bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse event reporting in studies of penetrating acupuncture during pregnancy: a systematic review
Authors: Clarkson Carl E. , O'mahony Deborah , Jones Diana E.
Published: January 2015

Background

Acupuncture within pregnancy has frequently been investigated, often finding this to be more effective than standard care. However, the adverse event severity, types and occurrence are unclear.

Objective

To investigate the quality of reporting adverse events and to attempt to identify occurrence, type and severity of adverse events in acupuncture and non‐acupuncture groups.

Data sources

MEDLINE, CINAHL, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) were searched for relevant studies between 2000 and 2014.

Study selection

Seventeen studies using penetrating acupuncture and making comment on adverse events experienced were included. Quality appraisal of the selected publications was performed using either the PEDro scale or the Downs and Black checklist. Quality of reporting was evaluated against STRICTA and CONSORT guidelines, with data on adverse events extracted in accordance with CONSORT and Good Clinical Practice adverse event guidelines.

Results

Overall quality of reporting of adverse events was poor, with information describing the adverse events often lacking in detail. A number of trends were noted: adverse events occurring within a treatment session was 3–17% in the acupuncture groups and 4–25% in the non‐acupuncture groups. The percentage of women affected by an adverse event was between 14 and 17% in the acupuncture groups and between 15 and 19% in non‐acupuncture groups.

Conclusions

Adverse event reporting within acupuncture trials is generally poor. The trends noted were that adverse events do occur, but would appear to be largely minor and comparable to non‐acupuncture‐related interventions.
Ovarian preservation in young women with endometrial cancer of endometrioid histology
Authors: Kinjyo Yoshino , Kudaka Wataru , Ooyama Takuma , Inamine Morihiko , Nagai Yutaka , Aoki Yoichi
Published: January 2015

Objective

To clarify the frequency and risk factors of ovarian metastasis in women with endometrial cancer of endometrioid histology.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

University of the Ryukyus Japan 1990–2011.

Population

Eighty‐eight women ≤45 years of age with endometrial cancer of only endometrioid histology.

Methods

Clinicopathological factors from the medical records were used. Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze predictive factors for ovarian metastasis.

Main outcome measures

Risk factors of ovarian malignancy.

Results

All women underwent total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy and lymph node dissection. The median age was 39 years, and FIGO stage distributions were: stage I, 63 (71.6%) women; stage II, 14 (15.9%) women; and stage III, 11 (12.5%) women. Pathologically, ovarian metastasis was observed in four (4.5%) women. Only lymph node metastasis was a significant predictive factor for ovarian metastasis (p = 0.0038), and deep myometrial invasion was the only significant factor (p = 0.0085) for the prediction of lymph node metastasis. No ovarian malignancy was found in 72 women with invasion ≤50% myometrial depth and no enlargement of the ovaries. We observed ovarian metastasis in two (14.3%) of 14 women with deep myometrial invasion without ovarian tumor.

Conclusion

Ovarian preservation surgery might be considered in endometrial cancer of endometrioid histology with ≤50% myometrial depth invasion with no ovarian mass after taking into account family history.
Diagnosis and treatment of severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn: a 10‐year nationwide retrospective study
Authors: Sainio Susanna , Nupponen Irmeli , Kuosmanen Malla , Aitokallio‐Tallberg Ansa , Ekholm Eeva , Halmesmäki Erja , Orden Maija‐Riitta , Palo Pertti , Raudaskoski Tytti , Tekay Aydin , Tuimala Jarno , Uotila Jukka , Stefanovic Vedran
Published: January 2015

Objective

Outcome after intrauterine transfusions due to severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn.

Design

Nationwide population‐based retrospective cohort study.

Setting

All women treated with intrauterine transfusions for hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn in Finland in 2003–2012.

Population

339 intrauterine transfusions, performed in 104 pregnancies of 84 women.

Methods

Information on antenatal screening of red cell antibodies and red cell units issued for intrauterine transfusion was obtained from the Finnish Red Cross Blood Service database, and obstetric and neonatal data from hospital records.

Main outcome measures

Procedure‐related complications, perinatal mortality, neonatal morbidity.

Results

Overall survival was 94.2% (95% confidence interval 89.7–98.7). There were four fetal and two neonatal deaths. Procedure‐related fetal loss rate was 1.2% (95% confidence interval 0.04–2.4) per procedure and 3.8% (95% confidence interval 0.1–7.5) per pregnancy. Of the four procedure‐related losses, three were due to technically difficult intrauterine transfusions causing infection and preterm birth. Of the live born infants, 19% (95% confidence interval 11.3–26.7) were born before 32 weeks' gestation. The incidence of severe neonatal morbidity (respiratory distress syndrome, severe cerebral injury, sepsis) was 22.2% (95% confidence interval 13.4–30.2). Poor outcome (death, severe neonatal morbidity) was negatively associated with gestational age at first transfusion (p = 0.001) and at birth (p = 0.00006). Follow‐up of the infants was too incomplete to assess the neurodevelopmental outcome.

Conclusions

Although overall survival is comparable with previous studies, our concern is procedure‐related infections and preterm births. Close collaboration between the university hospitals is needed to ensure timely treatment, operator skills and systematic follow‐up of the children.
Photocoagulation of human retinal pigment epithelium in vitro: unravelling the effects on ARPE‐19 by transcriptomics and proteomics
Authors: Tababat‐Khani Poya , de la Torre Carolina , Canals Francesc , Bennet Hedvig , Simo Rafael , Hernandez Cristina , Fex Malin , Agardh Carl‐David , Hansson Ola , Agardh Elisabet
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Despite the extensive use of retinal photocoagulation for ischaemia and vascular leakage in retinal vascular disease, the molecular mechanisms behind its clinical beneficial effects are still poorly understood. One important target of laser irradiation is the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In this study, we aimed at identifying the isolated effects of photocoagulation of RPE at both the mRNA and protein expression levels.

Methods

Human ARPE‐19 cells were exposed to photocoagulation. Gene expression and protein expression were compared to untreated cells using microarray and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Genes and proteins queried by microarray and mass spectrometry were subjected to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database pathway analyses.

Results

Laser irradiation resulted in an induction of the cytoprotective heat‐shock protein subfamily Hsp70 as well as in a suppression of the vascular permeability factor carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9). These expression patterns were evident at both the mRNA and protein levels. KEGG pathway analyses revealed genes and proteins involved in cellular turnover, repair and inflammation.

Conclusions

By characterizing the transcriptional and translational effects of laser coagulation on the RPE cells in culture, we have revealed responses, which might contribute to some of the beneficial effects obtained by photocoagulation for ischaemia and vascular leakage in retinal vascular disease.
New rarebit vision test captures macular deficits hidden to acuity tests
Authors: Winther Christina , Frisén Lars
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Evaluation of a new personal‐computer‐based vision test aimed for rapid and accurate assessment of macular conditions such as age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods

The new test depends on segmented digits defined by rarebits, that is, receptive field‐size bright dots briefly presented against a dark background. Digit size was fixed at 40 × 50 min of arc. Digit positions were varied at random within a 4.6 × 3.5‐degree test field. There were no fixation demands. The number of rarebits per digit segment could be varied between 3 (the minimum needed for veridical perception) and 128, in 11 preset steps. The test task was to find the smallest rarebit number required to recognize the test digits. Thirty‐seven patients with various stages of AMD and 25 control subjects participated in the evaluation, which also included a standard acuity test.

Results

Analysis of receiver operating characteristics indicated significantly better discrimination by the rarebit test. Rarebit numbers >16 appeared to reliably indicate the presence of oedema.

Conclusion

The rarebit test appeared well suited for fine grading of vision in AMD. The simple set‐up and the lack of fixation demands made for practicable examinations of short durations. The test is available for free on the Internet.
Adolescents who perceive fewer consequences of risk‐taking choose to switch off games later at night
Authors: Reynolds Chelsea M. , Gradisar Michael , Kar Kellyann , Perry Ashleigh , Wolfe Jasper , Short Michelle A.
Published: January 2015

Aim

Technology use by adolescents close to bedtime commonly leads to sleep problems, and individual factors predicting those at heightened risk are under studied. We investigated whether risk‐taking perceptions influenced length of adolescent technology use at bedtime and whether being aware of time moderated this association.

Methods

We recruited 16 males and five females, with a mean age of 17.6 years, from school and university populations to assess adolescent technology use and bedtimes. They were assessed for trait risk‐taking using the Cognitive Appraisal of Risky Events questionnaire and had unrestrained access to a video game on two separate nights, counterbalanced for clock present or clock absent conditions. The adolescents’ self‐selected bedtime provided a measure of the level of technology use and was the dependent variable.

Results

Adolescents who perceived fewer negative consequences of risky activities on the Cognitive Appraisal of Risky Events played the video game longer and went to bed later than those who perceived more negative consequences (p = 0.03). There was no influence on bedtimes from perceived benefits of risk‐taking or clock presence.

Conclusion

Adolescents who perceived fewer negative consequences of risk‐taking were more likely to stay up later using technology, facing a heightened risk of displaced sleep.
Description of a new epibiotic relationship (Suctorian–Copepoda) in NE Atlantic waters: from morphological to phylogenetic analyses
Authors: Gregori Maria , Fernández‐Leborans Gregorio , Roura Álvaro , González Ángel F. , Pascual Santiago
Published: January 2015

Paraeuchaeta hebes is one of the most important carnivorous copepods in the coastal upwelling system off Galician waters (Ría de Vigo, NE Atlantic). A suctorian epibiont of the genus Pelagacineta was found attached to the surface of these copepods. The abundance and distribution on the copepod surface were analysed, taking into account the sex of the crustacean, revealing some preference for females and also a different attachment point in both sexes. The morphological study allowed us to identify a new species of this Suctoria epibiont as Pelagacineta hebensis. Moreover, the 18S rRNA gene was partially sequenced to inspect the phylogenetic position of Pelagacineta hebensis within the subclass Phyllopharyngea. The maximum‐likelihood (ML) tree obtained was consistent with the morphological and with previous molecular studies and showed that P. hebensis belongs to the order Endogenina, as a sister clade of the few taxa sequenced within this order. Including new genetic data to the Endogenina will allow building new hypothesis about the evolution of the most derived clade of suctorians.
Variations in the hypotarsus morphology of birds and their evolutionary significance
Authors: Mayr Gerald
Published: January 2015

Crown group (neornithine birds) exhibit a great variation in the morphology of the hypotarsus, a structure on the proximal end of the tarsometatarsus, which guides the tendons of the flexor muscles of the toes. Hypotarsus morphology is of significance for the identification of fossil taxa, and several extant groups show characteristic patterns that are of phylogenetic interest. So far, however, the diversity of hypotarsus morphologies has been little studied, and there are no comprehensive studies across all neornithine birds. In particular, the identities of the involved canals and sulci remain elusive, and some confusion exists about their correct homologies. In this study, hypotarsus morphologies are for the first time surveyed among all extant birds, and basic patterns are characterized. Instances are identified, in which particular hypotarsus morphologies are correlated with certain locomotion types, inferences are made about possible ancestral morphologies, and some patterns of phylogenetic interest are discussed.
Causes of death in men with localized prostate cancer: a nationwide, population‐based study
Authors: Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Folkvaljon Yasin , Adolfsson Jan , Akre Olof , Holmberg Lars , Garmo Hans , Stattin Pär
Published: January 2015

Objective

To detail the distribution of causes of death from localized prostate cancer (PCa).

Patients and Methods

The database PCBase Sweden links the Swedish National Prostate Cancer Register with other nationwide population‐based healthcare registers. We selected all 57 187 men diagnosed with localized PCa between 1997 and 2009 and their 114 374 PCa‐free control subjects, matched according to age and county of residence. Mortality was calculated using competing risk regression analyses, taking into account PCa risk category, age and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI).

Results

In men with low‐risk PCa, all‐cause mortality was lower compared with that in corresponding PCa‐free men: 10‐year all‐cause mortality was 18% for men diagnosed at age 70 years, with a CCI score of 0, and 21% among corresponding control subjects. Of these cases, 31% died from cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with 37% of the corresponding control subjects. For men with low‐risk PCa, 10‐year PCa‐mortality was 0.4, 1 and 3% when diagnosed at age 50, 60 and 70 years, respectively. PCa was the third most common cause of death (18%), after CVD (31%) and other cancers (30%). By contrast, PCa was the most common cause of death in men with intermediate‐ and high‐risk localized PCa.

Conclusions

Men with low‐risk PCa had lower all‐cause mortality than PCa‐free men because of lower CVD mortality, driven by early detection selection; however, for men with intermediate‐ or high‐risk disease, the rate of PCa death was substantial, irrespective of CCI score, and this was even more pronounced for those diagnosed at age 50 or 60 years.
Phenotypical and functional profiles of natural killer cells exhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-mediated CD16 cleavage after anti-HIV antibody-dependent activation
Authors: Tang C-C , Isitman G , Bruneau J , Tremblay C , Bernard N F , Kent S J , Parsons M S
Published: January 2015

Natural killer (NK) cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) has been linked to protection from HIV infection and slower progression towards AIDS. However, antibody-dependent activation of NK cells results in phenotypical alterations similar to those observed on NK cells from individuals with progressive HIV infection. Activation of NK cells induces matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated cleavage of cell surface CD16. In the present study we assessed the phenotype and functional profile of NK cells exhibiting post-activation MMP-mediated CD16 cleavage. We found that NK cells achieving the highest levels of activation during stimulation exhibit the most profound decreases in CD16 expression. Further, we observed that educated KIR3DL1+ NK cells from human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-Bw4-carrying donors exhibit larger decreases in CD16 expression post-activation than the KIR3DL1− NK cell subset containing cells educated via other inhibitory receptor/ligand combinations and non-educated NK cells. Lastly, we assessed the ex-vivo expression of CD16 on educated KIR3DL1+ NK cells and the KIR3DL1− NK cell subset from HLA-Bw4-carrying HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected donors. Suggestive of in-vivo activation of KIR3DL1+ NK cells during HIV infection, CD16 expression was higher on KIR3DL1+ than KIR3DL1− NK cells in uninfected donors but similar on both subsets in HIV-infected donors. These results are discussed in the context of how they may assist with understanding HIV disease progression and the design of immunotherapies that utilize antibody-dependent NK cell responses.
Cataract surgery audit at an Australian urban teaching hospital
Authors: Kahawita Shyalle K , Goggin Michael
Published: January 2015

Background

To provide local data on visual acuity and surgical outcomes for cataract surgery performed in an Australian teaching hospital.

Design

Continuous audit over 7 years in a public teaching hospital.

Participants

A total of 3740 eyes had cataract surgery performed at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, South Australia, from May 2006 to September 2013.

Methods

Visual acuity and complication rates were recorded for cataract surgery cases operated on between May 2006 and September 2013 on a digital database with data entry contemporaneous with final follow‐up.

Main Outcome Measures

Visual acuity and surgical complications.

Results

Of the patients, 91.4% achieved postoperative best‐measured vision better than preoperative best‐measured vision. The rate of posterior capsular tear was 2.59%, endophthalmitis was 0.11% and the overall complication rate was 11.7%.

Conclusions

This audit is the first to document modern cataract surgery, overwhelmingly dominated by phacoemulsification in an Australian population and can be used to benchmark cataract surgery outcome in an urban Australian population.
The 5‐year outcome of patients having incomplete colonoscopy
Authors: Britton E. J. , Sidhu S. , Geraghty J. , Psarelli E. , Sarkar S.
Published: January 2015

Aim

Incomplete colonoscopy indicated for the detection of neoplasia occurs in 2−23% of patients, but there is little information on the long‐term outcome of such patients.

Method

All patients who underwent colonoscopy over 5 years at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital with a follow‐up of up to 5 years were identified.

Results

The risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) was 2.9% (312/10 580) for all patients undergoing colonoscopy. For a failed colonoscopy, the risk was five‐fold higher [14.3% (99/693)]. The mean age of the patients was 61 years and 58% were female. Following incomplete colonoscopy the risk of finding additional CRC, advanced colonic neoplasia and extracolonic neoplasia on subsequent investigation was 6.2%, 3.2% and 1.9%. The diagnostic yield on subsequent investigation for CRC or colonic polyps was 7% for repeat colonoscopy, 13.4% for computed tomography colonography, 10.3% for standard computed tomography and 1.8% for barium enema. In the 363 patients who were not offered a subsequent investigation, there was no further instance of CRC or CRC‐related mortality over a 36‐month period.

Conclusion

Although the risk of CRC is higher in patients who have had a failed colonoscopy, a protocol approach of subsequent investigation should not replace clinical assessment on whether another test is necessary in the light of the good outcome of patients who were not subsequently investigated.
MONETARY NEUTRALITY UNDER EVOLUTIONARY DOMINANCE OF BOUNDED RATIONALITY
Authors: Lima Gilberto Tadeu , Silveira Jaylson Jair
Published: January 2015

We provide evolutionary game‐theoretic microfoundations to a dynamic complete nominal adjustment in response to a monetary shock by introducing a novel analytical notion that we call boundedly rational inattentiveness. We investigate the behavior of the general price level in a context where a firm can either pay a cost (featuring a random component) to update its information set and establish the optimal price (Nash strategy) or freely use non‐updated information and establish a lagged optimal price (bounded rationality strategy). We devise evolutionary microdynamics (with and without mutation) that, by interacting with the dynamics of the aggregate variables, determines the coevolution of the frequency distribution of information‐updating strategies in the population of firms and the extent of the nominal adjustment of the general price level to a monetary shock. As it turns out, evolutionary learning dynamics take the information‐updating process to a long‐run equilibrium configuration in which, albeit either most or even all firms play the bounded rationality strategy, the general price level is the symmetric Nash equilibrium price and the monetary shocks have persistent, although not permanent, impacts on real output. (JEL E31, C73, D83)
Stress distribution in delayed replanted teeth splinted with different orthodontic wires: a three‐dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: de Souza Fernando Isquierdo , Poi Wilson Roberto , da Silva Vanessa Ferreira , Martini Ana Paula , Melo Regis Alexandre da Cunha , Panzarini Sonia Regina , Rocha Eduardo Passos
Published: January 2015

Aim

The aim was to evaluate the biomechanical behavior of the supporting bony structures of replanted teeth and the periodontal ligament (PDL) of adjacent teeth when orthodontic wires with different mechanical properties are applied, with three‐dimensional finite element analysis.

Materials and methods

Based on tomographic and microtomographic data, a three‐dimensional model of the anterior maxilla with the corresponding teeth (tooth 13–tooth 23) was generated to simulate avulsion and replantation of the tooth 21. The teeth were splinted with orthodontic wire (Ø 0.8 mm) and composite resin. The elastic modulus of the three orthodontic wires used, that is, steel wire (FA), titanium–molybdenum wire (FTM), and nitinol wire (FN) were 200 GPa, 84 GPa, and 52 GPa, respectively. An oblique load (100 N) was applied at an angle of 45° on the incisal edge of the replanted tooth and was analyzed using Ansys Workbench software. The maximum (σmax) and minimum (σmin) principal stresses generated in the PDL, cortical and alveolar bones, and the modified von Mises (σvM) values for the orthodontic wires were obtained.

Results

With regard to the cortical bone and PDL, the highest σmin and σmax values for FTM, FN, and FA were checked. With regard to the alveolar bone, σmax and σmin values were highest for FA, followed by FTM and FN. The σvM values of the orthodontic wires followed the order of rigidity of the alloys, that is, FA > FTM > FN.

Conclusion

The biomechanical behavior of the analyzed structures with regard to all the three patterns of flexibility was similar.
The kinetics of relapse in DEK‐NUP214‐positive acute myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Ommen Hans B. , Touzart Aurore , MacIntyre Elisabeth , Kern Wolfgang , Haferlach Torsten , Haferlach Claudia , Tobal Khalid , Hokland Peter , Schnittger Susanne
Published: January 2015

Preemptive treatment of relapse of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) holds the promise to improve the prognosis of this currently highly lethal condition. Proposed treatment modalities applicable in preemptive cytoreduction (e.g., demethylating agents or standard chemotherapy) differ substantially in interval from administration to antileukemic effect. The t(6;9) balanced translocation, producing the DEK‐NUP214 fusion protein, is seen in only 1% of patients with AML. We hypothesized that in these patients, who relapse with a very high frequency, a more detailed knowledge of leukemic relapse growth kinetics would improve the personalized decision‐making regarding re‐administration of chemotherapy. Based on standardized quantitative PCR data, we therefore delineated the relapse kinetics in a cohort of 27 relapsing DEK‐NUP214‐positive patients treated in four different European countries. The prerelapse leukemic burden increased with a median doubling time of 13 d (range: 5–51 d, median: 0.71 logs/month, range: 0.18–1.91 logs/month), with FLT3‐ITD‐positive patients relapsing significantly faster than FLT3‐ITD‐negative ones (median: 0.9 vs. 0.6 logs/month, Wilcoxon rank sum test, P = 0.041). Peripheral blood and bone marrow were equally useful for minimal residual disease (MRD) detection, and thus, we found that with sampling intervals of 2 months, 94% of relapses would be detected with a median time from MRD detection to hematological relapse of 64 d. In conclusion, this data provide algorithms for handling the rare patients with DEK‐NUP214‐positive AML allowing for planning of both MRD follow‐up and, upon molecular relapse, the timing of cytoreduction or possibly transplant procedures.
Interaction between VWF and FVIII in treating VWD
Authors: Miesbach Wolfgang , Berntorp Erik
Published: January 2015

In patients with von Willebrand disease (VWD), the absence of von Willebrand factor (VWF) antigen leads to the premature loss of endogenous circulating secreted factor VIII (FVIII), thereby resulting in the dual defect in haemostasis. Consequently, correcting the VWF deficiency also acts to correct the associated defect in FVIII activity because exogenous VWF forms complexes with and protects endogenous FVIII. The purpose of this study was to summarise relevant aspects of the interaction between VWF and FVIII and to analyse their effects on VWD treatment. Differences in the VWF/FVIII ratios in coagulation factor concentrates should be considered when treating VWD.
The molecular pathogenesis of the myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Pellagatti Andrea , Boultwood Jacqueline
Published: January 2015

Recent studies have greatly illuminated the genomic landscape of the myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and the pace of discovery is accelerating. The most common mutations found in MDS occur in genes involved in RNA splicing (including SF3B1, SRSF2, U2AF1, and ZRSR2) and epigenetic modification (including TET2, ASXL1, and DNMT3A). The identification of spliceosome mutations in approximately half of all patients with MDS implicates abnormalities of RNA splicing, a pathway not previously known as a target for mutation, in the MDS pathogenesis. Several regulators of signal transduction (NRAS, JAK2) and transcription factors (RUNX1, TP53) are also frequently mutated in MDS. The complex patterns of associations between gene mutations identified have revealed epistatic interactions between spliceosome components and epigenetic modifiers in MDS. The cytogenetic abnormalities found in MDS are characterized by the loss of genetic material, whereas translocations are rare. The cytogenetic deletion maps of MDS (e.g., 5q‐, 7q‐, 20q‐) provide us with circumstantial evidence for the presence of tumor suppressor genes. It is now recognized that haploinsufficiency (a gene dosage effect) resulting from gene deletions or inactivating mutations is an important disease mechanism in MDS. Haploinsufficiency of the ribosomal protein gene RPS14 plays a critical role in the development of anemia in the 5q‐ syndrome, and haploinsufficiency of CUX1 is important in some patients with MDS and AML with complete or partial loss of chromosome 7. Gene expression profiling has identified key deregulated genes and pathways and new prognostic gene signatures in MDS. Recent advances in the molecular pathogenesis of MDS are leading to new biological, clinical, and therapeutic insights.
Demographic and functional responses of wild dogs to poison baiting
Authors: Allen Lee R.
Published: January 2015

Lethal control of wild dogs – that is Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) and Dingo/Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) hybrids – to reduce livestock predation in Australian rangelands is claimed to cause continental‐scale impacts on biodiversity. Although top predator populations may recover numerically after baiting, they are predicted to be functionally different and incapable of fulfilling critical ecological roles. This study reports the impact of baiting programmes on wild dog abundance, age structures and the prey of wild dogs during large‐scale manipulative experiments. Wild dog relative abundance almost always decreased after baiting, but reductions were variable and short‐lived unless the prior baiting programme was particularly effective or there were follow‐up baiting programmes within a few months. However, age structures of wild dogs in baited and nil‐treatment areas were demonstrably different, and prey populations did diverge relative to nil‐treatment areas. Re‐analysed observations of wild dogs preying on kangaroos from a separate study show that successful chases that result in attacks of kangaroos by wild dogs occurred when mean wild dog ages were higher and mean group size was larger. It is likely that the impact of lethal control on wild dog numbers, group sizes and age structures compromise their ability to handle large difficult‐to‐catch prey. Under certain circumstances, these changes sometimes lead to increased calf loss (Bos indicus/B. taurus genotypes) and kangaroo numbers. Rangeland beef producers could consider controlling wild dogs in high‐risk periods when predation is more likely and avoid baiting at other times.
Nonstrangulating intestinal infarction associated with Strongylus vulgaris in referred Danish equine cases
Authors: Nielsen M. K. , Jacobsen S. , Olsen S. N. , Bousquet E. , Pihl T.
Published: January 2015

Reasons for performing study

Strongylus vulgaris is a pathogenic helminth parasite infecting horses and was once considered to be the primary cause of colic. Migrating larvae cause ischaemia and infarction of intestinal segments. This knowledge is derived from case reports and experimental inoculations of parasite‐naïve foals, and it remains unknown to what extent the parasite is associated with different types of colic.

Objectives

To evaluate the role of S. vulgaris as a risk factor for different types of colic in horses.

Study design

A retrospective case–control study among horses referred with abdominal pain to the University of Copenhagen Large Animal Teaching Hospital during 2009–2011.

Methods

Each colic case was matched with an equid of the same type (pony, Warmblooded or Coldblooded), age, sex and admitted in the same month and year but for problems unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract. Serum samples were analysed for antibodies to migrating S. vulgaris larvae using a recently developed enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The following 4 case definitions were used: colic sensu lato, i.e. all horses presenting with colic (n = 274), with further subgroups, i.e. undiagnosed colics (n = 48), strangulating obstructions (n = 76) and nonstrangulating infarctions (n = 20).

Results

Strongylus vulgaris antibody levels were similar to control values in colics sensu lato and horses with undiagnosed colic. In contrast, nonstrangulating intestinal infarctions were significantly associated with positive S. vulgaris ELISAs (odds ratio 5.33, 95% confidence interval 1.03–27.76, P = 0.05). Also, horses with nonstrangulating infarctions had a significantly higher occurrence of positive ELISAs than horses with strangulating obstructions (odds ratio 3.79, 95% confidence interval 1.34–10.68, P = 0.01) and the colic sensu lato group (odds ratio 3.09, 95% confidence interval 1.20–8.01, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Nonstrangulating intestinal infarction was strongly associated with S. vulgaris‐specific antibodies, whereas the more broadly defined colic categories were not associated with positive ELISA results. Thus, the ELISA holds potential to become a helpful adjunct in diagnosis and management of horses with colic.

The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting information.
Somatosensory pleasure circuit: from skin to brain and back
Authors: Lloyd Donna M. , McGlone Francis P. , Yosipovitch Gil
Published: January 2015

The skin senses serve a discriminative function, allowing us to manipulate objects and detect touch and temperature, and an affective/emotional function, manifested as itch or pain when the skin is damaged. Two different classes of nerve fibre mediate these dissociable aspects of cutaneous somatosensation: (i) myelinated A‐beta and A‐delta afferents that provide rapid information about the location and physical characteristics of skin contact; and (ii) unmyelinated, slow‐conducting C‐fibre afferents that are typically associated with coding the emotional properties of pain and itch. However, recent research has identified a third class of C‐fibre afferents that code for the pleasurable properties of touch – c‐tactile afferents or CTs. Clinical application of treatments that target pleasant, CT‐mediated touch (such as massage therapy) could, in the future, provide a complementary, non‐pharmacological means of treating both the physical and psychological aspects of chronic skin conditions such as itch and eczema.
Pliable natural biocide: Jaburetox is an intrinsically disordered insecticidal and fungicidal polypeptide derived from jack bean urease
Authors: Lopes Fernanda C. , Dobrovolska Olena , Real‐Guerra Rafael , Broll Valquiria , Zambelli Barbara , Musiani Francesco , Uversky Vladimir N. , Carlini Célia R. , Ciurli Stefano
Published: January 2015

Jaburetox is a polypeptide derived from jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) urease and toxic to a broad spectrum of insects, phytopathogenic filamentous fungi and yeasts of medical importance. The elucidation of the structural basis for the mode of action of Jaburetox is the focus of this multifaceted study. Jaburetox in solution is a monomer of 11.0 kDa featuring a large hydrodynamic radius, suggestive of a disordered polypeptide. The intrinsically disordered nature of Jaburetox was theoretically predicted by a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and experimentally confirmed by light scattering as well as by circular dichroism and NMR spectroscopy. NMR signal assignment provided backbone secondary chemical shifts that indicated that Jaburetox has a low propensity to assume a stable secondary structure. 15N relaxation studies revealed significant backbone mobility, especially in the N‐terminal portion of the polypeptide. The solution structure of Jaburetox shows the presence of an α‐helical motif close to the N terminus, together with two turn‐like structures situated in the central portion of the protein and close to the C terminus. Similar regions were predicted as potential protein–protein interaction sites using computational tools. The knowledge of the structural properties of Jaburetox in solution is a key step to correlate its structural and biological activities.
A small lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase from Streptomyces griseus targeting α‐ and β‐chitin
Authors: Nakagawa Yuko S. , Kudo Madoka , Loose Jennifer S. M. , Ishikawa Takahiro , Totani Kazuhide , Eijsink Vincent G. H. , Vaaje‐Kolstad Gustav
Published: January 2015

The lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) have received considerable attention subsequent to their discovery because of their ability to boost the enzymatic conversion of recalcitrant polysaccharides. In the present study, we describe the enzymatic properties of SgLPMO10F, a small (15 kDa) auxilliary activity (AA) family 10 LPMO from Streptomyces griseus belonging to a clade of the phylogenetic tree without any characterized representative. The protein was expressed using a Brevibacillus‐based expression system that had not been used previously for LPMO expression and that also ensures correct processing of the N‐terminus crucial for LPMO activity. The enzyme was active towards both α‐ and β‐chitin and showed stronger binding and a greater release of soluble oxidized products for the latter allomorph. In chitinase synergy assays, however, SgLPMO10F worked slightly better for α‐chitin, increasing chitin solubilization yields by up to 30‐fold and 20‐fold for α‐ and β‐chitin, respectively. Synergy experiments with various chitinases showed that the addition of SgLPMO10F leads to a substantial increase in the (GlcNAc)2:GlcNAc product ratio, in reactions with α‐chitin only. This underpins the structural differences between the substrates and also shows that, on α‐chitin, SgLPMO10F affects the binding mode and/or degree of processivity of the chitinases tested. Variation in the only exposed aromatic residue in the substrate‐binding surface of LPMO10s has previously been linked to preferential binding for α‐chitin (exposed Trp) or β‐chitin (exposed Tyr). Mutation of this residue, Tyr56, in SgLPMO10F to Trp had no detectable effect on substrate‐binding preferences but, in synergy experiments, the mutant appeared to be more efficient on α‐chitin.
Arsenic Cycling in Hydrocarbon Plumes: Secondary Effects of Natural Attenuation
Authors: Cozzarelli Isabelle M. , Schreiber Madeline E. , Erickson Melinda L. , Ziegler Brady A.
Published: January 2015

Monitored natural attenuation is widely applied as a remediation strategy at hydrocarbon spill sites. Natural attenuation relies on biodegradation of hydrocarbons coupled with reduction of electron acceptors, including solid phase ferric iron (Fe(III)). Because arsenic (As) adsorbs to Fe‐hydroxides, a potential secondary effect of natural attenuation of hydrocarbons coupled with Fe(III) reduction is a release of naturally occurring As to groundwater. At a crude‐oil‐contaminated aquifer near Bemidji, Minnesota, anaerobic biodegradation of hydrocarbons coupled to Fe(III) reduction has been well documented. We collected groundwater samples at the site annually from 2009 to 2013 to examine if As is released to groundwater and, if so, to document relationships between As and Fe inside and outside of the dissolved hydrocarbon plume. Arsenic concentrations in groundwater in the plume reached 230 µg/L, whereas groundwater outside the plume contained less than 5 µg/L As. Combined with previous data from the Bemidji site, our results suggest that (1) naturally occurring As is associated with Fe‐hydroxides present in the glacially derived aquifer sediments; (2) introduction of hydrocarbons results in reduction of Fe‐hydroxides, releasing As and Fe to groundwater; (3) at the leading edge of the plume, As and Fe are removed from groundwater and retained on sediments; and (4) downgradient from the plume, patterns of As and Fe in groundwater are similar to background. We develop a conceptual model of secondary As release due to natural attenuation of hydrocarbons that can be applied to other sites where an influx of biodegradable organic carbon promotes Fe(III) reduction.
Prophylaxis with FEIBA in paediatric patients with haemophilia A and inhibitors
Authors: Ewing N. , Escuriola‐Ettingshausen C. , Kreuz W.
Published: January 2015

The benefits shown with factor VIII (FVIII) prophylaxis relating to joint health and quality of life (QoL) provide the rationale for FEIBA prophylaxis in haemophilia A patients with persistent FVIII inhibitors. FEIBA has previously shown efficacy in preventing bleeds in inhibitor patients who failed to respond to, or were ineligible for immune tolerance induction (ITI). The study examined the outcome of paediatric patients undergoing long‐term FEIBA prophylaxis. A retrospective chart review included severe haemophilia A patients with persistent inhibitors aged ≤13 years at the start of FEIBA prophylaxis. Baseline characteristics captured dose, frequency of prophylaxis, history of inhibitor development, including baseline titre, historical peak titre and history of ITI. Outcome measurements included annual bleed rate before and during FEIBA prophylaxis, joint status and school days missed. Sixteen cases of FEIBA prophylaxis from two centres are presented. The mean age of subjects at prophylaxis initiation was 7.5 ± 3.6 years and median baseline inhibitor titre was 23 (range 3.1–170) BU. Prior to prophylaxis initiation, median annual joint bleeds among all patients was 4 (0–48), which dropped significantly after the first year of prophylaxis, to a median annual joint bleed rate of 1 (0–7; P = 0.0179). Subsequent years (median = 9) of prophylaxis therapy demonstrated similarly low annual joint bleed rates. There were no life‐threatening bleeds, no viral seroconversions or thrombotic events during FEIBA prophylaxis treatment. FEIBA prophylaxis was effective for preventing joint bleeds and subsequent joint damage, delaying arthropathy and improving outcomes in children with haemophilia A and inhibitors to FVIII, who failed or were ineligible for ITI.
Recombinant full‐length factor VIII (FVIII) and extended half‐life FVIII products in prophylaxis – new insight provided by pharmacokinetic modelling
Authors: Gringeri A. , Wolfsegger M. , Steinitz K. N. , Reininger A. J.
Published: January 2015

The pharmacokinetics (PK) of extended half‐life factor VIII (FVIII) products might allow longer dosing intervals in prophylaxis, potentially affecting its efficacy. We used published population PK models of a recombinant full‐length FVIII (rAHF‐PFM) and a recombinant B‐domain‐deleted FVIII Fc fusion product (rFVIIIFc) to assess the time spent weekly with FVIII levels below 3 IU dL−1 or above 10 IU dL−1. These FVIII levels were chosen based on the observation that trough levels of 1 IU dL−1 may not be sufficient in all patients. This approach was applied to a simulated population of 1000 severe haemophilia A subjects with dosing regimens included in the prescribing information or evaluated in clinical trials. FVIII levels remained ≥3 IU dL−1 in 57% of patients treated with rAHF‐PFM 30 IU kg−1 every 48 h compared with 41.1%, 18.3%, 0.9% and 0% of patients treated with rFVIIIFc 30 IU kg−1 every 72 h, 50 IU kg−1 every 96 h or 120 h and 65 IU kg−1 every 168 h respectively. Patients on rAHF‐PFM 30 IU kg−1 every 48 h spent more time weekly with FVIII levels above 10 IU dL−1 than those on rFVIIIFc 50 IU kg−1 every 96 h or 120 h, and 65 IU kg−1 every 168 h. In conclusion, PK modelling indicates that choice and dosing intervals of standard and extended half‐life FVIII products require careful evaluation of individual PK to allow more time at protective levels, especially in patients with active lifestyles.
Visceral leishmaniasis as an independent cause of high immune activation, T‐cell senescence, and lack of immune recovery in virologically suppressed HIV‐1‐coinfected patients
Authors: Casado JL , Abad‐Fernández M , Moreno S , Pérez‐Elías MJ , Moreno A , Bernardino JI , Vallejo A
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Different immune alterations have been described in HIV‐infected patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). We aimed to identify the immunological factors involved in the lack of immunological recovery and VL relapses in HIV‐infected patients with VL, by comparison with other HIV‐infected patients.

Methods

We carried out a cross‐sectional study of 55 patients receiving suppressive combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) for at least 1 year: nine with previous relapsing VL, 20 with an immunodiscordant response (IDR) to cART (CD4 count < 200 cells/μL) and no previous VL, and 26 with a concordant response (CR) to cART (CD4 count > 350 cells/μL) without VL. Immunosenescence was investigated by analysing CD57+CD28− levels, immune activation by analysing CD38+HLA‐DR+ levels, inflammation by analysing interleukin (IL)‐6 levels, and microbial translocation by analysing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and soluble CD14 (sCD14) levels.

Results

In VL patients, the median time since VL diagnosis was 42 months, and all patients had had at least one relapse despite suppressive cART for a median time of 43 months. Patients with previously diagnosed VL had a higher CD8 T‐cell activation level (P < 0.001) than those with IDR. Also, levels of IL‐6, LPS and especially sCD14, associated with bacterial translocation and additional monocyte activation, were significantly increased in patients with previous VL compared with patients with IDR (P = 0.048, P = 0.049 and P < 0.001, respectively). In addition, patients with previous VL had higher levels of CD8 T‐cell senescence. Notably, the levels of immune activation and inflammation in patients with previous VL were not related to the time of VL diagnosis, the number of VL relapses, or hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that VL patients had an even worse immunological status than patients with IDR, which was probably associated with increased microbial translocation and additional monocyte/macrophage activation. These data explain the observed lack of immunological recovery and the occurrence of VL relapses in HIV‐infected patients with previous VL.
Comparison of the chemical composition of normal enamel from exfoliated primary teeth and teeth affected with early childhood caries: an in vitro study
Authors: Das Bhaskar , Muthu Murugan Satta , Farzan Jamaluddin Mohammed
Published: January 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare the chemical composition of enamel from teeth with early childhood caries (unaffected fragments) and from healthy primary teeth.

Design

Forty exfoliated primary teeth (Group I) and 40 teeth affected with ECC (Group II) were collected. Unaffected enamel from the ECC group was sampled. Elemental analysis was carried out with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), following which the same tooth samples were subjected to amino acid analysis by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed in the percentage of phosphorus (P) and the Ca/P ratios between the two groups in the elemental analysis. Amino acid analysis revealed no significant difference in the amino acid profile and the quantity of amino acid or protein content between the two groups.

Conclusions

This study showed significant differences in the P content and Ca/P ratio between the enamel from teeth with ECC and in that from healthy primary teeth. These findings indicate that differences in the composition of enamel could be a risk factor for ECC.
Genetically distinct colour morphs of European perch Perca fluviatilis in Lake Constance differ in susceptibility to macroparasites
Authors: Roch S. , Behrmann‐Godel J. , Brinker A.
Published: January 2015

The unusual yellow‐finned morph of European perch Perca fluviatilis found in Lake Constance suffers more severely from macroparasite infections, including the tapeworm Triaenophorus nodulosus and the gill worm Ancyrocephalus percae, than conspecifics elsewhere. Microsatellite analysis of yellow‐finned P. fluviatilis and red‐finned variant recently discovered in Lake Constance revealed significant genetic differentiation. Red‐finned P. fluviatilis and fish with mixed fin colour, suggested backcrosses between red and yellow‐finned colour morphs, exhibit better resilience to parasite infection, suggesting that the inability of the yellow‐finned morph to reject macroparasites may have a genetic basis.