bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Responses in an Equine Patient Population. Part II: Foals
Authors: Aleman M. , Madigan J.E. , Williams D.C. , Holliday T.A.
Published: June 2014

Background

Reports of the use of brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) as a diagnostic modality in foals have been limited.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe BAER findings and associated causes of hearing loss in foals.

Animals

Study group 18 foals (15 neonatal, 3 nonneonatal), control group (5 neonatal foals).

Methods

Retrospective. BAER records from the Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory were reviewed from the years of 1982 to 2013. Peak latencies, amplitudes, and interpeak intervals were measured when visible. Clinical data were extracted from the medical records. Foals were grouped under disease categories. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results

Ten neonatal foals had complete absence of BAER bilaterally and 5 had findings within reference range. Abnormalities were associated with common neonatal disorders such as sepsis, neonatal encephalopathy, neonatal isoerythrolysis, and prematurity. BAER loss also was observed in foals with specific coat color patterns such as completely or mostly white with blue irides or lavender with pale yellow irides. An American Miniature foal with marked facial deformation also lacked BAER bilaterally. One nonneonatal foal with an intracranial abscess had no detectable BAER peaks bilaterally, and 2 older foals, 1 with presumed equine protozoal myeloencephalitis and the other with progressive scoliosis and ataxia, had BAER within normal limits.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In neonatal foals, BAER deficits commonly are complete and bilateral, and associated with common neonatal disorders and certain coat and eye color patterns. Sepsis, hypoxia, bilirubin toxicity, and prematurity should be investigated as potential causes of auditory loss in neonatal foals.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic evaluation of marbofloxacin in the treatment of Haemophilus parasuis and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infections in nursery and fattener pigs using Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Vilalta C. , Giboin H. , Schneider M. , El Garch F. , Fraile L.
Published: June 2014

This study evaluated the theoretical clinical outcome of three marbofloxacin posology regimens in two groups of pigs (weaners and fatteners) for the treatment of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App) and Haemophilus parasuis (Hp) infection and the appearance of resistant bacteria due to the antibiotic treatment. The probability of target attainment (PTA) for pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) ratios associated with clinical efficacy and with the appearance of antimicrobial resistance for fluoroquinolones at each minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) or mutant prevention concentration (MPC) were calculated, respectively. The cumulative fraction of response (CFR) was calculated for the three posology regimens against App and they ranged from 91.12% to 96.37% in weaners and from 93% to 97.43% in fatteners, respectively. In the case of Hp, they ranged from 80.52% to 85.14% in weaners and from 82.01% to 88.49% in fatteners, respectively. Regarding the PTA of the PK/PD threshold associated with the appearance of antimicrobial resistance, results showed that marbofloxacin would prevent resistances in most of the animals up to the MPC value of 1 μg/mL.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux and GERD
Authors: Johnston Nikki , Dettmar Peter W. , Strugala Vicki , Allen Jacqui E. , Chan Walter W.
Published: June 2014

In patients with laryngopharygeal reflux (LPR), gastric contents exhibit retrograde flow into the upper aero‐digestive tract, causing extraesophageal symptoms including chronic cough, hoarseness, indigestion, difficulty swallowing, globus pharyngis, and asthma. The following on laryngopharyngeal reflux includes commentaries on the use of patient‐completed questionaires and anti‐human pepsin antibodies and other non‐invasive tests in diagnosis; the role of pepsin and acid in the etiologies of laryngeal cancers; and the application of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for the treatment of LPR.
The neurophysiology of the esophagus
Authors: Woodland Philip , Sifrim Daniel , Krarup Anne Lund , Brock Christina , Frøkjær Jens Brøndum , Lottrup Christian , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Swanstrom Lee L. , Farmer Adam D.
Published: June 2014

This paper reports on the neurophysiology of the esophagus, including on the uneven distribution of innervation in the esophagus, reflected by the increased sensitivity and perception of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) events in the proximal rather than distal esophagus; the role of the enteric nervous system (ENS) in swallowing; the role of the physiological stress‐responsive systems, including the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in mediating esophageal pain; the advances in understanding pain mechanisms and brain structure provided by technological imaging advances; investigations into the efficacy of the descending‐pain control system, including diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC); the role of abnormal nervous signaling in afferent pathways in the pathogenesis of Barrett's esophagus (BE); and the contribution of the esophageal mucosa to reflux symptoms.
Causes, evaluation, and consequences of eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Chehade Mirna , Lucendo Alfredo J. , Achem Sami R. , Souza Rhonda F.
Published: June 2014

This paper presents commentaries on whether eosinophilic esophagitis is a food allergy; inflammation in the context of eosinophilic esophagitis; whether eosinophilic esophagitis a cause of noncardiac chest pain; the role of endoscopy in the evaluation of eosinophilic esophagitis; and whether response to proton pump inhibitor therapy can distinguish eosinophilic esophagitis from gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Barrett's esophagus: cancer and molecular biology
Authors: Gibson Michael K. , Dhaliwal Arashinder S. , Clemons Nicholas J. , Phillips Wayne A. , Dvorak Katerina , Tong Daniel , Law Simon , Pirchi E. Daniel , Räsänen Jari , Krasna Mark J. , Parikh Kaushal , Krishnadath Kausilia K. , Chen Yu , Griffiths Leonard , Colleypriest Benjamin J. , Farrant J. Mark , Tosh David , Das Kiron M. , Bajpai Manisha
Published: June 2014

The following paper on the molecular biology of Barrett's esophagus (BE) includes commentaries on signaling pathways central to the development of BE including Hh, NF‐κB, and IL‐6/STAT3; surgical approaches for esophagectomy and classification of lesions by appropriate therapy; the debate over the merits of minimally invasive esophagectomy versus open surgery; outcomes for patients with pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy; the applications of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy; animal models examining the surgical models of BE and esophageal adenocarcinoma; the roles of various morphogens and Cdx2 in BE; and the use of in vitro BE models for chemoprevention studies.
Causes and treatments of achalasia, and primary disorders of the esophageal body
Authors: Felix Valter Nilton , DeVault Kenneth , Penagini Roberto , Elvevi Alessandra , Swanstrom Lee , Wassenaar Eelco , Crespin Oscar M. , Pellegrini Carlos A. , Wong Roy
Published: June 2014

The following on achalasia and disorders of the esophageal body includes commentaries on controversies regarding whether patients with complete lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation can be considered to exhibit early achalasia; the roles of different mucle components of the LES in achalasia; sensory neural pathways impaired in achalasia; indications for peroral endoscopic myotomy and advantages of the technique over laparoscopic and thorascopic myotomy; factors contributing to the success of surgical therapy for achalasia; modifications to the classification of esophageal body primary motility disorders in the advent of high‐resolution manometry (HRM); analysis of the LES in differentiating between achalasia and diffuse esophageal spasm (DES); and appropriate treatment for DES, nutcracker esophagus (NE), and hypertensive LES (HTLES).
Longitudinal changes in objectively measured sedentary behaviour and their relationship with adiposity in children and adolescents: systematic review and evidence appraisal
Authors: Tanaka C. , Reilly J. J. , Huang W. Y.
Published: June 2014

This review aimed to determine longitudinal changes in objectively measured overall sedentary behaviour, and to examine their associations with adiposity in children and adolescents. A search for longitudinal studies was performed using several electronic databases. Of 161 potentially eligible papers, 10 for change in sedentary behaviour and 3 for longitudinal associations with change in adiposity were included. Weighted mean increase in daily sedentary behaviour per year was 5.7% for boys and 5.8% for girls. Only one paper included preschool children, and it showed a decrease in sedentary behaviour. Nine studies were from Western countries. Null associations were reported between sedentary behaviour and adiposity in two studies, the other found that increases in sedentary behaviour were associated with increases in adiposity, but only in those with body mass index above the 50th percentile. There was consistent evidence that sedentary behaviour increases with age in school‐age children and adolescents, by approximately 30 min extra daily sedentary behaviour per year. There was little evidence on the influence of changes in sedentary behaviour on changes in adiposity. There is a need for more longitudinal research, for more evidence from outside the Western world, and for more studies that examine ‘dose‐response’ associations between changes in sedentary behaviour and changes in adiposity.
Outdoor fungi and child asthma health service attendances
Authors: Tham Rachel , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Taylor Philip E. , Katelaris Constance H. , Vicendese Don , Abramson Michael J. , Erbas Bircan
Published: June 2014

Asthma is a significant global public health issue. Severe asthma exacerbations can be triggered by environmental factors and require medical care from health services. Although it is known that fungal exposure may lead to allergic sensitization, little is understood about its impact on asthma exacerbations. This review aims to examine whether outdoor fungi play a significant role in child asthma exacerbations. Systematic search of seven electronic databases and hand searching for peer‐reviewed studies published in English, up to 31 August 2013. Inclusion criteria were study population aged <18 yr, diagnosis of asthma, attended a health service; outdoor fungi exposure was reported. Quality and risk of bias assessments were conducted. Due to significant heterogeneity, meta‐analysis was not conducted. Of the 1896 articles found, 15 were eligible. Findings were not consistent, possibly due to methodological variations in exposure classifications, statistical methods and inclusion of confounders. Cross‐sectional studies found no or weak associations. All but one time series studies indicated an association that varied between fungal species. Increasing evidence indicates that asthmatic children are susceptible to asthma exacerbations when exposed to outdoor fungal spores. There is limited understanding of the contributions of different fungal species. Research is needed to investigate interactions of outdoor fungi with pollen, air pollutants and respiratory viruses.
Chill out with rockcress: quantitative genetics of frost tolerance in the North American wild perennial Boechera stricta
Authors: STITT MARK
Published: June 2014

This article comments on: Identification of quantitative trait loci and a candidate locus for freezing tolerance in controlled and outdoor environments in the overwintering crucifer Boechera stricta
Real‐time cell cycle imaging during melanoma growth, invasion, and drug response
Authors: Haass Nikolas K. , Beaumont Kimberley A. , Hill David S. , Anfosso Andrea , Mrass Paulus , Munoz Marcia A. , Kinjyo Ichiko , Weninger Wolfgang
Published: June 2014

Solid cancers are composed of heterogeneous zones containing proliferating and quiescent cells. Despite considerable insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying aberrant cell cycle progression, there is limited understanding of the relationship between the cell cycle on the one side, and melanoma cell motility, invasion, and drug sensitivity on the other side. Utilizing the fluorescent ubiquitination‐based cell cycle indicator (FUCCI) to longitudinally monitor proliferation and migration of melanoma cells in 3D culture and in vivo, we found that invading melanoma cells cycle actively, while G1‐arrested cells showed decreased invasion. Melanoma cells in a hypoxic environment or treated with mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway inhibitors remained G1‐arrested for extended periods of time, with proliferation and invasion resuming after re‐exposure to a more favorable environment. We challenge the idea that the invasive and proliferative capacity of melanoma cells are mutually exclusive and further demonstrate that a reversibly G1‐arrested subpopulation survives in the presence of targeted therapies.
DSM‐5‐defined ‘mixed features’ and Benazzi's mixed depression: Which is practically useful to discriminate bipolar disorder from unipolar depression in patients with depression?
Authors: Takeshima Minoru , Oka Takashi
Published: June 2014

Aims

Irritability, psychomotor agitation, and distractibility in a major depressive episode (MDE) should not be counted as manic/hypomanic symptoms of DSM‐5‐defined mixed features; however, this remains controversial. The practical usefulness of this definition in discriminating bipolar disorder (BP) from major depressive disorder (MDD) in patients with depression was compared with that of Benazzi's mixed depression, which includes these symptoms.

Methods

The prevalence of both definitions of mixed depression in 217 patients with MDE (57 bipolar II disorder, 35 BP not otherwise specified, and 125 MDD cases), and their operating characteristics regarding BP diagnosis were compared.

Results

The prevalence of both Benazzi's mixed depression and DSM‐5‐defined mixed features was significantly higher in patients with BP than it was in patients with MDD, with the latter being quite low (62.0% vs 12.8% [P < 0.0001], and 7.6% vs 0% [P < 0.0021], respectively). The area under the receiver operating curve for BP diagnosis according to the number of all manic/hypomanic symptoms was numerically larger than that according to the number of manic/hypomanic symptoms excluding the above‐mentioned three symptoms (0.798; 95% confidence interval, 0.736–0.859 vs 0.722; 95% confidence interval, 0.654–0.790). The sensitivity/specificity of DSM‐5‐defined mixed features and Benazzi's mixed depression for BP diagnosis were 5.1%/100% and 55.1%/87.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

DSM‐5‐defined mixed features were too restrictive to discriminate BP from MDD in patients with depression compared with Benazzi's definition. To confirm this finding, studies that include patients with BP‐I and using tools to assess manic/hypomanic symptoms during MDE are necessary.
Toward a Theory of Political Strategy in Policy Analysis
Authors: König Pascal D. , Wenzelburger Georg
Published: June 2014

Policy makers use political strategies when implementing public policies. This is the result of an increasing number of empirical studies—especially from research on unpopular welfare state reforms. However, an overarching theoretical framework systematizing the existing work is still missing from the literature. The present article tackles this shortcoming. Our approach starts from the assumption that the electoral consequences of policies result from the combination of two dimensions: the popularity of a policy and the attribution of responsibility for that policy. Drawing on theories of electoral support and political behavior, we unfold a catalog of strategies according to how they operate to influence these two dimensions.
“Nothing in Life but Death”: Aleksandr Zel'dovich's Target in Conversation with Lev Tolstoy's Philosophy of the Value of Death
Authors: DeBlasio Alyssa
Published: June 2014

In this article I investigate the extent to which we may view Aleksandr Zel'dovichs' film Target (Mishen', 2011)—a futuristic adaptation of Anna Karenina—as a cinematic interlocutor for Tolstoy's philosophical position on death. In particular, I unpack Tolstoy's formula for the value of the meaning of death, which he expressed in a mathematical equation in prose that he based on Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation. I put Tolstoy's position on death in conversation with the fictional world of Target, where the protagonists chase immortality by seeking out a source of eternal youth deep in the Altai Mountains. Through an analysis of Tolstoy's philosophical and fiction works, as well as Zel'dovich's own statements on the connection of his film to Tolstoy's canon, I will show the central role of Tolstoy's Newtonaian formula in linking his theoretical works to his fiction masterpieces, and the way that the youth‐hungry society portrayed in Target is in the philosophically interesting position of representing the very opponent to which Tolstoy's Newtonian formula was directed.
Metropolitan Makarii and Muscovite Court Politics during the Reign of Ivan IV
Authors: HALPERIN CHARLES J.
Published: June 2014

Metropolitan Makarii headed the Russian Orthodox Church from 1542 to 1563 during the reign of Ivan IV. Most historians agree about his significance for the history of the Church and Muscovite culture. However, historians disagree on Makarii'a role in Court politics. Makarii's tenure as metropolitan is a good test case of the paradigm that the Church was subordinate to the State. Reexamining Makarii's activities in Court politics leads to the conclusion that Makarii was a player in Court politics but that first and foremost he served the Church.
Cardiovascular adaptations to 4 and 12 months of football or strength training in 65‐ to 75‐year‐old untrained men
Authors: Schmidt J. F. , Hansen P. R. , Andersen T. R. , Andersen L. J. , Hornstrup T. , Krustrup P. , Bangsbo J.
Published: June 2014

The study examined the effects of 1 year of football or strength training on cardiovascular function in 65‐ to 75‐year‐old men. Twenty‐six untrained men (age: 68.2 ± 3.2 years) were randomized to football training (FTG; n = 9), strength training (STG; n = 9), or control (CG; n = 8). In FTG, left ventricular (LV) internal diastolic diameter, end‐diastolic volume, and mass index were 8%, 21%, and 18% higher (P < 0.01), respectively, after 12 months, with no changes in STG and CG. After 12 months, LV ejection fraction was increased (P < 0.05) by 8% and 5% in FTG and STG, respectively, and systolic longitudinal two‐dimensional strain by 8% and 6%, whereas right ventricular systolic function improved (P < 0.05) by 22% in FTG, but not in STG and CG. In FTG, LV diastolic mitral inflow (E/A) ratio and peak early diastolic velocity (E') improved (P < 0.05) by 25% and 12%, respectively, after 12 months, with no changes in STG and CG. In FTG, maximum oxygen uptake was 16% and 18% higher (P < 0.001) after 4 and 12 months, respectively, and resting heart rate was 6 and 8 beats per minute lower (P < 0.001), respectively, with no changes in STG and CG. In conclusion, football training elicited superior cardiovascular effects compared with strength training in elderly untrained men.
Structural and functional cardiac adaptations to 6 months of football training in untrained hypertensive men
Authors: Andersen L. J. , Randers M. B. , Hansen P. R. , Hornstrup T. , Schmidt J. F. , Dvorak J. , Søgaard P. , Krustrup P. , Bangsbo J.
Published: June 2014

We investigated the effects of 3 and 6 months of regular football training on cardiac structure and function in hypertensive men. Thirty‐one untrained males with mild‐to‐moderate hypertension were randomized 2:1 to a football training group (n = 20) and a control group receiving traditional recommendations on healthy lifestyle (n = 11). Cardiac measures were evaluated by echocardiography. The football group exhibited significant (P < 0.05) changes in cardiac dimensions and function after just 3 months: Left ventricular (LV) end‐diastolic volume increased from 104 ± 25 to 117 ± 29 mL. LV diastolic function improved measured as E/A ratio (1.15 ± 0.32 to 1.54 ± 0.38), early diastolic velocity, E′ (11.0 ± 2.5 to 11.9 ± 2.6 cm/s), and isovolumetric relaxation time (74 ± 13 to 62 ± 13 ms). LV systolic function improved measured as longitudinal displacement (10.7 ± 2.1 to 12.1 ± 2.3 mm). Right ventricular function improved with respect to tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (21.8 ± 3.2 to 24.5 ± 3.7 mm). Arterial blood pressure decreased in both groups, but significantly more in the football training group. No significant changes were observed in the control group. In conclusion, short‐term football training improves LV diastolic function in untrained men with mild‐to‐moderate arterial hypertension. Furthermore, it may improve longitudinal systolic function of both ventricles. The results suggest that football training has favorable effects on cardiac function in hypertensive men.
Trapped in the Working Class? Prospects for the Intergenerational (Im)Mobility of Latino Youth
Authors: Terriquez Veronica
Published: June 2014

Opportunities for upward mobility have been declining in the United States in recent decades. Within this context, I examine the mobility trajectories of a contemporary cohort of 1.5‐, second‐, and third‐plus‐generation Latino youth. Drawing on survey data from California that accounts for the precarious legal status of many 1.5 generation immigrants, I find that Latino youths' patterns of postsecondary enrollment and employment do not differ by generation since migration. Additionally, I do not find evidence of racial/ethnic barriers to Latino youths' enrollment in less selective colleges and participation in the labor market. Yet, given the low socioeconomic origins of many Latino youth and their correspondingly low 4‐year college enrollment rates, only a small proportion will likely enjoy upward mobility through jobs that require a bachelor's degree. Overall, the cohort of Latino youth coming of age during the Great Recession is poised to experience working‐class stagnation. This group's future access to economic and political positions of power will likely be limited by their low enrollment rates in 4‐year colleges in general, but in selective postsecondary institutions in particular.
Understanding Farm Succession as Socially Constructed Endogenous Cycles
Authors: Fischer Heike , Burton Rob J. F.
Published: June 2014

European agriculture is experiencing a recruitment crisis that threatens the continuation of both family farming and associated rural communities. Conventionally, researchers and policymakers see farm succession as driven by discrete factors such as education level, farm size, profitability, enterprise type, and so on. This article offers an alternative perspective. Drawing on in‐depth interviews with 22 farm families in Scotland, it uses a single case‐study to outline the concept of endogenous succession cycles based on the iterative and interlinked development of successor identity and farm structure. In this way, succession is seen as predominantly socially constructed. We suggest that the key to succession lies in the development and maintenance of these endogenous cycles as, when they are broken or uninitiated, attracting a successor on to the farm is likely to be exceptionally difficult whatever the policy incentive. We conclude that the current crisis can partly be explained by the breakdown of early childhood socialisation, a key stage of the cycle, caused by changes to agriculture such as the use of larger machinery, more health and safety regulations, fewer farm workers, and so on. As a result, the process of constructing successor identities in early childhood through extended contact between the farmer, the child and the farm is becoming increasingly difficult.
Microarrays for high‐throughput genotyping ofMICAalleles using allele‐specific primer extension
Authors: Baek I. C. , Jang J.‐P. , Choi H.‐B. , Choi E.‐J. , Ko W.‐Y. , Kim T.‐G.
Published: June 2014

The role of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain‐related gene A (MICA), a ligand ofNKG2D, has been defined in human diseases by its allele associations with various autoimmune diseases, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and cancer. This study describes a practical system to developMICAgenotyping by allele‐specific primer extension (ASPE) on microarrays. From the results of 20 control primers, strict and reliable cut‐off values of more than 30,000 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) as positive and less than 3000MFIas negative, were applied to select high‐quality specific extension primers. Among 55 allele‐specific primers, 44 primers could be initially selected as optimal primer. Through adjusting the length, six primers were improved. The other failed five primers were corrected by refractory modification.MICAgenotypes byASPEon microarrays showed the same results as those by nucleotide sequencing. On the basis of these results,ASPEon microarrays may provide high‐throughput genotyping forMICAalleles for population studies, disease‐gene associations andHSCT.
Identification of 32 major histocompatibility complex class I alleles in African green monkeys
Authors: Cao Y. , Li A. , Li L. , Yan X. , Fa Y. , Zeng L. , Fan J. , Liu B. , Sun Z.
Published: June 2014

The African green monkey may be an ideal replacement for the rhesus monkey in biomedical research, but relatively little is known about the genetic background of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. In analysis of 12 African green monkeys, 13 Chae‐A and 19 Chae‐B alleles were identified. Among these alleles, 12 Chae‐A and 9 Chae‐B were new lineages. The full amino acid length deduced for Chae‐A genes is 365 amino acids, but for Chae‐B genes, the lengths are 365, 362, 361, and 359 amino acids, respectively. There were 1–3 Chae‐A alleles and 2–5 Chae‐B alleles in each animal. In African green monkeys, rhesus monkeys, and cynomolgus monkeys, the MHC‐A and MHC‐B alleles display trans‐species polymorphism, rather than being clustered in a species‐specific fashion.
A novel KIR2DL3*00110 allele identified in a southern Chinese Han individual
Authors: Zhen J.‐X. , Xu Y.‐P. , Deng Z.‐H.
Published: June 2014

KIR2DL3*00110 differs from KIR2DL3*00101 by a single silent mutation at coding sequence (CDS) nt618 A>C in exon 5.
Toxoplasmic encephalitis associated with meningitis in a heart transplant recipient
Authors: Baliu C. , Sanclemente G. , Cardona M. , Castel M.A. , Perez‐Villa F. , Moreno A. , Cervera C.
Published: June 2014

Toxoplasma gondii is an opportunistic pathogen that causes neurologic and extraneurologic manifestations in immunosuppressed patients. Encephalitis and intracranial mass lesions are easily recognized as typical manifestations of toxoplasmosis. However, meningitis caused by T. gondii is a rare condition with very few cases described in the literature. We present the case of a heart transplant recipient who developed toxoplasmic encephalitis associated with meningitis. After an extensive review of the medical literature, we found only 1 case of meningitis in solid organ transplant recipients and <25 cases in immunosuppressed patients, such as patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus or those with Hodgkin's disease. In this report, we consider toxoplasmosis in the differential diagnosis of meningitis in immunocompromised individuals.
The link between hypertension and pathological scarring: Does hypertension cause or promote keloid and hypertrophic scar pathogenesis?
Authors: Huang Chenyu , Ogawa Rei
Published: June 2014

Pathological scars, namely, keloids and hypertrophic scars (HSs), are caused by excessive cutaneous wound healing that is characterized by histological extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, clinically relevant irritating symptoms, and frequent recurrence after surgical excision. To date, there are few effective and specific treatments. This partly reflects the poor understanding of the etiology of these scars and the lack of a suitable animal model. Systemic hypertension has been suggested to participate in pathological scarring. The evidence that supports this hypothesis is reviewed here. Thus, hypertension associates with changes that resemble the aberrant cutaneous wound‐healing phases that characterize pathological scar development. It also associates with profibrotic functional changes in the cells that constitute keloids and HSs (endothelial cells, pericytes/myofibroblasts, dermal fibroblasts, and mast cells) and profibrotic ECM remodeling. These hypertension‐associated changes are mediated to some extent by inflammation, hypoxia, and the angiotensin/renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system. Thus, hypertension may be an aggravating/risk factor for keloids and HSs. This will help to identify patients who are prone to heavy scars after surgery or postsurgical recurrence. Moreover, pharmacological agents for the prophylaxis and treatment of hypertension‐induced fibrosis in other organs may also be useful for keloids/HSs.
Effect of Carbohydrate or Sodium Bicarbonate Ingestion on Performance During a Validated Basketball Simulation Test
Authors: Afman Gregg , Garside Richard M. , Dinan Neal , Gant Nicholas , Betts James A. , Williams Clyde
Published: June 2014

Current recommendations for nutritional interventions in basketball are largely extrapolated from laboratory-based studies that are not sport-specific. We therefore adapted and validated a basketball simulation test relative to competitive basketball games using well-trained basketball players (n = 10), then employed this test to evaluate the effects of two common preexercise nutritional interventions on basketball-specific physical and skilled performance. Specifically, in a randomized and counterbalanced order, participants ingested solutions providing either 75 g carbohydrate (sucrose) 45 min before exercise (Study A; n = 10) or 2 × 0.2 g·kg−1 sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) 90 and 20 min before exercise (Study B; n = 7), each relative to appropriate placebos (H2O and 2 × 0.14 g·kg−1 NaCl, respectively). Heart rate, sweat rate, pedometer count, and perceived exertion did not systematically differ between the 60-min basketball simulation test and competitive basketball, with a strong positive correlation in heart rate response (r = .9, p < .001). Preexercise carbohydrate ingestion resulted in marked hypoglycemia (< 3.5 mmol·l−1) throughout the first quarter, coincident with impaired sprinting (+0.08 ± 0.05 second; p = .01) and layup shooting performance (8.5/11 versus 10.3/11 baskets; p < .01). However, ingestion of either carbohydrate or sodium bicarbonate before exercise offset fatigue such that sprinting performance was maintained into the final quarter relative to placebo (Study A: –0.07 ± 0.04 second; p < .01 and Study B: -0.08 ± 0.05 second; p = .02), although neither translated into improved skilled (layup shooting) performance. This basketball simulation test provides a valid reflection of physiological demands in competitive basketball and is sufficiently sensitive to detect meaningful changes in physical and skilled performance. While there are benefits of preexercise carbohydrate or sodium bicarbonate ingestion, these should be balanced against potential negative side effects.
Evaluation of Food Provision and Nutrition Support at the London 2012 Olympic Games: The Opinion of Sports Nutrition Experts
Authors: Pelly Fiona , Meyer Nanna L. , Pearce Jeni , Burkhart Sarah J. , Burke Louise M.
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the food provision and nutrition support at the London 2012 Olympic (OG) and Paralympic Games (PG) from the perspective of sports nutrition experts attending the event. Participants (n = 15) were asked to complete an online survey and rate on a Likert scale menu qualities, food safety, sustainability practices, nutrition labeling, and provision for cultural needs, dietary regimes and specific situations. Open-ended responses were incorporated to explore expert opinion and areas for improvement. Participants rated their overall experience of the food provision as 7.6 out of 10 (range 5 to 10), with the majority (n = 11) rating it greater than 7. The variety, accessibility, presentation, temperature, and freshness of menu items rated as average to good. A below average rating was received for recovery food and beverages, provision of food for traveling to other venues, taking suitable snacks out of the dining hall and provision of food at other venues. However, the variety and accessibility of choices for Ramadan, and provision of postcompetition food were rated highly. A number of comments were received about the lack of gluten free and lower energy/fat items. The inclusion of allergens on nutrition labeling was considered more important than nutrient content. While dietetic review of the menu in advance of the OG and PG is clearly a valuable process that has resulted in improvements in the food supply, there are still areas that need to be addressed that are currently not implemented during the event.
A Single Bout of Resistance Exercise Does Not Promote Excess Postexercise Energy Expenditure in Untrained Young Men with a Family History of Diabetes
Authors: Gutierrez Jean , Gribok Andrei , Rumpler William , Chandran Avinash , DiPietro Loretta
Published: June 2014

Background:

People with a family history of type 2 diabetes have lower energy expenditure (EE) and more obesity than those having no such family history. Resistance exercise (RE) may induce excess postexercise energy expenditure (EPEE) and reduce long-term risk for obesity in this susceptible group.

Purpose:

To determine the effect of RE on EPEE for 15 hr after a single exercise bout in healthy, untrained young men having a family history of type 2 diabetes.

Design:

Seven untrained men (23 ± 1.2 years, BMI 24 ± 1.1) completed a 48-hr protocol in a whole room calorimeter. The first day served as a control day, with a moderate 40-min RE bout occurring on the second day. Differences in postexercise EE were compared with matched periods from the control day for cumulative 15-min intervals (up to 150 min) and 15 hr after the RE bout was completed.

Results:

The most robust difference in EPEE between the experimental and control days was observed in the first 15-min postexercise period (M = 1.4Kcal/min; SD = 0.7; p < .05). No statistically significant differences in EPEE were noted beyond 90-min of continuous measurement.

Conclusions:

Young people with a family history of type 2 diabetes may not show EPEE after a single RE bout when observed for 15 hr after RE and long-term resistance training may be required to promote EPEE.
Alternative Countermovement-Jump Analysis to Quantify Acute Neuromuscular Fatigue
Authors: Gathercole Rob , Sporer Ben , Stellingwerff Trent , Sleivert Gord
Published: June 2014

Purpose:

To examine the reliability and magnitude of change after fatiguing exercise in the countermovement-jump (CMJ) test and determine its suitability for the assessment of fatigue-induced changes in neuromuscular (NM) function. A secondary aim was to examine the usefulness of a set of alternative CMJ variables (CMJ-ALT) related to CMJ mechanics.

Methods:

Eleven male college-level team-sport athletes performed 6 CMJ trials on 6 occasions. A total of 22 variables, 16 typical (CMJ-TYP) and 6 CMJ-ALT, were examined. CMJ reproducibility (coefficient of variation; CV) was examined on participants’ first 3 visits. The next 3 visits (at 0, 24, and 72 h postexercise) followed a fatiguing high-intensity intermittent-exercise running protocol. Meaningful differences in CMJ performance were examined through effect sizes (ES) and comparisons to interday CV.

Results:

Most CMJ variables exhibited intraday (n = 20) and interday (n = 21) CVs of <10%. ESs ranging from trivial to moderate were observed in 18 variables at 0 h (immediately postfatigue). Mean power, peak velocity, flight time, force at zero velocity, and area under the force–velocity trace showed changes greater than the CV in most individuals. At 24 h, most variables displayed trends toward a return to baseline. At 72 h, small increases were observed in time-related CMJ variables, with mean changes also greater than the CV.

Conclusions:

The CMJ test appears a suitable athlete-monitoring method for NM-fatigue detection. However, the current approach (ie, CMJ-TYP) may overlook a number of key fatigue-related changes, and so practitioners are advised to also adopt variables that reflect the NM strategy used.
Ten-Year Trends in Total Physical Activity Practice in Brazilian Adults: 2002-2012
Authors: Hallal Pedro C. , Cordeira Kelly , Knuth Alan G. , Mielke Grégore Iven , Victora Cesar G.
Published: June 2014

Background:

One-third of adults worldwide are physically inactive causing over 5.3 million deaths annually. Despite a growing focus on physical activity and health, population-based data on physical activity trends in low- and middle-income countries are still limited. To help fill the gap, this study provides trend data over a 10-year period in Pelotas, a southern Brazilian city.

Methods:

The short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of physical inactivity in 2002 (n = 3119), 2007 (n = 2969), and 2012 (n = 2868). Levels of inactivity and trends were assessed according to sex, age, schooling, and socioeconomic position (SEP).

Results:

The prevalence of physical inactivity rose from 41.1% (95% CI: 37.4–44.9) in 2002 and 52.0% (95% CI: 49.1–53.8) in 2007 to 54.4% (95% CI: 51.8–56.9) in 2012 (P < .001). Physical inactivity significantly increased in all subgroups except in the highest SEP and 70+ year age subgroups.

Conclusions:

After a sharp increase in the prevalence of physical inactivity from 2002–2007, levels plateaued from 2007–2012. However, it is important to stress that current levels are still unacceptably high, and that efforts must be intensified to reverse the trend.
Self-Reported Versus Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity and Biomarkers Among NHANES Youth
Authors: Belcher Britni R. , Moser Richard P. , Dodd Kevin W. , Atienza Audie , Ballard-Barbash Rachel , Berrigan David
Published: June 2014

Background:

Discrepancies in self-report and accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) may influence relationships with obesity-related biomarkers in youth.

Methods:

Data came from 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) for 2174 youth ages 12 to 19. Biomarkers were: body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), BMI percentile, height and waist circumference (WC, cm), triceps and subscapular skinfolds (mm), systolic & diastolic blood pressure (BP, mmHg), high-density lipoprotein (HDL, mg/dL), total cholesterol (mg/dL), triglycerides (mg/dL), insulin (μU/ml), C-reactive protein (mg/dL), and glycohemoglobin (%). In separate sex-stratified models, each biomarker was regressed on accelerometer variables [mean MVPA (min/day), nonsedentary counts, and MVPA bouts (mean min/day)] and self-reported MVPA. Covariates were age, race/ethnicity, SES, physical limitations, and asthma.

Results:

In boys, correlations between self-report and accelerometer MVPA were stronger (boys: r = 0.14−0.21; girls: r = 0.07−0.11; P < .010) and there were significant associations with BMI, WC, triceps skinfold, and SBP and accelerometer MVPA (P < .01). In girls, there were no significant associations between biomarkers and any measures of physical activity.

Conclusions:

Physical activity measures should be selected based on the outcome of interest and study population; however, associations between PA and these biomarkers appear to be weak regardless of the measure used.
The Influence of the Breast on Physical Activity Participation in Females
Authors: Burnett Emma , White Jenny , Scurr Joanna
Published: June 2014

Background:

The importance of physical activity is well known.1 However, previous research suggests that breast movement during exercise can be painful, embarrassing, and anecdotally deter exercise participation.2,3 Therefore, this research investigates whether the breast influences physical activity participation.

Methods:

Female respondents (n = 249) completed a breast health and physical activity survey assessing bras and bra fit, physical activity, breast pain, comments and improvements, breast history, and demographics.

Results:

Results found that the breast was a barrier to physical activity participation for 17% of women. “I can’t find the right sports bra” and “I am embarrassed by excessive breast movement” were the most influential breast related barriers to activity. Breast pain increased with vigorous activity and poor breast support. Breast health knowledge increased the use of a sports bra and levels of physical activity.

Conclusions:

The breast was the fourth greatest barrier to physical activity, behind energy/motivation (first), time constraints (second), and health (third), despite its omission from previous physical activity literature. As 33% of women were not meeting physical activity guidelines, increasing breast health knowledge may reduce barriers to physical activity.
Change is coming to the northern oceans
Authors: Hollowed Anne B. , Sundby Svein
Published: June 2014

Cod and pollock abundances and distributions shift as climate and ocean conditions change
Energy at life's origin
Authors: Martin William F. , Sousa Filipa L. , Lane Nick
Published: June 2014

Analysis of the bioenergetics of primitive organisms suggests that life began at hydrothermal vents
Structural basis for a pH-sensitive calcium leak across membranes
Authors: Chang Yanqi , Bruni Renato , Kloss Brian , Assur Zahra , Kloppmann Edda , Rost Burkhard , Hendrickson Wayne A. , Liu Qun
Published: June 2014

Allowing calcium to leak across a membrane

Cells maintain a balance between calcium in the cytosol and calcium stored in organelles—too much stored calcium kills cells. Transmembrane Bax inhibitor motif (TMBIM) proteins form channels in organelle membranes that allow calcium to leak out. Chang
et al.
show that this calcium leak is pH-dependent. A bacterial homolog of TMBIM proteins converts between an open channel at low pH and a closed channel at high pH. Although the channel is open at low pH, calcium leakage is low because the inside of the channel remains at a neutral pH. Thus, at physiological pH, these channels will be in equilibrium between the open and closed states, so that excess calcium can leak through.

Science
, this issue p.
1131
Solar furnace rises from the Soviet ashes in Central Asia
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: June 2014

Clean, intense heat once exploited in military research now forges new optical materials and superconductors.
Draft Genome Sequence of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni Strain Xap33, Causal Agent of Bacterial Spot Disease on Almond
Authors: Garita-Cambronero J. , Sena-Vélez M. , Palacio-Bielsa A. , Cubero J.
Published: June 2014

We report the annotated genome sequence of
Xanthomonas arboricola
pv. pruni strain Xap33, isolated from almond leaves showing bacterial spot disease symptoms in Spain. The availability of this genome sequence will aid our understanding of the infection mechanism of this bacterium as well as its relationship to other species of the same genus.
Complete Coding Sequence of Zika Virus from a French Polynesia Outbreak in 2013
Authors: Baronti Cécile , Piorkowski Géraldine , Charrel Rémi N. , Boubis Laetitia , Leparc-Goffart Isabelle , de Lamballerie Xavier
Published: June 2014

Zika virus is an arthropod-borne
Flavivirus
member of the Spondweni serocomplex, transmitted by
Aedes
mosquitoes. We report here the complete coding sequence of a Zika virus strain belonging to the Asian lineage, isolated from an infected patient returning from French Polynesia, an epidemic area in 2013/2014.
Genome Sequences of Seven Mycoplasma hyosynoviae Strains Isolated from the Joint Tissue of Infected Swine (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Bumgardner Eric , Bey Russell F. , Kittichotirat Weerayuth , Bumgarner Roger E. , Lawrence Paulraj K.
Published: June 2014

Mycoplasma hyosynoviae
is a Gram-negative bacterium that can cause debilitating arthritis in swine. Currently, there are no
M. hyosynoviae
genome sequences in the GenBank database, which makes it impossible to understand its pathogenesis, nutrition, or colonization characteristics, or to devise an effective strategy for its control. Here, we report the genome sequences of seven strains of
M. hyosynoviae
. Within each genome, several virulence factors were identified that may prove important in the pathogenesis of
M. hyosynoviae
-mediated arthritis and serve as potential virulence markers that may be critical in vaccine development.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Moderately Virulent Aeromonas hydrophila Strain, pc104A, Isolated from Soil of a Catfish Pond in West Alabama
Authors: Pridgeon Julia W. , Zhang Dunhua , Zhang Lee
Published: June 2014

Aeromonas hydrophila
pc104A is a moderately virulent strain isolated from the soil of a catfish pond in west Alabama in 2010. Its full genome is 5,023,829 bp. The availability of this genome will allow comparative genomics to identify the virulence genes that are important for pathogenesis or immunogens for the purpose of vaccine development.
New Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat Locus Spacer Pair Typing Method Based on the Newly Incorporated Spacer for Salmonella enterica
Authors: Li Hao , Li Peng , Xie Jing , Yi Shengjie , Yang Chaojie , Wang Jian , Sun Jichao , Liu Nan , Wang Xu , Wu Zhihao , Wang Ligui , Hao Rongzhang , Wang Yong , Jia Leili , Li Kaiqin , Qiu Shaofu , Song Hongbin
Published: June 2014

A clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) typing method has recently been developed and used for typing and subtyping of
Salmonella
spp., but it is complicated and labor intensive because it has to analyze all spacers in two CRISPR loci. Here, we developed a more convenient and efficient method, namely, CRISPR locus spacer pair typing (CLSPT), which only needs to analyze the two newly incorporated spacers adjoining the leader array in the two CRISPR loci. We analyzed a CRISPR array of 82 strains belonging to 21
Salmonella
serovars isolated from humans in different areas of China by using this new method. We also retrieved the newly incorporated spacers in each CRISPR locus of 537
Salmonella
isolates which have definite serotypes in the Pasteur Institute's CRISPR Database to evaluate this method. Our findings showed that this new CLSPT method presents a high level of consistency (kappa = 0.9872, Matthew's correlation coefficient = 0.9712) with the results of traditional serotyping, and thus, it can also be used to predict serotypes of
Salmonella
spp. Moreover, this new method has a considerable discriminatory power (discriminatory index [DI] = 0.8145), comparable to those of multilocus sequence typing (DI = 0.8088) and conventional CRISPR typing (DI = 0.8684). Because CLSPT only costs about $5 to $10 per isolate, it is a much cheaper and more attractive method for subtyping of
Salmonella
isolates. In conclusion, this new method will provide considerable advantages over other molecular subtyping methods, and it may become a valuable epidemiologic tool for the surveillance of
Salmonella
infections.
Asymptomatic “Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis” Infections in Immunocompetent Humans
Authors: Welc-Falęciak Renata , Siński Edward , Kowalec Maciej , Zajkowska Joanna , Pancewicz Sławomir A.
Published: June 2014

In Europe, human infections with “
Candidatus
Neoehrlichia mikurensis” have mainly been restricted to immunocompromised patients. We report here the first cases of asymptomatic “
Ca
. Neoehrlichia mikurensis” infection in immunocompetent humans (5/316 [1.6%] were infected). Due to the potential threats of infections with “
Ca
. Neoehrlichia mikurensis” in healthy persons to the safety of the blood supply, further study of this phenomenon is required.