bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poorer Drinking Outcomes with Citalopram Treatment for Alcohol Dependence: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Charney Dara A. , Heath Laura M. , Zikos Eugenia , Palacios‐Boix Jorge , Gill Kathryn J.
Published: July 2015

Background

Previous research on the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as a treatment for alcohol dependence has yielded mixed results. Depression has been shown to be a predictor of relapse and poor outcome following treatment, and it has been hypothesized that SSRIs would be beneficial in reducing drinking in depressed alcohol‐dependent individuals. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was designed to test the effects of citalopram on treatment outcomes among alcohol‐dependent individuals with and without depression.

Methods

Two hundred and sixty‐five patients meeting criteria for a DSM‐IV diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence were randomly assigned to receive placebo or citalopram 20 mg per day for the first week, followed by 40 mg per day from weeks 2 through 12. All patients received a standard course of treatment consisting of weekly individual and group psychotherapy. Participants were reassessed at 12 weeks, including dropouts from both treatment groups to determine rates of abstinence, changes in alcohol use, addiction severity, depressive symptoms, and psychiatric status.

Results

Citalopram provided no advantage over placebo in terms of treatment outcomes, and for some measures, citalopram produced poorer outcomes. Patients in the citalopram group had a higher number of heavy drinking days throughout the trial, and smaller changes in frequency and amount of alcohol consumption at 12 weeks. There was no influence of depression severity on outcomes in either medication group. Survival analyses also indicated no differences between depressed and nondepressed patients in the citalopram group for time to first slip or relapse. A diagnosis of personality disorder was associated with poorer treatment responses overall, regardless of treatment condition.

Conclusions

This trial does not support the use of citalopram in the treatment of alcohol dependence. The results suggest that the use of SSRIs among depressed and nondepressed alcohol‐dependent individuals early in recovery, prior to the onset of abstinence, may be contraindicated.
Anticraving Effect of Baclofen in Alcohol‐Dependent Patients
Authors: Imbert Bruce , Alvarez Jean‐Claude , Simon Nicolas
Published: July 2015

Background

Baclofen is a GABA‐B receptor agonist currently used in the treatment of spasticity. In recent years, baclofen has been used to reduce craving, voluntary alcohol intake and withdrawal syndrome of alcoholic patients. To date, there are no data available to estimate the relationship between baclofen exposure and the variation of craving. The first objective of this study was to investigate the variation of craving as a function of exposure, and the second was to explore the possible existence of baclofen responders and nonresponders.

Methods

Sixty‐seven outpatients, 43 men/24 women (weight: 73 kg [42 to 128]; age: 49 years old [29 to 68]) followed in the addictology unit, were studied during 3 months after treatment initiation. Baclofen was administered by oral route. Therapeutic drug monitoring enabled the measurement of plasma concentrations. Craving level was assessed by the Obsessive–Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS). A population pharmacokinetic (PK)–pharmacodynamic analysis of the OCDS variation following baclofen administration was performed. Demographic data, biological data, and tobacco consumption were tested for their influence on the parameters.

Results

Data were modeled with a 1‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and elimination. PK analysis confirms the results of our previous study. An Emax model best‐described the exposure–OCDS relationship. None of the covariates tested was able to improve the fit or decrease intersubject variability. However, 2 subpopulations were defined for the exposure corresponding to half the maximal effect (BE50). The proportion of patients being classified as responders was 38% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7 to 76), the maximal decrease in OCDS (Emax) was 72% (95% CI 25 to 85), and the BE50 was 12.6 (95% CI 0.02 to 74.3) or 4,390 (95% CI 20.4 to 31,800) h mg/l for responders and nonresponders, respectively.

Conclusions

We defined the relationship between baclofen exposure and craving in patients with alcohol use disorder. Baclofen treatment decreased craving in all patients. However, we drew up the hypothesis of 2 subpopulations of patients differentiated by their speed of response. A wide interindividual variability in response was depicted, making it currently impossible to predict which group a patient will belong to.
Necrotizing fasciitis: 11‐year retrospective case review in South Auckland
Authors: Kulasegaran Suheelan , Cribb Benjamin , Vandal Alain C. , McBride Stephen , Holland David , MacCormick Andrew D.
Published: July 2015

Background

The aims of this paper were to review our experience with necrotizing fasciitis at Middlemore Hospital and to define the trends in incidence, inpatient mortality and microbiological profile.

Methods

A computerized search of the electronic medical records was undertaken to identify adult patients with a diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis between January 2000 and December 2010. A retrospective review of the clinical records was performed.

Results

Of the 138 patients with necrotizing fasciitis identified, 129 had their diagnosis confirmed at operation. The mortality at 30 days was 20.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 13.9%–28.0%). There was a significant reduction in hospital mortality in each successive year of the study period with an odds ratio of 0.84 (95% CI 0.71–0.98, P = 0.03). A pattern of increasing incidence was noted until February 2004 (95% CI September 2002–July 2005). This was followed by a significant decrease in incidence. The empirical antibiotic regime of clindamycin, gentamicin and penicillin provides satisfactory cover against 95% of the causative pathogens.

Conclusion

This represents the largest single‐centre published case series in New Zealand. Despite concerns of increasing incidence and mortality associated with necrotizing fasciitis in New Zealand, the experience in South Auckland shows a decrease in incidence of necrotizing fasciitis since 2004 and a statistically significant decreasing trend in hospital mortality.
Changes in the approach to acute diverticulitis
Authors: Jaung Rebekah , Robertson Jason , Vather Ryash , Rowbotham David , Bissett Ian P.
Published: July 2015

Acute diverticulitis (AD) is one of the most common acute admission diagnoses for general surgery, and its prevalence is increasing, in part due to the ageing population. Currently, most patients who present to a tertiary hospital are admitted for a period of treatment and observation. Simple, safe and cost‐effective strategies for improving our current treatment of this condition will be invaluable in providing the most appropriate management for individual patients and for reducing the health resources expended on hospital admissions and parenteral antibiotics. AD can be categorized as uncomplicated or complicated, these two subtypes have a very different clinical course. The management of uncomplicated AD has become increasingly conservative, with a focus on symptomatic relief and supportive management. Recent research has brought into question the need for extended hospital admission and questioned the current use of antibiotics. Anti‐inflammatory agents that reduce local inflammation in uncomplicated AD may be a useful means of reducing damage caused by inflammation and aiding earlier resolution of the inflammatory response and associated symptoms. Mesalazine is an anti‐inflammatory agent that has been trialled in uncomplicated AD. Mesalazine has been shown to improve time to resolution of endoscopic and histological evidence of inflammation following an episode of AD and also reduce the rate of recurrence. In this literature review, we provide an overview of recent advances in AD classification, pathophysiology and management, and examine the possibility of introducing the use of anti‐inflammatory agents in the management of uncomplicated AD.
Impact of introduction of an acute surgical unit on management and outcomes of small bowel obstruction
Authors: Musiienko Anton M. , Shakerian Rose , Gorelik Alexandra , Thomson Benjamin N. J. , Skandarajah Anita R.
Published: July 2015

Background

The acute surgical unit (ASU) is a recently established model of care in Australasia and worldwide. Limited data are available regarding its effect on the management of small bowel obstruction. We compared the management of small bowel obstruction before and after introduction of ASU at a major tertiary referral centre. We hypothesized that introduction of ASU would correlate with improved patient outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective review of prospectively maintained databases was performed over two separate 2‐year periods, before and after the introduction of ASU. Data collected included demographics, co‐morbidity status, use of water‐soluble contrast agent and computed tomography. Outcome measures included surgical intervention, time to surgery, hospital length of stay, complications, 30‐day readmissions, use of total parenteral nutrition, intensive care unit admissions and overall mortality.

Results

Total emergency admissions to the ASU increased from 2640 to 4575 between the two time periods. A total of 481 cases were identified (225 prior and 256 after introduction of ASU). Mortality decreased from 5.8% to 2.0% (P = 0.03), which remained significant after controlling for confounders with multivariate analysis (odds ratio = 0.24, 95% confidence interval 0.08–0.73, P = 0.012). The proportion of surgically managed patients increased (20.9% versus 32.0%, P = 0.003) and more operations were performed within 5 days from presentation (76.6% versus 91.5%, P = 0.02). Fewer patients received water‐soluble contrast agent (27.1% versus 18.4%, P = 0.02), but more patients were investigated with a computed tomography (70.7% versus 79.7%, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

The ASU model of care resulted in decreased mortality, shorter time to intervention and increased surgical management. Overall complications rate and length of stay did not change.
Episodes of video power supporting barrio women in Chacao, Venezuela
Authors: Velásquez Atehortúa Juan
Published: July 2015

This paper aims to contribute to the literature on video power by showing how marginalised communities and groups can be empowered by using raw research footage to support their community struggles. The footage represents activities headed by a group of barrio women who were about to establish a ‘socialist commune’ in Chacao, which at that time was the most elite municipality in Caracas, Venezuela. The raw footage has been assembled in an archive of 70 video episodes collected through participatory observation between 2010 and 2014. The researcher respected the community's wishes regarding when, where and for what purposes the footage would be shot, and drew on a ‘feminist practice of looking’. The episodes have been studied with material feminism as an instrument of self‐definition, representation and self‐representation. In terms of self‐definition, the use of video episodes empowered women and the community, reaffirming their insurgent identity as strong performers of people's power in relation to influential politicians and scholars. In terms of strategies of self‐representation, the length, contents and character of the video episodes were all essential to developing video power. Their length made it possible to represent in minute detail women's broad participation in the actions and their handling of situations that arose. In terms of their character, they represented the leadership of women in the spontaneous incidents of insurgent citizenship and the scheduled events to support their insurgent urbanism. The contents represented how spokeswomen used emotions as an ‘extended language’ to move people to action and to nuance the ‘the excessive power granted to language to determine what is real’ beyond decrees and documents.
Exploring multiple ontologies of drought in agro‐pastoral regions of Northern Tanzania: a topological approach
Authors: Goldman Mara J , Daly Meaghan , Lovell Eric J
Published: July 2015

There has been increased focus within the human dimensions of climate change on understanding the complex and multiple ways of ‘knowing’ climate. While these discussions are important in recognising different ways of knowing the climate and climate change processes already underway, we argue that this epistemological approach is limited and challenging. It begins with an assumption that there is one world (climate) out there that can just be known differently, and that knowledge can be isolated from ways of being and acting in the world. This often results in a distilling of complex knowledge practices into information for the purposes of integration. Drawing from a material‐semiotic approach from Science and Technology Studies (STS), we propose a shift of focus to ontology, with an emphasis on the enactment of knowledge and reality (climate) simultaneously. We present ethnographic data from two drought events (2008/2009 and 2010/2011) among Maasai pastoralists in Northern Tanzania in East Africa to illustrate the value of such an approach, using multiple topologies (regional, network, fluid) for thinking through and following multiple enactments of drought in practice.
Feeding Solanum glaucophyllum to preparturient multiparous cows prevents postparturient hypocalcemia
Authors: Ishii Junichiro , Uramoto Akifumi , Nagao Yoshikazu , Goto Hisaya
Published: July 2015

Solanum glaucophyllum (SG) contains 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25‐(OH)2D3) glycosides. We investigated the effect of SG on hypocalcemia in cows. Serum levels of 1,25‐(OH)2D3, total calcium and phosphorus dose‐relatedly increased after feeding with SG, while serum magnesium and chloride levels fell (P < 0.05). We also performed an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) infusion to induce artificial hypocalcemia. Cows that had been fed 4.0 mg/kg body weight of SG daily for 2 weeks had a higher serum concentration of total calcium at the end of EDTA infusion than those not fed SG (P < 0.05). In a field trial, multiparous cows were assigned to one of four groups: (1) no SG, (2) 1.3 g or (3) 2.6 g of SG daily from 14 days before the estimated calving day until 3 days after calving, or (4) a single feed of 35.75 g SG at 3 days before the estimated calving day. The concentrations of serum total calcium after the calving in each treatment group were (1) 7.4, (2) 7.9, (3) 8.0 and (4) 8.9 mg/dL and higher for (4) than for (1) (P < 0.05). The data suggests that feeding a high dose of SG before the calving may maintain higher concentrations of serum calcium after the calving.
Distinctive genotypes in infants with T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Mansur Marcela B. , van Delft Frederik W. , Colman Susan M. , Furness Caroline L. , Gibson Jane , Emerenciano Mariana , Kempski Helena , Clappier Emmanuelle , Cave Hélène , Soulier Jean , Pombo‐de‐Oliveira Maria S. , Greaves Mel , Ford Anthony M.
Published: July 2015

Infant T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (iT‐ALL) is a very rare and poorly defined entity with a poor prognosis. We assembled a unique series of 13 infants with T‐ALL, which allowed us to identify genotypic abnormalities and to investigate prenatal origins. Matched samples (diagnosis/remission) were analysed by single nucleotide polymorphism‐array to identify genomic losses and gains. In three cases, we identified a recurrent somatic deletion on chromosome 3. These losses result in the complete deletion of MLF1 and have not previously been described in T‐ALL. We observed two cases with an 11p13 deletion (LMO2‐related), one of which also harboured a deletion of RB1. Another case presented a large 11q14·1‐11q23·2 deletion that included ATM and only five patients (38%) showed deletions of CDKN2A/B. Four cases showed NOTCH1 mutations; in one case FBXW7 was the sole mutation and three cases showed alterations in PTEN. KMT2A rearrangements (KMT2A‐r) were detected in three out of 13 cases. For three patients, mutations and copy number alterations (including deletion of PTEN) could be backtracked to birth using neonatal blood spot DNA, demonstrating an in utero origin. Overall, our data indicates that iT‐ALL has a diverse but distinctive profile of genotypic abnormalities when compared to T‐ALL in older children and adults.
Gleason score 5 + 3 = 8 prostate cancer: much more like Gleason score 9?
Authors: Mahal Brandon A. , Muralidhar Vinayak , Chen Yu‐Wei , Choueiri Toni K. , Hoffman Karen E. , Hu Jim C. , Sweeney Christopher J. , Yu James B. , Feng Felix Y. , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Nguyen Paul L.
Published: July 2015

Objective

To determine whether patients with Gleason score 5 + 3 = 8 prostate cancer have outcomes more similar to other patients with Gleason score 8 disease or to patients with Gleason score 9 disease.

Patients and Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database was used to study 40 533 men diagnosed with N0M0 Gleason score 8 or 9 prostate cancer from 2004 to 2011. Using Gleason score 4 + 4 = 8 as the referent, Fine and Gray competing risks regression analyses modelled the association between Gleason score and prostate cancer‐specific mortality (PCSM).

Results

The 5‐year PCSM rates for patients with Gleason score 4 + 4 = 8, 3 + 5 = 8, 5 + 3 = 8, and 9 disease were 6.3%, 6.6%, 13.5%, and 13.9%, respectively (P < 0.001). Patients with Gleason score 5 + 3 = 8 or 9 disease had up to a two‐fold increased risk of PCSM (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.50–2.38, P < 0.001; and AHR 2.17, 95% CI 1.99–2.36, P < 0.001, respectively) compared with the referent group of patients (Gleason score 4 + 4 = 8). There was no difference in PCSM between patients with Gleason score 5 + 3 = 8 vs 9 disease (P = 0.25).

Conclusions

Gleason score 8 disease represents a heterogeneous entity with PCSM outcomes distinguishable by the primary Gleason pattern. The PCSM of Gleason score 3 + 5 = 8 and Gleason 4 + 4 = 8 disease are similar, but patients with Gleason score 5 + 3 = 8 have a risk of PCSM that is twice as high as other patients with Gleason score 8 disease and should be considered to have a similar poor prognosis as patients with Gleason score 9 disease. Such patients should be allowed onto trials seeking the highest‐risk patients in which to test novel aggressive treatment strategies.
A New Targeted Model of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in the Common Marmoset
Authors: Stassart Ruth Martha , Helms Gunther , Garea‐Rodríguez Enrique , Nessler Stefan , Hayardeny Liat , Wegner Christiane , Schlumbohm Christina , Fuchs Eberhard , Brück Wolfgang
Published: July 2015

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common cause for sustained disability in young adults, yet treatment options remain very limited. Although numerous therapeutic approaches have been effective in rodent models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), only few proved to be beneficial in patients with MS. Hence, there is a strong need for more predictive animal models. Within the past decade, EAE in the common marmoset evolved as a potent, alternative model for MS, with immunological and pathological features resembling more closely the human disease. However, an often very rapid and severe disease course hampers its implementation for systematic testing of new treatment strategies. We here developed a new focal model of EAE in the common marmoset, induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) immunization and stereotactic injections of proinflammatory cytokines. At the injection site of cytokines, confluent inflammatory demyelinating lesions developed that strongly resembled human MS lesions. In a proof‐of‐principle treatment study with the immunomodulatory compound laquinimod, we demonstrate that targeted EAE in marmosets provides a promising and valid tool for preclinical experimental treatment trials in MS research.
Downregulation of TBXAS1 in an iron‐induced malignant mesothelioma model
Authors: Minami Daisuke , Takigawa Nagio , Kato Yuka , Kudo Kenichiro , Isozaki Hideko , Hashida Shinsuke , Harada Daijiro , Ochi Nobuaki , Fujii Masanori , Kubo Toshio , Ohashi Kadoaki , Sato Akiko , Tanaka Takehiro , Hotta Katsuyuki , Tabata Masahiro , Toyooka Shinichi , Tanimoto Mitsune , Kiura Katsuyuki
Published: July 2015

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive and therapy‐resistant neoplasm arising from mesothelial cells. Evidence suggests that the major pathology associated with asbestos‐induced mesothelioma is local iron overload. In the present study, we induced iron‐induced mesothelioma in rats based on previous reports. Ten Wistar rats were given ferric saccharate and nitrilotriacetate i.p. for 5 days a week. Five of the ten rats exhibited widespread mesotheliomas in the peritoneum and tunica vaginalis. The tumor cells showed positive immunostaining for calretinin, wilms tumor‐1, podoplanin and the oxidative DNA marker 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine. In three of the five rats with mesothelioma, array‐based comparative genomic hybridization analysis identified a common chromosomal deletion mapped to the chromosomal 4q31 locus, which encompasses the TBXAS1 gene. Downregulation of the TBXAS1 gene was confirmed using quantitative PCR. TBXAS1 gene expression was also reduced in three of four human malignant pleural mesothelioma cell lines compared with normal bronchial epithelial cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed that TBXAS1 expression was weakly positive and positive in five and three out of eight human malignant mesothelioma samples, respectively. In conclusion, TBXAS1 gene expression was downregulated in rats with iron‐induced mesothelioma. The relationship between iron overload and TBXAS1 downregulation should be pursued further.
Incidence of adrenal crisis in patients with adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Smans Lisanne C.C.J. , Van der Valk Eline S. , Hermus Ad R.M.M. , Zelissen Pierre M.J.
Published: July 2015

Background

An adrenal crisis (AC) is a potential life‐threatening event in patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI). This study aims to determine the incidence, causes, and risk factors of AC in AI.

Methods

Patients with AI diagnosed and treated at the University Medical Center Utrecht for the past 30 years were identified, and all medical records were assessed by two independent investigators. The observed frequency of AC was determined as incidence rate, calculated as the number of AC divided by person‐years (PY). In addition, precipitating factors and risk factors were assessed.

Results

We observed an incidence rate of 5·2 AC (95% CI 4·3–6·3) per 100 PY in primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI, a total of 111 patients), and 3·6 AC (95% CI 3·1–4·1) per 100 PY in secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI a total of 319 patients). Patients with an established diagnosis of tertiary (glucocorticoid‐induced) adrenal insufficiency (a total of 28 patients) had 15·1 AC (95% CI 11·0–19·9) per 100 PY. The most important risk factor was the existence of comorbidity. Gastro‐enteritis and other infections were the most common precipitating factors for AC.

Conclusion

AC still occurs relatively frequent in patients with AI, mostly precipitated by infections and particularly in patients with high comorbidity. This should be taken into account in the education and follow‐up of patients with AI.
Effects of wind‐energy facilities on breeding grassland bird distributions
Authors: Shaffer Jill A. , Buhl Deborah A.
Published: July 2015

The contribution of renewable energy to meet worldwide demand continues to grow. Wind energy is one of the fastest growing renewable sectors, but new wind facilities are often placed in prime wildlife habitat. Long‐term studies that incorporate a rigorous statistical design to evaluate the effects of wind facilities on wildlife are rare. We conducted a before‐after‐control‐impact (BACI) assessment to determine if wind facilities placed in native mixed‐grass prairies displaced breeding grassland birds. During 2003–2012, we monitored changes in bird density in 3 study areas in North Dakota and South Dakota (U.S.A.). We examined whether displacement or attraction occurred 1 year after construction (immediate effect) and the average displacement or attraction 2–5 years after construction (delayed effect). We tested for these effects overall and within distance bands of 100, 200, 300, and >300 m from turbines. We observed displacement for 7 of 9 species. One species was unaffected by wind facilities and one species exhibited attraction. Displacement and attraction generally occurred within 100 m and often extended up to 300 m. In a few instances, displacement extended beyond 300 m. Displacement and attraction occurred 1 year after construction and persisted at least 5 years. Our research provides a framework for applying a BACI design to displacement studies and highlights the erroneous conclusions that can be made without the benefit of adopting such a design. More broadly, species‐specific behaviors can be used to inform management decisions about turbine placement and the potential impact to individual species. Additionally, the avoidance distance metrics we estimated can facilitate future development of models evaluating impacts of wind facilities under differing land‐use scenarios.
Potential protective role of endogenous glutamate‐oxaloacetate transaminase against glutamate excitotoxicity in fetal hypoxic–ischaemic asphyxia
Authors: Pérez‐Mato María , Iglesias‐Deus Alicia , Rujido Susana , da Silva‐Candal Andrés , Sobrino Tomás , Couce María‐Luz , Fraga José María , Castillo José , Campos Francisco
Published: July 2015

Aim

Fetal blood contains higher concentrations of glutamate‐oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT; a blood enzyme able to metabolize glutamate) than maternal blood. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between GOT and glutamate levels in arterial blood samples from umbilical cord in control newborn infants and newborn infants with hypoxic–ischaemic insult and/or symptoms of hypoxia–ischemia after delivery.

Method

A total of 46 newborn infants (28 females, 18 males) were prospectively included in the study. Twenty‐three infants (18 females, five males) were included as control participants and 23 (10 females, 13 males) were included as newborn infants at risk of adverse neurological outcome (defined as umbilical blood with pH <7.1).

Results

Analysis of glutamate concentration and GOT activity in umbilical blood samples showed that newborn infants with pH <7.1 had higher levels of glutamate (142.4μmol/L [SD 61.4] vs 62.8μmol/L [SD 25.5]; p<0.001) and GOT (83.1U/L [SD 60.9] vs 34.9U/L [SD 18.2]; p<0.001) compared to newborn infants without fetal distress. Analysis of Apgar scores and blood pH values (markers of perinatal distress) showed that conditions of severe distress were associated with higher glutamate and GOT levels.

Interpretation

During fetal development, the ability of GOT to metabolize glutamate suggests that this enzyme can act as an endogenous protective mechanism in the control of glutamate homeostasis.
State‐Society Synergy and Export Sophistication
Authors: Li Andrew X.
Published: July 2015

This paper contributes to the recent research on “export sophistication,” or the composition of a country's export portfolio. The central question of the current study is what determines a country's level of export sophistication. I argue that a synergetic relationship between state and society positively contributes to the level of export sophistication. The logic behind the argument is that the socially optimal level of investment in new products can only be realized if both the firm and the government find it individually profitable to carry out the investment. In cases whereby either or both lacks private incentive to invest, higher synergy between public and private sectors makes such joint investments more likely to occur. This logic is formally illustrated using a simultaneous game with incomplete information. The central hypothesis is tested using time series cross‐sectional data. The key empirical novelty of this paper is the construction of a “synergy index” based on Peter Evans' conceptualization of the term. Overall, the data give good support to the hypothesis. This relationship is particularly robust for the subsample of countries with intermediate levels of synergy. Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that state‐society synergy is subject to diminishing returns as its values get higher.
Condition‐dependent movement and dispersal in experimental metacommunities
Authors: Fronhofer Emanuel A. , Klecka Jan , Melián Carlos J. , Altermatt Florian
Published: July 2015

Dispersal and the underlying movement behaviour are processes of pivotal importance for understanding and predicting metapopulation and metacommunity dynamics. Generally, dispersal decisions are condition‐dependent and rely on information in the broad sense, like the presence of conspecifics. However, studies on metacommunities that include interspecific interactions generally disregard condition‐dependence. Therefore, it remains unclear whether and how dispersal in metacommunities is condition‐dependent and whether rules derived from single‐species contexts can be scaled up to (meta)communities. Using experimental protist metacommunities, we show how dispersal and movement depend on and are adjusted by the strength of interspecific interactions. We found that the predicting movement and dispersal in metacommunities requires knowledge on behavioural responses to intra‐ and interspecific interaction strengths. Consequently, metacommunity dynamics inferred directly from single‐species metapopulations without taking interspecific interactions into account are likely flawed. Our work identifies the significance of condition‐dependence for understanding metacommunity dynamics, stability and the coexistence and distribution of species.
Idiopathic hopping‐like forelimb lameness syndrome in ridden horses: 46 horses (2002–2014)
Authors: Dyson S. , Rasotto R.
Published: July 2015

There has been no analysis of a hopping‐type forelimb lameness syndrome seen in ridden horses. The objectives of this retrospective study were to describe the clinical features of this syndrome, response to diagnostic analgesia and imaging findings and to document post mortem findings. Clinical records from 2002 to 2014 were reviewed and data concerning signalment, history, lame limb(s), lameness characteristics, response to diagnostic analgesia and diagnostic imaging were recorded. There were 46 horses from 4 to 13 years of age, 6 of which had a history of known or suspected trauma immediately before the onset of reduced performance or lameness. Lameness seen when ridden was characterised by an intermittent shortened cranial phase of the step of the lame forelimb at the trot and marked elevation of the head as the affected limb was protracted, with the horse appearing to ‘hop’ (on the contralateral limb) as if trying to break to canter. When lameness was at its worst horses were unwilling to trot. Three horses showed sporadic severe stumbling. Local analgesia of the affected limb did not improve the lameness and in 16 horses lameness deteriorated. Three of 5 horses showed some improvement (≥2/8 grades) in the hopping‐type lameness after intra‐articular analgesia of the articular process joints of the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae, ipsilateral to the lame forelimb. Radiographic, ultrasonographic and nuclear scintigraphic examinations were inconclusive. Two of 4 horses responded to treatment with gabapentin. In 3 horses post mortem examination revealed mild lymphocytic inflammation within or around the dorsal root ganglia of the fifth and sixth cervical nerve roots, sixth cervical nerve root or second thoracic nerve root ipsilateral to the lame limb. Idiopathic hopping‐type lameness syndrome in ridden horses may be a pain‐related condition ± a neurological component and currently has a guarded prognosis.
Hindlimb lameness associated with a focal osseous metaplasia in an 18‐year‐old Welsh Section D mare
Authors: Grabski M. , Fews D. , Busschers E.
Published: July 2015

This report describes a case of chronic lameness secondary to an extraskeletal osseous mass located in the plantaromedial aspect of the right hind pastern in a mature Welsh Section D mare. The lesion was confirmed to represent metabolically active osseous tissue in close apposition with the adjacent plantar digital neurovascular bundle and digital flexor tendons. Surgical resection of the mass resulted in a complete resolution of lameness and return to previous level of activity. Histopathological examination classified the mass as a focal osseous metaplasia, which was most likely to be the result of previous trauma causing local haemorrhage, which resulted in subsequent dystrophic mineralisation and eventually osseous metaplasia. Similar lesions have been described in man, but have not been previously reported in the horse.
An adaptive fuzzy handover triggering approach for Long‐Term Evolution network
Authors: Kwong Chiew Foong , Chuah Teong Chee , Tan Su Wei , Akbari‐Moghanjoughi Ayyoub
Published: July 2015

To cope with the increasing demand for efficient data delivery, self‐organizing networks have been introduced in the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system to provide autonomous and flexible mobility management. The existing handover triggering scheme for LTE is not flexible enough to incorporate new performance metrics, and it introduces handover latency. There are studies on non‐conventional handoff algorithms for LTE applications, for instance, the fuzzy logic approach. However, the fuzzy logic approach needs regular manual tuning to constantly produce optimal output. In this paper, we address this issue by proposing an adaptive fuzzy logic‐based handoff decision algorithm, which can cope with environmental changes and improve efficiency by reducing human intervention. Performance results show that the proposed algorithm can reduce unnecessary handovers by about 20% compared with the fuzzy logic and conventional LTE handover triggering scheme, leading to reduced packet loss rates.
Evidence of counter‐gradient growth in western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata) across thermal gradients
Authors: Snover Melissa L. , Adams Michael J. , Ashton Donald T. , Bettaso Jamie B. , Welsh Hartwell H.
Published: July 2015

Counter‐gradient growth, where growth per unit temperature increases as temperature decreases, can reduce the variation in ectothermic growth rates across environmental gradients. Understanding how ectothermic species respond to changing temperatures is essential to their conservation and management due to human‐altered habitats and changing climates.

Here, we use two contrasting populations of western pond turtles (Actinemys marmorata) to model the effect of artificial and variable temperature regimes on growth and age at reproductive maturity. The two populations occur on forks of the Trinity River in northern California, U.S.A. The South Fork Trinity River (South Fork) is unregulated, while the main stem of the Trinity River (Main Stem) is dammed and has peak seasonal temperatures that are approximately 10 °C colder than the South Fork.

Consistent with other studies, we found reduced annual growth rates for turtles in the colder Main Stem compared to the warmer South Fork. The South Fork population matured approximately 9 year earlier, on average, and at a larger body size than the Main Stem population.

When we normalised growth rates for the thermal opportunity for growth using water‐growing degree‐days (GDD), we found the reverse for growth rates and age at reproductive maturity. Main Stem turtles grew approximately twice as fast as South Fork turtles per GDD. Main Stem turtles also required approximately 50% fewer GDD to reach their smaller size at reproductive maturity compared to the larger South Fork turtles.

We found we could accurately hindcast growth rates based on water temperatures estimated from the total volume of discharge from the dam into the Main Stem, providing a management tool for predicting the impacts of the dam on turtle growth rates.

Given the importance of size and age at reproductive maturity to population dynamics, this information on counter‐gradient growth will improve our ability to understand and predict the consequences of dam operations for downstream turtle populations.
Global ecological impacts of invasive species in aquatic ecosystems
Authors: Gallardo Belinda , Clavero Miguel , Sánchez Marta I. , Vilà Montserrat
Published: July 2015

The introduction of invasive species, which often differ functionally from the components of the recipient community, generates ecological impacts that propagate along the food web. This review aims to determine how consistent the impacts of aquatic invasions are across taxa and habitats. To that end, we present a global meta‐analysis from 151 publications (733 cases), covering a wide range of invaders (primary producers, filter collectors, omnivores and predators), resident aquatic community components (macrophytes, phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic invertebrates and fish) and habitats (rivers, lakes and estuaries). Our synthesis suggests a strong negative influence of invasive species on the abundance of aquatic communities, particularly macrophytes, zooplankton and fish. In contrast, there was no general evidence for a decrease in species diversity in invaded habitats, suggesting a time lag between rapid abundance changes and local extinctions. Invaded habitats showed increased water turbidity, nitrogen and organic matter concentration, which are related to the capacity of invaders to transform habitats and increase eutrophication. The expansion of invasive macrophytes caused the largest decrease in fish abundance, the filtering activity of filter collectors depleted planktonic communities, omnivores (including both facultative and obligate herbivores) were responsible for the greatest decline in macrophyte abundance, and benthic invertebrates were most negatively affected by the introduction of new predators. These impacts were relatively consistent across habitats and experimental approaches. Based on our results, we propose a framework of positive and negative links between invasive species at four trophic positions and the five different components of recipient communities. This framework incorporates both direct biotic interactions (predation, competition, grazing) and indirect changes to the water physicochemical conditions mediated by invaders (habitat alteration). Considering the strong trophic links that characterize aquatic ecosystems, this framework is relevant to anticipate the far‐reaching consequences of biological invasions on the structure and functionality of aquatic ecosystems.
Projected carbon stocks in the conterminousUSAwith land use and variable fire regimes
Authors: Bachelet Dominique , Ferschweiler Ken , Sheehan Timothy J. , Sleeter Benjamin M. , Zhu Zhiliang
Published: July 2015

The dynamic global vegetation model (DGVM)MC2 was run over the conterminousUSAat 30 arc sec (~800 m) to simulate the impacts of nine climate futures generated by 3GCMs (CSIRO,MIROCandCGCM3) using 3 emission scenarios (A2, A1B and B1) in the context of the LandCarbon national carbon sequestration assessment. It first simulated potential vegetation dynamics from coast to coast assuming no human impacts and naturally occurring wildfires. A moderate effect of increased atmosphericCO2on water use efficiency and growth enhanced carbon sequestration but did not greatly influence woody encroachment. The wildfires maintained prairie‐forest ecotones in the Great Plains. With simulated fire suppression, the number and impacts of wildfires was reduced as only catastrophic fires were allowed to escape. This greatly increased the expansion of forests and woodlands across the westernUSAand some of the ecotones disappeared. However, when fires did occur, their impacts (both extent and biomass consumed) were very large. We also evaluated the relative influence of human land use including forest and crop harvest by running theDGVMwith land use (and fire suppression) and simple land management rules. From 2041 through 2060, carbon stocks (live biomass, soil and dead biomass) ofUSterrestrial ecosystems varied between 155 and 162 Pg C across the three emission scenarios when potential natural vegetation was simulated. With land use, periodic harvest of croplands and timberlands as well as the prevention of woody expansion across the West reduced carbon stocks to a range of 122–126 Pg C, while effective fire suppression reduced fire emissions by about 50%. Despite the simplicity of our approach, the differences between the size of the carbon stocks confirm other reports of the importance of land use on the carbon cycle over climate change.
Isolating and evaluating lactic acid bacteria strains with or without sucrose for effectiveness of silage fermentation
Authors: Zhang Qing , Yu Zhu , Wang Xianguo
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to screen and evaluate lactic acid bacteria strains for their ability to ferment alfalfa, Leymus chinensis and native grass into silage. We isolated 186 lactic acid bacteria strains from alfalfa, native grass and selected eight strains by acid production test and growth rate test. The eight stains were identified using morphological observations, Gram staining, physiological and biochemical tests, an acid tolerance test and 16S rDNA sequencing. All eight strains (LP1, LP2, LC1, LC2, PP1, PP2, EF1 and EF2) grew at pH 4.0 and 6.5%NaCl. Strains LP1 and LP2 were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum, LC1 and LC2 as Lactobacillus casei, PP1 and PP2 as Pediococcus pentosaceus, EF1 as Enterococcus faecalis, and EF2 as Enterococcus faecium based on their 16S rDNA sequences. The eight strains and two commercial inoculants (PS and CL) were added with or without sucrose to native grass, L. chinensis, and alfalfa to produce silage. All eight screened strains decreased the pH and ammonia nitrogen (N) content and increased the lactic acid content of alfalfa silages. No butyric acid was detected in the L. chinensis and alfalfa silages. Addition of sucrose with the screened strains resulted in lower pH and ammonia N content, and higher lactic acid content and total fermentation acids content in all three silages. The eight strains improved the fermentation quality of alfalfa silage. All strains were more effective when supplemented with sucrose. No efficient lactic acid bacteria strain was found for ensiling the native grass, but the high fermentation quality native grass silage could be obtained using the combination of lactic acid bacteria strains and 2% sucrose.
Detecting a Defective Casing Seal at the Top of a Bedrock Aquifer
Authors: Richard Sandra K. , Chesnaux Romain , Rouleau Alain
Published: July 2015

An improperly sealed casing can produce a direct hydraulic connection between two or more originally isolated aquifers with important consequences regarding groundwater quantity and quality. A recent study by Richard et al. (2014) investigated a monitoring well installed in a fractured rock aquifer with a defective casing seal at the soil–bedrock interface. A hydraulic short circuit was detected that produced some leakage between the rock and the overlying deposits. A falling‐head permeability test performed in this well showed that the usual method of data interpretation is not valid in this particular case due to the presence of a piezometric error. This error is the direct result of the preferential flow originating from the hydraulic short circuit and the subsequent re‐equilibration of the piezometric levels of both aquifers in the vicinity of the inlet and the outlet of the defective seal. Numerical simulations of groundwater circulation around the well support the observed impact of the hydraulic short circuit on the results of the falling‐head permeability test. These observations demonstrate that a properly designed falling‐head permeability test may be useful in the detection of defective casing seals.
Clinical phenotype in genetically confirmed von Willebrand disease type 2N patients reflects a haemophilia A phenotype
Authors: van Meegeren M. E. R. , Mancini T. L. , Schoormans S. C. M. , van Haren B. J. T. , van Duren C. , Diekstra A. , Laros‐van Gorkom B. A. P. , Brons P. P. T. , Simons A. , Hoefsloot L. , van Heerde W. L.
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Von Willebrand disease (VWD) type 2N is characterized by a defective binding of factor VIII (FVIII) to von Willebrand factor (VWF) resulting in diminished plasma FVIII levels and a clinical phenotype mimicking mild haemophilia A. Several mutations in the FVIII binding site of VWF have been reported. Aim: This study aims to examine the effect of genotype on clinical phenotype in a cohort of VWD 2N patients. Methods: Patients with at least one genetically confirmed 2N mutation were selected retrospectively from a cohort of patients with suspected VWD. Clinical and laboratory phenotypes including bleeding scores (BS) were obtained and analysed. Results: Forty‐two VWD 2N patients with a mean age of 44 years were included. Eleven patients were homozygous or compound heterozygous (genetically confirmed group) and 31 patients were heterozygously affected (carriers group). Statistically significant differences between genetically confirmed VWD 2N patients and carriers were found in FVIII activity, VWF antigen levels, VWF‐FVIII binding capacity, FVIII/VWF antigen ratio (all P<0.001), VWF‐ristocetin activity (p=0.001) and VWF collagen binding (P = 0.002). Median BS was 6 in genetically confirmed VWD 2N patients compared with 3 in carriers (P = 0.047). Haemarthrosis, muscle haematomas and postpartum haemorrhage were only reported in genetically confirmed 2N patients. Conclusion: Phenotypic analysis showed that all laboratory parameters are lower in genetically confirmed VWD 2N patients compared with heterozygous 2N carriers. The clinical phenotype in genetically confirmed VWD 2N patients is comparable to mild haemophilia A patients and more severe than heterozygous 2N carriers.
The impact of social factors on outcomes in patients with bleeding disorders
Authors: Holstein K. , von Mackensen S. , Bokemeyer C. , Langer F.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

In haemophilia, clinical outcomes are mainly determined by the severity of clotting factor deficiency, treatment regimen, availability of clotting factor concentrate and age. Information about the relevance of patient‐related factors such as education, social status or impact of the disease on the patient's life is scarce.

Aim

To assess the impact of social status and disease‐related impairment of certain aspects of the patient's life on clinical and psychosocial outcomes in patients with inherited bleeding disorders (PWBD).

Methods

Consecutive patients of a single centre were assessed by questionnaires on social status and quality of life (SF‐36). Social status was defined by school and professional education, employment and financial income of patients as well as school education of their parents.

Results

Fifty‐seven PWBD (mean age, 38 ± 16 years) were enrolled, 60% were treated on‐demand; PWBD had a median number of 2.5 (0–34) annual bleeds and a median orthopaedic joint score of 6 (0–38). No significant differences were found for clinical and psychosocial outcomes across social status groups. More than half of the patients reported that haemophilia had an impact on their school education, childhood and leisure activities. Patients with a high impact of haemophilia on their lives were less satisfied with their lives (P < 0.002), reported worse quality of life in all domains of the SF‐36, had a worse joint score (P < 0.024) and reported more pain (P < 0.013).

Conclusion

The perceived impact of haemophilia on patients’ lives seems to have a stronger impact on clinical and psychosocial outcomes than patients’ actual social status.