bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrition and Shiftwork: Evaluation of New Paramedics’ Knowledge and Attitudes
Authors: MacDonald Amanda B. , Jensen Jan L. , Rossiter Melissa D.
Published: November 2013

Purpose: The effect of an oral education intervention on nutrition knowledge was evaluated in new paramedic employees. The evaluation involved measuring knowledge of and attitudes toward nutrition and shiftwork before and after the directed intervention.

Methods: A convenience sample of 30 new paramedic shiftworkers attended a 15-minute education session focused on nutrition management strategies. This matched cohort study included three self-administered surveys. Survey 1 was completed before education, survey 2 immediately after education, and survey 3 after one month of concurrent post-education and employment experience. Knowledge and attitude scores were analyzed for differences between all surveys.

Results: Participants were primary care paramedics, 59% of whom were male. They reported that previously they had not received this type of information or had received only a brief lecture. Mean knowledge scores increased significantly from survey 1 to survey 2; knowledge retention was identified in survey 3. A significant difference was found between surveys 2 and 3 for attitudes toward meal timing; no other significant differences were found between attitude response scores.

Conclusions: The education session was successful in improving shiftwork nutrition knowledge among paramedics. Paramedics’ attitudes toward proper nutrition practices were positive before the education intervention.
Collection, Isolation, and Culture of Somatic Cells from Avian Semen
Authors: Kjelland Michael E. , Liu Jie , Hyatt Dale , Kraemer Duane
Published: November 2013

Somatic cells in mammalian semen can be a potential source of nuclei for nuclear transfer to produce cloned animals. Somatic cells recovered from avian semen could also provide a source of cells for use in chimera formation or cloning of threatened and endangered birds. This type of assisted reproductive technology is especially important when a genetically unique animal has died and the only viable genetic material available is semen cryopreserved for artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization purposes. The usefulness of somatic cells obtained from fresh and frozen mammalian semen for nuclear transfer has already been evaluated, but still remains to be accomplished for avian semen. A non-invasive, or minimally invasive, technique to conserve avian genetic diversity via somatic cell collection from fresh avian semen, to our knowledge, has not been described. The present study investigated the use of fresh semen samples from domestic chickens ( Gallus domesticus) ( n = 7), i.e., white leghorn ( n = 4) and silkie chickens ( n = 3), as a source of somatic cells, specifically fibroblast-like cells and epithelial cells, for cytological analysis and somatic cell gene banking. Ultimately, somatic cell culture was successful for two of six selected samples (33.3%), with two of four white leghorn semen samples yielding cell cultures compared to 0 of 2 silkie chicken semen samples. Further research may include applying this technique to other avian species or address the effects of cryopreservation on the viability and DNA integrity of somatic cells derived in this manner.
Diet Composition of the Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo) Migrating Through Lakki Marwat, Pakistan
Authors: Sarwar Misbah , Hussain Iftikhar , Khan Ahmad , Anwar Maqsood
Published: November 2013

Demoiselle Cranes (A nthropoides virgo) migrate through Pakistan between their breeding and wintering grounds. We undertook macro and micro-analyses of 16 gizzards and 35 faecal samples of this elegant bird during its stopovers in the Lakki Marwat area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan. Analysis of 16 gizzards and 16 faecal samples of spring season showed that the bird was predominantly vegetarian and fed on cultivated crops ( viz: wheat, sorghum, chickpea, Egyptian clover and garlic) and wild flora ( viz: wild onion, beard grass and bur clover). Similarly, analysis of 19 faecal samples collected during the autumn revealed the presence of cultivated crops ( viz: chickpea, mustard and spinach) and wild plant species ( viz: wild onion, bur clover, salt cedar, beard grass and alkali seep weed). The Demoiselle Crane supplemented its diet with animal matters (ranging from 3 to 20%) derived from invertebrates belonging to Phylum Arthropoda (Order Pauropodina and Order Plecoptera) and vertebrate species i.e. tadpoles, Mus spp. and nestlings of birds. In addition, large quantities of grit composed of small stones and quartz crystals were found in the gizzards and faecal samples. This study provides information on the important flora and fauna that contribute to the diet of migratory Demoiselle Cranes. This aids strategies to conserve and protect the natural habitats from intensive anthropogenic use and livestock grazing, and helps to sustain and enhance numbers of this avian species.
Effect of Cd with or without se Supplementation on Spermatogenesis and Semen Quality in the Rooster (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Marettová E. , Maretta M. , Legáth J.
Published: November 2013

In human and animals, it has been reported that Cd was linked with a number of health problems including marked damage of testes and fertility reduction. As for the sensitivity of fowl testes to Cd the results published so far differ from those reported in mammalian species. In this experiment, the effect of Cd with and without Se on spermatogenesis and semen quality in the rooster was studied after dietary Cd uptake. Cadmium (Cd) as Cd chloride (CdCl2) and Se (Se) as sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) were added to the feed at dosages: group 0 – control, group 1 – 20 mg kg−1 Cd, group 2 – 30 mg kg−1 Cd + 4 mg kg−1 Se. The cocks were exposed to Cd for 8 weeks. The structure of seminiferous tubules and boundary tissue, volume of semen, motility, concentration of spermatozoa and total sperm count were evaluated. In groups with 20 mg kg−1 Cd, the disarrangement of germinal epithelium, diminution of spermiocytes, detachment and presence of developing cells in the lumen of seminiferous tubules was observed. Analysis of the semen showed a significant decrease of volume of semen, the total sperm count and motility of spermatozoa ( P < 0.05). In the group with 30 mg kg−1 Cd and Se supplementation, seminiferous tubules displayed all the developing spermatogenic cells. Local disarrangement and accumulation of germ cells in the luminal space was observed. In semen, a significant increase of volume of semen, motility and total sperm count ( P < 0.05) was observed. A beneficial effect of Se on the development of spermatogenic cells and on semen quality was observed.
Skeletal Muscle Characteristics of Broiler Chickens under Modified Incubation Factors
Authors: Stojanovic Slobodan , Uscebrka Gordana , Zikic Dragan , Kanacki Zdenko
Published: November 2013

Four groups of broiler chicken hybrid ( Ross 308) eggs were incubated under different temperature and light conditions to assess the effects of both variables on musculature development. During the incubation, the first group was the control and the eggs were incubated at a temperature of 37.8 °C without light, the second group was exposed to increased temperature, while the third group was exposed to monochromatic green light. The fourth group of eggs was incubated under simultaneously changed temperature (according to the regime of the second group) and light (according to the regime of the third group) conditions. Tissue samples from the breast muscle ( M. pectoralis superficialis) were taken on embryonic days 9, 12, 15, 19 and 20, as well as on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 42 after hatching. Histological preparations were used to assess muscle cell diameter, connective tissue volume density, and the nucleocytoplasmic ratio of muscle cells. Our findings indicate that thermal and light manipulations during incubation increase diameter and decrease nucleocytoplasmic ratio in postnatal skeletal muscle cells. No differences were found among groups with regard to connective tissue volume density. These results can be explained by the influence of thermal and light manipulations during incubation on prolonged myoblast proliferation, as well as on the greater postnatal development of skeletal muscle cells.
The First Case of Angioinvasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in a Himalayan Griffon Vulture (Gyps Himalayensis)
Authors: Barathidasan Rajamani , Singh Shambu Dayal , Saini Mohini , Sharma Anil Kumar , Dhama Kuldeep
Published: November 2013

We present the first case of angioinvasive pulmonary aspergillosis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in a Himalayan Griffon vulture ( Gyps himalayensis). We describe in detail the clinical, gross, histopathological and mycological findings. Clinical signs of weakness, emaciation, dyspnea, incoordination, and inability to fly were observed in this bird before succumbing to the illness, despite supportive care. Grossly, several yellowish circumscribed, raised, miliary nodules were observed on the surface of lungs, air sac membranes, trachea, pericardium, aorta, pulmonary artery and kidneys. Histologically, granulomatous pneumonia and airsacculitis, and angioinvasion of fungal hyphae were noticed. Aspergillus fumigatus organism was isolated from the lungs and air sacs of the bird. This seems to be the first report of angioinvasive pulmonary aspergillosis in birds of prey, and a rare finding in avian species.
Nest Composition and Yolk Hormones: Do Female European Starlings Adjust Yolk Androgens to Nest Quality?
Authors: Gwinner Helga , Yohannes Elizabeth , Schwabl Hubert
Published: November 2013

The nest is a key element of avian reproductive fitness. It provides the developmental environment for the embryo and nestling thereby affecting their quality and survival. Nests are often constructed by the male and nest quality, elaboration, and ornamentation vary among males in a species. Therefore, male nest-building behaviour is likely under sexual selection and females may use male nest-building behaviour and nest features as cues in mate choice and their own reproductive investment. We tested this hypothesis in European starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris). Male starlings present green plants to females during their courtship display and furbish their nests with variable quantities of fresh green plants. The highest frequency of plant incorporation into the nest occurs during pair formation and oogenesis. We determined nest composition and measured yolk testosterone concentrations in eggs. Yolk testosterone concentrations were positively correlated with the amount of green plant material in nests. Because males use green nest material in courtship and green nest material positively affects nestlings’ development, we suggest that female European starlings use male nest-building effort, ritualised courtship display of green plants, and nest characteristics in mate choice, and adjust yolk testosterone levels in the eggs to the quality of the nest to optimise offspring growth.
Molecular Evidence of Group D Rotavirus in Commercial Broiler Chicks in India
Authors: Kattoor Jobin Jose , Malik Yashpal Singh , Sharma Kuldeep , Kumar Naveen , Batra Munish , Jindal Naresh , Yadav Ajit Singh
Published: November 2013

Group D rotavirus (RVD) is one of the evolving viral causes of acute gastroenteritis in avian species all over the world but its frequency in Indian poultry is not known. We report here the first sequence-confirmed RVD infection in 1–2 week old broiler chicks from northern India. Initial confirmation of type D rotavirus was done using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and VP6 gene based reverse-transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) for group D rotavirus, which produced a specific 742 bp amplicon in positive cases. The intestinal contents which showed presence of group D rotavirus strain were designated as RVD/Avian/India/PTN-14/2012/ GXP[X] and RVD/Avian/India/UKD-48/2012/GXP[X]. The comparative sequence analysis based on partial VP6 gene of type D rotavirus Indian strains revealed higher homology with the VP6 genes of the avian group D rotaviruses from Brazil, Germany, Netherlands, Bangladesh and UK, both at the nucleotide (87.2–89.6%) and amino acid (98.7–99.5%) levels. These two Indian avian RVD isolates clustered together, away from other Asian group D isolates from Bangladesh. The analysis of group specific VP6 protein showed amino acid changes at only two positions i.e. 228 and 384 when compared to the reference group D rotavirus strain (GenBank accession number: GU733448) confirming conserved nature of this protein. This seems to be the first sequence-confirmed detection of group D avian rotavirus in broiler chicks from India. The findings emphasise the importance of this virus in enteric infections of Indian poultry flocks. The study also emphasises the need for intensifying the epidemiological surveillance for group D rotaviruses in the near future.
Identification of Vowel Length, Word Stress, and Compound Words and Phrases by Postlingually Deafened Cochlear Implant Listeners
Authors: Morris David , Magnusson Lennart , Faulkner Andrew , Jönsson Radoslava , Juul Holger
Published: November 2013

Background:The accurate perception of prosody assists a listener in deriving meaning from natural speech. Few studies have addressed the ability of cochlear implant (CI) listeners to perceive the brief duration prosodic cues involved in contrastive vowel length, word stress,
and compound word and phrase identification.Purpose:To compare performance in the perception of brief duration prosodic contrasts by CI participants and a control group of normal hearing participants. This study investigated the ability to perceive these cues in quiet and noise conditions,
and to identify auditory perceptual factors that might predict prosodic perception in the CI group. Prosodic perception was studied both in noise and quiet because noise is a pervasive feature of everyday environments.Research Design:A quasi-experimental correlation design was employed.Study
Sample:Twenty-one CI recipients participated along with a control group of 10 normal hearing participants. All CI participants were unilaterally implanted adults who had considerable experience with oral language prior to implantation.Data Collection and Analysis:Speech identification
testing measured the participants' ability to identify word stress, vowel length, and compound words or phrases all of which were presented with minimal-pair response choices. Tests were performed in quiet and in speech-spectrum shaped noise at a 10 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Also, discrimination
thresholds for four acoustic properties of a synthetic vowel were measured as possible predictors of prosodic perception. Testing was carried out during one session, and participants used their clinically assigned speech processors.Results:The CI group could not identify brief prosodic
cues as well as the control group, and their performance decreased significantly in the noise condition. Regression analysis showed that the discrimination of intensity predicted performance on the prosodic tasks. The performance decline measured with the older participants meant that age
also emerged as a predictor.Conclusions:This study provides a portrayal of CI recipients' ability to perceive brief prosodic cues. This is of interest in the preparation of rehabilitation materials used in training and in developing realistic expectations for potential CI candidates.
Acceptable Noise Levels in Preschool Children with Normal Hearing
Authors: Bryan Melinda Freyaldenhoven , Franklin Clifford , Ware Krystal Sullivan , Horne Rachel
Published: November 2013

Background:The acceptable noise level (ANL) measure is an indicator of hearing aid use. The majority of research in this area has focused primarily on adults. Research using school-aged listeners, specifically 8 and 12 yr old children, demonstrated that the average ANL values,
standard deviations (SDs), and distribution of ANL values for these children were similar to those of adult listeners. Additionally, the ANL measure is reliable over time, even in school-aged listeners. Although ANL values from adult and school-aged listeners have been investigated, no research
to date has been conducted using preschool children.Purpose:The purpose of the present study was to determine if ANLs could be obtained in preschool children, aged 4 and 5 yr, with normal hearing. This study also aimed to investigate the reliability and distribution of ANL measurements
from preschool children, as well as any effect that background noise might present in the listening environment.Research Design:Seated in a sound-treated test suite, listeners were tasked with adjusting speech stimuli to their most comfortable listening level; then, with speech present,
listeners were tasked with adjusting the background noise to their most acceptable background noise level. Three trials of each measure were averaged and were used to calculate each listener's ANL.Study Sample:ANLs were attempted on 23 children, ages 4 yr (N = 14) to 5 yr (N = 9), with
normal hearing.Results:Less than half of the 4 yr old listeners performed the ANL task, whereas all of the 5 yr old listeners completed the task successfully. Good test-retest reliability was found for those preschool children who were able to complete the task. Mean ANLs, SDs, ranges,
and distributions demonstrated that these values agree with ANL data collected from older school-aged listeners.Conclusions:Although ANL values were reliably measured in all of the 5 yr old listeners, this was not the case for 4 yr old listeners. ANL values were not reliably obtained
from 4 yr old listeners; however, the ANL procedure is appropriate for use for 5 yr old listeners. Furthermore, ANL means, SDs, ranges, and distributions were in agreement with those from older school-aged children and adults, and ANLs in preschool listeners were unaffected by the type of
background noise stimuli.
Hearing Impaired Children's Preference for, and Performance with, Four Combinations of Directional Microphone and Digital Noise Reduction Technology
Authors: Pittman Andrea L. , Hiipakka Mollie M.
Published: November 2013

Background:Before advanced noise-management features can be recommended for use in children with hearing loss, evidence regarding their ability to use these features to optimize speech perception is necessary.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to examine the relation
between children's preference for, and performance with, four combinations of noise-management features in noisy listening environments.Research Design:Children with hearing loss were asked to repeat short sentences presented in steady-state noise or in multitalker babble while wearing
ear-level hearing aids. The aids were programmed with four memories having an orthogonal arrangement of two noise-management features. The children were also asked to indicate the hearing aid memory that they preferred in each of the listening conditions both initially and after a short period
of use.Study Sample:Fifteen children between the ages of 8 and 12 yr with moderate hearing losses, bilaterally.Results:The children's preference for noise management aligned well with their performance for at least three of the four listening conditions. The configuration of
noise-management features had little effect on speech perception with the exception of reduced performance for speech originating from behind the child while in a directional hearing aid setting. Additionally, the children's preference appeared to be governed by listening comfort, even under
conditions for which a benefit was not expected such as the use of digital noise reduction in the multitalker babble conditions.Conclusions:The results serve as evidence in support of the use of noise-management features in grade-school children as young as 8 yr of age.
Effects of a Transient Noise Reduction Algorithm on Speech Understanding, Subjective Preference, and Preferred Gain
Authors: Korhonen Petri , Kuk Francis , Lau Chi , Keenan Denise , Schumacher Jennifer , Nielsen Jakob
Published: November 2013

Background:Today's compression hearing aids with noise reduction systems may not manage transient noises effectively because of the short duration of these sounds compared to the onset times of the compressors and/or noise reduction algorithms.Purpose:The current study
was designed to evaluate the effect of a transient noise reduction (TNR) algorithm on listening comfort, speech intelligibility in quiet, and preferred wearer gain in the presence of transients.Research Design:A single-blinded, repeated-measures design was used.Study Sample:Thirteen
experienced hearing aid users with bilaterally symmetrical (≤7.5 dB) sensorineural hearing loss participated in the study.Results:Speech identification in quiet (no transient noise) was identical between the TNR On and the TNR Off conditions. The participants showed subjective preference
for the TNR algorithm when “comfortable listening” was used as the criterion. Participants preferred less gain than the default prescription in the presence of transient noise sounds. However, the preferred gain was 2.9 dB higher when the TNR was activated than when it was deactivated.
This translated to 12.1% improvement in phoneme identification over the TNR Off condition for soft speech.Conclusions:This study demonstrated that the use of the TNR algorithm would not negatively affect speech identification. The results also suggested that this algorithm may improve
listening comfort in the presence of transient noise sounds and ensure consistent use of prescribed gain. Such an algorithm may ensure more consistent audibility across listening environments.
Optimizing Otoscopy Competency in Audiology Students through Supplementary Otoscopy Training
Authors: Kaf Wafaa A. , Masterson Caleb G. , Dion Nancy , Berg Susan L. , Abdelhakiem Mohamed K.
Published: November 2013

Background:Scope of practice in audiology encompasses proficiency in visual inspection of ear canal and tympanic membrane (TM) as well as otoscopy interpretation skills to determine normal versus abnormal conditions of outer and middle ear. Audiology students can develop skills
in otoscopy through education and supervised training. Studies have shown that additional otoscopy training increased skills in medical students and general practitioners. However, educational and supervised practices targeting otoscopy competency during audiology graduate coursework are lacking.
Also, no studies have attempted to determine otoscopy skills among audiology students.Purpose:To determine the effectiveness of the otoscopy training model on clinical competency and confidence level of audiology students in performing and interpreting otoscopy.Research Design:A
combination of experimental treatment design with random assignment of treatment and control groups and delayed treatment for control group.Study Sample:Thirty-two first- and second-year audiology graduate students who were enrolled in a pediatric audiology class participated in this
study. Students were randomly assigned to the control (n = 16, 14 females) or experimental (n = 16, 14 females) group.Intervention:Participants in the experimental group received supplementary otoscopy training including didactic otoscopy lectures as well as clinical training
using manikin ears. The control group received the same pretest and posttest and then completed a third assessment (posttest 2) after receiving the same training.Data Collection and Analysis:An evaluation of knowledge and skills regarding otoscopy between groups and time was conducted
at three times: (a) pretraining, (b) upon completion of training for the experimental group, (c) upon completion of training by the control group. The evaluation consisted of a written exam, a clinical exam, and a self-perception rating of confidence. Both written exam scores and clinical
exam scores (otoscopy manikin) were analyzed via two-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs), whereas chi-square (χ2) statistic was conducted to evaluate the effects of training on the confidence level of students of both groups.Results:Experimental and control groups demonstrated
significant increased overall competency in otoscopy following the otoscopy training model with didactic and laboratory components. Posttest confidence ratings showed increases in all groups, and there were no significant differences between groups.Conclusions:The need for supplementary
otoscopy training was warranted by low knowledge and clinical competency in otoscopy skills of audiology students as measured by pretest mean scores. After completing the training, both experimental and control groups showed significant improvement in knowledge and competency. Results also
suggest that perceived confidence ratings may be misleading in determining students' clinical otoscopy skills.
Repeated Anticitrullinated Protein Antibody and Rheumatoid Factor Assessment Is Not Necessary in Early Arthritis: Results from the ESPOIR Cohort
Authors: Gossec Laure , Paternotte Simon , Combe Bernard , Meyer Olivier , Dougados Maxime
Published: November 2013

Objective.

Presence and levels of anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) contribute to the classification and prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective was to determine the usefulness of repeating anti-CCP/RF measurements during the first 2 years of followup in patients with early arthritis.

Methods.

In patients with early undifferentiated arthritis, serial anti-CCP and RF were measured using automated second-generation assays every 6 months for 2 years. Frequencies of seroconversions (from negative to positive or the reverse) and changes in antibody levels during followup were determined.

Results.

In all, 775 patients, mean (SD) age 48.2 (12.5) years, mean symptom duration 3.4 (1.7) months, 76.6% female, were analyzed; 614 (79.2%) satisfied the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2010 classification criteria for RA at baseline. At baseline, respectively for anti-CCP and RF, 318 (41.0%) and 181 (23.4%) patients were positive, of whom 298 (93.7% of the positive) and 111 (61.3% of the positive) were highly positive (above 3 × upper limit of the norm). There were only 12 anti-CCP seroconversions toward the positive (i.e., 2.6% of the anti-CCP–negative), 21 seroconversions toward the negative (6.6% of the anti-CCP–positive), and 8 (1.0%) changes to a higher anti-CCP level category during the 2-year followup; respectively for RF, 27 (4.6%), 95 (52.5%), and 13 (1.7%).

Conclusion.

In this cohort of patients with early arthritis, including in the subset of patients who did not fulfill the RA criteria, antibody status showed little increase over a 2-year period. Repeated measurements of anti-CCP/RF very infrequently offer significant additional information.
Longterm Effect of Delaying Combination Therapy with Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitor in Patients with Aggressive Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: 10-year Efficacy and Safety of Adalimumab from the Randomized Controlled PREMIER Trial with Open-label Extension
Authors: Keystone Edward C. , Breedveld Ferdinand C. , van der Heijde Désirée , Landewé Robert , Florentinus Stefan , Arulmani Udayasankar , Liu Shufang , Kupper Hartmut , Kavanaugh Arthur
Published: November 2013

Objective.

To evaluate the longterm safety of adalimumab administered with or without methotrexate (MTX) and compare the efficacy of combination therapy initialization to adalimumab or MTX monotherapy initialization during the open-label extension (OLE) of the PREMIER trial (ClinicalTrials.govIdentifier:NCT00195663).

Methods.

Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were randomized to receive blinded adalimumab + MTX, adalimumab alone, or MTX alone for 2 years. Following the double-blinded period, patients enrolling in the OLE were given adalimumab for up to 8 additional years, beginning as monotherapy; investigators could add MTX at their discretion. Results for clinical, functional, and radiographic progression were collected for up to 10 years of treatment.

Results.

During the PREMIER OLE, 250/497 patients (50.3%) completed the trial without new safety signals arising. Similar proportions of patients discontinued the trial early, although lack of efficacy was reported less often for patients initially randomized to the adalimumab + MTX arm (9.3%; 21.2%, and 23.7% for adalimumab and MTX monotherapies, respectively). Clinical and functional disease control was maintained throughout the trial. Patients initially randomized to adalimumab + MTX displayed better outcomes, particularly in prevention of radiographic progression (modified total Sharp score change = 4.0, 8.8, 11.0 at Year 10 for the initial adalimumab + MTX, adalimumab, and MTX arms, respectively).

Conclusion.

Intensive therapy with adalimumab + MTX combination in patients with early RA has longterm benefits compared to patients initiating with 2-year adalimumab or MTX monotherapy that persists up to 10 years following adalimumab OLE. No new safety findings were observed following longterm adalimumab treatment.
Item Response Theory, Computerized Adaptive Testing, and PROMIS: Assessment of Physical Function
Authors: Fries James F. , Witter James , Rose Matthias , Cella David , Khanna Dinesh , Morgan-DeWitt Esi
Published: November 2013

Objective.

Patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires record health information directly from research participants because observers may not accurately represent the patient perspective. Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) is a US National Institutes of Health cooperative group charged with bringing PRO to a new level of precision and standardization across diseases by item development and use of item response theory (IRT).

Methods.

With IRT methods, improved items are calibrated on an underlying concept to form an item bank for a “domain” such as physical function (PF). The most informative items can be combined to construct efficient “instruments” such as 10-item or 20-item PF static forms. Each item is calibrated on the basis of the probability that a given person will respond at a given level, and the ability of the item to discriminate people from one another. Tailored forms may cover any desired level of the domain being measured. Computerized adaptive testing (CAT) selects the best items to sharpen the estimate of a person’s functional ability, based on prior responses to earlier questions. PROMIS item banks have been improved with experience from several thousand items, and are calibrated on over 21,000 respondents.

Results.

In areas tested to date, PROMIS PF instruments are superior or equal to Health Assessment Questionnaire and Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 Survey legacy instruments in clarity, translatability, patient importance, reliability, and sensitivity to change.

Conclusion.

Precise measures, such as PROMIS, efficiently incorporate patient self-report of health into research, potentially reducing research cost by lowering sample size requirements. The advent of routine IRT applications has the potential to transform PRO measurement.
Methodologies for Semiquantitative Evaluation of Hip Osteoarthritis by Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Approaches Based on the Whole Organ and Focused on Active Lesions
Authors: Jaremko Jacob L. , Lambert Robert G.W. , Zubler Veronika , Weber Ulrich , Loeuille Damien , Roemer Frank W. , Cibere Jolanda , Pianta Marcus , Gracey David , Conaghan Philip , Ostergaard Mikkel , Maksymowych Walter P.
Published: November 2013

Objective.

As a wider variety of therapeutic options for osteoarthritis (OA) becomes available, there is an increasing need to objectively evaluate disease severity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This is more technically challenging at the hip than at the knee, and as a result, few systematic scoring systems exist. The OMERACT (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology) filter of truth, discrimination, and feasibility can be used to validate image-based scoring systems. Our objective was (1) to review the imaging features relevant to the assessment of severity and progression of hip OA; and (2) to review currently used methods to grade these features in existing hip OA scoring systems.

Methods.

A systematic literature review was conducted. MEDLINE keyword search was performed for features of arthropathy (such as hip + bone marrow edema or lesion, synovitis, cyst, effusion, cartilage, etc.) and scoring system (hip + OA + MRI + score or grade), with a secondary manual search for additional references in the retrieved publications.

Results.

Findings relevant to the severity of hip OA include imaging markers associated with inflammation (bone marrow lesion, synovitis, effusion), structural damage (cartilage loss, osteophytes, subchondral cysts, labral tears), and predisposing geometric factors (hip dysplasia, femoral-acetabular impingement). Two approaches to the semiquantitative assessment of hip OA are represented by Hip OA MRI Scoring System (HOAMS), a comprehensive whole organ assessment of nearly all findings, and the Hip Inflammation MRI Scoring System (HIMRISS), which selectively scores only active lesions (bone marrow lesion, synovitis/effusion). Validation is presently confined to limited assessment of reliability.

Conclusion.

Two methods for semiquantitative assessment of hip OA on MRI have been described and validation according to the OMERACT Filter is limited to evaluation of reliability.
Preliminary Validation of 2 Magnetic Resonance Image Scoring Systems for Osteoarthritis of the Hip According to the OMERACT Filter
Authors: Maksymowych Walter P. , Cibere Jolanda , Loeuille Damien , Weber Ulrich , Zubler Veronika , Roemer Frank W. , Jaremko Jacob L. , Sayre Eric C. , Lambert Robert G.W.
Published: November 2013

Objective.

Development of a validated magnetic resonance image (MRI) scoring system is essential in hip OA because radiographs are insensitive to change. We assessed the feasibility and reliability of 2 previously developed scoring methods: (1) the Hip Inflammation MRI Scoring System (HIMRISS) and (2) the Hip Osteoarthritis MRI Scoring System (HOAMS).

Methods.

Six readers (3 radiologists, 3 rheumatologists) participated in 2 reading exercises. In Reading Exercise 1, MRI of the hip of 20 subjects were read at a single time point followed by further standardization of methodology. In Reading Exercise 2, MRI of the hip of 18 subjects from a randomized controlled trial, assessed at 2 timepoints, and 27 subjects from a cross-sectional study were read for HIMRISS and HOAMS bone marrow lesions (BML) and synovitis. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and kappa statistics.

Results.

Both methods were considered feasible. For Reading 1, HIMRISS ICC were 0.52, 0.61, 0.70, and 0.58 for femoral BML, acetabular BML, effusion, and total scores, respectively; and for HOAMS, summed BML and synovitis ICC were 0.52 and 0.46, respectively. For Reading 2, HIMRISS and HOAMS ICC for BML and synovitis-effusion improved substantially. Interobserver reliability for change scores was 0.81 and 0.71 for HIMRISS femoral and HOAMS summed BML, respectively. Responsiveness and discrimination was moderate to high for synovitis-effusion. Significant associations were noted between BML or synovitis scores and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain scores for baseline values (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion.

The BML and synovitis-effusion components of both HIMRISS and HOAMS scoring systems are feasible and reliable, and should be validated further.
VSL#3 probiotics provide protection against acute intestinal ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Salim S.Y. , Young P.Y. , Lukowski C.M. , Madsen K.L. , Sis B. , Churchill T.A. , Khadaroo R.G.
Published: November 2013

Acute intestinal ischaemia/reperfusion injury (AII/R) is an adaptive physiologic response during critical illness, involving mesenteric vasoconstriction and hypoperfusion. Prevention of AII/R in high risk patient populations would have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of VSL#3 probiotic treatment in a murine model of AII/R. Adult 129/SvEv mice were subjected to an experimental AII/R model using superior mesenteric artery occlusion. Animals were pre-treated with either three days or two weeks of VSL#3 probiotics. Local tissue injury markers were assessed by levels of myeloperoxidase and activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NFкB). Systemic and local cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL- 10, TNFα, and interferon gamma were measured by ELISA and multiplex fluorescent detection. VSL#3 probiotics reduced local tissue inflammation and injury due to AII/R. A two-week course of VSL#3 was more effective than a shorter three-day course. The reduction in local inflammation from the two-week course of VSL#3 is correlated to a significant reduction in levels of active IL-1β, and tissue levels of myeloperoxidase. Levels of active NFкB were significantly elevated in the vehicle-fed AII/R mice, corroborating with tissue inflammation, which were attenuated by VSL#3 administrations. VSL#3 did not cause any systemic inflammation or lung injury. VSL#3 probiotics are effective in reducing local tissue injury from AII/R by down-regulating pro-inflammatory mediators and immune cell recruitment. This study highlights a potential role for VSL#3 in management of patients at high risk for AII/R.
Hydration status of horses performing endurance exercise: II. Evidence for a role of dietary fibre type, not oil supplementation
Authors: Spooner H.S. , Nielsen B.D. , Schott II H.C. , O'Connor-Robison C.I. , Harris P.A.
Published: November 2013

The equine large intestine has been suggested to serve as a water reservoir during prolonged exercise and may be influenced by dietary fibre source or length. At the same time, oil supplementation may result in performance and possibly hydration advantages. This study was designed to examine the effect of different fibre-based feeds, of similar particle size, on hydration status, with and without oil supplementation. Six two-year-old Arabian horses were randomly assigned to diets containing either chopped grass hay (G) or a 50:50 chopped grass hay: fibre-based chopped mix (GC) and either oil supplementation (approximately 5.7% crude fat in total diet) or no oil supplementation. Horses consumed each diet at least 21 d before completing a 60 km exercise test. Total body water, determined using deuterium oxide (D2O), was 66.1% of body mass and did not differ due to treatment. Horses consuming GC had greater (P<0.05) body mass at the start of exercise than those consuming G. Water consumption during the exercise test was greater in G than GC (P<0.01; 13.3±1.3 l, 10.9±1.3 l), as were packed cell volume (P<0.01; G 36.8±1.2%, GC 35.1±1.2%) and plasma aldosterone across all times (P<0.001; GC 0.79±0.11 pmol/l, G 1.48±0.11 pmol/l). The results suggest dietary fibre source may play a greater role in hydration status over 60 km distances than does oil supplementation. Core temperatures reported in this study were all similar to those reported in a previous study using a 50:50 long hay to chopped highly digestible fibre mix and lower than reported in previous studies using long stemmed hay or pasture suggesting the particle size or length of the fibre may have an influence and thus merit further investigation.
Hydration status of horses performing endurance exercise: I. Evidence for a role of diet
Authors: Spooner H.S. , Nielsen B.D. , Schott II H.C. , O'Connor-Robison C.I. , Harris P.A.
Published: November 2013

Water and electrolyte loss from endurance exercise results in physiological disturbances in the horse. The large intestine may serve as a water reservoir and help attenuate dehydration. Dietary constituents may affect the amount of water within the intestine and available for use. This study examined the hydration status of horses fed three common diets for 14 d then subjected to a 60 km exercise test. After an initial training period, horses were assigned to a replicated 3×3 Latin Square. Diets were grass hay (G), 50:50 grass hay:alfalfa hay (GA), and 50:50 grass hay:short-chopped, fibre-based, oil-supplemented mixed feed (GM). Total body water (TBW) tended to be higher (P<0.08) in horses consuming GA and GM than G (65.8±0.8, 65.4±0.8, and 63.9±0.8%, respectively). Body mass (BM) was not different at the start of the exercise test, but when corrected for faecal loss and water intake showed a trend for diet difference during exercise (P<0.08), decreasing more in GM than G (5.1±0.4% vs. 3.4±0.4%; GA 4.2±0.4%). Heart rate was not different except at the end of bout one (after 15 km) when GM was lower than G or GA (P<0.01). Core body temperature, although not different at the start of the exercise test bout, was lower (P<0.05) at the canter in GM. As the GM diet was higher in oil, the increase in oil intake may have been responsible for the differences observed. However, more likely, the higher TBW with the GM and GA diets at the initiation of exercise, associated with more readily fermentable fibre components, may have provided a greater ‘pool’ of available water for increased thermoregulation via sweating, allowing maintenance of a lower core body temperature during exercise at the expense of increased BM loss.
Fascin Confers Resistance to Listeria Infection in Dendritic Cells
Authors: Matsumura Fumio , Yamakita Yoshihiko , Starovoytov Val , Yamashiro Shigeko
Published: November 2013

Ag-presenting dendritic cells (DCs) must survive bacterial infection to present Ag information to naive T cells. The greater ability of DCs’ host defense is evident from the report that DCs are more resistant to Listeria monocytogenes than macrophages. However, the molecular mechanism of this resistance is unclear. We found that Listeria replicate more slowly in wild-type DCs compared with fascin1 knockout DCs. This finding is significant because fascin1, an actin-bundling protein, is specifically and greatly induced upon maturation of dendritic cells, but not other blood cells, including macrophages and neutrophils. Infection by Listeria makes phagosomes more acidic in wild-type DCs than in fascin1 knockout DCs, suggesting that fascin1 facilitates phagolysosomal fusion for killing of phagocytosed Listeria. We further found that fascin1 binds to LC3, an autophagosome marker, both in vivo and in vitro. Listeria are associated with LC3 to a greater extent in wild-type DCs than in fascin1 knockout DCs, suggesting that fascin1 facilitates autophagy for eradication of cytoplasmic Listeria. Taken together, our results suggest that fascin1 plays critical roles in the survival of DCs during Listeria infection, allowing DCs to function in innate and adaptive immunity.
The Tumor Promoter and NF-κB Modulator Bcl-3 Regulates Splenic B Cell Development
Authors: Zhang Xiaoren , Paun Andrea , Claudio Estefania , Wang Hongshan , Siebenlist Ulrich
Published: November 2013

Bcl-3 is an atypical member of the family of IκB proteins. Unlike the classic members, Bcl-3 functions as a nuclear transcriptional cofactor that may, depending on context, promote or suppress genes via association with p50/NF-κB1 or p52/NF-κB2 homodimers. Bcl-3 is also an oncogene, because it is a partner in recurrent translocations in B cell tumors, resulting in deregulated expression. Bcl-3 functions, however, remain poorly understood. We have investigated the role of Bcl-3 in B cells and discovered a previously unknown involvement in the splenic development of these cells. Loss of Bcl-3 in B cells resulted in significantly more marginal zone (MZ) and fewer follicular (FO) B cells. Conversely, transgenic expression of Bcl-3 in B cells generated fewer MZ and more FO B cells. Both Bcl-3−/− FO and MZ B cells were more responsive to LPS stimulation compared with their wild-type counterparts, including increased proliferation. By contrast, Bcl-3−/− FO B cells were more prone to apoptosis upon BCR stimulation, also limiting their expansion. The data reveal Bcl-3 as a regulator of B cell fate determination, restricting the MZ path and favoring the FO pathway, at least in part, via increased signal-specific survival of the latter, a finding of relevance to its tumorigenic activity.
Caveolin-1 Tyr14 Phosphorylation Induces Interaction with TLR4 in Endothelial Cells and Mediates MyD88-Dependent Signaling and Sepsis-Induced Lung Inflammation
Authors: Jiao Hao , Zhang Yang , Yan Zhibo , Wang Zhen-Guo , Liu Gongjian , Minshall Richard D. , Malik Asrar B. , Hu Guochang
Published: November 2013

Activation of TLR4 by the endotoxin LPS is a critical event in the pathogenesis of Gram-negative sepsis. Caveolin-1, the signaling protein associated with caveolae, is implicated in regulating the lung inflammatory response to LPS; however, the mechanism is not understood. In this study, we investigated the role of caveolin-1 in regulating TLR4 signaling in endothelial cells. We observed that LPS interaction with CD14 in endothelial cells induced Src-dependent caveolin-1 phosphorylation at Tyr14. Using a TLR4-MD2-CD14–transfected HEK-293 cell line and caveolin-1–deficient (cav-1−/−) mouse lung microvascular endothelial cells, we demonstrated that caveolin-1 phosphorylation at Tyr14 following LPS exposure induced caveolin-1 and TLR4 interaction and, thereby, TLR4 activation of MyD88, leading to NF-κB activation and generation of proinflammatory cytokines. Exogenous expression of phosphorylation-deficient Y14F caveolin-1 mutant in cav-1−/− mouse pulmonary vasculature rendered the mice resistant to LPS compared with reintroduction of wild-type caveolin-1. Thus, caveolin-1 Y14 phosphorylation was required for the interaction with TLR4 and activation of TLR4-MyD88 signaling and sepsis-induced lung inflammation. Inhibiting caveolin-1 Tyr14 phosphorylation and resultant inactivation of TLR4 signaling in pulmonary vascular endothelial cells represent a novel strategy for preventing sepsis-induced lung inflammation and injury.
Cutting Edge: The Signals for the Generation of T Cell Memory Are Qualitatively Different Depending on TCR Ligand Strength
Authors: Knudson Karin M. , Hamilton Sara E. , Daniels Mark A. , Jameson Stephen C. , Teixeiro Emma
Published: November 2013

CD8 T cell memory critically contributes to long-term immunity. Both low- and high-affinity TCR signals are able to support the differentiation of memory CD8 T cells. However, it is unclear whether the requirements for memory development change when TCR signal strength is altered. To gain further insight into this question, we used a TCRβ transmembrane domain mutant model that is defective in the generation of memory in response to high-affinity ligands. Surprisingly, lowering TCR signal strength, by stimulation with low-affinity ligands, resulted in normal memory development. Restoration of memory correlated with recovery of TCR-dependent NF-κB signaling. Thus, these data provide novel evidence that the requirements for memory are qualitatively different depending on TCR signal strength.