bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Familial adenomatous polyposis‐associated and sporadic pyloric gland adenomas of the upper gastrointestinal tract share common genetic features
Authors: Hashimoto Taiki , Ogawa Reiko , Matsubara Akiko , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Sugano Kokichi , Ushiama Mineko , Yoshida Teruhiko , Kanai Yae , Sekine Shigeki
Published: April 2015

Aims

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome caused by a germline APC mutation. A recent study showed the enrichment of pyloric gland adenomas (PGAs) of the stomach, in addition to fundic gland polyps (FGPs) and foveolar‐type adenomas (FAs), in patients with FAP. In the present study, we analysed the genetic alterations in these FAP‐associated gastric lesions.

Methods and results

Mutational statuses of GNAS and KRAS, which are frequently mutated in sporadic PGAs, as well as those of APC, were examined in PGAs, FAs and FGPs in patients with FAP using Sanger sequencing. Our analysis identified GNAS mutations in five of six PGAs (83%), but in none of the three FAs or the 40 FGPs examined. KRAS mutations were identified in four PGAs (67%), one FA (33%) and one FGP (3%). Somatic truncating APC mutations were found in all PGAs (100%), two FAs (67%) and 14 FGPs (47%). We additionally analysed sporadic PGAs of the stomach and duodenum and identified truncating APC mutations in 11 of 25 lesions (44%).

Conclusions

FAP‐associated and sporadic PGAs not only show similar morphologies, but also share common genetic aberrations, including mutations of GNAS, KRAS and APC.
Evaluation of tyrosine kinase receptors in brain metastases of clear cell renal cell carcinoma reveals cMet as a negative prognostic factor
Authors: Schiefer Ana‐Iris , Mesteri Ildiko , Berghoff Anna S , Haitel Andrea , Schmidinger Manuela , Preusser Matthias , Birner Peter
Published: April 2015

Aims

Brain metastases (BMs) of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) are associated with a dismal prognosis, with limited treatment options. Tyrosine kinases are relevant ‘druggable’ biomarkers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tyrosine kinase receptors anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐α (PDGFRA) and cMet in a large series of ccRCC BMs.

Methods and results

ALK, EGFR, PDGFRA and cMet protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in 53 ccRCCs BMs and 12 matched primary tumours. ALK and MET gene status and copy number alterations of chromosome 7 were studied with fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH). Data on the expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) and Ki67 and microvessel density were available from previous studies. ALK was negative in all analysed specimens. EGFR was overexpressed in 41 of 51 (80.4%) BMs and in seven of eight primary tumours, PDGFRA was overexpressed in all BMs except one and in all primary tumours, and cMet was expressed in 26 of 50 (52%) BMs and in two of seven primary tumours, and did not correlate with MET amplification or polysomy 7. cMet was the only parameter associated with significantly shorter BM‐specific survival (median 8 months versus 33 months, P = 0.005, Cox regression).

Conclusions

EGFR, PDGFRA and cMet are commonly overexpressed in ccRCC BMs. cMet overexpression correlates with significantly shorter BM‐specific survival.
Comprehensive assessment for novel prostate cancer markers in the prostate‐specific antigen era: Focusing on Asians and Asian countries
Authors: Okihara Koji , Ochiai Atsushi , Kamoi Kazumi , Fujizuka Yuji , Miki Tsuneharu , Ito Kazuto
Published: April 2015

We reviewed the current evidence for three novel prostate tumor markers (PCA3, TMPRSS2:ERG and proPSA) that have been recently reported predominantly in Western countries. We focus our attention on Asian men in both clinical and basic research studies. There have been no reports on the clinical usefulness of these three markers for Asians living in Western countries. In Asian countries, evidence for the clinical usefulness of PCA3 and proPSA‐related indices including Prostate Health Index is being accumulated, mainly in Japan. The process for how a novel marker is approved in the clinical setting is also discussed.
Teaching materials for indwelling urinary catheter management: a case study of one library in Tanzania
Authors: Savage Angela R.
Published: April 2015

Tanzanian institutions that educate Tanzanian health professionals have limited teaching/learning resources, including dated donated material. There have been significant changes in the recommended management of indwelling urinary catheters (IUCs) over recent decades. This study aimed to investigate the suitability of teaching materials in one Tanzanian institution on indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) management, compared with the NICE guidelines (National Clinical Guidance Centre, 2012), and to identify additional material required to complement these guidelines. A documentary review was carried out on 14 texts using 48 sub‐themes of importance in the management of IUCs. Suggestions for context‐specific additions to the NICE guidelines were identified by the author from experience, and confirmed by two nurse educators currently practising in Tanzania. Almost all the texts available were inappropriate as far as teaching material for IUC is concerned. Suggested material to complement the NICE guidelines includes details of IUC insertion procedure and material that reflects the Tanzanian context. Teachers of clinical practitioners in resource poor settings can prepare suitable materials if they analyse selected up to date on‐line material, and adapt it to their context. Financial support can be best utilized in improving on‐line facilities supplemented by carefully chosen new hard copy material.
Delusional infestation: an Australian multicentre study of 23 consecutive cases
Authors: Tran M. M. A. , Iredell J. R. , Packham D. R. , O'Sullivan M. V. N. , Hudson B. J.
Published: April 2015

Delusional infestation remains a debilitating condition that is therapeutically challenging for clinicians. This case series identifies 23 patients with delusional infestation in an Australian setting. The majority of patients are women and unlikely to have a psychiatric comorbid background. The use of unnecessary anti‐parasitic medication is prevalent.
Narrow endemics in European mountains: high genetic diversity within the monospecific genus Pseudomisopates (Plantaginaceae) despite isolation since the late Pleistocene
Authors: Jiménez‐Mejías Pedro , Fernández‐Mazuecos Mario , Amat María Elena , Vargas Pablo
Published: April 2015

Aim

The evolutionary history of narrow endemic species has received little attention compared with that of more widely distributed species. Small effective population sizes and long‐term isolation of many narrow endemic species make research on their genetic make‐up important for their future conservation. In this study we investigated the genetic variation and historical distribution of an isolated plant, the monospecific genus Pseudomisopates, as an example of the phylogeographical history of narrow endemics.

Location

Central Range, Iberian Peninsula, Mediterranean Europe.

Methods

We used amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), nuclear and plastid DNA sequences and species distribution modelling. Sequence data were analysed using statistical parsimony, molecular dating, and a coalescent‐based Bayesian model of isolation with migration. Genetic diversity and differentiation analyses based on AFLP data were performed. We compared the detection of clones using AFLPs with the results of a previous study that used simple sequence repeats (SSRs).

Results

AFLP analysis revealed that SSRs underestimate clone number. The coalescent‐based Bayesian model of isolation with migration suggested a late Pleistocene divergence between the populations of Pseudomisopates on two mountain massifs (Gredos and La Serrota), despite the presence of a large area suitable for population admixture. Moderate to high levels of genetic diversity and high effective population sizes were inferred.

Main conclusions

Our results imply that the levels of genetic diversity within narrow endemic species from Mediterranean mountains could primarily be driven by extrinsic historical factors, rather than by intrinsic species‐specific factors depending on their own biological characteristics. Narrow endemics are widely believed to harbour low genetic diversity because of small effective population sizes. However, this study and others on narrow endemic angiosperms demonstrate that narrow endemism does not necessarily result in low genetic diversity.
Developmental dyslexia: predicting individual risk
Authors: Thompson Paul A. , Hulme Charles , Nash Hannah M. , Gooch Debbie , Hayiou‐Thomas Emma , Snowling Margaret J.
Published: April 2015

Background

Causal theories of dyslexia suggest that it is a heritable disorder, which is the outcome of multiple risk factors. However, whether early screening for dyslexia is viable is not yet known.

Methods

The study followed children at high risk of dyslexia from preschool through the early primary years assessing them from age 3 years and 6 months (T1) at approximately annual intervals on tasks tapping cognitive, language, and executive‐motor skills. The children were recruited to three groups: children at family risk of dyslexia, children with concerns regarding speech, and language development at 3;06 years and controls considered to be typically developing. At 8 years, children were classified as ‘dyslexic’ or not. Logistic regression models were used to predict the individual risk of dyslexia and to investigate how risk factors accumulate to predict poor literacy outcomes.

Results

Family‐risk status was a stronger predictor of dyslexia at 8 years than low language in preschool. Additional predictors in the preschool years include letter knowledge, phonological awareness, rapid automatized naming, and executive skills. At the time of school entry, language skills become significant predictors, and motor skills add a small but significant increase to the prediction probability. We present classification accuracy using different probability cutoffs for logistic regression models and ROC curves to highlight the accumulation of risk factors at the individual level.

Conclusions

Dyslexia is the outcome of multiple risk factors and children with language difficulties at school entry are at high risk. Family history of dyslexia is a predictor of literacy outcome from the preschool years. However, screening does not reach an acceptable clinical level until close to school entry when letter knowledge, phonological awareness, and RAN, rather than family risk, together provide good sensitivity and specificity as a screening battery.
Impact assessment of rainfall scenarios and land‐use change on hydrologic response using synthetic Area IDF curves
Authors: Luo P. , Apip  , He B. , Duan W. , Takara K. , Nover D.
Published: April 2015

In combination with land use change, climate change is increasingly leading to extreme weather conditions and consequently novel hydrologic conditions. Rainfall Area intensity‐duration‐frequency (IDF) curves, commonly used tools for modeling hydrology and managing flood risk can be used to assess hydrologic response under extreme rainfall conditions. We explore the influence of land use change on hydrologic response under designed extreme rainfall over the period 1976 to 2006 in the Kamo River basin. Run‐off for all six designed rainfall shapes under 2006 land use is higher than that under 1976 land use, but the timing of peak discharge under 2006 land use occurs at roughly the same time as that under 1976 land use. Results indicate that run‐off under 2006 land use yielded higher discharge than under 1976 land use, and rainfall shape six leads to the most extreme hydrologic response and most dangerous conditions from the perspective of urban planning and flood risk management. Future hydrologic response will differ from present due both to changes in land cover and changes in extreme rainfall patterns requiring modification to Area IDF curves for catchments.
Flood fatalities in Greece: 1970–2010
Authors: Diakakis M. , Deligiannakis G.
Published: April 2015

This work focuses on the analysis of flood fatalities in Greece, between 1970 and 2010. To this end, the paper develops and studies a systematic record of 151 flood‐related fatalities that occurred across the country during this period. Based on this inventory and detailed incident reports, a database is developed, to examine the temporal, spatial and seasonal distribution of these incidents and the circumstances under which they occur. Analysis indicates that fatalities present a strong seasonality but show no particular temporal trends. Fatal incidents occur mostly during nighttime, outdoors and in rural areas of the country. Vehicle‐related deaths are the most common type of incident, regarding the activity of victims, whereas other outdoor and indoor types of incidents present smaller percentages. Drowning was found to be the most common etiology of death. Males and elderly individuals showed proportionally higher representation, indicating an increased risk of these population groups to flooding.
Clinical impact of ultrathin colonoscopy for Crohn's disease patients with strictures
Authors: Morimoto Kenichi , Watanabe Kenji , Noguchi Atsushi , Miyazaki Takako , Nagami Yasuaki , Sugimori Satoshi , Kamata Noriko , Sogawa Mitsue , Tanigawa Tetsuya , Yamagami Hirokazu , Shiba Masatsugu , Tominaga Kazunari , Watanabe Toshio , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Arakawa Tetsuo
Published: April 2015

Background and Aim

Mucosal healing is now the ideal treatment goal for patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and endoscopy is suitable for both visualizing the intestinal mucosa and optimizing treatment according to the objective endoscopic findings; however, passing through strictures with a conventional colonoscope is sometimes difficult. An ultrathin colonoscope (outer diameter 9.2 mm) has been developed for superior insertion performance.

Methods

CD patients with strictures that could not be passed with a conventional colonoscope were eligible for entry into the study. We investigated the rate of passage of the ultrathin colonoscope beyond strictures. We also investigated the clinical impact of optimizing the treatment strategy according to the endoscopic findings beyond the stricture.

Results

Of 49 patients, the ultrathin colonoscope could pass the stricture in 59.2% (29/49). The main reason for failure compared with the “pass” group was anal stricture (P = 0.005). When including finger bougie for severe anal stricture, passage of the stricture was achieved in 83.7% (41/49) of cases and the oral mucosa beyond the stricture was visualized. In these cases, 56.1% (23/41) had treatment efficacy confirmed and 43.9% (18/41) required a change of treatment. Importantly, half (9/18) of them were in clinical remission. There were no complications of the study.

Conclusion

The ultrathin colonoscope could provide optimized treatment based on objective findings of the activity of the oral‐side mucosa in CD patients complicated with stricture. Selection of the appropriate endoscope to visualize the responsible lesion is essential to optimize the treatment strategy in each case of CD.
Usefulness of baseline impedance in patients with proton pump inhibitor‐refractory nonerosive reflux disease
Authors: Kohata Yukie , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Yamagami Hirokazu , Tanigawa Tetsuya , Shiba Masatsugu , Watanabe Kenji , Watanabe Toshio , Tominaga Kazunari , Arakawa Tetsuo
Published: April 2015

Background and Aim

Approximately more than half of patients with non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD) do not respond to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. Although NERD is a heterogeneous entity, previous study showed that multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII)‐pH monitoring could distinguish reflux‐related disease from PPI‐refractory NERD. The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of baseline impedance in PPI‐refractory NERD patients.

Methods

We used MII‐pH monitoring to analyze reflux parameters, symptom index (SI), and baseline impedance in 37 PPI‐refractory NERD patients on PPI. Reflux was divided into acid (nadir pH ≤ 4) and non‐acid (nadir pH > 4). Subjects were classified as having reflux‐related disease based on abnormal reflux parameters or positive SI (≥ 50%), or non‐reflux‐related disease, including functional heartburn, based on negative SI with normal reflux parameters.

Results

A total of 26 of the 37 subjects were diagnosed with reflux‐related disease, including eight with acid‐reflux type and 18 with non‐acid‐reflux type, and nine with functional heartburn and two with pseudohypersalivation. There were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics of the acid‐reflux type, non‐acid‐reflux type, and functional heartburn groups. The baseline impedance value in the acid‐reflux type (1245 ± 392 Ω) was significantly lower than that in the non‐acid‐reflux type (2824 ± 1160 Ω) and functional heartburn (3546 ± 1353 Ω) groups. Baseline impedance values inversely correlated with reflux percent time, acid‐reflux time, and acid exposure time.

Conclusion

Among patients with PPI‐refractory NERD, acid‐reflux type was associated with lower baseline impedance compared with non‐acid‐reflux type and functional heartburn.
Atypical symptoms and health‐related quality of life of patients with asymptomatic reflux esophagitis
Authors: Tomita Toshihiko , Yasuda Toshinari , Oka Hideo , Terao Shuichi , Arai Eitastu , Oshima Tadayuki , Fukui Hirokazu , Hori Kazutoshi , Watari Jiro , Miwa Hiroto
Published: April 2015

Background and Aim

Asymptomatic reflux esophagitis (RE) is simply regarded as RE without the typical reflux symptoms, but it is unknown whether patients with asymptomatic RE have atypical symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical characteristics and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with asymptomatic RE.

Patients and Methods

Consecutive patients with RE were enrolled during January 2010 to August 2012, and of them, 41 who had taken acid‐suppressing drugs were excluded, leaving 280 patients as the study group. The patients' symptoms were evaluated using a self‐completed questionnaire (modified Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease [FSSG]), as well as an HRQOL questionnaire (SF‐8). We defined the typical symptoms of RE as heartburn and regurgitation. Asymptomatic RE was defined if the total symptom score was 0 or the minimum (1 point) for typical reflux symptoms in the modified FSSG.

Results

Of the 280 RE patients, 71.8% (n = 201) were symptomatic and 28.2% (n = 79) were asymptomatic. The atypical symptom scores were significantly lower in asymptomatic RE (2.2 ± 2.2) than in symptomatic RE patients (6.9 ± 5.2) (P < 0.0001), and the HRQOL scores were significantly higher in asymptomatic RE than in symptomatic RE (P < 0.0001). Sleep was significantly less disturbed and chronic cough less frequent in asymptomatic RE than in symptomatic RE.

Conclusion

Frequency and severity of atypical symptoms in patients with asymptomatic RE were significantly less than in patients with symptomatic RE, and the HRQOL score was significantly higher in those patients. These observations suggest a specific patient cohort that is truly unlikely to manifest symptoms.
Investigating the effect of hypoxic culture on the endothelial differentiation of human amniotic fluid‐derived stem cells
Authors: Lloyd‐Griffith Cai , Duffy Garry P. , O'Brien Fergal J.
Published: April 2015

Amniotic fluid‐derived stem cells (AFSCs) are a unique stem cell source that may have great potential for use in tissue engineering (TE) due to their pluripotentiality. AFSCs have previously shown angiogenic potential and may present an alternative cell source for endothelial‐like cells that could be used in range of applications, including the pre‐vascularisation of TE constructs and the treatment of ischaemic diseases. This study investigated the ability of these cells to differentiate down an endothelial lineage with the aim of producing an endothelial‐like cell suitable for use in pre‐vascularisation. As hypoxia and the associated HIF‐1 pathway have been implicated in the induction of angiogenesis in a number of biological processes, it was hypothesised that culture in hypoxic conditions could enhance the endothelial differentiation of AFSCs. The cells were cultured in endothelial cell media supplemented with 50 ng mL−1 of VEGF, maintained in normoxia, intermittent hypoxia or continuous hypoxia and assessed for markers of endothelial differentiation at day 7 and 14. The results demonstrated that AFSCs subjected to these culture conditions display an endothelial gene expression profile and adopted functional endothelial cell characteristics indicative of early endothelial differentiation. Culture in continuous hypoxia enhanced endothelial gene expression but did not enhance functional endothelial cell characteristics. Overall, AFSCs subjected to endothelial stimuli demonstrated a less mature endothelial gene expression profile and phenotype when compared with HUVECs, the endothelial cell control. However, this study is the first time that the positive effect of an extended period of continuous hypoxic culture on endothelial differentiation in AFSCs has been demonstrated.
Prenatally diagnosed monochorionic diamniotic triplet pregnancy
Authors: Yonetani Naoto , Ishii Keisuke , Mabuchi Aki , Sasahara Jun , Hayashi Shusaku , Mitsuda Nobuaki
Published: April 2015

We present an extremely rare case of monochorionic diamniotic (MD) triplet pregnancy diagnosed via ultrasonography at the end of the first trimester that resulted in delivery of three healthy newborns. Ultrasonography for a 34‐year‐old woman at 12 weeks of gestation showed three fetuses and one placenta with a T‐sign at the initial segment of the dividing membrane. Color Doppler examination revealed umbilical cord entanglement between two fetuses in one sac in addition to another sac containing one fetus. Therefore, this was diagnosed as MD triplet pregnancy. The triplets were delivered by cesarean section at 35 weeks of gestation and were healthy without neurological morbidities at the age of 28 days. Histopathological examination also revealed an MD triplet placenta. The possibility of MD triplet pregnancy should be recognized, although it is rare.
Premature rupture of membranes and neonatal respiratory morbidity at 32–41 weeks’ gestation: A retrospective single‐center cohort study
Authors: Shimokaze Tomoyuki , Akaba Kazuhiro , Banzai Michio , Kihara Kaori , Saito Emi , Kanasugi Hiroshi
Published: April 2015

Aim

To ascertain whether premature rupture of membranes (PROM) independently affects the risk of neonatal respiratory morbidity at 32–41 weeks’ gestation because previous reports have given insufficient consideration to the mode of delivery and labor onset.

Methods

Data on 4,629 consecutive singleton infants were retrospectively collected. Respiratory morbidity was limited to respiratory distress syndrome and transient tachypnea of the newborn, both of which are related to prematurity. Delivery modes were divided into four groups based on the existence of PROM and of labor onset, and the respiratory morbidity was examined according to the number of weeks of gestational age. Multivariate analysis including PROM and delivery mode was conducted to examine the association of respiratory morbidity.

Results

Respiratory morbidity or a positive pressure requirement delivered after PROM and intact amniochorionic membranes accompanied by labor were similar at all weeks. Around 37 weeks, the absence of labor onset was associated with a risk of respiratory morbidity or positive pressure requirement. Significant respiratory risk was not associated with the incidence of PROM (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52–1.83), interval from rupture to delivery (aOR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99–1.01), clinical chorioamnionitis, induction management, pregnancy‐related complications, or neonatal sex. Delivery by Cesarean section and early gestational age presented a significant risk for respiratory morbidity.

Conclusions

Neither PROM nor latency after PROM at 32–41 weeks affected neonatal respiratory morbidity. Avoiding Cesarean section instead of simply increasing the time to delivery may help to reduce respiratory morbidity.
Acute presentation of gestational diabetes insipidus with pre‐eclampsia complicated by cerebral vasoconstriction: A case report and review of the published work
Authors: Mor Amir , Fuchs Yael , Zafra Kathleen , Haberman Shoshana , Tal Reshef
Published: April 2015

Gestational diabetes insipidus (GDI) is a rare, self‐limited complication of pregnancy. As it is related to excess placental vasopressinase enzyme activity, which is metabolized in the liver, GDI is more common in pregnancies complicated by conditions associated with liver dysfunction. We present a case of a 41‐year‐old woman at 38 weeks’ gestation who presented with pre‐eclampsia with severe features, including impaired liver function and renal insufficiency. Following cesarean section she was diagnosed with GDI, which was further complicated by cerebral vasoconstriction as demonstrated by magnetic resonance angiography. This case raises the possibility that cerebral vasoconstriction may be related to the cause of GDI. A high index of suspicion of GDI should be maintained in patients who present with typical signs and symptoms, especially in the setting of pregnancy complications associated with liver dysfunction.
The Valuation of Lifetime Health Insurance Policies with Limited Coverage
Authors: Yang Shang‐Yin , Wang Chou‐Wen , Huang Hong‐Chih
Published: April 2015

In adopting a traditional actuarial view, insurance companies often use expected values to determine the premiums for lifetime health insurance policies with limited coverage, which can lead to serious overpricing problems when the coverage limit is not very low or very high. To address this overpricing problem, this article provides analytical solutions for fair premiums of lifetime health insurance policies with limited coverage. Using internal data provided by insurance companies, this article describes the relationship between the level of limited coverage and excess premiums. The premium difference between a practical pricing method and a proposed pricing model creates a humped curve; the maximum excess premium ratio reaches nearly 20 percent for limited coverage for younger insured people.
Evaluation of Thyroid‐Stimulating Hormone, Total Thyroxine, and Free Thyroxine Concentrations in Hyperthyroid Cats Receiving Methimazole Treatment
Authors: Aldridge C. , Behrend E.N. , Martin L.G. , Refsal K. , Kemppainen R.J. , Lee H.P. , Chciuk K.
Published: April 2015

Background

Iatrogenic hypothyroidism (IH) after treatment of hyperthyroidism can impair renal function. No study compared the efficacy of measurement of serum free thyroxine by equilibrium dialysis (fT4ed) or thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations for monitoring cats receiving methimazole.

Objectives

To (1) compare the ability of total T4 andfT4ed concentrations in conjunction withTSHto define thyroid function in hyperthyroid cats receiving methimazole, (2) determine the prevalence ofIHin cats receiving methimazole, and (3) examine the relationship between thyroid axis hormones and serum creatinine concentration.

Animals

One hundred and twenty‐five serum samples from hyperthyroid cats receiving methimazole and total T4 concentrations ≤3.9 μg/dL.

Methods

Total T4,fT4ed, andTSHconcentrations were measured to evaluate thyroid status and serum creatinine concentration was measured to assess renal function. A low total T4 orfT4ed concentration in combination with an increasedTSHconcentration defined IH.

Results

Forty‐one cats (33%) had increasedTSHconcentrations. Of cats with total T4 andfT4ed concentrations below the reference range, 68% and 73%, respectively, hadTSHconcentrations above the reference range. Only 18% of cats with a normalTSHconcentration had an increased serum creatinine concentrations as compared to 39% of those with increasedTSHconcentrations (P < .001).

Conclusions

Free T4ed does not identify more cats with potentialIHas compared to total T4. TheIHprevalence was approximately 20%. Measurement ofTSHmay be more helpful in indicating that azotemia, if present, is at least in part related toIH. Investigation is needed to defineTSHassay utility in identifying possible subclinicalIH.
Evaluation of Low‐protein Alternative Diets for Pond‐raised Hybrid Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus × Ictalurus furcatus
Authors: Li Menghe H. , Robinson Edwin H. , Lucas Penelope M. , Bosworth Brian G.
Published: April 2015

A study was conducted to evaluate low‐protein traditional or alternative diets for pond‐raised hybrid catfish, Ictalurus punctatus × Ictalurus furcatus. Three 24% protein diets containing decreasing levels of soybean meal (30, 20, and 15%) and increasing levels of cottonseed meal and corn germ meal were compared with a 28% protein control diet. Hybrid catfish fingerlings (mean initial weight = 71 g/fish) were stocked into 20 earthen ponds (0.04 ha) at a density of 14,826 fish/ha with five ponds per dietary treatment. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation for a 191‐d growing season. There were no significant differences in total diet fed, net yield, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival, or fillet proximate nutrient composition among dietary treatments (P ≥ 0.10). However, regression analysis showed for fish fed 24% protein diets there was a linear increase in FCR as soybean meal levels decreased (P = 0.06). Compared with fish fed the 28% protein control diet, fish fed 24% protein diets had lower carcass and fillet yield. Results demonstrate a 24% protein alternative diet containing 20% soybean meal may be substituted for 28% protein diets for hybrid catfish during food fish production.
Effects of Salinity and Na+/K+ Ratio on Osmoregulation and Growth Performance of Black Tiger Prawn, Penaeus monodon Fabricius, 1798, Juveniles Reared in Inland Saline Water
Authors: Antony Jose , Vungurala Harikrishna , Saharan Neelam , Reddy Appidi K. , Chadha Narinder K. , Lakra Wazir S. , Roy Luke A.
Published: April 2015

A 60‐d growth trial was conducted with the black tiger prawn, Penaeus monodon (ca. 0.8 g juveniles) at CIFE Rohtak Centre to evaluate the effects of salinity and Na+/K+ ratio of inland saline water on shrimp growth, survival, and osmoregulation. Three different salinities (5, 10, and 15 ppt) and five different Na+/K+ ratios (25:1, 45:1, 65:1, 85:1, and 27.9:1), for a total of 15 treatments were prepared by ionic manipulation. The medium with Na+/K+ ratio 27.9 was reconstituted seawater and was used as the reference treatment. At the end of the 60‐d trial both salinity and Na+/K+ ratio significantly influenced the survival and growth of shrimp in inland saline water (P < 0.05). Final mean individual weight, weight gain (%) (WG [%]) increased with decreasing Na+/K+ ratios. Survival rates were significantly higher (P < 0.05) for Na+/K+ ratio 45 and 27.9 at salinities 10 and 15 ppt, respectively. Minimum growth and survival (0–24%) were observed in mediums with Na+/K+ ratio 85 at all salinities. Serum osmolality and osmoregulatory capacity were similar across all treatments at identical salinities except for sodium to potassium ratio (Na+/K+) 85. The serum sodium and potassium levels did not show any significant difference (P > 0.05) for mediums with Na+/K+ ratio 25, 45, 65, and 27.9 at all salinities. Significantly different (P < 0.05) serum sodium levels were observed in mediums with Na+/K+ ratio 85 at all salinities at the end of the trial. The serum potassium levels were significantly low in treatments with Na+/K+ ratio 85. There was no significant difference in the serum magnesium levels between treatments and the serum calcium levels were significantly lower for shrimp reared in the reference mediums. Results of this study confirm that P. monodon can be successfully cultured in low salinity waters with Na+/K+ ratio ranging between 25 and 45:1.
The Effects of Brackish Water on Growth Hormone/Insulin‐like Growth Factor‐1 Gene Expression of the Caspian Trout, Salmo trutta caspius (Kessler, 1877), During the Early Stage of Smoltification
Authors: Sharif Sepideh , Shoae Alireza , Mojazi Amiri Bagher , Farahmand Hamid
Published: April 2015

Caspian trout, Salmo trutta caspius, a subspecies of brown trout, S. trutta, is a commercially important but endangered fish species found in the Caspian Sea. To investigate the effect of changes in salinity during migration on the growth of Caspian trout, juvenile fish were challenged in brackish water, and the levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) expression were quantified in the pituitary gland and the liver. Specifically, juvenile fish were reared in freshwater to a weight of 15–20 g and subsequently transferred to brackish water for 28 d. Fish were sampled at 1, 3, 5 and 28 d post‐transfer, and target gene mRNA was quantified using a real‐time qPCR assay. A significant increase in the specific growth rate (SGR) as well as in the abundance of GH and IGF‐1 mRNA was observed in fish that were reared in brackish water (P < 0.05). Two transcripts of GH with 90% homology in the open reading frame and the complete transcript of IGF‐1Ea4 were identified based on gene cloning. In conclusion, our results suggest that brackish water adaptation stimulates the SGR via the GH/IGF‐1 axis and that GH and IGF‐1 have been highly conserved during the evolution of the Caspian trout.
Apparent Protein and Energy Digestibility and Amino Acid Availability of Corn and Co‐products in Extruded Diets for Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Vidal Luiz Vítor Oliveira , Xavier Tadeu Orlandi , Michelato Mariana , Martins Elias Nunes , Pezzato Luiz Edivaldo , Furuya Wilson Massamitu
Published: April 2015

We assessed the nutritional value of corn in extruded diets for Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, by determining the apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy, and by measuring the apparent availability coefficients (AACs) of essential and non‐essential amino acids (AAs) in several corn‐based diets. We fed 180 juvenile Nile tilapia a reference diet containing 325.8 g/kg crude protein and 4613 kcal/kg gross energy or a test diet containing a 70:30 mixture of the reference diet and a test ingredient (whole corn, corn germ, corn germ meal, corn gluten feed, or corn gluten meal). The apparent digestibility coefficients ranged from 56.3 to 96.6% (dry matter), 89.4 to 96.8% (crude protein), and 59.0 to 95.4% (gross energy). The AACs of all AAs exceeded 80% for all diets and were >90% for corn gluten meal. All ingredients showed high levels of apparent digestibility for crude protein and high AACs of AAs. Diets based on whole corn or corn gluten meal showed higher digestibility values for dry matter and gross energy, suggesting that they are preferable choices for Nile tilapia.
Enrichment of Adult Artemia Biomass and Squid Mantle Muscle, Dosidicus gigas, with Different Ascorbic Acid (L‐Ascorbyl‐2‐Monophosphate‐Na/Ca) Concentrations
Authors: Marentes‐Montes Miguel E. , Ponce Palafox Jesús T. , Castillo‐Vargasmachuca Sergio , Martínez‐Rodríguez Irma E. , Castro Mejia Jorge , García‐Ulloa Manuel , Seidavi Alireza
Published: April 2015

L‐ascorbyl‐2‐monophosphate‐Na/Ca (AMP‐Na/Ca) was used as a vitamin C source to investigate its ascorbic acid (L‐AA) enrichment and retention in boosted Artemia biomass (AB) and squid mantle muscle (SM). Different doses of AMP‐Na/Ca (500, 1000, and 1500 AMP‐Na/Ca mg/kg) were gradually dissolved into the culture tanks at time 0 (T0) and at each hour until Hour 6 (T6). Samples of AB and SM were taken for AMP‐Na/Ca and L‐AA analysis at T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T12, and T24. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) among the AB groups at T1. The T6 enrichment analysis for AB resulted in significant differences (P < 0.05) in the AMP‐Na/Ca content for the 1500 mg/kg treatment, in which the initial concentration (0.001 ± 0.002 mg/kg) increased by more than 16‐fold. For all AB enrichment treatments, the AMP‐Na/Ca content demonstrated a decrease (32–11%) for the T6, T12 and T24 analysis. The T1 analysis for SM at the higher AMP‐Na/Ca enrichment concentration registered 30 mg/kg of L‐AA and decreased (27.6%) at T6. This study demonstrated that AB and SM can be boosted with AMP‐Na/Ca.
Patterns of survival and roost switching in an African insectivorous bat
Authors: Monadjem A. , McCleery R. A. , Collier B.
Published: April 2015

Variation in survival over time and among age and sex classes drives population dynamics for a large majority of long‐lived species and is critical to understanding species demography. For highly mobile species that actively move among potential breeding locations, coupling survival information with estimates of locational fidelity provides the basis for our understanding of species population dynamics. We studied the effect of time, age and sex class and climatic variables on survival and roost transition probabilities on a population of Egyptian slit‐faced bats in Swaziland from 1450 marked individuals from 16 roosts over a 10‐year period. We then used variance components analysis to estimate average annual survival and associated temporal process variance. Annual apparent survival varied with sex and age, being highest in adult males and lowest in juvenile females. We did not find evidence of survival being influenced by climatological factors as commonly observed in temperate bats. Roost switching occurred frequently, with more transitions to roosts harboring larger number of bats. Furthermore, the probability of transitioning to another roost was related to its distance from the original roost. The dispersal patterns revealed in this study were consistent with the fission–fusion dynamics common for colonial bats.
Geminate Devoicing in Japanese Loanwords: Theoretical and Experimental Investigations
Authors: Kawahara Shigeto
Published: April 2015

This paper provides an overview of theoretical and experimental investigations into voiced geminates in Japanese. Active discussion was initiated by Nishimura's () discovery that in Japanese loanword phonology, voiced geminates can be devoiced, when they co‐occur with another voiced obstruent (e.g. /doggu/ → /dokku/ ‘dog’). This context‐sensitive devoicing of geminates has been analyzed within several different theoretical frameworks. The phonetic and psycholinguistic natures of voiced geminates have also been explored, in tandem with corpus‐based analyses and computational modeling. This devoicing pattern of voiced geminates in Japanese therefore has had substantial impacts on the recent phonological literature. The empirical focus of this paper is on one simple devoicing phenomenon in Japanese, but implications for general linguistic theories are discussed throughout the paper.
Does disappearance mean extirpation? The case of right whales off Namibia
Authors: Roux Jean‐Paul , Braby Rod J. , Best Peter B.
Published: April 2015

Right whales off Namibia were severely depleted by early 19th century whaling, and rarely featured in modern whaling catches in the 1920s. Aerial surveys of the Namibian coastline from 1978 and onwards revealed increasing numbers of right whales, but few cow‐calf pairs. Aerial surveys off South Africa since 2009 showed a major decline in the availability of animals without calves. Twenty individual matches were made between 94 whales photographed off Namibia/Northern Cape in 2003–2012 and 1,677 photographed off South Africa in 1979–2012. Eight were adult females that calved in South African waters, but only one was also seen with a calf off Namibia. Twelve out of 13 individuals off Namibia with distinctive dorsal pigmentation were first seen as calves off South Africa. These results strongly indicate connectivity between the two regions, while the presence off Namibia of three adult females from the South African population in the season in which they are believed to conceive suggests that there is unlikely to be any genetic differentiation between the two areas. We conclude that the reappearance of right whales off Namibia represents range expansion from South Africa rather than the survival of a few remnants of an originally separate stock.
Gastropod grazing on a benthic alga leads to liberation of food‐finding infochemicals
Authors: Moelzner Jana , Fink Patrick
Published: April 2015

Chemical information transfer is a major agent in the regulation of interspecific and intraspecific interactions in natural ecosystems. One important group of such infochemicals both in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are so‐called volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can evoke behavioral or physiological responses like predator avoidance and mate or host location. In previous work, we have demonstrated that freshwater gastropods utilize VOCs released from benthic algae as food finding cues, although the specific nature of the VOC release and perception were not yet clear. Therefore we tested whether gastropod grazing on biofilms leads to algal cell damage and a subsequent liberation of wounding‐associated VOCs. In bioassays we investigated the algal VOC bouquet level which is necessary to elicit a behavioural response of freshwater gastropods. The results of the liberation experiment showed that gastropod grazing leads to VOCs release. We also found that a certain threshold level of volatiles is necessary for snails to recognise the volatile infochemicals and subsequently respond with a directed foraging behaviour towards the odour. Finally, a calculated mass balance model demonstrated that the grazer mediated VOC release produced a signal concentration that is sufficient to be recognized by conspecifics and utilized as foraging infochemicals. The emission of ecologically relevant volatiles through snail grazing with subsequent attraction of other gastropod grazers to algal biofilms indicates an important but so far understudied chemical signaling mechanism of ecological importance.
Early Colonization, Glacial Melt Water, and Island Mass Effect in the Archipelago of Western Sweden: A Case History
Authors: Schmitt Lou
Published: April 2015

In this short article I consider the relationship between glacial melt water that empties into the sea, and early coastal colonization by hunter‐gatherers. In addition, I contend that this archaeological/oceanographical case study from the Swedish west coast is a model that can be applied to other coastal areas of the world with raised beaches, and where similar conditions prevailed during the close of the Late Glacial and the beginning of the early Post Glacial.
Open Warfare or the Odd Skirmish? Bell Beaker Violence in the North‐Eastern Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Soriano Ignacio , Gibaja Juan F. , Vila Lluís
Published: April 2015

Archaeological examples of violence in prehistory have increased in recent years. The evidence, methodology employed and interpretation of the data have been diverse, but in each case the myth of the ‘peaceful past’ is questioned. This work provides new data on the issue from the north‐eastern Iberian Peninsula, associated with the Bell Beaker culture (c.2800–2350 cal BC). Material from two megalithic tombs, Can Gol I and Can Gol II (Barcelona Province), in particular a set of flint arrowheads, has been revisited. Use‐wear analysis on the arrowheads confirmed the presence of impact fractures. This indicates that the arrowheads were not funerary offerings, but that they entered the graves lodged in the bodies of the deceased. The data from the only site with evidence of massive death by violence in the neighbouring region (Costa de Can Martorell) reinforce the hypothesis of episodes of conflict and violence during prehistory. However, the interpretation of the nature of such violence remains open to debate: was it an act of warfare or an occasional skirmish? And is the image of the Bell Beaker warrior identified in other European contexts also applicable to this area?
Hospitalisations from 1 to 6 Years of Age: Effects of Gestational Age and Severe Neonatal Morbidity
Authors: Stephens Alexandre S. , Lain Samantha J. , Roberts Christine L. , Bowen Jennifer R. , Simpson Judy M. , Nassar Natasha
Published: April 2015

Background

To investigate whether the adverse infant health outcomes associated with early birth and severe neonatal morbidity (SNM) persist beyond the first year of life and impact on paediatric hospitalisations for children up to 6 years of age.

Methods

The study population included all singleton live births, >32 weeks gestation in New South Wales, Australia, in 2001–2005, with follow‐up to 6 years of age. Birth data were probabilistically linked to hospitalisation data (n = 392 964). The odds of hospitalisation, mean hospital length of stay (LOS) and costs, and cumulative LOS were evaluated by gestational age and SNM using multivariable analyses.

Results

A total of 74 341 (18.9%) and 41 404 (10.5%) infants were hospitalised once and more than once, respectively. SNM was associated with increased odds of hospitalisation once (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.16 [95% confidence interval 1.10, 1.22]) and more than once [aOR 1.51 (1.43, 1.61)]. Decreasing gestational age was associated with increasing odds of hospitalisation more than once from aOR 1.19 at 37–38 weeks to 1.49 at 33–34 weeks. Average LOS and costs per hospital admission were increased with SNM but not with decreasing gestational age. Cumulative LOS was significantly increased with SNM and decreasing gestational age.

Conclusions

Adverse effects of SNM and early birth persist between 1 and 6 years of age. Strategies to prevent early birth and reduce SNM, and to increase health monitoring of vulnerable infants throughout childhood may help reduce paediatric hospitalisations.
Genetic effects of habitat restoration in the Laurentian Great Lakes: an assessment of lake sturgeon origin and genetic diversity
Authors: Marranca Jamie M. , Welsh Amy B. , Roseman Edward
Published: April 2015

Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) have experienced significant habitat loss, resulting in reduced population sizes. Three artificial reefs were built in the Huron‐Erie corridor in the Great Lakes to replace lost spawning habitat. Genetic data were collected to determine the source and numbers of adult lake sturgeon spawning on the reefs and to determine if the founder effect resulted in reduced genetic diversity. DNA was extracted from larval tail clips and 12 microsatellite loci were amplified. Larval genotypes were then compared to 22 previously studied spawning lake sturgeon populations in the Great Lakes to determine the source of the parental population. The effective number of breeders (Nb) was calculated for each reef cohort. The larval genotypes were then compared to the source population to determine if there were any losses in genetic diversity that are indicative of the founder effect. The St. Clair and Detroit River adult populations were found to be the source parental population for the larvae collected on all three artificial reefs. There were large numbers of contributing adults relative to the number of sampled larvae. There was no significant difference between levels of genetic diversity in the source population and larval samples from the artificial reefs; however, there is some evidence for a genetic bottleneck in the reef populations likely due to the founder effect. Habitat restoration in the Huron‐Erie corridor is likely resulting in increased habitat for the large lake sturgeon population in the system and in maintenance of the population's genetic diversity.
Medically unexplained dyspnoea and panic
Authors: Hauzer Rose , Verheul Willeke , Griez Eric , Wesseling Geertjan , van Duinen Marlies
Published: April 2015

Medically unexplained dyspnoea in the pulmonary setting is often accompanied by considerable levels of anxiety, suggestive of psychopathology, in particular panic disorder (PD). This pilot study investigates the value of the Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile as a tool to facilitate identification of a specific dyspnoea profile suggestive of comorbid PD. The verbal descriptors, feeling depressed, air hunger and concentrating on breathing, significantly differentiated between the two groups of patients with pulmonary disease with and without PD.