bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Findings from an ovine parasitological monitoring service provided by a rural veterinary practice in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Kozaruk MK , Churchill R , Windsor PA
Published: February 2015

Objective

To describe an ovine parasitological monitoring service delivered by a rural veterinary practice and determine associations between flock, anthelmintic and monitoring factors and worm control.

Design

Retrospective study of records from a rural veterinary practice in south‐eastern Australia over an 8.75‐year period.

Methods

Records of sheep producers using veterinary services for gastrointestinal parasite management from 1 August 2003 to 30 April 2012 were analysed. Results from pre‐ (FECt1) and post‐treatment faecal egg counts (FECt2) were used to identify factors influencing anthelmintic effectiveness, calculated as faecal egg count reduction percentage (FECR%) by linear mixed model analyses. The trends in anthelmintic merchandising and uptake of veterinary services for parasite management were determined by logistic regression analyses.

Results

FECR% varied according to the treatment group used (P < 0.001), with an apparent decreasing effectiveness of the macrocylic lactone group over the duration of the study (P = 0.008). Wether and ram flocks displayed lower FECR% than ewe flocks (P < 0.05). Time between FECt1 and treatment (P = 0.031), as well as time between treatment and FECt2 (P < 0.001), had a significant negative association with FECR%. The proportion of properties purchasing 4‐way combination anthelmintics increased significantly over the study period (P < 0.001), with declines observed in other anthelmintics (P < 0.05). The proportion of properties performing FECR% monitoring to those that purchased anthelmintics increased significantly over the study period (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Anthelmintic treatment type, sex of the flock and time between drenching and testing had the greatest influence on drench effectiveness (FECR%). An increasing reliance on 4‐way combination drenches to manage gastrointestinal parasitism was demonstrated. Benefits of parasitological monitoring include: appropriate advice on parasitological management; observations on trends in regional anthelmintic usage; estimation of drench effectiveness; early indication of anthelmintic resistance; and improved service provision by the rural veterinary practice.
On Bayesian Estimation of Marginal Structural Models
Authors: Saarela Olli , Stephens David A. , Moodie Erica E. M. , Klein Marina B.
Published: February 2015

The purpose of inverse probability of treatment (IPT) weighting in estimation of marginal treatment effects is to construct a pseudo-population without imbalances in measured covariates, thus removing the effects of confounding and informative censoring when performing inference. In this article, we formalize the notion of such a pseudo-population as a data generating mechanism with particular characteristics, and show that this leads to a natural Bayesian interpretation of IPT weighted estimation. Using this interpretation, we are able to propose the first fully Bayesian procedure for estimating parameters of marginal structural models using an IPT weighting. Our approach suggests that the weights should be derived from the posterior predictive treatment assignment and censoring probabilities, answering the question of whether and how the uncertainty in the estimation of the weights should be incorporated in Bayesian inference of marginal treatment effects. The proposed approach is compared to existing methods in simulated data, and applied to an analysis of the Canadian Co-infection Cohort.
How Do Pregnancy and Birth Experiences Influence Planned Place of Birth in Future Pregnancies? Findings from a Longitudinal, Narrative Study
Authors: Coxon Kirstie , Sandall Jane , Fulop Naomi J.
Published: February 2015

Background

A perception that first birth is more risky than subsequent births has led to women planning births in obstetric units (OU) and to care providers supporting these choices. This study explored the influence of pregnancy and birth experiences on women's intended place of birth in current and future pregnancies.

Methods

Prospective, longitudinal narrative interviews (n = 122) were conducted with 41 women in three English National Health Service sites. During postnatal interviews, women reflected on their recent births and discussed where they might plan to give birth in a future pregnancy. Longitudinal narrative analysis methods were used to explore these data.

Results

Women's experience of care in their eventual place of birth had more influence on decisions about the (hypothetical) next pregnancy than planned place of birth during pregnancy did. Women with complex pregnancies usually planned hospital (OU) births, but healthy women with straightforward pregnancies also chose an OU and would often plan the same for the future, particularly if they experienced giving birth in an OU setting during recent births.

Discussion

The experience of giving birth in a hospital OU reinforced women's perceptions that birth is risky and uncertain, and that hospital OUs are best equipped to keep women and babies safe. The assumption that women will opt for lower acuity settings for second or subsequent births was not supported by these data, which may mean that multiparous women who best fit criteria for non‐OU births are reluctant to plan births in these settings. This highlights the importance of providing balanced information about risks and benefits of different birth settings to all women during pregnancy.
Patients with medical risk factors for chronic kidney disease are at increased risk of renal impairment despite the use of nephron‐sparing surgery
Authors: Satasivam Prassannah , Reeves Fairleigh , Rao Kenny , Ivey Zacchary , Basto Marnique , Yip Marcus , Roth Hedley , Grummet Jeremy , Goad Jeremy , Moon Daniel , Murphy Declan , Appu Sree , Lawrentschuk Nathan , Bolton Damien , Kearsley Jamie , Costello Anthony , Frydenberg Mark
Published: February 2015

Objective

To determine whether patients with normal preoperative renal function, but who possess medical risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD), experience poorer renal function after partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) compared with those without risk factors.

Patients and Methods

The effects of age, hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were investigated in 488 consecutive operations for RCC performed during 2005–2012 at six Australian tertiary referral centres; 156 patients underwent PN and 332 patients underwent radical nephrectomy (RN). We used chi‐squared test and binary logistic regression to analyse new‐onset CKD, and multiple linear regression to investigate determinants of postoperative eGFR.

Results

The development of new‐onset eGFR of <60 mL/min was related to undergoing RN rather than PN (risk ratio [RR] 2.7, P < 0.001), older age (RR 1.6, P < 0.001) and the presence of HTN (RR 1.6, P = 0.001) and DM (RR 1.5, P = 0.003). Patients undergoing PN were still at risk of new‐onset CKD if medical risk factors were present. Whereas 7% of patients undergoing PN without CKD risk factors developed new‐onset eGFR <60 mL/min, this figure increased to 24%, 30% and 42% for older age, HTN and DM, respectively. Patients with eGFR of 45–59 mL/min were more likely to progress to more severe forms of CKD and end‐stage renal failure than those with eGFR of ≥60 mL/min. On multivariate analysis, RN, rather than PN, age and the presence of DM (but not HTN), predicted both the development of new‐onset eGFR of <60 mL/min (R2 = 0.37) and new‐onset eGFR <45 mL/min (R2 = 0.42).

Conclusion

Patients with medical risk factors for CKD are at increased risk of progressive renal impairment despite the use of PN. Where feasible, nephron‐sparing surgery should be considered for these patients.
Evidence for Partial Migration in the Southern Monarch Butterfly,Danaus erippus,in Bolivia and Argentina
Authors: Slager Benjamin H. , Malcolm Stephen B.
Published: February 2015

Migration is a common life‐history strategy that includes traits such as directed flight, increased wing size, seasonal lipid deposition and reproductive arrest. The degree of investment in these traits ultimately determines the life‐history strategy of individuals. Partial migration is a common mixed life‐history strategy where species or populations consist of both migrant and resident individuals. While this phenomenon is widespread across taxa, the ecological factors that select for and maintain partial migration are poorly understood, especially among insects. Here, we investigate regional life‐history traits associated with migration in the southern monarch,Danaus erippus, and describe a mixed life‐history strategy in this butterfly. Individuals from the Bolivian lowlands were observed throughout the year exhibiting mate‐ and milkweed‐directed behaviors. These butterflies had smaller wings, lower wing loads and maintained constant lipid and egg loads across summer and autumn months.Danaus erippusin the highlands of the Bolivian Andes were observed only in the summer and autumn months, during which they also showed mate‐ and milkweed‐directed behaviors. These individuals possessed similar‐sized wings and maintained similar lipid and egg loads as the lowland butterflies. In contrast, individuals from northwest Argentina showed persistent, directed, southwesterly flight during the autumn (March–May), larger wing size, higher wing loads, and increased autumn lipid deposition along with decreased egg production. These data indicate thatD. erippusutilizes a mixed life‐history strategy with a combination of residents and migrants in the Bolivian lowlands, elevational migrants in the Bolivian Andes, and latitudinal migrants in northwestern Argentina.
Solid‐Supported Synthesis and 5‐HT7/5‐HT1A Receptor Affinity of Arylpiperazinylbutyl Derivatives of 4,5‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐triazine‐6‐(1H)‐one
Authors: Grychowska Katarzyna , Masurier Nicolas , Verdié Pascal , Satała Grzegorz , Bojarski Andrzej J. , Martinez Jean , Pawłowski Maciej , Subra Gilles , Zajdel Paweł
Published: February 2015

A series of arylpiperazinylbutyl derivatives of 4,5‐dihydro‐1,2,4‐triazine‐6(1H)‐ones was designed and synthesized according to the new solid‐supported methodology. In this approach, triazinone scaffold was constructed from the Fmoc‐protected glycine. The library representatives showed different levels of affinity for 5‐HT7 and 5‐HT1A receptors; compounds 13, 14 and 18–20 were classified as dual 5‐HT7/5‐HT1A receptors ligands. The structure–affinity relationship analysis revealed that the receptor affinity and selectivity of the tested compounds depended on the kind of substituent in position 3 of triazinone fragment as well as substitution pattern of the phenylpiperazine moiety.
RNAi‐Mediated Silencing of EIF3D Alleviates Proliferation and Migration of Glioma U251 and U87MG Cells
Authors: Ren Mingliang , Zhou Chun , Liang Hong , Wang Xuhui , Xu Lunshan
Published: February 2015

As the most common primary malignant brain tumors, gliomas cause more years of life lost than do any other tumors. Recently, abnormalities of the eukaryotic initiation factors (EIFs) have been reported in gliomas. Yet the role of EIF3D, which encodes a subunit of EIF3 multiprotein complex, remains poorly understood. In this study, we found EIF3D expression was positively correlated with WHO grades of gliomas. Furthermore, we employ lentivirus‐mediated RNA interference (RNAi) to examine the physiological role of EIF3D in glioma cells. Decreased EIF3D expression in U251 and U87MG glioma cells caused a delay in cell growth and a disruption in colony formation. In addition, EIF3D knockdown induced G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Cells with suppressed expression of EIF3D had a lower capacity to migrate in the transwell assay. These results suggest that EIF3D plays an important role in glioma development and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for human glioma.
Discrimination‐Related Stress Effects on the Development of Internalizing Symptoms Among Latino Adolescents
Authors: Sirin Selcuk R. , Rogers‐Sirin Lauren , Cressen Jessica , Gupta Taveeshi , Ahmed Sammy F. , Novoa Alfredo D.
Published: February 2015

This three‐wave longitudinal study of 173 Latino adolescents (M = 16.16 years, SD = 0.65) is designed to understand the role of discrimination‐related stress in mental health trajectories during middle to late adolescence with attention to differences due to immigration status. The results of the growth curve analysis showed that anxious‐depressed, withdrawn‐depressed, and somatic complaints significantly decreased over time. Furthermore, although discrimination‐related stress was found to be significantly related to the trajectories of three types of mental health symptoms, the results revealed that immigration status moderated these relations such that discrimination‐related stress was significantly related to these outcomes for Latino youth whose parents were born in the United States, while this relation was not significant for Latino children of immigrants.
The Effects of Parental Behavior on Infants' Neural Processing of Emotion Expressions
Authors: Taylor‐Colls Samantha , Pasco Fearon R. M.
Published: February 2015

Infants become sensitive to emotion expressions early in the 1st year and such sensitivity is likely crucial for social development and adaptation. Social interactions with primary caregivers may play a key role in the development of this complex ability. This study aimed to investigate how variations in parenting behavior affect infants' neural responses to emotional faces. Event‐related potentials (ERPs) to emotional faces were recorded from 40 healthy 7‐month‐old infants (24 males). Parental behavior was assessed and coded using the Emotional Availability Scales during free‐play interaction. Sensitive parenting was associated with increased amplitudes to positive facial expressions on the face‐sensitive ERP component, the negative central. Findings are discussed in relation to the interactive mechanisms influencing how infants neurally encode positive emotions.
The complex pathophysiology of acquired aplastic anaemia
Authors: Zeng Y , Katsanis E
Published: February 2015

Immune-mediated destruction of haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) plays a central role in the pathophysiology of acquired aplastic anaemia (aAA). Dysregulated CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, CD4+ T cells including T helper type 1 (Th1), Th2, regulatory T cells and Th17 cells, natural killer (NK) cells and NK T cells, along with the abnormal production of cytokines including interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, induce apoptosis of HSPCs, constituting a consistent and defining feature of severe aAA. Alterations in the polymorphisms of TGF-β, IFN-γ and TNF-α genes, as well as certain human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, may account for the propensity to immune-mediated killing of HSPCs and/or ineffective haematopoiesis. Although the inciting autoantigens remain elusive, autoantibodies are often detected in the serum. In addition, recent studies provide genetic and molecular evidence that intrinsic and/or secondary deficits in HSPCs and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells may underlie the development of bone marrow failure.
Diagnosing phaeochromocytoma/paraganglioma in a patient presenting with critical illness: biochemistry versus imaging
Authors: Amar Laurence , Eisenhofer Graeme
Published: February 2015

Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are revealed by acute cardiovascular complications involving end‐organ damage in up to 20% of cases, a presentation associated with particularly high risk for mortality. Among such cases, PPGLs should be considered in patients with unexplained left ventricular failure, multi‐organ failure, hypertensive crises or shock. The diagnosis of PPGL commonly relies on measurements of metanephrines in plasma or urine. However, acute critical illness is usually associated with sympathoadrenal activation. Thus, levels of metanephrines in patients in an acute emergency or intensive care setting, whether treated or not with vasoactive drugs, usually cannot be used to reliably diagnose PPGL. Delays in provision of diagnostic test results, particularly when these require 24‐h urine collections, may also be incompatible for any need for rapid decisions on patient management or therapeutic interventions. The acute emergency situation therefore represents one exception to the rule where imaging studies to search for a PPGL may be undertaken without biochemical evidence of a catecholamine‐producing tumour.
Nitric oxide and oxidative stress is associated with severity of diabetic retinopathy and retinal structural alterations
Authors: Sharma Shashi , Saxena Sandeep , Srivastav Khushboo , Shukla Rajendra K , Mishra Nibha , Meyer Carsten H , Kruzliak Peter , Khanna Vinay K
Published: February 2015

Background

The aim of the study was to determine plasma nitric oxide (NO) and lipid peroxide (LPO) levels in diabetic retinopathy and its association with severity of disease.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Participants

A total of 60 consecutive cases and 20 healthy controls were included.

Methods

Severity of retinopathy was graded according to early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) classification. Photoreceptor inner segment ellipsoid band (ISel) disruption and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) alteration were graded using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Data were statistically analyzed.

Main Outcome Measures

Plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, NO assay and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured using standard protocol.

Results

Increased severity of diabetic retinopathy was significantly associated with increase in plasma levels of LPO (P < 0.05), NO (P < 0.001) and decrease in plasma levels of GSH (P < 0.0001), ISel disruption (P < 0.001) and RPE topographic alteration (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Increased plasma NO levels are associated with increased severity of diabetic retinopathy. For the first time, it has been demonstrated that increased plasma LPO, NO and decreased GSH levels are associated with in vivo structural changes in inner segment ellipsoid and RPE.
Practical considerations in the clinical application of whole‐exome sequencing
Authors: Shashi V. , McConkie‐Rosell A. , Schoch K. , Kasturi V. , Rehder C. , Jiang Y.H. , Goldstein D.B. , McDonald M.T.
Published: February 2015

Despite the exciting advent of whole‐exome sequencing (WES) in medical genetics practices, the optimal interpretation of results requires further actions such as reconsidering clinical information and obtaining further laboratory testing. There are no published data to guide clinicians in this process. In a retrospective study on 93 patients who underwent clinical WES, we set out to assess and resolve these practical challenges. With the laboratories reporting a molecular diagnostic rate of 25.8%, the medical geneticists and the laboratories were 90% concordant in their interpretation of the WES results. Divergence occurred when the medical geneticist reconsidered clinical information and/or additional information regarding pathogenicity of a variant. Variants of uncertain significance were reported in 86% of patients, with 53.7% needing follow‐up, such as additional laboratory tests and genotyping of family members. By layering clinical data (e.g. mode of inheritance and phenotypic fit) on to the laboratory results, we developed clinical categories for the WES results. These categories of definite diagnosis (14/93), likely diagnosis (8/93), possible diagnosis (13/93) and no diagnosis (58/93) could be used to convey results to patients uniformly. Our framework for a clinically informed interpretation of the results enhances the utility of WES within medical genetics practices.
Alumina reinforced zirconia implants: 1‐year results from a prospective cohort investigation
Authors: Spies Benedikt Christopher , Sperlich Markus , Fleiner Jonathan , Stampf Susanne , Kohal Ralf‐Joachim
Published: February 2015

Objective

The objective of this investigation was to determine the clinical and radiographic outcome of a one‐piece alumina‐toughened zirconia (ATZ) oral implant for single tooth replacement after 1 year.

Materials and Methods

A total of 27 patients received one ATZ implant each in a one‐stage implant surgery with immediate temporization. Standardized radiographs were taken at implant insertion and after 1 year to monitor peri‐implant bone loss. Several soft tissue parameters were evaluated at prosthesis insertion and at the 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

Three patients did not receive a prosthetic reconstruction due to implant loss during the healing period. As a result, 24 patients were seen at the 1‐year follow‐up, giving a cumulative survival rate of 88.9%. The average marginal bone loss after 1 year was 0.77 mm. Only two implants (8.3%) lost at least 2 mm bone, whereas none of the implants lost more than 3 mm. Probing depth and clinical attachment level increased over 1 year at the implant sites, whereas gingival recession remained stable. Mombelli's bleeding and plaque indices showed no statistically significant change within the first year.

Conclusion

Owing to a total of 27 inserted implants, three failures within the first 4 months after implant placement carry weight. Therefore, the cumulative survival rate of the presented ceramic implant was slightly below reported survival rates of titanium implants when immediately restored. The recorded radiographic bone loss and peri‐implant soft tissue parameters showed promising short‐term results. The presented ATZ implant seems to be a candidate for clinical usage.
UNANTICIPATED EFFECTS OF CALIFORNIA'S PAID FAMILY LEAVE PROGRAM
Authors: Das Tirthatanmoy , Polachek Solomon W.
Published: February 2015

We examine the effect of California paid family leave (CPFL) on young women's labor force participation and unemployment, relative to men and older women. CPFL enables workers to take at most 6 weeks of paid leave over a 12‐month period in order to bond with new born or adopted children, or to care for sick family members or ailing parents. The policy benefits women, especially young women, as they are more prone to take such a leave. However, the effect of the policy on overall labor market outcomes is less clear. We apply difference‐in‐difference techniques to identify the effects of the CPFL legislation on young women's labor force participation and unemployment. We find that the labor force participation rate, the unemployment rate, and the duration of unemployment among young women rose in California compared to men (particularly young men) and older women in California, and to other young women, men, and older women in states that did not adopt PFL. The latter two findings regarding higher young women's unemployment and unemployment duration are unanticipated effects of the CPFL program. We utilize robustness checks as well as unique placebo tests to validate these results.(JEL H43, J13, J18, J48)
Effects of strength training, detraining and retraining in muscle strength, hypertrophy and functional tasks in older female adults
Authors: Correa Cleiton S. , Cunha Giovani , Marques Nise , Oliveira‐Reischak Ãlvaro , Pinto Ronei
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Previous studies presented different results regarding the maintenance time of muscular adaptations after strength training and the ability to resume the gains on muscular performance after resumption of the training programme.

Objective

This study aimed to verify the effect of strength training on knee extensors and elbow flexor muscle strength, rectus femoris muscle volume and functional performance in older female adults after 12 weeks of strength training, 1 year of detraining and followed by 12 weeks of retraining.

Methods

Twelve sedentary older women performed 12 weeks of strength training, 1 year of detraining and 12 weeks of retraining. The strength training was performed twice a week, and the assessment was made four times: at the baseline, after the strength training, after the detraining and after the retraining. The knee extensor and elbow flexor strength, rectus femoris muscle volume and functional task were assessed.

Results

Strength of knee extensor and elbow flexor muscles, rectus femoris muscle volume and 30‐s sit‐to‐stand increased from baseline to post‐training (respectively, 40%, 70%, 38% and 46%), decreased after detraining (respectively, −36%, −64%, −35% and −43%) and increased again these parameters after retraining (35%, 68%, 36% and 42%).

Conclusion

Strength training induces gains on strength and hypertrophy, also increased the performance on functional tasks after the strength training. The stoppage of the strength caused strength loss and reduction of functional performance. The resumption of the strength training promoted the same gains of muscular performance in older female adults.
Clinical impact of preformed donor‐specific denatured class I HLA antibodies after kidney transplantation
Authors: Visentin Jonathan , Marroc Mélanie , Guidicelli Gwendaline , Bachelet Thomas , Nong Thoa , Moreau Jean‐François , Lee Jar‐How , Merville Pierre , Couzi Lionel , Taupin Jean‐Luc
Published: February 2015

Class I single‐antigen flow beads (SAFB) carry native and denatured human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules. Using a cohort of 179 class I HLA‐sensitized kidney recipients, we described incidence and clinical relevance of preformed denatured HLA donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) using two different assays: an acid‐treated SAFB assay (anti‐dHLA DSA) and the iBeads assays (SAFB+/iBeads‐ DSA). Eighty‐five class I DSA were found in 67 patients (median mean fluorescence intensity [MFI] of 1729 [range 520–13 882]). Anti‐dHLA and SAFB+/iBeads‐ DSA represented 11% and 18% of class I DSA and were mainly low MFI DSA (500–1000 MFI). Concordance between these two assays was good (90%). None of the patients with only class I anti‐dHLA DSA or only SAFB+/iBeads‐ DSA developed acute clinical antibody‐mediated rejection in the first‐year post‐transplantation, and their five‐yr death‐censored graft survival was similar to that of patients without DSA. Moreover, all these patients displayed a negative current T‐cell flow cytometry cross‐match. Therefore, both anti‐dHLA DSA and SAFB+/iBeads‐ DSA appear irrelevant, which could explain the good outcome observed in some patients with preformed class I DSA.
Independent risk factors for early urologic complications after kidney transplantation
Authors: Rahnemai‐Azar Amir A. , Gilchrist Brian F. , Kayler Liise K.
Published: February 2015

Urologic complications are the most frequent technical adverse events following kidney transplantation (KTX). We evaluated traditional and novel potential risk factors for urologic complications following KTX. Consecutive KTX recipients between December 1, 2006 and December 31, 2010 with at least six‐month follow‐up (n = 635) were evaluated for overall urologic complications accounting for donor, recipient, and transplant characteristics using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Urologic complications occurred in 29 cases (4.6%) at a median of 40 d (range 1–999) post‐transplantation and included 17 ureteral strictures (2.6%), five (0.8%) ureteral obstructions due to donor‐derived stones or intraluminal thrombus, and seven urine leaks (1.1%). All except two complications occurred within the first year of transplantation. Risk factors for urologic complications on univariate analysis were dual KTX (p = 0.04) and renal artery multiplicity (p = 0.02). On multivariate analysis, only renal artery multiplicity remained significant (aHR 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.1, 5.1, p = 0.02). Donation after cardiac death, non‐mandatory national share kidneys, donor peak serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dL or creatinine phosphokinase > 1000 IU/L, and donor down time were not associated with urologic complications. Our data suggest that donor artery multiplicity is an independent risk factor for urologic complications following KTX.
Migratory corridors and foraging hotspots: critical habitats identified for Mediterranean green turtles
Authors: Stokes K. L. , Broderick A. C. , Canbolat A. F. , Candan O. , Fuller W. J. , Glen F. , Levy Y. , Rees A. F. , Rilov G. , Snape R. T. , Stott I. , Tchernov D. , Godley B. J.
Published: February 2015

Aim

Levels of sea turtle bycatch in the Mediterranean are thought to be unsustainable. We provide a comprehensive overview of adult green turtle (Chelonia mydas) distribution during nesting, migration and foraging phases, highlighting transitory as well as residential areas of high use to facilitate adequate protection for this long‐lived, migratory species.

Location

Mediterranean Sea.

Methods

Thirty‐four females were satellite tracked from breeding grounds in the four countries with major nesting (Cyprus, Turkey, Israel and Syria) for a total of 8521 (mean: 251) tracking days in a collaborative effort to summarize the most comprehensive set of distribution data thus far assembled for this species in the Mediterranean.

Results

Ten foraging grounds are identified, with two major hotspots in Libya accounting for >50% of turtles tracked to conclusive endpoints. The coastlines of Egypt and Libya contain high densities of migrating turtles following the nesting season, particularly July–September, and likely also pre‐nesting (April–June). A high‐use seasonal pelagic corridor running south‐west from Turkey and Cyprus to Egypt is also evident, used by >50% of all tracked turtles.

Main conclusions

Bycatch levels and mortality rates for the key foraging areas and high‐density seasonal pathways identified here are largely unknown and should be investigated as a priority. We recommend that the Gulf of Sirte in Libya be explored as a potential biodiversity hotspot and considered for proposal as a marine protected area (MPA). Green turtle fidelity to nesting beaches, foraging areas and migratory pathways renders them vulnerable to localized threats but enables targeted mitigation measures and protection.
Gestational diabetes: a red flag for future Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy? A retrospective analysis
Authors: Cheung N. W. , Lih A. , Lau S. M. , Park K. , Padmanabhan S. , McElduff A.
Published: February 2015

Aims

This study sought to understand the relationship between Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy and previous gestational diabetes (GDM), and determine whether a previous pregnancy with GDM was associated with subsequent better pregnancy planning.

Methods

A retrospective review of medical records of women with Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy was conducted at three teaching hospitals to ascertain whether they had earlier GDM, and to determine whether this is associated with differences in measures of pregnancy planning and diabetes management.

Results

Of 172 index pregnancies affected by Type 2 diabetes, in 76 (44%) cases, the mother had a previous history of GDM. Within this cohort, a diagnosis of ‘overt diabetes in pregnancy’, made on the basis of a GTT result during pregnancy in the WHO diabetic range with persistent diabetes post partum, was more common among women who had previous GDM than women who had not had GDM (20% vs 7%, P = 0.02). Women who previously had GDM did not exhibit a higher incidence of preconception planning or folate supplementation.

Conclusions

It is common for women with Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy to have had GDM previously. The diagnosis of GDM is an opportunity to improve future pregnancy planning and outcomes for women with Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy. This goal is yet to be realized.
Subclinical hypothyroidism and the associations with macrovascular complications and chronic kidney disease in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Jia F. , Tian J. , Deng F. , Yang G. , Long M. , Cheng W. , Wang B. , Wu J. , Liu D.
Published: February 2015

Aims

The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is high among patients with diabetes, although the relationship between SCH and diabetic vascular complications is unknown. This study aimed to determine the relationship between SCH and vascular complications in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In this cross sectional study, 991 patients with Type 2 diabetes were screened for thyroid function at their admission to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. We compared the prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD), ischaemic stroke and chronic kidney disease (CKD) with the prevalence of euthyroidism and SCH.

Results

Among the 991 patients, 126 (12.7%) patients had SCH. The prevalence of CHD was significantly higher in the SCH group than in the euthyroid group (22.2% and 15.0%, respectively; P = 0.039). In the logistic regression analyses, SCH was associated with CHD [odds ratio (OR): 1.993; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.135–3.497; P = 0.016]. This association was stronger in patients aged ≥ 65 years than in younger patients [2.474 (1.173–5.220); P = 0.017]. No significant association was found between SCH and ischaemic stroke. Patients with severe SCH had a high risk of CKD [1.842 (1.120–3.029); P = 0.016].

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that SCH in patients with Type 2 diabetes is associated with a high prevalence of CHD (and CKD in severe SCH), although not with ischaemic stroke.
Heart rate‐corrected QT interval is a novel risk marker for the progression of albuminuria in people with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Hashimoto Y. , Tanaka M. , Senmaru T. , Okada H. , Hamaguchi M. , Asano M. , Yamazaki M. , Oda Y. , Hasegawa G. , Nakamura N. , Fukui M.
Published: February 2015

Aims

A close association between heart rate‐corrected QT interval (QTc) and albuminuria in people with Type 2 diabetes has been reported in cross sectional studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between QTc and change in urine albumin excretion (UAE) or progression of albuminuria in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We measured QTc in 251 consecutive people at baseline. We performed a 5‐year follow‐up cohort study to assess the relationship between QTc and change in UAE, defined as an increase of UAE/follow‐up duration (year), or progression of albuminuria, defined as an increase in the category of diabetic nephropathy.

Results

During follow‐up, 23 of 151 people with normoalbuminuria and 13 of 73 people with microalbuminuria at baseline had progression of albuminuria. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that QTc was independently associated with change in UAE (β = 0.176, P = 0.0104). Logistic regression analyses showed that QTc was a risk marker for progression of albuminuria [odds ratio per 0.01‐s increase in QTc 1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–1.66, P = 0.0024] after adjusting for confounders. According to the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, the optimal cut‐off point of QTc for progression of albuminuria was 0.418 s [area under the ROC curve 0.75 (95% CI 0.66–0.82), sensitivity = 0.86, specificity = 0.56, P < 0.0001].

Conclusions

Heart rate‐corrected QT interval could be a novel risk marker for progression of albuminuria in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Salsalate has no effect on insulin secretion but decreases insulin clearance: a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial in subjects without diabetes
Authors: Penesova A. , Koska J. , Ortega E. , Bunt J. C. , Bogardus C. , de Courten B.
Published: February 2015

To elucidate whether increased insulin concentration after salsalate treatment (3 g/day for 7 days) is attributable to an increased insulin secretion rate (ISR) or to reduced metabolic clearance of endogenous insulin (MCI) during stepped glucose infusion (SGI). The analysis was performed in obese subjects who participated in a randomized double‐blind, parallel, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. A total of 27 participants (16 on salsalate, 11 on placebo) completed baseline and follow‐up SGI. During SGI in the salsalate group, C‐peptide concentrations were reduced by 11%, while plasma insulin concentrations were increased by 30%, corresponding to a 30% reduction in MCI (p < 0.0001). At molar increments of glucose, insulin concentrations were increased by 27% (p = 0.02), but ISR was unchanged. Salsalate did not alter insulin secretion, but lowered MCI, indicating that a reduction in insulin clearance is the principal mechanism for increased insulin levels after salsalate administration.
Effect of ATG‐F on B‐cell reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Roll Petra , Muhammad Khalid , Stuhler Gernot , Grigoleit Ulrich , Einsele Hermann , Tony Hans‐Peter
Published: February 2015

Antithymocyte globulin Fresenius (ATG‐F) is used before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to prevent graft rejection and graft‐versus‐host disease in patients with HLA‐matched unrelated donors or mismatched volunteers. However, little is known about the effect of ATG‐F on the reconstitution of B‐cell subsets. Sixty‐seven patients were longitudinally studied at day 15, day 30, and then monthly after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Conditioning regimes included ATG‐F, which was infused at days 3, 2 and 1 at a dosage of 10 mg/kg/d. Twenty‐seven patients received conditioning regimes without ATG. ATG‐treated patients showed a significant delay of CD19+ B cells in the early recovery period. The absolute numbers of circulating CD19+ B cells were significantly lower (P < 0.05) up to 5 months post‐transplantation compared to non‐ATG patients. The recovery of the memory compartment was delayed in both groups and did not reach normal values 1‐year post‐transplantation. ATG‐treated patient showed significantly lower absolute numbers of circulating CD27+ memory B cells in the first‐month after transplantation compared to non‐ATG patients. In conclusion, treatment with ATG in the conditioning regime of patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation leads to a significant delay of CD19+ B cells. Thus, ATG seems also to negatively influence B‐cell immune reconstitution.
The significance of pretreatment anemia in the era of R‐IPI and NCCN‐IPI prognostic risk assessment tools: a dual‐center study in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Troppan Katharina T. , Melchardt Thomas , Deutsch Alexander , Schlick Konstantin , Stojakovic Tatjana , Bullock Marc D. , Reitz Daniel , Beham‐Schmid Christine , Weiss Lukas , Neureiter Daniel , Wenzl Kerstin , Greil Richard , Neumeister Peter , Egle Alexander , Pichler Martin
Published: February 2015

Background

Anemia is frequently identified at the time of diagnosis in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL); however, studies addressing the prognostic significance of this important clinical parameter are lacking.

Methods

In this dual‐center study of patients with DLBCL (n = 556) treated with rituximab‐containing regimens, we evaluated the prognostic relevance of anemia at diagnosis in a training set (n = 211) and validated our findings in a second independent patient cohort (n = 345). Using Kaplan–Meier curves as well as univariate and multivariate Cox regression models, we analyzed the impact of anemia on 5‐year overall survival (OS) and 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) alongside established prognostic indicators including age, tumor stage, the revised International Prognostic Index (R‐IPI), and the recently published NCCN‐IPI. The influence of anemia on the predictive accuracy of IPI, R‐IPI, and NCCN‐IPI prognosis scores was subsequently determined using the Harrell's concordance index.

Results

Anemia was an independent predictor of impaired OS and DFS at 5 years in both DLBCL patient cohorts (P < 0.001, log–rank test). In multivariate analysis, hemoglobin level was also a strong and independent prognostic indicator in patients stratified according to R‐IPI or NCCN‐IPI score. In survival analysis, the estimated concordance index, using IPI, R‐IPI, and NCCN‐IPI stratification measures (0.69, 0.64, and 0.70, respectively), improved to 0.70, 0.68, and 0.73, respectively, when anemia was also considered.

Conclusion

In this study, we have demonstrated that anemia at the time of diagnosis is an independent predictor of impaired clinical outcome in DLBCL. Furthermore, consideration of hemoglobin levels may improve the accuracy of recently established prognostic tools in lymphoma. Our data encourage further evaluation of the prognostic utility of this readily accessible biological parameter in prospective clinical trials.
Reducing nitrous oxide emissions from a maize‐wheat sequence by decreasing soil nitrate concentration: effects of split application of pig slurry and dicyandiamide
Authors: Aita C. , Schirmann J. , Pujol S. B. , Giacomini S. J. , Rochette P. , Angers D. A. , Chantigny M. H. , Gonzatto R. , Giacomini D. A. , Doneda A.
Published: February 2015

Pig slurry (PS) is a valuable nitrogen (N) source for agricultural crops but the simultaneous supply of readily decomposable carbon and mineralNcan result in large soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Our objective was to determine the individual and combined effects of splitPSapplication and addition of a nitrification inhibitor (dicyandiamide,DCD) onN2Oemissions and soil mineralNconcentration in southernBrazil. SoilN2Ofluxes were measured fromNovember 2010 toNovember 2011 from a maize (Zea maysL.)‐wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) sequence under various fertilizer treatments: no‐Ncontrol,PSapplied in a single pre‐plant dose with or withoutDCD,PSsplit‐applied with or withoutDCD, and urea split‐applied. CumulativeN2Oemissions increased linearly (R2 = 0.73) with increasing soil nitrate (NO3−) exposure, indicating that management practices aimed at reducing soilNO3−concentrations can decrease soilN2Oemissions. In total for the two crops, splittingPSreducedN2Oemission factors (EF) by 33%, whereas the addition ofDCDreducedEFby 60 and 41% whenPSwas applied in single and split doses, respectively. However, splittingPSor addingDCDfailed to reduceN2Olosses more than a single pre‐plantPSapplication in maize where background soilNO3−concentrations were large. The addition ofDCDtoPSapplied as a single pre‐plant dose resulted in the largest reduction in soilN2Oemissions, whereas splittingPSwith and withoutDCDresulted in significantly smaller abatements. Consequently, we concluded that addingDCDtoPSin a single pre‐plant application is a better option than splittingPSapplications for reducing soilN2Oemissions in no‐till cereal cropping systems in southernBrazil.
Effect of phosphate status and pH on sulphate sorption and desorption
Authors: Barrow N. J. , Debnath Abhijit
Published: February 2015

For soils from tea estates in northern India, sulphate sorption was of a similar magnitude to, and sometimes exceeded, phosphate sorption. Only a small part of this relatively large sulphate sorption was caused by the low pH of these soils. Most was caused by increased negative charge as a result of prior reaction over many decades with phosphate fertilizers. This decreased sorption of both phosphate and sulphate, but the effect on phosphate was larger. This is compatible with a model in which the mean location of the charge on the adsorbed phosphate ions is closer to the surface than for sulphate. On soils of low phosphate status, sulphate desorption curves showed hysteresis; on soils of high phosphate status, they did not. Further, on soils of high phosphate status, displacement of sulphate by phosphate solutions was faster. We interpret these observations as showing that, for low phosphate status soils, sulphate ions penetrated the surface, but for high phosphate status soils it did not because the pathways by which sulphate diffuses into the adsorbing material were blocked. We also show that, with increasing soil phosphate status, phosphate solutions were less effective in displacing sorbed sulphate. We think this also occurred because reaction with phosphate had decreased the affinity for phosphate more than it decreased the affinity for sulphate.
Estimating soil organic carbon through loss on ignition: effects of ignition conditions and structural water loss
Authors: Hoogsteen M. J. J. , Lantinga E. A. , Bakker E. J. , Groot J. C. J. , Tittonell P. A.
Published: February 2015

Loss on ignition (LOI) is one of the most widely used methods for measuring organic matter content in soils but does not have a universal standard protocol. A large number of factors may influence its accuracy, such as furnace type, sample mass, duration and temperature of ignition and clay content of samples. We conducted a series of experiments to quantify these effects, which enabled us to derive (i) guidelines for ignition conditions (sample mass, duration and temperature), (ii) temperature‐specific soil organic matter (SOM) to soil organic carbon (SOC) conversion factors and (iii) clay content‐dependent correction factors for structural water loss (SWL). Bulk samples of a sandy soil (4% clay) and a silt loam soil (25% clay) were used to evaluate the effects of ignition conditions. Samples with a range of clay contents (0–50%) were used to quantify conversion and correction factors. Two furnaces, one without and one with pre‐heated air, did not show significant differences in terms of within‐batch LOI variability. In both furnaces less combustion occurred close to the door, which necessitated tray turning at half‐time as this reduced the standard deviation per batch significantly. Variation in mass loss declined exponentially with sample mass (range, 0.15–20 g). The LOI increased with duration at lower temperatures (≤ 550°C) for the sandy soil. At greater temperatures (600 and 650°C), no effect of duration was found. For the silt loam soil, LOI values increased with duration for each temperature, which was attributed to SWL. The SOM to SOC conversion factor decreased strongly with temperature at an ignition duration of 3 hours from 0.70 (350°C) to 0.57 (500°C) and stabilized around 0.55 between 550 and 650°C, indicating that at temperatures ≥ 550°C all SOM had been removed. The clay correction factor for SWL increased from 0.01 to 0.09 as the temperature of ignition increased from 350 to 650°C. To minimize within‐batch LOI variation we recommend a standard ignition duration of 3 hours, tray turning at half‐time, a sample mass ≥ 20 g and temperatures equal to or greater than 550 °C. To avoid over‐estimates of SOM through structural water loss, the presented SWL correction procedure should always be applied.
Evaluation of the potential impact of Cu competition on the performance of o,o‐FeEDDHA in soil applications
Authors: Schenkeveld W. D. C. , Weng L. P. , Reichwein A. M. , Temminghoff E. J. M. , van Riemsdijk W. H.
Published: February 2015

Ferric ethylene diamine‐N,N′‐bis(hydroxy phenyl acetic acid) (FeEDDHA)‐based iron (Fe) fertilizers are commonly applied to plants grown on calcareous soils and comprise a mixture of FeEDDHA components. Upon application to the soil, the pore water concentrations of the active ingredients racemic and meso o,o‐FeEDDHA show a gradual decline unrelated to plant uptake or biodegradation. In the present study, the potential of soil copper (Cu) to reduce the effectiveness of FeEDDHA‐based fertilizers in calcareous soils by displacing Fe from o,o‐FeEDDHA has been evaluated through modelling and experiments. Predictions with mechanistic multi‐surface models show that there is a thermodynamic basis for assuming that under equilibrium conditions a certain fraction of o,o‐EDDHA ligands in soil solution can be chelated to Cu, in particular for meso o,o‐EDDHA. The large affinity of o,o‐CuEDDHA for binding to the soil solid phase, demonstrated in a batch interaction experiment, greatly increases the potential impact of Cu competition on the o,o‐FeEDDHA solution concentration; for a given quantity of o,o‐CuEDDHA in soil solution, a much larger quantity of o,o‐CuEDDHA is adsorbed to the solid phase. Finally, evidence for the actual displacement of Fe from o,o‐FeEDDHA by Cu was found in a soil incubation study. With these results, the boundary conditions are met for explaining the observed gradual decline in o,o‐FeEDDHA concentration with Cu competition.