bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Test‐retest properties of the Patient Reported Outcomes, Burdens and Experiences (PROBE) questionnaire and its constituent domains
Authors: Chai‐Adisaksopha Chatree , Skinner Mark W. , Curtis Randall , Frick Neil , Nichol Michael B. , Noone Declan , O'Mahony Brian , Page David , Stonebraker Jeffrey , Thabane Lehana , Crowther Mark A. , Iorio Alfonso
Published: December 2018

Background

The Patient Reported Outcomes, Burdens and Experiences (PROBE) study aims to develop and validate questionnaire for assessing health status in patients with haemophilia and participants without bleeding disorders.

Objective

To investigate the test‐retest properties of the PROBE questionnaire.

Methods

The PROBE questionnaire covers four domains and is comprised of 29 questions. People with haemophilia (PWH) and participants without bleeding disorder were invited to participate in this study. All participants were asked to complete the PROBE questionnaire three times (paper‐based survey on two consecutive days: T1 and T2 and then a web‐based version: T3). Test‐retest properties and percentage agreement were analysed.

Results

A total of 63 participants were enrolled in this study with a median age of 50 (range: 17‐76) years. Of these, 30 (47.6%) were PWH. On the questions common to PWH and participants without bleeding disorder, Kappa coefficients ranged from 0.69 to 1.00, indicating substantial to almost perfect agreement (T1 vs T2). For haemophilia‐related questions (T1 vs T2), Kappa coefficients ranged from 0.5 to 1.0. Of these, 5 of 11 items were in perfect agreement (Kappa = 1.0). The web‐based questionnaire (T3) showed substantial to almost perfect agreement with the paper version (T1 test‐retest properties were comparable between PWH and individuals without a bleeding disorder).

Conclusions

The results suggest that PROBE is a reliable tool to assess patient‐reported outcomes for PWH and benchmark data in participants without bleeding disorder. The web‐based questionnaire and the standard paper‐based version can be used interchangeably.
Posturographic and ankle muscle activation characteristics in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Kurz Eduard , Herbsleb Marco , Gabriel Holger H. W. , Hilberg Thomas
Published: December 2018

Introduction

The objective of this work was to examine the interrelations of posturographic and surface EMG (SEMG) characteristics of ankle muscles in patients with haemophilia while standing naturally.

Methods

Surface EMG of five bilaterally recorded ankle muscles was conducted in 24 patients with haemophilia (PwH, age: 42 [11] years, mean [SD], 22 A, 2 B, 21 severe, 3 moderate) with median (quartiles) WFH orthopaedic joint score of 30 (20/39) points and 24 non‐haemophilic controls (Con, age: 42 [12]). Force plate (IBS) signals were captured simultaneously during bipedal stance with eyes open. Load proportion of the left and right sides as well as heel and forefoot were calculated via four independent pressure transducers. Overall, weight distribution (WD) indices are reported with higher results representing a poorer WD.

Results

Analyses of WD showed large differences between groups (PwH: 10.2 [5.4], Con: 5.2 [2.9], P < 0.001, d = 1.15). After clustering PwH, large effects (P = 0.02, ηp2 > 0.16) were found for amplitude ratios of the lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscle. In PwH, the degree of joint alteration of the right lower limb was associated with load proportion of the left side (ρ > 0.64, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with greater dysbalance showed higher forefoot loads and appeared to compensate their altered joint situations with considerably higher amplitude ratios of LG. Further studies should investigate whether therapeutic interventions could alter postural alignment and muscle activation and how these can influence patients’ joint function and symptoms.
High renal DC‐SIGN+ cell density is associated with severe renal lesions and poor prognosis in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: Wang Yuxi , Hu Zhizhi , Wu Jianliang , Wang Pengge , Yang Qian , Li Yueqiang , Zhu Fengming , Yang Juan , Deng Yuanjun , Han Min , Yao Ying , Zeng Rui , Pei Guangchang , Xu Gang
Published: December 2018

Background and aims

In this observational cohort study, we assessed the prognostic value of DC‐SIGN+ cells in the pathogenesis and progression of IgA nephropathy (IgAN).

Methods and results

A total of 139 adult IgAN patients were enrolled into this study from June 2009 to June 2010. We characterised DC‐SIGN+ cells by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence in renal biopsy tissue. Correlations between the DC‐SIGN, intercellular adhesion molecule 3 (ICAM‐3), CD4 and CD8 were evaluated. Patients were classified into the DC‐SIGNhigh and DC‐SIGNlow groups. Depending on an average of 100‐month follow‐up, the predictive value of DC‐SIGN+ cells in IgAN progression was analysed. DC‐SIGN+ cells were found frequently in IgAN kidneys while rarely observed in normal kidneys, and almost all DC‐SIGN+ cells expressed MHC‐II. We also found that DC‐SIGN+ cells were adjacent to ICAM‐3‐positive CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. The density of DC‐SIGN+ cells was positively and linearly correlated with the density of ICAM‐3+ cells, CD4+ cells and CD8+ cells in renal biopsy tissues. In the DC‐SIGNhigh group, the degree of renal lesion and inflammatory cell infiltration was more severe compared to the DC‐SIGNlow group. Patients in the DC‐SIGNhigh group also had increased incidences of deteriorating renal function during the follow up compared to patients in the DC‐SIGNlow group.

Conclusions

DC‐SIGN+ cells probably served as a potential contributor to exacerbate local inflammatory response. The density of DC‐SIGN+ cells was associated with the severity of renal lesions of the patients. High renal DC‐SIGN+ cell density might be used as a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with IgAN.
Circumventing regulatory safeguards:Laricobiusspp. and biocontrol of the hemlock woolly adelgid
Authors: Leppanen Christy , Frank David M. , Simberloff Daniel
Published: December 2018

Biological control entails introducing non‐native natural enemies to control weeds and pests. Instances of poorly regulated biocontrol have had harmful consequences leading to significant efforts to improve risk assessment of agents before release.

Laricobius naganoensis(Coleoptera: Derodontidae) was inadvertently imported to eastern North America withLaricobius osakensis, introduced from Japan to control the hemlock woolly adelgidAdelges tsugae(Hemiptera: Adelgidae). The United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) subsequently permitted introduction ofL. naganoensisas a biocontrol agent and contaminant, requiring no study or monitoring owing to difficulty of the effort required to distinguish it fromL. osakensis.

The Plant Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. § § 7701–7786) assigns U.S.D.A. responsibility for vetting and reducing risk from biocontrol agents while ensuring the process is transparent, accessible, and based on scientific evidence. Typically, release of a new agent involves a 30‐day period when the public may review and comment on an assessment of risk associated with the introduction, an Environmental Assessment (EA). No public review and comment period was allowed beforeL. naganoensis’introduction, and theEAwas not made public.

Biocontrol practitioners and stakeholders agree that critical scientific evaluation of multiple lines of evidence is necessary to evaluate risk associated with new introductions. The importance of accurate agent identification and avoidance of contamination has long been recognised, and procedures to minimise risk are well known. While such processes might be difficult to implement, those challenges should not justify a release that circumvents regulatory safeguards.
Ultrastructural and elemental characterization of the extracorporeal tube of the sessile rotifer Floscularia conifera (Rotifera: Gnesiotrocha)
Authors: Yang Hui , Hochberg Rick
Published: December 2018

Rotifers are aquatic microinvertebrates that live in the plankton or in the benthos, which may include a variety of macrophytes. Among these periphytic forms of rotifers, some have taken up a sessile existence and secrete protective tubes around their bodies. One type of tube common to species of Floscularia is made of small round pellets. To date, the building process and some fine structural details are known for Floscularia ringens, but many questions about the composition of the tube and its ultrastructure still remain unanswered. Here, we use transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) to study the ultrastructure of the pellets and their elemental composition, respectively, in the putative sister species, Floscularia conifera. We revealed several new details that add important information about the physiology of tube‐making in species of Floscularia. First, we note an inner secretory membrane that is thin, electron lucent, and supports the external pellets. The pellets are relatively consistent in size and have a small depression on their inner surface. All pellets are individually wrapped in a secretory membrane that completely encapsulates suspended materials collected from the surrounding water. Elemental signatures of pellets reveal they consist mostly of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O), with some silicon (Si) content that is likely the result of diatom shells. Other trace elements such as iron (Fe) and sodium (Na) are also present and likely the result of incorporated bacteria and suspended materials. When larval rotifers are cultured in filtered pond water, the pellets consist mostly of C and O, with little N and no Si; Fe is present in smaller amounts. These new discoveries provide a better understanding of the physiology of rotifer tube construction and tube composition, and their future utility in understanding if and how changes in freshwater environments might impact these factors.
The Transnational Constitution of Europe's Social Market Economies: A Question of Constitutional Imbalances?
Authors: Kjaer Poul F.
Published: December 2018

Throughout its history the European integration process has not undermined but rather strengthened the autonomy of member statesvis‐à‐viswider societal interests in relation to political economy, labour markets and social provisions. Both the ‘golden age nation state’ of the 1960s as well as the considerable transformations of member state political economies over the past decades, and especially after the euro‐crisis, was to a considerable degree orchestrated through transnational, most notably European, arrangements. In both cases the primary objective has been to strengthen state capacities of public power and law against the encroachment of private interests into the state. In spite of this continuity, considerable changes can be observed in the substantial economic policies advanced due to the switch from a Keynesian to a monetarist economic paradigm. It is suggested that the debate on constitutional imbalances between the EU's economic and social constitutions should be seen in this light.
A potential contribution of trappin‐2 to the development of vasculopathy in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Miyagawa T. , Asano Y. , Saigusa R. , Hirabayashi M. , Yamashita T. , Taniguchi T. , Takahashi T. , Nakamura K. , Miura S. , Yoshizaki A. , Miyagaki T. , Sato S.
Published: December 2018

Background

Trappin‐2/pre‐elafin is an endogenous inhibitor of human neutrophil elastase involved in inflammation, innate immunity and vascular remodelling, which consist of the complex pathological process of systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Objectives

To clarify the potential role of trappin‐2 in SSc.

Methods

Serum trappin‐2 levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 51 SSc and 18 healthy subjects. Trappin‐2 expression was evaluated in SSc lesional skin and cultured endothelial cells treated with FLI1 siRNA by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription‐real‐time PCR and/or immunoblotting. Friend leukaemia virus integration 1 (Fli1) binding to the PI3 promoter was assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation.

Results

Since serum trappin‐2 levels inversely correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate in SSc patients with renal dysfunction, SSc patients with normal renal function were analysed. Although serum trappin‐2 levels were comparable between diffuse cutaneous SSc, limited cutaneous SSc and control subjects, the prevalence of digital ulcers or elevated right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was significantly higher in SSc patients with elevated serum trappin‐2 levels than in those with normal levels. Furthermore, serum trappin‐2 levels were significantly increased in SSc patients with digital ulcers or elevated RVSP compared to those without. Moreover, serum trappin‐2 levels positively correlated with RVSP values in SSc patients. Importantly, trappin‐2 expression was enhanced in small vessels of SSc lesional skin. In cultured endothelial cells, trappin‐2 expression was elevated by gene silencing of FLI1 at mRNA and protein levels and Fli1 occupied the PI3 promoter.

Conclusions

Endothelial trappin‐2 up‐regulation partially due to Fli1 deficiency can be associated with the development of SSc vasculopathy.
Non‐genetic and genetic predictors of a superficial first basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Verkouteren J.A.C. , Pardo L.M. , Uitterlinden A.G. , Nijsten T.
Published: December 2018

Background

Several observational studies have suggested differences in the risk factor profile between patients with superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and non‐superficial BCCs.

Objective

To test the reproducibility of previous study findings and to find new genetic and non‐genetic predictors for patients with a superficial first BCC.

Methods

A total of 14.628 participants of northwestern European descent aged 45 years or older from a prospective population‐based cohort study (Rotterdam Study) were linked with the Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA) of whom 1528 were identified as BCC patients. After exclusion, 948 eligible BCC patients remained for further non‐genetic analyses and 1014 for genetic analyses. We included 11 phenotypic, environmental and tumour‐specific characteristics, and 20 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) as potential predictors for patients with a superficial first BCC. We performed binary logistic multivariable regression analyses.

Results

We found that patients with a superficial first BCC were significantly younger, almost two times more often female and 12–18 times more likely to have their BCC on the trunk or extremities than patients with a non‐superficial first BCC. One SNP (rs12203592), mapped to IRF4, looked promising (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.13–2.97, P‐value <0.05), but after adjustment for multiple testing, no significant differences in genetic make‐up between superficial BCC and non‐superficial BCC patients were found.

Conclusion

We conclude that patients with a superficial BCC differ from non‐superficial BCC patients with respect to environmental factors (tumour localization as a proxy for UVR exposure) and phenotypic characteristics (age and sex), but we found no difference in genotype. As superficial BCC patients develop their first BCCs at a younger age, they could be at higher lifetime risk for subsequent skin cancers and therefore be an important group for secondary prevention.
Reply to “Cognitive Health and Incarceration among Older Adults”
Authors: Ahalt Cyrus , Williams Brie A.
Published: December 2018

This letter comments on the letter by Shawnta Lloyd
Electrophysiological properties of identified oxytocin and vasopressin neurones
Authors: Armstrong William E. , Foehring Robert C. , Kirchner Matthew K. , Sladek Celia D.
Published: December 2018

To understand the contribution of intrinsic membrane properties to the different in vivo firing patterns of oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) neurones, in vitro studies are needed, where stable intracellular recordings can be made. Combining immunochemistry for OT and VP and intracellular dye injections allows characterisation of identified OT and VP neurones, and several differences between the two cell types have emerged. These include a greater transient K+ current that delays spiking to stimulus onset, and a higher Na+ current density leading to greater spike amplitude and a more stable spike threshold, in VP neurones. VP neurones also show a greater incidence of both fast and slow Ca2+‐dependent depolarising afterpotentials, the latter of which summate to plateau potentials and contribute to phasic bursting. By contrast, OT neurones exhibit a sustained outwardly rectifying potential (SOR), as well as a consequent depolarising rebound potential, not found in VP neurones. The SOR makes OT neurones more susceptible to spontaneous inhibitory synaptic inputs and correlates with a longer period of spike frequency adaptation in these neurones. Although both types exhibit prominent Ca2+‐dependent afterhyperpolarising potentials (AHPs) that limit firing rate and contribute to bursting patterns, Ca2+‐dependent AHPs in OT neurones selectively show significant increases during pregnancy and lactation. In OT neurones, but not VP neurones, AHPs are highly dependent on the constitutive presence of the second messenger, phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate, which permissively gates N‐type channels that contribute the Ca2+ during spike trains that activates the AHP. By contrast to the intrinsic properties supporting phasic bursting in VP neurones, the synchronous bursting of OT neurones has only been demonstrated in vitro in cultured hypothalamic explants and is completely dependent on synaptic transmission. Additional differences in Ca2+ channel expression between the two neurosecretory terminal types suggests these channels are also critical players in the differential release of OT and VP during repetitive spiking, in addition to their importance to the potentials controlling firing patterns.
Intracerebroventricular administration of sulphated cholecystokinin octapeptide induces anxiety‐like behaviour in goldfish
Authors: Sachuriga  , Iinuma Naoto , Shibata Haruki , Yoshida Daisuke , Konno Norifumi , Nakamachi Tomoya , Matsuda Kouhei
Published: December 2018

Sulphated cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK‐8s) is involved in feeding regulation as an anorexigenic neuropeptide in vertebrates. In rodents, i.c.v. administration of CCK‐8s has been shown to affect not only feeding behaviour, but also psychomotor activity. However, there is still no information available concerning the psychophysiological effects of CCK‐8s in goldfish. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the effect of synthetic goldfish (gf) CCK‐8s on psychomotor activity in this species. Intracerebroventricular administration of gfCCK‐8s at 0.1, 0.5 and 2.5 pmol g‐1 body weight (BW) did not affect swimming distance (locomotor activity). Because goldfish prefer the lower to the upper area of a tank, we used this as a preference test (upper/lower test) to assess anxiety‐like behaviour. Intracerebroventricular administration of gfCCK‐8s at 2.5 pmol g‐1 BW shortened the time spent in the upper area. The action of gfCCK‐8s mimicked that of FG‐7142 (the central‐type benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonist, an anxiogenic agent) at 5 and 10 pmol g‐1 BW. The anxiogenic‐like effect of gfCCK‐8s was abolished by treatment with the CCK receptor antagonist proglumide at 50 pmol g‐1 BW. We also investigated the localisation of CCK/gastrin‐like immunoreactivity in the goldfish brain. CCK/gastrin‐like immunoreactivity was observed in the anxiety‐related regions (the nucleus habenularis and the interpeduncular nucleus). These data indicate that gfCCK‐8s potently affects psychomotor activity in goldfish, and exerts an anxiogenic‐like effect via the CCK receptor‐signalling pathway.
A new approach to lower eyelid‐cheek junction rejuvenation
Authors: Liu Liu , Wang Heng , Wang Zhen‐Jun
Published: December 2018

Background

Anti‐aging in lower eyelid‐cheek junction area has always been the upmost widely sought of cosmetic surgery. Removal of orbital fat from inside or outside, removal of part of the skin or even the orbicularis muscle, superficial pull and deep fill and a series of surgical procedures like these have been or are becoming the mainstream of clinical practice. However, aging involves a variety of tissues and causes, which is a dynamic and continuous process. Conventional or a single method cannot fundamentally solve all of the problems of the aging in lower eyelid‐cheek junction area. Therefore, we propose a better‐organized surgical approach based on the whole anatomy of lower eyelid‐cheek junction area.

Methods

A total of 103 patients received lower eyelid‐cheek junction rejuvenation surgery from September 2014 to September 2017 in our department. Efficacy of surgeries was delineated and scored by both patients and surgeons.

Results

All patients of different ages, genders were relatively satisfied with the lower eyelid‐cheek junction rejuvenation surgery in our department. Patients with different past histories of cosmetic surgeries could all benefit from the lower eyelid‐cheek junction rejuvenation surgery.

Conclusion

Rejuvenation of lower eyelid‐cheek junction area should be based on a thorough understanding of periorbital anatomy, age‐related changes of the lid‐cheek junction, and the variables controlling lower lid tone and position. The surgical strategies are best used in a graded fashion.
The relation between androgenetic thin hair diagnosed by trichoscope and benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Monib Khaled Mohey Eldin , Hussein Mohamed Saber , Kandeel Wael Saber
Published: December 2018

Background

Androgenetic alopecia carries a major cosmetic disfigurement and benign prostatic hyperplasia is associated with many urinary tract symptoms and both diseases are mediated by dihydrotestosterone.

Objectives

The study aimed to determine the relationship between hair diameter in androgenetic alopecia diagnosed, by trichoscope, to benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms and signs.

Methods

Fifty androgenetic alopecia males and 50 normal males as control were included. We used trichoscope for hair examination, transrectal ultrasound for prostate volume, and urodynamic inspectoscope for urinary symptoms, serum total testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and total prostatic specific antigen were measured in blood samples. All participants answered the International prostate symptom score questionnaire and the International Index of Erectile Function score questionnaire.

Results

A significant difference between patient and control groups was detected as regards hair thickness (P = 0.001), prostatic volume (P = 0.013), urinary symptoms, prostatic specific antigen level (P = 0.015). A significant difference was detected between thin (<0.03 mm, n = 26) and medium to thick hair (>0.03, n = 24) subgroups of patients as regards age (P = 0.001), dihydrotestosterone level (P = 0.001), testosterone level (P = 0.001), and urinary symptoms (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Androgenetic alopecia patients with thin hair diagnosed by trichoscopy are more prone to prostatic enlargement and its related symptoms. Androgenetic alopecia severity can be diagnosed by trichoscopy in addition to Hamilton‐Norwood scale.
Influence of miR‐520e‐mediated MAPK signalling pathway on HBV replication and regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via targeting EphA2
Authors: Tian Jing‐hui , Liu Wen‐dong , Zhang Zhi‐yong , Tang Li‐hua , Li Dong , Tian Zhao‐ju , Lin Shao‐wei , Li Ying‐jie
Published: December 2018

We determined the role of miR‐520e in the replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. MiR‐520e and EPH receptor A2 (EphA2) in HBV‐positive HCC tissues and cells were detected, and we studied the impact of miR‐520e and the EphA2 receptor in cellular and murine HBV replication models. We find that MiR‐520e was upregulated and EphA2 was downregulated in HBV‐positive HCC tissues and cells. MiR‐520e was decreased in Huh7‐X and HepG2‐X cells in which HBx was stably expressed, but was dose‐dependently elevated after interfering with HBx. Additionally, miR‐520e mimic and si‐EphA2 groups were reduced in association with increases in HBV DNA content, HBsAg and HBeAg levels, cell proliferation and were enhanced in the expressions of EphA2, p‐p38MAPK/p38MAPK, phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (p‐ERK1/2)/ERK1/2 and cell apoptosis. Furthermore, si‐EphA2 reversed the promotion effect of miR‐520e inhibitor on HBV replication and tumour cell growth. Upregulating miR‐520e in rAAV8‐1.3HBV‐infected mouse resulted in reduced EphA2 in liver tissues and HBV DNA content in serum. We find that MiR‐520e was decreased in HBV‐positive HCC, while overexpression of miR‐520e blocked p38MAPK and ERK1/2 signalling pathways by an inhibitory effect on EphA2 and ultimately reduced HBV replication and inhibited tumour cell growth. These data indicate a role for miR‐520e in the regulation of HBV replication.
Allergen‐specific immunoglobulin E in sera of horses affected with insect bite hypersensitivity, severe equine asthma or both conditions
Authors: Verdon Maëva , Lanz Simone , Rhyner Claudio , Gerber Vinzenz , Marti Eliane
Published: December 2018

Background

Genetic, epidemiologic, and clinical evidence suggests that, in horses, there are manifestations of hypersensitivity that can occur together.

Objectives

To investigate whether concurrent insect bite hypersensitivity (IBH) and severe equine asthma (EA) is associated with higher allergen‐specific and total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentrations than only EA or IBH.

Animals

Healthy control horses (C, n = 40), horses with IBH (IBH, n = 24), severe EA (EA, n = 18), and both conditions (IBH/EA, n = 23) were included.

Methods

In our retrospective comparative study, sera from horses with signs of severe EA, IBH, and control animals were used. IgE specific for 15 recombinant (r) allergens as well as total serum IgE concentrations were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Group IBH (median sum r‐Culicoides IgE: optical density at 405 nm [OD405] = 3.54 [0.48‐15.07]) and group IBH/EA (OD405 = 4.55 [0.46‐17.15]) had significantly (P < .001) higher IgE against Culicoides r‐allergens than groups C (OD405 = 0.44 [0.21‐2.05]) and EA (OD405 = 0.6 [0.2‐2.9]). There were no significant (P > .05) differences between group IBH and group IBH/EA. No significant differences among the groups were found for the other r‐allergens or total serum IgE concentration. Compared to controls, horses with severe IBH had significantly increased IgE concentration to 5 Culicoides r‐allergens (P < .05), whereas horses with moderate IBH had significantly increased IgE concentration to only 3 Culicoides r‐allergens (P < .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Susceptibility of IBH‐affected horses to develop EA is likely not associated with IgE‐mediated immune reactions but with other immunopathological mechanisms.
Viral testing of 10 cases of Theiler's disease and 37 in‐contact horses in the absence of equine biologic product administration: A prospective study (2014‐2018)
Authors: Tomlinson Joy E. , Tennant Bud C. , Struzyna Alyssa , Mrad Dawn , Browne Nimet , Whelchel Dorothy , Johnson Philip J. , Jamieson Camilla , Löhr Christiane V. , Bildfell Robert , McKenzie Erica C. , Laverack Melissa , Renshaw Randall W. , Dubovi Edward , Kapoor Amit , Meirs Richard S. , Belgrave Rodney , Engiles Julie , Van de Walle Gerlinde R. , Divers Thomas J.
Published: December 2018

Background

A novel equine parvovirus (EqPV‐H) was recently discovered in the equine liver with Theiler's disease.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of EqPV‐H infection in naturally occurring Theiler's disease cases and in‐contact horses in the absence of historical equine biologic product administration.

Animals

Ten cases of Theiler's disease from 6 separate properties were included in the study, based on the criteria of acute onset of clinical signs of liver failure with laboratory or histopathologic findings characteristic of Theiler's disease and no history of receiving an equine biologic product within the preceding 4 months. In addition, 37 in‐contact horses from 4 of the 6 properties were screened for EqPV‐H infection and hepatitis.

Methods

In prospective case series, cases were diagnosed with Theiler's disease by the attending veterinarian and were tested for EqPV‐H by PCR of liver or serum. In‐contact horses were assessed via serum chemistry and PCR at the attending veterinarian's discretion. Hepatitis was defined as serum gamma‐glutamyltransferase activity above reference interval. The association of EqPV‐H with hepatitis was determined by Fisher's exact test.

Results

Nine of 10 (90%) Theiler's disease cases and 54% of tested in‐contact horses were EqPV‐H positive. Hepatitis was significantly associated with EqPV‐H infection (P = .036).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Although further study is required to identify EqPV‐H as the causative agent of Theiler's disease, EqPV‐H appears strongly associated with cases of fatal Theiler's disease and subclinical hepatitis in horses in contact with those cases. The prevalence of EqPV‐H infection on affected properties can be high.
Influence of dietary restriction and low‐intensity exercise on weight loss and insulin sensitivity in obese equids
Authors: Bamford Nicholas J. , Potter Samantha J. , Baskerville Courtnay L. , Harris Patricia A. , Bailey Simon R.
Published: December 2018

Background

The importance of including exercise with dietary modification for the management of obese equids is not clearly understood.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of a practical low‐intensity exercise regimen, in addition to dietary restriction, on indices of insulin sensitivity (SI) and plasma adipokine concentrations in obese equids.

Animals

Twenty‐four obese (body condition score [BCS] ≥ 7/9) horses and ponies.

Methods

Over a 12‐week period, animals received either dietary restriction only (DIET) or dietary restriction plus low‐intensity exercise (DIET+EX). All animals were provided with a restricted ration of grass hay at 1.25% body weight (BW) on a dry matter basis, providing 82.5% estimated digestible energy requirements. The DIET+EX group undertook low‐intensity exercise 5 days per week on an automated horse walker. Before and after weight loss, total body fat mass (TBFM) was determined, indices of SI were calculated using minimal model analysis of a frequently sampled IV glucose tolerance test, and adipokines plus inflammatory biomarkers were measured using validated assays.

Results

Decreases in BCS, BW, and TBFM were similar between groups (all P > .05). After weight loss, animals in both groups had decreased basal insulin and leptin concentrations, and increased adiponectin concentrations (all P < .001). Furthermore, animals in the DIET+EX group had significantly improved SI and decreased serum amyloid A concentrations relative to animals in the DIET group (both P = .01).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Regular low‐intensity exercise provided additional health benefits compared with dietary restriction alone in this population of obese equids.
Strangles, convalescent Streptococcus equi subspecies equi M antibody titers, and presence of complications
Authors: Delph Katherine M. , Beard Laurie A. , Trimble Amanda C. , Sutter Maureen E. , Timoney John F. , Morrow Jennifer K.
Published: December 2018

Background

Streptococcus equi subspecies equi infection elicits M protein antibody titers in equids. Interpretation of titers is not generally accepted.

Hypothesis

The magnitude of S. equi M protein (SeM) antibody titer after infection (titer ≥1:12 800) will be useful to monitor for the presence of complications or the risk of development of complications.

Animals

Forty‐eight horses on 1 farm involved in strangles outbreak.

Methods

Clinical and observational study. S. equi M protein antibody titers were measured on all horses 8 weeks after infection and select horses 12 and 28 weeks after infection. Horses were categorized: no disease, uncomplicated case, persistent guttural pouch (GP) infection, or complicated cases (metastatic abscesses, purpura hemorrhagica, secondary infections, and dysphagia). Category was compared to titer.

Results

Twenty‐eight of 48 (58%) developed clinical signs of S. equi infection. Of those, 11 (39%) had uncomplicated strangles, 9 (21%) had persistent GP infection, 5 (18%) were complicated cases, and 3 (11%) had both persistent GP infection and complications. Thirty‐three percent of horses (16 of 48) had SeM antibody titers ≥1:12 800 eight weeks after infection. Of horses with titers ≥1:12 800, 6 of 16 had evidence of complications. Of complicated cases, 6 of 8 had titers ≥1:12 800. In this outbreak, the sensitivity (75%; 95% CI [confidence interval] 45‐105) for a SeM antibody titer ≥1:12 800 detecting complications was higher than the specificity (43%; 95% CI 23‐64).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This outbreak demonstrates that SeM antibody titers can be increased after infection (≥1:12 800) in the absence of complications of strangles.
The antibiotic action of methylarsenite is an emergent property of microbial communities
Authors: Chen Jian , Yoshinaga Masafumi , Rosen Barry P.
Published: December 2018

Arsenic is the most ubiquitous environmental toxin. Here, we demonstrate that bacteria have evolved the ability to use arsenic to gain a competitive advantage over other bacteria at least twice. Microbes generate toxic methylarsenite (MAs(III)) by methylation of arsenite (As(III)) or reduction of methylarsenate (MAs(V)). MAs(III) is oxidized aerobically to MAs(V), making methylation a detoxification process. MAs(V) is continually re‐reduced to MAs(III) by other community members, giving them a competitive advantage over sensitive bacteria. Because generation of a sustained pool of MAs(III) requires microbial communities, these complex interactions are an emergent property. We show that reduction of MAs(V) by Burkholderia sp. MR1 produces toxic MAs(III) that inhibits growth of Escherichia coli in mixed culture. There are three microbial mechanisms for resistance to MAs(III). ArsH oxidizes MAs(III) to MAs(V). ArsI degrades MAs(III) to As(III). ArsP confers resistance by efflux. Cells of E. coli expressing arsI, arsH or arsP grow in mixed culture with Burkholderia sp. MR1 in the presence of MAs(V). Thus MAs(III) has antibiotic properties: a toxic organic compound produced by one microbe to kill off competitors. Our results demonstrate that life has adapted to use environmental arsenic as a weapon in the continuing battle for dominance.
III. THE ORGANIZATION OF ATTACHMENT BEHAVIOR IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: LINKS WITH MATERNAL SENSITIVITY AND CHILD ATTACHMENT REPRESENTATIONS
Authors: Posada Germán E. , Trumbell Jill M. , Lu Ting , Kaloustian Garene
Published: December 2018

This article investigated two central questions about mother–child attachment relationships during early childhood: (1) the association between maternal sensitivity and child attachment behavior (Study 1) and (2) the link between child attachment behavior and representations (Study 2). In Study 1, maternal sensitivity and child security were assessed in naturalistic contexts among 74 middle‐class dyads, when children were about 3.5 and again 5.5 years of age, using the Maternal Behavior with Preschoolers Q‐set (MBPQS) and the Attachment Q‐set (AQS), respectively. Sensitivity and security were significantly related at each point in time and stable from 3.5 to 5.5 years of age. Furthermore, changes in sensitivity predicted changes in child security. In Study 2, the relationship between the organization of preschoolers’ attachment behavior and the structure of attachment representations (secure base script knowledge) was assessed. Participants were 158 preschoolers between 3 and 5.5 years. Children's secure base behavior was described with the AQS, whereas their attachment script knowledge was assessed with the MacArthur Attachment Story Completion Task. The organization of children's secure base behavior was significantly, if modestly, associated with their knowledge of the secure base script.
ATTACHMENT AND MEMORY RESEARCH: REFLECTING ON A SHARED PAST AND A COLLABORATIVE FUTURE
Authors: Reese Elaine
Published: December 2018

This commentary applauds the authors of the monograph,The Mother–Child Attachment Partnership in Early Childhood: Secure Base Behavioral and Representational Processes, for their thorough and elegant exploration of the development of attachment working models in the preschool years in relation to maternal sensitivity and attachment representations, mother–child co‐constructions of attachment‐relevant stories, and children's own secure base behavior. These findings are set against a backdrop of children's memory development, with the recommendation that future research delves even younger to explore the development of attachment working models in children under 3 years. A second recommendation is to continue the work with older children, with a particular focus on the conversations they are having with caregivers about actual attachment‐related experiences. This new research poses challenges, especially with at‐risk samples. Fortunately, the stage is now set for attachment and memory researchers to come together to continue to map the development of attachment working models.
Evaluation of the serum levels of galectin‐3 in patients with oral lichen planus disease
Authors: Ghapanchi Janan , Andisheh‐Tadbir Azadeh , Torkaman Pooriya , Malekzadeh Mahyar , Mardani Maryam
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Galectin‐3, a member of beta‐galactoside‐binding proteins, can be found in cytoplasm and nucleus as well as extracellularly in various tissues and involved in many physiological and pathological processes. We aimed to measure the serum levels of galectin‐3 in oral lichen planus (OLP) disease and compare the result with that observed in healthy ones.

Materials and Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, the serum levels of galectin‐3 were measured in 56 healthy individuals and 53 pathologically proven OLP patients including those with atrophic/erosive (33 cases) or reticular (20 cases) lesions, using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Compared with healthy individuals (1.1 ± 0.4 ng/ml), galectin‐3 serum levels in patients with OLP (3.1 ± 1.1 ng/ml) were significantly elevated (p < 0.0001). Serum galectin‐3 levels were elevated significantly in patients with atrophic/erosive lesions compared to those of reticular (3.9 ± 2.1 ng/ml vs. 1.9 ± 1.4 ng/ml, p = 0.001), but it has not associated with age and gender.

Conclusions

The elevation of galectin‐3 in OLP is a future tool to increase the knowledge about the possible etiology of the disease and may be helpful to differentiate atrophic/erosive lesions from reticular ones. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluated the serum galectin‐3 levels in OLP.
Rents from power for a dissident elite and mass mobilization
Authors: Aköz Kemal Kivanç , Hernández‐Lagos Pablo
Published: December 2018

Popular uprisings in autocracies seldom lead to democratic regimes. We propose a model that helps explain how rents from power encourage popular revolts. We study why citizens would follow a dissident group seeking regime change, if rents from change accrue only to the group. Our model predicts that higher rents may increase the incidence of public mobilization because rents facilitate coordination. The results suggest that cohesive dissident groups may spur seemingly spontaneous mass mobilizations, even when the mass public know that the dissident group is driven by greed rather than a genuine desire to halt incumbent’s rent‐seeking activities.
Frequent blood donation and offspring birth weight—a next‐generation association?
Authors: Rigas Andreas S. , Pedersen Ole B. , Sørensen Erik , Thørner Lise W. , Larsen Margit H. , Katz Louis M. , Nielsen Kaspar , Titlestad Kjell , Edgren Gustaf , Rostgaard Klaus , Erikstrup Christian , Hjalgrim Henrik , Ullum Henrik
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of iron depletion is high among premenopausal women who donate blood frequently. Studies in nondonor populations indicate that iron deficiency anemia is associated with an increased risk of low birth weight. This prompts concerns that iron deficiency induced by frequent blood donation might impair subsequent fetal development.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The aim of this study was to assess whether prepregnancy donation intensity affects the birth weight of singletons born at term (gestational week 38 or later) to nulliparous female donors in Denmark. We identified 293,897 first live singleton births to Danish women between 1997 and 2012 with complete information on gestational age, birth weight, child sex, parental age, maternal smoking status during pregnancy, and parental education length and annual income. Linear regression analysis was applied, with birth weight as outcome, number of donations within the 3 years before pregnancy as the explanatory variable, and confounding variables as described.

RESULTS

Birth weight among children of low‐intensity donors (n = 22,120) was 12.6 g (95% confidence interval, 6.7–18.6) higher than nondonors (n = 268,253) after controlling for the above‐mentioned factors. The higher birth weight among low‐intensity donors can be explained by the healthy donor effect. In fully adjusted analyses, birth weight among children of high‐intensity donors (n = 3,524) was 20.2 g (95% confidence interval, 5.1–35.3 g) lower compared with low‐intensity donors. This reduced birth weight among high‐intensity donors compared to low‐intensity donors may reflect blood donation–induced iron deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that high prepregnancy donation intensity is inversely associated with birth weight of singletons born at term to nulliparous women.
An Examination of Concentration and Mental Toughness in Professional Basketball Players
Authors: Dereceli Çağatay
Published: December 2018

This study was carried out to investigate the concentration and mental toughness of professional basketball players. A total of 290 professional basketball players aged 16–26 years who played in the Turkish Basketball First and Second Leagues participated in the study. The “Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ-14)” developed by Sheard et al. (2009) was used to determine mental toughness levels of the basketball players participating in the study, and the “Letter Cancellation Task” scale developed by Kumar and Telles (2009) was used to determine their concentration levels. Data were analyzed by using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, an independent samples t-test, and one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA).Results show that the concentration ability of the basketball players did not significantly differ in terms of gender, age and sports age. There were statistically significant differences in overall mental toughness, confidence and control. The players’ mental toughness and confidence scores differed significantly based on sports age. It is interesting to find that overall mental toughness was higher in the basketball players with a sports age of 1–5 years. According to their positions in the play, the players’ concentration ability was found to be significantly different between guards and pivots in favor of the guards. The concentration ability of the players playing at the guard position was higher than that of the players playing at other positions. Overall mental toughness and its sub-dimensions had no significant differences according to the positions. However, it is striking that overall mental toughness scores and its sub-dimension scores were high in guards and pivots.
Transmission and absorption in a waveguide with a metamaterial cavity
Authors: Jan Aasim Ullah , Porter R.
Published: December 2018

The reflection and transmission of acoustic waves along a waveguide of uniform width by a metamaterial cavity is considered. The metamaterial is comprised of a closely spaced array of micro-channels separated by thin plates between which the field may be damped. Exact equations governing the field in the microstructured metamaterial cavity are replaced by an effective field using the homogenisation approach. This allows a solution to be formulated in terms of an integral equation across the interface between the metamaterial cavity and the waveguide. Attention focuses on the resonant and damping effects of a metamaterial cavity of tapered height where rainbow trapping phenomena are encountered. It is shown that near-perfect broadbanded absorption of the incoming wave energy can be achieved.
The relationship between time and place coding with cochlear implants with long electrode arrays
Authors: Landsberger David M. , Marozeau Jeremy , Mertens Griet , Van de Heyning Paul
Published: December 2018

The auditory system can theoretically encode frequencies by either the rate or place of stimulation within the cochlea. Previous work with cochlear implants has demonstrated that both changes in timing and place can be described as pitch changes but are perceptually orthogonal. Using multidimensional scaling, the present experiment extends the previous findings that timing and place changes are perceptually orthogonal into the cochlear apex using long 31-mm electrode arrays. However, temporal cues seem to be more reliable across subjects at the apex while place cues seem to be more reliable at the middle of the cochlea.
Fe-oxide concretions formed by interacting carbonate and acidic waters on Earth and Mars
Authors: Yoshida H. , Hasegawa H. , Katsuta N. , Maruyama I. , Sirono S. , Minami M. , Asahara Y. , Nishimoto S. , Yamaguchi Y. , Ichinnorov N. , Metcalfe R.
Published: December 2018

We propose a new model for the Fe-oxide concretion formation on Earth and that can also explain the early martian history.
The strength of dynamic ties: The ability to alter some ties promotes cooperation in those that cannot be altered
Authors: Harrell Ashley , Melamed David , Simpson Brent
Published: December 2018

The presence of alterable ties in human social networks promotes cooperation even in ties that cannot be altered.
Magnets make target cells more attractive to CRISPR
Authors: Nance Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2018

Local CRISPR-Cas9–mediated genome editing using magnetic nanoparticles complexed with recombinant baculoviral vectors minimizes genotoxicity.
Optimal Piperacillin-Tazobactam Dosing Strategies against Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing
Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Abodakpi Henrietta , Chang Kai-Tai , Gao Song , Sánchez-Díaz Ana María , Cantón Rafael , Tam Vincent H.
Published: December 2018

Piperacillin-tazobactam has been proposed as an alternative to carbapenems for the treatment of infections caused by extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
. However, limited understanding of optimal dosing strategies for this combination may curtail its utility.
Chlortetracycline Enhances Tonsil Colonization and Fecal Shedding of Multidrug-Resistant
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium DT104 without Major Alterations to the Porcine Tonsillar and Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Holman Devin B. , Bearson Bradley L. , Allen Heather K. , Shippy Daniel C. , Loving Crystal L. , Kerr Brian J. , Bearson Shawn M. D. , Brunelle Brian W.
Published: December 2018

Salmonella
spp. are an important cause of foodborne illness in North America, and pork products are associated with sporadic cases and outbreaks of human salmonellosis. Isolates of
Salmonella
may be resistant to multiple antibiotics, and infections with multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Salmonella
spp. are more difficult to treat, leading to increased hospitalization rates. Swine operations commonly use antimicrobials, such as chlortetracycline, to prevent/treat infections, which may have collateral effects on pig microbial populations. Recently, we demonstrated that chlortetracycline induces the expression of genes associated with pathogenesis and invasion in MDR
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium
in vitro
. In our current study, we show increased tonsillar colonization and fecal shedding of the MDR
S
. Typhimurium strain DT104 from pigs administered chlortetracycline. Therefore, pigs unknowingly colonized with multidrug-resistant
Salmonella
spp. and receiving chlortetracycline for an unrelated infection may be at a greater risk for disseminating MDR
Salmonella
spp. to other pigs and to humans through environmental or pork product contamination.