bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Meta-Analysis of Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment In 463 Scapular Neck Fractures
Authors: Dienstknecht T. , Horst K. , Pishnamaz M. , Sellei R. M. , Kobbe P. , Berner A.
Published: June 2013

Background and Aims:

Treatment of scapular neck fractures remains controversial. Advantages of surgical treatments, such as anatomical restoration of fracture displacement, are counterbalanced by approach morbidity. We conducted a meta-analysis of 463 scapular neck fractures and compared clinical, functional, and radiographical outcomes in operatively and nonoperatively treated scapular neck fractures.

Material and Methods:

A literature search was conducted, including the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Manuscripts were included if they reported a precise description of treatment, complications, functional outcomes, and/or radiographic evaluation. Data about day-to-day activities, level of pain-freeness, range of motion, functional grading, and radiographical assessment were pooled and compared using fixed effects models.

Results and Conclusions:

A total of 22 manuscripts were relevant, including 1 prospective cohort study and 21 retrospective studies. The studies showed a high heterogeneity in the result assessment. Most patients had concomitant injuries. In total, 234 out of the 463 fractures were treated operatively. Pain-freeness and radiographic outcome measurements were significantly better in the operatively treated group, whereas range of motion was significantly improved in the nonoperative treated patients. Complication rate for surgical treatment was about 10%. From the achievable data, there was no bias detected when comparing the two treatment groups. However, those data could not be analyzed for all included studies. For the same reason, the role of additional surgical treatment for concomitant injuries to the shoulder girdle could not be cleared completely. Caution should be exercised, and individual injury patterns have to be taken into consideration when considering the best treatment options.
Tandem ethnography: On researching ‘trafficking’ and ‘anti-trafficking’
Authors: Molland Sverre
Published: June 2013

How can an elusive phenomenon such as human trafficking be studied anthropologically? Recent anthropological research has problematized and destabilized bound territory and sitedness. UN agencies, governments, and NGOs attempt to combat trafficking in persons, but find it hard to pinpoint traffickers and their victims for programmatic purposes. Similar to anthropology’s relativization of site, displaced locality is central to the anti-trafficking discourse. In this essay, I reflect upon my own research on the social worlds of trafficking and anti-trafficking along the Lao-Thai border and show how a ‘tandem ethnography’ allows a methodological oscillation between the policy domain of anti-trafficking and the social world of mobility, sex commerce and the recruitment within it. Rather than giving away the importance of physical locality, I argue for the importance of strategic positioning within an ethnography of the mobile. As such, the old anthropological principle of comparisons must be brought into the field.
Inspiring the visitor? Landscapes and horizons of hospitality
Authors: Huijbens Edward H , Benediktsson Karl
Published: June 2013

This article will discuss the ways in which landscapes have been conceptualised in current literature building on notions of escape to and well-being with nature, and how the tourist has been placed in that context. Drawing among other things on Gadamer’s understanding of the concept of the horizon, as well as Deleuzian understandings of relationality, we argue that landscape is simultaneously an effect of gathering deep-seated emotions and experiences and an open-ended and forever unfinished story. Due to the irreducibility of the landscape to its terms, a landscape is something that can be shared. We will outline how current practices of tourism marketing and promotion in Iceland could in effect mediate landscape experiences in a way that recognises the tourist as an author of his or her own experiences, rather than a predefined stereotype as in much tourism literature. Recognising the tourist as potentially inspired by landscape, we argue, commands the attitude of respect that is a necessary precondition to any ethical notions of hospitality, altering the preconditions of marketing practices using the landscape to their ends.
The past as a lived space: Heritage places, re-emergent aesthetics, and hopeful practices in NW Argentina
Authors: Lazzari Marisa , Korstanje Alejandra
Published: June 2013

This article explores the past as a lived, inhabited reality through a series of examples of indigenous heritage practices in NW Argentina (NWA), a region that in recent decades has seen increasing indigenous demands for autonomy as well as for land and cultural rights. This article seeks to understand the locations where heritage struggles emerge, as well as the artefacts around which they emerge, as social, semantic, and physical spaces of ontological multiplicity. Understanding how such places and artefacts are constituted as lived-in-the-flesh realities today requires examination of the multiple present connections that make them possible, as well as inquiry into how the sedimentation of previous lived experiences contributes to present understandings. This article examines ancient places that become gravity points, fuelling both indigenous politics and an academic practice with its own aesthetic code. To varying degrees, the cases explored reflect our involvement – as archaeological researchers, professional advisors, and museum visitors – with re-emergent indigenous heritage practices in the region.
A joint survival-longitudinal modelling approach for the dynamic prediction of rehospitalization in telemonitored chronic heart failure patients
Authors: Njagi Edmund Njeru , Rizopoulos Dimitris , Molenberghs Geert , Dendale Paul , Willekens Koen
Published: June 2013

Telemonitoring in chronic heart failure involves remote monitoring, by clinicians, of daily patient measurements of biomarkers, such as blood pressure and heart rate. As a strategy in heart failure management, the aim is for clinicians to use these measurements to predict rehospitalization, so that intervention decisions can be made. This is important for clinical practice since heart failure patients have a very high rehospitalization rate. We present a dynamic prediction approach, based on calculating dynamically-updated patient-specific conditional survival probabilities, and their confidence intervals, from a joint model for the time-to-rehospitalization and the time-varying and possibly error-contaminated biomarker. We quantify the ability of the biomarker to discriminate between patients who are and those who are not going to get rehospitalized within a given time window of interest. This approach does not only provide a sound statistical modelling approach to the substantive problem, a problem which to the best of our knowledge has not previously been addressed using a statistical modelling approach, it also provides clinicians with a valuable additional tool on which to base their intervention decisions, and thus provides immense contribution to heart failure management.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Selective Neurotomy Versus Botulinum Toxin for Spastic Equinovarus Foot After Stroke
Authors: Bollens Benjamin , Gustin Thierry , Stoquart Gaëtan , Detrembleur Christine , Lejeune Thierry , Deltombe Thierry
Published: June 2013

Background. Selective neurotomy is a permanent treatment of focal spasticity, and its effectiveness in treating spastic equinovarus of the foot (SEF) was previously suggested by a few nonrandomized and uncontrolled case-series studies. Objectives. This study is the first assessor-blinded, randomized, controlled trial evaluating the effects of this treatment. Methods. Sixteen chronic stroke patients presenting with SEF were randomized into 2 groups: 8 patients underwent a tibial neurotomy and the remaining 8 received botulinum toxin (BTX) injections. The soleus was treated in all patients, and the tibialis posterior and flexor hallucis longus were treated in about half of patients. The primary outcome was the quantitative measurement of ankle stiffness (L-path), an objective measurement directly related to spasticity. Participants were assessed by a blind assessor before their intervention and at 2 and 6 months after treatment. Evaluations were based on the 3 domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Results. Compared with BTX, tibial neurotomy induced a higher reduction in ankle stiffness. Both treatments induced a comparable improvement of ankle kinematics during gait, whereas neither induced muscle weakening. Activity, participation, and quality of life were not significantly modified in either group. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that the tibial nerve neurotomy is an effective treatment of SEF, reducing the impairments observed in chronic stroke patients. Future studies should be conducted to confirm the long-term efficacy based on the ICF domains.
Treatment of temporal artery pseudoaneurysms
Authors: Thomassen Irene , Klompenhouwer Elisabeth G , Willigendael Edith M , Teijink Joep AW
Published: June 2013

Purpose

To give an overview of the etiology and diagnostic process of superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysms and to evaluate different treatment modalities.

Basic methods

PubMed was used for searching multiple databases for relevant clinical studies.

Principal findings

A total of 62 studies were included, harboring 82 patients. Surgical excision is the most frequently described treatment, but less invasive treatment modalities as coiling and thrombin injections are gaining popularity. Surgical treatment was successful in all cases (67/67). Endovascular treatment was successful in 69% (9/13); the five cases treated with thrombin injection were all successful. Complementary, a description of our experience with thrombin injection is given.

Conclusions

Limited evidence of minimal invasive treatment for superficial temporal artery pseudoaneurysm is available. Based on this review combined with our limited experience, we suggest thrombin injections to be considered as the future primary treatment modality. In the case of unsuccessful exclusion of the aneurysm, surgical excision can be performed.
Jockey Falls, Injuries, and Fatalities Associated With Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Racing in California, 2007-2011
Authors: Hitchens Peta L. , Hill Ashley E. , Stover Susan M.
Published: June 2013

Background:

Despite the popularity of the horse racing industry in the United States and the wide recognition that horse racing is one of the most hazardous occupations, little focused research into the prevention of falls by and injuries to jockeys has been conducted.

Purpose:

To describe the incidence rates and characteristics of falls and injuries to Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing jockeys in the state of California.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Data on race-day falls and injuries were extracted from jockey accident reports submitted to the California Horse Racing Board from January 2007 to December 2011. Denominator data, number of jockey race rides, were obtained from commercial and industry databases. Jockey fall, injury, and fatality incidence rates and ratios in Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse flat races were estimated using Poisson regression. Characteristics of falls and injuries are described and compared.

Results:

In Thoroughbred races, 184 jockey injuries occurred from 360 reported jockey falls, 180,646 race rides, 23,500 races, and 3350 race meetings. In Quarter Horse races, 85 jockey injuries occurred from 145 jockey falls, 46,106 race rides, 6320 races, and 1053 race meetings. Jockey falls occurred at a rate of 1.99 falls per 1000 rides in Thoroughbred races, with 51% of falls resulting in jockey injury, and 3.14 falls per 1000 rides in Quarter Horse races, with 59% of falls resulting in jockey injury. The majority of falls occurred during a race, with catastrophic injury or sudden death of the horse reported as the most common cause in both Thoroughbred (29%) and Quarter Horse (44%) races. During the period studied, 1 jockey fatality resulted from a fall. Jockey fall rates were lower but injury rates were comparable to those reported internationally.

Conclusion:

On average, a licensed jockey in California can expect to have a fall every 502 rides in Thoroughbred races and every 318 rides in Quarter Horse races. While jockey fall rates were lower, injury rates were similar to those in other racing jurisdictions. The high proportion of jockey falls caused by horse fatalities should be further investigated.
Matrix metalloproteinases modulate ameboid-like migration of neutrophils through inflamed interstitial tissue
Authors: Lerchenberger Max , Uhl Bernd , Stark Konstantin , Zuchtriegel Gabriele , Eckart Annekathrin , Miller Meike , Puhr-Westerheide Daniel , Praetner Marc , Rehberg Markus , Khandoga Alexander G. , Lauber Kirsten , Massberg Steffen , Krombach Fritz , Reichel Christoph A.
Published: June 2013

Key Points

The density of the interstitial collagen network increases in inflamed tissue, providing physical guidance to infiltrating neutrophils. Neutrophil interstitial migration does not require the pericellular degradation of collagen fibers, but it is modulated by MMPs.
Cold agglutinin disease
Authors: Swiecicki Paul L. , Hegerova Livia T. , Gertz Morie A.
Published: June 2013

Cold agglutinin disease is a rare and poorly understood disorder affecting 15% of patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. We reviewed the clinical and pathologic features, prognosis, and management in the literature and describe our institutional experience to improve strategies for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Retrospective analysis identified 89 patients from our institution with cold agglutinin disease from 1970 through 2012. Median age at symptom onset was 65 years (range, 41 to 83 years), whereas the median age at diagnosis was 72 years (range, 43 to 91 years). Median survival of all patients was 10.6 years, and 68 patients (76%) were alive 5 years after the diagnosis. The most common symptom was acrocyanosis (n = 39 [44%]), and many had symptoms triggered by cold (n = 35 [39%]) or other factors (n = 20 [22%]). An underlying hematologic disorder was detected in 69 patients (78%). Thirty-six patients (40%) received transfusions during their disease course, and 82% received drug therapy. Rituximab was associated with the longest response duration (median, 24 months) and the lowest proportion of patients needing further treatment (55%). Our institution’s experience and review of the literature confirms that early diagnostic evaluation and treatment improves outcomes in cold agglutinin disease.
Associations of fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin with arterial stiffness and early atherosclerosis in chronic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Pateinakis Panagiotis , Papagianni Aikaterini , Douma Stella , Efstratiadis Georgios , Memmos Dimitrios
Published: June 2013

Background

Cardiovascular morbidity and mortality remains excessive in patients with chronic kidney disease. The association of vascular changes with regulators of extraosseous calcification in this patient population is still under investigation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations of the calcification inhibitor fetuin-A, and the anti-osteoclastic factor osteoprotegerin (OPG) with vascular pathology in chronic hemodialysis patients.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study including 81 stable chronic hemodialysis patients, we measured carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) with applanation tonometry, reflecting arterial stiffness, and common carotid intima-media thickness (ccIMT), a surrogate of early atherosclerosis, as well as serum levels of fetuin-A and OPG. Co-morbidities, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, inflammatory markers and mineral-bone disease serology parameters were also recorded.

Results

cfPWV correlated inversely with fetuin-A (r=−0.355, p=0.001) and positively with OPG (r=0.584, p<0.001). In multilinear regression analysis including age, gender, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, pulse pressure, LDL, logCRP, both fetuin-A and OPG were independently associated with cfPWV (p=0.024 and p=0.041 respectively). ccIMT was negatively associated with fetuin-A (r=−0.312, p=0.005) and positively with OPG (r=0.521, p<0.0001); however these associations lost statistical significance after adjustment for age.

Conclusion

In chronic hemodialysis patients both fetuin-A and OPG levels are independently associated with arterial stiffness but not with early atherosclerotic vascular changes.
Population genetics analysis during the elimination process of Plasmodium falciparum in Djibouti
Authors: Khaireh Bouh Abdi , Assefa Ashenafi , Guessod Hawa Hassan , Basco Leonardo K , Khaireh Mohamed Abdi , Pascual Aurélie , Briolant Sébastien , Bouh Samatar Mohamed , Farah Ismaïl Hassan , Ali Habib Moussa , Abdi Abdoul-Ilah Abdoul-Ahmed , Aden Mouna Osman , Abdillahi Zamzam , Ayeh Souleiman Nour , Darar Houssein Youssouf , Koeck Jean-Louis , Rogier Christophe , Pradines Bruno , Bogreau Hervé
Published: June 2013

Background

Case management of imported malaria within the context of malaria pre-elimination is increasingly considered to be relevant because of the risk of resurgence. The assessment of malaria importation would provide key data i) to select countries with propitious conditions for pre-elimination phase and ii) to predict its feasibility. Recently, a sero-prevalence study in Djibouti indicated low malaria prevalence, which is propitious for the implementation of pre-elimination, but data on the extent of malaria importation remain unknown.

Methods

Djiboutian plasmodial populations were analysed over an eleven-year period (1998, 1999, 2002 and 2009). The risk of malaria importation was indirectly assessed by using plasmodial population parameters. Based on 5 microsatellite markers, expected heterozygosity (H.e.), multiplicity of infection, pairwise Fst index, multiple correspondence analysis and individual genetic relationship were determined. The prevalence of single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with pyrimethamine resistance was also determined.

Results

Data indicated a significant decline in genetic diversity (0.51, 0.59, 0.51 and 0 in 1998, 1999, 2002 and 2009, respectively) over the study period, which is inconsistent with the level of malaria importation described in a previous study. This suggested that Djiboutian malaria situation may have benefited from the decline of malaria prevalence that occurred in neighbouring countries, in particular in Ethiopia. The high Fst indices derived from plasmodial populations from one study period to another (0.12 between 1999 and 2002, and 0.43 between 2002 and 2009) suggested a random sampling of parasites, probably imported from neighbouring countries, leading to oligo-clonal expansion of few different strains during each transmission season. Nevertheless, similar genotypes observed during the study period suggested recurrent migrations and imported malaria.

Conclusion

In the present study, the extent of genetic diversity was used to assess the risk of malaria importation in the low malaria transmission setting of Djibouti. The molecular approach highlights i) the evolution of Djiboutian plasmodial population profiles that are consistent and compatible with Djiboutian pre-elimination goals and ii) the necessity to implement the monitoring of plasmodial populations and interventions at the regional scale in the Horn of Africa to ensure higher efficiency of malaria control and elimination.
Learning from the Brazilian Community Health Worker Model in North Wales
Authors: Johnson Christopher David , Noyes Jane , Haines Andy , Thomas Kathrin , Stockport Chris , Ribas Antonio Neves , Harris Matthew
Published: June 2013

Health policymakers in many countries are looking at ways of increasing health care coverage by scaling up the deployment of community health workers. In this commentary, we describe the rationale for the UK to learn from Brazil’s scaled-up Community Health Worker primary care strategy, starting with a pilot project in North Wales.
Values, animal symbolism, and human-animal relationships associated to two threatened felids in Mapuche and Chilean local narratives
Authors: Herrmann Thora M , Schüttler Elke , Benavides Pelayo , Gálvez Nicolas , Söhn Lisa , Palomo Nadja
Published: June 2013

Background

The Chilean temperate rainforest has been subjected to dramatic fragmentation for agriculture and forestry exploitation. Carnivore species are particularly affected by fragmentation and the resulting resource use conflicts with humans. This study aimed at understanding values and human-animal relationships with negatively perceived threatened carnivores through the disclosure of local stories and Mapuche traditional folktales.

Methods

Our mixed approach comprised the qualitative analysis of 112 stories on the kodkod cat (Leopardus guigna) and the puma (Puma concolor) collected by students (9-14 years) from 28 schools in the Araucania region within their family contexts, 10 qualitative in-depth interviews with indigenous Mapuche people, 35 traditional Mapuche legends, and the significance of naming found in ethnographic collections.

Results

We revealed a quasi-extinction of traditional tales in the current knowledge pool about pumas and kodkods, local anecdotes, however, were present in significant numbers. Values associated to both felids were manifold, ranging from negativistic to positive values. While pumas played an important role in people’s spirituality, negative mythological connotations persisted in kodkod stories. Four prominent relationships were derived: (1) Both felids represent threats to livestock, pumas even to life, (2) both felids are symbols for upcoming negative events, (3) pumas are spiritual creatures, and (4) kodkods are threatened by humans. Recommendations are provided for stimulating new ways of perceiving unpopular and threatened carnivores among those who live in vicinity to them.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-associated VAPB-P56S inclusions represent an ER quality control compartment
Authors: Kuijpers Marijn , van Dis Vera , Haasdijk Elize D , Harterink Martin , Vocking Karin , Post Jan A , Scheper Wiep , Hoogenraad Casper C , Jaarsma Dick
Published: June 2013

Background

Protein aggregation and the formation of intracellular inclusions are a central feature of many neurodegenerative disorders, but precise knowledge about their pathogenic role is lacking in most instances. Here we have characterized inclusions formed in transgenic mice carrying the P56S mutant form of VAPB that causes various motor neuron syndromes including ALS8.

Results

Inclusions in motor neurons of VAPB-P56S transgenic mice are characterized by the presence of smooth ER-like tubular profiles, and are immunoreactive for factors that operate in the ER associated degradation (ERAD) pathway, including p97/VCP, Derlin-1, and the ER membrane chaperone BAP31. The presence of these inclusions does not correlate with signs of axonal and neuronal degeneration, and axotomy leads to their gradual disappearance, indicating that they represent reversible structures. Inhibition of the proteasome and knockdown of the ER membrane chaperone BAP31 increased the size of mutant VAPB inclusions in primary neuron cultures, while knockdown of TEB4, an ERAD ubiquitin-protein ligase, reduced their size. Mutant VAPB did not codistribute with mutant forms of seipin that are associated with an autosomal dominant motor neuron disease, and accumulate in a protective ER derived compartment termed ERPO (ER protective organelle) in neurons.

Conclusions

The data indicate that the VAPB-P56S inclusions represent a novel reversible ER quality control compartment that is formed when the amount of mutant VAPB exceeds the capacity of the ERAD pathway and that isolates misfolded and aggregated VAPB from the rest of the ER. The presence of this quality control compartment reveals an additional level of flexibility of neurons to cope with misfolded protein stress in the ER.
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells promote growth and angiogenesis of breast and prostate tumors
Authors: Zhang Ting , Lee Yuk Wai , Rui Yun Feng , Cheng Tin Yan , Jiang Xiao Hua , Li Gang
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to migrate to tumor tissues. This behavior of MSCs has been exploited as a tumor-targeting strategy for cell-based cancer therapy. However, the effects of MSCs on tumor growth are controversial. This study was designed to determine the effect of MSCs on the growth of breast and prostate tumors.

Methods

Bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) were isolated and characterized. Effects of BM-MSCs on tumor cell proliferation were analyzed in a co-culture system with mouse breast cancer cell 4T1 or human prostate cancer cell DU145. Tumor cells were injected into nude mice subcutaneously either alone or coupled with BM-MSCs. The expression of cell proliferation and angiogenesis-related proteins in tumor tissues were immunofluorescence analyzed. The angiogenic effect of BM-MSCs was detected using a tube formation assay. The effects of the crosstalk between tumor cells and BM-MSCs on expression of angiogenesis related markers were examined by immunofluorescence and real-time PCR.

Results

Both co-culturing with mice BM-MSCs (mBM-MSCs) and treatment with mBM-MSC-conditioned medium enhanced the growth of 4T1 cells. Co-injection of 4T1 cells and mBM-MSCs into nude mice led to increased tumor size compared with injection of 4T1 cells alone. Similar experiments using DU145 cells and human BM-MSCs (hBM-MSCs) instead of 4T1 cells and mBM-MSCs obtained consistent results. Compared with tumors induced by injection of tumor cells alone, the blood vessel area was greater in tumors from co-injection of tumor cells with BM-MSCs, which correlated with decreased central tumor necrosis and increased tumor cell proliferation. Furthermore, both conditioned medium from hBM-MSCs alone and co-cultures of hBM-MSCs with DU145 cells were able to promote tube formation ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. When hBM-MSCs are exposed to the DU145 cell environment, the expression of markers associated with neovascularization (macrophage inflammatory protein-2, vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta and IL-6) was increased.

Conclusion

These results indicate that BM-MSCs promote tumor growth and suggest that the crosstalk between tumor cells and BM-MSCs increased the expression of pro-angiogenic factors, which may have induced tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis thereby increasing solid tumor growth.
Recombineering-based dissection of flanking and paralogous Hox gene functions in mouse reproductive tracts
Authors: Raines Anna M. , Adam Mike , Magella Bliss , Meyer Sara E. , Grimes H. Leighton , Dey Sudhansu K. , Potter S. Steven
Published: June 2013

Hox genes are key regulators of development. In mammals, the study of these genes is greatly confounded by their large number, overlapping functions and interspersed shared enhancers. Here, we describe the use of a novel recombineering strategy to introduce simultaneous frameshift mutations into the flanking Hoxa9, Hoxa10 and Hoxa11 genes, as well as their paralogs on the HoxD cluster. The resulting Hoxa9,10,11 mutant mice displayed dramatic synergistic homeotic transformations of the reproductive tracts, with the uterus anteriorized towards oviduct and the vas deferens anteriorized towards epididymis. The Hoxa9,10,11 mutant mice also provided a genetic setting that allowed the discovery of Hoxd9,10,11 redundant reproductive tract patterning function. Both shared and distinct Hox functions were defined. Hoxd9,10,11 play a crucial role in the regulation of uterine immune function. Non-coding non-polyadenylated RNAs were among the key Hox targets, with dramatic downregulation in mutants. We observed Hox cross-regulation of transcription and splicing. In addition, we observed a surprising anti-dogmatic apparent posteriorization of the uterine epithelium. In caudal regions of the uterus, the normal simple columnar epithelium flanking the lumen was replaced by a pseudostratified transitional epithelium, normally found near the more posterior cervix. These results identify novel molecular functions of Hox genes in the development of the male and female reproductive tracts.
Behavioral ecology, endocrinology and signal reliability of electric communication
Authors: Gavassa Sat , Goldina Anna , Silva Ana C. , Stoddard Philip K.
Published: June 2013

The balance between the costs and benefits of conspicuous animal communication signals ensures that signal expression relates to the quality of the bearer. Signal plasticity enables males to enhance conspicuous signals to impress mates and competitors and to reduce signal expression to lower energetic and predation-related signaling costs when competition is low. While signal plasticity may benefit the signaler, it can compromise the reliability of the information conveyed by the signals. In this paper we review the effect of signal plasticity on the reliability of the electrocommunication signal of the gymnotiform fish Brachyhypopomus gauderio. We (1) summarize the endocrine regulation of signal plasticity, (2) explore the regulation of signal plasticity in females, (3) examine the information conveyed by the signal, (4) show how that information changes when the signal changes, and (5) consider the energetic strategies used to sustain expensive signaling. The electric organ discharge (EOD) of B. gauderio changes in response to social environment on two time scales. Two hormone classes, melanocortins and androgens, underlie the short-term and long-term modulation of signal amplitude and duration observed during social interaction. Population density drives signal amplitude enhancement, unexpectedly improving the reliability with which the signal predicts the signaler's size. The signal's second phase elongation predicts androgen levels and male reproductive condition. Males sustain signal enhancement with dietary intake, but when food is limited, they ‘go for broke’ and put extra energy into electric signals. Cortisol diminishes EOD parameters, but energy-limited males offset cortisol effects by boosting androgen levels. While physiological constraints are sufficient to maintain signal amplitude reliability, phenotypic integration and signaling costs maintain reliability of signal duration, consistent with theory of honest signaling.
Influence of long-term social interaction on chirping behavior, steroid levels and neurogenesis in weakly electric fish
Authors: Dunlap Kent D. , Chung Michael , Castellano James F.
Published: June 2013

Social interactions dramatically affect the brain and behavior of animals. Studies in birds and mammals indicate that socially induced changes in adult neurogenesis participate in the regulation of social behavior, but little is known about this relationship in fish. Here, we review studies in electric fish (Apteronotus leptorhychus) that link social stimulation, changes in electrocommunication behavior and adult neurogenesis in brain regions associated with electrocommunication. Compared with isolated fish, fish living in pairs have greater production of chirps, an electrocommunication signal, during dyadic interactions and in response to standardized artificial social stimuli. Social interaction also promotes neurogenesis in the periventricular zone, which contributes born cells to the prepacemaker nucleus, the brain region that regulates chirping. Both long-term chirp rate and periventricular cell addition depend on the signal dynamics (amplitude and waveform variation), modulations (chirps) and novelty of the stimuli from the partner fish. Socially elevated cortisol levels and cortisol binding to glucocorticoid receptors mediate, at least in part, the effect of social interaction on chirping behavior and brain cell addition. In a closely related electric fish (Brachyhypopomus gauderio), social interaction enhances cell proliferation specifically in brain regions for electrocommunication and only during the breeding season, when social signaling is most elaborate. Together, these studies demonstrate a consistent correlation between brain cell addition and environmentally regulated chirping behavior across many social and steroidal treatments and suggest a causal relationship.
Application of sHS/GC-MS method for the identification of paracetamol impurities in the selected pharmaceutical formulations
Authors: Pietraś Rafał , Staszewska Agnieszka , Gumieniczek Anna , Kowalczuk Dorota
Published: June 2013

Simple and rapid quantitative procedure based on gas chromatography mass spectrometry in combination with static headspace was developed for the identification of paracetamol and its impurities in commercially available analgesic tablets. The proposed procedure provides relevant analytical results and an uncomplicated sample procedure. Samples were separated on HP5-ms capillary column using helium (1.5 ml min-1) as carrier gas. The qualitative identification of analysed compounds was carried out on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer in scan mode equipped with electron impact ionisation (EI) and recognised by NIST Library (NIST Library match > 90%). The elaborated procedure is suitable for the identification of paracetamol, its impurities (N-phenylacetamide. N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)acetamide) and volatile organic compounds.
Lipids and hCRP concentrations in patients with dyslipidemia
Authors: Kimak Elżbieta , Kimak Aleksandra , Tymczyna Barbara , Bachanek Teresa
Published: June 2013

Disturbances in lipids, and inflammations plays a key role in the pathogenesis of all stages of atherosclerosis. The aim of present study was to investigate concentration of hCRP, lipids (TC, TG, LDL-C, nonHDL-C, HDL-C) and lipid ratios (TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C) in patients with moderate dyslipidemia and compared to the healthy subjects, and relation between hCRP and lipids and lipid ratios. We studied 40 patients with moderately dyslipidemia (male and female) at the age between 21-63 years and the reference group. The reference group constituted of 14 subjects chosen from normolipidemic healthy individuals. The patients with moderate dyslipidemia had significantly increased hCRP, TG, LDL-C levels and significantly increased lipid ratios (TG/HDL, LDL-C/HDL-C). The concentration of hCRP was significantly positively correlated with TG, TC, LDL-C, nonHDL-C concentrations and TG/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C ratios. We concluded that chronic inflammation disease can disturb lipids concentration and can accelerate atherosclerosis. However, these results are required further studies.
Small Animal Review
Authors: Tennant Bryn
Published: June 2013

Introduction: The management of idiopathic pericardial effusion by subtotal pericardectomy carries a better prognosis than a pericardial window procedure.
Fipronil: a microcosm of flea control?
Authors: Wright Ian
Published: June 2013

Fipronil has remained an important tool in flea treatment and control since its introduction in the UK; however, controversy remains about its classification, efficacy and possible resistance in the face of strong flea challenge in recent years. Few drugs produce such emotive debate over these issues as fipronil. This article reviews the history, efficacy and toxicity of this drug, and discusses the possibility of flea resistance.
Cholestatic Jaundice as a Result of Combination Designer Supplement Ingestion
Authors: Vilella Antonia L , Limsuwat Chok , Williams Dustyn R , Seifert Charles F
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of cholestatic jaundice as a result of combination herbal and designer supplement use.

CASE SUMMARY

A 50-year-old Hispanic male presented to the hospital with a 1-week history of significant painless jaundice; total bilirubin on admission was 29.4 mg/dL. He reported use of both herbal (creatine and whey protein) and designer (Incredible Bulk and Spartan 45) supplements concurrently for approximately 2 months. Upon admission, all supplements were discontinued and multiple laboratory and diagnostic tests were ordered. On day 6 of his hospital admission, a liver biopsy was performed, the results of which indicated drug-induced hepatotoxicity. On day 9 he was discharged with prescriptions for ursodeoxycholic acid and hydroxyzine. Three months post hospital discharge, the patient continued to be supplement-free and bilirubin had decreased substantially.

DISCUSSION

Anabolic-androgenic steroids are capable of causing hepatotoxicity, and multiple cases reported in the literature support this. A case report described hepatotoxicity secondary to both creatine and whey protein consumption, and several reports have described liver damage secondary to designer supplement use. To our knowledge, this is the first case to describe hepatotoxicity as a result of combination herbal and designer supplement use. The Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method (RUCAM) score for drug-induced hepatotoxicity indicated a highly probable correlation between the use of combination supplements and cholestatic jaundice.

CONCLUSIONS

Health care professionals need to be aware of complications associated with designer supplement use and should be able to identify patients who would benefit from education on herbal and designer supplement use.
A Tool to Characterize the Components of Pharmacist Interventions in Clinical Pharmacy Services: The DEPICT Project
Authors: Correr Cassyano Januario , Melchiors Ana Carolina , de Souza Thais T , Rotta Inajara , Salgado Teresa M , Fernandez-Llimos Fernando
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

The complexity of clinical pharmacy services usually leads to an inconsistent or even poor description of their interventions in scientific reports. To ensure comparability and reproducibility of the evidence, an in-depth description of pharmacist interventions is required.

OBJECTIVE

To validate a new tool called DEPICT (Descriptive Elements of Pharmacist Intervention Characterization Tool) to characterize clinical pharmacy services.

METHODS

We developed a 3-phase study. First, to create a theoretical framework, an overview of systematic reviews was performed in PubMed between 2000 and 2010. Then, an in-depth analysis of the included studies was carried out to identify a list of components in order to create the instrument. Finally, 2 independent raters separately applied the tool to a random sample of 28 randomized clinical trials extracted from the systematic reviews. Interrater agreement was evaluated using PABAK (prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted κ) coefficient or intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

RESULTS

We included 49 systematic reviews in our overview. Analysis of these studies resulted in 58 intervention components, with 57 dichotomous variables and 1 discrete variable. These items resulted in a preliminary version of the instrument. The reliability analysis showed that 8 binary items of this version had a PABAK less than or equal to 0.60. These items were then excluded or modified, resulting in a final version of the tool, with 54 items organized into 12 domains. DEPICT showed an average PABAK of 0.85 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.88) and an ICC of 1.0. Twenty items presented a PABAK value between 0.61 and 0.80 (substantial agreement) and 33 had a value between 0.81 and 1.0 (almost perfect agreement).

CONCLUSIONS

DEPICT is a reproducible instrument for describing the components of pharmacist interventions performed as part of clinical pharmacy services. It allows retrospective analysis of published studies and can be used as a reference guide to report pharmacist interventions in future studies.
Establishing an Ecologically Coherent Network of Marine Protected Areas in English Waters: What Does the Designation of Marine Conservation Zones under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 Add to the Picture?
Authors: Pieraccini Margherita
Published: June 2013

Establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) is a key conservation strategy to safeguard marine biodiversity from anthropogenic pressures. Designing MPAs is, however, not a simple task due to the complexity and fluidity of marine social-ecological environments. How best can we plan MPAs in such environments with no well-defined social and natural boundaries and in a way that is procedurally just? This article attempts to consider these issues, focusing on the ongoing UK legal efforts in establishing an ecologically coherent network of MPAs under section 123 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. The network is to be made up of European marine sites, Ramsar sites, the marine component of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and marine conservation zones (MCZs), a new type of MPA established under section 116 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. The designation criteria of MCZs are considered in detail and compared with those of other marine protected sites to understand what MCZs are adding to existing MPAs designated under European and international law. The article also grounds the legal discussion by critically considering the ongoing implementation of the MCZs' designation.
Psychosocial stress in pregnancy and preterm birth: associations and mechanisms
Authors: Shapiro Gabriel D. , Fraser William D. , Frasch Martin G. , Séguin Jean R.
Published: June 2013

Aims: Psychosocial stress during pregnancy (PSP) is a risk factor of growing interest in the etiology of preterm birth (PTB). This literature review assesses the published evidence concerning the association between PSP and PTB, highlighting established and hypothesized physiological pathways mediating this association.

Method: The PubMed and Web of Science databases were searched using the keywords “psychosocial stress”, “pregnancy”, “pregnancy stress”, “preterm”, “preterm birth”, “gestational age”, “anxiety”, and “social support”. After applying the exclusion criteria, the search produced 107 articles.

Results: The association of PSP with PTB varied according to the dimensions and timing of PSP. Stronger associations were generally found in early pregnancy, and most studies demonstrating positive results found moderate effect sizes, with risk ratios between 1.2 and 2.1. Subjective perception of stress and pregnancy-related anxiety appeared to be the stress measures most closely associated with PTB. Potential physiological pathways identified included behavioral, infectious, neuroinflammatory, and neuroendocrine mechanisms.

Conclusions: Future research should examine the biological pathways of these different psychosocial stress dimensions and at multiple time points across pregnancy. Culture-independent characterization of the vaginal microbiome and noninvasive monitoring of cholinergic activity represent two exciting frontiers in this research.
Showdown at the Glendale Narrows
Authors: Glover Laurie
Published: June 2013

This poetic environmentalist account traces the history of the Glendale Narrows reach of the Los Angeles River, the one section where its movie-set-famous channelization is thwarted by the power of the river itself. This archival retrieval considers the relationship between humans and the river across cycles of drought and flood and lays out the shifting currents of environmentalist attitudes towards California’s waterways.
Association of risk variants for type 2 diabetes and hyperglycemia with gestational diabetes
Authors: Huopio Hanna , Cederberg Henna , Vangipurapu Jagadish , Hakkarainen Heidi , Pääkkönen Mirja , Kuulasmaa Teemu , Heinonen Seppo , Laakso Markku
Published: June 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of risk variants for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hyperglycemia with gestational diabetes (GDM).

Design and methods

Five hundred and thirty-three Finnish women who were diagnosed with GDM and 407 controls with normal glucose tolerance during the pregnancy were genotyped for 69 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) which have been previously verified as susceptibility risk variants for T2D and hyperglycemia. All participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test at the follow-up study after the index pregnancy.

Results

Risk variants rs10830963 and rs1387153 ofMTNR1Bwere significantly associated with GDM (odds ratio (OR)=1.62 (95% CI 1.34–1.96),P=4.5×10−7and 1.38 (1.14–1.66),P=7.6×10−4respectively). Both SNPs ofMTNR1Bwere also significantly associated with elevated fasting glucose level and reduced insulin secretion at follow-up. Additionally, risk variants rs9939609 ofFTO, rs2796441 ofTLE1, rs560887 ofG6PC2, rs780094 ofGCKR, rs7903146 ofTCF7L2and rs11708067 ofADCY5showed nominally significant associations with GDM (OR range from 1.25 to 1.30).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that GDM and T2D share a similar genetic background. Our findings also provide further evidence that risk variants ofMTNR1Bare associated with GDM by increasing fasting plasma glucose and decreasing insulin secretion.
Serum miR-483-5p and miR-195 are predictive of recurrence risk in adrenocortical cancer patients
Authors: Chabre O , Libé R , Assie G , Barreau O , Bertherat J , Bertagna X , Feige J-J , Cherradi N
Published: June 2013

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare cancer with poor prognosis. Local and distant recurrences occur in a subset of tumors classified as ‘aggressive’ ACC (aACC), as opposed to ‘non-aggressive’ ACC (naACC). In this study, we investigated whether tissue and serum microRNAs (miRNAs) are predictive of ACC prognosis. Tissue miRNA expression profiles were determined using microarrays in a test series of six adrenocortical adenomas (ACAs), six naACCs, and six aACCs. Eight miRNAs were selected for further validation by quantitative RT-PCR (ten ACAs, nine naACCs, nine aACCs, and three normal adrenals). Serum levels of five miRNAs were measured in samples from 56 subjects (19 healthy controls (HC), 14 ACA, nine naACC, and 14 aACC patients). MiR-195 and miR-335 levels were significantly decreased in both tumor and serum samples of ACC patients relative to ACA patients or HC. MiR-139-5p and miR-376a levels were significantly increased in aACC compared with naACC patients in tumor samples only. Tissue miR-483-5p was markedly upregulated in a majority of ACC compared with ACA patients or HC, but most importantly, serum miR-483-5p was detected only in aACC patients. High circulating levels of miR-483-5p or low circulating levels of miR-195 were associated with both shorter recurrence-free survival (P=0.0004 and P=0.0014 respectively) and shorter overall survival (P=0.0005 and P=0.0086 respectively). In conclusion, this study reports for the first time that circulating miR-483-5p and miR-195 are promising noninvasive biomarkers with a highly specific prognostic value for the clinical outcome of ACC patients.
Teste reverso para anticorpos igm na toxoplasmose, com hemácias sensibilizadas por antígenos de Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Navarrete Nancy , Camargo Mário E. , Almeida Gastão de
Published: June 2013

Descreve-se um teste para anticorpos IgM-antitoxoplasma baseado na técnica de captura de IgM do soro por anticorpos anti-IgM adsorvidos a placas plásticas. Para evidenciação dos anticorpos antitoxoplasma nessa fração, utiliza-se uma suspensão de hemácias humanas, formolizadas e sensibilizadas por antígenos de Toxoplasma gondii. Nos testes positivos estas aparecem como uma camada contínua, enquanto que nos testes negativos depositam-se ao fundo das cavidades das placas. A leitura dos testes é muito mais evidente do que na técnica anteriormente proposta por Desmonts e cols, 1981, que utiliza suspensões de toxoplasmas. A suspensão de hemácias sensibilizadas pode ser preparada por simples diluição do reagente para o teste de hemaglutinação para a toxoplasmose.