bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LPS exacerbates functional and inflammatory responses to ovalbumin and decreases sensitivity to inhaled fluticasone propionate in a guinea pig model of asthma
Authors: Lowe A P P , Thomas R S , Nials A T , Kidd E J , Broadley K J , Ford W R
Published: January 2015

Background and Purpose

Asthma exacerbations contribute to corticosteroid insensitivity. LPS is ubiquitous in the environment. It causes bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation and may therefore exacerbate allergen responses. This study examined whether LPS and ovalbumin co‐administration could exacerbate the airway inflammatory and functional responses to ovalbumin in conscious guinea pigs and whether these exacerbated responses were insensitive to inhaled corticosteroid treatment with fluticasone propionate (FP).

Experimental Approach

Guinea pigs were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin and airway function recorded as specific airway conductance by whole body plethysmography. Airway inflammation was measured from lung histology and bronchoalveolar lavage. Airway hyper‐reactivity (AHR) to inhaled histamine was examined 24 h after ovalbumin. LPS was inhaled alone or 24 or 48 h before ovalbumin and combined with ovalbumin. FP (0.05–1 mg·mL−1) or vehicle was nebulized for 15 min twice daily for 6 days before ovalbumin or LPS exposure.

Key Results

Ovalbumin inhalation caused early (EAR) and late asthmatic response (LAR), airway hyper‐reactivity to histamine and influx of inflammatory cells into the lungs. LPS 48 h before and co‐administered with ovalbumin exacerbated the response with increased length of the EAR, prolonged response to histamine and elevated inflammatory cells. FP 0.5 and 1 mg·mL−1 reduced the LAR, AHR and cell influx with ovalbumin alone, but was ineffective when guinea pigs were exposed to LPS before and with ovalbumin.

Conclusions and Implications

LPS exposure exacerbates airway inflammatory and functional responses to allergen inhalation and decreases corticosteroid sensitivity. Its widespread presence in the environment could contribute to asthma exacerbations and corticosteroid insensitivity in humans.
Virulence‐targeted Antibacterials: Concept, Promise, and Susceptibility to Resistance Mechanisms
Authors: Ruer Ségolène , Pinotsis Nikos , Steadman David , Waksman Gabriel , Remaut Han
Published: January 2015

In view of the relentless increase in antibiotic resistance in human pathogens, efforts are needed to safeguard our future therapeutic options against infectious diseases. In addition to regulatory changes in our antibiotic use, this will have to include the development of new therapeutic compounds. One area that has received growing attention in recent years is the possibility to treat or prevent infections by targeting the virulence mechanisms that render bacteria pathogenic. Antivirulence targets include bacterial adherence, secretion of toxic effector molecules, bacterial persistence through biofilm formation, quorum sensing and immune evasion. Effective small‐molecule compounds have already been identified that suppress such processes. In this review, we discuss the susceptibility of such compounds to the development of resistance, by comparison with known resistance mechanisms observed for classical bacteriostatic or bacteriolytic antibiotics, and by review of available experimental case studies. Unfortunately, appearance of resistance mechanisms has already been demonstrated for some, showing that the quest of new, lasting drugs remains complicated.
Earnings Management through Specific Accruals and Discretionary Expenses: Evidence from U.S. Agribusiness Firms
Authors: Trejo‐Pech Carlos J.O. , Weldon Richard N. , Gunderson Michael A.
Published: January 2015

This study examines both accruals based earnings management (AEM) and real earnings management (REM) in U.S. agribusinesses. In particular, the focus is on agribusinesses that report low earnings quality, defined as firms with extreme level of accruals compared to their peers. The cross‐sectional modified Jones model (Jones 1991; Dechow et al 1995) is used to test for AEM. To capture REM practices, we implement the discretionary expenses model by Roychowdhury (2006). We find evidence of AEM and find no evidence of REM in agribusinesses. In addition, our results show that managers might be managing earnings through specific accruals doubtful accounts receivable provisions and special items.
Clinical effectiveness and safety of vildagliptin in >19 000 patients with type 2 diabetes: the GUARD study
Authors: Rosales R. , Abou Jaoude E. , Al‐Arouj M. , Fawwad A. , Orabi A. , Shah P. , DiTommaso S. , Vaz J. , Latif Z. A.
Published: January 2015

The present GUARD study was a prospective, non‐interventional study evaluating the clinical effectiveness, safety and tolerability of vildagliptin with or without metformin in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) studied in routine clinical practice. Patients were enrolled from countries across four geographical regions. The primary endpoint was change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration from baseline after 24 weeks of treatment with vildagliptin with or without metformin. Of 19 331 patients analysed, 3511 received vildagliptin and 15 820 received vildagliptin plus metformin. At week 24, the mean HbA1c was reduced significantly from baseline by −1.27% (vildagliptin: −1.17%; vildagliptin plus metformin: −1.29%; p < 0.0001). Significant reductions in HbA1c from baseline were consistently reported regardless of patient age, body mass index (BMI) or baseline HbA1c. Weight and BMI were also significantly reduced from baseline. Vildagliptin treatment with or without metformin was generally well tolerated. It provided clinically relevant glycaemic and weight control, and was well tolerated in a large multi‐ethnic population of patients with T2DM studied in routine clinical practice.
A Case of Late Presenting Unicuspid Aortic Valve in a 62‐Year‐Old Female
Authors: Chester Rebecca , Sahni Sheila , Huynh Tracy
Published: January 2015

We describe the case of a 62‐year‐old female presenting with new onset progressive dyspnea on exertion and a new diagnosis of aortic stenosis. Transesophageal echocardiography showed fusion of the aortic valve leaflets suspicious for bicuspid aortic valve with dilated ascending aorta. Surgical replacement of the valve revealed a unicuspid aortic valve with one true commissure at the level of the left and noncoronary cusps. The case is supported by clinical, echocardiographic and angiographic imaging and discussion of current imaging modalities used in diagnosis of aortic valve pathology.
Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia as the First Manifestation of Hydatid Cyst Located in the Interventricular Septum
Authors: Şahin İrfan , Özkaynak Berk , Güngör Bariş , Ayça Burak , Sığirci Serhat , Mert Bülent , Okuyan Ertuğrul
Published: January 2015

Echinococcus granulosus infection may manifest with cardiac involvement causing various symptoms. Here, we discuss a case of a young patient who presented with sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) causing hemodynamic compromise. Diagnosis of cardiac hydatid cyst was established with echocardiography, computed tomography imaging, and serological examination. After surgical removal of the cyst VT did not recur.
Development of a group and family‐based cognitive behavioural therapy program for youth at risk for psychosis
Authors: Landa Yulia , Mueser Kim T. , Wyka Katarzyna E. , Shreck Erica , Jespersen Rachel , Jacobs Michael A. , Griffin Kenneth W. , van der Gaag Mark , Reyna Valerie F. , Beck Aaron T. , Silbersweig David A. , Walkup John T.
Published: January 2015

Objective

The onset of psychosis typically occurs during adolescence or early adulthood and can have a detrimental impact on social and cognitive development. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) shows promise in reducing the risk of psychosis. Teaching families to apply CBT with their offspring may bolster therapeutic gains made in time‐limited treatment. We developed a comprehensive group‐and‐family‐based CBT (GF‐CBT) program that aims to facilitate psychosocial recovery, decrease symptoms and prevent transition to psychosis in youth at risk. GF‐CBT is grounded in ecological systems and cognitive theories, resilience models and research on information processing in delusions. The theoretical rationale and description of GF‐CBT are presented together with a pilot study that evaluated the program's feasibility and explored participants' outcomes.

Methods

Youth ages 16–21 at risk for psychosis and their families participated in an open trial with pre, post and 3‐month follow‐up assessments conducted by an independent evaluator. The Comprehensive Assessment of At‐Risk Mental States was the primary clinical outcome measure.

Results

All enrolled participants (n = 6) completed GF‐CBT and all remitted from at‐risk mental state (ARMS). As a group participants showed statistically significant decreases in attenuated psychotic symptoms, negative symptoms, depression, cognitive biases and improvements in functioning. Family members showed significant improvements in use of CBT skills, enhanced communication with their offspring, and greater confidence in their ability to help. Gains were maintained at follow‐up.

Conclusions

GF‐CBT may delay or prevent transition to psychosis in youth at risk, and potentially facilitate recovery from ARMS. More rigorous, controlled research is needed to further evaluate this program.
Predictors of outpatient mental health clinic follow‐up after hospitalization among Medicaid‐enrolled young adults
Authors: Marino Leslie , Wissow Lawrence S. , Davis Maryann , Abrams Michael T. , Dixon Lisa B. , Slade Eric P.
Published: January 2015

Aim

To assess demographic and clinical predictors of outpatient mental health clinic follow‐up after inpatient psychiatric hospitalization among Medicaid‐enrolled young adults.

Methods

Using logistic regression and administrative claims data from the Maryland public mental health system and Maryland Medicaid for young adults ages 18–26 who were enrolled in Medicaid (N = 1127), the likelihood of outpatient mental health follow‐up within 30 days after inpatient psychiatric hospitalization was estimated .

Results

Only 51% of the young adults had any outpatient mental health follow‐up visits within 30 days of discharge. Being black and having a co‐occurring substance use disorder diagnosis were associated with a lower probability of having a follow‐up visit (OR = 0.60, P < 0.01 and OR = 0.36, P < 0.01, respectively). In addition, those who utilized any outpatient public mental health services during the 180 days prior to their index hospitalization (N = 625, 55.4%) were more likely to have a follow‐up visit than those without prior outpatient use (OR = 2.45, P < 0.01). Prior Medicaid‐reimbursed primary care visits were not significantly associated with follow‐up.

Conclusions

In this predominantly urban, low‐income statewide sample of young adults hospitalized for serious psychiatric conditions, half did not connect with an outpatient mental healthcare provider following their discharge. Outpatient transition supports may be especially needed for young adults who were not receiving outpatient services prior to being admitted for psychiatric inpatient care, as well as for young adults with substance use disorders and African Americans.
Psychometric Properties and Responsiveness to Change of 15‐ and 28‐Item Versions of the SCORE: A Family Assessment Questionnaire
Authors: Hamilton Elena , Carr Alan , Cahill Paul , Cassells Ciara , Hartnett Dan
Published: January 2015

The SCORE (Systemic Clinical Outcome and Routine Evaluation) is a 40‐item questionnaire for completion by family members 12 years and older to assess outcome in systemic therapy. This study aimed to investigate psychometric properties of two short versions of the SCORE and their responsiveness to therapeutic change. Data were collected at 19 centers from 701 families at baseline and from 433 of these 3–5 months later. Results confirmed the three‐factor structure (strengths, difficulties, and communication) of the 15‐ and 28‐item versions of the SCORE. Both instruments had good internal consistency and test–retest reliability. They also showed construct and criterion validity, correlating with measures of parent, child, and family adjustment, and discriminating between clinical and nonclinical cases. Total and factor scales of the SCORE‐15 and ‐28 were responsive to change over 3–5 months of therapy. The SCORE‐15 and SCORE‐28 are brief psychometrically robust family assessment instruments which may be used to evaluate systemic therapy.
Short‐Term Resilience Processes in the Family
Authors: Bai Sunhye , Repetti Rena L.
Published: January 2015

The authors review naturalistic studies of short‐term processes that appear to promote resilience in children in the context of everyday family life and argue that warm and supportive family interactions foster resilience through their cumulative impact on children's emotional and physiological stress response systems. In the short‐term, these family interactions promote the experience and expression of positive emotion and healthy patterns of diurnal cortisol. Over time, these internal resources – a propensity to experience positive emotion and a well‐functioning hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis system – enhance a child's capacity to avoid, or limit, the deleterious effects of adversity. This article highlights naturalistic research methods that are well suited to the study of these short‐term resilience processes and points to clinical applications of our conceptual and methodological approach.
Family Resilience: Moving into the Third Wave
Authors: Henry Carolyn S. , Sheffield Morris Amanda , Harrist Amanda W.
Published: January 2015

Family resilience has progressed through two waves and is poised for Wave 3. During Waves 1 and 2, family resilience perspectives were conceptualized, researched, and applied as a strengths‐based approach focused on positive family adaptation despite significant risk using an integration of concepts from individual resilience, general systems perspectives on families, and family stress theory. For Wave 3, the authors advocate for increased consistency in terminology and present the family resilience model (FRM) within which existing models interface with family adaptive systems (meaning systems, emotion systems, control systems, maintenance systems, and family stress‐response systems). The authors also argue for increased focus on trajectories and cascades, and enhanced prevention, intervention, and policy. The authors provide a hypothetical case study applying the FRM.
MicroRNAs are differentially deregulated in mammary malignant phyllodes tumour
Authors: Tsang Julia Y S , Ni Yun‐Bi , Ng Enders KO , Shin Vivian Y , Mak Ko‐Fung , Go Edna May L , Tawasil John , Chan Siu‐Ki , Ko Chun‐Wai , Kwong Ava , Tse Gary M
Published: January 2015

Aims

MicroRNAs (miRs) have been shown to play important roles in tumour progression. Their expression pattern can be useful for cancer classification. However, little is known about miRs in mammary phyllodes tumours (PT).

Methods and results

In this study, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based miR profiling was performed in a small PT cohort to identify deregulated miRs in malignant PT. The purported roles and targets of these miRs were further validated. Unsupervised clustering of miR expression profiling segregated PT into different grades, implicating the miR profile in PT classification. Among the deregulated miRs, miR‐21, miR‐335 and miR‐155 were validated to be higher in malignant than in lower‐grade PT in the independent cohort by quantitative PCR (qPCR) (P ≤ 0.032). Their expression correlated with some of the malignant histological features, including high stromal cellularity, nuclear pleomorphism and mitosis. Subsequent analysis of their downstream proteins, namely PTEN for miR‐21/miR‐155 and Rb for miR‐335, also showed an independent significant negative association between miR and protein expression.

Conclusions

Differential expression of miRs in PT could be useful in diagnosis and grading of PT. Their deregulated expression, together with the altered downstream targets, implicated their active involvement in PT malignant transformation.
Biobrane™ and skin staples: beware of necrotic ulceration
Authors: Hyland Ela J , Maze Deborah , Lawrence Torey , Harvey John G , Holland Andrew JA
Published: January 2015

Biobrane™ is a product used for temporary wound coverage post major paediatric burn wound debridement. We report two cases of necrotic ulceration associated with the use of Biobrane™ with skin staples. We suggest securing Biobrane™ with alternatives such as adhesive tapes and glue to prevent the occurrence of this adverse outcome.
Selective Authenticity: Civil War Reenactors and Credible Reenactments
Authors: Hall Gregory
Published: January 2015

This article addresses authenticity and how it is selectively used by Civil War reenactors to create credible reenactments. The Civil War provides a structured set of scenarios for reenactors to use as a backdrop for their participation. Some use this backdrop to bring objects to the forefront and others use this setting as a way to interact with an audience person to person. This research indicates that authenticity may come through on different levels for individuals participating in the same activity. An authentic experience or object is authentic because it has an important immediate meaning. The objects and narratives displayed by reenactors may be set in specific history but this does not mean that these same objects and narratives are part of that history. This paper contributes to the study of authenticity by examining groups of Civil War reenactors and where their focus of authenticity lies whether it is on authentic objects or interactions.
Do Positive Feelings Hurt? Disaggregating Positive and Negative Components of Intergenerational Ambivalence
Authors: Gilligan Megan , Suitor J. Jill , Feld Scott , Pillemer Karl
Published: January 2015

Ambivalence has become an important conceptual development in the study of parent–adult child relations, with evidence highlighting that intergenerational relationships are characterized by a mix of positive and negative components. Recent studies have shown that ambivalence has detrimental consequences for both parents' and adult children's psychological well‐being. The underlying assumption of this line of research is that psychological distress results from holding simultaneous positive and negative feelings toward a parent or child. The authors question this assumption and explore alternative interpretations by disaggregating the positive and negative dimensions commonly used to create indirect measures of intergenerational ambivalence. Data for the analyses were collected from 254 older mothers and a randomly selected adult child from each of the families. The findings suggest that the negative component is primarily responsible for the association between indirect measures of ambivalence and psychological well‐being. Implications of these findings for the study of intergenerational ambivalence are discussed.
Marginal Structural Models: An Application to Incarceration and Marriage During Young Adulthood
Authors: Bacak Valerio , Kennedy Edward H.
Published: January 2015

Advanced methods for panel data analysis are commonly used in research on family life and relationships, but the fundamental issue of simultaneous time‐dependent confounding and mediation has received little attention. In this article the authors introduce inverse‐probability‐weighted estimation of marginal structural models, an approach to causal analysis that (unlike conventional regression modeling) appropriately adjusts for confounding variables on the causal pathway linking the treatment with the outcome. They discuss the need for marginal structural models in social science research and describe their estimation in detail. Substantively, the authors contribute to the ongoing debate on the effects of incarceration on marriage by applying a marginal structural model approach to panel data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (N = 4,781). In line with the increasing evidence on the collateral consequences of contact with the criminal justice system, the authors find that incarceration is associated with reduced chances of entering marriage.
Theatre of paediatric surgery
Authors: McBride Craig A , Holland Andrew JA
Published: January 2015

In the 50 years since the first edition of this journal, operative paediatric surgery has undergone radical change. Many of the most common instruments are unchanged, both as a testament to their utility and in recognition of past surgeons remembered eponymously. Surrounding that basic core of instruments, theatre has changed radically as new tools and techniques have arisen. Surgeons have come down from their pedestals, recognising surgery as a team sport rather than a solo performance. More than half of the current paediatric surgical trainees are women, a higher proportion than in any other craft group of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The appearance, and rapid development, of laparoscopy is to many observers the most notable change in surgery over the last 50 years. Placed in its context though, it is simply the most prominent example of a frameshift in surgical thinking. The patient as a whole is now the focus, rather than just the disease. Recent developments are as much about minimising harm to normal tissues as they are about extirpating pathology. As a surgical maxim, ‘Primum non nocere’ is even more in evidence in 2015 than it was in 1965.
Diagnosis of pancreatitis in dogs and cats
Authors: Xenoulis P. G.
Published: January 2015

Pancreatitis is the most common disorder of the exocrine pancreas in both dogs and cats. Ante‐mortem diagnosis of canine and feline pancreatitis can be challenging. The clinical picture of dogs and cats with pancreatitis varies greatly (from very mild to severe or even fatal) and is characterised by non‐specific findings. Complete blood count, serum biochemistry profile and urinalysis should always be performed in dogs and cats suspected of having pancreatitis, although findings are not‐specific for pancreatitis. Serum amylase and lipase activities and trypsin‐like immunoreactivity (TLI) concentrations have no or only limited clinical value for the diagnosis of pancreatitis in either dogs or cats. Conversely, serum pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (PLI) concentration is currently considered to be the clinicopathological test of choice for the diagnosis of canine and feline pancreatitis. Abdominal radiography is a useful diagnostic tool for the exclusion of other diseases that may cause similar clinical signs to those of pancreatitis. Abdominal ultrasonography can be very useful for the diagnosis of pancreatitis, but this depends largely on the clinician's experience. Histopathological examination of the pancreas is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis and classification of pancreatitis, but it is not without limitations. In clinical practice, a combination of careful evaluation of the animal's history, serumPLIconcentration and abdominal ultrasonography, together with pancreatic cytology or histopathology when indicated or possible, is considered to be the most practical and reliable means for an accurate diagnosis or exclusion of pancreatitis compared with other diagnostic modalities.
Management of acute pancreatitis in dogs: a critical appraisal with focus on feeding and analgesia
Authors: Mansfield C. , Beths T.
Published: January 2015

Knowledge about acute pancreatitis has increased recently in both the medical and veterinary fields. Despite this expansion of knowledge, there are very few studies on treatment interventions in naturally occurring disease in dogs. As a result, treatment recommendations are largely extrapolated from experimental rodent models or general critical care principles. General treatment principles involve replacing fluid losses, maintaining hydrostatic pressure, controlling nausea and providing pain relief. Specific interventions recently advocated in human medicine include the use of neurokinin‐1 antagonists for analgesia and early interventional feeding. The premise for early feeding is to improve the health of the intestinal tract, as unhealthy enterocytes are thought to perpetuate systemic inflammation. The evidence for early interventional feeding is not supported by robust clinical trials to date, but in humans there is evidence that it reduces hospitalisation time and in dogs it is well tolerated. This article summarises the major areas of management of acute pancreatitis in dogs and examines the level of evidence for each recommendation.
Pancreatitis and triaditis in cats: causes and treatment
Authors: Simpson K. W.
Published: January 2015

Pancreatitis in cats is frequently accompanied by concurrent disease in other organ systems. Co‐morbidities include hepatic lipidosis, inflammatory liver disease, bile duct obstruction, diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease, vitamin deficiency (B12/cobalamin, folate or K), intestinal lymphoma, nephritis, pulmonary thromboembolism and pleural and peritoneal effusions. “Triaditis” is the term used to describe concurrent inflammation of the pancreas, liver and small intestines. Triaditis has been reported in 50 to 56% of cats diagnosed with pancreatitis and 32 to 50% of those with cholangitis/inflammatory liver disease. A definitive diagnosis of triaditis is based on the histopathological evaluation of each organ. However, the specific conditions of each organ that constitute a diagnosis of triaditis remains to be defined. While the aetiopathogenesis of pancreatitis and its relationship to inflammation in other organ systems is unclear, preliminary studies point to a heterogeneous group of conditions with differential involvement of host inflammatory and immune responses and enteric bacteria. Comprehensive, prospective studies that simultaneously evaluate the presence of predefined clinical, clinicopathological and histopathological abnormalities, coupled with high‐resolution evaluation of pancreaticobiliary morphology, immunological profiling and screening for bacterial colonisation are required to advance diagnosis and therapy.
Predictors of Improvement in Sexual Function of Women with Urinary Incontinence After Treatment with Pelvic Floor Exercises: A Secondary Analysis
Authors: Sacomori Cinara , Cardoso Fernando Luiz
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Women with urinary incontinence (UI) frequently present with complaints of sexual problems.

Aim

To evaluate the predictors of sexual function improvement after participating in three physical therapy sessions and performing home-based pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) for the treatment of female UI.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of a randomized trial with a 3-month follow-up in which the sexual function of 54 women with UI was evaluated. These women joined three supervised physiotherapy sessions that included PFME and health education during 1 month, with a 15-day interval between each session, and kept practicing home-based PFME for a further 2 months.

Main Outcome Measure

Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Quotient, the pelvic floor muscle strength was measured using the modified Oxford scale, and UI was assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire.

Results

The mean of sexual quotient score improved after treatment (P = 0.001). With respect to specific domains of sexual function, improvement was observed only in the questions about sexual desire, arousal/excitement, and orgasm. Before treatment, 18 women (33.3%) were classified as having sexual dysfunction, and after treatment, eight remained with sexual dysfunction and two other joined this category (total of 18.5%). Those women who had sexual dysfunction at baseline experienced a higher level of improvement of the sexual quotient compared with those without sexual dysfunction (P = 0.001, 95% CI = 9.1–31.9). A multivariate linear regression with backward elimination revealed the following predictors of improvement of the sexual quotient: higher parity, higher adherence to PFME, improvement in the strength of PFM, and a decrease in the frequency of urine leakage (R2 = 0.497).

Conclusion

PFME was more beneficial with regard to sexual function in those women who presented with sexual dysfunction at baseline.
Systematic Review of Prognostic Factors for Mortality in Dogs with Immune‐mediated Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Swann J.W. , Skelly B.J.
Published: January 2015

Background

Treatment of dogs with primary immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is difficult and frequently unrewarding. Prognostic factors have been evaluated in a number of previous studies, and identification of such factors would be beneficial to enable selection of appropriate therapeutic regimens and supportive care.

Objectives

The aim of the current study was to undertake a critical appraisal of the risk of bias in evidence relating to prognostic indicators for mortality in dogs with IMHA.

Animals

Three hundred and eighty client‐owned dogs with spontaneous primary idiopathic IMHA reported in 6 previous studies.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to evaluate evidence relating to prognostic factors for mortality in dogs with primary IMHA. Search tools were employed to identify articles and a validated appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of individual studies by considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, measurement of prognostic, outcome and confounding variables, and statistical methods.

Results

Few studies evaluated prognostic indicators for IMHA in dogs, and all of these suffered from methodologic flaws in at least 1 major area. Fifteen different variables were identified as prognostic indicators, with 2 variables identified by >1 study.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

There are few pieces of high‐quality evidence available to enable estimation of prognosis for dogs presenting with primary IMHA.
Voluntary Surveillance Program for Equine Influenza Virus in the United States from 2010 to 2013
Authors: Pusterla N. , Kass P.H. , Mapes S. , Wademan C. , Akana N. , Barnett C. , MacKenzie C. , Vaala W.
Published: January 2015

Background

Recent surveillance studies for equine respiratory viruses have shown that equine influenza virus (EIV) continues to be a prevalent respiratory virus of equids throughout the United States and Europe.

Objectives

To gain a better understanding of the prevalence and epidemiology of EIV shed by horses, mules and donkeys in the United States from March 2010 to November 2013.

Animals

2,605 equids.

Methods

Nasal secretions from index cases with acute onset of respiratory disease were tested by qPCR for EIV. Multilevel logistic regression was used to model the association between EIV status and prevalence factors. Furthermore, observations from EIV‐positive study horses were compared to previous data from March 2008 to February 2010.

Results

A total of 230 (9.7%) index cases tested qPCR positive for EIV. A higher‐than‐expected proportion of EIV qPCR‐positive horses occurred in the 1–5, 6–10, and 11–15 age groups when compared to the <1 year of age group. Fever, nasal discharge and coughing were positively associated with EIV‐positive horses. EIV qPCR‐positive study cases were significantly older and more often vaccinated against EIV compared to EIV qPCR‐positive animals from the 2008‐2010 study period.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study provides valuable and contemporary information on the frequency of EIV detected by qPCR in the United States. The results also underscore that older and previously vaccinated horses were susceptible to EIV.
Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations of EquineCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosisIsolates (1996–2012)
Authors: Rhodes D.M. , Magdesian K.G. , Byrne B.A. , Kass P.H. , Edman J. , Spier S.J.
Published: January 2015

Background

Few studies report the minimum inhibitory concentrations for antimicrobials against equineCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosisisolates.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate trends in the in vitro activities of 20 antimicrobials against equineCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosisisolates from 1996 to 2012 and to determine if a relationship exists between the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and location of the abscess.

Animals

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosisisolates from 196 horses with naturally occurring disease.

Methods

Retrospective and cross‐sectional design. Medical records were reviewed to obtain clinical andMICdata. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined by the microdilution technique. TheMICresults over 3 periods were compared (1996–2001, 2002–2006, 2007–2012).

Results

The MIC90values for clinically relevant antimicrobials were as follows: chloramphenicol ≤4 μg/mL, enrofloxacin ≤0.25 μg/mL, gentamicin ≤1 μg/mL, penicillin =0.25 μg/mL, rifampin ≤1 μg/mL, tetracycline ≤2 μg/mL, trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMS) ≤0.5 μg/mL, ceftiofur =2 μg/mL, and doxycycline ≤2 μg/mL. There were no significant changes inMICresults over the study period. There was no relationship betweenMICpatterns and abscess location.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

TheMIC50andMIC90values of antimicrobials evaluated in this study for equine isolates ofC. pseudotuberculosisdid not vary over time. Abscess location was not associated with differentMICpatterns in cultured isolates. Several commonly used antimicrobials are active in vitro againstC. pseudotuberculosisin vitro.
Inferring the mode of origin of polyploid species from next‐generation sequence data
Authors: Roux Camille , Pannell John R.
Published: January 2015

Many eukaryote organisms are polyploid. However, despite their importance, evolutionary inference of polyploid origins and modes of inheritance has been limited by a need for analyses of allele segregation at multiple loci using crosses. The increasing availability of sequence data for nonmodel species now allows the application of established approaches for the analysis of genomic data in polyploids. Here, we ask whether approximate Bayesian computation (ABC), applied to realistic traditional and next‐generation sequence data, allows correct inference of the evolutionary and demographic history of polyploids. Using simulations, we evaluate the robustness of evolutionary inference byABCfor tetraploid species as a function of the number of individuals and loci sampled, and the presence or absence of an outgroup. We find thatABCadequately retrieves the recent evolutionary history of polyploid species on the basis of both old and new sequencing technologies. The application ofABCto sequence data from diploid and polyploid species of the plant genusCapsellaconfirms its utility. Our analysis strongly supports an allopolyploid origin ofC. bursa‐pastorisabout 80 000 years ago. This conclusion runs contrary to previous findings based on the same data set but using an alternative approach and is in agreement with recent findings based on whole‐genome sequencing. Our results indicate thatABCis a promising and powerful method for revealing the evolution of polyploid species, without the need to attribute alleles to a homeologous chromosome pair. The approach can readily be extended to more complex scenarios involving higher ploidy levels.
A BTP1 prophage gene present in invasive non‐typhoidal Salmonella determines composition and length of the O‐antigen of the lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Kintz Erica , Davies Mark R. , Hammarlöf Disa L. , Canals Rocío , Hinton Jay C. D. , van der Woude Marjan W.
Published: January 2015

Salmonella Typhimurium isolate D23580 represents a recently identified ST313 lineage of invasive non‐typhoidal Salmonellae (iNTS). One of the differences between this lineage and other non‐iNTS S. Typhimurium isolates is the presence of prophage BTP1. This prophage encodes a gtrC gene, implicated in O‐antigen modification. GtrCBTP1 is essential for maintaining O‐antigen length in isolate D23580, since a gtrBTP1 mutant yields a short O‐antigen. This phenotype can be complemented by gtrCBTP1 or very closely related gtrC genes. The short O‐antigen of the gtrBTP1 mutant was also compensated by deletion of the BTP1 phage tailspike gene in the D23580 chromosome. This tailspike protein has a putative endorhamnosidase domain and thus may mediate O‐antigen cleavage. Expression of the gtrCBTP1 gene is, in contrast to expression of many other gtr operons, not subject to phase variation and transcriptional analysis suggests that gtrC is produced under a variety of conditions. Additionally, GtrCBTP1 expression is necessary and sufficient to provide protection against BTP1 phage infection of an otherwise susceptible strain. These data are consistent with a model in which GtrCBTP1 mediates modification of the BTP1 phage O‐antigen receptor in lysogenic D23580, and thereby prevents superinfection by itself and other phage that uses the same O‐antigen co‐receptor.
New evidence for the potential role ofCulex pipiensmosquitoes in the transmission cycle ofWestNile virus inTunisia
Authors: KRIDA G. , RHIM A. , DAABOUB J. , FAILLOUX A.‐B. , BOUATTOUR A.
Published: January 2015

Physiological and molecular characteristics of natural populations ofCulex pipiensLinnaeus, 1758 (Diptera:Culicidae) were investigated to elucidate how this species is potentially involved in the transmission ofWestNile virus inTunisia. A total of 215Cx. pipiensfemales from 11 breeding habitats were analysed in the laboratory to estimate autogeny and stenogamy rates. They were tested individually for the locusCQ11to distinguish between the twoCx. pipiensforms,pipiensandmolestus. All testedCx. pipienspopulations were stenogamous. Females from underground breeding sites were all autogeneous, whereas females from above‐ground habitats were mostly anautogeneous. Of all the females tested, 59.7% were identified aspipiens, 22.4% asmolestus, and 17.9% as hybridpipiens/molestus. Furthermore, bothCx. pipiensforms and their hybrids were found to co‐occur in sympatry in all sites. The results of this study represent the first evidence that bothCx. pipiensforms and their hybrids are present inTunisia. Because hybrids able to act as bridge vectors are present in all studied habitats,Tunisia can be considered to have a high degree of receptivity for the establishment ofWestNile virus zoonotic cycles.
Patient perspectives of a young adult renal clinic: A mixed‐methods evaluation
Authors: Tong Allison , Gow Kate , Wong Germaine , Henning Paul , Carroll Robert
Published: January 2015

Aim

We aimed to evaluate a young adult renal clinic (YAC) intervention that included a multidisciplinary clinic and social programme.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews and surveys (Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL)‐36, Time Trade‐Off (TTO) and Morisky 8‐Item Medication Adherence Questionnaire) were conducted with 15 patients aged 18 to 26 years with chronic kidney disease Stages 1–5, 5D and 5T before and after they attended two YACs.

Results

We identified six themes: gaining confidence (encouraging self‐expression, exchanging experiential knowledge, helping others, positive reflection and optimism); social connectedness; appreciating a welcoming environment; competing priorities; avoiding the sick identity; and relational boundaries. There were no significant improvements in the overall utility‐based quality of life (QOL) scores (TTO: 0.72 (standard deviation (SD): 0.34) and 0.76 (SD: 0.30), P = 0.70) and the proportion of participants achieving medium to high medication adherence (n = 7, 46.7% vs n = 8, 53.3%, P = 0.72). Similar findings were observed for KDQOL domains.

Conclusion

The impact of the YAC on QOL and adherence is unclear. However, patients can develop coping mechanisms and derive psychosocial benefits such as optimism. Some are conscious about respecting the privacy of others or want to disassociate themselves from the ‘disease’. Strategies to strengthen rapport, confidence and sense of ‘normality’ and to destigmatize the illness may enhance the effectiveness of a YAC.
THE EFFECTS OF JUDICIAL TRANSPARENCY ON PUBLIC TRUST: EVIDENCE FROM A FIELD EXPERIMENT
Authors: GRIMMELIKHUIJSEN STEPHAN , KLIJN ALBERT
Published: January 2015

Trust in judges is needed for voluntary acceptance of judicial decisions, and judicial transparency is thought to strengthen trust. It exposes the public to symbols that embrace a ‘myth of legality’ which is expected to have a positive effect on trust. We assess a specific understanding of transparency and trust by looking at the moderating effect of knowledge and predisposition to trust. We report on a field experiment which investigates the effect of a Dutch television series on trust. Findings show that judicial transparency indeed has a positive effect on trust. Moreover, our analysis demonstrates that it has the strongest effects on individuals with medium prior knowledge about the judiciary. However, higher predisposition to trust mitigated the effect of transparency, indicating a ceiling effect. This sustains the idea that the unique traits of visual judicial transparency expose typical judicial symbols that imply that impartiality which increases trust in judges.
Factors associated with good adherence to self‐care behaviours amongst adolescents with food allergy
Authors: Jones Christina J. , Llewellyn Carrie D. , Frew Anthony J. , Du Toit George , Mukhopadhyay Somnath , Smith Helen
Published: January 2015

Background

Our understanding of factors which affect adherence to health sustaining self‐care behaviours in adolescents with food allergy is limited. This study used the Health Belief Model to explore the relationship between food allergic adolescents' health beliefs, demographic, structural and social psychological factors with adherence to self‐care behaviours, including allergen avoidance and carrying emergency medication.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study of 188 13‐ to 19‐ olds identified from hospital prescribed auto‐injectable epinephrine for food allergy. Data were collected on demographics, structural factors, social psychological factors, health beliefs and current adherence behaviour using a postal questionnaire.

Results

Full adherence was reported by 16% of participants. Multivariate analysis indicated that adherence was more likely to be reported if the adolescents belonged to a support group (OR = 2.54, (1.04, 6.20) 95% CI), had an anaphylaxis management plan (OR = 3.22, (1.18, 8.81) 95% CI), perceived their food allergy to be more severe (OR = 1.24, (1.01, 1.52) 95% CI) and perceived fewer barriers to disease management (OR = 0.87, (0.79, 0.96) 95% CI).

Conclusions

Membership of a patient support group and having an anaphylaxis management plan were associated with good adherence to self‐care behaviours in adolescents with food allergy. Our results suggest that interventions to improve provision and utilisation of management plans, address adolescents' perceptions of the severity of anaphylaxis and reduce barriers to disease management may facilitate good adherence behaviours than focussing on knowledge‐based interventions.
Transition to propofol after sevoflurane anesthesia to prevent emergence agitation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Costi David , Ellwood James , Wallace Andrew , Ahmed Samira , Waring Lynne , Cyna Allan
Published: January 2015

Background

Emergence agitation (EA) is a common behavioral disturbance after sevoflurane anesthesia in children. Propofol 1 mg·kg−1 bolus at the end of sevoflurane anesthesia has had mixed results in reducing the incidence of EA, whereas propofol infusion throughout anesthesia maintenance seems effective but is more complex to administer. If a simple, short transition to propofol anesthesia was found to be effective in reducing EA, this could enhance the recovery of children following sevoflurane anesthesia. We therefore aimed to determine whether transition to propofol over 3 min at the end of sevoflurane anesthesia reduces the incidence of EA in children.

Methods

In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 230 children aged 1–12 years, undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans under sevoflurane anesthesia were randomized to receive either propofol 3 mg·kg−1 over 3 min (propofol group), or no propofol (control group), at the end of sevoflurane anesthesia. EA was assessed by a blinded assessor using the Pediatric Emergence Anesthesia Delirium (PAED) scale and the Watcha scale until 30 min after emergence. EA on the PAED scale was defined as a PAED score >12. EA on the Watcha scale was defined as a score ≥3. Times to emergence, postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge, and discharge home were also recorded.

Results

Data were analyzed for 218 children. The incidence of EA was lower in the propofol group on both PAED (29% vs 7%; relative risk = 0.25; 95% confidence interval 0.12–0.52; P < 0.001) and Watcha (39% vs 15%; relative risk = 0.37; 95% confidence interval 0.22–0.62; P < 0.001) scales. Duration and severity of EA were also reduced in the propofol group. Preplanned subgroup analyses for midazolam premedication, preexisting cognitive or behavioral disturbance, and age group did not alter our findings. Emergence time and time in PACU were both increased by a mean of 8 min in the propofol group (P < 0.001) with no difference in time to discharge home.

Conclusions

Transition to propofol at the end of sevoflurane anesthesia reduces the incidence of EA and improves the quality of emergence. There is a small increase in recovery time, but no delay in discharge home.
How Tolerant Can You Be? Carnap on Rationality
Authors: Steinberger Florian
Published: January 2015

In this paper I examine a neglected question concerning the centerpiece of Carnap's philosophy: the principle of tolerance. The principle of tolerance states that we are free to devise and adopt any well‐defined form of language or linguistic framework we please. A linguistic framework defines framework‐internal standards of correct reasoning that guide us in our first‐order scientific pursuits. The choice of a linguistic framework, on the other hand, is an ‘external’ question to be settled on pragmatic grounds and so not itself constrained by these (framework‐internal) standards. However, even if choosing a framework is a practical matter, we would nevertheless expect the process of framework selection to be subject to rational norms. But which norms might those be? And where do they come from? I begin by showing that these questions are crucial to the success of Carnap's entire philosophical project. I then offer a response on behalf of the Carnapian which guarantees the rationality of the process of framework selection, while remaining true to Carnap's firm commitment to tolerance.
Impossible Jobs or Impossible Tasks? Client Volatility and Frontline Policing Practice in Urban Riots
Authors: Morrell Kevin , Currie Graeme
Published: January 2015

Various public administration jobs are described as “impossible,” meaning that they have an unpopular or illegitimate client base, stakeholders have conflicting values, and leaders and their agency's mission are continually questioned. Although this framework is widely used, it has also become overgeneralized. The authors propose three theoretical extensions to understanding impossible jobs based on findings from a three‐year multimethod study of riot policing. First, a distinction can be drawn between impossible jobs and impossible tasks. Second, the relationship between impossible jobs and street‐level bureaucracy is clarified; the case of riot police shows that some street‐level bureaucrats face impossible tasks. Third, the authors show that the conceptualization of the client base has been overly static—in some situations, the client base fractures, or grows rapidly, and legitimacy can change in real time.