems to more complex polyploid crop species.
A positive‐charged patch and stabilized hydrophobic core are essential for avirulence function of AvrPib in the rice blast fungus
Authors: Zhang Xin , He Dan , Zhao Yanxiang , Cheng Xilan , Zhao Wensheng , Taylor Ian A. , Yang Jun , Liu Junfeng , Peng You‐Liang
Published: July 2018

Fungal avirulence effectors, a key weapon utilized by pathogens to promote their infection, are recognized by immune receptors to boost host R gene‐mediated resistance. Many avirulence effectors share sparse sequence homology to proteins with known functions, and their molecular and biochemical functions together with the evolutionary relationship among different members remain largely unknown. Here, the crystal structure of AvrPib, an avirulence effector from Magnaporthe oryzae, was determined and showed a high degree of similarity to the M. oryzae Avrs and ToxB (MAX) effectors. Compared with other MAX effectors, AvrPib has a distinct positive‐charge patch formed by five positive‐charged residues (K29, K30, R50, K52 and K70) on the surface. These five key residues were essential to avirulence function of AvrPib and affected its nuclear localization into host cells. Moreover, residues V39 and V58, which locate in the hydrophobic core of the structure, cause loss of function of AvrPib by single‐point mutation in natural isolates. In comparison with the wild‐type AvrPib, the V39A or V58A mutations resulted in a partial or entire loss of secondary structure elements. Taken together, our results suggest that differences in the surface charge distribution of avirulence proteins could be one of the major bases for the variation in effector–receptor specificity, and that destabilization of the hydrophobic core is one of the major mechanisms employed by AvrPib for the fungus to evade recognition by resistance factors in the host cell.
Comparison of minichromosome maintenance protein 7, Ki67 and mitotic index in the prognosis of intermediate Patnaik grade cutaneous mast cell tumours in dogs
Authors: Berlato D. , Murphy S. , Laberke S. , Rasotto R.
Published: July 2018

A previous study found that minichromosome maintenance protein 7 (MCM7) score was associated with prognosis in dogs with cutaneous mast cell tumours (MCTs) independent of histological grade. The primary aim of this study was to validate this score in a different cohort of dogs focusing exclusively on patients with Patnaik intermediate grade MCTs treated with surgery alone and followed for a minimum of 1 year. A secondary aim was to evaluate the prognostic performance of MCM7 in relation to Kiupel histological grade, mitotic index (MI) and Ki67 index in the same cohort of dogs. Ninety dogs were identified, 82 were low Kiupel grade and 8 were high Kiupel grade. Seventy‐two dogs were alive after a median follow‐up of 1136 days and 18 dogs died of MCT‐related causes after a median of 116 days. A MI threshold of 5 was associated with a sensitivity of 0.39 and a specificity of 0.99 in predicting MCT‐related death; for Ki67 a threshold of 0.018 was associated with a sensitivity of 0.78 and a specificity of 0.83; and for MCM7 a threshold of 0.18 gave a sensitivity of 0.83 and a specificity of 0.86. Combining MI, Ki67 and MCM7 showed an improved accuracy of predicting death compared with each individual variable. Therefore, performing Ki67 and MCM7 in dogs with GII MCT, low Kiupel grade and low MI might be a consideration.
Diagnostic accuracy of contrast‐enhanced computed tomography for assessment of mandibular and medial retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in dogs with oral and nasal cancer
Authors: Skinner O. T. , Boston S. E. , Giglio R. F. , Whitley E. M. , Colee J. C. , Porter E. G.
Published: July 2018

The diagnostic accuracy of contrast‐enhanced CT for detection of cervical lymph node metastasis in dogs is unknown. The purpose of this retrospective, observational, diagnostic accuracy study was to assess the efficacy of CT for detection of mandibular and medial retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis in dogs. Histopathology of dogs with cancer of the head, CT and bilateral mandibular and medial retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy was reviewed. A single radiologist measured lymph nodes to derive short axis width and long‐short axis ratios. Two blinded radiologists separately assessed lymph node margins, attenuation and contrast enhancement and each provided a final subjective interpretation of each node site as benign or neoplastic. Where radiologists' opinions differed, a consensus was reached. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated for mandibular and medial retropharyngeal sites. Agreement between radiologists was assessed. Fisher's exact test and the Kruskal‐Wallis H‐test were used to assess associations between variables. Forty‐one primary tumours were recorded in 40 dogs. Metastasis to mandibular or retropharyngeal lymph nodes occurred in 16 out of 40 dogs (43/160 nodes). Agreement between radiologists was almost perfect for margination, attenuation and enhancement, strong for interpretation of mandibular lymph node metastasis, and weak for interpretation of medial retropharyngeal lymph node metastasis. Sensitivity of CT was 12.5% and 10.5%, specificity was 91.1% and 96.7%, and accuracy was 67.5% and 76.3% for mandibular and medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes respectively. No individual CT findings were predictive of nodal metastasis. Given the low sensitivity of CT, this modality cannot be relied upon alone for assessment of cervical lymph node metastasis in dogs.
Comparison of Enterprise Point‐of‐Care and Nova Biomedical Critical Care Xpress analyzers for determination of arterialpH, blood gas, and electrolyte values in canine and equine blood
Authors: Elmeshreghi Taher N. , Grubb Tamara L. , Greene Stephen A. , Ragle Claude A. , Wardrop Jane A.
Published: July 2018

Background

Point‐of‐care analyzers can provide a rapid turnaround time for critical blood test results. Agreement between the Enterprise Point‐of‐Care (EPOC) and bench‐top laboratory analyzers is important to determine the clinical reliability of theEPOC.

Objectives

The aim of the study was (1) to evaluate the precision (repeatability) of blood gas values measured by theEPOCand (2) to determine the level of agreement between theEPOCand Nova Critical Care Express (NovaCCX) for the assessment of arterialpH, blood gases, and electrolyte variables in canine and equine blood.

Methods

Arterial blood samples from dogs were analyzed on theEPOCand NovaCCXanalyzers to determine precision and agreement ofpH, PaCO2, PaO2, andHCT. The same analytes plus Na+, K−, and Cl−were analyzed for agreement using equine blood. Statistical analyses included assessment of precision using the coefficient of variation (CV%), and agreement using the Deming regression, Pearson correlation, and Bland‐Altman plots.

Results

Both analyzers provided precise results ofpH, PaCO2, PaO2,andHCT, meetingCV% quality requirement values. In both species, Deming regression results were acceptable and correlation values were above 0.93 for arterialpHand blood gases, but lower for sodium and chloride. Bland‐Altman plots demonstrated varying degrees of bias, but good agreement between the 2 analyzers was seen when arterial blood gases and electrolytes were measured, except for PaCO2and Cl−.

Conclusion

TheEPOCanalyzer provides consistent, reliable results for canine arterial blood gas values and for equine arterial blood gas and electrolyte values. Cl−results could be acceptable with the application of a correction factor, but the PaCO2results were more variable.
The eZoomBook Tool: A Blended and Eclectic Approach to Digital Pedagogy
Authors: Evain Christine , Marco Chris De
Published: July 2018

This article is a comparative study of five pedagogical experiments that involved the use of the digital eZoomBook tool. An “eZoomBook” is a customized multi-level document incorporating links among the different layers that are accessible by tabs in a menu. eZoomBooks include a zooming in and out function allowing readers to navigate easily among the different layers. Each of the five experiments is examined in light of six classroom variables. We aim to demonstrate that the eZoomBook editor facilitates a blended, eclectic approach adaptable to a variety of pedagogical contexts and highly motivating for its users.
Individual Step Characteristics During Sprinting in Unilateral Transtibial Amputees
Authors: Hobara Hiroaki , Saito Sakiko , Hashizume Satoru , Sakata Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2018

To understand the step characteristics during sprinting in lower-extremity amputees using running-specific prosthesis, each athlete should be investigated individually. Theoretically, sprint performance in a 100-m sprint is determined by both step frequency and step length. The aim of the present study was to investigate how step frequency and step length correlate with sprinting performance in elite unilateral transtibial amputees. By using publicly-available Internet broadcasts, the authors analyzed 88 races from 7 unilateral transtibial amputees. For each sprinter’s run, the average step frequency and step length were calculated using the number of steps and official race time. Based on Pearson’s correlation coefficients between step frequency, step length, and official race time for each individual, the authors classified each individual into 3 groups: step-frequency reliant, step-length reliant, and hybrid. It was found that 2, 2, and 3 sprinters were classified into step-frequency reliant, step-length reliant, and hybrid, respectively. These results suggest that the step frequency or step length reliance during a 100-m sprint is an individual occurrence in elite unilateral transtibial amputees using running-specific prosthesis.
Mitochondrial redox sensing by the kinase ATM maintains cellular antioxidant capacity
Authors: Zhang Yichong , Lee Ji-Hoon , Paull Tanya T. , Gehrke Sarah , D’Alessandro Angelo , Dou Qianhui , Gladyshev Vadim N. , Schroeder Elizabeth A. , Steyl Samantha K. , Christian Brooke E. , Shadel Gerald S.
Published: July 2018

The kinase ATM stimulates antioxidant metabolism to prevent oxidative stress in cells.
New connections: Putting the brakes on inflammation
Authors: Williams Erin R.
Published: July 2018

By targeting multiple pathways, microRNAs limit inflammation during sepsis.
Benefits of Ascorbic Acid in Association with Low-Dose Benznidazole in Treatment of Chagas Disease
Authors: Providello Maiara Voltarelli , Carneiro Zumira Aparecida , Portapilla Gisele Bulhões , do Vale Gabriel Tavares , Camargo Ricardo Souza , Tirapelli Carlos Renato , de Albuquerque Sérgio
Published: July 2018

The acute phase of Chagas disease (CD) is characterized by high parasitic proliferation and intense inflammation, exacerbating the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). These reactive molecules are also increased by the metabolism of the nitroheterocyclic compounds benznidazole (BZ) and nifurtimox, the only drugs available for the treatment of CD.
Stable Expression of Modified Green Fluorescent Protein in Group B Streptococci To Enable Visualization in Experimental Systems
Authors: Sullivan Matthew J. , Ulett Glen C.
Published: July 2018

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterium associated with various diseases in humans and animals. This study describes the development of a strategy to label and visualize GBS using a fluorescence biomarker, termed GFPmut3. We show that this biomarker can be successfully applied to track the growth of bacteria in liquid medium, and it enables the detailed visualization of GBS in the context of live human cells in real-time microscopic analysis. The system for GFPmut3 expression in GBS described in this study provides a new tool for the visualization of this organism in diverse research applications.
Delineating the Physiological Roles of the PE and Catalytic Domains of LipY in Lipid Consumption in Mycobacterium-Infected Foamy Macrophages
Authors: Santucci Pierre , Diomandé Sadia , Poncin Isabelle , Alibaud Laetitia , Viljoen Albertus , Kremer Laurent , de Chastellier Chantal , Canaan Stéphane
Published: July 2018

Within tuberculous granulomas, a subpopulation of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
resides inside foamy macrophages (FM) that contain abundant cytoplasmic lipid bodies (LB) filled with triacylglycerol (TAG). Upon fusion of LB with
M. tuberculosis
-containing phagosomes, TAG is hydrolyzed and reprocessed by the bacteria into their own lipids, which accumulate as intracytosolic lipid inclusions (ILI).
Murine Cytomegalovirus Protein pM91 Interacts with pM79 and Is Critical for Viral Late Gene Expression
Authors: Pan Deng , Han Tian , Tang Shubing , Xu Wenjia , Bao Qunchao , Sun Yamei , Xuan Baoqin , Qian Zhikang
Published: July 2018

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the leading cause of birth defects and causes morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The regulation of viral late gene transcription is not well elucidated, and understanding of this process benefits the development of novel therapeutics against CMV infection. This study (i) identified that six viral transactivation factors encoded by murine CMV form a complex, (ii) demonstrated that pM91 interacts with pM79 and that pM91 and pM79 colocalize in the nuclear viral replication compartments, (iii) confirmed that pM91 is critical for viral late gene expression but dispensable for viral DNA replication, and (iv) revealed that the pM91-pM79 interaction is required for progeny virus production. These findings give an explanation of how CMV regulates late gene expression and have important implications for the design of antiviral strategies.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus curvatus NFH-Km12, Isolated from the Japanese Traditional Fish Fermented Food Kabura-zushi
Authors: Kyoui Daisuke , Mikami Natsumi , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Kawarai Taketo , Ogihara Hirokazu
Published: July 2018

Kabura-zushi is a traditional Japanese fermented food made from yellowtail, rice, salt, and kōji. In this study, the complete genomic sequence of
Lactobacillus curvatus
NFH-Km12, isolated from this unique food, is reported.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Two Human Norovirus GII.4 Variants Isolated in the United States
Authors: Hu Yuan , Chen Haifeng
Published: July 2018

Variants of human noroviruses belonging to the genogroup II genotype 4 (GII.4) lineage have accounted for most norovirus outbreaks in the world since the mid-1990s. We report here the complete genome sequences of two historical human norovirus GII.4 variants isolated from norovirus-positive patient stool specimens in the United States.
Variations in death notification of nursing home residents to Australian Coroners
Authors: Ibrahim Joseph Elias , Kipsaina Chebiwot , Martin Cathy , Ranson David Leo , Bugeja Lyndal
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To examine the impact of changes to the reporting requirements in coronial legislation on the nature and frequency of nursing home resident deaths reported to Coroners.

Design

National retrospective study of a population cohort of nursing home resident deaths.

Setting

Accredited Australian nursing homes between July 2000 and June 2013.

Participants

Residents who died in nursing homes accredited by the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency reported to Coroners.

Main outcome measures

We explored three death-reporting models in the nursing home setting: comprehensive model, selective ‘mechanism of death’ model and selective ‘age of death’ model. These models were examined by manner of death subgroups: natural, falls-related and other external causes using the outcome measure of deaths notified to the Coroner per 1000 residents. We used an interrupted time series analysis using generalised linear regression with a negative binomial probability distribution and a log link function.

Results

The comprehensive model showed the proportion of reportable deaths due to natural causes far exceeded those from falls and other external cause. In contrast, the selective notification models reduced the total number of reportable deaths. Similarly, the selective ‘age of death’ model showed a decline in the reportable external cause deaths.

Conclusions

Variation in the causes, locations and ages of persons whose deaths are legally required to be notified to Coroners impacts the frequency and nature of deaths of nursing home residents investigated by Coroners. This demonstrates that legislation needs to be carefully framed and applied to ensure that the prevention mandate of Coroners in Australia is to be achieved.
Recovery after unilateral knee replacement due to severe osteoarthritis and progression in the contralateral knee: a randomised clinical trial comparing daily 2000 IU versus 800 IU vitamin D
Authors: Bischoff-Ferrari Heike A , Orav E John , Egli Andreas , Dawson-Hughes Bess , Fischer Karina , Staehelin Hannes B , Rizzoli Rene , Hodler Juerg , von Eckardstein Arnold , Freystaetter Gregor , Meyer Ursina , Guggi Thomas , Burckhardt Peter , Schietzel Simeon , Chocano-Bedoya Patricia , Theiler Robert , Willett Walter C , Felson David
Published: July 2018

Objective

To test whether daily high-dose vitamin D improves recovery after unilateral total knee replacement.

Methods

Data come from a 24-month randomised, double-blind clinical trial. Adults aged 60 and older undergoing unilateral joint replacement due to severe knee osteoarthritis were 6–8 weeks after surgery randomly assigned to receive daily high-dose (2000 IU) or standard-dose (800 IU) vitamin D3. The primary endpoints were symptoms (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index pain and function scores) assessed at baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months in both knees, and the rate of falls over 24 months. The secondary outcomes were sit-to-stand performance, gait speed, physical activity and radiographic progression in the contralateral knee.

Results

We recruited 273 participants, 137 were randomised to receive 2000 IU and 136 were randomised to receive 800 IU vitamin D per day. 2000 IU vitamin D increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels to 45.6 ng/mL and 800 IU vitamin D to 37.1 ng/mL at month 24 (p<0.0001). While symptoms improved significantly in the operated knee and remained stable in the contralateral knee over time, none of the primary or secondary endpoints differed by treatment group over time. The rate of falls over 24 months was 1.05 with 2000 IU and 1.07 with 800 IU (p=0.84). 30.5% of participants in the 2000 IU and 31.3% of participants in the 800 IU group had radiographic progression in the contralateral knee over 24 months (p=0.88).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a 24-month treatment with daily 2000 IU vitamin D did not show greater benefits or harm than a daily standard dose of 800 IU among older adults undergoing unilateral total knee replacement.
Parathyroid immunohistochemistry in a 12-year-old mixed-breed dog with parathyroid adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kaiser Anna-Maria , Kempker Lena , Neiger Reto
Published: July 2018

A 12-year-old, female, spayed, mixed-breed dog with acute lethargy, anorexia and weakness and markedly elevated total and ionised calcium concentration showed an enlarged left cranial parathyroid gland on ultrasonography of the ventral neck. Despite preoperative therapy with furosemide and calcitonin, there was no decline of plasma ionised calcium concentration. The dog deteriorated rapidly and was euthanased two days after initial presentation. Postmortem histopathology revealed parathyroid tissue with characteristics of malignancy as local and vascular invasion. Immunohistochemistry showed parathyroid hormone positive staining of these cells. Unusual clinical presentation and histopathological characteristics are discussed.
Are Canadian protein and physical activity guidelines optimal for sarcopenia prevention in older adults?
Authors: Oliveira Camila L.P. , Dionne Isabelle J. , Prado Carla M.
Published: July 2018

Aging is characterized by physiological and morphological changes that affect body composition, strength, and function, ultimately leading to sarcopenia. This condition results in physical disability, falls, fractures, poor quality of life, and increased health care costs. Evidence suggests that increased consumption of dietary protein and physical activity levels, especially resistance exercise, can counteract the trajectory of sarcopenia. Canadian guidelines for protein intake and physical activity were last updated in 2005 and 2011, respectively, and new evidence on sarcopenia diagnosis, prevention, and treatment is rapidly evolving. Protein recommendations are set as “one-size-fits-all” for both young and older adults. Recent evidence demonstrates that current recommendations are insufficient to meet the minimum protein requirement to counteract muscle loss and to stimulate hypertrophy in healthy older adults. Beyond quantity, protein quality is also essential to benefit muscle anabolism in older adults. In terms of physical activity, resistance exercise training is a potential strategy to counteract age-related effects, as it can elicit muscle hypertrophic response in addition to increases in muscle strength and function in older adults. Canadian physical activity guidelines lack details on how this modality of training should be performed. Current guidelines for protein intake and physical activity do not reflect recent knowledge on sarcopenia prevention. The gap between guidelines and the latest evidence on the maintenance and promotion of older adult’s health highlight the need for updated protein and physical activity recommendations.
Exogenous application of methyl jasmonate altersPinus resinosaseedling response to simulated frost
Authors: Connolly Brian M. , Orrock John L.
Published: July 2018

Physical stresses, such as exposure to cold, can affect plant recruitment, survival, and demography. The ability of plants to tolerate physical stress, however, may depend upon the co-occurrence of other stresses. For example, although plants undergo physiological changes to increase defense against herbivores, it is unknown whether chemical signaling associated with herbivory can alter plant tolerance to cold. We tested the hypothesis that both tissue removal and chemical induction (via exogenous application of 1 mmol/L methyl jasmonate [MeJA]) would alter cold tolerance of seedlings of Pinus resinosa Aiton. Application of MeJA resulted in 18% less foliar tissue damage compared with the control plants (estimated via foliar electrolyte leakage) following a simulated frost. Leaf tissue removal similarly limited the extent of cold damage on P. resinosa seedlings. Growth in seedlings not treated with MeJA was slower than that of seedlings treated with MeJA following exposure to the simulated frost. Our work indicates that secondary responses via MeJA induction can alter tree seedling response to cold and may (i) help explain natural patterns of variation in plant performance, and (ii) be leveraged to facilitate agricultural plant tolerance to physical stresses under increasingly variable climate conditions.
A stealth defect of spacetime
Authors: Klinkhamer F. R. , Queiruga J. M.
Published: July 2018

We discuss a special type of Skyrmion spacetime-defect solution, which has a positive energy density of the matter fields but a vanishing asymptotic gravitational mass. With a mass term for the matter field added to the action (corresponding to massive “pions” in the Skyrme model), this particular soliton-type solution has no long-range fields and can appropriately be called a “stealth defect”.